The Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Anna Forster, in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease at only thirty-eight years old, knows that her family is doing what they believe to be best when they take her to Rosalind House, an assisted living facility. She also knows there's just one another resident her age, Luke. What she does not expect is the love that blossoms between her and Luke even as she resists her new life at Rosalind House. As her disease steals more and more of her memory, Anna fights to hold on to what she knows, including her relationship with Luke.
When Eve Bennett is suddenly thrust into the role of single mother she finds herself putting her culinary training to use at Rosalind house. When she meets Anna and Luke she is moved by the bond the pair has forged. But when a tragic incident leads Anna's and Luke's families to separate them, Eve finds herself questioning what she is willing to risk to help them.

My thoughts-

It isn't often that I find a book so compelling that I read it in one or two sittings, but I could not put down The Things We Keep. Sally Hepworth did a tremendous job of really getting inside the head of a woman with early onset Alzheimer's. This story was heartbreaking in so many ways, but you want to know what happens next both in Anna's life and Eve's. I enjoy books that offer several different perspectives and I thought Hepworth went effortlessly from voice to voice. It addded a new depth to the book that could not have been accomplished if it had been told from only Anna or only Eve's point of view. While there is a great deal of heavy subject matter in this drama, there are also some happy and romantic moments that I really loved. I believe The Things We Keep will be one of the most talked about novels in 2016! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written novel and doesn't mind reading about tough subject matters.

The Things We Keep will be available January 19, 2016. You can pre-order your copy on Amazon.com

The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Sophie Dupont assists her father in his studio, keeping her own artwork out of sight. In private, she paints the picturesque north Devon coast, popular with artists--including handsome Wesley Overtree, who seems more interested in Sophie than the landscape.

Captain Stephen Overtree is accustomed to taking on his brother Wesley's responsibilities. Near the end of his leave, he is sent to find his brother and bring him home. Upon reaching Devonshire, however, Stephen is stunned to learn that Wesley has sailed for Italy and left his host's daughter in serious trouble.

Stephen feels duty-bound to act, and strangely protective of the young lady, who somehow seems familiar. Wanting to make some recompense for his own past failings as well as his brother's, Stephen proposes to Miss Dupont. He does not offer love, but marriage "in name only" to save her from scandal. If he dies in battle, as he fears, she will at least be a respectable widow.

Desperate for a way to escape her predicament, Sophie finds herself torn between her first love and this brooding man she barely knows. Dare she wait for Wesley to return? Or should she elope with the captain and pray she doesn't come to regret it?

My thoughts-

I don't even know where to begin with this story. I loved every single second of every single page, just as I have become accustomed to with each new Julie Klassen novel that comes out. This one is still her usual regency era fare, and it still has a very Jane Austen-esque feel which I love, but this book had the added element of scandal which was new and I quite enjoyed. Life isn't usually cookie cutter clean, even back in the day, so I appreciated a look into what might have happened in a scandalous situation in that time period.  I was immediately sympathetic for Sophie's character and enthralled with Stephen Overtree from their first meeting. He had a little bit of Mr. Darcy's brood going on, but right away we are shown he has a soft and caring heart, regardless of how it seems on the outside. I am glad that there was an opportunity to get to know Stephen as he and Sophie get to know each other before he went off to war. I enjoyed the entire cast of characters that live at or visit Overtree Hall. Klassen does a wonderful job of really making you feel like you understand the characters and the descriptions of the settings are amazing too. I absolutely recommend The Painter's Daughter (and all of Julie Klassen's novels) to anyone who enjoys regency era romances. She is, in my eyes, our current day Jane Austen and for that I am grateful.

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Maple Syrup Cookbook by Ken Haedrich (Cookbook Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Maple Syrup Cookbook has convinced thousands of readers that maple syrup makes just about everything taste better. Now, the revised third edition of this classic cookbook features full-color photographs and a dozen of the author's favorite new recipes. In all, the book now offers more than 100 ways to enjoy maple syrup at every meal, including Buttermik Corn Cakes, Banana Crepes with Maple Rum Sauce (perfect for an elegant brunch), Maple Cream Scones, Lacy Sweet-Potato Patties, Maple Bacon Strata, Curried Pumpkin-Apple Soup, Creamy Maple Fondue, Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts, Orange-Maple Wings, Beet and Pear Relish, Maple-Roasted Root Vegetables, Steamed Brown Bread, Maple Onion Marmalade, Hot & Spicy Shrimp Kabobs, Chicken with Maple-Mustard Glaze, and Crispy Maple Spareribs. There are barbecue sauces and salad dressings and dozens of tempting desserts, from Almond Bars and Coffee Chip Cookies to Maple Apple Pie, Maple Pecan Pie, Maple-Ginger Ice Cream, and much more. There's even a recipe for Maple Bread-and-Butter Pickles. This is a treasure chest of delightful recipes you'll turn to again and again.

My thoughts-  

Maple syrup is one of my favorite ingredients in food. I love a great quality maple syrup to top my waffles or pancakes or to use in place of white sugar in recipes. My absolute favorite meal of the day is breakfast. If I could get away with eating breakfast for every single meal, I totally would. Ken Haedrich's Maply Syrup Cookbook offers a wide variety of breakfast recipes so I my mouth was watering just flipping through the pages. I was happy to also see the inclusion of other meal types that use maple syrup including sides and entrees. One of my favorite parts of the cookbook were the recipes for sauces, jams and dressings. There are 100 recipes in the book, so plenty of ways to utilize your maple syrup! I recommend Maple Syrup Cookbook to the breakfast or brunch lover, or someone looking to use less white sugar in their recipes.

This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

10:00 a.m.
The principal of Opportunity, Alabama's high school finishes her speech, welcoming the entire student body to a new semester and encouraging them to excel and achieve.

10:02 a.m.
The students get up to leave the auditorium for their next class.

10:03
The auditorium doors won't open.

10:05
Someone starts shooting.

This explosive, emotional, page-turning debut about a high school held hostage is told from the perspective of four teens—each with their own reason to fear the boy with the gun.
Marieke Nijkamp is a storyteller, dreamer, globe-trotter, geek. She holds degrees in philosophy, history, and medieval studies, and is an executive member of We Need Diverse Books, the founder of DiversifYA, and a founding contributor to YA Misfits. She lives in the Netherlands. Visit her at mariekenijkamp.com.

My thoughts-

I was a Junior in high school the year that the Columbine massacre took place. I know there were many mass school shootings before that, but we were the first generation to have 24/7 access to what was happening in the world and I think because of that, these shootings have been occurring more often in the years since Columbine. I think This Is Where it Ends did a wonderful job of portraying what it might be like, what it would feel like, for the teens in the novel that are in the situation. It helps us understand not only their fear, but each student's perspective offers more insight into the perpetrator's life and the time leading up to the event.  It was not an easy read at all, but it was well done nonetheless. I couldn't put it down and read it in just a couple of days. I would recommend This Is Where It Ends to anyone who likes fast paced books and who don't mind heavy subject matter.

This Is Where It Ends will be available January 5, 2016. You can pre-order your copy on Amazon.com.

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Kid Athletes by David Stabler (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book- 

The author and illustrator of Kid Presidents have reteamed to share 20 true tales from the childhoods of famous athletes. From Babe Ruth (so incorrigible that his parents put him in reform school at age 7) to Muhammad Ali (who learned to fight at age 12 after a thief stole his bicycle), Kid Athletes is packed with inspirational stories from the world of sports. Billie Jean King rose from modest circumstances to win 39 Grand Slam championships; Wilma Rudolph triumphed over polio to become the fastest woman on earth; and martial arts legend Bruce Lee credited his success, in part, to childhood dance lessons. Every goal, touchdown, and championship comes to life in these kid-friendly and relatable stories, all with Doogie Horner's whimsical full-color illustrations. Kid Athletes is a slam dunk for young sports fans everywhere.

My thoughts-

A while back while shopping at Costco my husband and I spotted an intriguing kids book called Kid Presidents. Our oldest child, Madelyn, has her sights set on the oval office so we thought she would enjoy the book. When we brought it home, it turned out that our twin boys also are super into this book. In fact, it is their most reached for book at reading time. I knew as soon as I saw Kid Athletes that my kids would absolutely adore it. The premise of the "kid" books is to share stories from the childhood of these famous people. The stories often show the individual overcome an obstacle or adversity and their perseverance to meet their goals. Not only is Kid Athletes a cool way to learn about the athlete growing up, but there are great lessons for kids to take away from these stories. There is a good mix of athletes represented in the book, from the super recognizable (Peyton Manning,  Danica Patrick, Michael Jordan) to some inspiring people that may be new names to your kids (Babe Didrickson, Bruce Lee, Muhammed Ali). Kid Athletes is a great book to share with your kids, you will both probably learn new things about your favorite athletes and maybe end up with some new favorites!

Ashley Bell by Dean Koontz (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

From #1 bestselling author Dean Koontz—the must-read thriller of the year, for readers of dark psychological suspense and modern classics of mystery and adventure.
 
The girl who said no to death.
 
Bibi Blair is a fierce, funny, dauntless young woman—whose doctor says she has one year to live.

She replies, “We'll see.”

Her sudden recovery astonishes medical science.

An enigmatic woman convinces Bibi that she escaped death so that she can save someone else. Someone named Ashley Bell.

But save her from what, from whom? And who is Ashley Bell? Where is she?

Bibi's obsession with finding Ashley sends her on the run from threats both mystical and worldly, including a rich and charismatic cult leader with terrifying ambitions.

Here is an eloquent, riveting, brilliantly paced story with an exhilarating heroine and a twisting, ingenious plot filled with staggering surprises. Ashley Bell is a new milestone in literary suspense from the long-acclaimed master.

My thoughts-

In my younger days, I read suspense and mystery pretty exclusively but these days it has to be a pretty interesting plot to catch my eye and pry me away from my preferred genres of the moment (historical fiction, contemporary fiction, ya, classics). Ashley Bell sounded like an interesting plot and I remember liking some of Koontz's other works so I was excited to dive in. I thought the novel started off a bit slow, but midway through I had an innate need to know what was happening in this book and it became a page turner for me. Upon reflection of the slow start, I realized it was just great character development that paid off later in the book. I enjoy books that keep me guessing and have new or rarely used plot points and I think Ashley Bell definitely met both of those expectations. Although I did find it to start slow, I enjoyed the pay off of those little details adding to the characters or of it adding a new dimension to  the loose ends as they were resolved at the end of the book. I would recommend Ashley Bell to anyone who enjoys suspense stories with twists and turns you may not be expecting!

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