2010-100+ Challenge

Book Review: Beach Roses by Jean Stone

December 30, 2010 by Darlene

Beach Roses by Jean Stone was one of those books with the type of story I love. I read it with a few of my reading pals – Millenia & Nancy, from my book club The Reading Cove. Needless to say I really enjoyed it – it might have been a bit heavy for the Christmas season but that didn’t deter me in the least. It’s a sappy story but rich in the meaning of hope and moving forward.

Beach Roses takes place on Martha’s Vineyard and follows the lives of three women with breast cancer: Katie, Faye, Hannah and Rita; the woman asked to run a support group for them even though she’s never had cancer herself. She doesn’t really want to run this group but she’ll do pretty much anything for Doc Hastings so she agrees. Thus begins the journey that these women take that leaves them with the knowledge that sometimes it’s those we least expect to be there that are. They pull us from the deepest ends of sorrow and make our hearts lighter even if just by a little bit.

Katie is a rock star who at just over twenty years old finds she has breast cancer and is pregnant on top of that. She has to decide to do what’s best for her baby and herself. She is hit with a lot as she learns of betrayals from those she thought were the very people who cared about her. Will she learn to stand on her own feet and fight back? Will she be able to mend past relationships and learn to love again?

Hannah is a housewife who is harboring secrets of her own from her younger years. Hannah is one of those women who is always so concerned about caring for others that she forgets that she needs some tender loving herself. She is also the one woman in the group with the most advanced stage of cancer. Will she be around to see her kids grow up? Will she ever be able to realize her own dreams?

Faye could be considered the stuck up one of the bunch. This is her second round with breast cancer and she feels that this time is the end. She is also the most standoffish – she really doesn’t want to get involved with all of this. Faye is also living with demons of her own from her past to do with her children – one of which she doesn’t even know where to find him. Will she open herself up to the group – to these women? Will she find her son and mend the fences broken between them?

Rita was the one I liked the least although I did like her determination in protecting these women once she got to know them. She also really opened herself up throughout the story to these women and I liked that. However, she’s done a lot of things that she isn’t proud of and unfortunately for her one of them hits her in the face when she begins running the support group. Will she face up to what she did? Will she be forgiven?

This is a heartwarming story of the friendships and bonds that women form; sometimes when they least expect it. These women bonded over cancer but then it became so much more. It became about their families, hopes, dreams and the sharing of their innermost beings – those you just don’t often share with others. They supported each other through it all and it really turned out to be a story which warmed the heart and offered hope and love – I so enjoyed this book!

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Book Review: Dating Mr. December by Phillipa Ashley

December 29, 2010 by Darlene

Dating Mr. December by Phillipa Ashley is the kind of book that you go to when you need a light and fluffy read laced with a flirty romance and a good dose of hanky panky! Every once in a while I need to sit down and lose myself in some good chick-lit and Dating Mr. December filled that need perfectly.

Emma has been kicked and tossed around a lot lately. She lost her boyfriend to her boss and consequently lost her job. So, what does she do? She leaves London and heads for the boonies of Cumbria to work instead and just get away from it all. What’s she going to be doing? Well the first order of business is getting a bunch of down home kind of guys to agree to do a calendar — with not a whole lot of covering up going on if you catch my drift — to raise money for a new base camp that they desperately need. The men seem responsive to the idea — all but Will — the most ruggedly handsome man she’s seen in a while.

Will is very opposed to the calendar but agrees since he’s all for supporting the team not to mention that Emma seems to set his heart to pounding. It seems though that he and Emma keep butting heads at every turn and managing to spur each other on without even trying hard. Not to mention that they both seem to be making eyes at each other without either of them knowing it. Now the thing is that Emma has been hurt enough. She’s certainly not going near another man for a while and certainly not one that seems to have the reputation of a love em’, leave em’ kind of guy. Then there’s Will who has this hard exterior but maybe is a lot softer than most think – is he hiding a few deep hurts himself that make him leery of falling for anyone?

Try as you might in a small town it’s hard not to get thrown together and to top it off Emma and Will do seem to have some serious sparks flying between them. Emma doesn’t want a broken heart again though but Will keeps doing things that make her think that maybe there is a chance for them. Will she open up and give the relationship a chance? Is there even a relationship to worry about? Then there’s Will – is he willing to give up his wild ways for Emma? Or does he want his space and freedom, thereby breaking Emma’s heart again?

Dating Mr. December by Phillipa Ashley is great for those who love chick-lit or romance. I enjoyed it although did find it a bit slow in some parts. However the author’s witty dialogue had me laughing more than once and the storyline did keep me interested to the point where I needed to know what was going to happen. It’s a good read for this time of year when people are busy and just want something cute and light that they can lose themselves in for a little while. Keep in mind though that this book has nothing to do with Christmas even though you might think so from the cover.

You can pick up your own copy of Dating Mr. December by Phillipa Ashley here in the US and here in Canada. Be sure to check out Phillipa Ashley’s website as well!

My review copy of Dating Mr. December by Phillipa Ashley was provided by Sourcebooks.

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Book Review: Christmas Letters by Debbie Macomber

December 24, 2010 by Darlene

For the month of December my book club, The Reading Cove, voted to read Christmas Letters by Debbie Macomber. It’s a light, fluffy read which makes it a pretty good choice for this busy time of year. I didn’t find it particularly Christmasy although it takes place at that time of year – more it is a cute romancey type of book.

Katherine O’Connor, called K.O. for short, is currently working at transcribing medical records while she applies for jobs but has a side business writing other people’s Christmas letters for them. K.O. loves Christmas and manages to make these people’s lives sound so much better than they actually are.

So one day when K.O. is talking to her sister, she finds out that Zelda has decided not to have Christmas this year. Why you ask? Well because she’s read this book by a Dr. Wynn Jeffries on child rearing and he feels you shouldn’t let your children live in a dreamworld by believing in Santa and all things Christmas. Well K.O. is livid – really beyond livid! How dare he ruin Christmas for her twin nieces.

Imagine her surprise when she gets home to her apartment building to find that Dr. Wynn Jeffries lives there as well up in the penthouse of course. K.O. can’t resist confronting him and reaming him out on all his hair-brained ideas on raising children. Needless to say they aren’t too fond of each other at this point. Later K.O. is invited to her neighbors for cocktails and who should be there as well? You got it – none other than Dr. Wynn Jeffries himself!

Worse yet K.O.’s neighbor has decided that they are meant to be together because in all the wisdom of her psychic powers she saw this in the kitty litter and her bran flakes. Obviously K.O. and Wynn don’t agree but decide to have dinner as their neighbor planned for them. Sparks continue to fly as their attraction to each other heightens but will it be enough for them to be able to both see past their differences in the matter of Wynn’s beliefs on raising kids?

Christmas Letters by Debbie Macomber was fun to read although very predictable. I found it pretty funny at times so I have to say I did enjoy it. Most of us in my book club found it an easy enough and pleasant read for this time of year!

My copy of Christmas Letters by Debbie Macomber was purchased by yours truly.

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Book Review: Cream Puff Murder by Joanne Fluke

December 23, 2010 by Darlene

Cream Puff Murder is the 11th Hannah Swensen mystery and I have to say I am still hopelessly addicted to these books even though I’m a little behind now. I’ve got three more books to go to catch up but they are really fast reads and I love to save them for when I just need something light and easy. Plus I’ve gotten to know all these characters so well now that they feel like family and that always makes for a comforting read.

Hannah runs the Cookie Jar bakery in Lake Eden, Minnesota and of course she loves to sample her creations – who wouldn’t? Imagine her horror though when she goes with her sister to try on dresses to wear to their mother’s book signing and hers is just too tight. Well Hannah knows she’s a bit chunky — always has, but it seems things are getting out of hand now. So Hannah decides to lose some weight and ends up joining the local gym although is quite certain after her first workout that she’s going to die.

As with all Hannah Swensen books there is a mystery to solve and this one is no different. One of the instructors at the gym shows up dead and the thing is she’s been none too popular with too many people as one of her pastimes was flirting with other women’s men. Hannah wasn’t too fond of her either but certainly didn’t want to see her dead. It seems everyone is a suspect though including members of the police dept and Hannah has to work even harder to solve the mystery.

So Hannah is busy solving the mystery with the help of her sisters Andrea and Michelle, her mom and Carrie and of course Norman. The thing is will she solve the mystery before she ends up in the clutches of the killer herself?

As with all the Hannah Swensen mysteries I enjoyed this one too. It wasn’t one of the better ones but still good and it kept me turning the pages. The only thing I wish is that Hannah would already pick between Norm and Mike. I’m on the side of Norm but Hannah seems to enjoy stringing both of these guys along – I’m beginning to wonder if she’ll ever choose… I’m looking forward to seeing what Hannah is up to in the next book and may just pick it up over the holidays for an easy read.

My copy of Cream Puff Murder by Joanne Fluke was purchased by yours truly.

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Book Review: The King’s Daughter by Christie Dickason

December 20, 2010 by Darlene

The King’s Daughter by Christie Dickason brings alive the life at court with all the treachery and betrayal that swirls through it. The King’s Daughter is about the life of Elizabeth Stuart, daughter of King James I of England and VI of Scotland, told through her own eyes.

From a very young age Elizabeth is aware of her place in the family as third in line to the throne. She would be matched in a marriage that would further benefit her father’s position. Elizabeth is kept very sheltered and away from court. Her father doesn’t want her to know anything that is going on there. Her mother has nothing to do with her. Her mother at one time tells her that there is no point in getting to know a daughter as they are soon married off and the mother’s heart is only broken if they are close. The only thing that Elizabeth truly treasures is the special relationship she shares with her older brother Henry, Prince of Wales.

King James is quite erratic and unstable at times; given to flying into rages. His biggest fear being that his children are trying to take over the throne. This is his main reason for keeping Elizabeth so secluded and for keeping Henry under his thumb as well. Elizabeth though is pretty gutsy and does at times stand up to her father especially when he threatens to marry her off to someone she can’t even stand the thought of being married to. She also, as she gets older, decides to send out spies in order to learn more about what is going on around her especially those matters to do with her. She learns many things; things about her father as well; things that finally give her more control over her own life and future.

The biggest fear Elizabeth had was that she would be married off to some old and mean man. There were many times she was put on display to would be suitors. There were a few that she outright refused to marry; standing up to her father’s rage. In this matter her brother Henry came to her rescue. He tried hard to find her a man that would make a good match for her; someone that would make her happy and succeeded. Without him, who knows who her father would have sent her off with.

I liked Elizabeth and enjoyed this novel being told from her viewpoint. Dickason weaves fact with fiction in such a way that kept me turning the pages in this book to see what Elizabeth would face next. Henry as well was a character I liked. He seemed a kind and caring prince regardless of his father. King James is painted in a bad light in this novel- he is unstable and mean; most often quite drunk.

As with most historicals I am always appalled by how little say that women had and very horrified at the young age they were married off at; most often to men much too old for them. They were used as pawns; nothing more. That a mother turned away from her children because it hurt too much to love them, only to lose them, breaks my heart and yet this is how things were. Elizabeth spent her days not knowing what would happen to her at any given moment. I was glad that she found love and a way to move forward in her life. If you’re a lover of anything historical, then Christie Dickason’s The King’s Daughter is definitely a book you’ll want to read!

I read The King’s Daughter by Christie Dickason for her book tour with TLC Book Tours. You can check out all the other tour stops here and also be sure to visit Christie Dickason’s website as well. You can purchase The King’s Daughter by Christie Dickason here in the US and here in Canada.

My review copy of The King’s Daughter by Christie Dickason provided by TLC Book Tours and the publisher.

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Book Review: Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck & GIVEAWAY

December 13, 2010 by Darlene

Dining with Joy was my first experience reading any of Rachel Hauck’s work but it most certainly won’t be my last. What a fantastic, feel good read and perfect for all us foodies out there! There’s even a couple of recipes at the end of the book — one for banana bread that I fully intend to try out!

Joy Ballard is the star of the very popular cooking show, Dining with Joy. The problem—Joy can’t cook! At all! She’s one of those who can’t even boil water without burning down the house kind of cooks. However, she has that special something that captivates an audience and makes the show a success. How did Joy end up on a cooking show when she can’t cook, you ask? Well it was her father’s show and when he became suddenly ill and passed he asked that she take over. She couldn’t refuse her father and after with Joy being so popular, it seemed easy enough to continue the lie.

Things are going merrily along until the producer sells the show right out from under Joy without warning. The new producer Allison has no idea about Joy and her little secret but she is money hungry and ambitious and she plans on taking the show to new heights. She does the one thing that Joy hates which is being thrown into a cooking competition and worse it’s with Wenda – Joy’s trouble making rival who just may know about Joy’s secret. Of course Joy is terrified – she can’t cook! However, just in time and to the rescue, is the handsome and talented chef Luke Redmond to save Joy’s day. He saves more than Joy’s day though; he may have stolen her heart as well.

Luke becomes Joy’s co-host and her hope is that he’ll be able to take over all the cooking segments, leaving her the reality stuff. Along the way sparks seem to fly between them but then sizzle out only to sparkle again. However, as with all things, nothing stays the same. It’s only a matter of time before Joy’s lies will catch up with her and everything will go up in smoke. Will she still have a career? More importantly, will she still have Luke?

I loved Joy. I thought she was funny even while being really stubborn. There is so much more to this book than just the cooking aspects as well. There is Joy’s family and all the other stuff surrounding the story that makes it good too like her past relationship with her father. The novel is classed as Christian Romance and there are numerous references to God but not overwhelmingly so although for me I love Christian fiction so it in no way bothered me. The romance is light and fun – just the way I like it. Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck is a light and fun read – just perfect for this time of the year when you just want to relax and enjoy a book. It’s definitely one of my favorites of the month!

I read Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck for her book tour with TLC Book Tours. Be sure to stop by and check out the other tour stops as well as Rachel Hauck’s website. If you’d like to purchase your own copy you can do so here in the US or here in Canada. That or you can try your luck in my giveaway below!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I have 1 copy of Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck to share with my readers courtesy of the publisher. To enter:

For 1 entry leave me a comment with a way to contact you.
For 2 entries follow my blog. Those who do get the extra entry as well – just let me know in your comment.
For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway to spread the word.

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, January 8, 2011. Good luck everyone!

© 2010, Darlene of Peeking Between the Pages. All Rights Reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than Peeking Between the Pages or Darlene’s Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
My review copy of Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck was provided by TLC Book Tours and the publisher.

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