Book 3, 2013 - Caught by Harlan Coben

I love Harlan Coben's books.  I was needing something quick and different than most of the things I had recently been reading.  I hadn't read anything fast-paced in a while, and this hit the bill.  His stories, for me, tend to be a mystery that I think I can solve... but when the resolution of his stories come through, I realize I never could have figured it all out.  The unsolvable mystery....  I didn't love the main character of the story in this one... a tv reporter who finds child predators online... her story and personality bothered me a lot.  That said, I was happy to have a book that let me just read for pleasure without having to constantly feel sad (like the last few books I'd read)...  a fun book.  On deck, another Harlan Coben that our book club read!  Whew!  Another fun one on the way!

Did I like it?  Sure!  Would I recommend?  Sure.  Rating?  3.5 out of 5 stars.

Book 2, 2013 - Violets of March by Sarah Jio

This book was selected by my book club, or I certainly wouldn't have heard of it.  The member of our group who chose it said Amazon recommended it to those who like Kate Morton, (which if you've read my other entries, I think Kate Morton is a goddess author!).  Anyhow, I would classify Sarah Jio as a Kate Morton wannabe.... she's not in the same category.  That said, it was an easy read with enough mystery to keep me wanting to find out where the story was going to go.  Coming off such a deep read prior, this hit the spot.

Did I like it?  Sure.  Would I recommend it?  Maybe.  Rating?  3 out of 5 stars.

Book 1, 2013 - Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

Wow - This book was excellent.  I started it in December, and it took a solid month to get through.. surely to break a 52 book-in-a-year-book-challenge.  Well worth the risk.  This book is powerful, deep, and sure to make you think long after the book ends.  I have read a lot of people struggled to get into the book... not me.  It grabbed me right at the beginning.  I never like to give a synopsis of the book here, (heck, that's what Amazon is for!) but this book is really worth the hype. 

Did I like it?  YES!  Would I recommend it?  Yes - but really only if you have the time for it.  Rating?  4.5 out of 5 stars

Book 27, 2012 - A Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Banks

I picked this book up because my husband was deer hunting at the time.  Ironically, this book has nothing to do with hunting or fishing whatsoever.  I don't remember much of this book (again finished in November 2012), other than it had short chapters of lots of different characters that didn't really fit in with each other.  I liked it.  It was quirky and interesting and a fast read. 

Did I like it?  Yes.  Would I recommend it?  Definitely.  Rating?  4 out of 5 stars.

Book 26, 2012 - One True Thing by Anna Quindlen

I also completely love Anna Quindlen.  That said, this book was a tough one.  It is very sad and makes you reflect on the lives and relationships here in "the real world".  I never saw this movie, which I have heard is quite good... but I did love this book.  It is a bit of a mystery and tear-jerker all rolled up into one.  I finished this book also in November of 2012 and I remember thinking I was glad it was over before Thanksgiving rolled around.... all those relationships! 

I sincerely hope to get through everything Anna has written.  I love her style.  Except of course, her political crap.  That, I couldn't disagree with more.  :)

Did I like it? Yes.  Would I recommend it?  Yes!  Rating 4 out of 5 stars.

Book 25, 2012 - The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

Kate Morton is a goddess for me.  I have absolutely LOVED everything she has written.  I reserved this book from the library for months before it was released.  I cannot even begin to imagine the kind of thought and planning that goes into writing any of her books.  I finished this book in November last year, and while it took a bit of time to get through, that is what makes her books so great.  She has a wicked intricacy about everything she writes.  It's not supposed to be simple.  This book was no exception.

Did I like?  No - I LOVED it.  Would I recommend?  Oh yes.  Rating?  4.5 out of 5.

Book 24, 2012 - Kiss River by Diane Chambelain

Wow - how sad of me.  I never went back into my old blog to finish the books I read in 2012.  I think I felt defeated that I didn't come close to reading 52 books in 52 weeks.  Hmmm... I guess I should make my goal to read as many books as I can in a year... and maybe someday when life becomes less stressful and the kids don't need me to cart them everywhere, I'll probably read that many.  I can't wish time away, though, right?  SO... this was the 24th book I read last year.  I don't remember much about it, other than it was a sequel to an earlier Diane Chamberlain book I'd read.  I still dig her, even though this book wasn't my favorite.  Finished in Oct, 2012.

Did I like?  I think so?  Would I recommend?  Eh.  3 stars.