saarahnina's reviews
539 reviews

Uhh...

In so many ways, this book reminded me of a bunch of hallmark movies. including- but not limited to- Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly series. I, myself, am not a Christian yet I've always felt that Christian romances enhance such genuinely beautiful morals and values. I was pleased to find that this novel was to be no different: the messages came in the form of Jill's father-Adam, the pastor. He was my favourite character.

Which brings me to my least favourite character: Jill, the widow. Jill meets Jake (sorry not Jack-,the names were a bit of an issue), and instantly she feels a connection. But, then she is reminded of Bradley (the man she lost) so she cuts things short. At this point, they haven't yet had a true, meaningful conversation. They run into one another some times after, he asks her out- she says yes. The date never really happens because she becomes too upset by someone from her past. Therefore, they still have not yet had a true, meaningful conversation. Which makes no sense because the next time they come into contact, he (Jake: declares his love for her (Jill). A woman who has obvious trust issues and internally, later outwardly, accuses him of adultery.

You may think that this will tell her that she knows little about Jake- but it doesn't, instead she tries to just stop thinking about him. She turns to another man- Tim- again a stranger, which is a little surprising for a small town. This man is wealthy, seemingly happy, and has very minimal care for her. This becomes evident during their first date. Yet she insists on seeing him again, believing he is a charming man who will look after her. She doesn't question his intentions at all. Nor does she ever think about Bradley, when she is with this guy. Needless to say, she is very naive.

Her innocence also comes to light when she speaks to her mother, after the death of her grandmother. Her mother deals brilliantly with the death, she grieves internally. Yet her daughter, who has had her fair share of an experience with death, can't seem to accept it. This bit made be laugh, I'm sure that was not what the author wanted. A grown woman asks her mother "are you not sad anymore?" It was such a stupid question, you'd expect it from a child.

When I saw this book, I thought: it's written by a guy, it'll be different. I tend to enjoy reading books by men. I was quite mistaken, this novel relied too heavily on cliché: the selfish rich man, the kind-hearted poor guy (well, not that poor). I think the author was too focused on the message that he paid little attention to the bits which go around the central message.

So Adorable....I can't find a fault with this audio book.

The story follows a young woman, Gracie, who has a lot on her shoulders, life is tough. Now, throw a control freak of a mother into the mix and you get quite a huge burden of stress.

This is what Gracie has been dealing with for all her life, it has resulted in low self-esteem and great vulnerability. But this she only discovers when she is faced with the death of her mother: Kathryn (Queenland as she becomes known in the 'next world'. And this is where the story really starts: with Gracie taking control of her own life. But of course, a control freak of a mother cannot resist the temptation to remain in control of Gracie's life, even if her being dead is quite the hindrance. So Queenland pursues Mission: Saving Gracie. Surprisingly, there are few disasters but there definitely are valuable moments of self discovery.

I have weirdly become quite fascinated with books which explore the 'beyond death' culture. It's always so interesting to read (or listen, in this case) about a writer's thoughts on the subject. In this book, Terry Lee describes a pleasant environment with friendly (but sometimes annoying) dead people. I must say of all the dead people, Ruby had to be my favourite. Michelle Babb, the narrator of the audiobook version, executed the character so humorously. I think this character was enough to make this book so adorable.

In equal measure, I liked Gracie's journey to finally be able to stand on her own two feet, to adapt the 'mother' role for her children, to step out of her comfort zone and help another helpless person. As well as, her strength in coping with a distant husband. It was appreciated to find that my feelings regarding her husband were so very wrong. Be warned though, there are some teary moments- obviously with the passing of her mother's death but other moments when we realise how Kathryn became so controlling.

The narrator, Michelle Babb, was wonderful with this book. The characters were performed excellently, and she certainly nailed the Ruby character. I have to say that this was one of the books where I can only recommend the audio book version, it is far more enjoyable. And with the flitting of character perspectives, between mother and daughter, it is definitely more helpful in making sense of what is going on.

I received the audio book for review.

Such an astonishing book!

This book reminded me of F. Scott Fitzgerald's finer works, particularly The Great Gatsby. The friendship between Cecilia and young Martina was so aspiring, elegant and sophisticated. But beyond all doubt, it was so very warm and genuine. I saw this to be akin to the relationship between Nick Carraway and Gatsby, especially because of the tragedy, betrayal and loss.

Now enough comparisons, I can honestly confess that I have never read a book of this calibre before, and it was a welcomed surprise that I enjoyed it. It just goes to show that "it doesn't hurt to try something new". The book, was about a young girl (younger than fourteen years) struggling to find out who she is, this is especially exacerbated by the arrival of her twin siblings -The Calamities as she calls them, privately- I would think. Then with the tragedy of her father's death, and the onslaught of her mother's grief, she is overcome with the need to discover this sense of self, and simply, wake up in the mornings, and even keep her family united (her relationship with her mother quickly becomes strained). Consequently, when her grandfather, Brés, offers her a summer hideaway at the Dauncey Court she doesn't hesitate in taking him up on the offer.

It's at this manor that she meets Cecelia and other friendly, quirky (but much older) individuals. Cecelia was of the few from higher society, the type of woman who would go out of her way to invite someone to tea by sending cards and messages; holding soirées and all kinds of celebrations- very old-fashioned I'd say. Initially, I had thought that she would be snobbish, young, artificial and immature- I was grateful to learn that she was approaching eighty years! But her relationship was nothing like that of a grandparent with her grandchild- she respected the young girl and treated her as an equal, never scolding her, 'doing what is best for her'. I adored the bond they shared. But as every character has a flaw, hers was Luca- a young man who had taken an interest in her. Cecelia, being a vulnerable, bored widow, welcomes his attention. Luca is her undoing, she is generous beyond measure with him, and young Martina becomes infatuated with him too. This is all going on amidst floating rumours regarding Luca's true intentions with such an older woman.

As you can tell, there is much scandal involved, boundaries are tested and the truth comes out, as it always does. The writing style was remarkable, though I did initially find that it was progressing at a slow rate. For some readers, this may become a problem. But I became accustomed quite quickly to the pace, it made me anticipate the delivery of the truth more, whilst making it less predictable but not very unusual. A good combination of narrative, suspense, tragedy and acceptance. Because one has to speak of the ending, as it is inevitable that all good things come to an end, all I have to incredulously declare is: "Such injustice!"

I would personally recommend this to older readers, I know that the protagonist is a young girl but the language and writing style seems to make it clear that the tale is targeted at older people. Maybe a story for a grandparent to read to a grandchild? I can promise that it will not hurt you to give this novel a read.

I don't believe this book was for me. This book focusses on taking the fear from our views of death, and even though, I don't exactly look forward to death, I do accept it- it's a way of life. That's a lesson we learn from experience. And, as much as I'd like to credit this book for bringing my acceptance, I'm afraid I can't.

You see, this book delves into spirituality to raise one's awareness of how death is visible all around, and pushes readers to silently contemplate their experiences with death, or their views on death. These are things I do on a daily basis anyway, I'm one of those over-thinkers, that combined with my mild insomnia, means these tasks weren't anything new. In fact, I didn't like how this book made it seem as if it were a chore, rather than the acquisition of a habit.

Additionally, I felt that the constant questions were very impersonal when dealing with a sensitive topic- for me, they just became an incessant drawl, but I imagine for others, they would introduce new thoughts, which may prove to only reinforce their current fears regarding death.

Similarly, there were selections I disagreed with. For example, in one of the chapters they write:
'We live in a deeply logical society. We are trained to look for patterns and connections. Yet for some reason, we struggle to apply what we see happening in the rest of the world to ourselves. We grasp onto the idea that we are somehow unique and different . We fail to understand our own mortality.' To which I could only respond, "Speak for yourselves, I, for one, completely understand that I am a mere mortal."

But, I did, indeed, appreciate the theology and the theoretical aims of this book. I recognise this work as a valuable resource in the self-help genre. It was just that the chapters were introduced mostly with baseless ideas and so, I felt this book was not for me. I suppose it is one of those books targeted at the more vulnerable among us, those who wish to venture on a journey of self discovery and self improvement. And not me, I fit into the other category of 'I am what I am', I look to improve myself but not to the extent that I can be fooled into believing anything.

I harbour no personal interest in this book, and so I cannot recommend it.

Pleasant enough

This book suited as an average feel good romance: two individuals are dealt with pain, a young cattle rancher, Seth injures his leg severely. And a young woman, Maddie, was nearly compromised but left attacked by someone she had called her 'best friend'. They both see a bleak future off in the distance, that is until they get in touch. They find the letters between them very comforting and soon the young woman makes her way to Montana. But, she has no thoughts of marriage, nor does he, they simply want to meet as this would allow Maddie to create a new future, for just a short time. As well as giving her a chance to see her sister and her sister's family. There in Montana, they, predictably, fall in love. But can the city girl embrace the life of a country gal?

This book wasn't anything new. This is how Mail order bride stories work. I do hope to pass this phase of being fascinated by them. Though, quite honestly, I find that this isn't a typical MOB type of novel: Maddie and Seth did not write of marriage at all, in their letters.

In spite of it not having been a novelty, the writer's style was slightly different: the reader gets a chance to meet all the family members, most likely to give the chance of a spin-off or sequel to this book (though, each of these books can be read as a standalone). In terms of the family, I only really liked Seth and the constant banter between him and his brothers. I appreciate witty dialogue. And the narrator was good with this. Though, he wasn't quite as good with the female characters, they all sounded the same. It's understandable, however, the dialogue of the female characters sounded very old, grown up, mature. It didn't fit.

Also the story was very drawn out, there was no real plot (aside from the injuries). Unless, you consider 'love' to be a problem. I feel that the writing could definitely have been spruced up, written concisely. There were some instances where the characters name kept coming up, it would say something like: 'Jeff picked up the apple, Jeff sat down. Then, while staring at the apple, Jeff noticed...'. (this is only an example, not an actual passage). In such instances the use of a pronoun would easily have sufficed.

I received this book through Audiobook Boom.

I don't know what to feel!

I can't help but feel that this book destroyed the whole series: to find that the whole faction system was an experiment killed me. It was like saying it was that they were real people in a film set or in a fake videogame. It was what every school teacher discourages: I remember my English teachers would always remind us not to make the story a dream that the characters wake up from. "It dulls the tension", they would say.

And then to find that there's yet, another corrupt government in control and then, to discover more secrets...it was too much. I just wanted it all to end. But when it did, I wanted more. It was so good, but I couldn't stand the ending.

It was the factions which first drew me in to the series, the action was good too, but by this third book everything lost its spark. There were just more battles, constant betrayals and  these passionate uprisings. I enjoy thinking about revolutions, and the leaders but it kept niggling at me that these individuals were mostly teenagers. And, as much as I was aware that they weren't innocent nor naive, it just didn't add up. Their missions were no longer fun. And it seemed as though Tris had a death wish, but no one questioned her. They were blind followers and she didn't feel any pressure?

But then, when I got more into the story I found that Tris and Tobias' relationship was becoming quite rocky. This was new and I was glad for it. The romance was becoming boring. But their dispute arose because of one mistake on Tobias' part, albeit a huge mistake (over a hundred lives were lost) but Tobias was just an unknowing accomplice. I would expect Tris to understand, she had made mistakes: surrendering herself to the Erudite, trusting Caleb, pushing Al over the edge (not literally).... And eventually, I lost my patience with her, it got to the point where I felt she needed to be taken down a notch- she was basking in self-glory and turning against a man who had been with her through  near-death experiences. They had a Romeo and Juliet romance, except it wasn't forbidden and hadn't yet become a tragedy but they each had been willing to sacrifice themselves for the other: right up until Tobias' mistake.

And then when she forgave or rather began to understand Tobias, I warmed up to her again. But then, I noticed how she horribly alienated those who had betrayed her, namely her brother (Caleb), so at times she was an Abnegation but other times not? I had thought she understood what it felt like to not belong, at least it seemed that way from the first book, but now, I'm not so sure. For someone so opposed to factions, it seemed awfully like she was following their philosophy: 'factions before blood'. Maybe, I'm just putting so much thought into it. I do understand that she can't be perfect, and I wasn't expecting her to be, I simply wanted others to acknowledge her flaws and not just brand her a 'hero'. For someone so knowledgeable, why couldn't she understand that divisions within a group makes a group weak?

But then she committed the ultimate sacrifice act: she risked her life for those she loved. And for this reason, and this reason alone, I honour her with the title 'A True Hero'. The ending still sucks, though.

I received this book through NetGalley.

This wasn't the book for me.

I liked the premise of the book: how love eradicates the thirst for vengeance (kind of.) Equally, I liked the storyline, that of a young woman, Alaina, facing huge losses in her life which compel her to take action against the murderers involved in the deaths. It wouldn't be difficult for her to find them had she not been afraid to recount the terrible event. It is only until she meets, a secret agent, Tristan, that she begins to speak of her memories and her vengeful motives. During their journey, they discover great conspiracies and we are left questioning: who can be trusted?

It was an excellently intelligent book but, I felt that it didn't fulfil its full potential: the romance was unjustified, it moved too fast even though it had begun as a platonic friendship. I feel that their friendship never had the opportunity to develop: they were united by the losses they faced as young children but I kept thinking that once they received their 'closure', there would be nothing to their relationship. It was so serious, what is a friendship if not built on laughs? I longed for jovial, comedic characters, was that too much to ask? I wanted wit and sarcasm in the dialogue, instead l received hysterical conversations, empty threats, and upsetting moments, and constant kidnappings.

I truly did like the beginning, it held such promise and the sombre narration was wonderful with it. Actually, on second thought, the narrator was really pleasant throughout, apart from when the characters became upset- then, her voice adapted a somewhat croaky voice. All in all, the book wasn't that bad, it just wasn't for me.

I received this book through Audiobook Boom.

Devastatingly Raw

This book had me watching The Jeremy Kyle Show, it had me thinking about the wrong choices I and others have made, and how such issues are resolved.  I've never minded reading about characters who cheat on their loved ones which is funny since, I can't tolerate cheating partners in real life. Committing adultery, for me, has always been a vile, cruel and, selfish act. And this book demonstrates that: when Alexandra begins cheating, that's how she feels. She chastises herself constantly but, as these stories go, she just can't stop seeing the youthful, charismatic Jean-Luc. In all honesty and quite surprisingly, I didn't have a problem with their age gap. With the brilliant storytelling, I didn't mind much at all. Isabel Costello has a way with words, I can't quite explain it, but it was this intelligent way of keeping the information from the reader, and gradually letting things spill. You could just never forsee anything. I loved it, the way new plots would spring up from a past moment. It  certainly had me sitting up and paying attention. It was remarkably subtle so it wasn't  'over-the-top' with the suspense.

An example of such an instant: "I didn’t so much walk back across the courtyard as float. It was raining and I didn’t care. Nothing could affect me in my bubble; I could feel the flush lingering on my cheeks. We could switch between states in an instant: sadness and elation, stress and excitement, post-coital satisfaction and…sheer horror."

I think the only problem I had with this book was the unrealistic nature of some aspects, a married forty-something woman was betraying her husband in the worst way possible, amidst feelings of certainty that he was doing very much the same thing to her. I understand that these feelings did materialise as a cause for concern as she had seen his texts. I suppose I'd rather that she spoke to him about her justified paranoia. It wasn't the wisest decision to run into another man's arms. I know it didn't quite happen that way, but it did seem awfully convenient. In very much the same way, I felt that she wasn't thinking. Initially, she seemed to be an intelligently, mature woman so I expected her to use her head instead she allowed her libido to take over. I felt for her husband, even if he was cheating, he was a kind man that I felt that her reasons for cheating could only have been that he was cheating.  But in spite of her mistakes and foolish judgment, from the start of the book to the end- she had definitely come a long way.

And it's because she did learn, that she did move on (I wish she had a choice in this),that I figured 'all is well'. Committing adultery does hurt all those involved, and I'm grateful that this book didn't take that away. I'd say this book is more of a woman's fiction but last I checked, that never stops a guy from reading it.  I can tell you now that this isn't a soppy, sickly sweet, novel. Even if Alexandra's lover did constantly confess to thinking about her. 

This was a genuinely wonderful book, even if sometimes shockingly devastating, and will keep you company for a long time afterwards. 

I received this book through NetGalley.

Funny

I read this, alongside the audio book - so I have posted this to Audible too! I liked how this featured a more mature couple, yet despite this it wasn't boring at any point. I loved Sally's enthusiasm and the voice (by the performer). I loved the messages that it sometimes is better to speak your mind, to not lie as it will just catch up with you.

I liked how neither character was flawless, they each had their problems. Only too often, these problems are overlooked: thus, the characters seem superficial. For this novel, however that wasn't the case at all. The reading was brilliant, loved the voice changes, that is talent. In the same way, I liked the writing style it was sophisticated whilst still enjoyable. I also found it interesting to have been able to see the connection develop between Sally and Roger, the fact that it wasn't there immediately made it more authentic.

Thank you for having given me the opportunity. I recommend reading this if you haven't done so yet.

Not for me...At all. Erotic romance not my type of book but I'll allow you the opportunity to make your own judgement. The main character, Grace, is a young intern working for Huntington Ventures. From the moment the plane lands in England, she screws up: she wrongly perceives Jonathan Huntington, the billionaire owner and founder of the company, as her ride to her future workplace. This was a good start, it was humourous.

But afterwards, I just didn't buy it: at the company she meets a bubbly, cheerful junior assistant who warns her about Jonathan. But, it doesn't matter much anyway, it's not as if she's directly working for him....That's until she does. An intern is randomly given the opportunity to be an assistant of the Company's founder. That doesn't just happen...And I understand the confusion of everyone else but why do they not voice their concerns? Grace is told that Jonathan is dangerous, but then why doesn't anyone prevent him from working with a young woman- from her naivety, it's safe to assume that she must be a young girl. I couldn't stand the story. After skipping so many pages, I just gave up. I lost interest quickly.

I'm not a fan of alpha males brooding on vulnerable women. And then, having the young women think they can change the guy. Really, it seemed like a contemporary version of Beauty and the Beast. I never did find out why the man was so dangerous, and right now I can't care less. Just not the book for me...

I received this book through NetGalley.