Book Review: The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah

The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah

Oh my goodness!  I want to read this one again!  It's one of my fave historical fiction eras (occupied France - somehow it seems like this topic is EVERYWHERE)..... but aside from that - 2 points of view... past and current... which I enjoy.  And a different twist on the topic..... HIGH praise from me....  I enjoyed the story so much that I want to go back and read it again to see what I missed.  I may just have to purchase this one!

Book Review: Be Our Guest! by Gray Malin

Be Our Guest! by Gary Malin

Oh my goodness!  The photography in this book is spectacular!  The prose is nothing special - cute enough..... but the photos provide a backdrop for a TON of stories you can have in your mind (or the mind of your little one)!  Make room for this one on your preschool - early elementary shelf.

The Room on Rue Amelie by Kristin Harmel

The Room on Rue Amelie by Kristin Harmel

  Well written historical fiction!  Yet another French resistance story fraught with danger and romance....  I fell in love with the characters..... and (surprisingly) did not completely predict the ending.   It definitely kept me turning the pages.  I would recommend it for those who love this particular time period.

Book Review: What Will Fat Cat Sit On? by Jan Thomas

What Will Fat Cat Sit On? by Jan Thomas

This book is magic!  You know I love children's books, right??  Other than my inner grammar critic cringing at the preposition at the end of this question....  I'm in love.  The story is simple.... cute repetitive... the characters adorable and engaging...  I can envision enjoying reading this one over and over to lots of children!  I will be looking for more by this author....

Book Review: It Wasn't Me! by Lucy Barnard

It Wasn't Me! by Lucy Barnard

Ever intrigued with a cute cover, I had to check out the pup in this book.  I do love children's literature.... but I would be hard pressed to call this one literature.  An intriguing premise, the writing style is absolutely mediocre at best... and the story degenerated quickly into an obvious moral tale.   The artwork is the best part of this book but only for cuteness.  Absolutely average.

Book Review: Court of Lions by Jane Johnson

Court of Lions by Jane Johnson

A fascinating historical fiction.... dual mystery/ points of view.... present day and late 15th century Spain. Engaging characters, superb history.. a bit cliche in parts but moves along well and kept my interest. Definitely a good read!

Book Review: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle

A re-read for me..... I enjoyed it as much or more than I did before!  I love the characters... I love the story and I'm ready to watch the movie :-)

Book Review: A Clash of Kings by George R R Martin

A Clash of Kings by George R R Martin

I know its a wonderful series on television - and I really enjoy the language and engaging characters.  BUT BUT BUT... . it's a bit too gruesome for me.  My greatest complaint with the first book was that it was a bit gruesome and all my favorite characters were killed off.  Not so many main character deaths in this one but just as horrific.  Officially after the second book - not my cup of tea.    That said - the writing is wonderful and I may be back when I'm ready for a mega-long read.

Book Review: A Separate Peace by John Knowles

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

A thought-provoking story about boys on the brink of manhood... with war looming over them.  Friendship, rivalry, school times.. not with college being the next step - but enlistment.  I can't say I enjoyed it.... the tale was entertaining but slogged in parts and was cliche in others... but it is haunting and will stick with me for a bit.

Book Review: Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks

Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks

Short stories are hard for me.... either I can't get into them and they are over before I figure out what is going on (so I don't like them) or I DO get into them and am disappointed when they end (so I don't like them).  So you get the drift - I don't really like short stories....  but.. it's Tom Hanks so I had to give it a go.  And - I'm impressed!  These are the rare stories that fall into the latter category - I was engaged with the characters AND the stories.... They are all different... with a common thread... I enjoyed the different literary formats (play, news article, prose).  I still am not fond of short stories - but I have to admit that this is a good collection!

Book Review: 1984 by George Orwell

1984 by George Orwell

Encouraged by the great PBS read, I decided to re-read this classic. I remember it scaring me in 9th grade and that has been about a bazillion years ago. I can honestly say it scared me even more today. The correlation between thought and dissent..... and the insistence on government leaders - a ruling class in a classless society - being of one unquestioning mindset.... Definitely a cautionary tale as relevant today as it was when it was first published. An important book to read if not an enjoyable one. This is a classic!

Book Review: Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon

Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon

Light romance..... interesting but predictable plotline... good characters.... a quick beach read - sprinkled lightly with a Christian flavor without being too preachy.  I enjoyed it and didn't have to work :-)

Book Review: The Royal We by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan

The Royal We by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan

Are you a royal watcher? I am. And, still on the high from the royal wedding this spring, I found this book to be sheer delight!! Don't look for anything weighty or complicated - It is completely easy and totally engaging - the perfect beach read :-)