After the End

After the End (After the End #1)

by Amy Plum 

4 stars

352 pages

Published May 6, 2014 by HarperCollins 

 

 

This is the first book that I've read since having a baby that I actually finished; one that kept my attention and that I enjoyed. It has elements of that movie "The Village" in it, with some paranormal powers thrown in. I will be reading the next in the series.

16 Lighthouse Road

16 Lighthouse Road (Cedar Cove #1)

by Debbie Macomber

3 stars

377 pages

Published Jan. 1, 2001

I read this purely because I used to live in the town that is featured in this book - Port Orchard, WA. I loved the town when I lived there and miss it now that I'm away. I wanted a little reminder of my time there - and this book was a good answer to that.

Although it helped my home-sickness a little, the story was much like a soap opera. Drama everywhere, and a few love stories thrown in for spice. Not fantastic literature, but I can see how people can get hooked on it. 

I will probably read more in this series, but only when I am in the right mood. Which won't be too, too often. I know the books are there whenever I want them.

Starry Night

Starry Night

by Debbie Macomber

3 stars

384 pages (on my e-reader, 142 pages)

Expected publication: Oct. 8, 2013 by Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine

Debbie Macomber has made a name for herself writing sweet, little love stories using a formula that guarantees a happy, uplifting ending. If you are looking for angst-ridden romances strewn with sex, language and grit, Macomber is not for you. I happen to like these innocent, little novels. But not every day … or even every month. Her plotlines are eerily similar, and if you read them one after another, this is easily seen. But as a guilty pleasure – or a palate cleanser after a particularly gruesome, bad or stupid book – these little novels are perfect.
Starry Night tells the story of a female journalist who is challenged with finding a reclusive, “no-interviews-ever” best-selling author who lives in Alaska. If she succeeds, she can have her pick of any beat at the newspaper. So … predictable? Of course it is. That’s why you read these books! You know what’s going to happen. The joy is in the journey. How do they get together?
My only gripe is that I wish that the romance were developed further. It seems that within 24 hours (if that), the two are madly in love. I like my love stories drawn out just a tad bit more.
And an Epilogue would have been appreciated, too.
Yet for all its shortcomings, I will be reading Macomber again. She’s a bit addictive.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to review this book.

Glad Tidings

Glad Tidings (Here Comes Trouble & There's Something About Christmas)

by Debbie Macomber

3 stars

475 pages

Published Nov. 1, 2006, by Mira

I'm back!! The trip was fantastic, but it's always nice to come home.
 
I've delved into "adult fiction" with this book - a rare occurrence. But there isn't anything offensive - like so many adult fiction books. Little to no swearing and zero sex. In fact, I gave it to my mother-in-law to read after I was done with it on our trip.

For what it is - two sweet, unassuming love stories - this book excels. If you're looking for angst and star-crossed lovers who are constantly faced with obstacles before they can be together, this book is not that. Sometimes, I just was plain, ol' cheese. Just a boy and a girl falling in love - your guaranteed a happy ending - if a bit abrupt.

It's definitely not fine literature, but it never pretends to be. Macomber has made a name for herself for fluffy stories - and this is a great introduction to her style.

This is a good book for every once in a while. I wouldn't be able to read one Macomber book after another. She uses too many of the same devices and formulas in her stories. It would seem like you're reading the same book over and over.