Book Review: Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Sydney hates being the number 2 child, and not just because she's the youngest. Her mom has always been so proud of older brother Peyton, and her Dad doesn't seem to see her at all. Even when Peyton goes to prison for a DWI that paralyzes a teen, Sydney is still overlooked by her parents. Tension builds within Sydney as her privacy in the community disappears and Peyton's best friend Ames begins to get a little too close for comfort.

When Sydney decides to leave her private school to go to the local public high school for a bit of anonymity, she is enveloped by Layla, her brother Mac, and their cozy band of family and friends. Sydney meets with an acceptance she has been searching for and finds in a family pizza restaurant.

To me, the Chathams were like that merry-go-round out  in the middle of nowhere in the woods. I hadn't been aware they'd existed; it was pure luck to have stumbled upon them. Now that I had, I couldn't forget and go back to the way I'd been before. Just knowing they were out there changed everything. Especially me.

This story made me want to laugh, cry, and shout out "Exactly!" Getting to know Sydney, Layla, and Mac would have made my high school years magical.

"Relationships evolve, just like people do. Just because you know someone doesn't mean you know everything about them."

"Just because a person isn't talking about something doesn't mean it's not on their mind. Often, in fact, it's why they won't speak of it."

When faced with the scariest of things, all you want is to turn away, hid in your own invisible place. But you can't. That's why it's not only important for us to be seen, but to have someone to look for us, as well.

Saint Anything an amazing story. I love Sarah Dessen's writing - the truth in each story, the agony of emotions the characters express and the reader feels, and the ease in which simple words become a world I could be living next to any day of the week. Sarah Dessen writes about the community that readers live in, emotions they feel, and stories they can sink in to. Sarah Dessen is the friendly neighbour I wish I knew.

That was just it. You never knew what lay ahead; the future was one thing that could never be broken, because it had not yet had the chance to be anything. One minute you're walking through a dark woods, alone, and then the landscape shifts, and you see it. Something wondrous and unexpected, almost magical, that you never would have found had you not kept it going. Like a new friend who feels like an old one, or a memory you'll never forget. Maybe even a carousel.

I highly recommend Saint Anything as a great read. You may just have found yourself a new author, too!

From just Beyond My Bookshelf...

Book Review: Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Louisa Clark, aka Lou, comes from a close but poor family, is in an okay long-term relationship with her boyfriend, has a steady job that helps contribute to the family finances, and lives in a close-knit village where she has lived a cozy life. But is her life too cozy? Is she really as satisfied with her life as she thinks she is?

When the diner where she waitresses closes its doors for the final time, Lou wonders where she can turn to get a job. She lives with her mom, dad, grandpa, sister, and five year old nephew. They have barely made it with the added wage and tips that Lou helped bring in, and now her sister wants to spread her wings and needs money to do it. No formal training or a strong career path, Lou is left worrying about what she’s going to do.

Will Traynor is wealthy, educated, and pissed off at the world. So when Lou begins work as his caretaker, Will does nothing to hide his cantankerous, ill-humoured, and disparaged self. He has been resentful of still being alive since the day a motorcycle ran him over in front of his house and left him a quadriplegic from a spinal cord injury. Beside themselves with worry about his deepening depression, Will’s parents have hired Louisa to clean around his house, keep him company, and try to cheer him up. But Lou finds she has a lot more to deal with than Will’s negative self-image the longer she stays into her 6-month contract. In the end, will Lou be able to figure out what Will really needs to be happy? Does she even know what her own happiness looks like?

Jojo Moyes takes some very emotional subject matter, two very opposing personality types, and one helluva plot line, dumps them all into her magical writing blender, and produces the most outstanding, tear-jerking, heart-pounding emotional ride that I have read in quite a while. From the snazzy outfits Lou wears that make you laugh to the vulnerable moments at the bedside that bring tears, you will fall in love with these characters as they find out what loving each other really means.   

Cross-posted on Goodreads

 

Book Review: Crazy on You by Rachel Gibson

Crazy on You (Goodreads)

I had higher hopes for this book. It had the potential to be a great novella with enjoyable characters and a fun plot. Letting the reader's imagination take the romance to the next step can add to a shorter text.  Unfortunately I found this book too stuffed with erotic clutter that ruined the sensual flow of the story.

I also have a difficult time when the text of a new or seasoned author is filled with errors. Whether it is the lack of editors due to software dependence or laziness in human detecting, it irks me to no end to see misspelled words, incorrect grammar, and simple punctuation mistakes. Writers and the publishing community need to be more diligent in the editing phase; readers of all ages are watching what is put upon these pages. Is a good story not worth the extra time and effort to make it the best it can be? I sure think so. What do you think?

 

~ cross-posted on Goodreads

Book Review: The Mistress of Normandy by Susan Wiggs

The Mistress of Normandy (Goodreads)

Amidst the fight of French and English land rights, we see the French Bois-Long maiden fall in love with the English baron who lays claim to her land, her home, and her heart - the latter being the most difficult to acquire.

 

Filled with action, adventure, and minor characters that are as well-written as the hero and heroine, I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy a setting that draws you in, characters to grow with, and a plot that takes you through a lifetime of tears and joy in between two covers.

 

I am happy to be a biased reader as I am a new fan of Susan Wiggs. Well done.

 

Aren't you wondering what is just Beyond My Bookshelf? Come back again and see.

 

~ cross-posted on Goodreads

Short Story Review: Love Forever by Anuraag Bhaskabhatta

Love Forever by Anuraag (Smashwords)

Write-up from Smashwords:

A love story is like a recipe that has the same ingredients but not necessarily tastes the same always. Every love story is different in some or the other way and so is this one. Based on events from true incident, this is however a work of fiction. A sweet love story about a boy who is dying of cancer but falls in love with a girl he had a crush on in the past. Can he tell her the truth? Can they fall in love? Read to find out.

There is just something about this story. It is only 10 pages long, but it tells a lifetime of emotion in that short time. It touches me in its innocence and sweetness of first love. It is untouched, unfettered, unhurried love. It is just love.

Anuraag is a refreshing voice to read, and I am very glad I stopped by to pick up his love story. It was advertised as free on Smashwords. Such a beautiful story for no payment to the author. I hope to read more from him in the future.

You can also read this wonderful story, Love Forever on Smashwords. And follow the author on Facebook. I'm happy to have him in my reading collection. What else will we find Beyond My Bookshelf?

~ cross-posted on Smashwords

Book Review: With a Southern Touch (Anthology) by Jennifer Blake, Heather Graham, and Diana Palmer

With a Southern Touch (Goodreads) 

 

This book is an anthology of stories by three wonderful romance authors.

 

Adam by Jennifer Blake

 

In this book, we find Adam Benedict on the hunt for Kim Belzoni, a woman who just murdered her abusive husband in self defense. He intends to take her to the sheriff, his cousin Roan. But it's awfully hard for Adam to find Kim when her niece, Lara Kincaid keeps getting in the way. Lara has a mystical and ghostly sense to her the first time they meet, and Adam is all the more intrigued the more he finds out about her. With Kim always one step ahead of him, Lara has more time to convince Adam about how abused Kim had been in the marriage. And along the way, both Lara and Adam discover more about each other than either was prepared for.

 

A wonderful and fun read.

 

A Night in Paradise by Heather Graham

 

Mike and Mary are an elderly couple in a rehabilitation facility in the small town of Paradise. They are blessed with a strong love for each other and each one reaches out their grandchild to come to their wedding. Aurora, Mary's granddaughter, is a playwright and owner of the Paradise Theater, a small place where the local talent can make her words shine. Helpful in visiting her grandmother on a regular basis, Aurora also tends to make a good impression on Mike. This leads to Max Wulfson, Mike's grandson, getting the wrong impression over a phone call, and leaves immediately to break up Mike's nuptials to the wrong woman. When he figures out he was mistaken, he plays a little game with Aurora, who is not correcting Max's mistake just yet. Oh, and did Max forget to mention he was a famous New York playwright?

 

Some funny moments finally sway to this sweet romance with a great ending.

 

Garden Cop by Diana Palmer

 

Curtis Russell is enjoying his vacation visiting his mother, Matilda. As an FBI agent, he finds it hard to rest when he notices the neighbour, Mary Ryan, growing some illegal plants in her front yard garden. The gall of the woman! Some fantastically funny writing had me laughing out loud at the predicaments Mary and Curt keep getting into together. From physical tussles in the muddy garden over tomato plants to Mary and Curt running wildly through the dark community in their pajamas looking for a dog that doesn't even belong to them. As the two work together, they realize their is an escaped government witness with a gun on the loose in Matilda's back shed. They do some quick detective thinking, winding up in shots fired, an ambulance ride, and an ending that I wasn't expecting.

 

I laughed out loud and enjoyed this story the best in this anthology.

 

I am very happy I own this anthology as it will be read again. I recommend it highly to those who enjoy light clean romances.

 

~ cross-posted on Goodreads

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 





Book Review: Club Prive: Book 1 by M.S. Parker

Club Prive: Book 1 (Goodreads)

 

In Club Prive: Book 1 we meet Carrie, a law intern working towards her Master's Degree. With barely enough time to work and study, Carrie has proclaimed that there is just no time in her life at the moment for dating or a relationship. Trying to alleviate her stress, Leslie with the loud snorting laughter, and Krissy, roommate to Carrie throughout their higher education, drag Carrie to the new nightclub in town, Club Prive. And here is where our hot, mysterious Gavin enters the picture. A friendly dare from her friends, and Carrie finds herself with Gavin's phone number. But remember, she has no time for a commitment.

 

Strangely enough, Gavin keeps showing up wherever Carrie is. He seems to know quite a bit about the lawyer-to-be, and yet she knows so little about him. What kind of passion will be found between a stubborn woman and a mysterious man? Sensual and electrifying are the most I will give you because I need to leave you wanting more...much like M.S. Parker has left me wanting to read the next book. This one ends in quite the cliff-hanger, so expect to be begging for more.

 

Sensual, tasteful, and enjoyably fun is what I felt reading the first of The Club Prive series. I hope to find more excitement in the following episodes. I recommend to readers of erotic romance.

 

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

~ cross-posted on Goodreads



Book Review: Gemini The Heir by Kristen DaRay

 

Gemini The Heir (Goodreads)

 

This is the second book in Kristen DaRay's Gemini trilogy. It takes place a year after the first book ends. Carson is getting more comfortable with her new life as Princess Carsona of Emreiana. Having become proficient in the Emreian language, Carson and her mother are working on how to win the war on planets. Meanwhile, Carson is trying to stall her bonding ceremony with her betrothed, Aaronmon. The chemistry between Carson and Aaron is growing stronger, and more tests are appear around every corner. Will Carson be able to love Aaron in the way she desires? Will Aaron ever be the greatest love in Carson's heart?

 

With an ongoing and enjoyable plot, Kristen DaRay has done better with the editing process in this book than in the first. There is still further work to be done in spelling, grammar, and word choice but I am pleased at the ease I was able to enjoy this story. The plot build was much quicker in this book and made for a smooth, easy read.

 

I am looking forward to the third book in this series. The story has grabbed hold of me, the characters are likable and enjoyable, and I am anticipating good things to come with Kristen DaRay's next installment.

 

I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

~ cross-posted on Goodreads



Book Review: Gemini of Emreiana by Kristen DaRay

Gemini of Emreiana (Goodreads)

Carson Emrel is eighteen years old with top grades, great friends, and is in love with her boyfriend. She has been raised by her aunt since her parents were killed in a car crash when she was just a baby. Putting together her valedictorian speech and looking into college should be her biggest issues in the near future.

 

Things change when Carson starts having strange dreams about a guy who later shows up in her kitchen, with her aunt, and informs her she is an alien. The guy from the dream is not only her bodyguard, sent to Earth by her very much alive mother, but he is also her betrothed husband to be. It seems that Carson's life just got a little more complicated.

 

Carson turns out to be the Princess of Emreiana, her birth planet. She is in danger, has to keep secrets from her friends and boyfriend, and is wondering how to trust her aunt that has lied to her for eighteen years. Carson is an enjoyable character and has a humorous, yet strained, relationship growing with her new betrothed, Aaronmon. His character is a great addition that helps round out Carson, move the plot along, and the relationship that grows between Carson and Aaronmon is a critical piece to understanding the story behind the storyline.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed the story that Kristen DaRay has created in Gemini of Emreiana. Unfortunately, the grammar, spelling, and incorrect wording that fills the book was a hindrance to that enjoyment. I would love to see this manuscript again after a full edit. Leaving the book as is could hinder the book from getting the positive reviews that Kristen DaRay's story deserves. With a turtle-pace start because of the errors, some readers may be turned off and not give it the chance it deserves. The second half of the story builds up nicely and is quite enjoyable. I felt there were some descriptions during the main scene later on that were a little more graphic than I would have expected within the flow of this story. I also felt that having the definitions at the beginning of the story or on each page that the words appear for the first time would be very helpful. Being at the end of the book was pointless for me as I had already figured out what they meant myself.

 

Overall, I like Kristen DaRay's story idea that she presents in Gemini of Emreiana enough that I was happy to have the second edition to read right after finishing this one. I stand by the though that a good editing will raise the positive reviews for this book, and bring more followers to DaRay's trilogy.

 

I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

~ cross-posted on Goodreads

Book Review: The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo

The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo

This is a historical novel about a young woman from a bankrupt family that is promised to the deceased son of the very wealthy Lim family. An arranged marriage between a living person and a dead one was not the most intriguing idea to Li Lan, but her father saw it as the best way out of his debt situation. Li Lan tries to change her father's mind since she has fallen in love with Tian Bai, the new heir to the Lim family fortune.

 

This story is intertwined with beliefs from Chinese afterlife, historic Malaysia under British rule, and traditions of long past. These details fold out nicely within this beautiful tale of forbidden love. It gives a strong setting for such a diverse cast of characters.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed The Ghost Bride's patriarchal family issues, assumptions of murder, incredible ghost cities and offerings, and twists within the main love plot. Yangsze Choo kept me anxiously turning pages right up until the final plot twist. The Ghost Bride will definitely stay on my shelf to be read again. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, paranormal ghost activity, Asian influence, and a touch of romance thrown in. A wonderful read.

~ cross-posted on Goodreads