Review: The Sandcastle Girls

The Sandcastle Girls: A Novel by Chris Bohjalian
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bohjalian is back and present for 2012. Written about what he knows best, he has a hit for 2012. How can you not want to cheer Elizabeth and Armen's romance on? We go back and forth from present to past, a sad war story of how their family came to be. Masterfully written, you instantly become mesmorized with each character, and each heartbreaking story.

A lot of the war details go above my head but I still gulped this story in, every word savored like a delicious silky pie. Rich with tons of details that only Bohjalian can accomplish, you will be sad when you read the last word, Hatoun.

Hatoun was a curious girl, who had heard her mother and sisters brutally murdered and taken in by another widow who never had children. Hatoun doesn't talk, but she says it is only because she would be afraid she couldn't stop the sobbing that would come. Each one of these people you come to meet, you will think about for months after you have put it down. Recommend this book to everyone, it is a gem for 2012.

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Review: A Familiar Shore

A Familiar Shore by Jennifer Fromke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Surprise! This book was a huge hit for me. I wasn't too sure at first, a LOT of names, titles and family tree stuff going on in the beginning. But stick with it, I promise it is will be so worth it.

Meg's Popsie asks her to do a favor for her, go meet a friend's family and determine who gets what for his will. At the same time, she finds out Popsie is dying of cancer. So her and her finance, Cody, change the date of their wedding so Popsie can be there. Then she agrees to go to Michigan and help the friend.

Meg is not prepared for what she finds out when she arrives. You be either, and you will love it. From beginning to end, Jennifer Fromke knows what readers love to read.

You will fall in love with Meg and after awhile you know who everyone is and the day will be gone, and you won't even care! Enjoy!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: I Couldn't Love You More

I Couldn't Love You More by Jillian Medoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first novel by Medoff and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Strong women start it out and finish it. I loved each woman, especially Maggie. Sylvia drove me crazy but she is a crucial part of this book. Although this is a longer book, it goes so extremely fast that you won't even notice. It will keep you up all night, especially when the book takes a turn you don't expect.

What EVERY reader loves I tell you! This reader anyway. Eliot is a woman after my own heart. I love everything about her, from beginning to end. Stepchildren are a hard lot and when you add one children together what a creation. I have a good picture of Grant in my mind though.

This will be a good book to read at the beach. Especially with the cover it really screams READ ME AT THE BEACH.

I really didn't want to write a review that says everything that happens in the book, I despise spoilers. So I will just leave you with my generic thoughts and ramblings, but pick it up. Put it in your bag and read it. It is one of those books where after you read it, you look at the world and wonder why it hasn't stopped with what you just read. Is that clear as mud? ;)

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Review: Wife 22

Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alice Buckle from the very beginning is a spunky, enjoyable main character. She teaches theater at a local elementary school, part time. William and Alice have 2 children, one boy and one girl. William and Alice have been together forever. So maybe the newness has worn off. Alice received an email asking if she would participate in a marriage survey. For $1000, why not!

However, Alice thinks she is falling for Researcher 101 --- Wife 22 to be exact as she is known. In cute little conversations and snippets they converse back and forth through emails and eventually start talking on facebook as well.

Lots will be revealed when you read it, as Alice and William as well search themselves and what they are really looking for. It might just be right in front of them!

Good writing, loved the modern day email and facebook talk! Perfect for these days. Alice was such an endearing character to me, I fell in love instantly.

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review

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Review: Building Family Ties

Faithful Families: Building Family Ties with Faith, Love, & Laughter by Dave Stone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am surprised that I didn't post my review! I loved this book, I read it in a couple of hours. Short, but tons of points, too many to list here but SO important as families and parents today.

There were so many good suggestions I tell everyone that I know to read this book. It made me say duh why didn't I think of that? Super easy, nothing too complicated that is life changing --

Building your family with the right foundation, leaves it sturdy and secure, something we all need in this life.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Teaser Tuesdays

*Grab your current read. *Open to a random page. *Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page. *BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! You don't want to ruin the book for others. *Share the title and author too, so other TT participants can add it to their TBR lists if they like your teaser. Here is mine from I Couldn't Love You More by Jillian Medoff Then, because I think we're finished, I grab linen from the closet to make a bed for Grant in another room, since I'm sure he doesn't want to sleepw with me in this one. It doesn't dawn on me until I'm holding a stack of sheets that there's no need for him to sleep in this house at all. Wowzers.. now that sounds good. Must go read!

Review: The Legacy

The Legacy by Katherine Webb
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Why I waited so long to read this book I will never know. I had tried to pick it up a couple of times, but got lost right away with this character and that, and slipping back and forth between 1902 and present day. However what started out slow, ended up keeping me up all night finishing it. And I couldn't be more pleased.

Present day has 2 sisters, having to come back to the family home for a short visit. Neither sister wants to stay, but in their grandmother's will she says they both have to live in it, or neither gets it.

But as we go back in time to 1902, we meet Caroline. She escapes her aunt's clutches and marries Corin. Corin is not what Aunt Bathila wanted for her niece. But Caroline is in love. So she goes out west and settles as a rancher's wife. But Caroline has no idea what she is doing.

Modern day, the 2 sisters, Erica and Beth are still reeling from their cousin's disappearance many years ago. Henry just disappeared. I bet everyone always wondered if it was the travelers that have been squatting on the property for ages.

Henry's disappearance, Beth's suicidal feelings, a mysterious baby boy, find out what all of this means and more when you read Webb's captivating first novel. I found myself devouring each page as if it was the air I need. I loved this book! Read it and see if you don't find yourself crying out for more!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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It's Monday. What are you reading?

Monday Pictures @ dazzlejunction.com Good Monday morning! Hope everyone had a blessed weekend. What are you reading today? I am reading The Legacy by Katherine Webb. Figured I best read it, she seems to be an author to watch these days! I have The Unseen in my pile too, AND she has a new one coming out this month too. Blessed day all, can't wait to hear what you are reading!

Review: Healing Hearts

Healing Hearts: A Collection Of Amish Romances by Beth Wiseman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amish fiction as only Beth Wiseman can write. Deeply thought provoking, fun and a pure joy to read always. Healing Hearts is a 3 part book. Each a different story that has been released all together, for one large reading pleasure.

In the first book, A Choice to Forgive, Lydia married and lived with Elam for 15 years. Lydia was engaged to Elam's brother, Daniel, but on Christmas Eve many years before he backed out. Elam is gone, and Daniel suddenly comes back.

Daniel is baptized back into the faith, and everyone but Lydia knows what really happened on that fateful Christmas Eve. Even after Lydia finds out, will she truly be able to forgive Daniel, and maybe Elam?

In the second story, A Change of Heart, Leah is a spirited 18 year old. Leah is very spirited and not like most young ladies of the faith. She can't cook, sew or garden worth a lick. But God has blessed her with another very special gift. The gift of writing. Leah's folks, especially her dad thinks Leah will always live with them if she doesn't put aside this silly writing stuff and concentrate on trying to be a good wife. However, Aaron has his eyes on Leah, and he knows she isn't good at any of that stuff. Will everyone have a change of heart about what is really important?

And finally, we have Healing Hearts. Levina and Naaman have been married for 30 years. The summer before the current one, Naaman says he was going to visit his relatives in Ohio, not coming back for a year. Why? Why did he do this? Read this beautiful story as Levina, their kinner and the community wrestle with this, and forgiveness.

All the stories have a theme. A theme of love, forgiveness and God is bigger than all of us. Beth Wiseman is such a talented writer. I see Leah being Beth quite a bit. Each one of these stories will leave you wanting to apply them to your own life and gobbling up more of Wisemans' books!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Five Bells

Five Bells: A Novel by Gail Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ok I must say I have no clue about what went on in this book. At first I had a hard time getting into it, and I picked up and put it down several times. But I forced myself to finish it today. And I flew through it!

I know we are following 4 different people. All converging on the same area in Australia. Each with their own things to sort through. Of course. But it was brilliantly written! I loved each one of the characters, even Catherine. My favorite though was Pei Xing. I loved her spirit. I was named after Tonya in Dr. Zhivago so that drew me in even more.

I felt so deflated when James and Ellie were sitting at the table, I was begging James, TELL HER JUST DO IT! (Side note, one daughter of mine is named Ellie so I loved that too) I could feel their passion, their own pain about what happened between them. And James chickened out. Didn't know what to say. Dang it James!

Someone said all these people were depressed, but I didn't get that after reading through it more. Of course everyone struggles, but there were only moments.

Like I said, I am probably not one to be commenting on a book so deep, but from this reviewer's point of view, I loved EVERY single stinkin minute of this book and I am sad that it came to an end.

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Review: Finding Our Way Home

Finding Our Way Home: A Novel by Charlene Ann Baumbich
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When we come upon this magificent story, we have Evelyn a young lady, living in Sasha's home, being a caretaker. Sasha is a famous ballet dancer who was injured, probably to never dance again. Evelyn is a spirited young lady. You will love her from the very beginning. Both ladies you will love, but Sasha takes awhile for her to grow on you!

Both going through different problems; Sasha not talking to her husband/dance partner or best friend since the accident. And Evelyn, Evelyn is engaged to a playboy. Didn't like Jorden from the get-go. But together they make a wonderful team and can concur the world!

I loved this book, I didn't want to sleep last night and I looked forward to picking it up this morning to finish. I love the spirit and the resounding word throughout the book, GRACE. Finding our way home, each of us, our own paths, but perhaps together as well.

Charlene Ann Baumbich is a fantastic writer, one I have fallen in love with so quickly. I want to read every one of her books now. Thanks Ms. Baumbich you have created a unique and magical place.

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Review: Picture This

Picture This: A Novel by Jacqueline Sheehan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh how I wish I had read Lost & Found first. Might have given me more of a background. But it is what it is, and so I find Rocky adjusting to her husband Bob dying suddenly and leaving her a widow. In this book, a girl calls Rocky claiming Bob was her dad. Natalie appears to have had a rough childhood, being tossed to and fro from one foster home to another.

On a whim, wanting Natalie to really be Bob's unclaimed daughter, she buys a house on the island badly in need of repair. Much like Natalie, maybe Rocky thinks she can fix the house and Natalie and have a daughter, like she always wanted.

The dog that saved Rocky, from Lost and Found, Cooper reads humans. He loves Rocky of course, and a 17 year old neighbor, Melissa. But he gets a weird feeling from this Natalie girl. When Melissa spies Natalie stealing jewelry, she knew there was something wrong with who Natalie is claiming she is. But what is it?

I don't want to give anything here, so pick this thrilling book up asap. The first hundred pages I was a bit lost and bored, but after that I couldn't put it down. Sucked me right in. So if you have been wondering where I was at, it was stuck in my chair with this book! Go NOW, get it!

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Review: The Ingredients of Gumbo

The Ingredients of Gumbo: Funny, loving stories about a Southern family by Julia Schuster
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Nonsense. Complete babbling and nonsense. At first, I thought, ok this will be interesting to see where it is going. And where did it go? All over the place, this way and that, with no clear direction.

I don't mind if something is made up but this was so this way and that -- The very last story was worth reading but don't waste your time for one little blurb.

I am not one for poems either so they really weren't enjoyable for me. The pictures, some were drawn nicely, others not so much.

Really, if you want something halfway worth understanding, don't bother.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: The Encyclopedia of Me

The Encyclopedia of Me by Karen Rivers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So very fun. Young girls are going to get a HUGE kick out of Tink, or Is, or Isadora.. whatever it is she ends up wanting to be called.

Isadora is an 8th grade girl, who is very vibrant, witty and engaging. I loved her personality, she is someone most girls will identify with. She lives with her parents and 2 brothers. One of has autism which leaves the family stressed and a bit broken. But they all lean on each other, and Tink will have you laughing out loud.

Karen Rivers has a wonderful talent, one I hope she continues -- This book will be hot this fall when kids are going back to school. I know I am going to recommend it to everyone I know!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Wednesdays Were Pretty Normal

Wednesdays were Pretty Normal: A Boy, Cancer, And God by Michael Kelley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Normal, how normal could life be if your 2 year old son was diagnoased with leuekmia? Michael Kelley opens up about his struggles with his faith in God once his son Joshua was diagnosed and they moved through treatments and beyond.

He clearly states what passages he read, trying to find out why God would let this happen. Why wasn't God showing up to heal Joshua and make everything right again? Was it because Michael and his wife didn't truly have faith?

Read their story of God's message to all of us with struggles. I think when he said they felt like they were walking through quicksand and saw one set of footprints, it was God's, He was carrying them. He carries us through these trials.

If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Blessings to the Kelley family. I loved this heartwarming, honest and truthful story of your sincere struggles and coming to realize where God really was.

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Review: The Garden of Happy Endings

The Garden of Happy Endings by Barbara O'Neal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was blown away with this book. My first O'Neal .. but it won't be my last.

Elsa is a minister in the Unity church. She loves her congregation but experiences heartbreak and feels she can't hear God any more and really where was He when one of her own, a 14 year old girl, Kiki was murdered? Why would a loving God let something so bad happen? So Elsa is asked to take a break and she goes back home, to Pueblo. To Joaquin, a man Elsa was engaged to but felt he was called to be a priest instead of marrying her. And why would Elsa's God let that happen too?

Elsa knows that the best way to get get through your own problems is to help others. So that is where she starts, helping out in Joaquin's parish with the soup kitchen day, which grows into helping making a sore ugly area behind the church into a community garden. A gentleman friend of Joaquin's, Deacon, helps as well.

Interwoven in the story is also Elsa's sister, Tasmin, who's life is falling apart when her husband goes missing, saying he was involved in a Ponzi scheme. Everything Tasmin knew, her nice cush life is taken from her, only allowing to take her personal items and leave her dream house.

You will find out how Elsa comes to terms with bad things that sometimes happen in our lives as well as her sister Tasmin and a whole host of other characters you will come to love.

Need I say more? GO go now and get the book... Don't wait, you don't want to miss out on this one!



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