What Are You Reading?

Sheila at Book Journey hosts this weekly event where we celebrate what we are reading for the week as well as books completed the previous week. I use this this weekly meme as a way to give short, concise thoughts on the books I've read.

Fighting a cold all week long kept me lying low and resting.  I choose some light, easier reads to keep me company.

Thoughts on the Books I Read Last Week:

Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen

Kate after suffering the loss of her husband has allowed her mother-in-law to take over.  Just as they were planning to move, her daughter, Devin, finds a postcard from the past that reminds Kate of her summer with her great aunt at Lost Lake.  They decide to go for a visit and find Eby contemplating selling the camp.  As Kate and Devin love it and decide to make a few changes in their lives.  The secondary characters are just as wonderful as Kate and Devin.  I closed the book with a sigh of contentment.

Boy 21 by Matthew Quick

Whether he writes adult or young adult, I will be reading his books. High school senior Finley helps take of his disabled grandfather while his dad works the night shift.  Basketball has been his escape. He is a young man of very little words which his girlfriend Erin accepts. His coach asks him to befriend a boy that has moved in with his grandparents and will be attending their school. There are secrets to be kept about this young man that wants to be known as "Boy 21". Finley understands as his family is keeping secrets too.  A touching story of friendship, sacrifice, and the journey of grief.

Undone by Shannon Richard

Paige's life has taken a huge turn for the worse.  She has moved in with her parents in Florida and is not accepted by many in the small town. She is shut out from the jobs she applies for, and is just about to give up when she meets mechanic Brendan.  Things begin looking up when she gets a job interview.  I liked that the relationship built slowly for these two wounded individuals.  A choice threatens their relationship, can they overcome?  I look forward to Grace & Jax's story. 

Thank you to Forever/Hachette NetGalley for this review copy

All For You by Jessica Scott

A military romance that brings attention to PTSD and the difficultly some have with obtaining treatment. Reza is struggling with addiction and watching his men suffer. Emily, much to her families disappointment, has joined the Army as a psychiatrist, wanting to make a difference. Sparks fly when Reza and Emily meet, but it will not be easy! Emotional, raw, and heartbreakingly honest. I will read Jessica's books again.

Thank you to Forever/Hachette and NetGalley for this review copy

Best Kind of Broken by Chelsea Fine

Pixie (Sarah) agreed to work at her aunt's Inn for the summer after her Freshman year at college.  Little did she know that Levi, her childhood friend/crush, is also working for her aunt.  We learn that something has happened that has damaged these two and their families.  Slowly as they navigate being around each other we learn what happened. Each of them need healing, forgiveness and  restoration.  Very funny (Pixie's inner dialogue was priceless).  A great beginning to a New Adult series.  I look forward to Kayla and Daren's story next.

Thank you to Forever/Hachette and NetGalley for this review copy

First Love by James Patterson and Emily Raymond (audio)

Axi, 16 has decided she is done being a good girl and encourages her best friend, Robinson to join her on a road trip.  Things get a bit crazy on their trip as their pasts play a big part on this journey. Lauren Fortgang captures the young voices very well.

Thank you to Mitch and Hachette Audio for this review copy.

Back and Blue by Gena Showalter (audio)

Book two in the Otherworld Assassin series got off to a bumpy start with the timing. Once that is established it is easy to fall  in love with Blue and Evie, and settle into their story.  Lots of action as they search for the missing member of their team. George Newbern did a fantastic job with the characters.  

Thank you to Lauren and Simon and Schuster Audio for this review copy.

Coaltown Jesus by Ron Koertge

This quick (128 pgs.) young adult novel in verse is touching, funny and would be great for anyone going through a hard time.  Fourteen year old Walter is grieving the loss of his older brother. He see how his mother is hurting.  He calls out timidly in prayer and Jesus shows up.  Some may find it irreverent, but I did not.

Up Next:
Heartbeat by Elizabeth Scott
Requiem by Jamie McGuire

Book Thoughts Posted:
Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck
Must Love Dukes by Elizabeth Michels