"The Boys in the Bunkhouse" by Dan Berry is Fascinating!

The Boys in the Bunkhouse--Servitude and Salvation in the Heartland by Dan Barry is a non-fiction book about 21 men who were kept in an old rundown building.  They did work for a company, work no one else wanted to do.  They were mistreated and received very little pay.

I thought this book was fascinating!  I enjoyed getting to know the men in the bunkhouse as they told their stories.  It was sad how people just did not want to get involved in their plight!  It has a real 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 Dead Man" by Joel Goldman is 3 Mysteries in 1!

The Dead Man by Joel Goldman is about a former FBI agent, Jack who has a movement disorder that makes him shake. He takes a job as director of security at the Harper Institute of the Mind, working for an extremely rich man who has early stages of Alzheimer’s.  With the help of his landlady, an ex-cop, Jack finds himself investigating the deaths of two Dream Project volunteers who died, one suicide, one accident but what he believes to be murders connected with the institute.   The institute tries to help people who have bad nightmares be able to take control of what happens in them.

Jack's daughter, Wendy, who overdosed was believed to be involved with a drug ring and the FBI believes Jack knows what happened to the missing five million dollars they believe she had.  The mystery is what happened to the money.

The third mystery is who killed the parents of a little 10-yr.-old girl, Maggie while they were sleeping.  She got away by jumping from her bedroom balcony two-stories high.

This is a very complex mystery!  I figured out just one of the three.  There is a serial killer on the loose and lots of deaths in this book.  The title refers to the crime scene itself which gives the most evidence.  Jack is the main character and I liked him.  This is good from start to finish--I was never bored with it and recommend it to anyone who likes a good murder mystery!
(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!

Teaser Tuesday

Karen's:

She'd dreamed of this moment often.  The image of the killer was as hazy as it had been when she was ten years old, painting her cheeks with her parents' blood before she hurled herself off the balcony outside her bedroom, the killer never caught, never forgotten.


From page 6 of The Dead Man by Joel Goldman.


Gerard's:

"You have to protect on another.  If you're playing baseball and the leftfielder misses the ball, yes it hurts the team--but the ball isn't going to hit the rightfielder in the face.  Miss your assignment in football, do the wrong thing, and there's a good chance one of your guys will get walloped." 

From Page 23 of Lasting Impact by Kostya Kennedy.


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

Happy Reading!

"Lasting Impact" by Kostya Kennedy

Lasting Impact: One Team, One Season, What Happens When Our Sons Play Football by Kostya Kennedy covers the 2014 football season of New Rochelle High School in New York.  This book takes on more subjects than just the football team.  Some I liked, some not so much.  The best parts of this book for me was that I got to know the players and the parts that told about their coach, Lou Dirienzo.  I enjoyed this and if you like High School football, you will too!
(Gerard's review, 4.5 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 Second Half" by Lauraine Snelling

The Second Half by Lauraine Snelling is a contemporary inspirational fiction story about family trusting God through their struggles such as adjusting to retirement, raising grandchildren, dealing with depression. When Ken and Mona’s grown son, Steig, is deployed to Pakistan in the special forces, they become the legal guardians for his 9-yr.-old daughter and 5-yr.-old son whose mother abandoned them and gave up her parental rights. The grandparents and children look forward to skyping with Steig on Thursdays, but it never happens. One day they are informed that Steig is Missing in Action and they struggle to hold on to hope of seeing him come home.

I enjoyed this Christian fiction book, especially the everyday moments that made it very believable. I thought it was funny that Jake, the little boy, was afraid of dogs and cats and that his grandparents had one of each. It shows how one phone call can throw a monkey wrench into the best laid plans!  I highly recommend this to retirees or those nearing retirement.
(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!

"Watching Edie" by Camilla Way is a Good One!

In Watching Edie by Camilla Way, Edie was a little bit of a crazy girl in high school.  But she befriends Heather, a girl who has trouble of her own and no real friends.  However, when a boy named Conner comes along, Edie has time for him and him alone!!  Years later, Edie is at the lowest point in her life, alone and desperate when Heather shows up!  That's a good thing, right?

I thought this book was very good.  I went through a love/hate relationship with both Heather and Edie.  The writing was good too and it moved along at a good pace.  I recommend 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!

"The House of Secrets" by Brad Meltzer

In The House of Secrets by Brad Meltzer and Tod Goldberg, Hazel Nash was 6 years old when her dad told her mysteries must be found. Now Hazel’s dad is dead. Died in a car accident that Hazel and her brother were in also. Hazel now knows nothing of her past and she wants to find answers. I listened to this audio book and enjoyed it. The story moved along well and Hazel was a great character. I liked the great twist at the end that I did not see coming at all.
(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 Undoing of Saint Silvanus" by Beth Moore

The Undoing of Saint Silvanus by Beth Moore is her first fiction novel. It takes place in New Orleans and centers on a group of people who live in an old refurbished church. When Jillian gets a mysterious phone call from a woman who works for her grandmother telling her that her father is dead, she hops on a plane and finds her grandmother living at Saint Silvanus. Jillian’s mother does not get along with her mother-in-law and was not happy about Jillian going to see her. Some family secrets are revealed, Jillian finds herself in great danger when she gets involved with the wrong person but makes some good friends with the bunch at Saint Silvanus. Jillian is not a religious person but Adella, the woman who called her, is and managed to help Jillian and her grandmother mend their relationship. This novel is about how God can pick up the pieces of broken lives and put them together.

I thought this Christian fiction novel would have more humor but most of it was pretty dark. It moved along very slowly and some things didn’t make sense to me, like why all the flashbacks to when the church was actually a church. Nor did I understand if the father had money for Jillian to inherit, why he lived on the streets like a bum. I liked Adella the best because although she was the Christian in the book, she was presented in a good light and provided at least some humor with her wit and direct ways. I didn’t much care for Jillian, the main character, but liked her better as the book progressed. It certainly is quite a story and one I will probably remember because of the original plot.
(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 Girl Before"

In The Girl Before by Rena Olsen, Clara Lawson lives with her husband Glenn.  She helps with the family business.  Then one day the FBI breaks in and Clara is separated from Glenn.  When she is asked questions, she starts to realize that maybe everything she thought was right was not so.

I enjoyed this book.  the story flowed really well and I felt for Clara.  This is going to be a movie!  I think you should check it out!  It has a real good ending 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!

Teaser Tuesday

Karen's:

"I wasn't looking for you to surprise me.  You tell me you've heard from the Wicked Witch of the South and tht Rafe is dead and some stranger has your personal contact information, and you want to know why I'm unnerved?"

From page 11 of The Undoing of Saint Silvanus by Beth Moore.

Okay, Lord, I don't want to worry about Steig, the kids, the celebration, Ken's retirement, and all the other stuff.  I want to trust You.

From page 29 of The Second Half by Lauraine Snelling.

Gerard's:

What I don't write is:  I'm so lonely in the world I want to peel all of my flesh off and walk, just bone and gristle, straight into the river, to be swallowed, just like my father.

From Page 27 of Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow.

There is a toilet in the corner of the room, but I only use it when I am sure it is nighttime.  I only know it is nighttime because they run the lights from dim to dimmer.

From page 8 of The Girl Before by Rena Olsen.

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

Happy Reading!

"Girl In Pieces" by Kathleen Glasgow

In Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow, Charlotte has seen a lot of loss in her 17 years.  She has a way to deal with it but to find out what that is, you will have to read the book!  Now her mom has given up on her, but she gets a chance to start fresh.  How does she do?

I really enjoyed watching Charlotte grow as this book went along to a real nice 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!

"Fast into the Night--a Woman, her Dogs, and their Journey North on the Iditarod Trail" by Debbie Moderow

Fast Into the Night by Debbie Clarke Moderow is a true story about Debbie and her dogs doing the Iditarod race in Alaska.  I really enjoyed how Debbie connects with her dogs.  This was the best part of the book to me.  I enjoyed it and thought Debbie told her story very well.
(Gerard's review, 4.5 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 Buried Book" by D. M. Pulley is Quite The Mystery! (UPDATED)

The Buried Book by D. M. Pulley takes place in the 1950s and is primarily about 9-yr.-old Jasper searching for his mother who was involved with some very bad men!  One day she just drops him off at his uncle's farm and leaves without saying where she was going or when she would be back. The poor kid misses her terribly and the book he finds in her old house gives him some ideas on where to start looking.

I thought this was really good because it kept my curiosity up wondering what happened to his mother and if he would ever see her again.  The title chapters also were pretty clever and wasn't sure who it was that was being interrogated.  I felt very bad for poor Jasper.  I thought it moved a little slow though and did not care for all the swearing in it.  
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Gerard liked it better:
In The Buried Book by D. M. Pulley,  9-yr.-old Jasper lives with his parents in Detroit.  His parents are not exactly hands on.  One day Jasper's mom takes him to his uncle and aunt's farm, leaving him there.  Now, Jasper has problems.  He has never lived on a farm and doesn't know when or if his mom is coming back.  Jasper wants answers and will do anything to get them.

I thought this book was very good!  Jasper is a great character and believe me, you do not know what is going to happen until the end.  The writing is that good!  Must Read!
(Gerard's review 9-1-16, 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

Karen's:

"Promise me you'll keep him safe.  Don't let anything happen to him."

From page 6 of The Buried Book by D. M. Pulley.

Gerard's:

The boy stared long and hard.  Hazel eyes roaming her body, cool and narrowed.  The blade in her hand.

From Page 44 of Nevernight by Jay Kristoff.

The mere hint that I'm their hero spins everything out of control.  My stomach lurches and the snow beneath my feet rolls like a wave.

From page 8 of Fast into the Night by Debbie Clarke Moderow.

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

Happy Reading!

Both of Us Liked "Red Zone Rivals" by Eric Howling

In Red Zone Rivals by Eric Howling, Quinn Brown is a quarterback on his high school football team.  He knows what to do on the field, but he has to learn some life lessons too.  This is a very short book, just over 100 pages but still packs a wallop.  I enjoyed seeing Quinn grow as a man off the field and I am glad the author did not go to a predictable outcome.  This is a good read for sure!  (Gerard's review, 5 stars) 

(Karen's review 8-31-16, 5 stars):
Red Zone Rivals by Eric Howling is a quick inspirational teen read about Quinn Brown, a high school quarterback who discovers the new “nerd” in the school isn’t so nerdy after all and learns to think of others. Quinn’s new friend, Walker, shocks everyone when he makes the football team even though he can barely walk! Walker shows Quinn how to focus, tutors him in math, and helps him appreciate his dad. Quinn sticks up for Walker and gets the team to accept him. There is a lot of actual football too which is a plus!

I really enjoyed this book because Quinn improves as a player and as a human being. Walker is amazing and a very inspirational character. I really liked the coaching, football games and the good ending. The book moved along quickly and was interesting if you like football. I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about it.


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!

"Nevernight" by Jay Kristoff

In Nevernight by Jay Kristoff, Mia Corvere is a young girl whose father was executed for being a traitor and her mother put in chains.  Mia wants revenge in the worst way, but how?  She is befriended by an old man who put her in a place with the deadliest assassins on earth--Assassin School.  She must beat her fellow students to get revenge but can she?

I enjoyed this book a lot.  Mia is a great character and the story flowed along well.
(Gerard's review, 9/9/16, 5 stars)

Karen's thoughts:
This was a Did Not Finish one for Karen.  She barely started and gave up on it because of the writing, the narration was annoying for her (reminded her of The Book Thief which she did not care for either for the same reason.  She just couldn't get into it.

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!

"Under the Lights" by Abbi Glines

In Under the Lights by Abbi Glines, Willa, Gunner and Brady were childhood friends but now are all playing with problems in the same high school.  Can the bond they made as kids hold up?  The three main characters take turns telling the story.  I liked them all, but enjoyed Gunner the best.

This book was a bit slow at first (causing my wife to give up on it and move on to something else), but around mid-point, it really picked up.  I enjoyed the first book in this series better, but this one was also enjoyable for me.
(Gerard's review, 4.5 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

Karen's:

"If you are living here, that would be good to bear in mind," she advised.  "Sometimes life interferes with all our best intentions."

From page 24 of The Loyal Heart by Shelley Shepard Gray.

Gerard's:

"And you think he'll do this?"  Roosevelt looked at the photo and then handed it back to Strauss.

From Page 50 of The One Man by Andrew Gross.



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

Like My New Shirt?

Got this book shirt from Poland Banana's online store.  Christine is my favorite reviewer on YouTube/Booktube!  Life is good when my biggest problem is what book to read next!  This is my 19th wedding anniversary gift.



 Happy Reading!

"The One Man" by Andrew Gross is FANTASTIC!

In The One Man by Andrew Gross, a man has escaped after the Nazis have killed his family.  He is safe and is working to help the war effort to defeat the Germans, but would love to do more.  One day he is offered the chance to do just that, but this mission is next to impossible to pull off.

WOW!  You talk about a page turner--this book is FANTASTIC!  I flew through it!  The story is that good and the writing is outstanding!  This would make a very good movie.  LOVED IT!  A must read!
(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!