One of the most delightful books I've read
921039
This book surprised me. I was expecting a quick romance novel and got a book with real substance. The characters were so well-developed I felt like they were old friends by the time I turned the last page.

Here's the plot: In an attempt to get into the impossibly gorgeous Autumn Christopher's pants, Paul agrees to find a date for her sister, Gwen. When the date he's found bails at the last minute, Paul steps in and finds himself inexplicably fascinated by Gwen who, while pretty, is much plainer than the super-model types he usually dates.

On the surface, this was a pretty straightforward love story. Boy meets girl. Boy falls in love with girl. Boy and girl break up over a simple misunderstanding and get back together in the end. What made it stand out was the depth of the characters. It's obvious from the start why Gwen has inner beauty but the real surprise is Paul. While he seems like a shallow pretty-boy at first, he reveals more of himself as the book progresses and we understand why Gwen would give him a chance. Even Autumn, with her prettiness and pettiness becomes much more than a cardboard stock character.

I'm looking forward to reading more by Jo Leigh.
3274011
One of the funniest, most delightful books I've ever read.  I am a Terry Pratchett fan, and this book (with Neil Gaiman) is one of my favorites.  I have read it through 20 or more times, and each time I laugh at something new.
795133
I adore books but with work and everything else going on, I hardly find time to read.  So, a week or so ago, on the night before my 35th birthday I decided to give myself a gift - I wanted to buy myself a perfect book that makes a wonderful, uplifting, delicious read.  And I wanted to read it for as long as I liked.

And I found Cherie's book.  And I read it until the next morning.  I can't imagine a better gift for myself - watching the day coming in while reading a good book and be lost in that world of beauty, heartbreak, romance, love lost and found, adventure, and one woman's search for happiness.  I've been to many of  the places she talked about and share her love of tango, so the book was especially fun to read.  It's delightful to hear her experience.  But even if you don't dance tango and haven't been to the places that her adventure took her, I feel there's so much that you'll relate to.

Cherie writes beautifully, but at the same time so honestly and accessibly.  I love that.  It's as if she's there sharing with me her story.  I'm left inspired, excited about life and enriched for the world that she shared.
787407
This is a truly delightful book and I highky recommend it.  I loved the introduction in which the author discussed food references in some of my favorite children's book (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, the Little House series, etc.).  I loved the pastel polka dots and stripes on each page(as if each page were a gift to the reader) as well as the literary quotes scattered throughout the book.  Many recipes feature beautifully styled color photos.

The desserts featured are truly decadent (worth saving up your Weight Watchers points). Chapters include Sticky, Chewy Chocolate (chocolate-mayonnaise cupcakes with caramel-butterscotch buttercream frosting; chocolate caramel-pecan souffle cake), the Pudding Club (sticky toffee pudding; banana bread pudding with hot fudge and toasted walnuts), Cookies, Cakes & Pies (sticky pear and walnut upside-down gingerbread; butterscotch bourbon macademia nut pie), and Do Try This at Home (salted cashew toffee; cheescake pops; white trash panini).

There are several pages focused on individual ingredients (Which Whiskey, Cracking Coconuts, A Tale of Two Cocoas, Give Me Some Sugar) which were very informative and well-written.

I liked the author's fun tone, the scrumptious recipes and the beautiful photos and page styling so much I have already bought one for a friend for Christmas.  If she enjoys it half as much as I have, I will consider it a well-received gift.

I just wished the author lived nearby so I could ivite her to join my book club...
1042912
The Ordinary Prince by Shahar Ben Halevi was a sheer joy to read. The beautiful illustrations
and illustrious characters seemed to literally jump off the page, inviting the reader in with every witty
joke and profound slice of wisdom. What amazed me most about the story was its pure simplicity
and its accessible approach to many important life lessons. I highly recommend this story to anyone, young or old
because I believe anyone can benefit from the incredible messages and discover something ordinary, extraordinary
or even something in between.
3107917
This is an absolutely delightful book - one that will appeal to all ages. Set in a tiny Welsh mining town in western Pennsylvania during the Depression, it's the story of how young Amos discovers a world of fantasy and Welsh mythology that he never knew existed. He also finds the inner resources and courage he needs to face and conquer the evil villains. This book is very well-written, and flows along smoothly. I will have to buy more copies for my grandchildren, because I don't want to part with my own.
3175101
One of the best books I've read, it was recommended to me by a friend and I read it in Grenada on holiday. I had to keep reading paragraphs to my husband because it was so funny in the description.
I loved it so much that I bought it for a friends birthday present
3930844
This book is simply fun to read. I can't remember when I've read anything as delightful. I can recommend it to virtually anyone, of most any age, gender, or interests. It is fun as an adventure story. It is inspiring in that we have heroes challenging oppressors/villains. It is set in a fascinating historical setting, the Napoleonic Wars in Europe and the Spanish Empire in the New World. And we can feel good about our enjoyment because it is so well-written and imaginative too. Good literature doesn't have to be dull! I have heard of Allende for years but this is the first book of hers I have read. I look forward to more. This is a very contemporary telling of the origin of Zorro, focusing on his childhood and his "education" as a young man in Spain. It is also about "brotherhood," which includes his "milk brother" Bernardo as well as his relationship with the de Romeu sisters and with a band of Gypsies. Jean Lafitte makes a surprise appearance too!
1238761
I love this book!  A retelling of Beauty and the Beast, it starts out with Bryony on her faithful, if broken-down and clumsy pony, caught in an unseasonable spring snowfall that bids fair to be the end of them both, and all because she wanted to get rutabaga seeds for her garden.  Near the end of her strength, she finds a mysterious manor house in the woods, a house whose doors open invitingly before her and her pony...
A true delight, to read a book where the protagonist has family members who are at least as smart and capable as she is, where mysterious talk has a reason beyond the sheer love of mystery, where bad poetry is a bond between kindred souls and even a bee can be more than it seems.
Written with T. Kingfisher's eye for grounding the fantastic in the mundane, combined with a quirky sense of humor that had me laughing and reading bits aloud simply to hear them again, this is a delightful and profoundly satisfying book.
3050449
I think this is one of the most delightful books I've read in a long time. My husband and kids were wondering what Mom was snorting with laughter over while carrying my kindle around the house. Anyone who watches a child grow from newborn and enjoys every moment of their growing will appreciate Mr. Titus' humor and also the heartfelt bittersweet knowledge that at some point the child will grow up and away. I feel a kindred spirit with him, as I believe that kids should also have fun in the mud and I have emptied my pantry to let my kids build with boxes and cans. I am so glad you wrote this, Mr. Titus...sharing the magic of childhood with an adored little one is rarer and more priceless than anything.
254436
This is quite possibly one of the best books I have read. I was a little disappointed by the ending, but the many pages it took to get to that point were absolutely delightful and well worth it. Clarke weaves mystery, adventure, humour, romance, suspense, and magic together in a most superior way. I found myself rereading many passages in awe of her writing style. I highly recommend anyone read this book, as there is something in it for lovers of all genres. Once you start Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, you will not be satisfied until you have reached the very end.
4379605
One of the funniest and most charming books I have read. A friend loaned me her copy. I enjoyed it so much that I purchased a copy to give to one of my friends for Christmas. A real feel-good book. I actually found myself smiling while reading it.
4119268
Harbinger is perhaps one of the best books I have read. While it's not quite of the epic scale as the Inheritance Cycle or other fantasy series, I would put it on par with the How to Train Your Dragon films or The Legend of Eli Monpress series by Rachel Aaron. It's relatable, I think, to young and old audiences alike. While it is wholesome enough for kids to enjoy, it is also clever, entertaining, and thoughtful in a way that is appealing to me as an adult.

Every sentence is jammed with whit, personality, and charm. The characters are delightful and relatable, maintaining a balance between quirky and realistic. The tone of the novel is overall light--a fun ride--but at times left me aching with sympathy for Kael's plight. Shea Ford has skillfully portrayed the awkward, caring, book-loving mind of our hero, as well as the minds of other, lesser characters as their perspectives appear; even those who only narrate no more than one or two chapters feel fully fleshed out, like they could have stories of their own.

The settings, like everything else, are beautifully described. Shea does a remarkable job playing upon all senses when describing a scene, allowing the reader full immersion into the action. And again, it is all skillfully written within the parameters of what the point of view character--Kael or whoever--would feel or notice. Just another testament to Shea's ability as a storyteller and a writer.

The magic system is well developed, though I would have enjoyed reading more of how this particular, unique form of magic FEELS: the sensations and mental processes that accompany each different encounter. This is explained in beautiful detail, true, at the beginning of the story, but I found it fascinating enough to want to read it again for other situations. I also appreciate how the various forms of magic are not explained in lectures. So often, the inevitable lectures drag on, and are tactless and tedious. But in Harbinger, magic in it's various forms unfolds very naturally. It is introduced in a way that is immediately intriguing, while not surpassing the character's own understanding of it. The "time of teaching" was also enjoyable, I found, not dwelling on the subject too long, while still expanding our knowledge of the powers at play. I am excited to see what wonders are wrought in future books!
(See what I did there? Pun intended;))

Again, an excellent read! Well written in all aspects, with an endearing cast, picturesque descriptions, and a poetic yet easy voice. I would definitely say Harbinger (Fate's Forsaken: Book 1) is well worth your time! I look forward to following Kael, Kyleigh, and the rest of the characters' journeys through the remaining three books.

Happy reading!
-Bekah Terrell
4394515
One of the best books I've ever read.  It was funny and endearing.  If the author writes every book this good, I'll become the biggest fan.  I loved...loved how the story makes you laugh over and over and then grabs at your heart strings.  I HIGHLY recommend this book.  I couldn't put this book down and had to finish it in one reading session.  I now have to go see where my children are, because I've been in Nowhere (the city where this story takes place) and have lost track of my little darlings. My husband attempted to disrupt my reading, but with no luck.
2967865
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, it was a fun, delightful, and a insightful read. Filled with a wealth of information, with the enjoyment of being entertained at the same time.

This book took me, yes me a man through a field of emotions. As i began to read it was humorous, then it just got interesting, as I began to feel as though I was in a relationship counseling session all while being introduced to the bible in a whole different light.

Then to see the view from each of the characters point of view was a delight in it self, how brilliant of the author to allow that for her readers was surely delightful.

Ok, won't spoil the the ending, but that...

A. F. Cardwell
4085853
What a a wonderful book, my goodness. I loved both Asher and Permilia so much that, having just finished the book, I can't stop smiling. The book was hilarious and extremely well thought out. I almost didn't read it do to the few, more negative reviews, but I'm so glad that I erred more on Mrs. Turano's reputation and picked the novel up because it was a joy and a hoot to read. If I could give this wonderful novel ten stars, I would, but since I unfortunately cannot, Five Stars it is. The book deserved it.
1318895
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.  Books like this are few and far between.  It is funny and uplifting with a charming love story woven in.  After I read it I bought a bunch of copies to give as gifts.  There is much wisdom to be gleaned and life lessons to be learned in this well written tale.