Pirates!

by Celia Rees

I've read another book by this author, Witch Child, and loved it!  I also happen to love pirates, so I thought I'd give it a go.  I was not disappointed.  With the time change on Sunday, I had an extra hour to read.  I began about 8:30 AM and was finished before 10 PM...with church, dinner, etc in between.  It was SO fun and exciting.  It includes female pirates, beheadings, forbidden love, and all sorts of adventure!  Great for teens and adults, especially girls who like a little extreme fun :)

****

The Charlestown Connection

by Tom MacDonald

Another Reader's Choice selection from my local library.  I usually like these books, even though they're not often ones I would choose for myself.  This thriller takes place in the Boston area, present day.  Those who like baseball will find the details interesting.  When a man dies in front of him, Dermot Sparhawk finds himself in the middle of something...something bigger than he can imagine.  Great story!  (lots of swearing)  Exciting and interesting.  I found myself wondering how all of it would come together in the end.

***

Graveminder

by Melissa Marr

I have really enjoyed other books by this author - written for young adults.  This one is adult fiction, but not at all disappointing.  She creates such wonderful realities; so interesting and complete.  I enjoyed thinking about what other people might think of death to be like; before, after, limbo, etc.  I loved it!  As one who loves a good series, I wish this was part of one...not so.  Great read, a little language (yes, f-word).

****

The Friday Night Knitting Club

by Kate Jacobs

I thought this series sounded like a fun read.  Georgia Walker and her almost-teenager daughter live in NYC in a small apartment above their knitting shop, "Walker and Daughter".  This tale of friendship, hurt, love, loss and everything in between is one that will have you smiling, crying, laughing, and pondering your own relationships.  It's a little "Steel Magnolias", but don't let that deter you.  Great book for adults, especially women, who need a little dose of "reality" without having to face their own reality for the moment. Some language, a few F-words.

***

Twice Upon a Marigold

by Jean Ferris

Sequel to Once Upon a Marigold. Again, same characters, with a few new ones. Those fairy tale people had found great happiness, but it has gone awry. Now they have to decide how to find it again, without hurting any innocents. Still light-hearted and fun to read, but with enough depth to keep you going.

***

Once Upon a Marigold

by Jean Ferris

This fairy tale of sorts is a fun, easy read! There's a prince, a princess, a troll, a queen (evil, of course), a king and other assorted characters. They all want to be happy, but have different ideas of what that means and how to go about achieving it. Great for a little escape and a few laughs :)

***

Bright Young Things

by Anna Godbersen

What a fun book! I was taken back to the "roaring 20's". 3 young women all experience different aspects of life in 1929 New York City. I got completely enveloped. I felt like was right there as the story unfolds. Fun Fun Fun!!

Also, a series :)

***

The Oak Leaves

by Maureen Lang

I enjoyed the parallel stories of this book: modern mother searching for answers, 150-year old journal in hand; 18th-century woman searching for answers, documenting her journey. They all come together and open understanding to all. Great story of acceptance and finding joy in the trials God allows you to endure and grow from.

****

The Believer

by Ann H. Gabhart

Previously, I had read The Outsider by this author and thought this book, The Believer, was a sequel. While they are similar in place and time, they are not necessarily related in story. This book tells of three children who, due to unpleasant circumstances, are faced with harsh choices. These choices lead them to the local Shaker community. They experience life as a Shaker - both positive and negative - and, as we all are, are faced with new challenges and choices. Elizabeth is the oldest sibling and most of the story revolves around her. I thoroughly enjoyed it. For me it was thought-provoking, and caused me to remember why I believe as I do.

***

Sarah's Key

by Tatiana de Rosnay

What a moving story of pain, loss, and moving on. Dual settings, WWII France and Present-Day France. Two people's lives twist and turn around events out of their control. What a great way to learn of the hardships and choices people are faced with during war; and how we, as innocents who having experienced that can understand and ultimately find peace in the past.

Fabulous!

****

The Outlander

by Gil Adamson

I had a hard time trying to figure out where this story was going. Once I got about 3/4 of the way through I could start to see a little light at the end of the tunnel. It was a little intense at times, but seemed to be so detailed in others that I was a little bored. This is an Adult book - language and explicit details (few of either, but there, nonetheless). I finished this book about 4 days ago and still haven't decided how I feel about it. I really liked the historical aspect of the story, but I can't say I...I don't know. I like to read to be entertained; this is not what I consider an entertaining book. But I didn't dislike it either. I'm just torn. It was well-written; it had a great plot and twists; it flowed well. Hmmm...you'll have to read it yourself to decide.

***

p.s. 3 or 4 F-words in case that sways you one way or the other.

Chains

by Laurie Halse Anderson

I really enjoyed the perspective of the American Revoluton from a young slave girl. It brought many new insights to light...not all Northerners were against slavery...huh. It was a quick read, but very interesting and really kept me going. There's a sequel, too.

****