Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined by Stephenie Meyer

TITLE:  Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined

AUTHOR:  Meyer, Stephenie
GENRE:  Fiction/Supernatural

DATES READ:  11/5/2015 - 11/13/2015

MY RATING:  1/5

I got this because frankly... I was curious.  It's supposed to be the original Twilight story, only Bella's character is male and Edward's character is female.  Why not?

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Twilight reimagined my tush!!  She literally went through, hit Ctrl [F] and changed "he" to "she" and vice versa.  And Beaufort as a name?  Really??  Get real.  I feel like this was just a money maker.

She should have just gender bent the main characters and left everything else alone.  It made no sense to gender bend everyone else, and it got really confusing really fast if you're familiar with the original books.

And the ending!!!  At least she changed that up a little bit.  But overall, I just don't understand.  From what I've heard, Meyer wanted to show that the romance would work either way; female vampire or male, but it just doesn't.  Make it from Edythe's point of view, at least.  Not recommended due to lack of imagination.

Will read and write soon!

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The Inn at Rose Harbor by Debbie Macomber

TITLE:  The Inn at Rose Harbor

AUTHOR:  Macomber, Debbie
GENRE:  Fiction

DATES READ:  10/4/2015 - 11/5/2015

MY RATING:  3/5

I got this at a book kiosk at the bookstore, and saw that it was by Debbie Macomber, so I decided to pick up.  She also makes a lot of knitting patterns that I use.

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Jo Marie takes over an inn and this story involves her getting to know the town and several of the residents.  It was a typical feel-good novel; bed-and-breakfasty, knitty, warm romancy, get-over-lossy stuff.  Lovely and sweet.

My favorite character was the grumpy carpenter/mechanic.  I also found myself enjoying the coastal setting.

I appreciated Abby and Josh coming to the B&B, but everything didn't seem to have enough conflict or chaos.  Like it was all coated in an apricot lense, all glowy and soft.  Which is great!  And so Debbie Macomber!  It was good as expected.

Will read and write soon!

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Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates

TITLE:  Black Chalk

AUTHOR:  Yates, Christopher J.
GENRE:  Fiction

DATES READ:  9/15/2015 - 10/4/2015

MY RATING:  4/5

I read a review on NPR and it said that this book was suspenseful and wonderful, and that it had a fantastic twist at the end!

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And therein lies the rub.  I spent the entire time reading this book searching for that twist.  And all of the crazy schemes I came up with were far more interesting than the actual twist.

This story involved a group of students who start a game at school.  While it starts out innocently, it escalates, until none of them can go back.

Subsequently, the ending was okay.  In hindsight, I wish I hadn't read that review.  The characters were deep and the plot masterful.  I enjoyed the turns and the suspense as well as the college setting.  Truly lovely.  

Will read and write soon!

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The Martian by Andy Weir

TITLE:  The Martian

AUTHOR:  Weir, Andy
GENRE:  Science Fiction

DATES READ:  7/14/2015 - 9/15/2015

MY RATING:  4.5/5

My brother lent this book to me, and said I absolutely had to read it before we go and see the movie with Matt Damon.

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The Martian is about an astronaut who gets stranded on Mars during a mission, and struggles to survive while Earth tries to find a way to get him home.

It took me a while to get through this book, but it was definitely worth the trip.  I'm glad that my brother lent it to me!  My sister-in-law was right that Mark Watney is such a lovely character.  He jumps right off the page with humor, pride, and eccentricity.  He's the ultimate nerd hero!

This book was suspenseful, stressful, and also rewarding.  You almost feel like you survived years alone on Mars yourself.  Definitely recommended for scifi buffs and non-scifi buffs alike.

Will read and write soon!

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At the Drop of a Hat by Jenn McKinlay

TITLE:  At the Drop of a Hat (Hat Shop Mystery #3)

AUTHOR:  McKinlay, Jenn
GENRE:  Fiction/Mystery

DATES READ:  7/1/2015 - 7/6/2015

MY RATING:  4/5

Bought this book for my mom on a whim for Christmas!

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Scarlet and Vivian are cousins who co-run a hat shop called Mim's Whims.  During a restoration of a beautiful old wedding hat, they become ensnared in a plot involving deceit and murder.  A classic hat shop mystery.

I really loved the characters of this story, but the plot was a little silly and simple at times.  I ready very quickly thought, and I enjoyed the British slang.  It was a light chick-lit-ish read, and very fun.

Will read and write soon!

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My Fight/Your Fight by Ronda Rousey

TITLE:  My Fight/Your Fight

AUTHOR:  Rousey, Ronda
GENRE:  Autobiography

DATES READ:  6/12/2015 - 7/1/2015

MY RATING:  4.5/5

My boyfriend bought this book for me because Ronda Rousey is my workout motivation.

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And it was really amazing!!!  Ronda is so driven, powerful, and down-to-earth; all while maintaining a total badass attitude.

This book documents her journey from Judo bronze medalist to UFC champion, and everything in between.

Definitely a must read for those interested in her life story, or looking for motivation in life.  We all have struggles, and it's nice to see an icon rise above and beyond.

Will read and write soon!

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First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen

TITLE:  First Frost (Waverley Family #2)

AUTHOR:  Allen, Sarah Addison
GENRE:  Fantasy

DATES READ:  6/7/2015 - 6/11/2015

MY RATING:  4.5/5

I bought this book for my mom's birthday.  She highly recommended it, and I needed a good fantasy pick me up.

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Overall, it was really lovely!  This book continues the Waverley sisters story from Garden Spells.  The first frost is always a magical time in the Waverley household and this time is no different.  Allen weaves the family's new spell involving candy the creates emotions, hair styling that changes lives, and the sisterly love that always brings the family together. 

I love that each of the sisters possesses special "gifts".  The only character that bothered me a little was Sydney with her baby crazy.  However, I have seen friends get baby crazy and this book is a realistic portrayal.

As in all of Allen's stories, the settings are delicious.  Old victorian houses, magical gardens  with apple trees, and warm kitchens filled with potion-like candies to save the day!

I would recommend this book to any reader who enjoys a little magic and whimsy.  It also brings home that family comes first, no matter what.

Will read and write soon!

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