Book 18, 2012 - The Secrets She Left Behind by Diane Chamberlain

This book was the sequel to Before the Storm that I had just finished.  I actually finished this a couple of weeks ago, but realized I never posted it!  I think it says a lot about the quality of an author's writing if when a book is finished, you immediately pick up its follow-up.  (But then again, I did read the Twilight series even though I hated it.... but I digress).  Regardless, I certainly enjoyed the second book in this drama.  The book focused on some of the secondary characters from the first book and it helped piece the whole story together.  I did not like it as much, which is how I feel about most sequels, but certainly found it worthwhile, and hard to put down. 

I'm realizing I have fallen woefully behind on my 52 weeks/ 52 books challenge, but have learned that travelling baseball teams, adorable four-year-olds, and keeping my sons happy has been a far bigger challenge.  I won't meet the goal this year, but it is so much fun keeping track of what I am accomplishing in spite of my outside responsiblities.  I should probably choose some shorter books, but ....  ah... this is supposed to be fun and I don't want to think too much... (why I always choose fiction books!).   :)

Did I like it?  Yes.  Would I recommend it?  Yes -- but definitely read Before the Storm first.  Rating?  4 out of 5

Book 17 , 2012 - Before the Storm by Diane Chamberlain

I just finished this book today, and I will be moving on to the sequel pronto.  I've read a couple others by Diane Chamberlain before, and this book reminded me why I like her so much.  If you like Jodi Picoult, you'll like Diane Chamberlain....  very similar style and the type of book that makes you think a bit about "What would you do?"  I never like to give the synopsis of a book because anyone can look that up, but I will say I didn't know anything about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and this educated me a bit.  There is a bit of a whodunit quality to this, and I didn't figure it out... what David Baldacci couldn't do. 

I have just started the second book which picks up where the last book left off, about 8 months later.  A great story, and I'm interested and invested in the characters enough to want to know.

Did I like it?  Finally -- YES!  Would I recommend it?  Definitely.  Rating?  4.5 out of 5.

Book 16, 2012 - The Innocent by David Baldacci

This was a book club selection for a meeting we never had.....  so I'd be lying if I said I was still glad I read it.  I'm not.  I am all for reading books a bit out of my comfort zone;  how else would I know if I liked it?  I have read a different book or two by David Baldacci and enjoyed them.  This one, however, had a government-based plot to it, which is typically something I avoid.  Since I'm not an avid reader of government crime thrillers, I surprised myself by pretty much figuring out 'who-dunnit' early on, and was annoyed by the ending, all wrapped up in a pretty bow.

 I struggled getting into this book, and found myself not caring a whole lot about what happened.  This book set me waaaayyy back on my 52 books in one year goal.  I know at this point, it's highly unlikely to reach it anyway, but all this book did was put me further behind.  I'd probably read another David Baldacci.... just not anytime soon.

Did I like it?  Eh.  Would I recommend it?  Probably not....  even the most amateur reader could figure this one out.  Rating?  2 stars.

Book 15, 2012 - Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky

This book, pure and simple, made me so happy that I have three sons, (no daughters!).  This book is about a "pregnancy pact" among 3 high school seniors, and the reactions that their mothers, friends, school administrators, and city leaders have in response.  I sometimes like these girly types of books for the "pure fluff" factor, but this book didn't work for me.  The story mostly showed the reaction of the mother of one daughter in particular, and wouldn't you know it... everything works out for everyone perfectly!  Children are beautiful!  They really don't have any regrets!  They don't need to go to college!  Everything is hunky-dory! 

If this is the type of book I'm reading, I prefer something a bit more Jodi-Picoult-ish, (for lack of a better adjective)... where the ending isn't necessarily happy, and more cons may be presented than pros. 

I learned how to knit a few years ago, and this hobby has fallen away for me as of late.  In this book, all of the women knit, and if anything positive came from this book for me, I would say it gave me the knitting bug all over again. 

Did I like it?  Eh.  Would I recommend it?  Not unless you have nothing left at home to read.  Rating?  2 stars, maybe.

Book 14, 2012 - While I Was Gone by Sue Miller

I chose another dud.  Another book that's been on my shelf for a long time, with high hopes, but alas.....  not my favorite.  I didn't realize this was an Oprah Book Club choice, (my cover doesn't have the signature Oprah seal of approval), or that would've been my first clue this book wasn't going to be my favorite.  Oh well... this book was great for me for maybe the first quarter or so.... but then, I was pretty bored.  It discusses a middle-aged woman who is a new empty-nester with her husband.  She meets someone in town which brings back memories of her hippie twenty-something years many moons ago.  For me, this discussion was easily the best part of the book.  When she is back in the present, the book dragged for me.  She was sort of swept up in the past with her memories.  I always struggle when decent characters throw away a good thing without a good reason.  I know, I know, real-life people do that too....  but this one didn't make a lot of sense for me.  I did however, think Miller's style of writing was quite good.  I quite possibly could look up another by her in the future... but not anytime immediate.

Did I like it?  Sometimes.  Would I recommend it?  Maybe -- depends on the demographic.  Rating?  2.5 out of 5.

Book 13, 2012 - Hold Tight by Harlan Coben

It was time for something fast-paced and engaging... something the last few books I've read haven't managed to do for me very well.   Harlan Coben never disappoints for me.  It had been literally years since I've read one, and it definitely won't be so long next time.  I enjoyed the book about teenage angst and of course, the crime drama within the book... (made me pray for strength when my 3 sons become teenagers!!).  I always read customer reviews from various sites when I finish a book and the I did agree with a few of the gripes I read about the book.  But you know what???  I don't read this kind of book for the literary value... just for the escape.  In this case, it totally served its purpose!

Did I like it?  Yes!  Would I recommend?  Of course... with all of the others he's written!  Rating?  4 stars.  Fun entertainment.

Book 12, 2012 - Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

I chose this book because I thought the cover looked A-Mazing... and I was in the mood for something somewhat simple after reading such a tension-filled book previously, (Unbroken).  It started out as exactly what I was looking for.  Not too hard, interesting pictures throughout.... but then the book fell apart for me.   I really really wanted to like this book.  Unfortunately, the second half of the book lost its whimsy nature for me and became an action type-- not what I wanted.  Reviews are somewhat mixed on this book, and I can understand why.  It is a great book and a so-so book all rolled into one.  It also took me a little under a week to finish, which was longer than I needed to get my book challenge back on track! 

So...  Did I like it?  Sometimes, yes.  Would I recommend it?  I don't think so... except for the photos.  They're really cool.  Rating?  2.5 out of 5.