I had a thoughtful review written out before my computer crashed, so here is my abbreviated review. Every Breath is yet another Nicholas Sparks novel, his 21st. You can always count on Sparks for a North Carolina-based sappy romance, usually with some heartache woven in. I've always enjoyed his books but which he would venture outside the box with his writing. In this book, Zimbabwean Tru Walls meets American Hope Anderson on a beach in North Carolina. True love happens, almost instantly. Unfortunately, circumstances prevent them from being together, and both move on with their lives, for better or for worse. Fast forward a few decades and the two reunite. This is supposedly based loosely on a true story. The book was good enough that I completed it, but I feel there wasn't a whole lot of character development going on here, especially with Hope's character. Readers learn more about Tru. This was an easy read, perfect for summer, but it feels as if Sparks has become formulaic with his books. I liked that this was inspired by a true (no pun intended) story, but it still fit into the usual Nicholas Sparks writing style.

Isabel Allende is one of my favorite authors, she is a magnificent story a teller and I always look forward to her newest masterpieces. The story In the Midst of winter she includes everything that I like: History, Mystery and a Love Story. The way she portraits the main characters of the story is brilliant, and how these 3 very different individuals are forced to experience the scariest and most exciting adventure of their lives. The ending of the book leaves you wanting more. I highly recommended.

This book is so great. Very reader-friendly, full of anecdotes and practical applications. I am truly grateful for a book that offers a fresh look at money for middle-class Americans. It's all about the slow build--you won't become a millionaire overnight, and you shouldn't expect to do so. Clark Kendall's book includes advice from a man with several certifications and years of financial experience. Highly recommend!

I was drawn to this book as it is chock full of the backstage drama of theatre kids, hearkening back to my own youth. But there was a definite lack structure to the overall plot. The POV shifted so much, that by the end, I was not sure which characters deserved my attention or emotional connection. The "story within a story" plot twist can be fun, but didn't really work here, but I did really enjoy the dynamics between drama teachers and their pet students!

Thank you Mr. Iger for sharing.

Emily Giffin's latest book transported me back to 2001, an era when we were still rocking our Steve Madden slides and weren't obsessed with our phones. The book, which takes place in New York City, also brings back the feelings before and after 9/11, including the shared bonds you felt with absolute strangers as you witnessed the unthinkable, whether in person or on TV. The main character, Cecily, is rebounding from a breakup when she meets the mysterious Grant, who sweeps her off her feet. It turns out Grant has a lot of baggage, much of which Cecily learns about post-9/11. The ending contains a last-minute twist I wasn't expecting, and I'm not sure I 100% liked said twist. I've read all of Giffin's books and enjoyed this one, reading it just over a day. Giffin seems to take some hits in reviews of this book for the way in which she incorporated 9/11, but I think that criticism is unfair and we're just getting to the point where this event is more commonly incorporated into fiction. It's uncomfortable to us as New Yorkers, but we have to get used to it. All told, this wasn't Emily Giffin's finest book (the end feels a bit rushed), but it's a worthy summer read.

Although I am not a fan of short story collections, I enjoyed this book for two reasons. First, having spent quite a bit of time in Key West, the descriptions of locations and atmosphere brought back pleasant memories. But more importantly, I felt that I was reading the work of a true craftsman - and that is not so common. His scathing portrayal of J.J. Audubon, written in diary form, was perfection.

I loved the book, excellent read!

This novel is a fast-paced murder mystery. It involves an astute lawyer, Robin Lockwood, who cannot rest until a rapist and murderer are convicted and brought to justice. There are multiple twists and turns. The murderer does have the perfect alibi......almost!

As with many of Danielle Steel's books they are quick reads and you often forget the characters and story line soon after you have finished the book. However "Silent Night" is a story about a horrific accident in which a young girl is gravely injured and has to come to grips with the fact that her mother has died in the same accident .It's a poignant story of her fight to recover both physically and emotionally .Her Aunt showers her with love and devotion and never lets her give up, The odds of a full recovery often seem impossible .You will find yourself routing for this girl.