I went to the Barnes & Noble clearance sale last weekend, with a coupon and my educator discount. This was one of the books I picked up $27 marked down to $6.
I'm glad I didn't pay full price. What a let down.
The cover is beautiful. The jacket description made this book sound so exciting.
It wasn't. What should have been a non-stop, action packed Western....was as boring as an afternoon soap opera.
A man on the run from responsibility for the death of his (arranged marriage) special needs wife seeks out his long-lost love in a frontier town. A rich rancher protects the tiny town from Apaches and supports the local businesses. But then silver is found....
I was expecting so much more. The details of Cash's life "before" were boring. The climactic scene when he is "found" were far-fetched and bordering on ridiculous. Then we are left with a cliffhanger to set up a sequel. I won't be reading it.
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Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Saturday, January 28, 2017
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
If you haven't seen me...YES I AM BACK AT WHHS! I have my next doctor's appointment Monday and hope all my restrictions will be lifted then!
My new pellet stove is being installed as I type this. We might be able to heat without oil tonight!
Now, onto the book.
I was excited when I read the description of this bestseller. I put it on reserve, but when it came in, I kept thinking I know this author's name from somewhere. I saw the info under her name on the cover...author of In a Dark, Dark Wood. The title and name were both ringing bells of recognition. I did a search of this blog and realized I had reviewed Dark Wood. It wasn't a favorable review.
I have mixed feelings about The Woman in Cabin 10. I think the plot itself was good--it kept me interested and there are two MAJOR plot twists, one right at the end, that were fabulous bits of thriller writing. BUT, I found the same problem as my last review of Ware....just not enough character development to make the reader care. I didn't FEEL anything towards the characters who lived or died.
I'm definitely in the minority here with opinions on Ware. Most of her reviews are favorable by a mile. I'll also say that it's on our wish list by student request.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
Submit your reviews to The Westie Review corner of The Rostrum
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
My new pellet stove is being installed as I type this. We might be able to heat without oil tonight!
Now, onto the book.
I was excited when I read the description of this bestseller. I put it on reserve, but when it came in, I kept thinking I know this author's name from somewhere. I saw the info under her name on the cover...author of In a Dark, Dark Wood. The title and name were both ringing bells of recognition. I did a search of this blog and realized I had reviewed Dark Wood. It wasn't a favorable review.
I have mixed feelings about The Woman in Cabin 10. I think the plot itself was good--it kept me interested and there are two MAJOR plot twists, one right at the end, that were fabulous bits of thriller writing. BUT, I found the same problem as my last review of Ware....just not enough character development to make the reader care. I didn't FEEL anything towards the characters who lived or died.
I'm definitely in the minority here with opinions on Ware. Most of her reviews are favorable by a mile. I'll also say that it's on our wish list by student request.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
Submit your reviews to The Westie Review corner of The Rostrum
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Monday, January 16, 2017
The Whistler by John Grisham
Still a week left of my captivity and two weeks (cross fingers) left of my restrictions. I cannot wait to be free! I also have no heat right now, so I'm bundled up like I'm living in Alaska or Canada. Long story short, our pellet stove died and our oil delivery isn't coming until Thursday. So not only am I bored, I'm cold!
Under a blankie, I read this book in about 5 hours. It is a definite page turner! It was on a "best of" list from Amazon (though I can't recall which at the moment) and the Piantino/Allingtown branch of WHPL had it.
On a related note, my son is obsessed with Grisham's Theodore Boone series right now. I posted a pic on FB of the two books side by side. Yeah, dorky Mom moment.
Anyway, I found the description really interesting as it related to Indian/Tribal gaming. Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods (and others planned) did not just magically plop from the sky. They were the result of years of court cases and political wrangling. I think most of you know by now I'm part Penobscot and interested in Tribal/government relations past and present.
Lacy is a member of a Florida investigative unit addressing ethics complaints against judges. The case that falls into her lap (and that of her partner Hugo) will literally blow apart Brunswick County--from the judicial system to the Tappacola casino to the resorts surrounding it to local strip clubs and bars. A tangled web of local mafia, corrupt judges, and greedy tribal leaders is about to unravel. Problem is, without the casino, the Tappacola fall back to hard times. The surrounding area's economy dies.
So the question becomes--turn a blind eye and prosper? Or do the right thing and face financial ruin? Is it right to hurt the innocent to incarcerate the guilty?
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
Submit your reviews to The Westie Review corner of The Rostrum
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Under a blankie, I read this book in about 5 hours. It is a definite page turner! It was on a "best of" list from Amazon (though I can't recall which at the moment) and the Piantino/Allingtown branch of WHPL had it.
On a related note, my son is obsessed with Grisham's Theodore Boone series right now. I posted a pic on FB of the two books side by side. Yeah, dorky Mom moment.
Anyway, I found the description really interesting as it related to Indian/Tribal gaming. Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods (and others planned) did not just magically plop from the sky. They were the result of years of court cases and political wrangling. I think most of you know by now I'm part Penobscot and interested in Tribal/government relations past and present.
Lacy is a member of a Florida investigative unit addressing ethics complaints against judges. The case that falls into her lap (and that of her partner Hugo) will literally blow apart Brunswick County--from the judicial system to the Tappacola casino to the resorts surrounding it to local strip clubs and bars. A tangled web of local mafia, corrupt judges, and greedy tribal leaders is about to unravel. Problem is, without the casino, the Tappacola fall back to hard times. The surrounding area's economy dies.
So the question becomes--turn a blind eye and prosper? Or do the right thing and face financial ruin? Is it right to hurt the innocent to incarcerate the guilty?
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #whhs #read
Submit your reviews to The Westie Review corner of The Rostrum
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Sting by Sandra Brown
Still home. Still bored.
As you've read before here, romance isn't really my thing, but I am a sucker for Nora Roberts. A colleague told me if I liked Roberts, I should check out Sandra Brown. I kinda nodded my head and smiled and forgot about it. I don't actively seek out romance because I tend to roll my eyes as I'm reading. BUT, I happen to see Sting on the Amazon best of lists I was checking out and figured why not? I'm already bored senseless, so how bad can it be? I put in the request, not expecting it quickly due to the budget cuts I mentioned in the last post. But it was ready in just a few days.
Okay, so....
I am in love with Sandra Brown's writing. It was way more suspense and thriller than romance. The sexual scenes were not overly graphic nor eye roll worthy. This is more an adult book, so we won't be adding it to the LMC collection, but for my romance or suspense/thriller fans, this is worth requesting at WHPL.
Jordie is the sister of a snitch. Her brother ratted out a financial criminal to the federal government. As revenge, Billy Panella puts out a hit on Josh's big sister. Shaw Kinnard, on his first job with a well known assassin, is ready to kill Jordie as she leaves a bar....
And that's where I'm stopping. Because there are so many twists and turns (and a few really big HOLY SHI...I mean, GUACAMOLE moments), I do not want to spoil anything or even give away hints!
I am ending my post here and going to fill my 5 request slots with more Sandra Brown books.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #read #whhs
Submit your reviews to the Westie Review corner of The Rostrum
Opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
As you've read before here, romance isn't really my thing, but I am a sucker for Nora Roberts. A colleague told me if I liked Roberts, I should check out Sandra Brown. I kinda nodded my head and smiled and forgot about it. I don't actively seek out romance because I tend to roll my eyes as I'm reading. BUT, I happen to see Sting on the Amazon best of lists I was checking out and figured why not? I'm already bored senseless, so how bad can it be? I put in the request, not expecting it quickly due to the budget cuts I mentioned in the last post. But it was ready in just a few days.
Okay, so....
I am in love with Sandra Brown's writing. It was way more suspense and thriller than romance. The sexual scenes were not overly graphic nor eye roll worthy. This is more an adult book, so we won't be adding it to the LMC collection, but for my romance or suspense/thriller fans, this is worth requesting at WHPL.
Jordie is the sister of a snitch. Her brother ratted out a financial criminal to the federal government. As revenge, Billy Panella puts out a hit on Josh's big sister. Shaw Kinnard, on his first job with a well known assassin, is ready to kill Jordie as she leaves a bar....
And that's where I'm stopping. Because there are so many twists and turns (and a few really big HOLY SHI...I mean, GUACAMOLE moments), I do not want to spoil anything or even give away hints!
I am ending my post here and going to fill my 5 request slots with more Sandra Brown books.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #read #whhs
Submit your reviews to the Westie Review corner of The Rostrum
Opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Saturday, January 7, 2017
Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben
Yep, still stuck at home. I ventured to Walmart and Stop & Shop today so hubs didn't buy anything that wasn't on the list. Even that is enough to tire me out. Really wishing I had my strength back.
I went to Amazon and looked at some of their "best of 2016" lists. Unfortunately, due to cuts at the state library, patrons can now only reserve 5 books at a time at WHPL. Also, NEW items from other libraries will not be used for interlibrary loan anymore! So I have a list in my phone notes and as I get one item off my holds list, I add another to make 5. One of those requests came in and this, a book on my list, was on display, so I grabbed it too.
I'm a fan of Coben's writing and have reviewed some of his books here before.
Maya is a (forced) retired military helicopter pilot. She married Joe (and into serious money), and they have a daughter together. While she is deployed, her sister Claire is murdered in what seems to be a horrific, but random, home invasion. Not long after Maya returns home, she and her husband are mugged, again seemingly randomly, and Joe is shot dead.
What is not so random is that Joe and Claire were killed with the same gun.
So who is behind the murders? Joe's rich and snobby mother? His mentally unstable little sister? His younger brother, now poised to take over their company? An Assange-like truth crusader? Someone from Maya or Joe's not-so-innocent pasts?
I am serious in saying this was a page turner. I intended it to last me through this snow storm. Nope, I read late into last night because I couldn't put it down. And I really was surprised at the truth and then an even bigger plot twist.
Definitely a read and at our public library (well, it will be once we dig out of white mess).
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #read #whhs
Submit your reviews to The Westie Review corner of The Rostrum
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
I went to Amazon and looked at some of their "best of 2016" lists. Unfortunately, due to cuts at the state library, patrons can now only reserve 5 books at a time at WHPL. Also, NEW items from other libraries will not be used for interlibrary loan anymore! So I have a list in my phone notes and as I get one item off my holds list, I add another to make 5. One of those requests came in and this, a book on my list, was on display, so I grabbed it too.
I'm a fan of Coben's writing and have reviewed some of his books here before.
Maya is a (forced) retired military helicopter pilot. She married Joe (and into serious money), and they have a daughter together. While she is deployed, her sister Claire is murdered in what seems to be a horrific, but random, home invasion. Not long after Maya returns home, she and her husband are mugged, again seemingly randomly, and Joe is shot dead.
What is not so random is that Joe and Claire were killed with the same gun.
So who is behind the murders? Joe's rich and snobby mother? His mentally unstable little sister? His younger brother, now poised to take over their company? An Assange-like truth crusader? Someone from Maya or Joe's not-so-innocent pasts?
I am serious in saying this was a page turner. I intended it to last me through this snow storm. Nope, I read late into last night because I couldn't put it down. And I really was surprised at the truth and then an even bigger plot twist.
Definitely a read and at our public library (well, it will be once we dig out of white mess).
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #read #whhs
Submit your reviews to The Westie Review corner of The Rostrum
All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Afterward by Jennifer Mathieu
I'm still at home. Still not allowed to do anything but walk 30 minutes. Still bored as all get out.
I typically stay away from books where it's clear children are going to be hurt. I am a parent and an educator, so I simply can't stomach it. It's why I always gave the page numbers and said it was OK to skip the rape scene in The Bluest Eye. But when this came in from Follett on our fiction subscription, I was interested in the bond that forms between characters as a result of trauma.
It is often weird how people are drawn together. JonBenet Ramsey's father and Natalie Holloway's mother had a brief romance. My now husband gave me a ride home after some fool went down Noble Street and smashed every car window, including mine and the rest is history.
In this story, two boys are kidnapped four years apart. The older boy and sister of the younger boy form a friendship that helps them heal. The description on the inside cover was enough to get me to try reading this.
Let's not sugar coat things. Ethan and Dylan are sexually molested, but it is never described in any detail. We can infer from Ethan's regressive memory sessions what happened. I'd still say to be cautious in reading this book if anything I've typed so far might be a trigger for you.
Ethan and Caroline, Dylan's older sister, form a bond as she tried to figure out what happened to her brother. Dylan is non-verbal autistic. He was gone for several days, while Ethan had been gone 4 years. Ethan is Caroline's only hope to help Dylan recover.
The book is also a commentary on our healthcare system. Ethan's parents are wealthy. His father is a dentist. They can afford not one but two therapists. Caroline and Dylan live near poverty. Their father is a cheating loser who refuses to help with his son. Their mother seems absent mentally as well. They cannot afford proper care for Dylan, whether for his autism or therapy after he is returned. Caroline feels it is her responsibility to help Dylan.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #read #whhs
Submit your reviews to The Westie Review of The Rostrum
Opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
I typically stay away from books where it's clear children are going to be hurt. I am a parent and an educator, so I simply can't stomach it. It's why I always gave the page numbers and said it was OK to skip the rape scene in The Bluest Eye. But when this came in from Follett on our fiction subscription, I was interested in the bond that forms between characters as a result of trauma.
It is often weird how people are drawn together. JonBenet Ramsey's father and Natalie Holloway's mother had a brief romance. My now husband gave me a ride home after some fool went down Noble Street and smashed every car window, including mine and the rest is history.
In this story, two boys are kidnapped four years apart. The older boy and sister of the younger boy form a friendship that helps them heal. The description on the inside cover was enough to get me to try reading this.
Let's not sugar coat things. Ethan and Dylan are sexually molested, but it is never described in any detail. We can infer from Ethan's regressive memory sessions what happened. I'd still say to be cautious in reading this book if anything I've typed so far might be a trigger for you.
Ethan and Caroline, Dylan's older sister, form a bond as she tried to figure out what happened to her brother. Dylan is non-verbal autistic. He was gone for several days, while Ethan had been gone 4 years. Ethan is Caroline's only hope to help Dylan recover.
The book is also a commentary on our healthcare system. Ethan's parents are wealthy. His father is a dentist. They can afford not one but two therapists. Caroline and Dylan live near poverty. Their father is a cheating loser who refuses to help with his son. Their mother seems absent mentally as well. They cannot afford proper care for Dylan, whether for his autism or therapy after he is returned. Caroline feels it is her responsibility to help Dylan.
Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS
Tweet what you're reading #read #whhs
Submit your reviews to The Westie Review of The Rostrum
Opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.
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