Ned walks away from his job, his town, and the woman he's fallen in love with. Runs away, actually, knowing that only velocity and secrecy can save his life. But who is pursuing him? The FBI? Whoever sabotaged the heist? Or is it all somehow tied into his new love --- and his oldest enemies? (back cover of audio book)
Lifeguard by James Patterson & Andrew Gross has it all... a robbery, lots of enemies, pretty women, ultra-rich people, art, high-speed chases, and lots of secrecy... all the makings of a good mystery.
Ned Kelly seems to have a string of bad luck experiences throughout his life. Now he and his buddies have a chance to turn things around by pulling off an easy art heist. But something goes terribly wrong. Ned immediately finds himself on the run. He also finds himself becoming quite chummy with Ellie, one of the detectives assigned to investigate the missing art pieces. Does the botched job and his friends' deaths have ties to his past, his family, or his last woman? And exactly who can Ned trust to help clear his name?
I thoroughly enjoyed the audio book Lifeguard. There were enough twists and turns to keep it quite suspenseful. The narration was very good; although, the background music that played occasionally was a bit cheesy for me. And the action of the story kept me interested throughout the seven cds. I recommend this book to others.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
While My Sister Sleeps
The key, she realized..., was letting go. The past was gone. She couldn't get it back. Here was a new reality. Sad as it was to accept that, it brought calm.
Molly wanted to share the insight with her mother. Letting go wasn't a betrayal, but rather a pure form of love. But letting go entailed acceptance of reality... (p.188)
While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky is not a depressing book about a woman who doesn't wake up from her coma but rather a celebration of life, love, and letting go. The story revolves around the Snow family and Robin Snow, an accomplished runner who one day suffers a massive heart attack and remains in a coma. Robin's mother can not accept the fact that such a tragedy could happen to her oldest child; her father quietly supports his wife. Robin's two siblings see things differently: her brother Chris keeps things to himself and her sister Molly voices her feelings and opinions quite openly. While trying to figure out what her sister would want, Molly sorts through feelings, friendships, guilt, and Robin's personal journal, only to discover that Robin had kept secrets from her family....secrets that will change everyone's view of who Robin was and what she really thought about her life and family.
...the comparison was too strong to ignore. "She is who she is, which is a different person from who she was. When I let go of who I want her to be and love her for who she is, I feel calm." (p.245)
Along with the main story line are two parallel stories that support some of the book's themes. One tells of a young anorexic girl and another tells of a older family member who suffers from Alzheimer's. Also, demonstrations of denial and acceptance by the Snow family expose issues of health, privacy, and organ donation. Needless to say, this book that had me captivated from beginning to end.
Raising provocative questions about family ties, repercussions of the past, and the toughest choices a parent could ever have to make, While My Sister Sleeps is a novel that will give you much to discuss. (p.324)
I loved this book for many reasons. First, family is always one of my favorite story lines. Secondly, I really liked the roles that the two male characters, David and Charlie, play in the lives of the family's female characters. And thirdly, I liked the pace in which the facts unfolded in the story so that it supported the family's emotions, discoveries and actions. I highly recommend Barbara Delinsky's While My Sister Sleeps to others.
Molly wanted to share the insight with her mother. Letting go wasn't a betrayal, but rather a pure form of love. But letting go entailed acceptance of reality... (p.188)
While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky is not a depressing book about a woman who doesn't wake up from her coma but rather a celebration of life, love, and letting go. The story revolves around the Snow family and Robin Snow, an accomplished runner who one day suffers a massive heart attack and remains in a coma. Robin's mother can not accept the fact that such a tragedy could happen to her oldest child; her father quietly supports his wife. Robin's two siblings see things differently: her brother Chris keeps things to himself and her sister Molly voices her feelings and opinions quite openly. While trying to figure out what her sister would want, Molly sorts through feelings, friendships, guilt, and Robin's personal journal, only to discover that Robin had kept secrets from her family....secrets that will change everyone's view of who Robin was and what she really thought about her life and family.
...the comparison was too strong to ignore. "She is who she is, which is a different person from who she was. When I let go of who I want her to be and love her for who she is, I feel calm." (p.245)
Along with the main story line are two parallel stories that support some of the book's themes. One tells of a young anorexic girl and another tells of a older family member who suffers from Alzheimer's. Also, demonstrations of denial and acceptance by the Snow family expose issues of health, privacy, and organ donation. Needless to say, this book that had me captivated from beginning to end.
Raising provocative questions about family ties, repercussions of the past, and the toughest choices a parent could ever have to make, While My Sister Sleeps is a novel that will give you much to discuss. (p.324)
I loved this book for many reasons. First, family is always one of my favorite story lines. Secondly, I really liked the roles that the two male characters, David and Charlie, play in the lives of the family's female characters. And thirdly, I liked the pace in which the facts unfolded in the story so that it supported the family's emotions, discoveries and actions. I highly recommend Barbara Delinsky's While My Sister Sleeps to others.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The End of the Alphabet
On or about his fiftieth birthday, Ambrose Zephyr failed his annual medical exam. An illness of inexplicable origin with neither known nor foreseeable cure was discovered. It would kill him within the month. Give or take a day.
It was suggested he might want to make arrangements concerning his remaining time. (p. 5)
Those who knew him described Ambrose Zephyr as a better man than some. Wanting a few minor adjustments, they would admit, but didn't we all. His wife described him as the only man she had loved. Without adjustment. (p. 9)
The End Of The Alphabet: A Novel by C. S. Richardson is a short novel of life, love, and death. Ambrose Zephyr has always been obsessed with the alphabet. When he has a month to live, he creates a list from A to Z of places to visit before his death. His wife Zappora Ashkenazi, better known as Zipper, travels with him; but, she makes her own list from A to Z to cope with the impending loss of her beloved husband. Their travels are brief but give them time for reflection. The couple's perspectives of details and events are different yet blended. Ultimately, the couple are given a chance to live, relive, and understand their past, present, and future.
I found this novel an interesting read, almost a combination of novel and poetry. The writing is unique but it gives the story a very personal tone. Even the chapters are entitled in a special way. And the love story is beautiful, especially the final two chapters. I very much enjoyed The End Of The Alphabet.
It was suggested he might want to make arrangements concerning his remaining time. (p. 5)
Those who knew him described Ambrose Zephyr as a better man than some. Wanting a few minor adjustments, they would admit, but didn't we all. His wife described him as the only man she had loved. Without adjustment. (p. 9)
The End Of The Alphabet: A Novel by C. S. Richardson is a short novel of life, love, and death. Ambrose Zephyr has always been obsessed with the alphabet. When he has a month to live, he creates a list from A to Z of places to visit before his death. His wife Zappora Ashkenazi, better known as Zipper, travels with him; but, she makes her own list from A to Z to cope with the impending loss of her beloved husband. Their travels are brief but give them time for reflection. The couple's perspectives of details and events are different yet blended. Ultimately, the couple are given a chance to live, relive, and understand their past, present, and future.
I found this novel an interesting read, almost a combination of novel and poetry. The writing is unique but it gives the story a very personal tone. Even the chapters are entitled in a special way. And the love story is beautiful, especially the final two chapters. I very much enjoyed The End Of The Alphabet.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
eX Marks The Spot
As his calloused pad feathered over her skin, it occurred to Andi they were alone in the empty shop, nested together like Russian dolls.
The same thought must have occurred to Dave. His thumb stilled. The air seemed to get heavy around them.
Andi sensed his intent a second or two before he leaned into her. Her pulse skipping and stuttering, she splayed a hand against his chest.
"Wait, Dave."
"For what?"
"This...this isn't smart."
"Maybe not," he murmured, his mouth a mere inch or two from hers. "Then again, it could be the smartest thing we've done in years." (p. 99)
EX Marks The Spot by Merline Lovelace is a Harlequin Next book that tells the story of Andrea and Dave Armstrong and their second chance together. Andi is forced to retire from the Air Force as a Colonel after contracting a bacterial infection. She moves to Florida and finds that her next door neighbor is none other than her ex-husband Dave. He is a Colonel in special ops that has always attracted her in many ways. Only one problem: their marriage fell apart a few years ago due to their careers and personal priorities. Now that Andi needs to begin her new civilian life, she finds herself going in directions she never imagined: dealing with the medical implications of her illness, opening a bookstore, becoming an active citizen in her new community, and falling for her ex once again. Dave never gave up on them, and he wants to make sure that Andi is aware of that fact. Can the two of them give love a second chance?
EX Marks The Spot was a fast, fun read that is perfect chick-lit. Love, mystery, and new beginnings, the story has a little something for everyone. I really enjoyed the book!
The same thought must have occurred to Dave. His thumb stilled. The air seemed to get heavy around them.
Andi sensed his intent a second or two before he leaned into her. Her pulse skipping and stuttering, she splayed a hand against his chest.
"Wait, Dave."
"For what?"
"This...this isn't smart."
"Maybe not," he murmured, his mouth a mere inch or two from hers. "Then again, it could be the smartest thing we've done in years." (p. 99)
EX Marks The Spot by Merline Lovelace is a Harlequin Next book that tells the story of Andrea and Dave Armstrong and their second chance together. Andi is forced to retire from the Air Force as a Colonel after contracting a bacterial infection. She moves to Florida and finds that her next door neighbor is none other than her ex-husband Dave. He is a Colonel in special ops that has always attracted her in many ways. Only one problem: their marriage fell apart a few years ago due to their careers and personal priorities. Now that Andi needs to begin her new civilian life, she finds herself going in directions she never imagined: dealing with the medical implications of her illness, opening a bookstore, becoming an active citizen in her new community, and falling for her ex once again. Dave never gave up on them, and he wants to make sure that Andi is aware of that fact. Can the two of them give love a second chance?
EX Marks The Spot was a fast, fun read that is perfect chick-lit. Love, mystery, and new beginnings, the story has a little something for everyone. I really enjoyed the book!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Autumn's Shadow
"What happened to your first love?" Did someone hurt you? Is that why you have kept love at a distance?
The question startled her, but she leaned closer to him, drawn to him. She shook her head against his plaid shirt, felling his hard chest under the brushed cotton. "I never met anyone I wanted to be with for life."
"I never wanted to be close to anyone ever again," Burke admitted. "But, Keely, I want to be near you." His voice thickened as he forced himself to put his love for her into words. "So much has happened to keep us upset, to separated us. But could we take some time --- try to give our feelings for each other a chance?" He gazed into her large eyes, now reflecting moonlight flowing through the bow window. Please, Keely.
"Yes." (p. 304)
What has happened to keep Burke and Keely upset and separated in Lyn Cote's Autumn's Shadow? Only two delinquent relatives, a few dangerous pranks pulled at the high school of which Keely is principal, fights that have been broken up by Burke while he is on duty as a police officer, and fires that have been set throughout the town that seem to point to someone they know well. Add those events to a few personal matters: Keely and Burke having a tough time fighting their attraction to one another, a young teen undecided what to do with her baby, an alcoholic, abusive father that needs help, and a powerful father who seems to always bully his way into situations. All these elements make a great story of mystery and love.
Autumn's Shadow is a Heart Quest book and second in Lyn Cote's Northern Intrigue Series that I just happened to find on my local library's shelf. I think I have found a new series that I would like to continue and a new author that I need to read more of. I highly recommend this book to others.
The question startled her, but she leaned closer to him, drawn to him. She shook her head against his plaid shirt, felling his hard chest under the brushed cotton. "I never met anyone I wanted to be with for life."
"I never wanted to be close to anyone ever again," Burke admitted. "But, Keely, I want to be near you." His voice thickened as he forced himself to put his love for her into words. "So much has happened to keep us upset, to separated us. But could we take some time --- try to give our feelings for each other a chance?" He gazed into her large eyes, now reflecting moonlight flowing through the bow window. Please, Keely.
"Yes." (p. 304)
What has happened to keep Burke and Keely upset and separated in Lyn Cote's Autumn's Shadow? Only two delinquent relatives, a few dangerous pranks pulled at the high school of which Keely is principal, fights that have been broken up by Burke while he is on duty as a police officer, and fires that have been set throughout the town that seem to point to someone they know well. Add those events to a few personal matters: Keely and Burke having a tough time fighting their attraction to one another, a young teen undecided what to do with her baby, an alcoholic, abusive father that needs help, and a powerful father who seems to always bully his way into situations. All these elements make a great story of mystery and love.
Autumn's Shadow is a Heart Quest book and second in Lyn Cote's Northern Intrigue Series that I just happened to find on my local library's shelf. I think I have found a new series that I would like to continue and a new author that I need to read more of. I highly recommend this book to others.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Where Yesterday Lives
Her mother raised an eyebrow. ... "It's true, you're a grown woman, Ellen. You can make your own choices. ..."
Ellen was silent.
"The years go by too quickly to waste them in silent prisons of hate."
With that, she turned around and headed for the kitchen, leaving Ellen speechless and overwhelmed. All her life she had thought her father to be the poetic one, the parent who could best relate to her creative side. But once in a while her mother would surprise her by coming up with something meaningful enough to be remembered for a lifetime. Silent prisons of hate. (pp. 288-289)
Where Yesterday Lives by Karen Kingsbury tells the story of a family torn apart from the past, brought together by the death of their father, and healed by their faith and love that goes deeper than any of them ever imagined. Each sibling has a slightly different perspective of the their childhood, their relationship with their parents, and their placement in the family dynamics. As close as the siblings believed they were as children, they find that they have many secrets between them that have been both intentionally and unintentionally kept from one another. Breaking down the walls between them will be the only way for them to come together to peacefully lay their beloved father to rest following a massive heart attack that took him without warning. Can the five siblings remember the good times from their past as they share the hidden secrets that have kept them apart so that they can heal when they need each other the most?
He seemed a million miles away, lost in some long ago memory.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Choices. Passages. Moments that make a difference for a lifetime." (p.316)
Focused primarily around the oldest sibling Ellen, Where Yesterday Lives is a very touching story about healing, family, and secrets. As the front cover claims: "Sometimes today's answers are hidden Where Yesterday Lives." This statement couldn't be more true as a central theme of this wonderful book by one of my favorite authors, Karen Kingsbury. I highly recommend this book!
Ellen was silent.
"The years go by too quickly to waste them in silent prisons of hate."
With that, she turned around and headed for the kitchen, leaving Ellen speechless and overwhelmed. All her life she had thought her father to be the poetic one, the parent who could best relate to her creative side. But once in a while her mother would surprise her by coming up with something meaningful enough to be remembered for a lifetime. Silent prisons of hate. (pp. 288-289)
Where Yesterday Lives by Karen Kingsbury tells the story of a family torn apart from the past, brought together by the death of their father, and healed by their faith and love that goes deeper than any of them ever imagined. Each sibling has a slightly different perspective of the their childhood, their relationship with their parents, and their placement in the family dynamics. As close as the siblings believed they were as children, they find that they have many secrets between them that have been both intentionally and unintentionally kept from one another. Breaking down the walls between them will be the only way for them to come together to peacefully lay their beloved father to rest following a massive heart attack that took him without warning. Can the five siblings remember the good times from their past as they share the hidden secrets that have kept them apart so that they can heal when they need each other the most?
He seemed a million miles away, lost in some long ago memory.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Choices. Passages. Moments that make a difference for a lifetime." (p.316)
Focused primarily around the oldest sibling Ellen, Where Yesterday Lives is a very touching story about healing, family, and secrets. As the front cover claims: "Sometimes today's answers are hidden Where Yesterday Lives." This statement couldn't be more true as a central theme of this wonderful book by one of my favorite authors, Karen Kingsbury. I highly recommend this book!
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