Storm chasing - those words will either instill fear or exhilaration in the hearts of a human. I'm not 100% sure where I would fall in those camps buStorm chasing - those words will either instill fear or exhilaration in the hearts of a human. I'm not 100% sure where I would fall in those camps but nature is a wondrous thing with what comes from colliding temperatures and all that other scientific jargon that I don't understand but Kimberly Packard wraps up the terminology in easy to understand bits and weaves a tale of love, loss, memories, and hope.
This book enthralled me and it was hard to put down. I would find myself reading "just one more chapter" before getting reading for work or before turning out the light at night. The characters were raw yet real and could be someone we know in our own lives. Elaina wasn't the only character that had baggage they were holding on to for too long. Seth threw away a promising career thanks to a coworker, Tuck is a brilliant storm chaser but has a gambling problem, and Connie (Elaina's mother) just want to protect her daughter and is afraid to tell her the truth about her life before being adopted. There were so many great elements that will pull you into the story in different ways. The way the author describes the storms was genius and caused me to think about storms in a whole new way.
I did figure out a part of the story tied to Elaina's past. It was pure luck as not much in the story pulls you in this direction, but the pieces seemed to fit for me. I am not going to say more only because I don't want to give anything away because the story really builds to this piece of Elaina's past.
One of my favorite lines from the book is actually what was on one of Elaina's t-shirts - "I'm more confused than a chameleon in a bag of skittles."
Some of my other favorite lines:
"Ever since that tornado, her grip on her identity felt loosened, like holding onto a weather balloon only to have it pulled out of her fingers and float away."
"What if the sign ahead was a green light, telling him the road would likely be bumpy and curvy, but it was the route he was supposed to take? What if saying yes changed everything?"Why should you read this book? You should only read it if you want it to sweep you up, twirl you around, and then blow you away just like a tornado.
This is why we are giving it 5 paws up!
Merged review:
Storm chasing - those words will either instill fear or exhilaration in the hearts of a human. I'm not 100% sure where I would fall in those camps but nature is a wondrous thing with what comes from colliding temperatures and all that other scientific jargon that I don't understand but Kimberly Packard wraps up the terminology in easy to understand bits and weaves a tale of love, loss, memories, and hope.
This book enthralled me and it was hard to put down. I would find myself reading "just one more chapter" before getting reading for work or before turning out the light at night. The characters were raw yet real and could be someone we know in our own lives. Elaina wasn't the only character that had baggage they were holding on to for too long. Seth threw away a promising career thanks to a coworker, Tuck is a brilliant storm chaser but has a gambling problem, and Connie (Elaina's mother) just want to protect her daughter and is afraid to tell her the truth about her life before being adopted. There were so many great elements that will pull you into the story in different ways. The way the author describes the storms was genius and caused me to think about storms in a whole new way.
I did figure out a part of the story tied to Elaina's past. It was pure luck as not much in the story pulls you in this direction, but the pieces seemed to fit for me. I am not going to say more only because I don't want to give anything away because the story really builds to this piece of Elaina's past.
One of my favorite lines from the book is actually what was on one of Elaina's t-shirts - "I'm more confused than a chameleon in a bag of skittles."
Some of my other favorite lines:
"Ever since that tornado, her grip on her identity felt loosened, like holding onto a weather balloon only to have it pulled out of her fingers and float away."
"What if the sign ahead was a green light, telling him the road would likely be bumpy and curvy, but it was the route he was supposed to take? What if saying yes changed everything?"Why should you read this book? You should only read it if you want it to sweep you up, twirl you around, and then blow you away just like a tornado.
This is a short read I found on Amazon. I thought it was ok - a story about a woman who has some challenges with her pregnancy and when she delivers hThis is a short read I found on Amazon. I thought it was ok - a story about a woman who has some challenges with her pregnancy and when she delivers her baby it is at a hospital where her mother died which brings up all sorts of memories for her....more
This is described as a cross between Player One and Black Mirror and this is probably an accurate overall description of this book.
Enter five teens thThis is described as a cross between Player One and Black Mirror and this is probably an accurate overall description of this book.
Enter five teens that have various issues but have formed a tight-knit group and their own club in school. They all have issues of some sort (what teen doesn't?) but this game will either bring them together or tear them apart forever. The G.O.D. Game is one of morality but who decides what is right or wrong? And to what lengths will the group go to achieve Goldz and avoid Blaxx?
Charlie, Vanhi, Peter, Alex, and Kenny and the five Vindicators. Charlie is the main character and is dealing with the loss of his mother. Peter has an absent father and claims to have lost his mother. Kenny is a talented musician and has some big shoes to fill after the death of his older brother. Alex is trying to make it through life but has a father that expects a lot from him and punishes him when he doesn't perform adequately. Vanhi is the lone female in the group and knows what she wants from life. The strengths and weaknesses of this group will be used against them in the game as they directed to perform various tasks that could go against their beliefs but if they don't complete the tasks, their lives could be in danger.
This YA suspense/thriller kept me on the edge of my seat. I wondered if there was anyone behind this game, or had AI actually evolved enough to do everything that happened in the game. As the book progresses we find that there are many more than just these five playing the game, but for how long? There are hints that this game has been around for decades which might make sense for the AI to have gained all of the knowledge that it had about people and decision making. There are many twists and turns with the characters that I did not see coming, especially one near the end. I won't say what or who is involved, but it was quite surprising but not at the same time. I hope that makes sense!
Besides the game aspect, there are the normal high school issues that arise with who is popular or not, young relationships, manipulation, abuse, and so much more. There are also familial issues that shape these young characters to be who they are by their senior year. They are tempted by the game and at times do not want to do what the game is telling them, but to go against the game could mean death.
I am not a computer programmer so some of the text went over my head, but I could understand the gist of the meaning even if I didn't understand the finer details. I found the religious aspects intriguing and considering the AI is claiming to be G.O.D., I would expect bible quotes or references to other religions and the beliefs they follow.
There were just a few things that could have been left out of this book and it would have been just as good or perhaps even better in my mind. I didn't appreciate the political aspects. I see enough bashing of our president in real life, I really don't want to read about it in a book. I also think there could have been fewer f* bombs. Yes, I know many people use that word in their daily language, but what are we teaching our youth when we permit such crass language?
Overall, I enjoyed this book thoroughly and will be checking out other books by this author. We give this 5 paws up....more
The Carlisle men are some pretty special guys, once they realize the error or their ways.
This story focuses on Connor but I was excited to see tidbitsThe Carlisle men are some pretty special guys, once they realize the error or their ways.
This story focuses on Connor but I was excited to see tidbits of Tanner & Izzy and Wyatt & Georgia from the first two books in this series. While you don't have to read those books to enjoy this one, some of the past that is mentioned will make a little more sense if you have read the first two books.
Connor and Kelsey have been together for a very long time after meeting at college. They endure a lot together and despite their differences manage to have a successful relationship...that is until Kelsey walks about the door with no explanation. It takes an accident to bring them back together. It isn't an easy road back and it takes a lot of give and take on both Connor and Kelsey's part.
I do have to say I was very disappointed with Kelsey and the reason why she left. Why did she not talk to Connor about what was going on in her life? Did she really think he was going to leave her over something that wasn't her fault?
I do understand the frustration on Kelsey's part (not why she left) with Connor's behavior and not cleaning up after himself, but Kelsey is a little OCD and needs to relax. My husband is like Kelsey and I'm like Connor so I get that dynamic and how hard it can be on both sides. Of course, if you ask my husband we live in a hoarder's house which is the furthest thing from the truth!
I enjoyed the past and present chapters because it gives the reader a history about Connor and Kelsey and their relationship. I learned so much of their life in the past and how it affected their life in the present.
If you are in the mood for something light but still has some twists and turns and a happy ending, then this book might be the one you want to pick up next.
It's 1996 in a dysfunctional small East Texas town. It is a time before cell phones and computers and when rifles were commonplace in pickup trucks. IIt's 1996 in a dysfunctional small East Texas town. It is a time before cell phones and computers and when rifles were commonplace in pickup trucks. It is a time when people knew their neighbors and would help each other out should the need arise. But when a dead body is found, it changes beliefs and perceptions until the truth isn't decipherable anymore.
While this book is fiction, there is a mystery peppered throughout the pages that had me questioning my thoughts about various characters as the story meandered down dark paths revealing truths that cast them in a light one may not expect. The author provides for a twist or two which erases all that you thought you knew to be true about the story you have read and the characters you have come to understand.
This story is also about losing family and friends, finding love, uncovering the truth, and learning to continue with life despite the curveballs thrown your way. There are dogs and hogs...the dogs are wanted, the hogs are not. And in true Texas fashion, an obsession with Dr. Pepper because no other beverage will do for some.
If you are looking for a fast-paced book, this is not the book to read. The book slowly reveals the truth, much like petals unfolding while a rose blooms. I took my time reading this book so I could embrace the characters, the town, and how I felt about each character. It is somewhat dark and deals with death, deception, drugs, and despair. But there is some hope at the end and multiple possibilities when it comes to how the story ends.
Some of my favorite lines:
"Mayhill approached life like hand-to-hand combat."
"Lying required an intellect that Bradley simply did not possess."
"Even at the road's worst, when it took a nail-biting, gut-jiggling forty-five minutes to drive only two or three miles, it never occurred to anyone to get out of their trucks and walk, any more than it would occur to a bird to take the bus to Cancun for winter."
"The air conditioner was so high that Pat Sajak shut his eyes and his short hair managed to somehow to blowback dreamily in the stream of air."
"Bradley was nobody to everybody. That was the beauty of Bradley, if there was a beauty to him."
"The dog flopped down next to Pat Sajak on the porch, with Boo and Atticus on the other side, and Mayhill realized then her name was Vanna because dog names are revealed; they are not chosen."
"All of the juices of Birdie's rebellion dried up right then, and she ran through the thicket and back to the house, the limbs tearing at her jeans like claws."
"it's a slippery slope, letting go of your ethics."
"He couldn't breathe and his chest tightened in the confusion of it all - a baking soda and vinegar mix of shame and redemption that threatened to erupt in him."
"Revenge was for scorned ex-wives and small-town football teams. This was of greater consequence. This was karma."
"An entire CBS mini-series of scenarios played out in his head, assassination attempts from the simplest (sniper drive-by) to the most complex (Rube Goldberg machines, infinite knives) and Mayhill twitched as he thought about it....more
When you live your whole life (so far) in a sheltered fashion, there might come a time when you do something crazy...like take your sister's discardedWhen you live your whole life (so far) in a sheltered fashion, there might come a time when you do something crazy...like take your sister's discarded honeymoon and break free from the parental chains. Ok, maybe you do some of this on a whim thanks to the advice of a psychic at your sister's wedding, but something has to spur you into action!
I applauded Lucy for her decision to escape her home when a hotel in London calls to confirm her sister's reservation. A reservation that wasn't going to be used because her OCD sister booked two honeymoon options. Two! But what better time to put that passport to use than a Christmas getaway. Her friend Mary encourages her to go and even contacts a classmate of theirs to meet her at the airport and be a point of contact. It works out to both of their advantages since the hotel is for honeymooners only (and there is no Mr. with Lucy) and Cary's roommates turn out to be his worst nightmare.
I applaud Lucy's gumption to take herself on a tour of London and see the usual touristy sites plus so much more. She has been held back thanks to an overbearing mother and older brother. In fact, when she manages to "lose" her phone and disconnects from those ties is when she really blossoms. We are able to peek into the frantic thoughts of her family through blog entries. Apparently, the whole family can blog to let others know what is happening. I suppose that is easier than making a bunch of phone calls.
Lucy manages to keep Oliver, the nosy concierge, at bay regarding her "husband" and why she is doing so much on her own. But is he more than nosy? Could he be smitten with Lucy? Or is there something more "sinister" at play? The only way to find out is to read the book.
This book had me laughing at many turns and I had a hard time putting the book down. I wanted to know what secret Oliver was hiding, who the Honeymooners were, and would Lucy's family learn to take a step back and let her live her life. There are a few heart-stopping moments near the end but nothing too scary. The story is also about finding your own path and looking out for yourself because your family may not know what is best for you despite their best intentions.
As a child of the 80s, I had to share this line with you...I didn't mark more for some reason, I think I was enjoying the book too much.
"I'm an 80s themed mess. My hair is crimped. Crimped. I look like a bottle of grape soda in my purple, polka-dotted dress complete with shoulder pads."
Blessings, Georgia, a town that may be small but is big in heart. All of the citizens of this town care about each other and look out for one anotherBlessings, Georgia, a town that may be small but is big in heart. All of the citizens of this town care about each other and look out for one another during times of strife. But overall, this is the kind of town that I wish still existed in our country. It isn't perfect and there is some crime, but overall it would be a peaceful place to live out my life.
In this book, we meet Sully, a retired firefighter on the search for his biological mother. He has tracked her down to Blessings but no one seems to recognize his mother's name. A freak accident spurs Sully into action, saving a woman from a car that explodes, and discovers a childhood sweetheart. I'm sure you can guess the outcome here, they reconnect and find their way back to each other. Along the way, Sully discovers who he is and where he wants his life to continue.
All of the books in this series are sweet, like cotton candy, and while for the most part are conflict free, there are some scenes that create that conflict that all books need to have to be multi-dimensional. There are outcomes that you can see coming, but the ride to that ending is sometimes like a roller coaster with the emotional ups and downs but ending in a satisfying journey.
While all of these books can be read on their own, it is best to start with the first book in this series so you can get to know the citizens of Blessings and celebrate their joys and mourn their losses.
We give this book 5 paws up and I can't imagine what the next book holds for us....more
I'm a sucker for any book that involves dogs...and this one involves MANY dogs! Probably because there is a dog park located near the apartment buildiI'm a sucker for any book that involves dogs...and this one involves MANY dogs! Probably because there is a dog park located near the apartment building that brings out all of the dogs in the neighborhood and is quite the community gathering space. Of course, I use the term dog park loosely as it is a fenced area that people squeeze through a gap to enter. But it is definitely a gathering space.
Caleb and Riley are friendly rivals once the truth is out about who Caleb is and why he is at The Dorothy that Riley manages. As in a romance novel, there are the ups and downs in their relationship, starting as friends, becoming slight enemies, resolving their differences and finding happiness together.
I appreciated how the community came together when The Dorothy was in trouble and everyone offered their assistance for free to save this iconic building. Sure it was dilapidated but it had charm. Even a crotchety old man can be taught new tricks and that it does not have to be a dog eat dog world....more
This is a fantastic series so I was super excited when Libby asked me to review her book before the release date of 12/31/19. And I'll just let you kThis is a fantastic series so I was super excited when Libby asked me to review her book before the release date of 12/31/19. And I'll just let you know (if you haven't read my other reviews in this series) that I am Team Gia.
So much to say about this book - it made me laugh, it kept me guessing regarding the crime, and it had me rooting for Poppy to make a decision regarding who she wants to date between Tim and Gia. (see my note above....GIA!!!)
What I always enjoy about this series - the relationship between Poppy and her Aunt. It is wacky, yet caring, all at the same time. Poppy never expected to be running a B&B but it was the only way to save the family home. Then there are her aunt's friends - the Biddies as they are called in the book. They remind me of the Jewish old lady stereotype that you see in movies and such, they are all in your business, offering advice you may not want, and sometimes just being a nuisance. But at other times they can save your bacon...or your life!
I chuckled at the theater production that is the main focus of this story and where the murder occurs. Imagine a bunch of senior citizens performing Mamma Mia (cue ABBA music). Since I have seen the movie I could picture these people singing and dancing and it is a comical performance. While I won't give away too much, let's just say opening night didn't quite go according to the script.
Besides the usual murder, there are several other sub-plots occurring at the same time. There is the case of who is leaving bad reviews for anything that Poppy touches (her B&B, Gia's coffeeshop, Tim's restaurant). The answer should be obvious but I have to admit I didn't think about this character. You will also meet some guests of the B&B and there is something not quite right. It is a very minor plot but it adds to the dimension of the story. Aunt Ginny reconnects with her first love from high school, an adopted child looking for his birth parents, and Poppy trying to extract herself from a potential relationship with Iggy, the pianist for the musical. All of these bring the story together and provide depth for several characters.
I haven't even touched on the food mentioned throughout the book. Poppy may not have formal training but she is a skilled baker and the recipes leave my mouth watering. I may be ok having gluten, but these recipes intrigue me and I want to try a few of them out. I'm glad the recipes are provided at the end.
There is a love triangle and I am hoping that the next book will have Poppy choosing one of the men interested in her. Both men in this book have demonstrated their feelings for her and she has some clarity at the end regarding their feelings for her. So, Poppy, it's time to choose!
I do want to share this one line that really made me laugh and you won't understand it unless you read the book and then you might have the same reaction as me:
"He said to tell you now you're even for touching his Skywalker. I don't even want to know what that means."
Overall we give this book 5 paws and can't wait to figure out what is in store for the gang....more
I first heard about the Santa Claus Robbery on Drunk History (season 5 episode 9). I can't speak for the accuracy of that episode but what I will sayI first heard about the Santa Claus Robbery on Drunk History (season 5 episode 9). I can't speak for the accuracy of that episode but what I will say is that Tui did some massive digging into files, newspapers, and other sources to get to the bottom of what really happened that fateful day in Cisco Texas. She became a detective for the truth.
This is a masterfully told story of a bank robbery, the innocent victims, the criminals behind the robbery, and a few others that we may not know the full extent of their participation in the sequence of events. The book is filled with newspaper clippings, photos, and other memorabilia that help depict the time and the events during the 1920s. Texas may have been a little tamer than during the Wild West era, but there were still scoundrels and thieves running around the state robbing banks and committing other crimes. Apparently it got so out of hand that they raised the bounty on anyone brought in dead that robbed a bank from $500 to $5000. Either way, that was a lot of money in the 20s and I'm sure a few might have been killed erroneously.
I was surprised at the bravery of some of the victims in the bank that day. The mother who rushed out the back with her daughter and was unharmed. That took some moxie! And Woody Harris, the teen that foiled a carjacking, he too took a chance on being killed or more by not giving in to the thieves. There were others that helped or hindered along the way and I wonder what was going through their mind during the sequence of events.
While the book is non-fiction and peppered with thoughts and comments from the author, it is engaging and I enjoyed learning about this event in Texas history and it almost reads like fiction in places. Tui mentions that she doesn't think that everyone was brought to justice and that there is more to research to try and get to the ultimate truth. I was surprised to learn that another book about this event by A.C. Greene is fictionalized and has errors or doesn't tell the whole story to the reader.
I appreciated the Places of Interest listing at the end that provides us with an opportunity to see for ourselves the various locations that Tui visited in her search for the truth. There is also a list of books and newspapers that she utilized for her research.
I think the only thing I would have done differently was to omit all of the subchapters in each chapter. I think either making each subchapter its own chapter would have been wiser.
But overall this was a fascinating book about an incident that I might never have known about had it not been for this book and that episode of Drunk History!
I have enjoyed another trip to Willow Valley and meeting new residents of this little town. This time it is rival newspaper journalists and who can cI have enjoyed another trip to Willow Valley and meeting new residents of this little town. This time it is rival newspaper journalists and who can capture the story first! Of course, Angelica has a little secret, she also writes under a pen name when the topic is too political or "hot". Simon is back in town after being gone about 13 years and has taken over one of the local newspapers. So you can imagine the fireworks between the two not only professionally but personally too. Now you have to keep in mind that this is set in the 1800s so the fireworks are much tamer than what you might expect today.
I enjoyed some of the history imparted to us in this story especially knowing that it is based on actual events. I have learned about many events from this author's books and there is so much I don't know so I appreciated learning some new tidbits.
The story covers a span of genres - romance, history, and even a little mystery to round things out. I enjoyed catching up with characters from the first two books in this series and it really brings it all together and shows what a small town it truly is and how everyone is connected to one another and looks out for each other. It addresses the issue of immigration which is a tough topic no matter the century.
I loved how Angelia and Simon came together in the end.....you'll have to read the book to find out the details!
A journey back to Willow Valley where we meet a courageous young woman that has taken on the responsibility of caring for her niece and nephew. EmmelA journey back to Willow Valley where we meet a courageous young woman that has taken on the responsibility of caring for her niece and nephew. Emmeline is a talented musician and she never expected to end up the guardian of two precious children. Sam is a handful but he is a boy so that is to be expected. Luke Golden is the new doctor and he cares about his patients and the town and wants everyone to remain healthy. He goes so far as to set up a free clinic in one of the local churches.
Emmeline and Luke are destined to be together but she has to get past some of her concerns when it comes to the children. Whatever man she becomes involved with will have to accept the children because they are her number one priority. This is no problem for Luke as he has taken an interest in Sam and they form a bond of friendship.
I am always amazed at the amount of history that is sprinkled throughout the book. In Angel's Serenade, we learn about the River Pirates that were plaguing shopkeepers and riverboat captains with men stealing the cargo and other goods. What is even more surprising is when the ringleader is unmasked. Talk about a surprise. It did seem like there were some issues that you might see in the news today peppered throughout the book which made for interesting reading.
This is a clean romance and suitable for all readers....more
Living in Texas, we have many Mexican restaurants and many of us (ok ME!) could live on chips, salsa, guacamole, and tacos. You will hear that there Living in Texas, we have many Mexican restaurants and many of us (ok ME!) could live on chips, salsa, guacamole, and tacos. You will hear that there are many types of Mexican food and this is very true and I have seen a variety here in town and across the country. If you want to learn more about the history of Mexican food, I found this website that shares more details of the history and the influence of many cultures on the dishes, the cooking sources, and even little known facts regarding tamales, tomatillos, and chilis.
When I opened this cookbook I was greeted with colorful photographs of food and the family that created Guelaguetza. There is also an in depth history of how the restaurant came into existence and the challenges the family faced over the years during expansion to additional locations. This history is just as engaging as the recipes.
As I continued through the book, the author shares techniques and information about various ingredients. I know I mentioned the photographs but I cannot put into words how amazing these photos are to gaze upon. The richness and the sense of family and food are unimaginable. You will just have to pick up a copy of this book for yourself to understand what I am talking about.
Each chapter focuses on a specific area of Oaxaca food - from staples to beverages, to main courses, to salsas, and even to desserts. Each recipe starts with a history of the dish and there is a rich photograph that represents the finished dish. There is even a step by step illustration that shows how to make tamales.
I like to try a recipe from each cookbook I receive from Abrams as part of their Dinner Party. I lamented over what recipe would be the winner and since I had a dinner party coming up a dessert might work nicely especially since the food theme was Mexican! What caught my eye was the Chocoflan recipe. It seems easy enough and wouldn't be too sweet. The ingredients came together easily enough but where I ran into problems was with the cooking time. The recipe said to cook for 35 minutes in a water bath at 300°. However, when I opened the oven it was nowhere cooked. I think I ended up cooking this for about an hour. Plus my flan layer wasn't thick enough so the cake batter mixed in with the flan batter. Now, somehow it all still worked out and while the flan had some chocolate throughout, the cake layer actually rose to the top. I couldn't believe it! I was concerned that cooking it for that length of time would affect the consistency and flavor, but it didn't. Now my caramel layer didn't work but I think that comes with practice and it is easy enough to make more and just drizzle over the top. ...more
Things happen in families and this story covers everything from love, grief, deception, anger, and forgiveness. It is the story of a mother and daughThings happen in families and this story covers everything from love, grief, deception, anger, and forgiveness. It is the story of a mother and daughter and a tragic event that happens to them and the fallout from that event. It showcases human emotion, real feelings, and real world situations.
This is a book that opens this reader's eyes to what it might be like to live through tragedy and how trying to protect a child just might backfire if there is miscommunication or even assumptions on either party's part. Morgan wants to protect her sixteen year old daughter from some harsh realities but goes about it all wrong. Clara is growing up fast and suddenly her crush is crushing back on her. She has a lot to learn and Miller is there to help her through the rough patches.
I enjoyed the back and forth points of view from Morgan to Clara. The different perspectives about the same situation reflect the maturity of Morgan and the immaturity of Clara - which is to be expected. Understanding Morgan's reason for holding back some truths about her husband Chris and the reaction from Clara is what one might expect but it, in the end, it brings them close together.
This book felt like it could have happened in someone's life that I know. The situations were real and the characters were flawed and everything came together beautifully in the end. The dialogue between characters was heartfelt and real and I felt like a fly on the wall during the various scenes. I have some favorite lines I want to share:
The day I found out I was pregnant, I stopped living life for myself. I think it's time I figure out who I was meant to become before I started living my life for everyone else.
"I'm worried we got it wrong."
Attraction isn't something that only happens once, with one person. It's part of what drives humans. Our attraction to each other, to art, to food, to entertainment. Attraction is fun. So when you decide to commit to someone, you aren't saying, 'I promise I'll never be attracted to anyone else.' You're saying, 'I promise to commit to you, despite my potential future attraction to other people.'
This book will tug on your heartstrings and make you laugh. We give this book 4 paws up....more
What happens when you take a small Texas town, a precocious twelve-year-old, a bunch of cranky senior citizens, and multiple deaths? You get this booWhat happens when you take a small Texas town, a precocious twelve-year-old, a bunch of cranky senior citizens, and multiple deaths? You get this book!
I enjoyed my visit to Caprock and found myself chuckling throughout especially at the senior citizens that ran booths within an antique mall with overpriced merchandise. Jessica manages the storefront and all of the vendors, which can be a challenge most days. Who's kidding...it is every day that they are a challenge! On top of that, her deceased husband's first wife drops her daughter at Jessica's and just expects her to take care of Lizzie. Let's just say Nicole is quite flighty. There are times during the book that I thought Lizzie stole the scene with her antics, teenage drama, and just wanting to be included.
The antique mall was a family with all the good and bad that accompanies being a part of a family. They bickered but had each other's back when the situation called for support. I'm not sure which of the seniors caught my eye but I have to say that Roxy was a pistol and knew how to play the "old lady" card with the detective. Jessica is a mother hen to these seniors, settling their squabbles and sorting out their lives once they die. I applaud her efforts to get them to leave a will or at least what they want to happen to their belongings in their booths should the unspeakable happen. But the vendors are like most humans and do not want to address the elephant in the room.
This book has a little bit of everything and could be set in any smaller town, maybe even your own. There is mystery, deception, romance, and friendship that will test all boundaries.
This book actually surprised me because sometimes sci-fi/paranormal books are hit and miss with me. But this story of a young man's ability to absorbThis book actually surprised me because sometimes sci-fi/paranormal books are hit and miss with me. But this story of a young man's ability to absorb the energy around him and see or sense things intrigued me. Since this is a YA book, it wouldn't be complete without the usual teenage drama and young love.
This story follows Eric, an up and coming goalie for the high school he attends. He has a younger sister and brother with whom he has a good relationship. Actually, he has a good relationship with all of his family which is refreshing to see considering what we see in the news. The drama or angst comes from his friends and their shenanigans, which is not uncommon for a teenager. Eric has some strange dreams and has no idea what they could possibly mean until events prove his dreams to be a reality and not just some weird dream.
I enjoyed the science aspect of this story and the explanations of matter, energy, and harnassing it for the betterment of mankind. I think that all of this could be possible one day, perhaps sooner than we think. I also appreciated that the science in this book was thoroughly explained and not just glossed over. The author definitely put her degree to good use in this book.
There is romance between several of the characters and of course northing runs smoothly as is usual with teens. However, I felt that the advancement of the various relationships felt solid and realistic. The relationships were subdued and did not progress too much more than kissing.
We give this book 4 paws up and if you enjoy YA with a sci-fi or paranormal flair, you might want to pick this book up for your next read....more
I have enjoyed the children's books by this author. She takes common children's stories but then adds STEM components and kindness into each one.
ThisI have enjoyed the children's books by this author. She takes common children's stories but then adds STEM components and kindness into each one.
This book is the three little pigs and the big bad wolf but with a few twists. The pigs have studied architecture in school and build strong solid homes that withstand the huffing and puffing by the wolf. They are also smart as they escape out the back door while the wolf is occupied and run to their fellow pig brother's home. Now, you can't blame the wolf for wanting to eat the pigs, he was hungry (and bacon is quite tasty) but the pigs have something else in mind and perhaps they can convince the wolf to become an ally vs an adversary.
This book was cute, made me chuckle (the pigs are named Stella, Hal, and Brad), and even gave me something to think about when it comes to people in our lives that are like the wolf. This could be a very educational book for children in both STEM and kindness to our neighbors. The illustrations are effective in the book and certain words on each page are highlighted with a different and bold font to make them stand out from the others. If you read this book to your children, it gives you the opportunity to talk about those words from a STEM perspective and even a kindness perspective....more
Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews
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Books:
2019
(211)
