Monday, July 16, 2012

Orangeberry Book Tours - Book Feature - Patchwork of Me by Gregory G Allen

Orangeberry Book Tours - Patchwork of Me By Gregory G Allen
A product of the foster care system, Sara Butler spends her early thirties hiding from her past while striving for a normal life with her small group of quirky friends in Arizona. Seeking treatment for an invisible rash and abnormal dreams, her therapist helps her unlock a heinous past that she is unsure she wants to open. To patch her life back together, she realizes she must travel across country to Maine to confront that past in order to plan for a future.
What readers have said
“Allen weaves an intricate tapestry of characters, successfully transporting the reader into his world…a compelling read.” – Joanne Huspek Blogcritics
“A page-turning, thought provoking, and addictive tale. Allen’s vivid characters are rich and real and thoroughly enjoyable.” – Spencer Seidel Author of Dead of Wynter
“It’s Allen’s wisdom and insight – the hopeful message that it is up to us to shape our life and our future – that truly makes this book special. With Patchwork of Me, Greg Allen has made my short list of favorite authors!” – Terri Giuliano Long Author of In Leah’s Wake
“It’s a kaleidoscope of unexpected twists and turns, emotional and psychological. It’s soul-searching; self-discovering, humorous and romantic!” – Arthur Wooten Author of Leftovers
“This book is for anyone who treasures friendship, asks big questions, looks for the truth, or simply enjoys a great story.” – Pamela Milam, MA, LPC Author & Columnist
Buy Now @ Amazon or Book Depository
Genre – Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Rating – PG13More details about the author
Connect with Gregory Allen on Twitter & Facebook
Website
http://www.ggallen.net/#/
Check out
where this author will be talking about his latest release!

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton

There is a fire and they are in There. They are in there . . . Black smoke stains a summer blue sky. A school is on fire. And one mother, Grace, sees the smoke and runs. She knows her teenage daughter Jenny is inside. She runs into the burning building to rescue her. Afterwards, Grace must find the identity of the arsonist and protect her family from the person who's still intent on destroying them. Afterwards, she must fight the limits of her physical strength and discover the limitlessness of love




My Thoughts:  First, I must say, that I am so glad this was a holiday week, and I actually could spend some quantity and quality time reading.  This was one of the most amazing books I have read in awhile.

Afterwards has everything that keeps you just turning page after page, and you really don't want to stop.  I loved the way Ms Lupton gave a voice to mother and daughter, Grace and Jenny, victims of a horrific fire.   Telling their story by means of out of body spirits was a unique way of narrating.   At times, Ms. Lupton actually made me forget that they were communicating as spirits. 

The author gave us twists and turns to the point where you just didn't know if the the fire was accidental or intentional.  There were so many suspects and motives that anyone of the secondary characters could have been responsible.  Without giving away the ending, I had no clue .......

Afterwards is much more than just a mystery (whodunit).  This is about family dynamics, not only for the Covey family, but the White family, Hyman family, and the McBrides
The ending just blew me away.  I actually closed my book and said, " Oh my God, what a beautiful story".

I want to thank Net Galley for providing this book, allowing me the opportunity to read this beautifully written story,  being able to experience a band-new author, and being able to give my unbiased review.

Yes, this is my first introduction to  Rosamund Lupton's novels, but I have already put her and her 1st book "Sister", on the top of my favorites and TBR list.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

My Upcoming Reads

Like my fellow bloggers, I have so many books on my TBR pile, that I decided to join a couple of challenges on Goodreads. Hopefully I will be able to reduce my list a little, read some amazing stories and discover some amazing authors.

This is my list of Challenges and Books I have decided to read.

Challenge 2012 Read Challenge ~ July's Monthly Challenge ~ Spell out Mini Challenge ~ RED
R = Afterwards by Rosamond Lupton
E = Next to Love by Ellen Feldman
D = Daniel's Dream by Peter Michael Rosenberg

Challenge 2012 Read Challenge ~ Quarterly - July thru Sept
SWEDEN
S - The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani
W- Wildflower Hill by Kimberley Freeman
E - The Escape Artist - Diane Chamberlain
D - Daughters-In-Law by Joanna Trollope
E - Ellis Island by Kate Kerrigan
N - Night Road by Kristin Hannah


Challenge 2012 Read Challenge ~ Yearly Challenge - Door Stopper Challenge
Sunday Wife by Cassandra King - 528 Pages

I will keep you updated as I go. HOPE EVERYONE HAS A WONDERFUL 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND!!!!!

Happy Reading