This Impossible Brightness by Jessica Bryant Klagmann

Title: This Impossible Brightness; A Novel

Author: Jessica Bryant Klagmann

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publication Date: February 1, 2024

Length: 308 Pages

Amazon Prime First Reads - January 2024

About the Author
Jessica Bryant Klagmann grew up in New England, studied writing in Fairbanks, Alaska, and now lives with her family in northern New Mexico. Her work has been published in environmental journals like Whitefish Review and Terrain.org.

An Amazing Adventure and Love Story
Alma Hughes moves to a remote island in the North Atlantic in hopes of dealing with the loss of her fiance. She also wants to tend to the needs of her ailing dog. Alma learns to communicate with "Echoes" and finds a purpose for her secluded life. 

My Thoughts
I have never read a book quite like this one. There were times when I was a bit confused by the different characters. I had to get used to the idea that Alma could see and communicate with people who were no longer living. Alma's dog was especially poignant and memorable. 

Alma was constantly dealing with the fact that the North Atlantic island was slowly being swallowed up by the sea. The harsh elements were a constant challenge. The issue of climate change was a strong part of this story.

This book was a combination of science fiction, adventure, and love story. I found the last couple of chapters especially engaging and all the questions that I had earlier were answered. The story ended with the strong message that love never ends. 

Alma was a courageous and resilient woman and I enjoyed getting to know her. This book took me out of my comfort zone and introduced me to a faraway place where hope and love endure.

MY RATING: 4 Stars OUt Of 5

Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano

 

Title: Dear Edward; A Novel

Author: Ann Napolitano

Publisher: Dial Press

Publication Date: January 6, 2020

Length: 353 Pages

Read With Jenna - January, 2020

About the Author
Ann Napolitano was the Associate Editor of One Story literary magazine for seven years and received an MFA from New York University. She has taught fiction writing for Brooklyn College's MFA program, New York University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies, and for Gotham Writers' Workshop.

Tragedy, Resilience, and Hope
This book is about an airplane crash that killed 190 people. There was one young survivor on the plane and his name was Edward Adler. Edward's mother, father, and brother were killed and he was seriously injured.
 The chapters alternate between scenes on the ill-fated airplane and Edward's journey after the wreck.

My Thoughts
In the past, I have not read very many adult fiction books. I tend to choose nonfiction and children's books. In 2024, I have resolved to read at least one adult fiction book each month. I finished reading this book on New Year's Day. I am so happy that I am starting the year with such a wonderful book. I love this book because Edward Adler showed us how to bounce back from an unimaginable tragedy.  He demonstrated courage, resilience, and the power of love. 

Edward developed a friendship with a neighbor girl named Shay. This friendship slowly developed into a lasting love. Edward and Shay discovered hidden bags of letters that were written to Edward by family members of people killed on the airplane. These letters motivated Edward to reach out to others and share his wealth with those in need.

This is my favorite quote in the book. Many years ago I was seriously injured in a head-on car wreck with a drunk driver. This quote speaks to me.

“There was no reason for what happened to you, Eddie. You could have died; you just didn’t. It was dumb luck. Nobody chose you for anything. Which means, truly, that you can do anything.”

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5 

Penelope in Retrograde; a Novel - Book Review

 

Title: Penelope In Retrograde; A Novel

Author: Brooke Abrams

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publication Date: October 3, 2023

Length: 247 Pages

An Amazon Prime First Reads Selection

About the Author
Brooke Abrams lives in the Sonoran Desert with her husband, three children, three dogs, and a cat. This is the author's first novel.

A Family Thanksgiving
Romance writer Penelope Barnes travels home for Thanksgiving to make amends with her estranged family. She is shocked to discover her ex-husband on the same ride-share van traveling to his childhood home right across the street from her parent's house. She experiences hilarious (and a few serious) situations with her perfect twin sister, her match-making mother, her workaholic father, her weed-growing grandmother, and her fake boyfriend.

My Thoughts
I have always been a nonfiction book reader. I read memoirs, art, history, self-help, and Christian books. I also like to read children's picture books. I have decided to start adding some adult fiction to my reading list. I chose this book from the group of Amazon Prime First Reads in September. 

This was a delightful book to read. I think almost everyone can relate to the family drama that happens around holidays. The humor in the story was outstanding. I loved Penelope and the way she handled problems and conflicts with laughter and a positive attitude. 

Family relationships were emphasized and that made the story really come to life. Penelope eventually took responsibility for her part in the family conflicts and vowed to make things right. 

The nicest thing about this story is that the ending is just the way I was hoping it would be. Everything came together for a Thanksgiving that would be cherished and remembered for many years to come.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

My Alien Life by J. Martain - Audiobook Review

Title: My Alien Life; a Novelette (Audiobook)

Author: J. Martain

Narrator: April Doty

Publisher: BooksGoSocial Audio

Publication Date: December 22, 2022

Length: 1 hour, 1 minute

About the Author
 J. Martain is a coastal North Carolina native who spends most of her time questioning the way the universe and all the beings in it work. Her characters are sometimes human, sometimes not, but they prefer not to be judged on that criteria.

Family Drama and Promise Keeping Young Lynette did not remember her mother. She was raised in rural North Carolina by her hard-working father. When Lynette's father died, the only relative willing to take Lynette was her great, great Aunt Magnolia. Lynette was nine years old and Aunt Mag promised to stay alive until Lynette was sixteen years old.

This is the poignant story of Lynette's seven years with her Great-great-aunt Magnolia Rose McClellan, the oldest sister of her mother's great-grandmother. Aunt Mag didn't have very much money, but she taught Lynette the meaning of love, commitment, and family.

The narration of the audiobook is very good. The southern dialect makes the characters come to life.

My Thoughts I listened to the audiobook and I also read a digital copy of the book. The narration of the audiobook is awesome and I enjoyed listening to the story. The characters were very authentic and I felt great empathy for Lynette, especially after her father died. I was not sure about her future with Aunt Mag, but the more I listened the more I realized that Lynette was in the right place.

Aunt Mag was totally committed to raising Lynette and keeping her promise. This short story will make your heart smile.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out of 5

Thank you to NetGalley for a wonderful listening experience.

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Roosevelt Banks; Good Kid in Training - Children's Book Review

Title: Roosevelt Banks; Good-Kid-in-Training

Author: Laurie Calkhoven

Illustrator: Debbie Palen

Publisher: ONE ELM Books

Publication Date: January 7, 2020

Length: 128 Pages

Recommended for Grades 3 - 5.





About the Author
Laurie Calkhoven is a children's writer and editor living in New York City. She has written many historical children's books, including George Washington: An American Life and Harriet Tubman: Leading the Way to Freedom. You can visit her at lauriecalkhoven.com.

A Good Kid...EXCEPT When He Isn't
Roosevelt Theodore Banks is 10-years-old and in the fourth grade. His little sister's name is Kennedy and his dog's name is Millard Fillmore. Roosevelt's dad is a history professor at a local college and loves to talk about presidential trivia.

Roosevelt is an average kid who likes to have fun with his friends. He has two good friends that he hangs-out with every day after school. When his friend's father plans a thirty-mile bike ride and camping trip, Roosevelt will not be included because he does not have a bike.

The only way Roosevelt will get a new bike and go camping with his friends is to be "good" for two weeks. His parents promise him they will get him a bike if he passes the good kid requirement. That means he can't get in trouble at school and he must help with chores at home. 

Everything seems to go wrong while Roosevelt is trying to act right. There are lots of unexpected twists and turns before the end of the two weeks. Will his behavior be good enough?

My Thoughts
This is a good fast-paced chapter book for middle school readers. Boys will relate to the problems that Roosevelt faces in the story. The humor is outstanding and will have children laughing out loud while reading about some of Roosevelt's escapades.

The primary theme of this story is friendship. It is very important for children this age to be accepted by peers and have loyal friends. Roosevelt has to face rejection when his friends are preparing for the bike ride/camping trip and he no longer has a bike (his bike was wrecked while doing a science fair project).

Roosevelt's parents are supportive and help him resolve a problem that almost costs him the bike. Roosevelt learns that honesty is important in any relationship and taking responsibility for your actions is the best choice for success.

The illustrations add value and humor to the story.

I applaud the author for adding a few historical references to this story. I hope this will make young readers curious enough to head for the library and search for more information about U.S. presidents.

Recommended for students in grades 3 - 5.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI - I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for a fair review from NetGalley.

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The Next Person You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

The Next Person You Meet in Heaven: The Sequel to The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Author: Mitch Albom

Publisher: Harper

Publication Date: October 9, 2018

Length: 224 pages







About the Author
Mitch Albom is an internationally renowned author, screenwriter, playwright, nationally syndicated columnist, broadcaster and musician. He is the author of six consecutive New York Times bestsellers.

Annie's Story
Fifteen years ago, in Mitch Albom’s beloved novel, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, the world fell in love with Eddie, an amusement park mechanic who died saving the life of a young girl named Annie. Eddie’s journey to heaven taught him that every life matters. Now, in this sequel, Mitch Albom reveals Annie’s story.

My Thoughts
I don't read much fiction, but I did read The Five People You Meet in Heaven when it was published 15 years ago. I also saw the movie. When I learned there was a sequel to this book, I wanted to read it.

This is a fast read...mostly because it is hard to put the book down once you start reading it. Annie has grown up and is preparing to get married. She had a difficult childhood after the accident at the amusement park, but she is looking forward to a life of happiness with her new husband.

There are many unexpected twists and turns in the plot. There are emotional segments that have you laughing one moment and tears streaming from your eyes the next. 

The story is about how our lives are connected and each of our actions has an effect on future events. Everything happens for a reason.

“No story sits by itself. Our lives connect like threads on a loom, interwoven in ways we never realise...There's no such thing as a nobody. And there are no mistakes." 

I found this to be an uplifting and entertaining read. I don't want to spoil the story by saying what happens and how it ends. I will just say that Annie discovers the answers to many questions about her life and learns the meaning of sacrifice, commitment, and true love.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I checked-out a print copy of this book at my local public library.

Book Review: The Dress by Kate Kerrigan

Title: The Dress

Author: Kate Kerrigan

Publisher: Head of Zeus

Date of Publication: August 1, 2015

Length: 390 Pages

Kindle Copy - "The Party Dress"


This book review was written by guest blogger Cindy Phelps Thomas.

About The Author
Kate Kerrigan is the author of City of Hope, Ellis Island, and Land of Dreams.

Turning Back the Years
Lily Fitzpatrick is a well-known fashion blogger whose specialty is vintage. She spends her time rummaging through piles of vintage clothing looking for the perfect piece with its unknown history.

After her grandfather suddenly passes away, Lily wonders about his mysterious background and family. She has heard little of his heritage, and the need to know becomes an obsession. She learns that the woman wearing a beautiful dress in an old clipping she found may indeed be a relative of hers. Lily longs to know this woman’s story and the story behind “the dress”. The idea plays on Lily’s mind to recreate the dress in the clipping. 

These three women: Lily Fitzpatrick, Joy Fitzpatrick, and Honor Conlon, are all so different, yet bound together for eternity by the dress. 

• Lily Fitzpatrick is in the present-day attempting to recreate the dress, in a highly publicized dual of fashion designers.
• Joy Fitzpatrick is having this one-of-a-kind dress made to rekindle the romance with her husband.
• Honor Conlon is trying to make a name for herself in the world of fashion as an immigrant in New York 1950’s. 

Each woman’s life is changed forever.

My Thoughts
"The Dress" was a wonderfully written book that allowed the reader to travel through time to learn about the history of the mysterious dress. The characters were so well developed that I felt a connection to them all. The descriptions of the vintage dresses were so wonderfully written, I could almost see them for myself. I have even taken an interest in vintage dresses myself since reading it. I highly recommend this book!

Rating: 5 Stars Of 5

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Book Review: Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

Warm Bodies: A Novel

Author: Isaac Marion

Publisher: Atria Books

Date:  April 26, 2011

Length: 256 Pages


This book review was written by guest blogger Cindy Phelps Thomas.

About The Author
Isaac Marion is an American writer. He is best known as the best-selling author of the "zombie romance" novel Warm Bodies.

Favorite Quotations
“You should always be taking pictures, if not with a camera then with your mind. Memories you capture on purpose are always more vivid than the ones you pick up by accident.”  

“What wonderful thing didn't start out scary?”  

“We are where we are, however we got here. What matters is where we go next.”  

“The past is made out of facts... I guess the future is just hope.”  

“Here it comes. My inevitable death, ignoring me all those years when I wished for it daily, arriving only after I've decided I want to live forever.”  

A Zombie Romance
R is a zombie. He lives in an abandoned airport with his fellow undead, zombies and boneys. He can’t help but think he’s different from the rest as they shuffle around all day without a thought.

R does have thoughts, but he’s not sure what they mean or why he has them since he has no recollection of his past life. He does go to town occasionally to feed with other zombies, one of which is M, his friend. While feeding, the zombies can experience memories of the human life they are taking.

On one occasion, while feeding, R experiences the memories of Perry. Perry’s memories all include Julie, his longtime friend and girlfriend. R feels something for Julie through these memories and concludes that he must save her from the other zombies that are feeding. He takes her back to the 747 plane that he lives in. She is scared and he cannot communicate well with her, but as the days pass they become friends.

Julie tells R that she needs to return home to prevent her father from looking for her and attacking the airport. R begins the journey to take her back but also feels the overwhelming desire to keep her with him to ensure that she is safe.  The boneys, the high order of the undead, have discovered that R is different and Julie is living. They are unhappy and start a fight to try to capture her and kill her.

R and Julie manage to make it away from them with a little help, but Julie escapes from R once they are further down the road.  She manages to return home safely, but R cannot be without her. R, M, and a few others who are all starting to experience thoughts and feelings that they don’t understand decide to leave and go to Julie. The boneys are angry and still looking for the group of them.

The feelings between R and Julie are growing, but will R make it out of this? Will the boneys conquer the humans and the zombies?

All they know is there are big changes in the future and the future is coming fast.
 
My Thoughts

Warm Bodies is an interesting tale of a zombie romance. The love of a zombie for a human which is normally considered hunter and prey. I enjoyed this book. It was my first experience with zombies and kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. The book does have a considerable amount of adult language so I would not suggest it for children, but if you are looking to try something new, or this is the genre you usually look for, I definitely recommend this easy read.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

Thank you to Cindy for sharing this book review with us. Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Children's Book Review: Attack of the Chicken Nugget Man by Kumar Sathy

Attack of the Chicken Nugget Man: A National Test Prep Adventure

Author: Kumar R. Sathy

Publisher: Student Solutions, Inc.

Date: May 16, 2011



About The Author
Kumar Sathy is an experienced educator and school administrator. He joined Teach for America after receiving an undergraduate degree in Biology and Psychology from Earlham College in Richmond, IN. Kumar taught in K-5 classrooms in Atlanta, GA, where he often used his own stories and unpublished children's novels for reading instruction. He received his teaching certification from Georgia State University and a Masters in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Test Prep Can Be Fun
This book is an entertaining and educational book driven by the Common Core State Standards developed by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices. The book focuses on second through fourth grade concepts and can be used as a remediation tool for fifth graders.

The story tells about the Chris Robb, a frustrated third-grader, who was trying to pass a standardized test. Chris had all kinds of crazy experiences in his chaotic classroom.

Chris thought the name of his teacher was the silliest name he had ever heard. Chris always seemed to forget how to say it right. One time, he called his teacher Ms. Bubblegum instead of Ms. Bubblebrain. Her name was not the only silly thing about Ms. Bubblebrain. She also shouted the names of really gross foods when she was mad or surprised. Ms. Bubblebrain would yell things like "hairy cricket biscuits" and "soggy salmon salami".

Chris was terrorized at school by the dreaded Chicken Nugget Man. This was a creature that ate children and caused all kinds of frightening experiences for the kids.
Chris learned that the children with the highest scores on their standardized tests would be in charge of the Anti-Chicken-Nugget Task Force. Chris decided it was time to turn his life around and try harder in school.

My Thoughts
I really like the concept of providing educators with a resource that makes learning fun. This book is absolutely loaded with questions and exercises that will reinforce both language and math educational standards.

I think kids will recognize and enjoy the humor and satire in this book. Here is an example of a clever play on words;
"Preston stole a kindergartener's yellow Captain Stinkypants Thermos and drank out of it."
Most kids will immediately remember the popular "Captain Underpants" books and smile at the similarity.

The only problem I have with the book is sometimes the humor was a bit extreme and OVER THE TOP for my taste. I know that I am not a child but I think the humor could be toned down to be more appropriate for classroom use. Here is one example:

"The room was silent. Ms. Bubblebrain stared at Chris. Her mouth opened so wide that a family of flying gorillas could have flown inside. Her jaw dropped to the floor. Then she said it, one word at a time. It was the longest, grossest food she had ever named. 'Holy peanut-butter-and-donkey-lasagna-covered, spinach pretzel-filled, beef-and-boxer-shorts donuts with brown sugar skeletons and banana-covered battery frosting! Chris, you actually remembered something!'" 

This book fills a need for kid-friendly test prep material.  Mr. Sathy has produced a resource that can be used by both teachers and parents to improve their student's test scores.

My Rating: 4 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review from NetGalley.


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Book Review: From Notting Hill With Love...Actually by Ali McNamara

From Notting Hill with Love...Actually

Author: Ali McNamara

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Date: October 1, 2012

Guest Reviewer: Cindy Phelps Thomas



About the Author
Ali McNamara lives in Cambridge with her family and two Labrador dogs. This is her first novel.

Real Life or Movie?

Scarlett O’Brien has an average life; a good job, good friends, and is engaged to a good man. There is very little excitement though. Scarlett has a love for the cinema; this is the only excitement in her life. She constantly quotes and imagines movies, specifically romantic comedies and compares them to her dull life.

As her wedding date nears, it is apparent that she needs to have some time to herself. Her best friend arranges for her to house sit in Notting Hill, the set of one of her favorite movies. Scarlet sets out on a mission. She wants to prove to everyone that real life can resemble movies. She plans to do this by taking note every time she lives out a scene she has seen in a movie.

The first day that she is in Notting Hill she meets an exciting new friend and lives out more than one scene from a movie. She is happy with the start. As she continues on with her month long stay, she starts to search for her mother who abandoned her as a baby. She realizes this is a part of her life that she has been longing to find.  

She begins this adventure with her irritating but attractive next door neighbor, Sean. As the time moves on, she is not sure if her life is the real life movie that she is currently living out with Sean and her new friends; or if real life consists of the boring but stable life she has back home with her father and fiance.

My Thoughts
I adore this book!  I am a huge fan of romantic comedy movies and this is the perfect book for such a fan. The characters are lovable and the scenes are wonderful (especially if you have seen movies such as Notting Hill). There are even cameos of a few famous actors and actresses.

This is one of the best “Chick Lit” books I have read. I did not want to put it down, but unfortunately I  had to. I just finished the book and now have a long list of movies (mentioned in the book) that I will be watching as soon as time allows. I highly recommend this book!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

Cindy Phelps Thomas is a U.S. Navy Veteran (2001-2005). She earned her BS in Psychology/Criminal Justice from the University of Houston at Clear Lake. She received an elementary teaching certification and is a former kindergarten teacher in the La Porte, TX School District. She is currently a stay-at-home mom and is working on her MBA degree at the University of Houston.

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Book Review - The Lamp: Just Believe By Jim Stovall



The Lamp: A Novel by Jim Stovall with Tracy J Trost

Publisher:  Destiny Image

Date:   September 11, 2011

Guest Book Reviewer: Cindy Phelps Thomas



About The Author
Jim Stovall is the president of the Emmy Award-winning Narrative Television Network. He is the author of the bestselling book, The Ultimate Gift, which is now a major motion picture starring James Garner and Abigail Breslin. He has authored 15 other books which have been translated into over 20 languages.

Just Believe

Stanley and Lisa Walters have had a rocky marriage for the past two years.  Two years ago they lost their only child, their son Eddy. Stanley has not been able to write a book since then, which in turn caused financial issues. He has been overcome with anger and grief.

 

Lisa works out of the house and briefly considers an affair, but she remembers that there used to be something great between she and Stanley. The local baseball team, which Eddy played for, is having a garage sale to raise funds for new uniforms. Lisa decides that it is time to give back and donates some of Eddy’s things. Lisa also inadvertently inherits an antique golden lamp. The lamp has “Just Believe” engraved on the side. This lamp has a special messenger that comes with it.

 

Charles Montgomery III is the messenger and he is sent to the Walters to bring hope back to their lives. He gives them three wishes but they must follow these rules;

1.) They cannot wish for something that they can do for themselves,

2.) They cannot wish to bring back the dead,

3.) They cannot interfere with another person’s free will.

 

Charles ensures them that life can become happy again and he will return in 30 days. When he returns they are to have decided on their three wishes. Within days the couple begin to feel a renewed sense of hope, they are “believing” that things in their lives can change, even with tragedy in their past. Stanley begins writing, slowly but surely, and he becomes involved with the local baseball team again. Lisa begins to feel like she is gaining control of her life again.

 

As Stanley and Lisa progress on their journey they become closer to each other and closer to their neighbors. What will the wishes grant for these two? Will they ever feel like a real family again?

 

My Thoughts

The Lamp is a quick and easy read. In the Foreword, the book discusses how so many young people start out life with high hopes and dreams and that most end up content with ordinary lives. It proceeds to state that this book could be the change that is needed if we are stuck in such a predicament.

 

This is a heartwarming story of a marriage that is in shambles and is able to find that spark of hope necessary to keep moving forward. “Just believe” becomes their motto, as in “all things are possible if you just believe”.  I like the message in the story although it is a bit predictable and the writing is simplified as if written for a younger audience.

 

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

 

Cindy Phelps Thomas is a U.S. Navy Veteran (2001-2005). She earned her BS in Psychology/Criminal Justice from the University of Houston at Clear Lake. She received an elementary teaching certification and is a former kindergarten teacher in the La Porte, TX School District. She is currently a stay-at-home mom and is working on her MBA degree at the University of Houston.

 

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Book Review: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic

September 14, 2008 (Hardback)
Movie Release: March 23, 2012
DVD Release: August 18, 2012

Book Review by Cindy Phelps Thomas


About The Author
Suzanne Collins has had a successful and prolific career writing for children's television. She has worked on the staffs of several Nickelodeon shows, including the Emmy-nominated hit "Clarissa Explains It All" and "The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo".

The Games

Katniss is a young lady who is the sole caretaker of her family. She lives with her younger sister, Prim, and her Mother. They live in Panem, which is ruled by the Capital. They live in District 12 where they make coal. Katniss and her best friend, Gale, go hunting outside of the district on a regular basis to feed their families and to trade for other goods.

Every year the Capital reminds the districts that they are in control by conducting the Hunger Games. Every child between the ages of 12 and 18 must put their name into a bowl at least once; they can put their name in more often for additional rations of food. The Capital picks one boy and one girl from each district to compete in the games. The games are televised and everyone in Panem is required to watch. The 24 children are placed in an arena and are forced to fight to the death until only one remains.

When the names are called for District 12, Prim’s name is called. Katniss cannot allow her to go, so she volunteers. A boy named Peeta, who Katniss has always been grateful to because he gave her bread at a time she didn’t think she would live, is also called for the games.

Peeta plays the audience by telling them that he has had an unrequited love for Katniss for as long as he remembers. The games begin and the excitement mounts. Katniss finds herself thinking of both Gale and Peeta and a possible love triangle ensues. With only one winner, there is no way that Peeta and Katniss can both come out alive, or is there?

Favorite Quotations from "The Hunger Games"
“Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor.” 

“You don’t forget the face of the person who was your last hope.” 

“What must it be like, I wonder, to live in a world where food appears at the press of a button? How would I spend the hours I now commit to combing the woods for sustenance if it were so easy to come by? What do they do all day, these people in the Capitol, besides decorating their bodies and waiting around for a new shipment of tributes to rill in and die for their entertainment?” 

“I'm more than just a piece in their Games.” 

My Thoughts
This is the first book of a trilogy. Initially I read this book only to see what all the hype was about, as I don’t typically read fantasy books. This was a pleasant surprise. The tale starts with love of a young girl for her sister that is strong enough for her to give her own life. The whirlwind of the days before the games, then the action during the games, add a touch of romance (for the ladies), and it makes for a great read! I highly recommend this book and will definitely be reading the next two in the series.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

I want to welcome Cindy Phleps Thomas to the book review team on JanetteFuller.Com. Cindy is a U.S. Navy Veteran (2001-2005). She earned her BS in Psychology/Criminal Justice from the University of Houston at Clear Lake. She received an elementary teaching certification and is a former kindergarten teacher in the La Porte, TX School District. She is currently a stay-at-home mom and is working on her MBA degree at the University of Houston.

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Book Review: The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

The Last Song

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

March 1, 2010

Book review by Cindy Phelps Thomas




About The Author
Nicholas Sparks is an American bestselling author and screenwriter. He has 16 published novels and seven have been adapted to films.

A Summer To Remember

Ronnie, short for Veronica, is a rebellious teenage girl. She and her brother are sent to stay with their Dad for the summer in South Carolina.  Ronnie fights going and tries her best to stay in New York with her Mom and all of her friends. She has not spoken to her father since the divorce.  Her father shares the same love of music that she had as a child.  She was an up and coming star, but when her parents divorced she vowed to never play the piano again. Every time her father plays the piano it upsets her giving her more reason to push him away.

As the summer progresses, her father and little brother share the project of fixing the stained glass window for the church in town that was destroyed in a fire. Ronnie starts to run with the wrong crowd, but then she meets Will. Will is unlike anyone she’s ever known. As they get to know each other, they find that even though they are from different worlds, they may have just what the other needs.  

By the end of the summer, the small town living and beach air has helped to mend the tattered relationship between Ronnie and her Dad. The stained glass window is almost finished and Will is soon to return to school for the fall semester. Then she finds out that her parents had an ulterior motive in bringing them to South Carolina. Her world is about to be turned upside down.

Favorite Quotes From "The Last Song"
“Sometimes you have to be apart from people you love, but that doesn't make you love them any less. Sometimes you love them more.” 

“I mean, if the relationship can't survive the long term, why on earth would it be worth my time and energy for the short term?” 

“Strange, what being forced to slow down could do to a person.” 

“It hadn't been so long ago, yet sometimes she felt that she'd been an altogether different person back then.” 

“If pinpointing God's presence were really that simple, then he supposed the beaches would be more crowded in the mornings. They would be filled with people on their own quests, instead of people jogging or walking their dogs or fishing in the surf.”

My Thoughts

This was a wonderful story about the love between a father and his children as well as a story of first love. The two combined make for a must-read that is hard to set down. I read all 400+ pages of this book in one day! I highly recommend this book to teens and adults.  

RATING: 5 Stars Out Of 5

I want to welcome Cindy Phleps Thomas to the book review team on JanetteFuller.Com. Cindy is a U.S. Navy Veteran (2001-2005). She earned her BS in Psychology/Criminal Justice from the University of Houston at Clear Lake. She received an elementary teaching certification and is a former kindergarten teacher in the La Porte, TX School District. She is currently a stay-at-home mom and is working on her MBA degree at the University of Houston.

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