I Kill the Mockingbird, by Paul Acampora

This was my most recent read.  I wanted something simple but good.  This was exactly that.  I believe it's a YA or even Juvenile fiction piece.  It's written from the perspective of an 8th grade girl.  Her mother has just won a scary battle with cancer, her father is the principle of her school - a Catholic school.  Her two friends are her constant companions throughout the story - her co-conspirators if you will, one of which she is realizing she has deeper feelings for than friendship.  She thinks he might feel the same but can't be sure... they innocently flirt with the idea throughout the story.

It's the end of the school year and a summer reading list has been issued, much to the chagrin of the main character, Lucy, and her classmates.  Their teacher being new since the death of their previous and favorite teacher (Fat Bob) doesn't quite get the students like their old one did. 

Fat Bob's favorite book is "To Kill a Mockingbird", as is Lucy's.  She wants people to create a sort of last tribute to Fat Bob and with the help of her two friends, comes up with a plan that gets the whole nation talking about it over the summer, and even many reading it.  I won't give away too much because that's the whole of the story, but it was the author's goal to get more people to read the book and I have to say, it worked.  It wasn't too long ago that I read it (though I can't find a post of it), but I find myself wanting to read it, again. 

It was a fun, light-hearted quick read - just what I wanted.  It's a good read for the young and old, alike. 

The Noel Stranger, by Richard Paul Evans

First of all, I'm finding it hard to believe it's been since August that I read a book.  Well, not really... I read this one in December.  But still...

Anyway, I read this one on the quick because there was a long line of people waiting for me to be done with it at the library.  I don't buy books unless I see myself reading it, again.  I used to buy every single RPE book that came out, but I eventually realized that wasn't really necessary.

This was one of his more cliche books.  There were a few twists that were interesting, such as bigamy, but even then, it was quite obvious how this would go down.  I do love his writing and his stories but sometimes they seem a bit... meh.  This was one of them. 

I'm super excited for the next installment of his current Walk series.  Now, those are worth reading.  Maybe because of the intrigue of having to wait a whole year to see where the story goes, next.  Also, he puts so much research into them.  Not that he doesn't his Christmas series, I'm sure, but this one was a bit lacking.  Still a good, quick read, though.

The Forgotten Road, by Richard Paul Evans

May and June were not conducive to me doing a lot of reading.  I started one book that I really wanted to be good because the subject matter seemed quite interesting to me.  It was the journey of a woman who was raised and lived as an Orthodox Jew.  She married an Orthodox Jew.  They had children and were raising them Orthodox, as well.  But she left it all.  Her religion, her family, everything she knew.  She questioned so very much of it and decided it just wasn't the right thing for her.  I didn't get very far into it - it was so very boring.  I don't know if it just wasn't written well and didn't flow or what but I just could not find myself getting lost in this book.  Rather, I found myself forgetting I was even reading it in the first place.

Then I started a new job and life had to find a new routine. 

Then Richard Paul Evan's book came out and I had it on hold for forever at the library, waiting my turn.  I finally got it and of course, devoured it. 

His books flow.  His books are written well.  This one, book two of his newest series, was true-to-form.  The main character continues on his journey, walking Route 66 from beginning to end, landing himself in California where his ex-wife is. 

He hits a major snag along the way and has to rethink his strategy.  I'm not sure I like the way he went with it, but it still ended interestingly enough.  I don't want to give any details in case someone wants to read this and isn't a fan of spoilers.  I know I'm not.  But I will say that I found all of the little tidbits of information about the Route and the stops along the way fun to learn.  He mentions references and inspirations for the Disney movie, Cars, and describes things as if he's seen them for himself - which I have no doubt he has.  The man does his research.

It's left me wanting more, so a success on the author's part.  I anxiously await the 3rd edition to his series, likely coming out early next year.

Illusions, by Richard Bach

I finished this a bit, ago.  My daughter borrowed this book from a friend and loved it.  She couldn't stop talking about it or quoting it.  Some of the things she said had me curious... something about a messiah.  We're religious folk so I had to check it out to see what exactly my daughter was filling her head with.

It's an interesting book, I'll give it that.  Nothing I needed to be worried about as far as controversial teachings, by any means.

A man meets another man, both own planes and give locals a ride for a small price.  The first man figures there's something about the other - he feels drawn to him and can't figure out why.  Turns out, the second man is a so-called messiah of some sort.  The first man has the makings of one and is to learn to hone his "skill" from the second who's just trying to live a normal life and not draw a crowd.

One thing I found strange was this messiah basically said everyone is their own messiah, which I do not agree with.  There were some concepts I was on board with, though.  The general message that I did agree with is the mind is more powerful than we give it credit for and we more or less limit our own abilities simply by thinking things are impossible.

This is a work of fiction and was originally published in 1977.  It's not like The DaVinci Code where one ends up questioning the reality of certain notions and ideas, it's just a pointless book about two men who cross paths and one teaches the other about life (or what is reality and what isn't - it's full of fanciful and ridiculous ideas at times).  The author either had some crazy views or some profound understandings about certain things.

It wasn't a quick read for me because I didn't find it to be a page-turner.  It could be a quick read for someone who was more into it than I was, I'm sure.  It was an ok one-timer.

The Noel Diary, by Richard Paul Evans

My turn came up for the newest RPE book... I started it last night at about 8pm - and finished it this morning at 1:30am.  It was good.  haha

He said in his emails leading up to the release of this book (if I remember, correctly) that this story has more of his personal life experience than any of his other books.  It's his wife's new favorite of his.  So, naturally, I had to read it.  I just didn't plan on reading it in one night.  haha

Like his others, it was very well-written.  I think that's why they're such quick reads - they just flow.  He certainly has a way with words.  The more books of his I read (I've read them all... except his science fiction series - which are still written well, I just don't dig that sort of storyline.  I read the first one, which I loved.  But mostly through the second one, I decided it just wasn't my thing.), the more I feel like I can see a lot of who he is through his writing.  I wonder how much of his stories come from real life experiences and people he's met.  He kind of hints at things like that in some of his recent books I've read.  It's almost like he's sneaking in small confessions or something.  haha

This is a story about a boy-turned-man, still hurting and trying to heal the pain of his childhood.  He finds someone along his journey who is attempting the same thing, only to find their lives are more intertwined than they knew upon meeting.  Of course, there's the love story - not too sappy.  They never are.  I love that about his books.  Clean and nice - not too much gush.  And there are always additions to the story that make them not sticky sweet.  I like that.  These things could happen in real life... One can hope, anyway.

I would highly recommend this book, too.  I recommend all of his books.  He has a flair for the written word.  I'm certainly glad he didn't hide his talent under a bush and instead shared it with the world.  He's my fave.

The Mistletoe Inn, by Richard Paul Evans

This! This is the perfect example of why I love RPE's books! Oh, how I love them!!

He writes so incredibly well! In this book, he inconspicuously gives tips on writing and publishing and becoming an author, in general.  He has a writer's retreat, just like in this book, he even uses his agent's name as a character - a literary agent, actually.  It's about a woman who's ready to give up on love and her writing aspirations when she comes across a writers workshop - for romance writers, of all things.  Her father pays for her to go but she's reluctant because of some not good news he just gave her... but that's all I'm going to say.  You'll have to read it to find out how wonderful it is.  ;)

I love his way of weaving a story; of creating the characters and plot line and all the details in between.  I love that I got to read this before Christmas (I had been on a waiting list).  I'm still on a waiting list for his newest holiday book, which I would imagine will still be a few weeks before my turn comes up.  Won't stop me from reading it, though. 

Man, I love his books.  This one renewed my desire for more - it almost has me wanting to go back and read every single one of them.  He's clean, funny, real, and just so knowledgeable about what he writes.  It's apparent he pulls from his own life in many cases... or at least I would imagine he does.

He just knows women so well and writes them so well and knows how to pull at their heartstrings.  His romances are never cheesy and always just right.  I love them, for sure.  (Not that I haven't made that clear, yet.)

As always, I would definitely recommend reading this if you want something light, quick and enjoyable.  I just saw that it was made into a movie just this year - of the Hallmark sort, of course - and I want to see it! I wish I had cable! Maybe Netflix will pick it up for next year... One can hope.  :)

The Christmas Sweater, by Glenn Beck

I found this book at Goodwill and am very glad I bought it.  I normally don't buy books till after I've read them and will likely read them, again.  I'll be reading this, again.  It was a sweet book.

It's a work of fiction but based on his true life experiences.  It's heart-breaking at some parts and uplifting at others... he wrote it very well.  It's a story of redemption and forgiveness and spiritual growth.  Very good for this time of year.  Again, I'm unsure of how much to say about it because I don't want to give the story away.  It's about a boy who learns one of life's hardest lessons and experiences the opportunity to make things better.  There's an unexpected twist at the end - one I wasn't sure I was in favor of, but I decided I do like it.  The emotions portrayed had to have been felt by the author to be woven into words the way they were.  My heart goes out to the author and am glad for the happiness he was able to find in spite of his own battles.

I do recommend reading this and am always willing to lend it out.

The Mistletoe Secret, Richard Paul Evans

It's been a busy month! I started three books... and finished one! #success

I've read one other of the Mistletoe series,  The Mistletoe Promise, likely during the three years I didn't post about what I read.  It was nice.

This one was just that - nice.  Nothing spectacular.  I sometimes feel as though some of his books are simply to fill a contract... that or I'm losing my zen for romance.  And in case RPE happens upon this blog entry (I was trolled by an author I somewhat harshly critiqued, once - it happens.), I love you, you're awesome, keep writing, I love your work, you're a rock star.

It was a simple romance, one that needed a little knowledge about at least the geography and history of the location it's mainly staged in.  Richard does do his homework.  I have no doubt he flew to the place he wrote about and did a little research.

It was a sweet story.  Maybe a little obvious.  The ending was pretty easy to guess, the further into the story I got. 

But it was good.  I have the third one on hold at the library (and two other books to finish).

Rosemary's Baby, by Ira Levin

Before those of you who know me and also know this book gasp in horror at my possible reading of it, know this - I didn't.

I was nearly halfway through, though, before I decided to stop.  That's when it started to become disturbing.  Before that, it was just intriguing, nothing dark.

I have heard of this story, only by title, and knew it was something of a - well, I can't say horror novel because I didn't relate it to that in my mind.  (I do, now.)  I thought of it more as a somewhat eerie story about a woman who lives next to neighbors who want her baby. 

Nope.  Not even close.  Well, ok, a little close.  I only know this because I read the summary of the story on Wikipedia. 

But, dude.  If I had known the extremity and depth of the darkness that is this book, I never in a million years would've even given it a second glance.  This woman's neighbors do want her baby, but only because they're a cult/coven and want it for their devil worship.  Apparently, the child is an actual spawn of satan.  (I don't capitalize that name on purpose.)  Her husband was in on the drugging and, well, everything that happened after, so that this baby could be made.  He did it because he was promised success in his career as an actor if he did. 

Who comes up with this crap? What dark and twisted mind actually conjured up a story like this? Good gravy!

I wish I had had the sense to look into it, further, before I started reading it.  This is why I'm posting this - to warn others who wish to avoid such ugliness.  My brain wishes to cleanse itself of the small bit of disturbing content it did read. 

Don't read this.  It's horrible.

A Stranger in the House, by Shari Lapena

My daughter saw this in a bookstore so we checked it out from the library.  She is the one who wanted to read it but hadn't, so I thought I would.

It was ok.  It was enough to keep me reading - it built up my curiosity for the ending.  There was an unexpected twist at the end that left me feeling a little disappointed.  Not that she didn't write it well, I think I just had a certain ending in my mind and when it didn't play out, I felt disheartened.  I don't like how she made the main character out to be.

The author has a slight Mary Higgins Clark style about how she writes, which was good.  I didn't care for her use of the F-bomb but she at least kept it clean.  She did manage to weave a story with pieces of a puzzle that I had to see completed, so I'll give her that, too.

I guess I just didn't like the ending.  I didn't care for the twist. 

If you like thrillers, this is a decent read.  I just don't like the feeling of disappointment it left me with.  It also had me realize I prefer something a bit more uplifting, I think. 

Oh, well... on to the next!

Rebel Queen, by Michelle Moran

I love Michelle Moran's novels! They're all historical fiction and so extremely well-written.  I read this many moons, ago, but realized there were a great many books I read in the three years I didn't post anything (2014-2017) that I want to log.  This is one that came to my mind, today. 

Moran does her research.  If you visit her website, that becomes clear.  She doesn't just rehash things she's read, she travels and learns and absorbs the information, then she uses her literary magic to twirl it into stories that engross the reader.  She makes it quite hard to put her books down.

So far, I've read every one of her books.  I used to follow her journey through the creating of her next... then life happened and I forgot all about them.  Something plucked that brain string in my mind, today, and here we are. 

The Silver Star, by Jeannette Walls

I finished this a bit, ago.  It was excellent.  I had to keep reminding myself it was a work of fiction.

Having read her memoir first, though, I can see how much of this book was inspired by her life story. 

She's good, that's for sure.  I truly enjoy her writing style.  I have her other book on hold at the library, right now, and can't wait to get it!

The Broken Road, by Richard Paul Evans

I almost feel like a bit of a traitor... I used to make sure I bought every RPE book that came out.  He's my favorite {living} author! I haven't read, let alone purchased, one of his books in *gasp* years! (Shame on me! haha)

I saw this one at a bookstore and decided to check it out from the library since I'm on this not-spending-money-on-unnecessary-items kick and will not be purchasing any books anytime, soon.  Even if they're purchase-worthy... It truly pains me to do this because, like all of his books, this one fits into that category.

I'm always in awe at how "flowy" his books are.  He certainly has a way with words.  And he does his research... I had to some of my own research to verify this was a work of fiction because he wrote it so well.

Now, I say work of fiction, but at the end, there's an author's note that this is based on a true life - the real story of a real person.  He's changed the name and such.  The prologue is what had me doing some Googling because of how he tells it. 

This is the first book in a new series.  It tells of a man who went from an abusive childhood, dumpster-diving and living in poverty, to finding the love of his life and an amazing opportunity for financial success, which is something he craves.  It ends with a sad and significant change for his future.  It ends with a new beginning... and I cannot wait until next Spring when the next addition in the series will be complete!

I'm always a little wary of putting too much... I don't like spoilers.  I guess I used to do that, but I've moved on to more of, "This is what I read... you'll like it... or you won't... Check it out!".

I do always highly recommend any RPE book.  They're clean and so very well-written.  He knows his stuff.  If you read this one, you won't be disappointed.  In fact, you'll likely be hooked and in the same boat as I am... waiting somewhat patiently for Spring.  ;)

The Road to Grace, by Richard Paul Evans

This one's been a long time coming... it was released LAST YEAR - almost a whole year ago! I'm almost ashamed to admit this, but I didn't even buy it until last week.  *gasp* I know... I usually buy them before they're even released! 

Anyway, it was definitely worth the wait, and good timing really - he's due to release the next one in The Walk series quite soon, so I won't have forgotten anything.

NOT THAT I COULD, mind you! This one was really good! The ending was a shocker! I have to wonder if it'll change the whole dynamic of the story line, now...

This one was full of profundities, invoking tears numerous times throughout.  It was a marvelous read and I'm better because of it.  I love books that touch my life in a very personal way, that promote healing and growth in my own trials and situations.  I don't know where he gets it, but I'm so very grateful that RPE shares his wisdom with the masses.  I'm sincerely looking forward to the next edition to the series.  :)

A Red Herring Without Mustard, by Alan Bradley

I got so wrapped up in beginning the fourth Flavia de Luce book, that I almost forgot to log the third one!

I think this one is my favorite of the three I've read, so far.  The ending was just nice.

This one still stays true to form with the mystery, humor, and enjoyability.  

If you haven't read these, and you enjoy a good book that's clean and charming, these should be on your list of to-reads, for sure! :)

Now to finish the last one... boo.  Although, I've been told there's another coming out in March, so - YAY! 

The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag, By Alan Bradley

I cannot get enough of these books! I've already started the third one!!

Flavia de Luce is my new favorite person.  I love her precociousness! Alan Bradley writes her like a pro! Her wit and humor and attitude and cleverness are neatly packaged inside this eleven year old girl, and I only wish she were real so I could meet her! 

One thing I love about Mr. Bradley's books, is he gives clues throughout, but one can never solve the mystery on those alone -- he leaves out the important ones till the end when Flavia's solving yet another crime for her friend, Inspector Hewitt.  

I almost hope this girl never grows up so her stories can keep being produced! They're full of British lingo, which I love, and the number of times they'll have you smiling or laughing out loud or even "Ah-ha-ing" will keep you coming back for more! I certainly am! 

They're clean, humorous, charming, and entertaining... I highly recommend them!

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, by Alan Bradley

Enjoyable... Fun... Delightful...

These are words I would use to describe this book! It was such a pleasure to read! 

It's a fiction mystery and the main character is Flavia de Luce.  

The plot is enough to keep the pages turning.  But, if that wasn't enough, the way it's written and the character's personalities will draw you right in.  It had me laughing out loud at times and trying to puzzle the clues together, at others.  I haven't enjoyed a book this well in a long time!

I'm just glad there are three more! :)

Wait Till Helen Comes, by Mary Downing Hahn

I read this when I was in 5th grade and it terrified me! I've been trying to get my kids to read it, for a while, now and they finally did.  Well, my daughter did.  She's in 4th grade and you know what she said about it? 

"That wasn't scary, Mom."

*sigh* 

Well, whatever.  hahaha

I read it, again, to see if I remembered it correctly.  It did seem to be more of a mystery, now, than a scary story.  It still scared me when I was younger, nonetheless.  ;)

If your kids are into suspenseful books, this would be a good one for them to read.  See if they think it's scary! ;)

A Winter Dream, by Richard Paul Evans

"Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life. Well, valuable, but small. And sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it, or because I haven't been brave? So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn't it be the other way around? I don’t really want an answer. I just want to send this cosmic question out into the void. So goodnight, dear void."

Not a quote from this book, but from one of my all-time favorite movies, "You've Got Mail".  This is the quote I think of when I realize I haven't read a good book in a long time.

I make exceptions for RPE books, though... I can devour his in less than 24 hours - all while momming, wifing, housekeeping, cheffing, etc.  That's how good they are!

This one was awesome, of course.  It's a modern day Joseph and the coat of many colors story.  Very cool.  It was well-written, and just plain good.

I'd highly recommend it! :)

The Second Empress, by Michelle Moran

True to form, this book rocked! MM really knows her stuff when it comes to writing historical fiction.  One is prone to forget that it's fiction... or historical, for that matter.

It was so well-written and educational - I learned a lot about Napoleon that I hadn't known, which was actually quite a bit.  (Yeah, I don't like that guy.)

Even with my busy life, these days, I found myself reading whenever I could - late at night, in the car, during meals.... it was so good! I highly recommend reading this one, and any of her others if you haven't already.