I am, admittedly, struggling to keep up with all my obligations. As you may know, I take my reviewing seriously and want to give each book that comes to me my full attention and to read it with focused attention. I got a new job a bit over a year ago (in addition to my 2 other jobs) and it quickly went from 15 hours a week to 25. I have been trying to manage it all, which is quite a task as a mother, wife, social worker, fitness instructor, growth and development teacher, friend, blogger and so much more. With all this being said, here are the books I have read over the last several months. I hope that after the New Year I can get back on track and review more regularly and give each book more personalized attention. Don't forget that books make amazing gifts and Christmas is right around the corner. Thanks for your continued support and understanding. Please feel free to leave comments if you read and loved any of the books reviewed here or if you have recommendations for the readers.
Match Made in Manhattan: A Novel by Amanda Stauffer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is fantastic. It has humor, heart and characters that you will certainly remember! There is sheer and utter genius in this book and anyone reading it will be rooting for love from start to finish. A great read for gal pals to read together or for those wanting to have a book at book club that will certainly spark great conversations. A must read!
The Upside: A Memoir of the Friendship That Inspired the Acclaimed Film by Abdel Sellou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is about those uncommon and unsuspecting friendships that change us forever. It is stories like these, that open up honest and real conversations with people. They are the stories that make others want to be better people. I highly recommend this book and know any reader will find it hard to forget in the best possible way.
Walking with Peety: The Dog Who Saved My Life by Eric O'Grey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such an inspiring book. It was one of those reads that I wanted to hop inside of and experience all the awesomeness that took place within the pages. If you ever wanted to get inspired and LOVE dogs as much as I do, you will adore this book. Dog have been known to change lives and in this case that is quite the understatement. You cannot help but be moved by this story and equally entertained. A fantastic read for all.
Secret Service Dogs: The Heroes Who Protect the President of the United States by Maria Goodavage
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love dogs and I find their talents remarkable. This book is an in depth look at the service dogs that do the important job of protecting the President of the United States. This book is packed with stories, pictures and personal accounts. It was such an interesting and fascinating read. I think if you don't love dogs as much as me you will certainly still enjoy it very much!
The Scarred Woman by Jussi Adler-Olsen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is so good...to be honest this whole series is so darn good. This is book 7 and although it is nice to read these books in order, it is not necessary to understand the story or characters. Each book is well plotted and characters are fleshed out well. This installation was such a thrill. It is dark, deep and richly written. I found it hard to put down, even though it is a big, long book. You find yourself immersed in the story. There is something for everyone in this book. I just loved the humor and tone of the entire book. It really stand out from others in this same genre. I highly recommend it!
Lies She Told by Cate Holahan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, just WOW, this book was so very good. I loved the way it was written...alternating points of view with a twist. I found it fascinating from the story point of view and also from the writing point of view because it was so unique and so well done. I was so stressed at times, in a good way, and found myself holding my breath. I thought the characters were dynamic and the dialogue was so well done. This is one of those books that you want made into a movie! You will be lost in this book and when you come up for a breath you will be closing the book because you devoured it in one sitting.
The Dark Lake by Sarah Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am excited that this book appears to be book one in a new series. I love series so much and I love when a new one grabs my attention. This book is filled with characters that are not perfect and there is a sense of tension with the possibility of secrets from the past coming out. The mystery is well plotted and the characters were developed well over the course of the book. There is something I really loved about Gemma but cannot pin point exactly what it was. I think it was that fact that she was flawed and real. I loved the setting because it is winter here and very cold, in this book you have the same season, but opposite temps, which was super fun. A delight of a read and a writer to watch!
Children of Exile by Margaret Peterson Haddix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really liked this book. It was original and thought provoking. It was one of those reads that kept me a bit off kilter while I was reading it as I was trying to figure out which twist or turn was coming. It was paced really well, with characters I could root for. I can see this series having a huge following and there being drive for this series to go on and on. It was my first book by this author and it won't be my last!
Children of Refuge by Margaret Peterson Haddix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great installation in the Children of Exile series. A new story with relation to the first, but from a new perspective with a new set of issues and problems. These books are jam packed with adventure, originality and great characters. This series is a fun and imaginative step out of the day-to-day grind. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I recommend this whole series.
View all my reviews HERE
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is fantastic. It has humor, heart and characters that you will certainly remember! There is sheer and utter genius in this book and anyone reading it will be rooting for love from start to finish. A great read for gal pals to read together or for those wanting to have a book at book club that will certainly spark great conversations. A must read!
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is about those uncommon and unsuspecting friendships that change us forever. It is stories like these, that open up honest and real conversations with people. They are the stories that make others want to be better people. I highly recommend this book and know any reader will find it hard to forget in the best possible way.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such an inspiring book. It was one of those reads that I wanted to hop inside of and experience all the awesomeness that took place within the pages. If you ever wanted to get inspired and LOVE dogs as much as I do, you will adore this book. Dog have been known to change lives and in this case that is quite the understatement. You cannot help but be moved by this story and equally entertained. A fantastic read for all.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love dogs and I find their talents remarkable. This book is an in depth look at the service dogs that do the important job of protecting the President of the United States. This book is packed with stories, pictures and personal accounts. It was such an interesting and fascinating read. I think if you don't love dogs as much as me you will certainly still enjoy it very much!
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is so good...to be honest this whole series is so darn good. This is book 7 and although it is nice to read these books in order, it is not necessary to understand the story or characters. Each book is well plotted and characters are fleshed out well. This installation was such a thrill. It is dark, deep and richly written. I found it hard to put down, even though it is a big, long book. You find yourself immersed in the story. There is something for everyone in this book. I just loved the humor and tone of the entire book. It really stand out from others in this same genre. I highly recommend it!
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, just WOW, this book was so very good. I loved the way it was written...alternating points of view with a twist. I found it fascinating from the story point of view and also from the writing point of view because it was so unique and so well done. I was so stressed at times, in a good way, and found myself holding my breath. I thought the characters were dynamic and the dialogue was so well done. This is one of those books that you want made into a movie! You will be lost in this book and when you come up for a breath you will be closing the book because you devoured it in one sitting.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am excited that this book appears to be book one in a new series. I love series so much and I love when a new one grabs my attention. This book is filled with characters that are not perfect and there is a sense of tension with the possibility of secrets from the past coming out. The mystery is well plotted and the characters were developed well over the course of the book. There is something I really loved about Gemma but cannot pin point exactly what it was. I think it was that fact that she was flawed and real. I loved the setting because it is winter here and very cold, in this book you have the same season, but opposite temps, which was super fun. A delight of a read and a writer to watch!
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really liked this book. It was original and thought provoking. It was one of those reads that kept me a bit off kilter while I was reading it as I was trying to figure out which twist or turn was coming. It was paced really well, with characters I could root for. I can see this series having a huge following and there being drive for this series to go on and on. It was my first book by this author and it won't be my last!
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great installation in the Children of Exile series. A new story with relation to the first, but from a new perspective with a new set of issues and problems. These books are jam packed with adventure, originality and great characters. This series is a fun and imaginative step out of the day-to-day grind. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I recommend this whole series.
ANOTHER BOOK TO CHECK OUT:
Poison
· ·
No comments:
Post a Comment
I love comments, so please leave some! If you are a new follower and have a blog yourself please let me know so I can follow you back! Have a great day!
Emily, AKA Mrs. Mommy Booknerd