Tricia Barr has put out a novel that hits all the high notes
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Tricia Barr has put out a novel that hits all the high notes to draw readers in with her talented writing and imagination. The super hero / gifted powers plot device worked well within the context of this story and was a welcome break after being inundated with Marvel and DCs monopoly on the themes.

The suspense filled action, romance and a whiff of humor combine to create a well thought out plot in this first book of the series.

The characters are fleshed out very well so you get a good sense of who they are and can easily believe in their interactions and motivations. As you move deeper through the story you cant help but cheer on the characters youve become invested in and hope that all their sacrifices will pay off. The main female character is strong and a great example of what women are capable of particularly in adverse situations.

Though the idea of using groups of teens has been done many times over in movies and books Barr somehow took a long used idea and made it fresh. The value of friendship is a beautiful theme woven along the pages in this mystically unique novel.
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Janice Thompson's latest novel lives up to the expectations I've come to anticipate from this fabulous author.  This story kept me in stitches as I read Cassia's story and followed along in my mind's eye.  While it can be a little over top and corny at times, these are what make everything come alive.  The characters are real and deal with some of the same family situations we do, making them easy to relate to and enjoy.  There were many times I found myself laughing out loud.
  I really enjoyed Cassia and Alex's story and getting to see other characters I've come to know and love progress in their lives.  This book is good by itself but you would really benefit from reading the other stories.  The conflict between Uncle Laz and Niko, Cassia's father is hilarious.  You get the full effect of the difficulties if you've read the other books in this series.  There is even the potential for a future series set in Splendora.
  If you are looking for something fun and light to read, this is a book and series you need to check out.  I don't think you will be disappointed.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.
969680
First, I must say that I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Zoe is a lawyer that has returned to her home town to find that her friend, Lori, has been murdered and her mother is gravely ill. Nolan, the sheriff, is her old friend and they each try to solve the mystery of her murder. There's much more to it than that, and the story takes the reader on a nice ride along. It has some twists, the characters are richly supplied with realism, and the end is well-crafted and utterly realistic. This is a brilliant piece of work worth the attention of mystery/thriller fans everywhere. Five stars all the way.
4859210
Carol Shields strikes a strong and powerful chord with her novel Unless. This family drama finds Reta Winters, a writer and mother of three, in despair when she finds out that her oldest daughter has dropped out of college and is sitting on a Toronto street corner with a cardboard sign around her neck that reads "Goodness."
Reta struggles to try and understand what happened to put her daughter in such a state of despair, what has caused her to just give up. She uses her writing as therapy to try and help her and her daughter work through this and to try and get her daughter back.
This is a heartfelt story about family struggles. As depressing as many parts of this story are, Shields manages to keep the reader involved. The emotions are strongly felt through Reta and her power struggle to fight for her daughter.
Unless is strongly written and intermixes some lighter, humorous parts to lighten the load of the subject at hand. This story not only shows the emotional strain on Reta as a mother but also the hardship and pain it brings to a father and siblings to see a loved one in such a mental state leaving them to feel helpless.
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Nancy Brewer's expertise in the areas of period clothing, lifestyle, and manners shines forth as she develops a scene so vivid that you feel as though you're getting a real taste of period life as you read. Her firm grasp of southern culture and human nature are both evident in the way her characters become engaging people so quickly as you read. It's impossible not to be swept up in their joys and sorrows, and to feel present in their world. Lizzie, in particular, as she makes the transition from comfortable childhood to adulthood in trying times, comes across as so very genuine. She doesn't just leap forth to meet her challenges as a woman who's got it all together. She struggles with herself and you as the reader get to watch her charmingly honest progress.

There is certainly an element of romance within the story, but the book is not built around it. There is no sense that all of this is just a cheesy backdrop to a fluffy plot that drags the reader from one ridiculous, overblown love scene to the next. It's a historical novel first and foremost, well researched by an author who is intimate with her subject matter, and it shows in every stroke of the virtual pen. Be prepared to stay up late for a few nights, because you won't want to put it down once you start!

Laura Davis
Examiner.com, Los Angeles
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<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Unexpected-Interruptions/dp/0979561809/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Unexpected Interruptions</a>&nbsp;Trice Hickman is like a cross of Nora Roberts and Janet Evonvich!  The characters in her debut novel are engaging, vivid, and hilarious.  I enjoyed this book so much that I bought 15 copies and gave one to each member of my staff.  They have all reported that they loved it.  This book is well worth the money and I cannot wait to read the next one.
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Every person's life is a tapestry, composed of strong and intricate stitches that are like the people in your life.  Some fibers in the tapestry are strong and colorful; others flawed and easily unraveled.  All of the intriguing characters in this book are people that you probably already know.  It's easy to bond with Jen and her sewing circle, and to watch them link both their arms and hearts in love and friendship.  Kathy Weyer has woven a literary tapestry that will keep you warm and transfixed as you watch the colorful threads of each character come together and forge forever friendships. You will laugh, and you will cry, but you will not put this book down until you have read every last, delicious page.
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It's a fantastic book and I absolutely loved it. I will admit that it took me a while before I got around to reading it. I'd read Michele Rivera's previous books and adored them, but the description on this made it obvious that this was a little different from her previous releases. To be sure, it's as much a serious novel as it is a romance, but it is a romance and while it dwells on a lot of heavy stuff, it's a far more of a fun and easy read than I feared. It's by far her most ambitious book and I think also the best.

Its difficult to write a review of the book without spoilers because much of what makes it a really great read is the information you're not given as a reader. Thats a bit unusual in romances, where generally the reader is given all the information about why a couple would be perfect and then assumes the role of cheerleader. In this work, Rivera writes more like a mystery writer, doling out the clues bit by bit about whats really going on, how it differs from what you first thought, and how the based on what they know, characters are acting far more logically than you first thought.

Its different and well worth reading and the one spoiler Ill give you is however it turns out, you won't be disappointed or angry.
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I've read every one of Kristan Higgins's books and have come to expect both humor and depth in her writing. This novel is no exception, and, in fact, does a remarkable job of creating characters that are smart, funny, flawed, and complex. Reading her books makes me feel like I'd love to just hang out and chat with her because she understands people so well.

In this novel, Norah returns to her small home town after a near death experience. She's coming to terms with both a recent "big bad event" and wing hit by a car. At the same time, her relationship with her boyfriend has come to an end. What I live is that the story doesn't focus on her trying to find a relationship and "fix" herself. Rather, she knows who she is, flaws and all. And she's trying to build relationships with family and friends who are flawed as well.

Although she's a successful doctor, her life is really relatable to all readers. She's got a family who doesn't quite understand her and who she loves but doesn't quite understand. Issues from her teen years also come into play, but don't dominate the story. It's more about Norah recognizing her own worth and accepting that sometimes others will,too, and sometimes they won't.

I could really feel for and relate to Norah. Some of the issues she deals with are really deep, but this is Kristan Higgins, so there were also several places in the novel where I just chuckled aloud as I read.

For any book clubs considering this book, I'd highly recommend it for the themes of friendship and self empowerment. There are also some thought provoking book club discussion questions provided at the end.
3009716
I loved this book. While it is a debut novel for the author, her conversational writing style and commitment to this story made me unable to put the book down! I laughed out loud and literally sobbed at the end - there is just something about the last chapter that is totally, unexpectedly, and without fanfare, the perfect ending. She pulls you in and makes you feel like you are best friends with the protagonist. Strongly recommend for a fast, compelling read that makes you feel ALL the feels.
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Where the Stars Still Shine is one of the most incredible books of this year. Callie's story is heartbreaking, but also hopeful; I was completely invested in it from start to finish. What makes this novel moving is how Doller skillfully tackles things that many of us might face in real life: shifting family dynamics, new friendships, and the promise of romance. Underneath all this, of course, is the heart of the book: Callie's journey towards making peace with her past, her present and her possible future.

Callie is someone I could have been friends with, mostly because we both love books. After living a non-traditional life for so many years, it's no surprise that she's capable, street smart and fiercely independent. Even so, readers will feel the need to hold her hand and protect her as she gets exposed to a different lifestyle - one where she has a stable home, job and set of people surrounding her. Callie's understandably confused and awkward, attempting to fit herself into a life that could have been hers if her mom hadn't taken her away. Yet somehow, the pieces start to slowly fall into place.

What makes her adjustment incredibly difficult is learning how to deal with her father, her new friend (and cousin) Kat, and a potential romance with Alex Kosta. These three are complete strangers in her life, and it's no surprise that she has no idea how to handle her relationships with each of them. How is she supposed to feel about this parent who is virtually a stranger and the family he brings into her life? Should she pursue this friendship with Kat, who is wonderfully bubbly and eager to be her friend? And what about the mysterious Alex, who's irresistible but also seems like a bad idea? Callie really goes through a lot as she learns what it means to have a dad, be a good friend and even truly fall in love with someone. She also develops a new dynamic with her mother, which is something that I thought was handled well. Even though it can be quite painful at times, Doller did a good job of bringing those various situations to life in an authentic way.

There are quite a few moments in Where the Stars Still Shine that I'd want to return to time and again, because they're written so wonderfully. The whole novel really transports the reader into Callie's life, allowing us to feel like we're experiencing everything alongside her. While I can't guarantee you won't be frustrated with certain parts or characters, I can say, wholeheartedly, that it's fairly simple to fall in love with Doller's writing, Callie's story and even Alex Kosta. This novel is such a beautiful contemporary read, and definitely one of my favorites for 2013.
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Very few #1 writers stay at the top of their game.  Patricia Cornwell not only maintains her consistent excellence with "Scarpetta," but she continues to raise the bar with this smart and immensely entertaining novel.  "Scarpetta" is clever, it's tight, it's dynamic, it's complex, and it's riveting.

Playing out virtually in real time, the plot has a wonderful sense of urgency.  And, the well-conceived storyline provides a delicious backdrop to the continuing journey of Ms. Cornwell's powerful "core four" characters - Scarpetta, Benton, Marino, and Lucy.  These characters are so richly drawn that they feel like they could walk into our living rooms and we would recognize them immediately, and they become deeper and more compelling with each book.  When they feel, we feel, and when they hurt, we hurt.  And, "Scarpetta" leaves us breathless as each of these characters deals with the excruciating healing process emanating from the shocking Marino/Scarpetta incident from the last book.

The forensics and the crime analysis in "Scarpetta," as always, are first-rate and up-to-the-minute accurate and provide an eloquent layering to the fine exposition Ms. Cornwell accomplishes with the triggerpoint topical issues of our day, including the inordinate fascination with celebrity.

Another of "Scarpetta's" pleasures is the sharpness and intricacy of the dialogue.  The voices of Ms. Cornwell's characters are clear, and when they speak, they entice us, they intrigue us, and they make us eager to hear more.

Quite simply, I loved this book, and I would recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone, whether it's your first Scarpetta, or your 16th.  You're in for yet another Cornwellian treat of the highest magnitude.
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When I entered Lucias world a week ago, I couldn't have imagined I would never want to leave it again. This book is one of the most charming Ive read in years. From the beginning, the author lures the reader into the story with local wine, decadent food, beautiful scenery (the novel is set in Virginia), and four vibrant, intriguing sisters whose lives we cant help but care about. Throw in a tug-at-your-heart-strings romance with a gorgeous Italian man, and this story has it all. I highly recommend.
206741
This books dumps you right in the middle of a young woman's life. She's taking a bold and unusual step--she's come to take care of her estranged brother who is dying of AIDS. At first she finds herself ill-prepared for the task, but as they get to know each other she comes to better know herself, and then lose herself in her grief for the years she lost with this man. His death sends her spiraling downward and her loyal troupe of flamboyant friends drag her back to life--and new discoveries about old feelings. This book is all about the value of friendship, family, and knowing yourself. There are hilarious moments, tender moments, tear jerking moments, and loads of memorable characters. What really drew me in is the novel's extensive use of music to set the mood, tempo and themes of the moment--there is a clear and strong soundtrack to this book that had me jumping on ITunes and/or digging through old CDs to enhance my reading. This is Weiss's first novel--but I am VERY sure it will not be her last--she has a strong and talented voice that will resonate for people and make them come back again and again.
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This book is listed as one of the 100 best romance novels, and rightly so. When Merry Wilding is accidently abducted by pirates, she faces challenges that make her a engaging heroine worthy of the hero's love.
If you enjoy Woodwiss's " Shanna" , or Susan Wiggs " The Charm School" this is not to be missed.
Although the plot has been done( woman ends up on pirate ship, matures, falls in love) what makes it unique is first of all, its lyricism. The description and dialogue are poetic, poignant, and vivd. Not to mention there are some really funny moments( "You might try giving it a lump of sugar".) It also has an incredible cast of supporting characters, who you may become so attached to, you might like them more than the protagonists. The characterization is nothing short of beautiful, the characters actually develop over the course of the novel, and I thought it was great that the heroine is given time to develop away from the hero.
This is a must read for any romance reader, and the only problems I see with it are it's hard to get a hold of  and it ends. I wish the Curtis' work was still in print.
4304382
I just discovered the treasure that is Adriana Trigiani who has amazing talent as a writer. I just finished this book last night and to say that it was magnificent is an understatement. Her writing style,attention to detail and brilliance as a storyteller make this book a piece of literature that should be on everyone's must-read list. It was entertaining, funny, sad, and fascinating. Her use of real, actual people only enhances my enjoyment of this jewel of a book. I have 3 Adriana Trigiani books currently sitting on my nightstand and I can hardly wait to dive into them. I have recommended her books to my family and friends as I think she is very worthy of the praise and attention. Please Adriana keep those books coming. You are now my favorite author. You are amazing!
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Absolutely the very best that I have read from Tracie Peterson so far. "A Promise to Believe In" is creative, moving, funny, adventurous, and endearing. I just loved it. It had all of the elements that I have come to love of historical novels from Tracie Peterson.

In many historicals, a reader can find a novel telling the story of three characters, in this case sisters, and then the next two books in the trilogy will continue the story of a different character. This is the first book that I have read that I knew was more about one sister than the others, but it did not feel that way. I got some insight and background on each sister and was feeling for them and loving them all from the beginning in different ways, yet not more than the other. It makes me even more excited for the continuing books that I would have been otherwise.

Gwen Gallatin learns or at least God attempts to put her in positions to learn of his love and grace and this book is a fabulous tool to learn some pure motives to check your own thoughts and opinions of yourself and those around you.

An absolutely pleasure filled read full of the glory and grace of God in the characters and their actions. I can definitely see a continuing story building of how good will triumph in the name of God. Keep the books coming Tracie, I want more!!