The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot (Marianne Cronin)

Why I have this book: I saw it on a list somewhere online, so I bought it when it was on sale for Kindle. Then my daughter read it and loved it, so I moved it up my priority reads, and ended up borrowing the audio version.

I gave this one three stars on Goodreads. I really liked the overall story, but some of it was confusing to me. The timeline was a bit hard to follow toward the end, but I worked that out.

I felt like Margot's love stories didn't hit home for me. One did and one didn't, so that was disappointing. I did love the friendships and support the characters gave each other.

The story deals with death and dying. No descriptive sexuality, but maybe some profanity? I can't remember. Should I even keep putting these content reviews since I can't remember anything by the time I add it to my blog?

One Plus One (JoJo Moyes)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library because I like the author.

I gave this book four stars on Goodreads. To be honest (again), I finished it a week ago (feels like longer) and already can't remember specifics because I've been engrossed in another book. Oops. (As usual, I'll be dating this as the date I finished the book.)

I do know I thought it was a cute story with enjoyable and interesting characters. Definitely not a likely story—the quick "falling in love" never sits that well with me—but it was such a fun ride. The writing brought me right into the story, and even looking back, I can remember feeling like I was right in the car with them.

I can't be too specific since it's been a week, but I know there was profanity and sex outside of marriage (somewhat descriptive once or twice... and that surprised me because I don't think the author normally makes it descriptive). And now I'm remembering a bit of crudeness at one point in reference to sex, and I didn't like that.

One Foggy Christmas (Kortney Keisel)

Why I have this book. It's the very last book I've borrowed from KU before it cancels. I only borrowed it because my friend recommended it, and since it was "Christmas" themed, it seemed like a good idea.

I only gave it two stars on Goodreads. I think I'm just jaded about love stories these days. This one had a good premise, but it felt pretty implausible medically and a little too "Hallmark" in how it all worked out. If one is suspending disbelief and in the mood for a super cutesy Hallmark-styled story, then this one would fit the bill.

Pretty clean. I don't remember if it had swearing or not. There is a somewhat lustful moment on a ferris wheel, but it's not descriptive.

One Mountain Away (Emilie Richards)

Why I have this book: A friend recommended it, and it was available on KU, so I borrowed it. I actually borrowed the whole series, but only read this first one.

I gave it only two stars on Goodreads. The book was okay, but it took me forever to read it. I don't know if that was because it just wasn't that interesting or if it was because we had a lot of other things going on in our lives at that time. (Another review I'm writing a couple of weeks later and dating back to when I finished it.)

Some of the other books in the series look interesting, so maybe I'll come back to it. 

I think it was clean. I can't be 100% sure there was no swearing, but overall I'd say it was a pretty clean story. There were a couple of pregnancies that happened before marriage, but it's not glorified.

Obsessed: A Memoir of My Life with OCD (Allison Britz)

Why I have this book: It was recommended somewhere... can't remember where. I bought the Kindle edition.

I gave this book five stars on Goodreads. It's not like it's a literary standout, but it felt really raw and honest. The author went through an overwhelming onset of OCD as a teenager that pulled her life apart. I don't know that I've read of another case that was so destructive so quickly, although I'm sure there are many such cases.

I found her descriptions of her therapist and the ERP work they did to be very inspirational and hopeful.

Mostly clean. There were a few swear words, and I think maybe the F-word is included in that. Some might find the nature of her OCD symptoms to be frightening.

Only the Beautiful (Susan Meissner)

Why I have this book: My friend recommended it, and I've enjoyed other books by the author, so I actually bought this one. I didn't feel like waiting months to borrow it.

I really liked this book a lot. I learned some things about both American and European history that I didn't realize before. The book is set during WWII, but the story is more focused on how people with disabilities or psychological issues were treated in that time period. Really horrific, to be honest... but here's the thing. Some areas of the world still do those types of things to the "less desirable" humans in their countries. And by "less desirable," I mean that those in power are making that judgment. It's disturbing and horrifying, but I think most of the civilized world doesn't even know it's happening.

The book itself covers a lot of issues, and maybe there could have been a bit more depth to it, but I gave it four stars on Goodreads. There was one situation that needed to be at least somewhat explained that wasn't, so again... I should have been an editor so I could help tie up loose ends for authors. 

There might have been some swearing, but I don't remember.  A rape occurs, forced sterilization is discussed, and the way innocent "not perfect" children were treated in Nazi-controlled Europe is also part of the storyline. Some tough subjects, although it stays fairly non-descriptive.

The Overdue Life of Amy Byler (Kelly Harms)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from Prime Reading, and then later my friend recommended it, so I was glad I had it.

I really liked this book. I was surprised to see that it didn't have great reviews on Amazon after I read it, but maybe it depended on if you could relate to the protagonist's feelings about motherhood or not.

There were a few things that were kinda weird... like how she would often say something like, "Say what now?" What adult says that in this day and age? Maybe it's a Pennsylvania thing?

And I don't understand sleeping with a guy on the first date. Do people really do that? 

I enjoyed the banter between friends... I chuckled a few times reading their text messages. And I loved how they came together to support Amy. I'd have to assume she'd do the same for them.

It probably wasn't the best written book ever, but I was drawn in and was easily able to feel the emotions experienced by the main character... especially the difficult ones. I gave it four stars on Goodreads.

Adult sex is happening... but it's not descriptive. There's an implication of a teenager considering sexual experiences, but she seems to be pretty level-headed about those choices. There's some swearing... I can't remember if the F-word is involved.

Obsessed!

Subtitle: A couple's story living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and their strategies on how to deal with this condition.

(I personally would have capitalized each word as appropriate for a subtitle, but this is how it's written on the cover.)

I gave this two stars on Goodreads. Honestly, it needed an editor badly. There is nothing in this book that had any impact for me personally. It was estimated to take under three hours to read, but it was so boring and the writing was so unprofessional that it took me several days to get through it. (Obviously because I didn't want to pick it up...)

I'm sure the authors are very nice people, but it just wasn't a great book. I'm sorry! I appreciate their desire to be helpful. I do.

I'm bummed that I wasted my money on this one. Thank goodness it was only about $4.00. Ugh.

Clean. I don't remember any swearing or anything else that would be offensive.

Of Literature and Lattes (Katherine Reay)

Why I have this book: I bought it because I've read and enjoyed other books by the author. I actually bought it at the same time I bought the previously reviewed first book in the series (The Printed Letter Bookshop) with a gift card my friend gave me for my birthday. (So kind and thoughtful!)

Well, I had high hopes for this book since I enjoyed the first in the series so much, but sadly, I just couldn't get into this one. I can't decide if I didn't enjoy it as much because I didn't spend as much time in it, or if I didn't spend as much time in it because I didn't enjoy it that much. I had a hard time believing the main love story... the male half of the love match seemed like a pretty immature guy. Nice, but immature. I didn't really "feel" them fall in love. It just kinda happened. The female protagonist was also immature, but apparently was also brilliant. Her personality didn't really tie into her brilliance very well. I don't know. It just didn't all mesh for me.

Also, in this book and the previous one, the author used the word "cacophonous" several times. I just feel like when an uncommon word or phrase is overused, it becomes distracting. (Or maybe everyone else uses the word "cacophonous" and I'm the odd one out?)

So... I gave it two stars on Goodreads. 

Clean.

On My Honor (Marion Dane Bauer)

Why I have this book: I bought the print copy years ago for my kids to read, then borrowed the ebook version this past week to help my son with an assignment.

I read it again since I had it on my Kindle. I still think it's a worthwhile and important read for kids, although my son just used it for his assignment and then refused to really read the book. I guess he started it once but never finished it because it was too sad. He's not really great about taking my reading suggestions, so who can say if that's really why?

In any case, I do think it's a good book for kids to read and for parents to discuss with their children. I gave it four stars on Goodreads for that reason.

Clean, although the story is about the death of a young boy and how that affects his friend who was there when it happened.

One Summer (David Baldacci)

Why I have this book: My friend wanted me to listen to the audiobook so we could commiserate on how... interesting... it is.

Okay, so the very weird thing about this audiobook is that there was MUSIC in the background just for certain parts. Whenever a love letter was quoted, this sappy music played in the background. The first time it happened, I was like, "WHAAAT THE HECK???" and then I started laughing. And every time it happened, I laughed again. It was sooooo corny. It almost seemed like something you'd see on the Carol Burnett show when they play sappy soap opera music in their skits. It was so funny. But even worse was when they played music in the scenes where there was a physical fight going on. It was so weird and funny. I don't think it was meant to be funny, though. Hahahaha...

The story itself was pretty good. Very Nicholas Sparks'ish. I could only go with a three on Goodreads, though, because there were a couple of things that were just not believable. It did keep my attention, though, and I enjoyed it overall.

Pretty clean. I don't really remember anything inappropriate. There might have been a mild swear word or two, and I think the name of God was used as an exclamation of emotion here or there.

On My Own Two Feet: From Losing My Legs to Learning the Dance of Life (Amy Purdy)

Why I have this book: I bought it for Kindle when it was on sale for $1.99.  I'm guessing it was on Book Bub or something because I didn't know anything about the author.

Well, I ended up giving it two stars on Goodreads. The first part was interesting and intense as her illness and subsequent medical issues were explained. That is some tough stuff to go through.

After that, it was just about all her achievements and all the things that make her important and famous. I feel like she glossed over the hard recovery without going into much depth, and she mostly focused on all she did that's impressive. 

I think I assumed this was going to be a Christian-focused book... I'm not sure why I thought that, but it definitely didn't have a lot to do with God. The author seemed to be more about what she was meant to do in life (big things), and it seemed like all the people and all the blessings she received to recover and achieve so much were just side-notes to what she accomplished.

There was more swearing than needed (although I don't remember any F-bombs), and the author slept with guys before marriage without apology. I just checked, and apparently she did marry her long-time boyfriend after living together for years. I don't think she mentioned that in the book, but I was skimming toward the end, so maybe I missed it, or maybe they got married after it was published. In any case, the focus wasn't on any kind of religious/moral viewpoint, and it was clean for the most part.

Open Book (Jessica Simpson)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library.

In all honestly, I didn't know much about Jessica Simpson. I knew she was an actress to some degree, and thought maybe she was a singer... but honestly, I've only ever seen articles about her and have never seen or heard any of her work enough to tell you about it. I just like memoirs, so I thought I'd give this a try.

Her story was interesting, but honestly, she comes across as very shallow and narcissistic. I even watched a few episodes of The Newlyweds (the reality show she did with her first husband) to give her a fair shot, and that made me even less of a fan.

I'm really not going to say more about it because I would mostly be saying negative things about her and her lifestyle.

I can't remember if there was any swearing. She makes a big deal of being a virgin on her wedding night, but once she's divorced from her first husband, she sleeps with the other guys she dates. She's also an alcoholic, and talks about being molested by a girl one year older than her as a child.

The Oysterville Sewing Circle (Susan Wiggs)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library.

I liked this book quite a bit. It totally kept my interest, and had enough depth to make me feel like I wasn't reading just another romance novel.

I debated whether to give it four stars or three on Goodreads... the only reason I'd drop it to three is because there was a good amount of swearing in it. Way too many F-bombs and other "big" swear words. Totally unnecessary. And while I thought the book wasn't quite at the level of "the triumph of the human spirit" that usually makes me overlook swearing, I did think this was a step above a typical novel in it's efforts to address domestic violence.

See above for swearing report. There was also some sex between unmarried people, but it wasn't descriptive.

One Candle (Gale Sears)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library.

I didn't finish it. There wasn't anything objectionable in it  — it just didn't keep my interest. The writing wasn't that great. The author was trying to share facts about a historical time and people through a fictional story, but I would have rather just read the history if the fictional story isn't compelling. I figured I can learn the history an easier way.

Clean.

Once Upon a Time Travel (Sariah Wilson)

Why I have this book: A friend recommended it to me, so I bought it on Kindle quite a while ago.

I think I was about 45% or more though the book before I got invested enough to decide I was finishing it. I almost stopped because I just didn't care what happened next.

It did get better, but I still can only give it two stars on Goodreads. It was kind of witty, but it just didn't have much depth and I can't really muster up too much enthusiasm about it. It was an "okay" way to pass some dreary-day reading time.

Clean'ish, although there was a bit more sensuality than I expected. I had assumed it was written by an LDS author, but then I questioned that because it was a little "hotter" than is usually found in books in that category. Turns out the author did go to BYU, so I'm guessing she is LDS, after all? I don't know, and it doesn't matter, really. It was still clean by today's standards.

The OCD Mormon (Kari Ferguson)

Why I have this book: I saw it on a FB ad for a mental health conference, and since I'm of the same religious persuasion and have OCD tendencies, I bought it.

I bought it and loved it. I thought it was so honest and hopeful, and tied in well with the gospel of Jesus Christ and with Church culture. I gave it 5 stars on Goodreads.

Clean.

Of Grace and Chocolate (Krista Lynne Jensen)

Why I have this book: I had it on my Amazon Wish List for years and years (just because it sounded good), but then I saw I could read it for free on DBS+, so I borrowed it.

I enjoyed it. It was an easy read that kept my attention and helped me pass a day of "sick" kids and puppy. I gave it 3 stars on Goodreads, and I'd read more of the author's books if they came my way.

Clean.

The Selection Series Books 1-3 (Kiera Cass)

The Selection
The Elite
The One

Why I have these books. I bought the first one when it was on sale for Kindle. I borrowed the rest.

I loved these books. If love was the only criteria, I would give them 5 stars on Goodreads, but I have to reserve that for books that are amazing, like Unbroken and such. But if I could, I would give this 4.8 stars. Sadly, it just goes from 4 to 5, so I gave them 4 stars each.

I could hardly get my nose out of these books, and I started the next just as soon as I finished one. There are two more books in the series, which I have on hold at the library, but I'm at a good stopping point, so I'm being patient. I was really tempted to buy the fourth one!

Anyway, this is geared toward young adults. (Although the world would maybe say it's fine for high-schoolers, I'd say young adult.) Great writing, great story... and it's easy to get absorbed into the world Kiera Cass created in this series.

There is some occasional swearing in this series (including using the name of God as an exclamation of expression) and some mildly suggestive situations. Nothing graphic and nothing goes "too far." There is some violence (like in a war or rebellion), but not graphic.

The Only Alien on the Planet (Kristen D. Randle)

Why I have this book: Someone recommended it on an online site I used to peruse. I've had it on my Kindle for quite a while.

I gave this a 3 on Goodreads, but I'm considering going to a 4. I'd really like to go with about 3.75. I definitely got sucked into the story, so I'm not sure what's holding me back from the 4 stars...

Interestingly, it looks like the author is LDS.

I keep thinking about it, so maybe that means it needs to be a 4 star book, after all.

Clean, although there are some disturbing elements to it. They aren't delved into very deeply, which may be why I haven't gone straight to the 4-star rating. It did feel a bit incomplete in that particular part of the story...