"Uplifting story of five women"
Although the ending was a bit storybook romance, this is a great light read if you are looking for an encouraging novel about love. I also enjoyed the positive and healthy relationships the women had at work . . . a feel-good novel overall.
"Eh . . . I don't get the appeal"
I've tried a few of the the vampire/werewolf stories - Sookie, Kitty, etc. I really want to like these but I just don't get the whole genre I guess. I know many people enjoy these so I'll focus on what is unique about Molly Harper's How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf. The story was decent, and I like the whole Alaska angle. But the "southern sassy" routine the main charater did so often got kind of annoying and seemed forced. Even though I wanted to like this, don't think I'll read the next in the series.
"One of my favorites . . ."
I really enjoy most of Mary Kay Andrews books. Savannah Blues was the first one I read and is at the top of the list, along with Summer Rental. It's one of those - woman starting over after her life falls apart - my favorite kind of story. Very enjoyable!
"Beautiful . . ."
A contemporary novel - beautifully, artfully, deliciously written. I love love love the way Barbara Samuel writes. This was a real pleasure, didn't want it to end.
"Relentlessly bleak"
I understand that sometimes a book needs to disturb you enough to affect you - but the pain has to be worth the gain. Although the message in the end was good, this writing was draining, and a bit like slow torture. Instead of wanting to find out what would happen next I found myself dreading the next sad/bad thing that would happen to the main character. I did see the humor at times, but the overall picture drawn was so relentlessly sad that I couldn't enjoy it when it did occur.
"Lovely coming of age novel"
So I might be too old to read this, about an 18 year old girl and her last summer before college. But I like a good coming of age story and this seemed like a good choice. I must say I really enjoyed it. The author has a subtle, patient writing style that allows a story to gracefully unfold, without feeling forced or rushed. The characters weren't totally predictable which I like. And best of all it had a wonderful ending. Total satisfaction!
"Young artist struggling to find love"
Really enjoyed the relationship that developed between the young artist and the older actress - athough they are at different points in their journeys, their life lessons corresponded perfectly and made for a good read. Was inspiring and uplifting without being too forced or simply achived.
"Bad narration for a good story"
This story was decent, but first the narration. I have listened to other books narrated by Xe Sands and thought they were good. But not in this case. Instead of giving life to the book her narration made me want to go to sleep. The main character and most of the other characters' voices came through with an annoying deflection at the end of most statements that made them sound either very tired or high, or as if they were so cool that they couldn't be bothered to get these last 3 words out of their mouth. One star for Sands on this effort, far from her best.
Story was pretty good, would be ideally suited to a reader who is a parent that has dealt with a difficult adolecsent or a child struggling with addiction or other serious challenges.
The best part of the book was the main characters relationship with Marva. I always enjoy books written about the majic that happens when an older and maybe wiser woman teams up with a younger woman who is trying to figure out her life. As they learn from each other and grow I find myself being inspired as well.
"New Girl on Wall Street"
I liked how the story was built around "the street" and the 2008 financial crisis. Wanting to see what would happen next kept me going. Generally an enjoyable read. On the down side the narrator's voice for the main character was sooo annoying, like this baby talk voice. And the ending was a bit anti-climactic. I think the author could have done more in closing out the story.
Good novel though, I would read work by this author again.
"Sound advice"
This has been in my library for a while and I'm glad I finally decided to give it a try. Very quick listen and sraightforward. The rare self help book that gets right to the helping ;) The Four Agreements are simple, but profound. The agreements can benefit both your personal and working relationships and will improve your accountability to yourself.
I recommend this concise and grounding book to anyone who wants to live a better life or feel better about themselve as a person.