Book Review: The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

This wonderful celebration of individuality is a book everyone needs to read, if only to be reminded that personal preference does not make someone a bad person, nor is it the end of the world to live up to your own unique personality.

Book Review: Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

Potential subtitles for this novel include: How to Make the Best of Bad Situations, or Movie Glam Girl Meets Sweet Surfer Boy. If that second titles sounds like an internet dating ad, it's not far off. "Mink" (East Coast) meets "Alex" (West Coast) in an online movie forum. Is it a crush? Is it simply classic film chit-chat? Bailey Rydell meets Porter Roth when she moves from DC to CA. Is their frenemy status a way to pass the time at work or something more? Vintage clothes and a sweet Vespa, surfing legends and beach parties make this a delightful summer read.

Book Review: Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley

Words in Deep Blue Cath Crowley 9781101937648, $17.99, hardcover, Random House, Pub. Date: June 6, 2017 Publisher description: Years ago, Rachel had a crush on Henry Jones. The day before she moved away, she tucked a love letter into his favorite book in his family's bookshop. She waited. But Henry never came. Now Rachel has returned … Continue reading Book Review: Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley

Book Review: Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith

Jennifer E. Smith is, somewhat surprisingly to me, one of my favorite young adult/teen (YA) authors. I say surprisingly because her books are all about romance, and teen romance isn't usually my bag; full of drama and without the sex scenes - what's the point? But there are a few distinct differences in a Jennifer … Continue reading Book Review: Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith

Book Review: Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal

Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows Balli Kaur Jaswal 9780062645128, $27, William Morrow (HarperCollins), Pub. Date: June 13, 2017 Genres: adult fiction, international fiction, Indian fiction, women's fiction Short blurb: An engaging exploration of the clash between generations (parent/child), culture (Indian/British/British-born Indian), tradition vs updated ideas, expectation vs reality, and lies vs truth, told with fascinating … Continue reading Book Review: Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal

Book Review: The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Amanda Quick

The Girl Who Knew Too Much Amanda Quick 9780399174476, $27, Penguin, Pub. Date: May 9, 2017 Genres: Adult fiction, mystery, romance Short blurb: The glitz and glamor of 1930s Hollywood. A secretary-turned-reporter with a new identity, hot on the trail of a murderer. An ex-magician with secrets of his own to hide. An updated feel … Continue reading Book Review: The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Amanda Quick

Book Review: The Story of Diva and Flea by Mo Willemstad + Tony DiTerlizzi

The Story of Diva and Flea Mo Willems + Tony DiTerlizzi Ages: 4-8 (or older or younger) Review: Whimsical and adorable. A mutually beneficial friendship between a dog and a cat encourages them to explore the comforts of home and the excitement of Parisien streets! Diva lives in a grande building in Paris, watching and … Continue reading Book Review: The Story of Diva and Flea by Mo Willemstad + Tony DiTerlizzi

2015 Goodreads Stats

2012: 42 books 2013: 48 books 2014: 135 books 2015: 154 books It hardly comes as a surprise but 2015 was the year of reading bodice-ripping romance novels, which probably explains why I read 154 books this year! Only a few novels were children books, even fewer YA, mostly mysteries, paranormal romances, motorcycle romances, and … Continue reading 2015 Goodreads Stats

Book Review: Stars of Fortune by Nora Roberts

Stars of Fortune, The Guardians trilogy, book 1 Nora Roberts 9780425280102, Pub. Date: November 2015 Publisher Description: To celebrate the rise of their new queen, three goddesses of the moon created three stars, one of fire, one of ice, one of water. But then they fell from the sky, putting the fate of all worlds … Continue reading Book Review: Stars of Fortune by Nora Roberts

Book Review: The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett

The Anatomical Shape of a Heart Jenn Bennett 9781250066459, Hardcover, US Pub Date: November 2015 Originally published as Night Owls in the UK. Brace yourself. I'm about to royally GUSH about how much IN LOVE I am with this book. I'll try to keep the all-caps and exclamation points to a minimum, but it's going … Continue reading Book Review: The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett