Book Review: "The Best of Me" by Nicholas Sparks

Book Description:

THE BEST OF ME is the heart-rending story of two small-town former high school sweethearts from opposite sides of the tracks. Now middle-aged, they've taken wildly divergent paths, but neither has lived the life they imagined . . . and neither can forget the passionate first love that forever altered their world. When they are both called back to their hometown for the funeral of the mentor who once gave them shelter, they will be forced to confront the choices each has made, and ask whether love can truly rewrite the past.

My thoughts:

Another great book by Nicholas Sparks.  The passion between Amanda and Dawson was so real.  To hear the back story and then going to the present and back and forth helped the story.  It made it flow so much better.

The story flows great and then at the ending..... I won't spoil it but it came out of nowhere.  Again Mr. Sparks amazes me with his writing.  I am still working on a lot of the earlier writings, but so far I have enjoyed all that I have ready by him.

Happy Reading!

What’s the ONE super-hyped book you’ll NEVER read?

 

Question of the week is:

I would say "The Hunger Games" and "Twilight" - just not too interested in them.

What about you?

Book Review: "Calico Joe"

Book Description:

Whatever happened to Calico Joe? — It began quietly enough with a pulled hamstring. The first baseman for the Cubs AAA affiliate in Wichita went down as he rounded third and headed for home. The next day, Jim Hickman, the first baseman for the Cubs, injured his back. The team suddenly needed someone to play first, so they reached down to their AA... more » club in Midland, Texas, and called up a twenty-one-year-old named Joe Castle. He was the hottest player in AA and creating a buzz.

In the summer of 1973 Joe Castle was the boy wonder of baseball, the greatest rookie anyone had ever seen. The kid from Calico Rock, Arkansas dazzled Cub fans as he hit home run after home run, politely tipping his hat to the crowd as he shattered all rookie records.

Calico Joe quickly became the idol of every baseball fan in America, including Paul Tracey, the young son of a hard-partying and hard-throwing Mets pitcher. On the day that Warren Tracey finally faced Calico Joe, Paul was in the stands, rooting for his idol but also for his Dad. Then Warren threw a fastball that would change their lives forever…

In John Grisham’s new novel the baseball is thrilling, but it’s what happens off the field that makes CALICO JOE a classic.

My thoughts:

It has been a LONG time since I have read a John Grisham book.  I was a little burned out on law books, and lost touch of what he was writing.  I noticed a blurp on facebook from a friend that he really enjoyed it so I thought I would give it a try.

While reading it it brought back some memories of when I was a little girl.  My dad and I loved to watch baseball and I started collecting baseball cards.  I lost interest in baseball when he passed away when I was 11.  So right away I was enjoying it as it brought me back to my childhood - happy times.

I enjoyed the book.  I certainly did not have the relationship like the one Paul had with his father, and it was amazing at his feelings for his father.  But those feelings played out so much in the story.  I liked the back story then the current story.  Usually I get confused, but Mr. Grisham has a way of doing that so you as a reader do not get lost in the story.

If you are looking for a book that is not your normal genre of book (IE I love romance, cozies and mysteries) that give this one a try.  Or if you are a Grisham fan, you will surely love this one as well.

Happy Reading!

Library vs. TBR

I was still trying to figure out what to read next when I was at my local library picking up a book on hold for my 8 year old.  While waiting in line, I glanced at the "New Arrivals" and noticed a book I actually have on hold to read on my Kindle.  I went over and checked it out.

I am now reading "Calico Joe" by John Grisham.

But looking at my TBR I feel a little guilty about reading a book from the library when I have SO much on my TBR.  But TECHNICALLY this book was on my TBR - just on my Kindle.

Does this happen to you?

Happy Reading!

What to read next??

Do you ever feel like when you finish a great book (such as "The Familiar Stranger) it is hard to find another book to read?  Do I continue on a new series?  Do I start a new one?  What genre do I choose? 

Well momentarily (hopefully) I will reveal what book I am reading now. =)

Happy Reading!

Book Review: "The Familiar Stranger" by Christina Berry

 

Book Description:

Craig Littleton's decision to end his marriage would shock his wife, Denise . . . if she knew what he was up to. When an accident lands Craig in the ICU, with fuzzy memories of his own life and plans, Denise rushes to his side, ready to care for him. They embark on a quest to help Craig remember who he is and, in the process, they discover dark secrets. An affair? An emptied bank account? A hidden identity? An illegitimate child? But what will she do when she realizes he's not the man she thought he was? Is this trauma a blessing in disguise, a chance for a fresh start? Or will his secrets destroy the life they built together?

My thoughts:

This book was one of the best books I have read in a very long time.  The plot, the characters, kept me wondering what was going to happen next.  It kept me wondering what was going to happen and how it would end.  I want to say so much, but I don't want to spoil it for you.  If you have the opportunity, please read this book.

I do have to admit the ending was left lacking.  It left me wanting more I guess if I have to put it into words.

Happy Reading!
 

Book Review: "A Virgin River Christmas" by Robyn Carr

Book Description:

 Last Christmas Marcie Sullivan said a final goodbye to her husband, Bobby. This Christmas she's come to Virgin River to find the man who saved his life and gave her three more years to love him.Fellow marine Ian Buchanan dragged Bobby's shattered body onto a medical transport in Fallujah four years ago, then disappeared as soon as their unit arrived stateside. Since then, Marcie's letters to Ian have gone unanswered.Marcie tracks Ian to the tiny mountain town of Virgin River and finds a man as wounded emotionally as Bobby was physically. But she is not easily scared off. As Marcie pushes her way into his rugged and reclusive life, she discovers a sweet but damaged soul beneath a rough exterior.Ian doesn't know what to make of the determined young widow who forces him to look into the painful past and, what's worse, the uncertain future. But it is, after all, a season of miracles and maybe, just maybe, it's time to banish the ghosts and open his heart.

My thoughts:  This is the 4th in the series.  I wasn't sure I wanted to read it when I read the letter from the author.  In the letter she said it is a stand alone with a couple of appearances by the main characters.  I wasn't sure what to expect, but I am very particular when it comes to series.  I feel like I need to read them all - even the 'in between' books.  

So I gave it a chance.  I am glad I did.  Even though it was a stand alone book, it has the same great writing I love from the other books I have read by her.  I loved how Marcie was set in her mission and didn't give up.  The slow warming story of the two of them made it hard for me to put it down.  I hope we will hear an update or two from them in the future series. 

Happy Reading 

More Followers...?

I would love more followers.  Any suggestions on how to get them? 

Maybe run a contest?

 


Book Review: "Whispering Rock" by Robyn Carr

Book Description:  The tightly knit community of Virgin River has been a safe haven for more than a few lost souls over the years--and there's always room for more... — A decorated U.S. Marine reservist, LAPD officer Mike Valenzuela was badly wounded in the line of duty, but has found hope and healing in Virgin River. When he agrees to become the town's first cop, he does so knowing it's time he settled down. Twice divorced and the lover of too many women, he secretly longs for the kind of commitment and happiness his marine buddies have found--a woman who can tie up his heart forever. He finds that woman in Brie Sheridan, a Sacramento prosecutor who understands his drive to protect and serve. Virgin River becomes a safe haven for Brie after nearly losing her life at the hands of a crazed criminal. Though tough and courageous, she's got some fears she can't escape--but now she has someone who will show her just what it means to trust again.

Mike will do anything to help Brie free herself from painful memories. Passionate, strong and gentle, he vows to give back to her what she's so selflessly given him--her heart, and with it, a new beginning.

My thoughts:  This is the third in the "Virgin River" series.  I will admit it has been awhile since I have read the first two in the series, but it took nothing at all to remember all the main characters.  

This series reminds me so much of Debbie Macomber's "Cedar Cove" Series with a little more 'heat' (not too much heat though.) =)  I loved that series and continue to love this series by Robyn Carr.

I loved the story between Brie and Mike -  the story has you rooting for the couple throughout.  I love how the author ties the main characters with the current story line.  I do have a question for those out there that have completed the series (there are many more in this series and I believe it still is going).  My question is does this continue - the main characters continue to be a part of the books?  

Highly recommend this series.  

Happy Reading!