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Merissa (12330 KP) rated Get Away Closer in Books
Jun 25, 2020
Get Away Closer tells the story of an opposite pair (early bird and night-owl) living next door to each other, both with elderly grandmas in the local vicinity. I loved how they first met and Lanie's grumpiness when she was woken up. Their relationship is a slow-burning one although, when it moves, it moves. I loved the descriptions Ms. Pratt gives us in the book - of the storms, the blanket, the wood, and sky blue, pink, and purple.
Ms. Pratt also manages to show the reader how grandparents can be different with their peers than they are with their grandchildren! Out of the two, I will admit to feeling sorry for Esther more than Irene, but both these ladies know how to hold a grudge.
This is a lighter read than some of Ms. Pratt's works but she details magnificently how a "big, strong man" can be abused and how it makes him feel. I thought this covered the subject beautifully and even read parts out to my young daughters as I feel it is important for them to understand that 'bullying' is not just by one sex.
This was a wonderful story that kept my attention and the pages turning. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this story or, indeed, any other of Ms. Pratt's works. Brilliant.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Ms. Pratt also manages to show the reader how grandparents can be different with their peers than they are with their grandchildren! Out of the two, I will admit to feeling sorry for Esther more than Irene, but both these ladies know how to hold a grudge.
This is a lighter read than some of Ms. Pratt's works but she details magnificently how a "big, strong man" can be abused and how it makes him feel. I thought this covered the subject beautifully and even read parts out to my young daughters as I feel it is important for them to understand that 'bullying' is not just by one sex.
This was a wonderful story that kept my attention and the pages turning. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this story or, indeed, any other of Ms. Pratt's works. Brilliant.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2269 KP) rated Dead Body Language in Books
Jul 24, 2020
Unexpected Body in the Cemetery
Connor Westphal has moved from San Francisco to the town of Flat Skunk in California’s gold country, where she is running the weekly paper she inherited from her grandparents. When Lacy Penzance comes in to place an ad to track down her long-lost sister, Connor readily agrees. Then Lacy takes back her ad. The next morning, Lacy is found dead. The sheriff doesn’t think it is the suicide it was staged to look like. Under the guise of writing an article about Lacy, Connor begins to investigate. Will she find the killer?
What I haven’t mentioned so far is that Connor is deaf. I found this character trait to be an interesting addition to the mystery, and it really added suspense to the climax. Connor is an all-around strong character, and I enjoyed getting to meet her friends here as well. The plot is strong, although I have a couple niggles about who the killer turned out to be. Even so, I have to admire the strong plotting; I missed several major clues. I did find there to be a few more four-letter words than I was expecting, and I think there were timeline issues, although I might have added an extra day in there somewhere as I was reading. I originally read this book close to when it was originally released in 1997, but I never read the rest of the series. I’m looking forward to fixing that soon.
What I haven’t mentioned so far is that Connor is deaf. I found this character trait to be an interesting addition to the mystery, and it really added suspense to the climax. Connor is an all-around strong character, and I enjoyed getting to meet her friends here as well. The plot is strong, although I have a couple niggles about who the killer turned out to be. Even so, I have to admire the strong plotting; I missed several major clues. I did find there to be a few more four-letter words than I was expecting, and I think there were timeline issues, although I might have added an extra day in there somewhere as I was reading. I originally read this book close to when it was originally released in 1997, but I never read the rest of the series. I’m looking forward to fixing that soon.
Miss Burma
Book
Miss Burma tells the story of modern-day Burma through the eyes of Benny and Khin, husband and wife,...
Fiction
Lindsay (1727 KP) rated A Celebration of Mothers in Rhyme (Mariana Books Rhyming #11) in Books
Apr 6, 2024
A Celebration of Mothers in Rhyme is another good rhyming book. It talks about mothers and how they are all different kinds of mothers. Children can learn to read with this book. They will learn to rhyme and understand that all other mothers exist worldwide. Even single dads consider themselves mothers or fathers, even if they own a fur baby.
There are all kinds of mothers out there, and this book puts love on them all. There are many mothers and unique types of mothers in the world. Showing and letting your child or children learn about these is a good thing. Children will learn some new and valuable views that mothers can be just about anyone. They will know what a mother brings to them as well.
Mothers can come in all different sizes and ways. This book shows that it is not always a child but maybe a dog or cat. That is fine as well. This book is a good Mother's day book as well. Children can learn about the many different types of mothers throughout this book. This book is done a bit differently by doing a love letter than in a poem or other way—it is a fun and enjoyable read. Pictures are done wonderfully. They look handpainted, but I am not sure. Parents and grandparents, this is another good one to add to your child's collection. You could add it to the series if you started collecting the books. This is book eleven in the series of “Mariana Books.”
There are all kinds of mothers out there, and this book puts love on them all. There are many mothers and unique types of mothers in the world. Showing and letting your child or children learn about these is a good thing. Children will learn some new and valuable views that mothers can be just about anyone. They will know what a mother brings to them as well.
Mothers can come in all different sizes and ways. This book shows that it is not always a child but maybe a dog or cat. That is fine as well. This book is a good Mother's day book as well. Children can learn about the many different types of mothers throughout this book. This book is done a bit differently by doing a love letter than in a poem or other way—it is a fun and enjoyable read. Pictures are done wonderfully. They look handpainted, but I am not sure. Parents and grandparents, this is another good one to add to your child's collection. You could add it to the series if you started collecting the books. This is book eleven in the series of “Mariana Books.”
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Soulmate Equation in Books
May 27, 2021
A witty & wonderful romance!!
Jess Davis is a single mom who loves crunching numbers almost as much as she loves her daughter Juno and her grandparents. They are her entire world and honestly, she doesn't have a lot of desire to step back into the dating world. It's just so much work. Then Jess and her best friend, Fizzy, hear about GenticAlly, a new dating site that predicts love through your DNA. Matchmaking through genetics and numbers? Jess could get behind that. But it's not until she's had a particularly bad, lonely day that she agrees to send in a sample. Suddenly she finds out she's matched with GeneticAlly's founder, Dr. River Pena at an unheard sky-high percentage of 98% compatibility. However, Jess is immediately skeptical because she knows River. And he's a pompous jerk. But River and GeneticAlly have a proposition for Jess. Go out with River, get to know him, and they'll pay her for her time. For struggling Jess, this is something she has to consider. As the two go to dinner and do press for GeneticAlly, Jess starts to see a different side of River--one that makes her wonder if there's something to this DNA matching idea after all.
"Her life, which essentially existed in a four-block radius, was exceedingly manageable as it was."
Oh this book was so good!! I love Christina Lauren's books, and I was already intrigued by the idea of a DNA matchmaking book. Well, THE SOULMATE EQUATION did not disappoint! It's sweet and funny and interesting--I loved it!
SOULMATE has wonderful banter--that patented CLo banter--between River and Jess, but also Jess and Fizzy. Jess is a statistician and Fizzy a romance writer and they spend many of their days in a coffee shop, "working." Their friendship is next level good and freaking hilarious. Honestly, it's one of the best parts of the book. So is Jess' relationship with her grandparents, who basically raised her after her mom, who struggled with addiction, left. And then there's Juno, the cute precocious kid, who shows up asking funny questions and making you chuckle. The cast of characters is top notch, for sure. I loved how well Jess' family was woven into the story.
As for River and Jess, their chemistry is superb. They start off on the wrong foot, with River coming across as a jerk, but it's not anything too terrible, which is good, because I can't handle the "hate to love" scenarios when the "hate" seems impossible for anyone to actually overcome. Instead, River is a nuanced character with his own backstory and personality. He's consumed by the science of relationships but too busy being a genius doctor workaholic to have one. And sweet Jess, you can't help but root for her: the tired mom who lacks the energy to even try to date anymore. There's lots of science and numbers, but nothing crazy for us non-mathematicians, and honestly, the genetics aspect is pretty fascinating. (Is this really possible, world?) I saw a bit of the big twist plot point coming, but it in no way diminished my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, this was a great read. Funny, witty, and heartfelt. Great couple with awesome chemistry. Wonderful cast of characters (Fizzy needs her own book!). The entire book made me smile--definitely recommend! 4.5 stars.
"Her life, which essentially existed in a four-block radius, was exceedingly manageable as it was."
Oh this book was so good!! I love Christina Lauren's books, and I was already intrigued by the idea of a DNA matchmaking book. Well, THE SOULMATE EQUATION did not disappoint! It's sweet and funny and interesting--I loved it!
SOULMATE has wonderful banter--that patented CLo banter--between River and Jess, but also Jess and Fizzy. Jess is a statistician and Fizzy a romance writer and they spend many of their days in a coffee shop, "working." Their friendship is next level good and freaking hilarious. Honestly, it's one of the best parts of the book. So is Jess' relationship with her grandparents, who basically raised her after her mom, who struggled with addiction, left. And then there's Juno, the cute precocious kid, who shows up asking funny questions and making you chuckle. The cast of characters is top notch, for sure. I loved how well Jess' family was woven into the story.
As for River and Jess, their chemistry is superb. They start off on the wrong foot, with River coming across as a jerk, but it's not anything too terrible, which is good, because I can't handle the "hate to love" scenarios when the "hate" seems impossible for anyone to actually overcome. Instead, River is a nuanced character with his own backstory and personality. He's consumed by the science of relationships but too busy being a genius doctor workaholic to have one. And sweet Jess, you can't help but root for her: the tired mom who lacks the energy to even try to date anymore. There's lots of science and numbers, but nothing crazy for us non-mathematicians, and honestly, the genetics aspect is pretty fascinating. (Is this really possible, world?) I saw a bit of the big twist plot point coming, but it in no way diminished my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, this was a great read. Funny, witty, and heartfelt. Great couple with awesome chemistry. Wonderful cast of characters (Fizzy needs her own book!). The entire book made me smile--definitely recommend! 4.5 stars.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Plain Perfect (Daughters of the Promise, #1) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
A wunderbaar Amish novel set in the quaint Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Beth Wiseman combines love, faith in God, friendship and family in a way that captures the reader and holds them to the very end!
Lillian Miller, trying to escape a life of lies and a relationship she doesn't need, flees to her Amish grandparents' home in Lancaster County, knowing all along that she will never fit in with her modern style. While there, she discovers truths about her past...things her mother never told her.
Samuel Stoltzfus is a young Amish widow, trying to raise his young son. He meets the young Englischer, the granddaughter of his close friends. He knows the rules of the Ordnung, but can he truly deny what he feels in his heart???
She's forced to choose between two worlds...one of lies and abuse, and one of simple, family oriented, Godly, plain living...and a life with a wunderbaar, caring man.
What will happen to Lillian and her perfect, modern life and Samuel, with his plain living? Will they face the truth of their feelings, hearts and God and become Plain Perfectin this amazing inspirational novel?
Grab some coffee and a copy of Beth's novel, sit back and enjoy this first book in a wonderful series, Daughters of the Promise! You'll be glad you did! This book truly deserves to be highly praised and I think you'll agree once you,too, have read Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman!!!!! Two thumbs up and five stars to Mrs. Wiseman!!! <a href="http://cafinatedread.com/2009/09/16/review-plain-perfect-by-beth-wiseman/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Lillian Miller, trying to escape a life of lies and a relationship she doesn't need, flees to her Amish grandparents' home in Lancaster County, knowing all along that she will never fit in with her modern style. While there, she discovers truths about her past...things her mother never told her.
Samuel Stoltzfus is a young Amish widow, trying to raise his young son. He meets the young Englischer, the granddaughter of his close friends. He knows the rules of the Ordnung, but can he truly deny what he feels in his heart???
She's forced to choose between two worlds...one of lies and abuse, and one of simple, family oriented, Godly, plain living...and a life with a wunderbaar, caring man.
What will happen to Lillian and her perfect, modern life and Samuel, with his plain living? Will they face the truth of their feelings, hearts and God and become Plain Perfectin this amazing inspirational novel?
Grab some coffee and a copy of Beth's novel, sit back and enjoy this first book in a wonderful series, Daughters of the Promise! You'll be glad you did! This book truly deserves to be highly praised and I think you'll agree once you,too, have read Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman!!!!! Two thumbs up and five stars to Mrs. Wiseman!!! <a href="http://cafinatedread.com/2009/09/16/review-plain-perfect-by-beth-wiseman/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Lindsay (1727 KP) rated The Forgiving Jar in Books
Jan 31, 2019
The Forgiving Jar is about Sarah. You learn a bit about Sarah in the first book called The Hope Jar? Wanda does a really well job writing Sarah story along with Michelle's. If you are not a fan of Wanda Brunstetter you will be once you have read on of her books.
The first book is about Michelle Taylor story. This book is about the English granddaughter's story of the Lapps. How would you feel if someone impersonated you? Well this is how it start in the second book with Sarah coming to stay with her grandparents. When you see the woman you pretended to be you and why she is allowed to stay there? Sarah feel really upset about it.
Will Sarah learn to forgive? We know she finds the Prayer Jars or at least one? She doe not know who wrote them or who they belong to? Michelle happens to find Sarah with one of the Jars and tell her she knew about The Prayer Jars and that there is one in the barn as well.
We also get Brad who come back to visit during his Christmas break. He does not know the real Sarah. He thinks the one he meet was Sarah but doe not know it Michelle Taylor. Michelle has to tell him the truth and ask for forgiveness?
Wanda seem continue Michelle's story along with adding Sarah's story. Though this is mostly Sarah story we get to see Michelle live blossom and she how they interact. Will Michelle get to see her brothers Jack and Ernie Taylor? Will Sarah learn to forgive? Will Michelle and Ezekiel get married?
The first book is about Michelle Taylor story. This book is about the English granddaughter's story of the Lapps. How would you feel if someone impersonated you? Well this is how it start in the second book with Sarah coming to stay with her grandparents. When you see the woman you pretended to be you and why she is allowed to stay there? Sarah feel really upset about it.
Will Sarah learn to forgive? We know she finds the Prayer Jars or at least one? She doe not know who wrote them or who they belong to? Michelle happens to find Sarah with one of the Jars and tell her she knew about The Prayer Jars and that there is one in the barn as well.
We also get Brad who come back to visit during his Christmas break. He does not know the real Sarah. He thinks the one he meet was Sarah but doe not know it Michelle Taylor. Michelle has to tell him the truth and ask for forgiveness?
Wanda seem continue Michelle's story along with adding Sarah's story. Though this is mostly Sarah story we get to see Michelle live blossom and she how they interact. Will Michelle get to see her brothers Jack and Ernie Taylor? Will Sarah learn to forgive? Will Michelle and Ezekiel get married?
The Astonishing Color of After
8.3
Rate It
Book
Life, loss, love and art explode in a kaleidoscope of emotions as one girl must learn the truth...
young adult
The Orpheus Clock: The Search for My Family's Art Treasures Stolen by the Nazis
Book
The passionate, gripping true story of one man's single-minded quest to reclaim what the Nazis stole...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2269 KP) rated A Deadly Inside Scoop in Books
Jul 17, 2020
An Opening Scoop of Murder
Bronwyn “Win” Crewse is ready to reopen Crewse Creamery, the ice cream parlor founded by her grandparents in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, after some renovations. Unfortunately, opening day sees an early October snow storm and no customers. However, Win’s day gets even worse when she stumbles upon a dead body after she’s closed the shop for the day. The man turns out to be someone who crossed paths with Win’s family years ago, and not for the better. Before Win knows it, the police are looking at her father as the killer. Now, Win needs to figure out what really happened so she can clear him of a crime she knows he didn’t commit. Can she do that and get customers into the ice cream parlor?
I love ice cream, so that was a draw to this series, and the ice cream descriptions definitely made me drool. The delicious sounding recipes at the end will help with that. The mystery started out a little slowly. It did eventually get going, and we had some good suspects and twists before Win figured everything out. The characters were a mixed bag. I loved Win, and her family is wonderful as well. I especially appreciated the close relationship she has with both her parents and her grandfather. Her friends were more caricatures than fully developed characters, and as a result, they amused me at times and annoyed me at others. I can see them getting more developed as the series goes along, however. This is still a tasty treat, and I can see it developing into a favorite series for many.
I love ice cream, so that was a draw to this series, and the ice cream descriptions definitely made me drool. The delicious sounding recipes at the end will help with that. The mystery started out a little slowly. It did eventually get going, and we had some good suspects and twists before Win figured everything out. The characters were a mixed bag. I loved Win, and her family is wonderful as well. I especially appreciated the close relationship she has with both her parents and her grandfather. Her friends were more caricatures than fully developed characters, and as a result, they amused me at times and annoyed me at others. I can see them getting more developed as the series goes along, however. This is still a tasty treat, and I can see it developing into a favorite series for many.