The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry

TITLE:  The Lace Reader
AUTHOR:  Barry, Brunonia
GENRE:  Fiction

DATES READ:  9/25/2014 - 10/1/2014

MY RATING:  3/5

This is another selection that I picked up at the book sale for $1!!!  How can I lose?!

---

What a strange story!  It was very well written, so I would love to read some of Brunonia Barry's other works.  I admit that, unfortunately, I figured out the "twist" about 100 pages from the end.  But I'm blaming it on the fact that I have recently seen a similar plot device used in a movie... because Barry executed it perfectly!

I'm glad that I read this anyway, because I've found a new author's voice, and I loved that it was set in Salem, MA.

Will read and write soon!

Book Cover Source

Voyager by Diana Gabaldon

TITLE:  Voyager (Outlander #3)
AUTHOR:  Gabaldon, Diana
GENRE:  Historical Fiction

DATES READ:  8/24/2014 - 9/24/2014

MY RATING:  4.5/5

I'm giving it another book.  I want Jamie and Claire to be together!!!  The force is strong with these two...

This book was so much better than the second one, in my humblest of opinions.  It ends with such a promising set up for the next book and I cannot wait to read it!  And yet I can...

There's always so much drama!  So, again, I'll probably wait a while before I pull #4 off of my shelf.  But I have already purchased it and am looking forward to reading it very much.

As usual, these books are filled to the brim with drama, and exotic swashbuckling adventure.  Definitely recommended.

Will read and write soon!

***Photo by B. Bumble***

The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness

TITLE:  The Book of Life (All Souls #3)
AUTHOR:  Harkness, Deborah
GENRE:  Fiction/Supernatural

DATES READ:  7/30/2014 - 8/23/2014

MY RATING:  5/5

The final book of the All Souls trilogy!!!  I love these books.  I don't want them to end, but I'm about to dive right in!

I enjoyed this entire book (entire series for that matter), and love the ending.  It was equal parts action, adventure, romance, and suspense.  I adore Diana and Matthew, as always, but my favorite characters have become Fernando and Isabeau.  They are so multi-faceted and enjoyable to read.

The concept of a weaver and all of the science inter-mingled within the story kept it grounded, and particularly fascinated me.  I can only hope that Deborah Harkness will continue to write.  She creates stories that arouse the belief that there is magic in this world, if we would only open our eyes. 

Will read and write soon!

***Photo by B. Bumble***

Doctor Sleep by Stephen King

TITLE:  Doctor Sleep
AUTHOR:  King, Stephen
GENRE:  Fiction/Horror

DATES READ:  7/15/2014 - 7/30/2014

MY RATING:  4/5

Starting something a little different from my usual reading.  I'm a little nervous because Kind has always scared me until I get nightmares.  But away we go!

This one definitely wasn't as scary as The Shining, but it was frightening in it's own way.  I liked the connections found down the Torrence family tree, including the generation bridging ability, anger, and alcoholism.  It felt raw and real, as Stephen King's writing often it.  Sometimes you can't escape your past.

King hit the nail on the head with the one.  The villains and horror aspects were chilling, and leave striking images that last in your mind long after you've turned the page.  This imagery was so beautiful, I can only hope they make a film some day that does this book justice.  Highly recommended!

Will read and write soon!

Book Cover Source

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

TITLE:  City of Heavenly Fire (Mortal Instruments #6)
AUTHOR:  Clare, Cassandra
GENRE:  Fiction/Fantasy

DATES READ:  6/6/2014 - 7/15/2014

MY RATING:  4.5/5

I can't believe I am finally starting the LAST Mortal Instruments book.  What a day!  I hope it's wonderful like the rest of the series has been.

Oh my goodness.  I cannot believe I finished it.  I'm going to miss all of the characters.  But after completing two of Clare's series, I think I'm done.

I kind of grew up with these characters, and adored their personalities, but I don't relate to them as must as I did before.  Maybe it's just because I'm a little older... their decisions seem more brash and unrealistic than they did before.

But I still love them all and will hold these stories dear.  I was blessed to have stumbled across them and will constantly continue to recommend them!

Will read and write soon!

***Photo by B. Bumble***

The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley

TITLE:  The Shadowy Horses
AUTHOR:  Kearsley, Susanna
GENRE:  Fiction

DATES READ:  5/28/2014 - 6/6/2014

MY RATING:  5/5

This is another book I purchased for my mom (for Mother's Day this time!), and she's lent to me.  She says it's lovely and I trust her judgment absolutely.

I have to say, I adored this story!!!  I remember purchasing this because we read another book by Kearsley called The Winter Sea.  If you love a good yarn spun with romance, history, and a little magic, Susanna Kearsley is a no-brainer.

This book had a wonderful mix of all of those attributes, in addition to eerie majestic settings, and a history as shadowy as the aforementioned horses.  I often felt, as I was reading,, this I was curled up in a cozy leather chair, drinking cocoa, and chatting with each of the main characters.  I can't wait to read another of her stories!

Will read and write soon!

***Photo by B. Bumble***

Eva Moves the Furniture by Margot Livesey

TITLE:  Eva Moves the Furniture
AUTHOR:  Livesey, Margot
GENRE:  Fiction

DATES READ:  5/25/2014 - 5/28/2014

MY RATING:  2/5

I saved this book from a mystery stash of books our family received from a friend.  I hope it's promising because I'm still a little shaken by The Fault In Our Stars.  Here goes...

A book is always promising before you turn the first page.  This book turned out to be a little "meh".  I didn't really feel a high connection with the main character, which is huge for me.  However, I understood and was drawn to where she was coming from.

The pace was overall slow, and the themes strongly surrounded loneliness and maternal abandonment.  I was a little difficult to get through at times, but the author depicted all emotions well.  I loved the idea and addition of ghosts in this lonely girl's world.  I almost found them reminiscent of imaginary friends.

I would recommend this book for a rainy day, and a warm cup of tea or cocoa.

Will read and write soon!

Book Cover Source