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