A Virgin River Christmas (Virgin River, #4)
by Robyn Carr
 

Read from January 25 to 28, 2013

I really liked this 4th book in the Virgin River Series. It is considered a novella and a stand alone novel. I think that by reading #s 1,2,3 in the series really helped to understand this one better. You had a feel for the setting and how the characters interacted with one another in the previous books. I feel the whole idea of this book was to be introduced to 2 new characters in the series. I hope Robyn Carr continues to include them in the following VR books. If not then I feel she left you hanging too much about Marcie and Ian's future relationship with one another. I also like how the previously introduced characters had a role in this book.

I found the book to be emotional at times and truly touching. Ian had a lot of emotional baggage to deal with and I don't blame him to react as he did, but there are other ways to cope with it in a more positive way. I am glad Marcie's determination quality was able to turn things around for Ian's self esteem. He really did have lots to be proud of.

Looking forward to reading the next book in the VR series.

Until Proven Guilty (J.P. Beaumont, #1)
by J.A. Jance

Read from January 18 to 21, 2013

This book was my first by this author. It is the start of the J.P. Beaumont series of which I will continue with. It was a quick easy crime/mystery book to read. It was not intense as other crime/mystery books I've read. There were some unrealistic parts but they were all part of the plot. I give this book 3 1/2 stars.

Whispering Rock (Virgin River, #3)
by Robyn Carr

 

Jan 17, 2013   

Read from January 12 to 17, 2013

I read Virgin River in Oct. 2012 and Shelter Mountain in Nov., 2012. I was afraid that I might have left too much time in between #2 and #3 and that I wouldn't remember any of the previous characters or story lines since I have read so many books in between. That wasn't the case. It all came back to me and I like how Robyn Carr reintroduced the characters. It was very subtle but just the same it was a smooth transition. This book picked up were #2 left off.

New characters and their budding relationships with one another were introduced in this book. Once again I got caught up in the lives of these new characters. I found parts to be emotional and I put myself in their shoes. I liked how everybody helped one another through their crises.

The theme of facing your threats and fears instead of dodging them and learning in the end the most important thing is that you have no regrets is apparent in the book. I have a feeling the fourth book will follow the pattern of the others and pick up where book 3 left off. I am looking forward to learning more about these new couples and being introduced to others and their interactions with one another.

 

The Last Boyfriend (Inn BoonsBoro, #2)
by Nora Roberts

Jan 13, 2013  ·  

Read from January 07 to 11, 2013

I liked this second book in the Boonsboro series much more than the first book because it went into more detail about the characters and their interactions with one another. The first book was a slow go for me because I got so bored with all the description of the building of the Boonsboro Inn. In the first book I did like reading about Clare and Beckett's evolving love for one another though.

The Last Boyfriend goes into more detail about Avery and Owen's love story which I liked reading about. In some parts I was chuckling especially when Avery would call Owen a moron. The mystery of Lizzie begins to unravel in this second book but still keeps the reader hanging. I guess the third book in the trilogy will finally let you know all about her story. I like how the Montgomery boys all worked together for a common cause. The Montgomerys were a close knit family too which I liked .

I am assuming that in the third book, there will be a focus on Hope and Ryder getting together. We shall see if I am right.

One Breath Away
by Heather Gudenkauf (Goodreads Author)

Jan 04, 13  ·  

Read from January 03 to 04, 2013

If you like suspense then add this book to your list. I never read a book by this author before but she will be included on my list of suspense writers. The book grabbed me from the beginning. The events are told from the viewpoints of 5 very likeable characters. As I read it, I kept asking myself what I would do if I was in this situation.

What I liked about the book is that it kept me guessing and glued all the way until the end of the story. It was deeply moving and terrifying. I also had great empathy for the characters and their issues. The author also showed how life is so fragile and can change instantly and drastically due to a disaster. She also conveyed the importance of family and friends.