For a Lifetime by Gabrielle Meyer

 

For a Lifetime   by Gabrielle Meyer  390 pages

Identical twin sisters Grace and Hope are time-crossers who simultaneously live in 1692, as daughters of a tavern owner during the Salem Witch Trials, and in 1912, as an aviatrix and a journalist. As their twenty-fifth birthday approaches, they will each have to choose one life to keep and one to leave behind forever--no matter the cost.

Third book in the series and another very interesting story.  This time period was not as interesting to me, they were alive during the Salem Witch Trials.  But I did learn more about the time period. I loved the difference of the twins and their lives and how it all intertwined them together. 

My Sister's Voice by Mary Carter

My Sister's Voice by Mary Carter 318 pages At twenty-eight, Lacey Gears is exactly where she wants to be. An up-and-coming, proudly Deaf artist in Philadelphia, she's in a relationship with a wonderful man and rarely thinks about her difficult childhood in a home for disabled orphans. That is, until Lacey receives a letter that begins, "You have a sister. A twin to be exact. . ." Learning that her identical, hearing twin, Monica, experienced the normal childhood she was denied resurrects all of Lacey's grief, and she angrily sets out to find Monica and her biological parents. But the truth about Monica's life, their brief shared past, and the reason for the twins' separation is far from simple. And for every one of Lacey's questions that's answered, others are raised, more baffling and profound. I am a Sign Language Interpreter for the Deaf and I know a lot about the deaf culture. This book opened my eyes even more to the deaf culture and their feelings about being deaf. This was definitely a book with an unusual ending. The middle was a little slow and predictable for me, but most of it was very interesting.

Mercy by David Baldacci

Mercy (Atlee Pine #4) by David Baldacci, 432 p.

"For her entire life, FBI agent Atlee Pine has been searching for her twin sister, Mercy, who was abducted at the age of six and never seen again. Mercy’s disappearance left behind a damaged family that later shattered beyond repair when Atlee’s parents inexplicably abandoned her.

Now, after a perilous investigation that nearly proved fatal, Atlee has finally discovered not only the reason behind her parents’ abandonment and Mercy’s kidnapping, but also the most promising breakthrough yet: proof that Mercy survived her abduction and then escaped her captors many years ago.

Though Atlee is tantalizingly close to her family at last, the final leg of her long road to Mercy will be the most treacherous yet. Mercy left at least one dead body behind before fleeing her captors years before. Atlee has no idea if her sister is still alive, and if so, how she has been surviving all this time. When the truth is finally revealed, Atlee Pine will face the greatest danger yet, and it may well cost her everything." --Goodreads blurb

The Atlee Pine series has been a favorite of mine from Baldacci, but I have to honestly say I was a bit disappointed in its conclusion. Atlee is a great character, but the new character introduced in this conclusion isn't as likeable. While that in and of itself isn't necessarily bad, the build-up to this conclusion had too much riding on it to fall even a bit flat. However, the story and messes they get themselves out of in this last story were great. It was worth the read.
 

On A Wild Night and On a Wicked Dawn - Stephaine Laurnes

 On A Wild Night and On A Wicked Dawn by Stephanie Laurens - 663 pages

On A Wild Night

Where are all the exciting men in London?

After spending years in the glittering ballrooms of the ton, Amanda Cynster is utterly bored by the current crop of colorless suitors. Determined to take matters into her own hands, one night she shockingly goes where no respectable lady ever should, but where many an intriguing gentleman might be found.

But titillating excitement quickly turns to panic when Amanda discovers she′s quite out of her depth. She looks around for help -- and is unexpectedly rescued by the Earl of Dexter. Lean, sensuous, and mysterious, he has delayed re-entering society, preferring instead a more interesting existence on its fringes.

He′s the epitome of the boldly passionate gentleman Amanda has been searching for, but although his very touch makes it clear he′s willing to educate her in the art of love, Amanda has to wonder if such a masterful, lionized rake can be sufficiently tamed into the ways of marriage.

On A Wicked Dawn

Amelia Cynster hears these words from handsome, enigmatic Lucien Ashford, 6th Viscount Calverton, and is stunned. It's near dawn and she's risked scandal by lying in wait for him just outside his London house. But he agrees to her outrageous marriage proposal - just prior to falling unconscious at her feet. Amelia is torn between astounded relief and indignant affront, then decides she doesn't care. She has always loved him - no other man will do for her - and she's tired of waiting.

Sometimes a young lady needs to take matters into her own hands.

But matters of the heart are never that simple. The first hitch in Amelia's plans comes when Luc refuses to agree to a hasty wedding, but insists on properly wooing her...in public and in private. Soon she longs for those moments away from the watchful gaze of the ton in which she can learn all about seduction from a master. But unknown to Amelia, Luc has a very good reason for wooing her.

Every wicked gentleman has his price.

 

Night of the Living Dummy (Goosebumps #7) by R.L. Stine

Night of the Living Dummy (Goosebumps #7) by R.L. Stine-132 pages

Kris and Lindy are twin sisters who compete at anything and everything. When they find an old, intact dummy in the dumpster next door Lindy decides she wants to be a ventriloquist and named the dummy Slappy. Kris is immediately jealous and wants a dummy of her own. Their dad buys Kris a dummy of her own named Mr. Wood. Lindy plays a practical joke on Kris making her think that Mr. Wood is alive. Later, Kris finds a note with a few ancient words and recites them. Mr. Wood seems to come alive again and this time it might be for real! Kris and Lindy's parents don't believe them because of previous mishaps (and, besides, who would believe a dummy is alive).

The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

The Queen of Nothing
The Folk of the Air #3
by Holly Black
308 pages









Now as the exiled mortal Queen of Faerie, Jude is powerless and left reeling from Cardan’s betrayal. She bides her time determined to reclaim everything he took from her. Opportunity arrives in the form of her deceptive twin sister, Taryn, whose mortal life is in peril.

Jude must risk venturing back into the treacherous Faerie Court, and confront her lingering feelings for Cardan, if she wishes to save her sister. But Elfhame is not as she left it. War is brewing. As Jude slips deep within enemy lines she becomes ensnared in the conflict’s bloody politics.

And, when a dormant yet powerful curse is unleashed, panic spreads throughout the land, forcing her to choose between her ambition and her humanity…

The Friends We Keep by Susan Mallery

 The Friends We Keep by Susan Mallery-376 pages


Looking for a lighter read I picked up this book by Susan Mallery.  I enjoyed the characters, though I found one of them irritatingly winey.  There are three friends who are all dealing with different circumstances.  As they work through their problems together all three will find fulfilling outcomes.  Brings to the fore the importance of good and loyal friends in our lives.  To share good times with and to help us get through distressing times too.  I enjoyed it very much and look forward to hopefully more releases in this series.  Mischief Bay #2

Two Graves by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

 Two Graves by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child-484 pages

When Special Agent Pendergast agrees to meet his wife who he hasn't seen for quite awhile and then watches her get abducted right before his eyes, it really rattles him.  Anyone who reads this series knows very well that it is extremely rare that there is any situation that he cannot handle. Her abduction sets up a sequence of events and clears up a few loose ends about the agents life.  I enjoyed this book since I had come to the series late and was interested in what makes the agent tick.

The Au Pair by Emma Rous

The Au Pair
by Emma Rous
358 pages









Seraphine Mayes and her twin brother, Danny, were born in the middle of summer at their family’s estate on the Norfolk coast. Within hours of their birth, their mother threw herself from the cliffs, the au pair fled, and the village thrilled with whispers of dark cloaks, changelings, and the aloof couple who drew a young nanny into their inner circle.

Now an adult, Seraphine mourns the recent death of her father. While going through his belongings, she uncovers a family photograph that raises dangerous questions. It was taken on the day the twins were born, and in the photo, their mother, surrounded by her husband and her young son, is smiling serenely and holding just one baby. 

Who is the child, and what really happened that day?

Sisters First by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush

Sisters First by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush, 236 pages

Sisters first was an excellent book about growing up as both twins and in the political public eye.  The book is written from each twins perspective, alternating in the book between Barbara and Jenna.  At times this was confusing because I was trying to remember which one was who.  The girls include many details from their childhood and growing up with a grandfather who was President.  Then, they became the first family of Texas and then their father became President.  It is nice to read about two sisters who are so close and have stayed that way their whole lives while leading very different and separate lives.  This was very good book on the bond between sisters.

Goosebumps-Night of the Living Dummy by R.L. Stine

Goosebumps-Night of the Living Dummy by R.L. Stine-134 pages

Twin sisters find a seemingly harmless ventriloquist dummy in the dumpster and take it home. Lindy names him Slappy and becomes very good at ventriloquism, so her sister Kris wants her own dummy and her father buys her one. Kris names him Mr. Wood and tries to become good with him. However, things begin to go awry with Mr. Wood almost right away. Mr. Wood is destroyed, but then Slappy "comes alive" at the end of the book and two more books are written about his "adventures." It was a decent read, but more for kids, obviously.

All I Want for Christmas by Nora Roberts

All I Want for Christmas by Nora Roberts - 150 pages

I was looking for something Christmas-y to listen to and this is what I found.  It is a short romance by Nora Roberts.  Six-year-old twins Zack and Zeke ask Santa to find "the mom" for their Christmas present this year.  They think their dad needs help raising them since they've started school now.  They believe that the new high school music teacher -- Nell Davis -- is the mom that Santa has sent for them.
This was a cute romance.  It was pretty short on character development or plot but that was expected.  The choice of a narrator was a little strange.  It was disconcerting to hear a grown man try to sound like a small boy.  It would have better if he had just read the book straight without trying to add character inflections.

Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong

Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong  406 pages

In the Forest of the Dead, where the empire's worst criminals are exiled, twin sisters Moria and Ashyn are charged with a dangerous task. For they are the Keeper and the Seeker, and each year they must quiet the enraged souls of the damned.
Only this year, the souls will not be quieted.
Ambushed and separated by an ancient evil, the sisters' journey to find each other sends them far from the only home they've ever known. Accompanied by a stubborn imperial guard and a dashing condemned thief, the girls cross a once-empty wasteland, now filled with reawakened monsters of legend, as they travel to warn the emperor. But a terrible secret awaits them at court - one that will alter the balance of their world forever.

Hollow Earth by John Barrowman & Carole E. Barrowman

Hollow Earth by John Barrowman & Carole E. Barrowman - 382 pages

Twins Em and Matt are able to animate their drawings -- bringing them to life.  While this is a great trick, it also brings them to the attention of two different groups that want to either harm them or use them.  The Guardians want to bind their powers as they are too powerful.  The Hollow Earth Society wants them to open the doors to Hollow Earth where all the monsters exist. 

I'll be honest.  I picked up this book to read simply because it is written by John Barrowman, the actor that plays Capt. Jack on Doctor Who and Torchwood.  I was surprised to find that I really enjoyed the book.  While it wasn't the best written fantasy story I've read, it was very enjoyable.  I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld

Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld - 416 pages

This novel intrigued me initially because of it being set in St. Louis.  While I like local references and inside elements in a story, it gets a bit excessive in this one.  Most people don't think in brand names for stores and restaurants or use the true names for highways and bridges when describing getting from one place to another.

The narrative centers on twin sisters Kate and Violet and their relationship.  A mild earthquake strikes St. Louis and Violet (who is a self-proclaimed psychic) goes on television predicting a devastating earthquake will hit soon which complicates both of their lives.  I found myself sympathizing initially with Kate but she gets more and more unlikeable as the story goes on.  The first two thirds of the book is a very intriguing character study of the two sisters and their relationship together and with outsiders in midwestern suburban America.  The last third takes the plot in a different direction that illustrates that personal relationship "earthquakes" can be just as devastating to an individual as a natural one.  

Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld

Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld- 400 pgs.

Daisy and Violet are not your typical twins.  They are not close, don't do everything together and will go weeks without talking to each other.  There is one thing they have in common:  psychic abilities.  When Violet predicts that a massive earthquake will hit their hometown of St. Louis, it sends shock waves through Daisy's life that have nothing to do with an earthquake.  St. Louis people will get a kick out of the references of well-known landmarks like Blueberry Hill, Wash U and the Arch.  Some other fun mentions include Schnucks, Bread Co. and Kaldi's coffee.  These references make an intriguing read even better.

To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn

To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn - 261 pages

It all started with a note of sympathy from Eloise Bridgerton when Sir Phillip Crane's wife died.  What followed was a year of correspondence between the two before Phillip suggested meeting to see if they would suit in marriage.  So Eloise runs away to spend a couple weeks at Phillip's house.  Unfortunately, Phillip neglected to tell her he had two children who were very unruly.  Also, Eloise didn't count on her four brothers showing up and insisting that now she had to marry Phillip as her reputation is ruined.  What else could possibly go wrong?
This is the third novel in the Bridgerton series that I've read.  This one was fun to read, but not as filled with humor as the other books.

The View From Here by Brian Keith Jackson

The View From Here by Brian Keith Jackson - 229 pages

Anna is pregnant and her husband, JT, doesn't think they can afford or want the aggravation of another child. He insists they will hand over the child to his sister and her husband, who had made his life miserable after the death of their mother.  The story is told as though Anna is talking to her unborn child and through the letters she writes to her childhood friend, Ida Mae.  This was a good story and worth reading.

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann - 390 pages

In Quill, every child is sorted at the age of thirteen into one of three categories -- Wanteds who will go on to university, Necessaries who will take up training for a job, and Unwanteds who are taken to the Death Farm to be thrown into the lake of burning oil.  Even though Alex's twin Aaron is selected as a Wanted, Alex is deemed an Unwanted.  He's completely shocked to discover that the Death Farm doesn't actually have a burning lake of oil.  Instead it is a gate to the magical world of Artime where the Unwanteds will be trained in various types of art and magic.  There they will be safe as long as nobody from Quill every discovers they are still alive.  But Alex can't stop thinking about his twin Aaron and wishing that he was able to bring him to Artime also.
This is a 2013-2014 Twain nominee book.  It's being described as "Harry Potter" meets "The Hunger Games".  While I enjoyed listening to the book, I do not think it is anywhere as good as either of those series.  It is an intriguing concept with good characterization throughout, but it also seemed a little heavy-handed in its moralizing.  Even though I enjoyed the book, I don't feel compelled to finish out the series.

Skirting the Grave by Annette Blair

Skirting the Grave: A Vintage Magic Mystery by Annette Blair - 277 pages

Maddie goes to the train station to pick up her new intern Isobel only to find that she's dead, so she is very shocked to have her arrive at her home late that night.  Turns out it was her cousin who had been killed.  But who went to such lengths to imply it was one of the twins who died?  And who is still trying to kill Isobel?  It's up to Maddie and her gift of psychmetry to figure it all out.
This is the fourth book in the Vintage Magic series.  I thought this one was a little obvious who the villain was from early on.  However, it was still an enjoyable read.