Tigersue's Book Shelf

2 years later and I have completely forgetten

2010-01-12T17:46:00.002-07:00

I have completely forgotten my webpage I had started. I guess it was too much work for me to manage. It is easier to do the blog. I didn't concentrate on reading last year. I did some but not much, perhaps 10 books total if even that. I didn't log it since my concentration has been on other projects, and events that seemed to consume my life, thoughts and ideas.

This year I plan on logging what I read here. Still probably won't be often. I toyed with the idea of doing the book club again but I think it is a bit much for me.

So back to the books and we will see what I come up with. I have several that I have not read just sitting on my bookshelf. Many from a couple of years ago.

Hop to it Tigersue, and read.

Also had to get rid of Haloscan comments. They are leaving the free service. So much for that.

Not sure where I am going with this

2009-02-04T09:46:00.001-07:00

I didn't do very well with my webpage last year. I haven't been reading as much because of other distractions, namely computer and cross stitch, playing with little girls and life in general. I still have read several books. I am not sure what I will do with this site. I like having a place I log the books I read and the number of pages. In a couple of days I will post some other links I have found and maybe I will have an idea of what to do.

Tigersue's Bookshelf the Web Page

2008-01-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

I have decided to make a web page where I will log the books I have read and the reviews. I decided that the way I have done this would be too cumbersome to continue in a blog format. I may still post reviews or thoughts about reading here from time to time. I will see.
I hope my readers will enjoy the new site.
I transfered my 2007 list to the new site, without the reviews.
Enjoy Tigersue's Bookshelf!

Undercurrents, Ripple Effect, and The Deep End by Traci Hunter Abramson

2008-01-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy these three books by Traci Hunter Abramson. My daughter, a swimmer heard about them and wanted them for Christmas. Somehow I managed to find them, and this daughter, and young lady that does not care for reading too much, read them in less than a week. After she would read one, I would read it.
They are about a talented swimmer that is a witness to her boyfriends murder and is placed in the witness protection program to allow her to testify. The stories are easy to read, the author gets to the point rather quickly and for the most part I believe her research to be fairly accurate. She is an author that seems to write about what she knows, since she is a swimmer, and has worked for the CIA.
All in all, if you want a quick and enjoyable read. You can't loose too much with this set of books.

Undercurrents 4 bookmarks
Ripple Effect (my favorite of the three) 4 1/2 bookmarks
The Deep End 4 bookmarks.

Receiving the Gifts of the Spirit by Matthew Brown

2008-01-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

Receiving the Gifts of the Spirit by Matthew Brown is written the wonderful style of Matthew Brown. He discusses various gifts by chapter, the importance of these Gifts to be seen the Christ's Church, and how the adversary can use the gifts in deception. He sites many references, eye witness and personal accounts of these gifts. He emphasizes that these gifts come through the power of the Holy Ghost and how these gifts will be properly utilized. There are promises, warnings and guides for each gift.
My greatest difficulty of the book was with the Chapter Casting out Evil spirits. Having had my own experiences with Evil spirits in my life it was somewhat traumatic for me, and I had a difficult time sleeping that night. This is not a problem of the book, (I would have liked to have seen that not be the last chapter before the conclusion and appendix.) but my own life experiences. I will keep this book because I felt that it teaches important concepts that I think we tend to ignore in the church. I think there is some fear about some of the gifts, or we tend to minimize them since many are not obviously observed since the beginning of the restoration.
4 1/2 bookmarks out of 5.

No Greater Love by Danielle Steel

2008-01-02T08:56:00.000-07:00

No Greater Love by Danielle Steel is a story about the Titanic. Although the wreck of the ship is only a small portion of the time and space of the story, the effects on the survivors in the novel is what the story is about.
There is a young woman left to care for her siblings on her own. She pushes aside her goals and dreams for her future in striving to give them a chance at the life she lost. She does it with out begrudging her lot but with willingness and love. It is an interesting read. I found when I started it that I really could not stop reading.
It is not one of my favorite books, the immorality as always is an issue for me, but at least not graphic sex. I long for the day when sexual activity is kept between husband and wife. My own personal values and I wish some of the popular writers would write characters with the same values.
3 1/2 out of 5 bookmarks.

High Deryni, book 3 of the Deryni Chronicles.

2008-01-02T08:25:00.000-07:00

I love High Deryni it is one of my most favorite of all the novels written by Katherine Kurtz. It continues the story of young King Kelson as he fights to save his throne, his kingdom, and stop the civil unrest that could hinder the former goals. He is battling intolerant clerics, a fanatic miracle worker, and a cruel and ruthless enemy poised to take control of Kelson's kingdom by any means necessary. This book has its twists and turns, leaves many questions for further novels, and answers questions that the reader does not even know are there. For me the first time I read it, as a young girl I was left breathless with the turn of events from the good and bad. My heart grieves at the same time it rejoices in the outcome. Kelson begins to learn the difficulties of being a king, with hard choices and choices taken from him. In this book he starts to cross that line that separates boy princes and kings, to an adult man that is leaning about the cruelity of the crown he wears. It is a journey just begun.
If you love historical fiction and fantasy combined the deryni books are for you. If you don't mind difficult and painful scenes, where beloved characters are tortured, abused and murdered than you can make it through the rest of her novels. The Deryni books are not for the faint of heart, for light readers, but are written with a depth that encompasses all that is noble and horrifying of the human race. If you can deal with these issues than you will enjoy these books as much as I do. If pain and loss is too difficult they maybe to much for the tenderhearted. High Deryni is one of the few books with a somewhat happy ending. Be prepared for great stories, with a richness I have found in few other books. If you can't tell, I love Katherine Kurtz, I really love her Deryni stories. There are very few books that I have read that teach me about the nature of humanity and the faults, cruelity, loyalty, friendship, and all vices of the natural man as this set of books.

5 bookmarks

Straken: The High Druid of Shannara Book 3

2007-11-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

Straken, the final book in the High Druid of Shannara, is again a pretty interesting read. Although I am not as attached to the characters as I am in The Elfstones of Shannara, its ending leaves you feeling a bit sad, and bit hopeful, and a bit in wonderment at the sacrifice, although not quite as selfless as Amberle's fate in Elfstones.
What I do like about the Shannara books is the idea that no one can do everything on their own. There needs to be help, and trust. Even when there are those that are not happy or like the main character, they are willing to do what they need to do for the greater good. Something we all need to learn to do in this life.
There is a demon to overcome, there are the twisted and power hungry druids to combat, and a character left behind in the forbidding, that lied one final time, a lie that I wished could come true.
I liked this book. If you enjoy Terry Brooks, this is a good conclusion to the series.
4 bookmarks out of 5.

Tanequil, The High Druid of Shannara, book 2

2007-11-30T08:13:00.000-07:00

Tanequil, the sequel to Jarka Ruus, continues in the quest to rescue Grianne Ohmsford from the Forbidding. Her Nephew Pen, charged with the quest and traveling with those who are trying hard to trust in his knowledge of what he is to do continues. They are harassed by an assign that is relentless and ruthless.
Grianne is fighting to stay alive and maintain her hold on what she has tried to become over the past 20 years. She has found on creature that she has to rely on, but does not trust to help her survive the perils of her existence in the forbidding.
By the time Pen is able to acquire the Dark staff, there are moments of sacrifice and honor. His parents are pulled into the fray, deceived by those trying to destroy the Ard Rhys. I liked Tanequil a bit better than Jarka Ruus. Still, I think I like Terry Brooks a bit better when his stories are stand alone rather than sequels. Katherine Kurtz seems to do a much better job at writing a story that is part of a trilogy, with a stand alone story as well.

4 out of 5 bookmarks

Jarka Ruus: High Druid of Shannara Book 1

2007-11-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

Jarka Ruus is the first book of the High Druid of Shannara series by Terry Brooks. I was interested in this series because I was curious about what happened to the characters after the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara. This book starts of differently from any of his other books. In the others, there are villains that have been twisted by their magic to become something horrible, or demons chasing and threatening at every turn. In this case the antagonists are druids, seeking to rid themselves of Grianne Ohmsford, the form Isle Witch. Her past can not be over come as hard as she tries to prove that she is not what she used to be.
Once again we are subject to the death of a character I really had hoped to see more development in this series. I thought he was going to be something different from what he was, not a bad change but I was lead to believe that he would be greater in influence from what Walker Boh had said in the previous series.
What I did enjoy with this book and the rest of the series is the look into the forbidding. It was something I could not imagine, but it being a shadow of the land, full of evil and darkness was a very interesting take on the Shannara series.
Over all, it was an interesting read
3 1/2 bookmarks out 5.

Other Worlds

2007-11-08T15:02:00.000-07:00

I am not sure I understand Other Worlds. I know I have not read it before, but the first story is as familiar as can be. I must have read it somewhere else. I don't recognize all the characters discussing the tales, and that is what makes me think I have not read the book. Frankly I like other Barbara Michaels books better. All this really does is relate two stories of the paranormal, and gives some different ideas as to the truth of the matter, but no real resolution either. I felt like I wanted more discussion of the topic itself, and was left wanting more.
I really did not like the book, but the author has written some great suspense, ghost type stories so look for them.
2 out 5 bookmarks

The Elfstones of Shannara

2007-11-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

The Elfstones of Shannara, by Terry Brooks is the 2nd book in the Shannara series, it is actually a stand alone book like the first three are. You may read one, but you don't really need to read the others as each book has its own story. Elfstones was the first that I read, and to this date is my favorite of all the Terry Brooks novels.
I remember reading it for the first time, and staying up until I could get to a point to put it down because it was so scary. It seemed that the demons never stop from the moment they are introduced.
The story is broken up into two separate intertwined tales. The first is the journey of Wil and Amberle as they seek the blood fire to awaken the stone from the Elcrys. The Elcrys is a tree of ancient elven magic and is dying, the forbidding it holds is breaking and the demons are about to escape and destroy all living beings.
The next is the story of the battle the elves wage against the demons as they wait for Wil and Amberle to return.
The result is so breath taking, and stunning that I had to read the last chapters several times to let it sink in, and to this day when I read the story I feel the same way. I weep and I cry, his ability to weave mythological belief into reality for the people in this world. What seems unbelievable is real, and amazing.
There are few books that leave me with this kind of feeling, of loss, and hope, and rebirth all at once. If they were to ever put a Terry Brooks story on film this is the one that I would want to see.
I love this book. It is a masterpiece in story telling. I have not ever, ever read anything like it since.
5 out of 5 bookmarks

Morgawr

2007-11-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

Morgawr is the conclusion to the voyage of the Jerle Shannara Series. This time the heroes are being chased by the Ilse Witch's mentor, Morgawr. It is a relentless journey, and I found this book to be more interesting than the last. There is still much growth among those that survive this journey, and their endurance and bravery is all put to the test. I still miss a major character, but it is not my story, and as in real life not all people may live.
What I really love about the book is the ending, in the same manner of beginning as Isle Witch, full circle you could say.
3 1/2 bookmarks out of 5

Antrax

2007-11-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

Antrax by Terry Brooks is the sequel to Ilse Witch. I may have finished reading this a week ago, but I honestly don't remember much about the book. I suppose that means it is fair. I do remember thinking that the end was as much a cliffhanger as could be, so this book is a true 2nd book in a trilogy. There are many battles going on, not just physical, but emotional and psychological. I can say I did not expect what happened in the end to have been the outcome, but then I was not ready for what seems to be the demise of a character I like.
I give it
3 1/2 bookmarks out of 5

Jane and the Ghosts of Netley

2007-10-30T08:55:00.000-06:00

Jane and the Ghosts of Netley is a Jane Austen Mystery novel, by Stephanie Barron. The premise of the book is very cute, and the style is written in language typical of Jane's era. The story is somewhat slow and filled with a great deal of exposition that may have been better suited for a footnote. I also was not impressed with the use of language chosen for Jane. I have a hard time imagining her using the Lord's name in vain. Perhaps that is a bias on my part, but it always seemed to me that in other books of the era, it was only the men that spoke like that and generally apologized to the woman when they did in her presence. It may be a silly thing but it did drive me crazy.
I'm not sure I would read another one of the books, but others that love Jane Austen, that style of book and mysteries just may enjoy this more than I did.
3 out of 5 bookmarks

Ilse Witch

2007-10-30T08:06:00.000-06:00

Ilse Witch (The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, Book 1), the first book of the Voyage of The Jerle Shannara series, by Terry Brooks. It is slightly different from other Shannara Books, in that the action is spread out through the book, and not constantly going. There is a bit more depth into setting up the plot, for the following novels. It reads like a first installment and not a stand alone book. That is not necessarily a bad thing, if you like trilogies you understand how this form of writing and telling a tale works. If you want to read a stand alone book, or try Terry Brooks for the first time, this may not be the book to start with.
I enjoyed the book, it leaves you wanting more when it ends. The characters as typical, are all seeking for something within themselves.

I give this book 3 out of 5 bookmarks.

The Secret Woman

2007-10-30T07:57:00.000-06:00

I find that as much as I like Victoria Holt's writing in general, there are few of her books that I really, really like. The Secret Woman is not one of those books. Not that it is the worst that I have read, I just don't care for it. Others may absolutely love it. There is mystery, some romance, although I have to say I don't feel the affection of the main characters as I would have liked. The words are there, but not the emotion. I was glad when I finished this book. I don't think I will read it again.
It is about a young woman, orphaned, raised by an Aunt that does not approve of marriage. She grows up learning about antiques, and eventually strives to own her own business. She becomes involved as the governess for a very wealthy family and finds herself the Secret Woman, and that other women also have Secrets that effect her future.
2 out of 5 bookmarks

Among the Free

2007-10-09T10:52:00.000-06:00

Among the Free by Margaret Peterson Haddix, is the final book of the shadow children books. I did not like it as much as the other books for two simple reasons.
1. Finally we get back to Luke, but he is alone. After not seeing him the last few books, you forget about him, and his history. (unless you are lucky and read the books together really fast.) I was glad to read about him again but it was empty for some reason

2. The reason it is empty, is you don't see anyother person who has been working for freedom in the shadow children series until the end of the book. After all of them working together, to have it end without all the children being involved seemed a bit of a let down to me.

If you have boys they will love the series of books. These were the books that really got my son wanting to read. The First book is Among the Hidden, pick it up for your children, they will like it.

3 out of 5 bookmarks

Holly and The Blessing

2007-10-09T10:48:00.000-06:00

I read Holly and the Blessing by Jude Deveraux. I am not sure why I pick up her books, too much sex, premarital sex particularly and it ruins the sweetness of the stories.
2 bookmarks out of 5 for both.

The First King of Shannara

2007-10-09T10:34:00.000-06:00

The First King of Shannara, is a prequel to the Shannara Trilogy by Terry Brooks. The very first book I read by Terry Brooks was The Elfstones of Shannara, I loved the book, it is one of my favorite fantasy books of all time.(After the Deryni series and the Chronicles of Narnia) I have to admit I did not care for the Sword of Shannara very much, but I did like Wishsong of Shannara. The First King of Shannara falls somewhere on the low end of the books I like of his. Being a prequel it is interesting in the fact you see what Bremen was like, the origin of Allanon, and the forging of the Sword of Shannara. Otherwise, in reading a book I have never read before, I felt like I had. I am sure it is because of the foreshadowing it is trying to give from other books, but for me it was confusing. It did not feel like it had something to really set it apart. Like Katherine Kurtz, Terry Brooks is not afraid to end the life of favorite characters, but unlike Katherine Kurtz he has many people die that are just there to die. I have never felt that way with her books. I am not sure I can explain the difference, other than, I never feel that someone is put in a place because someone has to die. I think that is why I like her books so much, as painful as they can be at times. Everything she writes seems to have a purpose and a reason, this becomes more developed in her later books.
Back to the book on topic, there are characters that are rich, and it is sad to see them leave the story early. The ending is still somewhat confusing, and written with exposition. I suppose it has to be there. It is not the best of Terry Brooks, but I don't think it falls into the worst category. I am glad I checked it out from the library and did not buy it.
3 bookmarks out of 5

A Garden in The Rain

2007-10-04T10:09:00.000-06:00

A Garden in The Rain, is very close to being my favorite Lynn Kurland book. I know for the most part I have loved any quite as much since I read this one. Not that her newer novels are not good, I still love them, but this one is pure magic. Maybe it is because I already like the hero Patrick, and what is there to not like about Madelyn. He is what every tragic Hero is, proud, brave, strong, and fearful. He fears many things, broken heart, truth, the lack of honor. She is lost, lonely, but not without personal strength herself. They are both looking for that part of themselves the other is lacking and when faced with needed to choose what it is they want and figure it out, there is nothing to stop them.
I adore Lynn Kurlands books, if you have not read any this is a good one to start with, and I promise you will not want to stop. If you love romance and hate the smut and sex that is prevalent in the genre today, you are safe with Lynn Kurland. Even her most passionate books, (her earliest novels), are not horrible. As you get to later publication dates they become less so physical. Focusing on the emotional attachment in love, not just lust and physical expression, without loosing the importance the need for it in loving relationships.
If you want romance with a twist, these are the books for you.
5 out 5 bookmarks.

The Mysteries of Udolpho

2007-10-04T09:51:00.000-06:00

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe is not a small book. In fact if you can find an decent abridged version you might like it better. It was written in the late 1700's and is considered to be the "mother" of gothic tales. Luckily it is not too hard difficult to read. Like most novels of the time period it is descriptive. So that can become hard to weave through at times to keep the story line in your head. When the story moves it is not hard to keep reading. I do miss that fact that we do not see much of the hero in the story. I admit, I am a sucker for hero's. I love them brave, strong, sensitive, and with faults many.
The heroine, in my mind, is a bit weak at times. I am not sure if it is characteristic of the setting of the book or not, ( mid to late 1500's), but she is always faint, with out strength, and either passing out or near too it. The terms terror and horror appear way to much for me. Still I was entertained, and with gradual and patient reading I did not find the novel difficult to finish.
I was interested in the book because Jane Austin refers to it in her novel North Angerabbey, so I curious, since Mysteries was very popular in her time.
I enjoyed the book, I did not love it, if you enjoy literature in that time period you will probably enjoy reading it.
3 out of 4 bookmarks

Caught in Crystal

2007-09-17T10:21:00.000-06:00

I wanted to reread Caught in Crystal after playing the game Final Fantasy XI. After all the came has some similarities, at least vague ones to the book, A crystal, magical races, and a fight of many enemies.
The book is about Kayl, and woman that once belonged to a sisterhood that worked in teams of 4. Each team had 3 members that worked magic, Sorceress, Healer, and Demon Friend, the 4th was a sword bearer. Kayl was the warrior of her starcluster and 15 years earlier left the Sisterhood.
Kayl is now a mother of two children, and a widow. She is drawn back into the sisterhood and faces not only a real demon, but her own inner demons as she is forced to remember her past.
I enjoyed this book the first time I read it and I find I enjoy it just as much everytime I pick it up to read it again.
I have never been able to get my hands on the sequels to this book so I have no idea if Patricia C. Wrede writing improves, but this book is an enjoyable break from some of the huge epic fantasy tales that are out there.
4 bookmarks out of 5

Eclipse

2007-09-17T09:57:00.000-06:00

Eclipse, is the sequel to Twilight and New Moon. I liked this one better than I did the other two books. I think my biggest problem with the stories comes down to this; I was always told to marry my best friend. In fact I did. I love my best friend, and I can not imagine loving someone that is not my best friend. Bella calls Jacob her best friend but she is in love with Edward, and wants to marry Edward. Don't get me wrong it is not that I like Jacob better than Edward, I really don't have much of an opinion either way, I don't understand how Bella can love someone that is not her best friend.
What I do like about the book, the glimpse into Jasper and Roselie. I like reading about Vampires trying to overcome their nature. That is what makes the tales interesting and worth the read.
As for Bella, all the writer's input that she is responsible, more so than her parents wants to make me shake her. I think she is a spoiled brat, with very little outside concern for herself. She really does not think of anyone in the long run. Only her own selfish needs and desires. She is willing to put others in danger because of her actions. She does not think beyond the moment and that is why I have not gotten attached to her. I find Edward and Jacob so darn controlling it drives me insane. The relationships all seem to be so dysfunctional, that I don't see any sort of satisfying ending. Generally when I read books with characters like this, the author gets the characters to realize the error and mistakes they make. It seems that the only one of the three that really seems to be learning is Edward.
4 out 5 bookmarks.

Shadow of the Moon

2007-09-17T09:49:00.000-06:00

Shadow of the Moon, is an epic tale of politics and war in India. I found it to be a very long drawn out book that took 3/4 of the way through before I was hooked into the story. I bought it under the understanding that it would be a gothic romance, but it really is more in the epic category. I found the writing to be tedious, and it dragged on and on. When I read the author's note at the back, I came to realize that is was once published abridged, and really that is what it needs. It was so hard for me to connect all the political drama with how long it took to get the story going. Once I got into it, the climax of the book was 3/4 of the way through it, and then the rest of the book got back to the dragging format as before, only not as tedious. I am sure if you love books that are epic in nature you will love this one. Still it is no where the match to Gone With the Wind or The Thornbirds in the writers ability to tell the tale. I personally did not like the book that much.
3 bookmarks out of 5

A Quiet Promis

2007-09-17T09:38:00.000-06:00

A Quiet Promise is volume 2 in the Barrington Family Saga by Anita Stansfield. I enjoy this series of books and although it is always easy for me to find fault with her books in someway or another, I admire this story of people trying to make their way in the world in a manner that is right. You have a couple that loves each other deeply, and really try to make it work. This work is better than many of her other novels, and not a good as some others. I am intrigued enough to want to know more of James and Eleanor and their future. This set of books delves into the spiritual aspect of life and how much do we trust God really. Are we willing to put our lives completely into his care no matter that outcome. Many of Anita's books follow that pattern, but it is even more so developed in this set of books. It works in this case, and I look forward to more.

4 bookmarks out of 5

Desert Fires

2007-08-29T09:37:00.001-06:00

Desert Fires is the third book of the story of Amenemhet and Nefrytatanen, rulers of Tamera and their great love. This is a much better sequel to Dawn of Desire, but I have to admit I miss some of the characters that are in the first two books that are not as present, or not present at all in this one. I did not notice it until I read Winged Priestess. I enjoy this book, again not as much as Dawn of Desire, but it is a good sequel. They continue to face invasion and trails. Their children are growing into young teenagers and causing some concern and watchful eyes. Amenemhet fears for the care and safety of his wife, that could rip the hardest of heart. They still face others trying to come between them, but they are much more secure in their love that it is not the full blown jealousy in the second book. There is a sweet romance with the military commander and a tragic young woman. I miss seeing more Kheti and Neferset in this book, but I guess I can't have everything.
This is a book of sorrow, but sometimes she lets things hang after the initial drama. We never hear anything more of Dedjet's son after his birth, little things like that, just are left a bit hanging.
Still this is a book worth reading if you have read Dawn of Desire!
4 bookmarks out of 5

Winged Priestess

2007-08-29T09:29:00.000-06:00

Winged Priestess, is a sequel to Dawn of Desire. I don't find it quite as enchanting but I enjoyed it more on this second reading than I did on the first. The love between Amenemhet and Nefrytatanen is a strong and passionate as ever, and their love and country continues to be threatened on many sides and angles.
If you can find it read it, but unless you really love Dawn of Desire to rush to buy it. It is not a must read, just a fun read is all.
3 1/2 bookmarks

Dawn of Desire

2007-08-29T09:08:00.000-06:00

Dawn of Desire by Joyce Verrette, was the first romance I was introduced to. My sister, Noelie let me read it and it is a beautiful story. It is passionate with out being descriptive. It is a powerful tale of two people, leaders of their countries (the north and south kingdoms of Egypt) that are married to join the two countries together. Their love is timeless, priceless and enduring. Although it is set in a time where sexual activity is rampant, where premarital sex is common, these two remain faithful to each other. No matter the problems and trials and temptations they face they are are always true to the memory of the love, and passion they have for one another.
I remember walking into a bookstore years, and years ago to look for a book and they had a sign up that said "We will not accept Dawn of Desire by Joyce Verrette". To this day I do not understand it. I have read many romance that I should not have read, I have seen books that are truly vial, (including some at BYU library. ha, ha) this is not one of those books. If you can accept things that happen in a society and time different from the values we hold you can enjoy this book. I love it. To this day it is one of my most favorite romance novels. It is her best work, at leas of the books I have read. If you can get your hands on this out of print book, if you love romance, if you intrigued by Egypt, this is the book for you.
5 bookmarks

James and the Giant Peach

2007-08-29T08:28:00.000-06:00

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl was one of my most favorite books as a young girl. Now that I have read it again, it does not hold the magic it once did. Sure it is imaginative and clever, I just don't have the attraction to the story I once did. That does not mean it is not a good book, I would encourage my children to read it, I just don't put it in the category of some of my favorites, like A Little Princess, or books by Beverly Cleary.
I am not sure what else to say about the story of a young boy that travels in a giant peach with several different insects. It is a good introduction to fantasy, and if you have children with great imaginations this would be a very fun book to start with.
2 1/2 bookmarks out of 5

Among the Ememy

2007-08-24T10:06:00.000-06:00

What would it be like if all children born after the second child of a mother were considered criminals, and should not exist? That is the premise of the series of books called the Shadow Children by Margaret Peterson Haddix. I can thank my son for introducing me to this series of books, and he loved reading them. I just finished Among the Enemy.
I think I still liked the first book the best, but I have enjoyed these stores very much. Society is rough, cruel, and terrifying. Children are trying to live and survive the best they can, and there are some brave enough to try to change the status quo.
If you have sons in 5th grade wanting good books to read the Shadow Children series just might be the ticket. Easy reading, with plots that are not horribly difficult, the books all tie in together so the story progresses smoothly, and can be exciting for children with good imaginations.
4 bookmarks out of 5.

New Moon

2007-08-24T09:39:00.000-06:00

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer is the sequel to her novel Twilight. I happen to like this book a bit better than Twilight, but I still have some issues with it that I am not sure I would like to see in my teenage daughter.

1st love does not have to mean the end of the world. Most girls when the break up, cry and sob, yell, maybe even kick and scream for awhile, but not Bella, she becomes nonexistent. She just goes through life completely unaware of her surroundings, what she is doing to her parents, to what friends she had outside of the Cullens. Perhaps dealing with my own bit of depression, even not being what I should be, I am aware of my surroundings. It seemed a bit too much for me.

What I did like was the relationship between Jacob and Bella. Now sure she is using him to "feel" again, and he is in love with her, at least puppy love but the talk. The do things together. There is not this "Oh he is so beautiful, or dazzling that all I can do is look at him. The friendship is real and I think that is why it hurts to read at the end of the book.

The writer conveys the love that Bella has for Edward, at the risk of her own life, but as always she does not think about the risks to others. Even after reading Twilight, I am not sure why these two love each other. On the surface you really don't see much beyond the writer telling us that it is so.

I don't like Bella lying to her Father. Actually, I hate it. I know that she really can not tell him much, but there are things that she does behind his back that I would really, really, hate, and I honestly don't think she has any remorse. All she wants is to be with Edward, forget everything else. Even Jacob, her friend, is an after thought. She wants Jacob and Edward to be friends, but it will not happen and she will choose Edward over Jacob any day.

I hate the double bind that she is in. Then that is what makes the story compelling to begin with. That is what the issues really are, not her love or lust of Edward, because I think it is lust as much as love in my POV.
So what are the conflicts she has.
1. Turn in to a Vampire, and risk not being able to live as the Cullens do. (Honestly I do not see her considering her parents or her other friends in this choice. All she wants is to be with Edward.)
2. Not turn into a vampire and risk being killed by Victoria or the Members of the Volturi.
3. Turn into a Vampire and have Jacob turn against her, and even if he can't and won't kill her does not mean he would not turn against Edward and kill him or other members of the Cullen family and where would that leave her?

Now there is something else that is noticeable but has got me to thinking. Bella has a power, a very strong one. What if that power makes her immune to being turned into a Vampire, and what if that power could actually reverse the damage done to a Vampire, make them once again human. Just a thought.
4 out of 5 bookmarks.

Ishmael

2007-08-21T12:15:00.000-06:00

Ismael, by Barbara Hambly, is a Star Trek novel. Not just any Star Trek novel, but a fun one. If you happen to be familar with the TV series, Here Comes the Bride, this book sends Spock back in time and he interacts with the people and events of that show.
I think what really endears me to it is that Mark Leanord, the man that plays Spocks father is the man that plays Aaron Stemple, the man that saves and befriends Spock in the book. It makes it that much more delightful for me to read. Spock knows just how to handle Biddy Cloom and her hysterics! I have enjoyed this book in the past and I am grateful for a friend to bring it and let me read it again.

4 out of 5 bookmarks.

A Little Princess

2007-08-21T12:03:00.000-06:00

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett is one of my all time favorite books. I loved it as a little girl and I love it more as an adult. I cry when Sarah gets news of her fathers death, and I cry when she is found. The story is magic pure and simple.
A story of heartache, friendship, trial and perseverence. This is a must read for anyone! It should be in every library. Can you tell, I love this book.

Forget watching the movies, they don't hold true to the story, (except the wonderworks version)

5 bookmarks!

Dancing in the Dark

2007-08-21T11:55:00.000-06:00

Dancing in the Dark, by Mary Jane Clark, is not what I call a good book. The only reason why I finished it is because I left it in my van, and when I would pick up my daughter I would read a few pages. For a mystery the choppiness drove me crazy. If this is typical of her books I can not say I will read another. Go pick up an Agatha Cristie, trust me, you will enjoy it more.

2 bookmarks

All Things Restored, Evidence and Witnesses of the Restoration

2007-08-13T07:51:00.000-06:00

All Things Restored, Evidence and Witnesses of the Restoration, by Mathew Brown, is a book detailing the miracle of the Restoration of Christs Church on the earth. He discusses the prophecies and evidence of the great apostasy, the roll of Joseph Smith and specific evidences and thoughts showing why there needed to be a restoration. I have always enjoyed Brother Browns works and this is a good one to read. He makes things much more understandable, fills it with footnotes and research so if you wish you can spend more time looking up his sources for more information. He not only uses information from members of the church, but he also looks at historical statements, and beliefs from the earliest christian writers, leadership, and historians. I will always recommend Mathew Browns works. This is a book to educated, to increase your testimony of the restoration of the church and the miracle that it is to once again have the voice of God heard.

4 out of 5 bookmarks

Twilight

2007-08-13T07:44:00.000-06:00

I have to say I am a bit slow on the Twilight bandwagon. I had heard of the book, but nothing more than the title, that the author is LDS, and it was gaining popularity. A few weeks ago I heard it was about vampires, but I still did not buy it. A good friend recommended it and she loaned it to me this weekend, and I read it over Friday night(the first three chapters), and finished it Saturday.
It is classed as a book for Young Adults, and it is very easy reading. I enjoyed the book (obviously since I finished it in just a few hours), and I would recommend it to anyone.
The main character is a shy young lady, growing up way too fast. The coven of Vampires are a tragic, and sympathetic to the reader.
She weaves the tale in first person, so it is easy to start to feel the way Bella feels, and thinks.
This book truly is worth your time reading. I have not read much of the vampire genre, I think the only one I have read has been Dracula, and this is nothing like it really.

4 1/2 bookmarks out of 5

The Husband

2007-08-13T07:31:00.000-06:00

The Husband by Dean Koontz is a thriller mystery, about a quiet gardener who's wife is kidnapped and held for a Ransom much more than the man is capable of attaining. I have not read any of this authors works before and this one is a keep you on the edge of your seat type of story. I think I have read mystery/thrillers I have enjoyed more. I could not quite grasp the reality of this mans dilemma. I know what I would expect my husband to do if we were in this sort of situation. That is perhaps where my problem lies, I can not really put myself in this mans shoes.

If you like Dean Koontz, I am sure you will love this story, otherwise, check it out from the library.
3 out of 5 bookmarks.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

2007-07-25T07:57:00.000-06:00

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the last book of the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, is perfect. It ends perfectly, the way it should. It is a wonderful typification of Christ. I cried, I laughed, I smiled, and in the end I put it down a sobbed.
I don't want to spoil it if you have not read it. I recognize that I am a fast reader.
I will say this is one of the first books I have read without jumping around, without reading the last page. I did not want to spoil anything for myself, I will not do it to others.
I believe this book to be her best of all of them. It is that wonderful. You will never regret reading Harry Potter, just to read this book.
Pick it up, savor it, gobble it up. What ever your reading style, do not miss a word. It is that worth the effort.
5 out of 5 bookmarks

An Only to Deceive

2007-07-25T07:47:00.000-06:00

And Only to Deceive, by Tasha Alexander, is a mystery and romance in one bundle. Trying to be a bit like Gothic romances, with a heroine not knowing who to trust completely, is still different in its own right.
The heroine is a young woman, widowed after a few short months of marriage. She becomes involved in reading her husbands journals and starts to fall in love with a man she married to get out of her mothers influence. She starts to explore his interests and passions and as she does so she becomes involved in a mystery that could ultimately threaten her life.
It took me awhile to finish this book, but once I was able to get into the plot it was not so difficult.
Emily is a likable young woman, trying to be what she wants to be, and not conform to the standards of Victorian England society.
She is strong willed, bright, and vulnerable.
This is a clean book, so you don't have to be afraid to pick it up.
3 out of 5 bookmarks

http://deseretbook.com/store/product?sku=4958665

2007-07-25T07:38:00.000-06:00

Being Enough, by sister Chieko Okazaki is a very sweet book. My husband gave it to me for Christmas, knowing that I was really having a hard time with life. Being depressed I never felt like I was doing enough, good enough and a complete failure. It took me a few weeks to pick up this book because I was reading some others at the time, when I did I was delighted at the message of the book.
It is essentially this, we will never be everything, being mortal makes it impossible, but we can be good enough by doing our best. If we have the correct attitude, and remember that with the gifts we have been giving, we can serve the Lord to the best of our ability.
Sometimes, my depression still wanted to kick in as I felt the message was still beyond my ability, still I very much enjoyed the book. I think it is one women need to read and remember as we work as mothers, servants of the Lord, and everything else we are asked to do.
4 out 5 bookmarks

The Secret World of Og

2007-07-25T07:29:00.000-06:00

The Secret World of OG, by Pierre Berton was a book read to me by my grade three teacher so many years ago in Canada. I remember being completely entranced by the book as were all my classmates. It was fun, scary and humorous all in one book. We could hardly wait for her to read more the next time.
As an adult rereading it the magic is not quite there as I remember, but it still is a delightful book to read. It is the story of 5 children and their adventures underground as they meet a race of being unlike anything they had ever seen before.
If you can get your hands on this book, it is worth letting your early school readers enjoy it. It can be hard to find since it is out of print, and the copy I got off of ebay is in really bad condition.
Good luck
3 out of 5 bookmarks

Merlin's Keep

2007-07-13T14:38:00.000-06:00

Merlin's Keep is another novel by Madeleine Brent. I don't like it as much as I do Moonraker's Bride. I find it a bit sluggish at times to read. It is also a much darker book, in may ways this is probably the darkest book out of all the stories by this author. Most have a great deal of intregue, plotting, twists and turns, but this one deals with the supernatural forces not understood by science.
Jani, an orphan raised in Tibet, also ends up in England. She is eventually taken in and befriended by the "woman in red". Jani is a girl of great courage, and loyalty. She never forgets a kindness done to her, and will defend those she calls friend in the fiercest of manner. That is the great part of this book. In the first few chapters I am brought to tears by the loneliness of this girl as she is suddenly left alone in the world. To see her rise above it all to take her place and fight for those she comes to love is the true magic of Merlin's Keep.
4 1/2 bookmarks

Moonraker's Bride

2007-07-13T14:31:00.000-06:00

I have always been a fan of Madeleine Brent. Moonraker's Bride happens to be my second favorite of her stories.
This is the story of Lucy Waring, a girl raised in a mission in China. Events that occur turn her life in a direction never anticipated, and ends up in England, a young widow living with a family that despises her. She makes the best of her life and ends up back in china, where ultimately her life and the life of the man she loves is threatened.
This is a Gothic romance.
If you want to know how much I love this book, it is one I searched for on Ebay to add to my library.
5 out of 5 bookmarks.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

2007-07-05T07:21:00.000-06:00

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, the 6th installment of the series by J.K. Rowling. I find that I enjoy this book much more than book 5. It begins to answer questions about how Voldemort developed, not just character, but physically as well. We see a much more mature and grown up Harry from book 5. A young man that has dealt with most of his anger in book 5, to more acceptance of the harshness and dangers of his life. He is beginning to realize that his actions can effect those around him. We begin to see more of professor Snape and the questions start to arise as to his motivations and loyalties.
Romance begins to show, as well as who is willing to help who. By the end of the book, I found myself completely taken over by Harry's determination to follow through with his tasks. He will not shirk from them. I think the hardest thing he will have in the next book will be to keep his friends from helping him. After all, it appears that the theme of the books is that love conquers all, and the love of his friends will be right there with him.
4 1/2 bookmarks out of 5

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

2007-06-29T10:22:00.000-06:00

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the 5th novel in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. For me this is not one of my favorites of the series but ranks higher than book 2. This story is perhaps her most involved book and is very long. Sometimes I find myself just wanted to get to the climax and get it over with all ready! Still that being said there are many things I find delightful in this book. I love the Weasley Twins. They make me laugh so much at their ideas of freedom and not being constricted to the formalities of society. Yes I don't care of the idea that youth can be disrespectful to their elders, but at the same time that is how many revolutions start.
I don't care for Harry's anger in this book. Maybe that is why I want it to end so quickly. It becomes tedious and frustrating. Oh, I know that anger is part of the grief process and Harry really has no one to talk to in order to release this pressure he feels.
I don't care for Dumbledore's silence. There is so much that seems out of character in this book that I think that is why it is hard for me to read.
The end is painfully sad, but I would like to think that Harry has learned much about himself by then.
The writing is excellent, and the story is good. I just don't care to read this one as much as other books.
I give this one 4 out of 5 bookmarks, mostly for the quality of writing and the in depth plot.

Sheeps Clothing

2007-06-26T11:36:00.000-06:00

Sheep's Clothing is a chilling tale by Josi S. Kilpack. For a novel published by Deseret Book in LDS bookstores it is one that someone of any religion, and belief could pick up read and completely be engulfed in the weaving of the mystery and knowledge of what is about to unfold in its pages. I am not sure what I expected when I started the book, but I did not expect to be so completely involved that I finished in a few hours. I started it late yesterday, and finished it this morning before breakfast.
I have a teenage daughter, and a teenage son. I will expect them to read it and I want my husband to read it. Anyone that is concerned with the threats of online predators should read this novel. It is stunning to read this and expect like most mysteries that you know who the predator is, that the family should know, that he should be someone interacting with them often. Instead you are as drawn to the fact that this is a complete stranger, not just to Jess, but her family and to you the reader. They are secure in their own beliefs that this could not happen to them, but the family dynamics are such that it can. It draws on everyone’s belief that normal life is a protection from harm. It does not matter the home life, it can be wonderful, and still a child can be caught in this trap of anonymity online.
Unlike most stories by LDS authors, this novel does not incorporate the church as a main part of the story, but rather these are people that just happen to be LDS. Their faith and belief although part of their everyday life, they also tend to forget as we most do, what power we can turn to. I think that is something that all people of all faiths can relate to. That is not to minimize the power of the gospel in the book because it is there as I would expect, but it is not preachy, not in your face, and any non member should be able to understand what is discussed.
I really enjoyed this book as reading it felt like a good Mary Higgins Clark novel. I love how each chapter starts with either an email or a journal entry. I appreciate her depth of research to make this believable. There is the email lingo that teenagers use, more mature emails in grammar and spelling. She educates and entices in each chapter. As you read you can see where the parents go wrong, how signs are missed and ignored. You see how manipulation increases to the point of complete estrangement between mother and daughter. I can not express what I felt as a completed the book, other than everyone with children should read it.
We need not fear the internet but a good healthy dose of respect and caution are always in order.
I give this a strong 4 stars.
I have to say thank you to Josi Kilpack for asking me to read and review this book. I am honored and touched that she would ask this of me, someone she has never met, only read my blogs.

Mistress of Mellyn

2007-06-26T11:24:00.000-06:00

Mistress of Mellyn is a Gothic romance written by Victoria Holt. I first read the story in a
Reader's Digest abridged version of the tale.
I loved reading every word, every nuance, every thought in the book. It is a story of a young woman approaching spinsterhood, and entering the profession of a governess. She takes on the duty of teaching a young, spoiled, and emotionally neglected 8 year old, and eventually finds that she loves her young charge.
Martha Leigh is a proud young woman, clinging to every ounce of dignity she can hold onto. She is caught up in a mystery, that not even the residents of the home are aware exists. The end is almost worth of an Edger Allan Poe story.
I have looked for years to read the entire story as written my Victoria Holt, and at last I found the book in a used bookstore just this week. I was delighted to be filled in on details not existing in the 100 page abridged version I have read many times. Yes this book is a keeper in my bookshelf!
41/2 out of 5 bookmarks.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

2007-06-22T08:59:00.000-06:00

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, is the 4th book of the Harry Potter series. It is with this book that J.K. Rowling's writing really takes off as she tells this tale with a vividness that is unsurpassed in the previous books. Each year that Harry grows older the threats on his life become more apparent. He has enemies that he is not aware of, and does not understand what is happening to him. For the first time I wonder why Dumbledore and others do not confide more to the young man. All this fear that the children are too young to understand, becomes a problem as they really NEED to understand the threats that can happen to them.
They treat them with kid gloves, forgetting that Voldemort does not care about the age of his enemy, He showed that callousness years before when he attempted to kill Harry the first time.
Readers get what they want in this story, a Quidditch match that takes up the first 116 pages. In fact they do not arrive at Hogwarts until page 169. You get to see more of the Weasleys, and meet their two oldest sons, Charlie and Bill. You understand why Mad-eye-Moody, is called Mad-Eye. You meet characters from other schools as there is a tournament held.
This is a very entertaining book, full of ups and downs, laughter and tears. This is the first book that made me cry in the series. She does a wonderful job of letting you feel Harry's pain and sorrow at the end. Something that the movie does okay, but when you read it, you actually "feel" it.
I give this book 4 1/2 bookmarks.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

2007-06-19T14:50:00.000-06:00

Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban, is my favorite book of all the Harry Potter books so far written. That does not mean it is her best work but I love the story. I am a person that loves stories with twists in time, when things are not what they appear and stories that go in a different direction from what is started. This book is full of the stuff I like in a fun story. The first time I read it I could not put it down. By the time I was done, I was smiling, sad, and relieved all at one time. J.K. Rowling's introduces two new characters, one of which is my favorite in all the stories. I look forward to every appearance of Professor Lupin, and I deeply hope he survives the coming story.
I love the background she gives about Harry's Parents, their friends and even in some degree their significance to the plot.
There are points of humor, and plenty of angst as Harry is slowly learning about his past, and what he missed with the murder of his parents.
I find this book to be a good buffer between book 2 and book 4.

I give it 4 1/2 bookmarks as my sentimental favorite and not for any other reason.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

2007-06-14T14:36:00.000-06:00

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the second volume in the Harry Potter series. It continues with Harry's training and the school Hogwarts and the adventure continues. There are cases of petrification, switching identities, hints of school crushes, and a professor that only wants to see himself in the mirror. This book is not one of my favorites in the series, the story is still well written, and full of adventure, risk, and bravery. We are introduced to more people, see more of the world of magic, and learn right along with Harry that there are good and bad everywhere. It is the choices we make that define who we are.
3 1/2 bookmarks out of 5

To Kiss in the Shadows

2007-06-14T14:28:00.000-06:00

To Kiss in the Shadows is a short story, novella, written by Lynn Kurland. It was originally published in a book of 4 stories by various authors and this was the only story worth its weight in Gold. I hated the other book, I threw it in the trash because of the smut that was in it.
This story is the tale of how Jason of Artane finds the woman he eventually marries. It is a sweet story, fitting for a man that was squired by a man that was not what he seemed.
I could not wait to buy this book to add to my Collection of tales by Lynn Kurland. If you love sweet romance, a bit of sword play, and a heroine that desperately needs someone to see her worth, this is the story for you!
4 out of 5 bookmarks

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

2007-06-13T17:29:00.000-06:00

I have just finished reading this book for the, Oh, I don't know how many times. I absolutely love the Harry Potter books and this time I am catching some subtle things I never caught before. Nothing major, nothing huge, just little things I have forgotten because it has been so long since I have read these books.
I went to an education week 4 years ago where Michael S. Wilcox was speaking on C.S. Lewis. He talked about how C.S. Lewis and Tolkin were involved with starting a Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Club. He talked about their influence and greatness of writers, and now Great Britain has produced another writer in the same league as they are in writing about the forces of Good and Evil, and putting it into stories that are so amazing. J.K. Rowlings in his opinion is of their same calibre and her books are to be read, and enjoyed.

I agree. So here is a good 4 bookmark rating for her first book!

What Will Happen in Harry Potter 7

2007-06-12T17:37:00.000-06:00

What Will Happen In Harry Potter 7, is a book of speculation on the upcoming release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It produce my mugglenet.com, and is full of interesting ideas about the upcoming book. I think my biggest complaint is that it gives more time to the theories the authors like most and little credence or time to the ones they don't like. It is an interesting read, but I don't think it was worth the money I bought it for. If you can borrow it, check it out, do something else then spend the money when the book that will answer the questions will be out in a few weeks!
2 1/2 bookmarks out of 5

18. Bleak House by Charles Dickens

2007-06-11T11:39:00.000-06:00

Bleak House by Charles Dickens is not a book for the faint hearted reader. I love to read and this volume of nearly 900 pages took me several months to work through. Not that it was pain staking, just difficult to keep track of the story in my frame of mind. I have had difficulty concentrating on anything difficult for a few years and I made this novel a personal challenge of mine to finish. I have always felt that a challenge is worth every effort to make and I am not disappointed in this one. If anything I disappoint myself in my inability to concentrate and really remember what I have read and why I am reading. I am very glad that I saw a bit of the PBS series based on this book because it really helped me keep my interest and my focus.
As typical, Dickens writes a story with great depth and descriptions. It is easy to feel yourself in the surroundings mentioned. The characters are rich and varied. Some despicable, and some noble, and some tragic. I have always loved A Tale of Two Cities and I can say I was interested in Bleak House because of my passion for that book.

Bleak House is a mystery, first and fore most. Second it is a story of love and the tragedy of love. It is a story of pride and how fear can influence pride's downfall. There is so much to this book that some day I will pick it up again, and really give it careful attention to detail. To the rich nuances that Dickens can place in his writing. If you love writers in the 19th century this is a book you can not miss reading. If you are only a casual reader you may find it challenging but I promise in the end it is worth every word read.

17. These Three Remain

2007-04-30T11:53:00.000-06:00

These Three Remain, is a Novel of Fitzwilliam Darcy, written by Pamela Aidan, is another of the miriad of stories out there trying to fill the holes in Pride and Prejudice. This novel does a fair job of the characterizations, and reading from Darcy's point of view can be very enjoyable. This is a third book of a series and I have not read the other two to see his POV throughout the entire story. There are some new characters added, some I am not what to make of them since there is no background with Jane Austin in her stories. I mostly read quickly through those parts, to get to the story I am familiar with. Overall it was a nice read, I am not sure I will pick up the other books. If I find them in a library maybe. I have read much worse books based on these delightful characters.
3 1/2 bookmarks

16. When I Fall in Love

2007-04-30T11:35:00.000-06:00

"When I Fall in Love", is Lynn Kurland's newest offering and I found it to be enjoyable. Of course that is not saying much since I like all of her books, but I think after the last two or three this one goes back to what I like.
It is Nick's and Jennifer's turn to find love, and the meaning of sacrifice. Nick, has not been one of my favorite characters in the past, but it is nice to see these two paired together. As in her other books there are cameo appearances and mention of other characters from previous novels. If you have not read her books before it will make you want to go back and read her other books.
If you are looking for clean, sweet romance this is the author for you!
Lynn Kurland focus is on characterization, not the act of passion. She gives you the feeling of love without feeling like you have intruded upon something private.
I know I will be safe buying one of her books, and recommending them to others. Thanks to Noelie for introducing me to this very fun author.
4 bookmarks!

15. Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister

2007-04-30T07:17:00.000-06:00

Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire is a novel about the legend of Cinderella.
I have never read any of Gregory Maguire's novels and I have not seen Wicked so I was not sure what to expect when I picked the book up.
It is a brutal book. I found it to be somewhat depressing and without much love or compassion in it from any of the characters. It has small pieces here and there, but somehow I feel every character is after their own interests and no real care of concern for the others around them.
The three step-sisters seem to have an attachment but I never really feel any true love. That does not mean it is not written, I just don't "feel" it.
That being said it is an interesting tale, set in the beauty of Holland. You see a master artist, a man who speculates in the tulip business, there are settings of intrigue, death, and courage.
In many ways the story reminded me of the movie "Ever After", without being anything like it.
(Except for perhaps the mother)
Over all I think I was disappointed in the book, but someone else may absolutely love it.
I give it 3 out of 5 book marks.

14. The Foreigner

2007-04-06T21:11:00.000-06:00

I was finally able to read the Foreigner by Gladys Malvern the same Author as Behold Your Queen. This is a very sweet telling of Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth. I think what struck me most with the story was the hardship in traveling from Moab to Bethlehem, something I never considered with the ease we have to move around in this day and age. To think of their suffering and Ruth's endurance to travel to a new strange country is truly an act of love. We are not aware of anything that would have caused her to leave her home when Naomi entreats her to return. Instead Ruth pledges to stay with her and to honor her and her beliefs and customs.

Then to read about the custom of the Redeemer, she explained it in a manner that I could understand even more than I had. She explains the reasons Naomi entreats her to approach Boaz and the manners that would let him know her feelings and what he needed to do.

This is a novel written for young women as the writing is simple, without elaborate detail. I am glad I have purchased this book to go along side "Behold Your Queen".

4 out of 5 bookmarks

13. I A a Mother

2007-04-06T20:52:00.000-06:00

I have just finished reading I Am a Mother by Jane Clayson Johnson. I heard Sister Johnson speak last year on TV, they where playing her speech that she gave at Women's conference last year and this book carries on the them of her talk. I was wonderful to hear this woman that had quit an amazing career to be a mother. I think many women can relate to her feelings of turmoil and confusion as she heard mother's say, "I am just a mom." Why do we minimize this most valued and important calling we can have in our life. She gives many examples of women that she admired for their examples of motherhood. She gives quotes of prophets, women leaders in the church, and other important and significant writers as to the importance of mothers. Every woman should have a copy of this book in their homes, whether they are a mother of children or have been denied that blessing in this life. After reading this book I shall always look at my life as a mother as something more than what I have ever envisioned before.
5 out of 5 bookmarks

12. Prophecies: signs of the Times, Second Coming, Millennium by Matthew B. Brown.

2007-04-02T10:07:00.000-06:00

Prophecies: signs of the Times, Second Coming, Millennium by Matthew B. Brown.

I just finished reading this book. I think there are some better ones out there on Prophecy, particularly since he seems to leave out other opinions on the fulfillment of specific prophecies by other leaders of the church. He focuses mostly on the opinions of Joseph Fielding Smith and Bruce R. McConkie. I have found the books I have liked the most give many points of view in regards to fulfillment and interpretation. One of the best chapters is the first on as it discusses the meaning of signs and wonders. I also enjoyed the appendixes, particularly the one discussing the correlation of the plaques and the strategy of seizing a city. Not being a person that is good about strategy it was enlightening to read. It is a book worthy to have on your book self as a supplement to other books on the subject. I am not sure I would suggest that it would be the only book you buy. Normally I love Matthew Brown, but this one is not as good as some of his other works.

3 bookmarks out of 5

11. Battle Star Galactica

2007-04-02T09:42:00.000-06:00

I finished reading Battlestar Galactica, the book based on the original TV series and feature film. I have always been a fan of the original Battlestar Galactica series and I have loved the two novels I bought. This one is the better of the two, as it gives a glimpse into the cylon world, particularly the motivations of the Imperious Leader. The story is different from the show, as you can tell the script adapted and changed after the book was written. I think my favorite quote from the book is the following,

"Yes, we don't believe in war--but the opposite of war isn't necessarily peace. No, what we want is freedom. Just that, freedom. The right to be left alone. It's a right we humans have always tried to protect and preserve." Captain Apollo to Boxey, pg 145.

The book is full of symbolism of what we need to fight for and why we need to protect ourselves.
3 bookmarks out of 5.

2007-03-30T08:30:00.000-06:00

I went to a new site today, adding it to the Calling all LDS Women Blog roll, she had this interesting post so I went to the site! It is called the Great American Book Give Away! You can register to win a new book every week, so why not try it?

10. The Ghost by Danielle Steel

2007-03-27T10:28:00.000-06:00

Normally I do not read Danielle Steel. For some reason I have a hard time with her writing, but I have to say The Ghost interested me. I like stories with benevolent Ghosts and so I thought I would give it a try.
Over all the novel is well written and from the start I was drawn into the tale. It is composed from the view point of the hero, something a bit different for romance novels and I enjoy it when I come across the few that are done that way. His pain and sorrow and frustration is evident.
I don't like the fact that adultery and premarital sex are so rampant in the book. There is one rape scene that is some what hard to read, and it deals with marital abuse.

The Ghost to me is a bit of a Mary Sue. She is so beautiful that everyone is stunned by her loveliness, yet she is unaware of the effect she has on everyone around her. She is kind, passionate, brave, and uncomplaining. She appears to have no faults. That is perhaps my only real literary complaint of the book. Everyone else has personality faults but this woman. I can say I find in my own journals I am the harshest about myself so I would have expected much the same thing.

So I give the Ghost 3 out of 5 bookmarks, it is entertaining.

9. Northanger Abbey

2007-03-14T19:33:00.000-06:00

What is it about Jane Austen that I really love her stories. Northanger Abbey her first story written and published after her death is a sweet, fun, light hearted tale with an innocent heroine, and a hero that keeps her head below the clouds. It doesn't have all the intrigues of her later novels, but enough to keep you interested. You can see how the story is going to go, but you get drawn right along with Catherine through out the book. This is not a Pride and Prejudice, or a Persuasion, but it is full of charm, wit, and good humor. I found myself laughing out loud at Catherine's imagination as she lets it carry her away.

If you love Jane Austen this is another must read, and I am keeping it in my library for another go around sometime.

4 bookmarks.

8. Behold Your Queen!

2007-03-14T19:22:00.000-06:00

Behold your Queen is a wonderful book by Gladys Malvern. To tell you how much I love this book I bought it on ebay for an amount of money I generally do not spend on a book. It is a treasured member of my collection of novels.

This is a sweetly written story about Ester and more in line with what I picture when I read the bible than One Night with a King , which is to not say the former book does not have its merits, because it does. I just happen to love this sweet story and how it portrays Ester from the beginning as a faithful Jewess that already has a strength of testimony. Her love for the king is evident as is his love for her. This is an easy tale to read and a young preteen could handle it easily. If you can find it in your library it is very worth the time and effort to check it out. If you love the story of Ester, this is a must.

I give it 5 bookmarks

7. Star of the Morning

2007-03-05T14:13:00.000-07:00

Star of the Morning is a novel by Lynn Kurland, my most loved romance writer! This book is pure fantasy more than any of her other books and that says a lot because she delves into things like time travel in many of her romance novels.
Star of the Morning has three major characters. a king that is as bratty, spoiled, and self serving as you would expect, and lacking in many other things as well, his brother who is wise, kind, and a mage of the highest order, still learning what he can, and a young woman with an ability for magic when that is the last thing she wants.

What occurs is humorous at times, and can be very touching as the reality wows in the kingdom start to increase. Morgan is a typical Kurland heroine, with feistiness, skill, and a touch of vulnerability that she would rather deny. I enjoyed this book, still be warned that it ends with a cliffhanger so there is at least one more book to come. I think in the end I would rather read one of her romances, but I am not a huge fan of fantasy books in general.

3 out of 5 bookmarks.

6. One Night with the King

2007-03-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

One Night with the King by Tomas Tenney is a novelization of the story of Esther found in the Bible. I found it to be a very interesting look into what could have transpired in the events found in the Bible. It shows Hadassah growing from a girl that questions her faith to becoming a woman of faith among gentiles. As I read the book it gave me some very interesting insights I have never considered as I have read the book of Esther, the Jewess that become Queen and eventual saves her nation, leading the celebration of Purim.

The cruelty of Hamman and the ability of the King to be manipulated is well contrived and very believable to read. The author did a great deal of research to make the settings and customs of the court rich and defined. If you love reading about Esther, or about faith this book is very enjoyable.

4 out of 5 bookmarks.

5. Deryni Checkmate

2007-03-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

Deryni Checkmate is the second book out of the Deryni Chronicles by Katherine Kurtz. It is not my favorite book of the three because I find it so tragic and sad. It also fills in the time from Kelson's Coronation to the battles that occur in High Deryni.

We meet Alaric Morgan's sister Bronwyn as she prepares for her wedding. We also are filled in to all the political intrigues within the Kingdom of Gwynedd and the threats from outside her borders. Sometimes it can be a bit slow by generally my interest picks up rather quickly. By the end of the book the cliff hanger has you on nails and you wonder how she is going to resolve all the conflict and politics that have the hero's in what seems to be a no win situation.

Over all I give this book a 4 out of 5 bookmarks.

The current edition is an authors rewrite of the book. Deryni Rising the 1st book is also available.

4. Battlestar Galactica 2 The Cylon Death Machine

2007-03-02T18:18:00.000-07:00

I have to admit I love the original Battlestar Galactica series. I have owned this book for years. In the past week I have been watching the series again with my son and it inspired me to dig out my book and reread something I have not read in a very, very long time.

If you enjoy the original TV series, you will probably enjoy this book. It has some extra plots, twists and turns. It gives you an insight into several of the characters and how they think.

The book is written in the point of view of several characters, Cadet Cree, Commander Croft, Commander Adama (in his journals), the cylon Imperious Leader and a cylon named vulpa. The rest of the time it moves from different characters in the scene.

As far as I can tell the book is no longer published.

Author Glen A. Larson and Robert Thurston

3 out of 5 bookmarks

3. In the Shadow of the Ark

2007-03-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

In the Shadow of the Ark is the first and probably the last of Anne Provoost's novels I will care to read. I only stuck with it because I wanted to see how she finally delt with the story of Noah and the Ark to give it a full review. I figured I had started it I might as well finish it.

It is not a respectful view of the great Patriach and his family at all. The humanistic view is one that I could hardly tolerate throughout the entire story. The perspective, that of a girl name Re Jana, is intersting and thought provoking as she tries to understand a new culture. Her father is a master builder and becomes Noah's expert in the construction of the massive ark. This veiwpoint is the only brilliant part of the story.

Now for what I hated as a faithful Latter-day Saint.

1. She portrays Noah as a sick, weak, easily manipulated man.
2. Noah does not communicate why the flood is coming. If fact it is only refered to as a calamity, and only tells people that the worthy will be saved. In fact only Noah and his family will be the ones on the Ark. There is no call to repentance, no laws given, the people are ignorant as to why a calamity is going to come. No idea that repentance was a possibility.
3. The novel is full of immorality from premarital sex, to lesbian acts. There are is not restrain and in fact sexual relations between spouses is forbidden on the Ark.
4. It would appear that wickedness is not a reason to die in the flood as all of Noah's chidren commit grievous sin.
5. There is no compassion in the heart of Noah
6. Noah's wife commits suicide while on the Ark. She has no faith in her husband

Now as a person that loves the Book of Mormon, if the things that occured on the Ark also occured on Nephi's boat, Noahs family never would have survived the flood. There was worship of idols, forbidden sex, lies, and general crudeness. Now I know people are not perfect, but this lack of respect to this prophet and his family was a bit more than I could bear. I would not reccomend this book to anyone. It is not great in sexual description just enough to get the idea of what is going on. Nope, don't read this novel, there are much better books out there!

The book does have an extensive readers discussion guide for reading groups.

2 bookmarks out of 5, only because of the interesting point of view.

2. In Search of Heaven

2007-03-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

I have always enjoyed reading Anita Stansfield novels. I have a lot of problems with many of the LDS fiction writers out there because of the lack of research by the authors, Anita Stansfield, I feel, at least seems to do some good research to support her stories. In Search of Heaven seems to be no exception.

This one feels like reading a gothic romance reminiscent of Victoria Holt, complete with a heroine that moves from a lowly servant to a wife. I like how this book focuses on people who listen to thier inner spirit and promptings, not knowing exactly why they do what they do, but they must do it because they feel the promptings to do so. My biggest complaint with Anita Stansfields novels is how she uses money to solve problems that most ordinary people do not have the advantage of having to make life easier. She handles the same thing in this book, but I don't have as much difficulty with it because you still see the characters trying to deal with real life, how are they going to live, where are they going to live, and how are they going to manage even with the advantage of having money to ease the process. Most of the time I feel that she uses the wealth of characters to avoid tedious things that happen even in the midst of difficulty. After all cars do break down, washing machines do break down at the most oportune moment and they can be the straw that breaks the camels back when life is already in full stress!

Aside from that quibble with Anita Stansfield she has the ability to discuss topics in a sensitive manner that can expand a readers emotions and attachement to many individuals. This book is different in how it approaches the concept of marital intimacy and love. It is tender, passionate with out being descriptive and lewed. I would recommend this book to anyone that would like some light reading and a bit of escape from reality.

The Book Contains a readers group discussion guide.

I give this book 3 out of 5 bookmarks

1. Childe Morgan

2007-03-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

If anyone has read my personal blog, you know that I am a great fan of Katherine Kurtz's deryni books. Childe Morgan is the second book of the trilogy exploring the life of Alaric Morgan's family. This book deals with Alaric as a small boy so his impact in the novel itself is not large, but the events are pivotal in the future of the new King Brion Haldane and eventually his son Kelson.

Unlike many of the alt.books.deryni newsgroup members I don't have a problem with her later novels. I suppose I accept what she has written as the way it is to be. If I could change things I would, but not because I think it would be better, but because her books are so tragic. I love how she deals with the human emotion, and experience. You have heroes that are not perfect, and not all the villains are pure evil. The deryni and human have both those that can abuse their power and have learned restraint.

Although this is not one of my favorite books, I love Alyce Morgan and her husband Kenneth. They are everything I expected and perhaps a bit more. If you like fantasy novels Katherine Kurtz's deryni books are a must read! I would not suggest starting with this book but to start with book one of the series In the Kings Service is acceptable as you really do not need to know much of the previous novels to catch on quickly.

I would give this book a 4 out of 5 bookmark rating.