Book Review: Avra’s God by Ann Lee Miller
I received a copy of AVRA’S GOD by Ann Lee Miller in exchange for an honest review. Avra’s God by Ann Lee Miller tells the…
Book Review: The Very First Bite by Cynthia Langston
I received a copy of THE VERY FIRST BITE by Cynthia Langston in exchange for an honest review.
The Very First Bite chronicles the life of Lanie Albers, who at the beginning of the novel, has ten weeks to prepare for her high school reunion. Her life isn’t quite what she envisioned it would be – she is twenty pounds overweight, in a dead-end job and she is stuck in a hopeless relationship. The idea of visiting old classmates and owning up to her less than stellar life has Lanie anxious. There are also a lot of loose ends that she needs to tie up, for instance, her first love Chad, whom she fears she will run into at the reunion. And Candace, her former best friend, who unexpectedly ended their friendship seven years ago. But, by examining her past, she slowly confronts her demons and has quite a few revelations about her self and the person that she wants to become.
I loved this book. Like Lanie, I too am on the brink of returning to high school for the first time since graduation and have thought about many of the same things. Sure, we are all carrying a few extra pounds and wish that we were “high school” skinny, but I too often think and wonder about the people that I left behind. What are they doing? What would they say if they saw me? I loved Lanie from the beginning and thought that Cynthia does a really great job at capturing all of her insecurities and created a very witty, yet vulnerable main character. Overall, this book is very heartfelt and honest, often times leaving the reader on the bring of laughter and tears. I really enjoyed this book and I think that if you are looking for a book like this, then you’ve met your match.
Book Review: You Had Me At Hello by Mhairi McFarlane
I was provided with a copy of You Had Me At Hello by Mhairi McFarlane in exchange for an honest review. You Had Me At…
Book Review: Faith Bass Darling’s Last Garage Sale by …
THE WINNER OF THE GIVEAWAY IS TOBIN HELTON! TOBIN, I WILL EMAIL YOU DIRECTLY! 🙂 I was provided with a copy of Faith Bass Darling’s…
Book Review: The Lion Is In by Delia Ephron
I was provided with a copy of THE LION IS IN by Delia Ephron in exchange for an honest review.
The Lion Is In tells the tale of three gals. Tracee is a runaway bride and kleptomaniac. Lana’s is beautiful but also a recovering alcoholic. Rita is a holy-roller minister’s wife, who is tired and wants out of her marriage. One warm summer night brings the three ladies together and they go on the lam together. During the ride down a rural highway in the great state of North Carolina, their car breaks down and they are forced to seek shelter. They end up finding refuge in an abandoned nightclub. And, unexpectedly, they run into Marcel, who just happens to be a lion. This change encounter changes everything for the three ladies.
This book is absolutely unforgettable and I loved every second of THE LION IS IN. When I first received the review request, I read the title and thought that the lion was symbolic of something – but no, I was wrong. – because there is actually a lion in this book. Delia does an amazing job at crafting three wonderful female characters that are witty and beautiful in their own respective ways. I loved their journeys to self discovery and I loved Marcel’s role in helping the women. This book is truly great and so very smart! I highly recommend it!
Rating: 5 stars
Book Review: Goodnight, Brian by Steven Manchester
I received a copy of Goodnight, Brian by Steven Manchester in exchange for an honest review.
Goodnight, Brian is all about family and the deep love that lies inside. Little Brian Mauretti was born with a special condition called Metabolic Alkalosis. The food that was meant to nourish him was poisoning him instead, and the doctors said things didn’t look good. But, that is when his grandmother, Angela DiMartino steps in and cares for him. She gives him everything that she has and tries her best to fight against fate. Mama and Brian are very courageous in their efforts and between the two of them, fate has no idea what it is in for.
I was first introduced to Steven Manchester when he contacted me a few months ago to review his first novel, and I fell in love with Twelve Months. So naturally, I was overly excited to read his latest, and Goodnight, Brian doesn’t disappoint. Sure, the subject matter is different but the emotional writing and the raw feelings are still there. I loved that Steven touched on the strength and perseverance of love and family and I thought the did such a wonderful job at crafting such an unbreakable bond between Brian and his grandmother. Overall, this story is really good and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a touching read.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Book Review: Where the Light Falls by Katherine Keenum
I received a copy of Where the Light Falls by Katherine Keenum in exchange for an honest review.
Where the Light Falls is set as the Belle Epoque dawns, and artists find their way heading to Paris in search of inspiration. Jeanette Palmer is no different. Growing up the daughter of a prominent family in Ohio, Jeanette leaves Vassar College after a scandal breaks loose. She finds herself in Paris, amid the city’s great bohemian neighborhoods and studios, Jeanette slowly makes friends as she finds her way. One man in particular, Edward Murer, becomes a quick friend and eventually he becomes her lover. But, things become complicated as she learns that Edward is addicted to laudanum and as she attempts to help him fight his demons, she also begins to achieve a new level of artistic success. Will Jeanette be able to make a decision between success and love? Or will she lose both trying?
I absolutely loved the historical aspect of this novel and found the details and the settings quite charming. Katherine does a wonderful job at weaving the story throughout time and creating darling characters with real thoughts and ambitions. I loved Jeanette from the get go and was rooting for her as she pursued her dreams to become an artist. Then, Katherine presents us with Edward, and although older, I can definitely tell where the attraction came from. Overall, this plot is rich with love, guts, history, conflict (both inner and outer) and most of all, creative inspiration. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I think you will too.
Rating: 4/5
Book Review: Deceptions of the Heart by Denise Moncrief
I received a copy of Deceptions of the Heart by Denise Moncrief in exchange for an honest review.
Summary
What would you do if one morning you awoke in someone else’s body? Surviving as Jennifer Cristobal isn’t easy for Rhonda Prentiss. Three years ago, a sudden, fatal trauma stripped Rhonda of her middle-class, stay-at-home mom existence. A brand new shock prompts Rhonda’s essence to invade Jennifer’s soul, suppressing the other woman’s memories and replacing them with her own. When Jennifer’s heart transplant surgeon, Dr. Crane, can’t—or won’t—help her understand her unusual body-swapping dilemma, she turns to the only man she can trust. But can she fully trust Jennifer’s husband, Anson? Multiple threats from her past shake her fragile hold on mental stability. If one of her enemies succeeds, he will kill Rhonda’s soul… or Jennifer’s body… or both.
My Review:
This book was a lot of fun and I thoroughly enjoyed the twist that Denise presents on a story that is often retold. I think Denise does a wonderful job at creating very real characters with a lot of heart and I definitely felt every emotion that was the main character feels. I finished the book in a few days and I was completely enthralled in the story and couldn’t read the book fast enough. I was wrapped up in all the twists and turns and definitely surprised by the ending. Overall, this book is a quick, entertaining and very suspenseful read. It will definitely leave you rethinking things once you finish. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a suspenseful read.
Baby Talk: 8 Months Old
My little baby has officially become a little boy. It is crazy to think about all of the things that Ethan now does that he couldn’t do months, weeks or even days before. Every day brings something brand new and I have got to say that this has been such an exciting time for us. His personality is really coming through and he Ethan is going to be one silly boy and I cannot wait to see it!
My husband and I are constantly trying to snap pictures and videos of him because he is growing and learning at lightning speed and I am so scared that we might miss something. But, I think Ethan is on to us because as soon as he sees our phones come out, he stops doing whatever he is doing completely. What a stinker, right?
Food: My boy is an EATER! And just like his momma, he loves his veggies! By far his favorite is sweet potato but he has a soft spot for bananas and also for strawberries. Oh, and he loves those little cereal puffs too. I spread them out on his feeding tray so he doesn’t grab too many at once, but he has become a very good self-feeder. I also still nurse him exclusively, so I am glad to say that I have made it this far. Honestly, I am so glad!
Favorite Toys: Goodness, this boy loves everything! He struck gold big time at Christmas this year and our house is over flowing with toys right now. But, a few of his favorites are his Radio Flyer bike (that me and his dad take him for walks in), his standing table, his monkey and elephant rattle, a ball and his stacking cups.
Things we’ve left behind: Pretty much any and all props. He still uses his swings …. sometimes.
Teeth: Still none.
Favorite activities: Crawling, standing, playing, eating, story time, walks, having conversations with his dad (that involve some weird noises) and ANYTHING outdoors.
Daycare: Still loves it.
Height/Weight: Oh goodness. Not entirely sure but he is big!
