Some Like The Hop!
The Week's Question:
What is the worst book cover for a book you love?
A good cover will make me pick up a book, but it's not a deal breaker for me, and a good story and what moves the book for the store ( or amazon) to my collection. Every now and then I see a cover change I don't care for. Here's some from two of my favorite authors.
Michelle Moran: Nefertiti
This book has more cover changes than I can count.The first one on the left is the one I have and my favorite. The last on the right is my least favorite.
Tess Gerritsen: The Sinner
Tess is one my favorite author's and I'd followed her series for years. The book covers started getting revamps after t.v. series launch. The original on the left is fantastic. The last one is lackluster.

.jpg)
Let's Read It: Confessions Fact or Fiction
Teaser/Why you’ll love it:
This book is an anthology of wonderfully talented writers. Each story could easily work as a standalone.
You’ll find yourself wanting to know more, as each tale varies in length and
some end abruptly. Many of the accounts are personal tales, and the authors do
an excellent job walking the line between fantasy and reality. Even though you’re
aware that not all of the stories in the anthology are real, you’ll find
yourself wondering about is each one. Considering that the stories are short, this
anthology that can be enjoyed over a period of weeks. It’s an excellent choice
someone that likes reading a little at time but also being thoroughly entertained.
One important thing to consider when reading this book:
“Does your perception of the stories and the authors vary based upon which ones
seem real and which seem contrived?” Stories like the ones presented in this
anthology are sent to publishers every day, most are rejected as novels.
However, it is often true that same story would be accepted is submitted as
memoir or true story. Consider that when reading this book.
Did I like it?: Overall yes, I found each
story engaging, some of them blended together seamlessly, others ended abruptly
when I was looking for more. When I was reading, it was easy to forget that many
of the accounts were not all real. In fact I had a difficult time discerning
which of the authors wrote factual story and which were simply spinning a tale.
The use of person narration works well in this anthology, and adds to the
illusion of realism. After finishing the entire collection I still have no idea
which stories were true, however that is part of the fun. I would both recommend
and read this book again.
Caveats: None
Who’s it for:
·
Casual readers
·
Advent readers
·
All ages
·
Anthology/short story lovers
Overall Rating: 5/5
Let's Read It: "Hell To Pay"
In
this riveting suspense thriller, the next corner you turn might just lead
straight to hell…
Teaser: Detective
Michael Bailey is a man haunted by the past and tormented by the present. As an
officer of the law it’s his job to protect those in his city. Then why have things
gone array? Failures tend to find Bailey at every turn and each crime he cannot
bring to justice, each life he is unable to save, becomes another nail in his
coffin. The only thing that seems to be left is the bottle, but even alcohol
has long become something Bailey can’t handle. As the murders continue to pile
up one man, George Graham, keeps ending up on the short list of suspects. Is he
really just a middle aged shop owner living out his days in solitude after the death
of his mother? Or is it more likely that George simply can’t control himself, can’t
take the agony of his rejections and shortcomings? Something is lurking beneath
his exterior and it’s more sinister than anyone can imagine…
Why
you’ll Love it: “Hell
to Pay” is a story that skips the flowery lead in and dives right in. It’s a
lengthier read and well worth spending a few afternoons with. A suspense
thriller intricately weaved with supernatural; the novel will have you
questioning everything you think you know about reality. “Hell to Pay” is frightening, with demons,
and ghosts and shadows lurking around each corner. It is heavy on all of its
aspects, drama, tension, and action, which truly make this into a memorable
tale.
Did
I like it? : I found the novel particularly enjoyable as
a suspense, thriller buff myself, “Hell to Pay” makes an excellent addition to
my book collection. I felt like the author really knew where he was going with
the story from beginning to end and each part left me wanting for the next. The
stranger the story became the more I found myself wanting to know more. Bailey
is a fantastic lead, and I felt that author made good use of the supporting
characters. Antagonist, George, was perhaps my favorite; I could figure him out
in the beginning, and I was completely enthralled with what he developed into.
Favorite
Quotes:
“Yes. That God is dead and this is it. I‘ve heard
junkies talking about how this is really Hell and that straight people are too
stupid to realize it.”
“Be good boy, the devil‘s looking for you . . . and
sent his hound to find you.”
Caveats:
This
book is for adults, contains adult situations, and violence.
Overall
Rating: 5/5
Let's Read it: Deconstructing Infatuation
“Deconstructing
Infatuation” will have one rethinking the old phase, “love will make you do
crazy things”. It is infatuation that leads us spiraling downward into the
unknown, running face first with our eyes closed.
Teaser: Helene
is a woman not terribly different from any other. She has a career, as a
literary agent, an annoying roommate, and a steady boyfriend; her life is
coming along as planned. However, when her roommate, Marleen, sublets a room in
their apartment to an attractive man, Tiziano, Helene faces the ultimate test
of her fidelity. Charming, good looking,
and new, Tiziano quickly captures Helene’s attention. His presence further
highlights the shortcomings of her with relationship with boyfriend Mark.
Helene is torn between the man she has a long standing bond with, and the fiery
connection that could be with Tiziano. Can
Helene remain faithful? Or will she succumb to intriguing allure of the sultry
stranger.
Why
you’ll love it: “Deconstructing Infatuation” is a short,
lightening fast read, but it gets the job done. Despite its description, the
story is not too heavily bogged down in drama, and the author makes excellent
use of humor. The lighthearted parts make a fantastic contrast to the main
character’s trials. The story isn’t merely a tale of adultery, it examines the
rush of emotion and perhaps irrationality that comes with infatuation.
Did
I like it? : The short answer is yes. As a rational
creature I found myself angry with Helene’s character. How could someone be so instantly
fascinated with a stranger, that they are willing to sacrifice a relationship
they’ve put time and effort into? Perhaps this question arose because I’ve
never been infatuated in such a manner. I think other readers will be asking
themselves the same thing. I found myself loathing the way, the protagonist,
Helene, behaves in the story mainly because her change is so sudden. However,
life is something that changes suddenly and upon further evaluation, I feel
that the character’s and situation are fairly realistic. A book which forces
you to ask questions or evokes feelings for a character is one certainly worth
reading.
Caveats:
The book is for adults,
due to adult situations I would not necessarily recommend this for young teens.
Overall
Rating: 3.9/5
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)




