A really good apocalyptic novel!

The After War: The Complete Novel by Brandon Zenner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received this book from Read for Review in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, what a great apocalyptic novel! I predict this book will become a big hit and would make a great movie.

Two years after a horrible world war and disease have ravaged the world, Brian and Steven emerge from their well-stocked and comfortable bunker. They were on their way to collect Steven's sister, Bethany, from the bunker where she had been staying,in order to meet up with her uncle, General Driscoll. Meanwhile, Simon Kalispell and his dog, Winston, emerge from their secluded cabin in the wilds of Canada in order to make his way home to find his parents, as planned two years prior, before the commencement of the war. Eventually, their paths cross in unexpected ways. The book then goes back in time to explain who each ended up in hiding for two years, telling their back stories.

First of all, I have to say how much I liked Winston, Simon's beloved dog companion.. He was every much as much a character as the humans!

I found the book to be well-written. The story grabbed me from the first page and I could barely put it down. The relationship between Steven and Brian was well-developed. They were complex characters, I thought, and at times it was hard to read about what they were going through. Most parts of the book relating to them was very graphic. Simon was a very so,Italy, spiritual, character, very strong and resourceful.

What happened when they all reached their pre-arranged locations is described in Book Two and is pretty graphic, and exciting. The other characters in the novel are varied, and not easily forgotten.

Overall, I really really liked this book and recommend it highly, if you enjoy this genre.

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A great audio book thriller for my daily commute!

Doubleback by Libby Fischer Hellmann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.

I absolutely loved this audiobook! I listened during my commute to and from work and couldn't wait each day for that drive because the story was so engrossing. It's actually a book I think I'll want to either read or listen to a second time! The story line kept me on the edge of my seat and I didn't know what was going to happen next. One thing I really liked was when the story moved to Arizona, because I used to live in both Ft. Huachuca and Sierra Vista - both mentioned in the book, along with Bisbee and Tombstone, two favorite places. However, I never heard of the border town called Stephens - Nogales is the border town we used to go to.

I felt so sorry for Georgia when she was in the car "accident" and broke her hand and all she had to go through with that broken hand afterwards. I actually winced the times after when it was hurt again, ha ha.

The narrator of the book was spot on and I don't know if I would have enjoyed the book as much reading it; the audio was so good. I think I have become a convert to audio books and it is my preferred method of "reading" a book nowadays. I am going to look for more of Libby Fischer Hellman's audio books; I want to read them all.

Highly recommend this book!

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I couldn't put this book down!

Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book in one sitting in the bathtub because I couldn't stop to get out! Wow, what a thriller! I hated Jack and loved Millie and Grace. I don't want want to put any spoilers here, so suffice it to say that it's creepy, disturbing, psychologically thrilling, and a great read. Truly, no one knows what really goes on behind closed doors. It would make a great movie. Highly recommend it!

*I received this book for free from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

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Another quick, fun read by Lisa Gardner

Find Her by Lisa Gardner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really like Lisa Gardner's books and this did not disappoint. It was a page turner and thriller. I found it a bit unbelievable, however, that the main character, after being abducted and held hostage for over a year, was now trying to get revenge, five years later, by putting herself in such danger of being abducted again, or killed. Still, there were good psychological twists and turns and I enjoyed it.

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A fun, fun book!

Eligible: A modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Curtis Sittenfeld
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun, fun book! I did enjoy it, especially the translation of Pride and Prejudice to the 21st century. I liked all the characters and the very contemporary feel of the book. I also liked the writing style and hope to read more from this author. I recommend this book and it would be a fun book club discussion book.

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Another good Philippa Gregory historical novel!

Three Sisters, Three Queens by Philippa Gregory
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Philippa Gregory's books and this was a good one. I did not know much about Henry VIII's sisters, so I learned a lot about Margaret and Mary from this book. They, and Henry's first wife, Katherine of Aragon (daughter of Isabelle of Castille) are the three sisters/queens. Margaret was queen of Scotland, married to James IV and mother of James V, and Mary was queen of France (for a very short time, until the king died). Margaret and Mary both married for love for their second marriages, after their husbands died, although Margaret's wasn't as happy as she hoped. All three women were very ambitious and there were many intrigues in their lives.

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Falling by Jane Green

Falling by Jane Green
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was disappointed in this Jane Green book. I listened to the audio which was basically fine (I think the author was the narrator and, if so, she was not the best choice, but it wasn't terrible), and I was engaged with the story. But, there was too much about falling in love and whether or not Emma WAS in love, truly. And what happened to Dominic in the snow was a bit far-fetched. I did cry at the appropriate point and I'm glad the book ended as it did, but, still, the story was a bit flat and disappointing. This being said, I'm still a Jane Green fan and plan to read more of her books.

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