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Rebecca R. (abeccapug) - Reviews

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Bachelorette #1
Bachelorette #1
Author: Jennifer O'Connell
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.6/5 Stars.
 68
Review Date: 7/8/2015


I love watching the Bachelor and Bachelorette shows and was interested in how a reality type show would translate into a piece of fiction. Sarah Holmes is a married mom & freelance writer for a women's magazine. Her publisher asks her to go undercover on a reality show and expose it for the joke that it is. Sarah agrees. Once on location, she meets the bachelor, other contestants, and the staff. She gets caught up in the experience and her attitude towards the show and those involved shifts and changes. Needless to say, she learns more about herself than she expected. This was an entertaining read.


Burn
Burn
Author: Linda Howard
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 98
Review Date: 2/11/2010
Helpful Score: 1


This is the first book I have read by this author. It sounded interesting. I enjoyed the overall story. The author spent about the first 200 pages developing the characters and as a result the plot plodded along. The interactions between the two main characters were comical at times. The physical attraction between them was evident. I was surprised Jenner's choices later in the story. The author had spent so much time telling how she'd been screwed by everyone in her life before and shortly after winning the lottery, that I was surprised she would fall for her captor so quickly. You are told how she trusts noone and then here she is trusting this guy she's just met. The sex scenes were a little more detail than I thought was necessary. I'd rather that amount of detail be put into the plot. The last 50 pages were very action packed and it was interesting to discover how the whole situation would play out. Overall, I liked this book and would probably read more by this author.


Butterfly (Butterfly, Bk 1)
Butterfly (Butterfly, Bk 1)
Author: Kathryn Harvey
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 104
Review Date: 2/15/2010
Helpful Score: 4


I purchased this book at a Goodwill for 10 cents because it sounded interesting. This is one of the best books I have ever read. This book is about a young girl who started out with the worst life possible and decided to do something about it. She becomes an Oprah type persona with a deep secret. The deep secret comes in the form of a Billy Graham persona who has his own secrets. The main character is a fighter and after all of the bad stuff that happens to her, you want her to get the revenge she so richly deserves without destroying the empire she's built for herself along the way. The main male character is a snake and you hope he gets what he deserves. This story was well written. The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns. It was difficult to put down. The characters are more than well developed and you feel a connection with each. I highly recommend this book.


By the Time You Read This
By the Time You Read This
Author: Lola Jaye
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.4/5 Stars.
 43
Review Date: 11/30/2009
Helpful Score: 1


I expected this to be a sad book about a girl who looses her father. I was pleasantly surpised. The story begins when the girl is 12 and her mother is getting remarried. Her aunt gives her a "manuel" written by her father who died when she was 5. Every year on her birthday, she is supposed to read the manual to discover what advice her father has for her. The story follows the girl as she grows up and her father's advice proves to be helpful. The ending is predictable, but overall, I enjoyed the story.


Christmas by the Book
Christmas by the Book
Author: Anne Marie Ryan
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 5
Review Date: 1/2/2023


If you are looking for a feel good Christmas book, this is it! Nora and Simon have themselves in a bit of a pickle and will be forced to close their bookshop. On a whim, they decide to perform six random acts of kindness with the help of their on-line followers. What happens next is pure Christmas magic. I loved all of the characters. I tried to predict how the story line would play out, but I was so happy to be wrong. It was much better than I could have guessed. This book was a fantastic way to end 2022 and begin 2023.


The Christmas Cookie Club (Christmas Cookie Club, Bk 1)
The Christmas Cookie Club (Christmas Cookie Club, Bk 1)
Author: Ann Pearlman
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.6/5 Stars.
 60
Review Date: 8/26/2010
Helpful Score: 1


I enjoyed this book. Not so much for the story line, but for the history of the ingredients and the info about each cookie. The story is about 12 women who meet each year to exchange Christmas Cookies, about the cookie they created and why, and about an ingredient they used in the recipe for their cookie. I actually made the first five recipes and they were delicious. I plan on making the last seven sooner than later. If you love stories about women and cooking than you'll enjoy this one.


The Christmas Letters: A Timeless Story for Every Generation
The Christmas Letters: A Timeless Story for Every Generation
Author: Bret Nicholaus
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 9
Review Date: 12/18/2009


The main character is remembering the previous Christmas when his grandfather gave the nine members of his family each a letter. I thought it meant a written letter, but he literally gives them each a letter. Then, he tells them what each letter represents and the memories that he's shared with each of them. This is a sweet story. It makes you want to give a similar gift to your own family. It's a reminder about what Christmas is really about and that life isn't about the biggest and the best gifts, but about the simple, ordinary, small things that others do for us and with us that are the most precious gifts of all. These moments impact us the most and only when they don't occur do we realize how much we miss and appreciate them.


The Christmas Light (Christmas Hope, Bk 7)
The Christmas Light (Christmas Hope, Bk 7)
Author: Donna VanLiere
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 17
Review Date: 1/2/2016


The main characters, Gloria & Miriam, are hilarious. I love the banter between them. Also, the interconnected story lines are facinating. I was excited to discover how the author was going to connect everyone and resolve all of the situations that she created. What could be a very serious and heavy book, gets it's message across in a very light-hearted yet thought provoking way. I would love to see this made into one of those Hallmark movies. This is the first book I've read by this author and I can't wait to read the others!!!!


The Christmas Secret (Christmas Hope, Bk 5)
The Christmas Secret (Christmas Hope, Bk 5)
Author: Donna VanLiere
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 68
Review Date: 1/25/2010
Helpful Score: 1


If you are looking for an uplifting story, this book is for you. The main character's life pretty much stinks. If something can go wrong for her, it does. The author really makes you feel for Christine. No matter how bad things get and how little she has, she's willing to share, help, and befriend the people she meets through her job as a waitress. I like how the author had several story lines going at the same time and how all of the characters are connected to each other without realizing it. This is a quick and fulfilling read. It is somewhat predictable, but I didn't mind that. I really liked the characters, Gloria and Miriam. They are hilarious. This is the first book that I have read by this author. I plan on reading the rest. You don't have to read the other books by her before reading this one. This story isn't tied to the Christmas Shoes series. Enjoy!


Count with Dora! (Dora The Explorer)
Count with Dora! (Dora The Explorer)
Author: Phoebe Beinstein
Book Type: Board book
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 10
Review Date: 4/2/2010


This is a wonderful book for young Dora lovers. She counts a collection of fruits. The book counts in Spanish and English as well as names each fruit in both languages. One of the characters provides the pronunciation of the Spanish words on each page. This was very helpful. My daughter is 20 months old and loves this book. We've only had it a few days and have read it too many times to count.


The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike, Bk 1)
The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike, Bk 1)
Author: Robert Galbraith
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 139
Review Date: 6/7/2015


I like the way this book was written. I enjoyed the banter between the main character, Cormoran Strike, and his temporary secretary, Robin. I had a hard time figuring this one out. Just when I thought I had it narrowed down to the prime suspect, I'd discover something in the next chapter that would lead me in another direction. I did not anticipate the ending. While I was glad the brother was right about his sister's death, I did not suspect the outcome. This may sound strange, but I've never read the Harry Potter series. That is going to change. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.


Dora's Color Adventure! (Dora the Explorer)
Dora's Color Adventure! (Dora the Explorer)
Author: Phoebe Beinstein
Book Type: Board book
  • Currently 3.4/5 Stars.
 8
Review Date: 4/10/2010


My daughter loves Dora, so she loved this book. I hoping it was like the counting one where she could learn the colors in Spanish and English, but it wasn't. The author didn't isolate the colors either,so while it was entertaining, I don't know that my child realized that it was teaching her about colors. I think she just thought it was a Dora story and Swiper was being naughty again.


The Gift
The Gift
Author: Cecelia Ahern
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.4/5 Stars.
 45
Review Date: 4/18/2012
Helpful Score: 2


This is the first book I've read by Cecelia Ahern. I like her writing style. Her writing is fluent which makes it easy to read. She's also very descriptive, so you are able to picture what she's writing about. The banter and dialogue between the characters is humorous. Especially Turkey Boy. While I like the way the book was written, I don't know that I find the whole story line believeable. I don't really know that I believe the main character learned any sort of lesson. If circumstances were different, I think he might continue to be the same jerk that he had been throughout the entire story. We only appreciate what we have when we no longer have it. The author encourages us to not waste the precious time we are given but to make the most of it by spending it with those who are most important to us...our families and friends.


The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo
The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo
Author: Amy Schumer
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 32
Review Date: 5/17/2020
Helpful Score: 1


I love Amy Schumer, but her book leaves something to be desired. Her dad has MS and she shares his private struggles in a way I find to be disrespectful. He should be allowed some dignity and respect at a time when his body is beyond his control. I was wanting some hilariously inspiring material. Instead, it is a list of her sexual exploits. This book was not for me. There is no substance.


The Happiest Toddler on the Block : The New Way to Stop the Daily Battle of Wills and Raise a Secure and Well-Behaved One- to Four-Year-Old
Review Date: 10/8/2011


I felt that this book offered some helpful advice and insight into how my child is experiencing life and dealing with it and the role I should play as a parent or ambassador. The part I found challenging was about speaking Toddlerese. I would find it strange to growl at my child when I didn't want her to do something...especially in public. I don't believe I will be following this piece of advice, but will use some of his other communication techniques.


The Last Valentine
The Last Valentine
Author: James Michael Pratt
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 31
Review Date: 2/16/2010


If you are looking for a wonderful love story this would be it. The characters and plot are really well developed and the sequence of events keeps you on your toes. I'm not sure that I necessarily liked how the author chose to end the book. I sort of felt that there was this big build up and then the author wasn't sure how to end it, so he just pulled something out of nowhere to give it an ending. If you just accept the ending for what it is or rely on your spiritual teachings for understanding than it could work.


Living Well on One Income in a Two-Income World
Living Well on One Income in a Two-Income World
Author: Cynthia Yates
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 13
Review Date: 1/14/2010
Helpful Score: 3


This book was helpful by providing an attitude adjustment when it comes to finances. The author provided helpful tips on how to live smart and abundantly on one income. Recently, I became a stay at home mom. While I subconsciously knew most of what was presented, the author conveyed the information on what could be a sensitive and heavy topic in a very loving and positive way. She referenced the Bible throughout which has encouraged me to reread Proverbs.


Manhunting
Manhunting
Author: Jennifer Crusie
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 251
Review Date: 10/28/2009
Helpful Score: 1


This book is very funny. The main character cracked me up every time she would interact with the handy man or the situations she would get herself into while at the resort on her mancation. It's a cheesy feel good story with a happily ever after ending. It gets your mind off of real life. This book was my first by this author. I have purchased and read almost all of her books. I highly recommend anything by this author.


Mockingjay (Hunger Games, Bk 3)
Mockingjay (Hunger Games, Bk 3)
Author: Suzanne Collins
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 1476
Review Date: 8/17/2012


Wow! So much happens in this book. The book picks up where the second left off. In the aftermath of the Quarter Quell, Katniss recovers. She becomes the Mockingjay a symbol of the rebellion. The Capitol has Peeta and uses him against Katniss. For Katniss to be successful as the Mockingjay, she needs Peeta to be safe. The rebels rescue him, but Peeta isn't the same. Now able to focus, Katniss wants to asassinate President Snow. Just when you think she might do it, the author throws you a curve ball and it is disasterous. Katniss doesn't know who to trust. You won't be able to predict this ending. Excellent conclusion. Not a genre that I would typically read, but so glad I tackled this one.


The Perfect Christmas
The Perfect Christmas
Author: Debbie Macomber
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 158
Review Date: 2/14/2010


This was my first Debbie Macomber book. I really enjoyed it. If you are looking for a well written, funny, some-what predictable story, that leaves you feeling good, than you should read this book. The main character is hilarious and gets herself into some crazy situations which begin like something out of a Bridget Jone's story but end with her learning something meaningful about herself. The matchmaker reminds me of Frazier meets Monk. He is the polar opposite of Cassie. She's very down to Earth. Their interactions are quite comical. She's bound and determined to discover if he really is "human"and does things to drive him crazy although she accomplishes this just by being who she is. I look forward to reading more by this author.


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