The Quilter’s Apprentice, by Jennifer Chiaverini

July 29, 200910 Comments

Finished 7-25-09, rating 4/5, fiction, pub. 1999

This is the first book in the Elm Creek Quilts series

“Who’s not being fair? I didn’t mean to suggest that judges make arbitrary choices, just that matters of personal taste strongly influence how we evaluate art. That being the case, I’d prefer the appreciation of a broad range of people, quilters and nonquilters alike, rather than the stamp of approval from a few select so-called experts.”

Chapter 19

Sarah and Matt move from Penn State town State College to the small college town of Waterford for Matt’s new job. Sarah is having no luck finding a job and begins to feel some resentment for having left a good job and good friends until she is offered temporary employment by Matt’s new employer. Sarah is to help Sylvia clear out an old mansion and prepare it for sale.

As part of her payment, Sylvia is teaching Sarah to quilt and each new block is a story about Sylvia’s life and how the family mansion became run down and abandoned. The two women become friends and Sarah cannot bear the thought of Sylvia selling the house and moving away. As Sarah settles into her new job she meets a small group of quilters who befriend her, but dislike Sylvia.

This story was a warm and inviting escape into the world of quilting and friendship. I was able to identify with Sarah as she lost her sense of self when she was jobless, friendless, and lonely in a new town. She did have mom issues that I assume will be dealt with in a later book and acted a bit immature at times, but the imperfections were mostly interesting to me.

I loved the sassy Sylvia and her story and look forward to continuing with this series in the future. This is a great book for quilters, but also for anyone who loves reading about the often complex friendships between women. I really liked it.

Sense & Sensibility, by Jane Austen

July 26, 2009July 26, 200912 Comments

Finished audio 7-23-09, rating 4/5, fiction, pub. 1813

This audio version was read by Wanda McCaddon

This is my first Jane Austen book, so I thought I would start with listening an audio first. I am glad that I did. I saw the 1995 movie soon after it came out and once I started listening the characters came to life in my mind, as the cast of the movie. The combination was Cliff’s Notes for the Austen virgin and I thought a great way to start my Austen reading. Now that I’ve finished the book and watched the movie again in my imagination I plan on watching the actual movie this week.

The Dashwoods have just lost the head of the family and his second family is mistreated by the heir and left with little money and few prospects. Thanks to the generosity of a cousin they are welcomed to a small house in Devonshire and the four women make a new life with new friends.

Elinor and Marianne are sisters that share a close relationship, but different temperaments. Marianne is full of fancy and passion and Elinor is full of good judgement and common sense. They both fall for two very different men, but suffer the same fate in their attraction.

As you can see, I took the quiz to find out which Austen character I am and Elinor was the winner. After reading the book I can see where the result came from, but think perhaps I am a bit more direct than Elinor. I liked both sisters, but there were times when both of them drove me a little crazy.

I like the book, but I can’t give it more than 4 stars because there are so many people to dislike. Some got their comeuppance, but some didn’t and I wanted some karma for a few of the characters.

I look forward to reading an actual Austen book soon.

A Circle of Souls, by Preetham Grandhi

July 22, 2009July 22, 200910 Comments

Finished 7-17-09, rating 4/5, fiction, pub. 2009

“I found Naya standing on the second-floor balcony,” Mrs. Hastings said shakily, “and I think she thought she could fly away. She was looking at the sky, trying to climb over the balcony wall, and mumbling to herself.”

“What was she saying?”

“It sounded like she was saying, ‘I do want to come!’ “

Chapter 3

Dr. Peter Gram is a child psychiatrist at a Connecticut hospital and is on duty when seven year old Naya is brought in by her parents after she almost kills herself while dreaming. Peter has never seen anything like it and is concerned enough to keep her in the hospital over the weekend. To further trouble Peter she begins drawing unsettling photos of a recent murder. As Peter begins to investigate he crosses paths with FBI agent, Leia Bines.

Leia is tops in her job of tracking down missing children, but the brutal murder of Janet has left her stumped. She is willing to listen to Peter and his strange suggestions only because the investigation is at a complete standstill. Why is Naya dreaming of the dead and can her drawings lead them to the killer?

I loved Peter and Naya. Peter is the doctor you want if you have a kid in trouble. He was willing to go the extra mile and just seemed so darned nice. And I loved his warm relationship with Naya. It was also impossible not to fall in love with Naya. Her Indian heritage provided an additional layer of interest to the mystery as did her uncle still living nearby.

This is a great psychological thriller. It was fast-paced with a compelling story. There was enough information to tell you who did it and enough doubt to make it interesting. This was really a fun read and I am very impressed that this is Preetham’s first book.

I want to thank Preetham for sending me a copy of his book. If you are interested in winning a copy go HERE and enter on his website. He draws a new winner each month. Also, come back on Friday for my 9 in ’09 with Preetham.

When Venus Fell, by Deborah Smith

July 16, 2009July 16, 20098 Comments

Finished 7-14-09, rating 4/5, fiction, pub.1998

And those clippings might have been all that was worth telling about Venus Arinelli. Or about any Arinelli, I guess. We were culturally jumbled but southern clear through by the grace of a god who obviously knows where odd people will best fit it. Yet everyone is made up of parts and pieces of their family’s music. The saddest thing is to forget where our songs end and our parents’ begin, because each of us plays the next note for them.

Before Gib found me, I was sinking into silence.

Prologue

Venus and Ella Arinelli have been on their own for the ten years since their father died in prison where he was being held for crimes against America. The government took everything and followed them, city to city, harassing them. The two sisters work nightclubs as a musical duet, Venus on the piano and Ella on her violin. Then one day an old family friend finds them and tells them about $100,000 that belongs to them, but there is a catch.

Venus, who has been taking care of her weaker sister has an understanding resentment toward the government, so when Gib Cameron shows up she is mistrustful of the ex-secret service man, even if she has dreamt of him her whole life. Now Gib wants the sisters to come to his family’s inn in a remote, mountainous Tennessee valley to reopen the family business. Willing to show up for the money the women find the All-American family eagerly awaiting their arrival.

The family property has many recognizable family members and a few kooky ones and the sisters revel in the feeling of family. It is the 30 year anniversary of their parent’s wedding on this very land, with this family and they are drawn into the family with little resistance.

This book is the meeting of southern charm in the Cameron family and modern spunk in Venus, with her corn rows and belly ring. At first the link between these two families seemed tenuous to me, but the story drew me in and soon I was caught up in all the family drama and everything made more sense.

I grew to really appreciate the spunky Venus and her prickly nature. Over the course of several months she facedthe possibility of losing her sister and a growing love for Gib and still did not lose her strong edge.

I liked this book very much. The story draws you in and satisfies in the end.

Children of Eve : The Shocking Story of America’s Homeless Kids, by Kevin Casey

July 5, 2009July 6, 200910 Comments

Finished 7-5-09, rating 4/5, nonfiction, published 1991

This book charts the fallout from our shifting culture as seen throught the eyes of our counselors on the front lines of this struggle. These are caring adults who try day and night to reach these kids, to re-connect them to society, to healthy lives, to the love of God.

The founder of my religious order, St. Vincent de Paul, taught us that before we can teach the poor about God we must first take care of their bodily needs. At Covenant House, we can’t tell a kid God loves her if she’s dirty, cold, hungry, and sick.

Words like love don’t work on our kids. We are challenged as Christians to show our kids we love them, not tell them.

from the introduction written by Sister Mary Rose McGeady

I do not know I came to have this book. It is Book 2 in the Covenant House Program of PublicAwareness, which I am in no way familiar with. But somewhere over the years this slight book (only 116 pages) made its way into my house. I don’t think it’s easily acquired, so after reading my review if you would like me to send it to you free of charge, leave a comment telling me you’d like to read it. If there is more than one person interested, I will draw a name on Friday, July 10th.

Instead of telling you about Covenant House I encourage you to visit the website.

The book is written by a man who drives the van around all night long to feed, talk, listen to the homeless kids that are on our streets. He is there to offer them a way out, but most accept the food and friendship, but reject the help. The book contains short stories of how the kids arrived on the streets of LA (although Covenant House is in many other cities) and they are often shocking and always heartbreaking. Casey has the greatest respect for these kids and you will gain the greatest respect for Casey and the others that do the hard work at Covenant House.

The last chapter is written by a worker in the New York Covenant House and what a life altering decision it is. They agree to live on the premises and pray 3 hours a day for 13 months. Talk about a commitment!

Although this book is 18 years old, Covenant House is still going strong and there are still kids on our streets, stuck with no easy way out. This book was eye-opening and it introduced me to Covenant House and I am so glad that it snuck its way into my TBR pile! Let me know if you’d like my copy.

The Cold Moon, by Jeffery Deaver

July 2, 20099 Comments

Finished audio on 6-30-09, rating 4/5, mystery, pub. 2006

This is book 7 in the Lincoln Rhyme series. Find list here.

“How long did it take them to die?”

first line of book

Lincoln Rhyme, the civilian paraplegic forensic specialist who works closely with the New York City Police Department, is called in to find the Watchmaker. This killer and his accomplice are killing victims in the most horrific ways…letting them dangle from a ledge, struggling for respite, having the Watchmaker cut off their arms , is just one example.

Amelia Sachs, on her first case as lead detective on a homicide, is trying to prove a suicide is not what it seems. And as she get s closer to the truth and old personal truth comes out of nowhere to shock her into questioning her life as a policewoman.

Lincoln is not happy that Amelia is running two investigations, feeling that his is getting the short end of her attention. He relies more on Officer Pulaski and Detective Sellitto and a visiting expert. This is the introduction of Kathryn Dance, a kinesics expert with the California Bureau of Investigation. She can do with body language what Lincoln Rhyme does with trace evidence and the two form an unlikely alliance. Kathryn Dance is first found in this book, but now has two books in her own series. I’ve already bought the first one.

The Watchmaker and the suicude case finally come together in a surprising way, but nothing is what it seems.

This series is consistently good. The twists and turns, the shocking reveals, and the perfectly villainous villains are all executed perfectly. Deaver is a master at these thrillers. Perfect for murder mystery fans, police procedural fans, and gritty mystery loves who love to try an outsmart the bad guys. Good luck!

I listened to this on my car ride to DC and was entertained the whole way. There were a few times I had to go back because I missed something important, so I might recommend reading the book. But the audio was read by the wonderful actor Joe Mantegna and he does a fantastic job of bringing the story to life.

Deep Shaker, by Les Roberts

June 20, 20097 Comments

Finished 6-17-09, rating 4, mystery, pub. 1991

Book 3 in the Milan Jacovich mystery series

The school had been old when I attended, and now my own son and Paulie Baznik were sneaking cigarettes in the same washroom where Matt and I had puffed them twenty-five years before, and there was something about the symmetry of it that appealed to me. I felt a twinge of pity for those of my generation who had become creatures of the corporate, transferring halfway across the country to another milieu to keep their jobs, leaving their roots and their memories behind them.

Chapter 3

Milan, ex-cop turned private investigator, is asked by a long time friend to talk to his teen son. His friend is afraid his 14 year old is involved in something bad and he wants Milan’s opinion. Milan reaches the same conclusion as his friend – the boy is using and probably selling drugs. Milan begins to do a little digging and finds that there is a huge drug problem in Cleveland that the police are trying to keep a lid on. Milan steps on a few toes, but refuses to back down his investigation into the Jamaican ring of drug peddlers.

Milan is much more maudlin in this third book. He is facing problems in his realtionship with his girlfriend Mary and he is struck by how fast his two sons are growing up, with him only around every two weeks. He is feeling alone and a little old as he approaches 40 and this books struck just the right chord with me. The mystery was good, but this third time around showed so much more depth and I really ‘get’ Milan so much better now. He is not just a man to right Cleveland’s wrongs, he is also a flawed and appealing character.

This series is set in Cleveland, Ohio and as a resident I must applaud Roberts in his love for the city. Each book showcases another neighborhood and the descriptions are spot on. It is interesting to note that Les Roberts is not from Cleveland. He is from the Chicago area and lived in LA for many years. After he began to visit Cleveland he liked it so much that he has decided to call it home, moving here in the early 90’s, around the time this book was published.

Tess of the d’Urbervilles, by Thomas Hardy

May 20, 20093 Comments

Finished audio 5-18-09, rating 4/5, fiction classic, pub. 1891

Tess Derbyfield is living with her impoverished family in southwestern England in the 1800’s when her family finds out they are related to an old and noble line, the d’Urbervilles. Her parents are eager to claim kinship to the closest d’Urberville they know and send the beautiful Tess to make an introduction as family. Once there Tess is seduced by the cad Alec d’Urberville and becomes pregnant. She races back home and gives birth to a son she names Sorrow.

After the death of Sorrow Tess must find work to support herself and her family and she finds work at a dairy farm. It is at the farm that she meets Angel Clare, who comes from a respected religious family. The sparks fly and Tess is confronted with the choice of telling Angel about the baby or letting him continue to believe that she is a virgin. Her mother tells her to keep the secret and Tess tries, but she is at heart an honest soul.

Tess was pure of faith and heart, but she was so mistreated by everyone she came in contact with, her family included, that she lost that innocence. She is the shining example of the hypocrisy of the day. Women had so few options and I applauded her effort to remain virtuous of spirit. She is a tragic figure that represents Victorian era.

This classic is a love story that runs the gamut of emotions. I knew nothing of this book when I checked the cds out of the library (14.5 hours unabridged) and loved the language and tone of the book. I was also shocked by many of the things that happened. I don’t want to spoil anything for you here, but let me say that I am happy to be living in 2009 and not in the 1800’s, especially not as a poor girl with a sad family.

It is not perfect, but the things that bothered me most were aspects of the time period, not the writing or the story itself. I recommend this tragedy as one that will touch your heart.

Dead Sleep by Greg Iles

May 14, 20093 Comments

Finished 5-10-09. rating 4/5, fiction, pub. 2001

The paintings look modern for the most part, or what my idea of modern is, anyway. A lot of stark color arranged in asymmetrical patterns, but it means little to me. I’ve been called an artist-often during attacks by purist photojournalist-but that doesn’t qualify me as a judge of art. I’m not even sure I know it when I see it.

Chapter 3

Renowned photojournalist Jordan Glass has been everywhere, with much of that time spent in the most dangerous, war-torn places on earth. Her father, winner of two Pulitzers, died while obtaining his last award winning shot in Cambodia during the Vietnam War. At least the world believes that, but Jordan is not convinced. Jordan is in Hong Kong when she comes face to face with a painting of her, apparently dead. The popular collection of ‘Sleeping Women’ at first thought to be women in repose is now rumored to be dead women. Jordan is thrown because she knows she is not looking into the mirror, but at the face of her twin sister who has been missing for over a year.

As Jordan races back to New York and the seller of the portraits, she contacts the FBI for help. As it becomes obvious that Jordan’s life could be in danger the FBI bring her in to help with the investigation. The case takes Jordan home to New Orleans, where her sister’s husband and two children still live.

The action is non stop, the characters have depth, and the mystery is top notch. The paintings and the possibility that the women may be dead haunted me just as the possibility did Jordan. The spooky vibe and the sexual tension between Jordan and FBI Agent John Kaiser keep the book operating on all cylinders. This is a great thriller and I look forward to reading more from Greg Iles.

I won’t give away the ending, but I will say that I liked it, but didn’t love it for a few reasons I can’t say without saying too much. But that is only the difference between a 4 and 4.5, so obviously I loved it! It is wonderfully original story with a strong woman leading the way.

Fox River, by Emilie Richards

May 10, 2009May 10, 20097 Comments

Finished 5-8-09, rating 4/5, fiction, pub. 2001

“It’s a fork in the road,” Maisy said, stroking her daughter’s hair. “And you don’t even feel up to walking a straight line. But you will. You can. You’ll get through this honey, and make all the right choices. There’s no question.”

For once in her life Julia was profoundly grateful to be suffocated in her mother’s soft arms. But as she sobbed, she wondered who was comforting Christian. Who would tell Christian that at this critical fork in the road he would take the right path? Who would hold him and reassure him?

She knew, without a doubt, it should have been her.

Chapter 11

This grand sweeping romance will draw you into the world of horses and fox hunting and the privileged people who live there. Julia, who comes from the most respected of horsemen families, is a woman who has had to deal with a lot of tragedy in her almost 30 years and it all culminates with a fall off a horse that leaves her blind. Her father died when she was too young to remember, her best friend was murdered, her boyfriend was sent to prison for the murder, and the last of the foursome was killed in a car crash. And this is all before she begins to think her nine year marriage may be over.

Christian was released from prison when another inmate confessed to the murder, but nine years is a long time to serve for a crime you didn’t commit. He is welcomed back to Virginia horse country by the man who had taken him in as a teenager and had never stopped believing in his innocence. Now he just has to face down locals who still believe he’s guilty and face up to Julia, whose trouble on the stand helped send him to prison.

Julia’s mother, Maisy, is a wonderful character who takes in her daughter and granddaughter and shares a novel she’s writing which becomes another story within Fox River. There is no shortage of action and it all weaves together perfectly for a wonderful family saga full of life and death, lies and betrayal, love and revenge.

I adored this story. I think if you are interested in horses or fox hunting you might appreciate it more, but it is certainly not a necessity. This is my first Emilie Richards novel, but it won’t be my last! Read my interview with her here.

Stacy's Books

books, movies, and boy

Category: 4 Star Books