Before I Wake by C.L. Taylor

Release Date: June 1, 2014
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.


Synopsis:
Sue Jackson's world was turned upside down the moment her fifteen year-old daughter, Charlotte, walked in front of bus. In a desparate attempt to understand the reason behind the accident, she searched her daughter's room and soon realized Charlotte carried a secret so powerful it drove her into her current comatose state. Sue knew the truth would help her daughter. There wasn't anything that she wouldn't do to bring her baby back to health.

As she delved deeper into the darkness of her daughter's secrets, flashes of her own past threatened to engulf Sue. She saw danger hidden within the shadows all around, mysterious gifts began arriving that only she would understand and no one believed the stress and previous mental issues weren't playing a part in her present behavior. Can Sue discover the well-hidden secret before it's too late for Charlotte? Will she be able to do so before she loses herself?


Review:
This title intrigued me from the moment I read the description at NetGalley. How in the world could a secret be so awful that it would drive a young teen to walk into the path of a bus rather than go to someone for help? I also wondered why the mother would be so worried about her past being a reason for her daughter's despair. It was clear from the very first chapter that there were much deeper issues within the lives of the Jackson family. The past and present collided as Sue tried her best to discover the truth and created a reality so terrifying that no one imagined the outcome.

From the first paragraph, I was immersed into the life of Sue and Brian as they try to understand their current situation. While Brian refused to see anything other than an unfortunate accident to blame, Sue feared a more dangerous enemy was lurking within the shadows. Not very many people were privy to the horror she faced in a previous relationship. Therefore, they didn't understand the level of worry and paranoia that coursed through her at times. Mixed into this state of mind a high level of stress were obligations and the overwhelming need to know the truth behind the accident. Any one of the above were enough to cause Sue to doubt herself at many points in the story.

The author did an excellent job of depicting how very easy it can be to slip into an abusive relationship as well as how difficult it can be to break free. I could almost feel the lingering touches of the trauma within everything that Sue did. Not only was Sue a wonderful depiction of a survivor, her determination to fight for her child against all odds showed how strong she'd become. The other characters in the story were realistic to me and added their own layers of confusion and revelation whenever they appeared. I became frustrated at a few points because I knew some of them were holding back information vital to Sue's quest for truth.

All in all, this was a story that stayed with me for quite a while after I finished the book. The pacing of the book was such that once I began, there was no stopping until everything was out in the open. Just when I believed I knew what was coming, the author shifted gears and wandered down another avenue that I hadn't considered. I will say that some of the scenes within Sue's diary were graphic and hard to read as they did describe abusive situations. If you're wanting an real thrill ride of a book that won't let you sleep until it's over, then this is your book!

Before I Wake by C.L. Taylor is available at retailers in paperback or Kindle formats. By clicking the link below, you can purchase a copy from Amazon.
Before I Wake by C.L. Taylor

Currently Reading

A little bit behind this week, I have been putting more time into doing some writing exercises and editing on NaNo2012. It's been a struggle since I've also been fighting another sinus infection. I can't kick these stupid infections this season. However, I will survive them and find a way to get through all the things I want to accomplish.

So many new books are coming out that I want to read! Anne Rice is adding a new book to the Vampire Chronicles. Stephen King is releasing a book that makes me cringe (in a good way). C.S. Marks has finally put out the last book in her Alterra, The World That Is trilogy. I've been waiting for that book for a while now! I am so looking forward to many others. This blog has helped me to find some new authors to enjoy as well such as Heather Wardell, Michael F. Stewart and many more.


Daring me to read them are;
The Saeshell Book of Time, Part 1: The Death of Innocents (Children of Sophista #1) by Rusty Biesele
Jackfish Reborn by Rejean Giguere
Bones of My Brother by L. Frank Dunkin
The Butcher by Jennifer Hillier
Acting My Face by Anthony James


Completed books this week include;
Off the Kuf, Volume 1: Short Fiction from the Kindle Users Forum (Off the KUF #1) by Various Authors, David Wailing (Editor)


Okay, on to the next book! I can't wait to delve deeper into my TBR pile, but I'm going to have to pace myself. What's on your summertime reading list? Any recommendations?

Until next time,
Kay B

Wrecker by Dave Conifer

Release Date: January 4, 2011
Publisher: Self-published

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Jane knew she had a pretty good life. Both she and her husband had good jobs, a beautiful home, top-of-the-line cars and a child to complete the blissful picture. But something was missing for Jane. She spent much of her time feeling unfulfilled.

When her husband, Steve, hired a contractor to do manual labor around the house, Jane was intrigued by the man's unnatural physique. Innocent questions soon turned into something more than either Jane or Steve could handle. They were face to face with unexpected truths and accusations. Can they unravel the past before it's too late?


Review:
Okay, I admitted it once before and I'll do it again. I have a thing for mysteries. It has to be my favorite genre, so whenever I see a book with a bit of a mystery in it, I have to read it. I stumbled across this book while looking for a different title. Of course, I had to find out what happened to Jane and her family. When I started reading this book, it didn't seem like it would be a mystery of any kind. Truthfully, I thought I had been duped into buying a romance. Pushing myself to keep reading, I finally reached a point where the road turned back toward Mysteryville and I wasn't expecting the ending.

Jane and Steve were the typical modern family, complete with their own set of problems and flaws that impacted their relationship with each other. Though the story went back and forth between Jane's and Steve's point-of-views, the bulk of the story centered around Jane. It was easy to identify with her, especially with the way her husband was treating her a lot of the time. I could see why she felt intrigued about the contractor's history. Something so innocent as getting to know someone went downhill very fast for her and her family. I almost felt sorry for a few of the other characters when their histories were laid out, but my sympathy was tempered by their recent actions.

I felt the book started off slowly and didn't reach a steady pace until I reach the third or four chapter. Setting the scene took time, which I began to suspect as I continued turning the pages. The more I read, the quicker the pace became. By the two-thirds mark of the book, the action had propelled the pace toward resolution with a strong grip on the reader, aka me. The resolution was a little tidy for me but I feel it was a good way to leave the story. Some of the characters were never going to be the same after what they experienced. I do wonder what will become of them.

Overall, I have to say that I liked the story more than I anticipated at the beginning. It became much more involved as I kept reading. There were plenty of layers and questions that needed answering to keep me turning the pages. I'm happy I kept going until the end. More than likely, I will add some more of the author's books to my TBR pile. A great way to fill a sleepless night, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries and putting together the pieces as they read.

Wrecker by Dave Conifer is available for purchase at many online retailers in either paperback or Kindle format. Clicking the link below will allow you to visit the book's page at Amazon.
Wrecker by Dave Conifer
 

Fifty Million Reasons (Toronto #13) by Heather Wardell

Release Date: November 28, 2013
Publisher: Holly Leaf Press
Series: Toronto series, Book #13

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Who hasn't dreamed about hitting the big jackpot of a lottery drawing and what he or she would do with the winnings? Angela played the same numbers for years, never winning more than a few bucks here or there. When she least expected her life to change, she became the winner of Toronto's largest jackpot - fifty million dollars.

From the moment her winning ticket was confirmed, her life changed. People she didn't know and others she trusted were among those with their hands out. It was clear from the beginning that the plans she'd always dreamed of weren't the best in reality. Would she be able to whether the storm of such an affluent life? What would she be willing to sacrifice in the process?


Review:
After reading a previous title offered at NetGalley (Everybody's Got a Story: Toronto #12) by the same author, I was really happy to see this title available as well and eagerly put it on my TBR list. Because I enjoyed the previous book, my expectations for this title were a little higher than usual. However, I'm happy to report that this book fulfilled those expectations with ease. Though the book was part of a larger collection concerning the city of Toronto, it stood well on its own while including a bit of the history from the previous titles.

The book opened with the main character, Angela, sharing a secret with her neighbor's son, Zack, as they pay the bill for a person behind them in the drive-thru lane. This interaction revealed a lot about Angela's character and the easy-going relationship that she shared with a number of the supporting characters in the story. As events began to take place, it wasn't hard to see how easily a person's life and thoughts can change when presented with such a life-altering situation. Throughout her struggles with coming into a vast sum of money, Angela tried to not let it change who she was at her core. A lot of the incidents in the book between she and strangers, even some family members, were pretty close to what I would expect from the world in which we currently live. I was a bit surprised at how far a few people went to get at her money but not completely shocked.

It was such a wild ride from the moment Angela realized that she was a winner to the very end when many of the issues were resolved. For me this book was one that I could have read all the way through in a matter of hours if it weren't for prior obligations. I really felt for Angela who seemed to be a good-hearted person that only wanted to do right for the people in her life. There were a few moments were I was beating my head against the wall because of the stubbornness of a few characters. Without spoiling the book, let's just say that there were a time or two where a slap upside the head may have done the trick to wake him or her up a bit. Despite these feelings of mine, the book moved smoothly from chapter to the chapter and left the story at a natural conclusion.

Overall, I really liked the book. I could relate to Angela in her everyday life before the big win and often found myself doing the same type of daydreaming about spending the jackpot. The way in which she did spend the money was really a smart way to go about it and I'll have to keep it in mind if my numbers ever do win. The author did a great job of presenting strong female and male characters in this story which made it better, in my opinion. Not your usual romance, this book gives you a real world glimpse of what happens when the blue-collar struggling type suddenly becomes Ms. Multi-millionaire. If you're looking for an almost real romance with a few million tossed in for excitement, pick up a copy of this book today!

Fifty Million Reasons (Toronto #13) by Heather Wardell is now available at many online retailers and local bookstores. You can find a copy in either paperback or Kindle formats. Click the link below to visit the book's Amazon page.
Fifty Million Reasons (Toronto #13) by Heather Wardell

Currently Reading

Yes! Back on track. Well, the reading track anyway. So many of the other things I had planned for this year are already well behind. I think they may stay that way unless I get a few more bursts of energy (and ability) to catch up. In the meantime, I will keep doing my best.

If only I could stop adding more books to my TBR, the number would drop drastically. However, I'm one to take advantage of deals whenever I see them - constantly. So I don't think the number is going to suddenly drop any time soon. Maybe maintaining my current rate is good for now. Maybe.


On my to-be-read pile this week are;
The Saeshell Book of Time, Part 1: The Death of Innocents (Children of Sophista #1) by Rusty Biesele
Jackfish Reborn by Rejean Giguere
Bones of My Brother by L. Frank Dunkin
Off the Kuf Volume 1: Short Stories by Various Authors


Finally finished the following;
Fifty Million Reasons by Heather Wardell
Wrecker by Dave Conifer


Here's to hoping the summer won't be so humid and I can get out a time or two. Of course, I will keep plugging away at that TBR if I'm stuck inside. What are your plans for the summer? Or if you're down under, what are your winter plans?

Until next time,
Kay B

We Are the Goldens by Dana Reinhardt

Release Date: May 27, 2014
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books (Random House LLC)

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
After their parents divorced, Nell and Layla Golden only had one another for support and constant companionship in the ever-changing world. They could always count on each other to fill whatever voids in their lives. Once Nell began her freshman year at the same high school Layla attended, the bond between them was tested in ways they couldn't imagine.

Nell tried to wrap her head around the secret her sister revealed, but the weight of it all became too much. When lines were crossed, there came time for a decision to be made. Could Nell keep the secret and let Layla continue down a path towards harm? Or would she find the courage to do what she knew in her heart was right?

Review:
When I was a child, my brothers and I shared a similarly strong bond as reflected by the two teens in this story. We went everywhere together and experienced a lot of the same highs and lows in life with each other for support. It made weathering the bad times much easier to have them at my side. But then life took over as it did within the story and things shifted, tearing or stretching the bonds thin enough that they've broken a time or two. So when I read the description of the book as it was offered at NetGalley, I felt that I could relate to Nell on a certain level.

The book was presented from Nell's point-of-view. It was almost as though Nell was writing a long letter or journal entry to her sister, Layla, to explain her motivation behind her decision at the end of the book. She poured her heart into the missive, including her feelings and conflicted notions of betrayal and trust, as she recounted what was to be the start of a happy year in her life. As other characters were woven into the story, simple conversations or actions became much more complex and the consequences dire. As I read to the end, I sensed the heaviness of the secrets on Nell's shoulders and felt awful that she was being placed into such a position.

I nearly devoured this book entirely in one sitting. If it weren't for other obligations, I would have finished it within a few hours. Though it was a fairly quick read, the pacing of the book wasn't so quick that it neglected situations or characters in the process. There seemed to be a natural, steady flow to the action from the first chapter to the last. At one point in the book, Nell became overwhelmed with everything happening all at once and even commented on how life seemed to always be that way. We tend to think life happens in stages when the events that happen are constantly overlapping one another. So many adults have problems coping with this fact, it was interesting to see how a young, teenage girl would react to similar burdens.

Overall, I liked this book more than I thought I would. The book was definitely geared toward the young teen demographic, especially with the ups and downs of life in high school and with siblings. While it's geared toward a younger crowd, I suspect that many adults will relate to events in the book as well. At times I thought the book was a little all over the place, but that fit with the way a young person's mind works. Without spoiling the end, I will say that I was a little disappointed that a few doors were left open but I'm also very glad that a stand was taken. Honestly, this book could be used as a discussion or teaching tool for teens and parents. I would recommend this for readers in their mid-teens and up.

We Are the Goldens by Dana Reinhardt is currently available at many online retailers and local bookstores. You can purchase a copy in formats such as hardcover, Kindle or audio-book. Click the link below to visit the book's Amazon page.
We Are the Goldens by Dana Reinhardt

June's Hopes and Dreams

Who ordered the year on fast forward?

Seems like yesterday I was thinking that summer couldn't get here fast enough. Now that it's here, I'm glad for the air conditioner! The temperatures really need to find a compromise. Maybe somewhere around 70-ish would be a good start.

Regardless of the weather, I am very happy to continue this blog. Together we reached the one year milestone and I cannot wait for the next one! I hoped to give away two giftcards as prizes for the anniversary celebration. However, only one was awarded. The second giveaway had no participation, partially due to my being ill, so I'll have a random giveaway sometime close to the holiday season. I'm sure a free giftcard will be snatched up then.

Whether I've mentioned this or not before, I can't remember. Therefore I will mention it now. I do have a few chronic illnesses that plague me most of the time. Many days I can combat the way they make me feel and push myself to finish these books in time for a consistent posting schedule. Recently I ran into a situation where all the extra reviews I had were used up and my illness ran longer than I anticipated. If there is ever a time when it's all quiet here, please know that I'm doing my best to keep giving you honest, fair reviews.

Everything else is still in "behind schedule" land. I have so many stories and ideas that I want to write and not enough hours in the day to type them all out. I did make progress on quite a few secret projects. The granny square collection drive for the Brown-Brooks Project has collected over 250 squares so far! Those will sewn into a bunch of lovely afghans for the residents at one of our local nursing homes.

Hope this month brings you many wonders and delights. Summery weather is in full effect. Don't forget to explore the pages of some wonderful books as you go on vacations and adventures!

Until next time,
Kay B