Wedding Cake Crumble (Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series #10) by Jenn McKinlay

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Series/Trilogy/Stand-Alone, etc: Series #10
✥Release Date: April 3, 2018
✥Page Count: 267
✥Edition: Mass Market Paperback
✥Genre(s): Cozy Mystery, Romance
✥Date(s) Read: 5/22-5/29
✥Rating:        Book:   5/5  

My Thoughts:

Book:

As always, I really enjoyed this book! I found myself laughing out loud on almost every page. This one, I think is one of my favorites in the series. The characters as always, I adore! I love the banter and relationships with the 3 best friends. The romance and the imperfectly perfect way they all deal with each other. 

I love the parents, uncles, pets, everything and everyone (not the bad people of course)! Oh, and pets? There was a new edition to the one that was there and I loved her too! As cute as she is, I am not quite as attached to her, yet, as I am the cat Captain Jack! Unfortunately, I am allergic to cats but I can just take a claritin and love on him all day! I hope (still have to factor in itchy eyes, but they have drops for that too I guess). But, I'm sure that if there are at least one or two more books, I will fall in love with the pooch even more! 

I am hoping for at least one more book where one of my favorite couples gets married but if I had it my way, I would like another two books to see two more couples get married off as well. Then, see some babies born among 2 of those 3 couples (one couple is a bit past child bearing years with grown kids and grandkids lol).

So, basically, yes, I want more! This is one series I can definitely say is my favorite and I look forward to reading and that I pay full price for (which full price isn't too bad at [up to] $7.99 on amazon brand new).

I really don't think I have a whole lot to say about this book and even if I did, I wouldn't want to give too much away as this is the 10th book in a series. They work more like companions but there are some things carried over from previous books of course, like relationships and people disliking each other and reasons possibly given in previous books. I don't think you need to read them in order but I would suggest you do to make it easier to keep up with, although she does give some level of back story in each book. 

Here is the list of the name of the books in this series: Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series.

Last One Home (New Beginnings #1) by Debbie Macomber

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Series/Trilogy/Stand-Alone,etc: Series #1 (New Beginnings)
✥Release Date: March 1, 2015
✥Page Count: 320
✥Format: Hardcover

✥Setting: Seattle, Washington; Spokane, Washington; Kent, Washington 

✥Genre(s): Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
✥Date(s)Read: 5/7-5/14/18
✥Rating: Book: 4/5    Audio: 4.5/5     Narrator: Rebecca Lowman

My Thoughts: 

Audio:

She was really good. Made what would have been a rough go with this book, even easier to get through. Not because of it being a bad book because it wasn't, but because of the topic. 

Book:

I literally just finished this book (typed as I was listening to the last bit of it) and this was not an easy book to read/listen to because of the topic of abuse, forgiveness and family who are separated, much, because of unforgiving and anger. But, as with what seems to be Debbie Macomber books, there will always be a great ending, even if not always a happy one. Actual reality in much of the areas of the ending. 

I loved Cassie & Steve. It took some time to like Steve but I knew by the end, I would. Amiee, Cassie's 12 year old daughter, was all of that 12 year old! A bit much for me and sometimes made me want to reach through the book and shake her! Overall, she was a smart kid though. I was glad to see things work out for the best for Cassie, she really and truly deserved it. And there is a huge love for KFC by someone in this book and I do mean a huge love! 😄

I got this book because I read another book in this companion series that, at the time, I didn't know it was. I had won Any Dream Will Do in a giveaway (Goodreads if I remember correctly) and I loved it! When I realized it was a part of the series, I said I would go back to the first book. I am looking forward to the second in this series hoping I do enjoy it. So far, of the two, Any Dream Will Do is truly my favorite. It came during a time in my life that I needed it. The hope, the love, the coming of age story that I so needed to read. 

All Dressed in White (Under Suspicion #3) by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Series/Trilogy/Stand-Alone,etc: Series #3
✥Release Date: November 17, 2015
✥Page Count: 384
✥Format: Mass Market Paperback
✥Setting: Florida
✥Genre(s): Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Suspence
✥Date(s)Read: 5/6/18 (finished)
✥Rating:  Book: 3.5/5    Audio: 5/5    Narrator: Jan Maxwell


                                                            My Thoughts:

Audio:

I really enjoyed listening to her, from the moment I turned her on until the end. 

Book:

I don't remember exactly when I started this book but when I initially started reading it, I just couldn't stay with it (was reading it on my own at this point). So, I finally put it down not quite sure if I'd continue on but I found the audio book on scribd.com and when I started the book, I still wasn't quite sure if I'd continue on with the story because I didn't think I'd be in the mood for it but I listened for about 5 minutes or so past that "Not sure if I want to read this one" and a few hours later, I find myself more than 300 pages in (when I restarted it, I was 115 pages in). So, I guess I was in the mood for it! 😂

As with the first two books, I really did love the main characters (Laurie, her father, son & her interest, Alex). The books are centered around a TV show they do called Under Suspicion and them trying to figure out the "whodunit". 

Q. Did the person and/or people I suspect actually do it?!?!

A. Nope. Not at all. I felt they were a bit of a jerk but not the killer. I even suspected others that turned out to actually be decent people. 

These are the first books I have ever read by M.H.C. and I am really enjoying them. I will more than likely do a catch up on this series before I try going on to any other and see what I think of those. So far, there are 5 total books in this series with the final one coming out in 2017. I'm not quite sure when I will get to the next one in this series but next time I go book shopping at my local used book store, I will probably take a scan through their mass paperback section hoping I can find the next few in this size (first book I have in hardcover and larger, maybe I'll get that one in MMP as well).

Do you have to read the first book to read any part of this series? Well, I guess not really as they are more companions than anything but I think to get an idea of what's going on, I would at least read the first book (I've Got You Under My Skin) to understand how everything got started. And maybe you'll be able to kind of jump around after that but seeing that I am only on the third book at this point, I am saying the "jump around" very lightly because I don't know yet if any of these books go into being related in any kind of way other than some of the characters go from book to book (Laurie, Alex, Laurie's Dad and her son and her other co-workers of course).

That Summer by Sarah Dessen

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Series/Trilogy/Stand-Alone,etc: Stand Alone
✥Release Date: 5/11/14
✥Page Count: 198
✥Format: Paperback
✥Setting: Lakeview, NC
✥Genre(s): Fiction, YA, Romance, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
✥Date(s)Read: 5/4-5/6
✥Rating: Book: 3/5   Audio: 4/5   Narrator: Mia Barron

Some things (character thoughts) may be considered spoilerish to some, although I don't give too much in go but some, like me, can see the smallest thing was a spoiler.

Audio:
I think I liked her more than the book itself much of the time I was listening. 


Book:
The book started off really Meh but got a bit better the further I went along. I'm always iffy at the start of Sarah Dessen books but many times, by the end of it all, I end up enjoying many of them quite a bit. But still holding my favorite spot is: The Truth About Forever. I am gradually trying to work through all of her books. I still have one or two on my shelves (that I own) to get through before I will consider buying whatever is left of her books.

But, onto this book and it's characters:

Haven: I was glad to finally see her come into herself
Ashley: By the end, I was able to understand her and like her a little more. 
Sumner: With things that went on, I still liked him at the end
The Parents: Mom, I liked. Dad, too self absorbed. Mid-life crisis much?
The BFF: um...well, not quite sure what to think about her, even by the end of the book.

A good coming of age story that I was glad to see even if I didn't always agree how things went down. Both as a parent and as an adult knowing how things could end up when certain things take place. 

Lucky In Love by Kasie West

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Series/Trilogy/Stand-Alone,etc: Stand Alone
✥Release Date: 7/25/17
✥Page Count: 337
✥Format: Hardcover
✥Setting: Santa Ana, CA
✥Genre(s): Fiction, YA, Romance
✥Date(s)Read:4/18-4/27  
✥Rating: Book: 3.75/5  Audio: 3/5 Narrator: Laurence Bouvard

My Thoughts:

Audio:
She was not the best narrator ever (In my personal opinion), but she definitely wasn't the worst I've heard either. I stopped reading books because of a narrator because to my ear, they just weren't doing it for me (and I knew I wouldn't finish it on my own!

Book:

There were some aspects of this book that annoyed me:
1. Friends who were beyond pushy and jealous.
2. Pushy associates and trying to get her to do things with her money that she wasn't comfortable with (nothing illegal just "simple" stuff)
3. She was very much a people pleaser but, I actually get that because I tend to still be a bit of a people pleaser at 43 years old but it finally got to the point I'm tired of doing what folks think is best for me when I know it isn't. Yes, sometimes, things have to get done that you might not want to do but sometimes you know it may be best..then, there are times, you just know it isn't right at all!

Beyond those things, I did love Maddie for her discipline in focusing on what she wanted done and doing it. A focus and discipline I still struggle with now in life. So, here I am being motivated, again, by someone so much younger than me! lol....But I always believe something can be learned from everything and everyone (what to do and what not to do). 

Seth, he is the cool, calm, laid back person I like that let's little bother him it seems. If it does, he rarely shows it. He just knows how to relax and go with the flow in many cases (I'm one who isn't a go with the flow of people or society but going with the flow of your personal life and not letting things stress you, just handling it and going on, is something to strive for in my opinion).

So, both have me rethinking areas of life. And books like that, will always get a good score in my 'book'. So, why a 3.75/5 stars? Well, because it was a little harder to keep myself interested in the book when it came to certain characters.

The Last Battle (Chronicles of Narnia #7) by C.S. Lewis

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Series/Trilogy/Stand-Alone,etc: Series #7
✥Release Date: September 4, 1956
✥Page Count: 229
✥Format: Paperback
✥Setting: Narnia
✥Genre(s): Fiction, Classics, Fantasy, YA, Children's
✥Date(s)Read:  4/14-4/15
✥Rating: Book: 5/5 Audio: 5/5  Narrator: Patrick Stewart

My Thoughts:

Audio:
I found that Patrick Stewart did a great job at narrating this book. He wasn't a favorite but I still enjoyed him enough to give him a 5/5.

Book:
Of course, I did enjoy the book. It was kind of sad to see the series end but it was a really good ending, not perfect, but still really good and well wrapped up.

I was glad to read about "old" characters from previous books. I was also glad to see things work out for some other characters I liked from this book. I don't quite remember what happened to one or two characters that I wasn't fond of but I do remember them being mentioned but my mind won't let me remember the exacts of what happened. 😆

I've had all 7 books for at least a couple of years now but it just took me a while to want to read The Last Battle. Not quite sure why I didn't feel like reading it but I finally picked it up last week and said I would try to get through it and I'm glad I finally did. It was well worth it! 

Pivot Point (Pivot Point #1) by Kasie West

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Series/Trilogy/Stand-Alone, etc: Series/Duology (Pivot Point #1)
✥Release Date: February 12, 2013
✥Page Count: 343
✥Format: Hardcover
✥Setting: Dallas, Texas
✥Genre(s): Fiction, YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, Romance
✥Date(s) Read:  3/26-4/12
✥Rating:       Book: 4.5/5

My Thoughts:

I wasn't quit sure what I'd think about this book, even though I love Kasie West. That's mostly because this is a fantasy and all of the other books I read first were her romances. I can actually say that I adored this book! Especially Trevor! I wasn't even sure if I'd finish it but, evidently, I did and I am looking forward to the second book in this duology! As soon as I can buy it, I will. I really enjoyed Addie (Addison) as well. She had pretty good intuition about people, even without her ability. Now, yes, she is human and made her mistakes but she was a smart young lady. But I guess with parents like hers you learn how to figure people and life out pretty quickly. 

This was a fun book and I'm glad I picked it up because I hadn't planned on doing so. I had planned on skipping these books altogether. Just going by this one alone, it was very much with picking up and I hope to like the next one as well. Kasie West, still giving me reason to love her writing and keeping her as one of my favorite authors. 

Welcome to the World Baby Girl by Fannie Flagg

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Series/Trilogy/Stand-Alone, etc: Series (Elmwood Springs #1)
✥Release Date: September 22, 1998
✥Page Count: 496
✥Format: Hardcover
✥Setting: Elmwood Springs & New York
✥Genre(s): Fiction, Women's Fiction/Chick Lit, Humor, American/Southern
✥Date(s) Read:  4/4-4/11
✥Rating:       Books:  3.5/5   Audio:  5/5      Narrator(s):  Fannie Flagg (listened on scribd)

My Thoughts:

*Big Book Challenge (BBC)
*Popsugar Reading Challenge: A book set in the decade you were born

Book:
It took some time to get into it and I had to set it to the side for a couple of months or so but once I picked it back up (along with audio..which is how it got read mostly....listening actually). 

I was glad to know the history of one of the characters talked about in the book and it wasn't left open ended. Loved the characters as always (read some of the books out of order because I didn't know it was a companion of novels). It is set in a small busy body little town where everyone knows everyone else and all of their business.

 Although I am one who doesn't really like people in my business, it's still a town I'd love to be in because everyone does know everyone and look out for each other! With me being a single woman and with two sons, it would be perfect! I think there'd be at least one who'd keep my anxiety up but she still seems sweet enough and would just limit my time around her! Lol

It jumped back and forth between a few different years but mostly set in the 1970's. And easy to keep up with.

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Series/Trilogy/Stand-Alone, etc: Stand Alone
✥Release Date:March 5, 2015
✥Page Count: 480
✥Format: Paperback
✥Setting: Stanwich, CT
✥Genre(s): YA,  Fiction, Romance, Contemporary
✥Date(s) Read: 3/29-4/3
✥Rating:       Book:  4/5     Audio:  4/5         Narrator(s): Suzy Jackson (listened on scribd)

My Thoughts:

Challenges: (I'll try to remember to add challenges with books if they have any category on the PSRC or BBC)
*Big Book Challenge
*Popsugar Reading Challenge: A Book With Song Lyrics (Kelly Clarkson; song kept running through my head when I read the title)

Audio:

I liked Suzy, she made it easier to get through a book that I may not have otherwise finished. It was a bit longer than I would have liked but I guess some things may have needed to be said. 

Book:
I liked it well enough. Chapters were a bit long. According to the audio, many were 58 minutes to over an hour long. Books with long chapters like that, tend to lose my interest for some strange reason. This is my first Morgan Matson book and although I did give it a 4/5, it isn't a favorite. I liked the characters a lot. Some things could be a bit irritating throughout the book (can't really pinpoint any at this point) but it was still a fun read/listen. 

If I had tried to read it when all the hype was going on, it may have gotten a lower rating from me because I would have, of course, been following the hype and it would have been a let down for me and that would have been too bad because it was a good book. I guess it's a good thing I can't always buy books when they first come out (bills, adult life and having sons and all..lol) because I may have gotten quite a few books and not liked them because I was on the hype train. Plus, with series, many times, the 2nd, 3rd+ are out and I can just go forward with them or, the author has other stand alones out that I can just go to if I like their writing enough. 

I've gotten off topic.....

Emily: I loved her! There are some things on that list I personally would not have done but it was good to see her be pulled out of her shell and meet new people. Things may not have always worked the way she wanted them too but some how, she made it through it all. 

Frank: He was a sweetheart! He would've been someone I wish I had as a friend even in adulthood! Especially in my adulthood because I'd appreciate him more! 

Dawn: I liked her a lot and some things that went on between her and Emily, I understood but I would like to see how things work out for her life.

Sloane: Was a bit much for me, even though she wasn't around, the flash backs gave an idea of who she was. It's good that she tried to pull Emily out and get her to try new things (like with the list) but sometimes, her actions made me cringe. I guess being young, you do things that are cringe worthy, heck we do it as adults. I didn't totally dislike her, it's just like I said, sometimes, she was just a bit much for me. 

(as always, I get the covers from Goodreads unless otherwise stated)

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Series/Trilogy/Stand-Alone, etc: Stand Alone
✥Release Date: 1982
✥Page Count: 288
✥Format: Paperback
✥Setting: Georgia
✥Genre(s): Classics, Historical Fiction, LGBT, Feminism, Adult, Cultural-African American,                      Literature
✥Date(s) Read: 3/18-3/25/18
✥Rating:       Book: 4.5/5


My Thoughts: (Reread)

I still enjoyed the book a lot but I really don't remember it being so vulgar with the curse words and descriptive about body parts. Some parts seemed to have been left out from when I read it before. Maybe I need to find the cover I read before and/or look into different covers and see if there is a difference. Some may not realize that some books change a little with each new addition. Example, when I first read/listened to "Where the Heart Is" by Billie Letts, Novalee didn't like 5's, with the book I bought, it said 7's and I noticed that through just scanning it (even in the movie, it was 5's). 

When I read the book the first time, I could have sworn Celie said that her and Mr. were actually friends now, in this one, that wasn't there. Now, maybe that was my imagination remembering that..lol...It just seemed like some things were added and taken out but because it had been so long, I can't pin point everything, that friendship part is the only thing I can recall. 

Other than the things I brought up previously, I really did still enjoy the book as I stated. Not sure if it was as much as the first time though. 

I reread this book this week as the reread-a-thon that too place this week (3/18-3/25). I only read this one book because I just didn't feel like reading many times.


                                (The cover I read the 2nd time, don't remember the first cover)

Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince (H.P. #6) by J.K. Rowling

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Series/Trilogy/Stand-Alone, etc: Series #6
✥Release Date: July 16, 2005
✥Page Count: 652
✥Format: Paperback
✥Setting: England; Hogwarts
✥Genre(s): YA, Fantasy, Fiction
✥Date(s) Read: 3/2-3/18/18
✥Rating:       Book:  4.5/5       Audio:  4.5/5         Narrator(s): Jim Dale



My Thoughts:


Audio:
I always love listening to Jim Dale. He tends to make Hermione (and some other characters) sound whiny though. Whether that was the intention of J.K. Rowling or not, I don't know. He is always enjoyable regardless.


Book:
What can I say about a book this far in without giving spoilers? Not very much. And I'm sure there are those out there, who, like me, haven't finished (or started) the series so, unlike some, who may have spoiled it for me, I won't give spoilers. I will just say that I really enjoyed the book and glad to finally see some things that I kind of figured would happen. It took me a while to finish because I'm still on that "I really want to do other things" kick that I've been on for at least 6 months now but I guess as long as I'm reading, that's all that matters. 😊

I'm here trying to figure out what to say about the story without giving spoilers but I can't, so, I guess I will just leave it at here. Really short, but, heck, I can't think of much else! 😂

To All The Boys I've Loved Before (To All The Boys I've Loved Before #1) by Jenny Han

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Series/Trilogy/Stand-Alone, etc: Trilogy
✥Release Date: April 15, 2014
✥Page Count: 355
✥Format: Hardcover
✥Setting: Charlottesville, VA
✥Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
✥Date(s) Read: 2/23-2/28
✥Rating:       Book: 3/5     Audio:  3/5      Narrator(s): Laura Knight Keating


My Thoughts:

Audio:
Well, with another audio, there really isn't a lot to say, except that she was good. 

Book:
The book started off strong and I liked it a lot. Then it got to the point that it made me remember (as if I could ever forget), why I am so glad I am NOT a teenager and why I would NEVER want to go back to that age! Pettiness. Flirting with the opposite sex (or, well, depending on your sexuality, the same sex), to make the ex jealous. Causing problems and borderline fights. 

Yeah, I do NOT miss that age and craziness (and I don't miss my 20's either). Only reason I'd go back to those ages is because I'd want to have a do over! In a LOT of areas! 

I know, not all teenagers act like that and did what they did in this book, but there's still that teenage angst, hormones, etc I don't miss! And again, those 20 something years! Ugh! 

But, I digress....

I did enjoy the book. Evidently. It just wasn't great for me. Once it hit midway through, I started becoming a little annoyed. By the end, I was a little bit more annoyed. And I figured out how the letters got sent pretty early on. I had questioned it a few times but I had that instinct that kept telling me no. Only reason I had doubts about my initial thoughts is because of situations that took place between a couple other people. 

I liked Dad, Josh & most of the time, I liked Laura Jean. The little sister? Well, although I know she is a child, but sometimes, she did kind of work my nerves and was a little "too smart for her own good". Margot? I liked her well enough but I don't think she knew what she wanted. But, I guess she's young, so that is very much allowed. She is at that age to where she is still figuring things out. 

I will be going on to the second book whenever I am able to buy it and in the mood to read it. I will determine whether I want to read the third one when I finish the second. 

I've also read "The Summer I Turned Pretty" trilogy by Jenny Han. That's what made me want to read these. The "Burn for Burn" trilogy/series, I read the first one and wasn't fond of it. I only gave it 2/5 Stars. Doubt I will go on to the others.