Sheila’s Top 10 or 20 List for 2010

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Dec 312010
 

After I was asked to make a top ten list of my favorite reads of 2010 I floundered a bit. I happily made my goal of reading 100 books in 2010. This also left me in a bind, knowing I had 100 books to choose from. I agree with Mindy, it is like asking who is your favorite child or friend.

I also have a hard time with only picking 10 so I picked my top 12 and then continued with books that I would include in my top 20. I know, I am shamelessly changing the rules here.

These are my picks in no particular order:

1. The Healing Spell by Kimberley Griffiths Little

To say that this book enchanted me, it is not just a play on words of the title. There truly was something magical about the way that Kimberley writes. I was pulled into the story from the beginning and didn’t leave the bayou until the last page. This book has stayed with me the past month since I read it. I have remembered the colorful details and rich characters. I borrowed this book from the library, but this is one book I will be purchasing for my own collection.

2. Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

This book made me laugh so hard. I loved the main character and how many strange things happened to her. (Sadly she reminded me of myself and how “things” just seem to happen to me while around men.) I loved her weird mother. The best part was the love triangle, which was more like a square. This is such a feel good book. I will be reading it again soon.

3. A Time To Die by Jeff Savage

I waited so long for this sequel in the Shandra Covington series and I was not disappointed at all. I also feel like it was the best book yet in the series. This was another book that I picked up and could not put down. I really loved the ending! I also loved the fact that Bobby is not left in perilous circumstances at the end of this book.

4. Seventh Earth by Richard Bradford

This is such an outstanding sci-fi/fantasy book.

If you are a fan of this genre you MUST read it! Richard is a great writer and I had a hard time putting the book down. I can’t wait for the sequel. It has a great storyline and it is amazing that this is Richard’s first book. He writes like a Pro!

5. I Am Not A Serial Killer and Mr. Monster by Dan Wells

There is something about these books that are so compelling. You get sucked in and are hooked until the end. I really love how you are kept guessing until the very end. In a strange way, you are cheering for John even if he has a very wacked out mind.

6. Hotel On The Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

This book won the Whitney Award in the General Fiction Category of this past year’s Whitney Awards. It is a story that takes place during WW2 in California. The main character is a young Chinese boy who befriends a young Japanese girl. It shows the turmoil of that time. This story stays with you. This is a good read for book clubs.

7. Courting Miss Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden

It seems like everyone has loved this book. It is such a sweet romance that just makes you sigh. Sarah is one of the best Regency romance writers today. Sarah’s newest book was recently released. It will definitely be on next years reading list.

8. Becoming Kate by Dixie Owens

I was right in the middle of six other books when I received this book. I picked it up to read the first chapter and never put it down until I was done. This book is so thought provoking. It deals with the idea of a brain transplant and if feelings and memories would survive from the donor. It brings up so many questions in your own mind. Dixie does a great job of showing one woman’s story and how resolution comes to this character.

9. Blink of An Eye by Gregg Luke

Gregg Luke’s books keep me on the edge. This one did not disappoint. Even though it was slightly different from his others, he delved more into his main character and his past. It has a great mystery that you search for the answer right along with the main character. I loved this one a lot!

10. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

I just reviewed this book on my personal book review blog. I explained there why it took so long for me to get this book read. Once I got over the problem I had, I ended up really liking this book. Other readers have told me they had the same problem. They now are going to try reading this again after I shared my secret. Let’s just say you will not be sorry for taking the time to read this novel.

11. The Sapphire Flute by Karen Hoover

Excellent debut from first time author Karen Hoover. This fantasy book has everything. The thing that female readers will love, is that the main characters are female. But, this is not just a book for females. There is so much action that males readers will also like this book. This is the first book in a long series. I have heard bits and pieces about the next book and I can’t wait to read it.

12. Divine Intervention: A Story of Faith and Miracles by Helen and Randy Hall

If you notice, this is the only non-fiction book that made my top 10 (12) list. This personal account almost reads like a novel. It leaves you on the edge of your seat. At the same time, you left with such gratitude for life and the miracles that can and do happen. I highly suggest that you read this book. The Hall’s story is one that should be read by everyone.

My Honrable Mentions, that are in my top 20 books:

  • Band of Sisters by Annette Lyon
  • Crossfire by Traci Hunter Abramson
  • The Musician’s Daughter by Susanne Dunlap
  • Gregor and the Overlander 5 book series by Suzanne Collins
  • Lucky Change by Susan Law Corpany
  • Hometown Girl by Michelle Ashman Bell
  • Heroes of the Fallen by David J. West

The book that most disappointed me in 2010 was Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. I just did not like it. I hated the ending and how Pres. Snow died. (Sadly I had a much more grisly end planned for him in my mind.) I was left feeling so unsatisfied and cheated by this third book. What happened to Prim just made me hate the ending even more. I just remember closing the book and shaking my head. I am doing it right now. **sigh** Hunger Games is on my all time top 10 list, but Mockingjay wasn’t even close.

After I read my fellow LDSWBR sisters lists, I realized that there were so many of their favorites I wanted to read but didn’t get to. Next year, you will probably see some of their favorites on my top 10 list.

Mindy’s Top Ten of 2010

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Dec 302010
 

This is going to be like picking my favorite child, but luckily, I read so many books this year that there was some that really stood out. I finished my 100 Books for 2010 Reading Challenge just today!

10. Clockwork Angel – Cassandra Claire

9. Paranormalcy – Kiersten White

8. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society – Mary Ann Shaffer & Ann Barrows

7. Devil’s Food Cake – Josi Kilpack

6. Walk Two Moons – Sharon Creech

5. Enchanted, Inc. series – Shanna Swendson

4. Matched – Ally Condie

3. The Help – Kathryn Stockett

2. A Town Like Alice – Nevil Shute

Drum role……

1. The Hunger Games series – Suzanne Collins

Some honorable mentions:

  • The 39 Clues series – Various Authors
  • The Golden Spiral – Lisa Mangum
  • My Ridiculous, Romantic Obsessions – Becca Wilhite
  • The Necromancer – Michael Scott
  • Princess of Glass – Jessica Day George
  • Keys to the Demon Prison– Brandon Mull
  • Peter and the Star Catcher’s series – Dave Barry/Ridley Pearson
  • Gregor the Overlander Series – Suzanne Collins

Happy New Year and Happy Reading!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer Annie Barrows

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Apr 222010
 


The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Review by Mindy


Wow, my first review… I picked this book, because it was one that I loved instantly. There was something about it that caught me right away. What I liked most was the humor, and the sweet story. It takes place in 1946, after WWII. A little back ground information: the occupation by the Germans in Guernsey happened during the war, and they stayed for five years. This book is based on those events, just with fictional characters. I loved the creative way in how this is written. It’s a series of letters written to, from, and about the main character Juliet Ashton, and others in her life. Juliet is a writer who wrote a collection of popular newspaper articles about the war, that were published into a book. She receives a letter from a gentleman named Dawsey, who lives in Guernsey of the Channel Islands. They share a common like for Charles Lamb’s writings. In one of the letters written to Juliet from Dawsey, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is mentioned, and over a series of more letters, Juliet is hooked on the islands history, the people, and a character whose story is told by many who live on the island. Elizabeth is her name, and she’s the reason the society received its name and most importantly, how it came to be. During the book, Juliet is pondering on what to write her next book about, and eventually choses to write about Guernsey, and there finds the true subject of her book. So many entertaining things happen to Juliet and her friends along the way as she makes her way to visit Guernsey to tell their story of the occupation.
I could go on and on, but I don’t want to give too much away. However, there are some great lines in the book. One I thought was so funny, and one that describes my love of reading. Isola (a Guernsey resident, writes to Sidney Juliet’s friend and publisher) writes: “Mrs. Gilbert has always been a nasty one, but now I know that she can’t help it–she’s got a big pit in her Benevolence spot. She feel in a quarry when she was a girl, and my guess is she cracked her Benevolence and was never the same since.” And the part that spoke to me was a line from Juliet when she writes that books have “secret sort of homing instinct that brings them to their perfect readers.” Ahhhhh. Love that :)
One of my favorite parts of the book was the end. Isola wrote detection notes because she was trying to figure some things that were happening, and she wanted to be like Miss Marple. I was laughing out loud. I also cried in a spot, but I can’t give that away. After you read the book, let me know if you cried, and at what spot, and we’ll compare notes.
(There is a couple instances of language in the dang family.)
I hope that everyone enjoys this book as much as I did. I really could go on and on and tell you so many more great things. Read it for yourself. It put a smile on my face, and I always have a smile when I think about it.
My rating: 5 stars
Would I read it again: Absolutely. Many, many times
Recommend it: Yes, yes, yes
Would I read others books from these gals: Already have
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

Authors: Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
Publisher: A Dial Press/A Division of Random House
Published Date: August 2008
ISBN: 978-0-385-34099-1
Hardcover; 274 pages
Dearest FTC FYI: I received this book as a gift.

Teaser Tuesday – April 20, 2010

 Posted by  Special Features, Teaser Tuesdays
Apr 202010
 
Don’t forget to post your teaser in the comments. We want to know what you are reading!
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!
Shanda’s Teaser:

“You don’t have to consume junk food around the clock to put on weight. There are certain foods that are just too darn delish and tempting to resist, and the truth is you probably give in to them just a little more often than you admit to yourself.”
Cook Yourself Thin: Skinny Meals you Can Make in Minutes, page 29
Sheila’s Teaser:

“If you have time to correspond with me, could you answer several questions? Three in fact. Why did a roast pig dinner have to be kept a secret? How could a pig cause you to begin a literary society? And, most pressing of all, what is a potato peel pie-and why is it included in your society’s name?”

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, page 12
Hillary’s Teaser:

“Chances are, photographs are the reason you jumped into scrapbooking in the first place. you wanted to do something with that growing pile of photos from your wedding, family vacations, birthdays, and other significant life events.”

The Organized and Inspired Scrapbooker by Wendy Smedley, page 35

Mindy’s Teaser:

“The boy swooped to an easy midair stop, hovering a few feet above the men’s heads. He looked to be twelve or thirteen years old; he had red hair, and freckles still visible in his deeply tanned face… and which the men could now see was what looked like a tiny winged woman.”

Peter and the Sword of Mercy by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, page 39

Introducing Me: Mindy

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Apr 152010
 

Before I did my first review, I wanted everyone to get to know me, and the books I like. I’m a 35 year old (today is my birthday actually) mom of three girls. And wife to an incredible guy, who is such a hard worker and supports us with all he’s got.
My reading style is mainly YA fiction fantasy/scifi. I also read some JF fantasy/fiction. I do branch out, and am more then willing to do so. But, as you can see from the list below, I am a sucker for series books. I love that there is more to a story. I’ve put together a list some of my all-time favorites.

If I were asked what my favorite of series was, it would be Breaking Dawn. But, they are all so addictingly (I know that’s not a word, but I don’t care) wonderful.

My favorites are The Deathly Hallows and The Half-Blood Prince. I feel that when it comes to Harry, that no further explanation is needed :).

This series is so fun. Artemis is great character. He’s a brilliant 12 year old who wants to kidnap a fairy, and gets away with it. So, at first, he’s the villain. My favorite of the six books are: The Eternity Code and The Time Paradox

These books are amazing, which also happen to be my favorite movies.

When I first heard of this book, I wasn’t too sure I was going to enjoy it, it sounded so violent. Even though it was (:), I loved it. It was fascinating, and such a mind-blowing story. I loved Catching Fire as well and can not wait for Mockingjay.

I am a huge Fablehaven fan. I loved this series. But, this picture is here because it was my favorite. So many surprising things happened, I think I finished with my mouth open in awe.

This book and author is very special to me. I am very honored to be Dorothy Keddington’s niece. She is my wonderful “Aunt Rae”. So, picking a favorite of hers is hard because they are all spectacular. But, alas, I think Shadow Song is at the top of the list.

I just read this book about a month ago, and it instantly became an all-time fav. The story is amazing, sweet, funny, and tear worthy. I won’t go too much into it, because it may show up soon in more detail… hint hint

This is oldie but a goodie. I honestly haven’t read it since I was young, but I loved the story. Love and life lasting forever sounded pretty good when I was waiting for those certain boys to call when I was a love-struck teen.

This is another that I have read recently, but loved instantly. It’s another story like Hunger Games, not kids fighting to the death, but (what am I trying to say ?) a very different story to swallow. In the future, if a child is “unwanted” when he/she turns 13, their parents can choose to unwind them. But, it doesn’t work out the way the creators wanted it to. Gripping story.
I have read everything from this gal, Jessica, and this is my favorite.

As with above, I have read all of Shannon’s as well. I love this whole series. Goose Girl and River Secrets are my favorites.
The Maze Runner is another that got me right at the start. I couldn’t stop until I knew what was going to happen.
Here’s a little taste of the books I love and read. It’s funny, when I finished Harry, I thought I would never find anything else to read that I would enjoy as much. When my sister told me about Twilight, I thought the same thing. But, thankfully, I got brave and realized there are numerous amounts of very enjoyable books out there. I am so excited and grateful for this opportunity. When I finish a great book, I want to shout it from the roof tops, and now I get that chance!