Her Mother's Hope - Anna's Review

Francine Rivers' skill as a writer moved me through Her Mother's Hope quickly and easily. But it wasn't until the epilogue that I discovered the heart of the book. In this post snippet, Rivers explains how the series is loosely based on her grandmother and mother. Laced with interesting family history and an insightful look at how relationships can get off course, I could only wish that the rest of the book had captivated me half as much as the ending.

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Her Mother's Hope - E's Review

Francine Rivers is one of my favorite Christian novelists. Her Mark of the Lion series is nothing short of spectacular. Set during the Roman Empire, this trilogy held me captivated and as soon as one book was finished I was starting the next.

But I digress. I am here to review Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers. And to be honest, this book did nothing for me. In fact, at the end it leaves you hanging and yet I have no desire to even find out what happens let alone pick up the sequel.

I guess I can't demand perfection with every single book I read. Maybe I need to lower my expectations?

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The Lucky One - E's Review

I think my expectations are always too high for a Nicholas Sparks novel and I usually find myself enjoying the movies more than I do the books. But maybe that's just me and maybe I need to enjoy them for what they are instead of feeling let down when I turn the last page.

If you want typical Sparks though, then I say go for it. It's easy reading, mingled with love and redemption. And in this particular novel, you get a little insight into the mind of a soldier.

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Miss Pettigrew - E's Review

Lately I've had an undeniable urge to be more fabulous. I'm not sure exactly what to do with this new found desire except strive to be more like Miss Pettigrew.

I could land myself a job where I meet a new best friend, have more adventures in one day then Huck Finn, get completely made over and then, of course, I could find everlasting love.

But that's just the stuff silly romantic books are made of, no? And while they might not be true to life, they are completely and utterly charming.

So I say cheers to romantic comedies and to dreaming of being fabulous!

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July's Book Club Pick

-Anna

As I believe has been mentioned before, choosing a book for book club can be somewhat daunting. I usually scour book blogs, reviews and friends' brains in my search for a good pick. This month's hunt took me to Oprah. (http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/Summer-Reading-List-Summer-Books) I don't usually go to Oprah for book advice, but let's leave no stone unturned. I admit I was surprised that I found several books of interest on the Summer Reading List, including this month's Sage Room pick: My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira.

So if we like it - well done me for such great research. If we don't - let's blame Oprah.

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In June

-Anna

The Raven Ring by Patricia C. Wrede (YA) is the kind of fantasy young adult that I love to read. The characters were strong and likable. The story line was maybe not totally original, but unique. The thing is, I don't mind predictable as long as the characters and story are good. I mean, sometimes it's okay to know where you are going, as long as the ride is fun. Anyway, I liked it.

Faking It by Jennifer Crusie (Romance) - So, I don't think I've ever read a Romance Novel before. I actually didn't know that this was a Romance novel. I just came across a review of it online, read about 40 pages of it on Google Books and thought it was fun. And it was fun, but reader beware of some adult content. Not anything harlequin (well, at least, I don't think so, since I haven't actually read harlequin), but yeah, if you are used to reading YA and Francine Rivers, it's a little racy.

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson - after I finished The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I really didn't think I could pick up the next installment of the series. It was graphic...too graphic for me. But time passed (and I forgot some things about the book) and the movie came out (which I haven't seen), and I was ready to find out what happened next. The story is compelling, and I like the main characters, Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist, but some of the content is disturbing. I probably will read The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest, but I think I'll wait awhile to forget again.

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The Lucky One - Review

-Anna

Well, I've done the unforgivable and waited too long to post a review about The Lucky One because now I can't really remember that much about it. Which means it wasn't a groundbreaking, goosebump giving, heart racing read. But from what I can recall, it is typical Sparks and very entertaining, a little mushy, and generally enjoyable.

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