Me Before You

.

Me Before You
By Jojo Moyes
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books/Viking 2012
Pages: 369

Summary: Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.

My Review:
This is by far my favorite book I have read this year! The movie was really good too! I read the book a couple of months before the movie came out, since I am one of those people who has to read the book before I watch the movie.

 It's impossible not to fall in love with the characters and story. The book is deep and insightful in many many ways.It tells the story of a man and women in a small British town, where one is confined there, while the other has confined herself there. Most of the story is told from the viewpoint of Lou, with a few chapters from the viewpoints of the other characters. Lou was such a fun and witty character. She has a lot on her shoulders, but still manages to be funny and charming, especially when she starts babbling. Will more of a cipher as confront major problems; such as being confined to a wheelchair, missing his old life, dealing with pain, and not knowing when his condition will deteriorate. This book was very educational, emotional, and inspirational in many ways.

With this book's relation to education there was extensive information on the life of a quadriplegic.This    included treatments, medication, pain management, deterioration of their condition , difficulties in getting out and about, the way  relationships change, and emotional states. As someone who studies health, this was all really fascinating to me. It helped me to understand what quadriplegic people go through on a day to day basis. Like having to have someone feed you, help you go to the bathroom, move you to and from your chair, bed, and car. It would be very frustrating, especially if you had done those things yourself before.

Emotionally, this book took a toll on me. My poor brother and sister-in-law had to hear me wailing in the back of the car, as I read. You can really  feel what each character is going through. You finally come to terms with their decisions and actions. You feel frustrated, sad, happy, hopeful, and every other emotion you can think of while reading. In this book, Will represented a view that life isn't worth living if you're disabled, but Lou fights hard to promote that life is always worth living no matter what. 

As for inspirational, this book teaches you to push yourself to realize your full potential, even if you are one of those people who is afraid to takes risks. To always be open to try new things. It teaches you to learn to love and support someone, even if you don't agree with his or her choices or decisions. It also inspires you to not let one bad incident define you, but to rise up and keep going. I loved that it inspires you to keep an open mind when you are dealing with someone difficult, because you never know what emotional battles they are fighting in their lives.

You think you are getting into a romance, but instead you will find yourself enmeshed in a suspenseful, emotional, and beautiful novel. It is a MUST read! So please please read it :) 

Watch Out For: Kissing, brief sex scene, drinking, Infrequent swear words (British slang), motorcycle accident, and some arguing.

Watch the Movie: 

Love Letters of a Lifetime

Love Letters of a Lifetime: Romance in America
By Dana Reeve; Hyperion 2001

Summary: The first book from Lifetime, Television for Women a lovely volume of the most poignant and romantic love letters collected from women everywhere.The tradition of writing love letters is almost as timeless as love itself. And in that spirit, in January/February 2001, Lifetime, the number one television brand for women, will celebrate its Love Letters of a Lifetime month, culminating in a special network television event. Together, these love letters reach beyond the ethnic, social, and economic boundaries to expose real love in all its forms. And to show that love endures, each letter is put into context of the current relationship with updates on the couples.

From bittersweet, old-fashioned letter-writing to cyber love the newest way to profess your love over the web this perfect gift for romantics everywhere crosses over from generation to generation and touches the heart.

My Review: This book melted my heart. It is a reminder that love does exist and that everyone's love story is something special. This is based on real life love stories and not some made up one.  It is a collection of love letters from couples, that they wrote to each other from when they first started dating until now. it gives background stories and the actual letters.

I thought this read to be inspirational and just plain adorable. I really want to start writing love letters for my future husband and when I am married I will definatly countine to write him love letters.  If you are looking for a good read, full of love then this is the book for you. 

Dusty Britches

Dusty Britches
Marcia Lynn McClure; Distractions Ink 2001

Summary:“…Dusty’s heart panged a twinge with she saw the bullwhip strapped to the saddle of one of the horses tied to the corral fence. “Why today?” she wondered. Why was her memory tarrying on a young cowhand from five years ago? 

…Well…now,” a deep, masculine voice said from behind her, “if it ain’t Miss Dusty Britches!” 

Dusty felt the color drain from her face…felt the blood seem to drain from the rest of her body and puddle in her feet. She was dizzy and nauseated all at once. 

…There was only one person on the whole of the earth who ever called her Dusty Britches, and that was the cowboy who gave her the nickname in the first place. ...Dusty slowly turned around to see standing before her a man whose eyes were those belonging to a boy she’d once known—a boy who had grown into a man.” 

Angelina Hunter was seriously minded, and it was a good thing. Her father’s ranch needed a woman who could endure the strenuous work of ranch life. Since her mother’s death, Angelina had been that woman. She had no time for frivolity; no time for a less severe side of life. Not when there was so much to be done—hired hands to feed, a widower father to care for and an often ridiculously lighted-hearted younger sister to worry about. No. Angelina Hunter had no time for the things most young women her age enjoyed.

And yet, Angelina had not always been so hardened. There had been a time when she boasted a fun, flirtatious nature even more delightful than her sister Becca’s—a time when her imagination soared with adventurous, romantic dreams. But that all ended years before at the hand of one man. Her heart turned to stone…safely becoming void of any emotion save impatience and indifference.

Until the day her dreams returned, the day the very maker of her broken heart rode back into her life. As the dust settled from the cattle drive which brought him back, would Angelina’s heart be softened? Would she learn to hope again? Would her long-lost dreams become a blessed reality?

My Review: This is one of my favorites by Marcia Lynn McClure. With Valentines Day approaching, I felt the need to read some of my favorite romances. Dusty Britches is a refreshing novel and a tender romance. It is definitely an old western love story. I think that is why I like it so much. Cowboys, rolling in the hay, cattle,  wagon rides, and a bit of sparkin'.

 I think out of all the characters in her books, I relate the most to Angelina. She is suffering  from a broken heart and because of her broken heart she has become stern and hard.  Deep down she knows she can be happy and care free like her sister, but that would mean she would have to open her heart again and risk it being hurt again. As the book goes on, you can see her come out of that hole, and open up. I seem to be in the same type of situation. Where you are at a cross road. Deciding whether or not to open up your heart again or stay the same and not get hurt again. 

Ryder is a beast of a man. I am going to name one of my future children after him. He seems to be so patient with Angelina and helps her tear down the walls she has built. And his kissing abilities could make any woman swoon.

Overall I quite enjoyed this book and have read it many times. Hopefully you will like it too!

Watch Out For: Fighting, Kissing, some violence, and mild cussing.

He's Just Not That Into You

He's Just Not that Into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys
By Greg Behrendt, Liz Tuccillo; Simon Spotlight Entertainment

Summary: Everyone can use a daily wake-up call.

Now in bite-size mantras, the abridged empathetic wit and wisdom of the number one New York Times bestseller He's Just Not That Into You will recharge and inspire your dating outlook one wake-up call at a time. 

For ages women have come together over coffee, cocktails, or late-night phone chats to analyze the puzzling behavior of men. Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo are here to say that —despite good intentions— you're wasting your time. Men are not complicated, although they'd like you to think they are. And there are no mixed messages. 

The truth may be, He's just not that into you. 

He's Just Not That Into You —based on a popular episode of Sex and the City— educates otherwise smart women on how to tell when a guy just doesn't like them enough, so they can stop wasting time making excuses for a dead-end relationship. This book knows you're a beautiful, smart, funny woman who deserves better.

My Review: I found this book in a thrift store recently. I adore the movie and I watch it quite often. So I thought why not give the book a try. And it was everything I hoped it would be.

 I found it to be pure inspiration for those who have dealt with men who are just not into you.  This book  helps serve as a reminder that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and love.  It was a nice slap in the face too. Sometimes that the man you like, doesn't like you.  If  he likes you, you will know it. Woman are constantly making up these ideas in their head and always fantasying. We all need to just calm it down.  You will learn to recognize the idiots from good guys. It was a humorous read.

Watch Out For: Language and Sex.

A Clip from the Movie:

Untethered

By Marcia Lynn McClure; Distractions Ink 2012

Summary: As Cricket lay in the soft comfort of her bed, continuing to let her mind nest on thoughts of how truly wonderfully attractive Texas Ranger Thibodaux was, she giggled, thinking that looking at him was more refreshing than swimming naked on a summer Sunday afternoon. He was a tall drink of water—far taller than most of the other men in town—and his shoulders were as broad as the state of Texas itself. Sky-blue eyes, bronze skin, square jaw, and dark hair—and that smile! In truth, Cricket had only seen Heathro Thibodaux smile three or four times, but each incidence was something she’d never forget. His smile was bright and white, and the gold tooth he owned on the upper-right incisor of his smile only embellished the richness of it.

That one tooth. Cricket’s smile faded as she thought of it. Oh, no doubt the flash only added to the splendor of his smile. Yet it also served as a reminder to anyone who had ever read or heard of what had happened in Texas one year before. No doubt it was a powerful remembrance to Heathro Thibodaux himself—a visual indication of true barbarity, pain, and loss. 

In that moment, Cricket wondered—when Heathro looked in the mirror each morning and saw that tooth, did he think of eight dead girls buried in the bottom of a bleak and barren canyon? Did he think of the eight dead girls that he, for no fault of his own, had been unable to save?

My Review:  Right on Marcia! Right on! I don't know how she does it every time, but she can just set my little heart a fluttering with giddiness. Love her and loved this book. This has made it to my top five favorites of Marcia Lynn McClure books. 

First of all the main character Cricket was such a lovable character. She was a do-gooder with a kind heart. Her love for people and her bravery was a  great  example to all. Especially me. 

Now to Heathro! What a delightful man. Good heavens, he was  such a beast. He knew how to treat a woman and be a man. He was one of my favorite male characters. He was strong and fought for what he wanted.

I thought this was one of Marcia's best. It didn't feel like the same ole Marcia. It was better. Trust me Marcia Fans, you will want to read this one!

Watch Out For: fighting, kidnapping, and  passionate kissing scenes

Divergent

Divergent

By Veronica Roth; Katherine Tegen Books 2011

Summary: In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series--dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

My Review: OMIGOSH! While I was gone away to a foreign country for a year this marvelous book came out and I just barely got around to reading it. I couldn't put it down. I was so addicted and drawn to this book. Way to go Veronica Roth! I was really interested in the five factions and how people were divided. It kinda made me think about which faction I would choose. The training and decision process the kids went into to find their faction was beyond fascinating. I seriously enjoyed every minute of it.

 Beatrice/Tris has made it to the list of heroines who kick trash! She is a tiny not so pretty girl who has this determination about her. She is determined to succeed and do her best to prove her self. To prove that she is not weak or like anybody else. She is someone people can really look up too. At times she really doubted herself, but she uses her bravery and selflessness to protect others. 

 This is an exciting dystopian thriller which has a sense of originality and it way addictive. Read it if you dare!

Watch Out For: Some kissing, drinking, violence, death, fighting, assault, and one incident of  suicide.

Beastly ( Lindy's Diary)

Beastly Lindy's Diary
By Alex Flinn; HarperCollins 2012

Summary:
Diary,

I am locked away . . . with no one to confide in but you . . . and him. His fur, those claws—they caught me off guard at first, but now I'm noticing something else about him—something deeper. It's the look in his eye. It tells me he's got a secret to keep. That's okay—I've got one, too. I think I'm falling in love with him. . . .

Lindy
My Review: The is the Beastly story through Lindy's eyes. She keeps a dairy and records her captivity with the beast. Her thoughts, feelings, and actions gave a greater depth to the book Beastly. Finally we get a better view of the character Lindy and what her feelings were about Kyle and the Beast Adrian. We take an inside look of how Lindy came to love the beast and see the inner beauty inside him. For those who have not read Beastly or even have heard about it this is my review on Beastly. I suggest reading  Beastly first and then this one.

Watch Out For: Drug usage, some kissing, and mild violence.

The Breakup Bible

The Breakup Bible

By Melissa  Kantor; Hyperion 2007

Summary:Jen Lewis is having a great junior year. She is the features editor of the school paper, and she’s dating Max Brown, the paper’s editor-in-chief. Everything is perfect—that is, until Max says, “Maybe it would be better if we were just friends.” In shock and total denial, Jen wonders how she is going to deal with the pain of seeing Max in school every day. Her misery only intensifies when her grandmother gives her a book that she heard about on the radio. Dr. Emerson’s The Breakup Bible claims that “there’s no reason a woman can’t get over a breakup very quickly if she’ll just follow a few basic commandments.” Jen is doubtful. What does Dr. Emerson know about her and Max? In a send-up to the scores of dating books on the market, Melissa Kantor’s The Breakup Bible tackles the aftermath of a high school romance with her trademark honesty, humor, and wit.

My Review: Once when I was a young girl in high school I found this book hidden away in the wrong section of the library. I checked it out and started reading it. I thought it was one of those books to help you step by step get over a breakup (Which I was going trough) and how to move on. But I was disappointed at first, because it turned about to be another Young Adult book. But still I gave it a try.

 To me this is just an ok read. I don't like reading about an over dramatic girl who just got dumped and is in the "I'd rather die mood." Nothing too exciting or funny. You just feel sorry for the girl and her family and friends. You feel sorry for her because she doesn't know how to cope. And You feel sorry for the friends and family because they are dealing with a morbid friend and daughter who is constantly crying. Some of us have had to deal with breakups and know how hard it is to move on. But the problem with Jenny is that she takes forever to pick up and move on. She is always thinking that her ex and her will get back together. The only thing I really liked about this book is the Ten Commandments of moving on from a break up. Which I will show below. Overall it was just an ok book.

Quotes:
"Friends are as precious as boyfriends. Don't think of this time as your friends are somehow second-rate just because your not in a relationship."

" Is there a Web site called dreamscometrue.com? If so, this moment deserved to be the home page."

Ten Breakup Commandments

1. Move out

2. You cannot be friends

3. Do not process this breakup together

4. Do not bad-mouth your ex to other people

5. Get rid of anything that reminds you of him

6. Start an exercise regime

7. Pursue an interest you could not have pursued while you and your ex were together.

8. Take a vacation

9. Embrace Change.

10. Go on a date-there are plenty of other fish in the sea.

Watch Out For:Some Kissing, some profanity, controversial race issues, and Teen Drinking.

The Luxe

The Luxe (Luxe #1)
By Ann Godbersen; HaperCollins 2007

Summary: Pretty girls in pretty dresses, partying until dawn.
Irresistible boys with mischievous smiles and dangerous intentions.
White lies, dark secrets, and scandalous hookups.
This is Manhattan, 1899.

Beautiful sisters Elizabeth and Diana Holland rule Manhattan's social scene. Or so it appears. When the girls discover their status among New York City's elite is far from secure, suddenly everyone--from the backstabbing socialite Penelope Hayes, to the debonair bachelor Henry Schoonmaker, to the spiteful maid Lina Broud--threatens Elizabeth's and Diana's golden future.

With the fate of the Hollands resting on her shoulders, Elizabeth must choose between family duty and true love. But when her carriage overturns near the East River, the girl whose glittering life lit up the city's gossip pages is swallowed by the rough current. As all of New York grieves, some begin to wonder whether life at the top proved too much for this ethereal beauty, or if, perhaps, someone wanted to see Manhattan's most celebrated daughter disappear...

In a world of luxury and deception, where appearance matters above everything and breaking the social code means running the risk of being ostracized forever, five teenagers lead dangerously scandalous lives. This thrilling trip to the age of innocence is anything but innocent.

My Review: Ann Godbersen has brought about an exciting series of the late 1800's and the entering 1900's with five teenager who live  in New York. This series is Ann Godbersen's debut and I believe it to be a successful one. I have every single one of her books. I find her stories to be creative, exciting, and just enough drama to keep me on my toes. Get ready for some scandalous drama!  

Elizabeth and Diana are sisters who are both very different from one another. Elizabeth is more quiet and does what she is told, to an extent. When it comes to saving her family from financial ruin she will even except marriage to Henry even though she is in love with her family's coachman Will. Diana is my personal favorite. She is a rebel,sassy, and has caught the eye of Henry. Then there is the evil mean girl Penelope who tries to ruin everyone's lives, especially the Holland sisters. 

What I learned the most from this book and series is that it is important to follow your heart and fight for what you want even when duty to your family is envolved . 

I love this series. I will always buy this author's books. I highly recommend them!

Watch Out For: Drinking, Kissing, Sex, Gossiping, Death, and just plain Scandal

Scarlet

Scarlet 
By A.C Gaughen ;Walker Childrens

Summary: Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in.

It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.

My Review: I found this book on ALA Teen's Top Ten Nominee of 2012. I love seeing which books get placed in the top ten and usually try to read a few of them. This one caught my eye especially because it mentioned Will Scarlet, Robin Hood, and Gisbourne. I am a sucker for Robin Hood. Books about Robin Hood, T.V shows, and movies. I've watched and tried to read them all. So of course I downloaded the ebook and started reading right away.  


What I love about this version of the Robin Hood story is that Will Scarlet was actually a girl.  Well Scarlet is a miss-I-can-do-what-I-want type of girl and doesn't let anyone push her around. At first I found her really annoying and wanted to slap her. But as time went on she grew on me because she started opening up and showing her true feelings. Throughout the book you find out who she really is, what happened to her, and why she is the way she is. And of course Robin hood is a babe as always. A do-gooder for sure and I thought he was portrayed very well. The whole gang is there as well all the way down to Friar Tuck. There were alot of mouth dropping moments that really surprised me. There were things I did not expect or couldn't figure out until the end. As soon as it ended I wanted more.


I really hope that the author will write more to this story. Because I would definitely buy all her books.  I found this to be an excellent and quick read. It has everything. Adventure, love,  mystery, and fighting. I recommend it!

Watch Out For: Some language, fighting, death, kissing, and thievery.

Hush, Hush

Hush, Hush

Becca Fitzpatrick;  Simon & Schuster 2009

Summary: For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along. 

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. 

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

My Review:  I totally just read this book in one sitting. I really did quite enjoy it because of a certain man.  I am a sucker for hot male characters with a dark past. Patch was so mysterious, sly, a teaser, and a huge flirt.And that my friends is why I enjoyed this read. It is horrible, but hey I am being honest here.

It has some similarities to other books I’ve read like The Mortal Instruments, Devils Kiss, Twilight, and The Blue Bloods Series, but then again it had some original ideas as well.  It was a lot like these other books because it starts out with a normal girl who is draw to this really hot guy in a class. I already see a Twilight similarity there. She wants to know everything about him so she researches online, interrogates people who know him, etc…. Similarities again come to my mind. There is mentioning’s of fallen angels and Nephilim which made me think of The Mortal Instruments and The Blue Blood Series. But the original stuff that came up intrigued me. Like how a fallen angel can become a human and fallen angels stories found in a book. There were a lot of unanswered questions about The Book of Enoch and fallen angel stuff, but I am pretty sure the next two books in the series will solve the answers.

Overall if you are into the supernatural stuff and have read multiple YA books with supernatural/love themes then this is a book for you!

Watch Out for:  Death, Murder, attacks, break ins, a sex ED class, kissing, angels, mind powers, some drinking, and medical drug use.


Book Trailer:

Scribbler of Dreams

Scribbler of Dreams

Mary E. Pearson;  Harcourt 2002

Summary: Romeo and Juliet had the right idea. About dating the enemy that is. They were true to their hearts. 

Kaitlin Malone know what it's like to date the enemy. She was raised to hate the Crutchfields, and absolutely does - until she meets Bram Crutchfield. It turns out he's a great guy - one she could talk to, share things with...even love. But when Kaitlin gives her heart to Bram, her world spins out of control. Soon the Crutchfields are here friends and she's a traitor to her own family. 

To make things worse ,Bram was raised to hate the Malones, especially Kaitlin's father - who murdered Bram's dad. Bram doesn't know Kaitlin is a Malone. If he did he would hate her, too. 

What's a star-crossed lover to do?

My Review: I am a sucker for Romeo and Juliet-like books. The tale of Romeo and Juliet has always been my favorite.  It’s the whole idea of forbidden love I think. I find it so tragically romantic.  It’s hard to be in that position where you love someone so much, but you know that your parents don’t approve. It’s also hard knowing that the person you care for’s family doesn’t approve of you either. It makes the relationship you’re in difficult knowing that you’re families hate one another. It’s this tore feeling, it hurts, but you don’t want to give up on the person you care about. 

Sounds like I’ve had experience in this huh?  I think this is why I like this book so much because I had to lie to the person I cared about. It was like living a double life. I was really stuck in between family and a person I truly cared about.  I think that’s why I like this book so much it is because it is relatable to everyday life. 

 Teenagers lie, fall in love, deal with family drama, and so much more. This may not be a book that is beyond any other amazing read you can imagine, but it is simple and has a truth to it. A truth telling us that love is real, forgiveness can happen, and that families are important.  I whole heartedly recommend it.

What Out for:  Fighting, mild language, hate, some kissing, and mentioning’s of death.

Paradise Bay

Paradise Bay

James Michael Pratt; St. Martins 2002

Summary: Jack Santos never had a father-or so he believed. All his life, he was told his father was killed in the Vietnam War. Jack was raised by his mother alone, and all his life he was searching for something he couldn't name. A twist of fate changes everything he thought he knew, however. He discovers his father isn't dead after all and that for the past decades he has been suspended between life and death; between dreaming and waking. Jack is hungry for everything he can find out about this father, Levi Harper. And the only link he has to the past is through Levi's journals. It is through these journals that Jack discovers who his father really is: from a small boy in Paradise Bay, California, to an eager young man going off to Vietnam, to a young husband who desperately wants a future for his wife, Levi Harper reveals his loves, dreams, hopes...and secrets. Can Jack discover the truth about his own life? And can he find the love that will always bring him back to Paradise Bay? For anyone who came of age in the 1950s, 60s, or 70s, Paradise Bay is a story that will show you the true meaning of love, and will take you home again

My Review:  This is such a great book.  It is a cute little romance and I enjoyed the heck out of it.  This is a classic romance that takes place during the Vietnam War.  It is a classy read because of how people acted back then. They were all so sincere and traditional. There were cute kissing scenes in this book.  I also really loved the music that was brought into it. The character Levi plays the piano and writes music and sometimes I could picture what the music sounded like.I just love it! The only thing I had a hard time reading was the war scenes. I am just not all that into them. I skipped through most of it. But if you like them then go for it. Overall it was an enjoyable read. 

Watch Out for: War, medical illness, kissing, and some language.

Something Borrowed

Something Borrowed

By Emily Giffin; St. Martin’s Griffin 2004

Summary: Meet Rachel White, a young attorney living and working in Manhattan.  Rachel has always been the consummate good girl - until her thirtieth birthday, when her best friend Darcy throws her a party.  That night, after too many drinks, Rachel ends up in bed with Darcy's fiancé.  Although she wakes up determined to put the one-night fling behind her, Rachel is horrified to discover that she has genuine feelings for the one guy she should run from.  In her wildest dreams (or worst nightmare?) this is the last thing on earth Rachel could ever have imagined happening.  As the September wedding date nears, Rachel knows she has to make a choice.  In doing so, she discovers that the lines between right and wrong can be blurry, endings aren't always neat, and sometimes you have to risk all to win true happiness.

My Review:  This book really glamorized and justified betrayal, lies, and cheating.  I am not all that approving of it because, to me, it is just trashy and not acceptable. 

This is all based on my opinion so please don’t take it for fact. Don’t get me wrong there are some funny parts in the book, but overall I was pretty uncomfortable. I didn’t like how this book made me sway into thinking that cheating was ok. I started siding with Rachel saying it was ok to cheat on your best friend’s fiancé, when in reality it is not! I was like AAACK! I know stuff like this happens all the time, but that doesn’t make it ok. 

I did like the character Rachel. I felt bad for her because she doesn’t assert her feelings and gets push around a lot, but throughout the book I saw her change and become more comfortable with herself.  This is an adult book and I would recommend it to those who are mature enough to handle it.

Watch Out for:  A lot of language, sex, kissing, and drinking

A Bend in the Road

A Bend in the Road

By Nicholas Sparks: Warner Books 2001

Summary: Miles' life seemed to end the day his wife was killed in a hit-and-run accident. He still rises each morning to take care of his young son, and carries out his duties as deputy sheriff of New Burn, North Carolina, but it's all in a numb and hopeless haze. Then Miles meets Sarah Andrews, his son's first grade teacher, who is rebuilding her own life after a shattering divorce. Slowly, their newfound love starts to soothe the pain of the past. But when a devastating secret is revealed, they discover they have much more than love in common. Now, they are questioning everything they ever believed in—and had just begun to hope for.

My Review: Ok this has been one of my favorites by him because of the mystery! Ahhhh! I was so dang excited. I love it when I am reading a novel and trying to find who the murder is! And by golly I figured it out before it was revealed. This was such an incredible book about letting go, forgiveness, and moving on. Life is hard and throws difficult things at us, but that shouldn't stop us from being happy and seeking happiness. Love and forgiveness was definitely a main theme in this book. In this novel it is narrated by Miles, Sarah, and another mysterious person.

 The character Miles had an unsolved case about the death of his wife which was
a hit and run, but when he meets Sarah he begins to get over the case and starts to move on. Sarah is moving on from a divorce and finds comfort in helping Jonah and getting to know Miles. I thought that the relationship between Miles and Sarah was adorable. There is this Halloween scene that I found to be so romantic! Sigh…. I did not put this one down! AHH!

Watch Out for: Mild Language, Sensuality, accidents, stalking, Violence, Cop like actions, blood, and death.

The Lucky One

The Lucky One

Nicholas Sparks; Grand Central Publishing 2008

Summary: When U.S. Marine Logan Thibault finds a photograph of a smiling young woman half-buried in the dirt during his third tour of duty in Iraq, his first instinct is to toss it aside. Instead, he brings it back to the base for someone to claim, but when no one does, he finds himself always carrying the photo in his pocket. Soon Thibault experiences a sudden streak of luck—winning poker games and even surviving deadly combat that kills two of his closest buddies. Only his best friend, Victor, seems to have an explanation for his good fortune: the photograph—his lucky charm. 

Back home in Colorado, Thibault can’t seem to get the photo—and the woman in it—out of his mind. Believing that she somehow holds the key to his destiny, he sets out on a journey across the country to find her, never expecting the strong but vulnerable woman he encounters in Hampton, North Carolina—Elizabeth, a divorced mother with a young son—to be the girl he’s been waiting his whole life to meet. Caught off guard by the attraction he feels, Thibault keeps the story of the photo, and his luck, a secret. As he and Elizabeth embark upon a passionate and all-consuming love affair, the secret he is keeping will soon threaten to tear them apart—destroying not only their love, but also their lives.

My Review:  Good Heavens! I was so nervous during this whole book. For some odd reason this novel kept me on my toes. I could not put it down because I couldn’t stand the suspense. I kept wondering if Logan’s secret was going to get out or what Clayton was going to do next. I was panicking till the very last page. Can you imagine walking all the way from Colorado to North Caroline just to find a woman whose picture you’ve been carrying with you for five years? Well I certainly can’t. Rumor has it that there is going to be a movie about this and it comes out in 2012. I can’t wait! It’s going to be a great movie.  I just love Nicholas Sparks’ books even though I know his writing quite well and his typical storylines. Even though his books are pretty predictable I still love them! If you are a fan of romance and suspense then this is a book for you!

Watch Out for: Sexual content, mild violence, stalking, drinking, injuries, death, breaking into a house, and brief descriptions about war. 

Red Riding Hood

Red Riding Hood

Sarah Blakeley-Cartwright; Poppy 2011

Summary: Valerie's sister was beautiful, kind, and sweet. Now she is dead. Henry, the handsome son of the blacksmith, tries to console Valerie, but her wild heart beats fast for another: the outcast woodcutter, Peter, who offers Valerie another life far from home. 

After her sister's violent death, Valerie's world begins to spiral out of control. For generations, the Wolf has been kept at bay with a monthly sacrifice. But now no one is safe. When an expert Wolf hunter arrives, the villagers learn that the creature lives among them--it could be anyone in town. 

It soon becomes clear that Valerie is the only one who can hear the voice of the creature. The Wolf says she must surrender herself before the blood moon wanes...or everyone she loves will die.

My Review: GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!  That is just one of the many words I could say about this book. The only reason I read this was because the movie was coming out. I am a firm believer in reading the book before going to see the movie.  Well the writing isn’t that great but I started to like storyline until it ended suddenly! That’s right! It never finished instead it told me to go to this certain sight and finish it once the movie came out! UGH! I was so ticked I just went to watch the movie instead and never looked up the ending chapters. My best advice to those who are interested in this book is to just watch the movie.

Watch Out For: Very little cussing, drinking, violence, animal sacrifice, a terrorizing wolf, torture, and fighting.

Movie Trailer: 

Along for the Ride

Along for the Ride

Sarah Dessen;Viking Juvenile 2009

Summary: It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce—or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live. 

A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.

My Review: I am very picky when it comes to Sarah Dessen books. I will either really like the book or not. Along for the Ride turned out to be one that I really liked.  I found the character Auden to be a relatable character. She is a teenage girl who suffered from her parent’s divorce by having a lack of a childhood.  She didn’t have a social life in high school because she was busy doing homework and working. I felt really sorry for her most of the time because of the ways she coped with her parents fighting and dealing with her parents once they were separated. She became an insomniac and left the house in order to escape from everything. Once she moves in with her Dad and his new wife and child things start looking up for her. She works with girls who help her break out of her social problems and she meets Eli who becomes a close friend. Eli brought out the best in Auden and Auden brought out the best in Eli. I thought their relationship to be adorable. All in all I really enjoyed this book.  I couldn’t put it down. I actually read it in one night. So if you like stories about troubled teens then this is a book for you!

Watch Out for:  Teen Drinking, Brief occasional use of swear words, partying, clubs, and non descriptive sexual moments. 

Love Me

Love Me

Marcia Lynn McClure; Distractions Ink 2006

Summary: Jacey Whittaker couldn’t remember a time when she hadn’t loved Scott Pendleton—the boy next door. She couldn’t remember a time when Scott hadn’t been in her life—in her heart. Yet, Scott was every other girl’s dream, too. How could Jacey possibly hope to win such a prize—the attention, the affections, the very heart of such a sought after young man? Yet, win him she did! He became the bliss of her youthful heart—at least for a time. 

Still, some dreams live fulfilled—and some are lost. Loss changes the very soul of a being. Jacey wondered if her soul would ever rebound. Certainly, she went on—lived a happy life—if not so full and perfectly happy a life as she once lived. Yet, she feared she would never recover—never get over Scott Pendleton—her first love.

Until the day a man walked into her apartment—into her apartment and into her heart. Would this man be the one to heal her broken heart? Would this man be her one true love?

My Review: This is a really cute sentimental book. Scott was the guy ever one dreams of. The hot jock who teases you, protects you, and just loves you. That one of the phrases that occurs most in this novel. "Just love me."  What I really like about this book is the music. It mentions specific songs like "Puupy Love" by Donny Osmond and "Love me" by Elvis. It was a short read and I really did enjoy it. 

Watch Out for: A whole lotta kissing!