Thursday, September 29, 2016

Armed and Fabulous (Lexi Graves Mystery, Book 1) by Camilla Chafer



From the Back Cover:

All Lexi wants to do is get through the day at her boring temp job with Green Hand Insurance. That’s until she discovers the vice president, Martin Dean, in a pool of blood and herself at the center of an investigation into insurance fraud.

Millions of dollars are missing, the chief suspect is dead and her mysterious, sexy, new boss is not what he seems.

Recruited by the joint task force working on the case, all Lexi has to do is work out who killed Dean and where the missing millions are. That’s easier said than done when her sister insists upon the baby shower to end all baby showers, her wise-ass cop family just wants to keep her safe, someone keeps leaving her creepy gifts, and all the clues point to a seedy sex club on the wrong side of town.

As the bodies start to pile up, Lexi is on a race against time to find the killer and the money, before she’s the next one in the murderer’s sights.

My Thoughts:

What can be said about this book other than -- it's pretty close to fabulous? This is a cozy mystery with just a hint of romance. It reminded me a bit of the early Janet Evanovich books with the two heroes (one dark, sexy, and not quite "safe", and the other equally delicious and much better suited for the heroine). The heroine, working as a temp, stumbles into a murder and finds herself caught up playing amateur detective with the two heroes taking turns keeping her safe. Sound familiar?

It was a lighthearted, humorous and fun read. The characters aren't particularly deep or well-developed, but that's okay if you take this book for what it is. If you enjoyed the Stephanie Plum series, you might want to check out this series. The only complaint I had was that there were some editing issues that pulled me out of the book (i.e. missing punctuation and words). Overall, I enjoyed the book and I'll be reading more in the series.

My Rating:



Friday, September 23, 2016

Mystery Man (The Dream Man Series Book 1) by Kristen Ashley





From the Back Cover:

Night time is the right time...

Gwendolyn Kidd has met the man of her dreams. He's hot, he's sexy, and what started as a no-names-exchanged night of passion has blossomed into a year and a half-long pleasure fest. Sure, it's a little strange that he only appears in her bed at night, but Gwen is so sure he's the one, she just can't turn him away... 

Hawk Delgado knows more about Gwen than she could ever imagine. She's gorgeous, headstrong, and skittish about relationships. But Hawk is facing his own demons, demons that keep him from connecting with anyone. Yet when Gwen is drawn into Denver's lethal underground scene, Hawk's protective nature comes out full force. The problem is, when Gwen gets a dose of Hawk's Alpha attitude in the daylight, she's not so sure he's the one anymore.... 

My Thoughts:

Forgive me for a minute while I completely fan girl over Kristen Ashley.... **squeeeeee**  Holy hot alpha men!!! I absolutely *LOVE* the Dream Man series. Kristen Ashley is on my automatic buy list -- and for good reason! Not only were the men (and women) completely swoon-worthy, but there was nonstop action and excitement in this book. I absolutely love the way she sucks you into the story and by the time you're finished (usually in one sitting at 4am), you're anxious to dive right back in again. Her stories are an experience! It's a rare writer who can really let you into the character's heads and see the world through their eyes. I can't wait to read more of her books!

My Rating:



Thursday, September 22, 2016

Dragon Bound (Elder Races) by Thea Harrison




From the Back Cover:

Half-human and half-wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful-and passionate-of the Elder races.

My Thoughts:

Holy crap! I *loved* this book! This is a hot urban fantasy/shifter romance with an amazing twist. I have a tendency to get annoyed with books that are too predictable, but I totally did not expect this one. The book starts off with a bang... and doesn't stop! It's action-packed, funny, sexy, and an all-around great read. I loved the dynamic between the main characters, Pia and Dragos. I can't wait to read more about them and their adventures! Highly recommend!

My Rating:


Shadow of the Coalition (Book #2 in the Two Towers Series) by Jamie A. Waters



From the Back Cover:

The award-winning novel, The Two Towers, continues in book 2...

What's stronger? Free will or fate?

It's been a month since Kayla, a headstrong ruin rat, and Carl, an OmniLab trader, returned to the surface. After she helped to restore control of the towers to those who would look after the best interests of the people, she'd found herself irrevocably bonded to Alec, the new co-leader of the High Council.

Although her heart belongs to Carl, she finds it difficult to resist the strange bond between her and Alec. Caught between learning how to handle her new emerging abilities, mysterious earthquakes, and a strange group seemingly intent on targeting OmniLab, Kayla and Carl are once again swept up in events that threaten to change the entire future of the towers.

Book Trailer:


My Thoughts:

Okay.  I just couldn't wait.  After reading The Two Towers, the first book in this series, I simply HAD to read this second book.  And I was definitely NOT disappointed.  Everything I loved about the first book was back again in this second book, and now I cannot wait to read the third book in this series!  By the way, I strongly suggest that you read Book #1 of this series before reading Shadow of the Coalition (Book #2).

Shadow of the Coalition starts off with Kayla back in the ruins, but what she finds this time may have an impact on the future survival of everyone.  I love the natural chemistry that sparks between Kayla and Carl and yet I'm still fascinated with that bond she has with Alec.

Some new characters are introduced in Shadow of the Coalition and although Jamie Waters did an excellent job developing these new characters, I'm hoping to see more of them in her next book.  Wow!  More twists and turns and action and hot romance!  One thing is for certain... these books are not predictable.  You never know what is going to happen next.  But whatever it is, you can be assured that Jamie Waters will make it flow together into a storyline that will leave you wanting more.  As I said in my review of The Two Towers, Book #1, this story simply demands to be made into a movie!  Fans of Firefly and The Hunger Games will definitely agree with me!

My Rating:





Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Wallbanger (The Cocktail Series Book 1) by Alice Clayton



From the Back Cover:

Caroline Reynolds has a fantastic new apartment in San Francisco, a Kitchen Aid mixer to die for, and no O (and we’re not talking Oprah here, folks). She has a flourishing design career, an office overlooking the bay, a killer zucchini bread recipe, and no O. She has Clive (the best cat ever), great friends, a great rack, and no O. Adding insult to O-less, she also has an oversexed neighbor with the loudest late-night wallbanging she’s ever heard. Every moan, spank, and—was that a meow?—punctuates the fact that not only is she losing sleep, she still has—yep, you guessed it—no O. Enter Simon Parker. When the wallbanging threatens to literally bounce her out of bed, Caroline, clad in sexual frustration and a pink baby-doll nightie, confronts her heard-but-never-seen neighbor. Their late-night hallway encounter has…well…mixed results. Because with walls this thin, the tension’s gonna be thick. A delicious mix of silly and steamy, this is an irresistible tale of exasperation at first sight.

My Thoughts:

This was a wonderful, lighthearted and humorous contemporary romance. The writing is witty, fun, and it's an easy, quick, "beach-type" read. If you're looking for something light or a quick romance, I highly suggest it. The story was predictable and the characters weren't particularly memorable, but it was the main character's internal dialogue (and quite frankly, her descriptions) that had me laughing on numerous occasions. I'll definitely be checking out more of Alice Clayton's works -- especially as a fun read to take on a cruise or trip.

My Rating:






Tuesday, September 20, 2016

The Two Towers (Book One in the Two Towers Series) by Jamie A. Waters



From the Back Cover:

One hundred and fifty years after the earth was ravaged by war, the two self-sustaining towers built by OmniLab continue to offer a safe haven for those who paid the hefty price to assure their family's survival. But on the surface, there are others who have survived over the years struggling to barter and trade artifacts found within the ruins of the crumbling cities in exchange for critical supplies. When Kayla, a ruin rat skilled in computer hacking and scavenging, discovers a strange artifact known as The Aurelia Data Cube, she finds herself inadvertently caught up in a series of events that threatens the lives of the mysterious and elusive people within OmniLab. Carl, an unorthodox negotiator with a head for business, is determined to eradicate the corruption amongst his OmniLab brethren and has no qualms about using Kayla to do it. Unfortunately, he wasn't counting on the vastness of the corruption or his own feelings for the headstrong woman who turns his life upside down. Caught between the life she knew and a dangerous world that's claimed her as their own, Kayla learns the fearful truth behind just how far one man will go to obtain power and how far she'll go to survive.

Book Trailer:



My Thoughts:

This book grabbed me from the start!  Wow!  I loved it and just could not put this book down until I was done reading it.  The storyline was intriguing and it flowed really well, with twists and turns that you would never expect.  This mix of sci-fi, paranormal, action and romance was brought together in a well planned and executed world-building, futuristic plot that kept me reading, biting my nails and occasionally laughing out loud at some of Kayla's remarks. Please note that this is not a YA book.  There is definitely some profanity and adult romance, but it works so smoothly in the content of the book and is not over done in my opinion.  Perfect balance!

Jamie A. Waters has done an amazing job crafting these characters and developing this storyline.  And the editing is top notch.  As several of the reviews on Amazon stated, this is an excellent book that just demands to be made into a movie. The love triangle between Kayla, Carl and Alec is not like any love triangle I have read before and I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

My Rating:





Living in Paradise: The Florida Keys

View from my rooftop deck at sunset (wine glass in hand) 

The Florida Keys, where formal attire means wearing socks with your Birkenstocks, where addresses are described with mile marker numbers, and where sunsets are celebrated every evening with a glass of wine or a locally brewed beer.

When Jimmy Buffet sang the phrase "Changes in latitude, changes in attitude", he wasn't kidding!  We discovered that when we moved here.  No one is in a hurry.  People are more relaxed.  People smile more.  And why wouldn't they smile?  Life is good in the Florida Keys where the only thing people worry about is whether or not the boating conditions are good that day.

There is a plumbing company here called Windy Day Plumbing.  Not sure if the story is true or not but I have been told that the reason they named their business Windy Day Plumbing originally was because they only did plumbing on windy days when they couldn't take their boats out.  Makes sense to me!

And for those of you who think they don't want to live here because you like the change of seasons, be assured that we do have seasons here in the islands.  We have hurricane season and we have tourist season.  

Monday, September 19, 2016

The Spirit Tree by Kathryn M. Hearst



From the Back Cover:

Tessa Lamar, a Southern girl with a crazy family and a brand new college degree, wants nothing more than for her life to finally start. When her uncle dies unexpectedly, she inherits more than his old truck. As lifetimes of family secrets send her carefully planned world into a tailspin, she realizes nothing will ever be the same.
 
After learning that she is not only a Firebird, but also half Nunnehi--the Cherokee equivalent to fairy--Tessa is forced to fight for her life against a conjurer determined to kill her, Tribal Elders trying to manipulate her, a crazier-than-a-bat mother, wolves, snakes, and one pissed off ghost. Worse still, she's caught between a gorgeous blue-eyed cop and a Nunnehi bodyguard who she can't decide if she wants to throttle or kiss. Good thing she was raised by two tough Southern ladies.

The Spirit Tree is the first of the Tessa Lamar Novels, a Paranormal Romance with a Southern twist. If you like down south humor, supernatural creatures, and a healthy dose of romance, then you'll love this series.


Book Trailer:



My Thoughts:

Whoever said that you can't judge a book by its cover needs to read this one!  The cover art is gorgeous!  The storyline grabbed me too.  I have read a great number of romance novels and books that include shifters, but never one that includes Native American folklore.  I would have liked to have read more about the Nunnehi, which in itself is a fascinating tale.  Kathryn Hearst did do a good job with this story though.  Lots of twists and turns!   There were a few times I got a bit lost as the story was moving so quickly.  But all in all, this was an interesting book.

My Rating:



Saturday, September 17, 2016

War's Passion: Dragon Shifter Romance (Sons of War Book 1) by Lia Davis


Book Description:

After losing her parents in a brutal attack from a monster straight out of her nightmares, Gwendolyn Preston tries to pick up the shattered pieces of her life. Along with her best friend, she moves to a small fishing village on the coast of Maine to find a new life away from the nightmares that haunt her. Just when she believes her life could go back to normal, the deliciously dark and handsome Markus Sullivan disrupts her hopes to grieve in peace.

Markus drew the short straw when it came to being the liaison between his father, Ares—God of War—and his brothers. When he discovers that the earth bound demi-gods, known as the descendants, have banded together to start another rebellion against the gods, it becomes his number one priority to stop them.

That is until he meets Gwen, the granddaughter of Aphrodite, and the next target of the descendants. Together, their path is rife with passion and danger. It might take more than the son of War to win this battle…Gwen herself.


My Thoughts:

I loved the mythological aspects of this book and Markus was really hot as the alpha male. Nice romance development. Not a big fan of shifter stories, but this one flowed. Lia Davis did an excellent job of putting this all together in a great story. Gwen was a bit too wimpy for me in the beginning but she did get her act together toward the end. Perhaps I just wanted MORE, and I think another 100 pages might have helped the storyline. But I'm not complaining! Especially since I noticed that there is more to come in Books #2 and #3 in this series. I will have to check them out! I do like the writing style of Lia Davis and I look forward to reviewing more of her books.

My Rating:


Heart of Stone (Irish Angel Series) by Jill Marie Landis



Book Description:

She had the darkest of pasts. And he had everything to lose by loving her. Laura Foster, free from the bondage of an unspeakable childhood, has struggled to make a new life for herself. Now the owner of an elegant boardinghouse in Glory, Texas, she is known as a wealthy, respectable widow. But Laura never forgets that she is always just one step ahead of her past. When Reverend Brand McCormick comes calling, Laura does all she can to discourage him as a suitor. She knows that if her past were discovered, Brand’s reputation would be ruined. But it’s not only Laura’s past that threatens to bring Brand down―it’s also his own. When a stranger in town threatens to reveal too many secrets, Laura is faced with a heartbreaking choice: Should she leave Glory forever and save Brand’s future? Or is it worth risking his name―and her heart―by telling him the truth?

Book Trailer:




My Thoughts:

Although this book, set in the 1870's, was described as Christian Historical Fiction, it was not filled with scripture nor did it play out as most of the Christian novels I have read.  It was a romance novel without the sex.  And a very good romance novel I must add!  This is the first book in the Irish Angel series, but definitely won't be the last one for me.

The story line was excellent, starting with Lovie Lane's childhood in New Orleans where she and her sisters were sent to live with their uncle and his wife after Lovie's parents died. The uncle sends the two younger girls to an orphanage and sells the two older girls, Lovie and her sister Megan, to a brothel.  Somehow Lovie endures her years in forced prostitution and manages to become very wealthy.  She moves to a small town in Texas, changes her name to Laura Foster and becomes known as a respectable wealthy widow, a member in good standing with society, and owner of a boarding house.  Then she meets Brand McCormick, the town's new minister.  Life gets complicated.

This book was well-written, enduring and inspirational.  I loved it and look forward to the next book in this series.

My Rating:





Friday, September 16, 2016

The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken



From the Back Cover:

The #1 New York Times bestseller...
"I have a proposition for you." Kacey should have run the minute those words left Seattle millionaire Jake Titus's mouth. It's been years since Kacey's seen her childhood friend Jake, but the minute Jake mentions his ill grandmother, Kacey is ready to do anything for the sweet old woman. And if that means pretending they're engaged for her sake-so be it.

But Kacey wasn't counting on Jake's older brother Travis still being there. She calls him "Satan" for a reason: she's never forgotten the way he teased and taunted her. Yet when they meet again, Travis's gorgeous smile is a direct hit to her heart . . . and Kacey's more confused than ever. As the days pass, only one thing starts to become alarmingly clear-she never should have accepted Jake's deal . . .


My Thoughts:

This was a cute light book. Great while sitting on the beach and needing something to read, but it was rather predictable and read more like a teenage romance novel. Not exactly my cup of tea. Just my opinion.

My Rating:



Unicorn Snot


Okay, you can stop laughing now. This stuff really does exist! I bought this Unicorn Snot as part of a costume I was wearing to the Fantasy Ball at Authors After Dark 2016 in Savannah a couple of months ago. It is a gel filled with glitter that you can spread across your shoulders, on your face, or wherever you want to sparkle. Although with a name like that I couldn't help but cringe when I thought of this as a jar of boogers. But it works! Just don't tell anyone what that sparkly stuff is on your cheeks unless you're ready for them to spit out their wine from laughing.

And for those of you concerned with animal rights, be assured that no unicorns were harmed in the making of this product.


Delta Force (Special Ops series) (Volume 1) by Julie Morgan



From the Back Cover:

Special Ops soldier Logan Saunders is at the top of his game. He has led nearly impossible missions in the heat of war, while having a wife at home who waited for his return. Or so he thought. Receiving word of a fatal collision, Logan returns home and soon discovers her infidelity. Training missions, parties, and women become his life's focus. When the partying makes him a danger to others and himself, matters are placed into the hands of the military. When forced with a life changing decision, Logan meets a woman who will change his life. Problem is, she is his assigned therapist. And she is off limits. Will she be able to help Logan get over his past and forgive his wife? What about forgiving himself? In the line of fire, there is fight or flight. This is a fight Logan intends to win.


My Thoughts:

Okay, I have to admit.... I'm a bit of a book snob. If a book doesn't grab my attention in the first few pages I tend to set it aside. Stating that, I must tell you that once I started reading Delta Force I couldn't put it down. Not being a fan of military type books, I didn't really think I was going to like this, but Julie Morgan has a way of making her characters come to life, and I loved, loved, loved it! Even when Logan, the main character, did things that made me want to hate him, I soon found myself understanding what so many of our soldiers endure in their military lives. This book took me through all emotions. Be sure to have a box of tissues handy! I had tears streaming down my cheeks a few times. And one more thing.... there is a lot of sex in this book, so if you blush easily you may want to read this in private.

My Ratings:

No Grits No Glory: Southern Ghosts Series, Book One by Elaine Calloway



From the Back Cover:

Brianna fled down South to Savannah to escape the voices of the dead. Just when she thought she’d left all paranormal things behind, she discovers her house is haunted—by a family of Southern ghosts. These persistent beings not only hide her white shoes after Labor Day, but they wreak havoc on her life to convince her to help them bring their killer to justice. Steven put Savannah in his rearview mirror years ago to follow his passion for music. When his band splits up and he can’t reach his little sister for weeks, he races home—only to learn his whole family died in a mysterious house fire. The house Brianna now lives in. Together, Brianna and Steven learn who murdered Steven’s family and become caught in a web of intrigue that will threaten their careers and their lives.

My Thoughts:

Having recently returned from a trip to Savannah I thought this would be a great time to read a story about ghosts in the Savannah setting. I'm so glad I did! Elaine Calloway did such a great job of allowing me to imagine being back in the historic district and walking along River Street. Although I loved the interactions between Briana and the various ghosts, and the romance with Steven was so sweet and sometimes hot, I had hoped there would have been a bit more mystery in the plot (yes I am a sucker for who-dunnits). Don't get me wrong... This was a great story and I loved it! The antics of Steven's dead mother had me chuckling. And I will certainly be seeking out more books by this author!

My Ratings:

Reckless Magic: The Star-Crossed Series (Volume 1) by Rachel Higginson



From the Back Cover:

16 year old Eden Matthews has been in and out of private schools for the last two years. She can't seem to stop herself from closing them down. Kingsley is her last chance to finish high school and the last private school willing to accept her. She is focused on just getting through graduation until she realizes Kingsley is not like the other private schools she's been to. The students may be different, but so is she. And after meeting Kiran Kendrick, the boy who won't leave her alone and seems to be the source of all her problems, she is suddenly in a world that feels more make-believe than reality. To top it off, she is being hunted by men who want to kill Kiran and her best friend Lilly is taken away to a foreign prison. Eden finds herself right in the middle of an ancient war, threatening everything she loves. She alone has to find a way to save her best friend and the boy who has captivated her heart.

Reckless Magic is an intricate story about mystery, adventure, magic and forbidden love. Eden Matthews is an unlikely heroine determined to save the world and be with her one, true love before it's too late.


My Thoughts:

This was a free book and the story line sounded interesting so I thought I would give it a try. Although the spelling and grammatical errors were irritating and Eden was at times annoying, the book was fun to read and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. This author is talented, but she needs a better editor or proofreader.

My Rating:

Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown



Book Description:

The #1 New York Times–bestselling story about American Olympic triumph in Nazi Germany, now in a premium mass market edition. Available just in time for The 80th anniversary of the boys’ gold medal win as well as the 8/2 broadcast of the PBS /American Experience documentary, The Boys of ’36. and the start of the 2016 Summer Olympics.

For readers of Unbroken, out of the depths of the Depression comes an irresistible story about beating the odds and finding hope in the most desperate of times—the improbable, intimate account of how nine working-class boys from the American West showed the world at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin what true grit really meant.

It was an unlikely quest from the start. With a team composed of the sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew team was never expected to defeat the elite teams of the East Coast and Great Britain, yet they did, going on to shock the world by defeating the German team rowing for Adolf Hitler. The emotional heart of the tale lies with Joe Rantz, a teenager without family or prospects, who rows not only to regain his shattered self-regard but also to find a real place for himself in the world. Drawing on the boys’ own journals and vivid memories of a once-in-a-lifetime shared dream, Brown has created an unforgettable portrait of an era, a celebration of a remarkable achievement, and a chronicle of one extraordinary young man’s personal quest.

Book Trailer:




My Thoughts:

A friend recommended this book to me and although I didn't think I would be terribly interested (not a sports fan) it got good reviews and I was into watching the Olympics this year.... and I needed something to listen to on my drive home to the Florida Keys from NC. (Note: I love Audible.com) I immediately got so pulled in to this story that when I finally got home I sat in my car and continued to listen. Learning what these boys went through to compete in the 1936 Olympics was inspiring. Daniel James Brown did such an excellent job of making you feel the heartache and enthusiasm of these boys at a time when families were experiencing the hardships of the Depression and Germany was doing its best to influence the world under the leadership of Hitler. Wow! I heartily recommend reading this book!

My Rating:

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson



From the Back Cover:

The Appalachian Trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and covers some of the most breathtaking terrain in America–majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes. If you’re going to take a hike, it’s probably the place to go. And Bill Bryson is surely the most entertaining guide you’ll find. He introduces us to the history and ecology of the trail and to some of the other hardy (or just foolhardy) folks he meets along the way–and a couple of bears. Already a classic, A Walk in the Woods will make you long for the great outdoors (or at least a comfortable chair to sit and read in).


My Thoughts:

This book got mixed reviews on Amazon, but personally... I liked it. There were several times I laughed out loud while reading this. A Walk in the Woods is a story about Bill Bryson and his mid-life crisis which led him and Stephen Katz, an overweight and out of shape college buddy, to tackle hiking the Appalachian Trail. Along the way, they meet an assortment of people including Mary Ellen, who tends to follow them around, and has the annoying habit of constantly clearing her sinuses with a grating honking noise that makes you chuckle. And then there is Beaulah and her extra-large-sized panties in the laundromat. Not a great book as a travelogue, but it will give you a few laughs.

My Rating:

How did I ever become a Cat Lady?

Never had much use for cats. Yes, they can be cute sometimes, but you can't play "fetch" or expect them to protect your house while you're at work. And on top of that, I have allergies. Really bad allergies when it comes to cats. You know... red itchy eyes, sneezing, the whole mess. I am a dog person. Not a cat person.

Then one day when we returned home from a vacation in North Carolina with my little Yorkie sitting on my lap, I pulled into the driveway to see several tiny kittens scurry through the bushes in the general direction of the stairs that lead to my front door. Upon closer inspection, I saw a mama cat with her four little kittens! They had decided to make a home under my front stairs.


Well, even though I'm not a cat person, these cute little babies looked hungry. So being the idiot that I am, I fed them. My husband just rolled his eyes and grumbled some remark about how they will never leave now! I told him it was just until they were old enough to take to the animal shelter.

Upon arriving at the animal shelter, all five feral cats in tow, we were informed that they were overloaded with cats and although this was a "No Kill" shelter, the chance of these feral cats being adopted was zero to none and they would live out their little lives in cages. No way! So we had them all spayed and neutered and gave them their rabies shots, and took them home with us. They continue to this day to live under my front stairs, under my back stairs, on my patio furniture, on my dock and anywhere else they choose to roam. They spend their days chasing lizards and baby iguanas.

And I am now officially a cat lady.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman



Book Description

Read the New York Times bestseller that has taken the world by storm!

Meet Ove. He’s a curmudgeon—the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him “the bitter neighbor from hell.” But must Ove be bitter just because he doesn’t walk around with a smile plastered to his face all the time?

Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove’s mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky old man and a local residents’ association to their very foundations.

A feel-good story in the spirit of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, Fredrik Backman’s novel about the angry old man next door is a thoughtful exploration of the profound impact one life has on countless others. “If there was an award for ‘Most Charming Book of the Year,’ this first novel by a Swedish blogger-turned-overnight-sensation would win hands down” (Booklist, starred review).


My Thoughts:

Perhaps it's my Swedish heritage or perhaps it's just that I have a couple of people in my life with Ove's personality, but I really felt I understood this character. A couple of the reviews I read stated that readers thought the story was too unbelievable. Perhaps those readers did not fully understand a man like Ove. This is a story about hardships, integrity, determination, deep love and convictions. It is also a story of compassion and endearment. I laughed and I cried. Although it may not have been my favorite book and it started out rather slow and boring, I am glad I read this. And it is a book I will remember. My only negative comment is that Ove was constantly referred to as an "old" man. Well dang! He was only 59!

My Ratings:

 

The Novel Lady Published @ 2014 by Ipietoon