Courting Greta

Courting Greta by Ramsey Hootman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Samuel Cooke, a social awkward computer nerd, gives up his cushy job to teach computer programming to high school students. Samuel has no idea what he has gotten himself into with his new career choice. A principal that is more frat boy then a leader, a fellow teacher that is over zealous in his friendships and students that could care less. And then there is Greta the gruff P.E. teacher and girls basketball coach that has everyone at the school trembling in their shoes.

This is not your every day love story, in fact it is not like any other romance you have ever read. No one is brutally handsome or terminally pretty. This is a story about real people, people you probably know, that live down the street. Its that couple that you see at the grocery story and say how did that happen? That is what makes this book so wonderful. Characters that are wonderfully flawed and have real life problems. The book is at times hard to read because it is so honest and you want to yell at the characters to get it together and move forward.

One of the aspects I really liked was that the story was told entirely from the male perspective. I was instantly drawn to nerdy Samuel and his quest to start a new life. I was unclear why he was drawn to gruff Greta who in most all ways was his polar opposite. As their relationship grew I started to realize that she was exactly what he needed. And just as clearly she needed him.

This may not be your beach read for the summer but it is a must read.

Check out what others thought of the book.

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Dancing Within Shadow

Dancing within Shadow by Morgan Dragonwillow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I do not read a lot of poetry. I may occasionally read a single poem here or there but bunch of read a book of poems. So I am unsure why I jumped up the opportunity to read a book of poems. I am very glad I did.

Morgan Dragonwillow creates a beautiful path from pain and sorrow to love and hope all with a few words. I felt like I was "peeping" into someones life and the poem Energy in Motion made me blush in away I didn't know I still could. I can honestly say that I felt connected to the authors words and felt honored to go on this emotional journey with her.

Even if you are not a big fan of poetry I would recommend this book.

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Hemingway's Girl

Hemingway's Girl by Erika Robuck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Its 1935 in Key West Florida and Mariella Bennet is struggling to hold her family together after the tragic death of her father. Doing odd jobs and when necessary gambling to pay the rent and her sisters hospital bills. On one fateful day her path crosses that of Ernest Hemingway the famous millionaire writer and she ends up as the Hemingway's housekeeper.

Her life is not instantly better her mother doesn't want her to work for The Hemingways because of Ernest's bad reputation, Paulette Hemingway is suspicious of Mariella's relationship with her husband, Ernest is constantly flirting with Mariella and then there is Gavin, the WWI veteran working on the Overseas Highway.

Mariella is torn between the two men and in one summer her life will be forever changed.

I loved loved loved this book. I really can not express how much I enjoyed reading this book. Very quickly I was swept away to the Florida Keys (I have an urge to sing a Beach Boys song). Instantly I was connected to Mariella who just wanted adventure but was stuck with responsibilities of caring for her family. As she struggles to cope with her moms depression and falling in love with not one but two different men.

In one book I laughed, cried and craved Key Lime Pie. If you are a fan of Hemingway's book you will love this story.


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Shadow of Night

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After the events in A Discovery of Witches Mathew and Diana make a dangerous decision to travel back in time to 1590 England. They hope to stay hidden, find the missing Ashmole 782 book, and a witch to teach Diana about her powers. But things do not go as planned.

Finding am obscure manuscript is harder than they thought and with the country side embarking on a witch hunt its not so easy to find anyone to help. And now there lives are in danger once again as Mathews past comes knocking on the door, literally.

From the English countryside to France to London to Prague and back to London, Matthew and Diana will test the boundaries of history and their love. Surrounded by secrets and plots they strive to save their future together.

This book started out a little slow for me. Immediately the reader is introduced to a host of new characters, many of them famous like Christopher Marlowe and Sir Walter Raleigh, I felt a bit overwhelmed and longed for a return to modern times and characters I knew. But soon I was wrapped up in the all the secrets that were coming unraveled.

This book almost straddles to genres: paranormal and historical fiction. Full of historical events and figures not only in England but also in Prague this book keep me hooked long past my bed time. With one plot twist that I left me gasping and happy at the same time.

The only bad thing about this book is in the end it may have answered a few questions but created more that were left unanswered...like what has been happening in the present while Mathew and Diana were gone and when the hell is the next book coming out?


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One for the Money

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read this book several times. This time I decided to reread it just in time for the release of the movie. This book still makes me laugh. I am not writing a summary of the plot. If you haven't read this book yet then get on it.

The thing that stuck in my mind this time around was that part of the reason Vinnie gave Stephanie FTAs to track down (besides Stephanie blackmailing Vinnie's) was that Morty Byers was in the hospital with a ruptured appendix.

In the past when I read it was a funny little side story that meant nothing (especially after Morty Byers was blown up along with Joe's jeep). But now the part were he is all hunched over at Stephanie's apartment getting his paperwork back on his FTAs had me laughing. Probably because I have been there done that...recently. I to was sightly hunched over returning to work a week after my appendix ruptured and the surgery that followed. I wasn't looking for people who had skipped bail but sitting in the office was unpleasant.

I guess no matter how many times you read One for the Money you will find a new something to laugh at.

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The Help

The Help by Kathryn Stockett


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


So I resisted reading this book for a long time because I knew it was going to make me cry. And I was right I am such a sap I cried like a baby. What an amazing powerful book. But what do I say about this book. It has been widely read and reviewed that I feel I cannot add anything new except to say I really really realy liked.

I also loved the movie.
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One Day

One Day by David Nicholls


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Meet Dexter and Emma on July 15 1988 there last day of university. They spend the day together and start building a friendship that will last 20 years. Through this 1 day every year you learn about the ups and downs Dexter and Emma experience.

I don’t want to reveal to much for fear of ruining the plot but I can say that I LOVE THIS BOOK.

From the first page to the last I was hooked. Constantly asking do Dexter and Emma get together? Will their friendship last? The characters were wonderfully imperfect and flawed as they deal with their own insecurities and resentments, struggling to find their way in life and to maintain their amazing friendship.

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I reread this book because I saw the movie and couldnt remember all the details.

I enjoyed the book as much this time as I did the first time. I am sad that there is no more Harry Potter for me to read and now I am sad that there are no more movies to watch.

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My 5 Star Books - Part 4

Well we are at the end of my 40 5 Star books. Reading over the list I wonder if I would still rate the books 5 stars if I read the books today. Some of them seem to be odd chices for me to rate so high. What was my criteria at the time I read the book?

1.  Field of Blood by Denise Mina
2. The Ugly Duckling by Iris Johansen
3. Slow Burn by Julie Garwood
4. Killjoy by Julie Garwood
5. Murder List by Julie Garwood
6. A Thin Dark Line by Tami Hoag
7. Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows by J.K. Rowling
9. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
10. Girls Night In by Various Authors

 

In case you missed them:

My 5 Star Books - Part 1

My 5 Star Books - Part 2

My 5 Star Books - Part 3

My 5 Star Books - Part 3

Almost through the list!!!!

1. The Hot Zone by Richard Preston
2. Hot Six by Janet Evanovich
3. Mere Christanity by C.S. Lewis
4. NIght Over Water by Ken Follett
5. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
6. One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
7. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoneix by J.K. Rowling
8. Encylepdia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
9. The Dead Hour by Denise Mina
10. Metro Girl by Janet Evanovich

My 5 Star Books - Part 2

Did you ever list your favorite books? Here is your chance to do so and more of my favorite books.

1. The Neighbor by Lisa Gardner
2. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
3. Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith
4. The Shack by William P Young
5. Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich
6. The Eight by Katherine Neville
7. Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin
8. Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich
9. High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
10. Shadow Dance by Julie Garwood

My 5 Star Books - Part 1

Today I took a challenge on Facebook which asked if you have read this list of 100 books listed as the best books by the BBC. I am not sure where the list came form but I had read 62 of them.

I then wondered what my top 100 books would be. I then decided I could never pick just 100 but here are some of the books I like to read over and over.

I then realized that I have only given 67 books 5 stars. That's 67 out of 935!!!!

Am I that picky?

Some of those books are kids books. (Dr. Seuss anyone?)

Do they really count?

Take out the plays ( I am very fond of Shakespeare) and the cookbooks, the classics and I am left with 40 books with 5 star ratings.

So in no particular order here are 10 of those books (I will post the others later).

1. A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
2. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
3. Carpe Corpus by Rachel Caine
4. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
5. The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels - A Love Story by Ree Drummond
6. The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson 
7. Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby
8. Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
9. The Spellman's Strike Again by Lisa Lutz
10. Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

What are your favorite book?

Smokin' Seventeen

Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Stephanie Plum is back and up to her eyeballs in trouble as usual. Dead bodies are turning up buried at what use to be the bonds office but that’s not Stephanie problem she has bad guys to catch that is until the dead bodies start being addressed to her. Now she has a deranged bail jumper trying to run her over, her mom is determined to fix her up with a new man, and Stephanie is more confused than ever regarding her feeling for Morelli and Ranger.

I get the impression from this book that Evanovich is wrapping up her Stephanie Plum series. I have no idea if this is true or not but I just felt like Stephanie is changing and getting ready to settle down with one of these men in her life. And it better be Morelli or I will burn all my Stephanie Plum books. Regardless its one of my favorite Stephanie books full of laughs and hot men.
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A Visit From the Goon Squad

A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bennie Salazar is a former punk band member turned successful record company owner. Sasha is a former run away that becomes Bennie's personal assistance. Through Bennie and Sasha we are introduced to people who touch their lives, like people in our lives we are dropped in and out of their stories going back in time to the early punk music scene in San Francisco to some time in the future in New York City. Sometimes we spend a lot of time with a character and other times it’s just a moment before we move on.

Jennifer Egan ability to weave a connection between characters is fascinating. As you move through the story and characters appear in Bennie and Sasha's world you feel like you are a part of the inner circle saying 'OH I remember them' and 'Didn’t they do this'. You find yourself going back and verify that you remember every detail about the who, what, where, and whys. You are also let down when a character doesn't make another appearance. Often wondering what happened to them.

I devoured this book then went back and reread it. Unfortunately I have to return it to the library but it is one of the books I will buy and read several times in my life. One of the best books about the music world since High Fidelity by Nick Hornby

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Discovery of Witches

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Diana Bishop has long been denying the witch part of her life, she just doesn’t not have time for it. Then one day in the course of ordinary research she requests a manuscript. This is no ordinary manuscript, it is a long lost apothecary book said to hold the secrets of witches, vampires and daemons. Recognizing it for it is a bespelled book Diana sends it back into the library depths and goes about her day. Unfoundedly her actions have not gone unnoticed and before Diana realizes it her life is full of witches, vampires and daemons. But one vampire, Matthew, seems to stand out in the crowd. At first interested only in the book Matthew tries to understand how Diana found a book that has been missing for years, then interested more in Diana than the book Matthew will risk his own life to keep her safe. With dangers around every corner Diana and Matthew will need to rely on each other as well as family and friends if they plan to stay alive.

WOW!!!! This book blew me away.

Quickly and without hesitation Deborah Harkness drops us into the thick of the story. Going back when necessary to develop character but never failing to move the reader forward. Full of history and literary reference this book is not a casual read, it requires your full undivided attention to understand all the nuances. Harkness does a great job of educating her readers so they don’t feel left behind or inadequate by their lack of knowledge.

My only regret is that I know have to wait for some obscure date in 2010 for the next, title unknown, installment in the series

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Carpe Corpus

Carpe Corpus by Rachel Caine

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Life is never quite in Morganville and with Mr. Bishop in charges of the sleepy Texas town it’s more dangerous than ever before. No humans or vampire is safe from his reach. Claire is all alone right now, Shane is in a cage, Michael is working for Bishop and Eve is not talking to any of them. Trying to keep her friends safe may be the death of Claire. But as always, things are not as they appear in Morganville, humans and vampires alike are working to bring Bishop and his evil little minions down.

Yet another rocking adventure in Morganville. Who know you could pack so much action and sp many plot twists into 218 pages? Rachel Caine did just that.

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Something Borrowed

Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rachel and Darcy have been best friends since grade school. Rachel was always the reliable one Darcy the pretty one but one night on Darcy's 30th birthday things changed when Rachel had a one night stand with Darcy's fiancee and Rachel's friend, Dex. Determined to never let it happen again and to never tell Darcy the two friends cover their tracks but as the hot summer days roll by Dex and Rachel are drawn to each other and embark on a relationship that will change their friendship and lives for better or worse. As the story unfolds we learn that Darcy is not a good friend or a girlfriend. And we are unnaturally cheering for Rachel to steal Dex away form her friend.

This is the 2nd time I have read this book. And I fell the same way now as I did then. Good for Rachel, Darcy gets what she deserves. This causes me a fair amount of internal conflict, because Rachel is the other woman. And committing the ultimate violation of friendship. But for some reason I am okay with this and cheer for Rachel despite all my high moral ideas of cheating and honesty.

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Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One day in 1986, Henry Lee, a Chinese American, noticed a commotion outside the old Panama Hotel in Seattle. Closed for years the new owner is planning on reopening the once majestic hotel but in the basement they found the belonging to of several Japanese families that were went away to the internment camps during World War II. That’s when Henry sees the parasol that he believes belonged to a young Japanese American girl, Keiko Okabe, who was his best friend and first love. Soon we are transported back in time to Seattle's Japantown and Chinatown. A time when Jazz music was on every street corner and a young Henry is going to an all white school. One day while working the lunch line he meets Keiko and they form a bond that defies the events and people around them. As events transpire Henry will defy his community and family to be close to the girl he loves. In 1986 we see Henry trying to build a lasting relationship with his son Marty as he searched through the basement of the Panama Hotel looking for the one item that was lost to him back in 1942.

As an avid reader it is rare that a book moves me as much as this book did. Throughout the story I was heart broken and uplifted as I read Henry's story. I felt Henry’s confusion as a young boy, only being allowed to speak "American" in his home with parents that barely understood him and his father’s desire to send him to China to continue his education. I rejoiced at Henry’s fascination with Jazz music and the friendship with sax player Sheldon. I was touched by the sweet tender relationship between Henry and Keiko. And I understood Henry desires for his son and the need to reach out to him but unsure how. I can not say enough good things about this book. It is a beautiful story of the human sprit that had me crying, laughing, cheering and moved.


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The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels--A Love Story

The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels--A Love Story by Ree Drummond

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the true life romance story of city girl meets cowboy we have all been reading about for years and pretending we don’t. While staying with her parents, Ree Drummond was regrouping after a move from California and planning her next step in life to conquer Chicago when a casual night out with friends introduced her to her Marlboro Man. The kind of man every good romance with a cowboy is written about. Causing Ree to change her plan to move to Chicago and instead conquer the heart of a cowboy and life as the wife of a rancher.

To be honest I am a big fan of Ree's blog I check it daily. And I had already read the story of their romance on her blog. But the story is just as good the second time around. She has added a few new stories and the last part of her book picks up where her blog story ended and takes us through the 1st year of marriage.

Wither she is dealing with her ex-boyfriend J, ignoring her parents impeding divorce, her uncontrollable sweating or her post-partum depression, Ree is open and honest. And this is very enduring. While reading this story you are laughing and crying right along with Ree, seeing a little bit of yourself in her and secretly falling half in love with her Marlboro Man.

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Skinny Bitch

Skinny Bitch: A No-Nonsense, Tough-Love Guide for Savvy Girls Who Want to Stop Eating Crap and Start Looking Fabulous! by Rory Freedman


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a funny no nonsense approaching to eating healthy. This book is not about dieting but rather making a permanent change in the way you eat to get healthy and stay healthy. Plus it will make you laugh which is always important.

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