Gossip-Beth Gutcheon

The origin of the word gossip is God-sibling, the talk between godparents with a loving interest in the person being talked about. Most gossip today is not loving, and it usually does not stay between only godparents.

Lovie is keeper of the secrets.

The owner of an upscale dress shop, she hears it all, and keeps it to herself. Her best friends from boarding school, Dinah and Avis, have been enemies for ages, but when their fall in love and marry, they maintain an uneasy truce. Dinah married well and became a gossip columnist and Avis made a name for herself in the wild world of art.

As they age, lessons are learned, loves are lost and found, bitterness and sadness are part of the new scenery. In the midst of it all, Lovie maintains her stoic observation of it all. She is the anchor of this story, and she is deftly handled by author Gutcheon. All of the characters are well written and their voices are true.

The tone of this book put me in mind of the wonderful "women's" movies of the 40's, you know the ones I mean. With the wonderful shoes and great suits. I recommend this for anyone who wants a good read, and to feel that terrific feeling of observing from afar. It is terrific.

I received this book from the publisher for review and I apologize for the delay.

The Replacement Wife-Eileen Goudge

Utterly captivating! The story of a matchmaker, looking for a new wife for her beloved husband, as she battles cancer, is both funny (if you can imagine), heartbreaking and hopeful.

Successful matchmaker, Camille Hart, has discovered the return of her cancer. Her handsome physician husband, Edward,wants nothing more than to find a cure for her. Camille has decided, instead of treatment, that she wants to find a new wife/mother for her family. Someone who will love her kids and help Edward through his grief.

She finds a good candidate in a teacher, who loves kids and is looking for love.Unfortunately, she does not share her plan with Edward. All he feels is rejection, and he turns to a beautiful caterer for friendship.(someone to talk to)

Each is deceiving the other, with the best of intentions, when everything suddenly changes. Be careful what you wish for because it might just come around and bite you on the butt. (and sometimes you get what you deserve).

When I found myself getting angry at Camille for being so stupid and selfish, I thought about what I would do in her place. I became more forgiving.

Bittersweet, and a fitting ending, made me love the story after all. READ THIS BOOK!!

I received this book from Netgalley for review. Thank you!

The Lilac House-Anita Nair

Meera, cookbook author, wife and mother, finds her world turned upside down when her husband, Giri, leaves a party they are attending, and never returns home. Her son is confused and her daughter is angry. Meera is  terribly frightened.

The house where the family lives with her mother and grandmother, is a bone of contention between Meera and her husband.

Forced to find work, Meera becomes assistant to Jak, an expert in cyclones, who is struggling with his own family tragedy.

Set in India, I did not understand some of the terms,I was still able to immerse myself in the story, which is lyrically written and fascinating. A look into a culture, so different from ours, with shocking customs, beautiful landscapes, and a people who in this case, honor family above all.

Meera’s strength, fears and hope, carried the story along quickly toward a conclusion that will satisfy any reader.

India is a land of color,spice and people who while  sometimes flawed, as we all are, hold their culture above all. Although I did not like or understand some of the ideas expressed, it is after all, their culture, and I have to respect that.

I Received this book from Library Thing Early Reviewers for review. Thanks!

Loose Gravel-David P. Holmes

First, let me apologize for my silence. I have had bronchitis that turned into pneumonia. I am just a wreck! Very behind on reviews and challenges, but I hope to catch up as I recover.

 

Detective Harold Bruntz is a mess. Unkempt and mean, no one wants to be his partner and the top brass are trying to get rid of him. The only problem is, he is very good at his job. He is like a bulldog, grabbing on to a case and not letting go, until he solves it. His methods are unscrupulous, and probably illegal as all hell, but he gets his man, or woman as the case demands. He is partnered with undercover cop Yo Yo Brown, who brings her own baggage to the table.

A string of crazy murders lead the duo into the world of incest, porn, mental illness, and the Russian Mob.

Harold is not what he appears, as he and Yo Yo won’t stop in their quest for justice.

This is a gritty (no pun intended) thriller that grabs you by the throat and shakes you until your head rattles.

A very dark, well written book that takes you to the dark places of the human psyche.

Adults only- I recommend this to anyone who is looking for something a little different, with complex characters and one tough new hero.

I received this book from the author for review. Thank you!

Before I Fall- Lauren Oliver

Samantha Kingston and her friends are the definition of “Mean Girls”. They torment without reason, and seem to have no problem being mean for the sake of popularity.

After a drunken party, The girls are involved in a terrible accident, which leaves Samantha dead. Except she wakes up and gets the chance to relive the day over (and over and …etc)

Each chance she gets serves a different purpose. Can she save her own life? At what cost?  As Samantha tries to do the right thing, she finds that it is not as easy as she thought it would be. Each day, she is able to change something, to make the day end differently. Would you do whatever you could to save your own life? No matter what the cost?

***Spoiler***

Samantha does not live happily ever after, but the voices in this book are resoundingly true to the voices I hear in my own home.

This book is a good example of a YA book that can be completely enjoyed by an adult audience.

If you knew it was your last day, what would you do? Would you spend it with your family? Would you hang with your friends? Or would you just go batshit??

The questions that this book made me think of, were what endeared the book to me.  This is for adults as well as teens, and if you want a book that will make you weep, laugh and think, then this book is for you!

I received this book from Jamie at Planned Television Arts for review. Thank you!

 

The Blood Lie-Shirley Reva Vernick

Finally a good book with blood in the title that has nothing to do with vampires! "The Blood Lie" is a fascinating book based on a real incident that happened in 1928.

Jack Pool is a promising musician, falling in love for the first time, and Jewish. He longs for a Gentile girl, Emaline. He knows his music will take him away from his small town of Massena, New York, and that he and Emaline can never be together.

When Emalines little sister, Daisy goes missing, the town turns against the Pool family and the Jewish population living there. The rumor is that Jews use children's blood to make their special holiday bread. A shocked town starts accusing Jack of using the child's blood,(an actual myth that people believed), as the search for the child continues. When things start to get really ugly, Jack sees his chances growing smaller, for the future he wanted so badly. The Temple is raided, homes are searched and vandalism is perpetrated against the Pool family farm.

The speed with which the town turned upon Jack and his family, shocked me. The fact that it was based on a true incident shocked me even more.

This was a compelling story, written for the YA crowd, but it was interesting for an adult as well. I had wanted to get Vamp Child to do a joint review, but she did not get the chance to read it yet.

I recommend this book for anyone interested in true life, written as a fascinating novel.

I received this book from the author for review. Thank you so much!

Anything- Michael Baron

What would you do for the person you love? Would you do anything? What would you give up? This is the premise of Michael Barons new novel. It is a magical story!

Ken and Melissa are engaged, and ready to be married in just a few days. When Ken goes to the mysterious jewelry store, run by the equally mysterious Stephon to buy Melissa a gift, he is given the chance to do something he dreams of, to see Melissa grow up. After thinking about it, he decides to go through with it, and discovers a dark secret in her past.

The secret explains why she is a little closed off, and Ken jumps at the chance to change this one little thing. What he has forgotten is that actions have consequences. Everything can change at a moments notice.

This love story is just wonderful and heartwarming, although I wish it hadn't ended so abruptly. (it seemed that way, but maybe because I was loving the story, it just seemed that way). It really makes you think about what if.....

This was just lovely. Although it was a little fantastical, it was well worth reading. If you don't need a realistic, hard fact book, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed! This one is magic!!

I received this book from the publisher for review. Thank you!!

A Dog's Purpose-W. Bruce Cameron

This whole thing may be a *****SPOILER******, so if you don't want to know, don't read any further.

As stated in my review policy, I do not want to read a book where the dog dies. Really, my family says I like dogs more than I like people, and I think they might be correct. So when this book was offered, I was hesitant, but I was assured that  it was not that kind of book. So I agreed...

The dog dies. Not once, not twice, but a few times. Okay, I got over it...

Actually this is an amazing book. The dog in question, may die, but it is reborn, remembering everything it learned in its previous life. What a help that was for the poor pooch. As each lifetime be it short or long, went on, the dog wonders why it keeps coming back. Looking for its purpose, it is a street dog, a family pet, a search and rescue dog..and I am not telling the ending.

 Needless to say, I figured I would need a tissue or two, but in fact, I ended up using a freaking bath towel to sop up my tears. It was wonderful! I think everyone needs a soul shower every once in a while.

I loved this book!! Love, love loved it!!!

 It was the dogs soul as well as its purpose that captured me. It was funny, smart, sadder than sad and beautiful. Everyone should read this book! Especially dog lovers.

I highly recommend it! It is definitely a book for humans.

I received this book and a really cute beach towel from JKS Communications for review. (will post a pic when I find my camera) Thank you so much!

 

Guest Post- Bloodspell-Amalie Howard

My 13 year old granddaughter has written a review on a terrific YA book, "Bloodspell".

Victoria Warrick had just moved to a new school after an incident at her old school. Then, on her seventeenth birthday she discovers a secret hidden in a gift from her grandmother. She’s a witch. And that’s just the beginning!

  At her new school she meets Christian Devereux. Someone who actually understands her. Though she soon learns their romance is doomed, each of them bound by the laws of the supernatural world.  

This book has so many twists and turns. Its got everything a good fantasy book needs. A compelling story, easily relatable, yet different, unique characters, magic and action. 

This book is so well written that you may just go into hysterics over it. I know I did.  

This is definitely an amazing book and my new favorite.

-Vamp Child

We received this book from Marissa at JKS Communications.

We both thank you very much for the chance   to read and review this book!    This was a wonderful read!

                    

Virtual Book Tour- Commune of Women-Suzan Still

"Commune of Women" is a character study of a diverse group of women, forced together by an unexpected, horrible event.

When terrorists take over LAX, killing many in their wake, 6 women find themselves in an employee break room, using a snack machine to block the door.  Erica, a business woman is injured, Heddi, a Jungian analyst, feels it is her job to take charge, Pearl, an elderly bag lady, just wanted a nap, Betty, a patient of Heddi, is a sad housewife, having driven her family away, Ondine is a self absorbed aritst, trying to decide if she should move to a glorious home in France, that she inherited, and Sophia, a quiet woman with amazing survival skills.

Frightened and wounded, Heddi suggests each woman tell something about themselves. Superficial at first, the stories become deeper as the days go on. Broken homes, broken lives, strength and weakness all flow through the small room.

Meanwhile, X, the lone woman terrorist is watching the horror unfold, as her group shoots and gathers hostages. When she realizes the real reason behind the attack, her strength shines through.

I did not like some of the characters, as people, and I found Pearl's voice jarring as I read, but I am not sure how I would have changed it.

The conclusion brought me to tears, so you might say, I was invested in these women's lives. Their stories were amazing and were written in a way that MADE me care. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story, well told.

I received this book from Tracee at Pump up Your Book, for this tour. Thank you!

Sunset Bridge-Emilie Richards

The women of Happiness Key are back in Sunset Bridge. A few things have changed and some things have not. Wanda's daughter Maggie has moved back to the Key, Jayna is still lusting for a child, Tracy is still with Marsh and is having money troubles. Alice is struggling to raise her grand-daughter. The Rec center is still going strong, and Wanda's Wonderful Pies is growing.

Marsh and Tracy are arguing like cats and dogs, and Tracy suddenly finds herself unexpectedly pregnant.She is not sharing the information with Marsh, as she struggles with nausea and an ever expanding waistline.

A sudden, terrible event leaves Jayna with 2 samll children, and Maggie, a former cop agrees to pull in some favors and to look into the case. She enlists the help of her former lover, Felo, a fellow cop. As she noses around, several exciting things happen to the area. A movie company is filming, a new bridge is being designed and built.

The star of the film is convinced that "pies are the new cupcakes", and he loves Wanda's pies.
Her success brings a dizzying offer.

When a hurricane threatens, and Maggie is missing, the women do what it takes to save her, and themselves.

This book is about the strength of women, and the importance of friendship. It also reminds us of the value of communication, and of course, LOVE!

This is a terrific book!
I received this book from Planned Television Arts for review. Thank you!

Wanna Get Lucky & Lucky Stiff-Deborah Coonts

Chick lit has a new girl on the block. Lucky O'Toole is the Customer Relations Manager of the Babylon Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, and she has a heck of a job to do. Between drunken guests, a porn convention, a million loose bees, crazy celebrities,she also has murders to contend with. This girl can do it all! In heels!!

Lucky works for the Big Boss and her mother runs a high class brothel., which causes her no end of trouble. Her man, Teddy, is a female impersonator and he is NOT gay. He sings and writes music that makes her heart sing.

These books are like sneaking backstage in a Vegas show. They are an inside view of what it's like behind the glitz and glamour. You see the good and the ugly but it is all fun.

High rollers, low life's and everything in between make these books funny, sassy, smart and flirty. Perfect books for the dog days of summer. Take them on that Labor Day trip, to the pool, to the school play, but take them!

Lucky juggles men, guests, her family, and friends with such a sense of humor, that you can't help but fall in love with her! She is a spunky new heroine who deserves to be read.

If you are looking for fun reading, these books are for you. Read Wanna Get Lucky  first, and Lucky Stiff  second. If we are "Lucky" there will be many more!

I received these books from FSB Associates for review. Thank you!!

Inherit the Throne- Steve DeWinter

Melissa Stone finally has her act together. She is living under an assumed name, waiting tables in a small town and is happy with her new life. When someone makes an attempt on her life and endangers her family, she is forced back into the dark world she had turned her back on.

A robot controlled SUV loaded with explosives takes aim and crashes into the Vice-Presidents limo, throwing the country into a panic.

William Hartford, Speaker of the House, former alchoholic, and soon to be President of the United States, is a man, not in charge of his own life. For twelve years he has been going along with the weirdest plan he had ever heard. A plan to make him President.

The elaborate plan, being managed by the mysterious Hannah, involves several people, all coordinated to do maximum damage.

Can Melissa save the President, Vice-President, and the Speaker of the House? Can she save her own life, and the lives of those she loves?

Although it was not perfect (could use a little edit),this book is a nonstop thrill ride from beginning to end. It is a perfect summer read, full of twists and turns, introducing a heroine for our times. A kick ass kinda gal!! This is the first in what I hope is a series of Melissa Stone novels. And what a start it is!!

I received this E-book from Pump up your book virtual tours, for review. Thank you for introducing this new star!

Save Me- Lisa Scottoline

When an explosion rocks her daughter's elementary school, Rose McKenna is helping in the lunch room as a volunteer. Her daughter, Melly has been bullied by Amanda, a mean little girl with a mean circle of friends. Melly has a facial birthmark, making her the target for cruel taunts. After witnessing an event, Rose starts talking to Amanda, since the school supposedly has a no tolerance policy for bullying. 

Rose is blown across the room, and when she comes to, she helps Amanda and her friends through the smoke and fire, pointing out the exit, and runs to find Melly. She finds her unconscious and carries her to safety, but when they are taken to the hospital, Amanda is brought in, in a coma. 

Rose goes from hero to villain in a heartbeat. She learns what Melly has benn going through, when the parents and the press turn against her. She is reviled as evil, a woman who would leave a little girl in danger to find her own daughter.

With the other parents set against her, the threat of lawsuits and possible prosecution, weighing on her, Rose starts to investigate the cause of the explosion. 

Will the Mc Kennas lose everything? Will Rose go to jail? Can they ever be accepted again by the parents in Melly's school? Will Rose find the ansewrs in time to save herself?

This was one terrific read! Sad, scary, realistic, and totally believable, Save Me was one that made it impossible to put down. Grownups acting like bullies are nothing new, but in this book they jump off the page, and grab you by the throat. 

I highly recommend this book, with one caveat..it is disturbing in the beginning, but I think that is the "Mamma" in me.

I received this book from Library Thing Early Reviewers, for review. Thank you!

Literary Road Trip- Sandra Brannan

Former Colorado resident, Sandra Brannan has written a riveting story, set in Fort Collins, Colorado. Since I live here, I can say that the setting is a good part of the story. It is always fun to recognize places when you are reading.

 At the forefront is a mystery, an intriguing villain, and a wonderful new heroine, Liv "Boots" Bergen.

Liv Bergen is the boss of a limestone quarry, an unusual job for a woman. One of her female employees, an intern,  has been savagely murdered, by a sadistic butcher, "The Venus de Milo Killer". This killer is depraved, he is one of the worst killer I have ever encountered in my reading, but, he is fascinating.

When an old friend, and FBI profiler, Lisa Henry shows up on her doorstep, Liv learns that Jill is just the latest victim of a serial killer. While the FBI work to figure killer out, Liv figures out the murder weapon, earning the respect of both the local police, and the FBI. As future targets scramble about, unaware, the Special Agent in Charge, Streeter Pierce and his team frantically try to find the killer.

There are some suspects among Jill's classmates, and as Streeter is questioning some of the professors at CSU, another murder is happening, with still another being planned. With everyone looking for answers, Liv is mourning her friend, and anger fuels her search for the killer.

Will she be the next victim?

This is not a romance. This is not a cute read. This is a seriously good read!

This is a terrific, new, adult voice in the mystery genre. I look forward to more Liv Bergen and much more Sandra Brannan!

I received this book from Marissa at JKS Communications. I cannot than her enough!

The Last Letter- Kathleen Shoop

If your parents pulled up stakes from a real city and moved to the dry, dusty prairie, to live off the land, would you be able to forgive them and make your own happiness? What if you had no idea what was really going on?

Kathleen Shoop has written a book full of suffering and sacrifice, a mother/daughter story that reminds us that though we think we know our parents, we don't know everything.

Katherine Arthur's mother is dying, and she ends up on her daughters doorstep, hoping for compassion and forgiveness.

Jeanie Arthur followed her dreamer husband, Frank into the prairie, unprepared, only to live in a dugout, fighting bugs, blizzards, heat, and dust, trying to make a home. Driven nearly mad by the hardships she was forced to endure, with one final betrayal, she resorted to an unspeakable act, in order to save her family.

Her children were forced to endure the same hardships, and more. We assume children are more resilient. They aren't.

For seventeen years, Katherine has been so angry at her mother, she thought she would never forgive her, but a yellowed letter makes it all clear. Will it be too late when she learns the truth? Can she face the past she has worked so hard to forget?

Though I had a really hard time getting into this book, the final result was worth the effort. The voices are true and the story is as compelling as nonfiction. I could never have been a prairie woman, and I have such admiration for even fictional characters who can. This is a great story of suffering, sacrifice, and a mothers love.

I received this book from BookSparks PR as part of a blog tour, for review.Thank you!

So Close the Hand of Death-J. T. Ellison

The Pretender, a serial killer is back, and this time he has help. Across the country murders are being carried out by persons unknown.Taylor Jackson, Nashville homicide detective, is being taunted by the message "Let's Play". Her friends and family are in danger, so she wants to work alone.

A blogger is seeing the overview, as she writes her true crime blog. Colleen is the widow of a fallen police officer, working with police departments all over the country. As Taylor is in the midst of a horror in North Carolina, Colleen starts putting the pattern together.

As things from bad to worse, Taylor is racing against the clock to catch her killer/killers. Taylor decides to hunt the Pretender down and kill him. She finds herself in a very dark place. Her FBI lover, John Baldwin has been suspended, and he struggles to protect her.

The Pretender targets Taylors friends, and with so many deaths to be solved, will they find the killer/killers?

This was such a good story, I got all of the series from my library, so I could catch up and jump into the dark world she inhabits. The stories are dark, and very well written, leaving this reader on the edge of her seat, rushing to the end, but wanting more!

I received this book from Planned Television Arts for review. Thank you!

Driftwood Cottage-Sherryl Woods

Heather Donovan has moved out of the home she shared with Connor O'Brien, taking her son to the charming town of Chesapeake Shores, where his family lives. While they are thrilled to have them nearby, Connor is not so happy. He is not on the best terms with his parents, who have divorced and remarried (each other). As a divorce lawyer, Connor is convinced that marriage is not for him. Unfortunately, Heather wants to marry him, more than anything.

When he finds out that Heather has moved to his hometown, he is not happy, but he is not going to give Heather what she wants, marriage. His career has turned him against even considering marriage as an option. He loves Heather and his son, but he has made it clear from the beginning that there will be no wedding.

Embraced by his large and loving family, who are not subtle with their hints to Connor, Heather opens a quilt shop and begins her new life with Connor coming to visit, often. With his big, fun, wacky family, pushing him, he resists even more, but he also discovers he is becoming a person he does not want to be. He decides to quit his job, and join the only lawyer in town.

When tragedy strikes, Connor is forced to consider his life without Heather.

Do they finally get together? Can an old rundown cottage finally get these two together?

This is a  perfect beach read! Of course it has a happy ending, but always remember, it is the journey, not the destination.

I really like this book. It was charming and the characters were well written and believable. Woods is a deft writer, taking us on a journey over rocky roads, to a conclusion that will tug your heart, and make you remember why we read "Chick Lit". (BECAUSE IT IS FUN!!!)

I received this book from Planned Television Arts for review. Thank You!

Open Wounds-Joe Lunievicz

Swashbuckling...what does that mean to you? Captain Blood, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Sea Hawk, Robin Hood, The Mark of Zorro? To Cyd Wyman, it means life.

Cyd is growing up in a hard time (the 30’s) in a tough neighborhood, with his angry, alcoholic father and his mean grandmother. He has few friends and many enemies. His only solace is the time spent in a darkened theater, watching every new movie that comes out with swordplay involved.

 When his father vanishes and his grandmother dies,Cyd is taken in by his best friends family, and Cyd  begins to feel he finally belongs. When they are unable to keep him, the betrayal cuts deep.

Cyd is placed in a children’s home, where life is even harder. Eventually a distant relative comes singing down the hall, to his rescue.

Lefty is a disfigured, tough man, irreverent, hard drinking, and in terrible pain. He may not know about children, but one thing he does know about is fencing. Lefty has experience staging sword fights for the stage, teaching techniques, and in hooking Cyd up with his friend, a hard drinking fencing master, Russian,Nikolai Varvarinski, together, they teach Cyd how to be a man.

When Cyd encounters old friends and old enemies from his old neighborhood, he is ready. The showdown is just terrific! (The OK Corral can eat it!)

If this book sounds like it is just a YA book, or just for boys, you couldn’t be more wrong. My 13 year old granddaughter read it and she loved it! She still talks about it. My daughter read it and loved it! I loved it! (and still talk about it) Oh, and boys will love it too.

This book is number one of my Best of 2011 list!

We had the extreme pleasure of meeting Joe for lunch when he was in town, and he is a charming, smart and funny man. We talked about the process of writing (and getting published), fencing, movies,the differences between New York and Denver, and spitballs. I can’t thank him enough for taking the time to talk to us! Thanks Joe!!

I received this book as an e-book  from his publicist, Marissa at JKS Communications.  Thank you!
The hard copy will be out his month!! Congratulations Joe!

When No One is Watching-Joseph Hayes

If you did something horrible, and there were no witnesses, would guilt make you confess? How would you hide your emotions and keep it from eating at you? What if it all came back to haunt you after decades of getting away with it?

Blair Van Howe and Danny Moran are lawyers, partners and best friends. They have been celebrating a big victory, and Danny has passed out, leaving Blair to drive them home. When Blair loses control of the car and causes a deadly accident, he puts Danny in the drivers seat and runs away. Blair, you see, has political aspirations, and if no one sees it doesn't happen, right?

Blair calls on his father in law for advice and is told to distance himself from Danny, which he does, cutting Danny out of his life completely. As Blair rises, Danny stumbles, doing prison time, losing almost everything, before finally coming to grips with his addiction and rebuilding his life.

This book made me wonder how many lies (other than the obvious) we are told by our politicians. Can you trust anyone?

Does Blair come clean? Does Danny succeed, and get his life back? I don't want to spoil it! I can't say I love, loved this book, but it really made me think!

I received this book from Newman Communications for review. Thank you!