Last Reading Recap of the New Year/IMWAYR?

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.


Hope your celebrations last week were wonderful. We had a great time with our kids and 6 month old grandson Cole. I finished up a few books that I had going, and enjoyed doing family related things. Decided to put the decorations away this past weekend too.

Thoughts on the Books I Read Last Week:

I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy nelson

Twins Noah and Jude have always been close. Both are artists. Noah draws everything he sees and feels. Their mother encourages their artistic talents. Told in the alternating voices of Noah with what is happening at age 13, and in Jude's voice 3 years later. We know something has caused a rift between the twins and each chapters reveals what happened. Touching, emotional coming of age story. Another YA well worth the read.

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

This is such a unique book.  There are quite a few characters, but if you are patient they will worm they way into your heart and you just can't stop reading about them. The book takes place before and after a pandemic flu hit that wipes out life as it is known. A group performing Shakespeare before the pandemic continues to travel and perform and this is where most of the story centers.  How those involved are connected as the story progresses. This is one of those books that reads best if you don't know too much about it before reading.  

Earls Just Want To Have Fun by Shana Galen

Marlowe was kidnapped as a toddler and raised as a thief with the Covent Garden Cubs gang. She is very skilled at what she does. She is once again carried off by an investigator, as he's convinced she is Lord and Lady Lyndon's daughter.  Maxwell, Lord Dane is recruited by his brother to help watch Marlowe until her parents return home. Both characters were difficult to like at first, but the fun was in watching them each change. A good start to the series.  I hope Gideon gets a story. 

*Copy received from Sourcebooks via Netgalley*

Invincible by Diana Palmer (audio)

Carlie has been intrigued by mercenary Carson Firewalker. She is happy working for Sheriff Cash Grier. Her life is settling down after being involved in a case (previous book Wyoming Bold)  that put her life in danger. The criminal that held her died, but they are still looking for evidence to finally bring down a corrupt politician and both Carlie and her father Jake are still targets. Of course, Carson is tasked with keeping her safe. The criminal's attempts at kidnapping/clean-up was a bit more interesting that Carlie and Carson's relationship. Todd McLaren narrated, but at times his Carlie voice as annoying.  I look forward to Roark's book Untamed. 

A Kiss For Luck by Grace Burrowes

A prequel novella of the Sweetest Kisses series. Sadie and Gideon live in the same apartment building. Sadie has moved to be closer to her sister that has experienced a bad divorce. She is a game designer and a bit quirky. Gideon is living in apartment as his house is being renovated.  He is an investigator after giving up practicing law.  There romance meets a bump in the road, but is quickly resolved. We meet the Knightly brothers that are the focus of the series. A fun, enjoyable read.

This is a free novella at your favorite ebook sites.

The Lost Island by Preston and Child (audio)

Gideon is back! In this long awaited third book Gideon is tasked with stealing a page from a historical book that is seemingly impossible to do. But Gideon does what he does best and accomplishes the goal with flare. Once Amy and Gideon set off on the mission the action does not stop. There are quite a few twists and turns, and when the books takes a fantasy turn in the last 1/4 it almost lost me. I stuck with it and was rewarded. I look forward to the next book in the series. David W. Collins did an excellent job narrating the book..

  *Thanks to Hachette Audio for this review copy*



Up Next:
Virtue Falls by Christina Dodd
A Single Kiss by Grace Burrowes
The Good Daughter by Jane Porter

My first book of 2015.  Do you know what book will be your first one of 2015?

Happy New Year!