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My 2010 50 Booklist


1. This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper (e-Reader)(352 pgs) - finished 1/4/10 - 4 stars
2. Rainwater by Sandra Brown (e-Reader) (256 pgs) - finished 1/10/10 - 4 stars
3. Home In Time for Christmas by Heather Graham (e-Reader) (336 pgs) - finished 1/14/10 - 3 stars
4. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (YA) (496 pgs) - finished 1/16/10 - 5 stars
5. Fade To Black by Morgan Kearns (497 pgs) - finished 1/18/10 - 4 stars
6. The Kill by Allison Brennan (416 pgs) - finished 1/23/10 - 5 stars
7. Mr. Shivers by Robert Jackson Bennett (e-Reader) (336 pgs) - finished 1/31/10 - 2 stars
8. Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier (410 pgs) - finished 2/4/10 - 4 stars
9. Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah (400 pgs) - finished 2/9/10 - 5 stars
10. Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews (432 pgs) - finished 2/11/10 - 4 stars
11. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen (e-Reader) (YA) (400 pgs) - finished 2/15/10 - 4 stars
12. An April To Remember by Lori Robinson (e-Reader) (380 pgs) - finished 2/17/10 - 4 stars
13. Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella (400 pgs) - finished 2/25/10 - 3 stars
14. City of Thieves by David Benioff (e-Reader) (258 pgs) - finished 3/4/10 - 5 stars
15. House Rules by Jodi Picoult (532 pgs) - finished 3/7/10 - 5 stars
16. Tim by Colleen McCullough (282 pgs) - finished 3/17/10 - 4 stars
17. A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick (291 pgs) - finished 3/11/10 - 3.5 stars
18. Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk (565 pgs) - finished 3/13/10 - 4 stars
19. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks (391 pgs) - finished 3/16/10 - 4 stars
20. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese (e-Reader) (616 pgs) - finished 3/27/10 - 5 stars
21. Still Life by Joy Fielding (368 pgs) - finished 3/29/10 - 4 stars
22. Case Histories by Kate Atkinson (310 pgs) - finished 4/1/10 - 4 stars
23. Stones from the River by Ursula Hegi (525 pgs) - finished 4/12/10 - 4 stars
24. Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas (e-Reader) (384 pgs) - finished 4/14/10 - 5 stars
25. One for the Money by Janet Evanovich (202 pgs) - finished 4/18/10 - 5 stars

HALFWAY TO 50!!!

1. THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU written by Jonathan Tropper - finished 1/4/10


This was an entertaining and amusing book. It basically displayed how a family would react when their beloved father and husband dies. The writer talks about the Foxman family's current lives and past mistakes. You get to laugh and feel the pain that the family truly is in as they spend time together. It makes for an emotional, funny, and believeable read. I would definitely recommend this book! 4 stars

2. RAINWATER written by Sandra Brown - finished 1/10/10


If you read this book, have a box of tissues nearby because you will need them. As a parent with a son who has autism, I could relate to the young boy in the story. The symptoms that this boy, Solly, endured were accurate and true-to-life. The mother, Ella, operates a boarding house and welcomes the presence of David Rainwater as a new boarder. Mr. Rainwater is terminally ill, but aides the community and Ella with the power of peace, understanding, and love. Very moving, and not your typical Sandra Brown story. I would highly recommend this book! 4 stars

3. HOME IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS written by Heather Graham - finished 1/14/10


This was a quick light read, but a little farfetched. I read this because I just couldn't get out of the Christmas mode yet. The writer showed how much family really means. It has a happy ending for all involved. I would recommend this book if you're looking for something that's a snappy and charming little read! 3 stars

4. CITY OF BONES (Mortal Instruments #1) written by Cassandra Clare (YA) - finished 1/16/10

I kind of got into reading some Young Adult books after reading all four Twilight books when my kids wanted me to go see the first two movies with them. This book was great! In fact I told my three teenage kids to read it because it was not at all boring and had a lot of action and real-life situations that they could relate to. This book is full of surprises, and takes the reader on a magical journey of fantasy, mystery, and romance. I can't wait to read the next book in the trilogy, City of Ashes! 4 stars

5. FADE TO BLACK written by Morgan Kearns - finished 1/18/10


I enjoyed reading this book, especially for the two "hot" guys that were in it. I always tell my kids, just because I'm married and 45, doesn't mean that I'm dead! Ha! The premise is of a reporter moving to a new city with her hunky gorgeous boyfried in tow, while working with a nice good-looking cameraman. Who is she to choose? It keeps you guessing throughout the story until a tragedy befalls one of the main characters. So if you like books where the one girl has two guys after her, and want to know who she ends up with in the end, than this is the book for you! 4 stars

6. THE KILL (Predator Trilogy #3) written by Allison Brennan - finished 1/23/10


I have read almost all of Allison Brennan's books, and they don't ever seem to disappoint. It is your typical on-the-edge-of-your-seat thriller, and she describes the medical and police procedures graphically but accurately. An FBI scientist, Olivia, tries to help the local police detective, Zach, catch a killer who had, years ago, killed her sister too. I enjoy reading her books immensely, but just don't turn the lights out and decide to go to bed after indulging in a book by her. Every little noise will make you jump! Boo! 5 stars

7. MR. SHIVERS written by Robert Jackson Bennett - finished 1/31/10


Well, what can I say about this book, other than I was expecting a horror/thriller type of book. The beginning of the book started out with a man (Marcus Connelly) leaving his wife and looking for "Mr. Shivers", the man that had murdered his young daughter. As he travels across the Dustbowl of America during the Depression, he meets several other individuals, hobos, looking for the same man. The "gray man" is horribly scarred on this face, and creates havoc and destruction wherever he goes. As I kept reading, expecting to find the horror and excitement of the book, it just seemed dull and boring. For me, it just did not deliver as I had expected. In fact, I found, towards the end, it hard to follow. Not a book that I would recommend. 2 stars

8. REBECCA written by Daphne DuMaurier - finished 2/4/10


At first I found it difficult to get into the book, but once she married Maxim de Winters, I couldn't put it down. It was a thrilling read that kept me wondering what was going to happen next as I read from chapter to chapter. I thought it was very interesting how the writer never gave a first name or age to the woman telling the story. The writer definitely made Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper, very creepy and showed how devoted she was to the former Mrs. de Winters, Rebecca. I loved the beautiful descriptions of Manderley and the countryside where they lived. It made for a romantic and suspenseful setting. I would definitely recommend this book! 4 stars

9. WINTER GARDEN written by Kristin Hannah - finished 2/9/10


I couldn't wait to read this book! I just love Kristin Hannah books! The book was just heartwrenching and compassionate. A story involving a woman who just could not show love to her two daughters their entire lives because of the devastating past she had endured while living in wartorn Leningrad during WWII. A death in the family inspires one of her daughters, now an adult, to discover the truth behind the fairytale that her mother has told them since they were young children. The story goes back and forth from the 1940s to the present where the daughters finally learn the truth about their mother's pain and suffering during the war, and what causes her to be unable to show love to her children. The book also contains emotional love stories involving the main characters, and traveling to Alaska to finally learn the truth about Anya's, the mother, past. Get your box of tissues ready! The story will stay with you long after you read the last page. Definitely a book that I would recommend! 5 stars

10. SAVANNAH BLUES (Weezie and Bebe Mystery #1) written by Mary Kay Andrews - finished 2/11/10

Take a murder, a silly girl, and a devoted cast of characters in the south, and what do you have? But, a comical and endearing story set in steamy Savannah, Georgia! Eloise "Weezie" Foley is a junk picker for antiques that gets in way over her head when she comes upon a murder while looking for a bathroom in an elaborate estate the evening before everything in the estate is to be sold. Of course, she is accused of the murder and trespassing, but how her relatives find out who the real killer is and how her life gets turned upside down while doing so, is very humorous. There is some romance involved, the realization that a family member is an alcoholic, and another family member coming out-of-the-closet, which makes for an interesting read. The reader will discover at the end of the book just how much family means and what a person is willing to do to protect the ones they love and their reputation. If you like a little romance, some delicious southern cooking, and a good mystery mixed in, then this is the book for you! 4 stars

11. THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER written by Sarah Dessen (YA) - finished 2/15/10


Anyone who loses a loved one knows how hard is to move on in life, especially if it is something that happens unexpectantly. That's what happens to Macy Queen, a seventeen-year-old high school student when her father has a heartattack and dies while running. Macy tries to be the perfect student, girlfriend, and daughter. Unfortunately, things happen to make this impossible. While Macy tries to be perfect, so does her mother, who throws herself into her business that her and her husband established together. Towards the end of the book, both parent and child realize that neither are to blame for the unfortunate accident that lead for the man that they both loved to die. It is a gripping and emotional drama that has you believing that the family will eventually recover from this heartbreaking accident. I would recommend this book because Macy was such an incredibly strong character who worried and cared so much for her mother, not just for herself. There were a few different storylines that involved the supporting characters and their families that also added to an enjoyable read. This will not be my first nor my last read of a Sarah Dessen book! 4 stars

12. AN APRIL TO REMEMBER written by Lori Robinson - finished 2/17/10


This book takes place during one of my favorite time periods, post Civil War. During times when the war is over, whereby people in the South just can't comprehend the fact of losing to the North, groups of people still are fighting their own war. April Simonson meets Jerek Brinkley when she goes to drag her brother, Willie, home from a card game. From that time on the gambler, Jerek, is smitten with the bossy vixen, April. The story follows them as they fall in love while trying to solve a mystery as to who blows up the riverboat that both of them are traveling on. The book was a quick read that had me rooting for the heroine who had been disfigured as a child and thought all men were beasts. I recommend this book to the romantic at heart! 3 stars

13. REMEMBER ME? written by Sophie Kinsella - finished 2/25/10


I always enjoy Sophie Kinsella's books! They're comical and entertaining with a hint of romance thrown in. During this book, we find Lexie Smart waking up from an accident with a bout of amnesia. She cannot recall the last three years of her life. How she goes about finding out who she now really is and the different roles in her life that her friends and family now play, makes for a pleasureable read. Fans who enjoy Sophie Kinsella books, will find this book just as enjoyable and poignant as all her others! 3 stars

14. CITY OF THIEVES written by David Benioff - finished 3/4/10


Wow, what a book! I loved the characters in this novel! The two main characters were both so compassionate and likeable. A teenage boy, Lev, that decided to stay in Leningrad during the German seige while his sister and mother go to another location to escape the wartorn country, ends up in prison for looting with a so-called deserter of the Red Army, Koyla. They are given a chance at freedom by an officer who requires them to scour the area in search of a dozen eggs for a cake for his daughter's upcoming wedding. How they survive and become friends though this terrifying and horrendous ordeal is, at times, thrilling and heartwrenching. They face several trials and tribulations in order to succeed in their quest. I found myself laughing and shedding some tears during their journey together. A book that I would definitely recommend! 5 stars

15. HOUSE RULES written by Jodi Picoult - finished 3/17/10


This book hit home to me, and had me, at times, sad and other times happy. I can say this because I have a son with Autism, and have lived with a lot of these similar situations for the last 14 years. The novel was about an 18 year old boy that suffered from Asperger's Syndrome (a higher form of functioning Autism). He is accused of murdering his social skills tutor, Jess. Jodi Picoult researches Jacob Hunt's mannerisms and quirks spot-on and impeccably. I found myself having to put down the book numerous times, to catch my breath and say "yes, this is what my family and I live with everyday, how do we survive it?". I loved how the author would alternate between the main characters, narrating from their view-point chapter by chapter. It gives you a real sense as to what each individual is thinking and what is going on in their life. The only criticism that I do have is that the book ended a little abruptly. I would have liked to see what's going on in their lives now - a few months after the trial. And, also I wasn't too keen on how the mother, Emma, always seemed to give all her attention to Jacob, when in fact she also had another son, Theo, that was not autistic. I always have to spread myself out very thin to accommodate my three other children also. I always had a rule, that no matter what was going on with my son, that I just couldn't favor him because I didn't want to make my other kids feel unloved and not important too. Definitely a book that I would recommend! Anyone that doesn't know a thing about Autism, after reading this book, will definitely have a sense of how emotional and difficult it is to educate and try to make an Autistic child's life as normal as possible. 5 stars

16. TIM written by Colleen McCullough - finished 3/17/10


This was a quick little love story that featured a 25 year old mentally retarded man and a 45 year old spinster. Tim does some yard work for Mary, and they become friends leading to something more as the story goes on. Tim has a support system of his mother, father, and sister until Mary comes along and shows Tim that there are other people that you can depend on and love. Tim also shows Mary that she doesn't have to live her life alone, and that there's more to life than lots of money and a good job. The emotions of these two people were just beautiful and innocent. I found myself rooting for them in the end to find love and happiness together! 4 stars

17. A RELIABLE WIFE written by Robert Goolrick - finished 3/11/10


A dark gothic-like novel that centers around an older widower, Ralph, living alone with only a married couple to tend to his cooking and chores around his home, and a conniving younger women, Catherine, who becomes his bride through a posted advertisement. Along the way, the reader finds out many secrets that these two individuals are harboring, which eventually climaxes to a somewhat fatal conclusion. It is filled with many sexual overatures, however, which might not appeal to every reader because of its disturbing eroticism. I found myself intrigued, though, with the power that a woman has over a man when a man ages, has no family or friends, and a very monotonous and lonely life. It will be interesting to see what kind of dark phychological thriller Robert Goolrick writes next! 3.5 stars

18. MARJORIE MORNINGSTAR written by Herman Wouk - finished 3/13/10


A book about a young Jewish-American girl, Marjorie, living in New York City during the 1930s. Marjorie has desires of becoming an actress, and along the way, meets and falls in love with a composer and playwrite. Marjorie's parents have higher aspirations for her other than becoming an actress. The story follows Marjorie and all the people she comes in contact during a 20-year span between World Wars. I found the book a little boring at times, but also intrigued with the daily life of young women of the 1930s. Herman Wouk writes a book about real-life experiences during depressing and controversial times between both World Wars. Marjorie, finally in the end, becomes the person that she is most suited to be, and with the man that she truly loves. 4 stars

19. THE LAST SONG written by Nicholas Sparks - finished 3/16/10


Nicholas Sparks' new book is a story of a girl's first love and the love she shares with her parents and her brother. Ronnie, a 17-year-old girl living in New York City goes to visit her father whom she has not spoken to in three years, along with her brother, for the summer in North Carolina. During her visit she does a lot of growing up and realizing that it was not as it seemed when her parents decided to divorce. The story is filled with love and dilemmas that young adults often find themselves involved with. Bring your box of tissues because you will definitely need them! If you are tired of the wintertime here in New England, the description of the North Carolina coast in summer will give you something to look forward to with the approaching springtime. A great story for young women that are wondering what to look forward to after they have graduated high school. 4 stars

RE #18 - and here all this time I thought Marjorie Morningstar was about a young Native American girl! I guess this is a case of judging a book by it's cover...

Great reviews Nance...I'll be adding a couple to my TBR list!

Had to laugh....was just looking at your profile and saw we are in two other groups together. Book Addicts...thought I saw you over there on one of the threads, but wasn't sure, and The Next Best Book Club which I actually wondered about because you were thinking about reading The Picture of Dorian Gray. Cool!

20. CUTTING FOR STONE written by Abraham Verghese - finished 3/27/10


This was a beautiful family saga whereas during a forbidden love, an Indian nun and British surgeon create conjoined, identical, separated at birth twin boys while working together in Ethiopia. The mother dies in childbirth and the father abandons the boys. How they are raised and who raises them, establishes their future destinies whether in Africa or the United States. The story was narrated by Marion, one of the twins, who was a compassionate and understanding individual full of love for family and the unfortunate poverty-strickened individual. The author filled the novel with obvious researched medical procedures, which only added to the story and exposed the reader to the tramatic hardships that people living in Ethiopia face on a daily basis. I found myself fascinated by the backdrop of the African culture and beauty of its scenery, along with a cast of characters that enabled the reader to sympathize and also get angry with the situations that they had brought on themselves. It is a story about betrayal, redemption and love of family that keeps the reader enthralled until the final pages. Definitely a book that every reader should take on! Can't wait to see what Abraham Verghese has in store for us next! 5+ stars

Great review Nance....I am so glad you liked it. I thought it was a stunningly beautiful story.

21. STILL LIFE written by Joy Fielding - finished 3/29/10


This was your typical rich, successful woman meets handsome successful young man. They fall in love and get married, but the perfect marriage that seemed flawless on the outside is not so flawless on the inside when an event takes place that has the woman afraid that she will not survive to find out the truth. Casey Marshall is a successful interior designer that is married to Warren, a successful lawyer. After a lunch date with her girlfriends, she is found rundown by a hit-and-run driver. Who the driver is, and why Casey was just left at the scene is the question that her friends and police are asking. All clues seem to point to just an accident, but Casey, through some miracle given all her injuries, can hear the people in her hospital room, but cannot communicate with them. She knows the truth, and through time, is fearing for her life. The novel was just flowing with suspense and intrigue. I read this novel in one day...just had to find out who the person that wanted her dead was. I was very surprised! 4 stars

Sounds good, Nance. Maybe I can pick it up at the library...I wonder if it would be in the mystery section?

22. CASE HISTORIES written by Kate Atkinson - finished 4/1/10


The novel takes place in Cambridge, whereby a former detective, turned private investigator, is hired to try and solve three cold cases by family members. The first case involves a young child who disappears during the night while sleeping outside in a tent with her somewhat older sister. The second case, we find an excessively overweight father who cannot forget his youngest daughter being slain in his office by an unidentified man. And, the third case concerns a young mother with a colicy infant who slays her husband with an ax because she has, what sounds like, postpartum depression. An aunt to the infant wants to find and reunite with her niece. The author did have me interested in the mystery aspects of the book. Where were these people now? Who committed such unspeakable acts of murder? The problem I had, was that some of the conversations and descriptions of sex were a little graphic, which made me a bit squeamish. All in all, I did sympathize with many of the characters for their unfortunate losses of their loved ones. I will, however, keep reading about Jackson Brodie, the private investigator. There are two other books in addition to this one, I believe, that continue with Jackson's adventures trying to solve cold cases. 4 stars

23. STONES FROM THE RIVER written by Ursula Hegi - finished 4/12/10


There are so many novels written during WWII that take place in Germany with Holocaust victims being the center focus. This novel, however, takes on a very different spin to it. The story is about a dwarf (Zwerg), Trudi Montag, whose life is complicated by the fact that she will not be an average human size because of her dwarfism. We see her ridiculed by schoolmates, trying to make friends with the girls in her town, and finding love for the first time. She encounters many hardships through this time period and, as the years go on, recognizes the prejudism that people inflict not only on her, because of her size, but also on the Jewish residents that reside in her town. We meet Trudi's dad and the many brave townspeople that live near Trudi's home. The novel explores life before the Holcaust and about ten years beyond when the war has finally ended. This book took me awhile to read because there was a lot of detail and quite a few characters introduced, which lead me to take my time sorting out who everyone was. I found myself shedding quite a few tears as some of the townspeople were arrested and taken away as part of Hitler's quest to rid the world of Jews. Trudi, however, was a hero to me because of her bravery and wiseness that accompanied her with age. A novel well done, and simply inspiring for all that do not think they are perfect by every stretch of the human mind. 4 stars

24. SMOOTH TALKING STRANGER (Travises #3) written by Lisa Kleypas - finished 4/14/10

Ella Varner is asked to "come get" her sister's week-old baby when the infant is just dropped off at her mother's home in Houston, TX. Ella and her sister have issues that stem from her parent's divorce and her mother's continual slew of boyfriends that she had paraded in and out of their lives when they were just children. As adults, the two sisters eventually stay away from their mother to avoid further criticism and complaints about her having two children. Due to her mother's badgering, Ella decides to stay in Houston to care for the infant, and while there meets a rich, gorgeous, and conpassionate specimen named Jack Travis. The relationship that Ella eventually has with Jack erases her doubt of ever being able to love and to be loved. Lisa Kleypas, the author, had my attention from the very first few pages that I read. The characters were witty, charming, and, when they had to be, dastardly and venomous. The sex scenes were, "Oh, my!!"...need I say anymore? I was highly entertained, and the ending did not disappoint my expectations. Don't all women want to have a Jack Travis in their lives to have faith in the happily-ever-after?? 5 stars

25. ONE FOR THE MONEY (Stephanie Plum #1) written by Janet Evanovich - finished 4/18/10

Take a novice female bounty hunter with some wacky relatives, an on-the-run cop with some devious criminals, and what do you have, but a laugh-out-loud crime enhanced mystery introducing Stephanie Plum, as the money-hungry bounty hunter, and Joe Morelli as her old virginity-stealing-now-turned-cop nemesis. The novel was so entertaining and funny that I had to read it in one day just to find out the end result. Stephanie's family was just hysterical, especially Grandma Mazur, who enjoyed going to all the funeral viewings in their town. She was just a blast! And, I just loved her cousin Vinnie, who employed her along with his secretary, Connie and Ranger, a former Special Forces soldier now working as a bounty hunter. From the mystery of who set up Joe to be accused of a homicide he didn't commit, to Stephanie trying to bring him in anyway that she can to collect her $10,000, it was just a hoot! I'm now halfway through the second book, TWO FOR THE DOUGH, which as of now, is just as comical and enthralling! 5 stars

My 2010 50 Booklist (con't)


26. Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich (235 pgs) - finished 4/19/10 - 5 stars
27. Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich (246 pgs) - finished 4/21/10 - 4 stars
28. The Last Child by John Hart (419 pgs) - finished 4/23/10 - 5 stars
29. Four To Score by Janet Evanovich (226 pgs) - finished 4/25/10 - 4 stars
30. Without Mercy by Lisa Jackson (432 pgs) - finished 4/28/10 - 3 stars
31. If I Stay by Gayle Forman (YA) (216 pgs) - finished 4/30/10 - 4 stars
32. Lover Mine by J.R. Ward (512 pgs) - finished 5/4/10 - 5 stars
33. Lady Sophia's Lover by Lisa Kleypas (e-Reader) (384 pgs) - finished 5/11/10 - 4 stars
34. Worth Any Price by Lisa Kleypas (386 pgs) - finished 5/12/10 - 5 stars
35. Tempt Me At Twilight (Hathaways #3) by Lisa Kleypas (373 pgs) - finished 5/16/10 - 4 stars
36. Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens (YA) (280 pgs) - finished 5/24/10 - 4 stars
37. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (YA) (374 pgs) - finished 5/26/10 - 5 stars
38. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (YA) (391 pgs) - finished 5/29/10 - 5 stars
39. The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud by Ben Sherwood (269 pgs) - finished 6/8/10 - 5 stars
40. I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb (897 pgs) - finished 6/14/10 - 5 stars
41. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting (YA) (327 pgs) - finished 6/19/10 - 4 stars
42. The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig (426 pgs) - finished 6/28/10 - 3.5 stars
43. My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira (e-Reader) (364 pgs) - finished 7/6/10 - 5 stars
44. The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (e-Reader) (486 pgs) - finished 7/10/10 - 3.5 stars
45. Almost Home by Pam Jenoff (374 pgs) - finished 7/12/10 - 5 stars
46. A Hidden Affair by Pam Jenoff (300 pgs) - finished 7/13/10 - 5 stars
47. Still Missing by Chevy Stevens (340 pgs) - finished 7/15/10 - 5 stars
48. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling (YA) (309 pgs) - finished 7/24/10 - 4 stars
49. Mila 18 by Leon Uris (442 pgs) - finished 8/2/10 - 5 stars
50. Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon (309 pgs) - finished 8/20/10 - 4 stars

YES,I FINISHED MY 50 BOOKS!

26. TWO FOR THE DOUGH (Stephanie Plum #2) written by Janet Evanovich - finished 4/19/10

Well, I decided to continue on reading about newby bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum and her entourage of hilarious fugitive hunter escapades. This book does not disappoint! Stephanie is just as outrageous and funny in this novel as in the previous one. Her boss, who is also her cousin, Vinnie, assigns her a case to apprehend Kenny Mancuso, charged with shooting a gas station attendant in the knee (who just happens to be his best friend). As soon as his bail was posted by the Vincent Plum Bail Bonding Co., he disappeared from society. Now, Stephanie, along with her pal Ranger, are trying to find him and drag him to his preiminary hearing no matter what so she can collect her take on his $50,000 bond. Along with a cast of characters that only compliments the zany mishaps of Stephanie, we root for her to get her man...whether criminally or romantically! And, yes, Joe Morelli, her pursuant boyfriend wannabe and cop extraordinaire returns in this novel along with her family and bounty hunter office buddies. What a hoot! I just couldn't stop smirking and laughing at her wacky adventures! 5 stars

27. THREE TO GET DEADLY (Stephanie Plum #3) written by Janet Evanovich - finished 4/21/10

Here I am again plugging away reading about Stephanie Plum's wacky adventures as a former lingerie buyer now turned bounty hunter. This is the third novel in Janet Evanovich's series about Stephanie, which again, quickly pulls the reader into the matters close at hand...no luck catching fugitives without getting scraped up and bloodied in the process, no luck keeping a vehicle in one piece, and no luck with men taking her seriously. She is assigned to bring the town's beloved candystore owner, Moses Bedemier (Uncle Mo), in because he jumped bail. At first she refuses to try and apprehend him, but with a little proding, decides to take on the case. How hard can it be, bringing in an esteemed member of the community? Well, you just have to read the book to find out!! There are, however, many secrets that are uncovered about the highly regarded Uncle Mo. This book seemed a little sluggish compared to the first two, but in the end I did root for her to get her on-the-run felon. Joe Morelli is still around inciting himself into her romantic life, while her friends and family are hunkering down ready to help in anyway that they can. Gotta run out and buy Book 4 so I know what happens next! 4 stars

28. THE LAST CHILD written by John Hart - finished 4/23/10


This was a very intriguing thriller that had me staying up late at night to find out who was snatching young girls in a small North Carolina town. This was about every parents' worst nightmare where your child is taken on their way home from school and never seen again. John Hart's novel, whereby a 13 year-old-boy, Johnny, sets out on his own to find clues as to what happened to his twin sister, Alyssa, is a tragedy in itself. While searching for his abducted sister, he finds out many secrets existing in the backwoods town. Together with a washed-up detective, Clyde Hunt, who actually believes in Johnny's quest to unveil the horror living in his town, they uncover the unspeakable acts which occur among unsuspected residents. At one time Johnny had lived in a happy family with two parents and his sister that had believed in each other. After the abduction of Alyssa, there is no hope or faith in the union of family. The author displays Johnny's courage and the power of love toward his family brillantly, while also showing how the truth among friends is key too. A novel worth getting engrossed in! 5 stars

29. FOUR TO SCORE (Stephanie Plum #4) written by Janet Evanovich - finished 4/25/10


My crusade to see what kind of trouble Stephanie Plum, bounty hunter specialist, can next get herself into, was just as amusing and bizarre as the first three novels. How Ms. Evanovich comes up with these outlandish escapades, just positively astounds me! She must have some wild imagination! How can one individual get herself into so much trouble? The novel begins with Stephanie trying to track down a client's, Eddie, ex-girlfriend, Maxine, who has some letters that he wrote to her and would like back. Through her many zany adventures, in addition to already have met her family and co-workers, we now are introduced to Sally, the cross-dressing drag queen, and Joyce, who Stephanie caught with her ex-husband, which lead to her divorce, in the act...now trying to collect on her latest fugitive case. Joe Morelli is still in the picture as her prospective boyfriend, whom she and her pet hamster eventually live with after her apartment is torched by a desperate and jealous unknown suspect. Too funny to pass up! 4 stars

30. WITHOUT MERCY written by Lisa Jackson - finished 4/28/10


I have read almost all of Lisa Jackson's thrilling romantic suspense novels. This one, however, seems to fall a little flat. A young woman, Jules, has learned that her mother is planning on sending her 17 year-old sister to a rehabilitating boarding school in a secluded mountain area whereby in the past, another student that was supposedly missing, was never found. Jules decides to take a teaching position to uncover the truth behind the missing student and to try to convince her mother that her sister, Shaylee, does not belong there. The story did lag a little in the middle, but I kept plugging along to find out what kind of horror was actually going on at the school. Jules did meet up with a former beau, Cooper Trent, that she happened to be involved with five years ago. Together they uncover who the mastermind was that had most of the kids brain-washed into tormenting other students. The final ending, however, will shock you! I did no way see that finale coming! Even though this was not my favorite Lisa Jackson novel, I am still a committed fan and will continue to read her books. It did, however, seem that there could be a sequel to this book in the future. 3 stars

31. IF I STAY (If I Stay, #1) written by Gayle Forman (YA) - finished 4/30/10


A young adult book written by Gayle Forman that had me in tears from the very beginning. In a blink of an eye a young girl's life is changed and her family is destroyed by a car accident on a cold wet winter day. Before the accident occurs, Mia is a classical cellist in her senior year of high school that has some important decisions to make. Should she go to Julliard in New York City or stay near her family and friends? She also has a devoted boyfriend, Adam, who is a year older and is a member of a rockband. As a result of the accident, Mia is suspended between life and death while re-living the past and visiting family and friends. Does she decide to live or give up fighting for her life and die? That is the ultimate question that Mia has to answer. A beautifully written novel that focuses on the life-altering decisions we have to make that fall solely on ourselves. 4 stars

32. LOVER MINE (Black Dagger Brotherhood #8) written by J.R. Ward - finished 5/4/10

Another terrific Black Dagger Brotherhood novel! J.R. Ward continues with her exciting vampire series with John Matthew's story. John Matthew the young blue-eyed mute that so captured everyone's attention in Lover Eternal, now resolves to find Xhex, the female symphath assassin, who was kidnapped in the previous novel, Lover Avenged, by Lash, the son of the Omega. John Matthew vows to find Xhex, his female, and bring her home. What lengths he goes to seek revenge on Lash will be explored in this book. We also learn more about the connection between Darius, Tohr, Xhex, John Matthew, and No'One, the servant to the Chosen on the Far Side. The book does take some time to sort out the various storylines that criss-cross, but this leads to some long-awaited questions answered and secrets revealed. There are some definite possibilities that can be explored in the author's next book. The profanity and sexual explicitness is a bit excessive. So, if extreme bad language and recurring eroticism is not your thing, then I would not advise reading this series of books. Can't wait to see, though, what J.R. Ward has in store for the next sequel to her continuing series! 5 stars

Nance wrote: "32. LOVER MINE by J.R. Ward - finished 5/4/10 - Another terrific Black Dagger Brotherhood novel! J.R. Ward continues with her exciting vampire series with John Matthew's story. John Matthew the you..."


argh! Now there's two of you ahead of me! Can I never be the first one to get a book on here?

33. LADY SOPHIA'S LOVER (Bow Street Runners #2) written by Lisa Kleypas - finished 5/11/10

Another exceptional historical romance by Lisa Kleypas. Sophia Sydney is out for revenge! She will not stop before she sees the man, who sent her brother to jail where he died, is destroyed. Sophia has a plan to seduce the Bow Street magistrate, Ross Cannon, and then cause a scandal that will ruin his reputation along with his family name. Sophia, however, did not plan on falling in love with Ross in the process, especially after learning the truth about Ross' first marriage and how distraught he was after his first wife died. This book was a very sensual and tender love story between the two main characters. It showed enormous compassion between Sophia and Ross when eternal love is finally found, even when extenuating circumstances cripple the trust and devotion along the way. Another winner from one of my favorite romance authors, Lisa Kleypas! 4 stars

34. WORTH ANY PRICE (Bow Street Runners #3) written by Lisa Kleypas - finished 5/12/10

For a few days now I have been in one of those melancholy moods where I have needed something light and fun to read. So, I'm onto my next Lisa Kleypas novel. I have had these books in my possession for quite awhile, so I decided "what the heck" let's get into some romance and passionate loving. Suffice it to say, I'm glad that I did. Nick Gentry is a runner for Bow Street and is hired privately to find Charlotte Howard. Charlotte was promised by her family to Lord Radnor, whom she has run away from two years ago. From the moment Nick sets his eyes on Lottie, he knows that he must have her. The pair go through many ups and downs until the final pages resolve some vital issues that have plagued Nick through most of his life. At the end of the novel, he realizes that the feelings that Lottie has for him will not alter no matter what past circumstances he has endured. The character of Nick Gentry is an irresistible reformed badboy with a past crime lord profession, incredibly handsome devilish looks, a powerful physique, and a charmingly sensitive personality. Another excellent novel by Lisa Kleypas! 5 stars

35. TEMPT ME AT TWILIGHT (The Hathaway's #3) written by Lisa Kleypas - finished 5/16/10

Another hot and steamy romance by Lisa Kleypas. Lisa continues with her Historical Romances taking place in Victorian England. This particular novel introduces an American hotel owner, Jay Harry Rutledge, who happens to come upon a guest of the hotel, Poppy Hathaway, giving chase to her sister's ferret amongst the hallways of the grand hotel. When Poppy encounters Harry, he decides on the spot that he has to have the beautiful and innocent Ms. Hathaway. What lengths Harry goes to compromise Poppy's reputation is dispicable and calculating. Will Poppy and Harry find true love and passion together? Well, you just have to read it to find out. Another winner in my eyes! The author combines two wittingly compassionate characters to achieve an enchanting everafter! 4 stars

36. HEAVENLY (Heavenly #1) written by Jennifer Laurens (YA) - finished 5/24/10


A beautiful inspiring young adult novel about a teenage girl who is the only person to be able to see her young autistic sister's guardian angel. Zoe lives with her parents, her brother Luke, and sister Abria, who suffers from autism. Her family basically gives up their lives to take care of Abria's lifelong disability. There is a lot of pressure on Zoe, being the oldest, to help out with her sister when the parents run out of patience and need a break from the daily responsibilities that this disability can require. As a result of her sister's disability, a guardian angel, Matthias, is sent to protect little Abria from harm. Zoe finally comes upon Matthias, and eventually develops strong feelings for him. As the book develops, we find that Zoe and her brother, Luke, have some dangerous and addictive problems that will be resolved by the conclusion of the book. I found myself deeply moved by how a permanent commitment to a lifelong disability can bring a family closer together eventually, even though there are major hurdles to overcome. You can tell that Ms. Lauren's knowledge and accurate details of autism are from heartbreaking experience and love. Excellent book for adult and teenagers who wish to believe that there are heavenly angels watching over us each and every day! 4 stars

37. THE HUNGER GAMES (The Hunger Games, #1) written by Suzanne Collins (YA) - finished 5/26/10

All I can say is WOW, I loved this book! Who would think that a young adult book could totally keep my interest so much so that I literally jumped into the next book of the series? Katniss lives in District 12 with her mother and younger sister, Prim. She decides to take her sister's place during the reaping when Prim's name is picked in a lottery to represent their district, one boy and one girl ages 12-18, in The Hunger Games. We follow Katniss in all her trials and tribulations to keep her wits about her as she fights and manipulates her 23 other opponents to the death as she is to be the last "tribute" standing at the finale of the games. Along the way she is paired with Peeta, the boy from District 12, also competing to eliminate the other tributes so he can become the victor. I was fascinated with the concept behind the games that enabled the main character to actually have a heart and care about other individuals other than just concentrating on her own needs for survival. Loved reading a nice clean book with "no sex" or "no bad language"! It does get a little violent, though, which might be a little hard for younger kids to read. Thrillingly intense book! Starting the next book in the series, Catching Fire, right now! 5 stars

38. CATCHING FIRE (The Hunger Games #2) written by Suzanne Collins (YA) - finished 5/29/10

Just loved the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy! Full of action and suspense! Katniss and Peeta are now six months into being the victors of the 74th Hunger Games, and living the life of luxury, along with their families, having plenty of money and each having a new house among the victors of District 12. The love triangle of Katniss, Peeta and Gale still exists, which further complicates Katniss' life. She is still associated with the characters Cinna, Effie and Haymitch as she is thrown into the 75th anniversary of the Hunger Games with Peeta by becoming an enemy to the Capitol. We are introduced to 22 victors that are still alive from previous games as they compete til the death in this competition. Full of exciting thrills and unrelenting energy whereby Katniss promises herself that she will do everything in her power to ensure that Peeta becomes the victor. We are shocked and horrified by some of the merciless hurdles that the Gamekeepers hurl at the competing victors. The book is packed full of intrigue, terror, love, sadness and a to-die-for cliffhanger at the end. Can't believe that I have to wait until August 24 for the last book, Mockingjay, to come out!! 5 stars

Hey Nance.....I pre-ordered Mockingjay on Amazon for $8.99...I would assume that is still available if you're interested.
I enjoyed looking over your list. I've been hearing a lot about City of Bones and City of Thieves and am going to add both to my TBR list after reading your reviews.
Hope life is slowing down for you now that May is over!!!

Also....I see you like to read romance occasionally. Have you read any of Sarah Addison Allen's books? She wrote The Sugar Queen and Garden Spells...I really enjoyed both of them. They were light, fun, whimsical books. Also...for historical fiction, have you ever read any of Judith McNaught? Her books belong in the true romace genre and are just that. I enjoy them when I need a mindless read and I want a happy ending with a little bit of steamy sex thrown in. Whitney, My Love is my favorite of hers.

Kerri,
I haven't read Garden Spells or The Sugar Queen, but I have them both on my Sony Reader. Right now I'm still trying to get through I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb. It's a good book, quite long, but it's really one that you have to concentrate on.

And, yes I did already ordered Mockingjay from Amazon. It stinks that it doesn't come out until the end of August. I hate waiting so long for sequels to series to come out!

I have read a few from Judith McNaught. I do have Whitney, My Love, but I haven't read it yet. When looking for quick easy reads, that feature romance and thrilling adventure with a happy ending, I always turn to Nora Roberts.

I've also started reading The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud by Ben Sherwood. It's supposed to be a movie in the summer with Zac Ephron. I always like to read the books of movies that are coming out, so I can compare them and see what I like best...as a rule, the books are usually better.

And, as far as life slowing down, it will once school is over in June. Two graduations for 8th grade this week, a soccer party, and the 8th grade/confirmation party coming up next weekend. Once those things are over, then I'll be able to breath. Four kids just always have me going!

39. THE DEATH AND LIFE OF CHARLIE ST. CLOUD written by Ben Sherwood - finished 6/8/10

A beautifully written novel about not wanting to let go of those you love when they pass on after a devastating tragedy strikes. Charlie St. Cloud and his younger brother, Sam, are the best of friends. They do everything together and Charlie looks out for Sam because he's the older one. One day Charlie surprises Sam with Red Sox baseball tickets. Charlie, who does not have a license, borrows a vacationing neighbor's car, and drives them to the game. On the way home from the game, tragedy strikes, and the brothers' lives are forever changed. This novel shows how the brothers cope with the accident that changes their plans for the future, and how the brothers make a promise that they will never leave each other. This is also a tender love story between Charlie and Tess, the woman that captures his heart that desires to sail around the world in her boat. The author, Ben Sherwood, captures the essence of balancing the emotional situation of being caught between the living and the afterlife. How does one foresee what life is like after we perish and move on? This book has a nice calming feel to it, which made me wish that the story was a little longer...or if there was some sort of sequel planned for the future. Simply enchanting! 5 stars