Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

TITLE:  Safe Haven
AUTHOR:  Sparks, Nicholas
GENRE:  Fiction/Romance-y

DATES READ:  8/16/2013 - 8/19/2013

MY RATING:  3.5/5

The basic plot of this book was wonderful; of course, it was a typical Nicholas Sparks plot.  I have to admit, I made huge comparisons between this book and the movie.  They're both great in their own right.

I found the character of Alex much more realistic and loveable in the book (not to dog Josh Duhamel's performance - he was good too!!!).  I pictured more a Durmot Mulroney-esque character.  And my Katie was a little less Julianne Hough, and a little more Charlize Theron-esque.

This book was so well written, and Sparks deals with really tough issues with grace.  I will definitely read another book of his any time!

Will read and write soon!

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The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan

TITLE:  The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris
AUTHOR:  Colgan, Jenny

GENRE:  Fiction/Chick-lit

DATES READ:  8/6/2013 - 8/11/2013

MY RATING:  4/5

To begin with, I love the cover as well as the description on the back of this delicious looking story.  I don't always go for chick-lit novels which mean well, but are mostly good-natured fluff.  I had to make an exception for Jenny Colgan's The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris.  I spotted it while I was traveling over in Hamburg, Germany.  And I'm glad that I did.

This book was a perfect little chocolate delight!  The plot and setting were far-fetched but wonderful for a chick-lit novel.  I mean, a chocolate shop in Paris?!  Absolutely fabulous!!!

The characters were by-far my favorite part;  Thierry, Claire, Laurent, and even Alice were described with a delicacy that let you fill in the details for yourself.  I adore the plot, the recipes, and how this book made me crave chocolate (as if I needed help with that!).

Every once in a while the writing was decidedly British, as can be expected from a British author.  I stumbled over a bit of the slang and terminology used, but once I got past it I adored this morsel of a novel.  I love romance!

Will read and write soon!

***Photo by B. Bumble***

Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth

TITLE:  Bitter Greens
AUTHOR:  Forsyth, Kate

GENRE:  Fiction

DATES READ:  7/20/2013 - 8/6/2013

MY RATING:  3/5

I found this book in a charming bookstore in Hamburg, Germany while I was traveling abroad.  I was instantly drawn to the cover; the back of the book discussed the intertwined lives of three mysterious women as well as the tagline "you think you know the story of Rapunzel".  I absolutely love fairy tale re-tellings, so of course, I picked it up.  I ended up almost finishing it all together on my flight back to the USA.

This book was really three different stories combined into one, and I thoroughly enjoyed each one individually.  However, when they were all put together, it was a little overwhelming.  Each of them related in a way that made sense, but it kind of dampened each story a bit by combing them; it was almost like each character and story was watered down in order to make them fit.

My grumping aside, this was a wonderful take on a classic fairy tale.  It is definitely a book to curl up with on a rainy day, and it will transport you into a magical world of witches, spells, and true love.  An overall, charming read.

Will read and write soon!

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