Orphan Train- TLC Tour Review Book

cover image via Goodreads.com

What Orphan Train is about:
A captivating story of two very different women who build an unexpected friendship: a 91-year-old woman with a hidden past as an orphan-train rider and the teenage girl whose own troubled adolescence leads her to seek answers to questions no one has ever thought to ask.

As I finished  Orphan Train I was wiping tears from my eyes and marveling at the ending of this beautifully written and moving story. I've read a few books about the orphan trains, but none moved me quite like this one. The author was able to move seamlessly between Vivian and Molly's stories and blended them together to create a tale that was not only totally believable, but also gut-wrenching. The historical aspect alone is worthy of reading, but when you add Vivian and Molly's traumatic young lives to the mix the reader gets a story that allows them to feel the characters pain, hopelessness, and towards the end, joy.

Recommend? Without hesitation. For readers who love historical fiction, authentically written characters, and a great story, then you NEED to add this book to your reading list for 2013! The story within this book will stay with me for some time and I'm sure it will be on my list of favorites for the year!!

Source: William Morrow Publishers and TLC Book Tours

For more information about this book and the author, Christina Baker Kline please use the following links: Author's website, Facebook page, and Twitter page.

Disclaimer: Thank you to TLC Book Tours for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

© 2013, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

The Guardian by Beverly Lewis- Six Sentence Bookish Thoughts

What The Guardian (Hickory Hollow #3) is about:
When schoolteacher Jodi Winfield goes for a morning run, the last thing she expects is to find a disheveled little girl all alone on the side of the Pennsylvania road, clad only in her undergarments, her chubby cheeks streaked with tears. Jodi takes the preschooler home with her, intending to find out where she belongs. But Jodi is mystified when no one seems to know of a missing child, and the girl herself is no help, since she can't speak a word of English. It's as if the child appeared out of nowhere. As the days pass, Jodi becomes increasingly attached to the mysterious girl, yet she is no closer to learning her identity. Then an unexpected opportunity brings Jodi to Hickory Hollow--and into the cloistered world of the Lancaster Old Order Amish. Might the answers lie there?

I've been reading Beverly Lewis' books for what seems like forever and I've never been disappointed with any of her stories. This is book three in the Hickory Hollow series and I had no problem enjoying it without reading one and two. With all of that being said, I did find this one lacking in any type of excitement (if that is a word that could be used to describe the Amish...probably not!). I like how Lewis usually takes something taboo or unacceptable in the Amish world and puts her characters smack dab in the middle of controversy. There wasn't any of that in this story and I just felt that it was drawn out and painfully slow.

Recommend? I'm on the fence. If you love Beverly's books then you would probably enjoy this one. I will still read The Fiddler and The Bridesmaid because I do love peeking into the Amish world. Beverly's written a ton of books that I've enjoyed so I won't quit reading her books because I have faith that the next one will be what I'm looking for!

Source: NetGalley/Bethany House Publishers

Six Sentence Bookish Thoughts #87
© 2013, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

The Long Way Home- TLC Book Tour Review

Cover image courtesy of TLC Book Tours

What The Long Way Home is about: (in my own sorry words!)
Ellie loses everything due to her father's ponzi scheme and finds that all she has left to her name is a house in St. Dennis that her mother left her in her will. The only catch is that she has to live in the home for six months before she can sell it. Thinking that she would flip the house quickly, Ellie isn't prepared for the attention and love that comes her way in the form of hunky contractor Cameron, and also the acceptance from the townspeople of St. Dennis. What will she decide to do when her six months is up?
click here for the synopsis from TLC

Reading Stewart's book felt like being home with close friends and family. I loved the characters and how real they all became in my mind. One of the biggest things I noted was the author didn't create unnecessary conflict and really allowed the two main characters to fall in love with each other. This was so refreshing for me and left me wanting to know more about St. Dennis and those that call it home.

Recommend? If you love books that center around a town with believable and flawed characters then I truly feel you would love this book and Mariah Stewart's series, The Chesapeake Diaries. I know I will be back for more!!

Source: TLC Book Tours, Ballatine, and NetGalley

Disclaimer: Thank you to TLC Book Tours for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

Six Sentence Bookish Thoughts #81
© 2013, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

India Black and the Shadows of Anarchy- Bookish Thoughts

cover image courtesy Goodreads

What India Black and the Shadows of Anarchy (Madam of Espionage #3) is about:
Revolt has spread across Europe and reached the shores of England--anarchists have begun assassinating lords and earls, one by one. Now India must infiltrate the ranks of the underground group responsible for those attacks, the sinister Dark Legion. To stop their dread plot, India will go from the murkiest slums of London to the highest levels of society, uncovering secrets that threaten her very existence.

India Black is a saucy mouthed madam and I love her! Carol Carr brings to life a character that I can't get enough of and one who isn't afraid to speak her mind, nor to take control of situations that so obviously need a capable woman to run! The idea of a brothel owner being an undercover spy for the English government is pretty stinking cool and also a little bit out there in the realm of feasibility, but it worked for me!!  I found myself laughing out loud at India and her antics. I flew through this book and instantly felt the NEED to go to my library and get the first two!

Recommend? If you like a fun main character who calls it likes she sees it, mix in a handsome and somewhat mysterious British Spy love interest, and the added bonus of the Victorian England setting, then this series could be a winner for you!

Source: Carol Carr and NetGalley

Six Sentence Bookish Thoughts #79
© 2013, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

After the Rain - Six Sentence Bookish Thoughts # 72

What After the Rain is about:
A novel set in the picaresque town of Walton, Georgia, where one woman is about to discover that the best journey is the one that brings you home.…

I know it sounds a bit cliche', but I was hooked by page 2 of this story and basically read until I finished the book! I loved this sequel and thought White did a fabulous job of putting the reader right back in lives of the characters from Falling Home. Oh my did I fall in love with the southern town of Walton, Georgia and yes, I fell in love with many of the people who walked those quaint streets. White has a way with creating a story line that doesn't seem far-fetched. My heart broke a few times as Joe learned how to be a parent without his beloved wife, how to trust another person with his children, and to allow himself the freedom to love again. Each character added something to this story and left an impression on my heart.

Recommend? Oh my, yes!!! But please read Falling Home first. It adds extra depth to this story and the characters might not really get to you without doing so!!

Source: Karen White and Fiona Brown @ Penguin Group
Disclaimer: Thank you to Penguin Group and Karen White for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

Bookish Thoughts #72
© 2013, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Blackberry Winter- Review

What Blackberry Winter is about:
  Seattle, 1933. Vera Ray kisses her three-year-old son, Daniel, goodnight and reluctantly leaves for work. She hates the night-shift, but it’s the only way she can earn enough to keep destitution at bay. In the morning—even though it’s the second of May—a heavy snow is falling. Vera rushes to wake Daniel, but his bed is empty. His teddy bear lies outside in the snow. 

  Seattle, present day. On the second of May, Seattle Times reporter, Claire Aldridge, awakens to another late-season snowstorm. Assigned to cover this “blackberry winter” and its predecessor decades earlier, Claire learns of Daniel’s unsolved abduction and vows to unearth the truth—only to discover that she and Vera are linked in unexpected ways.

Opening up a Sarah Jio novel is much like visiting with a beloved family member for a few hours. I was captivated at once with Vera and Claire's stories and loved how Sarah was able to weave them together even though they were separated by seventy years. I am love with Seattle, even though I've never been there. Jio's writing makes it come alive vividly within my imagination and I felt as if I was walking beside Vera and Claire as they both tried to come to terms with the tragedies in their lives. I've never heard of a Blackberry Winter, but can certainly imagine that happening, especially here in Michigan when the weather can turn on a dime. And even though I knew exactly where the story was heading, I loved every minute of it. When I closed the book it was with a few tears and a satisfied smile!

Recommend? Absolutely. If you haven't read any of Sarah's books, I highly recommend starting with Violets of March. This was the book that made me fall in love with Sarah's writing.

Source: Review copy was possible because of the generosity of Sarah Jio and her publisher.

Review Book #35
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

The Lost Art of Mixing- TLC Book Tour Review

What The Lost Art of Mixing is about:
Lillian and her restaurant have a way of drawing people together. There’s Al, the accountant who finds meaning in numbers and ritual; Chloe, a budding chef who hasn’t learned to trust after heartbreak; Finnegan, quiet and steady as a tree, who can disappear into the background despite his massive height; Louise, Al’s wife, whose anger simmers just below the boiling point; and Isabelle, whose memories are slowly slipping from her grasp. And there’s Lillian herself, whose life has taken a turn she didn’t expect. . . .

Ever since I read the last page of The School of Essential Ingredients, I longed for another book that allowed the readers a richer look into the characters lives. Well, my wish was granted with Erica's follow-up book, The Lost Art of Mixing. I enjoyed getting to know Lillian a bit better this time around, and I loved Isabelle. Even though she was losing some of her memories to Alzheimer's, she still had her wisdom that she gently imparted on those around her. I thought the author did a lovely job of bringing her readers back to what mattered most in the first book; love, friendship, and not worrying about following a recipe, but rather following and staying true to your heart.

Recommend? Absolutely! For those that have not read The School of Essential Ingredients, I say you MUST MUST read this one first and then move right into The Lost Art of Mixing. And for those that have already read Essential Ingredients, if you have time I would read it again, just a little reminder as to why you loved it so much the first time and to sharpen up your memory of the wonderful characters that Erica brought to life!

THE LOST ART OF MIXING on Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Lost-Mixing-Erica-Bauermeister/dp/0399162119

Erica's website:  http://www.ericabauermeister.com/

Erica's Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/EricaBauermeisterAuthor

Disclaimer: Thank you to TLC Book Tours for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

Review Book #34
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Virgins- TLC Book Tour Review

What Virgins is about:
For the seniors at Immaculate Heart High, hormones jousted with the quest for the State of Grace, and the hormones usually won.  The Map of Forbidden Sexual Delights extended its boundaries nightly in the back seats of tail-finned cars. But the girls of Virgins also wanted more. Who could they grow up to be in a word where women were supposed to be seen, but not heard?  They were rebels with a cause, before their time.

When I read the premise of this book I have to admit that I thought it would be a great read because I generally like coming of age stories, note that I stated "generally." This story just did not grab me and even though I did like the main character, Peg, I realized that I'm just not the target market for this book. Now if my eighteen-year-old self had read this one then I think you would be reading an entirely different review! My younger self would have gobbled this book right up and loved every sex-thought filled moment.

Recommend? Um, not really. I had a hard time staying with this story and really caring about anything that was going on with the characters. I'm sure a younger reader, say ages 16-28, would appreciate this much more than I did.

Disclaimer: Thank you to TLC Book Tours for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

Review Book #33
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Princess Elizabeth's Spy- TLC Book Tour + Giveaway

What Princess Elizabeth's Spy is about:
Maggie Hope, former secretary to Prime Minister Winston Churchill, completes her training to become a spy for MI-5. Spirited, strong-willed, and possessing one of the sharpest minds in government for mathematics and code-breaking, she fully expects to be sent abroad to gather intelligence for the British front. Instead, to her great disappointment, she is dispatched to go undercover at Windsor Castle, where she will tutor the young Princess Elizabeth in math. Yet castle life quickly proves more dangerous—and deadly—than Maggie ever expected. The upstairs-downstairs world at Windsor is thrown into disarray by a shocking murder, which draws Maggie into a vast conspiracy that places the entire royal family in peril. And as she races to save England from a most disturbing fate, Maggie realizes that a quick wit is her best defense, and that the smallest clues can unravel the biggest secrets, even within her own family.

I am once again hooked on historical fiction and it's all Susan Elia Macneal's fault! I absolutely loved everything about this book. The characters, the setting, and the entire story was so much fun and it felt so realistic that I have conjured up actual images for each person in this book. Susan does a fantastic job of transporting the reader back in time to World War II. I enjoyed roaming around Windsor Castle and meeting the young Princess Elizabeth. So many of the books that I've read regarding WWII have taken place in Germany and centered upon the atrocities committed against the Jewish people. This book (series) gives the reader a peek into what life may have been like for the English, and an interesting view of Winston Churchill's office and the man himself. I am very intrigued by the spies from this era and the work that they did without the use of computers!! Susan's books have piqued my interest into Churchill, MI5, spies, Princess (now Queen) Elizabeth and life in England during the war.

Recommend? YES! I can't get enough of Maggie Hope and can't wait for book three to be released in 2013. For those that love a good mystery, smart and feisty heroines, and historical fiction, this is a winning series to pick up!

Giveaway

If you're from the US or Canada and would like the chance to win a copy of Princess Elizabeth's Spy, please leave a comment with your email address. Winner will be chosen Wednesday, October 31st. All entries due by 10/30/12 11:59 EST.

Disclaimer: Thank you to TLC Book Tours for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

Review Book #32
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

A Light in the Window- review and contest giveaway

What A Light in the Window is about:
Marceline Murphy is a gentle beauty with a well-founded aversion to rogues. But when two of Boston's most notorious purse her, attraction, dreams and faith only muddle her mind. Can the light in the window illuminate the path of true love?

I have read the first two books in Julie Lessman's, Winds of Change series, and loved each one. So when Julie emailed me to see if I would consider reading her recent creation and spotlight it on my blog, I never once hesitated!! Julie's books are what I like to call 'gentle reads' and what she describes as inspirational romance. Yes, she writes about faith, God, and the Bible, but never in that preachy or over-the-top manner. She writes realistic characters who face dilemmas that normal people encounter every day. I loved Marcy and Patrick's story. I truly enjoy stories about second chances and the power of forgiveness!  It made me smile and laugh, and when I finished the last page I immediately wanted to read The Daughters of Boston series!

Recommend? Absolutely! And if you've never read any of Julie's books this one would be a perfect place to start!! She writes from the heart and you can't help but fall in love with her characters!

Bonus to my readers- Julie is hosting a fantastic giveaway so click on the link below!!

Contest Link

Disclaimer: Thank you to Julie  for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

Review Book #31
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Broken Harbor- Review Book

What Broken Harbor is about:

Broken Harbor opens with  Scorcher and his newly assigned rookie partner, Richie Curran, being called to a gruesome triple homicide of the Spain family in Brianstown, a seaside town outside of Dublin, locally known as Broken Harbor. At the crime scene the father, Pat, is found fatally stabbed, the mother, Jenny, is barely alive, and the two young children, Emma and Jack, have been smothered to death. Early investigation points directly to the suspect and voyeur, Conor Brennan, who is obsessed with Jenny and has been stalking her. As is always true in Tana French novels, the most obvious suspect isn’t necessarily the culprit. 

Can I just say that I was totally blown away by French's book??? I don't understand why I've waited so long to read one of her stories, but I am here to tell you that I will be reading all of her other books in 2013! This is the book that pulled me out of my reading slump. It had everything that I wanted and needed in a great story: intricately woven plot, great main character who was so human that I felt his pain, and a story that had me second-guessing myself all the way through to the very end. In fact, I'm still thinking about the ending and was the killer really the killer????


Recommend? Absolutely and without hesitation! I was enraptured with this story and loved the sinister atmosphere that French created. She's made me a believer in her skills and this is an author to read!!

Source:  Penguin Group

Disclaimer: Thank you to Angela@Penguin for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

Review Book #30
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

The Salt God's Daughter by Ilie Ruby- Review Book

What The Salt God's Daughter is about:

Set in Long Beach, California, beginning in the 1970s, The Salt God's Daughter follows Ruthie and her sister, Dolly as they carve out a life in a place filled with natural beauty, meteorological myths, and exotic folklore. Raised by a mother drawn to the ocean and guided by the moons, their heritage is a mystery and their mother often absent, forcing the two girls to confront the social and sexual mores of the time on their own, caught in the riptide of a culture that alternately glorifies and demonizes female sexuality.

Well, I've been thinking about this review for over a week now and honestly, I still don't really know what to say about this book. There were parts that I enjoyed and other parts not so much. Ruthie and Dolly are two characters that pulled on my heart strings and I did feel for their plight and the crazy mother figure they had to endure!! But what I didn't really care for was the mystical aspect. At times it confused me and quite honestly, I wasn't entirely sure that it added that "unique" twist to the story. I never felt drawn to the story and I was able to easily walk away from it and not care whether I actually finished it or not. I think the best term for my thoughts on this one would be- ambivalent. I didn't really care one way or another. Now in all fairness I do want to put in writing that I am going through an emotional upheaval and was certainly feeling in the dumps when I read this one. I know that if I had been in a better frame of mind I might have a totally different opinion on this novel.

Recommend? I wouldn't run out and tell my friends that they had to read this one. But I also wouldn't discourage anyone from wanting to try it. Many book bloggers have loved the author's debut work (which I will try for sure) and they would probably enjoy this one too!

Source: SparkPoint Studio


Disclaimer: Thank you to Erin@Penguin for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

Review Book #29
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Posted with Blogsy

All the Truth by Laura Brodie- Summer Review Book

What All the Truth is about:
One night can alter a life forever… 
Emma Greene enjoys living in rural solitude with her husband and five-year-old daughter, Maggie, far away from her college students in Jackson, Virginia. But late one night, with her husband away and her daughter upstairs in bed, some of Emma’s students trespass on her property. The ensuing confrontation changes Emma and Maggie’s life forever.

After reading a lot of high praise from fellow blogger's about Brodie's The Widow's Season, I knew that I wanted to read something by this author. For the most part I can honestly say that it was a good, solid book. I had some issues with how neat and tidy the ending was because getting to that ending was messy and filled with lies. I thought the pacing was excellent and that is what kept me turning the pages. I became vested in the characters lives and had to know how all the broken people would mend.  

Recommend? I would certainly pass my copy along to a friend if they were looking for a good book to read. I liked it enough to make it a point to read her other works.

Source: Penguin Group

Disclaimer: Thank you to Erin@Penguin for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

Click icon for more book review blogs @Barrie Summy

Review Book #28

2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission. 

The Weight of Heaven by Thrity Umrigar -TLC Book Tour Review

What The Weight of Heaven is about:

When Frank and Ellie Benton lose their only child, seven-year-old Benny, to a sudden illness, the perfect life they had built is shattered. Filled with wrenching memories, their Ann Arbor home becomes unbearable, and their marriage founders. Then an unexpected job half a world away in Girbaug, India, offers them an opportunity to start again. But Frank’s befriending of Ramesh—a bright, curious boy who quickly becomes the focus of his attentions—will lead the grieving man down an ever-darkening path with stark repercussions.

A devastating look at cultural clashes and divides, Thrity Umrigar’s The Weight of Heaven is a rare glimpse of a family and a country struggling under pressures beyond their control.

I remember being blown away when I read Thrity's book The Space Between Us in 2010. I thought she made India come alive in my mind and as I became further engrossed in the story I could swear that I heard the sounds and the smells of the country too. That's how vivid and wonderful this author's writing is...with her sharply honed pen she draws the reader into the pages of her imagination and you find yourself not wanting to leave.

The Weight of Heaven is another masterpiece by Umrigar and even though I was left with many conflicting emotions at the end of the book, I can honestly say that I loved it. I believed I experienced the entire gambit of emotions; extreme sadness, thrill of first love, anger, grief, hostility, bewilderment, indignation, happiness, joy, and too many more to list. I loved how the author told the story in segments because that gave the reader a chance to go back in time when life was really starting to get good for Frank and Ellie. The reader gets a glimpse into how very happy they truly were and then to see how they both plummeted into the tunnel of despair and grief after losing their only child. I started out feeling extreme sympathy and empathizing with both Frank and Ellie, but by the final page all of those connections and feelings were out the door. I was shocked to say the least and when I finally was able to close the book I just sat there in a stunned silence and really let everything soak in. Honestly, I'm still thinking about it a day later. Umrigar's story will haunt me for a while.

Recommend? Absolutely and with no hesitation.

Disclaimer: Thank you to TLC Book Tours for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

Review Book #27
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

The Good Muslim- TLC Tour Book Stop

My honest thoughts: I tried valiantly for three days to get interested in this book, but unfortunately I just couldn't make it happen. I felt that the opening seventy-five pages were very slow and for some reason I had a hard time switching from past to present. Because of this I am just going to highlight Tahmima Anam's book for my reader's today. I hope that you will take the time to visit the other bloggers on this tour and read their reactions over the next few weeks. I'm sure that it really comes down to being the wrong time for me to pick up this book. I will try to give it another chance at some point in the future and when I do I will make sure that I post my thoughts. I want to make every effort to make sure that my experience does NOT influence anyone unjustly. This could be a 5-star read for one of you!

About The Good Muslim

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Harper Perennial (August 14, 2012)

In the dying days of a brutal civil war in Bangladesh, Sohail Haque stumbles upon an abandoned building. Inside he finds a young woman whose story will haunt him for a lifetime to come.

Almost a decade later, Sohail’s sister, Maya, returns home after a long absence to find her beloved brother transformed. While Maya has stuck to her revolutionary ideals, Sohail has shunned his old life to become a charismatic religious leader. And when Sohail decides to send his son to a madrasa, the conflict between brother and sister comes to a devastating climax.

The Good Muslim is an epic story about faith, family, the rise of religious fundamentalism, and the long shadow of war from prizewinning Bangladeshi novelist Tahmima Anam.

About Tahmima Anam

Tahmima Anam was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and grew up in Paris, Bangkok, and New York. She holds a Ph.D. in social anthropology from Harvard University. Her writing has been published in Granta, the New York Times, the Guardian, and the Financial Times. A Golden Age, her first novel, was the winner of the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book. She lives in London and Dhaka.

Website | Facebook

Tahmima’s Tour Stops

Tuesday, August 14th: The Year in Books

Wednesday, August 15th: Life in the Thumb

Thursday, August 16th: What She Read …

Friday, August 17th: Between the Covers

Monday, August 20th: libbysbook blog

Thursday, August 23rd: The Feminist Texican [Reads]

Monday, August 27th: Bibliosue

Tuesday, August 28th: Book Reviews, Fiction Reflections, n’ More!

Wednesday, August 29th: Broken Teepee

Thursday, August 30th: Silver & Grace

Friday, August 31st: Books in the City

Disclaimer: Thank you to TLC Book Tours for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

Review Book #26
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

What Happened to my Sister by Elizabeth Flock- TLC Tour Book

Synopsis of What Happened to My Sister:

Nine-year-old Carrie Parker and her mother, Libby, are making a fresh start in the small town of Hartsville, North Carolina, ready to put their turbulent past behind them. Violence has shattered their family and left Libby nearly unable to cope. And while Carrie once took comfort in her beloved sister, Emma, her mother has now forbidden even the mention of her name.

When Carrie meets Ruth, Honor, and Cricket Chaplin, these three generations of warmhearted women seem to have the loving home Carrie has always dreamed of. But as Carrie and Cricket become fast friends, neither can escape the pull of their families’ secrets—and uncovering the truth will transform the Chaplins and the Parkers forever.

I absolutely loved the author's book, Me and Emma.  Knowing that What Happened to My Sister was the book that would hopefully bring closure to all my questions from the prior read, I was really excited to accept a review copy. I was captivated by the first paragraph because I could hear Carrie's voice and picture her little emaciated face and bruised body. I was ripping through the pages and then all of the sudden the author introduces a new voice into the story and something changed for me. I was a bit upset because I was trying to figure out how this new character and her family would fit into the story.  It wasn't a cohesive pairing whatsoever, and actually it was like hitting a huge bump in the road because it threw my reading mojo off course and influenced my overall reaction to the book. It didn't help either that by mid-point I knew what was going to happen. I don't know how I did, but I just did and it felt so contrived that I was a bit ticked. And of course, it went down exactly as I thought and when I finished the book, I honestly wished I'd never read it, because it came no where close to the powerful and intense read of Me and Emma.

Recommend? You MUST read Me and Emma first...without that prior knowledge I'm not sure that this book will stand on its own.  I didn't hate it, but I sure didn't love it. So I guess you could categorize it as an okay read for ME. Now, plenty of other bloggers and readers have given this one high marks, so please make sure you read some other reviews before deciding whether or not you want to read this book.

Please take the time to visit the other bloggers on this tour and read their thoughts.....

Disclaimer: Thank you to TLC Book Tours for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

Review Book #25
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Ocean Beach by Wendy Wax

What Ocean Beach is about:
Unlikely friends Madeline, Avery and Nicole have hit some speed bumps in their lives, but when they arrive in Miami’s South Beach neighborhood, they are all hoping for a do-over. Literally. They’ve been hired to bring a once-grand historic house back to its former glory on a new television show called Do-Over. If they can just get this show off the ground, Nikki would get back on her feet financially, Avery could restart her ruined career, and Maddie would have a shot at keeping her family together.


I read and loved Ten Beach Road so I couldn't wait to get back to the ladies and see what was going on in their lives. This book had a different twist than the previous one because the television show that the friends embark on was done in "reality show style" and wasn't quite what they signed up for! I loved that twist as I felt it really changed up the story and gave it a very current feeling. Each woman's story still captivated me and I found myself loving them all. 


Recommend? I highly recommend that you read Ten Beach Road first as it allows the reader to get to know the main characters and their back story. Without it, this book may fall flat for you. But if you've read and enjoyed Ten Beach Road I honestly feel that you will LOVE Ocean Beach! It has a little bit of everything for the reader; friendship, love, secrets, mystery, and a few adorable characters that you might want to take home with you!! 

Source: Joan Schulhafer Publishing and Media Consulting

Disclaimer: Thank you to Debby@ Joan Schulhafer Publishing for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

Review Book #24
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission. 

Bond Girl by Erin Duffy (TLC Book Tour Review)

What Bond Girl is about:
While other little girls were fantasizing about becoming doctors or lawyers, Alex Garrett dreamed of conquering the high-powered world of Wall Street. Now she’s grown and determined to make it big in bond sales at Cromwell Pierce, one of the Street’s most esteemed brokerage firms. Though she’s prepared to fight her way into an elitist boys’ club, she starts out small, relegated to a kiddie-size folding chair with her new moniker, “Girlie,” inscribed in Wite-Out across the back.

I would never have thought I would enjoy a book about finance and Wall Street, but I'm here to tell you that I did like this and very much so!! I loved Alex and thought her character was very fleshed out. Duffy created a woman that reader's would want to be successful in a man's world! Knowing that Duffy took a lot of this from her own experience in the shark-infested waters of Wall Street made me have a new found respect for the women who have to tread those murkey seas on a daily basis. There's no way I would have survived that type of job, but reading how Alex was able to play the game and still keep her integrity made me proud to be a woman!!

Recommend? Yes, I would recommend this book to my friends without hesitation because the writing is sharp and witty, and the story is great fun!

Source: TLC and publisher
Genre: Witty writing!
Published: July 17, 2012
Pages: 320

Please take a moment and visit Erin Duffy on Facebook!

Disclaimer: Thank you to TLC Book Tours for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

Review Book #23
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Posted with Blogsy

One Breath Away by Heather Gudenkauf + Giveaway

What One Breath Away is about:

In the midst of a sudden spring snowstorm, an unknown man armed with a gun walks into an elementary school classroom. Outside the school, the town of Broken Branch watches and waits.

Told in five alternating POV's this story grabs hold of the reader and doesn't let up until the very last page. I loved the short chapters and seeing the story unfold from each of the different characters that the author allows to narrate. I liked the cantankerous old codger, Will. He doesn't mean to be hard but he's realistic and doesn't have time for dreaming. He's a real "man's" man and his character seemed real to me. I had a few issues with the portrayal of Augie though. I didn't really buy into her actions (won't state what they are..no spoilers) and so that worked against my overall enjoyment of the book. That, and the ending.

Recommend? Overall this was a good way to spend a few hours. The pages flew by and for the most part I was captured by the story and the people enduring a day from hell. The ending was one that I hoped would be better. I wanted to be shocked but I wasn't. Darn.

Final Thoughts: Even though I guessed early on who the gunman was, I did enjoy the author's fast-paced writing and I will be reading her other two books that are sitting on my shelves!!!

GIVEAWAY INFO

Media Muscle is allowing me to giveaway one paperback copy! You must be in the US/Canada to participate. Please leave me your email address in the comments. Winner will be drawn July 31st!

Check out the other blogs that are hosting Heather Gudenkauf by clicking here.

Source: Moss Media Relations/Media Muscle

Disclaimer: Thank you to Kate and Moss Media/MediaMuscle.com for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

Review Book #22

© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Posted with Blogsy