After the Fall by Judith Kelman

After scanning through my Romantic Times magazine, the May issue, I came across an article about author Judith Kelman. I have never read anything by her before, but my interest was aroused and I checked out her website and Amazon. Her books seemed to be right up my ally, so I went to the library and checked out two of her books. I was not disappointed, as After the Fall was a solid B+.

Danny Magill is just about a perfect kid. He has everything going for him: looks, grades. athletic ability, and a practically guaranteed admission to the college of his choice. Then the police come pounding at the Magill's door and arrest Danny for a shocking crime, shattering his family's apparently perfect world. But as Danny's mother, Jess, probes more deeply into the circumstances of his arrest, she discovers that things may not have been "perfect" for some time.

How can this nightmare be happening to this boy? This family? This town? And how will they survive?

Judith Kelman's gripping psychological novel goes beyond the question of guilt or innoncence to explore what the ties that bind are really made of.

This is a really great story that examines and shows are families are tested when shocking accusations are made. I loved the way we were able to see how it was affecting everyone in the family and town and you really get to learn about the characters. The book was a good length where there was plenty of character development, though I do feel like the ending was a little rushed. I wil definitely be reading more of Ms. Kelman's books and I have one more checked out from the library that I will be reading next.

I went to giant used book sale at one of the local libraries and I hit the jackpot. I spent $5.00 and got over 20 books for me plus childrens books and videos! It was like heaven! Today is also my birthday, so I expect some gift cards for bookstores in my near future. A family friend also gave me some scratch off lotto tickets and I won $32 so I think I may be taking that to the bookstore. Borders also sent me a birthday coupon. Yay!

Have a great end of the weekend and Happy Reading!

Don't Scream by Wendy Corsi Staub

It seemed to me that it took absolutely forever for me to get through this book. It had nothing to do with the book itself, but because I started it right before I got sick and then last week I was still worn out from it, so I got little reading done. I read quite a bit on Saturday, but then was gone all day yesterday, soooooo it took longer than I would normally have liked. Plus, the book was 476 pages long, so that added a bit of time. I am not complaining though, because I love Ms. Staub's suspense novels and I hate having to wait 1 year for them to come out. Anyways, a solid A for this book.

In a remote, heavily wooded area near the Berkshires of Massachusetts, Rachel Lorant died on her birthday. But she didn't die alone. That night, her four sorority sisters make a solemn, trembling pledge. They will never reveal what has just happened in those woods- ever. Instead, they will take their terrible secrets to their graves...

Now, ten years later, their secret is coming back to haunt them as each receives a card in the mail from Rachel: Happy Birthday to Me. xoxo R. It's clear that someone knows what happened that night. Someone is stalking them and sending mysterious, chilling gifts that only they can understand- deadly warnings of what is to come. For the sins of the past have come back with a vegeance, and a killer will see that they all pay in blood.

Brynn Costello has never felt such pure fear. She didn't want any part of what happened so long ago, but now, the mother of two will do anything to stay alive and protect her family- even if it means matching wits with a killer she can't see... a twisted psychopath who is closer than she thinks and who is saving her death for last...

I loved this book. I had absolutely no idea who the killer is until there was about 100 pages left, and then I was wrong. I was right about one other big part of the book, and somewhat right about another part of the book. Ms. Staub does suspense great and her characters are written so believeable. I mean I absolutely hated some of the characters and loved others. I just cannot recommend her books enough. I am planning on donating this (along with many others) to my local library for their used book sales or whatever they want to do with it. I just want to spread the love of Ms. Staubs writting. She also writes under the name of Wendy Markham and I adore those books as well. This book is loosely connected to the anthology that Ms. Staub wrote in that I reviewed not too long ago titled Most Likely to Die. There is no need to read that one first or even read it at all, but I just thought I would through that out there! Anyways, enough rambling, just run and get one of her books!

I am not sure what is up next. Something from the TBR. I don't have any library books right now, so I will see what catches my eye. I did just recently get some books last week with a $40 gift card to Barnes and Noble that my mom had. A client gave it to her, and while a reader, she just borrows books from me. So she gave it to me!!! How nice huh? Plus, my birthday is on Sunday, so I am sure I will be getting some gift cards/money that will be used towards books. And later this week is the huge library used book sale where I get wonderful books (for both my reading and my future classroom) for outstanding prices, so even more will be coming in. Such fun!

Anyways, happy reading and GOOOOO Wings!!! (Why oh why are we in the Western Conference? We are in a Easten Time Zone, and I have to wait until 10:00 for the game. I can't stay up for that the entire time! I have to work tomorrow! Ughh!!!

Finally!

Well, since Sunday night I have been fighting off a flu bug or some food poisioning or something as I spent most of Sunday night and Monday in bed or over the porcelin God. While I am not feeling 100% better, basically still real tired, I got some excellent news today!

While subbing today, the teacher I was filling in for was there just in meetings. She came in when I was teaching and was apparently impressed with my skills. She told me she thought I was wonderful and told the principal how wonderful I was and what great classroom management skills I had. That was great enough to carry me on... but then I got the mail!

At home waiting for me was a notice from school. I had been selected for a scholarship! I am so happy! While it won't cover all of my tution for student teaching, it will help out a bit. Plus I also got a scholarship through the State of Michigan, so I am real happy!

Plus, the Wings won the first round and now we wait for San Jose tomorrow. Though they are probably tougher than Dallas and we lost the series 1-2 during the regular series, I am not afraid. We will smoke them! Lets Go Red Wings!

Just wanted to spread the news!

Giving Up

Well I am giving up. I tried reading Laura Lippman's What the Dead Know, but just could not get into it. I really don't like her style of writing. I am not sure what exactly it is, but it just bores me. This is not the first one of Ms. Lippman's novels that I have tried to read, but I just couldn't get into it. I really wanted to read it and love it, and in fact almost bought it in hardcover because I didn't want to wait for the library. I am glad I didn't waste my money, and am returning it tomorrow. I read over 100 pages and then gave up.

I then tried reading Sugar Daddy by Lisa K. I only read about 20 pages or so and was just skimming, so I don't know if it is me or the book. I am just going to take it back as well because there is a long waiting list, and I have so many other books to read. It isn't one that I absolutely positively want to read this second, so I figure might as well allow others to get to it.

Up next is Wendy Corsi Staub's Don't Scream. I love her, so this should be able to get me out of the slump or whatever. I feel like crap still from last night (we did a bit of partying and having fun) and even though I barely drank, I am still hungover. That is why I don't drink. I need to remember this. What a waste of a wonderful day. And the Wings are on right now and there is about 2 minutes left of the game with a 1-1 tie. If we win tonight, those loser goons that call themselves the Flames will be done. They were disgusting yesterday just trying to hurt our players. I don't know if I will be able to stay up for the overtime because I have to work tomorrow. Hope everyone has a great start to the week. Happy reading and GOOOO Wings!

Red by Erica Spindler

I love all of Erica Spindler's books, as they have both suspense and romance in them. After reading the first one, I immediately checked out her website for her backlist and got all of them that I could. The only one I couldn't find was Red, so I put it on hold at my library and after about 6 months it finally came in. It was well worth the wait and I give it a solid B+.

Becky Lynn Lee was a nobody. Everybody told her so- the ladies who snubbed her at Opal's Cut n Curl, the boys who hurt her and used her, the family who didn't want her. But Becky Lynn had dreams. And when it came time to dream for real- or die a slow death in Bend, Mississippi- Becky fled to a world where dreams do come true.

Jack Gallagher wanted to be a somebody- he wanted to be the top fashion photographer in the world. He wanted to be bigger than the father who denied him, better than the half brother who claimed all of their father's love. And he was getting there... fast. He was hot, he was sexy, and he was damn good.

Now in a world where beauty and illusion are intertwined, Becky Lynn and Jack command the spotlight. She's a model who's reached the top; he's a high-priced photographer in constant demand. But is the cost of fame too high? Because beneath the glittering facade lurk secrets that threaten to destroy all they've achieved...

While this book had no suspense and a little romance, I really enjoyed it. I loved rooting for Becky Lynn and enjoyed seeing her take steps to achieve a dream she always wanted through hard work. The story is told throughout the years, I believe over 12 or so years. I love this as you get to see how the characters grow and change over time. It really is a heartwarming story and, I think, a good look on the inside of the fashion world. Though the book was written in the early 90's, it still holds up well. While I tend to like suspense stories more so than romance, this book did not leave me wanting a serial killer. I loved the light, tenderness of Becky Lynn and her trials that she endures. It has a happy ending, though there were quite a few twists and turns. I would highly recommend it!

Up next is Laura Lippman's What the Dead Know. There is also a Red Wings game on this afternoon and they MUST win today! After being up 2-0 in the series and letting the Flames come back and tie it, they have to win at home before going back to Calgary. So far the series has been the winner to be the home team, and that is fine with me if it continues that way since the Wings have home ice advantage. I will be proudly displaying my red as I join the Red Wave to cheer on my Wings! GOOOOOO RED WINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Rant and Murder of a Botoxed Blonde by Denise Swanson

First of all, I would like to say that all of my thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the tragedy at Virigina Tech, whether you know someone or just feel horrible that something so disgusting can happen. It is unbelievable that some people can be so messed up. I know this may sound crude, but he should have just shot himself and saved the huge impact it will have on many, many lives for years to come. And one other thing... I saw a bit of the View today, and Rosie O'Donnell needs to shut her trap! Blaming the government for this tragedy... if someone, anyone, wants to get a gun, they will whether they are illegal or not. What about people that cause destruction with bombs (i.e. Timothy McVeigh, the Unabomber, wackos who blow up abortion clincs)? Last time I checked, bombs are not legal and sold at stores but they caused destruction. And if Rosie is so anti-gun (and just real quick, I do not own a gun, like guns, or want a gun but believe in our Ammendment right), why does she feel it's all right for her bodyguards to carry a gun? I will not watch that show anymore! I can't STAND her, but because of another ammendent right, she has the right to freedom of speech and can say her stupid idiotic comments! I just will choose not to listen. Whew....... sorry,but I just got really revved up!

Now, off my soapbox and on to books. I began reading Ms. Swanson's Scumble River series on accident a couple of years ago. I got the name of an author mixed up and got one of her books. While I realized it, I still read it and got the following books in the series. It is a fun, cozy mystery series to read and I enjoy it. This book was a fun and easy read, but just average, so I give it a C.

A health spa complete with tofu turkey and "Dress for Sexcess" lectures is the last place school psychologist Skye Denison wants to spend Thanksgiving. But when her best friend, Trixie Frayne, convinces her to take a complimentary weekend at the new Scumble River Spa, Skye accepts her fate and prepares to be slathered, wrapped, and roasted.

Then an annoying quartet that includes both Skye's mom and her ex-boyfriend'd mother impulsively joins her a girls-only holiday, and Skye wonders just how bad things can get. She soon finds out- when she's confronted with treatments only a masochist would enjoy, a diet plan fit for a Barbie doll, and a troublesome trespasser searching for a cache of jewels supposedly hidden on the spa ground seventy years ago. Worst of all, a famous former model turns up dead in the Miracle Mud bath. It looks like no one will be leaving the spa until Skye can identify which of the eccentric guests, pesky local protesters, or sneaky treasure hunters is also a killer deserving of special treatment- in the county jail.

Like I said, this was an average book. An easy read, and quite short, coming in at only 239 pages. I enjoy Scumble River and the towns people and the Doozier clan who are always in the story in a fun, exciting way. However, I do enjoy when Skye interacts with her students and there wasn't any of that in the story. I also was getting a little tired of the love triangle that seems to be constantly changing, and would just like Skye to pick one person and stick with them. However, it was a nice break from the heavier Picoult books I have been reading, though I am glad I got this book from the library.

Up next is a book I have had on hold for a looooong time through my county's library system. It is Red by Erica Spindler, whose all other novels I have really enjoyed. I have never been able to find it at the bookstore, regular or UBS. This book is in such bad shape I am almost afraid to read it! I think the pages may fall out.

Watching the Wing's game though it just started at 10:20 and I have to be at school tomorrow for my subbing job. I am going to be a librarian tomorrow! I think that sounds like fun! Have a great night everyone and happy reading.

Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult

Well keeping up with my glomming of Jodi Picoult novels, I got Perfect Match when I went to different library. This one sounded really promising, and while I absolutely loved the writing, I really did not like the story. In fact, I was mad while reading it. Still, I liked Ms. Picoult's writing, so I will give the book a B-.

What does it mean to be a good mother? For career-driven assistant district attorney Nina Frost, the question inspires pangs of guilt familiar to all parents torn by the demands of home and office. But whereas most parents lie awake at night vividly conjuring the worst scenarios that could befall their children in their absence, Nina lives the reality of such crises- and it's her job to do something about them. Nina Frost prosecutes child molesters- and in the course of her everyday work, she has endured the frustration of seeing too many criminals slip through the system and walk free.

A man as methodical and careful as his wife is instinctive and mercurial. Caleb Frost is a stonemason who glories in his ability to construct with his own hands the physical barriers that will keep out the unwanted- and protect all that is precious within. But even the strongest walls cannot guard Nina and Caleb from the shattering discovery that their own beloved son has been sexually abused.

Five-year-old Nathaniel is the only one who knows the identity of his assilant- but in the initial fallout of his trauma, he's been left mute, unable to speak a single word. Knowing the futility of trusting the courts to exact justice for Nathaniel, and ripped apart by a maddening sense of helplessness, Nina finds herself in a grip of rage she can't deny- no matter the consequence, whatever the sacrifice. What does it take to be a good mother? How far can a person go... and still live with herself? What happens if one's absolute truths and convictions are turned upside down?

First of all, I just did not like Nina. I think she is selfish and she drove me nuts. I really could feel no sympathy for her, which really surprised me considering the fact that normally I would agree with someone like that. I read the book so quickly though, and the story kept moving along real well. I just had the hardest time relating to Nina, and some of the other characters in the story. I loved Nathaniel and Caleb, but Nina really grated on my nerves. If Ms. Picoult did not have such a wonderful voice, I definitely would not have even finished the book, much less read through it so fast and give it such a high rating. I don't want to give away a ton of spoilers (though I am pretty sure no one reads this), so I won't go into why I hate it so much.

I think I am going to read another library book next, perhaps the newest one by Denise Swanson. My Wings won again today, so I am in a good mood. Just have to wait until Tuesday night, 10:00 p.m. They won 3-1!