The Mourning After by Rochelle B. Weinstein

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Levon Keller and his brother David are in a tragic car accident that kills David. His parents are devastated at losing their oldest child, and blame Levon, if not by words then by actions. Levon is racked with guilt, guilt that eats away at him and has no one to turn to. That is until Lucy Bell moves next door. Lucy knows that Levon is keeping a secret about the accident that he tries to suppress. I found Lucy a strong heroin of the story, she helps Levon deal with what he is going through, his only support and she guides him to reveal the truth.
This is such a great story that I think any young adult would find moving, as well as lessons they might learn from the story. I know I found this story very touching.



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When Jesus Speaks to a Woman's Heart: Inspiration for Your Soul by Donna K Maltese

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The cover and the way it is put together, reminded me of books of another era, that was just the packing. Inside truly lives up to the title, inspiring whispers on virtually any subject a woman might be dealing with. When Jesus Speaks to a Woman's Heart, is a remarkable book, insightful, soothing book. Donna K. Maltese did an excellent job.



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Hard Drive: A Family's Fight Against Three Countries ..... Mary Todd/Christina Villegas

I have to say that my heart goes out to Shane's mother!
What a tragic loss. Her courage to fight for the truth regarding his death is relentless. To have to fight to get the truth is shameful, yet that's what Mary Todd has done. She is tenacious in wanting the truth and I must say she is also a gifted writer. Hard Drive: A Family's Fight Against Three Countries is a must read. Its such a great story, you won't be disappointed.

Eclair Goes to Stella's by Melody DuVal

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


What a delightful chapter book! Very well written and a relevant story, making it great reading for a fifth/sixth grader.



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Forever Amish: A Novel by Kate Lloyd

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Sally Bingham's world starts to unravel, a world she discovers is based on a lie. That's when her life becomes complicated, in more ways than one. It is the complications that make this a thrilling page turner. I read this e-book in just one day, it's that good!
Kate Lloyd is truely a gifted writer!

I received this e-book from netgalley.com for an honest review.



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The Music of Leaving by Tricia McCallum

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Tricia McCallum is a true poet! Her poetry is touching, I was very moved by so many of them. At Rest, brought tears to my eyes. The Music of Leaving is a beautifully written book. I look forward to more from this author.
I received this book from goodreads.com for an honest review.



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Brian Jones: The Making of the Rolling Stones by Paul Trynka

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Such a tragic story in many ways, that being said, shows the rise of a very promising musician. Brian Jones came from an "affection free", middle class home. Highly intelligent, he found an outlet in music, greatly influenced by jazz, he learned to play the guitar and play it very well. It was at this time his family turned their backs on him, considering jazz to be "the beatnik horror" of music. Brian strove to be the best musician he could be and achieved just that. He helped to form and was a part of The Rolling Stones. There was a constant competition between Brian and Mick, each trying to one up the other. Unfortunately, just as the band was really coming into its own, and started riding the charts, Brian lost his life.
I was sent this novel as a 'first read' for an honest review from Goodreads. I gave it three stars because I found the first two chapters a struggle to hold my attention. However, the story did pick up after that and became more interesting, and informative.



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Unfit by Lara Cleveland Torgesen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Never can I recall a more heartbreaking and at the same time a more inspiring book. Unfit calls attention a real tragedy of a time not so long ago, eugenic steralizaion. This is the story of Chrissy. Thrown into poverty by tragic events at a time when there was such a presumtion that being poor meant being good for nothing. That being poor was almost thought of a disease that could be passed on if you were to have a child. Chrissy's story is an amazing one, have a tissue nearby. While it is an emotional read, it is at the same time inspiring. Unfit will be a story that will stay with you long after you finish it.



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Wisdom and Rubies: A tale of crime and misadventure in nineteenth century London by J. F. Slattery

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A well written mystery that takes you back in time to 19th century London. So descriptive are the characters, their actions and mannerisms conduit to that era. A compelling storyline that draws you in makes this a great summer read.



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A friend of mine has brought to my attention that almost all of my reviews are favorable and i must agree with her. I have been very lucky to have received books I thought I would like, of course. However I will attempt to broaden my reading for a more rounded review site... Thank you Lisa.

Falling Into Place: A Memoir of Overcoming by Hattie Kauffman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A remarkable story of strength, hardship and courage. Hattie grew up in childhood that could only be described as heartbreaking. I found myself in tears for her and her siblings at such neglect, and hunger. Despite this she fought to make a success of her life and to bring herself up from poverty, to make a success of her life. She went after what she wanted and did what she needed to, to achieve that success.

After a second failed marriage, she felt something missing from within. She began searching for answers, feeling something was missing from her life. All the while something was pulling her to churches, first one then another. She finally found what she had been missing and what she found surprised her. As a child she never believed in God, and brought that mindset int adulthood with her. Suddenly she found herself hungry, not for food, but for the word of God.

Hattie has shared with us a powerful and inspiring window into her life! What a remarkable novel that will touch anyone who reads it.



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I received this wonderful novel from Smith Publishing for an honest review.