Host of New Reviews

My tastes are expanding!! I am really getting a feel for what I like and don't like by attempting to fulfill this goal of 100 books in one year goal. I am right on target time wise, half-way there!

I have been very fortunate to have read a lot of books that I really love. I knew my luck wouldn't last. I am new to this world of books and reviews and writing negative reviews isn't something I am used to or want to do. I did finally find something worthy of writing something negative about, so this should be insteresting!

It's been awhile since I have posted anything, I spent the summer and fall very sick and not even being able to read very much. I am hoping to get back on track soon. I wanted to catch up on my review blog first. This will be a big one! I had read a lot of books that didn't get put in here. Hope you enjoy it! Peace.

One of my favorite books to read was Shadow of the Banyan, here is the review:
In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is exquisite. It is like reading poetry. I love the imagery and it reminded me to be grateful for my life and for love. I feel like I have been given a gift. I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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Conner by Miranda Stork

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really great paranormal romance, but it goes even further with suspense and mystery! Great story with surprises at every turn and it keeps you guessing! A nice twist I must say! I received this book as a gift!
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Halflings by Heather Burch

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story contained extremely strong characters, and was very inspirational along with being a page-turner! I enjoyed the story so much, I cannot wait for the next! This is a great story for teens and adults, and is unlike anything I have read before. I really enjoyed reading this, and the Author has a wonderful style. I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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Bride of New France by Suzanne Desrochers

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved the main character Laure. She is who I would have been in those times. I love that she didn't conform to what others thought she should be, I can identify with that today even. It's funny how so much has changed, yet some things about what are expected of women have not. Whether it be religious, familial, or societal. This book was amazing, really enjoyed it. I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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Dream New Dreams: Reimagining My Life After Loss by Jai Pausch

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wonderfully inspiring read. Jai as a caregiver went through so much and came out fighting, still dreaming, and an inspiration for all of us. I believe in dreams myself, but she energized me with this book to do better, to be better! Love it! I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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The Bad Ass Bible: The Bible's Greatest Hits Remixed by Harry F. Kane

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ive read the Catholic Bible, and the KJV, so to move on to this version was a refreshing change and I loved it! Very relatable.
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Together in Paradise by Travis Slone

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a fascinating read! I didn't find it preachy at all, just a really smooth, lovely lesson that we could all benefit from. It was not based on any religion, and was interesting. I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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Manhattan Affair by Jack Sussek

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved the history of New York and its Hot Spots, and all the different details of the locations. I felt like I was sitting right there with them. The story glided smoothly along like the main character who was taken into his new world by Katherine. I believe Katherine to be a fantasy character though. You can certainly tell this book was written by a native New Yorker who loves his city. I really enjoyed reading this mystery. Very nice. I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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Season of the Witch: Enchantment, Terror and Deliverance in the City of Love by David Talbot

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was not born until the late 60's but I somehow feel connected and very curious about what was happening when I was an infant. I also feel I should have been there! By reading this chronicle of the Summer of love and other happenings in San Francisco, I felt the Authors love of the city and the times. I couldnt put it down, well organized and I also found myself looking up people, articles, newspapers, etc. Great book! I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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Coldness of Marek by Rachel O'Laughlin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautifully written fantasy book. I really enjoyed reading this tale of the lives of Trzl, Malcolm, and Lord Marek. The characters are so deeply intertwined, yet easily understood. The richness of the landscape is brought out so you feel that you are there, this is truly a fantasy book that draws you in to another world. Really amazing. I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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Sex Au Naturel: What It Is and Why It's Good for Your Marriage by Patrick Coffin

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I was very disappointed in this book. It is so very limited in its scope. It is just for Catholics, and frankly built mostly on the main tradition of guilt. A couple of points stood out to me; the Author uses slaves and adultery to make a case against contraception. I mean really? Maybe these things were acceptable at that time, just as birth control is acceptable in our time. It's time for the Church to catch up. The arguments against contraception including the Bible references were vague at best. Nowhere in the Bible does it say you cannot limit the amount of children you have. The Author also repeatedly refers to women who cannot have children, those who are barren, as "cursed". So, I had one child and because of my health was struck barren...now I am "cursed by God"? That's a heavy handed statement for this gentlemen to make. The so called Granddaddy passage is ridiculous; he was killed for two reasons 1. He disobeyed his father. 2. His perversion (considered masterbation, not withholding children). Above all else I believe our God to be loving, caring, God. I believe sometimes people can get a little too "preachy" and judgmental, instead of going out and living the life. I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway, it was still informative!
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The Breast of Everything by Lori Berhon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The concept was quite shocking to me, and it took me quite a long time to come to grips with it. The book was very entertaining, and well put together. Fought back tears at the end, at the same time felt uplifted. It's great when a good book can do that for you. I was lucky to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
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Gold by Chris Cleave

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love how this book is organized, with flashbacks to the past and cute inserts about Star Wars and Sophie. This book would make a terrific movie, the characters feelings are brought out so well almost like poetry. I had so many emotions while reading this, and couldn't put it down! Really engaging story. I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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Enlarged Hearts by Kathie Giorgio

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely LOVED this collection of short stories! The stories are poignant, real, and some are sad. The story "The Fat Girl in Disguise" made me cry. I wanted them to accept her so badly! Then I wanted her to accept herself so badly. The last story is really uplifting, clever, and made me just giggle. Kathie Giorgio has an amazing talent. In this day and age it's not OK to discriminate against many groups of people, but boy it sure seems OK to torture Fat People. I suggest everyone read this book for a little perspective! I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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My Story by Marilyn Monroe

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Clearly written in her own words, the story of Marilyn's life is both tragic and up lifting. She knew she was destined for greatness. The images contained in this book are so beautiful! I was sad at the abrupt ending, wanting to know so much more. She is missed so much.
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The Real Girl Next Door by Denise Richards

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book, it was inspirational and nice to read about a celebrity that doesn't profit off of their ex's troubles and instead is taking the high road for her children. We have enough dirt and trashing in the world. Denise is from the Midwest, and you can tell those values have stuck with her. It's wonderful to see someone be so honest about their feelings during tragedy and hard times and come out still positive. I've been a sideline fan but this book made me a real Fan. I really understood her pain in going through her Mothers illness, and loving Dogs so much. Going through a messy divorce is hard, I can't imagine going through it publically. I admire Denise for not giving the "dirt" and trashing her Ex for her children's sake.
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Dream Lover by Suzanne Jenkins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Real portrait of the women effected by the aftermath of Jack's death. Great characters and even better story. I love the romance elements that are real life based with flaws and all. I really have enjoyed this series so far, awesome!
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Let's Face It by Jodi R. Moore

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a clean, fun, smart, and last but not least inspirational story for teens! I really enjoyed how the story centers around the personality of the characters, they are presented clearly and thoughtfully. While there is teen romance, it goes beyond that and shows you that teenage girls are not just texting, and boy crazy! I received this book as a gift!
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Cemetery Girl by Joseph Cognard

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wonderful young adult paranormal romance story for teens. Very clean and fun. I love how this story incorporates art and the paranormal, it's a lovely twist! The characters personalities are strong and conflicts are dealt with wisely and true to real-life. Very enjoyable read. I received this book as a gift!
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Where We Belong by Emily Giffin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I fell in love with this book and I hope there is a sequel to it! I want to know what happens in the future in all of the characters lives they were so interesting to me! I cried, I laughed, I got angry, all great emotions evoked by this wonderful book. I really liked the format, going from Marian to Kirby. My only complaint being that sometimes Kirby seemed way too wise for her young age. I would give it four and half stars if I could!! This is not a book you can read in one sitting, nor would you want to. You want to savor it and hope it never ends! I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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Some of My Best Friends Are Black: The Strange Story of Integration in America by Tanner Colby

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading the historical side of this book, much of which I was never taught in my Catholic school in the Midwest. We were not all-white, but it was 98%. They had a reputation of recruiting for sports. I was lucky in my real life to be unaware of any prejudice, and made good friends with several black people who I worked with in my early 20's. I have continued some of those friendships still today. This book however is so true that neighborhoods, and schools and businesses still struggle with being integrated today. I can count of at least ten places that I would never see a black person at in my surrounding area, that is sad. Great read. I am very thankful to have won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
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People Who Don't Know Me Think I'm Somebody by Mike Parish

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I don't believe this is poetry, it's either a joke or an from what I read in these an attempt to become famous for something, anything...it's lazy, boring, and bad. There is way too much talk of the rich and how the Author isnt one of them, you can tell he wants money and fame but lacks the talent. It is labeled above as being "saddle-stitched" but it is printed off from a computer on paper and stapled together with a picture on the front and the mailing address and stamp on the back. Not a book by any definition. I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway.
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A Blazing Gilded Age by Rich DiSilvio

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novel is terrific. I didn't want to put it down, but had to because it was so big! I absolutely love how the family's story is intertwined with historical events and people. Very entertaining and factual. I learned so much while I was reading this and it amazes me how much of history has repeated itself in this day and age. Our current leaders really could learn some lessons by looking back. I received this book as a gift!
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Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a smart, fun book for teens! I really enjoyed reading this, it's nice to see a book where the smart girl is also the girl who gets to be popular. It can happen! Using the lessons from a book like this to have confidence in yourself could help a lot of teens. Differences are something to be admired and celebrated, just let people get to know you. Great book.
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Brave Fish: Identity, Love, Faith by Vincent H. Chough

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The imagery was amazing throughout the entire book. I find his honesty refreshing and frankly, cathartic. While you couldn't tell where the story was taking you, (you didn't care!) it was pleasantly surprising where it would end up most of the time even though it was his real life. You felt like you were on great adventures! Excellent read, thank you Vincent! I received this book as a gift!
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Everybody Loves Love

One of my favorite shows is Everybody Loves Raymond, I DVR all the past episodes and watch them, there are plenty to watch! I never get tired of them. It's funny that I'm Debra and Rays wife is Debra. She is always reading in bed and so am I! Just some silly facts about me.

I just finished Comeback Love by Peter Golden, here is the review...

Comeback Love: A Novel by Peter Golden

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed how this romance novel travelled between the past and present. It was a fresh point of view from the mans side of a romance, and very enjoyable to see how a man handles dating, love, cheating, break-ups, family, being reunited, and pain. The characters personality stayed true throughout, and it was a very entertaining read.
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Now I start reading In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner (physical book) and Conner by Miranda Stork (Kindle).

Have a Wonderful Day!

Deb

Librarian!

I received wonderful news today, I was made a librarian on Goodreads! This basically means that I help maintain the accuracy of the books on there and swear not to make unnessecary changes. I feel privileged, I know there are a lot of them, but still, I feel it's an honor.

I mentioned only Goodreads yesterday, but I also put reviews on Amazon, Shelfari, and LibraryThing. All good book sites.

I am reading two great books right now, Dream Lover by Suzanne Jenkins (third in the Pam of Babylon series), which is a gritty series about a man who dies and leaves behind a trail of flawed, but loveable women, his family, and a few other surprises. Not for the faint of heart! Great One of my new favorite top Authors.

The other book is Comeback Love by Peter Golden. Not very far into it yet. I do know the story somewhat reminds me of my story with Bob.

Here are are a few more past books I have reviewed.


Pam of Babylon by Suzanne Jenkins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I won the second book in the series from a giveaway, so the Author generously gave me the kindle edition of this book to read so I would be up to date. Thank you Suzanne Jenkins!! She is now one of my favorite authors, this book was so wonderful! It had me angry, sad, and then happy. Just what a good book does for you, it was a wonderful escape to another world. The lives of these women, so effected by this one man. The characters were so clear and detailed, the world around them was described so beautifully that I wanted to live at the beach with Pam myself. I am so excited to start the second book today! There are also parts of this book that were so surprising and gritty and touched me personally. This book had twists and turns that kept coming at you, keeping your attention and making it so hard to pit it down. It was unexpected, and great. I may have to re-read it to make sure I got it all! It's that good to me.
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In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the book much more than the movie, the book was obviously much more detailed and explored both the characters of Maggie and Rose more. A must read.
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Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was the first book I have read of this Author, the writing is amazing-characters wonderful, great plot, descriptions of locations amazing as well. My problem is that it is not long enough and I feel ripped off! There is so much more that could have been done, but wasn't. I am on to the next book in the series!
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The Help by Kathryn Stockett

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down, staying up late at night reading it. Great character detail, setting details, and story tie-in. I was on the edge of my seat with emotions throughout the book ranging from anger to sadness, to laughter! Just an amazing read.
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The Hunger Games Trilogy Boxset by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While the trilogy was geared towards young adults (I didn't even know this until I had finished the series!), the general tone is ageless. We can all learn something, and feel something about the messages contained in the trilogy. I loved reading them, in fact each was completed in one to two days as I couldn't put them down. Amazing writing, characters are well developed and detailed. The descriptions are so realistic of the environment that I wanted to visit the Capitol myself, and sometimes felt I was sitting in the room watching everything happening.
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Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is amazing, I couldn't put it down! I could really relate to some parts with my own Mother and it kept drawing me in to the story throughout the book. I could read this book over and over again and never get bored.
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Lee Hammond's Big Book of Drawing by Lee Hammond

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Great study guide for images.
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ReVamped by Ada Adams

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fantastic read. The vampire world is clever and refreshing. Even though it is tagged as a young adult book, it's a book for adults as well. I Couldn't put it down, and I was drawn into the suspense. I was genuinely surprised at some characters story lines, usually I can predict what is going to happen. Not in this book! Really had me on the edge of my seat guessing, and I was all wrong, which was great. The story flows well, the characters and locations are very detailed, and I can't wait for #2!
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The Golf Quick Book

Let's Get it Started in Here

I have so many books to read. It's overwhelming! I have made lists, big lists, medium lists, and small lists of the books that are waiting for my attention. I joined Goodreads to try and organize my out of control Kindle list of books married with the books that I physically own. I am really impressed with Goodreads, being able to make my own shelfs is amazing. I have something like 1650 books listed.

My other favorite feature on Goodreads is being able to interact with the Authors, I have had a few friend me, and a few send me free books to review. Pretty awesome, right? I think so!

I am really enjoying my foray into the world of books right now. Reading books out of my comfort zone, on subjects I wouldn't ordinarily choose. I love learning and being transported to foreign lands. It enhances my knowledge and my dreams. I will continue on this journey and post reviews and comments about daily life. I hope you enjoy some of these books as well.

I need to post first the "catch up" books. The ones I have already read and reviewed. Enjoy!


Through These Veins by Anne Marie Ruff

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book and it's characters drew me in from the start. Not only the two main women characters, Ruth and Zahara, but the people who surround them. Characters such as Stefano with his charm, Robert with his fears and anxiety, and Ato Worku and his powerful, grumpy presence are so vivid to me. (this is how I interpreted them) the story lines by location in each chapter, by character are easy to follow and flow smoothly. The technical and cultural information is also well-presented and a handy glossary provided in back.

I read this book in about a few days time, I took my time reading slowly as to not miss a thing because I was intrigued. It was hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and I look forward to any future novels by this Author.
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When Horses Had Wings by Diana Estill

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED this book! Cried, laughed, got pissed, and just genuinely felt for Renee as she goes through her life as a teenage Mom in an abusive marriage. Having been in an abusive marriage myself, it wasn't a stretch to feel what she was feeling, but at that tender age...OMGoodness. Brilliant character detail, and such imagery. The book really flowed well, keeping you on the edge of your seat! I read it in a few days because I couldn't put it down!
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Vampires Rule by K.C. Blake

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this book, it gave a new spin on Vampires and Werewoves. I loved the Silver character, and the romance element. I am excited to read the second book to see how they fare when facing the head werewolf. The suspense in the book is great, with lots of different enemies to face. There are many original ideas that make this series very interesting.
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Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book put the first one to shame. Long and filled with all the beauty and detail that was missing from #1. I fell in love with all the new characters, while still loving the old ones! It felt like my home town, the descriptions were so wonderful. Amazing plot, beautiful writing, the book just flows perfectly. Awesome read!
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The Big, Fun, Sexy Sex Book by Lisa Rinna

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Comprehensive guide for couples and singles to re-energize or fix any sex issue. Even if you aren't having issues this book is a great guide to just educate you, so many things I didn't know! I am still reading it, but am highly impressed with how thorough it is, and that it shows both the female and male perspective. This book is perfect for me as a disabled woman who has issues, and this book helped so much!
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Money - The Betty Chronicles by A.J. Mahler

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Action packed, with lots of winding roads that you have no idea where they will lead you! I love the way it is setup, and jumps time periods. It is still easy to follow. Wonderfully interesting read.
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Exit by Phillip Thomas Duck

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was reticent about this book at first because of it mentioning sex addiction in the description. Well, I was pleasantly surprised that this book is so much more than that! Great characters, and some explicit sex, but frankly, it's done really well. I mean, WOW. The plot is really amazing though, and you find yourself rooting for people you really shouldn't. It was a page turner. I read it in two days. My only critique is that some of the things that the gruesome foursome pulled off we're just unbelievable. Kind of a turn off.
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Don't You Forget About Me by Suzanne Jenkins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. This book was even better than the first. I couldn't put it down, and read it in a day, the lives of these interesting women have me captivated. Suzanne Jenkins is really one of my new favorite top Authors. This book was so insightful, really digging deep into real life situations yet with a hint of romance. It is also so gritty and raw, dealing with hard subjects that some may not be able to handle. Beautifully written, and holds your attention! I want more!
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Pity the Beautiful: Poems by Dana Gioia

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loved these poems! I related to so many of them, and they had such contemporary themes. Some of my favorites were: The Argument, Pity the Beautiful, and Reunion. I cannot wait to read more by this Author!
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Red-Letter Press The Bathroom Trivia Book