Pretty Little Liars

First of all, let me say that you should not read these books just because you like the show!  I am a fan of the show (don’t judge me ;) and I enjoy the books; but they are VERY different. 

Pretty Little Liars tells the story of five best friends who share a horrible secret.  After one of the girls, Alison, goes missing and is later found dead, the remaining four begin receiving messages from “A.”  A knows their secrets and the girls can’t help but wonder, is Ali still alive?

Let’s break it down…

Aria
Artsy with a very unique style, Aria has returned to Rosewood after being in Iceland for her father’s job.  She often fantasizes about her English teacher and has been keeping a secret about her parents for far too long.

Spencer
Spencer strives for two things:  to be perfect and to beat her older sister, Melissa… at everything.  She has a history of stealing boyfriends and just may know a little more about Ali’s death than the other girls.   

Emily
After being confused about her feelings for Ali for so long, it all becomes clear when Emily begins having the same feelings for the new girl at school.  Ashamed and afraid of what everyone will think, Emily’s worst fears come true when “A” decides to out her… to everyone at her swim meet.

Hanna
Once shy and overweight, Hanna is now one of the most popular and beautiful girls in school.  Like the other girls, Hanna has plenty of secrets and she’d do just about anything to keep them from being exposed. 

RATINGS

Writing Style    5/10
Characters        6/10
Storyline           7/10

OVERALL   6/10

Pretty Little Liars will keep you guessing chapter after chapter.  Trying to solve the mystery of Ali and “A” makes this a fun read that will keep you turnin’ those pages!

*Pretty Little Liars should be read by adults and mature teenagers only.*

Get your copy here!

I've expanded my blog!  Please take a moment to check out the new tab,  Very, Very Pinteresting... Experiments in Food.  Thanks! :)

Very, Very Pinteresting... Experiments in Food!

I'm expanding my blog!  Please take a moment to check out the new tab,  Very, Very Pinteresting... Experiments in Food.  Thanks! :)

Porch Lights

I have a little confession to make…  Porch Lights was my first read by Dorothea Benton Frank.  I know, I know; I’m a little behind.  My mom recommended this one, so I thought I’d give it a try!

Porch Lights follows a mother and son back to her hometown of Sullivans Island.  After losing her husband, Jackie hopes that the heartbreak that she and her son, Charlie, share can be cured by family and the salty air. 

Let’s break it down…

Jackie
Jackie is an Army nurse, daughter, and grieving widow; but above all else, she is a mother.  She fears that her son won’t recover from the loss of his father and takes him on an extended vacation in South Carolina.  Is the Lowcountry the cure for her heartache, as well?

Charlie
At ten years old, the loss of a parent can completely consume you.  After spending so much time in a state of depression, can Charlie become the happy-go-lucky kid he once was?

Annie
Annie is determined to see her daughter and grandson happy again.  She welcomes them into her home and does everything she can to talk them into staying… even if it means bringing her estranged husband into it.  How will she juggle her feelings for her husband and her need to feel loved and appreciated?

Buster
Jackie’s father and the aforementioned estranged husband, Buster means well, but has a knack for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.  Will he be able to return to the life he didn’t know he’d miss?

Steven
Steven, a physician, is Annie’s neighbor and secret (much younger) crush.  When he and Charlie become fast friends, can Annie and Jackie control their conflicting feelings for him?

RATINGS

Writing Style    7/10

Characters        8/10

Storyline           6/10

OVERALL   7/10

Fans of the Lowcountry will definitely want to give this one a try!  While it is a bit predictable, it does have a lot of fun information and the characters are well developed and likable.  

Get your copy here!

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Why Aren't You Sweet Like Me

I know I’ve been gone for quite some time, but now that I’m a stay-at-home mommy again, I hope to be able to devote more time to reviewing.  I’ve read a LOT of good books over the last year and I can’t wait to share them with you!

 I’m going to kick off this new phase of blogging with a GREAT read!  Why Aren’t You Sweet Like Me is based on a true story and will have you hooked on the first page.  Carrie Nyman tells her grandmother’s WWII love story with so much emotion that you’ll feel like Honey herself as you flip through the pages.  You’ll laugh and cry along with her, feel her anger and, occasionally, feel anger towards her.  This story is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, but it’s a ride you’ll never forget.

Let’s break it down…

Honey

Living in a time when women were only expected to get married and have children, Honey was a strong young woman that knew what she wanted.  She took the opportunities that were set before her and made the most of them; but like most young women, she still longed to be truly loved.  Can Honey put aside some of her wants to be with bullheaded Don?  Is she strong enough to be with a military man?

Don

Sweet and hateful.  Loving and unkind.  Don was a walking oxymoron!  His mood swings could give a girl whiplash; but I truly believe he loved Honey.  Can Don prove to Honey that his love is true?  Is love enough to hold them together through the war?

RATINGS

Writing Style    9/10

Characters        9/10

Storyline           9/10

OVERALL   9/10

After you’ve finished the book, be sure to check out Carrie Nyman’s blog!  She posts lots of neat info about Honey and Don, as well as excerpts from the real letters!  

You can get your copy here!

Don't forget to like The Book Brieview Facebook page! :)