Robert B. Parker's Bull River by Robert Knott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I won a copy of this book thru the Goodreads First Reads giveaways. This was the first book I read that was western and I really enjoyed it. I felt like I was watching a western movie. Going to have to add another new series to my must read list. The story kept me entertained from the first page to the last.


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Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker: A Novel by Jennifer Chiaverini
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As a history major, I generally enjoy books about history, but I found this one hard to get thru. It was slow and dry for a majority of the book. It was interesting to read about background on Mrs. Lincoln, but it read more like a non-fiction book. It took me almost a month to finish it because I just found it so boring.

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Fin & Lady: A Novel by Cathleen Schine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a cute book to read. Great characters, and the story was well developed. What I got out of this book was : You never know what life is going to throw at you, but you can survive it.

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The Private School Murders by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was just as good as the first book in the series. Multiple cases combined into one good story. Typical James Patterson book.

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Invisible by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loved this book! James Patterson does it again. Great plot line and never guessed who the killer was until it was finally revealed.

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The Maze Runner by James Dashner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I don't normally read a lot of science fiction books, but this by far is one of the best ones I have read in this genre. The story had me hooked from the first chapter and I was entertained until the last page. Can't wait to read the next book.

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Terminal City by Linda Fairstein
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have always been a fan of Linda Fairstein's books, and this one did not disappoint me. If you are a fan of mystery/thriller books and you haven't read this series, then it is time to start. I liked that the story to place mainly in Grand Central Station and the author gave a lot of history behind it.

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The Wolf Gift by Anne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have always loved Anne Rice's novels, and this book did not disappoint me. The story of a man that is struggling to come to grips with a gift that has been given to him by accident, how he chooses to cope with the gift and how he can move forward with it. Loved the premise of the story and can't wait to read the next book in the series.

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The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an inspiring story. It made me feel grateful for what I have and how my parents did their best to provide for me and my family. I am sure that I could have never had the strength to go thru what the author did. The story was very compelling seeing what the author survived thru and how she never let her get herself down. The story was well written, and I couldn't put it down once I started it.

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The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. I thought that the characters were developed well, and the plot flowed seamlessly. I like the fact that I didn't figure out the truth of what really happened until the end. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

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Innocence by Dean Koontz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is like a combination of all his books into one. I can see why Dean Koontz said this was one of his favorite books that he has written. I loved the plot and the characters. Didn't understand where the story was going to go at first, but by the end everything made perfect sense. If you love Dean Koontz, you must read this book.

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The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am on the fence about this book. It was as the character in the book is often described, a little neurotic. I had to force myself to finish the book only because I wanted to find out what happened to the main character in the end.

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What She Left Behind by Ellen Marie Wiseman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I won a copy of this book thru the Goodreads First Reads giveaways. Absolutely LOVED this book. The story is has two characters, one in the present and one in the past that are struggling to adapt to changes in their lives. The way the author moved from one character to the next is just seamless. The stories flowed very well together. The ending was my favorite part, but I won't reveal why so I don't spoil it for someone else. I wouldn't have normally picked this book to read, but now I am going to have to pick up the author's other books since this one was so good!


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The Night Before by Luanne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute short story. Would love to to see the story turned into a novel. Just love how the author tugs at your heart strings with the story line and the character development.

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Joyland by Stephen King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was not your typical Stephen King novel, and I enjoyed it being that way. It was a good little short mystery. The characters were well developed and I didn't figure out who was the murderer until it was revealed in the book.

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NYPD Red 2 by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Couldn't put this book down from the minute I started reading it. This is one of the better Patterson books that I have read this year. The story flowed seamlessly and the twist in the plot was brilliant. I didn't see it coming. I enjoyed the first book in this series but this one hooked me. Think this is going to turn out to be a great series. Can't wait for the next one to come out.

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Unlucky 13 by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have been a fan of the Women's Murder Club since Patterson first introduced it. As with all of the previous books, this one did not disappoint. Three different stories intertwined into one book. Some of the stories were predictable but overall it was a thrill ride. Can't wait for the next one.

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Confessions of a Murder Suspect by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As most of James Patterson books, this one did not disappoint me. I couldn't put it down once I started it. I have to say that I was surprised at the end as to whom actually committed the murders. Going to have to pick up the next book in the series to see where the story goes.

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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I very much enjoyed this book. Death is narrating this story and retelling the life of "The Book Thief" after watching over her for many years. I knew that since it was a story of Nazi Germany that it was going to be a dark and tragic story. You can't help but feel sorry for the main character and the people she encounters along the way. It is so sad what happened during this time. Very glad I read this book.

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Tempting Fate by Jane Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book that I have read by Jane Green and I have to say that I have quickly become a fan. The story flows effortlessly and the characters are well developed. I enjoyed this book very much.

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Killing Jesus: A History by Bill O'Reilly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am a big fan of Bill O'Reilly and his books. This one did not disappoint. It is written in more of a historical context than a religious context. The story starts with the history of Rome with Julius Caesar and ends with the resurrection of Jesus. I especially enjoyed the Afterward at the end that tells what became of the twelve disciples and other main characters in the book.

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Uganda Be Kidding Me by Chelsea Handler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

If you have ever read a book by Chelsea Handler you know you are in for a lot of raunchy stories and this book is just that. I enjoyed the pictures that were included with the stories, but not all of them had descriptions of who was in them. I also enjoyed the funny travel tips that she gave.

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Someone by Alice McDermott
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It was hard for me to get into this book. It was beautiful written and a change of pace from what I normally read. The story follows the life events of an ordinary girl from a young age to her old age. What I didn't like is how the story bounced around. One minute you are reading about something she did as a teenager and then she it moves to a story when she is older.

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Mistress by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book kept me intrigued from the first page until the last. I wasn't able to figure out the plot until it was revealed and then everything made sense. I really enjoyed this one.

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Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book confirmed that I am an introvert, which I pretty much already knew. I felt that the book was best suited for a psychology class. In fact parts of the book made me think that I was retaking my psychology class. I found that I could relate to a lot of the participates that the author used as examples in her book.

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Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I won a copy of this thru the Goodreads First Reads Giveaways. The story started a little slow for me but once I got to the heart of the story I couldn't put it down. The characters were developed really well. The book was a little long, but well worth the read. Can't wait for the next one.

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Divergent by Veronica Roth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing book. I am hooked now. It took me less than a day to complete this book. I loved the plot and the twists. It may be a fantasy story, but it makes you wonder what it would be like if our world was this way, the story make it seem that realistic. I haven't seen the movie yet, so I suppose I will now and see if it does the book any justice. The only downfall about this series is that now I can't stop, going to have to pick up copies of the rest of the series.

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The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book that I have read by Alice Hoffman and I have to say that she really grabbed me in this short little story. The characters were well developed and the story flowed from beginning to the end. I look forward to reading her other books.

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The Rocky Road to Romance by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Cute romance novel with a little bit of mystery tied into the story. Enjoyed the light read. This was one of Janet Evanovich's earlier novels, and I can see how she developed the Stephanie Plum series from this.

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City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. If I would have had the time I would have read the book in one day. The story started off a little slow but once it got going I didn't want to put it down. I especially like the twists in the story. I think that I was just as shocked at the twists as the characters. I can't wait to read the next one.

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Private L.A. by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Read this book in just one day. I enjoyed this book very much. Two totally separate cases rolled into one book. I found that the case with the No Prisoners was better than the two actors. Overall it was a good story and plot line. Didn't quit predict the ending for either case.

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The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very uplifting and inspiring book. Although the story is fairly short it got straight to the point, never give up on your dreams. It reminded me of the type of messages Mitch Albom's books gives a reader.

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Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed this book. It was even better than the first one. I especially loved the twist at the end of the story. Can't wait to read the next one!

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The Chase by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I won a copy of this book thru the Goodreads First Giveaways. Another great book. I don't think I haven't liked a single book that Janet Evanovich has written. A solid story that kept me entertained until the very last page. Can't wait for another one of her books.

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Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an interesting story. It kept my attention the whole time. The characters were entertaining and the storyline flowed seamlessly. I very much enjoyed this book.

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The First Phone Call From Heaven by Mitch Albom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed this book, as I have with most of Mitch Albom's books. It touches you in a way that makes you want to believe. Even when you get to the end of the book and all is revealed, you are still left inspired. It makes one realize how things are really all connected and how things happen for a reason.

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The First True Lie: A Novel by Marina Mander
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I picked this book up at the library on a whim and was a little disappointed. I felt sorry for the main character yet I couldn't believe the storyline. I especially did not like how the story just seemed to end. I felt that it could have been a little bit longer to actually finish the story.

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Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

When I first started reading the book it was an interesting concept, however once I got halfway thru the book the concept overdone. The fact that the main character kept living her life and then dying and then would start over again just got to be a tad boring. There were parts that just made me put down the book, which I did. I had to force myself to finish the book and then by then end I just was not happy with the ending.

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Wife for Hire by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute little book. Enjoyed the story and the characters. Was looking for a quick read that wasn't so serious and this fit the bill perfectly.

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Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns by Lauren Weisberger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was just ok. I rather enjoyed the first one over the sequel. I had to force myself to finish this book. I would have really rated it. 2.5 stars. I guess I just couldn't get into the story line because I didn't see the characters Emily and Andy becoming friends after the last book.

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Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If it takes me less than 24 hours to read a book then it has be a GREAT book. Enjoyed this book from the very first page. The story just flows from beginning to end. The characters were really developed. I felt like I was taken on this journey to Lost Lake with the characters and I didn't want to come back. I can see a sequel coming from this, at least I would like to see the story progress from where it left off. I am going to have read some more of her books now.

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The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity by Wm. Paul Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a MUST read by everyone. It is a truly inspiring book, especially if you are struggling with hard times in your life. I enjoyed the different perspective on the concept of forgiveness and how God relates to you in life, even when it feels as if you have no hope left. It takes you on a journey from beginning to end and leaves you feeling with a new outlook on things.

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First Love by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great book. Read this one in only one day. It was a cute story, but the ending did tug at my heart strings a little. Fairly easy read for me. It reminded me of the type of books Nicholas Sparks writes. I enjoyed the characters so much that it felt like I was going on their journey with them.

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The Heist: A Novel by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute story and typical Janet Evanovich book. Enjoyed it very much. The characters in this book reminded me of the characters in her other books. I could have probably read it in one setting if I had the time. Look forward to reading the next one that comes out.

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The Almond Tree by Michelle Cohen Corasanti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Won a copy of this book thru the Goodread's First Reads Giveaway. A very compelling story about how important family and traditions are. Except for the first few chapters that were a little slow I enjoyed this book very much. I found myself rooting for the main character throughout his struggles in life and how he always tried to keep pushing forward no matter what life dealt him. I would have normally not picked this book off the shelf, but so happy that I read it.

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Si-cology 1: Tales and Wisdom from Duck Dynasty’s Favorite Uncle by Si Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Started this book this morning and already done. The book was very entertaining. I watch the TV show Duck Dynasty all the time, and it was good to get a different glimpse on one of my favorite characters. I learned new things about Si Robertson that I didn't know and really made me realize why I like him so much on the show.

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Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was short, simple, and to the point. I enjoyed this quick read. It was funny and I liked the advice that his dad had for him and for life. I found myself wishing that the book was longer and had more antidotes.


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The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan

Gave this book five out of five stars. I read this in the Large Print Edition and at 908 pages it took me longer than I thought to complete it. I was captured by the story from the very beginning. I learned so much about being a courtesan because the author explained everything so well. After reading how much the main characters struggled throughout the story, the ending made me feel that the story was complete. Very compelling story that will tug at your heart and put a smile on your face by the end.

The Light In The Ruins by Chris Bohjalian

I would actually rate this book a 2.5 out of 5 stars. I felt that the story dragged for the first 100 pages, and I only kept reading because I don't like to quit books once I start them. I did like the dueling story line and the amount of historical information that the story gave. I also liked how the author did not reveal who the murderer was under the very end.

Cross My Heart - James Patterson

Gave it 3 out of 5 stars

I really like the book until it came to the end. Alex Cross is one of my favorite characters of James Patterson, but why his family has to constantly be targeted is beyond me. I won't give away details but I have to say by the time I got to the end of the book I just sat there asking WHY?

The Last Summer by Ann Brashares

Gave it 4 out of 5 stars. A very heart warming story about love, loss and sacrifice. Unlike the YA books she wrote, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, this book is more of an adult novel. Thoroughly enjoyed the story, and parts made me tear up. The author was very good at conveying the message about patience and perseverance.

Gone by James Patterson

Gave it 4 out of 5 stars

Typical Patterson mystery novel. The story kept my attention from beginning to end. Finished the book in only one day, as I usually do with his books. 

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd   

Gave it 5 out of 5 stars.
This is my new favorite book by Sue Monk Kidd. It was a great read from beginning to end. I love how she mixed in factual history with her own interpretation of the lives of the Grimke sisters. As regards how she described the torment and cruelty to the slaves, her writing amazed me. Some of the practices that was used to punish slaves back then was just horrible. I am glad that we have grown from that time. If I lived back then I surely would have been more like the Grimke sisters. I think my favorite part of the book was the author's note. I especially like the last quote which was her inspiration for writing the book, "History is not just facts and events. History is also a pain in the heart and we repeat history until we are able to make another's pain in the heart our own." Professor Julius Lester  

Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich

Really enjoyed this book. Just love the characters in this series. Can't wait for the next one to come out. Gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was as if I was taken to this magical island and experienced the story myself. Once I started the book it was hard to put down. The characters were so well developed. I can't wait for the next book to come out. Gave it 5 out of 5 stars.

The Lemon Orchard by Luanne Rice

What compelling and compassionate story. Once I started I couldn't put this book, and by the end there were tears in my eyes. I fell in love with the characters from the beginning. I haven't read a book from Luanne Rice in awhile, but this was my favorite book by far from her. A definite must read. A very inspiring story about losing someone and finding a way to grieve and move on. Gave it five out of five stars.

Dust by Patricia Cornwell 

Typical thrilling Kay Scarpetta mystery. It was a great story line that kept me interested from the first chapter. I especially enjoyed the end of the book that had a more in depth discussion of the characters that began with her first book Postmordem. Gave this one four out of five stars.

Mockingbird by Julie Trimingham

I won a copy of this from the First Read Giveaways. I have mixed reviews about this book, and would actually rate it 3.5 stars. The book is written as a letter to a child, telling a story of how she came to her mother. The author takes awhile to get to the point in the story where the child even enters the story. The back story was a little boring to me, but once the child enters the story I couldn't put the book down. It is beautifully written book even if the style is a little different than what I am used to reading.

The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom

This book captivated me front the beginning and I could't put it down until it was completed. It is amazing how Mitch Albom can show how precious time is and how to appreciate what time you do have. I was really inspired by this book. A definite must read for anyone. Rated five out of five stars!

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

Gave this one three out of five stars. This was my first Neil Gaiman book that I read. I am not too much of a fantasy genre reader. I was into the book until all the weird and strange things started happening. It was a good book and written very well. Guess I just have to get used to the genre.

New Year New Books

So I have pushed myself to read 100 books in the year 2014. I will be keeping track of them here and thru Goodreads. The first two books that I started are: Mockingbird by Julie Trimingham and The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman.
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