Beware of "The Perfect Child" by Lucinda Berry which is WILD and Extremely Sad!

The Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry is a very sad and depressing read.  If I had known that before, I would not have read this one, but once I started it I got invested in the Hannah, the mother.  This is the story of the family who adopted an abused 6-yr.-old child and the struggles that they encountered.  This book got me riled up and even angry at times.  It's an emotional read with a child far from perfect.  I really don't understand the title.  I would not recommend this one.  (Karen's review, 2 stars)

Gerard's review 11/30/22:
In The Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry, a young girl is found who has been mistreated and needs help in the worst way.  Christopher, a surgeon, fixes her up.  He wants to adopt her since the girl has no relatives.  His wife, Hannah, agrees and they take her in.  Is it happy ever after? or the worst decision they ever made?  This book is wild!  The storyline kept my interest.  (4 stars)

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"Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng is about motherhood and secrets.  I found this story to be thought provoking and heartbreaking.  It contrasts the lives of a rich upper class family of six, the Richardsons, with a single mother, Mia, who is an artist and struggles to provide for her and her teenage daughter.  Then another story line is about a Chinese birth mother who gave up her baby and now wants her back from the nice, well-to-do couple who has started the adoption process.  There is lots of emotion wrapped up in this book.  I think this would be an excellent book for a book club to discuss.  I enjoyed reading this but was a bit disappointed with the ending that was kind of left up in the air.  I think women would definitely enjoy this one more than men.      
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"A Mrs. Miracle Christmas" by Debbie Macomber

In A Mrs. Miracle Christmas by Debbie Macomber, Laura is worried about her grandmother, Helen, getting Dementia.  She doesn't want to leave her alone so hires a home-care provider, Mrs. Miracle, from Caring Angels.  Laura and Zach can't have children so tried to adopt but were devastated when it didn't work out.  Laura is thrilled her Nana and Mrs. Miracle hit it off and has seen improvement in Nana's behavior and attitude since she hired Mrs. Miracle.  When Helen tells Laura that Mrs. Miracle is a real angel, Laura begins to worry again. 

This is a delightful, entertaining read that reminded me of the show, Touched by an Angel.  If you liked that show, I would highly recommend this book to you.  My favorite characters are Helen and Mrs. Miracle.  It's a fun, light read.  It could easily be a Hallmark Christmas movie in my opinion.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 30:  That Mrs. Miracle knew this shouldn't have surprised Helen, if indeed she was an angel.  But it sure seemed to Helen that this woman was privy to a lot of personal information, angel or not.

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 Rising" by Heather Graham and Jon Land - Science Fiction

The rising by Heather Graham and Jon Land has two main characters:  Alex, a star high school quarterback who looks forward to being a QB in college and the pros; and Samantha who has big future plans, but for now is a tutor to Alex.  She would love to have a future with Alex.  Alex gets hurt in a game and is rushed to the hospital.  The test results are like nothing the doctors have ever seen and a secret that has been hidden for many years will come out!

This thriller is pretty good.  I loved Alex and Samantha and the story line was good too!  This is well worth reading.
(Gerard's review, 4.5 stars)

Karen's review:
Well, I disagree with my husband's review on this and his rating.   The Rising by Heather Graham and Jon Land is the first in a science fiction series about Alex who is human, but al from some other planet far, far away which he remembers nothing about since he came to earth when just a baby. He was the star of his high school football team, but when he got clobbered in the head breaking up a tackle, his life changed! He and is tutor, Samantha, find themselves on the run.

 I did not care of this book and was very happy when I finally reached the end. No way will I continue with this series. Absolutely nothing made any sense to me. I just thought the story line was very dumb and the characters were just okay, not very well developed. The only reason I continued reading to the end was because I thought things might make sense if I read it all, but I was wrong. I didn’t enjoy this at all and certainly would not recommend it to anyone! (2 stars)

Teaser from page 37:  Then Alex realized it wasn't just that he couldn't get up, he couldn't even move.  Started to suck in a deep breath when he realized he couldn't breathe, either.

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!

"My Name is Leon" by Kit de Waal

In My Name is Leon by Kit de Waal, Leon is a 9-yr.-old boy who lives with his mom.  His dad left a while ago.  His mom pretty much leaves him to fend for himself.  Add a new baby to the mix, and that is trouble!  Pretty soon Leon and his baby brothe4r get put into a foster home.  His baby brother gets adopted, but not Leon!  Leon will find his brother if it is the last thing he does.

This book started out strong, but when a bunch of new characters get brought in, it kind of went off track.  However, the ending brings the book back on track.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 29:  "She's been taken to the hospital, love.  You could see she wasn't well."

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!

"Pretending to Dance" by Diane Chamberlain

Pretending to Dance by Diane Chamberlain is the story of Molly, a woman who after a miscarriage, cannot have children and seeks to adopt with her husband, Aiden. They live in San Diego and are looking into an open adoption so the birth mother can still be involved with the child. Molly, having been adopted herself in an open adoption, keeps that from her husband. Molly grew up in North Carolina on a family mountain. Her birth mother lives on the mountain with the rest of Molly’s family and gives Molly dance lessons. Nora, Molly’s adoptive mother, actually has a civil relationship with her husband’s former lover and Molly’s birth mother. Talk about a dysfunctional family, this was it. Molly’s father had MS and Molly was only 14 when he died. Molly is haunted by her past and needs to forgive so she can move on with her life. This book is filled with emotion and is all about relationships and family secrets.

I enjoyed this book very much because it felt so real. The story line about Molly’s childhood is heartbreaking as her father’s illness gets worse and Molly begins rebelling against her parents, going through a coming of age period. There are funny parts that balance out the sad things and touching moments throughout the book. This was a bit of a tear-jerker for me. I think this would make a good book club read and highly recommend it. The part with the father and Molly reminded me a bit of The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks. I would love to see a sequel to this with Molly’s own family and how that would play out. (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!

"Before We Were Yours" by Lisa Wingate (Historical Fiction)

In Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, Avery Stafford has it all.  She was born into a wealthy family, a very good career and soon to be married to a handsome man.  A chance encounter with a member of her family cast light on a hidden secret that if gets out, her family name could be ruined!

I thought this book was very good.  I was into it from page 1 and loved the characters.  It is based on a true story.  If you get a chance, read this one--so far it is my book of the month!
(Gerard's review, 6/24/17, 5++ stars)

Karen's review, 7/8/17 (4 stars):
In Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, there is a mystery connection between two old ladies who are in a nursing home and the granddaughter of one of them who stirs up an old family secret.  The part of this book about the Tennessee Children's Home Society run by Georgia Tann and its evil practices between the 1930s and 1950s was interesting, captivating, and very disturbing.  I really liked Rill, one of the main characters who told that part of the story from her point of view.

This is a sad story with a happy ending that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys reading about families.  The story is told from two different points of view and jumped back and forth between two story lines which eventually came together.  I think people with rough childhoods would find this book encouraging.  This was a complex book that dragged for me in parts during the one story line so that is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.      

Karen also read The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate and liked that one as well.

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!

Sharing a book review is one of the options for Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop today.  Go link yours up or maybe respond to one of the other prompts.

"The Mystery Box" by Eva Pohler

The Mystery Box by Eva Pohler is a suspenseful read that slowly builds, beginning with Yvette, a bored housewife.  One day Yvette meets her strange and mysterious neighbor, Mona, who lives in the house behind her when Yvette delivers a UPS package to Mona that had Yvette's address on it.  Mona begins telling Yvette her incredible life story.  Day after day, Yvette agrees to come and hear more.  Mona confides that she fell in love with a professor who had connections with the Taliban and had kept her prisoner.   Yvette is shocked when she finally realizes why Mona is telling her all this--it's not just because she is lonely.

I thought this was interesting right from the start but Yvette choosing to stay behind to hear more of Mona's story rather than join her family for a vacation didn't seem very realistic.  Yvette took her family for granted and I liked how once her life got shaken up, she yearned for things to go back to how they were before.  I didn't like Mona much at the beginning because she was engaged to a nice guy but cheated on him, falling for Ahmed Jaffar instead.  
(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!

We Both Liked "The Silent Sister" by Diane Chamberlain (Updated)

In The Silent Sister, Riley believes her older sister killed herself as a teenager.  Twenty years later she finds evidence that this is not true.  As Riley seeks the truth, she will be hit with some things that will shake all the truths she did believe.  

This book rocks!  It's all good but as slowly the secrets and lies come out into the open you as a reader are wowed.  LOVED IT A LOT!
(Gerard's review 3/26/15 5++ stars)

The Silent Sister starts out a bit slow with Riley getting her father's house ready to sell after his death.  Boy, did this bring back memories for me though having gone through this process with my dad.  I could certainly identify with her through this process.  The story picks up when Riley believes her older sister may not have committed suicide many years ago but may actually be alive somewhere and begins her search.

During this time, the author gives us a look at what's been happening with Lisa, Riley's older sister, who is a fugitive because she was charged with murder and faked her death to avoid prison when she was 17.  I couldn't help pulling for Lisa even though her younger brother, Danny, thought she should pay for what she did--not only for committing murder but also for ruining their family.
 
I realize you may think I've given spoilers here, but I haven't.  There are lots of surprises in this book and I loved how the author developed them gradually.  This book is not only about family secrets, but about the extent parents go to protect their children and how one event can tear a family apart.  I really liked this book which was no surprise to me because I also liked The Secret Life of Cee Cee Wilkes and Necessary Lies, and The Midwife's Confession by Diane Chamberlain.  If you like stories about family drama and lots of twists and turns, you'll enjoy this one, I'm sure!  I'd certainly recommend this one for a book club read. 
(Karen's review 3/23/15, 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. Happy Reading!

"Stepping Down" by Michelle Stimpson (Christian Fiction with Strong Message)

Stepping Down by Michelle Stimpson is about a Pastor's struggles to balance his ministry, family and stay true to God in the face of scandal and the pressure from his board of advisors.  Their adopted 13-yr.-old son, Amani, is becoming disrespectful and heading for trouble.  Sharla, the Pastor's wife, is at the end of her rope and desperately wants her husband to get home earlier and spend time with his family.  When the Pastor is involved in a car accident on his way home from church with Bria in the car, rumors start to fly.  God uses it to bring their family closer together, the Pastor finds his passion for preaching the truth again, and Amani gets to meet his birth mom.

This is very believable Christian fiction that includes some scripture and an invitation to trust in Jesus.  Through the characters, the reader sees an example of common struggles and how it's not always easy to let go and let God work, but that when we do, God really does work all things together for good to them who love God and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).

I liked this one because the characters were very believable and it dealt with the issue that many churches face when they strategize ways to grow. 
(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. Happy Reading!

"Jury of One" by David Ellis is one we both Liked!

Jury of One by David Ellis is about a young boy named Alex who is accused of killing a cop, and Shelly is his attorney.  As she learns more about the shooting, secrets Alex and her have get revealed.  This book is good from beginning to end and the last part of the book with the trial is nearly impossible to put down.  LOVED IT!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars) 


Jury of One by David Ellis is an intricate plot with several surprises along the way.  Shelly, an attorney who defends youth in civil suits because she believes in second chances, leaves her comfort zone and takes a criminal case, defending a 16-yr-old accused of drug dealing and killing a cop.  The kid is not straight with her and she pretty much has to guess what actually happened along with the reader when Alex and Ronnie, his best friend who is like a brother to him, look out for each other.  As Shelly defends Alex, her past comes back to haunt her and more and more secrets are revealed as the trial goes forward, leading to a big surprise ending. 

This is a good book filled with mystery, loyalty, legal procedures, dirty cops and family secrets.  I liked the main characters and the story line kept my interest.  

(Karen's review 12/18/14, 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. Happy Reading!

"Mind of Winter" by Laura Kasischke is Fantastic!

Mind of Winter by Laura Kasischke takes place on Christmas day!  Due to a blizzard, a family Christmas does not come off.  At home is just the mom and her teenage daughter.  What makes this book so good is the writing.  Mind of Winter hooked me from page one and did not let me go with a shocking ending I did not see coming at all.  This is a fantastic read I highly recommend! 
(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. Happy Reading!

"To Sing Frogs" by John M. Simmons (UPDATED)

A Happy Memoir

Updated 10/25/13:

To Sing Frogs by John M. Simmons is an interesting read on so many levels.  First of all, it is a true story of a Mormon couple who had three boys of their own, but who adopt a special needs boy (Jack) and later three girls and one boy from Russia.  It was amazing at how many hoops they had to jump through and all the delays.  In spite of the author being a cynic who really doesn't believe God cares or is involved in our lives, the answered prayers of the three little orphans from Russia seems to at least make him wonder.

I'm glad I took the time to read To Sing Frogs in spite of the dumb title.  This book is so well written that I felt the father's frustrations and the joy of the girls who were adopted.  I loved the author's sarcasm throughout the book and how the orphans' prayers were answered in spite of the odds.  I think anyone considering an international adoption or interested in orphanages or Russia would enjoy this book.  It's different from any other book I've read.     
(Karen's review)

To Sing Frogs by John M. Simmons is a memoir about family, friends, life, and other things that don't make sense.   It is about a couple who adopt four children from Russia.  The best parts of the book were: 

(1)  all the red tape and the various hurdles the couple had to go through to get the children to be part of their family;

(2)  the kids, the joy they felt that somebody wanted them and then the trials of coming to America and not knowing the language and the customs; and

(3)  how the couple wished that they were able to take a lot more kids in.

This is a feel good book that I think you would enjoy reading!  There is no big "wow" factor, but a happy, heartwarming ending.  I liked the pictures in the book too!
(Gerard's review, rating 5 stars)

Note:  We received an advance review copy of this book but that did not affect our reviews.
All proceeds from the sale of To Sing Frogs will benefit the Ele Lembra Foundation charity and with your assistance, we'll be raising awareness on the benefits of adoption.

Happy Reading!

We Loved "Orphan Train--a Novel" by Christina Baker Kline (UPDATED)

I really enjoyed Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline about the life journey of Vivian, a 91-yr.-old who was an Orphan Train rider at the age of 9 who becomes friends with Molly, a 17-yr.-old Goth girl who is in the foster care system.  This novel is written in such a way that is both contemporary and historical fiction, as Vivian shares her background with Molly.  It is a very interesting read because both Vivian and Molly have a lot in common, understand each other, and help each other.

This book has some very sad parts but also some very happy and heartwarming parts which makes it an enjoyable read.  It addresses the issues of the importance of kind people in our lives, what things we value, perseverance and how things happen for a reason.  The author does an outstanding job of smoothly transitioning from the past to the present and from the story of Vivian back to the present-day story of Molly and Vivian.  I was never confused at all.  Great novel that brings the early 1900’s to life in sharing that part of American history.  I highly recommend this to anyone!
(Karen's review)


Orphan Train--a Novel by Christina Baker Kline has two main stories: (1) A 91-yr.-old woman tells of her young life of being on an orphan train. Her story is fantastic! and (2) A young teen girl who is now an orphan, describes what she is going through. Her story is very good. These two women are brought together and find they have more in common than they thought. I loved this book!

Even when the story is finished, there is still an interview with the author, a story about orphan trains and questions for a book club . Make it a point to read Orphan Train; you will be glad you did!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Related Reads:  Orphan Train Rider by Andrea Warren

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. Happy Reading!

"Finding Danny" by Linzi Glass (UPDATED Rescue Me Week))

Finding Danny by Linzi Glass was the perfect book to read during Shelter Appreciation Week!  It is a happy children’s book about Bree, a 7th grade girl who meets some interesting people who change her life as she searches for her runaway dog, Danny.  When she visits an animal shelter for the first time, she determines to help the dogs somehow and does.

I liked this book because it was upbeat and focuses on animal rescue.  I think it would also be inspirational for children and teens to see how one person can make a difference.  My favorite part was that Bree convinced her lonely elderly widow neighbor to get an abandoned dog named Neptune.  This is a cute quick read.  (www.linziglass.com and www.theforgottendog.org)
(Karen's review)

This is a book about a young girl named Bree. Her parents are super busy so they decide to get her a dog to keep her company. She names the dog Danny and they get along famously! One day her mom makes a mistake and leaves the gate open and Danny gets away. Bree sets out to find Danny and winds up helping many other dogs How you ask? You will have to read this book to find out. It's a wonderful story. I read it in two days and loved it! Give it a chance and you will too! 
(Gerard's review)

Now, how about visiting a shelter near you and adopting a pet?

Over at Mayzie's Dog blog, to honor their Grampa J who loved pets, they are encouraging everyone to post a pet who needs a home on your blog and next week they will draw five participants and donate $100 to an animal rescue of their choice!

Here is Forest, one of the dogs hoping for a forever home waiting at Canine Lifeline where we got our dog from:

The shelter was full and Forest was at the top of the list to be put down as he’d been there awhile. According to the dog pound folks, Forest’s family moved out and left him chained at the empty house. Forest spent his weeks at the shelter grieving for the loss of his home and family. The shelter staff and volunteers said he looked closely at everyone walking through the shelter hoping his family had come for him but after a couple of weeks, he was depressed and seemed to have given up hope.


You can help our charity of the month just by leaving a comment on any of our blogs! We will donate 50 cents per comment at the end of the month. The charity for this month is at the top of our blog.

"Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love" by Larry Levin

Oogy by Larry Levin is a story of a family who adopted a very gentle but beat up dog that had been used as bait for dog fights because he wouldn't fight.  He lost one ear, the left side of his face, and a broken jaw but the police found the pup and took it to a veterinarian who cared enough to go above and beyond to save it's life because of its sweet disposition.  This book is about the dog everyone thought was a pit bull that was actually a Dogo--a breed I never heard of before.  I felt sorry for the poor dog because of all the pain it suffered, but happy that he found such a loving family that gave him a good life! It was an enjoyable read.
(Karen's review 9-30-11)

Oogy is the true story of Larry Levin who rescues a "Bait Dog."  You will have to read the book to find out the meaning of that term.  He comes out with the name "Oogy."  The book details how he and his family incorporated Oogy in their lives.  This book is okay, a nice story.  I don't think it's anything special.  I've read better dog books for sure.
(Gerard's review 11/6/10)


Have you read this one? What did you think of it?  What dog book would you recommend?

This is the last day to comment on our blogs for our 50 cent donation per comment for Best Friends--a great animal rescue organization.

"Look Again" by Lisa Scottoline

Look Again by Lisa Scottoline is the second book I have read by her.  It’s about a Ellen, a journalist and single mother who thinks her adopted son looks a lot like the face of a missing child on a postcard she received in the mail.  She becomes paranoid that neighbors may think she kidnapped him and is afraid she may lose him.  Nevertheless, she can’t ignore the fact that her 3-yr.-old son, Will, looks like the missing kid, Timothy.  She goes on a search for the truth to hopefully prove Will is not the same child that turns deadly.  This is a book that starts slowly and an ending that did not surprise me.  My favorite characters were Marcelo, Ellen’s boss and Will’s cat, Oreo Figaro.  I didn’t care much for Ellen at the beginning but did get to like her by the end of the book.  She was smart and courageous. 

If you like books about fierce mothers who fight for their kids or books that address moral dilemmas, this is a good one for you.  I liked Save Me by Lisa Scottoline better though.  My husband starting this one but said it was a woman’s book and gave up on it.  I agree with him—it is geared more to women.

(Karen's review)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? You can help our charity of the month just by leaving a comment on any of our blogs! We will donate 50 cents per comment at the end of the month. The charity for this month is at the top of our blog.

"Beautiful Lies" by Lisa Unger

What a remarkable and gripping story Lisa Unger presents in Beautiful Lies.  She spins a tale that is both heartbreaking and fascinating as she wrote in such a way that made me feel as though Ridley, the main character, was speaking right to me, explaining what she was feeling and thinking during her incredible experience of sorting through the family secrets.  Ridley is a free lance writer who had a happy childhood and grew up in a nice home.  One day she gets a photo which turns her whole life upside down and takes her on a dangerous journey to find the truth.  She gets to the point of not knowing who she can trust but makes some good decisions that help her discover truth and happiness. 

One example of an insight Lisa Unger shares through a section where Ridley is speaking directly to the reader that really stood out to me is this from p. 98-99:

And we stood like that.  The joining of hands is highly underrated in the acts of intimacy.  You kiss acquaintances or colleagues, casually to say hello or good-bye.  You might even kiss a close friend chastely on the lips.  You might quickly hug anyone you knew.  You might even meet someone at a party, take him home and sleep with him, never to see him or hear from him again.  But to join hands and stand holding each other that way, with the electricity of possibilities flowing between you?  The tenderness of it, the promise of it, is only something you share with a few people in your life.  

This is real thriller filled with lots of insights into how people arrive at the choices they make and is definitely a page-turner.  It takes a close look at how we develop and evaluate relationships with others.  Beautiful Lies deals with identity issues, mob activity, abduction in the name of protection, selling babies, judging others, family dynamics, romance and betrayal.  I highly recommend you read this book--it’s fantastic!  Well written and packed with suspense and mystery right from the start. 

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?  Related posts:  Tea Time with Marce Review

Check out our book giveaways:  Hard Cache by Charles B. Neff
You Know How To Be Great by Alan Fine

"Twenty Wishes" by Debbie Macomber

After reading several murder mysteries and then The Hunger Games I was ready for something uplifting so chose Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber.  This is contemporary fiction that I found to be heart warming and inspirational.  It’s about Ann Marie, owner of a bookstore and a terrier named Baxter who is a widow and gets together with a group of other widows who all make a list of 20 wishes which change their outlook and their life.  The main plot is about Ann Marie reluctantly volunteering to be a lunch buddy to a very shy 8-yr.old girl, Ellen, once a week at the school and how that not only changes her life, but how each of them make the others wishes come true.  This book is all about relationships and moving out of your comfort zone to live life. 

This book is full of romance, mother-daughter relationships, dealing with grief and moving forward with your life.  I liked this book because I loved the main story line about Ann Marie, her dog, her relationship with her stepdaughter and Ellen and think any woman would enjoy it.  The romance in it was also humorous.  It was a delightful read!  It inspired me to start a wish list too.

Please tell us: What categories of literature do you like? What are you reading now? Who are your top five favorite authors? Have you read this one? What did you think of it?