Monday, April 20, 2009

Book Review - Mail-Order Bride by Maureen McKade

Most romances are written with the most perfect characters and yet, Ms. McKade took the chance of giving our heroine a flaw which was brought up many times. Our handsome hero of the story wasn't much attracted to her due to her features in the beginning of the story but the author brought the two together despite their differences. What begins as your typical historical romance leads into more of the history of this time period including what men found "attractive" in a woman. "Mail-Order Bride" has everything-unique characters, action, suspense, and true romance.

FULL REVIEW:
Mail-Order Bride by Maureen McKade

Book Review - Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Thirteen Reasons Why is an emotional story to follow along with. Your heart will break as Clay listens to Hannah and tries to understand why she took her own life. Although he ultimately learns of the turmoil bottled up in her soul, Clay still has unanswered questions and regrets as he forwards the tapes on to the next person.

FULL REVIEW:
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Book Review - A Kiss Remembered by Sandra Brown

As Ms. Brown points out from the opening, the story "reflects the trends and attitudes that were popular at that time". Although the author doesn't state when she wrote the book, it was first published during the 1980s. While I agree that the attitudes do reflect on that time era, the story doesn't reflect upon Ms. Brown's writing style.

Full Review:
A Kiss Remembered by Sandra Brown

Friday, April 17, 2009

Book Review - Renegade by Diana Palmer

Renegade is another beautifully written novel by Diana Palmer. The storyline will have you crying and laughing. You can't help but fall in love with the personalities of Cash and Tippy especially as Tippy "seduces" Cash through most of the book. The story is fast paced and never dull so you are unable to put it down until the bad guys are caught and the ending unfolds on Cash and Tippy and their future.

Full Review:

Renegade by Diana Palmer

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Book Review - "B" is for Burglar by Sue Grafton

The alphabet series of books are centered around Kinsey Millhone, a fictional female character, once cop turned private investigator. Her home is based in the fictional city of Santa Teresa, California and can be compared to a version of Santa Barbara. Ms. Grafton personalizes Millhone throughout each of her exploits and each book gives a little more information on Millhone's past. She was born May 5, 1950 and the stories are set during the 1980s.

FULL REVIEW:
B is for Burglar by Sue Grafton

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Children's Book Review - Big Words for Little People by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell

The books from the writing team of Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell have become national bestsellers. Ms. Curtis has taken personal experiences like the adoption of her children and turned them into wonderfully told stories that speak to young readers. These books are brilliantly illustrated which is important as children also learn from bright visuals of picture books. Big Words for Little People doesn't inundate children with too many new words but is flawlessly put together, a perfect addition to the series of books released by this duo of writers.

FULL REVIEW:
Big Words for Little People by Jamie Lee Curits and Laura Cornell

Children's Book Review - Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs has become a children's book that is passed down from generation to generation. The animation version set to be released in 2009 is claiming to be "the most delicious event since macaroni met cheese." The short story of this town and the people inspires children to use their imaginations not only during the story but in real life. From the beginning of the book with that first pancake flip, children will be drawn into the story. After hearing the story of Chewandswallow, a child may never look at a snowflake or drop of rain the same.

FULL REVIEW:
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett