Explosive Eighteen

Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Book was okay, but it felt like the other 17 books in the series. One the plus side, Evanovich had a great lead in that left the reader wondering about the mystery in Hawaii. That fueled the book more than Stephanie's job, current crisis, or family situation. I'm not sure how much longer the triangle can continue, but I guess I'll keep reading just to find out who wins.

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God's Story, Your Story

God's Story, Your Story: When His Becomes Yours by Max Lucado
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has a nice study guide, with some good suggestions for action items. Lots of Scripture references, which is helpful if you want to use this as a bible study tool. Some great stories used to illustrate difthe author's points, but similar to other Lucado books. Not his most moving work, but has useful items and good research.

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Heat Rises (Nikki Heat #3)

Heat Rises by Richard Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a brilliant "take-off from a TV series" idea. If you are a fan of the show, Castle, you will appreciate the similar names, cases, circumstances, and relationships. If you have not seen the show, you can still enjoy the murder mystery with a heavy romantic relationship. Overall, an enjoyable read, with a variety of characters.

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A Little Princess

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of my favorite reads, right up there with any Lucy Maud Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables or Emily of New Moon) or Louisa May Alcott (Little Women, Eight Cousins, etc.). I thoroughly enjoy the story of a sweet girl who encounters a drastic change in her life, taking her from a life of leisure to a life of drudgery. What's so refreshing is her attitude and actions. She chooses to behave like a princess, whether she is dressed in finery or rags. Great model for all girls.

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Micheal Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you enjoyed books like the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz, or the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, you'll enjoy this one. It was fast-paced and intriguing enough to keep me turning pages. Told from the viewpoint of a high school boy with amazing powers, Evans does a great job of including realistic details of Michael Vey's experiences and relationships. The book also addresses some complex good vs. evil situations, and handles them very well. Excellent read.

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Canyons of Night

Canyons of Night by Jayne Castle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an interesting end to the Looking Glass Trilogy. I like most of her Quick, Krentz, and Castle books, so I did enjoy this book. However, as other reviewers have mentioned, it felt more like a prequel to the new Harmony series rather than the finale of a trilogy. Enjoying paranormal/futuristic settings is a must for her Jayne Castle books.

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Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy With God in the Busyness of Life by Joanna Weaver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great book that allows you to look at the process of converting your heart. The study guide in the back is very helpful, and I especially enjoyed her stories. I could relate to her situations, and she was genuine in her tone. I love all of the references and quotes she uses - I could fill my entire 'to-read' list just from her book! Highly recommended.

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The Four Agreements

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, A Toltec Wisdom Book by Miguel Ruiz

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A good reminder to step out of our self-focused lives and be tolerant of others. The only thing we can control is ourselves, and the four principles of this book are great guides to putting things into practice and perspective. Written with a new age philosophy, some suggestions may stretch conventional thinking. However, the underlying principles are universal, and everyone can benefit from the reminders.



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The 4 Agreements - Don Miguel Ruiz

"1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don't Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret."

There's No Such Thing As "Business" Ethics

There's No Such Thing As "Business" Ethics: There's Only One Rule For Making Decisions by John C. Maxwell

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Quick read - good thing to think about in terms of the decisions you make as your 'work self' and your 'home self'. In reality, these should have the same response. The point was a bit overdone, but it had lots of real-life examples to present as examples. Some of the stories and reference are becoming dated, and will become inconsequential because they are replaced by newer scandals. The summary of action points were drawn out, nothing catchy to keep in mind, but I did pull out some useful points - the 5 "P's" - that can lead to unethical actions: Pressure, Pleasure, Power, Pride, and Priorities. There were also good references to C.S. Lewis, which could lead to more reading. Not a waste, but not first priority.



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The Help

The Help by Kathryn Stockett




A great story that makes you think. I thought it ended abruptly, but that's a sign of a good book - one where I don't want to say goodbye to the characters.



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