2010 Book Reviews

I'm going to keep a running list of books I review in 2010, along with some very short comments about each.


  1. The Vanishing Act of Esme LennoxThe Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox Mass-Market fiction.  Clean.  Grade:  C.  Review.
  2. Clouds (Glenbrooke, Book 5)Clouds (Glenbrooke, Book 5) Christian Fiction. Moderately religious.  Grade B-.  Review.
  3. Prospect StreetProspect Street Mass Market fiction.  Sex scenes, but not real vivid.  What happens to the family when a middle-aged conservative policy wonk leaves the family for a homosexual lover?  Grade:  B-  Review.
  4. Gentle Touch (Portraits Series #7)Gentle Touch (Portraits Series #7) Pretty much a formula Christian romance about an oncology nurse who gets cancer and her boss/doctor.  Faith elements get pretty strong at times.  Grade B-.  My Review.
  5. Plain Jayne (Plain and Simple)Plain Jayne (Plain and Simple) Cute Amish romance novel.  She is a newspaper reporter.  He is the son of Amish parents but has left the church.  Grade B-  Review to be published 2/25.
  6. Becoming Lucy (Winds Across the Prairie)Becoming Lucy (Winds Across the Prairie) A wealthy society girl from Boston loses her parents and has to move west with relatives.  Being a good sweet Christian, she goes without complaint and through her goodness coverts the guy she falls for early on.  Overly sweet, sappy, too good to be true Christian fiction.  Grade D-.
  7. SongbirdSongbird The story of an abandoned child who grows up to be a famous Christian singer.  I love Samson's writing, and this is a story about how grace can help us when we are in pain, but not a story of faith curing all ills of this world.  Grade:  B+.  My review.
  8.  A sweet feel-good rather predicable story of a woman trying to solve a mystery brought forth by a newspaper clipping found in the church basement.  Grade:  B-.  My review.
  9. My LadyMy Lady DNF page 42.  Badly written Christian romance.  Grade:  F.  My Review.
  10. A Black Tie AffairA Black Tie Affair.  A fun mass-market romance in which the toxins from a vintage dress re-ignite an old flame.  Moderate bedroom scenes, quick pacing.  Grade:  B  Review.
  11. Jenna's Cowboy: A Novel (The Callahans of Texas)Jenna's Cowboy: A Novel (The Callahans of Texas) A well-written Christian romance about two high school sweethearts who have both suffered since that time.  Grade B+  My review.
  12. The Cougar Club: A NovelCougar Club: A Novel Three high school chums, now in their forties, reunite and deal with the changes in their lives. Mass Market fiction,  Grade B-.  My review.
  13. Prevailing Love: 3-in-1 Collection: Sealed With a Kiss, the Wedding Wish, Montana SkyPrevailing Love: 3-in-1 Collection: Sealed With a Kiss, the Wedding Wish, Montana Sky Three overly sweet, Scripture quoting Christian romances. Grade D+ .  My review.
  14. Spring Breakdown (Carter House Girls)Spring Breakdown (Carter House Girls) Christian YA about teen girls who go to Florida for Spring Break.  Unfortunately no adult really takes charge.  Grade:  C  My Review.
  15. Katy's New World (Katy Lambright Series, The)Katy's New World (Katy Lambright Series, The) An Old-Order Mennonite girl attends a modern American public high school  Grade:  B-  My Review
  16. Knight of Pleasure (All the King's Men)Knight of Pleasure (All the King's Men) Mass market romance, a fun read but nothing that you woudn't expect just looking at the cover.  Grade:  B-
  17. Only You (Steeple Hill Women's Fiction #49)Only You (Steeple Hill Women's Fiction #49) Christian romance in the mold of one of them needs to find God before they can live happily ever after.  Not one of Bedford's better books.  DNF half way through.  Grade D.
  18. Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes (Sisterchicks Series #8)Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes (Sisterchicks Series #8) Part travelogue, part girlfriend chat.  A forty-something woman gets an abnormal mammogram and runs away to Holland to visit a long-time pen-pal.  Grade B-
  19. Love Your HeartLove Your Heart A charming children's story about a father's love for his daughter and her compassion toward others.  Grade B+.  My review.
  20. Nelson's Complete Book of BIble Maps and Charts, 3rd EditionNelson's Complete Book of BIble Maps and Charts, 3rd Edition Great resource for Bible study.  Great historical and geographic background.  Lacks the Deuterocanonical books.  Grade A-.  My review.
  21. Embrace MeEmbrace Me A terrific Christian novel about pain, sorrow and reconciliation.  Great treatment of Catholicism.  Grade A.  My review.
  22. Swinging on a Star: A Novel (Weddings by Bella)Swinging on a Star: A Novel (Weddings by Bella) Christian romantic comedy.  Not badly written, just not my thing.  Grade D.  My review.
  23. Cowboy & Wills: A Love Story Cowboy & Wills: A Love Story A charming memoir about an autistic boy and his dog.  Grade:  A.  My review.
  24. A Kiss for Cade (The Western Sky Series)A Kiss for Cade (The Western Sky Series) Christian romance, but more clean than Christian.  My review.  Grade B+
  25. The Courtship of Cade Kolby (Avon Romantic Treasure)The Courtship of Cade Kolby (Avon Romantic Treasure) Mass market western romance.  My review.  Grade B+
  26. Breakfast in BedBreakfast in Bed Mass-market contemporary romance.  She and he have both sub-let the same apartment from two different people.  Neither has anyplace else to go for a few weeks, so they end up sharing.  Language is on the crude side, story is kind of cute.  Grade:  B-
  27. Disaster Status (Mercy Hospital, Book 2)Disaster Status (Mercy Hospital, Book 2) is a Christian hospital romance, long on romance, short on Christian. Grade B+.  My Review: 
  28. Scattered Petals: A Novel (Texas Dreams)Scattered Petals: A Novel (Texas Dreams) Christian romance set in the Texas Hill Country.  The female lead is raped at the beginning of the book, and this, of course, colors her relationship with the male lead.  Not a bad story, but religion is poured on a little heavily.  B-
  29. Wicked Intentions (Maiden Lane)Wicked Intentions (Maiden Lane) Mass-Market romance set in London.  She is the owner of an orphanage that takes in children from the St. Giles area (kind of a red-light district).  He is a duke who is pained by human touch.  He meets her when hunting the St. Giles area for the killer of his mistress.  Neither feels worthy of love.  Good Story. Vivid bedroom scenes, including bondage.  Grade B
  30. Promise of Morning, The (At Home in Beldon Grove)Promise of Morning, The (At Home in Beldon Grove) Christian romance, heavy on the religion, about the wife of a small-town minister in Illinois in the 1840's.  B-
  31. Montana LegacyMontana Legacy Mass-market romance about one of three cousins who inherit their grandfather's ranch, and his quest for buried treasure.  Grade B+
  32. Montana DestinyMontana Destiny Mass-market romance about second of the three cousins.  Moderate bedroom scenes.
  33. Is there a monster over there?Is there a monster over there?  Cute children's book  A little girl is afraid of monsters until one day she wonders if maybe the monster is afraid of her.  Grade:  B-
  34. Miracle in Sumatra: The Story of Gutsy GusMiracle in Sumatra: The Story of Gutsy Gus Politically correct anti-hunting anti-rainforest destruction book about a family of orangutans and some humans.  Grade C
  35. Just Like You: Beautiful Babies Around the WorldJust Like You: Beautiful Babies Around the World Charming children's book showing babies all around the world born on the same day.  All of them have moms who hug them, count their fingers and toes, and sing lullabies.  Each on has a family who celebrates his/her arrival.  Grade B+
  36. Welcome to HarmonyWelcome to Harmony  Enjoyable romantic fiction about a small Texas town and a teen looking for a home.  No vivid sex scenes, but unmarried folks do have encounters.  Grade B+  My Review.
  37. Never Too Late (MIRA)Never Too Late (MIRA) Sweet romantic novel primarily about two sisters from Colorado.  One has been afraid to look for love; the other had been afraid to give up a man who is unfaithful.  Vivid bedroom scenes.  Grade:  B.  My Review.
  38. Memory Between Us, A: A Novel (Wings of Glory)Memory Between Us, A: A Novel (Wings of Glory) Christian romance set in England during WWII.  Grade B  My Review
  39. Simply Irresistible (A Lucky Harbor Novel)Simply Irresistible (A Lucky Harbor Novel) Modern romance, sweet, a little silly, and full of blow-by-blow descriptions of romantic encounters.  Grade:  B-  My Review.
  40. Joy to the World: Advent Activities for Your FamilyJoy to the World: Advent Activities for Your Family Grade A  My Review
  41. Code Triage (Mercy Hospital)Code Triage (Mercy Hospital) Christian hospital romance.  Grade B+  My Review.
  42. A Dog Named SluggerA Dog Named Slugger The memoir of a woman with C.P. about her first service dog.  Grade B.  My review.
  43. God and Sex: What the Bible Really SaysGod and Sex: What the Bible Really Says A scholarly but non-traditional look at what the Bible has to say about sexual topics.  Grade B-.  My Review.
  44. Making Bank: The Personal Finance Lessons They Never Taught Us in SchoolMaking Bank: The Personal Finance Lessons They Never Taught Us in School Good basic guide to personal finance and investment.  Grade:  B.  My review.
  45. Quaker Summer (Women of Faith Fiction) (2007 Novel of the Year)Quaker Summer (Women of Faith Fiction) (2007 Novel of the Year) Grade B+.  review.
  46. A Very Private Grave (The Monastery Murders)A Very Private Grave (The Monastery Murders) DNF page 50.  Too much history, too slow for me.  My post.
  47. Whisper on the Wind (The Great War Series, No. 2)Whisper on the Wind (The Great War Series, No. 2) DNF page 200.  Just never grabbed me.  My post. 
  48. Hannah's ListHannah's List Typical Macomber.  Grade B.  My review.
  49. Lady in Waiting: A NovelLady in Waiting: A Novel Historical Christian novel about Lady Jane Gray who reigned a Queen of England for a few days.  Much more history than Christian. Grade B+  My Review.
  50. The King's Christmas ListThe King's Christmas List Cute kids' book.  Grade B.  My review.
  51. The Way to a Man's Heart (The Miller Family Series) Amish fiction.  Not the best.  Grade C.  My review.
  52. A Christmas PrayerA Christmas Prayer Grade B.  My Review.
  53. Deep in the Valley (Grace Valley Trilogy)Deep in the Valley (Grace Valley Trilogy) Romantic novel.  Grade B.  My review.
  54. A Summer in SonomaA Summer in Sonoma The story of four women who have taken different paths in life, but who have remained friends.  Grade:  B.  My review.
  55. For Time and Eternity (Sister Wife)For Time and Eternity (Sister Wife) Historical fiction about the Mormans.  Grade B. My review.
  56. A Hope for Hannah (Hannah's Heart)A Hope for Hannah (Hannah's Heart) Mediocre Amish fiction.  B-  My review
  57. .A Dream for Hannah (Hannah's Heart)A Dream for Hannah (Hannah's Heart) Mediocre Amish fiction.  B-  My review.
  58. Long Time ComingLong Time Coming Christian novel about a dying woman and the woman to whom she leaves her kids.  Grade B.  My review.
  59. A Tremor of Bliss: Sex, Catholicism, and Rock 'n' RollA Tremor of Bliss: Sex, Catholicism, and Rock 'n' Roll Interesting book about the whys of Catholic sexual morality.  Grade B+  My review.
  60. Chasing Superwoman: A Working Mom's Adventures in Life and FaithChasing Superwoman: A Working Mom's Adventures in Life and Faith An attorney writes in a humorous fashion about balancing career, family and God.  Grade B+  My Review.
  61. The Berenstain Bears and the Gift of CourageThe Berenstain Bears and the Gift of Courage Grade B.  My review.
  62. Rising TidesRising Tides Family secrets are revealed in this book set right before Hurricane Betsy.  My review.  Grade:  B+
  63. Running Around (And Such) (Lizzie Searches for Love, Book 1)Running Around (And Such) (Lizzie Searches for Love, Book 1) Badly written Amish Fiction. Grade C.  My review.
  64. That's Where God IsThat's Where God Is Sweet kids' book.  Grade:  B.  My review
  65. The Berenstain Bears and a Job Well Done (Berenstain Bears/Living Lights)The Berenstain Bears and a Job Well Done (Berenstain Bears/Living Lights) Grade:  B.  My Review.
  66. Love, CharlestonLove, Charleston Christian fiction about several women.  Grade B. My review.
  67. .Health Scare: The Truth Behind America's Health Care CrisisHealth Scare: The Truth Behind America's Health Care Crisis Advocates government paying for healthcare, which would be rationed by primary care physicians.
  68. Flaws and All (Urban Christian) Story of several friends and the men in their lives.  Grade B.  My review
  69. Shelter Mountain (Virgin River)Shelter Mountain (Virgin River) Romance.  My review. 
  70. Temptation Ridge (Virgin River)Temptation Ridge (Virgin River) Romance.  My Review.
  71. Angel's Peak (Virgin River)Angel's Peak (Virgin River)  My Review.
  72. Virgin RiverVirgin River  My Review.
  73. No Turning Back A Witness to MercyNo Turning Back A Witness to Mercy  A wonderful conversion story.  Grade B+.  My Review.  
  74. Fortunate Harbor (Happiness Key)Fortunate Harbor (Happiness Key) A "group of women" novel about some Florida neighbors.  Grade:  B.  My review. 
  75. Seeker, The: A NovelSeeker, The: A Novel Christian historical romance about the Shakers.  Grade:  B.  My review.  
  76. All I Ever Wanted (Hqn)All I Ever Wanted (Hqn)  A fun light romance, with crude language and vivid bedroom scenes. Grade B-.  My Review. 
  77.  Drawn to the Land: The Romance of FarmingDrawn to the Land: The Romance of Farming My Review.
  78. Resurrection in MayResurrection in May A young woman is in Rwanda for the worst, and comes back to recover.  Grade:  A.  My Review 
  79. The Gardener and the VineThe Gardener and the Vine  Grade C.  My review. 
  80. Touching the Clouds: A Novel (Alaskan Skies) A female pilot in Alaska in the 1930's  Christian fiction.  Grade B.  My review. 
  81. The Catholic Prayer Book  A keeper.  Grade A-  My review.
  82. Iron LaceIron Lace Rich old White New Orleans lady tells her secrets to young Black journalist.  Why?  Grade B.  My review. 
  83. Founding Mothers: Women of America in the Revolutionary EraFounding Mothers: Women of America in the Revolutionary Era  Grade B-  My review.
  84. Katy's Debate (Katy Lambright Series, The)Katy's Debate (Katy Lambright Series, The) My Review. 
  85. Top 5 Questions to ask Your Doctor: Important questions your doctor wants you to ask about your medical conditionTop 5 Questions to ask Your Doctor: Important questions your doctor wants you to ask about your medical condition   My Review. 
  86. Stretch Marks: A NovelStretch Marks: A Novel  An unwed mom and the men in her life. My friend's review.  Grade B. 
  87. The Life O'ReillyThe Life O'Reilly  My friend's review.
  88. Married by Morning (Hathaways, Book 4)Married by Morning (Hathaways, Book 4) 
  89. Offerings: A Love StoryOfferings: A Love Story Catholic novel.  Self-published, but better than most.  My Review.
  90. RedemptionRedemption He's having an affair and wants a divorce.  She's a good Christian and decides to remain faithful and forgive.  Will their marriage survive?  Typical Kingsbury.  Grade B.  My review.
  91. Sisters, Ink (Scrapbooker's Series #1)Sisters, Ink (Scrapbooker's Series #1) The first in a series about four scrapbooking sisters and their loves.  Very mild Christian fiction.  Grade: B.  My review.
  92. The Still of Night (A Rush of Wings Series #2)The Still of Night (A Rush of Wings Series #2) Christian Romance.  Grade B.  My review
  93. .From Dust and Ashes: A Story of LiberationFrom Dust and Ashes: A Story of Liberation The abandoned wife of an SS officer from a death camp aids survivors from that camp and then helps Americans locate SS members.  Also includes romance.  Too good to be true.  Grade:  B-  My Review
  94. Costly Grace: A Contemporary View of Bonhoeffer's The Cost of DiscipleshipCostly Grace: A Contemporary View of Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship Thought-provoking. Read the first chapter.
  95. Southern Fried Child In Home Seeker'S ParadiseSouthern Fried Child In Home Seeker'S Paradise Charming set of anecdotes from author's southern childhood in the 1930s and 1940s.  My Review.
  96. SweetieSweetie Southern coming of age novel.  My review.
  97. A Rush of Wings (A Rush of Wings Series #1)A Rush of Wings (A Rush of Wings Series #1) Christian romantic suspense.  Grade:  B+  My review.
  98. Christmas at Harrington'sChristmas at Harrington's Sweet Christmas novella.  Grade:  B.  My Review.
  99. Amy InspiredAmy Inspired 30 year old aspiring writer grows up--sort of.  Grade:  B  My Review.
  100. Wild Man Creek (Virgin River Novel)Wild Man Creek (Virgin River Novel) Another installment in the Virgin River saga. My Review.  Grade:  B
  101. The Gourmet Cookie Book: The Single Best Recipe from Each Year 1941-2009The Gourmet Cookie Book: The Single Best Recipe from Each Year 1941-2009 Beautiful cookbook.  My Review.  Grade:  B-
  102. Homespun Bride (The McKaslin Clan: Historical Series, Book 1) (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical #2)Homespun Bride (The McKaslin Clan: Historical Series, Book 1) (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical #2) Christian short romance; cute but limited by the format.  My review.  Grade:  B-
  103. Promise Canyon (Virgin River)Promise Canyon (Virgin River) Contemporary romance, not quite the typical Virgin River book.  My Review.  Grade:  B
  104. The Pirate QueenThe Pirate Queen Christian fiction about a women who is about to leave her husband, until he tells her he has cancer.  My Review.   Grade:  B+
  105. Sweet Tea at Sunrise (Sweet Magnolias)Sweet Tea at Sunrise (Sweet Magnolias) Woman who had been an emotionally abused wife finds a new job and new love  Grade:  B-  My Review.
  106. Honeysuckle Summer (Sweet Magnolias)Honeysuckle Summer (Sweet Magnolias) A woman whose husband physically abused her overcomes agoraphobia and finds true love.  Grade B-  My Review
  107. Amazing GracieAmazing Gracie Luxury hotel exec and workaholic decides to start a bed and breakfast, but first she has to deal with a very handsome guy who controls the building she wants.  My review.
  108. The Thorn (The Rose Trilogy, Book 1)The Thorn (The Rose Trilogy, Book 1) Amish story; ended where it began.  Grade:  D  My review.
  109. Third Time's a Charm: A Novel (Sister-to-Sister)Third Time's a Charm: A Novel (Sister-to-Sister) Cute Christian chick-lit.  Grade B.  My Review.
  110. Walking With God: A Journey through the BibleWalking With God: A Journey through the Bible An intro into the stories of the Bible.  My Review.  Grade A.
  111. Life From ScratchLife From Scratch A novel about a food blogger.  Grade B. My Review.
  112. 1022 Evergreen Place (Cedar Cove)1022 Evergreen Place (Cedar Cove) Another chapter in the saga.  Grade B.  My review.
  113. 'Twas the Night'Twas the Night Three short Christmas romances woven into one story.  Grade:  B-- My Review.
  114. The House  Disappointing self-published novel about a couple whose divorce was going to be final, until she learned he was dying.  My Review.  Grade:  D
  115. Hatteras GirlHatteras Girl Christian beach read.  Grade:  B.  My Review
  116. .The Family Dinner: Great Ways to Connect with Your Kids, One Meal at a TimeThe Family Dinner: Great Ways to Connect with Your Kids, One Meal at a Time Cookbook with great ideas for bringing the family together.  IMO though, the food is too "gourmet" for most kids.  My Review.  Grade B.
  117. Montana GloryMontana Glory Fun Western romance.  Grade: B+.  My review.
  118. Clinton St. Baking Company Cookbook: Breakfast, Brunch & Beyond from New York's Favorite Neighborhood RestaurantClinton St. Baking Company Cookbook: Breakfast, Brunch & Beyond from New York's Favorite Neighborhood Restaurant  A beautiful cookbook featuring breakfast and brunch dishes.  Grade:  B.  My review.
  119. James Beard's American CookeryJames Beard's American Cookery Comprehensive cookbook.  I didn't care much for the style.  Grade:  B-.  My review
  120. .Letters to Ethan: A Grandfather's Legacy of Life & LoveLetters to Ethan: A Grandfather's Legacy of Life & Love A grandfather writes to his grandson and teaches him life lessons.  Grade:  B.  My review.
  121.  The Tapestry Shop (Five Star Expressions)The Tapestry Shop (Five Star Expressions) Historical fiction set in the Middle Ages.  Just didn't do it for me.  My review.
  122. Almost HeavenAlmost Heaven Great Christian fiction.  My Review.
  123. Emily's Chance: A Novel (The Callahans of Texas)Emily's Chance: A Novel (The Callahans of Texas) Enjoyable Christian Western romance.  My review.
  124. Dismissed with PrejudiceDismissed with Prejudice Legal Thriller.  DNF.  My review.
  125.  Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A NovellaTwo Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A Novella Sweet Christmas story.  My review.
  126. Catching MoondropsCatching Moondrops Christian Southern fiction/romance.  My review.
  127. The House on Olive StreetThe House on Olive Street Story of a group of women, all at crossroads in life.  My review.  Grade:  C+

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