Fireworks Over Toccoa - Jeffrey Stepakoff

March 30, 2010

   An unexpected discovery takes eighty-four-year-old Lily Davis Woodward to 1945, and the five days that forever changed her life. Married for only a week before her husband was sent to fight in WWII, Lily is anxious for his return, and the chance to begin their life together. In honor of the soldiers' homecoming, the small Georgia town of Toccoa plans a big celebration. And Jake Russo, a handsome Italian immigrant, also back from war, is responsible for the elaborate fireworks display the town commissioned.
   But after a chance encounter in a star-lit field, he steals Lily's heart and soul--and fulfills her in ways her socially-minded, upper-class family cannot. Now, torn by duty to society and her husband--and the poor, passionate man who might be her only true love--Lily must choose between a commitment she's already made and a love she's never known before.(Chapters, CA)

     This book truly moved me, and I am still in complete awe. I almost cannot express how much I loved this book. I might even say it is one of my top five favourites … Not sure if that’s going too far, but I’m so entranced right now, I can’t help but believe so.

     I found the writing style really painted a vivid picture in my head, and I really appreciated having that canvas backing up the love story which was magically unfolding. The characters, Lily and Jake specifically, were so true and feasible/realistic, that I had no problem diving right into their story. I felt so strongly for Lily the whole time, as if I were experiencing the same happiness and struggles, and I really love it when a book can drag me in so profoundly. This is a tear-jerker for sure, and not a read to be passed up ever!

     Oddly, there were small aspects which reminded me of two movies; Titanic and The Notebook (though, they too are amazing stories). The beginning was set up similarly to Titanic, in which a woman and granddaughter stumble across something significant from the former’s past, who then goes on to tell the epic story. Later on, I found Lily’s struggle between two men - obligation versus love – as well as her father’s intervention similar to events in the Notebook. But truthfully, this similarity didn’t detract from the story at all.

     I felt bad for Lily before she met Jake. She just went about her life, dutifully going shopping or cleaning, but not really enjoying it. It was obvious to me that Lily cared for Paul out of duty, not love, and she was stuck in an inescapable rut. The first night they met, Lily had her reservations about Jake, but I was already gunning for them to be together. She kept worrying what would be thought of her; a married woman, having dinner in a secluded field with a sexy male stranger was not considered appropriate behavior. I wanted to reach in and let her know that times change, and in present day, she wouldn’t be made to feel guilty.

     Something I will address is the cheating factor. My personal views vary quite a bit from case to case, but in this particular situation, that aspect of Lily and Jake’s relationship never once entered my mind. Thinking about it now, I still feel the same; when Lily met Jake, she knew immediately there was something very powerful and special about him, which was missing in Paul, and the rest of her life. How could you try to let go of those feelings from that night in the field. It seemed to me almost that her body was reacting instinctively, and only her socially-closed mind was in objection, and love is more important than etiquette.

     I really didn’t agree with Lily’s decision in the end about Paul. I’m sure some of you are aghast at this statement, saying of course she did the right thing, in the end she upheld her commitment to her marriage and blah blah whatever. But I felt it was unfathomably necessary for Lily to end up with Jake. I don’t quite see how Paul’s death caused her to change her mind; she had ultimately decided to leave him, and I don’t see the ‘duty of being a widow’ as any greater than ‘the responsibility of being a wife’. I understand that she didn’t want to tarnish his memory, insult his service in the war, and everything else society would throw at her, but she had already taken that into consideration, and decided to be with Jake anyway. She ended up marrying another anyway, so why couldn’t it have been Jake? I just don’t like it. However, on that note, I loved how real the ending was. It wasn’t predictable, and it really got to me emotionally. (I was sobbing in the middle of the mall as I finished it).

     I was so engrossed in this book, I found it very hard to put down and sleep at night. I was so swept up right there with Lily, that I was just as excited as she to go back to Jake when she eventually had to leave. When she had butterflies, I had butterflies; when she was teary because he created a firework specially for her, so was I; and when they made love, I felt that passion (emotionally of course, I don’t think any book could be that good). And when they didn’t end up together, I was heartbroken, because I had fallen in love with him too.

The Chosen One - Carol Lynch Williams

May 12, 2009

Thirteen-year-old Kyra has grown up in an isolated community without questioning the fact that her father has three wives and she has twenty brothers and sisters, with two more on the way. That is, without questioning them much---if you don't count her secret visits to the Mobile Library on Wheels to read forbidden books, or her meetings with Joshua, the boy she hopes to choose for herself instead of having a man chosen for her.
But when the Prophet decrees that she must marry her sixty-year-old uncle---who already has six wives---Kyra must make a desperate choice in the face of violence and her own fears of losing her family forever. (Chapters, CA)

     Somehow when I picked up this book, I had completely forgotten what it was about, so I was temporarily surprised when I started. The book unapologetically throws you right into the middle of Kyra's story. Don't say I didn't warn you.

     The one thing that bothered me throughout the whole book was the writing style, which I found too young for my taste. The book does speak as a naive, sheltered thirteen year old, but I didn't get the sense that the taint of immaturity was due to her age and circumstance. My opinion is this book is geared toward a much younger audience (ie. tweenagers).

     I didn't dislike the book, but it just doesn't make the cut as a favourite. As I was reading, I found that I was pulling information about polygamists from my previous knowledge to fill in the gaps. Again, perhaps these gaps were there on purpose by the author as a way of further showcasing Kyra's age and cluelessness, but that can only go so far. I think someone new to the idea of polygamy, and these isolated societies which revolve around their prophet and his teachings, would have a hard time really understanding the whole situation. It's way more complicated and sensitive than we as outsiders could ever imagine, and I really felt that that concept was lost in this book.

     That being said, I do think it is a good book for tweens. I give this book a 3 star rating overall, but I really liked the ending, and felt like it deserved a half star. The book speaks on a personal level, so you really get to know and understand Kyra, and get a realistic glimpse into a very different world and way of life.

     I have to start off with the ending, because it's still fresh in my mind. And boy, did it make me cry! The ending itself made me change my rating from its original 3 stars. The whole book, I was rooting for Kyra to run away, leave the compound, and go off with Joshua so they could be together for real. I wanted to throw the book across the room when he left without her! I really thought after that point that no hope was left for her to escape.

     The whole part with Kyra having to marry her Uncle Hyrum (who was not only old and gross, but violent and strict) really disgusted me. I know though that many girls are forced into such marriages for the sake of their religion. Some of these girls truly believe the Prophet and his teachings, others are too scared to question it, and the fact that this causes them to end up this way makes me really sad. Kyra's situation would make her the seventh wife of her Uncle, fifty years her senior. Her disgusted feelings were certainly echoed by me when I was reading.

     The punishments enforced by the God Squad in this compound were absolutely appalling and frightening. Hyrum forced Mother Claire to near-drown her two year old in ice water for crying. Crying! That is really just too far for me. I couldn't tear my thoughts away from the reality of this life that many people lead.

     Poor Partick. He was so nice and sweet, I loved him the whole time. He was like a safety rope, linking Kyra with the outside world, saving her from being swallowed in her compound. I loved the part when Kyra first started borrowing books, Patrick made an excuse to take a rest so Kyra could read with him in the truck. When he understood the danger, and offered to take her away from her life, I was worried that she would get scared and balk. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time that they were racing away, even when the God Squad appeared in their scary Hummers, and took Patrick down. I cried when he was killed.

     I was partly frustrated and partly saddened that Kyra thought everything was her fault. Even at 13, I thought she should be old enough to know that her thoughts can't be read, and no one knows about her books. She kept thinking that she was being punished when she was 'chosen' for Hyrum, when Mariah was punished, when her father nearly lost his family, when Joshua was beaten, or when Patrick was killed. None of these things were her fault; it's just the way her society works.

     The ending, when Kyra finally realized that she was free, and really could do anything she wanted now, really got to me. I felt like I was personally invested in her journey, and was happy when she was finally free. It just really hit home when Kyra was finally safe, and in bed, and she heard tapping at her window. I, too, thought it was Joshua. But it was a Russian olive tree, watching over Kyra. It really was the perfect ending.

Covergasms♥ (1) Emily Giffin

     So this is my first Covergasms♥ post. It is brought to you by Book♥Hooker who hosts the meme, and the fact that I’m waiting for nearly 20 000 photos to upload into Photoshop, and then back themselves up.

     I thought I’d start off with the Emily Giffin books. Ever since Holly came up with the idea for Covergasms, these books popped into my mind, so I figured it was a sign to do them first.

     I’m not usually a fan of simple covers such as these, but for some reason, they just hit the right chord.  First of all, they all match! That is really important for me, especially with series. I know these books aren’t exactly a series, but they do relate via six degrees of separation, so I can appreciate their matching-ness. The fact that they’re just different colours (still all pastels, though!), but otherwise the same really works for me. The font is simple and cute (and the same!), and the little image tie-in on each cover which matches both the book and the other images is clever and well done.

   Something Borrowed – engagement ring; Darcy and Dex are engaged, and Rachel makes things complicated

   Something Blue – the whole idea of the book is getting something you never saw coming or expected, ergo wrapped present

   Baby Proof – well it revolves around having a baby ... that was a little too obvious

   Love The One You're With – daisy; the universal sign of choosing in love: in this case not he-loves-me, he-loves-me-not, but Andy vs Leo

   Heart of the Matter – keys; well, I haven’t read it yet, but I’m sure it applies

     As I’m further examining and appreciating the covers, I notice the ‘a novel’ bit is stuck in cleverly on all the covers. Okay, except that someone clearly dropped the ball on Heart of the Matter. Come on, you could have done something; maybe written it along one of the keys. (and FYI: the hard cover version doesn’t say a novel anywhere, let alone somewhere clever. Hmm).

     I have to rate this as a remarkably good set of books that you can really get into, with equally sweet covers (for some reason it makes me think of cake icing??)

I Love Me Some Giveaways!

     Star basketball player Chelsea "Nitro" Keyes had the promise of a full ride to college-and everyone''s admiration in her hometown. But everything changed senior year, when she took a horrible fall during a game. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family.
     As a graduation present, Chelsea''s dad springs for a three-week summer "boot camp" program at a northern Minnesota lake resort. There, she''s immediately drawn to her trainer, Clint, a nineteen-year-old ex-hockey player who''s haunted by his own traumatic past. As they grow close, Chelsea is torn between her feelings for Clint and her loyalty to her devoted boyfriend back home. Will an unexpected romance just end up causing Chelsea and Clint more pain-or finally heal their heartbreak?
     - Chapters.ca


     I just want to say HUGE thank you to Book♥Soulmates for their giveaway of Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler. I won! I've never won anything before!
     Needless to say, I'm DYING of excitement! I will be posting a review the moment I am finished reading it, which will be later on the same day that I receive it!

Splendor (A Luxe Novel) - Anna Godbersen

June 21, 2010

New beginnings. Shocking revelations. Unexpected endings.
As spring turns into summer, Elizabeth relishes her new role as a young wife, while her sister, Diana, searches for adventure abroad. But when a surprising clue about their father's death comes to light, the Holland girls wonder at what cost a life of splendor comes. In the dramatic conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Luxe series, Manhattan's most dazzling socialites chase dreams, cling to promises, and tempt fate. Only one question remains: Will they fade away or will they shine ever brighter? (Chapters, CA)

     This book starts off far from the usual polished scene of early 20th century New York, and instead presents a vibrant and zesty Cuba. Diana and Henry are both on the island; she with short hair and no inhibitions, and he upon the pretense of being at war. Elizabeth is already married when the book begins, and seems to be embracing said life. Penelope and Carolina are the same status-whores as always; no surprise there.

     Throughout the series I have loved Diana and been most interested in her story, and this book was no exception. Needless to say, I was glad that she seemed to be showcased a bit more than the others. Don’t get me wrong, the different stories were all realized to their full potential, but Diana was definitely the heroine of this one.

     I probably liked Splendor the best of the books, but only slightly more than The Luxe. Overall, I have to say I am satisfied with how everyone ended up. In some cases I was pleasantly surprised that the outcome wasn’t predictable; it made the books seem that much more real. There wasn’t exactly any more character development necessary, leaving so much more room for plot development, which was just right in my opinion for the last book of the series.

     I loved every moment of each book, and found that every aspect was enchanting yet believable. I strongly urge you to read this book; this is a series which won’t disappoint!

     I have to say, I just knew there was something not right about Snowden. I rarely pick up on cues like that, but Godbersen’s writing style really speaks to me. What a cold, calculating creep! Having Will murdered, and being there in the wing the whole time, waiting for the opportune moment to pounce on Elizabeth and her golden oil field. Admittedly, for him to have held on so long, and remained undiscovered so long is an impressive feat, but of course it just makes the deed that much more repulsive. I was surprised when he died; the description of how fragile was Elizabeth, and how strong and sturdy Snowden stood didn’t add up to her pushing him down the stairs, to his death.

     I love Teddy (see my Book Beau post for more luscious details). I spent the entire book waiting for him to come back from war. As soon as he and Diana were talking at Schoonmaker Sr.’s funeral, I knew he would rescue Elizabeth, and they would end up together. I really liked that ending for Liz; she had a fairly shitty last few years, so I felt that this conclusion really suited her. And of course she and Teddy are perfect for one another.

     Referring back to my earlier Luxe posts, I really hate Lina, "aka Carolina" (blah-blah-hoity-toity-nonsense). I didn’t want to see her out on the streets, and Longhorn’s fortune made it possible for her to still appear as a society girl, therefore giving me more chances to hate her. Such a shallow little girl, with ridiculous hopes of marrying the likes of Leland Bouchard. *here is where I roll my eyes* I will say though, that I personally hate Lina, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate her story or character. I was hooked the entire time. That said, I felt bad for Leland the whole time he was falling in love with Lina. I still don’t think she knows what love is, unless it’s love of self or wealth. The fact that Tristan kept popping up annoyed me, I really felt like his time had come and gone. His presence did however, offer me more opportunities to scoff at Lina for trying to pay him off the way she did. Obviously that wasn’t going to end well. I was very happy for Claire (who I’ve been silently rooting for all along) when she was finally able to step out of the position of maid, and live with her sister in sweet naïve, ignorant bliss.

     I did have a very short moment of sympathy when Leland finally broke up with Carolina. Granted, what she did was wrong in so many ways, but I feel that him not forgiving her, or giving her a second chance, despite how he felt just proves that he is shallow like the rest of them. Perhaps they deserve each other. Out of all the characters, Leland is perhaps the only one who I feel I didn’t get to know very well. Throughout the book I thought that his story was building slowly and something big would happen at the end, but then he breaks it off with Carolina and *poof* all gone. I found that a little strange, and I still don’t quite know what to make of it.

     Penelope. What a character. She cares so much about keeping up appearances, so I found it odd when she was out so soon after her "miscarriage" and while her husband was at "war". But of course, Penelope reminds me a bit of Scarlett O’Hara; all she wants to do is dance and flirt with rich men. Obviously her condition wasn’t going to prevent her from appearing in society for too long. Penelope’s first public appearance was at Carolina’s party at the latter’s new house, where the former met the Prince of Bavaria. He too has a wild side, and Penelope felt their relationship was perfect. She even began to give up fighting for Henry. She didn’t actually stop trying to make his life miserable, but she did temporarily distract herself with games and royal sex.

     Is it harsh for me to say that she finally got hers in the end? Penelope is a bad person. Sure, she’s relatable and human, but that doesn’t mean she’s not bad. She spent the entire series trying to win Henry over, resorting to force and blackmail when her sexual allure lost its fire, threatening to ruin the reputation of his true love, and cheating on him with someone with a higher title. Princess trumps Schoonmaker. I too thought she would end up with Bavaria, but I suppose we both should have known it was nothing more than a Prince taking what he wanted in the impressionable new-world society before settling down with a comptesse, as is his duty. And I am satisfied with the way this turned out. Penelope needed to learn once and for all that being conniving will come back to haunt you.

     I left Diana and Henry until the end, because I’m still savouring their story, and I wish it wasn’t over.

     I have believed in the strength and magic of their connection since halfway through Rumors; there is no way for them not to end up together. Despite all Penelope’s threats to ruin her, Diana is so much stronger than to allow society to dictate her life. Through Envy, I still thought they would be together, but I didn’t have full conviction that Henry would find a way to leave Penelope. As soon as the Prince appeared, I knew there was nothing stopping him anymore, and practically started holding my breath waiting for him to finally go to his father. Of course, the shock of Henry asserting himself was enough for the old man to kick the bucket. Even after the death, I was still convinced that Henry would take his inheritance and run away with Di to Paris. Clearly, that never happened.

     I was really happy when Elizabeth made the suggestion for the two of them to run away to Paris. She was right in saying that they could never truly be together in New York, and I was so sure that Henry would see that too. He’s such a cad, thinking that Diana would be his always and anywhere, but that was never the point. I was surprised when she agreed to be his Mistress (which I think happened in Envy?) because she just seems too proud for that.

     Though I would never turn down another chance to read about Diana, I feel as though her story was complete, if bittersweet. I was drop-jaw shocked when Diana left Henry standing sadly alone on the pier. Some part of me still feels a little cheated by this, but another part feels that it’s the perfect ending. I understand her not wanting to stay in New York, and not wanting Henry to follow her just because, but I almost expected him to tie everything neatly up in New York and follow her to Paris later. Instead he sent letters asking her to come back? .... Maybe that’s how this would have ended up in todays world, but back then you often married your first love, and often young. It felt very ahead of her time what she did, and that is perhaps the only thing which I feel doesn't fit perfectly.

     I love stories, or at least the idea of stories, which do not have a predictable and sappy ending. There is just something about this book, and Diana’s character in particular, which really made me want love for her. And not just any love, but Henry’s love. Her first love. The passion and energy and intensity they had was so pure, it just makes sense for them to end up together after everything.

     Despite all that, I really loved the way Henry ended up. Married unhappily – dumbfounded perhaps – to Penelope. Two peas of the same pod; brought together by stale lust and threats, remaining together out of convenience and because there is nothing else for either of them to do. They are condemned to a bejeweled life of false pretenses, disingenuous parties and melancholy.

Book Beaus (1) Teddy Cutting

Teddy Cutting
The Luxe Series by Anna Godbersen

     I really wanted my first Book Beau post to be of a guy in a book I am currently reading. I’ve been reading the Luxe series, and neither Will nor Henry really appealed to me (I love them for Elizabeth and Diana respectively, but my book beau is what I want for me).

     Suddenly, I noticed Teddy Cutting, and realized that my affections for him have been growing silently and steadily for the past few books. He is just the type of guy I like; not at either end of the spectrum, but at a comfy place in the middle of being kind, handsome and wealthy. He is light hearted but not air headed, and I pictured him to have an infectious boyish smile that can’t help but dissolve even the most severe frown. He is often overlooked as anything other than Henry’s best friend, but knowing that’s not all he is just draws me to him more.

     In my head Derek Hough fills the role of Teddy Cutting. He has a round face, longish blonde hair and piercing grey eyes. He is very easy to talk to, and can always be counted upon. Teddy is always ready for a good time of drinking and dancing, though he will always support his friends in whatever serious choices lie within their hearts.


     My favourite Teddy moment: When everyone was in Florida and Teddy tried to propose to Elizabeth on the dance floor. He was so sweet, her refusal just killed me. I wish she had said yes (especially given what happened next, and the fact that he was then gone). At the moment of his sincere and amazingly awkward proposal, all his little moments came flooding back. I remembered how sweet he was when he came to call on me *cough* I mean Elizabeth, after the "accident" and how it was obvious that he cared. No longer was his infatuation a simple boyhood crush, but a devoted, tender love for her.

    

     Now that I am finished Splendor, I just have to add something: yay that Teddy came back to save Elizabeth! When he was talking to Diana at Schoonmaker Sr.'s funeral, I knew he was back for good, and that he was going to save her. My faith waivered in him a little when he first went to see Elizabeth, but allowed himself to be ushered out so quickly. Of course, as my hero, he came back right when he was needed the most, and literally carried his love to safety.