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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