Review: The Qualities of Wood by Mary Vensel White

A haunting and beautifully written debut novel by an exciting new talent. When Betty Gardiner dies, leaving behind an unkempt country home, her grandson and his young wife take a break from city life to prepare the house for sale. Nowell Gardiner leaves first to begin work on his second mystery novel. By the time his wife Vivian joins him, a real mystery has begun: a local girl has been found dead in the woods behind the house. Even after the death is ruled an accident, Vivian can't forget the girl, can't ignore the strange behaviour of her neighbours, or her husband. As Vivian attempts to put the house in order, all around her things begin to fall apart. 'The Qualities of Wood' is a stunning novel from an exciting new writer. Perfect for readers of Anne Tyler and Anita Shreve.

Paperback, 370 pages

Expected publication: June 17th 2014 by HarperCollins Authonomy

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Harper Collins Authonomy via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  Thanks!  The expected publication date is June 17, 2014.
 

I have started and stopped writing my thoughts several times.  I am really struggling with my opinion on this read.  It is easy to pen my thoughts when a book is outstanding or when it is terrible.  This one was neither and hence I do not know what to say.
 

The writing style was easy to read and flowed well.  My main issue was that nothing really happened in this story.  I am still left wondering what it was about.  Was it a mystery?  Was it a story about self discovery?  I don't know.  I feel like the story and its meaning was underdeveloped which made its 370 pages feel very long.  I sense that the message that was meant to occur failed to materialize for me.
 

While the book was filled with interesting characters you only got a sample of each.  The reader never really learns anything about them with the exception of Vivian.  I have the feeling this was intentional however it really didn't work for me.  I wanted to know about Stokes, Lonnie and Dot.  Perhaps learn more about Nowell's story.  This was an unexplored avenue that really could have been interesting.

 

 

All in all this was not a bad read.  Just a little on the disappointing for me as I feel it had so much more potential then it delivered.  This will not discourage me from reading more work by Vensel White as I do feel that she shows potential.  This book was just average for me.

About the Author

Mary Vensel White was born in Los Angeles and raised in Lancaster, California. She graduated from the University of Denver and lived for five years in Chicago, where she completed an MA in English at DePaul University. Her short fiction has appeared in The Wisconsin Review and Foothills Literary Journal. The Qualities of Wood is her first novel.

Vensel White currently lives in southern California with her husband and four children. She is working on another novel set in the Midwest, a place that flourishes in her imagination despite her sunny surroundings, and a collection of interrelated short stories.

Website:  http://www.maryvenselwhite.com

Twitter:  mvw888    

           

Review: Future Tense by L.J. Cohen

In the ten years since his parents died in a fire he predicted but couldn't prevent, seventeen year old Matt is trying to stay out of trouble, biding his time until he ages out of foster care. All he wants is for the world to leave him alone so he won't be tortured by seeing someone's future he's powerless to change anyway. But his plans for keeping himself aloof fail when he interrupts a vicious attack on Amara, a girl he recognizes from school. Despite his best attempts to push her away, he can't ignore the connection they've formed. That's when glimpses of Amara's dangerous future start to invade the present — a future he fears is his fault. Now Matt has something to lose again . . . and something to fight for.

Paperback, 290 pages

Published February 5th 2014 by Interrobang Books 

Genre: Young Adult

Kristine's Thoughts:

I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

The premise of this book was interesting and the story was easy to read with its simplistic writing style. Readers of any age will be able to get through it quickly.

The plot had an interesting concept with Matt seeing bad things before they happen but having no control or ability to change the outcome. I did find that the story dragged in places and some key parts to the story were skimmed over. Matt's self loathing did get on my nerves after a while and I wanted to reach into the pages and give him a shake. I understand that he had a rough life and that seeing things that you don't want to can be overwhelming but he spent way too much time thinking negatively.

The story between Matt and Amara was a little under developed in my opinion as well. It would have been nice to read more about their developing relationship and connection. I feel it would have been a much more realistic story if more time was spent on it.

Over all it was a cute story that I think young readers will enjoy.

About the Author

 LJ lives outside of Boston with her family and dogs. Her writing spans the gamut from poetry, essays, short stories, and novels. LJ has a secret love of reading and writing YA books. She is represented by Nephele Tempest of The Knight Agency. 

Connect with L.J. Cohen 

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads

Review: I Love you More by Jennifer Murphy

One man, three wives, the perfect murder. A scintillating novel of betrayal and conspiracy.

Picasso Lane is twelve years old when her father, Oliver, is murdered at their summer beach house. Her mother, Diana, is the primary suspect—until the police discover his second wife, and then his third. The women say they have never met—but Picasso knows otherwise. Picasso remembers the morning beautiful Jewels showed up at their house, carrying the same purse as her mother, and a family portrait featuring her father with two strange boys. Picasso remembers lifting the phone, listening to late night calls with Bert, a woman heavily pregnant with Oliver's fourth child. As the police circle and a detective named Kyle Kennedy becomes a regular fixture in their home, Picasso tries to make sense of her father's death, the depth of his deceit, and the secrets that bind these three women. Cunningly paced and plotted, I Love You More is a riveting novel of misplaced loyalty, jealousy, and revenge.

Hardcover, 304 pages

Expected publication: June 17th 2014 by Doubleday

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the publisher Doubleday via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is June 17, 2014.

This story is a little different from the ones I normally read however I quite enjoyed it.  Filled with lies, betrayal, murder and secrets it had just enough to keep you interested.  Told from three perspectives Picasso's (the daughter), the wives and the detective in charge of the murder investigation it gave you multiple angles to look at the story.

I preferred the perspective of Picasso as it was interesting looking at this messed up story from the perspective of an eleven year old child.  Although young, her personality and intellect lent to a much older child.  I also liked that her story mixed everyday life in with the situation at hand.  The perspective from the detective held the least interest for me as I simply did not find him a compelling enough character.

I will admit to figuring out the twists and turns of the plot however I was still interested in seeing how it would unfold.  Also, the beginning and the end of the story held a lot more interest for me and at times throughout the middle I found my attention drifting and feeling like the book was longer than it actually was.

At the end of the day this was an entertaining read for those who like a good murder mystery with a couple of twists.  It was an enjoyable afternoon curled up with the book.

About the Author
JENNIFER MURPHY has studied writing with Joyce Maynard, Ann Hood, Ursula Hegi, Lynn Freed, Helena Maria Viramontes, Stacey d'Erasmo, Helen Schulman, Karen Shepard, Whitney Otto, and Ron Rash. She is a regular attendee of the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference as well as the Tin House conference. Jennifer holds a BFA, MA, and MFA in visual art and architecture and is the founder and president of Citi Arts, a public art and urban planning firm. She is currently pursuing her MFA in Creative Writing at the  University of Washington in Seattle, Washington.


 

Feature and Follow Friday #32

Feature & Follow Friday is a weekly meme that allows book bloggers to interact with each other and find new blogs! It has two hosts, Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. The rules are...
 
(Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
(Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers
If you’re new to the follow Friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog.

This week's question is...

Armchair Travel! Tell us about your favorite book in a setting you’d like to visit (a real place for this question).

Terri's Answer

Oh good question...I have read so many books that take place in so many wonderful settings that I can't even remember most of them.  I will have to go with the book that takes place (partially) in a place I have on my bucket list of places to go...it is a long list.  It is currently a book that is very much in the spotlight at the moment due to the release of the move last week...which was one of the best book to movie adaptations I have seen yet BTW

And that place would be Amsterdam.  I have read a few books that took place here and they make it sound so beautiful.  A perfect day would be a bike ride around the canals and then finding a shady spot to curl up with a great book and a delicious snack

a

This will be crossed off of my bucket list sooner rather than later that's for sure!

Kristine's Answer

I have to agree with Terri yet again. Amsterdam is definitely a place I would like to visit. I am trying to think of another book with a setting that appeals and I am drawing a blank. I know there are many and I'll probably think of them all after this post goes up. Seeing as how I am drawing a blank (the joys of working nights) I can tell you a setting that I would love to read about in a book and that would be Santorini, Greece or any of the Greek Isles. Do any of you know of a great book or books that take place there because I would love to read them?

I will be visiting Santorini next fall and even though I have never been there before, I am already in love with it.

How about you? What is your favourite book setting that you would like to visit?

That is our Feature and Follow Friday for this week! Comment down below if you're a new follower of ours with a link to your blog and we will make sure to follow you back. You can follow us via gfc, bloglovin, email, facebook and/or twitter.

 

Review: Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

A haunting debut novel about a mixed-race family living in 1970s Ohio and the tragedy that will either be their undoing or their salvation

Lydia is dead. But they don’t know this yet . . . So begins the story of this exquisite debut novel, about a Chinese American family living in 1970s small-town Ohio. Lydia is the favorite child of Marilyn and James Lee; their middle daughter, a girl who inherited her mother’s bright blue eyes and her father’s jet-black hair. Her parents are determined that Lydia will fulfill the dreams they were unable to pursue—in Marilyn’s case that her daughter become a doctor rather than a homemaker, in James’s case that Lydia be popular at school, a girl with a busy social life and the center of every party.

When Lydia’s body is found in the local lake, the delicate balancing act that has been keeping the Lee family together tumbles into chaos, forcing them to confront the long-kept secrets that have been slowly pulling them apart. James, consumed by guilt, sets out on a reckless path that may destroy his marriage. Marilyn, devastated and vengeful, is determined to find a responsible party, no matter what the cost. Lydia’s older brother, Nathan, is certain that the neighborhood bad boy Jack is somehow involved. But it’s the youngest of the family—Hannah—who observes far more than anyone realizes and who may be the only one who knows the truth about what happened.

Kindle Edition, 304 pages

Expected publication: June 26th 2014 by The Penguin Press 

Genre: Adult Fiction

Kristine's Thoughts:

I received an advanced readers copy of this book from Penguin Press via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is June 26, 2014. Thank You!

"Lydia is dead. But they don't know this yet."

This is how the book begins. If that doesn't catch you from the get go, I don't know what will. Don't be mistaken though. This is not a murder mystery or thriller but a sweeping family drama about one mixed race family in the 1970's and the events that lead up to Lydia's death and how they cope after.

Although the story begins with Lydia's death, it is actually so much bigger than that. Through the point of view of each family member we learn about their history and the life events that alter and change their path and lead them ultimately to the tragic event. We hear from James and Marilyn (her parents), Nathan and Hannah (her brother and sister) and from Lydia herself.

James grew up as the only Chinese American student in his school and wanted nothing more than to be accepted and fit in. Marilyn wanted to break the mold that her mother desired for her and become a doctor in a male dominated field. When the two meet and fall in love, the paths they were heading towards are altered permanently. Through their middle child they both see the opportunity for her to be the things that they never could be. We begin to understand the pressure this has on Lydia to be the perfect daughter with unwavering attention and high expectations. Through Nathan and Hannah we also discover what life is like for the disappointment and the invisible child and the toll it takes on them.

Ng disects the family beautifully and in a way that keeps the pages turning. By the time you finish the book you have a real understanding of all of the characters as well as haunting connection. I was truly invested in each and every one of them.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a beautiful and well written story. I absolutely loved it!

About the Author

Celeste Ng grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Shaker Heights, Ohio, in a family of scientists. She attended Harvard University and earned an MFA from the University of Michigan (now the Helen Zell Writers’ Program at the University of Michigan), where she won the Hopwood Award. Her fiction and essays have appeared in One Story, TriQuarterly, Bellevue Literary Review, the Kenyon Review Online, and elsewhere, and she is the recipient of the Pushcart Prize. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with her husband and son.

Connect with Celeste

Website/Twitter/Facebook /Goodreads

Review: #scandal by Sarah Ockler

Lucy’s learned some important lessons from tabloid darling Jayla Heart’s all-too-public blunders: Avoid the spotlight, don’t feed the Internet trolls, and keep your secrets secret. The policy has served Lucy well all through high school, so when her best friend Ellie gets sick before prom and begs her to step in as Cole’s date, she accepts with a smile, silencing about ten different reservations. Like the one where she’d rather stay home shredding online zombies. And the one where she hates playing dress-up. And especially the one where she’s been secretly in love with Cole since the dawn of time.

When Cole surprises her at the after party with a kiss under the stars, it’s everything Lucy has ever dreamed of… and the biggest BFF deal-breaker ever. Despite Cole’s lingering sweetness, Lucy knows they’ll have to ’fess up to Ellie. But before they get the chance, Lucy’s own Facebook profile mysteriously explodes with compromising pics of her and Cole, along with tons of other students’ party indiscretions. Tagged. Liked. And furiously viral.

By Monday morning, Lucy’s been branded a slut, a backstabber, and a narc, mired in a tabloid-worthy scandal just weeks before graduation.

Lucy’s been battling undead masses online long enough to know there’s only one way to survive a disaster of this magnitude: Stand up and fight. Game plan? Uncover and expose the Facebook hacker, win back her best friend’s trust, and graduate with a clean slate.

There’s just one snag—Cole. Turns out Lucy’s not the only one who’s been harboring unrequited love..

Hardcover, 368 pages

Expected publication: June 17th 2014 by Simon Pulse

Terri's Thoughts  

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Simon Pulse via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is June 17, 2014.

This is a story about bullying plain and simple and boy oh boy was there ever a lot of it that occurred on throughout the story.  I can not even begin to comprehend the torture and humiliation that Lucy had to endure.  I remember what it was like in high school and I recall that people could be mean and do things to make others miserable.  It was magnified in this story with the assistance of the many social media outlets available to teenagers which grants anonymity to allow people to bully.

There was an interesting cast of supporting characters in this story.  From Franklin, Lucy's sister, Cole and the eVIL crew.  I found them all interesting for different reasons and thought that they brought an extra value to the storyline.  The banter between Lucy and 420 was hilarious.  I also found an odd pleasure with the Canadian exchange student.  To quote from the story "A Canadian exchange student...who does that?".  FYI...I am Canadian so others may not have found it as funny as I did.

The main issue that I had with the story was with the schools principal and the actions that she took in the story.  Set aside the fact that she was completely flaky, I found it difficult to accept that she knew Lucy was being bullied yet she subjected her to a punishment for it.  Given the audience this story is directed at I do not think that it is sending a very good message.

To summarize my thoughts on this story I feel that it is a very relevant topic geared towards the right target audience to send it's message.  In our digital world we live in people have access to so many ways to target and bully people and it is simply not acceptable.  For fear of sounding old (really I am not that old!) I really hope that the message rings loud and clear when the YA audience is reading this.  Although this story outlines the message in sometimes radical ways, there is a truth to be found in all of it.

About the Author

Sarah Ockler is the bestselling author of novels for teens, including The Book of Broken Hearts, Bittersweet, Fixing Delilah, and the critically acclaimed Twenty Boy Summer, a YALSA Teens' Top Ten nominee and IndieNext List pick. Her latest, #scandal, hits the shelves in June 2014.

Sarah is a champion cupcake eater, coffee drinker, night person, and bookworm. When she's not writing or reading at home in Colorado, she enjoys taking pictures, hugging trees, and road-tripping through the country with her husband, Alex.

Visit her website at sarahockler.com or find her on Twitter, Tumblr, or Facebook.

Website:  http://sarahockler.com
Twitter:  sarahockler

Review: The Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand

Forty-eight-year-old Nantucketer Dabney Kimball Beech has always had a gift for matchmaking. Some call her ability mystical, while others-like her husband, a celebrated economist, and her daughter, who is clearly engaged to the wrong man-call it meddlesome, but there's no arguing with her results: with forty-two happy couples to her credit and all of them still together, Dabney has never been wrong about romance. Never, that is, except for the case of herself and Clendenin Hughes, the green-eyed boy who took her heart with him long ago when he left the island to pursue his dream of becoming a journalist.

 Now, after spending twenty-seven years on the other side of the world, Clen is back on Nantucket, and Dabney has never felt so confused-or so alive. But when tragedy threatens her own second chance, Dabney must face the choices she's made and share painful secrets with her family. Determined to make use of her gift before it's too late, she sets out to find perfect matches for those she loves most. The Matchmaker is a heartbreaking novel about losing and finding love, even as you're running out of time.

Hardcover, 368 pages

Expected publication: June 10th 2014 by Little, Brown and Company 

Genre: Chick Lit

Kristine's Thoughts:

I received an advanced readers copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thank You!

This book revolves around Dabney, a native Nantucketer, as she deals with the complications that occur when her high school sweetheart and "perfect" match re-appears on the island after a twenty-seven year separation. It wouldn't be that complicated if it were not for the fact that she had his child after he left and she is married to someone else. His return stirs up thoughts and feelings that she thought she had buried forever. At the same time her daughter's love life is a mess and she doesn't know how to help without alienating her only child. When tragedy strikes she is plagued with secrets, lies and confusion and doesn't know what she should do.

The Matchmaker is a quick and easy read filled with family turmoil and lots of love. Throughout the pages there are testimonials from some of the forty-two matches that she was responsible for and I thought this was a nice touch. The setting and the way Hilderbrand described it was beautiful and a pleasure to read about. I felt like I was on the island along with everyone else.

There were just a few things that stop me from giving it a higher rating. First of all, Dabney came across as much older than forty eight to me. I can't pin exactly why but I had to keep reminding myself of her age because she felt much older than that. Second, I wish that there was more of a back story on Dabney and Clen so that I could have felt their connection more. The book does go back to their past but not enough for me to feel the unending love to the degree that I would have liked. Finally, I hated Dabney's husband although I feel like he wasn't meant to be a villain. It was his friendship and admiration of his future son in law that made me have this opinion. He raised Agnes as his own but was too blind to see the changes that occurred in her because of her fiance. Biological father or not, this is something he should have noticed and went unresolved or unmentioned when things unfolded. He was oblivious and I really, really disliked him.

All in all, it was a good read and I was happy to get lost in it for a few hours. This was the second book by Elin Hilderbrand that I have read and I look forward to reading more.

About the Author

Elin Hilderbrand lives on Nantucket with her husband and their three young children. She grew up in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and traveled extensively before settling on Nantucket, which has been the setting for her five previous novels. Hilderbrand is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the graduate fiction workshop at the University of Iowa.

Connect with Elin

Twitter/Facebook /Goodreads