The Alchemist

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Many have said this is the best book they've ever read. While it was intriguing I wouldn't say it's the best ever. It's a fable about following your dream. There are many truths in the story but nothing new. I read it in a couple days (which is lightning fast for me) and it was enough remind me to keep going, working towards my dreams.

World War Z

The Zombie Apocalypse is upon us. A pandemic that destroys most of the human race. This is told as recollections from survivors around the world. It's easy to read and, at times, chilling.

Robopocalypse

Robopocalypse by Daniel Wilson

In the not-too-distant future, technology takes over the world and begins exterminating the humans. I love apocalyptic stories, the what ifs that seem so plausible. This one is no different.

Wicked Appetite

 

Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich

If you're a fan of Stephanie Plum (and why wouldn't you be?) Check out this first book in a new series from Janet Evanovich. I actually laughed out loud a couple times.

A Vintage Affair

A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff

The description from Amazon: "Phoebe Swift’s friends are stunned when she abruptly leaves a plum job to open her own vintage clothing shop in London—but to Phoebe, it’s the fulfillment of a dream, and her passion. Digging for finds in attics and wardrobes, Phoebe knows that when you buy a piece of vintage clothing, you’re not just buying fabric and thread—you’re buying a piece of someone’s past. But one particular article of clothing will soon unexpectedly change her life.

Thérèse Bell, an elderly Frenchwoman, has an impressive clothing collection. But among the array of elegant suits and couture gowns, Phoebe finds a child’s sky-blue coat—an item with which Mrs. Bell is stubbornly reluctant to part. As the two women become friends, Phoebe will learn the poignant tale of that little blue coat. And she will discover an astonishing connection between herself and Thérèse Bell—one that will help her heal the pain of her own past and allow her to love again."

I loved this book. I was a bit skeptical at first but I got pulled in by the story of the Frenchwoman. Phoebe is a likeable character and as the book unfolds you begin to understand why she does some of the things she does. The very end was wrapped up a little too tidily but otherwise was very well written, easy to read and enjoyable.

Soulless

Soulless by Gail Carriger

Soulless is a Victorian-era story of werewolves, vampires, ghosts, and a preternatural named Alexia Tarabotti. I love Alexia, she's stubborn and opinionated.

Here's the first part of the books description: "Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette" (source).

4 out of 5 stars