The Invention of Wings (Sue Monk Kidd)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the e-book library. I don't remember why I chose it, though...

I really liked this novel set in Charleston, South Carolina in the 1800's. Focusing on the topic of slavery and abolition, the book is well-written and engrossing. I wish it would have included an epilogue. I wanted to know how things turned out...

I also liked how quilting was a small part of the story.

The 'Author's Note" at the end is a must read to sort out what is fact and what is fiction.

This book contains a handful (no pun intended*) or two of swear words, and a few instances of not-so-graphic sexuality. There is also violence in the treatment/punishment of slaves, also not graphically described.

*You'll get that if you've read the book.  :)

The List (Melanie Jacobson)

Why I have this book: It actually belongs to my daughter. I think I randomly bought it for her while browsing at the local bookstore a year or two ago.

She was packing up her stuff (moving to college... waaaahhhh) and I asked her to leave her books out so I could read the ones I hadn't read yet.

This book definitely fits in the romantic comedy genre. The writing was smooth, the dialogue was easy to get into, it was enjoyable to read. The ending was a little over-the-top, in my opinion... the way you'd see a romantic comedy end on the big screen.

There is the cynic in me that really hates romantic comedies. I got a bit of that cynicism while reading this book... the characters were too witty (all the time), too perfect looking, too perfect everything. Even their (her) flaws were designed to be perfectly attractive. So, that part of it was kind of "blech" to me, but I still enjoyed the book. I think it's probably perfect (haha) for young adults and older teens who still dream of that magical soulmate who is somewhere out there...

So if you enjoy this type of book, it's a good one. I did find myself smiling a lot, because the wit really was... witty.  ;)

Clean.

Before the Dawn (Dean Hughes)

Why I have this book: I was reading a friend's book list, and this was on it. I read this book years ago, but seeing the title made me want to read it again. The copy I read, though, wasn't mine, so I bought the Kindle edition.

I really, really like this book. I like the depiction of the struggle to love each other and care for each other even when we don't think we have anything in common… or when it's easier to just focus on ourselves.

I think the author did a good job of writing about women even though he is a man. It sounded realistic and understanding of the way women often think. And I could really relate to the protagonist, Leah. (Should I admit that?)

Clean.

Mile 21 (Sarah Dunster)

Why I have this book: It looked interesting, so I bought it for Kindle.

If I had to write this review in the first part of the book, I would have said, "Seriously? The writing is not that great, the main character is not very mature for having been a young widow, it seems high school'ish..."

But as the book went on, it got better. I ended up liking it a great deal, as the emotional aspects were touched upon more deeply.

I have to say that the book trailer I saw on youtube is nothing like I picture the characters at all. I think the author may have filmed it herself, though... and it didn't do the book justice.

Also, I never lived with college roommates, so maybe I just don't get it, but I just don't see people in singles' wards being as rude and childish as some of the characters in this book. It seemed a little unbelievable... but maybe it really happens.

All in all, I felt it was a worthwhile read.

Clean.

Victoria's Promise ... A Newport's Ladies Book Club Novel (Julie Wright)

Why I have this book: Because I've read the whole series, and this is the latest release.

(Sigh)

As far as entertainment goes, this was a good book. I wasn't bored, I was interested to know how it would turn out... (Meaning, I was interested in knowing HOW the author would make what would obviously be the conclusion actually happen.)

See, this was more like a typical romance novel. The early books in this series were deeper than that. There were real life problems and conflicts. They were more about womanhood and friendship. This one was just a romance novel that managed to tie into the series. The relationship wasn't even explored enough to be believable. The love interest was pretty cheesy and kind of creepy because he was so... corny. There was just no depth to their story. I'm not sure how they fell in love. I mean, they spent time together - that fact was mentioned. But the readers didn't spend enough time with them when they spent time together to actually feel anything growing between them. At least... I didn't feel it.

The ending was cute.

There is one more book in this series, I think, and I'll read it. I didn't hate this book... I was just disappointed that it was simply a romance story.

Clean, other than one use of the "other" F-word. (You know, the one that some people use instead of "toot" or "fluff".) It was just so out of place in this series.

The Amish Seamstress (Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould)

Why I have this book: It is part of a series I'm reading and the Kindle edition is pretty inexpensive.

I know I semi-swore off Amish lit, but I actually like this series. The stories go a bit deeper than just a cute romance. This one had relatively little romance, and that was nice. I also learned a little more of US history, which is always a good thing.

I would keep buying books in this series, if they keep adding to it.

(I am trying to get better at not making editing comments. This one had a fairly significant mix up on a date, but I'm working really hard to overlook that. It's a curse, I say! A curse!!!)

Clean.

The Body Fat Solution: Five Principles for Burning Fat, Building Lean Muscle, Ending Emotional Eating,and Maintaining Your Perfect Weight (Tom Venuto)

Why I have this book: I bought it because my husband and my two adult sons are beginning a fitness competition together based on this author's program.

I really liked this book. Total common sense, plus the flexibility to help people work with their strengths and recognize their weaknesses (and then work to overcome them) without getting into crazy and strict rules. I know he also has a more "intense" program for those trying to become "ripped" and into bodybuilding competition shape, but this book was geared toward normal people who just want to become healthy and lean.

I also liked that he devoted a good portion of his book to the subject of one's mental outlook and how it affects fitness and health.

Lots of good information without being dry and overloaded by details and studies. Plus, it was positive and "you can do this," while also being realistic and putting the responsibility right on the reader's shoulders.

Clean.