Summer of Fire by Linda Jacobs

This is a fictional story that parallels the true story of the Yellowstone forest fires of 1988. The story begins slowly, but eventually the tug off the characters and the shortened chapters bring you in. The excitement and energy of the end just didn't justify the slow beginning for me. This one earned only one smile.

Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult

In the style that is fast becoming classic Picoult, this book brings family to the forefront of your mind as you wonder what you would do in their shoes.  This time, the story follows the dysfunctional family of a man who literally lived with wolves as they make the hardest decision of their lives.  The novel will pull at your heart and sense of values; making it a great read for book clubs or a group of friends.  Read it, then pass it along because this one is sure to spark conversations.  5 smiles, plus a small tear drop...even my eyes watered on this one.

Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline

Lisa Scottoline brings an exciting thriller that will leave the back of your seat cold and lonely as you perch on the edge.  The story is face-paced and intense, reading like an action movie.  There are some scenes that will be almost inconcievable, especially for people who don't happen to know a pair of identical twins, but it never fails to entertain.  A hearty 4 smiles for this book, highly recommended.

Toys by James Patterson

In my opinion, even a weak James Patterson book is better than a strong book by most authors.  That being said, this was not my favorite book by Mr. Patterson.  The story line seemed a bit "been there, done that" to me.  I felt as though this was a story line that has been explored, in a similar manner, by other movies or books in the past.  However, James brought a new twist to the story and managed to tell it in such a way that I was still engaged and loved the characters. Combine that with an ending I adored, and this ended up being a four smile book...with a wink for the ending.  Nice work, Mr. Patterson, nice work.  Fans of science fiction or of Mr. Patterson should add this one to the list.

Save Me by Lisa Scottoline

Ms. Scottoline has done it again!  She grabs you by the heart and shakes you into this novel within the first four chapters.  Be ready to sit and read all 300+ pages because you will not be putting this one down.  In the style of a personal favorite, Jodi Picoult (who also reviewed the book and quoted her opinion on the cover), this book will make you think "what if" in a big way.  Definitely five smiles, with a bonus wink for an ending even I didn't see coming.

Beachcombers by Nancy Thayer

A feel good summer read that will appeal to the sappy romantic in all of us.  This books follows four women as they deal with their messed up, not-where-they-expected-to-be lives all crashing together in Nantucket.  I appreciated the humor only someone with sisters could understand.  Overall, I would rate this one three smiles.  If you really like sappy romance though...it's probably four for you!

Out of Oz by Gregory Maguire

This is the fourth and final book in the Wicked series.  The finale brings the story lines to a close in a cohesive and dignified way that leaves fans of Frank Baum (the original author of the Wizard of Oz) satisfied.  The fastest and most intriguing book in a series that otherwise is a bit slow, I rate this closer 3 smiles.

The Idea, Welcome

So I read ALL the time and people have noticed I have a little knack for matching people to books they should read. I find myself thinking that would be a lot easier if I kept my personal reviews of books somewhere to remind me what I thought. Feel free to browse my thoughts, comment, question, or ignore :)

Ratings-1 to 5 smiles, the more the better

Bonuses-Wink, there were twists that even I didn't see coming. Tear, it brought tears even to my dry eyes.

I'm sure I'll develop more bonuses as I need them!



Note: This only represents the last few books I've read. If you want my opinion on a book not listed, just ask! :)