Oracle's Moon (Elder Races #4) by Thea Harrison
This is another favorite of mine simply because it has djinn in it.
I think this was more slow paced and less action oriented than the previous books in the series but it was really well done. Khalil and Grace aren't falling for each other in the midst of supernatural fights and mysteries, but instead are bonding over Grace's niece and nephew. They learn about eachother and grow as friends while still being attracted to one another. Which isn't to say that there's no danger, there is, but the story focuses more on the two of them being together than over arching threat. The story never really leaves Grace's house which is probably my only complaint.
I really loved this book and would totally recommend it to anyone who is a fan of paranormal romance or romance stories with djinn in them.
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures #1) by Jennifer Ashley
This is, easily, one of my favorite books even with it's flaws. I got annoyed with the heroine, Beth, in the later half of the book but I can see why did what she did even if I think the way she went about it was stupid. At times the hero seemed manipulative but it was quickly made up for by his actions toward Beth.
I think what really drew me to this story though was the way that Ian, the hero, percieves the world around him. It's rare to see a main character in a romance novel with high functioning autism like this and I feel like the author handled it well.
I am patiently waiting to read the rest of this series.
Real forgiveness between a mother and daughter
This is the story of Mira Bartok's journey from life with a mother that was a bright piano prodigy to life with that same mother when she is descends into the depths of schizophrenia. Mira leaves her mother and all the angry past behind until one day Mira's life also drastically changes. Mira finds the courage to return and to try to better understand this mother she still loves and to finally forgive her mom.
The author shares bits and pieces of her own prayer journey as she describes it with adjectives such as, Help, Thanks, Wow! It is a short read but certainly not slow. She has some incredible insights that we can easily take for granted in our spiritual life and one of her quotes I really appreciated was, "...three things I cannot change are the past, the truth, and you." So very true. Her approach is so earthy and genuine and easy to identify within. If you are looking for a quick, up-lifting read, give this little book a spin!
As the first novel for Ms. Lemon-Scott I enjoyed reading the story of two sisters whoms job it was to fix this boat. Knowing very little about houseboats, I enjoyed the rescue attempt for this boat as the sisters, very different in so many ways still had the same spirit which the houseboat created an environment to allow the author a wonderful opportunity to bring this story to life.
The author provided a wonderful setting for a story with tragic moments but also uplifting in that the book's characters were able to take the reader through these tragic moments, and yet live with special moments. It is the story of a family. How each responds. But the most powerful written message in this novel was that even though survival is hard, the investment is worth all of the work.
Owen Laukkanen second published novel "Criminal Enterprise" follows his first novel "The Professionals". When one has a highly acclaimed novel published, the second novel always has high expectations.
Mr. Laukkanen used short chapters in the Criminal Enterprise. The characters emerged as the story took me into a winding path. I was able to maintain each character throughout the story. I would of recommended this book until the last scene. Because of the course of action the author chose to use in this novel I knew that he was just repeating what we hear on the news all to often. His creativity ended before the book did. Thus, I would not recommend this book for reading. Just as I don't listen to the news.
Late, Late At Night--Rick Springfield's Adult Memoir
Rick Springfield is oh so transparent in his 2010 adult memoir. The handsome hunk tells of his darkside which has plagued him for his entire life. One can tell he carries wounds from his childhood due in part to his stern mother. At 90 plus years old, she still haunts him. You feel his hurt when more than once he mentions his beloved dog that he was forced to leave behind when the family moved. He credits his wife (of 30 some years) who has remained by his side throughout all his ups and downs. This book shows the reader the work hard--play hard "Jessie's Girl" crooner at his best and at his worst.
Dead Insider is the latest book in the Loon Lake series by Victoria Houston, the setting is the fictional town of Loon Lake Wisconsin. Each book follows Lewellyn, the chief of police; Doc, her boyfriend and retired dentist; and Ray, Doc's quirky neighbor in their quest to solve the newest mystery. Dead Insider has Lew, Doc, and Ray tramping through the North Woods looking for the murderer of a candidate for the Wisconsin State Senate.
I enjoyed this book. There were several story lines. I was interested in all of them. The author was able to create characters that I cared about. The writing worked and seemed to flow easily from one story line to another. The resolutions reflected real life with all the cares and concerns we have.
