'To the Moon and Back' by Jill Mansell

When Ellie Kendall tragically loses her husband she feels her life is over. But eventually she’s ready for a new start – at work, that is. She doesn’t need a new man when she has a certain secret visitor to keep her company...

Zack McLaren seems to have it all, but the girl he can’t stop thinking about won’t give him a second glance. If only she’d pay him the same attention she lavishes on his dog.

Moving to North London, Ellie meets neighbour Roo who has a secret of her own. Can the girls sort out their lives? Guilt is a powerful emotion, but a lot can happen in a year in Primrose Hill...

First thought after I finished the last page: "When is Jill writing her next book? I love her and this book!"

Why I loved this book: If not for Sourcebooks, I'm not sure I would have read a Jill Mansell novel. I have to say in all honesty, that this has been one of my highlights reviewing for Sourcebooks.....Mansell delivers book after book. And this one is my favorite to date. I don't know how Mansell does it, but she makes me LOVE and CARE about her characters. Maybe she sprinkles fairy dust on each and every page? Whatever it is, she has that special gift of drawing her readers into her story and keeping you riveted until the very end.

Ellie is a special young woman, who will stay with me for some time to come. I could feel my heart breaking along with hers when she finds out that the love of her life, Jamie, has died from injuries sustained in a car accident. I absolutely understood her grief, guilt, and inability to move on with her life. And even though Jamie has died, the reader is still able to connect with him and get to know him as Ellie talks to him daily.

Recommend?  YES! I know the synopsis sounds sad and with any other author it just might be depressing. But Jill handles the topics of young widowhood, coming to terms with the loss of a loved one, and survivor's guilt wonderfully. There's pretty much everything you could want in this book.....love, heartbreak, laughter, hope, and a great cast of characters!

Rating: 9/10
Author: Jill Mansell
Published: September 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Genre: "Smart and sassy" British Chick Lit
* Uncorrected ARC

Disclaimer:Thank you to Danielle @ Sourcebooks Casablanca 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 MYexperience while reading this novel.


© 2011, 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.

'Death of the Mantis' by Michael Stanley (TLC Book Tour Stop)

Synopsis from TLC Book Tours:
In the southern Kalahari area of Botswana—an arid landscape of legends that speak of lost cities, hidden wealth, and ancient gods—a fractious ranger named Monzo is found dying in a dry ravine from a severe head wound. Three Bushmen surround the doomed man, but are they his killers or there to help? Detective David “Kubu” Bengu is on the case, which his old school friend Khumanego claims is motivated by racist antagonism on the part of the local police. But when a second bizarre murder, and then a third, seem to point to the nomadic tribe, the intrepid Kubu must journey into the depths of the Kalahari to uncover the truth. What he discovers there will test all his powers of detection . . . and his ability to remain alive.

First thought when I finished the last sentence: "Oh my! I think I've fallen in love with a new character- Kubu!"

Reasons I chose this book- After reading the synopsis I just knew this was a book that I would enjoy..give me a good mystery that takes place in Africa and I'm sure to be hooked!

Reasons I liked this book- The characters! Hands down they won me over. They felt real to me and as I was reading, their faces appeared in my imagination. When that happens I know I'm in for a real treat! I absolutely loved the main character, Kubu. He was fully fleshed out and vibrant. He has a real zest for life, most especially for his wine and a good meal that includes lots of meat! There was this authentic feel to him and I believe that's why I connected immediately with this story and his life.

Reasons why I am recommending this book- This is a solid, well-written mystery that had me from the very beginning.  The authors did an amazing job of bringing Africa to life for their readers...this is a brilliant story with a cast of characters that speak to you....I'll be back for more!

Rating: 9/10


Published: September 6, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Intriguing mystery fiction
Pages: 430
ISBN: 9780062000378

Michael Stanley is the writing team of Johannesburg natives Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip. Sears lives in Johannesburg and from 1997 until 2007, worked at Anglo American, a major international mining house associated with the diamond giant De Beers. Trollip was on the faculty at the universities of Illinois, Minnesota, and North Dakota, and at Capella University. A full-time writer, he divides his time between South Africa and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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 MYexperience while reading this novel.


© 2011, 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.

'Never Been Bit' by Lydia Dare

I still think the cover is cheesy!!!!!

First thoughts after I finished: "I want a vampire like Alec! "

  "Ever since Sorcha Ferguson had met her first Lycan, she'd been determined to have one for her very own."p. 1

That first sentence totally drew me into the story and I knew right away that Sorcha was going to be a cheeky lass that I would like very much. This is the final installment in the Regency Vampire series and it was a perfect way to finish the vampire's tales. I loved the setting, characters, and the entire story. I think out of all of the vampires I found myself loving Alec the best. He had that vulnerable side to him and he let his guard down more than once with Sorcha. I enjoyed how she had her heart set on "owning" a lycan (werewolf) ...it cracks me up to think she really wanted a wolf and not exactly the man! But I can't blame her there, as I certainly love my dogs by my side and the added benefits of them over let's say.....my husband! (they can't talk, have very few demands, and making dinner for the dogs is very easy!)

Recommend? Easily! This is a fun, engaging, and well-written romance trilogy. If you're looking for a book where you can just kick back, relax and let your imagination take over, then this one fits the bill!!!

Book One: It Happened One Bite- my review
Book Two: In the Heat of the Bite- my review

Rating: 8/10
Author: Lydia Dare
Published: August 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Regency Romance/Fiction
* Uncorrected ARC

Disclaimer:Thank you to Danielle @ Sourcebooks Casablanca 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 MYexperience while reading this novel.


© 2011, 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.

Mailbox Monday and It's Monday....What Are You Reading?

Mailbox Monday 

is a gathering place for readers to share the books that

came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. 

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

 September Host

AMUSED BY BOOKS

Falling Together by Marisa de los Santos- review copy courtesy of William Morrow
Wishes & Stitches by Rachael Herron- unsolicited review copy from William Morrow
Cross Currents by John Shors- autographed copy courtesy of the author John Shors

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Hosted by Sheila @ One Person's Journey Through a World of Books

We discuss the books that we've read 

and what we're planning to read for the week.

Read and reviewed last week: (slow week for me...sorry!)

A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman- stellar gentle read set during the 1920's in Boston

Reviews this week:

Never Been Bit (Lydia Dare)- Tuesday

Death of the Mantis (TLC Tour Stop Book)- Wednesday

To the Moon and Back (Jill Mansell)- Thursday

Lady of the English (Chadwick)-Friday

Kingdom of Summer - Saturday

Books coming up:

Me Again- TLC Tour October 3

'A Heart Revealed: Winds of Change Book 2' by Julie Lessman

Winds of Change Series - Book 2

The ring on her hand belongs to one man …

but her heart belongs to another.

As a battered woman, Emma Malloy fled Dublin for Boston ten years ago, seeking shelter for a heart badly bruised by both her husband and guilt. But when she falls in love with Sean O’Connor, a man who wrestles with demons of his own, fear and shame almost destroy her … until she is finally set free by a heart revealed.

1.) Reasons you chose this book

I read the first one in the series, A Hope Undaunted (my review) and absolutely loved the main character and her story. Agreeing to read/review this one when contacted by the publishing company was a no-brainer!

2.) Reasons you liked or disliked this book

I absolutely loved this story. This genre, which I call my gentle reads (instead of inspirational fiction) just keeps getting better as the authors understand that the way to a reader's heart is not to pummel them with biblical quotes and lectures, but rather by allowing their characters to be human. To make mistakes, to stumble and fall, to question their faith and to question the existence of God.  I think Julie Lessman does a great job balancing her writing and keeping the reader engaged. I'm so very happy that she portrays marriages in such a realistic fashion too. She gives the reader just enough spice to make the story believable. I love the family dynamics and how they interact with each other.  

3.) Reasons you are recommending this book

 I know some of you don't read Christian/Inspirational fiction because you believe that it may be Bible thumping time when you crack open a book of this nature, but if you've been considering giving this genre a chance I would not hesitate to direct you towards Julie Lessman's books. She has that special knack of drawing the reader into her character's lives... and you'll be glad you got the chance to know them!

Rating: 8.5/10

Published: September 1, 2011

Publisher: Revell-division of Baker Publishing Group

Pages: 503

Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction (Gentle Read)

ISBN:  9780800734169

“Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Book one of this series, A Hope Undaunted, 

is free to download until the end of the month! 

Kindle- click here

Nook- click here

Disclaimer:Thank you to the author and Revell 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 MYexperience while reading this novel.


© 2011, 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.

Mailbox Monday and It's Monday...What Are You Reading?

Mailbox Monday 

is a gathering place for readers to share the books that

came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. 

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

 September Host

AMUSED BY BOOKS

Fallen by Karin Slaughter- I won this from Dar at Peeking Between the Pages. Not only my favorite author but from one of my best blogging buddies!!!
The Night Strangers by Chris Bohjalian- review copy for my Kindle from NetGalley.
The Woman Who Heard Color- review copy from Penguin Group.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Hosted by Sheila @ One Person's Journey Through a World of Books

We discuss the books that we've read 

and what we're planning to read for the week.

Read and reviewed last week:

Midnight on Julia Street- decent historical fiction book

Wherever You Go- enthralling book about Israel, religion, faith, and choices.

Reviews for this week:

A Heart Revealed- Tuesday

Never Been Bit- Thursday

Books Coming Up:

To the Moon and Back

Kingdom of Summer

Lady of the English

Death of the Mantis

Saturday snapshot

Saturday Snapshot

is hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books.

It’s easy to participate – just post a picture

that was taken by you, a friend, or a family member and add your link on Alyce’s site.

Lily and Daisy

Yes, I changed this so don't think you're going crazy. The first photo was posted via my iPad but I hated the way it looked so I got on my laptop and fixed it!!! Here's the same photo just edited a bit!!

'Megan's Way' by Melissa Foster (Book Spotlight)

What would you give up for the people you love?

When Megan Taylor, a single mother and artist, receives the shocking news that her cancer has returned, she'll be faced with the most difficult decision she's ever had to make. She'll endure an emotional journey, questioning her own moral and ethical values, and the decisions she'd made long ago. The love she has for her daughter, Olivia, and her closest friends, will be stretched and frayed.

Meanwhile, fourteen-year-old Olivia's world is falling apart right before her eyes, and there's nothing she can do about it. She finds herself acting in ways she cannot even begin to understand. When her internal struggles turn to dangerous behavior, her life will hang in the balance.

Megan's closest friends are caught in a tangled web of deceit. Each must figure out how, and if, they can expose their secrets, or forever be haunted by their pasts


This book has won/nominated for several awards:
Next Generation Indie Book Awards for New Age Finalist (2010),Currently being adapted for film, Beach Book Festival Award for Spiritual Winner (2011), Dan Poynter Global eBook Award


Check out the author's website and her other works, Chasing Amanda and soon to be released , Come Back to Me.


About the Author:
Melissa Foster is the award winning author of two novels, Megan’s Way and Chasing Amanda. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, and is currently collaborating in the film production of Megan’s Way. Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children, she's written a column featured in Women Business Owners Magazine, and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa is currently working on her next novel, and lives in Maryland with her family. Melissa's interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping women see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.

Coming September 2011: Women's Literary Cafe, an extension of The Women's Nest, will promote the writing community, bridging the gap between readers and authors. The Women's Lit Cafe will offer free promotions to authors, reviewers, bloggers, and editors--bringing readers, authors, and author services together under one umbrella in a free, easily navigable venue. 

'Wherever You Go' by Joan Leegant (TLC Tour Book)

Teaser Synopis:
 In a sweeping, beautifully written story, Joan Leegant weaves together three lives caught in the grip of a volatile and demanding faith. Emotionally wrenching and unmistakably timely, Wherever You Go shines a light on one of the most disturbing elements in Israeli society: Jewish extremist groups and their threat to the modern, democratic state. This is a stunningly prescient novel.

"He turned back to the terrible bed. It looked like the bed of a prisoner, the brutal metal frame, the cheap narrow mattress. He straightened the sheets, smoothed the thin blanket, tried to fluff up the sorrowful pillow, making it up as best he could so that if she ever came back, she would know that someone had been there who had loved her and cared for her and hoped that she would be all right."
p. 154

This is the type of writing where I can really lose myself in the story and never want to come up for air. I was truly amazed at how much this story impacted me because it's a quiet story with two out of the three main characters who are quiet people. The author took me into Israel...an Israel that I have never really seen ,nor ever experienced quite like this. I feel that this is a timely book in regards  to the current hostilities that Israel has been facing and though it doesn't go into detail regarding the problems with the Palestinians, it does give you a few glimpses into the lives of the Jewish people that live there. Some are strictly religious and follow the Talmud without question, while others are just happy to try to co-exist with their Arab neighbors. I liked the way the author had the characters lives intersect and what happened after that one fateful event!

After reading this paragraph I had to stop and really mull it over for a while...

  The muezzin was finishing his chant. First to the east, then to the west, then north and south. It seemed to Yona to be a live human voice, though she'd heard they were often recordings now. In some cities, the honor used to go to a man who was blind so that when he ascended the minaret to sing out his cries, he wouldn't be able to see into the courtyard of his fellow citizens and violate their privacy.
  But listening now--Allah u Akbar! Allah u Akbar! God is great! God is great!--Yona wondered if perhaps only a blind man could bear to do it. If maybe all calls to the faithful, of all religions, were made by those who were blind. The trumpet charge to the Crusades, the whipped-up cries for jihad, the pumped-up settler rallies in Zion Square refusing to withdraw, to Never forgive! Never forget! Because that way they would never have to see what it was they were calling for.

[p.185-186]

Recommend? Yes, without hesitation. This is a book that will draw you in slowly and has a certain rhythm to it...hard to explain exactly, but I was captivated by each character's story and how their choices and decisions would impact their happiness and the direction of their life.

Rating: 8/10

Published: July 25, 2011

Publisher: W.W. Norton

Pages: 253

Genre: Literary Fiction

ISBN:  9780393339895

Joan Leegant is also the author of a story collection, An Hour In Paradise, winner of the 2004 PEN/L.L. Winship Award for outstanding book by a New England author and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award, as well as a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award and selection for the Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Series. Formerly a lawyer, for eight years she taught writing at Harvard University. The mother of two adult sons, she divides her time between Newton, Massachusetts and Tel Aviv, where she teaches at Bar-Ilan University. For more about Joan Leegant, visit: 

 www.joanleegant.com 

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 MYexperience while reading this novel.


© 2011, 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.

"Midnight on Julia Street' by Ciji Ware

Synopsis from Goodreads:
TV reporter Corlis McCullough's investigation of a century-old mystery involving spectacular 19th-century buildings under the threat of the wrecker's ball brings her back into the orbit of her old college nemesis King Duvallon. But now they're mature and companionable, and King shows Corlis a fascinating, hidden side of New Orleans society. Then she begins to be pulled back into the past where corruption, violence, and greed mirror the events of the current day.

The Three Reasons Review is a simple way to get your thoughts out there about a book.  The reasons are as follows complete with fancy button:

1.) Reasons you chose this book

I've never read anything by Ciji Ware and after reading multiple bloggers rave reviews of her books I thought why not!

2.) Reasons you liked or disliked this book

Liked: I loved the setting of the book. New Orleans is one place that I would really like to visit. There is so much history there and it has that feel of the French blended with so many other cultures. I also liked how the author weaved her story between the past and present.  I found it intriguing how certain smells could put Corlis into a trance-like state and take her back in time. 

Didn't Like: Way too much calling people "Sugar" and too much of Corlis going on about being called 'Sugar'! Annoying to say the least. I also felt that there were too many characters to try to keep track of in the present time and then trying to link them up to their ancestors in the past!! Confusing and at times, I was totally lost.

3.) Reasons you are recommending this book

It was an okay read for me. Honestly, there were times when I just flipped a few pages and moved on because I found the story dragging in parts. I would say that if you're a huge fan of Ware's then you'll probably read this one regardless of what I think. I do know that I have two other books by her that my fellow blogging friends adored so I will read them. And I'd also like to add that I'm starting to come up for air after losing my dog Bruce in mid-August and I honestly feel that has something to do with my lack of enjoyment for this book. I don't want to do any disservice to the author's work....the history part of this book was fantastic. I just wanted less characters (or a chart to follow) and less sugar!!!

Author: Ciji Ware
Published: August 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark 
Genre: Historical Romance/Fiction
* Uncorrected ARC

Disclaimer:Thank you to Beth@ Sourcebooks Casablanca 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 MYexperience while reading this novel.


© 2011, 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.

Mailbox Monday and It's Monday...What Are You Reading?

Mailbox Monday 

is a gathering place for readers to share the books that

came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. 

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

 September Host

AMUSED BY BOOKS

Plain Fear: Forsaken- thanks to my sweet friend Jen @ Jenny Loves to Read for this one!!!

A Heart Revealed- publisher/author review request

Me Again- TLC Tour book, courtesy of Five Star/TLC Book Tours

----------------------------------------------------

Hosted by Sheila @ One Person's Journey Through a World of Books

We discuss the books that we've read 

and what we're planning to read for the week.

Read and reviewed last week:

Displaced Persons- intriguing premise (life AFTER the war for the Jewish people) but the last half fell short for me

So Near- death of a child that was written with a deft hand...very emotional and good read

Reviews this week:

Midnight on Julia Street- Tuesday

Megan's Way- Wednesday

Wherever You Go- Thursday (TLC tour stop)

Wherever You Go - Thursday (TLC tour stop)

Books coming up:

A Heart Revealed- read book 1 loved it. Looking forward to book 2.

To the Moon and Back- Love me some Jill Mansell!!!

Never Been Bit- 3rd book in a favorite paranormal romance!!!