"The Bright Hour" by Nina Riggs

The Bright Hour by Nina Riggs is her true story.  She was already going through a rough time with her mom who has Cancer and does not have much time left.  Then one day she gets a call from her doctor that no one ever wants to get and hears that they found a spot on her breast.  It is hard to say I enjoyed this book because it's very sad.  I did enjoy her interactions with her family though which makes up most of this book.  Rest in peace, Nina, and God bless your husband and children.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Train I Ride" by Paul Mosier is Uplifting! (Updated)

Train I Ride by Paul Mosier is a children's story about Rydr, a little girl on an Amtrak train.  This book tells the story of the people she meets on the train as well as the back story on Rydr.

Every so often I need a book that I can relax with that doesn't have somebody getting hurt or killed so I read this book.  Rydr is a great character who will surprise you with her antics.  I think people of all ages would enjoy this debut book.  Job well done, Paul Mosier!
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Karen's review, 3 stars:  I read Train I Ride by Paul Mosier because my husband liked it so much and it is short and quick.  I liked Rydr, the main orphan girl who is on her way from Los Angeles to Chicago to live with some old uncle she never even met because her mom died and probably her father and her grandma who she was living with.  On the train, she meets several people who she really likes.  Although her money runs out, she is quite resourceful in finding ways to get some.  I especially liked her invisible monkey act but felt bad when she didn't even take the money she got from people.  I thought this was a pretty sad story but enjoyed the funny parts.  

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"The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss (1st Book in The Kingkiller Chronicle Series)

In The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, a man called Kvothe is telling his life story to a chronicler.  He has heard about Kvothe and wants to find out what is fact and what is fantasy.  This is the first of three books in this series.  This book covers his life until he is in his teens.  The stories in this book are really good!  It took me a while to get into it, but once I did, I had to keep flipping pages.  Not sure if this book is for everyone, but I enjoyed it!  It lived up to the hype for me.
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Little Deaths" by Emma Flint is Based on a True Story

Little Deaths by Emma Flint is based on a true story. Ruth Malone lives a loose life, and that is putting it mildly. She has two kids and an on-again-off-again relationship with her husband. One night her kids are missing and in the days that follow, both are found dead. Did Ruth do it? The police and public opinion have her guilty. This book played out pretty good and kept my interest for the most part. It is worth reading for sure!
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

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"A Torch Against the Night" by Sabaa Tahir is as Good as the First in This Series!

After reading An Ember in the Ashes, I went right into the next book--A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir and loved it too.  In this one, Helene's point of view is added in the telling of the story and it is exciting right from the start.  Much of the book is Elias and Laia on the run with Helene and her three black guards chasing after them but the author has a way of having things happening in different places at the same time and making great use of cliff hangers at the end of the chapters to keep your interest.  There are some sad parts and the characters did some things I didn't like or understand; however, it did make for a good story.  I really like Helene who is put through the ringer in this book. 

This book has some surprises and again, some tight situations where. I felt I was on a roller coaster with all the ups and downs in this book.  It moved a bit slow at the beginning, but the last third of the book made up for it!  I had to take a break after several of the chapters to let things sink in and then go right back to it to see what would happen next. I look forward to reading the rest of this series!   
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir is the follow-up to Ember in the Ashes.  Usually I have trouble getting into book Twos because it was so long since I read book 1, but not so with this one.  I was into it from page 1!  It was so good to re-connect with Laia and Elias!  Both are wonderful characters.  This book flows very well and I was surprised more than once.  A lot happens in this which made it just as good as book 1, if not better.  I LOVED it!
(Gerard's review 10/5/16, 5++ stars)

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"The Lost and Found" by Katrina Leno

The Lost and Found by Katrina Leno is a story about Frannie and Louis. They met at a very young age in an online support group for trauma survivors. They have never met face-to-face; but due to a set of circumstances, they do just that. This was a nice story that flowed very well. I enjoyed both of the main characters and the good ending! I was bothered though, that I had to hold the book upside down to read it and it went from the back to the front—very strange!  The library put the book jacket on upside down!
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

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"The Memory Book" by Lara Avery is Heartbreaking

In The Memory Book by Lara Avery, you meet Sammie McCoy.  She is a young girl with big plans and has worked really hard to graduate at the top of her class.  Now she wants to go to college in New York and make something of her life.  Unfortunately, she has a health problem involving her brain.  She writes everything down because soon she won't remember things and doesn't want to forget.

WOW!  What a fantastic book!  I really enjoyed Sammie right from page 1!  She is far from perfect, but then, none of us are.  With great writing, this is the kind of book you will long remember. 
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"Fly Away" by Kristin Hannah

Fly Away by Kristin Hannah is about how Kate's death affects her husband, her three children and her long time best friend, Tully.  When Kate dies of Cancer, her husband is overwhelmed, the 8-yr.-old boys handle their grief differently and Marah, her teenage daughter flips out and makes some really bad choices that lead to trouble.  Through memories and flashbacks the reader gets to know about Kate's and Tully's friendship.

I liked this well-written book because the characters were so vulnerable and although it dealt with grief, depression, addiction and domestic violence, it gives a person hope showing that the past is the past and we can make good choices to give us a better future.  Loved the ending!  I've enjoyed several of Kristin Hannah's books and this is no exception--I recommend it.

This book is sort of the opposite of Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson in which it was the father who was dying of Cancer and the focus was on the months before he died.  However, in Fly Away, it is the mother who dies of Cancer and the focus is on what happens to those who love her after her death.  Both have teen daughters who are main characters in the books.
(Karen's review, 5 stars)     

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"When the Moon is Low" by Nadia Hashimi

When the Moon is Low by Nadia Hashimi is a heartbreaking story about Fereiba and her family in Afghanistan.  Part 1 of the book is her childhood and her life in Afghanistan growing up and her marriage to Mahmoud, a good man who was an engineer, and their three children.  Part 2 focuses mostly on Saleem, her 15-yr.-old son and their journey to England after her husband was killed by the Taliban.  He felt the responsibility to be the man of the house and then got separated from his family in Greece on their way to England to live with Fereiba's sister.

This book kept my interest all the way through.  It shows how tough the life of a refugee is and my heart just goes out to them.  I liked Fereiba who always felt like an outsider and had a very hard life except for a short time.  I found myself pulling for Saleem in the second part of the book which showed how three different women helped him along the way and how encouraging that was for him.  I was a bit disappointed that the ending was sort of open, but I guess that was better than a sad ending.  I highly recommend this book if you have any interest in what it is like to be a refugee or Muslim.  It was an eye-opening story for me to understand how not all Muslims are extremists.  It even has some discussion questions in the back for book clubs to use.  It's very good!
(Karen's review, 5 stars)



Tweet by Karen:

Reaching the Unreached-MENA https://t.co/cbMY4fQUHp donated after reading WHEN THE MOON IS LOW 

— Karen Zemek (@kzemek) May 14, 2016

Here is a link to donate to help refugees in Greece through Samaritan's Purse
Here is a link to donate to help refugees through World Vision



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"Aundy--Book 1 of Pendleton Petticoats Series" by Shanna Hatfield

Aundy by Shanna Hatfield is a historical western romance that kept my attention all through and was an enjoyable read, although had some very sad parts in it.  I liked Aundy right off and felt so sad for her and her new husband at the beginning of the book.  This is a story of a woman coming from the city to be a mail-order bride for a farmer in Oregon who was very excited to marry her and share his dreams with her.  She is a strong, independent woman with a kind heart.

This is a clean romance novel with action as well.  I liked the writing and hope to read more books by this author.  I really liked how she took charge and made her own decisions in running her new farm.
(Karen's review, 5 stars)   

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"Always Watching" by Chevy Stevens

Always Watching by Chevy Stevens is about a Psychiatrist, Nadine, whose bad childhood memories are stirred up when she gets a patient who left the same commune she was in, although it has a new name and advertises as a spiritual retreat place. Nadine feels the need to report what happened to her in the commune and hope the cops will arrest the leaders and get “The River of Life Spiritual Center” shut down to keep others from being hurt. Nadine also has a teenage daughter who ran away, got into drugs, and lives on the streets. All Nadine wants is for her daughter, Lisa, to be happy and longs for her to come back home. Her biggest fear is that the cult-like commune will get her daughter comes true.

I liked this book okay, but not as much as I liked this author’s other books. It just moved a little slow for my taste and was pretty predictable. Mostly was sad with what I thought was an unrealistic ending. It has a lot of flashbacks showing the memories Nadine had buried from her past. Nadine’s relationship with her daughter was heartbreaking. The last quarter of the book has the most action and suspense which I liked the most.
(Karen's review, 3 stars)

See my reviews of her other books:
That Night - great, both liked!
Those Girls - both liked
Never Knowing - great! (In both of our top favorites for 2011)
Still Missing - both liked! (One of Gerard's top favorites in 2011)

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"Ghost Boy" by Martin Pistorius is a True Story!

Ghost Boy--the miraculous escape of a misdiagnosed boy trapped inside his own body by Martin Pistorius is a true story!   It tells the story of Martin's life so far and what a story it is!  One day he went to school but never went back.  He spent his 14th birthday as a mute quadriplegic but then his mind came alive.  Thought to be brain dead, he was really aware of what was happening all around him but couldn't communicate it.  He knew it, but no one else did.  He refused to give up!  I also found it very interesting how people acted around him.  Give this book a try--I loved the ending!
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix" by J. K. Rowling

As this series continues on with book 5, The Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling contains lots of action and adventure with the Ministry of Magic rejecting Harry's and Dumbledore's claims that you-know-who has returned, making them out to be "nutters" or liars.  The Order of the Phoenix is a group of wizards and witches who believe Dumbledore and Harry against the Ministry of Magic which begins fighting against them by replacing Dumbledore as headmaster of Hogwarts with Umbridge, a mean-hearted, witch that really has it in for Harry.  Luna Lovegood, Cho, Ginny Weasley and Neville all get more time in this book which added more interest as we get to know them better. 

The Weasley family plays a big part in this book and I love how Dumbledore comes to Harry's defense and is so good at knowing the rules of the Ministry of Magic that he gets Harry out of trouble several times.  I enjoyed how George and Fred both entertain everyone with their pranks and practical jokes.  Harry's Godfather, Sirius Black, also is a main character in this book.  Hermione provides sound advice and is obsessed with setting house elves free and improving their lives.  Another big part of this book that I liked very much was when Harry decided to share his knowledge of defense against the dark arts with other students when Hermione asked him to teach her and Ron when Umbridge took over as the Professor of the Defense against the Dark Arts.  All she did was tell them to read the text book and gave no time at all to practice of any kind.

Harry's best friend, Ron, gets to be a prefect which helps his self-esteem and he finds himself as the new keeper on the Gryffindor Quiditch team.  I felt bad that Hermione missed the one good game he had while going to meet Hagrid's brother in the forbidden forest.  The climax to this book was the big fight inside the Ministry of Magic which was awesome and the big secret revealed to Harry as to why you-know-who wants to kill him!

This book is full of action, adventure, revenge, mystery, fun and humor.  As with the others, I enjoyed this one too.  Hermione and Ron both have big parts in this and I really like Hermione so I was glad she had such a huge part.  I really liked how all the professors had lots of interaction with each other, Umbridge and the students in this book too.  I felt very sad for poor Harry when Umbridge was making his life miserable and preventing him from contacting Sirius and of course, the ending.  I didn't like that this book was SO big, over 800 pages because it was HEAVY!  I have to give this one 5 stars too because I was always eager to get back to it, I got so engrossed in it that the bus driver had to tell me we were at my stop, and I kept thinking about it even after it was over.
(Karen's review, 5 stars)      

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"Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls Tugs at Your Heart (UPDATED)

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls is a children’s story about a hard-working, determined boy who loves to go coon hunting with his two hound dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann. He lives in the Ozarks on a farm with his mother, father, and three sisters and a cat. He also has a close relationship with his grandfather who helps him out and encourages him.

I have mixed feelings about this book because I like all animals so felt a little sorry for the poor raccoons who got hunted down by the boy and his dogs. It was interesting though learning habits of the raccoons. I didn’t like the boy or the parents in the beginning when he set his traps and caught his cat several times! That got me mad. Then he redeemed himself when he loved his dogs and had great adventures with them which included some suspense. At certain parts I cheered but thought the ending was horrible.  This story has its ups and downs.  If you enjoy sad books, you have to read this one! Yes, this is a tear jerker. I think the story should have ended sooner, like after the big coon hunting contest, and I would have liked it much better. The title of the book isn’t explained until the very end which I thought a bit strange. Get your tissues ready if you choose to read the whole book!

It is similar to the Shiloh series which I loved!
(Karen's review, 3 stars)


Gerard's Review 8/30/15 (4 stars):
Billy Coleman is a little boy living with his family in the Ozark mountains.  What he wants most of all is two coon hounds so he can go hunting and to keep him company.  It does not seem he is going to get them, but then he decides to do something about that.  The first 100 pages I did not think this book was all that!  From page 100 to the end though, it got really good.  That is because the dogs became the focus on the story, and what a story it is!

I really loved Billy and how he would do anything for his dogs!  The dogs were fantastic!  I did not like the ending though--too sad.  Anyway, based on Billy and his dogs, I give this 4 stars.

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"A Tail of Hope's Faith by Diane Weinmann (Animal Communicator)

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I met the author at a fund-raiser for Parma Animal Shelter and was curious when I found out she actually could get animals to tell her their thoughts.  I asked her some questions because I think it would be awesome to actually hear what animals are thinking and I'd love for Abby to tell us about her past before we got her. I talk to my pets all the time and can pretty much figure out what they're thinking at certain times; however, I've never actually heard them speak to me.   She told me to read her book about the dog named Hope so I did.

A Tale of Hope’s Faith is about Diane Weinmann, an animal communicator, and her experience with one particular dog named Hope. Hope has cancer and Diane uses holistic alternative medicine to help the dog have less pain and a better quality of life. Then, it progresses to reincarnation after the dog finally has to be euthanized. 

It is an amazing story, but one I have a very hard time believing. It seemed like hocus-pocus new age stuff to me for the most part and the dog really didn’t get better.  I found myself plowing through it.  

Diane says she is psychic and communicates telepathically with animals.  I guess I'm really not sure what to make of this because she says she's Catholic and before communicating or trying to heal animals, she prays to her spirit guides, St. Francis, and Jesus.   

What do you think about this?  Would you go to alternative medicine if your pet was ill?

(Karen's review, 2 stars--I expected more conversations with the dog and not so much detail about the different alternative healing methods)

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"A Separate Peace" by John Knowles

A Separate Peace by John Knowles is the story of two roommates at a boys boarding school in New Hampshire during World War II. It’s about their rivalry, friendship, and how the boys try to stay separate from the war. Gene, the introverted intellectual who tells the story is jealous of his roommate, Phineas (Finny), a natural athlete who is outgoing and a natural leader but a poor student.

I read this book a long time ago for school and decided to re-read it now because I remember liking it. I especially liked the parts with Finny and enjoyed it again. It has some fun parts, but mostly is sad, especially what happens to Phineas.
 (Karen's review, 4 stars)

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"Love Saves the Day" by Gwen Cooper

Love Saves the Day by Gwen Cooper takes place in New York and is about Sarah (a DJ and record shop owner), her cat Prudence, daughter Laura (an attorney) and son-in-law, Josh (free-lance writer).  Laura and Sarah's relationship is strained but after Sarah dies, the cat helps Laura remember good things about her mother and carves out a place in Laura's heart.  Laura discovers how much her mother loved her and that family is more important than money.

This story was slow moving but picked up toward the end.  I liked the narration by the cat best because the reader gains insight into what cats like and don't like, but the story is pretty good too.  My favorite part was when the cat jumped on the table during the Seder dinner at Laura's when she had her in-laws over for the first time.  I loved the cover.  I liked Homer's Odyssey by this author better but this one is okay.
(Karen's review, 3 stars)

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"Pretty Baby" by Mary Kubica--Different Opinions on this one! (UPDATED)

Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica centers on a charitable woman named Heidi who helps stray cats.  One day she sees a teen girl holding a baby at a train station and decides to take her in for just one night, assuming she's homeless.  This novel is told by multiple points of view which I thought made the story that much better.  The real good thing is the multiple story lines.  You do not really know what to expect next!  This is a page turner that is well worth reading, enjoy!
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica is a contemporary psychological thriller that is sad and heartbreaking. This novel combines the sad stories of Heidi Wood, a married woman with a 12-yr.-old daughter and Willow, a homeless teen girl with a baby. Their paths cross and Heidi opens her home to Willow and the baby in spite of objections from her husband and daughter.

The reader is gradually given bits and pieces of Heidi’s and Willow’s pasts as the current events unfold which culminate into a good ending. I liked Heidi at the beginning but as the book went along, I liked her less and less. I liked Willow though and felt sorry for her throughout the book. This book portrays the social worker as incompetent and totally repulsive behavior on the part of Willow’s foster dad. This book was very disturbing to me because of the content. I thought it was an interesting read and didn’t have any clue as to how it would end so wanted to keep reading. 
 (Karen's review, 3 stars)


See our review of The Good Girl by Mary Kubica which we both liked.

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"A Monster Calls" by Patrick Ness

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness is a YA story about a 13-yr.-old boy, Conor, whose dealing with anger issues and fear of his mother dying of Cancer. His parents are divorced, and his dad remarried and now lives in America while Conor lives in England.

I didn’t really care much for this book because the Monster that appeared to Conor to help him accept the loss of his mother seemed real; however, that made no sense.  I thought it was a dumb book but read it because I heard so many recommend it on YouTube.  It is sad and has a realistic fantasy feel to it.  I really thought the cover was well done.
(Karen's review, 2 stars)

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"The Honest Truth" by Dan Gemeinhart (children's book)--Both LOVED IT! (updated)

Glad you both liked this one--yea for the dog!

The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart is about a young boy, Mark who runs away with his dog Beau.  Why does he run away?  His best friend knows the secret but she will not tell.  This children's book had me from page 1!  I LOVED IT!  What's not to like about a boy and his dog on the adventure of his life?  This is a page turner that goes quick and is the author's first book--well done!
(Gerard's review 2/23/15, 5++ stars)

The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart is about Mark, a boy with Cancer who is tired of being the sick kid and decides to go on an adventure with his dog to keep a promise to his grandfather before he dies.  His best friend, Jess, figures out where he went but knows Mark does not want her to tell. 

This unique book deals with friendship, survival and facing death through an interesting story.   The ½ chapters sets this book apart from any I have read drew me in right away.  It is a quick read that I didn’t want to put down and I loved the surprise ending!  The honest truth is that this book will tug at your heart!  I highly recommend it; think both kids and adults would enjoy it.  I am so glad I gave up on the big fat adult book, Dust by Patricia Cornwell to read this one instead.  I enjoyed this so much more!

I even learned how to write Haiku poems from The Honest Truth.  Here is my Haiku poem I wrote about this book for Mark (and the author):

                           I read the story,

Understanding Mark’s viewpoint,
Hoping he makes it!

The boy’s dog, Beau, rocks!
Two true, loyal friends, indeed
Saving each other!

(Karen's review 2/24/15, 5 stars)

Click this link for The Personal Story Behind the Story shared by the author.

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