Review: Firefly Lane

Title: Firefly Lane
Author:Kristin Hannah
Pages: 528
Rating: 4/5

In the turbulent summer of 1974, Kate Mularkey has accepted her place at the bottom of the eighth-grade social food chain. Then, to her amazement, the "coolest girl in the world" moves in across the street and wants to be her friend. Tully Hart seems to have it all — beauty, brains, ambition. On the surface they are as opposite as two people can be: Kate, doomed to be forever uncool, with a loving family who mortifies her at every turn. Tully, steeped in glamour and mystery, but with a secret that is destroying her. They make a pact to be best friends forever; by summer's end they've become TullyandKate. Inseparable.

So begins Kristin Hannah's magnificent new novel. Spanning more than three decades and playing out across the ever-changing face of the Pacific Northwest, Firefly Lane is the poignant, powerful story of two women and the friendship that becomes the bulkhead of their lives (Powell's Books).

It's been a few months since I finished this book, so I'm not sure how much detail I remember but I do remember this much. This is an absolutely fabulous read. Even at over 500 pages, I flew through this book in only a few days, barely putting it down to even cook dinner.

The story of Kate and Tully starts when they are just young girls, and takes us through their entire lives together. We get to witness all of the ups and downs, all of the trials and tribulations that take place during their friendship and their lives.

I've heard a lot of people have found this book to be contrived, and a new Beaches for the 2000s, but I found it to be refreshing. This was the first Kristin Hannah book that I have ever read; however, I know that it will not be my last. I've already picked up several of her older novels and added them to the massive TBR stack.

So grab your tissues, grab the book, and dial your best friend because you'll definitely want to share this book with her.

Review: Smitten

Title: Smitten
Author: Janet Evanovich
Pages: 256
Rating: 3.5/5

Single mom Lizabeth Kane isn't exactly construction material—she's never picked up a hammer in her life. But she desperately needs the job that builder Matt Hallahan is offering. And even though he knows better, Matt can't refuse her irresistible smile.

Matt Hallahan isn't exactly relationship material—he has always been too busy working on other people's houses to make a home of his own. And even though she knows better, Lizabeth can't stop thinking about the rugged carpenter.

Is the relationship Matt and Lizabeth are building solid—or more like a house of cards?

It's been over a week since I finished this book, so I have to say, my minds a little fuzzy when it comes to the details. I do know this. I liked it much better than The Grand Finale. I felt the story developed at a much better pace and it didn't feel nearly as rushed. Plus, the heroine, Lizabeth was much more normal than Berry (what the heck kind of name is that anyway?).

I also really liked the hero, Matt. He was really down to earth, and he really did love Lizabeth. Plus, I absolutely adored how he tried to protect her from the neighborhood flasher. One of my favorite scenes in the whole book involves Matt in hot pursuit of the flasher. Let's just say it involves minimal clothing and lots and lots of the neighbors.

I would definitely give this Evanovich try if you are looking for something light to read. While these books aren't the Stephanie Plum series, they are still cute and unique in their own right.

I was going to try and read all of Janet Evanovich's Loveswept books in March, but after two, decided a needed a bit of a break. Plus, my reading time has been severely hampered by the new job I took with the new company. Once I'm home at night, I barely have enough energy to get dinner done, clean up a bit, and take a shower. I've been in bed most nights by eight o clock. Hence the lack of posts, and the even bigger lack of reviews lately.

I think once I'm used to everything I'll be back on the reading mojo. Or at least I hope so. Learning new systems, and my work almost tripling has just been running me ragged!

Review: The Grand Finale

Title: The Grand Finale
Author: Janet Evanovich
Pages: 246
Rating: 2.5/5

Berry Knudson had a talent for disaster, but when she climbed a tree to rescue a kitten, she wasn't prepared for the scrumptious hunk undressing in a nearby window, or her dive downward that smashed Jake Sawyer's pizza and won his heart! But was there room in her chaotic schedule for a risk-taking inventor with dreams? She took classes, delivered pizzas, and cared for three eccentric old ladies she rescued from the train station. But Jake thrived on a challenge, and he could be very inventive. Could he teach her there was time to make butterscotch pudding and let herself be loved (Cover Blurb)?

I was looking for a quick, fast read last night to pass the time until Michael got home from work. I've always like Janet Evanovich and I've read a few of the Stephanie Plum books before. The Grand Finale was written way before the Plum novels became so popular, and you can definitely tell.

Originally written as a Harlequin type book, the story moves fast and there is not a huge amount of plot development. In fact, the development of the story was TOO fast. That is why I only rated the book two and a half out of five. It was almost far fetched and I found myself rolling my eyes quite a bit.

There are good things about this book. The three old ladies that Berry rescues from the train station are a hoot. The had me laughing to myself quite a few times, and reminded me of some of the older ladies I've worked with in the past. Berry's love interest, Jake, is a sweetheart of a guy, who would do anything for the woman he loves. I really liked him, I just didn't like his over the top I fell in love with you when you fell out of my tree bit.

All in all, an ok read, but nothing to write home about.

Review: Too Good To Be True

Title: Too Good To Be True
Author: Kristan Higgins
Pages: 379
Rating: 5/5

When Grace Emerson's ex-fiancé starts dating her younger sister, extreme measures are called for. To keep everyone from obsessing about her love life, Grace announces that she's seeing someone. Someone wonderful. Someone handsome. Someone completely made up. Who is this Mr. Right? Someone…exactly unlike her renegade neighbor Callahan O'Shea. Well, someone with his looks, maybe. His hot body. His knife-sharp sense of humor. His smarts and big heart.

Whoa. No. Callahan O'Shea is not her perfect man! Not with his unsavory past. So why does Mr. Wrong feel so…right (Cover Blurb)?

Oh Kristan Higgins, where have you been all my life? I cannot believe that I have been passing up this wonderful author, and letting her books just sit on my shelf. Too Good To Be True is Higgins newest work, and the only one by her that I have read (at this time...this will not be true for long). I. Absolutely. Loved. This. Book. I cannot say enough good things about it.

Our hero, Grace, is absolutely hilarious. She's sharp, witty, nutty, and possibly a bit on the crazy side. When she can't take the huge pity party caused by her fiance leaving her for her younger sister, Grace makes up a boyfriend. And tells her whole family about him. And then she tells her hot...and I mean hot...neighbor about him. So her hot neighbor thinks she's dating a pediatric surgeon, when all Grace can really think about is her hot neighbor.

And don't even get me started on the hot neighbor. Callahan O'Shea (isn't that name just dreamy) is absolutely the most perfect man I have ever heard of (No, I am not cheating on my boyfriend, Edward - Edward is the most perfect vampire ever, and he sparkles in the sun...even sexy Callahan O'Shea doesn't sparkle). Anyway, this guy is just the sweetest thing ever, and if I wasn't already married to quite a wonderful man, I might have a bit of book lust for Callahan O'Shea...oh, who am I kidding...I do have book lust. Just reading about the guy makes me start batting my eyelashes and compulsively twirling my hair around my finger...lol.

I flew through this book rather quickly. There isn't one part of this book I didn't like, and one scene in particular had me laughing so hard I had tears rolling down my face. I loved the ending and epilogue of the book so much I've read it three times. This book is definitely a keeper, and I will definitely be reading it again in the future.

Kristan Higgins has a short back list of three books (with a new one on the way this summer!!). I've already gotten my hands on them, and I'm packing them in my suitcase for Florida. I think they are just what I'll need for those lazy days on the beach.

Review: He Loves Lucy

Title: He Loves Lucy
Author: Susan Donovan
Pages: 338
Rating: 3.5/5

WHEN A JUNK FOOD ADDICT WITH A HEART OF GOLD...
Marketing exec Lucy Cunningham is thrilled when her firm lands The Palm Club account. The campaign concept for Miami's hottest fitness club was Lucy's idea: take one fitness-challenged woman, put her in front of TV cameras, and into the hands of the club's top personal trainer, Theo Redmond. And there's a big cash reward for each pound shed. It seems like a brilliant idea-until Lucy gets picked to be the guinea pig. It's obvious she needs to drop the pounds, but the idea of letting it all hang out in front of some Malibu Ken jock has her choking on her Milk Duds before she even begins!

MEETS A FITNESS BUFF WITH BUNS OF STEEL...
After one meeting, Theo knows Lucy will be his toughest client and one of the most unforgettable women he'll ever meet. Smart-mouthed and stubborn, it's clear she isn't fond of marching to anyone's drumbeat but her own. But she shocks Theo by rising to the challenge like a pro. And he finds his heart in jeopardy long before Lucy starts to slim down and turn heads.

THEY FIND THE PERFECT RECIPE TO FALL IN LOVE!
As Lucy sweats her way into a whole new life, things start to heat up between her and Theo. But trust doesn't come easy for either of them. They've both been burned by romance in the past. Now Lucy and Theo are about to discover that appearances can be deceiving-and in the end, true love lies somewhere between pizza and Pilates...(Cover Blurb)

Susan Donovan was a new to me author. I've hear a lot of talk about her most recent book The Girl Most Likely Too, and I was looking forward to reading it. However, I've yet to get it and He Loves Lucy was on my shelf, so I read this one instead. I really loved the concept of this story. I really like stories with "larger" heroines considering the fact that I am not a size 2 myself. However, I guess I get irritated with them always losing weight and getting skinny when they are getting the guy. Can't a big girl stay big and still get the girl?

I really like the heroine of the story, Lucy. I thought she was down to earth and spunky and had a lot of great characteristics. Theo, the hero, wasn't bad but he kinda reminded me of my elementary school gym teacher, which I think ruined the moment for me. However, their love story is strong and could really happen in everyday life. One thing I really enjoy in a book is strong secondary characters and I felt like they were really lacking in this one. I never felt like a made a connection at all with any of them, except for Theo's brother Buddy.

Lastly, I had to rate this book just a tad lower because there were some major editing mistakes. Take this for example:

Theo tossed his clipboard on the reception counter and cupped Lucy's elbow, turning her toward the elevators as he chuckled...As they walked down the three flights of stairs to the lobby on Washington Ave, Lucy checked out her trainer from the corner of her eye and, as she always did, wondered how much more she weighed than the person next to her..."Are you originally from Miami Lucy?" The elevator doors opened and they headed for the street and into the pleasant, saltwater-scented city air (Page 9)

I didn't type out the full passage, but hopefully you get my drift. I must have read this section three times trying to figure out if they took the stairs or if they took the elevator. I'm still not quite sure :)

Review: Anyone But You

Title: Anyone But You
Author: Jennifer Crusie
Pages: 224
Rating: 4.5/5

For Nina Askew, turing forty means freedom—from the ex-husband whose career always came first, from their stuffy suburban home. Freedom to have her own apartment in the city, freedom to focus on what she wants for a change. And what she wants is something her ex always vetoed—a puppy. A bouncy puppy to cheer her up. Instead she gets…Fred.

Overweight, smelly and obviously suffering from some kind of doggy depression, Fred is light years from perky. But for all his faults, he does manage to put Nina face-to-face with Alex Moore, her gorgeous, younger downstairs neighbor.

Alex looks great on paper—a sexy, seemingly sane, surprisingly single E.R. doctor who shares Fred's abiding love for Oreos—but a ten-year difference in age, despite his devastating smile, is too wide a gap for Nina to handle. Ignoring her insistent best friend, some interfering do-gooders and the ubiquitous Fred—not to mention her suddenly raging hormones—Nina thinks anyone but Alex would be a better bet for a relationship. But with every silver-haired stiff she dates, the more she suspects it's the young dog-loving doctor she wants to sit and stay (Cover Blurb)!

I’m pretty sure my reading slump has a lot to do with needing a change in genres. I’ve been reading primarily young adult vampire fiction since the beginning of the year, with a few smatterings of books about wizards and demons. I had finished up Marked last week and started Betrayed and I’m still only about 90 pages into the story (despite this fact, I already like it better than Marked). What I decided to do was to sit that book down and go for something totally different and see if that helped.

About two years ago, I read Jennifer Crusie’s contemporary romance Bet Me and absolutely loved it. I ended up buying her whole back list where they sat and collected dust on my bookshelf. Last year, I picked up Agnes and the Hitman and devoured it in about 12 hours, stopping only to go to the bathroom. I really enjoy Crusie’s writing style and her stories are wonderful. Therefore, when I went for something different to read, I was instantly pulled to her books on the bookshelf.

Anyone But You is an absolutely adorable read. I started this book yesterday morning and if I wouldn’t have had to sleep, I would have finished it last night. I settled instead to finish it at lunch today. I loved it! The main characters of this novel are Nina and Alex, but really the hero of the whole book is Fred, the depressed, bottom heavy beagle basset mix dog that Nina picks up at the local animal control. I’m a huge dog person anyways, so it doesn’t surprise me that I latched onto him. His antics are the reason for Nina and Alex, and he’s the reason why I loved the book so much!

I think this is exactly what I needed. I’m going to start another contemporary type romance tonight and I think I’ll stick with these for a while :)