Reading Challenges-Irresistible

For this book review, I chose  Irresistible by Susan Mallery.

I love Susan Mallery's books.  I started with her Lone Star Series, Fool's Gold's Series, the Bakery Sisters, & now I am in her Buchanans' Series.  Another great series.  I love book series!! Irresistible was Book #2 out of 4.  It is about a family with the last name Buchanans.  

Each book is about a family member.  

Book #1 (Delicious) was about Cal Buchanan & his ex wife, Penny. 

 Book #2, Irresistible.  It is about Walker Buchanan, who we met in Book #1.

Book #3 (Sizzling) is about Reid Buchanan & the one nurse he hired for his grandmother, Gloria.  Book #4 (Tempting) is about Dani Buchanan & about her fresh start.

Back to Book #2, Irresistible.  We learn more about Walker Buchanan in this book. Walker got out of the marines & rents this apartment in this building until he knows what to do next with his life.  We wants to buy a house, but not sure where.  Walker finds his one neighbor, Elissa Towers, having problems with changing a tire.  He decided to help her.  Elissa is used to being on her own.  Walker takes her tire to get patched.  

Elissa is a single mother to a 5 year old little girl.  She swear off men until her daughter is old enough to leave her home.  Walker swear off women.  Elissa made a pie to say thank you to him for helping her.

A little background on Elissa is she run away from home when she was 17 with a boyfriend.  When Elissa got pregnant, she did call home, but I will let you read what happened there.  She named her daughter Zoe after her grandmother.  Elissa has struggled to take care of herself & her daughter, but she has been doing it, which puts a smile on my face.

I don't want to give away any of the book for those who have not read it, but I would say read it.  So far, it is my favorite of the 2 of the Buchanans' series.  Susan Mallery is a fabulous writer.  I am a big fan!!  Back to the book, If I was a single mom & needed help, I would want someone like Walker living above me.  He looked out for her & her daughter.  Her daughter called him a "prince" & I have to agree with her. 

Which character do you like the most and why? The least and why?

My favorite character in this book was Elissa was because she is strong.  Elissa left home at a young age, got herself pregnant, & grew up along the way.  She finally had a home with a neighbor, Mrs Ford, who she considered family.  My least favorite character is Gloria Buchanan.  If you have read any of these books in this series, you knew I was going to say this.  She is definitely a villain.  I wonder why she is the way she is, but would I read a book about her?

 What scene was the most pivotal for the book? How do you think the story would have changed had that scene not taken place?

I love the ending of the book.  It had me in tears.  I am not going to say much more than that since I don't want to tell you what happens just in case you have not read it.  It is good.  I especially love the talk between Zoe & Walker.  It is precious.  Elissa did not believe her daughter.  Zoe knew this would happen & called Walker their "prince."  Zoe was right!

I hope you enjoyed my book review of Irresistible by Susan Mallery!  I highly recommend it.  Go out & get it now.  If you have a Nook or Kindle, go get it from your local library if they have e-books.  That is how I read this one!  I am reading book #3 Sizzling as an e-book, too!  I love the library!

Until the next time! Keep reading!

Melissa

Reading Challenges-Sizzling

For this book review, I chose Sizzling by Susan Mallery.  It is a 4 book series.  It is about a family called Buchanan.

Each book is about a family member.  

Book #1 (Delicious) was about Cal Buchanan & his ex wife, Penny. 

 Book #2, Irresistible.  It is about Walker Buchanan, who we met in Book #1.

Book #3 (Sizzling) is about Reid Buchanan & the one nurse he hired for his grandmother, Gloria.  

Book #4 (Tempting) is about Dani Buchanan & about her fresh start. (review will be coming soon once I read it)

Spoiler Warning: If you have not read this book, stop!  Read the book before reading the rest of my review!!

We first met Lori Johnston in Irresistible when Reid Buchanan hired her as his grandmother's day nurse.  Lori did not allow Reid to get away with anything.  I think this is the reason that he hired her for his grandmother's day nurse so his grandmother would not get away with anything.

In the first 10 pages, we found out 2 things.  

1. A reporter claimed that Reid was not good in bed, but also that he "regularly blew off charity events and kids in need" (pg 7 e-book). 

2. "Reid Buchanan was everything she disliked in a man." (pg 10 e-book).  I love this sentence.  Remember this sentence for later in the book!!

One of my favorite quotes from this book is when Reid says to Lori "Annoying you is an unexpected bonus, but not the reason I'm here here.  My grandmother's coming home today." (pg 10 e-book).  lol.  They both loved to annoy each other.   Another one of my favorite quotes is after Lori meets Gloria for the first time.  She leaves the room to go to the nurses station, Vicki asks her opinion on Gloria Lori replies "I like her." (pg 16 e-book)  Her reason is "She's alone and in pain and scared." (pg 16 e-book)  Another favorite quote that Reid says is "You're drugging my grandmother?" (pg 17 e-book)  to Lori right before she takes Gloria home from the nursing home.  It made me laugh. Go read the book for her reply!  I love how Lori told Reid to go get his grandmother a lot of flowers in regular intervals.  

I felt sorry for Reid about the whole reporter mess & all the reporters following him, but he did put himself in that situation.  He slept with any woman, who offered.  He did not care about anyone.  We do learned more about why.  Read more about this in the book!  We do see Reid growing up in the book.  He is not the only one doing some growing or changing.  Gloria & him do some changing together.  

We learned a few things about Lori.  She is the only one that knew how to push Gloria's buttons! Love it!! Lori's sister, Madeline, is sick with a Hepatitis C & needs a liver transplant or she will die.  I love how Madeline is pushing her sister to live her life finally after all this time.  My favorite Madeline quote is this one: "You meet this great guy you can't stop thinking about and for reasons that make absolutely no sense, you walk away without even trying.  Does it ever occur to you that the best things in life require a risk? They don't just show up and shower you with everything you want." (pg 129-130 e-book)

Love the idea of the foundation that Reid!  This is a great idea.  There is a lot of kids that can not play sports because their parents can not afford to pay for their to play.  I know the old soccer team Noah played for had kids played even if they could not afford it.  They also gave their old soccer balls to Noah's old school!  They cared about the kids learning & playing soccer.  I will miss that soccer association.  Tomorrow I will be signing Noah up for the new soccer association in our new town!  

I love how the Buchanan's siblings comes together in a crisis.  That is all I am saying.  

Questions for you:

1.  If you were Dani, What would do you if you found out about Gary?  (not going to tell you about Gary)

2. Would you forgive Lori's mom that is now sober mom for a messed up childhood?

3. If you were Dani, would you forgive Gloria for being mean to her all those years & have a real relationship with her?

4.  Where did Dani' dream job?

I am not sure what I am reading next.  I need another Romance Book.  I hope you liked my Review of Sizzling!  Keep on Reading!

Melissa

Reading Challenges- Falling for Gracie

For this review, I chose Falling For Gracie by Susan Mallery.  Ok, on Goodreads, I am in a Challenge to see how many Susan Mallery books I can read for the year.  Read about it here.  pg 379 

Spoiler Warning: If you have not read this book, stop!  Read the book before reading the rest of my review!! 

This is my favorite Los Lobos book in the series.  Poor Gracie!   Not very good getting her way.  When Gracie was 14, she loved Riley so much.  She did things that now she may regret.  Everyone keeps reminding her of the past when she goes back to her hometown, Los Lobos, for her sister's wedding.

Here is an example of Gracie being reminded of her past:
"You were a testament to true love," Eunice told her. "You should be proud.  You loved that boy with all your heart and you weren't afraid to show it. That takes a special kind of courage." (page 6) Eunice was right.  It does take courage to show that you have a crush on someone at a young age. Eunice went down memory lane a little more.  She told her that she was "famous." page 7)  "Wilma's favorite is the time you nailed his girlfriend's doors and windows shut so she couldn't get out for their date." Eunice's "favorite is the time you laid down right in front of his car right there." (page 7)  

I think if Susan Mallery did not have Alexis ask Gracie to spy on her husband, Zeke, then Gracie would never had been caught spying in Riley's yard.  I love this quote that Gracie says to Alexis "This is insane," Gracie whispered to her sister as they paused to crouch a few feet from a back window. "I stopped spying on Riley when I was fourteen. I can't believe I'm doing this again."  (page 15)  The things we do for our sisters.  ;)   I would do anything for my sister.  What have you done for your sister?

Of course, Riley caught her.  Riley says to her "And we all know what happens when you Landon women set your mind to something." (page 30) Alexis is so determined to find out what is going on with her husband, but do you blame her?  What would you do if you were in her shoes?  I would spy, too.  Shhh, don't tell my husband!  I have a better digital camera, too.  A new lens that gets further!  hehe.  I would not have the flash one.

"I hate that everyone remembers it and talks about it.  The last thing I'm willing to do is fuel the fire." (page 49) Gracie talking to Jill, who we meet in Book #1.  Another example of her past coming back to bite her in the butt!

Franklin Yardley, the Mayor of Los Lobos, married to Sandra for 28 years.  Remember this when you read the book.  I do not like this man!!  There is a good quote for him, but I am not going to put it here.  It is on page 138 paragraph 3.  I can see you all with your books in your hands looking this up.  That is all I am going to say.  

How strange that Riley never met his uncle, but they lived in the same town for "nearly five years" (page 59), "but their paths had never crossed." (page 59)  Odd that Los Lobos being a small town that they never ran into each other! Riley really hates his uncle.  We found out about the conditions of the will in book #2 of this series.  

Riley confronting Zeke about what he is up to.  What is he doing at those hours?  I love what Riley says to Zeke "Your secret life.  You're disappearing at all hours and not telling your wife where you are, which is your business, but she came looking at my place because that's where you told her you were going to be, which makes it my business." (page 63) Zeke- "I'm not cheating on Alexis.  I would never do that.  I love her. "  He turned away.  "It's not that.  It's not anything that matters to you or the campaign."  (page 64)  I was thinking it had to do with the Mayor, but that would be dealing with the campaign right?  Maybe they have money problems?  He took another job?  Damn I am curious!!  When I got to the part where this is revealed & Riley demands to know, not what I thought it would be.  Not going to tell you! ha! 

A great Riley quote is "Great.  This is the perfect opportunity to round out your stalker past." (page 67) to Gracie.  I love it! Riley is teasing Gracie. Another great Riley quote is "I'm the one dining with a legend.  The infamous Gracie Landon who knows how to love with her whole heart." (page 91)  I love this Riley quote.  "You're not pathetic," he said. "No one thinks you are. If your mom is telling you that, she's wrong.  I don't know what bug got up her ass, but it's not your problem.  Understand?" (page 168)  I love it so much.  Bug up her ass.  lol.  =)  Riley is right.  She is not pathetic.  She was young & in love.  

Gracie has 2 sisters.  Alexis is the older sister & Vivian is the younger sister.  The one thing I learned about Vivian is I do not like her at all.  She is a spoiled brat.  I take notes when I am reading so I don't forget things.  I think I wrote spoiled & brat with Vivian many times.  Vivian says this "Why should I? You and Zeke eloped. Oh, and Gracie's never getting married, so why shouldn't all the money be spent on me?" (page 108)  She is something.  Isn't she?  She only thinks of herself.  Damn What about the rest of the family?  Gracie has plenty of time to get married.  All the money should not be spent on the spoiled brat. What Vivian said to Gracie was mean & uncalled for.  My favorite Alexis quote is "Always the baby of the family.  You're spoiled."  (page 109)  Vivian is only using Gracie for the cake.  I bet she does not even want her there.  Brat!  This was one stab to Gracie, but the other one came when she found out that Alexis was the maid of honor.  Vivian only wanted Alexis in her wedding party not Gracie.  I think Gracie is lucky not to deal with all the wedding crap that Vivian will dish out.  I think she will be happy in the end about it.  Vivian wants a huge cake, but does not care it would take weeks for Gracie to plan.  I am not going to say it.  I promise.  Even though I want to.

I feel sorry for Gracie about she "might technically be a member of this family, she wasn't in any other way." (page 110)  Gracie was talking to Riley.  "I'm telling myself I'll be fine, but so far I know i'm lying.  I'm not even a part of this family anymore.  She (Vivian) and Alexis are close." (page 115)  "None of this is my fault.  If I'm not a part of things, it's because my mother sent me away.  I never wanted to go." (page 115)  Why would a mother send her daughter away?  It was because she was crazy in love with Riley & would not leave him alone.  But, was there more to this?  I know this answer, but I am not going to tell you.  Read the book.  

I love how Gracie used  Good News, Better News, & Bad news to describe things in her life.  (page 132)

Good News- She completed all the dots & roses. 
Better News- The kiss was FABULOUS.
Bad news-She was tired.

I have not talked about Gracie's mother.  All she cares about is what other people think of her & her family.  I say who cares?  They don't matter.  Your family is what matters.  They are not in your house.  Your family is.  Please someone tell this mom this: Family first.  Her mother said this to her "It's been fourteen year.  I had with all the time away and some therapy that you'd get over him.  Obviously that hasn't happened." (page 140)  Her mother never once listened to what Gracie felt, thought, or believed her.  Gracie said "I've changed," she said quietly.  "If you'd spent any time with me in the past fourteen years, you would have known that.  Of course if I'd grown up here, I would have known that Alexis is a drama queen and not fallen in with her plans." (page 141)  Gracie has changed.  Alexis pulled her into her plan.  She did not want to do that, but she did it for her sister.  A sister does anything thing for her sister.  I love when the mother says "Now it's my fault.  That's so typical.  When in doubt, blame the mother." (page 141)  In this case, it is her mother's fault.  She sent Gracie away.  Gracie does not feel apart of the family.  She does not know her sisters.  No one know her.  Where was her mother when her Aunt & Uncle died?  Who took no time to get to know her?  This mother only wants what makes her look good in front of the town.  Her mother never had her come home for the holidays.  They never went to see Gracie on the holidays.  How mean!  I love how Gracie finally told her mother off.  It had to feel AWESOME.  It is a favorite quote of my, but it is long. (Go to page 205 last paragraph.  It goes into page 206)

I think when Mrs Baxter said "She (Vivian) and her boyfriend go at it like cats and dogs.  I don't give them a year.  Alexis is't much better.  Mark my words, Gracie, you're the best of the lot." (page 201) Gracie needed to hear some encouraging words from someone other than Riley.

I left out many things in my review on purpose.  It is good parts.  Very good parts.  Not going to tell you!  ha!  I love how this book ends & everything in the middle of it.  Gracie did changed.  I changed my opinion on her mother, too, from when I first read about her to the end of the book.  Her mother is making amends & that is great in my book! 

This book gets 5 stars!  I loved it.  It is my favorite of the Los Lobos series!  If you have not read this book or this series, I highly recommend it.
Keep Reading!
Melissa

P.S. Questions for you:

1. First time Riley was checking out Gracie? 
2. At what age did Gracie go live with her aunt & uncle?

3. Why did her mother send her to live with her aunt & uncle? 

4. Why is Riley running for Mayor?
5. Second thought about Gracie for Riley?

6.Who did Alexis think her husband was having an affair with?   

7.  Name the thing that thing that Riley & Gracie had in common. 
8. Name Riley's one rule.  
9.  How many tickets did Riley buy for the Historical Society Committee?
10.  Tell me who was the one who followed Gracie & Riley around, who did everything to Gracie & Riley.  Why?
11. What happened at the end of the book? 

Reading Challenges-Someone Like You

For this Review: I chose the e-book, Someone Like You, which is the first book in the Los Lobos Series by Susan Mallery.  Are you seeing a trend with me?  Who is one of my favorite authors?  Can you take a wild guess?   

Spoiler Warning: If you have not read this book, stop!  Read the book before reading the rest of my review!!

This is the first in the Los Lobos series.  It is about an attorney, Jill Strathern, who walked in on her husband having sex in his office.  What does her husband, Lyle, does he says to her?  "Next time you should knock, he said he bent over to grabbed his pants." (page 18)  All I have to say is what an ass.  Sorry about the language.  He just got caught cheating on his wife & that is the first thing he says to her.  Jill got fired from her job.  She got Lyle a job at the same law firm as her.  

Jill left L.A. & went home to Los Lobos to figure out what to do.  After Jill returned home & she moved in with her Aunt Bev, there are 2 quotes I want to share:

1.  "But that wasn't what hurt the most" she continued, her eyes burning.  "He stole my promotion.  I'd been working so damn hard and I brought in all that business and he got my promotion and I got fired." (page 22)

Remember this quote for later on in the book.  I think it has some key information in it, but I am not going to tell you what.

2. "And what I really d-don't understand is why I'm more mad than hurt,' she said, her voice cracking.  "Why do I care more about my job than my marriage?" (page 22)

Jill asked this question, but more as a rhetorical one.  She knew the answer!

Jill came to town with 3 things on her mind:

1. Revenge on her soon to be ex-husband.

2. Find out why she was fired.

3. Find a new job & get out of Los Lobos.  

When Carly was talking to her ex-husband, Mac about their daughter & what he did.  Carly said this to him, "Apologies don't work on an eight-year-old," Carly told him.  "You disappeared from her life without a word and now you're going to have to prove yourself to her." (page 34) I have an almost eight year old.  There are times where apologies don't work on him for minor things.  Carly was right when she said this.  Mac messed up big time & it will take sometime.  

During the course of this book, Jill changed.  In the beginning, Jill was focused on 2 things.  Getting revenge on her soon to be ex-husband & getting a new job.  Mac says to Jill "If the revenge involves breaking the law, I don't want to know." (page 43)

Jill & Mac both realize why they are both in Los Lobos- Her Father.  I think her father did this on possible.  

When Mac first found out about his daughter's, Emily, & her color issue & food.  Carly told him it was her way of controlling something in her life & she did not have a say in the divorce plus she is punishing them.  Here are my favorite quotes between Mac & Emily:

(Emily)    "The color's wrong" she said, try to speak a little louder.  "I'm wearing purple."  
 (Mac)   "So?"  
(Emily)   "If I'm wearing purple I can only eat purple."
(page 49, 50)

I wonder how I would feel if I had to work in an office with fish staring at me.  Ok, I know how I would feel----> they would have to go.  I would think they were watching me.  Love this quote!  "Jill glanced around the office.  It was like standing in the middle of an aquarium for decreased fish."  (page 60)  It puts a smile on my face!!  =0)  Does it for you?

The first time that Mac met the social worker, Hollis, the only thing I could think of was this guy can not truly think this.  Here is the quote: "I'm glad we're clear." Hollis closed the folder and leaned forward.  "Mac, I'll be blunt with you.  I don't think men in law enforcement make good fathers." (page 83)  My question is what evidence is he basing this on.  If you use logic on this, All men in law enforcement are bad fathers.  You know this is not a true statement, but if you say, Most men or some men then it could be true.  You can not say ALL. Just because Hollis's men that he has dealt with in his work were bad fathers & are in law enforcement does not mean ALL men are bad fathers, too.  What about those men that are in that field of work that he never met?  We did learn something about Mac during this first meeting with Hollis.  Mac worked in the gang unit, which caused his divorce & his leaving his daughter.

In the beginning, I said that Jill came to town for 3 things on her mind:

1. Revenge on her soon to be ex-husband.

2. Find out why she was fired.

3. Find a new job & get out of Los Lobos.  

During this book, those 3 things changed.  
#1, she did not care about anymore.  She just wanted to get rid of him.  Not rid of as in rid of, but as in divorce.  She did not love him.  
Her dad asked her "What happened to the plan for revenge?"  She shrugged "I don't care anymore.  I have no energy where Lyle is concerned.  Marrying him was a huge mistake and now I'm fixing the problem.  That makes me feel good.  As for Lyle, I can't tell you how much I'm not interested in him or his life.  He's buying me out of the condo, I'm getting a cash settlement for the car and fifty percent of everything else." (page 350)

#2 She still wanted to find out why she was fired & she did. 
Lyle showed up & said to Jill "You ruined me."  Jill  replied back to him with "I think you have me confused with, oh, say yourself.  I've been here in Los Lobos for the past several weeks, trying to put my life together.  You've been in San Francisco.  How exactly could I have ruined you?  Everything is gone.  My job, my career.  There's talk of disbarring me." (page 384-385)
I love the one other scene with Lyle, but I will let you read it.  It is very funny!  It is one of my favorite Lyle moments.  I think it deserves what he gets!!!

 #3.  Jill wanted a new job & out of Los Lobos, but that changed.  She did not want to leave Los Lobos or Mac.  

Mac says to Jill "You love me a lot and you don't want to go anywhere, but you didn't want to come out and say that.  You want me to ask." He kissed her again.  "You wanted me to prove you were more than a convenience and that I thought you were worth fighting for."  (page 394)
This was the part of the book I was crying!  Be prepared to cry, too!  

I think the one thing that surprised me in the whole book was that the social worker, Hollis, spoke on Mac's behalf.  He even got Mac's ex-wife on his side, too.
My favorite Hollis quote is "He was trying to protect a young woman's life.  A pregnant young's woman.  He stepped in when my department did nothing.  For all we know, he saved Mrs Murphy's life." (page 389)

Carly spoke at the hearing, too, asking not to have Mac not being taken from their daughter.  "She's only eight and she needs her father." (page 390)  This hearing was because Mac hit a man who beat up his wife, but the man died because of what happened at the beach.  I am going to let you read it.

Keeping reading!  
This took me awhile to get done.  I am working on the second book of the series, too, Falling for Gracie.  That will be posted soon.  I hope.
Melissa

P.S.  Something for you!

Questions for you:

1.  The first time Jill met Mac since coming back to town, what was Jill doing?

2. Why did Jill come back to town besides to figure things out?

3.  What does Mac do?

4.  Who said this quote "I wanted a change."
5.  What kind of car did Lyle drive?
6.   What was the attorney's name that had the practice before Jill?
7.  What is the name of the secretary & do you think she does to keep her job?
8.  Name some of Jill's strange cases.
9.  What did you think of the social worker for Mac?
10.  Who is Gracie Landon?

11. What happened to Lyle when he was trying to leave Los Lobos?
12.  What is your favorite part of the book?

Reading Challenge- Catch of the Day

For this review, I chose Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins. This was a very good book. I love it!  I felt so back for Maggie the entire way through the book.  Date after date this poor girl went on.  It did not go well.  Why doesn't it is my question?  Why doesn't these guy like Maggie?  

Spoiler Warning: If you have not read this book, stop!  Read the book before reading the rest of my review!!

I do not blame her for the whole priest situation.  He did not try hard enough.  They were in a crowded restaurant & she was working.  How was she to have heard him say he was a priest?  He introduced himself as "Tim O'Halloran. A pleasure it is to meet you"  What priest introduces himself this way?  Majority of priest I have met (I will come to this part in a second) have introduced themselves as Father so & so.  I am Catholic & I have gone to a Catholic Elementary School from Kindergarten to 8th grade.  I have never met one that introduced himself as Tim.  Maggie did what a normal lady, who was looking for a husband, did.  She told her sister.  They did not even know who he was.  Not until the day in church.  They were told Father Morris was retiring & some new guy was filling in.  No name.  The only time Tim used Father was in Church when he told everyone.  He should had told Maggie that when he first met her.  Then, she would not had a crush on him.

I love how Maggie takes care of the lady downstairs.  Her name is Mrs Kandinsky or Mrs K.  She is Maggie's tenant.  Maggie will bring her food home from the diner.  Maggie is the only person she sees.  So very sad.  Her children are all out of state & are all aging themselves. 

Colonel is a great dog!  Followed her everywhere Maggie went!  He reminds me of Zeus, but I need a leash for Zeus because huskies runaway!   I loved how Maggie took Colonel everywhere she went.  I wish I could do that with Zeus especially with his separation anxiety.  It was so sad at 58% into the book (Kindle).  I am not going to say what.  Everyone was so thoughtful, but 1 person.  Again I am not going to say who!  


Maggie's dates: (Not all was a disaster)
1. Roger Martin- I did not like him at all.  He ate like a PIG!!  He is a nurse.  Shouldn't he have more manners?  Maggie thought to herself why would he needed to be fixed up!  He liked being a nurse because of the overtime, benefits, & 401K.  What about his patients?  I would not want him to be my nurse.  I would call the head nurse & ask for a new nurse!  I mean it!  If I was in there to have a baby, I would want a nice nurse & if he was not nice, bye bye you would go!!  I had this happen with my daughter!  First date & he wanted to eat Maggie's food!  Rude!  Roger "communicates with animals who have passed." But, he could not get anything right about Maggie.  He is not that good if you ask me!  Mammal!  Really.  You are guessing a mammal.  Then, Roger leaves her with the check.  Not even enough money for his half.  Cheap skate!  
2. Oliver Wachterski- His hernia popped out & he blamed it on Maggie.  I re-read this part 3 times & I do not see how it is Maggie's fault.  He must of moved wrong.  Then, he wanted her to "pop" it back into place.  Hey, if you do not "know" the man intimately, would you do it?  He was definitively not the One!
3. Albert Mikrete- This date went well, but I am not going to tell you anymore than that. You need to read about this date.  He was charming, but there was one thing that was wrong!  
4. Doug Andrews- a widower, but he could not get himself to the date so Malone filled in for him because Skip Parkinson, the boyfriend from high school, & Annabelle sat down at Maggie's table to torment her.  I swear they did it on purpose.  They have 3 kids & 1 on the way.   Of course, Skip asked Maggie if she wanted to see a picture.

Malone came through for Maggie & she was not expecting it!  He kissed her that night she had that blind date with Doug!  She had a lot of unknowns with Malone.  Father Tim was going to suggest Malone.    Malone does not talk much.  Why is that?  Maggie is wondering who the young beautiful woman Malone was with in front of her diner.  I know, but you need to read the book to find out! There was a few conflicts between Malone & Maggie.  After Malone found out about something, he went to Maggie & did something really sweet for her.  

Maggie's mom has some strange saying like this one "A rolling stone gathers no dirt."  Maggie doesn't even have to say anything to her because she knows what she will say like this: "You need to stop lighting your fire under a bushel."  Another thing Maggie's mom would say is "Fools rush in where angels fear to bed." Maggie is a nice girl & she has a bad luck when it comes to meeting a guy.  Her mom put too much pressure on her about meeting someone.  What about Christy being Perfect?  This is a big issue for Maggie.  Christy is married, has a baby, & has the life that Maggie so badly wants.  Christy is her twin sister & she is married because their mom introduced Will to Christy & not Maggie!!    If I remember correctly, Christy is a social worker.  Her mom is not making this any easier on her.  I love how Maggie told her mom off!!  It is my favorite Maggie phrase: "I'm sick of you disapproving of me, sick of you telling me that my life is a dead end, sick of you comparing me to Christy & her perfect life.  Get out.  Come back when you can act like a mother who loves all her children."  She needs to back off or one day she may not have her daughter!   I can not believe that Maggie's mom did not want her to have her own dog when her heart was broken over Skip.  I loved how her dad got her Colonel to help her get over Skip, but all her mom was worried about was fleas, lice or something else.  What does that tell you about her mother?  I would be comforting my daughter.  I think I would be the one to go get her the dog or taking her to go get her one!  

Chantel is a friend of Maggie.  I am not going to say much about her, but I am going to leave some questions.  Do you believe what Maggie thought?  Do you believe that Malone could had been the one?  I did not.  I believed it was Jonah.  I even have it written in my notes of my Kindle app!  Chantel only went to Malone because he told her in high school that he would be a shoulder to cry on.  I have learned that not everything is what is appears to be.  Maggie needs to see that.  

I love the speech Maggie gave to Malone!  Then, Emory, his daughter said to him "What was that all about?  I love the ending!  Read the book to find out!  You knew I was going to say that right!  

Keep on Reading!
Melissa

P.S. Something for you:

1. What are the reasons for Maggie being Mrs K food home?  
2. Who was fixing Maggie up on these dates & why?
3.  What was wrong with Albert Mikrete?

4. How kids does Skip Parkinson have with Annabelle?  Names?  
5.  Why couldn't Doug go on the date with Maggie? 
6.  Do you think Maggie grew up some during this book?  
7. Are you okay with what happened with Maggie's parents?

Reading Challenges- The Lucky One

For this review, I chose The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks.  I have wanted to read this for a long well, but when it came out as a movie, I knew I had to read it before I saw it!   I am trying to see if my husband will take me to see this morning if we can find a sitter.  I think it will be a good date movie. 

Have you read the book and/or saw the movie yet?  

                                                                 
 

Spoiler Warning: If you have not read this book, stop!  Read the book before reading the rest of my review!!

This book reminded me how I met my husband.  No photograph was involved, but it was a blind date by friends of my.  Shawn was friends with them, too.  Turned out to be the right blind date.  My first one & last one!  I love how Nicholas Sparks writes this book with the main characters: Logan, Beth, & Keith (the Deputy or Beth's ex-husband).

Can a photo in this situation give you good luck? I wonder if Beth thought about how Logan walking into her life that first time would change her life completely.  

The first time we meet Logan Thibault is when the Deputy & him ran into each other when Logan was hiking with his dog, Zeus.  I love that Zeus is a German Shepherd. I love the name, too, but maybe it has to do with us having our own Zeus.  Not a German Shepherd, but a husky!  I love how Logan took something from Deputy Clayton.  What did Logan take & who did he give it to minus what part?  Are you with me so far?  I am so glad that Logan did what he did.  A deputy/Sheriff/police office, etc should not be doing what this one was doing.  Not right at all.  Very very wrong.  

We learned that his mother worried about him.  Us moms are very good at that.  "He called every few days to let her own he was doing okay, and usually, after hanging up, he would think that he wasn't being fair to her.  He'd already been gone for much of the past five years, and before each of his three tours in Iraq, he's listened as she's lectured into the phone, reminding him not to do anything stupid." (page 30, but e-book)  If a son of my wanted to join the military, I will not be happy, but I would not put up a fight.  It is their life & their choice. Then, when he came home, he wanted to walk across the country.  What would I say?  I would tell him to be safe & to call me.  I would worry.  I think it was a way for Logan to fit in once he came back from his third tour. 

"It's hard at times, but it makes a kid strong in ways that most people can't understand.  Teaches them that even though people are left behind, new ones will inevitably take their place; that every place has something good-and bad--to offer.  It makes a kid grow up fast." (pg 39 e-book)  I think this is a powerful statement.  It is talking about Logan's dad being a Marine, his dad's transfer, & losing his father to a heart attack.  Logan lost his dad when he was 15 years old.

I like the character, Victor.  Logan's friend that he meets when he is a Marine.  Victor belives that this photo is "lucky." Victor said that "Dawn is a powerful time of the day." (pg 45 e-book)  He also said it is a sign, that she is your good-luck charm.   I love these 2 quotes-- "It is your destiny" & "you're meant to be together" (pg 290) talking about the photo.  Poor Logan to see his friend die like that.  No wonder Logan had to go find the lady in the photo since he lost the best friend he ever had.  

Ben is a good kid.  Her mom divorced his dad.  His dad, Keith Clayton, is not nice at times to him.  Making him clean his home or do the dishes.  They could do it together.  Then, there is more time to spend together.  Keith is not happy his son wants to learn to play the violin.  I love how Ben connected with Zeus.  Zeus loved to have Ben play with him.  Playing ball or throwing a stick for Zeus to bring back.  It did not matter to Zeus as long as they spent time together.  Their bond was special.  I love how Zeus can track Ben down when he was hiding.  

Logan "wanted a dog with strong, working bloodlines, and if that's what you want, you'll usually find the best dogs in Germany.  Logan got Zeus in Germany because of obedience, but also tracking & protection.  Logan did the research when he got his dog.  When I met my husband, Shawn, he had this great German Shepherd.  His name was Duke.  I remember the first time I met Shawn & Duke.  Shawn wants to get a German Shepherd, but we have 2 huskies!!

The other day I saw this on Facebook.  In the book, "Last year, her ex had stood on the sidelines on soccer games with a scowl on his face, which was a reason Ben didn't want to play." (pg 59 e-book)  So, anyways I shared this photo on my Facebook.  

 

Noah told me the other day the one kid that was on his soccer team (they switch teams because not enough coaches) told him that they need to win.  Noah told him that is there is more to soccer than winning.  Having fun!  I am so proud of him.  We are in a new soccer association & our old one told the kids that playing soccer is all about having fun!  I wrote this: 

When kids are playing baseball or soccer, us parents have to remember they are kids not adults. We need to be good on the side lines. Cheer on our child, but also everyone on our child's team along with the other team. If we see someone do something good like get a soccer goal (my son plays soccer) then we cheer "Get goal" or if that child misses a goal & the other team scores. We say "You will get the next one." It helps that child feels better. It is not all about winning. It is about playing the game they love. They need to remember that every time they play or they won't play anymore because their parent is screaming at them. So, the next time you are on the sideline think about what you are going to say to your child & your child's teammates! You can be kicked out of the sidelines. The soccer association or the school soccer teams has rules on this! We need to be good role model for our children.

Beth did everything she can for her son, Ben, but Keith did not.  He was stubborn, opinionated.  "He wanted a certain kind of son, and by God, he was going to get him."  What in the hell does this mean?  You can not make a child play baseball or soccer if they do not want to especially if a parent is screaming on the sideline.  When Beth told Logan to get the crank-handled ice cream maker, I thought of my stand mixer.  Beth said "Perfectly.  Amazing, isn't it?  Nana got that as a gift for her wedding, but we still use it all the time.  It makes delicious ice cream."  My stand mixer just broke in February.  It was a wedding gift, too.   We received it from Shawn's Nana.  I always felt like she was here when I was baking.

I can not stand when someone says "he was babysitting" his son.  Keith wasn't babysitting since the child is HIS son.  I can not stand Keith!  Keith has been negative a lot.  What is it that is said about negative people?  I can not remember right now, but they aren't happy themselves.  I like calm people.  No yelling or screaming, but calm.  I think it is important for kids to grow up in that kind of environment.  I do not like him at all.  I do not like how Keith scared away all of the men Beth was dating & how he used being a deputy to get to them.  I hope he knows that Logan will not be scared of that.  When they first met, Keith mentioned that Logan was not phrased by him.  Logan's a Marine!  Why would he?  He was in Iraq!  He has seen things that most of never will.  He is not going anywhere.  haha!   Who was Keith to interfere with by who Beth dates?  It's up to her.  Not him.  He's an ---! Fill in the blank!  He says this is caring!  I call this he doesn't want anyone else to have his ex-wife, but him.  Go Logan!   Another thing Keith is a poor loser.  What's he teaching his son?  Keith has said so many times that he's going to get Logan.  I don't see that happening since Logan is a trained Marine, one that has killed people.  This Keith is a Deputy.  Probably got the job because of his daddy.  He shouldn't be a deputy because he's a criminal.  He broke into Logan's home.  I think Keith has anger issues.  

I wonder when Beth & Logan started dating how that affected Keith.  I don't think he would be too happy.  He wanted him gone.  Compared to Keith, Logan is great.  I bet Ben thinks that, too.  I bet Ben thinks Logan is a lot more fun than his own daddy!! Logan does not yell at Ben like his own dad does.  Mmm, who would you want to spend time with?  I choose Logan!!

I love Nana!  I love her metaphors!

1. "It's a like candy on battleship" (pg 202) talking about her going to visit her sister.  I think she left on purpose so Beth & Logan could get to know each other better!

2. "Cleaning to me is like being naked to a monkey." (pg 481)

3. "You were better than a duck on a stick" (pg 493)

4. "You might as well be sitting on the front porch picking petals off a daisy." (pg 504)

5. "Kitty cats and maple trees" (pg 564)

I think Logan walking across the country to find the woman in the photo was something that he had to do.  I think Logan was lost.  I also think that getting a job in the kennels is his "calling."  He is great with Zeus.  He trained him.  I wish he could train Bolt.  Either him or Beth's grandma. When Logan tells Nana that Zeus "wouldn't react well to long separations." (pg 165 e-books) I was thinking separation anxiety, but they nearly all their time together.  Zeus does sound like our Zeus on page 212 when he "trotted ahead of them, checking every now and then to make sure they were following.  Logan is teaching Ben good things.  He is calm with him, takes the time to listen to him, & they talked a lot.  Logan "wasn't trying to impress Ben or impress her (Beth) by showing her how well he could get along with Ben." (pg 267)  Ben loved spending time with Logan, but Logan loved spending time with Ben.  

We learned more about the photo that Logan found it.  It was Drake's, Beth's brother.  He was there, too.  Drake lost it.  The photo was taken the last weekend they spent together before he joined.   Drake had it laminated & kept it with him.  Drake lost it in Iraq & emailed her to send a new one, but she never did.  He died before she got a chance to.

I love how Logan tells Keith that he will be a better person.  He gives Keith 3 things or he will go to the paper or his daddy with the disc. 1. Stay out of Beth's business.  2. Stay out of Logan's business.  3.  "If you take your anger at me out on Ben, you'll have to answer to me." (page 476).  I love these.  I love that someone finally put Keith in his place.  I love how he put Ben in one of the 3 conditions! Go Logan!!  My favorite quote of Logan said to Clayton is "Know this; You've never met someone like me before.  You don't want me as an enemy."

What did Ben want to be when he grew up?

A. Astronaut

B. Fireman

C. Doctor

D. Teacher

E. All, but which one?

My favorite Nana quote is "He was a wonderful man.  And when a man is that special, you know it sooner than you think possible.  You recognize it instinctively, and you've certain that no matter what happens, there will never be another one like him." (pg 509)

Keith went to see Beth at her school to tell her about Logan & the photo for 1 reason.  To get rid of him.  He did not want Logan in his ex-wive's life or his son's life.  When Keith was telling her about the photo, he was lying to make sure she would get rid of him.  "I don't think I did, but I didn't tell you that I did talk to some of them."--Talking about the men Beth dated & him talking to them.  He lied there.  He talked & scared ALL of them.  I love this quote of Keith's--"You probably consider it an intrusion into your personal life"   (pg 540)  What would you call it?  It is an intrusion into her personal life.  He has no right.  He can not pick who's in her life, who she dates, who she marries, etc.  Keith set the stage so Beth could walk back into his bed.  He is sweet talking her, too.  Yuck!  I love how Beth answers him back "Do you honestly expect me to believe you have my best interests at heart after admitting you're been spying on me for years?" (pg 542) Go Beth!!

Beth confronted Logan like Keith wanted him to.  It was his plan.  After awhile Beth & Logan made up.  I am not going to tell you how, why.  Read the book!!  Both Nana & Ben helped Beth.  Keith is not happy.  

I do not like at the end of the book where Keith threatens Beth.  That he wants her to kiss him, go out with him whenever he wants or he will take their son from him.  Walks in Ben saying "I'm not going to do it!" Then, he runs out the door in a bad rain storm.  Rain caused from a hurricane, but of course, Keith said, "He'll be fine.  I want to make sure you're clear on how things are going to go with us." (pg 604)  Love love what Beth says to Keith.  "Get the hell out!" & "I am so sick of you & your family telling me what I can & can't do, & I'm not going to put up with it anymore!" (pg 604)  GO BETH!!  Keith is not a good dad at times.  It is flooding, but he wants to continue fighting with Beth.  The pages in the book about the tree house had me on the edge of my seat.  I was so worried. Ben in the water.  I am not going to say more, but Read the book!  I thought something else about the way the book these pages on the tree house pages until I got to the cemetery pages.  I just knew that Nicholas Sparks would have me in tears again & he did!    

Another wonderful book by Nicholas Sparks.  If you are looking for a book that keeps you reading page after page, then this is the book!  Pick it up today!  

Keep on reading.  
Melissa  

P.S.  Some quotes from The Lucky Ones' Facebook page

"He didn't wander into town by chance."

"Everyone has a destiny. You were mine."

"Most love stories begin with a kiss. Ours began before we even met." - Logan (Zac Efron) in The Lucky One 

Reading Challenges- Almost Summer

For this review, I chose "Almost Summer" by Susan Mallery.  This is #6.2 in the Fool's Gold Series.  My full reviews are on Goodreads (my screen name is cx3ane).  On Goodreads, I am in a Challenge to see how many Susan Mallery books I can read for the year.  Read about it here.   

"When it's Alstair's time to leave, will his brief visit turn into a lifetime stay?"  Right after the cover (I read the Kindle version), there are 3 paragraphs.  In the third paragraph, you will see the above question.  What do you think?  Do you think Alistair will stay?  Before you started reading, what are your thoughts?  After you finished the book, now what are your thoughts?  

Spoiler Warning: If you have not read this book, stop!  Read the book before reading the rest of my review!!

The first time that Paige McLean met Alistair was at Simon & Montana's house.  Paige volunteers Alistair can stay with her (I am not going to tell you the reason- Read the book!).   I think the reason Paige did this had a lot to do with her Great Aunt Sophia.  Her aunt passed away 6 months earlier.  

I love the chit chat that Alistar & Paige have when she is trying to get him into her home.  He is about to pass out.  She is trying to get him to talk about whatever she can.  She learns somethings about him like he has met Prince Harry, he doesn't play polo well, his father knows the Royal Family, his father is an Earl, Alistair is a Viscount. Alistair says to Paige "My Lord is traditional, but unnecessary."

I love how Chapter One ends- "And to think she'd assumed that today was going to be a very ordinary day."  I think one should never assume anything.  Maybe I watch too many episodes of NCIS & I get this from Special Agent Gibbs!  I have learned not to plan my days too much because something normally happens than I am upset that I could not do A instead of B.  Another part I love is how Alistair said to Paige "You're the angel."  It was due to the fevers he had with the illness (read to find out!).  

"Well, it's the kind of place that welcomes everyone.  We take care of our own.  Word got out that you were here and sick and the town responded." - I love this.  I want to live in Fool's Gold.  Oh, Susan, sign my family up.  We can be packed in no time!!  I do not know my new neighbors.  I have met 2-the one across the street & the one behind us.  I already knew the couple on the corner because I went to school with their daughter.  The others I am clueless about.  The one on the one side to us I am not sure about.  He almost took my door off on my van.  He was speeding to get into his driveway, which is not even a driveway.  He parks along the side of the road in his driveway, but on the road.  Understand?  He has a garage, but does not park in it.  So, I have not met him, or the other one across the street, or the one on the other side to us.  I want people like in Fool's Gold where they care, where they help you.  

I am kind of like Paige.  Paige has never been anywhere.  I have traveled, but I have not lived anywhere except for the County I was born in.  I have been here my entire life.  I was born in the same town I am living in now.  As a child, we moved 3 times (not far from one another either).  As an adult, I think I moved 7 or 8 times, but never too far from the last time.  We just moved at the end of December after being where we were for 12 years.  The longest I lived anywhere in my Adult life.  I love how Paige gets so excited about her traveling one day like when she was talking to Alistair & she said "Knowing in my head that everyone has a different life experience is one thing, but actually getting to talk to people, to see life through their eyes, so to speak, fascinates me."  This is how I feel about my children.  Seeing it through their eyes is the best thing.  Especially if it is the first time they see something.

When Simon talked to Alistair, he "had made the town sound like a paradise.  A close-knit community where neighbors took care of each other."  Alistair did not completely believe Simon, but now after seeing the refrigerator full, he does.  This is where we learn more about Alistair.  He lost his child- his baby girl.  Alistair has been punishing himself.

Paige learns of a Sara from Alistair talking in his sleep.  Sara was his wife, who died in a car accident along with his baby girl.  They were having lunch in the yard.  Alistair was not in the same country when they died.  He has been beating himself up.  Pages later we read these words "Was it never to give his heart again? To never risk the pain? Or had he decided instead to make sure the next time he was there, with his family? or rather that they were with him?"  I wander what Alistair will do the next time!

We meet the librarian, Annabelle Weiss, when she dropped off some books for Alistair to read since he was getting well, but getting bored.  One of the books was on the Máa-Zib tribe, the first women who settled in Fool's Gold. 

Paige tells Alistair that the Spring Festival is tomorrow.  With the 2012 Fool's Gold Country Cowboy Calendar, we would know that the Spring Festival is May 12.  You can get the 2012 Fool's Gold Country Cowboy Calendar either as a Wallpaper or as a Windows Gadget, which both of these will tell you items like this!!  Go get it!  About the Spring Festival, there was a lot of things to see like booths selling jewelry, all kinds of food!!  A parade!  Alistair did learn that the soap he has been using at Paige's is Goat soap & it is very mild plus useful for several skin conditions.  

Alistair realized that "Paige had offered him more than a bed for his body-she'd given him a refuge for his soul.  Her gentle kindness had made him realize it was time to look forward.  While he would never forget those he'd lost, he was finally ready to start living again."  Alistair had been working so much since he lost his wife & child that he was not able to face everything until then- at the Spring Festival with Paige's help.  "He realized that he hadn't been just been fighting the measles and exhaustion.  His illness had gone much deeper- down to his heart."

I love how Alistair was helping Paige see her dream- traveling, but she was afraid to leave because of losing her Aunt so soon.  He told her that she will get there, but in her time.  Sparks flies between these 2!!  You could tell the entire book!  The way they teased each other.  After Alistair move into Simon & Montana's home, they both missed each other.    Alistair told her that "I know what I'm talking about.  I've spent the last few years beating myself up for being gone when I lost my family.  I've been unable to release the past and move on.  You've helped me get unstuck.  I want to return the favor."  Alistair wanted to do something for Paige in return for her helping him get well so he helped her plan her trip.  

When Alistair saw Simon, Alistair asked him questions about if he missed the travel.  Simon asks Alistair to be his another pair of hands, but he said "I'm not ready."  Simon told him that he is blaming himself for not being there.  Simon believes that even if Alistair was there that he "couldn't stopped her from crossing that street."  What is it that they say?  Sometimes fate is going to happen.  No matter what.  No, not fate, but it was her time to leave this earth.  Simon says to him "I believe things happen for a reason.  Had I not been injured, I would never have studied medicine, never become a surgeon.  I wouldn't found my destiny."  Simon wouldn't also be married to Montana & having a baby with her.  Think about it?  If Simon was not a surgeon, then he would never of came to Fool's Gold for those bad patients.  Therefore, never meeting Montana.  I fully believe this, too.  If I was not injured, I would not have had Ethan.  I would not been on leave from my job.  I would had been working 50+ hours & not had the time or energy to do anything.  Is there something in your life like this, too?

Alistair asked Simon "How did you know about Montana?"  I love this question.  Simon answers him "She allowed me to fell again.  She gave herself so fully, I couldn't resist responding in kind.  I wanted her from the second I saw her, but what I didn't realize was that I also loved her from that first moment.  It took me a while to figure it all out.  I nearly left her.  What a mistake that would have been.  Without her, there is nothing."  I love that Susan is going back to "Only Yours."  It helps us remember the previous books. Something we might of forgotten! 

Alistair thought the following- "What would it be like to have someone like that? A woman he loved so much he couldn't leave her?  But what about what she deserved?  Could he forgive himself enough to give her all she needed?  Or was the kindest act to simply walk away? I knew when I read these lines that Alistair was thinking of being with Paige.  I was thinking he would take her with him.  Being that she wanted to travel & his job was all about traveling, they would be perfect together.  They can go home to Fool's Gold for breaks.

My favorite part of "Almost Summer" is at the end of the book.  Alistair tells Paige "I'm telling you that I love you and I'm doing a very good job of it."  "I love you, Paige.  You have shown me what was missing in my life.  What I tried my best to avoid.  I couldn't understand how Simon could give up his work for a woman, but now I see what he was trying to tell me.  That loving Montana make him better at what he does."   Alistair wants her to travel the world with him.  Then, they will come home to Fool's Gold.

I hope you enjoyed my review of "Almost Summer."  This is a great book & an awesome series!
Keep Reading!!
Melissa


P.S. Something for you: 
1. Do you think Alistair will stay?
2. What does Alistair have?  What illness? 
3. Why can't Alistair stay with Simon & Montana?
4.  What was Paige's Great Aunt was before she was Paige's Guardian?
5. What was Paige calling Alistair as a nickname?
6. What was the Festival that Paige told Alistair he would want to see?
7.  What do you think Paige's Aunt would feel about her taking Alistair in?
8. How did Paige's Aunt die?
9.  What did Alistair ask Paige?
10. Do you think Alistair leave Paige behind if she would be pregnant or if they had a child?  Or would he take her/them with him?