The Violets of March- Sarah Jio

Sarah Jio's debut novel, "The Violets of March" is a wonderful story, set on beautiful Bainbridge Island, in Washington.  Jio's characters are throughly believable and the plot develops beautifully.  I loved the aspect of a story within a story, via a diary.  It is such an integral part of the story, but flows WITH the story.  The lovely description of the setting of Bainbridge Island allowed me to immerse myself in the book and feel i was there.  A great story, a lovely setting.  Let yourself just enjoy it!

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Exposure- Therese Fowler

Exposure: A Novel by Therese Fowler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 Exposure, by Therese Fowler

 Exposure is a modern Romeo and Juliet; a teenage couple who are desperate to be together despite Amelia's father edict that she was not allowed to date, even at 17.  Anthony and Amelia, who after their cumulating night of love, make a decision that has consequences far beyond what either of them could have possibly imagined.  Amelia's father finds naked pictures of Anthony on her computer, and despite her protests, uses his influence on the local police to arrest Anthony, and to have the media label him a sex offender.  Events continue to unravel out of control, and soon the story gains national attention. With the continued investigation, the "sexting" takes a wild turn, and the teens take drastic measures to clear their names.


Ms. Fowler bravely takes from a personal experience that occurred in 2009 when her son approached her with dread and announced, "Mom. I'm in trouble and I'm going to be arrested.", and creates a work of fiction that feels uncomfortably real.  The  book, as the author states, "is fiction, the characters drawn completely from my imagination."   All the reactions and fears are entirely real.


As a HS teacher, I asked a couple of good students, average teens, about sexting, and  their comments surprised me.

Yes, it is happening, in good schools, in good families, in your area! Beginning in MIDDLE SCHOOL!


And yes,  these 'harmless' acts, even when both parties consent, if caught and convicted, will have to register as sex offenders. I too have personal knowledge of such events.


Bravo to Ms. Fowler (as well as her son and family),  for sharing, which as I can only imagine,  must have heart-wrenching.


Suffice it to say that I truly loved the book and will be HIGHLY recommending it to others!


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TullyandKate-- Best Friends forever

Firefly Lane, by Kristin Hannah, is a story about best friends. Kate Mularkey chooses marriage and motherhood; Tully Hart opts for career, fame and fortune. Their friendship begins in the 1970s, as young teens, and follows them through the decades of of friendship as adults. Kate had a stable family life as a child, while Tully, "the coolest girl in the world", scrambled to survive despite her addicted mother. Kate is an at-home mother of two; ambitious Tully, climbs to the top of broadcast journalism, and discovers that it can be lonely at the top. 

Emotional and touching, Hannah writes from the heart. Hurt, laughter, anger, jealousy, heartache, and love abound in this story. 

I cannot recommend this book enough! It is terrific, and has earned a permanent spot on my bookshelf!

Night Road by Kristin Hannah

Haunting and emotional,  Night Road by Kristin Hannah is a wonderfully written book.  The story was riveting, and most definitely seemed true to life.  Jude seemingly has a terrific life:  wonderful husband; beautiful, smart children; and a lovely home on an island. Jude has given her life for her children for eighteen years.  Just before Zach and Mia are to graduate, tragedy strikes.  How can Jude possibly forgive what has left her so devastated, and her family torn apart?
I received this ARC from St. Martins Press for review.

Vixen- Jillain Larkin

Vixen, by Jillian Larkin.  A terrific debut novel!  This is a sexy, romantic book about the Roaring Twenties, for teens!  It is highly appropriate for teens.  Sexy, without any obligatory sex scenes.  Romantic without being gushy.  I enjoyed it very much, and once I started reading could not put it down!  Thanks!  I received this book free through Barnes & Noble's First Look program, but I am under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Unholy Domain

This fast- paced thriller by Dan Ronco had me turning pages until late into the night!  The recent genre of techno -thriller is not usually what I would reach for for recreational reading, but I was intrigued quickly.  What had me from the first page,  was the futuristic realism of a Great Depression, was not only scary, but also plausible!  There3 was more than enough to keep me turning pages, long after when I should have been asleep for the night!  A solid 3 stars!  and leaning to 4!  Bravo!  I throughly enjoyed this book.!  I have to say that I received this book for review through LibraryThing Early reviewer program, but I am not obligated to give a favorable review.

***** Aptly Titled! *****

 Fitzpatrick's second novel in the bestselling Hush, Hush series "Crescendo", definitely lives up to its title. The action rises completely to the max, a most intense climax, and twists all the way to the final page. I devoured it completely, and enjoyed every morsel! From its humble beginning, all the way through each turn the story takes, it kept me enthralled! I was not sure if the author was going to be able to continue the success of the first novel, but she clearly has outdone herself. Kudos to Ms. Fitzpatrick, and and I am more than ready for the third in the series! Thanks Becca once again! I received this book free through Barnes and Nobles First Look program