Long Lazy Nights

Okay, so I decided that I was going to read off that list first, right? Well, things escaped me, and like all other things, intentions fell to the wayside in sight of such lovely, mindless books. I truly appreciate brain candy, because it allows me to sit and think of other things while I enter the author's world. If this does not happen, for whatever reason, I can still put the book down and step away not feeling lost or bereft. Unlike so many other things; responsibility, work, housework, chores, I can leave some of these open in the "to be finished" file without extra guilt. Like everyone else, I already have too much of that!

I regularly read messages from FlyLady.net and really appreciate everything that woman is trying to do. I have read her book, "Sink Reflections" and really liked it, even as I was unable to stay with her program ideas. While I have not really managed to make myself fall into some set scheme, I believe my 'lurking' on her site has improved me as a person. She is amazing. Her first habit, established in an attempt to regain control of her house, was shining her sink every night. I have made mine, hanging up my purse and coat and making sure that everything I ABSOLUTELY need is in those two items. So far this week = success. Actually, I have been doing this for almost a month. It seems like such a small, rather useless thing, but really makes my mornings flow a lot better.
Okay, on to the reviews, sorry if some are repeats...

Suzanne Brockmann "Body Language" Honestly? Not one of her better books. I think maybe I am burnt out on Brockmann. I loved the majority of her Troubleshooter books, and her SEAL 16 books. I have even read her SEAL team 10 books with some enjoyment. Every once in a while, it is as if she takes a break from developing true characters. While some remain sketches, I do not think major characters should fall into this category. Would I say that I will never read another Brockmann book? Definitely no, but maybe will wait for the next one to come out in paperback, or at the library. Feeling a bit burnt out on her, with a solid .5 thumbs up.

Charlotte Hughes "What Looks Like Crazy" was a nice light read. Her characters were slightly underdeveloped, but fun and rather edgy. I liked it, true brain candy. 1.5 thumbs up. This was the first book I believe I have read by this author, but will keep an eye out for others...

Judith Bowen "Lydia Lane" well, this was light, and not at all challenging... but would I recommend it to anyone? No. Cardboard like characters with no real motivation for doing anything with each other. I think maybe this is an early book by this author, but it was almost as if she was surprised by what her characters were doing... not as if she intended them to take those actions. Like they were particularly unprepared for what was going to happen. No thumbs up for this book.

Tom Clancy "Patriot Games" 2 thumbs enthusiastically up for this book. To be totally honest, this is not a new read for me, but every time I read this particular book, I find something else I really like. His characters are real, his timing is tight and there is suspense throughout. I like how he holds back on the dramatic irony, and provides even lessor characters with believable words and actions.

Fern Michaels, "Vendetta" .5 thumbs up. I usually like Michaels, but found this one insulting and wrong. Maybe I should not have stepped into the middle of the series, but did not find the characters likable enough to want to know about them.

Harlan Coben, "There will be No Second Chance" 2 thumbs up! wonderful. Kept me on the edge of my seat (figuratively) and guessing. A few weak areas, but overall fascinating portrait of what a person will do to have their family back, even an imperfect one....

Julie Garwood: "Slow Burn" 1.5 thumbs up. I was able to read this fast and furiously, but wanted to know what was happening. I was surprised by the climax, and enjoyed this as a nice light read.

"Shadow Dance" 1 thumb up. I might recommend this to someone who wants fluff, not romance. It was quite interesting, but plot points were a bit over wrought. Interesting enough to keep me plowing through.

"Killjoy" 1 thumb up. Interesting. Not what I expected, but still interesting. I would have like a bit more information on the aunt, who is central to the story... but nicely written.

Lisa Gardner "Alone" 1.75-2 thumbs up. Not at all what I expected, but very very good. I have read several other Gardner books and am always impressed by her prose, characterization and style. She makes characters I can't like fascinating. I actually care about them by the end. She is good at providing multiple viewpoints or takes as if from one person who is struggling for objectivity. Wow. Good read. While it pulled me in, it did not keep me from sleeping (a major plus in work week reads.)