Aimee is on a treasure hunt. Family legend has it that one of her ancestor’s left something in the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island when it was built. It is her dying grandmother’s wish that it be found. Once she gets to the island she runs into a problem; Dillon Thurough. He’s as uptight as Aimee is impulsive and they get in each other’s way immediately. But when Aimee runs into trouble, Dillon is there to help. How does a person who lives from day to day fall in love with a person who has a one, five, and ten year plan? And will Aimee ever find the treasure?

Okay, I’ll be the first to admit that there was nothing really original about this book. The plot, the characters; pretty much everything was a bit clichéd. I guess I must be a romantic, because even with all of that, I still enjoyed this book. It was a cute read, and it got me through a lazy afternoon. The characters were probably my favorite part. Aimee and Dillon are polar opposites and definitely put truth to the saying that opposites attract.

Overall, I know this book made me smile. However, whether I think you would enjoy this book or not is something I don’t know. I guess it depends on how much you enjoy seeing a happily ever after!

My rating- 2/5 stars

Amazon

Posted by Melanie at 10:48 AM View Comments    

Labels: 2 stars, Mary Davis, The Grand Hotel

From Goodreads: Alex thought she'd be spending the summer focused on her family's rafting business, burying the memories of her father's death last year, and leaving behind all the messes she made in its wake.

But when Sean returns to town, she is forced to reckon with her mixed-up crushy feelings for him - more powerful than ever before. It takes another tragedy to make Alex realize Sean has loved her, and forgiven her, all along.

The characters in this book where by far my favorite part. I occasionally wanted to throttle them, but I enjoyed the way everyone interacted with each other. At first, I thought most of the teen characters were a bit over reactive. However, once I started thinking about it that was probably very realistic!

The plot was interesting and moved quickly. The ending was somewhat surprising. I definitely wasn't expecting another tragedy at the end. I was more surprised at my feelings at the ending than the ending itself. Alex was really happy in the end, although the future still loomed unsteadily before her. She had her first time, with Sean, a couple nights before, and I got the feeling that she thought they would be together forever. I felt kind of sad because of that. More than likely, Sean and Alex would break up in a couple of years, and even a bigger piece of her heart would belong to him.

I enjoyed the writing in this book a lot. The author did a really good job of getting into Alex's head and letting us see the thoughts behind her actions as well.

Overall, this was an okay read that I think romantics would enjoy. I'm looking forward to the next YA book by Tricia Mills and reading more of her writing.

My rating- 2/5 stars

Posted by Melanie at 10:08 AM View Comments    

Labels: 2 stars, Heartbreak River, Tricia Mills

Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife is a continuation of Pride and Prejudice. Readers join Darcy and Elizabeth after their wedding and learn whether they are really right for each other. Along the way we are joined by many other beloved characters, like Georgianna and Mr. Bennet, while also joined by new characters as well.

Posted by Melanie at 8:18 AM View Comments    

Labels: 2 stars, Linda Berdoll, Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife

Fanny Price is ten years old when she comes to live at Mansfield Park. Edmund, drawn to her gentleness and kind ways, is soon one of her closest friends. Much time passes, and everyone grows up. When the Crawford siblings come to town Edmund is drawn Mary’s charming personality. But then he sees that maybe Mary is not the person he had thought she was. With his heart hurt and his mind confused, he turns to the person he has always trusted, Fanny.

The beginning of this book was a rough, and I think it moved way too fast. In the first 66 pages seven years are covered. I felt as if I just got dropped in to visit one scene that’s pretty vital to the storyline, then got whisked away to another before being able to relax. When it did finally slow down, I’d say it was okay, but considering that it was a diary, I would have liked to see more of Edmund’s thoughts rather than just conversation.

Also, I’m afraid I didn’t like the cover very much from this edition. I know that the man is Edmund, but I’m not entirely sure whether the girl is supposed to be Mary or Fanny. To me, she looks like Mary, but it would make more sense if she was Fanny. If she is Fanny, she doesn't seem to be as delicate as I've always pictured her. However, it could be that it's just me.

Despite the books flaws, there were some good points as well. Tom was most definitely my favorite character in the book. He’s so full of life and excitement. You never know what’s going to happen to him next. Also, Aunt Norris’ behavior makes her the kind of character that I love to hate; so (hopefully) unknowingly selfish and arrogant.

Overall, this book wasn’t what I was looking for, but who knows? You might enjoy it!

My rating- 2/5 stars

Posted by Melanie at 2:06 PM View Comments    

Labels: 2 stars, Amanda Grange, Edmund Bertram's Diary