The Crossroads Cafe

I loved this Book!

Not to sound repetative with the other reviews, but I laughed, I cried, I truly thought I was sitting down with the characters at the Crossroads Cafe. Ms. Smith does not disappoint, this one is a keeper.
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Buying The Crossroads Cafe

Made me laugh out loud and cry real tears

I enjoyed The Crossroads Cafe (Kindle edition) from the beginning to the end. The first line sucked me in. "Before the accident, I never had to seduce a man in the dark." I knew this could be a rich tale and it was. This was a bumpy journey aiming for a happy ending but it is told in an unforgettable way. The two main characters, Cathy and Thomas, tell the story in 1st person. The passages are labeled well so I quickly heard the reading voice of each in an individual way. The characters came alive on the page an I'll never look at biscuits in the same way.
This is the first piece of fiction I've read with any reference to 9-11. I was worried when I first came across it in the story but the author seemed to pay the proper respect.
I reccommend this book.
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A very kind book

Great depictions of strong Southern women -- of all kinds of women, period. What the feminist movement should have stood for all along. Highly recommended.
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Best summer book this year!

This is so well written and the characters so well defined and engaging that I want to keep reading it forever! I am glad I have the Kindle version so I can re-read it at will. Please write a sequel.
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Kept waiting for Victoria to hurry up and kill Bella

Cons: Sometimes you have to read a book for what it is and stop trying to say what you'd do in that situation. But other times it's very difficult to decipher between the two, and this book was one of those times. I honestly just wanted somebody to kill Bella so she'd stop whining. I don't remember her being this pitiful in the movie, but she was pathetic in the book. She was so glued to Edward's side that I wondered why she didn't ask him to wipe her after she used the bathroom, too. I can't tolerate weak female characters, which is probably why I love Alice, Victoria and Jane so much. They're strong characters who don't take any B.S. from anybody and know how to control themselves. Bella spent 75 percent of the book crying, screaming for Edward, begging for him to be wherever she was, running to hug him, trying to bribe him into having sex with her and manipulating Jacob. She had no outside interests and seemed to live suffocatingly on Earth just to be with Edward...and Jacob. I wanted to reach right through the book, punch her in the nose and tell her to "Woman up!"

Meyer has great dialogue and can keep a book moving even when I can't stand the main character, but when I read "Breaking Dawn," I seriously hope I don't read one more line about "pursed lips." Nobody purses their lips that much. Every single character in here was pursing their lips. Not one chapter went by and sometimes not even more than a few pages before someone pursed their lips. If that wasn't happening, Edward was grabbing both sides of Bella's face to kiss her or talk to her. Can the girl not even hold her neck up without his assistance? Sheesh!

I just can't imagine two men (werewolf or vampire or human) being this patient about a woman constantly running to the other's side. I understand Edward felt guilty about leaving and wanted Bella to make her own decision, but Jacob just sounds flat out desperate. I wanted him to give it a rest, too. I could sympathize with him for really being in love with the girl, but I just couldn't convince myself that any man would ever be this pitiful even for someone he's in love with. I found it disturbing that he bribed Alice into kidnapping Bella, but I'm glad he snapped out of it because that was a psychotic move. I honestly think Meyer should've gotten some male feedback about the male characters. This book was one of those novels where you go, "I can tell a woman wrote this because she's creating characters that SHE would like to date, not men in real life." In the movie, the guys had a little more testosterone and didn't seem so weak, but in the book, they almost kissed Bella's feet after she kicked them in the groin. It was disturbing and diluted the book a little for me.

Pros: In "Twilight," I was Team Edward mainly because I didn't know enough about Jacob to form an opinion. In "New Moon," I was Team Jacob. In "Eclipse" the movie, I couldn't pick a side. But in the book, I was so fascinated with Jacob and Edward that I couldn't make myself pick a favorite. While I do think Meyer laid the love of a man on a little too thick and unrealistic, when they were being reasonably realistic, I liked them both. I never lost interest in the book. I enjoyed the conversations. Although I think Bella is incredibly disrespectful to her father (what daughter is going to say her own father would "get into trouble" by saying something to her? That should only happen with Becky from "Roseanne.") I liked her ONLY when she would find out more about the minds of Edward and Jacob.

Did I like the book? It was all right. But I loved the movie. I think the movie gave a more realistic look at the guys and they just seemed less weak. I'm hoping in "Breaking Dawn" that they remember they have a third leg again. "Twilight" and "New Moon" (books and movies) were much better and more realistic, as far as werewolves and vampires can go. I was happy to learn more about Jasper though outside of him wanting to suck the blood out of everybody. His backstory was interesting and so was Rosalie's.
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Buying Eclipse

Eclipse

Spoilers and a load of Twilight bashing is ahead


I've hated Twilight forever now. The books are boring and plotless, with no conflicts or no meaning to it. Bella is selfish, whiny, dull, backstabbing, heartless, and as boring as the books are. Edward is a stalker and an obsessive boyfriend. Jacob is love-sick puppy dog with nothing better to do but whine about his non-connection with Bella. Charlie is as dead as the fish he brings home from his endless fishing trips. Renee is airheaded. Every character`has a large amount of flaws to make Bella seemingly perfect despite her rediculous clumsiness.

Eclipse plot- If there even IS a plot here. Bella is supposadly in love with Edward and Jacob. But it is so obvious who she is going to pick this book isnt even needed. Meanwhile, Victoria is putting together a newborn vampire army in order to kill Bella, to get back at Edward for killing James. That of course means every vampire and werewolf in Forks has to protect Bella. Along the way, Jacob sexually assualts Bella many times, including kissing her. (Bella punches him. He is not hurt at all, but Bella breaks her hand. Charlie hears about this. Instead of being angry at Jacob like any normal father would, he compliments Jacob and is proud of him. What?) While the Cullens and wolves prepare to fight, Edward, Bella, and Jacob escape to a mountain in hopes of hiding. While Edward is off scouting the next morning, Jacob and Bella hang out a bit. Jacob forcably kisses Bella, and Bella, being the backstabbing little ho she is starts to kiss him back. Edward hears and does nothing. The story ends with the newborns and Victoria getting their heads ripped off. Woohoo. What a great entertaining story.

Bella- Bella is so disgusting and plain. She has no hobbies. No goals. No dreams, no aspirations, no wishes but to marry Edward, become a vampire and live with him forever. In life, that girl would have nothing. Boys would not trail after her. Friends wouldnt come to her. But Bella is so amazingly perfect and has everything the way she wants it, of course. I thought she was bad before... but when she kisses Jacob back? A backstabbing cheating little ho like that would be dropped by her boyfriend, but nooo.

Edward & Jacob- Ah, Bella's boytoys. Yes, Edward is a smug, obssessive boyfriend. Jacob is a helpless little puppy, getting kicked around, and led on by Bella.

Charlie, The Cullens- Charlie is a dead fish, only appearing to show his appreciation for Jacob when Jacob sexually assaults his daughter. Yep. You read that right. And out of the Cullens, Rosalie remains my favorite. She constantly is trying to tell Bella to think of her decision to be a vampire, and Bella doesnt listen. Rosalie is down to earth and real while Bella is airheaded and vain. Rosalie learned from her past experiences, Bella sucks in all the attention she gets from her experiences, and then causes drama to get more attention.

Wolf pack- Leah is my favorite out of the entire series. She is bitter and mean but she has her reasons for it. (unlike a for-no-reason- sulky, mopy, and dramatic Bella). The book should be centred round her. Sam is controlling. Quil and the rest of the boys are cool. The pack is the most normal, and they are wolves. It makes no sense whatsoever.

In all, Eclipse is... horrible. Skip it.
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The Lovely Bones

Over-hyped?

So what can I say that hasn't already been said? Probably nothing.. I did feel this book was perhaps a little over-hyped. It was good, but as good as 3,000 + people giving it a 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon?? Probably not THAT good.

I felt the first few chapters were wonderfully written, suspenseful, and thrilling, but after a while, things sorta fell flat for me. I don't understand what happened. Maybe it was the number and oddity of the characters Sebold wove into the story. I know it is a work of fiction, but I love a book that retains at least some believability to the essence of its characters, even if the plot itself is fantastical. I think Susie's family was well-thought out, and their actions and behaviors were realistic & meaningful enough.. it was just the secondary characters that bothered me. For example, I still don't see the point in Ray Singh's mother's character. Was she put into the story just to prove a point that Jack Salmon's determination and will was strong enough to avoid the same temptations that his wife fell to with Detective Fenerman?? Maybe that was it..

Also, the scene where Susie's "spirit" takes over Ruth's physical body? That was a little much, and almost unbearable to read. I guess most of my discontent stems from the way Sebold chose to end (or not end) the story.. I know this is entirely a matter of personal preference, but once I finished the book, I was sort of left feeling like those few hours of my life were wasted, and I rarely feel that way after reading a book. It's not that I'm an optimist whatsoever. My favorite author is Richard Matheson.. king of tragic endings! But, I just didn't feel any "closure" with this book. I didn't see the point or meaning behind the story & the way Sebold chose to not tie up the loose ends. But.. perhaps that IS the point - that some things in life, happy or sad, have no meaning. And that's just the nature of life & reality.

Maybe I'll give the book 4 out of 5 stars after all!
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Buying The Lovely Bones

A Character Story

I'm not a frequent reader of fiction. I decided to read this book because I got tired of hearing about it and the film. So, I wanted to see what was so special about it...

It was a pleasure to read (mostly). I read the synopsis and expected a mystery, but the story immediately tells you the who and whats. Young Susie Salmon is raped and murdered, and Alice Sebold isn't shy about saying who did it.
Then I expected a thriller, where the victim (or her family) gets revenge, and I held that frame of mind for most of the book as a lot of tension was built with the obsessions of the father and Susie's reaching from beyond the grave...and even more tension, as the killer and Susie's siter develop a mutual interest in one another.
However, suddenly, all of that tension disappeared, around the third quarter of the book. I quickly became annoyed, but I kept reading, hoping all the promise would lead to a big pay-off.

I got something in between. The end of the book takes a major turn from suspense to a mix of family story and love poem, and while it felt a bit flat-footed, it was nonetheless interesting and emotional...making me finally realize the book as a sweet, character study...not the gritty noir that it starts with.

I had to give it a four because, after all the time I spent hoping for a gruesome end to the killer, I was incredibly let down, by what seemed to be some sort awkward, twist of fate demise.
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Murder Takes the Cake

1st in a cozy mystery series. Daphane is a cake decorator who stumbles on her neighbor's dead body. Police decides the neighbor was murdered and Daphane begins to investigate, putting herself in harm's way. Good mystery and good characters, I will continue with this series. I borrowed this book from my public library.
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Good Book Considering It Was Free!

I got this book on Amazon when it was free. I've been sick so I read through it in one day. It was a good book, I enjoyed the murder mystery. I'm glad I didn't pay a lot for the book though. I felt like the end was very abrupt, and while I realize there is 1 sequel out thus far, I wish the end of this book was more thorough. It was just kind of like BAM, mystery solved, the end, but it felt like it needed just a bit more.

I'm considering buying the sequel, but it's not super high on my priority for my wishlist. I definitely recommend this if you got it for free, but as for paying a lot more for it? I'm not so sure it's worth it!
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Cherries

I have to admit I thought this book was going to be rather cheesy, but turned out to be quiet funny and interesting. I would not mind reading more about Daphne and her sister Violet. See if they can solve any more mysteries while Daph runs her cake business as well.
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The Girl Who Played With Fire

Even better than the first!

This is the second of the three part saga by the late Steig Larrson, about Lisbeth Salander, the young, socially challenged computer hacker and Mikael Blomkvist the investigative journalist and takes off where The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo ended. I read the first book on my Kindle and immediately downloaded this one and started reading as if it were just the next chapter. I liked this book even better than the first because the Lisbeth Salander character was my favorite and this book gives us a closer look into her background although much is still in question by the end of the book. Nonetheless, we begin to see some of the reasons that she is so introverted and such a free spirit. We also see Blomkvist back in his office at Millennium after taking close to a year off to write a book and solve the mysteries in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

I don't want to give away any of the storyline, not that it would be easy to do so since this book, like the first is very involved with lots of twists and turns. There is lots of mystery, suspense, and thrills throughout the book. If you've read the first book you probably already like both of these characters as well as some of the supporting cast such as Erika, Blomkvist's boss and sometime lover and others in the Millennium office. You'll like them even more after reading this book as you learn more secrets about them and more of the reasons why they believe and act as they do.

I went on to download The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest on my Kindle immediately after finishing this one and I think I have to say that this second book was my favorite of the three. It's such a shame that the author suffered a heart attack and died in November of 2004. He was so talented and he undoubtedly would have written more wonderful books like these three.
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Buying The Girl Who Played With Fire

Loved the book

I loved the book. Much of it is unexpected. The only disclaimer is that their is some sexual assault scenes described. Don't read if this may bother you.
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The saga continues...as if it's simply chapter 2

Great series. Highly recommended. If/when you see the movies...make sure you read the books first, b/c they don't develop Lisbeth's character fully in the films. The first two movies were very good.
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God Of War III: Ultimate Edition Strategy Guide

Awesome Guide

The guide is very sleek and looks awesome. The pictures are top notch and the guide itself is reliable and informative. Great product for a great game!
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Buying God Of War III: Ultimate Edition Strategy Guide

Glorious!!!

I especially loved this guide. The hard cover embossed and photo included in the series were enough reasons for me to really like this guide. The strategy is detailed and the stories of Greek mythology are awesome. It was worth every penny in this guide.
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Hardcover God of War III Ultimate Edition Strategy Guide

The PERFECT addition to the Ultimate Edition Game! True connoisseurs of the game will appreciate wrapping up the series and enhancing your collection that much more. Not only did I cap off the series with God of War III, it was an excellent introduction to the world of the PS3. All-time winner in my book. Get yours today!!

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For couples who want to grow in Love!

My husband and I started to read this book immediately and we could start to feel the fruits since the very first day! That's why I strongly recommend it!
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Fantastic Daily Love Devotional for Couples

This book is absolutely wonderful. Read nightly with your signifcant other. My fiance and I read this nightly and is great for opening conversation between the two of us.

Love it!!!
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Easy Read

Loved that it really is just one minuet a day! Awesome and useful! Helps to put my day in perspective.
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The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

mind numbingly slow and boring

I'm sorry, for some reason everyone is going ga-ga over this book?!?! I found it mind numbingly boring and a bit creepy as far as the relationship btwn the detective and the girl with the dragon tats. (I'm sorry, it's been a while since I read it, but this is how I recall it. Sometimes the overall feeling after a bit of time has passed is the best review of all.) I was forcing myself through it, and will NOT read the rest in the series. Maybe some major artistic license and rewriting will revive the story for the cinema... I would hopw so!
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Great series

I read all 3 of these Stieg Larsson "Milennium" books in about 2 weeks on vacation & highly recommend them. Not only are they well written mysteries involving unusal characters, they are windows into contemporary Sweden - a place which, frankly, I'd never thought alot about. You save the cost of an airline ticket and get to see Stockholm a little like you would if you stayed with friends who live there. (This aspect is really enhanced by seeing the movie - produced in Sweden by Swedes.)

I've recommended the book to others & the most common response has been that Dragon Tattoo is so long and full of alot of snoozy non-action and side plots and relationships. I am mostly writing this to tell any new reader to hang in - it picks up and all 3 books together are one fascinating saga. If you are hooked by Lisbeth & Mikael, you'll be glad you stayed with all 3!
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The best of the three

Great series. Highly recommended. If/when you see the movies...make sure you read the books first, b/c they don't develop Lisbeth's character fully in the films. The first two movies were very good.
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Gypsy Legacy: The Marquis

Couldn't finish

I normally never not finish a book, but I did eventually give up on this one. I felt like the entire story was already laid out there and the characters were trying to catch up. no surprises. I thought that the romance felt a little rushed, but ultimated nicely handled. I kept losing interest and setting the book down since I felt that I knew how the next page would read. I also got bogged down in all the royalty. I felt like the book should have came with its own cheat sheet to explain marquis, duke, countess, etc. I can't image trying to keep that all in place for an actual series.
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Nothing Unique Or Special

I tried this as a free Kindle download, and have to be honest, historical romances are not my favorite genre, but I've read many that I've thoroughly enjoyed. I was enjoying Gypsy Legacy: The Marquis, too, at first. I found Jay and Tina to be inoffensive lead characters, reasonably well developed, and I particularly liked the fiery younger half sister.

Unfortunately, there was entirely too much about this book that was over-written and over-detailed, and there wasn't anything to make it stand out as fresh or unique. The same sort of tired miscommunications between Jay and Tina created all the emotional tension that occur in so many historical romances, and the evolution of their relationship was tediously formulaic: the instant attraction for the couple, then quickly leading to love for the woman, the man denying belief in his ability to love - despite all evidence to the contrary, then ultimately realizing he can't live without his wife when there's a threat to her, so he DOES love her. It's been done countless times in countless historical romances and it's been done better. There was a little bit of mystery here, but it was really drawn out and not that thrilling, the truth when revealed had been easily guessed early on.

I actually debated reviewing this book at all out of concern that I wouldn't be unbiased, but the truth is, if the story had been trimmed of the excesses in the historical world building and been more tightly and quickly paced on the relationship development and the mystery, I would've been more forgiving about the lack of originality, because it would've still been engaging. As it's written, though, it wasn't.
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Gypsy Legacy: The Marquis

I enjoyed this book more than I expected. Ms. Patrick did an excellent job of mixing intrigue, romance and humor together. I look forward to reading her other books in the Gypsy Legacy.

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Not exciting at all

Predictable. Boring. Unimaginative. You get the idea.
This was a free read and you get what you pay for...
Dribble.
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Buying Final Fantasy XIII: The Complete Official Guide

Useful guide

The guide is laid out nicely and very user friendly. I found it very helpful. You won't regret your purchase.
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Very helpful and useful

This book is great.
It is nice to find all the information you need in one place. Moreover, this book is beautiful.
Once I received the book, I just decided to start the game from the beginning, realizing I have missed so many items. The way I used to upgrade weapons was definitely not the best one and the book made me realize that.
It is almost a complete book (I wish they included the experience needed to upgrade to the next weapon) and very helpful.
Worh it.
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FF13 Guidebook

All in all a good guide, it has one fatal flaw. The book is too thick for the binding they put it together with and it easily cracks and looses pages.
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