House of Darken Review

Well, I was banned from reviewing things on Amazon and I'm still trying to figure out why.  Of all people to ban, they banned me!  And naturally, I'm quite offended.So, even though I read this book weeks ago, I went through a childish little boycott on books and writing reviews.  Then I decided I needed to get my remaining thoughts about this book down on paper before I forget all of them.  So... here is my review for House of Darken.

4/5 stars

I can’t believe this book is not more popular!  It definitely had “Twilight” vibes, and if you’ve ever enjoyed the supernatural, READ. THIS. BOOK.

The Darken family men were incredibly well-portrayed and desirable (picture the 3 most attractive men you know… that’s the Darken brothers (reason enough to read this book)), and the main character, Emma, is likable.  You’ll find yourself rooting for her and wishing you could be in her shoes.

I don’t feel there is much I can say without revealing some big spoilers, so I’m keeping this review short.  Just know it is definitely worth your time if you are intrigued by supernatural beings.  Though, if you are into that kind of thing, I promise you this book won't take you much time to read.

Last note: While I think the author’s mind is brilliant, I am not overly enthusiastic about her writing style.  If you’ve ever read Stephen King, you’ll know what I mean when I say that this author is the complete opposite.  I felt that everything happened so fast...the character development, the main storyline, the relationships, etc.  There was little lead up to everything, which left me having a hard time suspending my disbelief.  And with supernatural books like this, you have to be able to suspend your disbelief to thoroughly enjoy it. (Hence the 4-rating).  With that being said, I still highly recommend this book.  Draw a hot bath and enjoy it!

All my loving,
SGH

To All the Boys I've Loved Before Review

I had no idea I'd love this book (series) as much as I have.  This wasn't a book I was ever interested in reading.  Even after seeing the film, which I deeply enjoyed, I didn't think this was a book for me.  But how thrilled I am that I decided to order the series and wait 4 days for the books to come to me.
Here's what I thought about the books in detail...

5/5 stars

If you want a book you won’t be able to put down, read this ASAP!

I saw the movie before reading this book and had no interest in reading it because I didn’t think it would be any different from the movie.  But I’m so happy to report that I was wrong.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and though it is a lighter and easier read, it has substance.  The characters are so easy to relate to, and it’s especially easy to live vicariously through the main character, Lara Jean.  So, if you’ve seen the film, allow yourself to spend the time reading the book.  There are so many scenes in the book that weren’t even mentioned in the movie.  And the sequels are just as enthralling.  You’ll find yourself dying to become an honorary “Song girl”.  Run out and buy this book series right now (yes, skip just buying the first book and invest in the series), because you won’t be able to finish it fast enough!

So now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to be reading the end of the second book, on my couch, with my dogs at my side.

All my loving,
Sissy Golden Hair

UPDATE: THE SEQUELS ARE AMAZING.  I repeat, the sequels are amazing.  I read them both in one day, and even that wasn't fast enough.  READ READ READ.  Don't just walk to the store, RUN.

Sisterhood Everlasting Review

This book grabbed my attention from an "Office Max" "bargain book" bin.  At first I scoffed at it because I assumed it was a knock-off sisterhood of the traveling pants books, but then I realized it actually was a sequel to the beloved series.  And I couldn't devour the book fast enough.  And it didn't disappoint.  It was good.  Real good.
This my review:

5/5 stars

Do you ever find a book that kindles within you your passion for reading?  A book that helps you remember how good it feels to read, and how much you truly love books?  I don’t know about you, but even though I constantly read, I don’t always feel this way.  Yes, I love reading, but I find it rare to find a book that just really resonates with me.  A book that I can easily put on my list of top twenty books I’ve ever read.  But this book is one of those for me.  It sounds silly, but after reading this book I felt unstoppable.  I felt a passion and motivation for life, and I couldn’t get this book, and its characters, out of my mind.

They’re characters you all know.  And maybe that is why this book meant so much to me.  I grew up with these characters, in one way or another, and I’ve identified with all of them at some point.  And this book kind of closed the door on their lives and legacy, leaving me content and happy and full.  (Though I’d totally be thrilled if the author decides to publish another book.)  The storyline isn’t predictable, and it contains some levels of heaviness and darkness.  But in just the right amounts.  In the end, I promise you’ll feel satisfied.  If you have ever read the books or watched the movies, I highly, highly recommend that you take a few hours to read this.  It short, it will inspire you to appreciate.  You’ll appreciate your past, your friends, your circumstances, and the things you have in store.  Read this and appreciate your life a little more.

And I'm including the synopsis for all you dedicated followers.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ann Brashares comes the welcome return of the characters whose friendship became a touchstone for a generation. Now Tibby, Lena, Carmen, and Bridget have grown up, starting their lives on their own. And though the jeans they shared are long gone, the sisterhood is everlasting.

Despite having jobs and men that they love, each knows that something is missing: the closeness that once sustained them. Carmen is a successful actress in New York, engaged to be married, but misses her friends. Lena finds solace in her art, teaching in Rhode Island, but still thinks of Kostos and the road she didn’t take. Bridget lives with her longtime boyfriend, Eric, in San Francisco, and though a part of her wants to settle down, a bigger part can’t seem to shed her old restlessness.

Then Tibby reaches out to bridge the distance, sending the others plane tickets for a reunion that they all breathlessly await. And indeed, it will change their lives forever—but in ways that none of them could ever have expected.

As moving and life-changing as an encounter with long-lost best friends, Sisterhood Everlasting is a powerful story about growing up, losing your way, and finding the courage to create a new one.

All my love you constant readers,

SGH