Review: Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller

Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller

Published: September 24, 2013

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Format: Kindle purchased

Challenges: 2014 TBR Pile

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Stolen as a child from her large and loving family, and on the run with her mom for more than ten years, Callie has only the barest idea of what normal life might be like. She's never had a home, never gone to school, and has gotten most of her meals from laundromat vending machines. Her dreams are haunted by memories she’d like to forget completely. But when Callie’s mom is finally arrested for kidnapping her, and Callie’s real dad whisks her back to what would have been her life, in a small town in Florida, Callie must find a way to leave the past behind. She must learn to be part of a family. And she must believe that love--even with someone who seems an improbable choice--is more than just a possibility.

My Thoughts

This was my first Trish Doller experience and what an awesome one at that! It’s a story of love, starting over, and trying to find your place. Callie is a young girl who had to grow up way too soon. She is her own caretaker since her mom is either drunk, out of her mind or with a new man. Callie had to learn to manage things all by herself and simply learn to survive on her own. She has dealt with things that no child should have to go through. She learns that her mom has kidnapped her and now has to deal with the aftermath. While she is torn by her mom’s betrayal, she has to reconnect with a father she doesn’t remember. Her new life begins and she has to learn to live with her dad and his new family and find her place in it. It’s all new to her, people caring, looking out for her and of course discipline. She goes from being alone to now having this large family and it becomes too much for her. She soon starts looking for love or at least a physical companion and finds it with someone who turns out to be closer to home than she realizes.

This read is all about second chances. Trish Doller is an extraordinary writer who works a storyline like no other. She weaves a story of pain and love and how both are way more intertwined than we can imagine. Sometimes love no matter how twisted to some, is better than no love at all. Although Callie knows her mother has issues and what she has done was wrong she is still her mother. She still loves her and is afraid to be apart from her. The pain I felt for Callie was so overwhelming. This life is all she has ever known and is somewhat scared of learning anything else. In a way she feels as if she doesn’t deserve it, the love and acceptance and most important the possibility of what is out there for her. The book made me see that how we are raised or even our environment doesn’t determine ones future. We are worth so much more than what others might think, we have to know we are worthy of love and all the good things that come with it.

Review: Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland

Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland 

Published: May 7, 2013

Format: ARC via publisher

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Challenges: 2014 TBR Pile

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

For Cricket Thompson, a summer like this one will change everything. A summer spent on Nantucket with her best friend, Jules Clayton, and the indomitable Clayton family. A summer when she'll make the almost unattainable Jay Logan hers. A summer to surpass all dreams.

Some of this turns out to be true. Some of it doesn't.

When Jules and her family suffer a devastating tragedy that forces the girls apart, Jules becomes a stranger whom Cricket wonders whether she ever really knew. And instead of lying on the beach working on her caramel-colored tan, Cricket is making beds and cleaning bathrooms to support herself in paradise for the summer.

But it's the things Cricket hadn't counted on--most of all, falling hard for someone who should be completely off-limits--that turn her dreams into an exhilarating, bittersweet reality.

A beautiful future is within her grasp, and Cricket must find the grace to embrace it. If she does, her life could be the perfect shade of Nantucket blue.

My Thoughts

I don’t know why it took me almost a whole year to read this wonderful book when I had the ARC for the longest. If I had known what a picturesque summer novel this was I would’ve read it sooner.  Just love how Leila Howland paints the perfect New England summer picture, I feel like I’m right there.

Nantucket Blue is the story of Cricket and her summer while working in Nantucket. She was originally supposed to spend it with her best friend Jules and her family. However just before they were to leave Jules’s mother unexpectedly dies. Of course Jules isn’t herself and for some reason decides to push Cricket aside and wants to deal with this by herself for the summer.

Now this is where I don’t get why Cricket doesn’t listen to her and decides to go to Nantucket anyway. Jules has made it clear she doesn’t want her there and when Cricket shows up isn’t very pleasant to her. Yeah I get Jules is mourning her mom and everyone deals with death in their way but she’s being a tad mean and a borderline bitch. Cricket wonders if she even knows who her best friend really is. This person she has become isn’t the one Cricket has known all her life.

In the meantime Cricket whose other main reason for going to island for the summer, her high school crush Jay decided he didn’t want anything to do with her after he heard something she said about his family. So Cricket is left by herself alone with no one until one day she sees Jules’s younger brother Zack. It doesn’t take long before Cricket doesn’t see him as just her best friends brother but as real guy. There is MAJOR flirting these two and soon a summer romance blossoms. While she feels bad for hiding her secret she can’t help but to truly fall for Zack, she knows when Jules finds out it won’t be good.

Is this the real thing between Cricket and Zack? Time will tell when they get back home. Or just a summer fling? Will she get her best friend back or will this just tear them further away? I won’t give the whole story completely away but I will say this is one book that is an ultimate summer beach read. So do yourself a favor and get this if you haven’t already. Oh and also while you’re at it get the follow up, Nantucket Red it will be coming out May 13, 2014. Keep an eye out I will reviewing that one soon, I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.

BOTTOM LINE...

Review: The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp

The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp

Published: December 14, 2010

Format: purchased

Challenge: 2014 TBR Reading Challenge

Publisher: Knopf BYR

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis

SUTTER KEELY. HE’S the guy you want at your party. He’ll get everyone dancing. He’ ll get everyone in your parents’ pool. Okay, so he’s not exactly a shining academic star. He has no plans for college and will probably end up folding men’s shirts for a living. But there are plenty of ladies in town, and with the help of Dean Martin and Seagram’s V.O., life’s pretty fabuloso, actually.

Until the morning he wakes up on a random front lawn, and he meets Aimee. Aimee’s clueless. Aimee is a social disaster. Aimee needs help, and it’s up to the Sutterman to show Aimee a splendiferous time and then let her go

forth and prosper. But Aimee’s not like other girls, and before long he’s in way over his head. For the first time in his life, he has the power to make a difference in someone else’s life—or ruin it forever.

My Thoughts

I’ve been wanting to read this for some time now. When I saw that it was going to be made into a movie I knew I had to read the book first before I saw it. I know that when books are made into movies they have to change some things for the sake of time. However I’ve known a lot of movies that either butcher the book more than stay true. So I tried to go into this with an open mind and tried not to replay the book version in my head while I watch it. I can honestly say I loved the movie just as much as the book.

I loved the story of Sutter Keely, I think he is one the best characters I’ve read about in a long time. I liked how he is messed up and has some twisted views. While he has troubles in his life he meets Aimee a shy girl who is so sweet that everyone in her life takes advantage of her. At first glance you might think that they are polar opposites I actually like how they work together. I see them as mirror imagines of each other. Sutter is a jokester who masks his pain with alcohol and being the life of the party, Aimee needs that in her life she needs to have fun and loosen up. Sutter takes it upon himself to help Aimee but in the process he falls in love with her. At least I honestly believe he does. You see this is where you can take the story as you want it.

Some might take Sutter as an asshole who is just using Aimee to get back at his ex. I see him as a guy with problems and issues but with a huge heart. And while he claims he is “helping” Aimee I think it’s Aimee who is helping him. She comes into his life and gives him that unconditional love he needs. She loves him, all of him, flaws and all. She sees into his heart and sees him for who he can be, and not just as the party guy. I think this is one of those great YA books that really portray teens as they are today. It doesn’t sugar coat anything and while I didn’t really like how the book ended I was more satisfied with the ending of the movie. I like the closure and the possibility of more that the movie provided.

Tim Tharp wrote this amazing story of love, acceptance and coming of age that goes beyond teens. We can all reflect on the hardships of growing up. We all want to be accepted for who we are and hope that we find it. I highly recommend the book and movie, which doesn’t happen that often. Both well give you different takes on an awesome story that you will soon not forget. 

Review: Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone

Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone

Published: October 9, 2012

Format: Purchased

Publisher: Hyperion

Challenges: 2014 TBR Pile

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Anna and Bennett were never supposed to meet: she lives in 1995 Chicago and he lives in 2012 San Francisco. But Bennett has the unique ability to travel through time and space, which brings him into Anna’s life, and with him a new world of adventure and possibility.

As their relationship deepens, the two face the reality that time may knock Bennett back to where he belongs, even as a devastating crisis throws everything they believe into question. Against a ticking clock, Anna and Bennett are forced to ask themselves how far they can push the bounds of fate, what consequences they can bear in order to stay together, and whether their love can stand the test of time.

My Thoughts

I honestly didn’t know if I would “get” this story. I mean it’s a time travelling tale of two people who fall in love. I’ve read and seen it done in a ton of movies. But I went into this with an open mind and considering I’ve heard nothing but good things I figured why not. Well I’m glad I did. I really loved and totally “got” the story of Anna and Bennett. While this story could’ve gone in a weird direction it doesn’t. This has a lot to do with the storytelling of Tamara Stone. She writes this tale and its characters so utterly believable that you can’t help but be drawn in and can’t wait for what’s next.

Anna is just a typical girl who is leading a rather normal life. One day while running she sees this new guy who she can’t stop thinking about. Here enters Bennett who is the new guy, he is shy quiet and has a mysterious aura about him. They eventually end up spending some time together and while Bennett tries to stop the connection he has with Anna it’s bigger than both of them. Bennett decides he owes it Anna to tell his secret, that he can time travel. Although there are restrictions to it she decides to show Anna.

Even though I loved the book and the romance of Anna and Bennett I did find it odd that Anna never really freaked out. I mean seriously if my boyfriend told me he could time travel I would think he was kind of off or at least think I was. I guess sometimes love can make you see things differently.

I’ve always heard that love can stand the test of time, in this instance it’s also distance. I love how it ended with the ideal of hope. Hope that love can exceed all boundaries. I’ve always wanted that kind of love, and I’ll never give up on it. And while many people put these illusions and idealistic hopes on love I know that somethings are bigger than us. Call me a softy or sucker but I definitely buy into that notion, and tales like this one just gives me that extra hope.  

2014 TBR Reading Challenge List

It’s that time again! Time for me to list my books for the 2014 TBR Challenge hosted by Evie Bookish. Click here to join. I can’t believe another year has flown by. I completed my goal for 2013 so I hope to do the same next year.

2014 goal is: A Firm Handshake [1-10 books]

*2014 TBR List*

[No order]

2014 goal is: A Firm Handshake [1-10 books]

*2014 TBR List*

[No order]

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

Time between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone

Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson

The Lonely Heart Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp
Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller
Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland

Review: Live Through This by Mindi Scott

Live Through This by Mindi Scott

Published: October 2, 2012
Format: Purchased
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Challenge: TRB Pile
Rating: 4/5

Summary via Goodreads

From the outside, Coley Sterling’s life seems pretty normal . . . whatever that means. It’s not perfect—her best friend is seriously mad at her and her dance team captains keep giving her a hard time—but Coley’s adorable, sweet crush Reece helps distract her. Plus, she has a great family to fall back on—with a mom and stepdad who would stop at nothing to keep her siblings and her happy.

But Coley has a lot of secrets. She won’t admit—not even to herself—that her almost-perfect life is her own carefully-crafted façade. That for years she’s been burying the shame and guilt over a relationship that crossed the line. Now that Coley has the chance at her first real boyfriend, a decade’s worth of lies are on the verge of unraveling.

In this unforgettable powerhouse of a novel, Mindi Scott offers an absorbing, layered glimpse into the life of an every girl living a nightmare that no one would suspect.

My Thoughts

Wow. This is one amazing story. It’s a story of bravery, hope and courage. When Coley’s secret is revealed all you want is for her to stand up for herself and get help. It’s a tough subject matter but one that I know can and will hopefully help someone out there. Coley’s courage to finally say something and admit to others and even herself about what has been happening breaks your heart. No one deserves to be taken advantage of and no one deserves to ever feel that pain…ever.

Mindi Scott takes a tough subject matter and writes a great book. Never over or under playing a single thing. I will say I was surprised when it was revealed who was hurting Coley. I must admit I never saw that one coming. I recommend reading and passing on this book to everyone. If this book can help at least one person than it’s all worth it. Abuse tends to make people feel ashamed when really it’s never the victims fault. I feel this wonderful book gives these victims a voice and speaks for those who can’t or won’t speak for themselves.

Review: Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Published: February 5, 2008

Format: Bought Hardcover

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Rating: 5/5 stars
Challenges: TBR Pile Challenge

Summary via Goodreads

In the turbulent summer of 1974, Kate Mularkey has accepted her place at the bottom of the eighth-grade social food chain. Then, to her amazement, the “coolest girl in the world” moves in across the street and wants to be her friend. Tully Hart seems to have it all---beauty, brains, ambition. On the surface they are as opposite as two people can be: Kate, doomed to be forever uncool, with a loving family who mortifies her at every turn. Tully, steeped in glamour and mystery, but with a secret that is destroying her. They make a pact to be best friends forever; by summer’s end they’ve become TullyandKate. Inseparable.

So begins Kristin Hannah’s magnificent new novel. Spanning more than three decades and playing out across the ever-changing face of the Pacific Northwest, Firefly Lane is the poignant, powerful story of two women and the friendship that becomes the bulkhead of their lives. From the beginning, Tully is desperate to prove her worth to the world. Abandoned by her mother at an early age, she longs to be loved unconditionally. In the glittering, big-hair era of the eighties, she looks to men to fill the void in her soul. But in the buttoned-down nineties, it is television news that captivates her. She will follow her own blind ambition to New York and around the globe, finding fame and success . . . and loneliness.

Kate knows early on that her life will be nothing special. Throughout college, she pretends to be driven by a need for success, but all she really wants is to fall in love and have children and live an ordinary life. In her own quiet way, Kate is as driven as Tully. What she doesn’t know is how being a wife and mother will change her . . . how she’ll lose sight of who she once was, and what she once wanted. And how much she’ll envy her famous best friend. . . .

For thirty years, Tully and Kate buoy each other through life, weathering the storms of friendship---jealousy, anger, hurt, resentment. They think they’ve survived it all until a single act of betrayal tears them apart . . . and puts their courage and friendship to the ultimate test.

Firefly Lane is for anyone who ever drank Boone’s Farm apple wine while listening to Abba or Fleetwood Mac. More than a coming-of-age novel, it’s the story of a generation of women who were both blessed and cursed by choices. It’s about promises and secrets and betrayals. And ultimately, about the one person who really, truly knows you---and knows what has the power to hurt you . . . and heal you. Firefly Lane is a story you’ll never forget . . . one you’ll want to pass on to your best friend.

My Thoughts

Where do I begin? Wow! This book took my breath away. I haven’t read a book that touched me so completely in a very long time. What makes me mad is that I hadn’t read it sooner. It’s been sitting on my shelf for a few months now and I only read it after I received the ARC for the follow up to this book. I’ve always wanted to read Kristin Hannah books and why I wanted so long I’ll never know. She is a great and amazing writer who can write a story like no one’s business.

This book will take you on a ride through the decades and the ups and downs of two best friends. Tully was yin to Kate’s yang. Each one filling in a piece of the puzzle in each other’s lives. They met when each one was looking for something that was missing within themselves. Kate was looking for a friend who could bring out the best in her. While Tully, was simply looking for love and a sense of family. It’s a story of a wonderful friendship that will have you laughing and will as easily bring you to tears. I’m not the mushiest type of person but you will, I warn you, need a box of tissues towards the end of the book. Just thinking about it now makes me want to tear up. It is a long book by it doesn’t feel that way. You will get so caught up in this story that time will fly by. It will make you look at your own life and makes you realize what’s important and what’s not.

Now I can’t wait to read the sequel. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for these characters who I’ve invested a love and an interested for. If you’re looking for an honest to god great read please pick this one up. It's the ultimate book of friendship, love and understanding. You won’t regret it.