The Buried Giant - Kazuo Ishiguro

Title: The Buried Giant
Author: Kazuo Ishiguro
Pages: 304
Published: 2015
Genre: Fantasy
Edition: E-book
Source: Library

Description: Begins as a couple, Axl and Beatrice, set off across a troubled land of mist and rain in the hope of finding a son they have not seen for years. They expect to face many hazards—some strange and other-worldly—but they cannot yet foresee how their journey will reveal to them dark and forgotten corners of their love for one another. (via Goodreads)

Thoughts: Quite honestly, this one just flew over my head and by the time that I had gotten through about a third of the book and just had to focus on the book without focusing too much on what I had missed.

Unlike his Booker-prize winning book, The Remains of the Day, I felt kinda meh about the book and there was nothing that really wowed me while reading the book, even though I was intrigued with the book itself.

Bottom line: Like I said earlier, I thought that the book was okay and didn't have the power that Remains of the Day had.  Probably would recommend the book to those that enjoy retellings of familiar myths and stories.  Recommended.

Rating: 3.25/5

Bones: The Complete Series - Jeff Smith

Title: Bones: the complete series
Author: Jeff Smith
Pages: 1341
Published: 2010
Genre: Graphic Novels
Edition: Paperback
Source: Library

Description: An American graphic novel first! The complete 1300 page epic from start to finish in one deluxe trade paperback.

Three modern cartoon cousins get lost in a pre-technological valley, spending a year there making new friends and out-running dangerous enemies. Their many adventures include crossing the local people in The Great Cow Race, and meeting a giant mountain lion called RockJaw: Master of the Eastern Border. They learn about sacrifice and hardship in The Ghost Circles and finally discover their own true natures in the climatic journey to The Crown of Horns. (via Goodreads)

Thoughts: I first gained awareness of the Bones graphic novel series through my volunteer work at a local school library and seeing these book being signed out frequently by the students, I was intrigued by the series and found that my public library had a copy of the complete series.  It took me a few years of being on my TBR, but I eventually got through the book.

And I really, really enjoyed the book.  I liked how the story played out and also how quick the pages flew by; I was quite amazed at how quickly the book went by.  I can see why kids are attracted to these books.

If there was anything that I would quibble about is that the ending of the series seemed to feel a little too drawn out at times.  Other than that, I quite enjoyed the series.

Bottom line: Really enjoyed plowing through the series and was a nice break from my usual prose novels and would recommend it to people who need a palate cleanser or just need something for a readathon.  Highly Recommended.

Rating: 4.9/5

Mãn - Kim Thúy

Title: Mãn
Author: Kim Thúy; translated by Shelia Fischmann
Pages: 139
Published: 2014
Genre: Fiction
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description: Mãn has three mothers: the one who gives birth to her in wartime, the nun who plucks her from a vegetable garden, and her beloved Maman, who becomes a spy to survive. Seeking security for her grown daughter, Maman finds Mãn a husband--a lonely Vietnamese restaurateur who lives in Montreal. 

Thrown into a new world, Mãn discovers her natural talent as a chef. Gracefully she practices her art, with food as her medium. She creates dishes that are much more than sustenance for the body: they evoke memory and emotion, time and place, and even bring her customers to tears.

Mãn is a mystery--her name means "perfect fulfillment," yet she and her husband seem to drift along, respectfully and dutifully. But when she encounters a married chef in Paris, everything changes in the instant of a fleeting touch, and Mãn discovers the all-encompassing obsession and ever-present dangers of a love affair. (via Goodreads)

Thoughts: I enjoyed this more than Thúy's debut novel, Ru.  It was probably due to the fact that I better able to understand Thúy's style and could better appreciate the book.

While it may have not been her best work, I personally enjoyed more and look forward to other books that may come in the future from the author.

Bottom line: Really enjoyed the read and would probably recommend the book to those that enjoy Thúy's style. Highly Recommended.

Rating: 4/5

The Dead in their Vaulted Arches - Alan Bradley

Title: The Dead in their Vaulted Arches (Flavia DeLuce #6)
Author: Alan Bradley
Pages: 336
Published: 2014
Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction
Edition: Paperback
Source: Personal

Description: Bishop's Lacey is never short of two things: Mysteries to solve and pre-adolescent detectives to solve them. In this New York Times bestselling series of cozy mysteries, young chemist and aspiring detective Flavia de Luce once again brings her knowledge of poisons and her indefatigable spirit to solve the most dastardly crimes the English countryside has to offer and, in the process, comes closer than ever to solving her life's greatest mystery--her mother's disappearance... (via Goodreads)

Thoughts: Much like the other books in this series, I enjoyed the read.  More than any of the previous books, this one was able to get emotion out of Flavia's father and that he is human after all.

What I enjoyed most about the book, and probably is the case with the other Flavia books that I have read, is that it was just fun and enjoyable to read and also because I liked Flavia's spunky character, despite the grim circumstances that surround the book.

Bottom Line: I would probably recommend the book to those that have read the previous five books in the series, as there is background in those books that help to give the book context and understanding to the rest of the book.  Highly recommended.

Rating: 4.75/5

In the Unlikely Event - Judy Blume

Title: In the Unlikely Event
Author: Judy Blume
Pages: 416
Published: 2015
Genre: Historical Fiction
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description: In 1987, Miri Ammerman returns to her hometown of Elizabeth, New Jersey, to attend a commemoration of the worst year of her life. Thirty-five years earlier, when Miri was fifteen, and in love for the first time, a succession of airplanes fell from the sky, leaving a community reeling. Against this backdrop of actual events that Blume experienced in the early 1950s, when airline travel was new and exciting and everyone dreamed of going somewhere, she paints a vivid portrait of a particular time and place—Nat King Cole singing “Unforgettable,” Elizabeth Taylor haircuts, young (and not-so-young) love, explosive friendships, A-bomb hysteria, rumors of Communist threat. And a young journalist who makes his name reporting tragedy. Through it all, one generation reminds another that life goes on. (via Goodreads)

Book Reviews: Despite the mixed reviews that I saw from a  number of fellow bloggers that I follow, I actually quite enjoyed this read.  Maybe it was because I hadn't read a adult novel of Judy Blume's  or that the books that I had just read were just not that memorable or it was a combination of the two that made me enjoy the book more, I don't really know.

I think having a lengthy period of time between reading this and my last book by the same the author probably aided in my like for the book more than for some who had read her previous adult fiction.

Bottom line: A quite enjoyable book based on true events and would recommend the book to those that like historical fiction books that are based on true events.  Recommended.

Rating: 3.75/5

Girl Waits with Gun - Amy Stewart

Title: Girls Waits with Gun (Kopp Sisters #1)
Author: Amy Stewart
Pages: 416
Published: 2015
Genre: Historical Fiction
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description: Constance Kopp doesn’t quite fit the mold. She towers over most men, has no interest in marriage or domestic affairs, and has been isolated from the world since a family secret sent her and her sisters into hiding fifteen years ago. One day a belligerent and powerful silk factory owner runs down their buggy, and a dispute over damages turns into a war of bricks, bullets, and threats as he unleashes his gang on their family farm. When the sheriff enlists her help in convicting the men, Constance is forced to confront her past and defend her family — and she does it in a way that few women of 1914 would have dared.  (via Goodreads)

Thoughts: On a number of book podcasts that I listen to, I heard good things about this book and thought that I might like this book as well.

I did really like the fact that the book was based on a true story, but felt that the smaller story was drawn out more than it should have and was a little too much for me.  It seemed to drag in places and felt that if it were a little shorter, the book may have been more effective.

Bottom line: It was a nice enjoyable read and would recommend the book to those that need something a little fun to read or those that like historical fiction based on actual people and events.  Recommended.

Rating: 3/5

Tell the Wolves I'm Home - Carol Rifka Brunt

Title: Tell the Wolves I'm Home
Author: Carol Rifka Brunt
Pages: 360
Published: 2012
Genre: Fiction
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description: 1987. There’s only one person who has ever truly understood fourteen-year-old June Elbus, and that’s her uncle, the renowned painter Finn Weiss. Shy at school and distant from her older sister, June can only be herself in Finn’s company; he is her godfather, confidant, and best friend. So when he dies, far too young, of a mysterious illness her mother can barely speak about, June’s world is turned upside down. But Finn’s death brings a surprise acquaintance into June’s life - someone who will help her to heal and to question what she thinks she knows about Finn, her family, and even her own heart.

At Finn’s funeral, June notices a strange man lingering just beyond the crowd. A few days later, she receives a package in the mail. Inside is a beautiful teapot she recognizes from Finn’s apartment and a note from Toby, the stranger, asking for an opportunity to meet. As the two begin to spend time together, June realizes she’s not the only one who misses Finn, and if she can bring herself to trust this unexpected friend, he just might be the one she needs the most. (via Goodreads)

Thoughts: I had heard quite a bit about this book over the last few years and had this one on my mind for quite a number of years.  And once I had finished the book, I really had quite enjoyed the book.  I liked how the author made Greta's feelings surrounding her uncle's death very realistic, as I felt that I could myself in Greta's shoes and could feel her reaction to her uncle's death quite different than how her sister and mom dealt with his death.

Bottom line: This probably was one of my more memorable books of 2015 and quite enjoyed the read.  I can't really express how I felt my book, as there was a lot of emotion that lay below the surface and didn't disappoint me as a reader and I would recommend the book to others that enjoy coming of age stories.  Highly recommended.

Rating: 4/5

A Walk in the Woods - Bill Bryson

Title: A Walk in the Woods
Author: Bill Bryson
Pages: 304
Published: 2002
Genre: Non-fiction, Memoir, travel
Edition: Paperback
Source: Library

Description:God only knows what possessed Bill Bryson, a reluctant adventurer if ever there was one, to undertake a gruelling hike along the world's longest continuous footpath—The Appalachian Trail.

The 2,000-plus-mile trail winds through 14 states, stretching along the east coast of the United States, from Georgia to Maine. It snakes through some of the wildest and most spectacular landscapes in North America, as well as through some of its most poverty-stricken and primitive backwoods areas.

With his offbeat sensibility, his eye for the absurd, and his laugh-out-loud sense of humour, Bryson recounts his confrontations with nature at its most uncompromising over his five-month journey. (via Goodreads)

Thoughts: I got this book due to advertisement for the movie starring Robert Redford and I admit that I did see the movie prior to reading the book.  I actually quite enjoyed both, but thought the book was a bit better.  I found the book to be funny and smart and endearing and felt that there were times that Bryson's little jaunts on the history on the Appalachain Trial, which at times felt to be a little too much at times, when I was more interested in his own journey, rather than the information about the Appalachian Trail, which was interesting at times, but got a little long at times.

Bottom line: Overall, it was a really enjoyable read and would recommend the book to fans of Bryson's books or similar travel books.  Highly recommended.

Rating: 4.25/5

When Courage Calls - Janette Oke

Title: When Courage Calls (Return to the Canadian West #1)
Author: Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan
Pages: 336
Published: 2014
Genre: Christian fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance
Edition: E-book
Source: Library

Description: When new schoolteacher Beth Thatcher is assigned a post in a remote mining community, her courage--and her heart--will be tested in unexpected ways. (via Goodreads)

Thoughts: This was a palate cleanser of sorts for me and I quite enjoyed the book.  I normally try to avoid Christian fiction books, as I feel that they are too cookie cutter.  And even though this was a typical Christian fiction book, at least for the most part, there were aspects that were interesting.

But it ended up being a fairly typical Christian romance book, especially since most of the characters felt very stock to me and didn't really change that much.

Bottom line: While I felt that the book was adequate and it was nothing earth shattering for me, this would appeal to fans of Jannette Oke and those enjoy Christian romance books.  Recommended, but to a very specific group.

Rating: 2.25/5

The Odyssey - Homer

Title: The Odyssey
Author: Homer; edited by Robert Fagles; forward by Bernard Knox
Pages: 541
Published: 1997 (first published around 800 BC)
Genre: Classics, Epic Poetry
Edition: Paperback
Source: Personal

Description: If the Iliad is the world's greatest war epic, then the Odyssey is literature's grandest evocation of everyman's journey though life. Odysseus' reliance on his wit and wiliness for survival in his encounters with divine and natural forces, during his ten-year voyage home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, is at once a timeless human story and an individual test of moral endurance.  (via Goodreads)

Thoughts: I read this as a book club selection this past fall and honestly felt that book was okay, even though I could see what made this book this particular classic one of the greats.  I had taken a university English course with this text and The Orestia being our primary texts (it was a course on classic literature).  And having notes throughout various points in my copy really aided in helping me understand various sections in the book.

But it was a book that I would have not easily completed had it not been for the audiobook that I borrowed from the library, which was narrated by Sir Ian McKellan (Gandalf in The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies) and really helped me understand the epic nature of the book.

Bottom line: Even though I probably won't read this book again, I got to appreciate the epic nature of The Odyssey and this book would appeal to those readers that enjoy reading Greek tragedies.  Recommended.

Rating: 3.25/5

Letters to the Lost - Iona Grey

Title: Letters to the Lost
Author: Iona Grey
Pages: 384
Published: 2015
Genre: Historical Fiction
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description: Late on a frozen February evening, a young woman is running through the streets of London. Having fled from her abusive boyfriend and with nowhere to go, Jess stumbles onto a forgotten lane where a small, clearly unlived in old house offers her best chance of shelter for the night. The next morning, a mysterious letter arrives and when she can’t help but open it, she finds herself drawn inexorably into the story of two lovers from another time. 

In London 1942, Stella meets Dan, a US airman, quite by accident, but there is no denying the impossible, unstoppable love that draws them together. Dan is a B-17 pilot flying his bomber into Europe from a British airbase; his odds of survival at one in five. The odds are stacked against the pair; the one thing they hold onto is the letters they write to each other. Fate is unkind and they are separated by decades and continents. In the present, Jess becomes determined to find out what happened to them. Her hope—inspired by a love so powerful it spans a lifetime—will lead her to find a startling redemption in her own life. (from Goodreads)

Thoughts: Even though I had seen the book reviewed on one of the blogs that I subscribe to, I wasn't sure what to make of the book, but once I started reading the book, I quite enjoyed the book.  I like the back and forth between the present and the 1940's and felt that the 1940's portion felt like the fairly new British TV series, Home Fires (think I was reading the book once while I was watching the show).

I liked the Dan/Stella storyline, as it seemed to be the most intriguing for me in contrast to the Will/Jess storyline, which seemed to be the least intriguing to me, as it seemed to only aid the Dan/Stella storyline.

Bottom line:  Overall, it was a pretty decent historical romance book that had intriguing dual-storylines.  This probably would appeal to readers that enjoy historical romances, especially those that enjoy books set during wartime.

Rating: 3.25/5

Go Set a Watchman - Harper Lee

Title: Go Set a Watchman
Author: Harper Lee
Pages: 278
Published: 2015
Genre: Historical Fiction
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Personal

Description: Maycomb, Alabama. Twenty-six-year-old Jean Louise Finch--"Scout"--returns home from New York City to visit her aging father, Atticus. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights tensions and political turmoil that were transforming the South, Jean Louise's homecoming turns bittersweet when she learns disturbing truths about her close-knit family, the town and the people dearest to her. Memories from her childhood flood back, and her values and assumptions are thrown into doubt.  (from Goodreads)

Thoughts: I will admit that I bought the book due to the hype that the book generated this past spring, not due to its literary value.  I found the book to be okay; you can see Lee's talent starting to come through and that there needs to be some fine tuning.  Like some of my fellow reviewers have said in their own posts on the book, the best part of the book was the two or three paragraphs that Jean Louise describe of the summer when her father defended Tom.  But that is where it probably needed the most editing, as there are details in that section that didn't match up with the events of Lee's beloved book, To Kill a Mockingbird.

It also seemed that the book was a bit forced at times, but did feel that the argument between Atticus and Jean Louise to be fairly realistic.  I suppose hearing that section read out loud (I listened to the audiobook while I was reading the book) made that argument seem more real than if I had just read it on the page.

Bottom line: I found the book to be adequate and could see flickers of genius at various points throughout the book and that it could have easily used an editor to make the book a bit better.  Recommended.

Rating: 3.25/5

Some Reflections of 2015

 

As 2015 closes, it is a time of reflection on the previous year and looking forward to the coming year. 

This past year has been momentous, especially in regards to my mental health. I went on depression medication about a year and anxiety medication about 11 months ago and it was the best decision I made; I am a lot more relaxed and am starting to see what my threshold is for things and am starting to feel somewhat "normal", if there is such a thing. 

As for reading, there were plenty of good books that I read, but I will have more on this in the coming weeks, once I get my computer back. 

I realize that this is short, but I can't think of much else. 

Jacob Have I Loved - Katherine Paterson

Title: Jacob Have I Loved
Author: Katherine Paterson
Pages: 272
Published: 2009 (first published 1980)
Genre: Middle-Grade Fiction, Historical Fiction
Edition: E-book
Source: Personal

Description: "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated . . ." With her grandmother's taunt, Louise knew that she, like the biblical Esau, was the despised elder twin. Caroline, her selfish younger sister, was the one everyone loved.

Growing up on a tiny Chesapeake Bay island in the early 1940s, angry Louise reveals how Caroline robbed her of everything: her hopes for schooling, her friends, her mother, even her name. While everyone pampered Caroline, Wheeze (her sister's name for her) began to learn the ways of the watermen and the secrets of the island, especially of old Captain Wallace, who had mysteriously returned after fifty years. The war unexpectedly gave this independent girl a chance to fulfill her childish dream to work as a watermen alongside her father. But the dream did not satisfy the woman she was becoming. Alone and unsure, Louise began to fight her way to a place where Caroline could not reach. (via Goodreads)

Thoughts: This was the book that changed my reading from Babysistter's Club books into more literary books and probably changed how I view books.  I don't know why that I identify with Louise, but probably because I have felt similar to her in regards to how I was viewed by others and the fact that I wanted to leave behind the rumors and the teasing that I encountered through out most of elementary and high school.

Bottom line: Like The Robber Bride, which I read when I was 15, this book marks a turning point in my reading life and will forever be a favourite of mine.  I would probably say that the book is more YA than middle-grade, primarily due to the age of the characters and the tone of the book.  Highly recommended.

I should note that this wasn't the cover of the copy that I read, but rather this was a cover of the first copy that I read when I was 12 years old.

Rating: 4.9/5

To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee

Title: To Kill a Mockingbird
Author: Harper Lee
Pages: 323
Published: 2005 (first published 1960)
Genre: Literary Fiction, Classics
Edition: Paperback
Source: Personal

Description: Set in the small Southern town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Depression, To Kill a Mockingbird follows three years in the life of 8-year-old Scout Finch, her brother, Jem, and their father, Atticus--three years punctuated by the arrest and eventual trial of a young black man accused of raping a white woman. Though her story explores big themes, Harper Lee chooses to tell it through the eyes of a child. The result is a tough and tender novel of race, class, justice, and the pain of growing up. (via Amazon.ca)

Thoughts:  I read this book this past summer because I wanted to have the storyline fresh in my mind when I read Go Set A Watchman.  It also didn't help that I hadn't read the book in over 20 years and the book had become fuzzy and couldn't quite remember when things happened in the book.  I suppose listening to the audiobook, which was narrated by Sissy Spacek, didn't hurt either.

Usually I find some little thing to nit-pick, even the ones that have a 4.5 rating, but  honestly there was nothing that came to my mind in regards to anything bad about the book.  I can see why why this book is considered to be a classic, even though it has only been about 55 years since its first publication.

Bottom line: I quite enjoyed this read and would recommend this book not only to readers, but also to non-readers as well.  Highly Recommended.

Rating: 5/5

The Princess Diaries - Meg Cabot

Title: The Princess Diaries (The Princess Diaries #1)
Author: Meg Cabot
Pages: 256
Published: 2008 (first published 2003)
Genre: Young Adult, Romance
Edition: Paperback
Source: Library

Description: What? A princess??

Me??? Yeah, right.

Mia Thermopolis is pretty sure there's nothing worse than being a five-foot-nine, flat-chested freshman, who also happens to be flunking Algebra.

Is she ever in for a surprise.

First Mom announces that she's dating Mia's Algebra teacher. Then Dad has to go and reveal that he is the crown prince of Genovia. And guess who still doesn't have a date for the Cultural Diversity Dance? (via Goodreads)

Thoughts:  It was a pretty easy and quick read for me.  The characters are well-developed and there were some interesting subplots that kept me entertained.

Bottom line: For those that have seen the movie, you may find the book more interesting and the characters more developed.  Highly recommended for teen readers.

Rating:  3.25/5 

Travelling to Infinity - Jane Hawking

Title: Travelling to Infinity
Author: Jane Hawking
Pages: 487
Published: 2014 (originally published 2007)
Genre: Non-fiction, Memoir, Autobiography
Edition: Paperback
Source: Library

Description:  Professor Stephen Hawking is one of the most famous and remarkable scientists of our age and the author of the scientific bestseller A Brief History of Time, which has sold more than 25 million copies. In this compelling memoir, his first wife, Jane Hawking, relates the inside story of their extraordinary marriage. As Stephen's academic renown soared, his body was collapsing under the assaults of a motor neuron disease. Jane's candid account of trying to balance his 24-hour care with the needs of their growing family reveals the inner strength of the author, while the self-evident character and achievements of her husband make for an incredible tale presented with unflinching honesty. Jane's candor is no less apparent when the marriage finally ends in a high-profile meltdown, with Stephen leaving Jane for one of his nurses and Jane marrying an old family friend. In this exceptionally open, moving, and often funny memoir, Jane Hawking confronts not only the acutely complicated and painful dilemmas of her first marriage, but also the relationship's fault lines exposed by the pervasive effects of fame and wealth. The result is a book about optimism, love, and change that will resonate with readers everywhere. (via Goodreads)

Thoughts: I quite enjoyed this memoir and how Jane describes her 25-year marriage to Stephen Hawking and the challenges she had trying to run her household while also trying to care for Stephen as well.  She provides an unique perspective of living with a famous scientist and the demands that he had.

What I really liked about the book is that she was determined to finish up her own education, despite the pressures that she had within her own home and how it had to take a back seat for quite a significant period.

Bottom line: If you enjoyed The Theory of Everything, you will enjoy this book, as this book was the basis for the movie, as Jane brings the reader into her world without making the reader sorry for her.  Highly Recommended.

Rating:  4.75/5

Hausfrau - Jill Alexander Essbaum

Title: Hausfrau
Author: Jill Alexander Essbaum
Pages: 324
Published: 2015
Genre: Literary fiction
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description: Anna Benz, an American in her late thirties, lives with her Swiss husband, Bruno—a banker—and their three young children in a postcard-perfect suburb of Zürich. Though she leads a comfortable, well-appointed life, Anna is falling apart inside. Adrift and increasingly unable to connect with the emotionally unavailable Bruno or even with her own thoughts and feelings, Anna tries to rouse herself with new experiences: German language classes, Jungian analysis, and a series of sexual affairs she enters with an ease that surprises even her.  

But Anna can’t easily extract herself from these affairs. When she wants to end them, she finds it’s difficult. Tensions escalate, and her lies start to spin out of control. Having crossed a moral threshold, Anna will discover where a woman goes when there is no going back. (via Goodreads)

Thoughts: This was another book that I felt that the writing was strong where the main character was unlikable.  I felt that Anna was really unlikable and that many of the decisions that she made where very selfish and not willing to make her marriage work or seek out more women who are in a similar predicament as she did end up doing.

That being said, Essbaum's writing was excellent, drawing the reader into Anna's mind and the conundrum that Anna gets herself into and leaving the ending to the reader's imagination.

Bottom line: Despite Anna's self-destructive behaviour in the book, I found the book to be an enjoyable read.  Highly recommended.

Rating: 4/5

A Hundred Summers - Beatriz Williams

Title: A Hundred Summers
Author: Beatriz Williams
Pages: 357
Published: 2013
Genre: Historical Fiction
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description: Memorial Day, 1938: New York socialite Lily Dane has just returned with her family to the idyllic oceanfront community of Seaview, Rhode Island, expecting another placid summer season among the familiar traditions and friendships that sustained her after heartbreak. 

That is, until the Greenwalds decide to take up residence in Seaview.

Nick and Budgie Greenwald are an unwelcome specter from Lily’s past: her former best friend and her former fiancé, now recently married—an event that set off a wildfire of gossip among the elite of Seaview, who have summered together for generations. Budgie’s arrival to restore her family’s old house puts her once more in the center of the community’s social scene, and she insinuates herself back into Lily's friendship with an overpowering talent for seduction...and an alluring acquaintance from their college days, Yankees pitcher Graham Pendleton. But the ties that bind Lily to Nick are too strong and intricate to ignore, and the two are drawn back into long-buried dreams, despite their uneasy secrets and many emotional obligations. (via Goodreads)

Thoughts:  I had heard about this book about a couple years through some of the blogs that I follow and was intrigued with the book.  I really like how the book went between different years.  I also like how the characters were drawn up and relatable. 

Bottom line: While I felt that the books was an okay read, it may appeal to those readers that enjoy women's fiction.  Recommended, but only if you enjoy this genre.

Rating: 2.75/5

The Prime Minister's Secret Agent - Susan Elia MacNeal

Title: The Prime Minister's Secret Agent (Maggie Hope #4)
Author: Susan Elia MacNeal
Pages: 306
Published: 2014
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Edition: Paperback
Source: Library

Description: World War II rages on across Europe, but Maggie Hope has finally found a moment of rest on the pastoral coast of western Scotland. Home from an undercover mission in Berlin, she settles down to teach at her old spy training camp, and to heal from scars on both her body and heart. Yet instead of enjoying the quieter pace of life, Maggie is quickly drawn into another web of danger and intrigue. When three ballerinas fall strangely ill in Glasgow—including one of Maggie’s dearest friends—Maggie partners with MI-5 to uncover the truth behind their unusual symptoms. What she finds points to a series of poisonings that may expose shocking government secrets and put countless British lives at stake. But it’s the fight brewing in the Pacific that will forever change the course of the war—and indelibly shape Maggie’s fate.  (via Goodreads)

Thoughts: Much like the previous three books, this was a nice easy read.  While the book followed a formula, it still was a fascinating read nonetheless.  It was nice to read something that was familiar and was a bit of a break from reading material that was emotionally draining for me or I was unable to make sense of.

Bottom line: This was an enjoyable read for me and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.  If you have enjoyed the previous books in the series, you will likely enjoy this one as well.  Highly recommended.

Rating: 4.25/5