Little Black Sheep: A Memoir by Ashley Cleveland

Five out of Five Stars!

The author did an amazing job with writing a story in such a way that you are able to connect with the characters! I feel that sometimes it is very difficult to write a good christian novel. Some stories try really hard to keep the faith in the story that just make it hard to either relate or connect with the charters. While others I feel struggle with understanding faith and what comes with it. With this story, the author did an amazing job balancing everything out. The writing was very well written, great reading pace and grad the reader to want to keep on reading. Lesson to be learned: Even if you feel that you are a black sheep or just not worth the time, God has a plan. He never forgets any of his sheep!

Gone by Stacy Claflin

Two out of Five Stars

Oh my word, what can I say? So I read the summary of the book, and thought this is going to be a great thriller. Low and behold, I was disappointed. The pace of the reading we well written. However, the flow of the story is where I was not too fond of. There were so many different direction the author was trying to take with the story which took away from how good the book could have been. When the author changed up the direction or flow of the story it made it frustrating when reading. All the tell tell signs of issues, I feel should have came up towards beginning of book as opposed to popping up in random spots within the story. To me if the author focus primarily on a specific direction in which the flow of the book would go; such as the dad and his infidelity, or the brother and best friend dating, it would help the reader grasp the story in such a way that they would want to keep reading the book and move on to the next series.

The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown

Five out of Five Stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holly mother of pearl! This is my first Historical book that I chose to read, and read it from beginning to end. I loved it, every bit of the story. Boys that come from struggles from every part of life during the great depression. They came up and won gold in the 1936 Olympics! Amazing and inspiring story!

Dating, Dining, and Desperation (Dear Daphne #2) by Melody Carlson

Three out of Five Stars What can one say about a Christian story. Oh what miracles. I was inspired. Ahh, that was so cute. And oh so much more. But this one I found as a believable story. Not only that, the author I feel did a good job of obtaining the readers attention and keeping the reader involved with the story from beginning to the end. I am looking forward to reading the story that comes before this and the one that comes after. Yeah, yeah I know. So out of order. But hey that is me. :)

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Two out of Five Stars Oh my word, I got caught in the crazy of the in crowd. A movie comes out that is based on a book. The previews seemed so good. Then heard some bad reviews. But hey, a book is always better than the movie. Right? Well I am unable to compare the two because I only read the book. But based on what I heard of the movie, I don't think it falls far from the book. The beginning of the book took forever to catch my attention that I almost was ready to put down the book and start to read a different book. But I was on a waiting list to be able to read this book, I just had to read to the end. Then finally I made it to the middle of the book, so excited the author grabbed me into the story. So, here I am excited the story was getting so good, and then the end happened. I don't want to give it away. but the end... Well, not a very pleasing end just like I saw posted for the review of the movie. If the end of the book kept my attention as well as the middle, maybe I wouldn't have not care for the end so much. But hey, never knock a writer. I am grateful for writers! They create for all the different enjoyments of all the different kinds of readers!

Die for You by Lisa Unger

Three out of Five Stars So the movie Gone Girl was coming out. And based on the previews it seemed to be a very good movie to see. So when I found out this movie was a book, I just so wanted to read the book before watching the movie. So I went to the library to see about checking out the book. While, you guessed it, the book was checked out and on hold. So I had to put my name on the waiting list. So while waiting for the book, I asked the librarian to help me find another book that would be similar to Gone Girl. And this is how I came to reading this book. The pace of this book; Die For You, was very up beat and kept the reader to want to read up until towards the end of the middle towards the end of the story. It almost seemed as if the author was trying to make the book longer, and so some parts towards the end seemed to be drawn out a tab bit more than what would have been needed. But over all, enjoy suspense novel. I would say this would be a good fall read in the woods on your porch.

Please forgive me

No I have not stop reading. I have just been slacking a little on updates and some reading. I ended up learning how to crochet, and just have been trying to do a whole bunch of different projects. But have no fear, three updates are books are here!

The Last Goodbye by Caroline Finnerty

Three out of Five Stars I know writing a book is not an easy task. But when an author struggle in which they would like to the story to go, it may lose a readers attention. Because of the different story plots that are going on can make the story longer than needed or confuse the reader. The flow of the writing is nice, it is just the focus of the story changed too many times. When the book comes to a part that seems like a perfect ending, the author keeps going. Over all the story was enjoyable read.

Going Postal (Discworld #33) by Terry Pratchett

Five out of Five Stars! Not a big fantasy buff. But this was such an enjoyable story from beginning to the end. Peter Jackson, the director of Lord of the Rings, this would be a great book for you to turn into a great movie! Enjoy the corny puns that are use through out the story and the flow of the book. With an author like Terry Pratchett, I just may become a fantasy buff!

Messenger (The Giver Quartet #3) by Lois Lowry

Four out of Five Stars The reason I picked out Messenger was because I remember reading The Giver as a child. I don't remember enjoying The Giver, but I was a child and was force to read it in school. With the Messenger, I opened the book and such an amazing story open up in front me. Lessons to be learned and reading to be read.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder (Hannah Swensen #1)

Three out of Five Stars It is funny on how you can pick up a book and look at it cover, then decide before hand what the book is going to be like. This book kind of falls under those circumstance. The cover look kind of childish but fun, and that was how the book played out. I was able to read this book within 2 1/2 days, not because of any suspense, but more so because the reading of the book was of a good pace and just a simple, enjoyable read. However, I was only able to give three out of five stars because of the way the story played out. I struggled with Hannah working towards solving the mystery as opposed the her brother-in-law. Kind of made the brother-in-law look bad for being a police office who wanted to be a detective. All in all, simple pleasant enjoyable read.

The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison

One out of Five Stars Honestly, I don't like to give out bad review. Nor do I finish reading a book that I get board within a few pages into the book. However, because I sign up for the summer reading program, and well I enjoy blogging about books I read, I read this book until the end. Though the last 47 pages seemed like it took well over an hour to read, I did it. I concord the book to the end. My thoughts at about this book was that it was the longest drawn out 326 page book ever! The reader did not capture their audience very well nor did it keep the audience attention through out the story. The one thing that I found cool about the book was that it was written like a 1st/3rd person book. Each chapter flip flopped between him and her on their perspective of life as it goes, but in 3rd person. So the writing style that was chosen, I like. But the flow of the book, I did not care for.

Promoting an Author - Jodi Picoult

We all know Jodi Picoult from My Sister's Keeper. If you haven't read the book and only saw the movie, well you are totally missing out. I have to say even though Jodi Picoult sticks with the same kind of plots with all of her books, each book seems like a new adventure to go though in life with the next family and their personal sorrows. Nicolas Sparks has a hard time doing as such. With Nicolas Sparks books, it like if you read one you read them all. But with Jodi Picoult, it is a new family, a new trial, a new heart felt story. I am looking forward to this fall of the coming of her next book; LEAVING TIME. Leaving Time goes on-sale in the US & Canada on October 14th (24th September in Australia and 4th November in the UK. Mark your calendar and look out for the next great read for the fall!

The Daughters Break the Rules (Daughters #2) by Joanna Philbin

Four out of Five Stars Yes, yes, it is official. I am nerdy bookworm and have fallen in love with Young Adult novels! Ok, so my oldest got me hook on the first book, The Daughters. When she checked out the book and read it so quickly, I thought I just had to read this book to see what my daughter was reading and enjoyed reading at that! And I open up this book and just saw a wonderful preteen book that fit right at the stage in life that she is in. Then she went to the library and checked out The Daughters Break the Rules, book #2. So then again, I just had to read the book. Sad to say in one night and a day I read the book from beginning to the end. I have fallen in love with the Young Adult book collection of The Daughters. Joanna Philbin does a wonderful job with the flow of her stories and gain her readers attention and keeping all the way to the end of the book, and then wanting more at the end! I am so looking forward to the next book; The Daughters Take the Stage, Book 3!

Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married by Marian Keyes

Three out of Five Stars 610 pages within about a week and a half. I struggled with the first half of the book to grab my attention. Towards to last half of the middle, I found the story line to be intriguing. Then, lost interest in the book, yet again. I enjoy a good story line, however, don't drag out a book well over the amount of words and pages needed to keep the audience's attention.

Twilight (Twilight #1) by Stephenie Meyer

Five out of Five Stars. Yes, I rated yet another book with a total of 5 STARS! I think I may have lost my mind. I don't care for romantic books, let along fantasy books. But here I go and read one that is mixed with both, romance and fantasy. I was eaten a live. LOL. As soon as I open the first page, I just could not put this book down. I was tempted this week to call off of work just to read this book. The author did such an amazing job of grabbing the read, and making the reader feel like they were in the story. With the love story that is embedded in this story, never made me feel like oh boy get for real. Instead, I found it so comforting. Love, with someone that you shouldn't because they are so wrong for you, in which it made it so right. The concept of true and amazing love. I am excited and scared to read the next book; New Moon. I may not sleep until I am done reading it. LOL

The Daughters (Daughters #1) by Joanna Philbin

Four out of Five Stars My oldest daughter is getting into the reading world of fun! During the end of the school year she picked out the book "The Daughters". She wasn't able to finish the book before the school year finished. So at our public library, she requested the book. And within a day she finished up the book. So, it had me curious, what is my daughter enjoy reading that she read it so quickly? I to, open up the book and just couldn't put it down. It wasn't a book of suspense, but the writer did such a marvelously job of grabbing the reader's attention and holding on to it until the end. And the best part about this book is that I could use the saying as "see her mother loved her and was always right". Love it! So looking forward in reading the next book!

Watermelon (Walsh Family #1) by Marian Keyes

Three out of Five Stars I enjoyed Marian Keyes book, Rachel's Holiday so much I end up going to the library to check out more of her books. Watermelon, was one of three of the books that I checked out. I am sorry to say, but I was disappointed in the writing. The writing of the book was done in first person and you not only read the life of main character, but you also read what the main character mind was thinking. The main character seemed as if she suffered many mental disorders, which made it some times difficult to follow. The Plot of the story was, however, of a great story line. Hence, why I did give the book three stars.

Rachel's Holiday (Walsh Family #2) by Marian Keyes

Five out of Five Stars! I sat down and open this book. The next thing I know I read the whole entire book. I laughed I cried and I totally enjoyed. It is not just about being an addict, but the process in which Rachel went through to find herself and to understand herself that touched me the most. Even if you are not an addict of some kind, there is a great lesson you can learn from reading this book. Not only that, you would enjoy the pleasure of reading such a well written book by Marian Keyes! Excited to read more of her books!

Rain Song (Heart of Carolina #1) by Alice J. Wisler

Three out of Five Stars The simple lesson that make a huge impact on people's thought process, this is kind of what this book did for me. Rain Song was a slow mellow read, which is good because it gives you time to think about yourself as you read. The past is not easy to face when everything about it, you are unsure. But you will need to put your best foot forward and go for it!

Puss 'N Cahoots (Mrs. Murphy #15) by Rita Mae Brown, Sneaky Pie Brown

Three out of Five Stars A cute book with a mix of the adult world and children's world with the talking animals. I listen to the audio book while I was in the car with my children dropping them off for school or activities or doing my errands. My kids enjoyed the book. However, the hardest part of listening to the audio book was keeping up with who was an animal and who was a human. Over all the plot of the story was a good one. Not on the edge of your seat good, but a simple relax simple read good.

The Choice (Lancaster County Secrets #1) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Five out of Five Stars I don't tend to give many books all five stars. But this book: "The Choice" I opened the book and with just a few hours I was done reading it. The author did an amazing job to capture the readers attention and keep the readers attention all the way until the end. In the beginning, I asked myself why and how come did Carrie have to go through so much in such a short time. But the lesson that one can gain from this book and the spiritual lesson to gain from it, is amazing. So if you are looking for an amazing read and a comforting story, this is the book for you!

The Secret's in the Sauce (Potluck Catering Club #1)

Three out of Five Stars The Secret's in the Sauce, who wouldn't enjoy a book of a Christian faith and about food! I enjoy becoming apart of each woman's life in the story. I laughed, I cried, and got upset with them through out the book. Fun simply paced book to read. I would suggest this book as a rainy day home read.

Lost & Found (Rocky Pelligrino #1) by Jacqueline Sheehan

Three out of Five Stars I saw many reviews where people said they saw this book as a page turner or they couldn't put the book down. However, I found the story very slow paced from the very beginning till about the end. Then at the last couple of chapters the author finally makes the connection with me where I just had to finish reading the book. The lesson that was taught range from social to personal. But I would suggest this as a good relaxing beach read any day.

ttyl (Internet Girls, The) by Lauren Myracle

Five out of Five Stars I would have never guessed I would have enjoyed reading a book in the style of IM chat. However, I started the book today, and finished the book today. The plot I would have to say is like today society. Unfortunately, the situation that each one of the girls were in are what today day teens girls go though. As I read the book it made me think about how mean girls in High School can be and the repercussion of their actions. With the story so realistic and a simple and easy ready, I enjoyed reading this book from beginning to end.

Furry Logic by Jane Seabrook

Five out of Five Stars Enjoyed reading this book with my kids; ages 12-9-8. They smiled and laughed and agreed to things that were said and even asked questions. Enjoyable book and simple read.

A Polar Bear's World by Caroline Arnold

Five out of Five Stars My 12 year old enjoyed reading this book to her brother and sister; who are ages 9 & 8. Learn great fact about polar bear and a children level. Great fact learning book.

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty

Five out of Five STARS! I don't know why I started to read this book and then put it down and let the book sit for some time. Shame on me! I enjoyed this book from the time I open to the first page up until I read the last word from the story. Everyone holds some type of secret in their life. Sooner or later the secret comes to life and then what? Do you questioned it? Learn from it and move on? or Just pretend it never happened? Well you read the book and be the judge of it.

Hector and the Search for Happiness by François Lelord

Three out of Five Stars Some days it is ridiculously hard to read a book that just doesn't grab the readers attention. However, there is of great sanctification when you complete reading the book and learn a lesson from it. Hector and the Search for Happiness was a weird book to read. The main charterer was telling the story, however in third person. Which was really weird to me. However, the lesson I gain and will take with me is life is what you make it. It is all perception

To Have and to Kill (Wedding Cake Mystery #1) by Mary Jane Clark

Four out of Five Stars Yet another good book listened to. The author gave you a motive for each of the characters in the book which gives the reader the impression that it was everyone in the book who was the murderer. So through out each chapter you are continually second guessing yourself as who done it. Finally towards the end of the book when you find out who done it, you will be totally floored! The author did a great job with her writing style, easy flow and kept the reader wanting to just keep on reading. Enjoyed this mystery all the way to the end!

Cross My Heart (Landry #2) by Abigail Strom

Three out of Five Stars I don't tend to read love stories, only because life never seems to ever pan out that way. So yeah I am anti-love story. However, I did enjoy this simple love story. The plot had the love of a father and daughter and the love of a man and his true love. I think some of the sex part could have been left out. But the story as a whole was of a good love story all around.

House Rules by Jodi Picoult

Five out of Five Stars I sat in my car for many hours, I closed my door for a few hours just to listen to the audio of this book. Every chapter, every disc just had me on the edge of my seat. I became emotional evolved with the characters. As I listen I would scream at the prosecutor, Jacob is autistic with asperger's syndrome. I laughed, I cried, and I connected with the story. I would love to see this book turn into a movie!

Murder on a Bad Hair Day (Southern Sisters Mystery #2)

Two and a half stars out of Five. If halves don't count then I will give it three stars. Some days I wish I could give a book a half of a star for a review. For this book I would only give it two and a half stars. The beginning of the book, the first line in the book, not a good starter. Did not grab me and make me want to keep on reading. Very disappointed. I did find some part humorous. However, I had a hard time believing that the main characters were in their 60s. I don't know any women in their 60s that act like these woman, but maybe there are a few out there in this world. The pace of the story was kind of slow pace. Through out the whole book there was no part that just grabbed me and hooked me to want to keep on reading. I only finished the book because of the reading program I am with for my public library. This was a simple easy mystery book. Not really a good mystery type story however. If you are into simple mystery minus the extra details, this book is for you.

How to Be an American Housewife by Margaret Dilloway

Five out of Five Stars Though I listen to the book on audio, I enjoyed listening from beginning to the end. I enjoyed the beginning of the audio book how they used a Japanese woman read and then an American Woman read part two. While listening to the story I laughed a few times, was able to relate a few times, and a few touching moments. But I do have to admit, if I were to read the book as opposed to listening to the book I may have had a difficult time trying to read the book.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

Four out of Five Stars Yes, I am just now reading The Polar Express for the first time. I choose this book because of my library's winter reading program. My children and I enjoy reading this book together and compared each page to the movie. I am sorry to say, this might be the only book that I enjoyed the movie more. :)

Foreclosed (The Mitzy Neuhaus Mysteries #1) by Traci Tyne Hilton

Two out of Five Stars For this being a mystery book, I wasn't on the edge of my seat. I wasn't excited to turn the page. The book was a easy flow read, yet and lack of excitement that I look for when I read any type of mystery was a Debbie downer for me. The whole mystery that the book was focused on seemed more like a little kids mystery then an adult read mystery.

Fly Trap (Hardcover) by Dina Anastasio

Three out of Five Stars I enjoy reading to and with my children. My only son who is 9 years old in the 3rd grade read this book with me. He currently in a reading program in school, due to the fact he has some reading issues. However, he is doing a wonderful job this year. With this book I read a page and he read a page. On the page I read I would mess up a word and he was to correct me. He did a great job and had fun doing as such. As for the book, it was an easy flowing children's book. Enjoyable story. However, I think the cover is a little extreme compared to how the book actually was.

A Cup of Tea: A Novel of 1917 by Amy Ephron

Four out of Five Stars A 200 page book that took only a few hours to read. Was a page turner all the way to the end. And then the last page just left you breathless. There is someone for everyone. But sometimes we make poor choices and end up with the wrong person. Don't let that be YOU!

The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pène du Bois

Three out of Five Stars I totally enjoy reading programs at the library, because it opens up doors that one may have never opened. My first book of the year is "The Twenty-One Balloons" by William Pene du Bois. It was of a simple read for a new year. However, very enjoyable story. One may never know where the wind might blow, but where it does blow might be well worth the adventure!

Sorry

I must apologize for the lack of book reviews that have been done by me. This year my goal is to read no less than 75 books. I will work hard to keep every updated with new book reviews. Promise!  :)