I have to admit, this was my first book by Jodi Picoult.  I have heard a lot of great things about her other books so when I realized I had this one on my Kindle already decided to read it to see how she is as an author.

I’m not sure Change of Heart was my best choice to test out her work.

The book isn’t bad, I was engrossed from start to finish.  There were a few parts that kind of bored me but I really wanted to get to the end to see what happened.  For that, I give it a thumbs up.

On the other hand, I had a hard time reading some of the religious “stuff” put into the book which turned me off.  If this had not been my first book written by this author it probably wouldn’t have had such an effect on my opinion.  It was, however.  But, I’ll try another one since I’ve heard so many raving reviews of other books by Picoult.

Despite my issues with the religious points brought into the story the book was good.

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From the Cover

Shay Bourne – New Hampshire’s first death row prisoner in 69 years – has only one last request: to donate his heart post-execution to the sister of his victim, who is looking for a transplant. Bourne says it’s the only way he can redeem himself…but with lethal injection as his form of execution, this is medically impossible. Enter Father Michael Wright, a young local priest. Called in as Shay’s spiritual advisor, he knows redemption has nothing to do with organ donation – and plans to convince Bourne. But then Bourne begins to perform miracles at the prison that are witnessed by officers, fellow inmates, and even Father Michael – and the media begins to call him a messiah. Could an unkempt, bipolar, convicted murderer be a savior? It seems highly unlikely, to the priest. Until he realizes that the things Shay says may not come from the Bible…but are, verbatim, from a gospel that the early Christian church rejected two thousand years ago…and that is still considered heresy.

So to end my holiday three-day weekend, I finished my sixth book.  I know, insane.  A couple I’d started before the weekend and just finished them the last few days.  The rest, well, I needed some rest.

So, book #6 this weekend was Daring Chloe, a new author (again) for me and a pretty good one at that.  This book was a free download on my Kindle but I will definitely read another of her books.

I will admit, that the Parish section was a little slow for me.  A little too descriptive and it dragged on quite a bit.  But, the rest of the book was really good.

Heck, I actually wanted to be a little more adventurous because of the book and it piqued my interest on a few other books I’d like to read.

All-in-all a good, light read.

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From the Cover

When Chloe Adams’ fiance dumps her—the night before their wedding—two girlfriends from her book group decide a little adventure is in order for the three of them. After all, why let a perfectly good honeymoon cruise go to waste?

Adventure? Chloe Adams? No way! Chloe’s lived in one town her whole life. The closest she’s ever gotten to actual adventures is reading about them. But her girlfriends won’t take no for an answer.

One good adventure calls for another as Chloe’s friends try to coax her out of her post-dumping funk, and soon she finds herself living out the adventures in her book club’s latest selections. Hiking. Sailing. River rafting. Traveling to new places and eating exotic food. The play-it-safe Chloe begins to blossom into a new, daring Chloe. A Chloe who just might be ready to take on her biggest adventure of all …

Laura Jensen Walker has a knack for quirky heroines and real-life humor. In Chloe, she’s created another memorable character who will live on in readers’ hearts.

So, in my mad reading frenzy this weekend I finished another book.  I actually started Talk of the Town earlier this week…it just took me until Saturday to finish it.

So, verdicts still out.  The book got really good reviews, it surprises me that so many people gave it 5 stars, but, whatever.  It was a fun read, I guess just not 5 star material in my opinion.

In all honestly, the story read like the life and times of Kellie Pickler.  It’s the story of a girl on a reality TV show that has a music contract at the winner.  The girl is small town, lives with her grandfather, hick-chick.

Honestly, I think my mom would love the book.  But, she likes American Idol too much…it might ruin it for her.

Anyway, the story was OK.  The kindle download was free and it wasn’t a complete waste of my time reading it.

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From the Cover

The show American Megastar is the hottest thing on television but its associate producer, Mandalay Florentino, is worried. She’s just arrived in the tiny town of Daily, Texas, to arrange a surprise “reunion concert” for hometown finalist Amber Amberson. Only it turns out everyone in town seems to know the secret. And paparazzi are arriving. Word from Hollywood is that Amber has disappeared with a “bad boy” actor. Can anything go right in this tumbleweed town? Imagene Doll loves her town of Daily, Texas, but things are lonely without her beloved husband. Life seems dull. At least until that fancy-dressed woman pulls into town, looking terrified and glamorous all at once. Soon life’s not the least bit boring as Imagene and the rest of Daily find themselves at the center of a media maelstrom–with a young girl’s future on the line.

I woke up  yesterday not feeling well and after working all day (bleh, I had meetings and appointments) I left a little early after texting a friend that I needed to find some good reading for a weekend on the couch under some blankets.  She recommended two books, one being A Scattered Life.  This looked interesting, and it was on the shorter side, so I decided to read this one first.

It was good.

The writer does an excellent job bringing you in to the character’s lives.  I actually felt sorry for the meddlesome mother-in-law.  I laughed and cried while reading this story.

If you have a Kindle, I’d recommend picking it up, it is most definitely worth the $1.99 price tag!  Karen McQuestion is a new-to-me author that I’ll definitely be adding to my list of authors to watch and read.

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From the Cover

When free-spirited Skyla marries proper and predictable Thomas Plinka, she finally finds the love and stability she’s craved since childhood. She also acquires a new family: mother-in-law Audrey, disapproving and suspicious of Skyla’s nomadic past; father-in-law Walt, gruff but kind; and Thomas’s brothers, sofa-bound Jeffrey, and Dennis, who moved across the country seemingly to avoid the family.

Skyla settles into marriage and motherhood, but quiet life in small-town Wisconsin can’t quell feelings of restlessness. Then into her life comes Madame Picard, the local psychic from the disreputable bookstore, Mystic Books, and new neighbor, Roxanne, whose goal in life is to have twelve kids even though she can’t manage the five she has. Despite her family’s objections, Skyla befriends Roxanne and gets a job at the bookstore, and life gets fuller and more complicated than she ever imagined.

Exceptionally heartwarming and inevitably bittersweet, A Scattered Life is a story that will stay with the reader long after the last page is read.

The end of last year I read Conspiracy in Kiev (The Russian Trilogy, Book 1) and loved it. When I downloaded Conspiracy in Kiev book 2 in the trilogy, Midnight in Madrid, was available as well as a free download so obviously I got it.  After I finished book 1 I couldn’t wait to read book two.  I just finished Midnight in Madrid (The Russian Trilogy, Book 2) and I have to tell you it was pure torture to complete.

Talk about disappointing.

I have raved to friends and family about what a great author Noel Hynd is and now I’m regretting my praise.  This book was all over the place.  Part history book — and I’m not talking the interesting history lessons thrown into a good novel.  No, I’m talking the boring history lectures I got in high school that made me think history was a directive of the devil.

Then we have the language issue.  The book (obviously) is set in Europe, mainly Spain.  So, to be authentic, I guess, the author decided to throw a bit of Spanish, Italian, French, and a few other languages that I couldn’t even figure out into the book.  Unfortunately, he doesn’t always translate them.  Or if he does you have to skim through full paragraphs before you get to the translation.  Now, yes, you could say I should broaden my intellect and learn a new language but it’s really  not my desire to be forced to learn (or decipher) four new languages through the course of a novel that I’m reading for enjoyment.

Now, page after page of boring history lesson and my lack of ability to read large portions of the text due to the language issue aside.  The book was rather boring.  I’m all for a good Christian novel, this was not that.  Part way through the story he throws in a very poorly written and not scripturally sound evangelistic chapter.  Now, I’m all for sharing the gospel, but this was so out in left field, so blah and inaccurate that it almost made me put the book down.  Then we end (or near the end) of the book with the main character starting to doubt her own faith.

On a good note, however, the tunnel scenes were very well written.  I actually found myself feeling claustrophobic from reading the portion.

So, while I do still recommend Conspiracy in Kiev I don’t recommend Midnight in Madrid and will not be buying book 3, Countdown in Cairo, and I’m sad to say that this book has most likely turned me off from trying another Noel Hynd book again.  Unless there’s one offered for a free Kindle download.

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From the Cover

When a mysterious relic is stolen from a Madrid museum, people are dying to discover its secrets. Literally. U.S. Treasury agent Alexandra LaDuca returns from Conspiracy in Kiev to track down the stolen artwork, a small carving called The Pietà of Malta. It seems to be a simple assignment, but nothing about this job is simple, as the mysteries and legends surrounding the relic become increasingly complex with claims of supernatural power. As aggressive, relentless, and stubborn as ever, Alex crisscrosses Europe through a web of intrigue, danger, and betrayal, joined by a polished, mysterious new partner. With echoes of classic detective and suspense fiction from The Maltese Falcon to The Da Vinci Code, Midnight in Madrid takes the reader on a nonstop spellbinding chase through a modern world of terrorists, art thieves, and cold-blooded killers.

I read Conspiracy in Kiev (The Russian Trilogy, Book 1) by Noel Hynd the end of last year.  I’ve never ready anything by this offer but it (and book 2) were available at the time as free Kindle downloads so I got them.

WOW! I’m so glad I did.  I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book.  I haven’t read Book 2 yet but only because I’d just finished two spy/crime books and wanted a different genre.

I read the reviews on Amazon and was a little surprised at some of them.  The books is classified as a Christian Fiction.  I don’t have an issue with that classification, I was just surprised at some of the reviews — or rather I found them funny, I guess I should say.  There were a few (what I would assume to be) non-Christians who made a point of saying “this should be classified as Christian Fiction” (I’m assuming it wasn’t at that point).  Then a few Christians were saying “this should NOT be classified as Christian Fiction”.

I had to laugh.  I read and enjoy Christian Fiction.  I can see why this is classified Christian Fiction but I don’t understand the issue each “side” had with the classification.  It’s not a book of salvation, it never talks about salvation or the path to salvation.  The main character is a Christian, she occasionally goes to church to pray when she’s frustrated at a point.  God/faith/religion is mentioned in the book but in a way that just makes it part of the main character’s life.  Honestly, if I could find more Christian Fiction that is written like this I’d be a very happy person.  It’s a story of a person whose faith is a part of her life but it wasn’t hokey or preachy or cheesy or anything.  It was just written with many of the same values I hold for myself and a very fun read.

Honestly, I have recommended this to Christian and non-Christian friends alike and will continue to do so.  I liked the book.  I think my Christian friends would enjoy reading it for the action and mystery that is in the story but also because it holds many of the same values that they hold.  I think my non-Christian friends would enjoy the book for the action and mystery and the fact that it’s just a good book but they won’t roll their eyes at it and claim it hokey.

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From the Cover

A shrewd investigator and an expert marksman, Special Agent Alexandra LaDuca can handle any case the FBI gives her. Or can she? While on loan from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Alex is tapped to accompany a Secret Service team during an American Presidential visit to Ukraine. Her assignment: to keep personal watch over Yuri Federov, the most charming and most notorious gangster in the region. Against her better judgment—and fighting a feeling that she’s being manipulated—she leaves for Ukraine. But there are more parts to this dangerous mission than anyone suspects, and connecting the dots takes Alex across three continents and through some life-altering discoveries about herself, her work, her faith, and her future. Conspiracy in Kiev—from the first double-cross to the stunning final pages—is the kind of solid, fast-paced espionage thriller only Noel Hynd can write. For those who have never read Noel Hynd, this first book in The Russian Trilogy is the perfect place to start.

I’ve been looking for a bible reading app for my BlackBerry for a while now.  I’ve wanted something that would allow me to pull up a verse but also something that would give me something to read every day.  I’ve really looked for an online daily devotional or bible reading site that I liked but have had a rough time finding one.  Well, last night I think I accomplished what I set out a long time ago to do.

Offers a BlackBerry app along with a free website with RSS feed.  You can choose your daily reading plan and every morning your verses are available for you.  I chose to go with the Project 345 reading plan.

Project 3:45 is a simple, effective way to read the entire New Testament in one year. The plan involves reading one chapter per day five days a week and uses the weekends to catch up if you missed any days. The plan was named for the average of the three minutes and forty five seconds that it takes to read one New Testament chapter (obviously this time will vary due to individual reading rates, chapter lengths, and etc., but you get the point). It’s never too late, start today!

So, today’s reading was John 1.  So, considering that one of my goals for the new year is to be more consistent with my Bible reading, I’m glad I found this when I did.

The Sweet By and By follows Jade as she prepares for her upcoming marriage to Max. You see her struggle with her past and come to terms with the secrets she’s keeping from her husband to be. Through flashbacks to her years growing up and seeing how she deals with her mother, sister, future mother-in-law and her future husband we see her struggles and how she deals with them to move forward.

So, what did I think? It was a very quick, easy read. I read the book in one evening – I’m a fast reader but that’s fast for me. I couldn’t put the book down. I’ve long admired Sara Evans as a recording artist and admit I was interested to see how she did as an author – you know what, I’d read anything else she wrote.

I don’t think this book was life changing other than to really point out to me the importance of not keeping secrets from the ones you love. But, it’s definitely worth picking up and reading.
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From the Cover
A redemptive story from multi-platinum recording artist Sara Evans.
Jade Fitzgerald left the pain of her past in the dust when she headed out for college a decade ago. Now she’s thriving in her career and glowing in the light of Max Benson’s love.
But then Jade’s hippie mother, Beryl Hill, arrives in Whisper Hollow, Tennessee, for Jade’s wedding along with Willow, her wild younger sister. Their arrival forces Jade to throw open the dark closets of her past–the insecurity of living with a restless, wandering mother, the silence of her absent father, and the heart-ripping pain of first-love’s rejection.
Turns out Beryl has a secret of her own. She needs reconciliation with her oldest daughter before illness takes her life. In the final days leading to the wedding, Jade meets the One who shows her that the past has no hold on her future. With a little grace, they’ll meet in the middle, maybe even before that sweet by and by.

The Noticer follows a man, Jones, around town as he interacts with various people and changes/impacts their lives.

What did I think about the book?  I don’t know.  I read it, I wasn’t excited about it.  I got through it fast but more because I wanted to finish it than because I couldn’t put it down.

The story isn’t bad.  It just is.  I was talking to a friend about the book and described it as a “feel good, hokey, inspirational super quick read”.  It’s not life changing but there were a few times I thought “that’s interesting”.

The book is almost a bunch of short stories that kind of have a theme throughout (the man Jones) but that don’t really “go” together.  You could, honestly, read the book in any order and not lose anything.

My thoughts…I’d give it 3 stars.

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From the cover:

A moving story of common wisdom from the bestselling author of The Traveler’s Gift.

Orange Beach, Alabama is a simple town filled with simple people. But they all have their share of problems – marriages teetering on the brink of divorce, young adults giving up on life, business people on the verge of bankruptcy, and many of the other obstacles that life seems to dish out to the masses.

Fortunately, when things look the darkest – a mysterious old man named Jones has a miraculous way of showing up. Communicating what he calls “a little perspective,” Jones explains that he has been given a gift of noticing things that others miss. In his simple interactions, Jones speaks to that part in everyone that is yearning to understand why things happen and what they can do about it.

Based on a remarkable true story, The Noticer beautifully blends fiction, allegory, and inspiration.

I’ve been so busy but still found the time to do a little reading.  I’m glad I did.

Again, this is the first book I’ve read by this author.  I’ll read more of her stuff in the future.  It’s not deep, but it’s a nice, light read for those times when you want to escape and relax — my #1 reason for reading.

The story follows Sabrina and Tucker, two single people whose lives have crossed and through secrets that are kept from each other. Each knows about the other but for their own private reasons are afraid to reveal the truth. The lies and secrets that haunt each character are evident throughout and you can see the pain that allowing these secrets to continue is causing each character.

I was drawn into the story and had feelings of frustration for both characters and what they were dealing with. The writing was good – you could sense the level of feelings between the characters and wanted to see them find happiness.

If you’re looking for deep, award-winning literature you might be disappointed with this book. If you’re looking for a light read, with a fun story line to take you away from the worries and stress of the day – you’ll be happy that you read this book.

As Christian literature I have to say that I almost felt like the faith aspects were almost an afterthought. And, I have to admit I was a little disappointed that some of the sin issues were almost glossed over or not even addressed.

Would I recommend this book? Yes. Would I suggest you run out and buy it tonight? Not really.

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Their letters could lead to lasting love . . . or expose Sabrina’s mortifying secret.

Sabrina Kincaid didn’t intend to fall for Nantucket native Tucker McCabe, the man she serves coffee to every morning—a man tied to a past she deeply regrets. But she has. And she’s fallen hard.

But she’s kept this a secret from her handsome customer. And now Tucker wants to hire Sabrina to help locate his friend “Sweetpea”—the mysterious woman he’s falling in love with online. Sabrina is not inclined to help, but if Tucker hires someone else, it could spell disaster. Because if someone else sifted through the emails and figured out the truth—then Tucker would discover that the person he’s trying to find is . . . her.