Review: Cruel Winter

Cruel Winter by Sheila Connolly
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Maura, I think I might be done with you. Your utter lack of curiosity, your failure to grow as a person, and your complete cluelessness about being an adult is wearing on my last nerve. Seriously. You inherit a pub, but don't have the curiosity to explore it from top to bottom? Here it is, 9 months later, and you are all, "I've never been in the basement. I had no idea we had a working kitchen. What could possibly be in these rooms upstairs?" You are dumb. You have two men interested in you but you try to turn a blind eye. Grow a pair and let them know you aren't interested, for pete's sake, or go out with one of them, or both of them, but stop acting like a doe-eyed innocent, you dolt. You have no clue how to run the pub, you know nothing about the music scene, but just stumble along, letting life happen for you.

Also, this case was ridiculous and Maura is ridiculous, and how it all played out is ridiculous. You'll get one more chance with book 6, but if you can't show some character growth, I'm packing my bags and leaving Ireland.

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Review: Sailing to Love

Sailing to Love by Barbara Cartland
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I actually didn't hate this one. Good job, Babs. 

The heroine was spunky and smart, although you have to forgive the patented Mary Sue formula of all of Cartland's romances. I liked the hero, too. And their friendly sidekick. 

Maybe I'm just in a good mood today, but I'm giving this one three stars.

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Review: I Will Not Die An Unlived Life: Reclaiming Passion and Purpose

I Will Not Die An Unlived Life: Reclaiming Passion and Purpose by Dawna Markova
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"It is not the events in our lives that determine who we become, but the meaning we choose to place on those events." - Victor Frankl

I have read this book three times, and I always walk away both centered and inspired. One woman's simple exploration of what her life means, Markova experiences it all; trials, joys, the bitter with the sweet, and shares her journey to living a life of passion and purpose. I found it inspiring and, in a weird way, calming. It was a reminder that I can have exactly what I want out of life, and to slow down and appreciate what I have. 

She designs an acronym for LIVE to guide her when she is at a crossroads in life:
L: What do I love?
I: What are my inner gifts and talents?
V: What do I value?
E: What are the environments that bring out the best in me?

In doing so, she stays true to her personal path. Part self-help, part memoir, Markova lays her soul bare for the reader and reminds you to look at the good and move towards the life you want. 

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