Another Shot at Love by Niecey Roy

  Another Shot at Love possibly has to be one of the sweetest books I've ever read! It was overwhelmingly sweet and hilarious, which I didn't expect, but this book had me unattractively guffawing out loud while clutching my sides. It had the same effect on me that Janet Evanovich's books have, and I would say that I loved it just as much.
  Poor Gen has had it rough. She found her long time boyfriend and the love of her life in a very unflattering and compromising position with "stripper Barbie" (as Gen calls her), and Gen has just about given up on love. Until she comes face-to-fa-...well, somewhat face-to-face with Matt, a dashing and charming man, who finds Gen precious and funny.
  Their relationship starts as a friendship, with them watching alien movies and chowing down on beer and popcorn, but begins to build into an irresistible relationship.
  This story is so precious, hysterical, and sweet, I can't help but rate it five stars.
  The plot, the characters, Niecey Roy's storytelling, and the rest of the contributing factors in this novel had just enough of each to make me fall absolutely head-over-heels in love with it. Before, I was contemplating whether I should rate it four or five stars...now I know for sure exactly how much I love it. Five stars all around.
  If a friend of mine, or even a complete stranger, needs something light, sweet, and fluffy (like whipped cream), this is the book. Another Shot at Love is one of the best "feel good" books I've ever read.
  (Not to mention a few steamy scenes that just about had me breathless.)
  Another Shot at Love definitely gets The Literary Connoisseur stamp of approval.

Book                                ebook

          

The Literary Connoisseur's Favorite 99 cent deal...

What's big and powerful...

...and can shoot flames farther than imaginable...

...it can take you on an incredible journey...

...and it's more magical than any old sorcerer...

...and...it's a book?

Dragon Fate by J.D. Hallowell

Only 99 cents!!!

Gift yourself (or a friend) a copy of Dragon Fate and celebrate the season on a magical journey with Delno and his dragon, Geneva.

Buy it here!

Today's Shout Out 11-27-13

Today's Shout Out is...

Atancia by Wren Figueiro.

I know I've already posted a book review for Wren Figueiro's Atancia, but I felt like today I just needed to revisit Wren and Atancia and re-acknowledge what an amazing and intriguing book this is. If you haven't picked it up already, you should. It's an energetic, fun and sweet read that'll keep you excitedly flipping the next page to see what's in store for her and the world around her.

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Life of Pi by Yann Martel

  I don't think my mind could be any more conflicted than it is right now...my brain is trying to comprehend putting a rating on Life of Pi by Yann Martel. One star is "I disliked it" and I definitely didn't dislike it. Two stars is "It was okay" and I sure as heck didn't think that it was just okay...so that leaves three to five stars- "I liked it" to "It was amazing." Now the real conundrum is, did I like it, or love it?
  I could absolutely see how someone would dislike, not care for, or even despise this book, but I could also see how one would be terribly infatuated with it. It has an incredible beginning, learning about Piscine "Pi" Patel, the main character; his passion for faith, religion and God, the intriguing and suspenseful middle, where he gets trapped on a lifeboat with a bloodthirsty tiger, and an end that...I...I can't even begin to describe.
  And that's where I believe Life of Pi lost most of its readers, and where it almost lost me. Almost.
  I'm not entirely sure what Yann Martel was trying to accomplish with this novel, but if his goal was anything close to "making his readers think," I would say that it was well accomplished- at least for me. This book had me contemplating life and God, long after I had finished reading it.
  The thing is, the beginning may not have been everyone's cup of tea, but the way Yann Martel started this book is exactly what I love and crave in a novel when I first pick it up. It's very Elizabeth Gilbert-ish with its character's occasional internal monologue about the things in life currently occupying his mind, whether good or bad. So in Part One of Life of Pi, when Pi starts to develop who he really is and discovers his faith, I was absolutely captivated, which then had me hooked and emotionally attached to the rest of the story, no matter where it went.
  I found this boy's story extraordinary. And I absolutely understand where other readers would dislike it. No "buts" about it.

  So, as I say with many of my book reviews, read the book. Pick up a copy, give it a read and see what you think. If you love it, you've just gained yourself a remarkable book that will leave an impression on you and stay there until the day you die. And if you dislike it, you've only wasted a little bit of your reading time.

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An Interview with Andrea R. Cooper

  I'm pleased to say that I had the immense pleasure of sitting down with Andrea R. Cooper and asking her questions about her novels, being an author and anything new that may possibly be brewing...so please, come and sit down with us and discuss books, writing and the love of fantasy and romance.

The Literary Connoisseur: Hello, Andrea! I'm honored to have you join us for an interview, thank you for your time. Let's begin. One of your novels, The Garnet Dagger, is in the fantasy genre and the other, Viking Fire, is historical romance. What made you decide on these genres?

Andrea R. Cooper: Thank you for having me. The Garnet Dagger trilogy was the first time I wrote in the fantasy/ paranormal genre. Before, I wrote historical romance only. After I wrote all three books in The Garnet Dagger trilogy, I wanted to write a strictly historical romance again. However, even in Viking Fire a little magic crept in.

I fell in love with historical romance novels in my late teens. Fantasy and paranormal stories were taboo in my family, but I craved them anyway. They are my favorite genre to read and write.

The Literary Connoisseur: Have you always had a love for writing?

Andrea R. Cooper: I’ve always had a love for storytelling. When I was in Elementary school, the kids would ask me what we were going to play that day. I created the characters and the plots. In my teens and early twenties, I wrote poetry, but it wasn’t until my thirties that I started writing 
down the stories I’d been thinking up for years.

The Literary Connoisseur: The Garnet Dagger is told from a male perspective, and Viking Fire is told from a female perspective. What made you decide who would tell which story? 

Andrea R. Cooper: I don’t decide who will tell the story, the characters do. The Garnet Dagger was the first novel I wrote in first person. I had read a writing book that said never to write in first person, always use third. Therefore, I wrote third person for years and never tried first person until The Garnet Dagger.

However, Brock’s voice came to me while I was at work one day. He kept saying a few lines repeatedly until I wrote them down. Those same sentences are in the novel.

If a character has a unique and strong voice, then I will write in first person. If the story seems to flow better in third person, then I will follow it.

The Literary Connoisseur: This is somewhat related to the previous question...do your characters "speak" to you and/or tell you their story? 

Andrea R. Cooper: Yes, all the time. I don’t plan out my stories and don’t do outlines. Therefore, when something unexpected happens, it’s unplanned. I have a fragment of how the story will end, but the journey and actual ending unfold as I write.

The Literary Connoisseur: As an author, do you prefer selling ebooks or paperback books? Are you a reader yourself? Do you prefer either for reading? 

Andrea R. Cooper: Since I’m a debut author, I just love that my books sell at all. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s ebooks or paperback. Yes, I am a reader myself. I do enjoy the feel of a book in my hand. However, the lower cost and convenience of ebooks wins. 

The Literary Connoisseur: If you were to say something to inspire other writers out there, what would you say?

Andrea R. Cooper: If writing is your passion, then keep writing. Don’t give up. Someone doesn’t like your writing, move on. I recently revised a historical novel, the second novel I wrote, to include a paranormal element. Rereading it after all these years, I saw mistakes. Rather than be upset, I was grateful I saw how much I’ve improved. I’m sure when I read my novels of today years from now, I’ll find the same. You can only grow and get better.

The Literary Connoisseur: Are you currently working on another project?

Andrea R. Cooper: Yes. I just finished my revisions of Son of Dragons, book two in The Garnet Dagger trilogy. I’m finishing up a YA shifter story, and starting the third book of a historical paranormal novel.

The Literary Connoisseur: What do you hope to see become of your novels? 

Andrea R. Cooper: I won’t lie, I’d love to see them become movies. But I’ll settle for readers just enjoying them and asking for more.

The Literary Connoisseur: Have you ever written a scene that made you cry? 

Andrea R. Cooper: Yes, many times. When Celeste talks about her scars is one. The emotion of what she went through, yet only allowed her wounds to affect her physically, and not be beaten down by them. 

The Literary Connoisseur: Have you thought about writing more of Brock and Kaireen? 

Andrea R. Cooper: I have had several reviewers mention wanting to see spin-offs like Elva’s (a prequel) or Shay’s (a continuation) story. I think Brock and Kaireen’s is done, however their children may come to me begging for their stories to told. 

Thank you so much for joining us, Andrea! I look forward to chatting with you again!

About Andrea R. Cooper:

Growing up in Houston, Texas, Andrea has always enjoyed creating characters and stories. But it wasn't until she was in her late twenties that she started writing novels.

What happened that ignited the writing flame in her fingers? Divorced, and disillusioned by love songs and stories. They exaggerate. She thought. Love and Romance are not like that in the real world. Then she met her husband and realized, yes love and romance are exactly like the songs and stories say. She is now a happy wife, and a mom to three kids (two boys and a girl).

Once she heard about a writer who never let her characters deviate from the script. If they did, she just killed them. How sad, she thought. For her one of the best parts of being a writer is letting the characters have a mind of their own and seeing where the story takes them.

She loves this quote from Robert Frost, which sums up her opinion on allowing the characters their freedom: "No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader."

― Robert Frost

Andrea writes fantasy, paranormal and historical romance. When not writing or reading, one may find Andrea dancing in Zumba.

She is excited to work with Crimson Romance on her forthcoming debut paranormal romance, The Garnet Dagger. She hopes you will enjoy the story as much as she did writing it. Viking Fire, her historical romance, is forthcoming late July 2013.

She believes in the power of change and counting each moment as a blessing. But most importantly, she believes in love.

For more information on Andrea R. Cooper, check out her website and Facebook page: 

Website: http://www.andrearcooper.com/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AndreaRCooper.author

Andrea's novels:

 Book                        ebook                        ebook

                      

And don't forget to check out my reviews for both The Garnert Dagger and Viking Fire!

The Garnet Dagger: http://theliteraryconnoisseur.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-garnet-dagger-by-andrea-r-cooper.html

Viking Fire: http://theliteraryconnoisseur.blogspot.com/2013/08/viking-fire-by-andrea-r-cooper.html

Thank you all for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed my interview and discussion with author Andrea R, Cooper. Feel free to ask questions, leave comments, etc.! Thank you all so much and Happy Reading!!!

Redemption by Eric Rappe

  The country of Caldor is currently being run under tyranny by the ruthless king, King Arken, and all hope seems lost every time an innocent being is murdered in cold blood. All hope seems lost...until Sir Robert, our main character, is introduced.
  After a merciless bloodbath takes place under King Arken's command, Sir Robert and his counterparts figure it's time to speak up, and they launch a rebellion against the King. He and his men travel from village to village to seek solace and peace in a time of distress and pre-war chaos and find it with Blamour in the town of Riderwood.
  The Literary Connoisseur 100% approves of Redemption! It has everything in it that makes me love a novel: action, adventure, a great plot, lovable characters, wonderful wording, and- most of all- a female character that DID NOT have me wanting to head for the hills. That is very important to me when I read a book because for me, it is all too common for a book to have a female character that makes me want to pull my hair out. But thankfully Redemption had a beautiful, brave and strong female character to fall in love with Sir Robert.
  Redemption was a quick read, but I so desperately wish it was longer. Sir Robert, King Arken, their two armies and- of course- Flax the troll, have made my reading experience of Redemption more than enjoyable!
  I enjoyed my adventure into Eric Rappe's book very, very much. It was packed full of action that had my heart pumping, but don't think for a moment that it was all serious. Some of those scenes with Sir Robert's knights had me literally laughing out loud! I hope, beyond all hope, that Eric continues Sir Robert's story...but based on the last chapter of Redemption, I have a feeling the story isn't quite over yet...

Book                                ebook

          

Mute by Brian Bandell

  I love murder mysteries, I love murder mysteries, I love murder mysteries!
  Murder/crime books always have their readers on their toes, anticipating what will come next as they flip to the next page with eager fingers. That's just what Brian Bandell has accomplished with his novel, Mute.
  Like most mystery novels, Mute slowly eases you into its plot and introduction of the main characters like a child testing the waters of a swimming pool with their toes. But quickly, the plot escalates and things begin to get real. Someone is stalking the lagoons of Brevard County, Florida and neatly decapitating innocent victims with unnatural precision.
  At the latest lagoon crime scene, two bodies are found (a man and a woman)...a far bit away from their heads, and the only person to have witnessed a thing is their eight year-old daughter, Mariella, who won't speak a word.
  Now Monique "Moni" Williams has taken the child under her wing, hoping that Mariella will open up and help them catch this heartless killer.
  But this process may not be as easy as it seems.
  I've got to tell you, this book had my heart racing! There was so much going on, there was never a dull moment. Mute was also beautifully written and incredibly easy to get sucked into. As I read it, I kept thinking, "I could see this going where Gone Girl is now" popularity-wise.
  I wish there were more to Moni and Mariella's story, but honestly with the way it ended, I don't think Brian Bandell could have wrapped up the story any more beautifully than he did.
  If you're looking for a good suspenseful novel with a twist that'll knock your socks off, pick up a copy of Mute.

  

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What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

  Before I read any of Sarah Dessen's books, I had no idea what to make of her and her novels. I figured that they were always told by a teenage girl who inevitably had friend problems, a newly found relationship or some other teenage problem that I could never relate to...or so I thought.
  You would think after being proven wrong so many times, I would eventually learn not to stereotype books before I open them. I picked up a Sarah Dessen book (Along for the Ride) with crummy expectations, but picked it up nevertheless.
  I loved it! Her main characters weren't stereotypical and superficial, they were normal. They had normal problems, normal issues, normal teen humor...her teens are overwhelmingly normal!
  I did not fall in love with every Sarah Dessen book that I read. I freely admit that. But then there were others that just...had me. They had me on the verge of tears, they had me guffawing and they had me saying, "Awwwww!" out loud for all to hear. What Happened to Goodbye is one of those "It had me"s.
  Since her parents' divorce, Mclean has been moving from town to town with her restaurant consultant father, changing names and identities with every new home. From becoming gothic, to becoming a pom-pom waving cheerleader, Mclean has done it all.
  But now there's something about this new town that she and her father have moved to that makes her want to be who she really is...and maybe stay there forever.
  Out of all the Sarah Dessen books I've read, What Happened to Goodbye has to be in my top three favorites. Of course there were points where I shook my head and rolled my eyes at some of the things the characters did, but I have that with almost every novel I read.
  If you're looking for a sweet, fun and funny YA romance, read Sarah Dessen, and more specifically, What Happened to Goodbye, The Truth About Forever and This Lullaby.

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Today's Shout Out- 11-15-13

  Today's Shout Out is...

Camelia by Dianna Dann. 

  Sometimes I'll just sit in my chair and think about a book that has affected me so emotionally, I can't help but spend all my time thinking about it. Camelia is one of those books. I just so desperately want to pick it back up again and revisit it, just like old friends.

Book                                ebook

          

Atancia by Wren Figueiro

  This is the story of a young lady, Atancia, and her newly discovered ability to transfer a life force-type energy from person to person. This ability comes from being a Durand. Atancia has just learned about her ability from Ben, a beautiful specimen of a man, and she could not be more overwhelmed. But Atancia soon begins to embrace her powers and rediscover who she is...and may finally find out where her mother disappeared to so long ago.
  Just finishing the novel, I can tell you that Atancia could easily become a New York Times Bestselling book. I could see it quickly becoming a book as popular and talked about as City of Bones, The Hunger Games or Twilight.
  Wren Figueiro's writing is easy to read. It sucks you in. The characters have no irritating little tendencies like running a hand through their hair or using annoying phrases...her characters are just...normal. Atancia is your every day girl (Durand powers aside). She's awkward, she's not overly popular, she's not in the "scene" group, she's just Atancia. And that's why I love her so much.
  As the story progresses, her Durand powers strengthen and so does her relationship with Ben.
  Even though I've just finished the book, I'm already begging for more. Rumor has it that a sequel will be out soon, but I don't think I can wait that long. When I say I could see Atancia making it to the top Bestsellers list, I say it because I believe it has all of the right elements. It has all the right ingredients to make a brilliant and irresistible book: 1) A strong main character, but not strong enough to be irritating. 2) A relationship that doesn't make you want to roll your eyes. (Which is borderline impossible for most books with romance in them.) And 3) A plot that is relatable and can appeal to all audiences.
  But Atancia is different. It's a diamond in the rough, it's a treasure to behold, and I'm more than ecstatic to see where Wren Figueiro's story takes me next.

  

 ebook

 

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

  Now this series is an interesting one. When I had first heard of A Discovery of Witches, the sequel (Shadow of Night) had not come out yet, and the series was first thriving. Everyone I knew was talking about it; either saying they were interested in it, they were currently reading it, or were about to read it. And now, as I sit and look up details about the (now) trilogy and Deborah Harkness, I realize that I had read the book shortly after it was published!
  The book starts with an ancient alchemist manuscript being rediscovered in the Oxford Bodleian Library by Diana Bishop, our main character. Diana is immediately attracted to the book for powerful and unknown reasons, and she soon becomes hunted because of it. Along the way, while trying to understand just what the heck is going on, she meets Matthew Clairmont, our hero.
  In my opinion, it was a slow start. I got into the plot and became interested in what was going on, but I wasn't chomping at the bit to turn the next page. As I read on, I began to realize that I loved the main character, but didn't care for the romantic interest, Matthew, in the least. He's a great character, he really is. But I know that if I were Diana, I'd have knocked him over the head with a two-by-four at least ten times by now. (Five smacks per book.)
  I rarely ever like the female characters in books (as you probably may know by now from my previous blog posts), but there's something about Diana that's very likable. She kept me reading A Discovery of Witches and got me to pick up Shadow of Night (even though I would have picked it up anyway because of my inherent stubbornness).
  As I read on, I began to grow fond of the story. Shadow of Night was incredible. When I read A Discovery of Witches I rated it three out of five stars, but when I read the sequel to it, I went back and rated them both four stars.

  So if you're not fond of A Discovery of Witches, stick with it if you can. Shadow of Night is worth it (in my opinion). And if you're one of the people who likes- or even loves- the series, I can now see why.

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The Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth

  As most of you may know, I am an avid reader of dystopian society books. I love, love, love them! Everything about them; the strong characters, the rebellion, the love, the violence- everything! And as some of you may know, I've read a great deal of them as well.

The Hunger Games- check! 

Matched- check! 

The Giver- check!

Fahrenheit 451- check!

And many others...

  So now, I can add the Divergent trilogy to that list. I had started Divergent and Insurgent a while ago (when they were first being talked about), and thought they were brilliant. Not my absolute favorite dystopian series/society, but a fantastic one nonetheless. I thought Tris was awesome, Four was lovable (and swoon-able), and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. 

  Like The Hunger Games and Matched, Divergent takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting. The rules and morals of North America have been changed, and a dystopian world has risen from the ashes of the previous world, and not for the better. 

  Divergent has an awesome plot. An awesome, awesome plot. Fast-paced, scary, serious, worrisome and absolutely brilliant. 

  I was quickly addicted. 

  Then I read Insurgent, the second book in the Divergent trilogy, and I became just as addicted to it as I was to the first one. It was more political and narrative than the first novel (which was more action packed and had the introductions of the characters which kept me on my toes), but it didn't dilute the plot for me at all. In fact, I think I may like Insurgent MORE than Divergent!

  After that, it was a while before I got any Allegiant news...no publication date or anything. No title...no nothing. I quickly began to forget my infatuation with Veronica Roth's novels. I would see other fans freak out about the books and I would just shrug my shoulders. Then I read Matched by Ally Condie. Boy did I love Matched!  It climbed my "Favorite Books" list and started kicking other favorites out of their placements...including Divergent. Divergent and Veronica Roth were still loved and cherished in my library, but without Allegiant, my love became less and less outward. 

  But HUZZAH! Word of Allegiant got out! Fangirls were climbing out from under rocks to celebrate the joyous day that is "Allegiant Day" (October 22nd 2013).  

  The book came out and I hugged it, kissed it, worshiped it and bowed down to it. (*Not an overreaction because my copy is signed by Veronica Roth herself.*) 

  Well...now it's November 7th...and I've finished Allegiant. 

  My blog is where I do spoiler free book reviews. I will not give anything away, but I will tell you how the book in general made me feel, so you can go pick up a copy yourself, read it, and understand the feelings that I have felt. That is my goal here as The Literary Connoisseur.

  So I will say this...OH. MY. GOSH, Veronica Roth, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME? What have you done to your readers? Your faithful and loving readers? Why, Veronica, WHY? 

  If I wasn't too crazy about the Divergent trilogy before, Allegiant has turned me into a stark-raving mad fangirl that worships Ms Roth. I don't know why she did what she did...but it sure left an impact on me. The Divergent series is a magnificent one. It's still not an ABSOLUTE favorite of mine, but I will always get a burst of excitement, sentiment and happiness when I see the Divergent cover.

Divergent

Book                                ebook
          



Insurgent


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Allegiant 

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Or if you want all three...


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Exit Unicorns by Cindy Brandner

  It is the start of the Irish Rising in 1968 when we begin our story and start to follow the players in Exit Unicorns. Jamie Kirkpatrick has just lost his father due to mysterious circumstances, Casey Riordan has just been released from jail, and Pamela O'Flaherty has crossed an ocean to return to past memories and a love that she once had. These three come together (plus Casey's brother, Patrick, who is my personal favorite) through intense and horrific happenings as the beginning of the Civil Rights movement in Ireland begins.
  I was lucky enough to receive an autographed copy of Exit Unicorns in the mail some bit ago to read. I've got to say now that I've finished it, I could not be more thrilled that I own a book by Cindy Brandner that she, in fact, touched. I am both grateful and resentful that I have this novel. I am grateful because it is a beautiful piece of literature that has emotionally raked me over the coals, and I resent it for the same exact reason.
  Civil rights movements, revolutions and the like are very emotional and saddening topics, and Cindy Brandner has captured just that feeling. The series of thoughts that go through one's head when they're being affected by such dire circumstances are dark and frightening. This author puts you right there, in the middle of the action. I would like to compare the beginning of Exit Unicorns to one of those matching games where you have to find pairs of the same picture. Cindy Brandner has given you pieces of the story to put together yourself, and once you get them matched up and start to put the story and action together, it hits you like a freight train. Suddenly you're in the action and feeling the desperation, love and anger the characters are feeling.
  Among the sweetness and sadness I felt with this novel, I also had that quick shift from one emotion to another, where everything would be normal and suddenly I would burst out laughing. The Riordan boys are definitely part of a family I want to join! (Not just for the humor, but for everything that comes in the Riordan package.)
  I love this book. I absolutely love it. I can't wait to start Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears (book two) and see what lies ahead for Pamela, Jamie and the Riordan brothers. Although, I fear for my favorite characters' safety...

Book                                ebook

          

The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans

  The Christmas Box is one of my all time favorite Christmas novels. The faith-based/Christmas genre is not one that I'm familiar with or generally care to read. Not for any particular reason. I just don't normally find myself in that section of the bookstore. When my mom proposed that I read it, I was apprehensive. But after her persistent coercion and nagging, I put down my Shakespeare (I was reading Hamlet at the time) and picked up The Christmas Box.
  From the very beginning, I was irritated with the overuse and repetitiveness of the word "ornate." Every time he wrote about something being ornate, I would lean over to my mom and whisper, "He used ornate again," receiving an aggravated glare from her in return. But as I read on, I grew to love it and became interested in the story and the character progression. Richard Paul Evans truly is a wonderful writer, little quirks aside. But every author has their quirks, including favorites of mine and authors of classics.
  Recently I posted on my blog my top five weepers; the five books that have made me cry the most in my experiences with reading. Now, if I were to expand that post and make it my top ten favorite weepers, The Christmas Box would most definitely have a place on that list.
  The novel is about a man and his wife and daughter who become new tenants in an old house, and move in with the widow, Mary, who collects unique Bibles. (If you know me, you definitely know that this is not my typical reading forte.)
  Richard Paul Evans originally wrote this book for his two daughters, Jenna and Allyson, so that when they're older, they can read it and understand his unconditional love for them. Shortly after he finished the novel, it was published. It is loved by many readers (including my mom, my dad and myself).
  If you're looking for a "feel good" Christmas novel that will make you tear up, The Christmas Box is the book for you.

Book                                ebook

          

The Ghost Sitter by Peni R. Griffin

  I rarely ever reread books. It's not only because I feel like I should be reading something new and something I've never read before (although, I DO believe that). I don't reread books because...I just don't have enough time. I rarely have enough time to read all the books I want to read for the first time, how am I going to have enough time to read books I've already read?
  But when I love a story enough to where I think about it almost constantly, and can't help but pick it up again, I don't regret it. One of the few books I've reread is The Ghost Sitter by Peni R. Griffin.
  Now, I want you to know that as I'm typing this, I'm catching my breath from running to and from my library in the other room. I ran to my bookshelf to make sure that I still had a copy of The Ghost Sitter, and didn't get rid of it some years back. (I did that when I was younger...I would say, "I don't need this book, I already read it!" I'd give it away or sell it and use the money to buy other things. Now that I'm older, I've grown to regret that decision and have re-bought the books I previously sold.) Thankfully, I still have my elementary school copy of The Ghost Sitter that has been loved, re-loved, read and reread.
  I can't even begin to explain what the premise of this story is...so I'll describe it shortly and sweetly.
  Charlotte has just moved into a new house with her mom, dad and brother. When her brother starts telling Charlotte about his new imaginary friend, Susie, she starts to realize that maybe Susie isn't fake after all, and that she's really a girl who lived in the house before her...
  I read this book when I was a child, and to this day, it has left a lasting impression on me. I can't say that it's a favorite of mine, or that I would rate it five stars, but it IS an incredible book. It's incredibly sad and sweet, but powerful and memorable. There is this one scene towards the end, that STILL gives me chills.
  I enjoy reading and rereading this book because even after all the times I've read it, the emotional effect it has on me hasn't, and I doubt ever will, get old.

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