One Summer

I have very little to say about this book. I read it for my book club and hated it. The writing was boring, the story line was OVERLY predictable and it seemed like a romance novel gone bad. 

I would not recommend it to anyone. Ha!

Read September 2011

The Island

Another book about the Cape from Hilderbrand. I think this book was interesting. There were twist and plot changes that I just was not expecting. The author makes you like and hate each of the four main characters during different points through out the book.
Birdie and India are the older set of sisters. Birdie is newly divorced with 2 daughters, Tate and Chess. Tate is a successful single computer programmer and Chess a editor for a food magazine just broke off her engagement. India is now widowed but successful in the art / teaching world. India is finding herself later in life and battling some demons.
The reader finds out many fun family facts and secrets. We learn why all the women decided it was the time to return to the Island after 13 years of not going to their summer home. Of course the book ends with everyone happy and doing better than when the book started
This book, like most of Hilderbrands books are good summer reads.

Read August 2011

The Baby Planner

I am going to come right out and say I loved this book! There are a few reasons why including being currently pregnant it made me laugh at some of the stories of Katie's (the main characters) clients.
Katie a child safety advocate finds herself out of a job and falls into being a baby planner by luck and a push from her twin sisters. Katie is married to a man who does not want children but she desperately does.
The story was a bit predictable, but really enjoyable. We learn about Katie and her tactics to have a baby that would leave her husband blindsided, such as pricking condoms with needles. Of course their relationship is not on sturdy ground and Katie is ignoring all those signs.
Katie is a savior to all the women that she works for. She is a friend and go to person for all baby needs. The reader learns a lot about Katie's own family dynamics. I think the book was a perfect chick lit novel. Great for a beach read!
Read August 2011

Witches of East End

I had a hard time getting into this book, however in the end I liked it. The book is based around a Mother and her 2 daughters. All of them are witches although not allowed to use their powers. They live in a fictional town on the East End of Long Island. That is what made me pick up the book.
The women, one by one start to use their powers and we are brought into a modern day witch trial. The book was full of romance and mystical tales. We learn that they have a much bigger family then we originally saw in the beginning and why they were not supposed to be using their powers. There are a lot of light hearted and fun moments in the story, but there is a very rich tale of betrayal and love. This book is #1 of a series and I am not sure that I will read the follow ups.
I don't think I would recommend it to anyone unless they were a big fan of science fiction and soft maybe light porn. LOL
Read August 2011

Queen of Babble in the Big City

This is the 2nd installment of the Queen of Babble. I read the first book a few months back and liked it for the fluff and chick lit that it was. This book was still chick lit, but a little more 'real'. Real except for the part of living almost rent free in a 5th Avenue apartment with your Prince boyfriend who wants to be a doctor.
Lizzie the main character moved in with her boyfriend Luke and is on the hunt for a job in the retro clothing or wedding gown industry, but for now she is working at a law firm as a receptionist. We learn a lot about Lizzie and her dating life in this book as well as her new discovery of her best friend being Bi.
I liked the book. It was an easy read, some what predictable and a few twist thrown in!
Read August 2011

A Summer Affair

This is the 4th book by Hilderbrand that I am reading. As an author I feel like her stories are all the same, BUT I like it! The book takes place in Nantucket as do all the other books I have read by the author.

This book centers around a summer charity event that Claire who in my opinion was whiny and did not deserve the life she had. She was placed on the committee for this event and becomes involved with a married man in their small town. Their affair was made of lust and desire and was bound to come crashing down and ruining lives... but it never does. It just ends

The book is mostly told in Claire's 'voice' but then switches and we read through multiple other people, like Claire's 1st love, her Sister in Law, her lover and other committee members. The book does have some hot and steamy moments but not as good as a summer beach read could be. I did like the book. I think they are perfect for relaxing poolside!

Read July 2011

Mommywood

After reading Tori Spellings first book in April 2011 I was excited to read this second one. With out a doubt I can say I enjoyed the Stori Telling more.
In this book we learn about Tori and Dean your average suburban parents... or maybe not. Their family moved to a small block where block party and 4th of July parties are planned and where people don't like big changes in their little close knit block. Tori tries hard to be the best neighbor and mom possible, but like everyone else she makes mistakes and learns lessons.
Tori speaks frequently about her relationship with her mother and her side of the story. I think that I could have done with that. We learned how 'awful' her mother is in the first book. We also read about Tori's loss of her dear Pug Mimi. I admit it, I cried when she wrote about that.
I would still suggest this book. It is interesting with lots of fun parenting / home stories and Hollywood gossip.
Read July 2011

Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons

 Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons

I read this book for my Book Club. I was very skeptical at first and did not think I would like it at all. I had a hard time getting into the book, but then all of a sudden it just picked up!

The book focus is on 5 women who were wives and mothers living on the same street in the 60's. The women decide to start a book club to give them some adult time and female companionship. The author picked moments out of their lives and narrated it through different characters. The book continued on until the late 90's and the readers were able to learn of so many things in these women’s lives. Religion, politics, gay children, abuse, and adoption to name a few.

I loved the book. It gave such insight to the times the women lived in and what true friendship means. Being in a book clubmyself it really touched home with me. I recommend the book for anyone in a book club or adult women of any age!

Read July 2011



Bossypants

I am a fan of Tina Fey. I don't watch SNL regularly but I do watch 30 Rock all the time and have seen her in many movies. This book had me laughing out loud multiple times. I found felt almost as if I could hear her narrating the book in my head.
This book touches on most of Tina's life so far. We learn about her awkward stage crew geek days in High School through the time when she becomes part of the Second City Improve Comedy troop. After she was able to land that gig along came SNL. It seems like Tina has had a lot of opportunities that were followed up by hard work.
This book delivers on the comedy, one liners, insight to her cast and crew of 30 Rock and SNL. The book touches on her struggles being a Working Mom. It was a fun read. I think anyone who enjoys her work would like this book.
Read July 2011

Little Earthquakes

In this book Weiner looks at 4 married women. All these women have 2 things in common, 1. they are married and 2. they have given birth to a baby. This book bounces back and fourth telling the story of all 4 women.
Lisa (Lia) a Hollywood actress who returns home after her baby dies of SIDS. Lisa left her husband not letting him know where she was going or when / if she was coming back. Lisa is trying to find her way out of depression and learn to live again.
Becky is a plus size chef married to a Doctor. Her mother in law is overbearing and manipulating. Becky struggles with kicking her mother in law out of her life because of her love for her husband.
Ayinde is a TV reporter who marries a Basket Ball player. They move to Philadelphia and he is always on the road... you can guess what happens next. Yup, he cheats and gets someone else pregnant. Ayinde's own mother is more or less un-interested in her child and grandchild. Most of the things she does are just for show.
Kelly thinks her husband is her ticket to a better life. When things don't go as planned she becomes so enraged with her situation and lies to keep face. Kelly struggles going back to work early while her husband stays home and is less than productive.
All in all the book is good. It gives a view on 4 different lives and they come together in an interesting way. I enjoyed the book.
Read June 2011

Queen Of The Big Time

From previous blog post you would know that I am a fan of Adriana Trigiani. This book I picked up almost 7 months ago and never read it. I read it and liked it. It is not a favorite by this author but it is a good read.

Like other books by Trigiani, Queen Of the Big Time follows a young Nella through out her life. We learn from early on Nella has big goals to finish High School and become a School Teacher. But life has other plans. Nella faces struggles with her family and friends, death and hardships and of course love. She has to work instead of going to High School, she falls in love twice in her life time and becomes a business owner and a mother. 

The book ends with Nella's death and all things resolved in her life. It is an open ended story for me that shows that life just continues on. The book is a beautifully written and flows nicely even though it skips over many years at a time. 

Read June 2011

L.A. Candy

I am going to come right out and call this a new guilty pleasure. I did not expect to like it. I was interested in what it was about and picked it up at a garage sale for $1. This book is listed as Young Adult reading was a fast read. I found the book to be a bit slow at the start and then it picked up.
Being that I watched the author original 'reality' show Laguna Beach and some of the spin off The Hills I wondered how much of what was written about instant stardom was real or not. I found the use of the word "sweetie" to be over used. I cringed reading it so many times. The book follows Jane and Scarlett, new to LA and picked to be on a reality series with 2 other girls. Jane is made to seem like a saint through out the book, and it makes me wonder is this how the author sees herself? Scarlett on the other hand seems to have a good head on her shoulders and was not in this book enough in my opinion. Right away there is back stabbing, plotting and romance. The book ends on a cliff hanger and  in my opinion it was a fun read. I plan on reading the next two books.
Read June 2011

Julie & Julia

This book was a disappointment for me. I found it to be repetitive and felt embarrassed for the writer. Who admits to maggots in their apartment?!? Or that they served food that fell in a New York Street?
The reason I read the book was because I liked the movie. I like cooking and cooking shows. The idea of making all of the 524 recipes in Mastering The Art Of French Cooking sounds interesting. Each recipe that was described was drawn out and full of anguish. To me it sounded like she rather not be doing to project. She wouldn't quit because of the blog readers who cheered her on.
Julie herself I found annoying. She stated how much she loathe her job and apartment. She was jealous of the lives of some of her friends and family. Julie wants a baby but doesn't know if she can have one, Eric does not want a baby. So, whats is a girl to do? Get a project and that is what the Julie & Julia Project is; an attempt to get Julies head off her job and biological clock that is ticking away. I was worried that the book was going to end in a divorce being that Julie and Eric (Powell's husband) seemed to have a really rocky - sex less marriage. But nope they made it thru - for now.
There is a second book by Powell called Cleaving. I was interested in that book but I am not so sure that I will be reading it any time soon. From what I read Cleaving is has focus on the affairs of both Eric and Julie after the J&J project and their attempt to save their marriage.
I thought I would be recommending this book to all "foodies", but it just did not do it for me.

Read June 2011

Room

Heads up: This review is going to be full of spoilers!

Room is written from the point of view of a 5 year old. As most 5 yr olds are sheltered, Jack has only lived in a 12x12 room for his entire life. There is no outside world except thru the TV. He was told that everything on the TV is made up and knows no better. Jack's mother is only know through the book as "Ma". We know there has to be reasons that they live in this small space and why there is delieveries from an older man named Old Nick.
Room was hard to understand at first. The reader has to understand what Jack means when he describes objects and events. He sees things as Ma has taught him and has had no exposure to other people. He even stays in the wardrobe when Old Nick comes in to Room. Ma plays games and tries to occupy their time so that he will be an smart young man. She tries to keep her mind busy to pass the time. She does the best that she can do with the little that they have.
When they do leave Room and head out into the real world the book really picked up for me. I read most of that with in one sitting. It was interesting to see them (especially Jack) adapt and learn what the world is like. There are many family members and doctors introduced into Jack's life. He has trouble understanding how big the world is and how things work. He doesn't understand why it can not just be him and Ma all the time and has severe detachment issues. We do see Jack take some small steps into a new life but not everything always goes as planned.
I really suggest this book to anyone. It is an interesting read and hard to read at some points.

Something Blue

After reading Something Borrowed I went into it knowing that I might not like the book being that it focuses on Darcy. I was "Team Rachel" from the start. I thought it was great that Darcy was finally getting what she deserved. People turning away from her and a chance for her to see what she had.
Ethan, Darcy and Rachel's childhood friend takes in Darcy the mom to be. Ethan is quick to set her straight and point out her faults. But at the same time like any good chick lit there is a twist and sparks fly.
I found this book interesting. I liked reading how Darcy's pregnancy was coming together and seeing how reluctant she was in the situation. The Author showed a lot of character development and great writing. I would suggest reading this book especially if you read Something Borrowed. There is a quick recap in the beginning of the book if you didn't read the SB. It is a fun read and I am really hopping that the powers that be in Hollywood make this one into a movie too!
Read May 2011

Belly Laughs

As a non pregnant woman I have to say I liked this book! What a fun and quick read. McCarthy is a actress, tv host and advocate for Autism. She is not the best writter but it was an entertaining read.
This book is labled as The Naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirth and it was very 'honest'. McCarthy can be crude and a bit over the top with some of her descriptions but it was funny and made me want to read more. The only thing about the book I did not like was the legnth, I wish it was longer!
Read May 2011

The Tenth Circle

There is a theme that I see in Picoult books: A family that seems normal but has hidden flaws that surface in times of trouble. In this book the Stone Family is facing their daughters secrets she is not the 14 year old that they thought and she is a Rape survivor. Or is she? Was she actually raped or just lied?
Picoult does a great job in her writing explaining different jobs, cultures and situations. There is a back story of Daniel Stone (father in the book) that leads us to believe that he is not the loving father we suspect. But also Laura, his wife shows us that everyone has something to hide. In all the reader see a sad tale of a young woman who has gotten off track and is having a hard time growing up. We learn of adults who ignore clues and situations they see and teenagers who are cruel and unforgiving.
I liked the book. I found it to be a bit over worded in some areas but interesting. It shines a light on to a awful situation and dives deeper into the ways that humans release their pain and suffering.
Read May 2010

Something Borrowed

What would you do if you were in Rachel's shoes? That is the question that this book makes you ask yourself. This is chick lit at it's best. The characters and plot are very predictable. You know what is going to happen but the well written tale by Giffin is what makes the book fantastic.
Darcy is the wild child and gets her way, Rachel is the good girl who follows the rules and works hard. So why are they friends? That question is haunting Rachel and she finds herself betraying her Best Friend by sleeping with her fiancee.
I read this book in 2008 and did not retain most of it. I re-read it before the movie drops this coming weekend and was SO happy that I did. I loved this book. I tore thru it finding quotes and passages that spoke to me. There is a lot of history of the girls friendship woven in this book. It brings you back to the 5th grade. I would suggest this book for the people out there who like a real chick lit, who don't mind figuring out the plot and say read it before you see the movie!
Read April 2010

Black Heels to Tractor Wheels

I have to preface this review by saying that I am a fan of Ree and her blog at The Pioneer Woman. I think she is funny and someone I would want to be friends with. That being said I liked this book. This is a whimsical story of how Ree and her husband (known as the Marlboro Man) met and began their family.

The author is a city girl (Black Heels) and falls for the Rancher (tractor wheels). The writing is good. It is not thing superb or overly technical. It is a quick and fun read.

Through out the book there is tales of Ranch life mishaps, family history and love. Ree explains in detail how and why she fell in love with the Marlboro Man. The book is light hearted until you reach the last few chapters where you find sorrow and hard times. Still Ree puts a spin on these tales that make you know, they do not last forever.

This is a fun book. It is not a serious read and should be looked at as light hearted romance novel. Every girl wants to be swept off her feet and Ree was lucky enough to find the man to do it. I would suggest it for a light read. Perfect for a vacation or sitting on a front porch with an iced tea!

Read April 2011

Stori Telling

As a fan of 90210 I thought about reading Tori's book for a while. She was never my favorite character on the show and I couldn't name anything else she had been in other than Troop Beverly Hills. (Anyone remember that movie?) I picked it up at the library and decided that I was going to give it a shot.
With in the first chapter I was hooked. This book is funny! Tori's life has always been documented in the tabloids and Entertainment News shows. I have had envy for the Manor that she lived in and wondered what it was like to have 'that much money'. This book summed it up for me- it was her parents money, she saw little of it and she had a hard relationship with her mother.
Tori talks about the life she lead and people in her life. There is her first (and second) husband, her Nanny, immediate family, 90210 co-stars, bad boyfriends and friends. Tori takes the blame and admits where she made mistakes and seems to lay it all out on the table.
I really liked this book. It was funny, interesting and a quick read. I am going to definitely be reading her follow up books.
Read April 2011

Believe it, Be it

I am a big fan of the TV show The Biggest Loser. I did not watch all of the season that featured Ali the author. I have seen her in person and loved her spunk.
Ali and her mother were part of the Biggest Losers (BL) cast of 2008. She was sent home, but in a BL twist of fate she lost the most during her stint at home and came back. Ali went on to win the season and was the first female BL.
Ali starts and finishes this book with her struggle. Ali realizes that she was not at her highest weight because she just ate bad food, but because she had her own inner struggle. I love that Ali speaks from the heart in all that she does. Believe it, Be it touches on weight loss and dealing with inner battles and is not a "how to" for weight loss. There are plenty of tips and ideas for living and learning to be a healthier person. Ali believes in finding the inner you and not letting it hid behind barriers of fat.
I liked this book. I do not believe it is something I would recommend for anyone. BL fans and people on a weight loss journey would enjoy it. It is overall a self help book and a guideline for healthier living.
Read March 2011

The Art Of Racing In The Rain

This was a Book Club pick. I have seen this at book stores before but never picked it up. I wish I would have read this book sooner. It is a fantastic read for anyone who has a pet!

Being a dog lover and having a dog all of my life this book hit home with the idea of, “What are they thinking?" I loved the way that Stein told the story through Enzo's (the family dog) perspective. This was not a happy story. It starts on the last day of Enzo's life and is a look back on what happened in his 11 years.

Denny, Enzo's master is what the book focused on. We learn about the relationship between Master and pet and what a man with a family can endure. But the reader also learns the daily activities and desires of Man's Best Friend. 

I cried a few times, felt anger and happiness. What more can you ask for from a book? This was a great read.

Read March 2011

Are You There, Vodka?

I really enjoyed this book. After reading Handler's collection of One Night Stands I was not too sure I would enjoy another book by her. But, this one proved me wrong.
The still of writing was witty and humorous. This book was over the top in parts but funny none the less. Chelsea brings the raunch but used it playfully. I could not help but laugh at Handlers description of a midget by calling her a "nugget". I loved the talk about her friends and family.
This book is a fun read but not for the prude. Her comedy is raunchy but kept me laughing out loud. Great read!
Read March 2011

Don't Sing at the Table...

This was Trigiani's first book of Nonfiction. I have read many other books by this author and have loved her writing style. I was hoping that some of the same storytelling would shine through in this book, and I was not disappointed.
Trigiani wrote this book in homage to her Grandmothers and the lessons that she learned through her family. We learn about two women who are alike in many ways yet lived different lives and helped shaped the authors life. As a person who is very close to my grandparents I found this book to be well written and interesting. In some ways I think this book could be defined as a "how to" for women. There is emphasis on manners, entertaining and being a strong independent loving woman. All things that shine through in the fiction works for Trigiani.
I liked this book. It was something unexpected from one of my favorite authors.
Read February 2011

First Reading List of 2011

I like to make list of books that I would like to read. Over the past year I have listed over 50 books and did not make a dent in those list what so ever. Below is a mini list. Just under 30 books that I would like to read. Some are series others are just single titles.

1. House Rules - Jodi Picoult
2. The Secret History - Donna Tartt
3. The Harry Potter Series - J.K Rowling (rest of series - 4 more books)
4. True Blood Series - Charlene Harris (rest of series - 8 additional books)
5. Second Chance - Jane Green
6. My Fair Lazy - Jen Lancaster
7. Are You There Vodka? It's Me Chelsea - Chelsea Handler
8. Winter Garden - Kristin Hannah
9. Friday Night Knitting Club - Kate Jacobs
10. Fly Away Home - J. Weiner
11. The Shack - W.P Young
12. The Other Woman - J. Green
13. Queen of Babble Series- M. Cabot (rest of series - 2 more books)
14. Three Cups of Tea - G. Mortenson
15. Memory Keepers Daughter - K. Edwards

Queen of Babble

Lizzie is a girl who just doesn't know how to keep quiet or mind her own business. Lizzie loves fashion and loves the idea of being in love.
This book is pure chick lit. It is mindless fluff that will keep you turning the page but at the same time anticipating what is coming next. The book is centered on a trip in Europe visiting 2 countries in and out of love. Lizzie finds her way from London to Paris and meets a stranger from America on the train. They travel and talk and wind up going to the same location! (surprise surprise!)
I found the characters interesting and the description of the vintage clothes and wine beautiful.The book for the most part is centered around events leading to a wedding at a Parisian winery.
I enjoyed this book. It was a fast read and was entertaining. Great for a quick read and for getting away from heavier subjects.

Dead to the World

This is the book 4 in the Sookie Stackhouse series or for those who watch the HBO "True Blood". If you are reading the series you know that these books are nothing more than a guilty pleasure. However, having Eric be the main star of this book and Bill out of the book from the first chapter made me LOVE this book!
I think that the books are getting better and better. This book brought the reader into the world of witches and other shape-shifters. This book was a really good read. There are some great romance scenes with Sookie and Eric and Alcide my favorite werewolf was around too! Great read and I am looking forward to the next one!
Read January 2011

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

After being a fan of the Twilight saga I had to read this spin off book. Bree was a character briefly mentioned in a fight scene. The readers know her fate and why she is killed. However, we never know where she came from or why she was a part of another Vampire coven.
Bree is a young vampire, at 3 months old. She would have been a 16 year old girl who was making poor choices in her life. She was changed to a vampire un-willingly and was just getting into the 'grove' of being a vamp. Bree was part of a coven that she didn't trust and ultimately wanted out of.
I enjoyed the writing style of this book. It still had Meyers signature in the wording yet it was such a jump from the pouting Bella and Edward story. This was a short and good read. I would suggest it to anyone who has read the Twilight Saga.
Read January 2011

Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban

Being that there are so many books in the HP series, I am going to keep the reviews on them short.

This book was great! Compared to the previous 2 books that I read in the series I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. There were more twist and turns in Harry's life. We got to meet more people in his life and see some friendships develop. Although the book is geared to Young Adults, I found them to be a quick read and entertaining. The series is worth reading so far and I plan on continuing on.

Read January 2011



The Secret Life of Cee Cee Wilkes

This book was a pick from my Book Club. I have never heard of Chamberlain before but she has it written over 15 books. This book was a fast read. The story of Cee Cee was beautifully written and interesting.
In the beginning of the book I was not sure that I would enjoy the story. The beginning plot seemed overly explained and there was so much detail that I felt as if I knew every thing about the character and would not learn more. I was wrong.  By the middle of the book I found my self thinking of what was going on with the characters when I was not reading the story. I was putting myself in the main characters and secondary characters shoes.
Chamberlain raises a lot of questions on the right way to "parent" and raise a child? What do you do when the truth is unfolding in front of your eyes? Also who are you when you have no family? I think this is a great book and a good read for just about any woman. The book raised a lot of great discussion questions for the book club and I find myself recommending it to others.
Read January 2011

My Horizontal Life

This was the first book I have read by Chelsea Handler. It is called "A collection of One Night Stands" but in reality it is a book about life experiences and also the pursuit of sex. I found the book to be entertaining and found my self laughing out loud at some points.

I am semi familiar with Handler. I have never watched her TV show but have seen her on other programs and award shows. I found the style of writing good. It flowed nicely and was easy to read. Some of the stories seem far fetched, but funny! I think there are many awkward stories out there and this hit on all different types of them. Along with getting to know her awkward family.

This book is a good light read and still interesting. I would suggest it for a good laugh or a summer beach read.

Read January 2011