John Grisham made a name for himself with his first books. Then he got into that weird phase where it seemed like he was writing for movies. And now, I think he is back on track. Rogue lawyer is about a lawyer who doesn't always play by the happy rules, but he's a good guy, despite being a jerk sometimes. He has several different clients, all semi- short stories and Grisham ties all the stories up with a little bow. I think that s what made it just three stars. I didn't like the bow.
Dumplin' by Julie Murphy (4/5 stars)
Willow dean is large. Her mother was the Clover City Miss Teen Bluebonnet, her best friend Ellen is gorgeous, and she has the hots for her co-worker Bo. Sounds like a typical woe is me, I'm more than back flab, so pay attention to me type of book. This isn't that story. Willow dean doesn't lose tons of weight to prove her worth. But there are trials that are more real than looks will let on- grief, friendship, jealousy, and of course, insecurities that everyone has to confront and lose. I think Willow sums it up nicely- "I guess sometimes the perfection we perceive in others is made up of a whole bunch of tiny imperfections, because someday the damn dress just won't zip." Yup
You Were Here by Cori McCarthy (2/5 stars)
Jaycee saw her just-graduated brother jump off a swing set and break his neck 5 years ago. She is still angry and bitter about that night, to the point that she has turned into a hermit. However, she and 4 people who refuse to let her self-destruct are on a quest to visit all the places Jake, her brother has been. The premise is excellent, yet the execution tends to be a little long-winded, and I never seemed to really get into it.
Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (5/5 stars)
For those of you who know me, I am fairly exhausted of World War II books. So the fact that this is a 5 star, it's good. It's really, really good. Two French sisters are each trying to deal with the death of their mother and a father who is unable to cope with his wife's death. And in the midst of all this, the war is coming, and each woman is dealt with sacrificing opportunities to help the Allies. So, yeah, it's a good book, even if it is in the World War II setting.
Charmed by Jen Calonita (3.5/5 stars)
Our superhero returns from saving the fairy tale reform school in the last book Flunked. With this new chapter in the group of friend's lives we learn that the evil wicked unreformed Alva is planning to overtake Enchantlandia with help from a mole in the school. But the overarching theme is teamwork in this delightful second edition of Flunked. This is a great book that will definitely go in my school's library.
Bull Mountain by Brian Panowich (4/5 stars)
I waited a while before I rated this book because I wasn't sure how I really felt about it. There was a mountain. There were people who lived on the mountain. And there were bad people who ruled the mountain (along with some illegal commerce of varying degrees). Bull Mountain is about family vs. pride. It's about power vs. loyalty. It's about good vs. bad. In a nutshell, a family pretty much owns the entire mountain, and they earn their money with illegal ventures. One of their family members, though, splits off and becomes the sheriff. Not a good thing. And then, to make matters worse, an FBI agent comes into play and determines to bring the whole mountain and men down. This is a book I would have never picked up on my own. Never. But I can honestly say, it was an entertaining, even thought-provoking surprise.
Playing with Fire by Tess Gerritsen (2.5 stars)
A professional musician purchases the music of an eerie waltz in Rome. When Julia returns home, her 3 year old daughter kills the cat and stabs her mother both times Julia played the music on her violin. So the story line switches between the man who wrote the music and Julia's story. Clearly, there is something amiss with the music sheet. Great premise, but I was disappointed at the ending. Also, it's another WWII story, which is always a sad story, but I have to say, not that original. It also reminded me somewhat of The Girl You Left Behind by JoJo Moyes, which I enjoyed better. So really, this is just 2.5 stars for me.
Flood Girls by Richard Fifield (4/5 stars)
Entertaining. Great character development of major players (no pun intended). And of course, the turn of events made my jaw drop. Rachel comes back to the very small town of Quinn, the outcast trying to make amends during her drunken days. Only her young neighbor, Jake, accepts her despite her reputation, Bucky who offers to fix up her trailer, and Chief, her new AA sponsor. But the tide turns as she is put on her mother's softball team. Amazing first book, Mr. Fifield. And thank you for sharing your backstory- it made it all the more poignent.
A Death in Sweden by Kevin Wingate (2.5/5 stars)
I never watched Dexter, but I think the premise is that he's a bad guy with good morals, or something like that. If that is right, then this book may be similar, but with CIA contract killers who decide to do something good. I didn't really like the main guy Dan, the plot was average, and the romance was predictable. But, hey, it was something to read (I listened to it), and I didn't hate it, but I fear I may forget about it the moment this review is over.