Spiritual Combat

The Spiritual Combat by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent book for spiritual growth. Challenges the reader in lots of ways, and isn't always easy to read (in the sense that incorporating the suggestions might pull one out of his/her comfort zone). Most chapters are very short, but packed with great snippets. My sister and I did this as a weekly book study, reading and reflecting on one or more chapters at a time. Highly recommend for advancing spiritual life.

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First Phone Call From Heaven

The First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As with Mr. Albom's other books, there is enough 'realness' to keep you grounded, as well as enough hope to keep you believing. This book was an interesting combination of hope and doubt, much like our daily lives. Very enjoyable read and a good message of faith inside. My favorite line, ". . . heaven is always and forever around us, and no soul remembered is ever really gone." Good stuff.

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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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