Wild Pitch by Frank Nunez

 

     It's time for Cooper Harbach to start college. All he can think about is baseball. He wants to be a pro baseball player. He just needs to work on his pitch. Also, there is a girl . She's different, but beautiful and intelligent. Cooper tries to win her over. Long before Cooper graduates from college, his life is turned upside down.

     This book really took me by surprise. The twists and turns are amazing. Well written and wonderful characters will keep you turning pages. Mr. Nunez did a fantastic job of slowly showing all sides of Cooper. You are gonna want this one in your TBR pile.

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because of the twists I didn't see coming.

Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

 

    Sarah and her family were having an ordinary day. Although her parents seemed on edge, no one had reason to expect the nightmare they were about to face. Julia was an American journalist who had lived in Paris for many years. She was also at a crossroads she never expected. What happens to both of these women is astonishing. 

     Well written and plotted. Characters are well defined and relate-able. This book will haunt the reader. It's educational and historic. I'm sure many will be surprised when they devour this book. Ms. de Rosnay has just the right touch for this emotional story. GET THIS BOOK!

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one a resounding 5 cheers out of 5 because this book still haunts me.

The Safe Place by Anna Downes

 

     Emily is not having a great day. It seems like her life is falling apart right before her eyes. Then she meets Scott. Emily is attracted to him and believes he might be attracted to her. He hires her for his company and that's when things began to get strange.  

     While the pacing is slow, it is well written. The characters are well defined and interesting. I have to say the "creepy factor" is evident as well. I was surprised many times in this book. It usually came out of nowhere. If you enjoy thrillers, you'll love this book.

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because of the slow pacing.

Shot Through the Heart by Andrea Downing

 

   Shiloh Coltrane is a ranch owner who keeps to himself.  His purpose in life is to right a family wrong. He just hasn't decided how to go about it.  Sydney Cantrell came west because it was the only place she might get to do her job. Sydney, I mean Dr. Cantrell wants more than anything to be a practicing doctor. Will Shiloh and Sydney each find what they are looking for?

     This book includes some fabulous characters whose personalities are very well defined. The writing is first rate and easy to follow. I enjoyed the overall story.

     I did find issues.  This book has no backbone. By that I mean everything is all neat and tidy. No real conflict to resolve. No real grit. Even the fire was neat and tidy. It needs some punch.

     I gave this one 3 cheers out of 5 because of the issues I listed.

    

     

Humble Fitness by James T. Young

 

     Steve is working hard to make his life better. His family supports his efforts and are there for him when he needs them. It's never been easy though. Steve has been through a lot. He's hoping his roommates, Jamal and Tony will be motivated by his efforts. It's one day at a time.

     I applaud that the author is trying to do here. 

     I did find issues.  The book reads very rough. It's not a smooth flow of words. It doesn't seem to capture the attitude of someone going through the problems Steve has. It seems to jump around from subject to subject. Ar. Also, the narrator seems to be speaking down to the reader.

   I gave this one 2 cheers out of 5 for the issues above.

      

How the Squid Got Two Long Arms by Henry L. Herz

 

     Squid is swimming deep in the cold water. He shivers and spots a sweater. He knows it isn't his but he takes it anyway. While swimming a bit further, Squid finds other clothes and takes them as well.  When his friends find out what's happened they go to Squid and take their things back. In the process they stretch Squid's arms.

    A cute way to tell an interesting tale about Squid. Children will be fascinated by the tale. The beautiful illustrations will keep their attention. Perfect for an afternoon read or a bedtime story. This should be in your child's library.

I found no issues.

  I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's a cute story.

His To Buy by Emily Hale

    Ben doesn't have time for a steady relationship. Work means everything to him and his family.  Ben knows one day he'll inherit the family fortune and businesses. Kimani wants and needs the job working as a journalist. She came up with this crazy plan to prove she can do the job.  Time at a friend's cabin may change both of them forever.

   This hot, hot, hot story is fantastic! Wonderful characters. Terrific plotting and a different approach to romance makes this a book to have. Ms. Hale keeps this story flowing and full of surprises. This is an explicit book, so not for those easily offended. Purchase this book today. It will make a terrific gift!  

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it would make a fantastic book to read aloud with your significant other.