Takedown Twenty

Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The storyline was different enough to keep interest. After 19 books, it's hard to stay fresh. In this book, it felt like Stephanie's character was emphasized so we could better relate to her life. Her quirks, clumsy bad luck, and car woes endeared her even more to the reader. I'm not sure I would pick up the book without prior motivation, but since I've read all of the series, it feels like I can't give up now!

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Deadly Heat

Deadly Heat by Richard Castle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am confusing my characters since I am also a fan of the TV show, but it is a solid book. Hopefully it will bring in some fresh focus for the next book since the story lines mimic and echo the show. Some creative pieces, so overall an interesting read. Murder mystery that has some sly references to the show.

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Longest Ride

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent book. Interesting combination of two stories, one present and one past. Eventually the two stories converge into a beautiful ending which reminds us why we like to read about happy endings - they make us feel good. Character emotions are very real and believable, making us remember that things aren't as black and white as we sometimes delude ourselves into believing. Present day couple Luke (bull rider/rancher) and Sophia (art history student) nicely complement the memories that introduce us to the history of Ruth (teacher with a passion for art) and Ira (clothier and soldier in WWII).

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Wedding Night

Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Some awesome one-liners that made me laugh out loud, but overall disappointed in the book. It took a lot of pages to go full-circle. Knowing what I know, I'd probably still read it because there are some excellent lines. Just felt too drawn out for the story line.

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The Heist

The Heist by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the Stephanie Plum books . . . up until the story line became a bit repetitive. So when did the Diesel books and other attempts, I was excited and then disappointed. So I was a little hesitant to read this book. I was pleasantly surprised - it was a nice book, fun and quirky characters, and it felt fresh.

Female protagonist is an FBI agent who is after the slipperiest of scam artists. But the tables turn, and they end up working on the same side. Where exactly that side falls in terms of legality is a little shady, but there are a lot more options that way! My favorite part was the rocket launcher scene. Worth a read.

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Storm Front

Storm Front by Richard Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Excellent read. Love the name dropping and show tie-ins. Any fan of Castle will enjoy this book. Had a few twists, complications, and plenty of smiles. Don't read for the spy thriller focus, but because it's a fun book with a great character.

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Step of Faith - Walk Series #4

A Step of Faith by Richard Paul Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent book. A little different feel than the previous books. Still not used to the fact that he ends each time with such dramatic cliff-hangers. Frustrating when you are used to reading the entire journey in one book. Good storyline and relevant character feel. If you like his other books, this will fit in well, but 1) read in order and 2) wait for the entire series so you can read straight through!

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My Foolish Heart

My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Really enjoy SMW's books. In this one, she didn't shy away from difficult topics throughout a compelling story. A take on the 'boy/girl next door' storyline, she did a wonderful job of creating real, believable characters. Caleb was injured in combat, and is trying to create a new life where people don't pity him. He moves in next door to Isadora, who is fighting an internal combat. Plenty of emotion, Christianity, and heart. Recommend!

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Mystery Woman

The Mystery Woman by Amanda Quick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Enjoyable book. Stayed within her Amanda Quick persona, using the Victorian-Englad era and high society for the background. Connected with the previous Ladies of Lantern street book, but not so much that you couldn't read it alone. Her format is fairly predictable, but the characters are still interesting. Strong heroine who must join forces with a reluctant hero (who is typically wounded physically/emotionally) to right a wrong. Along the way, romance blooms, and by the time the book is over, it's happily ever after. Some suspense, some good one-liners.

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The Chance

The Chance by Karen Kingsbury
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Good book, same as most of her writing. I enjoy her Christian fiction. This particular story lacked some suspense, since you knew what was going to happen. The only question was how and when. Overall a good read. This story is about two teenagers who are best friends on the verge of more when they are separated by tragedy and time. Good story on forgiveness and faith, although slightly predictable.

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Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story

Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story by Dee Henderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great book, but definitely too short! Not sure where I would recommend reading this. Maybe a prequel to the O'Malley series? Good to have some back story to Jennifer O'Malley. Great Christian fiction read. Highly recommend the entire series and any books by Dee Henderson.

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Our Lady of Kibeho

Our Lady of Kibeho: Mary Speaks to the World from the Heart of Africa by Immaculee Ilibagiza
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While this is Immaculee's 3rd book, it is the first one of hers that I have read. I had the opportunity to hear her at a conference earlier this month, and it was amazing. She has an incredible story to tell, which is detailed in her first book, "Left to Tell". I am told that once you start, you can't put it down. Our Lady of Kibeho gave some insight into the story she shared at the conference. If you have any interest in current (or more recent) Marian apparitions, this is worth reading. Our Lady loves each of her children, regardless of faith/religion, and she wants to spread a message of love and peace. That is something that I want to emulate.

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Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly

Rediscovering Catholicism: Journeying Toward Our Spiritual North Star by Matthew Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent book. Highly recommend for a variety of reasons. It may not always be easy to read (in the sense of taking a look at ourselves, habits, etc) but it is worth it. It is not going to be perfect for everyone, but it has so much good content that I hope everyone gives it a chance. Great tool for Catholics who may have lapsed or have gotten into a rut with their faith. Great analogies for today, and the general expectation of 'entertain me'. If we come to our churches with that approach, no wonder we wander, unfulfilled. Good insight for non-Catholics as well, to help them understand Catholicism a little better. This most certainly will aid those who don't want to be lukewarm anymore (Revelation 3:16), and it has rekindled my faith to be stronger. Blessings!

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Time Keeper by Mitch Albom

The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another fabulous story from Mr. Albom. While the story requires some acceptance of non-linear story-telling, it has an amazing moral to share. The entire message of our attempts to order time. The reality is, time is in control, not us. Not one of us can add a minute to our life by worry, power, guilt, money, prestige, or fame. Nor should we discount our existence as too small, unnoticed, immaterial, or ineffective. This story does a superb job of reminding us about what matters more than worrying about time. "When you are measuring life, you are not living it."

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Dream Eyes by Jayne Ann Krentz

Dream Eyes by Jayne Ann Krentz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Interesting connections to her other books. Enough history to tie things together, and plenty of possibilities for new books. Overall, it has the usual storyline with a few dfferent characters. Really like the cat, Max. Kept the story going to the last page, and leaves you wanting to know what's next.

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A Winter Dream

A Winter Dream by Richard Paul Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent book, as always. I enjoy his writing. This is a modern telling of the Biblical story of Joseph. Having been a recent (and huge) fan of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, I especially enjoyed the various references and re-telling of the story. Well done, believable as a modern story, and fitting for the holidays. I think it would also be a worth-while read for someone who is not familiar with the story of Joseph.

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