"The Poison Tree" by Erin Kelly

 The Poison Tree by Erin Kelly tells the story of a young girl in London whose summer romance turns into something she could never have dreamed would happen.  The ending is really, really good!  It took me awhile to get into this book, but from page 200 or so (large print version) to the end, I really, really enjoyed it!  This is the second book by Erin Kelly that I read and I enjoyed both of them.
(Gerard's review)

The Poison Tree by Erin Kelly is a novel that shows how crucial it is to choose friends wisely.  The main character, Karen, certainly didn’t when she became friends with Biba.  They were from two different worlds but Karen for some reason was bored and found Biba’s world more exciting.  The book is filled with druggies, alcoholics and promiscuity.  Biba’s brother, Rex, although seems to be the most sensible doesn’t work or attend college.  He and his sister live in a huge house owned by their father rent free and invite in friends to live with them.  This book has so many complicated relationships that I don’t even know how to write about it without giving too much away.  I felt most sorry for Karen’s parents because she messed up her life so badly with one poor decision after another.  All she had to do was focus on her college studies and stick with her roommates, but no—she didn’t.  Biba was very selfish and Rex and Karen both loved her and tried to help and protect her.  When two guys are shot and killed at their house, Rex takes charge of things out of his love for both Biba and Karen.     

This is a good read if you like dark books that do not have predictable endings.  It is not inspirational or heartwarming at all!  After reading The Dark Rose which I didn’t care for, I decided to give the author another chance and go ahead and read this one and am glad I did.  This may make for a good book club read because it certainly has a lot of characters that would make for good discussion.
(Karen's review, My rating is 3 out of 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!

We are donating 50 cents for each legitimate comment we receive on all our blogs to Caroline's Kids Pet Rescue to help homeless cats this month.

"Artemis Fowl--The Time Paradox" by Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer is a fun read!  This children's book is about a young boy who has to go back in time to find a cure for his mother, who has a life threatening illness.  The author indeed has a sense of humor, which I loved!  Artemis is one smart boy!
(Gerard's review)

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!

We are donating 50 cents for each legitimate comment we receive on all our blogs to Caroline's Kids Pet Rescue to help homeless cats this month.

"Sophie--The Incredible True Story of the Castaway Dog" (Updated)

"Sophie:  The Incredible True Story of the Castaway Dog" by Emma Pearse tells the true story of Sophie, a dog who was lost at sea but managed to survive for over two months on her own! I almost lost my dog so I could really identify with what the owners were going through. This is a heartwarming, feel good story for sure!

(Gerard's review:  My rating: 4 of 5 stars)

Sophie—the Incredible True Story of the Castaway Dog by Emma Pearse is an amazing true story about a cattle dog, Sophie, who fell overboard and survived for five months on her own living on remote islands.  The most amazing and heartwarming part though is when she is re-united with her family.  This story demonstrates the bond of loyalty and love between a dog and its owners.  Having almost lost our dog and observing her remarkable recovery from being attacked by two big dogs, I could certainly identify with the owners of Sophie.  This book shows how resilient dogs can be.  If you like dogs, this is a very interesting book that gives hope if something ever happens and you lose your dog.
(Karen's review:  My rating: 4 of 5 stars)

Here's how I almost Lost Our Dog:  Our Sweet Dog, Abby, Is Fighting For Her Life

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!

We are donating 50 cents for each legitimate comment we receive on all our blogs to Caroline's Kids Pet Rescue to help homeless cats this month.

"Incarnate" by Jodi Meadows

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows is a fantasy book about Ana, a nosoul.  She lives where if you die, you keep coming back.  She has only the one life.  When Ana gets away from Li, who was bringing her up and was very mean to her, a fellow named Sam helps her.

I enjoyed this book very much--it kept me turning pages for sure!  I hope there is a second book.  If so, I'll be sure to read it too!
(Gerard's review:  My rating 5 stars out of 5)

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!

We are donating 50 cents for each legitimate comment we receive on all our blogs to Caroline's Kids Pet Rescue to help homeless cats this month.

"Front and Center" by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Front and Center by Catherine Gilbert Murdock is a refreshing coming of age story about D.J., a high school girl who lives on a Dairy farm. This is the third book of the series and deals with D.J. starting her junior year of high school on the girls basketball team. She discovers that she is no longer in the background but rather has become popular and isn’t quite sure she likes all the attention because of all the pressure she feels to be what everyone else wants her to be. She has a new boyfriend but still longs to be with her ex-boyfriend and must decide who she really wants most. Then there’s the pressure of looking into colleges to get a college scholarship for basketball. She feels like she’d rather just play for a Division I school with less pressure but knows everyone would feel let down if she did. It has a good ending too!

I liked this whole series and especially this last book because there was quite a bit about basketball and what goes through the players’ minds as they play. D.J. is a normal, somewhat Tom boyish teen girl who tries to do what’s right. It gives good insight into the pressures that teens face but without being vulgar or depressing. I recommend this series to anyone who likes books about teens coming of age.

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!

First book in this series:  Dairy Queen
Second book in this series:  The Off Season

We are donating 50 cents for each legitimate comment we receive on all our blogs to Caroline's Kids Pet Rescue to help homeless cats this month.

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!

We are donating 50 cents for each legitimate comment we receive on all our blogs to Caroline's Kids Pet Rescue to help homeless cats this month.