I loved my latest visit to Buckshaw
352583
I don't know if it's because these books bring me back to a simpler time when a kid could ride her bike all around the countryside without having to play organized sports, but I love this series and I enjoyed this book.  I appreciate Mr. Bradley's use of the English language.  He invents unique metaphors and plays with words effortlessly.  We can all identify with our narrator (11 year old Flavia de Luce) because all of us remember what it was like being a kid and realizing that the adults around us thought that we were naive and/or stupid.  Flavia uses this to her advantage.  She feigns an interest in alternative religions, choir practice, antiques and playing with other children in order to get to the bottom of 1 beating, 1 disappearance and 1 strange death.
28861
I was drawn in by the setting. I spent my first visit to Charleston last weekend but didn't get to do much traveling around because it was a Boy Scout visit to the USS Yorktown. That was a wonderful trip, but I must admit I was intrigued by the low country because my parents visited Charleston the year before and brought us back some spices from the market from the Gullah women. I honestly had not heard of the Gullah before that. History does not teach you about them personally (maybe SC history does). But I was intrigued by this group of people and these women that still cling to their heritage proudly. So when I saw Conjure used them as a backdrop, I jumped. And then add in hoodoo, white magic and I was more in love.

I loved the characters, they behaved as teenagers, typical 14 and 15-year-olds on summer vacation. I liked Emma and Cooper especially and Jack too, though sometimes he irritated me with his attitude but i understood the attitude and whining at the same time. Emma loves Cooper and looks forward to her summers with her father so she and Jack can spend time with Cooper who is there best friend. But when the mysterious bottle appears and the mysterious girl things take a turn for the worse and the plot begins to move along quickly. I also loved "the grannie" who takes Emma on as a hoodoo apprentice. She is everything I would expect her to be and so much more. I loved the scenes she was involved in, her language, her actions and how she loves what she does and how she can help no matter what. I also enjoyed the light romance between Cooper and Emma. Cooper is a great character. He is a privileged boy, but he doesn't act it, in fact if anything he seems to want to escape his upbringing and I really like him for that. I like Emma also for her just being who she is and not trying to be different for him. They work and I like how they work. It's just cute.

The plot moves quickly from the very first page. The characters are established, the bottle and curse are introduced and then it's a non-stop thrill ride to find a way to remove the curse and save Jack and Cooper before it's too late. As new people and things are introduced I think Ms. Nolan does a great job of weaving them into the story without being to wordy or weighing the story down wiht extraneous things. The story keeps moving at a brisk pace and kept me wondering what would happen next and how things would end up. I found the ending to be very satisfactory while leaving some things open for a second book that I will be eagerly awaiting.

Ms. Nolan has created a fresh new setting for a book that has me wanting more and anxious for the next book. Her characters feel real, the elements of the paranormal exciting and believable. Conjure really works for me as an enjoyable read and I will anxiously await book #2 in this series.
4588980
I felt like I went to my hometown. Book #20 in the Virgin River Series is one of the best in the series. It had be from page one. I wanted a book I could lost in and "Boy Howdy," as Mel would say. The writer makes you feel like you are right there in the town watching this heartwarming story develop. I wish it was twice as long. I love this  series!
4449397
Having been a long-time fan of Steven Havill's Posadas County mysteries, I was delighted to find out that he was taking us back for another visit (or two!)

Sorta-kinda-but not really-retired Sheriff Bill Gastner is 74 and still an insomniac with a fondness for green chile burritos and his "family" that includes undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman, her physician husband, and her two precocious sons, Francisco and Carlos.  Francisco is now 13 and a protg at an elite school for musicians and is coming home for a concert appearance.  That is what Bill is looking forward to most when a bright flash of light, a attempted sabotage of a long-time resident's dream, and two dead bodies suddenly take center stage.

It's a treat to see our old friends reunite in a mystery that has a healthy dose of humor and family love along with suspense and excitement to make it a can't-put-down read.  Steven Havill is a master story-teller.
4523118
I was at BMG from 10/2008 to 09/2009.  This story brought back so many memories of that place and I enjoyed this better than your last. Knowing all the players and locations really helped me see this from your point of view and the maps were great. Looking forward from more of this writer regardless of the material. I could feel his emotion in the words. Very well done Mr Golembesky. (Ski)
4058611
I love visiting Whiskey Creek and think this is the best story so far in Brenda's series. I like meeting and making new friends, getting to gather with old friends and catching up with these people who have become family of my heart. Whiskey Creek is the whole small town experience - nosy neighbors but they have your back in times of need and they share in the romance, friendships, heartbreak, laughter, sorrow . . . that we all share in life (real or fictional). I can't wait for my next chance to visit Whiskey Creek. I don't do reviews that tell the story but I believe in second chances and this is a true example of a small town and one of its own needing that second chance.
1226216
I escape to Montana whenever health and finances allow me.  I dream about the delicious smell of sage and cedar. I recall the unbelievably glory of the night sky and the placement of constellations so different from where I live in South Carolina. My mouth waters in anticipation of making a huge pot of elk stew and washing it down with a couple iced cold Moose Drool beers. I think about Montana every day.  And this book refreshed all of my memories. The next time I am in Montana I will be even more aware of my surroundings and all nature has to offer.
3940716
Back for another wonderful visit with Annie and Felty Helmuth, and Amish country in Wisconsin. Annie is back at her matchmaking for her grandchildren, and next on the list is Beth, and Annie-bannanie has chosen a fellow we met in the last book Tyler Yoder.
Now Beth has come to stay with her Grandparents, she is a young woman with a darling little boy. What we are about to find out was that she had been in an abusive marriage, and doesnt plan to even put herself in that position ever again. She has been terrible hurt and needs a lot of healing and learning to trust God, not herself.
Then we have Tyler, was he hurt when his girl ended up with the Helmets grandson? Will he be interested in Beth? You will be surprised at how his feeling develop. Had to love this fellow and how he kept himself, and how deeply he followed his faith.
There are a few of Beths decisions that will make you cringe, and sometimes I felt like shaking her. I had to wonder if Beth would survive some of her former relatives. Come back again for a wonderful and joyful visit with the Helmut Grand/Great Grandparents, sure would love to have them for mine.
Throughout the story I felt Gods hand there and leading them to end up at the right spot at the right time. What a great story of Faith, and how it is shared in this community.
I cant wait for the next book in this series, and there is a little tease offered!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington Books, and was not required to give a positive review.
4191488
After having Jill Shalvis' first three Lucky Harbor books recommended to me, I jumped at the chance to read an author I hadn't read before. Purchasing all three books at the same time, I spent the next week or so goobling up the stories. I was happy I took the rec, because I was highly entertained. I knew I'd be buying the next three. So when Lucky in Love became available I quickly ordered it. I am a sucker for small towns where everyone is in each other's business. From the blue haired posse to Mallory's friends to the other hunky guys that inhabit Lucky Harbor, I fell for all the town's folk. It had just the perfect combo of wit, humor and down right sexiness. Mallory and Ty made a truly sexy couple who brought out in each other what they felt they were missing. I can't wait for the next book to come out next month, I'll be counting the days til I can visit Lucky Harbor again
809628
I received an advanced copy of HW2:The Brooklyn Chronicles in return for an honest review. As that is what the author asked of me, I feel obligated to offer exactly that.

Within the first few paragraphs of HW2 I was drawn back into Brooklyn's world. Her hopes, her fears and frustrations, her disappointments, her triumphs, her heartbreaks and her new lease on love -complete with all the roadblocks and potholes on the road thereto- are there for the reader to share. I came to envy Bo the company of this wonderful, open, and honest lady. In offering such an intimate and in depth look into Brooklyn's life, mind, and heart, Brenda Perlin is showing a level of trust in her readers to see past Brooklyn's foibles and mistakes and to embrace her as the woman she has become.

Often as I read, I felt like I was having a conversation with an old friend as she caught me up on her life over a cappuccino at a local coffee shop. Brenda has created a memorable character in Brooklyn, and I will miss her when the HW Chronicles conclude.
722132
I am a novice knife collector, and I am drawn to Buck because of my late step-dad's fondness for the brand.  I just received this and one other new Buck knives and it is easy to understand why my step-dad swore by Buck.  I see absolutely no flaws in the finish of the beautiful cocobola dymondwood handle;  the brass fittings are likewise flawless in fit and finish; and, the blade is SHARP (more sharp than my skills could make it).  I don't plan to use the knives in my collection, but to display them.  This knife is a welcome addition to my collection and I will definitely buy more Buck knives.  I even like the sheath that Buck supplied.  It is a dark brown, fairly thick leather, and the wrap-around snap clicks shut firmly and positively.  Thanks Buck, and thanks Amazon and UPS for quick and undamaged delivery.
3312988
The Bible Seller brings a whole new dimension to R Allen Chappell's one of a kind Navajo Nation Mystery series.  He continues to amaze me with how well he fleshes out these characters and confronts them with entirely new situations.  Some books of a series get tired,  these, at least so far, never do.  Harley Ponyboy, puts himself in a very dangerous situation this time around and others get hurt along the way.  The things we do for love!  I read this as I have all the others in less than two days.  Found myself some nice cool shade from the summer heat and disappeared into Navajo Country.  I appreciate that Chappell allows me to do this as Tony Hillerman, the man who no doubt inspired him, once did.  It's a place I love to be in spirit if not in person.  Well, done R. Allen.  I've missed a few books for lack of time so I'll be back tracking a bit before I can circle around to the next book!  I know there's talk of  putting this series on TV, which I will immensely enjoy...that said I would hate for anything to take me away from the books because I would hate to miss the details.  Happy reading.
2728045
I enjoyed spending some holiday time in Rolling Brook with Angie, Oliver and all of the characters I have come to know in this quick paced cozy series. As a matter of fact, I had a hard time putting it down once I started reading. These characters seem so real to me that I feel like I'm actually there visiting.

Angie has her hands full when her parents come for a visit along with her ex. As if that isn't complicating her life enough, she finds herself unable to walk away from discovering the murderer of a once Amish young woman.
2964371
Having just returned from a wonderful trip to England and Scotland, and planning another to Scotland and Ireland, I was very excited to get a message from Laura Sullivan asking if I would be willing to review her Celtic music CD Close to Home. My grandma and I share a love of calm instrumental music, so we listened to it together over the holiday break.

My first impression was that this CD sounds like music you'd hear in a high-end spa. It's calm and beautiful and it's the kind of music that can stimulate a lot of thoughts and memories or fall into the background and just set a mood. The songs are mostly familiar, but Laura brings a new sound to all of them. I've never heard Shenandoah quite like this, and my mom (who nearly always hates "this type" of music) quite liked it. She said it reminded her of her visit to Gettysburg - very serene and otherworldly.

My personal favorite was Spancil Hill, so much that I looked it up and learned that it's a song written about the plight of Irish immigrants who miss their homeland. You can really hear that sort of longing in the song. I also loved how the notes just seemed to flow effortlessly from the piano, even though years of piano-playing have taught me it takes great skill and effort to actually make it sound that way.

My grandma so loved the album that she's claimed it as her own. I can live with that, but I'll definitely be loading this album up on my Spotify account when I head over to Scotland and Ireland next summer. I suspect it will make great walking music when we explore some of the less populated areas.
86111
I enjoyed this trip back into the world of The Boys of Brighton. Every time I return there I feel like I have returned home. I enjoy seeing the characters from prior books in the series. They add that extra oomph to each book.
I knew, I just knew, that Bo and Travis' story would be good. I was not disappointed.
Bo is a wonderfully strong character. Just what Travis needs to pull him away from the fear of intimacy he has harbored for years.
Travis blossoms under his care and while he gets stronger, he also gives Bo someone to nurture.
They are a beautiful couple and their passion is strong.
I look forward to more from this series.
1702630
An easy and most pleasurable reading experience.  Joe Buck's self-deprecating style, sense of humor and sensibilities makes him a very real person to me.  I never really appreciated (nor thought about him) much, but that has all changed after this good read.  He's the kind of guy you'd like to have as your next door neighbor!  I found myself laughing unexpectedly multiple times as I read this tale of Joe's many successes and some awkward failures.  Way to go, Joe!
1299572
I first heard Buckwheat Zydeco's rendition of Beast of Burden in a schlocky New Orleans theme bar in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and I knew I had to have that recording.  It took me a while to find this album, but it was worth the wait.  All the comments about the CD sounding like you're there are true.  It's a great record to put on at a party, or some Friday evening after work when the weather first warms up and you're relaxing on the porch with a stiff drink.  And make sure you crank up the volume!  The comments about Buckwheat and his band being great showmen is also spot on.  Owning this CD and loving the band, I was very pleasantly surprised to find out a few years ago that they would be playing at a free summer concert series at Longs Park in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  None of the other acts in the series was anything like this, so a lot of the people who showed up were blue-haired old ladies and Dutchmen who had no idea what they were in for.  Buckwheat's concert presence cut through it all, and before the evening was over he had brought old ladies and little kids alike up onto the stage to join in the excitement.  He does one routine where he has a kid press one key on the accordion and hold it, no matter what, while Buckwheat and the band play a whole song and extended jam around that one note. By the time they were done that song, you could tell the kid felt like a million bucks, and I'm sure he'll never forget that night.  One of the few acts I, my wife, my then-teenaged daughter who never met a bad idea she did not embrace, and my then 10-year old son could all enjoy together.  Buy this CD!