Review: The Next Always

The Next Always by Nora Roberts

Format: Trade Paperback
Pages: 343
Published: November 1, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Genre: Fiction, Romance, Suspence

My Rating: 5/5

Summary (from chapters.ca):

The historic hotel in BoonsBoro, Maryland, has endured war and peace, changing hands, even rumored hauntings. Now it's getting a major facelift from the Montgomery brothers and their eccentric mother. As the architect of the family, Beckett's social life consists mostly of talking shop over pizza and beer. But there's another project he's got his eye on: the girl he's been waiting to kiss since he was fifteen...

Review:

She had done it again... Nora Roberts has an amazing gift for drawing her readers in and leaving the desperate for the next book. I was in love (LOVE) with the wedding quartet series that she completed late last year (still sad it's over) and was wondering what I would sink my teeth into next... the Boonsboro Inn trilogy is perfect!

A dreamy setting, a quiet town with generations of people who have grown up together. An old Inn in the centre of town that has it's own secrets and stories waiting to be shared. The Montgomery brothers, Beckett, Owen and Ryder, are set to bring it back to life and open the town up for a bigger and brighter future.

One of my favourite things in this novel was the Inn. I loved the idea of an old building - with a part - being brought back to life. The descriptions of each room were so romantic and the image in my head has made me want an Inn of my own. As the renovations continued, I found myself repeatedly flipping to the books cover and getting lost in the story. It was/is beautiful.

The characters were so real. I enjoyed every single one of them and they each played off the others so well. The one that I could relate to the most was Clare - the bookstore owner (called Turn the Page... umm, hello?!?!). Just her story alone made me drool... maybe not her reasons for being back in Boonsboro, but the store. My dream being lived out on the pages was a real treat!

Overall, I simply cannot wait for book two in the series... and I can only imagine that I will be just as sad when this comes to an end.

Review & Giveaway: With Good Behavior

I don't normally post twice in a day because I find it overwhelming for those following... you should only have to tune in once a day to see what's happening in the world of Turning the Pages. However, today is a special day because I am participating in two, yes TWO, book blog tours today.


The second is a two-book series by Jennifer Lane. As part of the tour, those new to the series are reviewing With Good Behavior and those who have previously read that book, are reviewing Bad Behavior.


With Good Behavior by Jennifer Lane

Format: ebook
Pages: 410
Published: July 13, 2010
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Genre: Ficton

My Rating: 3.5/5

Summary (from omnific pulishing):

In a world gripped by organized crime, family dysfunction, and dim hopes of redemption, can true love persevere? For Sophie Taylor, a beautiful psychologist who lost everything when she violated an ethical boundary, and Grant Madsen, a handsome naval officer who sacrificed everything to protect a loved one, finding that love may carry an unbearable cost.

Starting their lives over in Chicago, both are fighting influences from their family and running as fast as they can to escape the past. When their paths cross outside the parole officer's door, the attraction is instantaneous. But a hidden connection may not only shatter their fledgling love, but prove deadly to them both.

Review:

**NOTE: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher. However, no compensations were made and this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings.**

My initial feeling upon completing the book were that there may have been too much detail. It felt that the book was too long, by about 100 pages or so. That being said, it was a very interesting book with lots of sub-plots that all came together in an explosive ending.

The characters in this novel are what makes the story. You become connected to them in ways that make you want them to conquer all their demons and have the happy ending that they deserve. Sophie and Grant are 'cons' but not your stereotypical ones. Both being convicted of crimes that they didn't set out to commit makes you feel like you are rooting for the underdog from the get-go. Even though they were the main characters of the story, my personal favourites are the 'mafia' family members... Angelo, Carlo, Meat and Tank. There is just something 'Sopranos-like' about them and I LOVED that show!

Jennifer Lane did really well at connecting Sophie and Grant, behind the scenes, while allowing the story to flow seamlessly. It's not often that both of the main characters are unaware of their connection and this was a very interesting aspect.

The downfall of this novel, while only my personal feeling, was the ending... or more, the wrap-up AT the end. To me, once the climax has been reached and the story is basically done, I want a very quick, neat finale. I found that With Good Behavior's ending was too drawn out and lasted for way too long... over 50 pages. While some of the information/storyline was good and justified, a lot of it was unnecessary information.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and if you enjoy mafia/romance/mystery novels, then this one will be right up your alley.

Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to view The Conduct Series Tour Schedule...

Review: Chosen

I was given the opportunity to be part of another book blog tour this month and today, I am hosting the tour for Chosen by Chandra Hoffman. To see all of the dates for this tour, please visit the tour host, Chick Lit Plus.


Chosen by Chandra Hoffman

Format: Trade Paperback
Pages: 320
Published: August 16, 2010
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Fiction, Suspense

My Rating: 4/5

Summary (from amazon.ca):

It all begins with a fantasy: the caseworker in her "signing paperwork" charcoal suit standing alongside beaming parents cradling their adopted newborn, set against a fluorescent-lit delivery-room backdrop. It's this blissful picture that keeps Chloe Pinter, director of the Chosen Child's domestic-adoption program, happy while juggling the high demands of her boss and the incessant needs of both adoptive and biological parents.

But the very job that offers her refuge from her turbulent personal life and Portland's winter rains soon becomes a battleground involving three very different couples: the Novas, well-off college sweethearts who suffered fertility problems but are now expecting their own baby; the McAdoos, a wealthy husband and desperate wife for whom adoption is a last chance; and Jason and Penny, an impoverished couple who have nothing — except the baby everyone wants. When a child goes missing, dreams dissolve into nightmares, and everyone is forced to examine what he or she really wants and where it all went wrong.

Review:

**NOTE: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher. However, no compensations were made and this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings.**

A parent's nightmare... that is all I could think when I read the premise for this book and from that moment on, I knew that I had to read it.

A story told from the perspective of the main characters, jumping from person-to-person, can sometimes be tricky. Storylines can become blurred and readers frustrated. However, this was not the case with Chosen. The story forged ahead, without missing a beat, even when you were ready for a break.

If this book taught me anything, it's that adoption is not pretty. Telling the story from four different angles really did present the story with the most information possible. It's hard to believe it but the person that I sympathized the most with was Chloe, the social services agent. How could you deal with taking someone's child away even when the reward is the smiles of that childs new family. It's heartbreaking.

Chandra Hoffman's writing style allows the reader to not only have a glimpse into each of the character's lives but also a peak into what they are feeling; what they are thinking. It's not often that you can relate to the 'bad guys' and the 'good guys'; that you can feel as though you can actually see every side of the story. It was nice to finally have a complete story and at the end, realize that everyone really was using their heart to deal with life's challenges.

Overall, this is a riviting, heart-wrenching tale that will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat.

A Christmas Wish List

Like most book lovers, this time of year brings about lots of giddy anticipation. We all hope for a lovely assortment of book shaped gifts, wrapped in a beautiful array of Christmas paper, underneath the Christmas tree. If not, we hope to have the next best thing, the gift certificate to our favourite book store (Chapters, in case anyone is wondering) where we can spend hours upon hours browsing the book catalouges and come out with an armful of freshly printed books.

Yes, Christmas is a book lovers dream come true.

This year, I have added so many books to my shelves that it makes it hard to know what to ask for. Many people don't like buying gift cards as presents because it doesn't seem as personal... instead, they ask and wait, and wait, and wait for a list of items that would be welcomed. To better assist those particular people, I have made a fabulously loaded list on Amazon.ca.

Here is my 2011 Christmas Wish List.

Don't get me wrong, this is not a public call for all of my book blogger friends to rush out and fill my wish list. It is more of a general guide for those that would normally ask me for a list. Here it is... nice and easy. Of course, if you want to buy a title off this list and I happen to find it under my tree, I don't think I would complain... ;)

Happy Christmas everyone... 'tis the season to be reading!

In My Mailbox #24

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi over at The Story Siren. The general idea is to share the books that you have purchased, that you have borrowed, or that you have found.

My friends to the South have spent the week celebrating Thanksgiving and Black Friday. The shopping for the Christmas season is now officially underway - sales are seen everywhere and all those books that were on hold until the season, have been released. This makes a book lover a little giddy!!

Without further adieu, here is this weeks edition of 'In My Mailbox':

Review copies from HarperCollins Canada, Random House Canada and UK, Denise Grover Swank (book tour), and Hachette Book Group:












A win from HBG Canada for #BookRoomThursday:












Some additions to the bookshelf, including a signed copy of The Book of (Holiday) Awesome from the author meet and greet!!:













What was in your mailbox this week?

100 Follower Giveaway

We did it... Turning the Pages has finally reached that amazing 100 Follower milestone. Thank you so much to all my great friends, family and fellow book lovers for making it possible!

As promised, there is a celebration giveaway now that we are here. For this giveaway, there will be three prizes awarded to anyone, anywhere. You don't have to be a follower of the blog, but of course, it would make it a lot easier to get to the next giveaway level! ;)

Prizes:

First Prize ~ A $10 book of the winners choice, a holiday mug, some holiday chocolates and a smelly (pretty) candle for some reading atmosphere

Second Prize ~ A holiday mug, holiday chocolates and a candle.

Third Prize ~ A holiday mug, holiday chocolate and a candle.

To enter, simply fill out the form below and you're done. Check back on Friday, December 2nd when I announce the winners! Good Luck!!

Giveaway Closed... winners are below:

First Prize ~ Rener Giraldy
Second Prize ~ Melissa Caldwell
Third Prize ~ Linda Callaghan

All winners will be contacted by email. Thank you for participating and let's make the 200 Follower giveaway happen soon! Click, Follow, Share!

Review: Simply Irresistible

Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis

Format: ebook
Pages/Size: 337/440 KB
Published: October 1, 2010
Publisher: Hachette Book Group
Genre: Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit

My Rating: 4/5

Summary (from chapters.ca):

Maddie Moore's whole life needs a makeover.

In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (so not her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother - a ramshackle inn nestled in the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington.

Starting over won't be easy. Yet Maddie sees the potential for a new home and a new career - if only she can convince her two half-sisters to join her in the adventure. But convincing Tara and Chloe will be difficult because the inn needs a big makeover too.

The contractor Maddie hires is a tall, dark-haired hottie whose eyes - and mouth - are making it hard for her to remember that she's sworn off men. Even harder will be Maddie's struggles to overcome the past, though she's about to discover that there's no better place to call home than Lucky Harbor.

Review:

The first book in a series that already has multiple books released makes me very happy. Why, you may ask? Well, because I can read one after another after another. YAY! Simply Irresistible is actually the first book in a two-part novel called 'Christmas in Lucky Harbor' and I am barely taking enough time to write this review before I dive back in for part two.

Taking a combination of family, new beginnings, old secrets and a hot new romance - while throwing in a little Christmas cheer - has allowed Jill Shalvis to created a fabulous base for her story. Maddie, the main character, has such a dark past but is so timid, so afraid to voice anything against her sisters - Tara, the Steel Magnolia and Chloe, the Wild Child - that you can't help but feel sorry for her and cheer her on as she gains self-esteem and finds her voice.

The setting of Lucky Harbor, Washington, feels as though it was taken straight from my image of the perfect small town. I dream of one day living in a small town and this solidified it... I will make it happen. A bed-and-breakfast, a marina, a cozy cottage. Sigh, the perfect setting for long summer nights and cold winter cuddling. Speaking of cuddling, Jax... YUM!

Overall, this novel was the perfect beginning to, what I am hoping, is a long series.

Chick Lit Challenge 2012

Well, it is now official, I have joined my first challenge for 2012. I am still in shock that we are that close to the end of 2011, but nevertheless, the New Year is upon us.

Thinking ahead, I have decided that the most appropriate challenge for myself would be the Chick Lit Challenge hosted by Samantha over at Chick Lit + .

The rules for the challenge are simple:

1 - Read and review one (1) chick lit book a month. That is only 12 books a year. Of course, you can read many other books from many other genres, but for this challenge, it is all about chick lit

2 - Of those 12 books, two (2) must be from debut authors and books that are released in 2012. A list of possible books can be found on the Chick Lit + website

3 - Each month, link back to the challenge home page and post your review for the appropriate month.

That's all... quick and easy. It is also a great way to get in touch with others who enjoy the same type of books as you do!

If you are interested in joining and playing along, hop on over to Chick Lit + and sign yourself up.

Cover Crazy #21

Cover Crazy was created by The Bookworms. It's a great way to share a book cover that took your breath away!

To me, there is NOTHING better than a cover of a book. One of my favourite places, in the world, is a book store. I can walk around them for hours just looking at covers of books. I am well aware of the saying "You can't judge a book by its cover", I just don't believe it!

When I find a book cover that I love, I will always read the back and then make my purchasing decision, but... WOW... there is just something amazing about a gorgeous cover! So, moving forward, I am going to share those covers that just made me want to escape and read a book instantly!

Without further adieu, here is the cover I am crazy about this week:

Any Dream Will Do by Maria Duffy

What this cover says to me:

I love everything about this cover.

1 - the colour is so girly and makes me really want to read it. It almost defines the colour of a chick-lit book.

2 - the snowflakes and warm hat/mitts remind me of my favourite time of year... a nice cold wintery day

Lastly, 3 - the font/name of the book. It just has a fun romance written all over it.

I have been vying for my chance to read this book since I first laid eyes on the cover but until this week, it wasn't available online or in stores (in Canada anyways)... but, no more waiting!! I now have a copy and can't wait to settle into it!!

What cover took your breath away this week?

100 Follower Giveaway

It is so close that I can taste it!! As I approach the 100-follower milestone, I have been thinking about how I will celebrate and thought, what better way than to reward those who have chosen to follow along on my blogging journey.

Once that 100th person chooses to follow, I will post the official post with the linky so that you can enter the giveaway but for now, I will just let you know what I am giving away. Really, that is all the fun anyways!!

This is a three tier giveaway so there will be three (unique) winners!!

First Prize ~ A $10 book of the winners choice, a holiday mug, some holiday chocolates and a smelly (pretty) candle for some reading atmosphere

Second Prize ~ A holiday mug and some holiday chocolates.

Third Prize ~ Some book(ish) swag and maybe some holiday chocolates

There may also be some miscellaneous giveaways for things like bookmarks, notepads, pens and other fun book(ish) things!!

In My Mailbox #23

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi over at The Story Siren. The general idea is to share the books that you have purchased, that you have borrowed, or that you have found.

Here we are, six weeks before Christmas and my mailbox is still filling up fast and furious. I have discovered a wonderful website, NetGalley, and requested some great titles for reading. Some of them have a timeline for me to get finished (much like a library) and others are mine forever... YAY!

Without further adieu, here is this weeks edition of 'In My Mailbox':

Review copies from Hachette Book Group Canada, Erik Atwell (book tour), Suzan Battah (book tour), Omnific Publishing (book tour), Crown Publishing, Dina Silver (book tour) and Daniella Brodsky (book tour):











From my fav people over at Random House Canada, hard copies SIGNED of two awesome books... these were received at a luncheon with the authors (see post next week for full story):













A LibraryThing win for October and some snags on NetGalley:











Some ebooks that seemed to just 'appear' on the Vox:













What was in your mailbox this week?