~*Book Review*~

Book: The Christmas Note by Donna VanLiere
My rating: 5/5
I received this book free from BookSneeze in exchange for a review.

The Christmas Note was a real treat to read. I consider it my first Christmas present to myself this holiday season. I won't reveal any spoilers here because I want readers to discover this gem for themselves!

First off, I love the quotes at the beginning of every chapter. They really add a special touch. Now to the story. Simply put, I loved it! The author's style of writing is so easy to read and you can just fly through this book in no time. Now that can be a negative, but I have many books I'd like to get through before the end of the year, so this works for me. Still, I hate to see a good book end!

Gretchen moves to a condo with her two small children. Her mother lives close by and along with her mother's best friend, they are a couple of characters I'd like to know. A lot of laughter is contained in those pages where they are present. Living next door to Gretchen, is Melissa. She's a bit on the grouchy side and does not really want to know her neighbors. Melissa needs something to believe in. Gretchen and her whole gang might just be that something.

Not giving anything away here, but everyone needs somebody to lean on every now and then, and this sweet story is about that and more. Much more. As with any good book, my emotions ran wild with this one. Some parts made me cry and others made me howl with laughter. Excellent little read and I highly recommend it!

~*Book Review!*~

Book: Waking Hours by Lis Wiehl with Pete Nelson
My rating: 4/5
I received this book free from BookSneeze in exchange for a review.

I really enjoy reading supernatural thrillers. This book drew me in with that element and the setting is East Salem so it started off on a good note from the beginning. The author has a way with the scenic details so that you find yourself in the middle of the action. So real you can almost feel the Autumn mist touch your face and smell the blood that has been spilled by the murderer.

The main character, Dani, is a likable person. She's smart, pretty, and knows what she wants to do with her life. Combining her with an old love interest was genius! They knew each other in high school so they have history. Very good chemistry in this story-line. I'm not much for romance in the books I read, but the author just touched on this subject and I really appreciate this move.

As for the murder and supernatural element, the book is suspenseful and well laid out. It's one of those books where you think you know who the murderer is, but you don't find out until the end, which is they way a book should be written. Who wants to know the ending before even getting to the second chapter?

The reader is given the murder, the suspects, a few creepy moments, and a thrilling ending. Well, it's not actually an ending, because this is the first book in a trilogy, so there's more to come! Lis Wiehl definitely made me want more, so I look forward to the next book!

~*Book Review!*~

Book: There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones
My rating: 4/5
I received this book free in exchange for a review from BookSneeze

I was drawn to this book because it takes place in Ireland. Being of Irish descent, this always appeals to me. I didn't notice it was 'Christian Lit' or 'Teenage Chick Lit' until I was well into it. That only means that this book is never too "preachy" or "juvenile".

Finley has lost her way and a bit of her faith. She is struggling with the death of her brother, and she's not sure if God is listening. I've felt like this in my life before, so I can relate. It feels as if you are not being heard and all you want to do is shout louder and louder so that maybe some day you'll get an answer.

I enjoyed the interaction between Finley and Mrs. Sweeney. One never giving too much, but the other giving just enough. They worked well together and brought out the best in each other. By the end of their time together, I was crying because they both got what they wanted. Their voice was finally heard. Finley made a difference and Mrs. Sweeney was finally understood.

The Beckett character was interesting, but I'm glad it did not overshadow the true meaning of this book. He was kind of a diversion, but he also kept Finley on her toes and asking questions. He provided support when she needed it the most. She also changed his life for the better, too.

This is a very inspirational book. I enjoyed it immensely and I look forward to reading more from this author. Her style of writing is very appealing to me. She's very on topic and has a way of putting the reader in the middle of the action. I'll forgive her for making me cry because that just means she's good at what she does.

I would recommend this book for anyone that has a fondness for 'chick lit' or inspirational titles because it is both. A very enjoyable read!