Review: The Rescue

The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For as long as the town of Edenton has remembered, Taylor McAden is driven to take terrifying and heroic risks to save lives. But the one thing he cannot bring himself to make; he cannot fall in love. Whenever he is in a serious relationship, he inevitably leaves them as soon as they dream of a future with him. A record-breaking storm hits a small town, and Taylor comes across Denise Holton, a single mother trying to find her missing son after a car accident. As a volunteer at the local fire department, Taylor finds Kyle within hours, and from that point on, they seem to have a connection. At almost 5 years old, Kyle suffers from a delayed speech disorder and so many people ignore him and do not interact with him like they do with other children. Taylor is different, however, and sees Kyle as an ordinary cute 5-year-old boy.

"Taylor couldn't help but watch her. The lovely, almost mysterious face accented by high cheekbones and exotic eyes, long dark hair...a shapely figure... Taylor..wonder[ed] how he could have overlooked her beauty that night..."

As Taylor spends more and more time with Denise and Kyle, he realizes how adoring and caring and beautiful Denise is as a woman and a mother. Taylor is different from other men that Denise had known. The way Taylor looks at Denise is so romantic and endearing, and Denise cannot help but fall for Taylor too. Denise also realizes how patient and caring is to both herself and her son Kyle.

"His face was tan and lean... his waist was narrow, and his shoulders were heavily muscled... his arms looked as if he'd pounded thousands of nails..."

Taylor continues to battle with his demons from childhood, and he is left at a standstill when it comes to Denise. He truly and deeply wants to have a future with Denise, but is unable to express his desires, as his dark experiences hold him back. Taylor has a lot of guilt from his experiences and is not open to share his past with Denise. Once he acknowledges, though, that his hesitancy is tearing their relationship apart, he overcomes his past and decides to live a life where he can be content- and that life includes Denise and Kyle.

Fortunately, the Sparks novel has a happy ending, but that does not mean I did not cry... The characters in this novel have so much love and devotion for one another, it is hard not to fall with them. The storyline of this book is based on real events, which also adds a sense of realness to the novel and characters. This book is a must read!!

"She knew intuitively the meaning of Taylor's touch, the words he'd left unspoken. Not because she'd come to know him o well. She knew because she'd fallen in love with him at exactly the same time"



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Review: Lovely War

Lovely War by Julie Berry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This masterpiece of a book braids together two love stories set in WWI and the inseparable bonds that war can create on two passionate couples. Hazel Windicott, a pianist, and James, a builder-turned-soldier, are acquainted at a London dance in 1917, on the eve of James's departure to the trenches. Hazel is not fully aware of the glances James is throwing her way as she is immersed in playing the piano. But Aphrodite cannot help but give James a nudge to ask her to dance. This single dance sets in motion the beginning of their unacquitted love for one another...

"Hazel kept on playing, but she had seen straight through those brown eyes and into the depths behind them, and felt something of the thrill of being seen, truly seen..."

'She was so, so pretty. At first it was the music, and then her eyes, and her hair, but now he saw how entirely adorable she was..."

Aubrey, a Harlem ragtime musician, and Colette, a Belgian singer scarred by German atrocities, meet at a YMCA relief hut in Saint-Nazaire, France. Aubrey is a member of the Army Band of the National Guard 15th New York Infantry Regiment when Colette is first introduced to him. Colette has been scarred by the war, as her entire family and her Stephané were brutally killed by the German forces. Meeting Aubrey is a breath of fresh air for Colette, but she is not sure if she is ready to leave her guilt and past behind for a new lease on life for herself and Aubrey.

"She kissed him. Not a thank-you kiss. A kiss that said, there's more where that came from."

War, though, takes a toll on James & Hazel, as well as Colette & Aubrey. War is neither an easy nor lovely thing to endure, but the love experienced in this novel is something I have yet to read about, much less alone experience myself. The idea of the Greek gods retelling such a story is a bit awkward at first, but the insights that are accompanied with the story truly add to the love between the characters. This story of war and love is poignant and touching, as their love is inseparable, even when the worst happens as a result of the war. War can tear families and communities apart, but it can also bring scarred people together, in which they form unbreakable bonds. This novel tears your heart, but mends it up again- it is a MUST READ!

"If you think I can live without you, Miss Windicott... you don't know me at all..."


(me waiting for another novel as touching and heartfelt as this one...)

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Review: Safe Haven

Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When you do not have any family to turn to and you think you are in this world alone, you have to muster the strength to continue thriving. A mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small town of Southport, and her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Katie is a beautiful yet self-effacing persona, she appears to remain focused on her job and nothing else, avoiding personal relationships at any costs. A series of events, however, tie her to her cheery neighbor, Jo, and another with Alex, a widowed store owner to two children. Katie begins to lower her guard and grows increasingly attached to Alex and his family. But Katie does not love him, nor will she ever, is her mindset...

Even as Katie begins to fall in love with both Alex and his children, she struggles with her dark secret that initially brought her to Southport (I will not spoil it). With Jo's support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose a life of safety or one that will make her content and feel loved. She comes to the conclusion that love is the only safe haven.

"It was suddenly easy for her to imagine that her fears were pointless. That he would love her no matter what she told him, and that he was the kind of man who loved her already and would love her forever..."

This novel by Nicholas Sparks has so many plot twists and emotional and heartfelt events that you can't help but feel like you are there with Katie and Alex. I love the dynamic of the characters and how much Alex was willing to give just to be with Katie, while also dealing with a loss of his own. Katie seems to be the missing piece in Alex's life, and once they were together, there is no separating them. What I also really enjoyed about this novel is that event though lex's wife had passed, she still plays a great role in Alex's and Katie's relationship. Even if you are hesitant about reading Nicholas Sparks book (which you shouldn't be), this novel is nothing like his other works!

“I’m in love with you. If you stay, I promise, there’s no safer place in the world than right here with me.”


Cheers to a beautful book!


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Review: In Another Time

In Another Time by Jillian Cantor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In Another Time is a powerful and moving novel that emphasizes the power of love in the worst of times. In 1930s Berlin, Max Bessinger, a Christian bookshop owner, by chance hear the enchantment of Hanna Ginsberg and her violin. In an attempt to get her attention, he brings her what he loves most, a book. After his dedicated pursuit, he wins her over, and they fall in love. German life during the rise is not easy, and to make matters worse, because Max is not Jewish, Hanna's family is not supportive of their relationship. After Max disappears unexplained, Hanna becomes frustrated, angry, and heartbroken. Hanna takes a step back from their relationship, but the power of love eventually draws them back together.

"Her body was warm, and feeling her that close to him, he felt that same thrilling energy as when their fingers had touched...and that was the moment he realized that he was going to fall in love with Hanna Ginsberg"

So focused on her violin playing, she is unaware of the growing antisemitism around her, but Max constantly worries about Hanna and s friends. Hitler and the Nazi Regime are taking over and panic is starting to set in and his Jewish neighbors are in grave danger. Max's secret is the only thing that can save them from danger, but when his beloved Hanna is looking the Nazis in the eyes, can he bring her to safety as well?

"And it was strange, but Hanna almost didn't feel real to him when he wasn't with her. That someone so bright and beautiful and talented as her might want to be with him felt almost like a dream."

In 1946, Hanna finds herself in an open field with absolutely no recollection of the past 10 years. Hitler has died, the train station has been bombed, and she has no idea what has happened to Max. Hanna's sister brings her to her home in London where she begins to search for opportunities to play her violin in an orchestra. Her love for her violin and Max are the only things she can focus on to bring her peace, content, and joy. Will Hanna cross paths with Max?

This compelling novel is such a perfect piece of work. Told in alternating viewpoints, this novel is a beautiful novel about love and survival, passion and music, across time and countries. It is an absolute must read!

"If Hanna didn't want him, if Hanna wouldn't love him, then there was nothing for him here. he had nothing left"

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Review: The Longest Ride

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Longest Ride is one of the most beautiful and emotional romance novels I have read. As a Nicholas Sparks fan, I was NOT at all disappointed. The story gives two love stories- one just beginning and another ending- that eventually intersect. The old and new love stories compliment each other perfectly and you can't help but cry happy and sad tears (maybe I'm just emotional... ;))

The old love of Ira and Ruth Levinson is retold after he is left stranded and injured after a car crash, where he struggles to retain consciousness until a blurry image of his wife appears beside him, who passed away years ago. Ira continues to cling to her words and memories, even though he knows she isn't really there. Ruth and Ira reminisce about their marriage and love for one another as he is stranded in the car. Their love for one another is relentless and aspiring, as both Ira and Ruth would do anything for each other.

Miles down the road, college senior Sophia Danko is introduced to Luke Collins as her ex-boyfriend is stalking her. Through Luke, Sophia is confronted by an entirely new world in which the stakes are high- life or death. As a professional bull-rider, Luke is presented with life or death frequently, and by meeting Sophia, he learns what is truly important to him. As she and Luke fall in love, Sophia finds herself imaging a life far removed from her current plans- unless Luke's secret destroys their lives first.

"It wasn't long, it wasn't heated, but as soon as their lips came together, she knew with sudden certainty that nothing had ever felt so easy and so right..."

"He drew a deep breath, struggling to keep his emotions in check, knowing that he didn't love her simply in the here and now, but that he would never stop loving her..."

I would highly recommend this book who yearns for an innocent love story. The 398 pages flew by, as I finished this book in two days! This book has so much heart and emotion, you can't help but fall in love with them. I am proud to say this is one of my favorite books.


(My emotions as I finshed this book ;))

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Review: Denied

Denied by Jodi Ellen Malpas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"We were made to fit together. We fit perfectly together. You must feel it, Olivia"

This is the second book in the One Night series, in which we get to learn more about dark and beautiful Miller Hart. The book leaves off with a man named William Anderson, who plays a big role in Miller and Olivia's relationship by the end of the novel, and truly is the reason to which they are able to be in a relationship still by the end, as much as he hates Miller Hart. So far in the series, we have met Olivia Taylor, a seemingly ordinary girl with a painful, unconventional past. Who on an ordinary day, meets a less than ordinary Man; Miller Hart. Since the very first day they met, it has been an intimate, passionate, and intense relationship.
Everything between Olivia and Miller is perfect without outside influences, and when they do corrupt their relationship, their fallout is a remarkable disaster.

"We're more broken if we don't have each other. Let me put us back together again. I need you, Olivia. Desperately. You're making my world light"

In this book, there are so so many interferers that attempt to disrupt their relationship because if Miller's job, in which there is no escape. (The only escape would to run away...;)) I love their dynamic in their relationship because they balance each other out, for Olivia's darkness is balanced out by Miller's darkness, and they each supply light to one another.

I've been saved by a gorgeous, sweet girl, she makes my heart quicken and my senses slow"

I'm not going to spoil this book because this book is an emotional and heart-wrenching read, but Miller is able to conquer his fears when it comes to the love of his life Olivia. His dark life is represented by his paintings, and as Olivia begins to discover this harsh and cry-worthy truth, she will literally drop ANYTHING to help her amazingly gorgeous and sensitive Miller Hart.

"We're worlds apart but utterly perfect for each other. He's beautiful from afar, and he's equally beautiful up close. And beneath that external beauty, he's even more beautiful. It goes deep, and the deeper I look, that beauty only strengthens. I'm the only person who sees it, and that's because I'm the only person Miler has allowed to see it. Just me. He's mine. All of him. Every beautiful piece."

I am so so amazed that a book could be this emotional and real. I feel as if these people are real, and as I said, I do not want to spoil any of this incredible book. I love Miller's thing so much, and to be honest, Miller Hart is relationship goals! I hope you love this book as much as I do!!

"She's the blood in my veins. She's the air in my lungs. She's the bright, hopeful light in my tortured darkness."


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Review: Five Feet Apart

Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"For the first time, I feel the weight of every single inch, every single millimeter of the six feet between us. I pull my sweatshirt closer to my body... trying to ignore the fact that open space? It will always be there."

Even though her lungs seem to have a mind of their own and send her in and out of the hospital too many times to count since she was 6, Stella Grant likes to have control over her life. Suffering from Cystic Fibrosis, a simple sore throat or cold can be the difference between life and death for her. And as a senior in high school who organized the senior trip to Cabo, a simple sore throat caused her to miss the once in a lifetime opportunity to spend a week with her best friends, Mya, and Camila in Cabo. Admitted to the hospital, she is welcomed by the nurses who seem like a second family in the hospital that she views at home. After the initial welcome to the hospital, her best friend of 10+ years, Poe, is also admitted; for he has CF as well.

Stella and Poe are the types of best friends that you do not find every day. Suffering from the same illness, they both realize the simplicity and beauty that life has to offer every day. Poe and Stella both are strict with their medications and the single rule for all CFers; six feet apart at all times! In all the years that Poe and Stella have known each other, they have never hugged or even touched. And then Will Newman messes up Stella's entire routine! :)

"His tousled, dark-chocolate-brown hair is perfectly unruly like he just popped out of a Teen Vogue and landed smack in the middle of Saint Grace's Hospital. His eyes are a deep blue, the corners crinkling as he talks... He's so cute, my lung function feels like it dropped another 10 percent"

Also a CFer, Will has traveled all over the world for CF treatment, hounded by his mother 24/7. He wants to travel outside of the hospital every place he has been. As new clinical trials spring up for B. cepacia, he arrives at different hospitals in the hopes of a cure from the bacteria. He couldn't care less about his treatments, and in one week he'll be 18, and he'll be able to unplug from all of the machines and actually be able to live and see the world. And then he meets Stella Grant...

"I smile as I watch Converse girl for a second. I can't help but stare at her reflection, everything beyond the glass blurring as I look at her. She's prettier close-up, with her long eyelashes and her full eyebrows. She even makes a face mask look good..."

This review is long, so just hang on, but a spark between Will and Stella is imminent from the moment they meet, and you can't help but fall for them too. So Stella agrees to let Will draw her if he agrees to strictly abide by his medications and treatments for CF. Stella is an advocate for CF on YouTube (she even made an app for medication reminders!) and Will comes across all of her videos and watches them with an open heart. He notices that her sister vanished mysteriously from her videos a year ago, and when he questions her, Stella shuts him out. (I won't spoil it!)

Stella overcomes this obstacle with Will and they start to become as close as they can (six feet apart of course!). And when Stella's G-tube gets infected, pre-surgery, Will tells her that everything is going to be alright, and he promises her so. She recovers well but is still hoping for a lung transplant. Poe helps to get Stella and Will on a date in the hospital with none of the nurses/doctors noticing, and it goes without a hitch. (Again, I won't spoil this because it is too perfect and heartwarming given their condition).

"I did a lot of thinking about foot number six. And to be honest, I got mad... So, after all that CF has stolen from me- from us- I'm stealing something back"

So, Stella and Will decide that instead of six feet apart, the will be five feet apart, that still seems to be miles away from one another. They continue to hang out, skype, and Will draws her cartoons which is so so so funny and kind. When the unexpected happens with Poe, it drifts everyone apart, and Stella decides to seize the moment and live her life as a normal girl. Of course, Will accompanies her, and they have the times of their lives (they even tell each other they love each other!!!). When neither thought any worse could happen, it happens, and Will is at a standstill on how to save Stella. Will this be the end of Will and Stella or the beginning of what is yet to come?

"I smile at him, and take just that one more stolen step, until we're five feet apart"

OH MY GOODNESS!!! This book made me cry so much, and I am so so so excited for the movie!!! Will and Stella are unlike any book characters I have ever read and they are so perfect for each other and even each other out so well. This book is one of my favorites of all time, and I hope you feel the same way! Plus, I hope everyone has a love story like that of Will and Stella!!!!!!!



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