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!

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Beautiful Disaster

When I picked up this book, I didn’t expect it to be anything special.  When I turned the last page and flipped off my Kindle at 2 a.m., I realized how wrong I was! This book was definitely not what I expected!  The overused adage, “never judge a book by its cover” holds true once again.  (This cover completely threw me off!)   Jamie McGuire shares a tale of college fight nights, gambling, the Mob, tattoos, drinking, love, and a girl whose only wish is to not turn out like her parents.

Let’s break it down…

Abby

After moving to escape her past and attend Eastern University, Abby tries to be the good girl and turn her life around.  When she meets the campus bad boy, can she stay on the right track?  

Travis

Possessive, gorgeous, tattooed, and practically worshipped, Travis “Mad Dog” Maddox is the bad boy every girl dreams about.  Known for his underground fighting and one-night stands, everyone is surprised when Travis begins showing real interest in Abby.  

Parker

A rich fraternity boy, Parker is determined to win Abby over.  Only time will tell if Parker will give Abby the life she thought she wanted.  

America

As Abby’s best friend, America felt it was her duty to follow Abby and make sure she stayed true to who she wanted to be.  When the unexpected transpires, she tries to help Abby understand that sometimes, it’s better to follow you heart instead of your plan.

Shepley

America’s boyfriend and Travis’ cousin, Shep is always stuck in the middle.  This time, Travis may inadvertently ruin his one true chance at love.

RATINGS

Writing Style    8/10

Characters        9/10

Storyline           8.5/10

OVERALL     8.5/10

I highly recommend this title to those who enjoy a young adult read!  This is a fabulously, albeit overly dramatic, written romance with surprises at every corner!

*This book is for mature readers*

*Kindle users:  Get it here*  

Every Last One

I recently started a new business (The Tasty Cupcakery).  Although I always find time to read, I have not been able to find the time to blog!  Things will settle down soon and I promise I'll get back to reviewing!  Until then, here is a short one to hold you over ;)

When I started this book, I randomly chose it and I had no idea what it was about.  It didn't take me long to finish the first half and I really enjoyed it... then BAM!  Like a slap in the face!  Half the characters I had grown to love were gone!    I wasn't even sure I wanted to finish the book... but I can't not finish a book.

And, I am SO glad I did.


I'm not going to "break this one down" like I normally do because I don't want to give too much away.  But, I will say I highly recommend this book.  Every Last One is a very sad tale about tragedy striking an average family.  It is beautifully written and sure to make you think.  I know I've said this in the past about books, but this story made me want to hold my babies and never let them go.  (Needless to say, if you're in the mood for something light and funny, this is not the book for you.)   

RATINGS

Writing Style    9/10
Characters        9/10
Storyline           9/10

OVERALL      9/10

*Kindle users:  Get it here*   
*Prefer a hard copy?  Get it here*

Something Borrowed

In the interest of full disclosure, I should start off by saying I don't really enjoy reading this type of book.  I don't care who wrote it or how funny/sad/awesome/well written/etc it is.  I don't care if it is the number one best seller for a year.  If it's about an affair, it's just not my cup of tea.  With that being said, I can now tell you it took me longer than usual to read Something Borrowed.  It just seemed to go on and on and on...  Her writing is decent; however, she went off on rants about things that really weren't crucial to the plot and only made for a long read. 

Emily Giffin weaves a tale of lies, deception, best friends, new friends, and lovers.  Rachel is the maid-of-honor in Darcy's upcoming wedding.  She spends her time picking out gowns and favors, planning a bachelorette party, and... stealing the groom. 

Let's break it down...

Rachel
A thirty year old lawyer, Rachel lives and works in New York City.  She spends all her free time being the best friend, never getting to be anyone's first choice, the prettier one, or even the smarter one.  Darcy always has to be in the spotlight.  When Rachel and Dex (Darcy's fiance) have a little too much to drink one night and end up alone in her studio apartment... Rachel finds out she may be someone's first choice after all. 

Darcy
All things in life come easily for Darcy, a late twenties, high maintenance, beautiful, and bossy city girl.  She enjoys being in charge of everyone around her and despite what she does to others, she never suspects someone close to her would ever betray her. 

Dex
Rachel's friend from law school and Darcy's fiance, Dex is a very handsome and extremely confused man.  He likes Darcy enough to put a ring on her finger, but apparently not enough to remain faithful.   
 
Hillary
After meeting at work, Hillary and Rachel quickly become the best of friends.  Although she initially encourages Rachel's escapades with Dex, she later gets annoyed when Dex doesn't seem to have plans to call off the wedding. 

RATINGS

Writing Style    5/10
Characters        5/10
Storyline           5/10

OVERALL      5/10

Honestly, if I had it to do over, I would likely skip this one.  BUT, if you're into this kind of story, you may want to add it to your poolside reading list. 


*Kindle users:  Get it here*   
*Prefer a hard copy?  Get it here*

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