Thursday, June 7, 2012

Book Review - Only the Truth by Pat Brown


From Goodreads:

Harkening back to the writing styles and small town settings of the earlier American authors – John Steinbeck, Harper Lee, and Carson McCullers - "Only the Truth" is a psychological mystery with as many twists as the country road leading to the humble home of Billy Ray Hutchins, a lonely uneducated man living in the hills of Arkansas. Life changes little for him from day to day until he brings home a young drifter he meets at the railroad tracks, the mysterious Charlene, whose last name he never asks. He becomes her Sweet Billy Ray and his love for Charlene is steady and uncomplicated until the sheriff shows up to take her away in handcuffs. With the only woman he has ever loved behind bars for cold-bloodedly murdering the old man across the road, a confused and devastated Billy Ray sets out on a quest to find the truth, only the truth, whether it leads him to be able to save his Charlene from a death sentence or it frees him from her spell.

My Thoughts:

This story was a pleasant surprise! I was immediately drawn into Billy Ray Hutchin's simple yet somewhat difficult life. He was a loner, could not read, had a menial job cleaning the streets of Whitford Glen, Arkansas and basically kept to himself, not having any family left. Then he meets Charlene. He is instantly drawn to her...this quiet girl who has many secrets of her own....that she is not telling.
The story has such a surprise ending....I didn't see it coming! My rating is 5 Bunnies! Recommended!

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Book Review - The Secret of Lies by Barbara Forte Abate


From Goodreads:

Propelled by an insurmountable sense of desperation, Stevie Burke is recklessly abandoning home, husband, and outwardly contented life under cover of night; at last resigned to defeat in her long battle against the tortured memories of her past.

Days later, lost and floundering in a dreary motel room without plan or destination, it is a long ago song playing on the radio that gently tugs Stevie back through the dust of remembrance. 1957 - The last summer spent at the ancient house overlooking the North Atlantic. A season which had unfolded with abundant promise, but then spiraled horribly out of control - torn apart by a shattering tragedy that remains splintered in fragments upon her soul. And it is only now, when Stevie at last lifts her eyes to stare deep into the heart of her long sequestered memories, that the long held secrets of past and future are at last unveiled.

My Thoughts:

This was one of those books that I devoured.....I thought about it when I wasn't reading it, and could not wait to get home from work to continue reading it. The story keeps a good pace, the characters are very likable, and the story line is great. I also liked the time period it was set in....the late 50's - 60's. I didn't want it to end! I will be keeping my eye out for more books by Barbara Forte Abate ~ The Secret of Lies gets 5 Bunnies!!

Friday, May 18, 2012

Book Review - Sorry, Charlie by Shawn Bailey

From Goodreads:

Daniel Stauberg is an arrogant, ill-tempered ex-husband who has had enough of his wife and her dog, Charlie. After a night of heavy drinking, Charlie ends up dead and Dan has to bury him.

But the karmic wheel is beginning to slowly turn, and soon Dan will experience what it means to be truly sorry. In a lonely, little cabin, deep in the woods, Dan will come to know the meaning of revenge - doggy style.


My Thoughts:

This was okay. I didn't LOVE it, or hate it. It was just okay. I guess I expected more from the Undead Zombie Dogs. It could have been creepier....scarier....something. I was rooting for the dogs the whole time, and would have liked for the story to be more about them.

My rating: Three Bunnies

Friday, May 11, 2012

Book Review - Return to Innocence by G.M. Frazier


From Goodreads:

Glen Erskine is a gifted psychologist who serves as the director and chief of staff of New Horizons, a group home and counseling center for abused boys.

Tommy Jackson is a thirteen-year-old victim of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse who has been taken into custody by the Department of Social Services after his mother was arrested for prostitution. At New Horizons, Tommy’s young life finally seems to be coming together. But when he falls into an illicit relationship with one of the staff members, things begin to spiral out of control and Tommy strikes back in a tangled web of deceit that turns Glen's life upside down.

Set in the Lowcountry of South Carolina in and around Charleston, this is a disturbing yet poignant tale of love and sacrifice, commitment and betrayal, forgiveness and redemption—and a riveting inside look at the processes and agendas involved in the prosecution of child sex abuse case.

My Thoughts:

Oh my gosh......this book was FANTASTIC. I couldn't put it down....
It deals with the sensitive subject of child abuse and gay relationships in a very real light. I felt so many emotions while reading this, I can't even begin to describe it. Just trust me, it is that good. I won't forget this one for a very long time, and I am searching G.M Frazier's other books on Amazon to read. I have found myself a new favorite author.

Highly Recommended: Five Bunnies!










Thursday, May 10, 2012

Book Review ~ The Night Train by Carl Purdon




From Amazon:

 Abused at home and bullied at school, young Jayrod Nash steals away on a freight train with a vow never to return. His best friend tags along, but his heart’s not in it. They meet up with a hobo named Farley, who offers protection in exchange for obedience, and soon learn he’s running too.

“The Night Train” is a novel about the struggle of innocence against brutality, written with powerful characters who allow no commentary from the author. Together they paint a picture of life as it exists too often.

Carl Purdon weaves a tale that takes the reader through the full gamut of emotions, and leaves them feeling as if they have known the Nash family all their lives. Perhaps they have.



My Thoughts:

This was a great book!  The story is set in rural Mississippi, in the present day.  Poor Jayrod cannot do anything right in the eyes of his father.  His mother just quietly stands by and lets the abuse go on.  Jayrod plans his escape carefully, and executes it with perfection.  I was sad that the story ended, but was pleased with the ending itself.

I recommend The Night Train - My Rating:  FIVE BUNNIES! () ()
                                                                                      =..=
                                                                                          

 

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin
 
Blog Design by Use Your Imagination Designs Enchanted Neighborhood kit by Irene Alexeeva