tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34830118929717651222024-03-05T01:58:26.695-04:00fictionfindersEriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-75816732381345127732015-09-18T08:29:00.001-04:002015-09-18T08:29:28.670-04:00New Adventures<span style="font-size: large;">This post comes with bittersweet feelings, but we are writing to let you know that we will longer be posting reviews here at fictionfinders. The blog will remain up for you to access past posts, but we have both decided to work more on our personal blogs. I (Erienne) have moved my reviews from fictionfinders to my new blog, <a href="http://somecallmecrunchy.com/">somecallmecrunchy</a>, where I will be posting about an array of things including food, essential oils, restaurants, fiction, etc. I will continue to post regular book reviews there. Sarah is spending time working on her blog, <a href="http://toomanysarahs.com/">toomanysarahs</a>. She will be writing about healthy living, fitness, food, travel, and parenting. We both hope that you will follow along with us as we write on these different platforms. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for following us! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Erienne</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://somecallmecrunchy.com/">www.somecallmecrunchy.com </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Sarah</span><br />
<a href="http://toomanysarahs.com/">www.toomanysarahs.com </a><br />
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Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-40936797841253686192015-08-25T09:54:00.000-04:002015-08-25T09:54:00.971-04:00The Hypnotist's Love Story by Liane Moriarty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPuMwQMSeS_Ny9_-ErTLOMYY64peGpwUxxl6FeNeYAMhwV0YxJJigZVmqoe5eYPqtFn1yTa0QMPXHD8J2e7dKTYzCsFdmb-4dpVdW0o_63hvQSl_POBpBUAgdlxxrFUCE4bRjsLRnq_6f/s1600/23751850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPuMwQMSeS_Ny9_-ErTLOMYY64peGpwUxxl6FeNeYAMhwV0YxJJigZVmqoe5eYPqtFn1yTa0QMPXHD8J2e7dKTYzCsFdmb-4dpVdW0o_63hvQSl_POBpBUAgdlxxrFUCE4bRjsLRnq_6f/s320/23751850.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Ellen O'Farrell is a professional hypnotherapist in her mid-thirties. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Her office is located in her beachfront home which she inherited from her grandparents. Ellen has a relatively zen personality, except for when it comes to relationships. She has had a few difficult breakups in the past decade and is ready to finally find someone to build a life with. Using an internet dating site, Ellen manages to meet Patrick. Patrick is an extremely handsome man in his late thirties. He is a widower with an eight year old son he absolutely adores. Just as Ellen is deciding that Patrick might be "the one," he announces that he has something important that he must share with her before they continue the relationship. Terrified as to what he might say, Ellen is actually a little relieved when he announces that he has a stalker. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think I may have fallen a little in love with Liane Moriarty (well at least with her writing). I started off reading <a href="http://fictionfinders.blogspot.com/2014/12/big-little-lies-by-liane-moriarty.html"><i>Big Little Lies</i></a> after Sarah posted her review of the book. I then went on to read <i>The Husband's Secret</i> and <i>What Alice Forgot</i>. I pretty much plowed through all of them. <i>The Hypnotist's Love Story</i> is one of her earlier novels, but is just as great as her others. One common theme you will find in Moriarty's writing is a multiple person narrative. This writing style is especially interesting in <i>The Hypnotist's Love Story</i> as the two narrators in the story are Ellen and Patrick's ex-girlfriend now stalker, Sasika. If you love a little romance with a twist, this is definitely the book for you. After you read this one, go ahead and read all of her others as well. I don't think you will be disappointed. </span><br />
<br />Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-33597041389725554782015-08-17T20:54:00.000-04:002015-08-17T21:03:02.177-04:00The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcggUl3UCJmVfHXOnx1XcHpBKXOyedXJj9TVQE7WBpgJ-kfNdcRxpcowcjkg7lFEF0kci4MdT8SGzeVpJtdOvQkx-iCV0iTZM354xH6MioO-ZG2q_0iGrCNivJmLczzxE7y0kiqHV6nTjY/s1600/SwylerE-BookOfSpeculationUS-Blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcggUl3UCJmVfHXOnx1XcHpBKXOyedXJj9TVQE7WBpgJ-kfNdcRxpcowcjkg7lFEF0kci4MdT8SGzeVpJtdOvQkx-iCV0iTZM354xH6MioO-ZG2q_0iGrCNivJmLczzxE7y0kiqHV6nTjY/s320/SwylerE-BookOfSpeculationUS-Blog1.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the opening of this debut novel, readers are introduced to Simon Watson, a young librarian living in his family home on the Long Island sound. Simon's mother drowned when he and his sister, Enola, were young and his father died shortly after. The house sits on the edge of a cliff and is slowly falling apart due to Simon's lack of care and money to protect it from the impending water. One day Simon receives a mysterious book from a collector who found his grandmother's name written in it's front. The book appears to be a circus log documenting stops, performers, acts, etc. As Simon begins to research, he comes to find that his family is connected to this circus in ways that he could have never imagined. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over the past few years, I have become of fan of books about circuses. I loved <i><a href="http://fictionfinders.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-night-circus-by-erin-morgenstern.html">The Night Circus</a></i> and <i><a href="http://fictionfinders.blogspot.com/2010/12/water-for-elephants-by-sara-gruen.html">Water for Elephants</a>.</i> I picked up this book hoping that it, too, would be a great circus novel. I was not disappointed. The chapters in the novel alternate between present day with Simon and the time period when the circus log was actually being created. Swyler intricately weaves the two time periods together as the novel progresses and gives us a story about books, family, and curses. After the first chapter or so, I was hooked and had to force myself to put it down to do other necessary tasks. </span></div>
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Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-21653820131890503052015-07-28T13:15:00.000-04:002015-07-28T13:15:26.572-04:00Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiSZSAqImftYLsW_LdUSPOfPXRrw76ChOefFbzLH8B4FNL0_CjVjleOWvn52cIGmEEZJsfbxril8CSrHx2XHTg7YADO6xTLnlIYVBzEBKkxoT0vBbNgn4e8cBJQMWR9SRh_k8f3omvW_U/s1600/5132hsr-LbL._SY344_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiSZSAqImftYLsW_LdUSPOfPXRrw76ChOefFbzLH8B4FNL0_CjVjleOWvn52cIGmEEZJsfbxril8CSrHx2XHTg7YADO6xTLnlIYVBzEBKkxoT0vBbNgn4e8cBJQMWR9SRh_k8f3omvW_U/s320/5132hsr-LbL._SY344_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Piper Kerman (Piper Chapman on the show) is a middle aged, middle to upper class white woman who is being sent to prison for a 10 year old offense. As an adult in her early 20s, Piper desired to see more of the world. Tagging along with her girlfriend Nora, Piper becomes entangled in the world of drug trafficking. She quickly realizes that a life of crime isn't for her and disentangles herself from Nora. Piper returns home to get her life back on track. She finds a career she loves and meets her boyfriend, Larry. Just as their relationship is progressing, Piper is informed that Nora's drug ring is being indicted and she will face criminal charges. Years pass and Piper is stuck in a holding pattern as she waits to be charged and sentenced. Once she is finally officially charged, Piper enters a plea bargain and is able to have her time reduced to 15 months. In the remainder of the memoir, Piper shares her experiences in prison. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Thoughts: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Netflix original series, <i>Orange is the New Black,</i> has become rather popular. My husband and I started watching it when the first season came out and it has now become one of our favorite shows. While I love the show, I have to say that I am very glad I went back and read the book. In the memoir, Piper describes the relationships between the women in prison a little differently. There was much less bickering between the women and much more support compared to what is portrayed on the show. I liked that these women looked after one another and despite their many differences, they truly cared for one another. Kerman's unique look at the prison system is intriguing and thought provoking. I highly recommend this one. </span>Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-11911773412436634902015-06-19T13:39:00.000-04:002015-06-19T13:50:41.645-04:005 Books to Read this Summer<span style="font-size: large;">I love summer. This is not because the temperatures are high or I like to hang out at the pool all day. I love summer because I am a school librarian and I get the summers off, which means I actually have a little time to read. I enjoy easy reads in the summer and I always get asked for recommendations for books to read during those long awaited summer vacations at the beach. So... here you go. These are 5 of my favorite summer reads in no particular order: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOIHifxv2JszwtbzthVZKbshfvBiIs7PW0urg5OUBSP43EDJh1ExEukzApBhMjvfFpM-j4sFn5UfY9FWkmjy22-EmDxybOqTTL9D4XdwchgLM9_oHicd4Gr7jBrC5TeDRqy75QxNxH5XC/s320/download+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="211" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. <i>Eight Hundred Grapes</i> by Laura Dave: This is a recently published book and I just finished reading it while I was spending a weekend in Charleston, SC. I love wine and was attracted to this book solely for that reason. <i>Eight Hundred Grapes</i> is a great read about a family that owns a small vineyard in California. The youngest sibling, Georgia, is a L.A. lawyer and is supposed to get married at the vineyard in a week's time but discovers that her fiance is keeping a big secret. She returns home to try and figure things out only to discover that her family members have some secrets of their own. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. <i>We Were Liars </i>by E. Lockhart: This is a young adult book, but a great read all the same. It reminds me of <i>Gone Girl </i>in the sense that there is a surprise ending. If you are one of those that like to read the last chapter first, don't do it with this one. Trust me. The surprise is worth the wait. <a href="http://fictionfinders.blogspot.com/2014/04/we-were-liars-by-e-lockhart.html">Click here to read the full review. </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3LaY65UbKIAMSHc9UyvbhusqmoaePb60FisXD1I3h9xeAO4xekUV_xEX7cq94D7vlgDzFsHbBXDQLiVHWU-2sb8ocaGjoJ7EdA08Wiaqz3m2EYfyJxlHDDNbkiyYl2P3T04zAo4wV7b2/s1600/4197bKtnKRL__SY344_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3LaY65UbKIAMSHc9UyvbhusqmoaePb60FisXD1I3h9xeAO4xekUV_xEX7cq94D7vlgDzFsHbBXDQLiVHWU-2sb8ocaGjoJ7EdA08Wiaqz3m2EYfyJxlHDDNbkiyYl2P3T04zAo4wV7b2/s320/4197bKtnKRL__SY344_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="210" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. <i> Landline</i> by Rainbow Rowell: Have I mentioned that I love Rainbow Rowell? While I absolutely love all of her books, this is by far my favorite. I read it in one sitting and wanted to start it over again as soon as I read the last page. <a href="http://fictionfinders.blogspot.com/2014/04/landline-by-rainbow-rowell.html">Click here to read the full review. </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nIm8Oi6E6pf8NfazuZZ3GS-20pankSeGn21nCHX7nNzS_DQj0HQFpWEf5q0zerVaGNapBXtIvHMsaSF2L4T3Z-cE8uSGBZtNNohUI6SydrLMJXjo8TqXdX_WGuWNpdc23KP3nwg1QEwl/s320/where-d-you-go.jpeg" width="206" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. <i>Where'd You Go Bernadette?</i> by Maria Semple: This is a quirky read about a family whose mother goes missing. 15 year old, Bee, is determined to find out what happened to her mother. The novel goes back in time and tells about the events leading up to Bernadette's disappearance. I promise this one will have you laughing out loud. <a href="http://fictionfinders.blogspot.com/2013/03/whered-you-go-bernadette-by-maria-semple.html">Click here to read the full review. </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDDOUjbxYBXAtmZvcxs1Ur0V_nqAn4VKyTxO2tsYpeh9WyYzBkAjCKVO0oZ-43ncO2TXBpvST0Zn6pUESjgt_gaee9NN7lpZRo79ImU-1CcfaPQXigoQJvsIcVEynCa727jHo-Lu3B0GD/s320/southofbroad.jpg" width="209" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. <i>South of Broad</i> by Pat Conroy: My husband and I have been super fortunate to be able to vacation in Charleston, SC over the years. It is one of my absolute favorite cities. In this book, Pat Conroy tells the story of residents who live in the multi-million dollar homes south of Broad Street. His storytelling is superb and his characters are incredibly intriguing. If you haven't visited this wonderful city, you will definitely want to once you finish this book. <a href="http://fictionfinders.blogspot.com/2010/06/south-of-broad-by-pat-conroy.html">Click here to read the full review. </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And here's what I plan to read over the summer:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1101875046/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687682&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=125005480X&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=04VH5EBBGV9N6S03BGHC">In the Unlikely Event</a> by Judy Blume</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Go-Set-Watchman-Harper-Lee-ebook/dp/B00T3DNKIE/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434735185&sr=1-1&keywords=go+set+a+watchman">Go Set a Watchman</a> by Harper Lee</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Book-Speculation-A-Novel/dp/125005480X">The Book of Speculation</a> by Erika Swyler</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385342942/ref=s9_wsim_bw_p14_d16_i1?ie=UTF8&colid=1ZB1BC3EL22DU&coliid=I2RADI866R546C&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_r=18X7CS29JPWM5GR8PPQ8&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1975016422&pf_rd_i=283155">The Truth According to Us</a> by Anne Barrows</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Girl-Train-Paula-Hawkins/dp/1594633665/ref=pd_sim_14_31?ie=UTF8&refRID=1RHRBHM6RQG4TFN70NQW">The Girl on the Train</a> by Paula Hawkins. </span></div>
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Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-44601062754810685682015-06-09T09:42:00.002-04:002015-06-09T09:45:19.237-04:00Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkVT3McqqHMRpTqNN4EcJdj3pF8Z5mLeCvn0JXQabYq5ptzflvfxsmI4nDfKwLn1X6RMxAB05qrIBFG_KcRbrUWPyfbtyy9DY_1X3X5o3-NT6ALYwyFx-CJXxsw3kMheEvtlWyKMjPmOH/s1600/81XbzO1loHL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkVT3McqqHMRpTqNN4EcJdj3pF8Z5mLeCvn0JXQabYq5ptzflvfxsmI4nDfKwLn1X6RMxAB05qrIBFG_KcRbrUWPyfbtyy9DY_1X3X5o3-NT6ALYwyFx-CJXxsw3kMheEvtlWyKMjPmOH/s320/81XbzO1loHL.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Lydia is the favorite child in a mixed race family. At the beginning of this 1970's family drama, readers find out that Lydia is dead and her body has been found in the middle of the school lake. The remaining of the novel goes back in time and tells the story of how her death occurred via each of her family members. We find out that James, her Chinese father, really wants Lydia to be popular at school because he was a bit of an outcast growing up. Marilyn, her American mother, gave up a lot when she married James and got pregnant with their first child. She had big aspirations to be a doctor and not a housewife like her mother. Marilyn decides that if she can't be a doctor she will do everything in her power to make sure Lydia becomes one. Her older brother, Nath, is extremely intelligent but is barely noticed because all of his parent's attention is on Lydia. Hannah, the youngest, is portrayed almost as a shadow that slips in and out of rooms with little to no recognition. As the story unfolds, each family member's perspective weaves a tale that is both intriguing and thought provoking. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Thoughts: </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">While this novel started out a little slow for me, I was extremely glad that I read it. Celeste Ng does an amazing job of telling this story about family life. In every family there are so many different perspectives and view points that have to coexist and while James and Marilyn had loving intentions for Lydia, it is obvious that their desires are not her desires. This book is definitely not a light summer read, but I highly recommend that you add it to your summer reading list. It's also a great book club pick with lots to discuss. </span><br />
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<br />Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-80747172987004967622014-12-29T18:20:00.001-04:002014-12-29T18:22:16.730-04:00Down River by John Hart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguc92Ch6IbkPkBQJHOvBIAhHX8cdMFFrN1gPGFZOckgdJ6vhtzkUZ5OrhpNuhVJ1HCApFKNvD8XQd_OkqtCdlzNuKqBAsBzeokm77gHETVc9XX86os1HQQkvLjRpLuu-1xmj_udVpVbW_w/s1600/446038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguc92Ch6IbkPkBQJHOvBIAhHX8cdMFFrN1gPGFZOckgdJ6vhtzkUZ5OrhpNuhVJ1HCApFKNvD8XQd_OkqtCdlzNuKqBAsBzeokm77gHETVc9XX86os1HQQkvLjRpLuu-1xmj_udVpVbW_w/s1600/446038.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Adam Chase hasn't been back home to Rowan County, North Carolina in over five years. After being tried for a murder and found not guilty, he left his hometown and moved to New York City to start over. Just when he thought he had left his past behind, Adam receives a mysterious phone call from his closest friend asking him to come back home and help him with a situation he refuses to expound upon. Adam finally makes the journey home a</span><span style="font-size: large;">fter spending weeks trying to decide if he could ever face the demons he left behind. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Within hours of returning, Adam is beaten up and is forced to confront family and friends he hasn't spoken to since he moved away. To make things worse, crimes begin happening on his family farm and many citizens of the county immediately turn to Adam as the prime suspect. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Thoughts:</b><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Down River </i>is the story of a sleepy southern town that is definitely not lacking in excitement. This "who done it?" novel is sure to keep you guessing. John Hart, a lawyer from Rowan County where most of his novels take place, is an excellent storyteller and does a fantastic job keeping his readers in suspense as his stories unfold. If you are in the mood for an easy mystery read, <i>Down River</i> will not disappoint! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Also check out Hart's novel <i><a href="http://fictionfinders.blogspot.com/2013/04/iron-house-by-jon-hart.html">Iron House</a></i>! </span><br />
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<br />Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-17526437661527086682014-12-22T09:08:00.000-04:002014-12-22T09:08:14.429-04:00Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_ZaHGh5hDzf9QfTyvZRWik2VbiSh1QDf5-PCjAGP8Z61GKSkKSxok9xcrEbGNpa4L0FSoA65koISrLWkVi91zl1qyGGTy5_Vmz0DBYXAG-CTPYwnHB4GbnnqMnYvy4MPJBu1bcgr98sL/s1600/51vJfJFQfjL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_ZaHGh5hDzf9QfTyvZRWik2VbiSh1QDf5-PCjAGP8Z61GKSkKSxok9xcrEbGNpa4L0FSoA65koISrLWkVi91zl1qyGGTy5_Vmz0DBYXAG-CTPYwnHB4GbnnqMnYvy4MPJBu1bcgr98sL/s1600/51vJfJFQfjL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Big-Little-Lies-Liane-Moriarty/dp/0399167064">Big Little Lies</a> </i>is the story of three very different women whose children attend the same preschool. One is a gorgeous, wealthy woman with the perfect set of twins. Another is an all around great mom who really seems to have it all together, except for the fact that her teenage daughter chooses to live with her father. And the third is a quiet (and a bit mysterious) single mother that just doesn't quite fit in. Circumstances throw the three together and they become fast friends as they help each other navigate the tricky social dilemmas of preschool moms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">From the beginning of the story we know that one of the characters will end up dead. The fun of the story is getting there. As Moriarty uses her wit and craft to attach you to each character you have to keep reminding yourself that someone is not going to make it. Ultimately it's a story that shows us that we all tell lies- big and little- to others and more often to ourselves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I enjoyed the story very much. Just when you think the book is about to get predictable, a twist shows up in perfect timing. There are a few little mysteries that start from the very beginning and leave you searching for the answers throughout the story right alongside the characters. I thought the ending may have wrapped up a little too neatly, but in this age of constant trilogies it felt kind of nice to just read a book and let it end cleanly. </span>Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-37464257315649436982014-07-21T13:33:00.000-04:002014-07-21T13:33:31.822-04:00If I Stay by Gayle Forman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStvcTXQ5Q81jUWYNYAhvCm088Vy2w3P96p0Ck6tIZtcFuuPaBK5AFZ5idpH635LXZ2OEvm9QlQVFg5aNWv5kDimqSW1xo8trhqvVGP5q_eB-kCtEg-oIiQ4ORcK82NrWwC1YIGm4-01Ne/s1600/if-I-stay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStvcTXQ5Q81jUWYNYAhvCm088Vy2w3P96p0Ck6tIZtcFuuPaBK5AFZ5idpH635LXZ2OEvm9QlQVFg5aNWv5kDimqSW1xo8trhqvVGP5q_eB-kCtEg-oIiQ4ORcK82NrWwC1YIGm4-01Ne/s1600/if-I-stay.jpg" height="320" width="202" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Seventeen year old Mia has a pretty great life. She has a loving family, a great boyfriend, and is pretty sure she will be accepted to Juilliard for the fall semester. On one unexpected snow day, her family decides to go for a drive and everything changes. They are hit head on by an oncoming vehicle and Mia is the lone survivor. Shortly after the accident Mia realizes that she is having an "out of body" experience as she witnesses her comatose body being loaded into the ambulance. As her extended family members and friends gather at the hospital waiting for her to wake, Mia has to decide if she actually wants to go on living. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Thoughts: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have wanted to read a Gayle Forman book for a while and decided on this one since the movie is coming out later this summer. Maybe it was because I had pretty high expectations, but I was a little disappointed. While I don't want to give away the ending, I felt that it really left me hanging. I also had a hard time with the concept of Mia walking around in a ghost-like form trying to decide if she wanted to live or die. While I believe that many young adult novels can be enjoyed by people of all ages, I am coming to find that some are just not for me as an adult. </span>Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-55287507310283480272014-04-30T12:01:00.001-04:002014-04-30T20:55:23.228-04:00We Were Liars by E. Lockhart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUUgRwv367282J4fnpGZaVDZJWWIjPbK8b2daCFWZEIajb-1RnvYG4scZeLXEwo1WivuxPu8H5l5hd8UEqAnjF5_oaKBwjE92A3tiJ88uvRYBPM12cFzeJuceEbBHEpm2K7B0BNvErUlu/s1600/16143347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUUgRwv367282J4fnpGZaVDZJWWIjPbK8b2daCFWZEIajb-1RnvYG4scZeLXEwo1WivuxPu8H5l5hd8UEqAnjF5_oaKBwjE92A3tiJ88uvRYBPM12cFzeJuceEbBHEpm2K7B0BNvErUlu/s1600/16143347.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Cadence Sinclair-Eastman, known as Cady, has grown up in a wealthy, prestigious family. Every summer her whole family heads out to a private island to vacation. Cady's cousins plus a family acquaintance (The Liars) are her companions each summer. Cady looks forward to spending the summer with them until one summer when everything goes wrong. All she can remember about that summer is that she was in some sort of accident. Convinced that she had a swimming accident where she hit her head on a rock, Cady can't understand why her mother won't let her return to the island the following summer. Two summers later, Cady's mother believes she might be ready to return and see her family. Everything seems normal, until Cady begins to remember little pieces of what really happened the summer of the accident. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>My Thoughts:</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><em>We Were Liars</em> is an extremely well written novel. From the beginning, I knew that something wasn't right about Cady's story. As things began to unravel, the book became more and more intriguing. I would definitely categorize this novel as a mystery, but it also focuses a lot on the dynamics of Cady's family. I am hesitant to say too much about the story line because this is definitely a book where you don't want to give away the ending. Those of you who turn to the back of a book and read the last chapter before reading the rest of the story, let me implore you to not do that with this book. Let the ending be a surprise. You won't regret it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span>Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-16504365679280925232014-04-20T07:19:00.000-04:002014-04-20T07:22:03.109-04:00The Goldfinch by Donna Tart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWQSdIE1XxTL7fgIL8J90vY8mWz6uKn3iLpUbgZprziwFyVSdj1D0AN2Qfv0ofxTip35SwdCeNhaD0xypLsdYLntNZOlnsCpmjqiY5Pe9NlZIF-dR9dZ3p-YIYB3bN7kdHPCJbC2LiLvy/s1600/elle-the-goldfinch-v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWQSdIE1XxTL7fgIL8J90vY8mWz6uKn3iLpUbgZprziwFyVSdj1D0AN2Qfv0ofxTip35SwdCeNhaD0xypLsdYLntNZOlnsCpmjqiY5Pe9NlZIF-dR9dZ3p-YIYB3bN7kdHPCJbC2LiLvy/s1600/elle-the-goldfinch-v.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After a terrorist attack, thirteen-year-old Theo Decker is left orphaned and the sole guardian of a small painting that was placed in his hands after the explosion. Unable to part with the painting because it is the only connection he has left to his mother, Theo hides it away as he navigates the twists and turns of his new orphaned life. The book follows Theo's journey into adulthood where the book takes a dangerous turn into the underworld of art. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Goldfinch-Donna-Tartt-ebook/dp/B00BAXFECK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1397992743&sr=1-1&keywords=the+goldfinch">The Goldfinch</a> </i>is the recipient of the 2014 Pulitzer Prize and was also hailed as one of Amazon's most important books to read. The book is long, ringing in at over 800 pages, so if you decide to read it be sure you are up to the task.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have heard so many mixed reviews of this book. I don't think anyone can argue that it isn't well-written. Tart is best known for weaving long intricate stories. This one reads like a large meal that you have to sit back and digest for awhile. Interestingly, I truly disliked this book until I took time to discuss it with my book club. After really dissecting the pieces of the story, I have to agree with all the praise it is receiving. On a personal level, I couldn't really find one character that I liked or could relate to and I felt that parts of the story were too detailed and cause the momentum to lag, which can really feel defeating in such a long book. However, the themes of the story are very real and moving. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My only real advice on this one is that if you decide to take it on, don't quit halfway through. If you start it, hang on to the end. It's worth the closure you will feel from it.</span>Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-71652991080530791922014-04-16T13:08:00.000-04:002014-04-16T13:08:00.034-04:00The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzVl-vCVDxQywFwukYhPutLcUcyP4mam13Ym5nwExEZTRZD5D2A6FsXsgBKF8ZQzcauBukTHRq2qRMpHbEVO3lWswMIFK2dD_t9zNBRQdXzrK1S9QBZH8IuWRSFrmR6LF6BTuW2uHzFM4/s1600/download.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzVl-vCVDxQywFwukYhPutLcUcyP4mam13Ym5nwExEZTRZD5D2A6FsXsgBKF8ZQzcauBukTHRq2qRMpHbEVO3lWswMIFK2dD_t9zNBRQdXzrK1S9QBZH8IuWRSFrmR6LF6BTuW2uHzFM4/s1600/download.jpeg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">A.J. Fikry is an independent book store owner in the small town of Alice Island. After purchasing the book store with his wife, things don't quite turn out as he expected. His wife dies in a car accident and A.J. finds himself turning into an angry man prone to drinking his cares away. To top it off, his extremely valuable copy of Edgar Allen Poe's <i>Tamerlane and Other Poems </i>is stolen right from underneath his nose. As time passes, A.J. comes to find that he has isolated himself from almost everyone in Alice Island. His only regular acquaintances are his late wife's sister, Ismay, and Lambiase, the police officer looking for his stolen book. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A.J.'s life changes drastically when he returns from an evening run to find that a baby has been left in his store with only a note from its mother including the baby's name: Maya. While initially annoyed, A.J. comes to see that Maya may be what saves him from his own demise. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Thoughts:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This heartwarming story by Gabrielle Zevin is a must read for book lovers. Even in his angry phase, A.J.'s ability to pick out the right book for the right reader is fascinating. A.J.'s love for books and stories help him through a difficult time and his ability to share his love of books with others eventually bring people back into his lonely life. Filled with heartache, laughter, and love, Gabrielle has written a story that is sure to be passed along from reader to reader. </span>Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-66952798592689941402014-04-15T09:20:00.000-04:002014-04-15T09:20:08.570-04:00Landline by Rainbow Rowell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mOhxzWR68yjkpRxKpFGtZXq31SgRLjDidrD3ecwjpVbmuQzGu4SJDWiCTGJ7re2_48tLUdrrGXO-_E_btUqWZZ2nhAIXIo9xmdxf3p83DiKFlItOiaXNHGdMOrhzmxsp3Ow0eOd-ED6z/s1600/4197bKtnKRL__SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mOhxzWR68yjkpRxKpFGtZXq31SgRLjDidrD3ecwjpVbmuQzGu4SJDWiCTGJ7re2_48tLUdrrGXO-_E_btUqWZZ2nhAIXIo9xmdxf3p83DiKFlItOiaXNHGdMOrhzmxsp3Ow0eOd-ED6z/s1600/4197bKtnKRL__SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Middle aged Georgie's marriage is in trouble. She has known this for a while, but hasn't been sure what to do about it. Georgie's husband, Neal, is still madly in love with her but doesn't know how to deal with her crazy work schedule. Just a few days before Georgie and Neal plan to take their kids to Omaha to visit family for Christmas, Georgie backs out because of a big project at work. Neal takes the kids and heads for Omaha anyways and Georgie is sure she has ruined things for good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Being alone brings all of her family problems to the forefront and Georgie has no other option but to face them head on. Not wanting to be alone, Georgie ends up staying at her mother's in her old bedroom. Her cell phone is on the fritz so she decides to use the landline. When she is finally able to get in touch with Neal, she realizes that the Neal she is speaking to isn't from the present, but is a past version of her husband. This "magic" landline may be just the thing to save their marriage. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>My Thoughts:</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you have read any of my other Rainbow Rowell reviews, you know that I am a big fan. She currently has one adult (<em><a href="http://fictionfinders.blogspot.com/2013/05/attachments-by-rainbow-rowell.html">Attachments</a></em>) and two young adult books (</span><a href="http://fictionfinders.blogspot.com/2013/04/eleanor-and-park-by-rainbow-rowell.html"><em><span style="font-size: large;">Eleanor and Park</span></em></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and </span><a href="http://fictionfinders.blogspot.com/2013/10/fangirl-by-rainbow-rowell.html"><em><span style="font-size: large;">Fangirl</span></em></a><span style="font-size: large;">) published. Needless to say I was extrememly anxious to get my hands on this newest book of hers. It is not set to release until July 2014 and I planned to not write my review of it until closer to that date, but I just couldn't wait to share this book with fellow readers. This is probably my favorite of her four books. I think it is probably because I am close to Georgie's age and married. Georgie and Neal deal with real life issues that many married couples face. Sometimes love just doesn't feel like enough, and working through those issues can be hard. I love how Georgie and Neal decide that fighting for their marriage is worth the work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you haven't read Rainbow's other books, I defintely recommend reading those while you wait for <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Landline-Rainbow-Rowell/dp/1250049377">Landline</a></em> to be released in July!</span> Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-60624109412519231392014-02-07T21:06:00.000-04:002014-02-07T21:06:07.124-04:00One Plus One by JoJo Moyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4w5rvz-_YuAm7_5kGpJ2HZFPuozTDIP1GCrU7hLXPt7aMRxXrzBr4i4RKyY9gHVxwGTvY8c7cAXhEvMnH7IOFLBIStrhZ-us1bROexhx-1E-e8q4zf7MQ8w6-EEV07F0Ura275MAr6nB/s1600/9780525426585_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4w5rvz-_YuAm7_5kGpJ2HZFPuozTDIP1GCrU7hLXPt7aMRxXrzBr4i4RKyY9gHVxwGTvY8c7cAXhEvMnH7IOFLBIStrhZ-us1bROexhx-1E-e8q4zf7MQ8w6-EEV07F0Ura275MAr6nB/s1600/9780525426585_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Jess Thomas is a single mom just trying to get by. Her ten year old daughter, Tanzie, is a math genius whose only wish is to attend an elite school for math. Jess' teenage stepson, Nicky, wears eyeliner and is constantly bullied by neighborhood kids. Jess works two jobs to support Tanzie and Nicky after her husband decided to leave her to find something better. When the dean at the math school tells Jess about a math competition with a prize that would pay for Tanzie's first year at school, Jess concocts a plan to get them all (including their enormous dog Norman) to the competition. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When Jess' plan fails, they are left stranded on the side of the rode only to be picked up by one of her cleaning clients. Because his life has basically fallen apart, Ed decides to give them a ride to the competition. Three long days of traveling offer up the occasion for Jess and Ed to really get to know one another and both are surprised by what they find. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Thoughts: </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In this much anticipated novel, Jojo tells a very unconventional love story. Ed and Jess live in two different worlds and are thrown together unexpectedly. True to Jojo's style, she tells a love story that isn't just fluff, but has well developed characters and a plot that will keep you reading all night long. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Note:</b> I received an advance release copy of this book via Edelweiss. The U.S. expected release date is July 1, 2014. </span>Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-77994353205850046232014-02-01T23:04:00.000-04:002014-02-02T14:05:00.098-04:00Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHdisWBZHhoAAHlukAsAzlgLlmEXWVVwPC4Yu11PFzAfHz6MA_T23YNZ0XRYM74Xz2aww7cfzHRDFaM3QC4rU6Rbk4DN4Yk8dtyUlGq8gWNdKEIrqT6as7Bpwc07UBpT-1aONXsHV3mfl/s1600/51ehsBQQn7L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHdisWBZHhoAAHlukAsAzlgLlmEXWVVwPC4Yu11PFzAfHz6MA_T23YNZ0XRYM74Xz2aww7cfzHRDFaM3QC4rU6Rbk4DN4Yk8dtyUlGq8gWNdKEIrqT6as7Bpwc07UBpT-1aONXsHV3mfl/s1600/51ehsBQQn7L.jpg" height="400" width="270" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Due to some very bad behavior, Andrew Yancey has been demoted from police investigator to health inspector. In a related incident, Yancey also has an arm in his freezer. How the arm got there is explainable, but what he can't explain is who it belonged to and how it became unattached. Yancey believes that if he can solve this mystery he might just get his spot back with the Monroe County Sheriff's department. With an unbelievable cast of characters, Andrew Yancey sets out on an adventure that is entertaining, hilarious, and suspenseful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The characters in this book are charmingly bizarre, each one more flawed than the next. Hiaasen does an excellent job of writing people that could be real people if they weren't in such an unusual situation. I found the mystery of the story delightful, and for once I truly did not figure out "whodunnit" until it was revealed to me. I kept wondering how this ever-growing cast of characters were going to relate to one another, and Hiassen did a masterful job of weaving them all together. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Monkey-Carl-Hiaasen/dp/0307272591"><i>Bad Monkey</i></a><i> </i>is an entertaining read for lovers of the odd, funny, (possibly a little offensive), and mysterious.</span></div>
<br />Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-7044564704956867262014-02-01T13:35:00.000-04:002014-02-01T13:35:13.612-04:00The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8gcyI049VsRWSe0LdEEnmtgG8WoyjqK1C2pA1YKQXMvYX-A9pbe5NCD3hTHk1gUjusysvO5zg5aoFlcZEhHnbYihprU9AFUZbOQRa-xovbD9Ig9SxghAn8J19cPMb3xWfLQITl766IMi/s1600/9780670026616_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8gcyI049VsRWSe0LdEEnmtgG8WoyjqK1C2pA1YKQXMvYX-A9pbe5NCD3hTHk1gUjusysvO5zg5aoFlcZEhHnbYihprU9AFUZbOQRa-xovbD9Ig9SxghAn8J19cPMb3xWfLQITl766IMi/s1600/9780670026616_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">The Girl You Left Behind</span></i><span style="font-size: large;"> begins in 1916 France when Sophie Lefevre is left by her husband, Edouard, to go and fight in the war. Not wanting to be alone, Sophie moves back to her hometown to live with her sister and brother in their family owned and operated hotel. Not long after her return home, her town is occupied by Germans and their hotel is commissioned to serve dinner to the soldiers every night. Hanging in the lobby of the hotel is a portrait of Sophie painted by Edouard. Against better judgement, Sophie refuses to remove the painting and insists that in remain on the walls as a reminder of her husband. The beautiful painting quickly catches the eye of the local German Kommandant and recognizing his fascination with her, Sophie risks her own life and the lives of her family in attempts to be reconciled with her husband. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Almost a century later, the painting of Sophie hangs on the wall in Liv's home. The painting has become something that she truly cherishes, as it was given to her as a gift by her late husband. Nearly four years after his death, Liv is struggling to pay her mortgage and is knee deep in debt. One evening when in the pit of despair, Liv heads to a gay bar (in hopes that no one will bother her) to drink her sorrows away. While in a drunken state her purse is stolen and she receives assistance from Paul, an ex-cop, who now specializes in returning art that was stolen during wartime to its rightful owners. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Girl You Left Behind</i> is a dual-time narrative that tells the story of two women living in completely different worlds connected only by a painting. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Thoughts: </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Jojo Moyes has managed to capture me once again. In this novel, she beautifully tells the story of two women wanting to find love or love lost. She weaves historical fiction in with the present day and shows how stories of the past are truly important. Fans of historical fiction will not want to pass this one over. </span>Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-68378357400410883382014-01-29T12:18:00.002-04:002014-09-10T19:24:41.333-04:00Longbourn by Jo Baker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_JxNYh0_RMFSwha-1BnORdKIL7IIgECKVmeFsDquchB6ptWsw4Z88_3wF64GPt8XCEWPufAW697T31eiAr8HlAKr2waufPwdNvi3-Fwj30j4wKjzSGpAbbe8ktPIMcp_4vI62D7EgjnB/s1600/download+(4).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_JxNYh0_RMFSwha-1BnORdKIL7IIgECKVmeFsDquchB6ptWsw4Z88_3wF64GPt8XCEWPufAW697T31eiAr8HlAKr2waufPwdNvi3-Fwj30j4wKjzSGpAbbe8ktPIMcp_4vI62D7EgjnB/s1600/download+(4).jpeg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">In the novel <i>Longbourn</i>, Jo Baker takes the setting and plot of Jane Austen's <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> and re-imagines the story by focusing in on the lives of the servantry. Downstairs at Longbourn, the housekeeper, Mrs. Hill, lives with her husband who acts as both butler and chauffeur. Longbourn also employs Sarah, ladies' maid to Elizabeth and her sisters, and Polly, who helps with many different chores around the estate. The servants spend their days washing clothes, scrubbing floors, preparing meals, and attending to the Bennett family. Things are pretty mundane until a new, mysterious footman arrives. Sarah is quite curious about James and his past and is determined to find out more about him. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Thoughts:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is apparent that much research went into the creation of this story. Jo Baker does an amazing job of retelling <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> through the eyes of its servants. She closely follows Austen's original plot, but gives readers an entirely different perspective. While I am often skeptical of classical retellings, I quickly became entranced with the characters in <i>Longbourn</i> and found myself plowing through the novel. Fans of <i>Downton Abbey</i> are sure to devour this one! </span></div>
Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-78636309651719233872014-01-19T11:26:00.002-04:002014-01-19T11:26:58.381-04:00Roomies by Sara Zarr and Tara Altebrando<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRg8RmsgFhiUZgzGSujm2rmf9Wx21LaWOovIoXqzTgGOwe3g-dm61VNKow0UWPTma7tWDYfKo_3w9eaZOHIsnF6jjZwoVUpP1CgidG22FrjZKxyqtmKickV9vvhlzUltvvkKl7601m4Mc/s1600/17573559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRg8RmsgFhiUZgzGSujm2rmf9Wx21LaWOovIoXqzTgGOwe3g-dm61VNKow0UWPTma7tWDYfKo_3w9eaZOHIsnF6jjZwoVUpP1CgidG22FrjZKxyqtmKickV9vvhlzUltvvkKl7601m4Mc/s1600/17573559.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">As soon as she receives her roommate assignment from UC Berkeley, high school senior Elizabeth shoots off an email to introduce herself to her roommate and figure out all the logistics of rooming together. While Elizabeth is super excited to converse with her new roommate during the summer months leading up to their freshman year, Lauren does not initially show the same enthusiasm. Alternating perspectives from both Lauren and Elizabeth give readers a glimpse into the lives of their families. Growing up with a single mom and an estranged father, Elizabeth's home life is very different from Lauren's. While Elizabeth is a bit envious of Lauren's big family and parents who are not divorced, Lauren is jealous of the time that Elizabeth has to herself without siblings running around. As the novel progresses and their first face-to-face meeting approaches, both Lauren and Elizabeth realize that having a roommate may not be as easy as they once thought. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Thoughts: </b> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">While I am obviously not in the same stage of life as Lauren and Elizabeth, I remember the summer before my freshman year of college and all of the unknowns that went along with those summer months. This easy to read, face-paced novel is one of those books that you just won't want to put down. I highly recommend it to female teens about to embark into the new world of college and to female adults wanting to reminisce a little. </span>Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-23260611664090700332014-01-16T19:03:00.001-04:002014-01-19T12:38:46.399-04:00A Flavia de Luce Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">The new Flavia de Luce novel by Alan Bradley has just been released! <i>The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches</i> is the 6th Flavia novel. If you haven't read any of the previously released Flavia novels, be sure to check out our review of the first book: <a href="http://fictionfinders.blogspot.com/2010/01/sweetness-at-bottom-of-pie-by-alan.html"><i>The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie</i></a>. While the Flavia novels are part of a series, each one is a story on its own and you could easily jump in with book 6. If you enjoy mystery mixed with laugher, you will love this series. Use the widget below to enter. Good luck!</span></div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/fd37761/" id="rc-fd37761" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-60056133861564218352013-12-29T15:04:00.000-04:002014-01-06T12:27:46.486-04:00Me Before You by Jojo Moyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vWFiEZ5sencyEhsmDBaXT3XufM-uA8gyrzH6i70ILEeUbJqjKUprUptc6fVKPRAYJ6omHiCNtmugW9xDDB2RfbAx64ah_Hm9FBX-a8mqVoniC-BXashRqzpwnLyHDRyR2L1JwaN4rfPA/s1600/download+%25283%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vWFiEZ5sencyEhsmDBaXT3XufM-uA8gyrzH6i70ILEeUbJqjKUprUptc6fVKPRAYJ6omHiCNtmugW9xDDB2RfbAx64ah_Hm9FBX-a8mqVoniC-BXashRqzpwnLyHDRyR2L1JwaN4rfPA/s1600/download+%25283%2529.jpeg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Lou Clark leads a somewhat uneventful life. She lives at home with her parents, works at a tea and bun cafe, and has been dating the same man for seven years. Lou is content and does not seek out change or adventure, but her life is turned upside down when she loses her job. She does not possess many job trained skills and struggles to find the work she needs to help support her parents. When a position as a helper to a quadriplegic becomes available Lou decides to give it a try. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Will Traynor is the exact opposite of Lou. Before the accident, he led a life full of excitement and adventure and as the head of a thriving business, possessed the means to do whatever he fancied. His life is changed forever when he is hit by a motorcyclist while trying to hail a taxi. As a result of the accident, Will is now confined to a wheelchair with only minimal ability to move his hands and shoulders. When Lou Clark walks into his life, he is a bitter man with no desire to live. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As Lou and Will spend time together during her six month contract, they begin to develop a relationship that offers them each a new perspective on life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Thoughts</b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Me Before You </i>is the first book that I have read by Jojo Moyes. The cover and book blurbs are a little misleading, but I thoroughly enjoyed it even though it wasn't quite what I expected. This story is mostly told from Lou's viewpoint except for a few chapters that give perspectives from other minor characters. Lou is a strong, lovable character and I was drawn into her life almost immediately. While this novel has many sad moments, it is also filled with much love and laughter. I plan to read more by Jojo Moyes in the near future. </span>Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-48760919965127071512013-11-11T22:58:00.002-04:002013-11-11T22:58:58.830-04:00Panic by Lauren Oliver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1O3pnYTdXr_oXXpZ9xbINwX6mhJJw0j92jLy4GE23lDQzyqLtoSbf1PDVm2denzsnMzRyw72gGthiizSEe09OLJn7oL5UwpIwxH78B_3KQvpRE4HzkM1ddC73o0FwyMna-01WSh4gjC3e/s1600/download.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1O3pnYTdXr_oXXpZ9xbINwX6mhJJw0j92jLy4GE23lDQzyqLtoSbf1PDVm2denzsnMzRyw72gGthiizSEe09OLJn7oL5UwpIwxH78B_3KQvpRE4HzkM1ddC73o0FwyMna-01WSh4gjC3e/s1600/download.jpeg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Heather and Dodge live in a small, dead end town of 12,000. While Carp may be a boring town throughout the colder months, in the summer it becomes the home of Panic, a game that can only be played by graduating seniors. Heather has no intention of entering the game, until she attends the opening event with her friends Nat and Bishop. In a last minute decision (partially made because she sees her ex-boyfriend with another girl), Heather jumps from the bridge that declares her a contender in the games. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dodge has been planning to enter the game since his sister was left crippled when she competed in Panic years earlier. Partially motivated by revenge, Dodge's goal is to win and defeat the brother of the boy who left his sister in a wheel chair. While Heather and Dodge are barely acquaintances before Panic, the game brings about new and unexpected friendships as the contenders face some of their most intense fears. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Thoughts: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In <i>Panic</i>, the graduating seniors are competing in games that are life
threatening and dangerous with the end game being recognition and a
large cash prize. As I read about the game, I assumed that <i>Panic</i> was another dystopian novel. I partially came to this conclusion because Lauren Oliver's last series is dystopian, but the game of Panic also reminded me of the games in Suzanne Collin's <i>The Hunger Games</i>. This initial confusion disturbed me a bit, because while I later realized that Panic is realistic fiction, it made me consider the idea that many elements of dystopian novels are becoming reality (i.e. the government spying on us). That being said, <i>Panic</i> is a very thought provoking novel that is full of suspense and one I highly recommend. I look forward to hearing more reader's thoughts when this book is released. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Note: </b> I received an advance copy of this book courtesy of Edelweiss. It's scheduled release date is March 4, 2014. In the meantime, check out the first book in Lauren Oliver's dystopian series: <a href="http://fictionfinders.blogspot.com/2012/05/delirium-by-lauren-oliver.html">Delirium.</a> </span><br />
<br />Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-29677207380687990662013-10-26T08:54:00.000-04:002014-01-19T13:58:31.384-04:00Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpotMfWMY9jr7MVvDyBCrOuDvvtKvCZeogp3xWeBE6PtCDXDzDzRfxhawES9lbaccfKp-XqYr3PC1UIdvYv5_CKqECkyohm3OsyCa-11ZtU5555ebCe4uLjztk43NaodAIAnZJOrtiP7hC/s1600/download+(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpotMfWMY9jr7MVvDyBCrOuDvvtKvCZeogp3xWeBE6PtCDXDzDzRfxhawES9lbaccfKp-XqYr3PC1UIdvYv5_CKqECkyohm3OsyCa-11ZtU5555ebCe4uLjztk43NaodAIAnZJOrtiP7hC/s1600/download+(1).jpeg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Violet and her twin brother Luke have been left to fend for themselves in their dilapidated home formerly owned by their deceased grandmother. Their artist parents live abroad squandering the family money. In their quiet little town of Citizen Kane, Violet only has two companions, her brother and their neighbor Sunshine, until River West arrives and rents out their guest house. River first appears to be a dream come true. He cares for Violet in a way that she has not been cared for in a long time. The only problem is that strange things begin happening in Citizen Kane shortly after River's arrival. A group of children are found running around the local cemetery, claiming to be chasing after the devil. A child goes missing. Strange and unexplained deaths occur. Each time one of these mysterious events occur, Violet begins to suspect that something is very wrong with River. But how could he be causing these horrible things if he is with her when they occur? Is River the guy she has always hoped for or is he something completely different from what he appears to be? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Thoughts: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This new novel by April Genevieve Tucholke will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. Throughout the first half of the book, I hoped that River would be the good guy in the story. As the story progresses that possibility seems less and less likely. I could not figure out how River could possibly be attached to the mysterious events that were happening in Citizen Kane. The suspense really increases when River's true self is revealed. Fans of Lucy Christopher's <i>Stolen</i>, will definitely enjoy this exciting novel that leaves you unsure of who the bad guy really is. </span>Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-75193211582989723312013-10-05T18:05:00.000-04:002013-10-05T18:05:55.699-04:00Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gpjT6f01J-n_c6YL8n1va4gCV5DdrpUrikGnHHVZ_ZykW5izV1HZkasWtybitaVIY6JlLS6pbuuRj-J1i3nu1XWdz3sLyIcVgfgnwdY66ulDRhbSYeY3mPdbRuxH23hbGuN3eLeW_3AT/s1600/FANGIRL_CoverDec2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gpjT6f01J-n_c6YL8n1va4gCV5DdrpUrikGnHHVZ_ZykW5izV1HZkasWtybitaVIY6JlLS6pbuuRj-J1i3nu1XWdz3sLyIcVgfgnwdY66ulDRhbSYeY3mPdbRuxH23hbGuN3eLeW_3AT/s320/FANGIRL_CoverDec2012.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Cath is a writer, a writer of fan-fiction that is, and she is obsessed with the Simon Snow series (Simon is a Harry Potter-like character fighting against evil that seeks to destroy his world of magic). Her twin sister, Wren, is also a fan, but has mostly moved on to new things. Cath and Wren have been connected at the hip since they were little, and Cath was surprised when Wren didn't want to be her roommate in college. Left to navigate her freshman year on her own, Cath spends most of her time going to classes, writing Simon fanfiction, and avoiding the dining hall. When faced with loneliness, a new fiction writing class, and a mentally ill father, Cath absorbs herself in the world of Simon Snow, believing it is much better than her own. Noticing her intentional seclusion, Cath's boisterous roommate, Reagan, and her boyfriend, Levi, attempt to befriend her. As she moves through her freshman year and forges relationships with unexpected people, Cath begins to see that her own world isn't so bad after all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Thoughts:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Rainbow Rowell has done it again. I have been in a reading rut lately, unable to find any really good books. I am currently stuck in the middle of two novels that I am desperately struggling to finish. Because I absolutely loved Rainbow's other two novels (<i><a href="http://fictionfinders.blogspot.com/2013/04/eleanor-and-park-by-rainbow-rowell.html" target="_blank">Eleanor and Park</a></i> and <i><a href="http://fictionfinders.blogspot.com/2013/05/attachments-by-rainbow-rowell.html" target="_blank">Attachments</a></i>), I hoped that <i>Fangirl</i> would be great as well. I was not disappointed. I picked up this book two days ago and barely put it down until I finished. Rainbow does such a superb job of creating and developing characters that you will fall in love with. I cannot recommend this book enough. And if you haven't read any of Rainbow's other novels, what are you waiting for? I predict there will be some awards given out to this phenomenal author in the near future. </span>Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-29052545160408997872013-09-04T11:15:00.003-04:002013-09-04T11:17:00.199-04:00The Boy in the Suitcase by Lene Kaaberbol & Agnete Friis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nina Borg, wife and mother of two, has a compulsory addiction to danger. As a Red Cross employee, Nina and her colleagues work with illegal immigrants by helping them find asylum from oppressors. Despite her husband's pleas to live a simpler, more quiet life with her family, Nina finds herself constantly drawn into dangerous situations. This is precisely why Nina gets into a very tricky situation involving a three year old Lithuanian boy she discovered drugged and stuffed into a suitcase. Not knowing how he ended up there, Nina is determined to keep him safe and that means also keeping him away from the police until she knows his full story. With language as a major barrier, Nina seeks to find someone who understands him so she can decide what to do next. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Thoughts: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Boy in the Suitcase</i> is the first in the series of Nina Borg novels. As I read this book, I couldn't help but think of <i>The Girl in the Dragon Tattoo</i>. While the subject matter is definitely different, both series deal with crime and corruption and offer a good amount of suspense. My favorite element in this novel is how each chapter is written from a different character's perspective. It is a little confusing in the beginning, but as I continued to read, I was able to figure out how they all fit together. I will be picking up the next book in this series, <i>Invisible Murder</i>, very soon. If you love crime and suspense, you will definitely enjoy this series! </span>Eriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11442106853004871462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3483011892971765122.post-47609915091247851072013-08-30T18:23:00.000-04:002013-08-30T19:25:44.439-04:00Flat Out Love by Jessica Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">When Julie moves to Boston for college, she finds the apartment she rented from Craigslist doesn't actually exist. Stranded in an unknown city, she moves into the home of her mother's old college roommate. The Watkins family is a little strange to say the least. The parents seem a bit absent, one son is traveling the world, the other is practically a social recluse, and the daughter speaks without using contractions and carries around a life-size cutout of her absent brother which she calls "Flat Finn." Julie finds the family odd, but lovable, and quickly finds herself becoming a part of their home. As she tries to find a way to help the awkward daughter Celeste, she finds herself falling in love with one of the brothers. But which one? The nerdy boy in the bedroom beside her? Or the adventurous traveler that she's been chatting with online? And what is the big secret that everyone seems to be hiding?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flat-Out-Love-ebook/dp/B004W9BYR8">Flat Out Love</a> </i>is a sweet story about a girl finding her way and a family finding each other. The characters are quirky and interesting. I have to say the storyline was a little predictable, but I kept reading and second guessing myself right up to the very end. In short, it's a neat little love story that is just different enough from all the others to keep you turning pages well into the night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">**If you love this book, there is a companion piece called <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flat-Out-Matt-Love-ebook/dp/B00C1HD61U/ref=pd_cp_kstore_0">Flat Out Matt</a> </i>that retells some of the important chapters of the book from another character's point of view. I haven't read it yet, but my curiosity is piqued!</span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074332644148008503noreply@blogger.com0