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Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
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Every year, the booksellers at Powell’s submit their Top Fives: their five favorite books that were released in 2023. It’s a list that, when put together, shows just how varied and interesting the book tastes of Powell’s booksellers are. I highly recommend digging into the recommendations — we would never lead you astray — but today...
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Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
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Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
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Customer Comments
The Book Goddess has commented on (38) products
A Rising Man
by
Abir Mukherjee
The Book Goddess
, May 26, 2017
What originally caught my eye about this book was that it was the winner of the Harvill Secker/Daily Telegraph crime writing competition. I love reading stories by debut authors, and this one hit in multiple categories: international (set in India), historical (set in April 1919, with the Amritsar Massacre occurring in the middle of the plot), and a detective driven mystery/crime novel. Captain Sam Wyndham was flawed, yet heroic...the perfect template for an honorable, but slightly broken man. The writing was atmospheric. Right away I was transported to Calcutta...to the heat, to the tension, to the beauty and the struggle. The language used even favored phrases of the time. This was a very interesting time in India's history, still known as the British Indian Empire, set almost 30 years before gaining independence from the British. Sam is new to India and almost immediately gets caught up in the murder of a Sahib. What I really enjoyed, was not only that the story was well-written, but that the dialog was clever...there were several times that I got caught off guard and let out a laugh at the most unexpected times. This was a brilliant debut and I look forward to reading this author again. I received a copy of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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Paris Time Capsule
by
Ella Carey
The Book Goddess
, July 14, 2015
It's been awhile since I have read a book that so thoroughly entranced me from the first page. The writer was brilliant at engaging my senses...whether it was the description of the perfect, silk ribbon on the nondescript brown package, the two thick slabs of dark chocolate melting for hot chocolate, or one of the several descriptions of Paris and the French countryside. I swear I can still see the rolling hills and taste the fresh croissants. What I wish I had realized from the beginning, is that the plot was based loosely on a real life event. There really was a Marthe de Florian, and there really was an apartment uncovered in 2010 that had not been occupied in over 70 years...and yes, there was a painting too. According to the author, everything else she wrote was purely fictional. This book was part fairy-tale and part mystery. For anyone who is fascinated by the 190's and 1940's, whether it is WWII history, the fashion, society, etc., you will love this book. Our main character is Cat, who learns that she has inherited an estate from an Isabelle De Florian, though she has no idea who that is. We then learn that the mystery woman was her maternal grandmother's best friend, though Cat is the only surviving relative to take the inheritance. Once she arrives in France, she learns that Isabelle has a living daughter and grandson...so why not leave the inheritance to them?? The book oscillates between unraveling the mystery and the more and more confusing state of Cat's love life. Absolutely breathtaking and captivating writing. I hope to read more by this author and more from this publisher. I received a copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Hope at Dawn
by
Stacy Henrie
The Book Goddess
, July 09, 2014
What an interesting spin on the World War 1 historical-romance genre. This story takes place in Iowa during World War I, where we meet Livy and Friedrick. Livy meets Friedrick at a dance hall but doesn't catch his name...with a name like Friedrick Wagner...people tend to judge. This was a rough time in American history for German-Americans...which many probably never think about. I descend from German-Americans who emigrated to North Dakota in the late 1800's...and it never dawned on me to think about how they were treated as a people when the US went to war against Germany. My family lived in a primarily German area, where everyone spoke German. In this story, our town in Iowa has instilled language laws which forbids the speaking of German in public and on telephones, even, or one could face jail time. There was a paranoia and fear of the German-Americans that they may be spies or sympathizers. Our Livy comes to Friedrick's town to be the new school teacher, to primarily German children, and learns that judgement and bigotry goes both ways. The Germans were equally suspicious of her. Watching the friendship and romance blossom between Livy and Friedrick was wonderful and to watch how others reacted to their friendship was heart-breaking. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I learned that the next book in this series takes place in France between a soldier and a nurse. I can't wait. I received an advanced copy of this tile from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Smartest Kids in the World & How They Got That Way
by
Amanda Ripley
The Book Goddess
, May 31, 2014
I am always interested in learning more about education and the theories regarding why US students don't seem to perform as well as international students on standard exams, so when I saw a write up on this book, I was super excited to read it. Every one knows that we spend a ridiculous amount on our schools and the schools are always begging for more, even though I see no correlation between my property tax increase and the performance of the individual students. But if you say you don't want to throw more good money after bad, the perception is that you don't care about education. It's quite the opposite, I care quite deeply, which is why I don't want to keep throwing my money away. I grew up in Minnesota, which is well respected for it's public school education. I received such an excellent high school education, that I was bored and actually shocked at how easy college was and how unprepared my peers were. My experience over 10 years ago in college and now in the workplace, mirrors the research in this book. I was required to take intro English as a graduation requirement for my BS degree (even though I took AP writing and AP literature in high school), and there were students in my class who had never been required to write a proper research paper...they didn't even know how. I blew my professors away but I didn't learn anything new. Attending college was supposed to be challenging, yet there were still professors who chased you down to turn in assignments. Since when is that ok...your boss won't do that in the real world. What I got from the book, is that our students aren't invested in their education. Why would they be? If you get a B or C from a teacher who is trying to teach you, your parents will argue until you get an A. We grade on effort, rather than product. That goes hand in hand with the self-esteem movement...US children have the highest self-esteem of kids anywhere in the world. We aren't helping them by lying to them. But that's an argument for another book [book:Not Everyone Gets a Trophy: How to Manage Generation Y|6101013] We are constantly provided excuses for these kids, rather than challenging them. I truly believe most kids will reach the bar you set for them. Though not every kid is educationally inclined...we should bring back more vocational education. Teach them how to use critical thinking and math skills in a way that will apply to a trade...because kids aren't even able to do that. My husband used to hire entry-level warehouse workers and they were required to take a written test as part of the interview test. One of the questions asks the applicant to translate 5/8 into a decimal (and they are given a calculator)...1 in 10 would get it right. That's just sad! I have worked in corporate offices where we have employees coming out of school that can't draft a client e-mail without having it proofed. That's unacceptable. So anyone who says that the problem will be fixed with more pay for teachers and more technology in the classrooms...that's ridiculous. I volunteer in a local elementary school in an affluent neighborhood and in my classroom, each kid has an iPad and they have an electronic whiteboard in their classroom. These kids still can't answer my basic questions about math and science. Electronics don't teach kids material. The key to this book, is that there is a consistent presence of rigor and drive and a belief that education is important in the countries that are performing well on these tests. Right now, US kids are told that going to College is important...but just because you go to college, doesn't mean you are a critical thinker. The work environment is changing drastically...learning doesn't end when you get your degree. To stay competitive, you need to be constantly learning and developing, using your critical thinking skills, and be willing to take the initiative to grow and drive your career. Kids who have been told how smart and wonderful they are, aren't willing to do that and don't understand why they should. They have a degree...shouldn't the corner office be handed to them. It's a common attitude being encountered in offices across the US. I don't know what the solution is, but I do think we need a fundamental attitude change about what is important. We need highly trained teachers. There is nothing more irritating than communicating with a teacher via email and seeing grammatical errors. We need to actually train our students to think and not just pass tests. We need them to understand that the key to success is developing the ability to learn and grow...not just to get a piece of paper because you could pay for it. And we need to stop throwing money at schools...that doesn't make it better. I enjoyed this book very much and plan to share it with anyone who will listen. As for the negative reviews I read...I wonder if they were written by teachers?
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Then & Always A Novel
by
Dani Atkins
The Book Goddess
, May 31, 2014
This story was reminiscent of the movie Sliding Doors and the movie Thirteen Going on Thirty...yet with its own special twist on the genre. Though, I initially had this book pegged as a romance, it turned out to be so much more. The characters were well written and the story really draws you in from the very first page, though the true heart of this story is the connection between Rachel and Jimmy. In both trajectories of Rachel's "life", Jimmy was the magnet for me. I thought this book was beautifully written, full of emotion and had me in tears once I started to guess at what was going to happen to bring a conclusion to Rachel's story...though whether they were sad or happy tears, is up to you to read the book and find out. I would highly recommend adding this to your reading list this summer...you will be unable to put it down, so set aside some time and dive in to this amazing and moving story. I received a copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Lost Lake
by
Sarah Addison Allen
The Book Goddess
, January 26, 2014
I want to start this review by saying I have loved Sarah Addison Allen as an author since I read Garden Spells . It was so beautiful and different, that I knew I had to get my hands on every book she has written and I have. While waiting for this book to come out, I learned that the delay was due to the fact that the author was battling a very serious health problem and my heart absolutely ached for her. I was so happy to read in the acknowledgements section of this book that she has just reached two years with clear scans. My thoughts and prayers will continue to go out to this author. Now, for my review of this book...it was just as magical and all-consuming as her prior books. There is just something about Allen's writing that makes you want to climb into the book to spend time with her characters. I was so excited when I got this book, I had to read it in a single sitting. The book begins in the 1960's, which briefly introduces us to newlyweds, George and Eby, and their adventurous honeymoon in Paris. We then flash forward to the present day, where Eby's great-niece, Kate, is "waking up" after a year of being asleep. No, she wasn't in a coma, this is where the magic of Allen's writing comes into play. We learn about this very strange family, relative by relative, to learn about a certain family curse. Now is it a real curse, I don't get that feeling. But the author writes in a way that makes you realize it is always your choice to be happy and move forward after great loss. There is a wonderful line in the book that says something to the effect of "if you are too busy mourning what your empty cup, you will miss the opportunity to fill it again". I am paraphrasing, but I found that line extremely striking. The magic in this book is more subtle than in prior books, but I felt that it fit the story well. This is ultimately a book about finding your strength and moving forward with the support of friends and family and taking care of each other. I wish Lost Lake was a real place to go...it sounds like a magical place full of peace and healing. Sarah Addison Allen knocked it out of the park again for me and I cannot wait to see what she does next. If you have never read this author before, do yourself a favor and read all of her books. I received a copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Under the Wide & Starry Sky A Novel
by
Nancy Horan
The Book Goddess
, January 22, 2014
The concept of reading a fictionalized tale of actual people and their lives always fascinates me. I requested a copy of this novel to review from Net Galley based on the description on the book jacket. This story covers the turbulent lives of the acclaimed author of Treasure Island and Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde and his eccentric, american wife, Fanny. I casually began this story one afternoon, thinking I would read for a bit, and found myself having difficulty putting the book down hours later. The author did an amazing job bringing these people to life and painting their extremely chaotic life. Fanny had a difficult life prior to meeting Louis...she went from Indiana to Nevada with a horrible husband, bore children early in life, ended up in California and then some how, picked up and took her children to Europe to try to be an artist. The story is so fantastic that it's hard to believe these were real events. Fanny and Louis meet as she is trying to survive a tragic event in her life and their connection is so charged...it feels almost wrong to spy on their intimate encounters. Their lives are not easy...they struggle with her her husband, money, where to live and most importantly, Louis' health. Their relationship was an absolute roller coaster of ups and downs that eventually leads them to Samoa. Throughout their time together, Louis publishes the two works he is famously known for, though unfortunately, it seems true fame only came after he had passed away. I am not sure if Fanny was bipolar or simply suffered from the stress of her life events, but I immensely liked her depiction and truly admire her strength and spirit. This was a story dominated by a great love between husband and wife. This was truly an engaging and enjoyable read and now I need to get my hands on Horan's first book, Loving Frank. If I enjoy that half as much as I enjoyed this story, then I am in for a real treat. I received a copy of this title from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
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Love a Little Sideways
by
Shannon Stacey
The Book Goddess
, December 14, 2013
I had been meaning to check out this author's books for a while but never seemed to get around to it and when I saw this one on Netgalley I jumped on the chance to grab it and review! This story had an interesting concept...the little sister and her brother's best friend have a fling while she is in town and then they each go their separate ways. However, things get complicated when she moves back to their hometown and they are forced to see each other. The attraction is strong, but they are afraid to tell her brother. I found it hard to wrap my head around this concept, but my husband assured me, this would be an issue. I really enjoyed Drew, but I couldn't really connect with Liz. She seemed a little two-dimensional. This a sweet story, with family at the heart of it, that follows two people finding their way together. This was a nice weekend read, but I found it easy to put down. The romance was a little lacking in my opionion. I read a lot of romance, so I have a pretty strongly developed idea of what I really like, and this just didn't knock it out of the park for me. But I did find it to be well-written and I would recommend the author. This was the 7th book in the series, so all of the siblings and cousions we meet in this book have already had their stories. You don't need to read them in order to follow the story, but I think I would've been more fully engaged in their characters had I started at the beginning. It would have connected me to the Kowalski family in a way I feel I was lacking. I do think this author has potential and I would like to go back and read her earlier books. Glad I got the opportunity to read this author...I will go back to try her other stories. I received a copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Honeymoon in Paris
by
Juliette Sobanet
The Book Goddess
, December 08, 2013
I requested this book from the publisher because I was expecting a cute Parisian romance full of french seduction and tasty pastries...what I got was a cheeky mystery with some incredible lingerie. This was a well-written story, with some excellent amateur sleuthing on the part of our heroine, Charlotte, but I am guessing I didn't fully connect with the story because I didn't ready the prior book that led to this whirlwind french marriage. At points, I did find myself sucked into the story, trying to unravel the mystery, but then it just went a little over the top for my liking. When I read mysteries, I like a little more subtlety, and when I read a romance, I expect more sexiness. The characters were likeable enough, but I just didn't identify with any of them. This is a cute enough story, but not one of my favorites as of recent. It is worth reading if you are looking for something light and fun that will be wrapped up neatly in the end. I received a copy of this title from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
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Morning Glory
by
Sarah Jio
The Book Goddess
, November 28, 2013
Sarah Jio has done it again!!! Just when I think there is no way she can keep writing amazing stories, she delivers Morning Glory. Similar to her prior stories which follow a contemporary story and a historical mystery to unravel, we are introduced to Ada, who is living in present-time Seattle in a houseboat, and Penny, who was the owner of that same houseboat in the 1950's. Ada is trying to escape a painful past and has moved to Seattle and is renting Penny's houseboat. While Ada is there, she discovers that Penny disappeared in a mysterious way and sets out to uncover the truth of the disappearance, while trying to learn how to move forward after a personal tragedy. This story was suspenseful and moving. Sarah Jio's writing never fails to transport me to another time. The characters she creates absolutely steal your heart. You truly feel the pain of the characters and you wish you could reach into the story and make everything better. If you want to be absolutely captivated by a well-written and engaging story, read this book. Also, a small treat in the story are the recipe's that are written out from Penny's journal...I can't wait to try some of them out. I received a copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Secrets on Cedar Key
by
Terri Dulong
The Book Goddess
, November 26, 2013
This was a new author for me and I couldn't be more happy that I found her. The story takes place in a small seaside town in Florida, Cedar Key, and centers arounds a small tight-knit group of friends and family, with a strong focus on knitting. The way the knitting theme was woven through the story, pardon the pun, was wonderful. The story speaks to the themes of friendship, family, forgiveness and compassion. There are also strong themes of love and the strength that gives us to be better people. After reading the story, I wish I had originally settled in with a cozy, soft blanket and large glass of wine for this literary journey. This was a beautiful story with endearing characters and I just felt happy after finishing it. This book was written with a soft warmth that makes me want to read all of Terri DuLong's stories. I am very much looking forward to her next book, due out in 2014. I received this title from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review
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War That Ended Peace The Road to 1914
by
Margaret Macmillan
The Book Goddess
, November 17, 2013
I received this is an advanced copy from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review I enjoy history books and have read several WWII books, but this is one of the first WWI books I have picked up and I was not disappointed. An extremely fascinating time in history with several conflicting opinions and views regarding who was to blame and if the conflict could have been avoided. Also, regarding how WWI may have created an atmosphere that made WWII possible. MacMillan wrote an engaging and fascinating narrative that kept me turning the pages late into the night. She was able to bring these historical figures to life in a way that would make most novelists weep. Though if I didn't know these men truly existed, I would find it difficult to believe these people and that some of these situations and actions weren't fictional. MacMillan truly made history come to life in this book for me, and that's what I look for in a good historical read. I learned so many fascinating pieces of history in this book and have recommended it to many of my history-buff friends. I would highly recommend this book to history novices and experts alike.
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Way Home
by
Cindy Gerard
The Book Goddess
, October 31, 2013
I recieved a copy of this title from NetGalley.com in the exchange for an honest review I have long been a fan of Cindy Gerard's Black Ops series, so I was extremely excited to get a copy of this title to review. This story is not necessarily part of that series, but you will see some familiar faces. Jess is a army widow, now residing in her hometown in Northern Minnesota. I am from Minnesota, and I am pleased with how well the author captured the charm and peaceful nature of the area. Jess crossed paths with Ty during a dramatic night involving Joe Green and Stephanie (from the Black Ops series) and hoped it might turn in to something. Then, out of the blue, Ty shows up in her small town, set on seeing if there is something between them worth pursuing. At the same time, we are following Jeffrey, Jess' supposedly dead husband. He survived and is being nursed back to health, and the twist is, he can't remember who he is. I loved the chemistry between Jess and Ty, as well as with Jeff and Rabia. This was an absolute page-turner until the end. As always, Gerard crafted a very intriguing book with steamy passion, tenderness and of course, action that keeps you on the edge of your seat. From the master of romantic suspense, this was definitely another fantastic book.
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Miracle Road An Eternity Springs Novel
by
Emily March
The Book Goddess
, October 26, 2013
I recieved a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review First, this was a new author for me, and I didn't realize this was book 7 in a series. I will say that piece threw me a little, as the book made several references to previous stories, people, etc. At times, I had a little difficulty sorting out who was who, but I pushed through. I was primarily excited to read this story, as the series was recommended for fans of Robyn Carr, who I love reading. This story was well-written, if a bit predictable, but very heart-warming. There was very much a them of love can conquer all and shine light in the darkest of days. Even though Hope and Lucca have both survived extremely tragic events, Hope chooses to be positive and to embrace life and give back...and her goal is to share that way of life with Lucca. These are wonderfully, positive messages and the story had a very inspirational theme...which unfortunately, I did find to be a little sappy and heavy-handed at times. I prefer my romances with a little more chemistry and steam and this romance was very chaste. Which isn't a negative, it just wasn't what I am used to reading. I did enjoy this as a holiday book, as Thanksgiving and Christmas are very symbolic and meaningful holidays and I do find it hard to resist a cute, idyllic town with a dusting of snow and holiday magic in the air. Though, I tend to like my stories a bit more raw and not wrapped up quite so neatly, I respect what the author created and I am looking forward to reading Gabi's story next. Of course, that will be after I go back and read this series from the beginning.
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Nantucket Christmas
by
Nancy Thayer
The Book Goddess
, October 23, 2013
I received this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review This was a heart-warming, Christmas story. Each chapter is told from a different character's perspective, Maddox (a lovely 3-yr old), Kennedy (Maddox's spoiled and whiny, preganant mother), Nicole (Kennedy's step-mother), and Snix (a homeless dog). I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed the chapters that belonged to Nicole and Snix, especially Snix...how often do you get a dog's point of view. The utter and complete joy and magic of Christmas that came out of Nicole's chapters was enough to make me wish it was Christmas year-round. I also enjoyed the honesty of the characters, though their personalties seemed to be a bit extreme (though I know people like this do exist). The story was engaging and very easy to get wrapped up in. If you are looking for an uplifting, magical Christmas story...this just might be your book.
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The Mountain Between Us
by
Cindy Myers
The Book Goddess
, October 21, 2013
I received an advance copy of this title from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review This was a very warm-hearted, small-town, holiday story. Welcome to Eureka, Colorado, an old mining town, where there is this fantastic group of characters, each struggling with their own life paths. We meet Olivia, who is young mother and a son, afraid of being hurt again by her ex-boyfriend who has come to town to win her back. Maggie, who finds herself entering a new stage in life in her new hometown. A charming, swindler, who could've walked right out of the current news stories and a cranky librarian, with secrets of her own. This is a story of the strength of friendship, family and small-town living. It reminds you that when times get hard, that's exactly when you learn the true nature and character of those around you, and quite often, they surprise you. I truly enjoyed this book. It was a nice contrast to the stories I normally read, where everyone has a great job, fancy houses, trust funds and they never seem to work. This book captures the heart of America and I for one, am glad I read it. This book really puts you in the holiday spirit.
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House on Main Street
by
Shirlee Mccoy
The Book Goddess
, October 16, 2013
I received a copy of this title from the publisher at Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review This was a very sweet and tender story. Tess has just returned to her small hometown because her sister and brother-in-law died in a car accident. She suddenly finds herself that recipient of an old Victorian home filled with junk, a cantankerous aunt and an autistic nephew. Torn between returning to the life she has built for herself on the East coast and taking care of her family, she has a lot to deal with. As if that wasn't enough, her childhood crush, Cade, is the current town sheriff and he is sure spending a lot of time around Tess, trying to reconnect. I thought this story unfolded at a nice pace and really stressed the importance of family, no matter how unconventional. Though there are definitely emotional moments, I like how the author chose to show the positive side to tragedy and the ability for people to rally together in order to move forward. I also loved the small, Washington town. The descriptions of the twinkling Christmas lights, the snow covered streets and the old-fashioned main street made me wish I was there. This was a very sweet story and part of a new series for Shirlee McCoy. The next story will be Charlotte's and I am looking forward to reading it.
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Autumn in the Vineyard
by
Marina Adair
The Book Goddess
, October 15, 2013
I received a copy of this book from the publisher at Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review Absolutely amazing story! I have never read this author before, but the story sounded right up my alley, so I was excited for the opportunity to review this book. This story absolutely blew my expectations away. From the first pages, I was engaged, amused, intrigued and had a horrible time putting it down to go about my life. I won't rehash the plot since you can read that, but what I can say, is the writing is fantastic. Marina Adair created a story that was funny, steamy, heartbreaking, and hooked me so completely, that now I need to go back and buy the prior books in this series. I am a huge of fan of romances by Susan Mallery, Kristan Higgins and Rachel Gibson, and this story blew them away. Frankie is the perfect heroine, she is tough, smart and clever, yet she is still feminine and vulnerable. Nate may be the perfect man, so glad to have had the opportunity to meet him. The sparks between them are beyond incredible and the complexity of their familial ties just tugs at your heartstrings. Throw in an alpaca named Mittens and you've got a story you can't forget. I am also a sucker for family feuds and anything involving wineries...this book captured everything perfectly. I am sad that it's over and I am already looking forward to reading it again. If you aren't reading Marina Adair, then you are missing out.
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Starry Night A Christmas Novel
by
Debbie Macomber
The Book Goddess
, October 10, 2013
I received a copy of this story from the publisher via NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review. First, this is the first Debbie Macomber book that I have read and I ask myself, "What took so long to discover this author?!" This book is labeled a holiday romance, but it was so much more than that. Ms. Macomber developed interesting and endearing characters in Carrie and Finn, as well as delivering a wonderful supporting cast. I read a lot of romances, but what set this one apart, was the way the author absolutely captured the magic of falling in love with your true match. So many romances rely on the physical attraction, which of course this one has in spades, but the story also focuses on the emotional and intellectual connection between Carrie and Finn. At one point, Carrie mentions that she is obviously physically attracted (but as we know that can fade), she also mentions their shared values. I found this rather striking and unique in this genre, as that piece is often overlooked and it leaves me wondering if my leads would really live happily ever after. The book is also set in Chicago, Seattle and Alaska (all places I have lived). Ms. Macomber managed to make me fall in love with not only Carrie and Finn, but Fairbanks, Alaska. The rugged landscape and the unbelievable cold are balanced with the magic of the clear night skies, the shining stars and the wonder that is the Northern Lights. Plus, not to be overlooked, this is a Christmas story, that covers Thanksgiving and Christmas...which is truly my favorite part of the year and the perfect backdrop for this story. This story requires you to curl up on your couch, wrapped in a warm blanket with hot chocolate and just settle in, because you aren't going to want to put it down. I honestly think I swooned while reading about some of the romantic, though unorthodox, gestures from Finn. If you love manly men with a romantic streak, Finn is your guy. Read this book and meet one of the best couples I have read about in a long time.
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A Fatal Grace: Chief Inspector Gamache 2
by
Louise Penny
The Book Goddess
, March 12, 2013
Another intelligent, beautifully written mystery by Louise Penny. I am so glad that I stumbled across this series with Armand Gamache. These books remind me so much of the Agatha Christie novels that got be hooked on well-written mysteries. Rather than focus on the gore of the crime, the stories focus on the nature of people and their secrets. It also focuses on the good in people (the non-killers, of course). There is also a continuity to this series, which feels like you are stepping in and out of lives that continue, long after you have finished the book. I started reading this series out of order and am going back and trying to read in the proper order. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book.
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Bungalow
by
Sarah Jio
The Book Goddess
, March 12, 2013
WWII, the South Pacific, wartime romance and a murder...what a delicious book to curl up with. Sarah Jio's books are simply magical, every time I read one, I feel instantly transported into the past. I am a sucker for an epic romance story and this book delivered. I own all of of Jio's books and I just love to curl up with them when I have a couple of uninterupted hours. I hate to put these stories down! I just wish these books were longer...they are always over too soon.
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Beautiful Disaster
by
Laura Spinella
The Book Goddess
, March 12, 2013
I found myself thoroughly sucked into the story of Mia and Flynn. The story was emotional, nostalgic and heart-breaking and I had a really hard time putting it down. I really liked Flynn from the beginning, but it took me awhile to like Mia. It's important to realize Mia was acting just like your average 20 year old college...so in that context, she's easier to take. The story had great character development and interesting writing...it's hard to believe this was a debut novel. I can't wait to see what this author does next.
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Painted Girls A Novel
by
Cathy Marie Buchanan
The Book Goddess
, March 12, 2013
Best book I have read in a long time. The reason I was drawn to the book was because of the connection to Degas and his paintings. I thought it would be interesting to learn more about the girl who was made famous as the little ballerina. What I got was so much more than that...the book painted a vivid picture of what it was like to live in Paris in the late 1800's, the daily struggles to survive, the responsibilities that fell to mere children and provided an honest reflection on the Paris ballet. The book is also written extremely well, which is so important. This book easily could've been dry and flat but this book just came alive. I honestly had trouble putting it down and just couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out how these girls' lives would turn out. This should definitely be on a must-read list for this year!
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Divergent 01
by
Veronica Roth
The Book Goddess
, April 04, 2012
Move over Katniss, there is a new female hero in town...Tris. The book is set in the futuristic, wasteland setting of Chicago. The population has decided to separate into five factions to ensure peace: Abnegation (selflessness), Candor(Truth), Dauntless(Bravery), Erudite(Intelligence) and Amity(Peace). The belief is that if you are true to the ideals that you believe will prevent war, war will simply cease to be a threat. You are expected to be loyal to your faction (which you can choose of your own free will at sixteen), but you must leave your family behind. The faction is now your family. It's a concept with so many flaws that I couldn't imagine how the story would develop...but I found myself hooked after the first few pages. This is an insightful book on human nature and instinct, and how evil will always find a way to emerge. The best part about this book is that it makes you think about your own beliefs and what the consequences can be when you get more focused on being right than looking for a compromise. What an amazing debut book by author, Veronica Roth. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Do I hear, movie deal?
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Sense of an Ending
by
Julian Barnes
The Book Goddess
, March 25, 2012
Wow...what a book! When I picked it up from the library, I couldn't remember what it was about or why I put it on hold. That's right...it was on the short list for the Man Book Prize, so I wanted to check it out. That makes it funny that this book centers on the imperfect memory of the main character. I've always been drawn to british authors...I just love the style of writing, the words chosen and the general feeling created. The book begins with Tony Webster telling us about his days in school...a bit Dead Poet's Society ...but the story flowed with purpose. This is a very short book, approximately 150 pages, but that doesn't mean that it lacked content. The book was surprisingly full of detail and the ending was absolutely flooring. Usually I fly through a short book, but this one made me want to take my time and absorb all of the words. What struck me most, was how well the author captured Tony and his friends as teenagers and young men. The idealism, the pretentiousness, the need to differentiate yourself from your parents...you are so much smarter, you feel things so much more deeply, you are so much more affected by philosphy, music, art, etc. If you weren't like that in your younger years, you certainly had friends that were. It's a phase that, thankfully, you grow out of, as you should. The writing was thoughtful, intelligent and engaging. The main character is nothing special, which made the book all the more interesting to me. Tony was an average man, who lived an average life. I wonder what Tony's life went on to be like after the story ended?
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The Violets of March
by
Sarah Jio
The Book Goddess
, February 13, 2012
This book had all of the elements of an amazing book...richly drawn characters, a beautiful backdrop, an intertwined romance/mystery, complicated family relationships, self-discovery and the bringing together of the past and present. This story had many moving pieces, expertly woven together, to create a vivid, yet heartbreaking story. Living in the Northwest myself, I don't think this book would have affected me as much if it hadn't taken place in an an area I am familiar with. Though some may read this in a sitting and see nothing more than a light, romance. I think there was a deeper moral to the story regarding love and how one chooses to behave in a relationship. The instinct to lash out and cause pain when you are hurt is strong, but can and should be overcome, in order to move forward and find happiness. A stubborn nature typically leaves you alone in the end. I thought this story was tragic, yet beautfiul. The extreme happiness and pain experienced by all of the characters was powerfully written. I can't wait to read this author's next book.
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Shadowfever
by
Karen Marie Moning
The Book Goddess
, January 01, 2012
Oh my god...I just finished this book and all I can say is....it was AMAZING!!!! This was the last book in the Fever series and it did not disappoint. I was so upset when I got to the end of the last book and realized that the author had left us with a HUGE cliff hanger. But the first few chapters of this book made it all worth it. I have no idea how to review this book without giving away the ending. What I will say, all of the plot twists that we came to love in the first four books continue. Nothing was straightfoward...and every time I thought I had the ending figured out, a new fact was revealed. Looking back at all of the books, you can see how the story was destined to end the way it did. This is a series that I will definitely want to read again! I can't wait to read more of Karen Marie Moning's books.(
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Best of Me
by
Nicholas Sparks
The Book Goddess
, December 31, 2011
This book made me cry..but what Nicholas Sparks book doesn't make you cry. As usual, Sparks manages to catch the subtle and raw emotion of the human experience, while remaining firmly lodged in realty. I am disappointed when I read reviews that criticize Sparks for not always having the traditional "happy ending". Frankly, that is why I choose to read Sparks books. If I want to read a guaranteed happy ending, I choose Nora Roberts or some other traditional romance author. I read Sparks books because I find them moving and I like being swept up in the story and seeing the painful decisions that are made. Because in real life, the easy path isn't always the right path. I commend Sparks for staying true to his writing style. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and cannot wait for the next journey he takes me on.
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Stocked Kitchen One Grocery List Endless Recipes
by
Sarah Kallio, Stacey Krastins
The Book Goddess
, December 04, 2011
What an amazing concept!! As a working wife who works 50-60 hours a week as an accountant, this book is a life-saver! I am always stressed about cooking fresh and healthy meals with minimal fuss, planning or having to hunt for strange ingredients I will only use once. Add to that, I'm just not strong in the kitchen. This book is ideal for someone learning how to cook and wanting to keep it simple and for people who just don't have the time to plan meals. As long as you have the ingredients from the provided shopping list, you will be able to make over 300 different recipes. The book also covers appetizers, desserts and an array of breakfast/bruch items, which are perfect for entertaining. I only managed to find a few recipes that didn't appeal to me. I'm really looking forward to learning the recipes so that I can start making my own modifications as I get more time in my kitchen. Thank you to the wonderful women who brought this cookbook to my home!
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Still Life
by
Still Life: Chief Inspector Gamache 1
The Book Goddess
, November 26, 2011
As a huge fan of Agatha Christie's mysteries, I see why this author is so often compared to Christie. This was a cozy, small-town murder mystery story with a fascinating cast of characters. Gamache is an excellent portrayal of a modern-day Hercule Poirot. But the story has it's own voice and it's own flow, seperate from Christie mysteries, which allows it to stand on its own. Some say the story began to slowly, but I see that as a necessity when beginning a series. The background needs to be developed, as do the major characters. In all of the set-up, there were certain moments of humor that really breathed life into these characters. There is also a deep understanding of human psychology by the author, that allowed her to create very realistic actions and thought processes, not to mention the interactions among the characters. This was much more than a simple murder-mystery. There are seven stories in total in this series and I cannot wait to read them all.
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Peach Keeper
by
Sarah Addison Allen
The Book Goddess
, November 19, 2011
I just love this author and was so excited when this latest book came out. The story is written in that whimsical, mystical style that you come to expect from this author...but the story fell a bit flat for me in places. The interactions between Willa and Colin weren't as magnetic as I have come to expect from this author; however, I thought she did a fantastic job with Sebastian and Paxton's story. Also, Sarah's books tend to have a little mystery to them but this one just seemed a bit obvious and bit too easily wrapped up. Though it wasn't my favorite Sarah Addison Allen book, it was still a solid story and I look forward to seeing what she is going to write next.
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Borrower
by
Rebecca Makkai
The Book Goddess
, November 13, 2011
I'm not sure exactly what to say about this book..it was off-beat and quirky. Definitely an original plot and a unique way of telling a story. As a lover of all things books, I really enjoyed the many book references that were sprinkled throughout the story. I'm still on the fence about how I feel about the main character, Lucy. Through most of the book I was thinking to myself "What is wrong with her, she is an adult..." I was a little disappointed with the lack of development in the other characters, but in restropect, that was probably done on purpose in order to keep the story focused on Lucy and Ian. Overall, I liked the book but I definitely don't see it being mainstream popular.(
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Iron House
by
John Hart
The Book Goddess
, November 07, 2011
I won this book in a Publsiher giveaway and I am so glad that I did. I don't normally gravitate towards books that are graphically violent, but this story couldn't have been told in any other way. This was a beautifully written story about a dark subject. Abuse, crime, violence, secrets, love...this story had it all. The story centers around Michael and the twists and turns of life that lead him to where the story begins. The duality of his life was heart-breaking and honest. The futher into the story I got, the harder it was to put down. The author gives you the puzzles pieces a few at a time...just enough to put the picture together yourself without having it shoved down your throat. The story unfolded at a perfect pace, subtle and obvious all at the same time. Even though you have an inkling of what is going to happen next, you still can't wait to read the next page to see if you are right. This was a great thriller and I look forward to reading other stories by this author.
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Only Time Will Tell
by
Jeffrey Archer
The Book Goddess
, November 05, 2011
I was fortunate to win this book in a Publisher giveaway and it was amazing! This was an engaging story with a cast of a wondeful mix of characters; endearing, hateful, compassionate, wise...this book had it all. I found it very difficult to put this book down as I couldn't wait to see where the story was going to go next. I was positively hooked from the first few pages. Though the storyline isn't extremely original, the way the author told it made it feel new. Archer's gift for storytelling is reminiscent of Ken Follett. I became very invested in the fate of young Harry Clifton and the twists and turns at the end of the story are nothing short of jaw-dropping. I absolutely cannot wait for the second book in this series, The Clifton Chronicles. If you are a fan of the multi-generational saga, Only Time Will Tell is a dont't-miss-it novel!
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Reckless Endangerment How Outsized Ambition Greed & Corruption Led to Economic Armageddon
by
Gretchen Morgenson and Joshua Rosner
The Book Goddess
, October 15, 2011
If you have ever questioned what really caused the downward spiral of the US economy in the past few years, look no further. This is, by far, the most un-biased and well researched book I have read on the topic to date. The research is thorough, but not dry. This book actually reads more like a good fiction story because you just can't believe you are reading about true actions and events. It was eye-opening to see how many different moving pieces there were to the crisis and how long ago it was actually set into motion. I also enjoyed that there was no "party" blaming. This was a straight-forward analysis of the actual players involved. It is absolutely disgusting to see how few of the major players were charged with crimes (read: None)...and it was disheartening to see how many of them still hold prestigous and polical positions...many in the current administration. The book will make you mad...so if you are prone to high blood-pressure, maybe not the book for you. But if you like to be educated about the current events in this country, this is a definite must-read. The rampant corruption in politics and the corporate business world was eye-opening...and I have worked in finance for over 10 years and currently work as an accountant. I really thought that I'd seen it all...not even close. It's also written in a very easy to understand manner...no need for advanced Economics degrees to understand what happened. I think this should be a mandatory read for all Business, Economic, Finance and Accounting students...as a warning for what can happen when greed rules the day and ethics go out the window. My eternal respect to those who were brave enough to come forward and try to enlighten the world as to what was going on, even when they were ignored, threatened and discounted. They should all be extremely proud of their actions and I hope they recieve the credit they deserve for daring to be a voice of honesty and reason.
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Driftwood Summer
by
Patti Callahan Henry
The Book Goddess
, October 15, 2011
This was a book I just couldn't put down because I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. The characters were so beautifully created; they were very vivid and real to me. I found myself instantly drawn into the story, mostly for Riley. I enjoyed Maisey too, but I found her to still be very young and immature throughout most of the story. This was a wonderful book about connections, family, realtionships and letting go of the present so you can live in the future. However, the story also managed to emphasize that you shouldn't loose sight of your hopes and dreams and the core of yourself when life gets in the way. Overall, a very sweet and moving story. I definitely plan to read more books by this author.(
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Heart of the Matter
by
Emily Giffin
The Book Goddess
, October 15, 2011
A solid, but decent story. I found the ending both inspiring and frustrating, but I won't say any more for fear of giving the ending away. I do think the story moved naturally and the emotions and people were very genuine. I had no trouble imagining any of these characters in the real world. It was interesting to learn that the wife, Tessa, of the Doctor was Dex's sister from Something Borrowed. Just a neat "something extra" for the story. Though I didn't enjoy this story as much as Something Borrowed and Something Blue, I still liked the tone of the story. I enjoy Giffin's writing much more than I thought I would after just reading the jacket covers of her books. (
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Fall of Giants
by
Ken Follett
The Book Goddess
, October 15, 2011
Brilliant book! If I could have read this uninterrupted in one sitting I would have...too bad work got in the way! Follett is one of the greatest authors of our time and this book was certainly no exception. I didn't know much about the specifics of WWI...only what I can recall from my school history books. The concept of this book shows the events leading up to WWI, throughout the war and the aftermath from the perspective of several different individuals: two Russian brothers whose paths diverge, two British siblings of a working class family, a British Earl and his suffragette sister, a German aristocrat and an American who works in the Wilson White House. We also get a fascinating glimpse into the Russian Revolution; it was eye-opening. To witness how the Russian people saw the revolution and Lenin's rise to power was powerful. They believe they have escaped the oppressive rule of the Tsar. If only they knew how this was really going to turn out for them. Most people in modern times focus on WWII and warn that history is doomed to repeat itself for those who forget the events and lessons learned. I think people should treat WWI and the revolution in Russia the same way. As you read the book, you quickly forget that you are reading about fictional characters. That is because Follett is known for writing characters that truly could have existed and creating events that most likely did occur. The story is moving, heart-breaking and in the end, very educational due to the care put into providing historical accuracy. This book is the first in a trilogy and I cannot wait to see how these characters move forward after these terrible events and continue to experience the 20th century, through their eyes and the eyes of their descendents.
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