Three Weeks with My Brother by Nicholas Sparks

★★★★★
As moving as his bestselling works of fiction, Nicholas Sparks's unique memoir, written with his brother, chronicles the life-affirming journey of two brothers bound by memories, both humorous and tragic.In January 2003, Nicholas Sparks and his brother, Micah, set off on a three-week trip around the globe. It was to mark a milestone in their lives, for at thirty-seven and thirty-eight respectively, they were now the only surviving members of their family. Against the backdrop of the wonders of the world and often overtaken by their feelings, daredevil Micah and the more serious, introspective Nicholas recalled their rambunctious childhood adventures and the tragedies that tested their faith. And in the process, they discovered startling truths about loss, love, and hope.  Narrated with irrepressible humor and rare candor, and including personal photos, THREE WEEKS WITH MY BROTHER reminds us to embrace life with all its uncertainties...and most of all, to cherish the joyful times, both small and momentous, and the wonderful people who make them possible.

I had heard of Three Weeks with My Brother quite a while ago, but at the time it just didn't seem like anything I would like to read.  Though I love Sparks' fiction novels, I just didn't know if I wanted to read a nonfiction memoir.  But when I recently borrowed another Nicholas Sparks book from my mom, she said I just HAD to read this.  So I did!

Goodness, it was SO good!  This book chronicles Sparks' once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world with his brother in addition to reflecting on their lives growing up.  It's unbelievable the tragedy these brothers dealt with throughout their lives.  It makes you understand why not all of Sparks' books have happy endings.  His own life was so riddled with sadness and hardship, there were many spots in the book I was reading with a lump in my throat, just as in his novels.

I really enjoyed learning about Sparks' personality (overachieving, type-A, introspective), and I loved seeing how he has been able to accomplish pretty much anything he's wanted to through sheer determination and hard work... even helping his autistic (they think) son.

I also enjoyed getting to 'know' the members of his family... I'm currently reading his novel The Choice, and I'm convinced the main character is very closely based on his brother!

Having read this book, it makes me appreciate his other novels on a much deeper level.  I would definitely recommend this book!!  It was surprisingly great!

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

★★★★★

After U.S. Marine Logan Thibault finds a photograph of a smiling young woman buried in the dirt during his tour of duty in Iraq, he experiences a sudden streak of luck — winning poker games and even surviving deadly combat. Only his best friend, Victor, seems to have an explanation for his good fortune: the photograph — his lucky charm.

Back home in Colorado, Thibault can't seem to get the woman in the photograph out of his mind and he sets out on a journey across the country to find her. But Thibault is caught off guard by the strong attraction he feels for the woman he encounters in North Carolina - Elizabeth, a divorced mother — and he keeps the story of the photo, and his luck, a secret. As he and Elizabeth embark upon a passionate love affair, his secret soon threatens to tear them apart — destroying not only their love, but also their lives.
 

Filled with tender romance and terrific suspense, THE LUCKY ONE is an unforgettable story about the surprising paths our lives often take and the power of fate to guide us to true and everlasting love.

How did I not know about this book before now??!!  The Lucky One has been one of my favorite Nicholas Sparks books!  I saw that the movie was coming out, so of course I had to read the book first.  :)

As always, the characters are vivid, the storyline unique, and it's a love story you can't help but to fall in love with.  I can't wait to see the movie, just to re-live the story again.  Recommended!

Staying at Daisy's by Jill Mansell

★★★★★
Life is easy, it's men she'll never figure out...

When hotel manager Daisy MacLean meets cocky sports hero Dev Tyzack, it's a no brainer-stay away. He is arrogant and sarcastic-but also incredibly sexy.

Daisy tries her best to steer clear of him, yet soon comes to realize he is the one guest she can't bear to see leave.

Then she learns a devastating truth: most people are not who they seem to be, for better or worse...

Oh how I love Jill Mansell!  I'm so sad that Staying at Daisy's is the last book of hers on my Nook for me to read - I need to purchase some of her others soon!!

This book follows in typical Mansell fashion - eccentric, lovable characters, several love stories going on at the same time, people trying to figure their lives out, and happy endings.  Love her!

Staying at Daisy's doesn't disappoint.  There is a cast of lovable characters - Daisy, her eccentric dad, Hector, best friend Tara, studly Dev, and many more.  There's also a sweet little dog in this story.  It's an all-round fun story, and I would definitely recommend it!

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

★★★★★
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

How did I not know about these books before recently!  I read all 3 of them in 4 days... lots of late nights and prolonged breakfasts!!  But the Hunger Games series is extremely captivating, I just couldn't put these books down.

Just based upon the excerpt, I would never have picked up The Hunger Games to read.  But my sister-in-law said I had to read these, and I'm SO glad I did!  These books are very well-written, unexpected, and all around good!  The main characters are so well-developed, as are lots of the supporting characters.

I just saw the movie last weekend to experience the story again.  The movie was very true to the first book - of course the character-development was much less in the movie, and many details were missing.  But the movie was still good as well!

I would highly, highly recommend this series!

Take a Chance On Me by Jill Mansell

★★★★★

Even in a small town the drama is larger than life...

Cleo Quinn doesn't have the greatest track record when it comes to men, but now Will's come along. Handsome and attentive, he could be her Mr Right. Things are definitely looking up for Cleo... apart from one small problem with a rather large ego. Johnny LaVenture, sculptor extraordinaire and her personal childhood nemesis, is back in Channing's Hill and tormenting her as if he'd never been away.

Meanwhile Cleo's sister Abbie has a problem of her own-husband Tom has become distant and withdrawn, and she's determined to find out why. But will the shocking truth mean the end of their idyllically happy marriage?

The sisters are about to discover that the past can come back to haunt you, and that love can flourish in the unlikeliest of places...

Okay, another Jill Mansell book!  I loved Take a Chance on Me.  The characters are lovable and the story is not always predictable.  I love when I'm reading a book and mentally 'rooting' for the characters.  This is a page-turner, just because you want to see how things turn out for the characters!  I definitely enjoyed this book, it's a light-hearted read and I would recommend it!

An Offer You Can't Refuse by Jill Mansell

★★★☆☆

What's a girl to do with... An offer you can't refuse?

A new bestseller from one of the UK's biggest authors!

Nothing could tear Lola and Dougie apart, except his mother...

Seventeen-year-old Lola has no intention of accepting when her boyfriend's snobbish mother offers her a huge bribe to break up with him. Then Lola discovers a secret that makes her think again, and the only way she can help one of the people she loves most in the world is to take the money and break Dougie's heart.

Ten years later, when Lola meets Dougie again, her feelings for him are as strong as ever. She'll do almost anything to get him back, but she can never tell him the truth. Can she overcome his bitterness and win his heart? She's attractive, persuasive, and endlessly optimistic, but even Lola's got her work cut out for her this time.

As you probably know by now, I love Jill Mansell.  Several of her books were on sale at BN.com, and I stocked up!  An Offer You Can't Refuse was one I picked up, and I'm sad to say it wasn't one of my favorite stories of hers.  Don't get me wrong, it was a cute story and all, but so many of her books are delightful through and through.  I felt like parts of this book dragged a little, and it wasn't as much of a page-turner as I'm used to from her.  It was probably better than 3-Stars, but not as good as 4-Stars (in my un-scientific way of measuring stories!)  If you can get it on discount, I'd say it is a cute read, but I'm glad I didn't pay full price for this one.  I still love her, though!

Rumor Has it by Jill Mansell

★★★★★
Rumor Has It sizzles with Mansell's signature fresh sense of humor, poignancy, and happy ending with a twist.

Newly single Tilly Cole impulsively moves to a small town, only to find she's arrived in a hotbed of gossip, intrigue, and rampant rivalry for the most desirable man—Jack Lucas, whose reputation is beyond bad. Tilly has no intention of becoming another notch on his bedpost. But she finds the thoughtful, caring guy she comes to value as a friend doesn't seem to fit the town's playboy image. Should she listen to her friends or her heart? Is Tilly being mature and sensible—or running away from the love of her life?

Ahhh!  Another Jill Mansell book that I just loved!  I thought Rumor Has It was so good.  If you haven't seen any of my other reviews on this author, she is a British chick-lit author.  Her stories are funny and sweet and witty, and they have happy endings.  They are feel good, funny stories that are a pleasure to read.  I really enjoyed this book - Tilly is such a sweet character, and she ends up in an unexpected situation and place.  I found myself rooting for her to find someone to make her happy.  Recommended!