Dying for Dinner by Miranda Bliss

Dying for Dinner by Miranda Bliss

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Even though I figured out who the bad guy was very early on, I didn't know his motive or other very important details until much later. I feel bad for Jacques because that character has been squeezed for more story lines than I would have thought possible. Yet, I still like the series. I really like Annie, Jim, and Eve overall. I was a little disappointed with how Eve was portrayed during one scene at the end, but it wasn't enough to affect my overall impression. If I could talk to the author, however, I would encourage her to be a little more careful with Eve in the future. Otherwise, the stories have all been quite good and I'm loving the progression. Keep it up and I'll keep reading! :)

Possible spoiler! I didn't care for how Eve reacted to the motel clerk. I just don't think a grown woman would really worry that much about a stranger carrying out the wishes of another stranger, even at a no tell motel. Seriously, Eve? He pops out for a ciggie and you're worried about your life? Not so sure I agree with that portrayal. Just saying.

Technical Hitch by Jane Sigaloff

Technical Hitch by Jane Sigaloff

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This book was not very well written, but even worse, it was very poorly edited. It was so bad, that I had to check if the book was an ARC or not. (Sadly, it isn't). The conversations were awkward at times, the story lines didn't do much for me, and the errors really took me out of the story. A few examples of errors that made me want to burn this book include:

Page 61: "Absently he absently licked the sweat...."

Page 155: "Maybe he thinks he makes it look him less accessible and therefore more desirable".

Page 178: Emma's name is replaced with Jess's on the same page, even though we're clearly only following Emma at this point in the story.

There were a few other errors, but these were the ones that made me want to throw the book against the wall. If I could give this book an even lower rating, I would. It's books like this that make me question my need to finish nearly every book I start.

The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

The Talented Mr Ripley by Phyllis Nagy

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Normally, I try to read the novel before seeing the movie. However, it was the movie that encouraged me to read this book. I thought the movie was interesting and it made me want to delve deeper into Tom's story. Particularly, I was curious about some of the relationships between characters and aspects of Tom's personality. Well, the book is actually quite different from the movie. Some parts are dead on and exactly how they read while others weren't even close. So, would I rate the movie or the book higher? I'm not sure. They are more different than I expected and it's hard to compare them. In fact, I don't want to compare them. If you like the book, the movie might confuse you and vice versa. However, this is one time I am glad I watched the movie before reading the book. I think if I'd read it first, I would have been a bit disappointed with the changes.

Casting Spells by Barbara Bretton

Casting Spells by Barbara Bretton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Romance isn't my favorite genre, but this one had knitting and magic to help keep my interest. The knitting references were very good, in particular. I loved the use of specific brands of yarn and things like that. The magic was big Hollywood type magic, so the novel stayed light and just a bit fluffy. Overall, I liked it more than I thought I would based on the romance label.

Up and Out by Ariella Papa

Up & Out by Ariella Papa

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I liked this book well enough, but I would have liked it more a few years ago. Just a few years ago, I would have been able to really identify with the main character and her situation. I've been through that time when your friendships can get weird and I know how it feels to think they are all falling apart. But, I wouldn't say I'm still in that place, so the book didn't hit me the same way it would have if I had read it sooner. If you are in that place, that quarter-life crisis time, then this book will probably speak to you more. If you are just shy of the quarter-life crisis, then you will probably like this book a lot too because you'll feel normal if/when it happens to you. If, however, you are over that hump, you might only be reminded of that rocky time and find yourself not enjoying it very much.

In Murder We Trust by Eleanor Hyde

In Murder We Trust by Eleanor Hyde

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
At first, I was a little confused by the cast of characters. But, eventually, I figured out the people and how they were connected. I thought the ending was well thought out and smart. I couldn't believe the dog's name is Columbo- my parents have a basset hound with the same name! Too funny! Overall, it was a little dry at times, but smart enough to keep me interested.

Heart and Salsa by Suzanne Nelson

Heart and Salsa by Suzanne Nelson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I think this might be my new favorite book in the series. I really liked Cat's journey and the maturity she developed by the end. So much of it rang true! When you move away, friendships can change in ways you don't expect. When a friend has a creep for a boyfriend, she won't always believe you. And most importantly, no matter how much you plan on life going in a certain direction, it can always surprise you in ways you never planned. All of these themes help to create a fascinating character on a wonderful journey. Loved it! :) I think Spanish students would particularly enjoy this installment since it takes place in Mexico and has many Spanish words and phrases throughout. Again, these are the kinds of books I feel good about sharing with teen girls. I love the positive messages they bring and diverse characters and settings. So good. :)

When Irish Guys Are Smiling by Suzanne Supplee

When Irish Guys Are Smiling by Suzanne Supplee

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really like this series because they tend to feature strong and smart female protagonists that learn a lot about themselves while traveling and studying abroad. I love that I can share these books with my young teenage cousins and feel good about it. This is another great installment that I will happily pass along to young female readers. This particular installment follows Delk, a young girl trying to escape all of the changes in her life following the death of her mother. She goes to Ireland for a semester and learns just as much about herself as she does about the country. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to any teenage female, particularly one interested in studying abroad or travel. If you're a parent of a teen girl, this is the kind of series I would recommend you give to her. While Twilight might break the ice and get a girl into reading (if she's reluctant in the first place), this is the kind of series you want her to read ultimately. Teen girls should have positive and strong female characters to look up to and emulate and these books almost always deliver that.

Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure by Sarah Macdonald

Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure by Sarah Macdonald

My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I was excited to read this book because I love to travel and would like to go to India someday. It started off decent, but definitely hit a snag partway through and I lost interest. It did pick back up near the end, save for when she visits her husband in Pakistan. That was a verbose chapter to get to a point, in my opinion. In fact, that was often a problem for the author. I could see what she was wanting to get to, but she would take the long way to get there. I am a sucker for alliteration and the author does have some rather excellent alliteration sprinkled throughout. But, it wasn't always necessary. I think this book would have been much better if had been condensed a bit. It needs some of the superfluous content cut and it would be much more enjoyable.

View all my reviews >>

Another Day In Paradise by Carol Bergman

Another Day in Paradise: International Humanitarian Workers Tell Their Stories by Carol Bergman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really liked this book. I've been fascinated by humanitarian work for many years. I've read more about the Peace Corps than most people I know. This book was written for people like me. :)

The stories aren't candy coated. They are gritty and real and cover the horror as well as the beauty of the work. Some people would read this book and feel turned off from humanitarian work. But, when I read it, it deepens my understanding of what it takes and I feel encouraged to explore my humanitarian side more deeply. I want to know the stories more intimately and have one to share. Truly a fascinating book and I'm very glad I was able to read it.