The Maze Runner Series by James Dashner

I know it's April.

Believe it or not, I have been reading.

Avidly.

I just finished this series:

These are YA.  Young Adult.  What great books.  Loved each one except for The Kill Order.  It's the prequel, which was written after the first three.  While a good story, the ending was meh.

I first gained interest in these novels after watching "The Maze Runner" on demand.  The movie was ok but I thought the book has to be better.

It was.  Tons of details, delves into the characters and much more plot.  I find this to usually be the way, books are better than movies.

Each book kept me on the edge of the my seat.  When Death Cure ended, I thought to myself "I am so glad I read these".  A coworker had seen what I was reading and told me he thought they were great.  

The story is based in  post apocolyptic Earth.  Sun flares have caused much of the human race to die off and the ones left behind are fighting "The Flare".  Of course, there is a coalition that is trying to find a cure.  They are doing test by dropping unsuspecting teen boys (with their memories erased) into a Maze.  They will use their finding to see how the brain works which will help with the antidote for "The Flare".  

The author shows how young men, put in a precarious position, work, live and sleep together.  How they form their own society, their own rules, their own punishments.  

All four books are an easy read.  I would say two thumbs up on all but the prequel.  I give that one, one and a half thumbs up. I really detested the wrap up!

Tell me, what are you reading?

An Amish Second Christmas by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Ruth Reid, & Tricia Goyer

An Amish Second Christmas is a book of novellas by four different authors.

Let me start out by saying what a refreshing change this book was from most of the books I have read lately.

Not that the other books were trashy, by no means! These stories are just as sweet, wholesome and tasteful as can be.

I was fortunate enough to win this book in a contest held on a blog.

Don't ask me which one, I have forgotten.  Side effects from being mid-forties.

At first I didn't think I would enjoy the four short stories but I quickly learned I was wrong.

All about the Amish's celebration of the day after Christmas, Second Christmas.  Such sweet stories of tradition with a whole love story told.  I was surprised to see all authors make reference to the young couples spending time alone and sharing a kiss.  It made me think of the Duggars.  Their daughters have to side hug and save kisses til the wedding day.  I tthought, there is wholesome and there is WHOLESOME!  I like the Duggars, so no flaming please.

While all the stories are predictable, they are full of the scenery that you imagine (and if you have ever been to an Amish country, it is even more vivid), family and God.  None of which is thrown down your throat.

Each story in unique and makes you want more.  Makes you want to know how they go one and live their lives.

Definitely a good snuggle under the blanket with a cup of cocoa in one hand & this book in another.

It's a must read.

Tell me, what are you reading currently?

Saving Grace by Jane Green

So I tried to post all the books I read last year.

I did well, then fell off the turnip truck.

BUT
I am back this year.

I just finished this one yesterday:

Fortunately, I won a copy and I am so glad I did.

This book will keep you up at night. Not because it's scary but because you can't wait to see what happens next.

The story centers on Grace, one half of a literary power couple.  Has the life of Riley until Beth, a new assistant, comes into her life.  Things start to go haywire and crumble for Grace, causing her world to spiral out of control.  

I feel the story has overtones of The Hand hat Rocks the Cradle.  The antagonist is definitely a character defined by her swarmy ways while the protagonist manages to make you feel as if you are in her shoes every step of the way.

I would recommend as a good read for those winter nights ahead, I also urge you to never hire an assistant.  Just saying.

Tell me, what are reading right now?