Kristin Hannah - 2 Novels

Between Sisters:  This book centers on two sisters (obviously)! They had a mom, for lack of better words, whom was self-absorbed and seeking fame.  When the mother abandoned the children unsupervised for an extended amount of time the older sister located the younger sisters biological father whom neither has ever met.  They go to stay with the man and the older sister is very jealous of the relationship the two have, as she doesnt even know who her father is because her mother never would tell her.  The oldest girl begins to act out and is then asked to leave.  They grow into their lives without one another.  The older sister becomes a rich, sucessful and lonely divorce attorney. The younger sister has a very simple and poor life but is filled with good friends and love from her father and her daughter.  The younger sister meets a man, falls head over heels and rushes into a marriage that the other sister does not approve of but the older sister must learn to bite her tongue and be supportive in order to rebuild their broken relationship. After the marriage the plot thickens and becomes wonderful and teary- just like I like em!!

Winter Garden :  This book did not captivate me at all and I have liked ALL of her other novels up to date.  Too much time was spent on these weird fairy tales of a winter garden passed down froma Russian mother who was very cold & distant.  It was like prying teeth to see into this character.  Subconciously you find yourself skimming over the text to further yourself along inthe book. I never do this.. but halfway through the book I gave up, quit reading and returned this book. I dont recommend this book - save your precious time :)

Great - Great - GREAT Book Reviews!!

Prayers & Lies:  Southern families who keep secrets for generations.  Story centered on two young girls from different means whom become the best of friends.  One family has a nice home and a stable life with problems of their own only they know about,  The other girl is from a broken home and lives with her broken mother whom she must care for.  This story incorporates chilling subjects such as incest, rape, mental health, alcoholism and suicide. Fabulous read from a first time author!!

Up from the Blue:  This book centers on a brother and sister being raised in a dysfunctional home.  The story starts on a military base - as the father is employed as a general prior to being promoted to work at the pentagon.  The father is very strict/militant and emotionally unavailable to his children.  The mom, although in the home, is non-existant in her kids lives. The responsibilty of being a parent and all it entails ruins her.  She is irrational, unpredictable and irresponsible.  You find yourself wondering if she is on drugs, depressed or just menatlly unstable.  The daughter deeply loves her mother despite her flaws.  Once the family moves for the fathers job extreme changes take place which literally break the childrens themselves and the ties that bond them.  LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK!!