Review: Lily Malone "Fairway to Heaven"

Publisher: Lily Malone

ISBN: n/a.

My rating: 4/5

Fairway to Heaven
It’s golf, but not as we know it.

When Jennifer Gates drives to Sea Breeze Golf Club to kick off date-night with her boyfriend, the last thing she expects is to find Golf-Pro Jack giving one of his lady students a private—and very personal—lesson in bunker-play.
Lucky for Jenn, her best friend gives her the keys to the Culhane family’s beach shack on the white-pepper shores of Western Australia’s Geographe Bay. Jenn hopes a weekend on the coast with her young son will give her the space she needs to rebuild her confidence after Jack’s betrayal.
But she’s not the only person seeking sanctuary by the sea. Brayden Culhane is there too, and Jenn can’t look at Brayden without remembering the tequila-flavoured kiss they shared on the shack steps years ago.
As long-buried feelings are rekindled, and a friendship is renewed, Jenn knows it is more than lazy summer days bringing her mojo back. Romantic sunsets, ice-cold beers and the odd round of golf can only go so far, because this time, trusting Brayden with her heart won’t be enough. Jenn has to learn to trust her body, too. (goodreads.com)


My thoughts

"I always thought a yellow rose about to open was the most beautiful thing in the world.

Then I found you."

My second book by Lily Malone and I loved it just as much. This one was different - in a few ways. First, I had read the initial 3,000 words script and was intrigued how Lily would turn it into a full novel. Second, it's written in first person, present tense.

Jennifer Gates catches her partner (and father of her son Sebastian) Jack in flagranti with another woman. She moves out and takes time out at her best friend Emmy's parent's beach house. Only to find Emmy's brother Brayden there.

Initially a bit slow for me, once Jennifer's "new life" started I wasn't able to put the book down. I loved the way she grew over the few weeks, how the relationship with Brayden developed and her "ups and downs" as a mother. It was beautifully written! I laughed

Why wasn't Brayden's issue resolved, though? Or may I hope for a sequel?

Fully recommend this one!

Review: Susan Mallery "Delicious" (Buchanans, #1)

Publisher: HQN Books

ISBN: 978-0373775200
 
My Rating: 4/5
 


Appetizer
Cal Buchanan needs a top-flight chef to take over his failing Seattle restaurant, The Waterfront. He can afford to hire the best in town--the only problem is that the best happens to be his ex-wife, Penny Jackson.

Entree
Penny really needs this opportunity, but she doesn't need the distraction of working with her ex. She's sworn off romance--she's even having a baby on her own. But before she knows it, the heat is on...and the attraction between her and Cal moves from a low simmer to a full boil!

Dessert
The rest should be easy as pie, but a secret from Dessert Cal's past could spoil everything. Maybe it's true that too many cooks spoil the broth--or maybe two is enough to make it irresistible. (www.susanmallery.com)

 

 

My thoughts:

 

I'm a sucker when it comes to family ... and this one had a strong family bond and for that I loved it.

 

Cal Buchanan is supposed to get the family restaurant back into order. One of his first business deals is hiring his ex-wife Penny.  What she neglects to mention, though, is she's pregnant with an IVF baby. But he's supposed to be running "The Waterfront" for only four months anyway.

 

Over the course of the next few months we follow both their lives as the close working relationship turns in to a friendship and even more. Mallery puts both characters back into a relationship, but this time they seemed to have matured, learnt about trust and "relations". It's wonderful to read how their bond blossoms into more, despite their "secrets". Okay, I have to admit, some of Penny's "reactions" were annoying, but, hey, we're talking about a hormonal pregnant woman. Anything can happen.

 

We also get to know the rest of the Buchanan family; the sexy Reid, ex-army Walker and their little sister Dani. Despite having lost their parents and having to deal with about the worst grandmother ever, I felt a bit envious of their bond.

 

This is the first in the Buchanan series, and I've to say I look forward to reading about the rest family!

 

Review: Jill Shalvis "It had to be you" (Lucky Harbor #7)

 

 

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

ISBN: 978-1455521128

My Rating: 4/5

 

Ali Winters is not having a good day. Her boyfriend left her, everyone in town thinks she's a thief, and now she's about to be kicked out of her home. Her only shot at keeping a roof over her head and clearing her name is to beg for help from a police detective who's as sexy as he is stern....

After a high-profile case goes wrong, Luke Hanover returns to his hometown for some peace and quiet. Instead he finds a bombshell brunette in a heap of trouble. As he helps Ali put her world back together, the pieces of Luke's own life finally seem to fall into place. Is this the start of a sizzling fling? Or are Luke and Ali on the brink of something big in a little town called Lucky Harbor? (amazon.com)

 

My thoughts

Lucky Harbor is without a doubt one of my favourite series and I treasure each book.

In LH #7 we get introduced to Luke and Ali. Luke Hanover is a cop from San Francisco who's come to Lucky Harbor to get away from the stress of his recent case. His intention is to hide away in the house he's inherited from his late grandmother. But there's one problem, Ali Winters, his ex-tenant's ex-girlfriends is still in the house.

There's no doubt that this is another great read. We get spoilt with the typical Shalvis wit, humour and great dialogue. Both characters are dealing with their own problems and as much as Luke' tries to resist Ali, she's liking having him around. Ali being accused of stealing money adds a bit of extra to the story.

And of course, we get introduced to Ben and Jake - LH #7 & 8 ;-)

Bottom line, Luke and Ali are a great addition to Lucky Harbor!


 

Cecelia Ahern - The Time of my Life

Publisher: Harper Collins

ISBN: 9780007350445

My rating: 4/5

Lucy Silchester has an appointment with her life – and she’s going to have to keep it.
Lying on Lucy Silchester’s carpet one day when she returns from work is a gold envelope. Inside is an invitation – to a meeting with Life. Her life. It turns out she's been ignoring it and it needs to meet with her face to face.

It sounds peculiar, but Lucy’s read about this in a magazine. Anyway, she can’t make the date: she’s much too busy despising her job, skipping out on her friends and avoiding her family.

But Lucy’s life isn’t what it seems. Some of the choices she’s made – and stories she’s told – aren’t what they seem either. From the moment she meets the man who introduces himself as her life, her stubborn half-truths are going to be revealed in all their glory – unless Lucy learns to tell the truth about what really matters to her. (CeceliaAhern.ie)

 

 

My thoughts

 

I cannot believe, I'd had the book on my desk for over a year before I started reading, but after the previous Ahern books I'd been a bit hesitant!

Anyway ... beautifully written and thought provoking would be a summary of this review!

 

Lucy, the main character, meets "her life", a grumpy guy who is trying to improve her life. Her life: she's broken up with her partner, lost her job and now lives in a small apartment, growing more and more distant to her family and friends.

 

I didn't really like Lucy that much, although very realistic, I couldn't really warm to her. Yet, I loved "her life". He was funny, witty and had some really good lines.

 

Bottom line, I'd say, this is Cecelia Ahern at her best again. The story makes you think, not only about what you've just read, but your own life, and stays with you well and truly after you've finished the book. I laughed, I blinked away tears - and loved it!

 

 

Jill Shalvis - Forever and a Day (Lucky Harbor #6)

Publisher: Grand Central

ISBN:  978-1455503698

My rating: 4/5



LOVE CAN HAPPEN IN A HEARTBEAT
Grace never thought she’d be starting her life over from scratch. Losing everything has landed her in Lucky Harbor, working as a dog walker for overwhelmed ER doctor Josh Scott. But the day his nanny fails to show up, Grace goes from caring for Josh’s lovable mutt to caring for his rambunctious son. Soon Grace is playing house with the sexy single dad…
With so many people depending on him, Josh has no time for anything outside of his clinic and family-until Grace arrives in town. Now this brainy blonde is turning his life inside out and giving a whole new meaning to the phrase “good bedside manner.” Josh and Grace don’t know if what they have can last. But in a town like Lucky Harbor, a lifetime of love starts with just one day…
(JillShalvis.com)


My thoughts

The start of my summer Jill'athon ... and loving it ;-) The old recipe works for Jill Shalvis! Lucky Harbor #6 is another great read, so much so, that I'm tempted to move there myself.

Dr Josh Scott (sexy!) certainly lives a busy life - looking after his son Toby and his sister, who's not only bound to a wheelchair, but rebelling against life in general. There's also his GP and his job at the ER - BUSY. Then he meets Grace, his accidental dog walker become nanny.

I loved all the characters, especially little Toby, initially barking instead of talking and greeting every woman with "Are you going to be my mommy" question. Great! Josh's sister Anna is the designated troublemaker, which sparks up the story.

But the relationship between Josh and Grace makes you want to read the book in one go! Bugger life for a day or two, indulge yourself in the story was my motto.

Another great read!

Let's mark the calendar for LH #7 to hit the bookstores!!

 

Jill Shalvis - At Last (Lucky Harbor #5)

Publisher: Forever

ISBN:  978-1455503742

My rating:  4/5

 

 

HER LOVE HAS COME ALONG . . .
Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she's looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she's tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won't make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.

A former cop whose life went south, Matt doesn't let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt can't deny their attraction-or the fact that for the first time in a long time, he feels the stirrings of something more. Now it's up to Matt to help Amy see that, no matter what is in their past, together they can build a future in Lucky Harbor. (amazon.com)

 

My thoughts

"I do trust you," she whispered.

Well, trust Jill Shalvis to present another ripper of a story! Not quite "Ty" or "Jax", but another memorable hero: Ranger Hot Buns - Matt Bowers.

 

Amy Michaels gets lost in the woods and out of all people, her friend Mallory sends Matt Bowers to the rescue - resulting in a night out in a tent. Both are attracted to each other, but both have baggage from the past which seems like a heaven burden. Resulting in avoiding a relationship .... but in true Shalvis style, with wit, humor and the perfect touch they're able to move on.

The side story with Riley fits in perfectly and it wouldn't surprise me if any of the future "Lucky Harbor" books will tell her story.

All in all - a must for Jill Shalvis / Lucky Harbor fans, and a good read I can only recommend.

JL Salter - Rescued by that new Guy in Town

Publisher: Astraea Press

ISBN: 9781621350828

My rating: 4/5

When Kris awakens in a costume, behind wooden bars inside a pitch-black community center, her only available rescuer is the hung-over new guy in town (who’s dressed as a pirate). Problem is: she’s sworn off men, especially buccaneers.

Badly burned four years ago by a player who ruined her financially, Kris Prima’s heart is locked down as tightly as her lifestyle is confined by those massive debts. When first assisted by recent newcomer Ryan Hazzard, Kris is resentful, slightly afraid, and determined never again to trust men. But when court-ordered community service brings them together once more, she begins to appreciate Ryan’s charm, good looks, and capable manner.

With all the rumors and assumptions which followed Ryan from a large metropolitan area, how can small-town Kris even begin to trust him? And why won’t he explain any of those situations? Through her efforts to learn Ryan’s mysterious past, they share further experiences: many comedic, one quite dangerous, and others very tender. Despite several misunderstandings, Kris’s bottled-up feelings slowly re-awaken and she finally learns enough about Ryan to know she wants him in her life somehow. Kris regains her ability to trust a man and her heart is freed from its jail. (astraeapress.com)

My thoughts

Once I got used to JL's writing style, I couldn't put the  book down. JL Salter owes me lots of hours of sleep!

 

It begins with a big bang when we find the main character, Kristin, locked up in the dark - only to be rescued by the "new guy in town". Hilarious. Comedy at its best, yet at times somewhat drawn out for me.

Please, do yourself a favour and read this one.


 

Kay Springsteen - Heartfelt

Publisher:  Astraea Press

ISBN:  978-1-62135-071-2

My rate: 4/5


The story that began on a North Carolina beach with a blind marine, a divorced mother, and a child with Down syndrome continues as the young family struggles to adapt to a new addition. Now eight months pregnant, Trish worries about her baby, her daughter, and her husband. But maybe she should be more concerned with herself. Dan struggles to prove himself at work in the face of what others consider his disability. As he wrestles with his job, he is also concerned with life at home and the impending birth of his son. How will he connect with a son when he’ll never even be able to play a game of catch with him?  (Astraeapress.com)
 

My thoughts
 

I was looking forward to reading another book with Trish, Dan and daughter Bella. I loved Heartsight and Camp Wedding - if you have as well, this one is a must!

Trish is eight months pregnant, and Dan's worried about the impeding fatherhood. Worried about his ability to bond and look after his child.

Once you pick up the book, you won't want to put it aside again. Kay Springsteen's writing and use of words draws you in and doesn't let you go until the last page - and then you'll feel a warmth rushing through you when you've finished.

Loved it and have to give 10/10 for the Epilogue!

Let's hope for more :-)



.

Lindsay Downs - A Collie Rescue & Interview!

Publisher: Astraea Press

ISBN:

My rating: 4/5



Former Army Sergeant Sandi Charleston, diagnosed with PTSD and homeless barely survives day to day. By a miracle of fate, she meets Taz, a uniquely special collie, who helps turn her life around. It's only through him she finds the courage to go head to head with her worst enemy-terrorists bent on mass destruction.

Bound by a special love to help and protect each other, side by side these two unlikely partners willingly march forward into battle. A fight to the death neither is sure can be won, but fighting as one, they will try.

Kidnapped and forced to reveal what she knows, Sandi realizes there is only one individual who can save her. It's not the government, but her new best buddy. Together they defeat the enemy proving once again that battle buddies come in all shapes and breeds. (www.astraeapress.com)


My thoughts

Dakota's slowly becoming part of my must-read routine, like Rex is to my must-watch TV program - Yet, there's no Dakota in this one ! Very disappointed :-)

Anyway, the good news is, that instead of four or five short stories, Lindsay Downs delivered one novel length story and it's just as fast paced as all of the previous ones. The story is interesting and believable. The dialogue feels real, and the friendship amongst the characters makes you want to be part of it!

Well done. I can't wait for the next one ... in hope Dakota will return ;-)


For all the Dakota fans out there, the beautiful Collie was kind enough to give me a spare 5 mins to answer some of my questions. Thanks Dakota!

Hey, Dakota ... I’ve missed you in this story! What happened?
Dakota: Sorry you missed me, I was back home at Fort Del Gue with Emily. We had a big case to work on and I couldn’t get away.

Will you be back in the next book?
Dakota: Yes I will, along with the gang: Jackie, Wallie, Sven, and Brett. Patches and Mary will also be in the book.

I like it that some of the proceeds will go to the Pet Fund ... are you able to tell us a bit about it?
Dakota: I asked my good friend Opal Campbell to answer this question.
Opal: www.thepetfund.com Basically what they do is take donations to help companion animals who are in need of veterinary care but their owners are having trouble paying for it.

Rosamund Lupton - Sister

Publisher: Piatkus Books

ISBN: 9780749942014

My rating: 4.5/5


Nothing can break the bond between sisters …

When Beatrice gets a frantic call in the middle of Sunday lunch to say that her younger sister, Tess, is missing, she boards the first flight home to London. But as she learns about the circumstances surrounding her sister's disappearance, she is stunned to discover how little she actually knows of her sister's life – and unprepared for the terrifying truths she must now face.
The police, Beatrice's fiancee and even their mother accept they have lost Tess but Beatrice refuses to give up on her. So she embarks on a dangerous journey to discover the truth, no matter the cost. (rosamundlupton.com)


My thoughts

I would have loved to give this book a 5/5 - but then came the ending, and I thought 'what on earth did just happen?' Exactly, it was an ending so unworthy of the whole book, so dissatisfying for a reader.

Story is about Bea (Beatrice) returning to London when her sister Tess has gone missing - only to be found dead a few days later.

The books is terrifically written as a letter recounting the events, and within the letter again recounting events as told to Mr Wright for the upcoming trial. Rosamund did a brilliant job, getting this right and brilliant in its effect to have a more personal emotions against the more distant account of what had happened.

The mystery of the disappearance, the crime and the scientific reasons for it, woven amongst the emotional search by Bea, her 'discovery' of herself and the bond to her sister and her mother, coping and analysing her relationship to Todd, makes this a outstanding read. A jewel amongst all the publications thrown onto the market at the moment.

I can easily say, Sister is one of my top reads so far! No hesitation in recommending it!

Nell Dixon - New Bay Wedding

Publisher: Astraea Press

 

ISBN:  9781621350460

 

My rating: 4/5

 

 

 

Emma has been busy organizing her older brother’s lovelife but now Noah plans to turn the tables on his meddlesome match-making sister. But is Ian the best man for this very particular bridesmaid?

 

 

My thoughts

 

This is a lovely short story and IMHO would've even been better if it had been longer and filled in places. The characters are easy to relate to, but again, the special something was missing because of the story's length.

 

Emma's brother Noah is getting married to Posy, and Emma is the bridesmaid. Noah's best friend Ian is going to be best man - unfortunately he can be a bit clumsy around Emma. So is it fair of Emma to worry that he might muck up the wedding?

 

Great little story, if you're looking for a quick read.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ruth J Hartman - Better than Catnip

Publisher: Astraea Press

ISBN: 9781621350101

My rating: 4

 

Roxy Williams adores cats. Always has. That’s why she devotes her life to running her stray cat shelter. But is that enough? Isn’t there a man out there who will love her for who she is? A special man who won’t try to change her or ask her to choose between him and her cats?

Max Weller has a problem. His son, Derek, must complete community service for fighting at school. The only available place is the stray cat shelter. But Derek is terrified of cats from a frightening childhood experience. How will they get through this traumatic experience?

Roxy and Max feel the strong attraction pulling them together as Max volunteers at the shelter, too. Will they be able to keep the spark alive? Or will Derek’s fears come between them?(astraeapress.com)

My thoughts

Should you like cats, then this is a book for you. If in your eyes, cats are cute, but nothing else, this might be a steep learning curve in 'all things cats'!

Story's all about Roxy Williams whose life revolves around cats. She's got a cat shelter and does anything humanly possible to get money to keep this shelter going - with the help of best friend Theresa Lynn. Then one day Derek stands in front of the door, having to do community service at the shelter. But he's not on his own, his father, Max Weller, is there to help, because Derek's got a fear of cats.

And Max is one hunk of a man!

I liked the story. Ruth Hartman has a beautiful way to tell a story. The only thing I was a bit disappointed with was the "conflict" of the story came rather late and was IMHO resolved too quickly. I would have liked a bit more tension between all the people involved.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips - Lady Be Good

Lady Be Good by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Publisher: Avon

ISBN: 978-0380794485

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lady Emma Wells-Finch, the oh-so-proper headmistress of England’s St. Gertrude’s School for Girls, is a woman on a mission—she has two weeks to lose her reputation. World-famous playboy-athlete Kenny Traveler is suspended from the sport he loves, and only one thing will restore his career—complete and utter respectability. When a gorgeous man who can’t afford another scandal meets a hardheaded woman who’s determined to cause one, anything can happen. (A spin-off of FANCY PANTS. Dallie Beaudine and Francesca Day Beaudine appear in supporting roles, along with the delectable “Teddy.”) (susanelizabethphillips.com)


My thoughts

Hallelujah - SEP at her best again.

After a few Phillips books which didn't really rock my reading world, I was really happy to have enjoyed another SEP book to the fullest.

Gist is, Lady Emma Wells-Finch, Headmistress at St Gertrude's Girls School in the UK travels to the US to lose her reputation. Yes, indeed, to lose it! And Francie Fancy Pants has the perfect (or not?) guy to look after her: Golfer Kenny Traveler, who has to avoid any scandals at all costs! Perfect match - or not?

The dialogue is witty and funny. The characters great and interesting. The plot has twists and turns which makes this book hard to put down. The secondary story involves Tory, Kenny's sister. She's just a hoot, and I really liked her character, including her foul language.

All in all - LOVED IT. Wonder what point #6 is :-)


http://astore.amazon.com/iriblo-20/detail/0380794489

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Kay Springsteen - Camp Wedding

Camp Wedding by Kay Springsteen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A blind Marine, a nervous bride, and an adorable child with Down syndrome who loves them both is an equation for another tug on the heartstrings in the story behind the Heartsight nuptials. Is Trish ready for life as a military wife? Is Dan ready for the challenges of being a father to a precocious 6-year-old? How will Bella add her special brand of magic to the day? Forme...moreA blind Marine, a nervous bride, and an adorable child with Down syndrome who loves them both is an equation for another tug on the heartstrings in the story behind the Heartsight nuptials. Is Trish ready for life as a military wife? Is Dan ready for the challenges of being a father to a precocious 6-year-old? How will Bella add her special brand of magic to the day? Formerly published in the Matrimonial Mayhem anthology by Astraea Press. (http://www.goodreads.com/)

My thoughts

When I found out that Trish & Dan's story was continued, I just had to read it! I loved Heartsight and the wedding story was just beautiful. It was wonderful to be "part" of their lives again.

"Camp Wedding" does not disappoint and is a sheer pleasure to read from the start to the very end. It's Trish and Dan's special day, but before the final "I do" there's a bit of excitement - and I'm not talking about Trish's nerves before meeting Dan's family.

If you have read Heartsight, this is a must. It's beautifully written and another page turner.


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Lindsay Downs - A Body in the Attic

A Body in the Attic by Lindsay Downs

Publisher: Astraea Press

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Special Agent Emily Dahill, Dakota along with her team of technicians are sent to Master Sergeant Annabelle Carlyle’s Victorian style house for what they think is a simple break-in. What they find however, turns out to be even more ominous. A secret passageway leads to a mysterious gunshot. When the prime suspect is cleared they still have no clue who the shooter is, or why. Could the shooter be the same individual who took a shot at Dakota?

Add into the mix the FBI and their unexpected involvement in the case. Soon they learn the break-in had been a cover-up for a more nefarious crime. One that involves Emily’s nemesis, the brown-haired man, and millions of dollars being sent to terrorists. Will they solve the case before the money disappears forever and more bodies turn up? Not even the inestimable Dakota is sure. (www.astraeapress.com)

My thoughts

I was looking forward to this book for quite a while and Lindsay Downs did not disappoint. A page turner from the very beginning.

Inspector Rex step aside, here comes Dakota!

Private First Class Dennis Logan disappears and the CID is called to investigate, with the help of the collie Dakota. But at the same time Master Sergeant Annabelle Carlyle's house is broken in. Coincidence?

This is a fast paced story and interesting. Lindsay has her very own style to set a scene and includes chapters from the dog's point of view, which gives the story that special something. I can only recommend it.










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Lindsay Downs - A Dog gone Christmas

Publisher: Astraea Press

A Dog Gone Christmas by Lindsay Downs

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


When a call for paws goes out, five friends bring their collies without question to a friend’s house. They learn the collies are needed to help seven children with the grief of losing a parent in Iraq or Afghanistan. Now, with seven friends, four collie yearlings and their mother, they set out to help the children. Not far away, a mother hopefully leads her seven puppies to safety from a man intent on selling them for illicit purposes. By a miracle of fate, the two mother collies find each other right before the man sells the puppies. That Christmas morning will be one the children will remember all their lives as they are united with the puppies.


My thoughts

This is a lovely little story. Though a story set around Christmas the reader can enjoy it at any time.

It's about children who will have to spend Christmas with either just one or none of their parents ... and Emily and her friends, incl the collies Dakota, Kebi and their dog family are there to help.

I really enjoyed this quick read and I'm sure it'll touch many readers heart!


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Leah Sanders - Sacred Ring

Sacred Ring by Leah Sanders

Publisher: Astraea Press

ISBN: 9781­62135­

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Nothing in Kynan Murphy's life is going right. His grades are horrible, he's always in trouble, and the girl he likes doesn't know he exists. But things go from bad to worse when his parents tell him they have decided to split up. Angry and confused, he wants nothing more than to lash out against the world. The closest thing he can find, however, is the Saint Valentine shrine during a school field trip. Armed with some fireworks and encouraged by his best friend, Michael Connell, he's all set to vent his frustration with life.

His best laid plans fail when a mysterious priest confronts him, sharing an ancient secret about a hidden ring with special powers. Kynan believes the answer to all his problems and the only way to fix his parents' broken marriage is to find the ring — a task he won't be able to accomplish on his own.

It was easy enough to convince his friend Michael to join him, but the irritating Brianna Collins insists on tagging along. Fortunately, her knack for language and interest in history is a valuable asset in the search. Their quest leads them to the northern coast and into dangerous territory where, in spite of their good intentions, they may lose their own lives.


My thoughts

Again .... a dive into a the YA genre and I LOVED IT.

So this was a "MUST READ" book for me. It's all set in Ireland (big plus) and about St Valentine's Sacred Ring. Not overly religious, if at all, yet I do like "my" saints!

Kynan Murphy's parents have just separated and as fate has it, soon after he learns about St Valentine's Sacred Ring which is believed to have healing "love" powers. So with the help of his friend Michael and Brianna, a girl in his class, he starts his quest to search for the ring in some caves north of Dublin.

It's literally a page turner from the very first page. It's full of adventure, history and a bit of mystery .... and friendship. The three friends are real and though for me the seemed more American than Irish, typical teens. The story was very well researched which makes it an even more interesting read. The only person I would have like to know more about though was Father Leroy. Considering the importance of his character and his role in finding the ring, I was disappointed that Leah Sanders didn't go into more details for his background.

Great read for young and old! Let's hope my daughter will enjoy it as much as I did.

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Brea Essex - Foreshadow

Foreshadow by Brea Essex

Publisher: Astraea Press

ISBN: 978-1470101732

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Imagine discovering that your boyfriend was out to kill you—and that the annoying boy from school was your guardian angel. Rae Davenport has already lost her mother. The only thing keeping her sane is her new boyfriend, Andrei—that is, until she finds out that he wants to kill her. Andrei is a devil, and he wants to use Rae as a sacrifice to get back into Heaven. The only one who can save her is Logan, her guardian angel. He’s only annoyed her in the past, but now he will be her savior.

My thoughts


Excuse me! You can't just stop there, Brea Essex!

This was a beautiful story - from the very beginning to the very end, so much so that I was disappointed when I was finished reading, because I wanted more.

Raena has just lost her mum and now lives with her late mother's best friend Geneva and husband Shane. She meets Andrei and is smitten by his charm straight away, yet things turn a bit sour. And that's where Logan comes in - the guy from school who's is more like a pain in the butt, but turns out to be the guy she can rely on.

So where do I start? First of all, YA is not my genre really, but once again, I was proven wrong by having been hesitant. It's a great story. The characters are well developed, the reader can relate to each of them and their feelings. The scenes are nicely set that as a reader I had no trouble following. And the subject "angels" is subtle and believable for those readers like me, who are still at odds with "paranormal".

Bottom line, a wonderful read. I truly enjoyed it!

"One for the Money" Movie Trailer

Am I looking forward to seeing the movie ?? You bet I am :-)
Trailer looks great, don't you think?

Details on the book - click here.

I'm sure you'll like it so why not check out Number "Explosive Eighteen" !!!

James Patterson - Kiss the Girls (Alex Cross #2)

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

ISBN: 978-0446601245

My rating: 4/5


First came the stunning number-one bestseller Along Came a Spider. Now comes the scariest, most unforgettable novel in several years. In Los Angeles, a reporter investigating a series of murders is killed. In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a beautiful medical intern suddenly disappears. Washington D.C.'s Alex Cross is back to solve the most baffling and terrifying murder case ever. Two clever pattern killers are collaborating, cooperating, competing—and they are working coast to coast. (www.jamespatterson.com)


My thoughts

Woohoo, what a page turner. Okay, it did take me a few pages to get into the story, but once I was hooked, I was really reading non-stop. I liked this one much better than "Swimsuit", which I had read recently.

It's a story about two serial killers: Casanova and The Gentleman Caller, both terrorising both US coasts at the same time. When Alex Cross' niece is taken as well, he travels south to North Carolina and investigates as well.

IMHO, this was truly well written; the characters well developed, the setting of the scene brilliantly described, though gruesome at times and explicit in details, Patterson has a skill to keep the reader  on the edge of their seat.

And the ending was a nice surprise as well!

Great Read!!