I devoured all three books in this trilogy in a couple of months. While unashamedly predictable, I enjoyed the characters and the unfolding of the ploI devoured all three books in this trilogy in a couple of months. While unashamedly predictable, I enjoyed the characters and the unfolding of the plot over the course of three books. Elin Hildebrand writes with a formula that works for me and keeps the pages turning. The three books in this series are cheery, twisty, and all dressed up for Christmas. I enjoyed them all as wintertime reads....more
This book will at least make for some great conversation in your book club whether the members enjoy it or not. Since I read it, I have seen referenceThis book will at least make for some great conversation in your book club whether the members enjoy it or not. Since I read it, I have seen references to this book all throughout pop culture and contemporary lit. That alone makes it worth the read. It is pretty amazing that it was written so long ago and still remains so relevant. That said, I am totally perplexed by the way the author chose to end the book. Like I said, good for conversation!...more
I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel. It was an interesting story with good characters. I might have enjoyed this one a little more in paperI really enjoyed this historical fiction novel. It was an interesting story with good characters. I might have enjoyed this one a little more in paper than I did on audio, but I enjoyed it either way. Lisa Wingate is always a favorite of mine....more
Lisa Genova is just brilliant and all of her novels both captivate me and teach me empathy toward conditions I previously knew nothing about. Left NegLisa Genova is just brilliant and all of her novels both captivate me and teach me empathy toward conditions I previously knew nothing about. Left Neglected was no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and found myself disappointed when it was over....more
This book was off to such a strong start! It is well written and captivating � at least until about the 2/3 mark where it became a little too full of This book was off to such a strong start! It is well written and captivating � at least until about the 2/3 mark where it became a little too full of exposition and a little too short on dialogue and action for me. I just lost interest and ended up skimming a good bit. I wish it had kept the pace and sparkle that it began with. Still a great author, but this one was not my favorite....more
This is a great YA novel that lets the reader experience the very real high school struggles and insecurities of a cast of well-developed characters, This is a great YA novel that lets the reader experience the very real high school struggles and insecurities of a cast of well-developed characters, including a main character with “Pure O� Obsessive Compulsive disorder. It is a sweet and engaging novel that can be enjoyed by teens and adults alike. Parents wondering about the content for their children should be aware that the book does mention suicide and, briefly, sex. I found the novel to be well-researched and well written with a great plot line that includes one of my favorite subjects: writing as therapy. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!...more
I am not going to hate on this book with a low rating, but it was not my style. It is a TV-MA Hallmark movie written for Christmas lights and sex scenI am not going to hate on this book with a low rating, but it was not my style. It is a TV-MA Hallmark movie written for Christmas lights and sex scenes. I honestly can’t even remember the plot. Fine if that is what you are looking for, but not what I hoped it would be....more
This book came to me as a brown bag “mystery� mystery that I received as a gift, neither the giver nor I knowing what it held. What a great surprise! This book came to me as a brown bag “mystery� mystery that I received as a gift, neither the giver nor I knowing what it held. What a great surprise! Now I have a new favorite author! I loved this book. It was intelligent, complicated, and full of mystery. The author writes in the afterword that she loves to create complex characters who are full of shades of gray - just like real people are. I love complexity in characters, myself: the intermingling of good intentions and flawed actions, the mixture of selfish actions and a good heart, the uncertainty about what one is capable of. I loved this book and will continue to follow this author. People who are strong empaths and can not consider the possibility of violence upon a child should probably look elsewhere, however....more
This was a sweet book that our book club chose when we needed an emotionally safe feel-good story in a busy, political, December. This book fit the biThis was a sweet book that our book club chose when we needed an emotionally safe feel-good story in a busy, political, December. This book fit the bill. The characters are not very complex but they are generally good. There is little conflict until the end of the book and the characters are inspirational. I may not remember this book forever but it fit the bill for a gentle read. I would say that evangelical Christians will like the book more than the average reader....more
This was a really fun and imaginative book. Read it for the imaginary roller coaster ride, not for realistic plot lines or seamless details. Given thaThis was a really fun and imaginative book. Read it for the imaginary roller coaster ride, not for realistic plot lines or seamless details. Given that, it is a light, cute novel that kept me guessing about what would happen next and what I would do in this completely fantastical scenario. It was a quick, fun read....more
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