May, 2014

"The Undertaking" by Audrey Magee         

During World War II, Katharina and Peter apply to a marriage brokerage.  After seeing one another’s pictures and exchanging a few letters, they decide to marry, never having met in person.  When Peter returns from the front, he and Katharina fall for one another and engage in a passionate few weeks.  After Peter returns to the front, Katarina discovers that she is pregnant.         

There was something simplistic about this novel, I don't know if it was the story itself or the writing style.  However, I found this extremely appealing.  I thought it was an interesting novel and look forward to reading more from this author.

"The Midnight Rose" by Lucinda Riley         

This book alternates between the story of Anahita, the companion to an Indian princess and Rebecca, an American film star shooting on location in England.  Ari, Anahita's great grandson, is entrusted with her manuscript before Anahita dies.  Looking to discover more, he travels to the Astbury estate, where Rebecca is filming her current movie.        

I thought this book was fascinating.  I loved reading about Anahita's life in India and her travels through England.  I was less interested in Rebecca's story, but that changed as the two worlds became intertwined.  I have read other books by this author, and I believe she has become a very polished storyteller.  Overall, a must read.  I look forward to reading Riley's next book.

"The Girl Who Came Home" by Hazel Gaynor         

I thought this book would be an interesting read, after all it covers the Titanic, a fascinating event in history.  However, I was quickly turned off by the author's writing style.  The book lacks polish and needs editing.  The author switches points of view so much that it is hard to care about any of the characters.  Overall, a bust.

"Searching for Sky" by Jillian Cantor         

Living on a deserted island, Sky and River are thrust into an unfamiliar and scary world after a boat chances across their home.  Knowing little about the real world, Sky and River discover that they are the sole survivors of a cult group, ran by River's father.  Claimed by her grandmother, Sky has problems adapting to all of the strange things around her.          

I thought this was a fascinating book.  I would love to read a sequel and find out what happens to Sky next.  The premise of the story was intriguing, and the plot unraveled in an interesting way.  Overall, highly recommended. 

"The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August" by Claire North         

Wow, was this book boring.  Not only did it tediously go over the same information over and over and over but the story itself took forever to go anywhere.  Overall, a big disappointment. 

"The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street" by Susan Jane Gilman         

Malka was super excited to immigrate to the United States.  However, once they arrived things quickly turned sour.  After being run over by a cart, Malka is abandoned by her family as she lingers in the hospital.  Unable to walk, her leg crippled beneath her, she is taken in by the ices man, the one who ran her over.  Through their quirky Italian family, she learns about ice cream, a profession that will serve her well in later life.  After the family betrays her, she creates her own ice cream shop and quickly gains riches and notoriety.         

I thought this was a fabulous book.  Now I want to read a book about Malka/Lillian's sister.  At times, Lillian's older character seemed a bit stereotypical, but I suppose that's inevitable.  Overall, well paced and well written.  Highly recommended.

"My Family and Other Hazards" by June Melby         

The summer June turned ten, her parents bought a miniature golf course.  Her quiet idyllic childhood quickly turned into one where she was expected to constantly work and improve the course.         

I quickly grew tired of the author's writing style.  She went back and forth in time, which drove me crazy.  She also lapsed into daydreams, which was just annoying.  Although I think some people will enjoy this book, I did not.

"Typewriter Girl" by Alison Atlee         

Betsey leaves her job as a typewriter girl to manage tours and excursions for Idensea Pier.  I did not like Betsey at all.  I thought she was flat, one dimensional and only had one or two personality traits, one being anger.  The story itself moved along very slowly and seemed a bit trite and predictable.  Overall, not a book I can recommend.  

"Murder of Crows" by Anne Bishop         

The sequel to "Written in Red" this story continues the adventure of Meg Corbyn, a blood prophet.  When her skin is cut she experiences a glimpse of the future.  When the others are attacked by humans, two new drugs are to blame.         

Overall, I thought this book was much better than the first.  It moved at a quicker pace and seemed to have more of a purpose.  Although I am still disappointed in the series, I will continue to read anything Anne Bishop writes.

"Shadowed by Grace" by Cara Putman         

Rachel is grateful to take a war-time photography assignment in Italy.  While she leaves her mother behind dying of tuberculosis, she hopes to uncover the mystery of her father.         

Overall, I thought this was an ok book.  I thought it was a bit annoying that a strong determined female character needs a man to rescue her.  I also thought the author threw in god at weird moments, almost as an afterthought.  Despite these flaws, the book was interesting and well paced. 

"The Backwash of War" by Ellen N. LaMotte         

During WWI, Ellen serves as a nurse in France.  She offers several short stories about the cruelty and harshness of war.  A viewpoint rarely seen elsewhere.  The stories themselves were fairly short, just quick snapshots into a patient, a procedure or an odd situation.  She presents a very vivid, very honest point of view, which works well with her subject manner.  Overall, highly recommended.

"Essence" by Lisa Ann O'Kane         

Growing up in a cult, Autumn is taught from birth that "Neutrality is the Key to Longevity."  When her six year old brother dies unexpectedly, she begins to question the lessons of the Centrist movement.  After meeting a small group of kids in the park, she runs away from the Centrist group and to a group who is determined to prove the Centrist philosophies wrong.  As part of the group, Autumn is encouraged to undertake daring feats and high adrenaline activities.         

I really enjoyed this book.  It was interesting and engaging.  While Autumn was extremely naive, I believe this will resonate with teenagers.  I wish the big reveal had happened slower, perhaps in stages.  I also wanted an epilogue, perhaps a sequel is in the makes?  Overall, highly recommended.