Well, I hope you all had a great weekend. We spent most of it at the pool. I can’t seem to get my sunblock on correctly and have odd shaped burns in random places on my body.
Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason
“Samantha Cash is the FBI’s secret weapon. Her methods are invisible, and she never stops til the case is closed. When missing teens begin turning up dead in a small Southern town, Samantha is assigned to help local Detective Connor Wolfe find the killer. And he has two problems with that. There’s her faith—in God and herself. And then there’s the fact that she looks exactly like his late wife. As they get close to an answer, the case becomes personal. The killer seems to be taking an interest in Connor’s sixteen-year-old daughter, who thinks her dad is getting way too protective. Can’t a girl just have some fun?”
My Opinion
I liked this book. It’s the first book I’ve read by Lynette Eason. I figured out early on why the killer was doing it, but wasn’t sure who it was until about 75% in. Then I didn’t guess the “boss” until it was almost over. I liked the characters and the romance that blossomed.
Both characters struggled with their faith. I think the author made their spiritual joureneys realistic and touching.
I took a keen interest in the sister and want to read the next book that’s about her. I think it will be even better!
3 out of 5 stars
A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer
2011 RITA® Finalist for Best First Book
“When a dressmaker who values beauty tangles with a liveryman who condemns vanity, the sparks begin to fly!
Jericho “J.T.” Tucker wants nothing to do with the new dressmaker in Coventry, Texas. He’s all too familiar with her kind–shallow women more devoted to fashion than true beauty. Yet, except for her well-tailored clothes, this seamstress is not at all what he expected.
Hannah Richards is confounded by the man who runs the livery. The unsmiling fellow riles her with his arrogant assumptions and gruff manner, while at the same time stirring her heart with unexpected acts of kindness. Which side of Jericho Tucker reflects the real man?
When Hannah decides to help Jericho’s sister catch a beau–leading to consequences neither could have foreseen–will Jericho and Hannah find a way to bridge the gap between them?”
My Opinion
I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book. I don’t often read historicals, but lately I’ve read several and I’m coming to realize, I enjoy most of them. I happen to like a lot of romantic tension and some spice, not all inspirational historicals meet my expectations.
This one did.
I fell in love with J.T. and Hannah immediately. I loved their banter, internal conflicts, and wit. I felt like I was living in this time period and it was rather fun to spend a few hours, since I read it in two sittings, with these characters.
I predicted the villain, but I’m not sure that she was trying to conceal it. That didn’t matter to me, though, because I just loved everything else. Especially the romance. No wonder she won a RITA for first book.
I also think it’s a great parallel of the Proverbs 31 woman and a healthy look at beauty and nice things.
4 out of 5 stars
So have you read a book lately that you were unsure of, then turned out to be a pleasant surprise?
No?
Okay then…what’d you do this weekend?
Ha ha, I don't normally laugh about tan lines but the way you put it..
And that chocolate cake, I need to find some of that.
The books sound nice too 🙂
Aah… that cupcake looks like sin. ^_^
I started reading The Count of Monte Cristo. So far I'm really enjoying it.
First, that picture made me jump right over here. How could I not? Could you send me one please?
Second, I LOVED Tailor Made Bride! Such a GREAT book!!
You know, I can relate to the odd-shaped burns. I always miss my chest, or the edges of my shoulders, or something I was so sure I covered.
I also like the idea of that cupcake! Mmm…
Tailor Made Bride is in my TBR pile. After your recommendation, I might have to movie it up a few places. Thanks!
Misha, I love the Count of Monte Cristo. It is Dumas best work.
I just finished Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. Not a cheerful book, but very good.
Make sure to shake sunblock (spray or lotion) well before using it. I'm talking like for at least 30 seconds or more. That protection stuff inside needs to mix well with the basic formula. Otherwise, you get splotches.
I want tht cupcake!
Just finished The Healer by Linda Windsor. It's set way back when in Scotland, not too long after Christ. I'm not usually a big fan of borderline fantasy books, but this one was awesome. I would highly recommend it. :o)
Haha – on the sunscreen in a tanning bed. I just have one more thing to say on that – At least YOU can tan!!
Lots of window shopping & swimming & procrastinating.
That chocolate cake is divine! I wish computers came with smell-o-vision 🙂
I have yet to read A Tailor-Made Bride, but it's on my bookshelf. Thanks for your review.
This weekend, I saw Green Lantern and lounged around indoors because of the heat.
This weekend, I watched my dinky twinkies win their first volleyball match! Woohoo! I also enjoyed my precious redheads final tour performance. Am so glad she's home!
Other than that, I wrote and wrote and wrote! New story idea – my kind of yummy!
Both of these books sound intriguing! I'm loving the fact that reading new lit is part of my job description. LOL!
Am WANTING to see Green Lantern, Brandi. Was it good?
Hey everyone!
I must say the cupcake was divine! However, that pic wasn't of the actual cupcake. Had I been thinking with my brain and not my mouth, I would've snapped a shot…BUT since this TH is DH birthday, I'm going back! I'll snap a pic for ya'll!
We liked Green Lantern, but who doesn't love watching Ryan Reynolds? 🙂 So funny!
Sounds like everyone had a great weekend!
Yes, I'll take a cupcake too, please!
I have Lynette Eason's book in my TBR pile and look forward to reading it when I get the chance.
I was a little wary about reading Keven Newsome's new release, Winter. But it turned out to be one of the best books I've read in awhile. 🙂
Mmmm… cupcakes…
What did I do this weekend? Not a whole lot. And it was nice. Other than church I laid pretty low. There is busy-ness ahead, somewhere. Just not sure where…
I think that picture on your blog was pure torture. Yummy!
Yum, I'll have some of that cake please!
I just read my first Witemeyer book too and I enjoyed it.
I also read my first Amish book last week (well, first one in a decade anyway) and it blew my mind. Lots of romantic tension, lots of spice. It's called Lily's Wedding Quilt by Kelly Long…highly recommended!
Hellloooo! I don't usually go for the gooey chocolate (yes, I'm weird), but that cupcake looks divine.
I'm always surprised by how much I enjoy well-written historicals.
Hey there! I worked all weekend:) My weekend starts on Monday and I saw an eye doctor to fix my dry eyes so I CAN read again!
I REALLY enjoyed Lynette Eason's series. SOOOOO good!!!