The 5th Horseman by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

I have mixed feelings about James Patterson's books.  I know he writes with a co-author and I know that some of his books - specifically his novels for teens - can be quite silly.  That being said, I do enjoy some of his books and his Women's Murder Club series is one that I do like. 

The 5th Horseman is the fifth book in the series.  It starts out with Lindsey Boxer, the usual narrator, on the job as lieutenant on the police force.  She's investigating a series of murders where the victims are left in cars for anyone to find.  It was very disturbing.  I had to put the book down a few times. 

The other storyline involves a hospital where healthy patients with non-life threatening conditions or injuries are dying, usually by an "accidental" mix up with medications.  Yuki's mother is taken to that hospital and the story takes off from there.

I feel like this is a solid addition to the series although there wasn't anything that moved the series along.  Nothing much changed with the women, with the exception of Yuki.  If you've been reading the series, you should continue.  The authors tells a good story.  If you haven't read the series, go on back to 1st to Die.  They are quick reads and you'll get an idea of whether or not the series is for you. 

Family Affair by Debbie Macomber

Family Affair, by Debbie Macomber, is one of those quick, light reads that are good to fit in between big serious books. That being said, sometimes they are too quick and too light.

Lacey is recovering from a painful divorce and moves into a new apartment. Her neighbor is relentless in pursuing her but she wants nothing to do with him. Through a series of misunderstandings, the two finally connect.

This book is a re-print from an original publishing date of 1994. I definitely see a difference in Ms. Macomber's writing style and quality of work. It's cute but there is very little substance.

A Whole Bunch of Reviews!!!

I am behind in my reviews which is fairly typical for this time of year.  I looked at the past history and August is when the downward spiral begins.  In order to at least say something about each of the books I’ve read this year, I thought I’d do a quick post which includes short and simple reviews of a few books.  

A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban

This is a very sweet little story about a young girl, Zoe, with a desire to play the piano.  Not only does she want to play the piano, she wants to be a maestro!  So her dad buys her an organ.  She embraces her new instrument with as much enthusiasm as she can as she and her teacher prepare for her to perform in a competition.  The story is about how a family that doesn’t quite fit the ideal, is actually pretty perfect in their own way.  It’s very good and I highly recommend it.

Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Found is the first book in a series by Ms. Haddix and I was a bit disappointed that more of the story wasn’t resolved before the book ended.  I haven’t read the second book yet and I feel as if I still haven’t finished the book.  The story revolves around two friends who discover that they were both adopted and there is a big mystery surrounding where they came from.  I didn’t love the book and really can’t recommend it unless you plan to read the series.  

Club Dead by Charlaine Harris

This is the third book in the Sookie Stackhouse series.  It’s a nice addition to the series and moves quickly.  Bill is missing and Sookie enlists the help of a werewolf, Alcide, to help her find him.  I love Alcide.  Honestly, I can’t remember all of the details but I remember the end and that Sookie stood up for herself.  Good for her. 

Witch and Wizard by James Patterson

Well, I read it.  All of it.  That’s about all I can say about this book.  At least it was a very fast read.  The book was silly, the characters were a bit manic, and the plot had holes.  I didn’t like it at all and don’t plan to continue the series unless the book falls in my lap and I have nothing better to do.

Metro Girl by Janet Evanovich

Metro Girl is a fun, quick read that I really did enjoy.   Metro Girl introduces us to Alex “Barney” Barnaby, the daughter of a mechanic who knows her way around an engine.  She heads to Miami when her brother disappears and she’s determined to find him.  During her search, she meets Sam Hooker, a NASCAR driver who sets his sights on Alex.  The two get mixed up with interesting characters and head off into dangerous situations on their search.  If you are familiar with Janet Evanovich’s writing, you’ll recognize the formula in the Metro Girl books, but they are fun and worth a read if you are looking for something quick and entertaining.

The Grand Finale by Janet Evanovich

The Grand Finale is a quirky, fun little piece of fluff.  Berry owns a pizza shop and hired three homeless ladies as delivery people.  The only problem is that they weren’t really cut out for deliveries, meaning Berry had to do it herself.  While out on a delivery, she climbs a tree to help a cat and of course falls out of the tree after getting a good look at a half naked man.  The man she was supposed to be delivering pizza for.  Jake falls hard for Berry and her trio of old ladies.   They form an odd little family with a very sweet happy ever after.  This is definitely a light read and there isn’t a whole lot of substance but sometimes it’s nice to not think so much. 

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

With little knowledge of the book but based on good recommendations, I decided to give The Forest of Hands and Teeth, by Carrie Ryan, a try.  Wow.  I am really glad I did.  Although I don't have a love for all thing Zombies, like some of my friends, I definitely loved this book.  I loved it so much I bought the sequel when I was only fifty pages in.

The story is about Mary, a young woman who is looking forward to her future.  She lives in a small village that happens to be surrounded by fences.  The fences are to protect the villagers from the "unconsecrated", we know them better as zombies.  When Mary loses her mother to the unconsecrated, she is forced to live with the Sisters, who run the town.  She begins to learn more about the unconsecrated and some of the town's secrets.  When the village is breached, she and some of her friends are forced into the forest on a series of protected paths.

Mary's goal is to get to the ocean.  She'd heard stories of it's existence but she had been so secluded in her village that she isn't sure it is still there.  The book moves quickly, with a great deal of action and adventure.  It's heartbreaking and terrifying.  I was so wrapped up in the story that I found myself dreaming about it!  That's the first time in a long time I can say that.  For fans of The Hunger Games, you'll see a similar quest for survival.  I highly recommend this book and can't say enough good things about it.

4th of July by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

4th of July, by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro, is the fourth book in the Women's Murder Club series.  I've been slowly making my way through the series even though each is a quick typical Patterson read.  The characters are established and the rythym moves the story along.  The introduction of Yuki brings the group of women back up to four.  I read a lot of James Patterson's books although I have mixed feelings about them.  I won't get into all of that here and just try to review the book.  

This book begins with a horrible event that sends Lindsey to her sister's home in Half Moon Bay.  She needs a retreat and a break from the situation back in San Francisco.  The news of murders in the quiet town peaks her interest and she becomes involved with local police force.  She's suspicious about a link to the current murders and a John Doe that has haunted her since early in her career.

Lindsey's friends, Claire and Cindy, make cameo appearances but the focus is truly on Lindsey.  This is all her story.   Her boyfriend literally appears here and there as he flies back and forth to Washington.  I don't have high hopes for this long distance relationship.

I figured out one of the murderers towards the end of the book but the others were unexpected.  It was nice to not feel the need to read ahead (I'm a last page reader) as the book moved so quickly.  While it's not the best writing in the world, it is still a solid story and was fine for a summer read.

Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff

Fireworks over Toccoa, by Jeffrey Stepakoff, is a charming love story.  The story takes place at the end of World War II.  The soldiers are returning home and the world is full of possibility for the anxious families waiting at home.  Lily, a twenty-year old bride, is preparing her home for her husband's homecoming.  They'd been married only two weeks before he left and she has never really had the opportunity to be a wife.

Lily is torn between the expectations on her as the daughter of a state senator, a society wife, and her own hopes and dreams.  She is trapped into what everyone wants her to be.  When she meets a man, in town for the celebration fireworks, her life is changed.  He offers her adventure, romance, and an opportunity to escape her overbearing mother.  She struggles between what she knows she should do and what her heart wants.

I enjoyed this book, even if I wasn't completely satisfied by the end.  It reminds me of a Nicholas Sparks novel with rich characters and a setting that I could picture so easily in my mind.  Lily changes with each chapter.  My first thought was that she was a spoiled princess who always got her way.  In the end, she's a woman who fights for what she needs and wants in life.  It's worth a read.  I recommend it.

Fallen by Lauren Kate

Fallen, by Lauren Kate is a book that seems to leave more questions hanging than it answers.  This is frustrating for me, the reader, as I have to wait months for the sequel to maybe get those questions answered.  It's good for the writer because she's hooked me and I will read the sequel.  I enjoy reading books that are part of a series because I get to revisit old friends and I can usually jump right in without the whole "getting to know you" period.  I don't like waiting for the next book however.  It is the curse of the reader. 

With all that being said, Fallen is a good book.  There are enough hints and clues to keep you reading to find out who -or what - these characters really are.  The main character is Luce, a smart teenager who happens to see dark figures, or shadows as she calls them, at times when she is very vulnerable.  After a tragic accident, she is sent to a reform school where many of the students and staff aren't quite what they seem. 

Her focus is on two boys, Daniel and Cam.  She finds herself attracted to both but feels drawn to Daniel.  It's as if she knows him from somewhere else.  With the help of her friend, she tries to solve the mystery of who Daniel really is and why she feels so safe when she's with him. 

This book is written for young adults, but even us "old" adults can enjoy a story of good and evil.  I do recommend it even if it will leave you frustrated and wanting more!

Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson

I wasn't sure what to think when I started reading Feathers. I knew it was a book for children and that it was a Newbery Honor book, but that was all I knew. I'm going to be honest, I'm still not sure what to tell you all it was about. I suppose the best I could tell you was that it was about hope.

Hope is the thing with feathers

That is the beginning of the poem "Hope" by Emily Dickenson. It is the poem that starts the story and starts Frannie thinking about hope. Frannie was the main character of the story that takes place in the 70's amid times of racial tension - and hope. Her brother Sean is deaf but communicates flawlessly through sign language. It was nice to hear his voice in the story. Her parents are loving and warm - which is always nice. They've gone through rough times as a family, after her mother lost a couple babies and one died young.

A new boy comes into the school and he happens to be white. He's described as pale, blond, and extremely different from all the other children in the school. He's nicknamed Jesus Boy and we never do learn his real name. He's mysterious and Frannie is drawn to him.

Each of the characters is searching for hope. Sean hopes for a bridge to the hearing world, Frannie's mother hopes for a healthy pregnancy, her best friend, Samantha, hopes for the real Jesus to return. I can't pinpoint exactly what Frannie wants except to say that she hopes for all the people in her life to be happy and content around her.

This is a lovely little story that really makes you think about what you hope for. I recommend this to anyone -because we all need hope.