Book Review: Thanks for the Memories by Cecelia Ahern


Lose yourself in the magical new novel from Cecelia Ahern — the No.1 bestselling author of PS, I Love You

How can you know someone you’ve never met? Joyce Conway remembers things she shouldn’t. She knows about tiny cobbled streets in Paris, which she has never visited. And every night she dreams about an unknown little girl with blonde hair. When she leaves hospital after a terrible accident, with her life and her marriage in pieces, Joyce moves back in with her elderly father. All the while, a strong sense of deja vu is overwhelming her and she can’t figure out why! Justin Hitchcock is divorced, lonely and restless. He arrives in Dublin to give a lecture on art and meets attractive doctor Sarah, who persuades him to donate blood. It’s the first thing to come straight from his heart in a long time. When Justin receives a basket of muffins with a note simply saying thank you,he is sure someone is playing a trick on him. But then a series of gifts begin to arrive. Intrigued and disturbed, Justin is determined to find out who is sending them. What he discovers will change his life forever.

This book took a little bit of time for me to get into. It was not as instantly gripping as P.S I Love you, however once you get into the book more it is a good read. The idea that a from the heart giving up some blood is connecting between the giver and the one who got the blood is interesting. It was a bit hard to get a handle on at first however the way it has been set up in this book.

But over all it turns out to be a very good plot. There is a scene where both people go into a Salon to have their hair cut at the same time that made me giggle a bit. If you are looking for a good heart warming chic lit book and do not mind a slightly slow start (I promise it does pick up!) I recommend this book as one you should read. By the end, you will be smiling and feel very warm and fuzzy.

Book Review: Gordon Ramsay The Biography by Neil Simpson



A new biography of Gordon Ramsay—celebrated restaurateur, star of Fox TV’s hit reality show Hell’s Kitchen, and the only London chef with three Michelin stars.

He has cooked for prime ministers, ousted Hollywood actresses from his restaurants, set records for cursing on television, and changed the way Britain eats. As famous for his volatile persona as he is for his cooking, Gordon Ramsay remains London’s most talked-about chef, an international sensation whose eponymous restaurant boasts three Michelin stars. And with his hit television show, Hell’s Kitchen, Ramsay is now a household name in the U.S. At 18, Ramsay was a professional soccer player; at 30, he was a multi-millionaire. So how did he end up in the kitchen? In this, the first biography of the star chef, Neil Simpson offers a fresh perspective on one of the most driven and successful men in Britain.



I love Gordon Ramsay, I love watching his shows Hell’s Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares. So picking up this book and reading a little bit more about the man and the chef was something I was looking forward too. Moreover, I was not to be disappointed. It was a fantastic read and it is one I would happily pick up and re-read. If you enjoy the Chef and want to know some more information about him and not just that, he shouts in the kitchen I recommend picking up this book and giving it a read.


Book Review: Big Girls Don’t Cry by Author: Donna Hill, Brenda Jackson, Monica Jackson, Francis Ray

From the acclaimed bestselling authors of Living Large and A Whole Lotta Love come four romantic and sexy stories celebrating big, bold, and beautiful women.



This was a fantastic book. I laughed and enjoyed it the whole time. The four stories included in the book are all about being happy with yourself no matter what size you are. You can be fun, flirty, and sexy. Enjoy your life no matter what. I think that is a fantastic message. They also seem to give you the feeling that there is love out there for everyone no matter what. Young Old, small large in the end it really does not matter. Just live your life and be happy.

Therefore, ladies if you want to feel happy, confident, sexy and desirable give this book a read. It will make you smile and likely make you feel at least one of those things. Moreover, a very good reminder is found throughout the stories. Just be Happy.


Book Review: Unmasked by Author: Janet Dailey, Jennifer Blake, Elizabeth Gage

In sultry New Orleans, passion and scandal are… UNMASKED.

On a warm spring night in a New Orleans Garden District mansion, the pick of society are gathering. Masquerading as Legendary Lovers, they have come to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Duchaise masquerade ball. Charles and Millicent Duchaise have spared no expense — everything is perfect. Everything, that is, except their guests.

Amidst the glitter and the beauty, the music and the revelry, some of the world’s most legendary lovers are in trouble. Napoleon is doubting his Josephine, who in turn suspects him of deception. Violetta, Lady of the Camellias, has found her Alfredo; only, she’s not sure she can trust him with her heart. Petruchio is attempting to seduce his Kate, who is reluctant to be tamed. And Juliet has discovered that her long-lost Romeo is not who he seems.

Come midnight at this year’s Duchaise ball, passion and scandal will be… UNMASKED.

Let these New York Times bestselling authors take you away to steamy, sexy New Orleans with their contemporary love stories, all centered around one magical night.



Not much to say about this one. I honestly did not enjoy the book. I tried, and I stuck with it til the end. But none of the offered stories were appealing to me. If you ask me this is one to skip.

Book Review: Don’t Miss Your Life!: An Uncommon Guide to Living with Freedom, Laughter, and Grace by Charlene Ann Baumbich

Along comes a book by a storyteller who holds the power, in true stories well told, to offer a motivating and healing balm for those thirsting and eager for somebody to remind them to “say YES to life, slow down, wake up, let go, hold on and LIVE!” As readers listen to Baumbich’s stories, laugh and cry, and then revisit their own stories, they will discover the sovereign hand of God not only loving them in the midst of adversity but wooing them to live life to the full.
Readers should fasten their seatbelts for this warm, fun, provocative, heartwarming ride. “We are so busy running our lives that we are often not enjoying them, giving thanks for them, or realizing our joy and potential,” Charlene says. “But if you learn the lively and releasing art of listening to and mining your own stories, you’ll learn that your life is, indeed, better than you think!


I do not usual read self help type books. But because I have been down in the mouth with Lymphoma I thought it might be a good book to read to help lift me up a little bit. And honestly it did lift me up a little bit. Although personally I am already applying most of the things she talks about to my life. And I have been for some time.

So while I didn’t get as much out of it as others might, I do think it would be a good book for someone who is trying to make some major changes in their life. It gives you some good ideas, and ways to do it. It offers insight and thoughts on how not to miss your Life. As the title says.

So if you need a little help just learning how to live. This will be a book you should sit down and look at.

Book Review: Tempted by P.C Cast and Kiristin Cast

So…you’d think after banishing an immortal being and a fallen High Priestess, saving Stark’s life, biting Heath, getting a headache from Erik, and almost dying, Zoey Redbird would catch a break. Sadly, a break is not in the House of Night school forecast for the High Priestess in training and her gang. Juggling three guys is anything but a stress reliever, especially when one of them is a sexy Warrior who is so into protecting Zoey that he can sense her emotions. Speaking of stress, the dark force lurking in the tunnels under the Tulsa Depot is spreading, and Zoey is beginning to believe Stevie Rae could be responsible for a lot more than a group of misfit red fledglings. Aphrodite’s visions warn Zoey to stay away from Kalona and his dark allure, but they also show that it is Zoey who has the power to stop the evil immortal. Soon it becomes obvious that Zoey has no choice: if she doesn’t go to Kalona he will exact a fiery vengeance on those closest to her. Will Zoey have the courage to chance losing her life, her heart, and her soul?

This series just keeps getting better and better. Once again we are thrown into the turmoil that has become Zoey Redbirds life, we pick up with her and her gang right where we left them after the last book. They have just banished Neferet and Kalona away from Tulsa. And one would think after all that has happened they would get a little bit of a break. But that is not to be.

Zoey and her group manage to get a little bit of sleep but there are still more issues to be handled. Zoey of course has the boyfriend issues. She has gone from having Erik and Heath to worry about to now also having Stark, her warrior who has a close bond to her. Erik is getting more and more possessive and it is becoming increasingly hard for Zoey to handle. Talk about Drama.

When the group decides to return to the house of night they find that their home is in turmoil and the only thing to explain it is that Kalona and Neferet are still alive, and still have a hold on them. This thought is confirmed by finding out that they are at the high council in Italy.

This book takes so many twists and turns that you don’t see coming that it keeps you engrossed. Your wondering what is going to happen next and how could it possibly get any more different. The writing is engaging and develops the story well. And the ending will leave you wishing it was April already for the new release.

Book Review: Scandal’s Bride by Stephanie Laurens

When Catriona Hennessey’s uncle’s cleverly crafted will offers her the choice of either marrying the scandalous Richard Cynster or leaving her innocent cousins penniless, Catriona is appalled. If she marries at all, she wants a consort who would allow her to continue to act as healer and serve “The Lady,” as the women in her family have always done. She knows Cynster is far too overbearing to be that person. The Lady, however, has other ideas. Laurens takes full advantage of the current New Age interest in ancient Goddess worship to weave a steamy story with strong, well-matched protagonists, lively action, and love scenes that melt the pages. Although the novel is set during the British Regency, the period has little influence on this patricular story; readers who want a bit more Regency flavor might enjoy earlier books in the Cynster series.

Scandal’s Bride is the third installment of the Cynster series by Stephanie Laurens, and by no means are these strong, handsome virile men getting tiring. On the contrary this new story brings us into the light of the Cynster we met on the very last pages of the Second book A Rake’s Vow, Scandal like Vane before him said he would not bow to fate, he would escape her he would not marry.

Well, as we have learned by now that’s what they all say. Devil the most Alpha of the Cynster’s fell first, and than Vane, and now its Scandals turn, so named because he was the Scandal that never was. Handsome black haired blue eyed Richard Cynster is officially an illegitimate second son of Sylvester Cynster Duke of St. Ives (may he rest in peace) and Devil’s younger brother. But when Richards Scottish mother died, he was sent to live with the Cynster’s, the than Duchess now Dowager Duchess Helena scooped him up and proclaimed him her son. No one, not the ton not anyone dared say anything to dispute it. And so there was Scandal.

Now the man his mother was married to has passed away and it is finally time to claim the necklace that was left to him by his Mother. But the will holds a surprise, Richard is supposed to marry the hoity, hot headed, stubborn, Miss Catronia Hennessey or Seamus deems his estate will not pass to his family but onto the church.

This book really has to be my favorite of the Cynster’s thus far, the premise and the assumption that Richard will simply turn his back on everyone is fantastic. He of course is a Cynster to have and to hold, and they cherish family. And he knew from the moment he kissed Miss Catronia in the graveyard before knowing who she was, he would have her. She of course resists, but he is a Cynster. And her Lady has decreed he will be the father of your children.

This book delves into their personal relationship, growing to trust one another and love one another. And not only that but to admit that love. Who can’t take a look at their own life through those glasses? They learn that there is more to them than just their very hot physical selves. There are of course a few turns and twists thrown in for good measure but this book truly does focus on them. And when the Cynster family descends we get to see Devil and Honoria and Vane and Patience once again, which to me is always pleasant when you check in with characters you grew to love in a previous book. So if you ask me Stephanie Laurens has done it again, read it and love it!


Book Review: In her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner

Meet Rose Feller. She’s thirty years old and a high-powered attorney with a secret passion for romance novels. She has an exercise regime she’s going to start next week, and she dreams of a man who will slide off her glasses, gaze into her eyes, and tell her that she’s beautiful. She also dreams of getting her fantastically screwed-up little sister to get her life together.

Meet Rose’s sister, Maggie. Twenty-eight years old, drop-dead gorgeous and only occasionally employed, Maggie sings backup in a band called Whiskered Biscuit. Although her dreams of big-screen stardom haven’t progressed past her left hip’s appearance in a Will Smith video, Maggie dreams of fame and fortune — and of getting her dowdy big sister to stick to a skin-care regime.

These two women with nothing in common but a childhood tragedy, shared DNA, and the same size feet, are about to learn that their family is more different than they ever imagined, and that they’re more alike than they’d ever believe. In Her Shoes — Jennifer Weiner’s follow-up to her critically acclaimed debut, Good in Bed — observes Rose and Maggie, the brain and the beauty, as they make journeys of discovery that take them from the streets of Philadelphia to Ivy League libraries to a “retirement community for active seniors” in Boca Raton. Along the way, they’ll encounter a wild cast of characters — from a stepmother who’s into recreational Botox to a small, disdainful pug with no name. They’ll borrow shoes and clothes and boyfriends, and make peace with their most intimate enemies — each other.

Funny and poignant, richly detailed and wrenchingly real, In Her Shoes will speak to anyone who has endured the bonds of big — or little — sisterhood, or longed for a life different from the one the world has dictated, and dreamed of trying something else on for size.

I totally forgot this was also made into a movie in 2005 so I am going to cheat just a little bit and use this for my 2010 Challenge for read the book see the movie. And I will watch the movie in 2010 so it counts and it is the end of the year close enough.

This is my first Jennifer Weiner book and I had high hopes. My friend Sara said it was a good one…

The book started on a risqué and yet high note. It made me chuckle a little bit and than at the same time as I read on a little sad. Maggie defiantly has some issues to have herself used the way she does. Reading further the relationship between Maggie and Rose touched a little bit close to the relationship I share with my sibling. It is not exact and we are not set fully like the pair but I could defiantly relate and that does make the book a little closer to home for myself and probably others.

While I found the book enjoyable it wasn’t one that I couldn’t put down. It was just okay. Not bad not good, just there. I got a little lost at some of the chapter switches but that could have been my own personal lack of focus. And while I did not think the book was fantastic I will be giving the author another shot and I will defiantly read some more of her books and see where they go.

Happy New Year! Good bye 2009!

Book Review: Lady be Bad by Candice Hern


Third book in the Merry Widows Series.

Meet the Merry Widows–respectable ladies with a secret pact to pursue pleasure and to share the delicious details with one another…

The widow of a famous bishop, Grace Marlowe is both shocked and intrigued by the amorous adventures of her fellow Merry Widows. Though she agreed to their pact, she can’t imagine giving herself over to passion–until the most notorious libertine in London sets his sights on her.

The third and final full length novel in The Merry Widows series Lady be Bad spins a fantastic story. The other books have been engaging and exciting, but Lady be Bad throws together two people who you would never expect to see together. Grace Marlowe the respectable Bishops widow and the most notorious rake in all of London Lord Rochdale.

Lord Rochdale had never given Grace Marlowe much thought, she was not the type of woman he usually looks at. But thanks to a little bet with the gambler Lord Sheane he has set his eyes on the uptight widow. Or is she uptight at all? Once he sees her he sees just how beautiful Grace Marlowe truly is, with locks of blonde hair that fall like a golden waterfall, and figures that are classically perfect.

Follow this story as it takes us through the ups and downs, the worries and the possibilities. Hern has wrapped this one up in a nice little package and it is the perfect way to end the series on a high note. If I had to pick a favorite of the books I would pick this one. I am almost sad to see the series end but if it had to this was the perfect way.

Book Review: Mercy by Jodi Picoult


Police chief of a small Massachusetts town, Cameron McDonald makes the toughest arrest of his life when his own cousin Jamie comes to him and confesses outright that he has killed his terminally ill wife out of mercy.

Now, a heated murder trial plunges the town into upheaval, and drives a wedge into a contented marriage: Cameron, aiding the prosecution in their case against Jamie, is suddenly at odds with his devoted wife, Allie — seduced by the idea of a man so in love with his wife that he’d grant all her wishes, even her wish to end her life. And when an inexplicable attraction leads to a shocking betrayal, Allie faces the hardest questions of the heart: when does love cross the line of moral obligation? And what does it mean to truly love another?

Praised for her “personal, detail-rich style” (Glamour), Jodi Picoult infuses this page-turning novel with heart, warmth, and startling candor, taking readers on an unforgettable emotional journey.

How much do you love your significant other? Would you kill them if they asked you to? If they were dying of something terminal slowly and painfully could you do it? Could you face the aftermath? These are the real questions that Mercy brings up. You follow the stories of Jamie and his Wife Maggie who he has killed. And than Cam and Allie the Police Chief and his wife.

There are a lot of complex emotions in this book and Jodi Picoult manages to roll them out for you in a well woven tapestry of happiness and sadness all rolled into one. It makes you question what would you do if you were in Jamie’s situation. And not only that it makes you question what you believe with Cam, when Mia comes to town.

I can honestly say I wanted to slap Cam a few times but I suppose that it is my point of view as a woman. And I am still unsure if I would be able to do what Jamie did for his dear wife Maggie. To love someone so much you would kill them to stop their pain. That is an awesome and un-defining kind of love. But within the story we also see how Jamie begins to change, on how his perception of what he did and what he believes he want changes. There just really are no words to accurately describe how haunting and good this book is. I recommend you read it, and keep some tissues close.

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