Monday=Book Review Time--A little Thievery

Back by popular demand--Book Reviews. I was surprised to find that it's been almost a year since I did a book review. I'm going to be reviewing those y'all asked for before I move on to other things. The first request was for something by Elizabeth Scott from Terra of Terra Garden. So...

Up for today: STEALING HEAVEN by Elizabeth Scott

Why I bought it? At first, I read an Elizabeth Scott book because I was checking out what kind of things her agent represents. By the time I got to this book I was choosing them because I enjoyed reading what she writes. Her style reminds me of Sarah Dessen's (which I love). I downloaded this on my Kindle because it had a high rating, and I thought the premise sounded interesting.

Synopsis: Danielle, AKA Sydney (or whatever her mother chooses), and her mother are thieves who target the wealthy. They move from town to town stealing silver and keeping a low profile. That means no friends, no one who can turn them in. When they end up in the beach town of Heaven, Dani feels at home. She makes friends and even meets a guy (a cop). Complications ensue. Dani ends up having to chose between the life she's always known with her mother and the new one she's building.

What I thought? So far, this is my favorite Elizabeth Scott novel. I really enjoyed it. It's charming and Dani's plight is irresistible. The characters are fully developed--vulnerable and yet strong. The romance is very well done. Greg (the cute cop) is wonderful.

Star Rating: ****1/2 out of 5

A recap of how I rate books for anyone new:

* = Complete drivel. Not worth the paper it's printed on.

** = So, so. Has some redeeming qualities but is, essentially, a disappointment.

*** = An enjoyable read but nothing too terribly earth shattering

**** = Very enjoyable. This is where I'd recommend for others to read. I'd consider buying it.

***** = So much fun reading that I can't put it down or so compelling that I can't stop thinking about it. I HAVE to own this book.

*****+ = One of my all time favorite books. I know some people would think this is over the top, but then again sometimes I am that kind of person. I won't give many books this rating though.

Cleanness Score: 5 out of 10, There is a little language and a reference to a sexual encounter. (This is to the best of my memory. It's been a while since I read it.)

The cleanness score (CS) is because I have young family members that will read these reviews, and so I want them and their moms to know what they will get with the books I review, and I think that others of you out there picking books for your kids might like to know. (Is that enough ands?) That said--my scale is going to be from 0 to 10. 0 has absolutely nothing the least bit offensive in it and 10 is for those books that have very offensive material. (I think I can guarantee that there will be no 10s in any of my book reviews, but it will still be on the scale for gauging purposes.)