New Releases

     As part of this blog, I plan to highlight some recently released books that seem interesting.  I may not get around to reading each of them, but they will certainly go on my "to read" list.  This month's new releases that caught my eye:

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The Girl in the Gatehouse

       I just finished The Girl in the Gatehouse, by Julie Klassen, and I have to say I feel a little empty today. Empty because I miss the characters and I miss the story.  The one thing I often hate about a good book is that I hate for it to end, and that was clearly the case with my latest read.   This novel was very much in the style of Jane Austen.  I should let you know that I love Jane Austen's works.  LOVE Jane Austen.  So the fact that Klassen's writing reminds me so much of Jane Austen, I'm hooked from the first chapter.  Some reviewers believe Klassen is too much like Jane Austen, and is not "original enough".  I don't care if it's original.  It reminds me of Jane Austen, and Jane Austen can't write more books, but Julie Klassen can, so I can still get good literature. I had read one novel by Klassen previously, The Apothecary's Daughter, and intend to read more.
     The novel, set in Regency England,  begins with Mariah, a single woman who has been ostracized by her family and community, for "shaming" the family.  She is sent to live with her Aunt (by marriage), but is isolated to the gatehouse, along with her former nanny-turned-household assistant.  Mariah must support herself by writing novels, which she does anonymously so she can avoid future embarrassment for her family.  The story is full of twists and turns, and has enough mystery to keep the reader engaged throughout the novel.  There are many lovable characters and some villains as well.
     The Girl in the Gatehouse is considered to be "Christian Fiction", but I found it just to be good, clean fiction,  If you only read Christian Fiction and look for books with a strong Biblical message, this may not be the best book for you. Christianity is hardly mentioned, and although God eventually plays a big part in the book, it would fit well into in "spiritual" category, as it resonates with themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and renewal.

Rating:  90/100
The bottom line:  A great historical romance, with a great message.  I can't wait to read more by this author.

Doctor Sleep/The Shining

I am starting my book blog with my favorite read of the past 12 months.  Doctor Sleep, the sequel to The Shining, by Stephen King, is one of the best books I've ever read. I read The Shining many years ago.  I saw the movie first, but several years after the movie, I read the book.  I, like Stephen King, found the book to be much better than the movie.  So when I heard a sequel was being released, I decided to re-read The Shining first.  I thought The Shining was even better than it was on the first read, but maybe I'm just older and wiser and get more out of it that I could when I was younger.

I anxiously awaited the release of Doctor Sleep, so I pre-ordered it from my local Barnes & Noble; I wanted to ENSURE that I would be able to get it on the very first day of its release.  I devoured Doctor Sleep in about a week, which is a fast read for such a long, "meaty" novel.  It was not a light read and every page was packed with substance.  In Doctor Sleep, Danny Torrence, the little boy with the gift of "the shining" is all grown up and facing issues with adulthood.  He, like his father, has battled alcohol addiction and has faced career obstacles as a result.  He is now working with terminally ill patients, helping them to "cross to the other side".  There is a danger lurking in the community, however, that threatens Danny and all others with similar gifts.

I have to say what I loved most about Doctor Sleep is that it made The Shining even better.  This book provided many details that filled in some holes in the first book.  It embellished the stories of Dan, as well as his father John, to provide an ever greater back story and continuation of Dan's life.Now that I've read Doctor Sleep, I want to go back to read The Shining again....for a third time.

My rating:  97/100
The bottom line:  Great suspense, strong character development

Welcome to My New Blog

Welcome to my new blog!  People have been suggesting for quite some time that I create a blog about books.  I love to read, and love to talk about books!  People are always asking for suggestions for great books, and this is where I plan to review not only books I've read, but ones I want to read, and others books that are are popular, even if I don't plan to read them myself!  Feel free to send me suggestions. I love to try new authors, genre, etc.