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Janice H. (janicehouck) - , - Reviews

1 to 10 of 10
All That Matters (Ranchin' Dads) (Western Lovers, No 16)
All That Matters (Ranchin' Dads) (Western Lovers, No 16)
Author: Judith Duncan
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 2.9/5 Stars.
 5
Review Date: 10/3/2013
Helpful Score: 1


This story starts out great--interesting characters and plot. Once the sparks start flying, it became very repetitive for me. How many times are they going to think about and talk about why they shouldn't be together--age difference, different generation, blah, blah, blah? And she slinks away in shame after they were caught in a passionate embrace by the 16 year old daughter? Also the "playful banter" between Susan and every other male character is extremely sexist, stupid, and repetitive--it really detracted from the storyline.


Bitten (Otherworld, Bk 1)
Bitten (Otherworld, Bk 1)
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 49
Review Date: 1/6/2013


Interesting characters, but way too gory for my taste. I had to put it down a few chapters in after the umpteenth description of splattered, bloody body parts.


First Comes Baby (Silhouette Romance, No 845)
First Comes Baby (Silhouette Romance, No 845)
Author: Kristin Morgan
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.2/5 Stars.
 3
Review Date: 7/10/2012


Nicely written, great characters, story, and pace to the story was just right.


The Hob's Bargain
The Hob's Bargain
Author: Patricia Briggs
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 231
Review Date: 7/27/2012
Helpful Score: 3


I've read several of Brigg's other books, and loved them. This was the first novel of her's that I thought was just OK. The story did not flow well, and there was not enough information about some of the characters-in the right places-to really figure out what was going on. For example, it was not explained until late in the story that Kith was a bezerker. Also, it was very unclear until the very end what that meant and how it was done/why, etc. A relationship between Kith and the widow, Danci was also hinted at, but left untouched and confusing. Maybe Briggs will go back and re-write it like she did with Masques.


I Am Albert Einstein (I Am, Bk 2)
I Am Albert Einstein (I Am, Bk 2)
Author: Grace Norwich, Ute Simon (Illustrator)
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 6/18/2014


Truly wonderful book. Provides biographical information about one of the most important scientific minds of the past century in a way that appeals to children ages 6-11. My 11 year old son wants to be a scientist, and this book pointed out the many quirky things about Einstein that made him an awkward child, but were important traits that made him a successful scientist. It also provided explanations of Einstein's discoveries that made the ideas accessible to grade schoolers and non-science leaning adults. Inspiring, well-written, and engaging.


Montana Lawman (Montana Mavericks) (Silhouette Special Edition, No 1497)
Review Date: 7/10/2012


The story and characters have lots of promise, but I couldn't follow the flow of the story. Gave up after halfway in.


More Than Friends
More Than Friends
Author: Barbara Delinsky
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 148
Review Date: 12/13/2013


I love Barbara Delinsky's writing, but can't stomach some of her choices of subjects. This book focuses on two families whose lives are intertwined...the wives were college roommates, the husbands are long-time friends, they vacation together, etc. Within the first few pages of this story, the husband from one family and the wife from the other family engage in spur-of-the moment sex. I had to stop reading right there, as I find this behavior immoral and inexcusable. I don't mind if non-central characters are guilty of these sorts of indiscretions, for example, a story about a woman whose husband was unfaithful. I just don't want to read about main characters who are unfaithful. My personal quirk, and it might save someone from wasting money/credit on this particular title.


Together Alone
Together Alone
Author: Barbara Delinsky
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 108
Review Date: 11/4/2013


I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters and story lines were complex, well-developed, engaging and believable. This was a great story of female friendship, where three women have met weekly over the years and share each others' triumphs and heartaches. The novel begins showing these women at a turning point in their lives--daughters going off to college. I love that each of the women is in a different situation regarding marital status. The main character goes through a realization that her marriage--and her life--is unfulfilling. As a stay-at-home mom myself, I love that this character was a stay-at-home mom and never regretted her choice. The second character is a woman with a marriage where she and her husband have grown apart. The third character is a divorcee who is ready to focus on herself and on starting a romantic relationship after dedicating her life to raising a daughter alone. The male character--a widower with a small child--is endearing and really captures some of the challenges of being a parent of a walking--but not yet talking--child. Each of the characters is well-thought-out and the story lines have a bit of mystery and intrique thrown in. The conclusions of a few of the intertwined stories are heart-wrenching, but each character is shown learning and growing from their experiences. A must-read for fans of Barbara Delinsky.


Under the Mistletoe (5 in 1)
Under the Mistletoe (5 in 1)
Author: Mary Balogh
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 85
Review Date: 7/8/2012


I usually love Mary Balogh's books, but after the first story, I gave up on this one. The premise of the story and the characters have lots of promise, but I found the story repetitive and the ending too predictable. I'll go back to her full-length books.


The Woman Next Door
The Woman Next Door
Author: Barbara Delinsky
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.6/5 Stars.
 200
Review Date: 11/1/2013
Helpful Score: 2


I generally like books by Barbara Delinsky, but I just couldn't get into this one. I found the whole situation very petty and sad--the women and men were all gossiping about the young widow on their street and who could have fathered the baby she is carrying. The dysfunctional families portrayed were sad and depressing, as were the women trying to figure out which of their husbands had fathered the widow's baby. A real downer, full of deceit, jealousy, and hatred.


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