Book Review – Afraid (ARC)

Afraid
Written By: Jack Kilborn
Published By: Grand Central Publishing, 2009, First Edition, 384 pages, mass market paperback
ISBN 978-0446535939
(Available NOW!)

“Afraid is a horrifying nightmare come true; if you dream of winning the lottery, all I can to say is BE CAREFUL what you wish for…”

Product Description – Amazon.com
“Welcome to Safe Haven, Wisconsin. Miles from everything, with one road in and out, this peaceful town has never needed a full-time police force. Until now . . .
A helicopter has crashed near Safe Haven and unleashed something horrifying. Now this merciless force is about to do what it does best. Isolate. Terrorize. Annihilate. As residents begin dying in a storm of gory violence, Safe Haven’s only chance for survival will rest with an aging county sheriff, a firefighter, and a single mom. And each will have this harrowing thought: Maybe death hasn’t come to their town by accident . . .”

Afraid is a fantastic book; I just couldn’t put it down! The fast-paced plot and emotion-driven story is very convincing; it’s so fiendishly nauseating that it makes your skin crawl! The suspense is palpable and the atmosphere is rife with tension and fear; just what you would expect from a book with a title as simple, yet powerful, as Afraid. When the action starts it just keeps on coming. With an eerie sense of dread, the reader will be drawn into this skilfully woven story and gripped by the horrifying events that take place in the quiet little town of Safe Haven, Wisconsin. This novel is jam-packed with high-tension that escalates with murder, torture, cannibalism and more! The evil that infests this town is written with such intensity and zeal that you can’t help but loathe them; they are the reason we should be afraid of the dark. I sure double checked my door and window locks last night; not that it would have helped me…or anyone in Safe Haven. Will the ever spreading malevolence consume the whole town; or can the people of safe haven fight back and win the day?
I very highly recommend this book!!

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ (10 out of 10 Diamonds) – Absolutely LOVED it!!
 

Link to the Author’s Website:
http://www.jakonrath.com/kilborn.htm
Link to the Publisher’s Website:
http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/

A special thanks to Hachette Book Group for sending me a copy to review.

Copyright ©  Book Reviews By Bobbie — Bobbie Crawford-McCoy

Book Review – Tempted At Midnight (ARC)

Tempted At Midnight
Written By: Jacquie D’Alessandro
Published By: The Berkley Publishing Group, 2009, First Edition, 336 pages, paperback
ISBN 978-0425226995
(Available NOW!)

“Tempted At Midnight is a passionately-written, sensual love story full of adventure and fiery, sexual chemistry.”

Product Description – From Amazon.com
“To stir public interest in her vampire romance novel, Lady Emily Stapleford stages nighttime vampire appearances. Overnight, London is abuzz with the sightings. Now she’d be guaranteed success, if it wasn’t for mysterious Logan Jennsen, who’s onto Emily’s duplicity.”

Tempted At Midnight is an adventurous, fast-paced, Regency era romance with a modern twist; vampires. Now before you start thinking that its cheesy, I can assure you that it is only a ruse; it is just Emily’s way to try to save her family from financial ruin. I can’t explain how it all works because I don’t what to ruin the story, but suffice it to say that all does not go as planned. This entertaining love story has various plot twists and a fascinating, in-depth plot. The internal dialog sometimes seems too heavy but I believe that it is to give the reader the necessary back story and helps move the story forward. The love scenes are so wonderfully written, with so much sexual tension and flowing elegance that they actually brought a blush to my face and made my blood pound; all in a good way I assure you!  Logan is THE consummate lover. 
This is a fantastically fun romp and I highly recommend it!

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ (9 out of 10 Diamonds) – Loved it!
 

Link to the Author’s Website:
http://www.jacquied.com/
Link to the Publisher’s Website:
http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/publishers/adult/berkley.html

A special thanks to Jacquie D’Alessandro for sending me a copy to review.

Copyright ©  Book Reviews By Bobbie — Bobbie Crawford-McCoy

Help me name my painting, pretty please? :-)

Hi all,

I created this 16×12 inch, watercolour painting but I can’t seem to figure out a name for it; so I need YOUR help.

It can be a one word name, a few words that give a feel for your interpretation of the painting or even how the painting makes you feel.

I’m sure I don’t have to say this but I will just be on the safe side; please keep the suggestions on the constructive side. If you dislike my painting (and that is your prerogative) please do not leave a mean comment.

On May 1st, 2009 I will go through all the suggested titles and I will choose the one that I like the best.

This winning choice will be the new, permanent title for my new painting!! How exciting eh? :-)

The newly-named painting will then go under the “creations” tab here on Book Reviews By Bobbie for all to see.  I will also credit the person (in the new title) who’s winning entry names this painting.

Thanks so much for helping me out, I really appreciate it!

Feel free to suggest several different titles. The more the merrier.

(((hugs)))

-Bobbie

The last day of March/Spring Break :-)

With over a foot of the cold white stuff on the ground (snow), our son decided to do some more digging in his snow fort. :-) Then he decided to bring one of our cats out to enjoy a few moments of the nice weather (she’s wearing a cat harness and attached to a leash so she doesn’t run off).

So, as it is the official, last day of his March/Spring Break, I think our little guy end has ended it with a bang.

I just had to share this picture with all of you.

It was just too cute to keep all to myself! :-)

Have a wonderful weekend!!

-Bobbie

I have received a ‘Lets Be Friends’ Award

I received this Lets Be Friends Award from Cindy at Cindys Love of Books.  Thank you so much, Cindy! :-)

The Lets Be Friends Award stands for:
These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more winners and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

Here are the people who I am awarding this to:

1) Emily Bryan at Emily’s Blog
2) Cheryl at Cheryl’s Book Nook
3) Nicki at Fyrefly’s Book Blog
4) Stephanie at Stephanie’s Written Word
5) Teddy at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time
6) Marta at Marta’s Meanderings
7) Lexie at Poisoned Rationality
8) Debbie at Wrighty’s Reads

If you haven’t checked out these eight, great blogs, please take a few minutes to do so now.   I hope you enjoy them all as much as I do! :-)

Book Review – BoneMan’s Daughters (ARC)

BoneMan’s Daughters
Written By: Ted Dekker
Published By: Center Street, a division of Hachette Book Group, 2009, First Edition, 416 pages, hardcover
ISBN 978-1599951959
(Available NOW!)

“BoneMan’s Daughters is a spine-chilling, edge-of-your-seat thriller that reads like a blockbuster movie; the BoneMan is evil personified!”

Product Description – Amazon.com
“A Texas serial killer called BoneMan is on the loose, choosing young girls as his prey, His signature: myriad broken bones that torture and kill – but never puncture.
Military intelligence officer Ryan Evans is married to his work; so much so that his wife and daughter have written him out of their lives. Sent to Fallujah and captured by insurgents, he is asked to kill children not unlike his own. The method: a meticulous, excruciating death by broken bones that his captor has forced him to learn.
Returning home after the ordeal, a new crisis awaits. A serial killer is on the loose, and his method of killing is the same. Ryan becomes a prime suspect, which isn’t even the worst of his problems: Ryan’s daughter is BoneMan’s latest desire.”

BoneMan’s Daughters is an outstanding novel. I was captivated by this book from the very first page. The characterization of the military personnel and how they deal with being captured and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is all very accurately depicted. The unique plot has great momentum, taking stirring twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. Near the end of the book there is a completely unexpected plot twist that caught me off guard and left me with a few questions; they kept me thinking about the book, long after I had finished reading. The BoneMan himself is a fascinating case-study in the deranged depths of a serial killer’s mind; he is just so revolting and believable that it actually made me a little sick to my stomach. The Author also does a remarkable job of allowing Ryan to come full circle without any cheesiness or fluff. Ryan’s emotional and physical pain, his agonizing worry and his absolute determination to save his daughter is one of the most moving literary performances that I have had the pleasure of reading in a while. That a father can be driven to such twisted depths of depravity and despair and all the while, in those dark times he NEVER gives up hope that his daughter can be saved; it is such a testament to the depths of love that fathers feel for their daughters. If this book is adapted to film, I will definitely be going to see it!!
*This book contains some very gruesome scenes of torture and violence.*
I very highly recommend this book!

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ (10 out of 10 Diamonds) – Absolutely LOVED it!!
 

Link to the Author’s Website:
 http://www.teddekker.com/
Link to the Publisher’s Website:
http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/

A special thanks to Hachette Book Group for sending me a copy to review.

Copyright ©  Book Reviews By Bobbie — Bobbie Crawford-McCoy

A MASSIVE Hachette Book Giveaway!! (IS CLOSED!)

*** Congrats to: Kristi(#7), Veronica Garrett(#145), Janice Wright(#78), Gwendolyn b.(#11), Brittany Melson(#94) ***

** 5 chances to win ALL 13 books!!! **

A HUGE thank you to Hachette Book Group for allowing me to host this fantastic Book Giveaway.

To Enter: Please tell me about 2 of your favorite cleaning products AND tell me about 2 women who have helped shape and mould you into the person you are today. Please make sure to leave the reply in the comment section of this post.

♦The giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only.
♦You must be 18 years of age or older.
♦The winner’s mailing address: NO P.O. Boxes.
♦Only one entry per household/IP address.
♦The contest ends at midnight on April 10th 2009.
♦Five(5) winners will be picked in a random draw and will be notified by 5pm (MDT) by e-mail on Saturday, April 11th 2009.

Good Luck Everyone and Have Fun!

Book Giveaway of ‘B as in Beauty’ (IS CLOSED!)

*** Congrats to: Kathy-bermudaonion(#1), Lethea Benson(#50), Charlene Kuser(#59) ***

** Three(3) chances to WIN ‘B as in Beauty’ **

A special thanks to Miriam at Hachette Book Group

For more information on B as in Beauty by Alberto Ferreras, please click here.

To Enter: Please make sure to leave a reply in the comment section of this post.

♦The giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only.
♦You must be 18 years of age or older.
♦The winner’s mailing address: NO P.O. Boxes.
♦Only one entry per household/IP address.
♦The contest ends at midnight on April 10th 2009.
♦Three(3) winners will be picked in a random draw and will be notified by 5pm (MDT) by e-mail on Saturday, April 11th 2009.

Good Luck Everyone and Have Fun!

Book Review – B as in Beauty (ARC)

B as in Beauty
Written By: Alberto Ferreras
Published By: Grand Central Publishing a division of Hachette Book Group, 2009, First Edition, 352 pages, paperback
ISBN 978-0446697897
(Available NOW!)

“B as in Beauty is humorous and eye-opening; a refreshingly unique take on beauty in all its forms.”

Product Description – From Amazon.com
“Everyone in the world, it seems, is either prettier or thinner (or both) than Beauty Marie Zavala. And the only thing “B” resents more than her name is the way others judge her for the extra 40 pounds she can’t lose. At least she has her career. Or did, until she overhears her boss criticizing her weight and devising a scheme to keep her from being promoted. Enter B’s new tax accountant, a modern-day matchmaker determined to boost B’s flagging self-esteem by introducing her to rich, successful men who will accept her for who she is. As B’s confidence blossoms, so do her fantasies of revenge. But will B find true happiness or true disaster when she unwittingly falls for the one guy she shouldn’t?”

B as in Beauty is an unforgettable, touching story of one woman’s journey to find herself. I was quickly reeled into the story and I did not want to put the book down. This smoothly flowing novel has a refreshingly unique plot; it will take you on Beauty’s wild ride of self discovery, mild fetishism and self-empowerment. Though complex and extremely talented, Beauty also struggles with insecurities and a poor self image. More then anything, she wants to succeed in her job and receive the recognition that she deserves. Then one day, everything changes! Beauty’s life goes from sad and disheartening to wild and spontaneous. I was pleasantly surprised with how quickly I related to B’s situation and empathized. Many women should be able to relate to and or empathize with some of Beauty’s struggles; they will surely cheer for Beauty to succeed. While her life is in an upheaval, will Beauty be able to find the love she’s been longing for? With some unexpected twists and turns and a lively, colourful cast of characters, B as in Beauty dares to be different and succeeds magnificently!

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ (8 out of 10 Diamonds) – Thoroughly enjoyed it
 

Link to Information About the Author:
http://www.albertoferreras.com/
Link to the Publisher’s Website:
http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/

A special thanks to Hachette Book Group for sending me a copy to review.

Copyright ©  Book Reviews By Bobbie — Bobbie Crawford-McCoy

Book Review – SEALed with a Promise (ARC)

SEALed with a Promise
Written By: Mary Margret Daughtridge
Published By: Sourcebooks Casablanca, 2009, First Edition, 384 pages, paperback
ISBN 978-1402217630
(Available NOW!)

“SEALed with a Promise begins well but fizzles-out about half way through the book.”

Product Description – From Amazon.com
“Can the strength of her love temper his need for revenge?
Navy SEAL Caleb Delaude had a less-than-ideal childhood. His biological father abandoned his family at Caleb’s birth and left them to a life of poverty, refusing to help even as his mother lay dying. So when he is assigned to protect the powerful senator who he suspects is his father, his vicious grudge turns into a strong urge for revenge.
But then he meets biology professor Emmie Caddington, a close friend of the senator’s daughter. He thinks he’ll use her to spring the secret of his illegitimate birth on the senator’s unsuspecting family, but his interest in Emmie begins to get complicated.
He’s a SEAL 24/7, and that doesn’t leave much time for women or love. Her fascination with him finally makes him feel good about himself, but when the truth finally comes out, will their budding relationship be nothing more than a means to revenge… or is she the key to his salvation?”

SEALed with a Promise is fast-paced and the first half of the book is really good; I liked the realistic characterizations of the Navy Seals and I enjoyed the sexual tension between Caleb and Emmie. The plot is unique and the story really captured my attention, at the beginning. Unfortunately, about halfway through the story everything seemed to go downhill. It started getting bogged down with boring, repetitive family functions and some inane dialog. These story elements should have been moving the plot forward, but somehow accomplished quite the opposite. This book is marketed as a contemporary romance so I do not understand why the reader is expected to believe in Caleb’s ‘foretelling’ mental abilities; it just seems a bit far fetched. The love scenes are choppy and did not have any of the flowing elegance that I am used to reading in nearly all genres of romance (including contemporary); the demanding tone, Caleb’s brisk manner and the awkwardness of the love scenes really disrupted the story’s flow and momentum.
I was more then a little disappointed by the second half of this book.

♦♦♦♦ (4 out of 10 Diamonds) – I sort-of liked it
 

Link to the Author’s website:
http://marymargretdaughtridge.com/
Link to the Publisher’s Website:
http://www.sourcebooks.com/

A special thanks to Sourcebooks for sending me a copy to review.

Copyright ©  Book Reviews By Bobbie — Bobbie Crawford-McCoy

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Happy St. Paddy’s Day (March 17th)!! :-)

Here’s a little information about Saint Patrick’s Day courtesy of Wikipedia….

In the past, Saint Patrick’s Day was celebrated as a religious holiday. It became a public holiday in 1903, by the Money Bank. (Ireland) Act 1903, an Act of the United Kingdom Parliament introduced by the Irish MP James O’Mara. O’Mara later introduced the law which required that pubs be closed on 17 March, a provision which was repealed only in the 1970s. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade held in the Irish Free State was held in Dublin in 1931 and was reviewed by the then Minister of Defence Desmond Fitzgerald. Although secular celebrations now exist, the holiday remains a religious observance in Ireland, for both the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic Church.

It was only in the mid-1990s that the Irish government began a campaign to use Saint Patrick’s Day to showcase Ireland and its culture.
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated worldwide by the those of Irish descent and increasingly by non-Irish people (usually in New Zealand and North America). Celebrations are generally themed around all things Irish and, by association, the colour green. Both Christians and non-Christians celebrate the secular version of the holiday by wearing green, eating Irish food and/or green foods, imbibing Irish drink (such as Irish stout, Irish Whiskey or Irish Cream) and attending parades.

Book Review – My Little Red Book (ARC)

My Little Red Book
Edited By: Rachel Kauder Nalebuff
Published By: Twelve, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing, 2009, First Edition, 240 pages, hardcover
ISBN 978-0446546362
(Available NOW!)

“My Little Red Book is honest and insightful; it breaks the barriers of age, religion, race and unreasonable taboos surrounding menstruation and first periods.”

Product Description – From Amazon.com
“MY LITTLE RED BOOK is an anthology of stories about first periods, collected from women of all ages from around the world. The accounts range from light-hearted (the editor got hers while water skiing in a yellow bathing suit) to heart-stopping (a first period discovered just as one girl was about to be strip-searched by the Nazis). The contributors include well-known women writers (Meg Cabot, Erica Jong, Gloria Steinem, Cecily von Ziegesar), alongside today’s teens. And while the authors differ in race, faith, or cultural background, their stories share a common bond: they are all accessible, deeply honest, and highly informative. Whatever a girl experiences or expects, she’ll find stories that speak to her thoughts and feelings…”

My Little Red Book is one of the most honest, soul-bearing story collaborations that I have ever had the good fortune to read. When I heard about this book I was instantly intrigued. What woman hasn’t at some point, felt embarrassment or felt somewhat stigmatized by their monthly flow? I know there have been many times that I disliked being female because of the ‘monthly appearance’ that cramped by style, literally! As I read this book, I was really delighted to read about women’s accounts of their periods; I didn’t enjoy the painful parts obviously, but I could relate.  The differences in cultural beliefs and how the first periods were treated along with how the women were treated; reading about it all and imagining the trepidation they must have felt while sharing their stories; it really humbled me.
This book includes a wonderful note from the Author and is indexed by author, subject and decade and includes a list of creative euphemisms and code words for when we have or are getting out period. Though it sometimes feels like we are still in ‘the dark ages’ of menstrual tolerance, this poignant collection helps map the progression of treatment and personal feelings about menstruation as the years have passed and provides a surprisingly diverse look at our ‘monthly friend’. I had to laugh at Gloria Steinem’s essay, “If Men Could Menstruate”; what  brilliant wit!  All the proceeds from the sale from this edition, including the advance, are being donated by Rachel Kauder Nalebuff to charities that promote women’s health. I really enjoyed reading this book!
I very highly recommend this book to women of all ages and to men who want to expand their minds on a somewhat hushed (until now), feminine topic.

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ (10 out of 10 Diamonds) – Absolutely LOVED it!!
 

Link to Information About the Editor:
http://www.mylittleredbook.net/
Link to the Publisher’s Website:
http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/

A special thanks to Hachette Book Group for sending me a copy to review.

Copyright ©  Book Reviews By Bobbie — Bobbie Crawford-McCoy

Book Review – The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly

The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly
Written By: Jean-Dominique Bauby
Published By: Harper Perennial, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2008, First Edition by Harper Perennial, 144 pages, paperback
ISBN 978-0307389251

“The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly grants you access into a lonely, locked-in world; this poignant memoir is a stark reminder of how infinitely precious life is.”

Product Description – From Amazon.com
“In December 1995, Jean-Dominique Bauby, the 43-year-old editor of French Elle, suffered a massive stroke that left him permanently paralyzed, a victim of “locked in syndrome.” Once known for his gregariousness and wit, Bauby now finds himself imprisoned in an inert body, able to communicate only by blinking his left eye. The miracle is that in doing so he was able to compose this stunningly eloquent memoir.
In a voice that is by turns wistful and mischievous, angry and sardonic, Bauby gives us a celebration of the liberating power of consciousness: what it is like to spend a day with his children, to imagine lying in bed beside his wife, to conjure up the flavor of delectable meals even as he is fed through at tube. Most of all, this triumphant book lets us witness an indomitable spirit and share in the pure joy of its own survival.”

The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly is such an insightful and inspirational book. This is one mans story; his triumph of spirit and his courage despite all odds. That a man in his prime, powerful and respected, could be brought so low by a rare condition known as locked-in syndrome; it is almost to horrible to contemplate. This story is a quick read and has a distinct, flowing plot. I was really fascinated by Jean’s indomitable spirit and his sardonic wit. There were many times when I smiled at Jean’s comments and thoughts, delighting in his zest for life while in a near vegetative state. The beautiful writing was so vivid and detailed that I could almost see through his one, good eye. His absolute determination, to share his story with the world leaves us forever in his debt. Though I was saddened by his condition and ultimately his death, I really enjoyed his story.
I highly recommend this book.

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ (9 out of 10 Diamonds) – Loved it!
 

Link to Information about the Author:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Dominique_Bauby
Link to the Publisher’s Website:
http://www.harpercollins.ca/

A special thanks to HarperCollins for sending me a copy to review.

Copyright ©  Book Reviews By Bobbie — Bobbie Crawford-McCoy

Book Giveaway of ‘Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Home’, ‘How to Mess Up Your Child’s Life’ and ‘Throw Out Fifty Things’ (IS CLOSED!)

*** Congrats to: Donna S.(#1), Kristi(#62), Terry Vanderpool(#52), Marion G.(#111), Shawna(#100) ***

*** Five(5) chances to WIN all three books ***

A special thanks to Anna at Hachette Book Group

For more information on Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Home by Thelma Meyer , please click here.

For more information on How to Mess Up Your Child’s Life by Olivia and Kurt Bruner, Kurt Bruner, please click here.

For more information on Throw Out Fifty Things by Gail Blanke, please click here.

To Enter: Please make sure to leave a reply in the comment section of this post.

♦The giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only.
♦You must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
♦The winner’s mailing address: NO P.O. Boxes.
♦Only one entry per household/IP address.
♦The contest ends at midnight on April 3rd 2009.
♦Five(5) winners will be picked in a random draw and will be notified by 5pm (MDT) by e-mail on Saturday, April 4th 2009.

Good Luck Everyone and Have Fun!

Book Giveaway of ‘The Engine 2 Diet’ and ‘Dr. Gotts’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet’ (IS CLOSED!)

*** Congrats to: Terri D.(#30), Donna S.(#1), Marianna(#60), Rita A.(#24), Hazel Hunt(#62) ***

*** Five(5) chances to WIN both books ***

 

A special thanks to Anna at Hachette Book Group

For more information on The Engine 2 Diet by Rip Esselstyn, please click here.

For more information on Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet by Peter H. Gott MD, Robin Donovan, please click here.

To Enter: Please make sure to leave a reply in the comment section of this post.

♦The giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only.
♦You must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
♦The winner’s mailing address: NO P.O. Boxes.
♦Only one entry per household/IP address.
♦The contest ends at midnight on March 27th 2009.
♦Five(5) winners will be picked in a random draw and will be notified by 5pm (MDT) by e-mail on Saturday, March 28th 2009.

Good Luck Everyone and Have Fun!

Book Giveaway of ‘My Little Red Book’ and ‘Getting Naked Again’ (IS CLOSED!)

*** Congrats to: Christina(#5), Jodi(#2), Indigo(#1), Robert(#7), Sherri Crawford(#6) ***

** Five(5) chances to WIN both books **

 

A special thanks to Anna at Hachette Book Group

For more information on My Little Red Book by Rachel Kauder-Nalebuff, please click here.

For more information on Getting Naked Again by Judith Sills PhD, please click here.

To Enter: Please make sure to leave a reply in the comment section of this post.

♦The giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only.
♦You must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
♦The winner’s mailing address: NO P.O. Boxes.
♦Only one entry per household/IP address.
♦The contest ends at midnight on March 20th 2009.
♦Five(5) winners will be picked in a random draw and will be notified by 5pm (MDT) by e-mail on Saturday, March 21st 2009.

Good Luck Everyone and Have Fun!

Book Review – Love With the Perfect Scoundrel (ARC)

Love With The Perfect Scoundrel,
Widows Club, Book 3
Written By: Sophia Nash
Published By: Avon Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2009, First Edition, 384 pages, mass market paperback
ISBN 978-0061493287
(Available NOW!)

“Love With The Perfect Scoundrel is sexy and sensual; a lush Historical Romance that sizzles off the page!”

Product Description – From Amazon.com
“Only a man with a mysterious past could tempt the Countess from the Isle of Ice . . .
Twice jilted, Grace Sheffey has given up on love. No longer capable of maintaining her elegant facade with her intimate circle of friends, she has little choice but to flee . . . right into the teeth of a blizzard. But when her wretched carriage ride ends in disaster, a rugged, imposing stranger is waiting to save her life . . . and her heart.
Michael Ranier is a man of many secrets—secrets that could place the countess in terrible danger. But concealed in the wilds of Yorkshire, he can’t help but unleash her hidden reserves of desire and fortitude—and challenge her to blossom into the woman she was destined to become . . . a lady willing to sacrifice all to find love with the perfect scoundrel.”

Love With The Perfect Scoundrel had me at hello. Seriously though, I was instantly drawn into the story and enjoyed every single minute of it. I have read hundreds of Historical Romance novels from the Victorian era and I have to say that THIS book, is in my top 10! With a story and plot that is more creative then many I have read, the Author takes advantage of the weather, social strictures (or lack there of) and with a genuine humanity, creates the distressing and ultimately delicious situations that Grace and Michael find themselves in. I immediately felt the heart-pounding attraction between the main characters and this beautiful, sensual love story. Though it is set in the Victorian era, this story had a fresh feel that amused and entertained as much as it titillated. The Author has an exceptional talent for writing and her distinctive story writing talents will, if they have not already, set her apart from many of her peers. This delightful book left me with a big smile on my face and a light feeling in my heart. It is just what I have been waiting for; kudos to you Sophia Nash.
I very highly recommend this book!

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ (10 out of 10 Diamonds) – Absolutely LOVED it!!
 

Link to the Author’s website:
http://www.sophianash.com/
Link to the Publisher’s Website:
http://www.harpercollins.com/Imprints/Avon/

A special thanks to Sophia Nash for sending me a copy to review.

Copyright ©  Book Reviews By Bobbie — Bobbie Crawford-McCoy

Book Review – Bound South

Bound South
Written By: Susan Rebecca White
Published By: Touchstone, a Division of Simon & Schuster Inc., 2009, First Edition, 368 pages, paperback
ISBN 978-1416558675

“Bound South is a vibrant yet laid-back story that entertains, as it gives you a big-helping of the beautiful South.”

Product Description – From Amazon.com
“By turns hilarious and poignant, the lives of three vibrant and unique Southern women — a proper Atlanta matron, her rebellious teenage daughter, and their housekeeper’s young daughter — intersect in unexpected and extraordinary ways in this richly compelling debut novel of family, friendship, and folly.”

Bound South starts off slowly, easing you into the lives of the somewhat dysfunctional, Parker family. This smoothly flowing story is very entertaining and gives you a real taste of the South. The plot is unique and creatively deals with a few fairly serious topics, but it does not get bogged down. The characters and the emotional situations that they get into and go through, are amusing and sincere. There is a real depth of character that stirs your interest. The Author has a wonderful way of capturing the protocol and the eccentric, social etiquette that surrounds some of the people from the south. Though I have never been to the southern states, after reading this book, it felt like I had a nice visit there. This story grabbed my attention and held it to the end. I really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend this book!

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ (8 out of 10 Diamonds) – Thoroughly enjoyed it
 

Link to the Author’s website:
http://www.susanrebeccawhite.com/
Link to the Publisher’s Website:
http://www.simonsays.com/

A special thanks to Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy to review.

Copyright ©  Book Reviews By Bobbie — Bobbie Crawford-McCoy

Book Review – Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy

Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy,
Two Shall Become One
Written By: Sharon Lathan
Published By: Sourcebooks Landmark, 2009, First Edition, 312 pages, paperback
ISBN 978-1402215230

“Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy is an overly-flowery, rather plot-less love story that at times, had me holding back yawns of boredom.”

Product Description – From Amazon.com
“The first in a series that follows Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy from their wedding day into married life, Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy is inspired by the Keira Knightley/Matthew MacFayden movie. The author vividly imagines this young and energetic couple as they immerse themselves in their profound love and face the challenges of their era.
Elizabeth and Darcy are positively goo-goo eyes for each other and the burgeoning love and closeness between them drives the plot. As the narrative unfolds through the honeymoon and then the challenges of Elizabeth assuming the role of Mistress of Pemberley, Darcy and Elizabeth thoroughly reveal their differing points of view of how their relationship blossomed from misunderstanding to perfect understanding. As the couple grows in maturity and understanding, as they accustom themselves to each other and to married life, Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy emerges as a fascinating portrait of a deep and passionate marriage.”

Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Two Shall Become One is…in a word, boring. I’ll admit that I have not read any of Jane Austen’s novels, though I have watched several film adaptations and enjoyed them. When I heard about this novel, I was ready to be swept away with a fine plot and a beautiful love story; well, this story is mostly plot-less, overly flowery and obsessively wordy. The story is overflowing with profuse adulations and compliments, which at points in the storyline, almost made me put the book down and refuse to pick it back up. The love story and the intimate bedroom scenes were very sweet and touching at times, but once again, were really overdone and much to wordy. I am a reader of historical fiction and historical romances so this period in time is not unfamiliar to me. At other points in the story, I found my attention wandering because the story was written with so many descriptives and unnecessary wordiness. Some of the scenery is beautifully written; I enjoyed these brief reprieves.
There is a distinct possibility that I just do not have what it takes to enjoy this Jane Austen-esk book and for some reason ‘I simply may not get it’; I am sorry if this review comes off as a rant. It is not my intention what-so-ever. I was REALLY looking forward to reading this book and I thought I would enjoy it immensely; my disappointment is glaringly obvious. I would love to hear from Jane Austen fans and see if my not-having-read the Austen books, is part of what is keeping me from enjoying this continuing story of Elizabeth and Darcy.

♦♦♦♦ (4 out of 10 Diamonds) – I sort-of liked it
 

Link to the Author’s website:
http://www.darcysaga.net/
Link to the Publisher’s Website:
http://www.sourcebooks.com/

A special thanks to at Sourcebooks for sending me a copy to review.

Copyright ©  Book Reviews By Bobbie — Bobbie Crawford-McCoy

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to let you all know that I injured my lower back a few days ago, so I’m going to take a few days off from reviewing…sitting in the computer chair hurts quite a bit. 
No worries though, I’ll be back with more book reviews in a few days time.
I hope you are having a great week.

-Bobbie