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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