"Ashley Bell" by Dean Koontz Lives up to the Hype!

In Ashley Bell by Dean Koontz, a young girl named Bibi Blair is having a good life. Then one day out of the blue, she is rushed into emergency ER. She is young and thinks that this is no big deal. She finds out that she has brain cancer and has one year to live! But her recovery is unbelievable and a woman tells her that her life was spared so she can save Ashley Bell. Save her from what, or whom? Who is Ashley Bell?

There has been a lot of book hype about this novel and the hype is the real deal! As usual, Koontz goes into stuff you would find hard to believe, but that is part of the fun! I LOVED IT!
Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Corrupted" by Lisa Scottoline - Inspired by Kids for Cash Scandal!

In Corrupted by Lisa Scottoline, lawyer Bennie Rosato takes on a murder case to defend Jason who she feels she let down when he was sent to Juvie 19 years ago. She also finds romance with Declan, the uncle of the Ritchie, the guy who her defendant is accused of killing. This book was inspired by kids-for-cash scandal in the judicial system in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.

This book got my attention right away with the glimpse into the juvenile detention system and following two 12-yr-old boys. I found it to be very interesting and the story moved along quickly. I like Bennie and felt bad for her when she and Declan had to put a hold on their relationship. I liked how the reader was kept informed all along the way of what Bennie was thinking and feeling and how she prepared her case. This book delves into what justice is in a very readable way. If you like to read about trials and enjoy seeing things from a lawyer’s point of view, I highly recommend this book.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Link to the real kids-for-cash scandal: http://jlc.org/luzerne-county-kids-cash-scandal

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday

Gerard's:

The red words on the screen are seductive.  Do I believe someone sitting behind a computer creating a website for high school students can help me?

From page 20 of Need by Joelle Charbonneau.

As she was wheeled away, her mother stood in the hall, looking bereft, as though she half expected never to see her daughter again.  The orderly turned a corner, and Bibi lost sight of her mom.

From page 41 of Ashley Bell by Dean Koontz.

Karen's:

"The only person I met is the uncle of the kid who started the fight with my client.  His nephew's a total bully, who's given my client a hard time, almost his whole life."

From page 96 of Corrupted by Lisa Scottoline.

After they read the first few Harry Potter novels, actor David Bradley asked his children which part they thought he should play in the films if he could.  "They said I was a natural for Filch," he recalls with a smile, "and I thought, is that how my kids see me?"

From page 67 of Harry Potter--The Character Vault by Jody Revenson.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading. 

Happy Reading!

"Need" by Joelle Charbonneau

NEED by Joelle Charbonneau is about a new networking site called "Need."  It is only available to teens in a town in Wisconsin.  This book is told through multiple points of view of the teens that go on this site.  What is the price you have to pay to get your need fulfilled?  You'll have to read the book to find that out.

I thought this book was very good.  Once the action starts, it is almost non-stop and do not know what is coming next.  I read this author's other three books (The Testing series) and in my opinion, this book is way better!  Read it and judge for yourself.
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Karen's review, 4 stars:
NEED by Joelle Charbonneau is a disturbing contemporary fiction book about teens a new website for only Nottawa High School. The basic idea is that teens can request something they need on the website and then they will be given a small task to do. When the task is completed according to the instructions, then their need will be fulfilled. Kaylee Dunham requested a new kidney for her brother who is dying. When teens start dying, Kaylee begins to seriously question who is behind NEED and what it’s purpose really is.

This book is pretty creepy but certainly exposes the danger in going along with the crowd and expecting something for nothing. NEED was a pretty interesting “project” which was explained at the end of the book when the person behind it is finally revealed. 


Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Calvin" by Martine Leavitt

If you read and enjoyed the comic strip, "Calvin and Hobbs," you will enjoy Calvin by Martine Leavitt.  Calvin, a 17-yr.-old boy born on the day the last strip was published, has schizophrenia.  He was a fan of Hobbs.  If he could just have Bill Watterson, the writer of "Calvin and Hobbs," make one more comic strip without Hobbs, he will be okay.  I enjoyed this book.  It was like reading a bunch of comic strips.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah is Amazing! We Both Loved it!

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a heartbreaking story of two sisters, Vianna and Isabelle, living in France during World War II. It is action packed with well-developed characters who the reader comes to care about. Both sisters are very brave in different ways. The sisters both find themselves in difficult situations and have to make some hard choices. What both sisters endured was horrible, but love prevailed.

I didn’t realize the Nazis actually occupied France until I read this book. This novel gives insight into what it was like for civilians during World War II in France and also what great lengths parents would go to in order to protect their children. I was eager to get back to this book to see what was going to happen next. There is a lot of adventure, some romance, sadness and touching moments along the way. This is a fascinating historical fiction novel I highly recommend.
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Gerard's review, 5++ stars:
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is set in France during World War II.  Two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, now live in a country that is run by the Nazis.  Isabelle wants to fight for her country while Vianne does what she has to do to keep her family alive.  

This is a fantastic read!  It is fiction, but the events in the book really happened.  The pages went by quickly as I became totally engrossed in this story.  Books to do get much better than this!  I LOVED it and am naming it my "book of the month."  This is a must read!  You won't be sorry!


Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday

Gerard's:

"You're stronger than you think you are, V," he said afterward, when they lay quietly in each other's arms.
"I'm not," she whispered too quietly for him to hear. 

From page 13 of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.


Karen's:

If I had told him the truth long ago, or had danced and drunk and sung more, maybe he would have seen me instead of a dependable, ordinary mother. He loves a version of me that is incomplete.  

From page 4 of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.

He's only in middle school.  He got into a fight and they took him right to court and put them in Jail.  They can't do that, can they?

From page 25 of Corrupted by Lisa Scottoline. 

It's estimated that Harry Potter's scar was applied more than five thousand times:  two thousand times on Daniel Radcliffe, and 3,800 times on his stunt doubles.

From page 20 of Harry Potter--The Character Vault by Jody Revenson.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading. 

Happy Reading!

"The Short Drop" by Matthew Fitzsimmons is Blah

The Short Drop by Matthew Fitzsimmons is about a missing 14-yr.-old girl.  A decade later, the case is still unsolved.  Her father is running for President.  Gibson Vaughn is called in to help solve the case.  I found this novel to be blah.  Could not get into the characters at all although I tried.  I plowed through to an okay ending.
(Gerard's review, 2 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"A Thousand Pieces of You" by Claudia Gray

A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray is about a young girl named Marguerite, a daughter of two brilliant parents.  Her mom's latest invention is called "Firebird" which enables one to travel into alternate dimensions.  When her dad is killed, she goes after the killer and the chase is on.

This book was pretty good.  I loved how I never knew where they would wind up.  There is good action and a few twists that surprised me with a good ending.
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Christmas List" by Richard Paul Evans

The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans is a contemporary Scrooge story.  A real estate mogul who is focused on making money at any cost regardless of who he hurts, is mistakenly reported to have died in an auto accident.  He then finds out what people really think of him when reading the comments to the news article online.  He decides to try to change and starts by contacting people he has hurt to apologize and try to make things right.  He realizes that the ones he hurt most were his wife and son and seeks to reconcile with them before it's too late. 

This quick read is heartwarming and thought provoking.  This book makes you take a look at life and make the most of the time we have.  I liked seeing how he changed for the better and seriously tried to make up for hurting people. 
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

ave you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday

Gerard's:

He wasn't sure what was coming, or when, only that it would arrive and that it was essential he be ready to meet it.  It might be bad or good.

From page 14 of Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo .


He could have gotten away with it, slipping into another dimension beyond the reach of the law:  the perfect crime.  He vanished from his dorm room without a trace, leaving his door locked from the inside.

From page 10 of A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray.

Karen's:

While the photograph was the same, the headline could not have been more different.  Not many people get to read their own obituary.

From page 3 of Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans. 

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading. 

Happy Reading!

"Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

In Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, Kaz Brekker is offered a chance to make money that even for him would be beyond his wildest dreams. To claim the money, he must free a man from a prison that is impossible to escape from. He needs to find a crew of people to help him. The problem is they do not really trust each other. Will the promise of money keep them together? Will they pull it off?

I enjoyed this book a lot! There is lots of action and you did not know what was coming next.
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Twice Blessed--Two Amish Christmas Stories by Barbara Cameron

Twice Blessed—Two Amish Christmas Stories by Barbara Cameron is actually two novellas about two pair of 23-yr-old Amish twins: (1) Rosie and Katie and (2) Ben and Mark. Rosie and Katie are used to doing everything together but have very different personalities. Both want to find a good man to marry. This story line was a happy little romance that was predictable.

The men are both in love with the same woman, Ruth. Mark and Ruth are engaged, but Ben is jealous. Ruth secretly loves Ben more. When Mark and Ben get in an accident, Mark is in a coma for over a week while Ben just lets Ruth, the nurses and the doctor think he’s actually Mark. This story had a bit of a unique spin to it so I enjoyed it more.  It even has some recipes in the back of the book of foods mentioned in the stories.
(Karen's review, 3 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Life We Bury" by Allen Eskens

The Life We Bury by Allen Eskins centers on Joe Talbert, a college student, who has an English class assignment.  This leads him to a man called Carl Iverson, in a nursing home, whose past is just the thing Joe is looking for.  I thought this book was pretty good.  Joe was a very good character and the other characters were well brought out too.  The only bad part of this book is I thought it was too predictable.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"438 Days" by Jonathan Franklin--Really Good True Story!

438 Days by Jonathan Franklin is a true story which makes it all the much better!   A pair of fishermen left the coast of Mexico for a weekend trip.  Soon they were lost adrift in the Pacific.  What a fantastic read this is!  Salvador Alvarenga is a person you will not soon forget.  The first few pages tell you about the kind of man he is, but when the story turns to the boat ride, it is really good!  Give it a shot, you will be glad you did!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J. K. Rowling is a Great Ending to a Fantastic Series!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J, K. Rowling is the last book of the series and is phenomenal! It is very exciting, suspenseful, emotional, touching and is full of unexpected twists and turns. It’s hard to review it without giving away major things, so I’m just going to say that if you started this series, you really need to finish it! In this book, Harry and his friends, Ron and Hermione are out of Hogwarts and on the mission that Dumbledore gave to Harry. The plot is complex and full of adventure. Loved the Epilogue! Great ending to a fantastic series!  WOW!

This series is a must read with lots of twists and turns! I thoroughly enjoyed it and was sorry to see it end, even though there were seven books in the series! I fell in love with the main characters and the action scenes were so well written that I felt I was right there.  This one even made me cry, parts were so sad. J.K. Rowling is the best story teller I ever read and certainly entertained me with this amusing and interesting series.   Harry is such a cool character who shows that love is the strongest power and that we can learn much about leadership from Harry Potter.  This series is amazing! 

No wonder these books were such a hit and well-loved worldwide. I had to give every book in this series 5 stars but here is the way I would rank them:

Harry Potter and the Prisoner from Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this series? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday

Gerard's:

But Charles is still thinking about the pistol.  If he shot himself, would St. Peter take one look at him and send him down to the fires of hell?

From page 16 of The Silent Boy by Andrew Taylor.


"Then obey and we'll get through this," Alvarenga said encouragingly.  But privately he felt a rising sense of panic.  "When will this end?" he asked himself.  "And how?"

From page 52 of 438 Days by Jonathan Franklin.

Karen's:

Harry lost any sense of where they were:  Streetlights above him, yells around him, he was clinging to the sidecar for dear life.  Hedwig's cage, the Firebolt, and his rucksack slipped from beneath his knees--"No--HEDWIG!"

From page 55 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling.  (Best series ever!  LOVED IT!  Must read! My review will be up tomorrow.

It had scared her how suddenly things could change.  Once minute she'd been thinking about having the house to herself and doing some mending and the next she'd woken up to being loaded into an ambulance.

From page 32 of Twice Blessed by Barbara Cameron.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading. 

Happy Reading!

"The Silent Boy" by Andrew Taylor

The Silent Boy by Andrew Taylor is told when the French Revolution was going on.  A young boy named Charles Watches his mother being killed, we think, but we are not really sure.  Charles is about to get away and he does not speak at all.  He knows something and various people want to know what that is.

The first part of the book sets up the plot, but no real action takes place until the second half when Charles goes on the run.  All the time his father is looking for him.  This was okay and worth reading.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"After You" by Jojo Moyes

After You by Jojo Moyes is the sequel to Me Before You and picks up six months after Will killed himself.  Louisa is having a hard time dealing with that, but she has carved out a life for herself.  When someone from Will's past shows up, her life goes just a little bit crazy.

After You is not as good as Me Before You. That being said, I thought this book was pretty good.  Louisa is great and the new characters are pretty good as well.  The story line is just okay though, not great.  Still, if you liked the first book, you should read this one too!
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Ice Like Fire" by Sara Raasch

Ice Like Fire by Sara Raasch is the second book in the Snow Like Ashes YA fantasy series.  In this book, Meira strives to act like a queen even though she prefers being a warrior.  The story is told from Meira's perspective and Mather's perspective.  This book has much less action than the first and focuses on inner struggles and the trip to find some magical keys and how to open the magical chasm found in Winter's mountains.  Theron wants to open it but Meira doesn't so tries to find the keys first and the Order of the Lustrate.  Finally, about the last 50 pages had some action and got really good.

This book was not as interesting as the first but was okay.  I still like Mather best and didn't understand some things.  The plot seemed dull to me and it moved along slowly.  The only reason I finished this book is because it is the second in a series and I plan on finishing the series.  It isn't gripping but it's still worth reading.  This has mostly introspection, politics, betrayal and travel in it.  
(Karen's review, 3- stars)

Now see what Gerard thought of it:
Ice Like Fire by Sara Raasch is the follow-up to Snow Like Ashes, which I loved! Meira, the new Queen of Winter, is on a mission to get Winter out of the rule of the King of Cordell and she needs help to do that.

This book is nowhere near as good as the first. The first half of the book I had to plow through because nothing really is going on. The second half has some action and I was able to get into it more. The ending was just okay and not the big “wow” I hoped for. I will read the third book in hopes that it will be better and see how it all plays out.
(Gerard’s review, 3 stars)


See our review of the first in this series:  Snow Like Ashes

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday

Gerard's:

I want to speak, to open my mouth, but my voice emerges muffled and nonsensical.  I think I have bitten my tongue.

From page 24 of After You by Jojo Moyes.



Karen's:

You believe your father would use more magic for good?  Maybe in Cordell's eyes, but how will it affect my kingdom?

From page 44 of Ice Like Fire by Sara Raasch. 

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading. 

Happy Reading!

"Queen of Shadows" by Sarah J. Maas is Fantastic! (Writer's Workshop)

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas is the fourth book in the Throne of Glass series of 6 and all are great!  These books get better and better in my opinion.  Aelin a/k/a Celaena is her usual "bad ass" self and outwitting and outfighting everybody.  She also has a new girlfriend that is also tough like her and the two of them together are just amazing!  Rowan is back as well as Dorian and Chaol.

There are many "wow" moments in this book that I did not see coming!  This book flows so well that there are not any dull moments.  If you read the first three, you must read this one too!
(Gerard's review 10/30/15, 5++ stars)

Karen's review 11/15/15, 5 stars:
Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Mass continues to provide lots of intrigue, adventure, suspense and romance in this Throne of Glass series. Celaena is now going by Aelin and is reunited with Aedion (her cousin), Rowan, Lysandra, Arobynn and Chaol. She fights another witch, Manon, and is amazing at both fighting and plotting. Even the reader is not informed of all her activities and plans which makes for some surprises and jaw dropping moments along the way. She is such an interesting character who has grown so much since the first book. She is a class act! It is good to see others step up and join forces to help her rescue her cousin, get her revenge on Arobynn and kill the king.

I enjoyed this book and found myself cheering for her a lot. I also liked the parts with Manon and Abraxos. I was confused with Lorchan’s part, but other than that was able to follow what was happening for the most part with the exception of all the rings which got me puzzled somewhat. I’m sure Elide will meet her queen in the next book and look forward to that. Also, I am anxious to see Aelin set up her kingdom in Terresen with her court. If you started this series, I encourage you to continue on with this book which is very good! I strongly suggest, however, that if you haven’t read The Assassin’s Blade yet, that you read that before continuing on with the series. It is so good and provides the background that is referred to in the Throne of Glass series. (5 stars)

Linking this review up to Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop this week.

See our reviews of the previous books in this series:
Ambassador's Blade
Throne of Glass
Crown of Midnight
Heir of Fire

If you've already read this book, click on "read More" below to see the parts I liked a lot!

"The Rose Society" by Marie Lu

The Rose Society by Marie Lu is the second book in The Young Elites series so you should read that one first.   Adelina is on the run and is now known as the "White Wolf."  She is feared and you better not mess with her!  Her goal is to strike down the down the inquisition.

I thought this book was so much better than the first one.  There is much more action with a great ending and I enjoyed it a lot!
(Gerard's review, 5+ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday--Three Today

Gerard's:

I don't know why I smiled back.  She smiled like she was seeing heaven.

From page 20 of The Mare by Mary Gaitskill. (click link for my review.)

I used to be more ashamed of such a feeling, but now I think--why shouldn't I hate?  Why shouldn't it bring me joy?

From page 15 of The Rose Society (a Young Elites Novel) by Marie Lu.  

Karen's:

Hannah stares at him a moment, wondering if she refuses to go, if she cements herself to the chair, would anything change?  If she could somehow reverse the day, go back to the beginning and start over, do everything differently, none of this would have happened.

From page 12 of Safe With Me by Amy Hatvany.  (Click link for Gerard's review.)


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading. 

Happy Reading!

"The Mare" by Mary Gaitskill

The Mare by Mary Gaitskill is for the most part, told by Velveteen, an 11-yr.-old girl and Ginger, a young woman who hosted Velveteen for two weeks.  The interaction between these two made this book.  It was not always good and they got to really see the differences between them.  Ginger's horses were also a part of the book that I enjoyed. 

Entertainment Weekly gave this book high praise and they were right!  The ending is fantastic!  They byplay with Velvet's real mom and her was very good too.
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J. K. Rowling

Continuing in the Harry Potter series with book 6, I read Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling.  This has several mysteries going on at the same time:  (1) What is the mission Snape and Malfoy Draco are working on; (2) Who is the "Half-Blood Prince"? and (3) Can Dumbledore and Harry find and destroy the horcruxes made by You-Know-Who?  Besides the mystery, this book also had some high points with Harry being the new captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, Harry moving on from Cho, Hermione and Ron's relationship and lots more background about You-Know-Who.  Professor Snape finally reveals his true colors and the death eaters return. 

As I was reading this book, I kept thinking to myself, "this is so good!"  I didn't really figure out for sure who the Half-Blood Prince was until near the end when it came out.  Malfoy's mission was a complete surprise to me and the horcrux hunt was very scary!  I hated the ending of this book though, it was so sad so only 4 stars for this one!  I still don't get why Dumbledore trusted Snape, that part must didn't make any sense to me.  I enjoyed the potions class most in this book when Harry topped Hermione for once and how she hated that.  I look forward to reading the last book in this series to see how it will end. 

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Safe With Me" by Amy Hatvany

Safe With Me by Amy Hatvany is told from various points of view and that makes this book good.  Hannah Scott's world comes to an end when a tragic accident leaves her daughter dead.  But this is really only the beginning of this book.  When Hannah makes a decision, she comes in contact with the Bells.

This book held my interest throughout and I enjoyed all the characters with a real nice ending.
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Karen's review:
Safe With Me by Amy Hatvany is about Hannah, a hair stylist and mother of 12-yr-old Emily who died and donated her organs so others could live. Hannah is, of course, devastated but becomes more understanding of her own mother. Maddie is a 15-yr-old girl who receives Emily’s liver that saves her life, but whose father is very abusive to her mother. This story shows some of the struggles that organ recipients face and why it is hard for victims of domestic violence to leave their spouses. 

This book moved along fairly well and although deals with very serious subjects, was not depressing. I would recommend this to women more than men. (3 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday - 4 Today!

Gerard's:

"Well, I'll be," he says breathlessly, turning it over to catch the morning light streaming through our windows.  "Isn't it a beauty?" 

From page 17 of Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson. (click link for my review.)

Out of breath, she lifted a hand and pressed her palm against her chest, as if to calm her pounding heart.  That action was somehow even more alarming than the message she'd conveyed.

From page 110 of The Bark Before Christmas by Laurien Berenson.  (click link for my review.)

Karen's:

"I think he sent me here so you could kill me.  As a present."

From page 81 of Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas.

"I think they ought to know.  You do them a disservice by not confiding something this important to them."

 From page 78 of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading. 

Happy Reading!

"Walk on Earth a Stranger" by Rae Carson

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson is about a young girl named Lee.  She has a secret and she better keep it that way!  When her whole life as she knows it is taken away from her, she decides to head for California.  This book tells about the time when the gold rush took place and is historical fiction fantasy.

I found it very interesting to learn about that time in our history.  Walk on Earth a Stranger kept me interested and Lee is a great character.  This is the first book of three in a series and I am looking forward to reading the next one.
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Bark Before Christmas" by Laurien Berenson

The Bark Before Christmas by Laurien Bebenson is about a woman named Melanie. She is put in charge of a Christmas bazaar at a private school so it is a big deal. It is only for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon. What could possibly go wrong? The story line was okay and I enjoyed the characters well enough; however, I would have loved it if the dogs would have been more involved. Sadly, they only played a small part.
(Gerard's review, 3.5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Expect a Miracle" by Jenny Long with Bob Der

Expect a Miracle by Jenny Long is a true story, but you really get two stories in this book.  Through the first half of this book, Jenny tells her story of growing up and it is a remarkable one!  Then we get to Conner and Cayden.  Their story will make you feel good.  They demonstrate the true meaning of brotherly love.  This is a short book that I am glad I read.  I would have liked it to be longer.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Great Military Books in Honor of Veterans Day

My husband isn't comfortable doing videos, but he gave it a shot when I asked him to talk about some of the military books he liked for Veterans Day.


Have you read any of these? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Three Today

Gerard's:

At the peel of duct tape and the guttural noises of a struggle nearby, Lori's brain thundered awake with the horrible realization that the man above her was real.  Again, she thought of her husband and her son.

From page 9 of Every Second by Rick Mofina. (click link for my review--did it yesterday.)

To do this together, though, Conner would have to carry Cayden every step of the way, pulling him in a raft as he swam, wheeling him in a trailer attached to his bike and, finally, pushing him in a stroller over the finish line.  To me, it seemed impossible!

From page xii of Expect a Miracle by Jenny Long With Bob Der.

Karen's:

"So you want to have Arobynn kill the king, and what?  Put Dorian on the throne?  With a Valg demon inside him?"

From page 51 of Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading. 

Happy Reading!

"Every Second" by Rick Mofina is Quite a Thriller!

Every Second by Rick Mofina is about the Fulton family and their dog.  One night, their home is invaded and they are taken hostage!  The dad had better do what they want or he might not see his wife and son again.  When the police get involved, this book really takes off.

I enjoyed this because it has good action and kept my interest throughout.  When you think it is over, think again because it is not!
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"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)      

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds & Brendan Kiely is Thought Provking

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely is about a young teen black boy who is in a store and when an incident happens, he has an encounter with a cop.  A white boy teen sees this who is friends with the cop.  Does he come forward and tell what he saw?  Did the black boy do anything wrong?

I thought this book was pretty good, but it's more of a thought provoking book than action.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: 3 Today

Gerard's:

I let out a wail, a sound that came from somewhere deep inside.  One I had never made before, coming from a feeling I had never felt before.

From page 22 of All American Boys by Jason Reynolds & Brendan Kiely.

Even as I ask the question, I know that there's something more, something they haven't told me yet.  Suddenly, I'm certain that something very bad has happened to me.

From page 17 of Faceless by Alyssa Sheinmel.

Karen's:

"Don' worry, it won' hurt yeh," said Hagrid patiently.  "Righ', now, who can tell me why some o' you can see them an' some can't?"

From page 446 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling. (870 pages so still reading this from last week)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading. 

Happy Reading!

"Faceless" by Alyssa Sheinmel

Faceless by Alyssa Sheinmel is about Maisie, a junior in high school. She runs track and is so good her coach told her she could get a scholarship. While running one morning, she has a terrible accident. When she wakes up, she learns that she has been in the hospital for a very long time and has lost part of her face! She is able to get a face transplant but now when she wakes up, she sees a stranger in the mirror. How she handles that, her family, school and her friends makes up this book. I liked this book much more than I thought I would. Maisie was a very good character. I thought the story line moved well and I loved the ending! The other people in this book were well developed too. (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Day the Crayons Came Home" by Drew Daywalt

The  Day the Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt is the sequel to the children's book, The Day the Crayons Quit.  I loved the drawings and some of the crayons' stories were pretty good, but I enjoyed the first book better. 
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Here's what Karen's thought of it:
After reading The Day the Crayons Quit I thought this one would be as good, but was very disappointed in it.  The Day the Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt was such a disappointment that I didn't even finish reading it.  I thought it was just stupid and it didn't keep my interest enough to bother finishing it even though it is very short.  (1 star)

See our review of The Day the Crayons Quit.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Put a Ring on It" by Beth Kendrick (Updated)

Put a Ring On It by Beth Kendrick is a fluffy romance novel about Brighton, an insurance actuary with a passion for designing jewelry. Her fiancé who she is helping to pass his bar exam, breaks off their engagement and marries someone else. On the rebound, Brighton visits an old college friend and gets caught up in a whirlwind romance with Jake Sorenson, a very wealthy good-looking man. This book is about taking risks and following your passion.

I enjoyed this story as an entertaining read; however, did not care for how it treats marriage so lightly. It is absurd that both Brighton and Colin would marry someone they just met, but that’s what happens. I did like the ending very much though and would recommend it if you are looking for a light fun, entertaining romance novel.  I liked the cover although it is really misleading.  The dog in the book has a very small part and the cover led me to believe it was more about the dog than it is.  (Karen's review 10/29/15, 3 stars)


Put a Ring on It by Beth Kendrick is about Brighton Smith, a very rational young lady who is an insurance actuary that follows all the rules and knows them all too!  However, the morning her fiance breaks off their engagement, she does something unthinkable for her.  Will her act turn out okay and will this lead her life to somewhere she does not want to go?

This is a woman's book but I enjoyed it anyway.  The story flowed well and I liked Brighton.  The dog in it was good too!  Give it a chance.
(Gerard's review 10/21/15, 4 stars)

(We received this book free for a review and were not compensated.) 

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday - Three Today

Gerard's:

The coin was still rotating when four men in black uniforms appeared atop the stone stairs, an assortment of vicious weapons strapped to their bodies.  By the time the copper thudded on the table, the wyvern glinting in the dim light, Aelin Galathynius was ready for bloodshed.

From page 25 of Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas.



Karen's:

"This is a huge mistake," she said cheerfully.  "But you know, it's kind of exciting.

 From page 53 of Put a Ring on It by Beth Kendrick. 

A towering, hooded figure was gliding smoothly toward him, hovering over the ground, no feet or face visible beneath its robes, sucking on the night as it came.

Stumbling backward, Harry raised his wand.

From page 17 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading. 

Happy Reading!

"Deeply Devoted" (Blue Willow Brides Series) by Maggie Brendan

Deeply Devoted (Blue Willow Brides) by Maggie Brendan is a light romance about a mail-order bride from Holland to a farmer in Wyoming in the 1800s. Catherine answers Peter’s ad for a bride and they correspond for six months but neither make mention of certain things. When Catherine arrives with her two teenage sisters, Greta and Anna, Peter is very surprised but accommodates them all nonetheless. Peter’s mother is shocked when she finds out he is marrying Catherine because he never mentioned anything about it to her. His mother is suspicious of Catherine so hires a private investigator to check out her background and uncovers a secret she neglected to tell Peter.

I enjoyed reading this light historical fiction romance. It’s about trust in a marriage and how important it is to be honest with your spouse. I liked the younger sister, Anna, best though and her puppies. It’s a quick read.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Girl Waits With Gun" by Amy Stewart

Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart is based on a true story.  Constance Kopp and her two sisters are riding in their buggy one day when they are run down by a ruthless factory owner.  When the girls want their money to repair the damages, the owner balks and gets his gang ready to terrorize the girls to keep them quite about the accident, or else!

This book kept my interest and the girls are really good, especially Constance, who is enlisted to help the sheriff in the case.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars) 

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Battle of our Age-Fighting for the Hearts and Minds of the Next Generation" by Bob Hoskins

The Battle of our Age-Fighting for the Hearts and Minds of the Next Generation by Bob Hoskins is a short booklet about a charity organization called OneHope that seeks to reach every child in the world with the Word of God. Bob Hoskins is the founder of OneHope and his passion is to see children’s lives transformed by God’s word. This booklet contains short stories of various children who have believed in Jesus through this ministry and have had their lives changed. Some were in poverty, in prison, had alcoholic parents, were in abusive situations but turned to Jesus when they read the Book of Hope about Jesus or saw other materials produced by OneHope.

I was very encouraged when I read this booklet and was pleased to learn about OneHope, an organization I wasn’t aware of. I enjoyed reading the stories and found the statistics mentioned staggering! I got this in the mail but you can learn more from their website at www.OneHope.net.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday - Four Today

Karen's:

Thank God we weren't able to whisk Tiffany away from that terrible situation we found her in, 15 years ago.  Think of the children whose lives Tiffany is touching now...where would they be without her?

From page 10 of The Battle of Our Age--Fighting For the Hearts and Minds of the Next Generation by Bob Hoskins. 


"So what do you think?" he said to his bride.  "I know it's probably not what you all were used to in Holland, but I think you'll be comforable here once you're settled."

From page 48 (Loc. 627 on Kindle) of Deeply Devoted (The Blue Willow Brides) by Maggie Brendan.


Gerard's:

There was only one thing to do, and she'd never done it before.  Not at work, not in college, not even in high school.

 From page 7 of Put a Ring on It by Beth Kendrick. 

Ordinarily, I would have considered getting run down by an automobile to be the worst sort of catastrophe that could befall the three of us.  But this was not to be an ordinary year.

From page 10 of Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading. 

Happy Reading!

"Black Ice" by Becca Fitzpatrick (UPDATED)

Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick is told by Britt who decides to do some mountain climbing with her girlfriend. When a bad snow storm forces them to seek shelter, they come to a cabin that has two young men in it.  When they are invited in, they soon become hostages!

I thought this book was very good!  I enjoyed the story line and the twists at the end that I did not see coming that really set the stage for the ending!
(Gerard's review, 10/9/15, 5++ stars)

Karen's review, 10/16/15, 4 stars:
Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick was a kind of fun read because the characters were all sort of strange. It is about Britt and Korbie, senior high girls, going to hike in the mountains during their spring break and stay at Korbie’s family’s cabin. Korbie’s older brother, Calvin who is very familiar with the mountains, was going to meet them there. He is also Britt’s ex-boyfriend who she is still obsessed with after 8 months. He stood her up on prom night and she has never forgiven him, so wants to impress him with her wilderness skills that she studied about in preparation for this trip. When they get caught in a snowstorm in the mountains and have no cell phone reception, they look for shelter and find a cabin with two guys in their early 20s who let them in.

The girls both seemed ditzy to me but it was kind of fun trying to guess who was the good guy of the three in the story. The story is far-fetched and I didn’t understand why Shane and Mason aka Ace/Jude were hostile towards the girls. They could have just been nice the whole time, the girls would have willingly shared their supplies and they could all leave after the storm. Even though I didn’t care for the main character because she was a big liar, immature for a senior, and a big flirt, I stuck with it and finished the book. It’s a light psychological thriller that did keep my interest and was entertaining.


Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Striking Gridiron" by Greg Nichols is Really Good!

Striking Gridiron is a true story that takes place in 1959 in Braddock, Pennsylvania.  Half a million steelworkers are on strike in this steel town, but this town rallies around its high school football team.  This team has a chance to do something really special in 1959.

This book is really good!  I love how the author gave background on the coach, players and the people of the town.  It has great descriptions of the games too.  I was into it from the first page!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Prayers and Lies" by Sherri Wood Emmons

Prayers and Lies by Sherri Wood Emmons centers on 7-yr-old Bethany.  When she meets her cousin, Reana Mae, they form a bond that benefits them both.  As the years go on, Bethany finds out that there are a lot of secrets that are going to change the way she thinks about people and events.

I thought this book was okay.  I think it would appeal more to teen girls and women than men. 
(Gerard's review, 3.5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Four Today

Karen's:

I was abandoning my car to look for better shelter, and I didn't know if I'd find any.  My phone didn't work, I had no way of reaching my dad, and my heart was beating so fast it was making me dizzy.

From page 48 of Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick.  (Click to see Gerard's review of this one)

When Harry woke up on Sunday morning, it took him a moment to remember why he felt so miserable and worried.  Then the memory of the previous night rolled over him.

From page 288 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling.


Gerard's:

I cried till my stomach hurt.  Then I slowly climbed the thirty-two stone steps and headed for home, kicking small stones before me and cursing my sister with every step.

 From page 23 of Prayers and Lies by Sherri Wood Emmons.  (Click link for my review)

It's me, RED crayon.  We need to talk.

From page 3 of The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt. (click link for our review--we both liked this one!)


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading. 

Happy Reading!

"Not a Drop to Drink" by Mindy McGinnis

Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis is told by a young girl named Lynn.  She lives with her mom and protects their pond because water is very scarce in her world.  When an accident claims the mother, it's all up to Lynn.

I thought this book was okay.  I really liked Lynn and the story line was good enough to keep my interest.  It had a good ending too!
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!