The Maid (Nita Prose)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library after seeing a lot of talk about it online.

I actually liked this book quite a bit up until the ending. There were a couple of revelations at the end that left me unsettled, and I actually would have had a different story for the mysterious figure in the mirror.

If not for the ending and the handful or two of profane words, I'd have given this book four stars. The writing was great (I did find one editing error), and the protagonist was fun to get to know. I enjoyed the book overall.

This book had some profanity, talk about death (including murder), and sexual relationships outside of marriage are implied a couple of times.

The Younger Wife (Sally Hepworth)

Why I have this book: I purchased it when it was a decent price on Kindle because I've enjoyed other books by the author.

I gave this book 3 stars on Goodreads. I actually really liked it up until the very end. I just imagined a new twist as we went into the epilogue, and then it didn't happen. I personally think my imaginary twist would have given the book that extra zing that would have brought a thrilling chill to the readers... but it's not my book, so all the readers missed out. :)

I'd probably give it a 3.5 if I could, but since I can't, it's a solid 3.

I'm pretty sure there was swearing, but it's been several days since I finished it, so I can't specify how much or which words. I'm pretty confident there were F-bombs in it, though. One couple is in a physically intimate relationship outside of marriage, but there are no descriptive sex scenes. There's the suggestion that there was an extramarital affair. One character had been raped as a teenager, but it's not graphically described in the flashback.

Mary Jane (Jessica Anya Blau)

Why I have this book: It was recommended on so many places online, so I finally borrowed it from Amazon Prime.

I gave this three stars on Goodreads. I would have easily given it four stars, but I felt like I had to drop it down a star due to the waaaaaaaaay extreme focus of penises in one section of the book, especially when "we" (the protagonist and the readers) stumble on a couple having sex on the beach, and again... the penis. I don't really want to explain... it's not what it sounds like, probably. It's difficult to explain.

Anyway, I thought the overall message was positive and good, so I'm glad I read it. I can only recommend it to one friend, though, because of the sexual undertones and "earthly" environment of the setting.

Lots and lots of F-bombs, definite sexual undertones, and lots of fixation on penises (especially in one section of the book... but it's not in a sexual way. There's not sex happening, until one scene where the protagonist stumbles on someone having sex...) Anyway, it sounds really bad, and it probably would be for a lot of people. To be honest, I almost stopped reading it at that part, but I kept going and then it all cleaned up.

The last two Penderwicks books (Jeanne Birdsall)

The Penderwicks in Spring

The Penderwicks at Last

Why I have these books: I borrowed them from the ebook library to finish up the series.

I enjoyed the whole series thoroughly. I do wish there would have been some resolution with a couple of things, but that would probably require more books. (I'll be sure to read them if more come out!)

All the books were fun, clean, wholesome, and entertaining. The writing is delightful, and the characters are all well-developed. I did love these books.

Clean

Books going out the door!

I helped my daughter clean her room this morning, and she decided to get rid of some books. She has a bunch of Magic Puppy books, and she also has the Mercy Watson series. I actually would be tempted to save the Mercy Watson books with the idea that my daughter's kids might want them someday since I know my daughter loved them. But... I'm trying to be a big girl and just remember that they are better off being read now by other kids than to sit around and wait for my daughter (who is 13-years-old) to have kids old enough to read chapter books.

We're going to see if one of her nieces would like them, and if not, we'll donate them to the school library or something.

It does feel good to get books out the door. Books should be enjoyed, not just sit on a shelf their whole lives!

Always in August (Ann Head)

Why I have this book: I got it for 99 cents on Kindle back last December. I'm not sure how it came to my attention, but I guess I thought it looked good.

I was completely enthralled with this book from the very start. It was a solid four stars all the way through... until the Epilogue. Loose ends. Unanswered questions. Just... what??? SO unsatisfying to not know how everything got sorted out. I had no choice but to drop it to three stars.

Such a disappointment because I really, really liked it up to those last few pages.

Mostly clean. There is an extra-marital affair (not descriptive). There's an air of sensuality in the book, but it's just the way it's written. It's possible one couple had sex before marriage, but it's not clear. I don't recall any swearing, but if there was, it was one or two mild words. There is a mention of suicide and the plot involves a murder.

The next two books in the Penderwick series (Jeanne Birdsall)

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street

The Penderwicks at Point Mouette 

Why I have these books: I borrowed them from the ebook library after reading the first in the series.

I gave both books four stars on Goodreads. I really, really like them. I wish I had a child who would read them, too! They are so cute and uplifting and fun (even though there are some hard situations that occur), and delightful.

The writing flows so well and drew me in easily. I looked forward to picking up my Kindle and reading whenever I had a free moment, and that's been rare lately. Overall... well done, Jeanne Birdsall! Really, she's a very good writer, and I love the "classic" feel of these modern books.

I highly recommend for the intending reading age (I think 8-12?), but I'm also recommending to my adult friend who I know appreciates this type of writing.

Clean.