Brenda's Thoughts on " A Good Man"...
An amazing journey story. With inspirational nods to Harry Chapin and Flannery O’Conner, Baker tells the story of Harry Ducharme, a down and out talk-radio host who has burned his personal and professional bridges and lands in St. Augustine, Fla. to start a new life.
While this seems like one man’s journey, it is the collective tale of everyone involved even slightly in Harry’s life. Through a strange confluence of seemingly random events, several strangers are brought together around a common purpose, and as you read it, you too feel as though you’ve been included in their journey.
Throughout the various threads of this story, the one character that holds you and intrigues you is Harry. A man who has lived a life checkered with bad decisions and regrets, who now finds himself looking back with the idea he is beyond redemption. Then one night while he weathers a hurricane at the his radio station, he is visited by an enigmatic stranger- one who informs Harry his destiny is far more important than he ever dreamed. From that point on nothing is quite the same.
This is a wonderful story that touches you, amuses you and gives you a glimpse into the importance of seemingly small , random gestures and how very important they can be.
April's thoughts on Johanna Lindsey's "A Loving Scoundrel"....
I have been a fan of Johanna Lindsey for years.Her Malory books have been amongst my favorites, and A Loving Scoundrel was not an exception. In this book Jeremy Malory (son of James Malory) is on the search to find a thief to help his cousin Percy get back something that was taken from him, when he comes across Danny. Danny has been parading around as a boy and thief for the past 15 years, after being stranded in a alley, with no memory of whom she really is. When she gets kicked out of her gang, she turns to Jeremy demanding a job. Because in her mind, it is all his fault she got kicked out. Jeremy is more than willing to give her job, knowing the whole time it was a woman not a boy under those males clothes. Although he would prefer she become his mistress, the only job she will accept is a maid. As strange as it way seem that is where their love story begins. I recommend this book to all romantics.
Brenda's Thought's on The Blood Ties Series...
The Vicki Nelson/ Blood Ties seies by Tanya Huff is a great mixture of mystery, paranormal and romance all tied up into one neat package. Former cop- turned Private Investigator, Vicki Nelson left the police force due to a medical condition:progressive blindness, but she doesn't let that slow her down one bit. Her first big case - one she literally stumbles right into, starts out strange and just keeps getting stranger. It also leads her to Henry Fitzroy, an elegant and mysterious author of bodice-ripping romance novels- but Henry has a far darker secret- he's a vampire, albeit one with a very interesting lineage: he's the bastard son of Henry the VIII. Henry and Vicki's paths cross so often on this first case- to the point where Henry tells Vicki his secret - that they eventually decide to team up- especially to work the "stranger " cases that come Vicki's way. This arrangement is not received well by Vicki's former partner and on again- off again love interest, Mike Cellucci. This love/work triangle adds a whole new dimension to this series, with some interesting spins and conflicts. If you like the Anita Blake or Sookie Stackhouse books you should enjoy the Vicki Nelson books as well. Even if you've seen the " Blood Ties"series, but never read the books you should try them- it's a similar but richer experience.
April's Thoughts on The Twighlight Series...
I first read the Twilight series back in May of this year. I had wanted to watch the movie before I read the book, but once I picked up and read Twilight, I couldn't help but finish the saga. To me it was allot like reading Bella's journal, you could almost feel as much as see everything she was going through. From starting off with a simple ordinary life, to finding out vampires are real, to falling in love with one, to almost getting killed, to losing the person you love, to finding out werewolves are real, to...well, I don't want to give to much away if you haven't already read them. I have always leaned toward books with strong women in them, and even though Bella is a strong female character, she wasn't the biggest reason I kept flipping the pages. For me, it was the strength of character of all the people in Bella's life. Her parents, even though they were not mentioned allot, you could still feel how much the loved their daughter. Edward, one of the kindest vampires I have ever read about, from the very beginning he always tries to do what is best for the women he loves, even if it hurts him. Jacob, one of the best friends a girl could ever ask for, he always tries to be there for her for what ever she may need. The Cullens, the way the accepted her as family almost from the very beginning, and even the few the didn't still protected her with their lives. And the kids from school that made life starting out in a new school so much easier by making her feel welcome from the very first day. I recommend everyone to try the Twilight saga (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn).
Brenda's Thoughts on "South of Broad"...
An absolutely beautiful story. Hands down the best book I've read in a very long time. . The story of Leo and his friends touched me in ways a book hasn't in years. I laughed and cried as I read it- sometimes at the same time. A truly touching novel by a masterful writer telling a dramatic and tender story that rings so true you feel you really know the characters he's created.
It tells the story of Leopold Bloom King and a collection of people that pass in and out of his life through a twenty year span. It's a story of friendship, family, faith, duty, the consequences of choices and the burden of secrets. I give it my highest recommendation!
April's Thoughts on "Burning Alive"...
Helen Day has lived with reacurring terror for most of her life. This all started with a dream, or vision of her burning alive with a handsome , dark-haired man watching it all happen with a smile on his face. After living with this fear, and her house burning down a few times- one of which took her mother's life, she lets the fear overcome her. Until one day, she really sees the man from her vision for the first time. After meeting Drake - the man from her vision- she see's things that make her believe more than ever that her nightmare vision will come true.
As for Drake, he lives in a world where warriors are born to protect humans from evil. But, when he meets Helen, he is pulled to her so strongly he must remind himself time and again what his job is. Even though all he wants to do is hold and protect her. In the end, he is unsure whether she needs him or he needs her.
Brenda's Thoughts on "First Family"-
Absolutely riveting! I loved the multi-layered story. This was what I refer to as an 'onion mystery'- the deeper you go the more mysterious it gets. There were some things I assumed about the conclusion that were revealed to be correct- but others that were great "wow" moments. The detective duo of Sean King and Michelle Maxwell were great again in this latest adventure. I highly recommend this not only to Baldacci fans but to those who love a good mystery/thriller/suspense novel.
April's Thoughts on "Dangerous"...
Amanda Quick's Dangerous is an historical romance with two very interesting and original characters whom seem to lean more toward the logical than romantic. But as everyone knows there is never anything logical about love. Prue and Sabastian seem perfect for each other in their odd interests, tastes and moods. Through one turn after another you as the reader root for them and all the things they do together. Which at times are Dangerous.
Brenda's Thoughts on "Romancing the Stones"....
A wonderful read. Fun, exciting and sexy wiith a compelling main story and an intriging back story as well. Charlie really is what the author promises; " A kick-ass heroine". This is one resourceful gal who knows how to work her way out of the crazy messes she finds herself in. The opening scene sets the tone for the whole book. A wild ride.
April's Thoughts on "Kiss of Midnight"...
Kiss of Midnight is an unique mixture of supernatural, sci-fi, fairy-tale and erotica. Gabriel is a strong female character with a past and an unexpected future. Lucan, although haunted by his past, is a perfect mixture of a loyal and ruthless warrior and a caring man. I reccomend this book to adults only.Lara Adrian puts an unique spin on the origins of vampiresand makes them less mysterious and more romantic.
Brenda's Thoughts on "Dead and Gone"....
This is the 9th installment of the 'Sookie Stackhouse' series, and Harris has not lost her touch. All of the books are a wild ride of supernatural escapades for unlikely and sometimes unwilling heroine Sookie Stackhouse. If she's not dealing with family drama ( both the mundane and fantastic) then she's getting dragged into supernatural power struggles. This latest installment answers a lot of questions, but also poses a few that will leave you salivating for the next installment. It's a literary guilty pleasure, but a pleasure all the same.
April's Thoughts on "Post-Mortem"...
I first read this book right out of high school, and I never tire of reading it all over again. If you are a fan of books with strong female characters you will love this. Also, if you are a fan of shows like , NCIS, Bones or CSI this would be a good book for you. It explains a lot of the evidence that leads to them finding the bad guy. It also has a good mixture of mystery, thriller and drama. I recommend this and all the books in the Kay Scarpetta series that follow.
Brenda's Thoughts on "Lavender Morning"....
Lavender Morning is the frst in Deveraux's new 'Edilean Series" and it is most certainly a great start! Jocelyn finds herself the receipient of a wonderful inheritance from a woman who was a surrogate grandmother/mother to her- as well as mentor and friend; Miss Edi. Although Jocelyn believes she knew her old friend well, it quickly turns out that nothing is quite what it seems. Jocelyn is soon kept quite busy trying to answer the ever growing mysteries surrounding Miss Edi's past and how they affect Jocelyn's past, present and future. Especially as it pertains to the man Miss Edi has told Jocelyn is her "true love". I really loved this latest work by one of my favorite authors. Truly one of the best comtemporary romances she's written in a long time. I anxiously await the next chapter in this series.
April's Thoughts on "Twilight"...
After hearing about the book I wanted to read it, but I waited until after I had seen the movie to do so. I have to say that doing that made the book even more enjoyable. Although it was written for young adults in mind I enjoyed it very much at age 30. With a bit of mystery, romance, and suspense I tore through the pages very quick. After I was done I could not help but pick up the remaining three books in the series. (New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn) I recommend them to all young adults and adults.