Merry Christmas, Alex Cross by James Patterson

The very latest of James Patterson's Alex Cross series. It was just further proof that one of my favorite authors has gotten even more lazy and his fame is carrying him more than his craft. It started out decent with a hostage situation by an angered man with his ex-wife, their children, and her new husband. After Cross solves that problem he goes home to his family only to be called out to another FBI problem regarding terrorists in the train station. This story was very disconnected and judging by other Patterson readers, I'm not the only disappointed one. I wish he would realize quality is better than quantity!

The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King

When She Woke by Hillary Jordan

I believe I first saw this book on someone else's list for the year. When I looked it up, the first review said that it was a modern day Scarlet Letter. I was sold right then and there. When I began reading it I was amazed that it was in fact written much like Scarlet Letter, but in the future. So much so that the main character's name is Hannah Payne, instead of Hester Prynne. At the beginning of the story Hannah is devoted to her church and family but finds herself committing adultery with the well-known pastor of her church. When she figures out she is pregnant Hannah secretly chooses to have an abortion, which is now considered murder. She also refuses to give up the identity of the father. Because of the overflowing jails the government has now instated melachroming, which mean your skin is genetically altered to appear the color associated with your crime, given specific rules to follow, and returned to society to survive if possible. Hannah is a Red for the murder of her unborn child. The rest of the story is Hannah's journey to freedom while she finds who she truly is, fighting her guilt and expectations she once held for herself. I really enjoyed this book, even though the ending was not one that I was satisfied with! Definitely would recommend this one, especially if you were a fan of the classic novel, The Scarlet Letter.

Every Day by David Levithan

The Next Best Thing by Jennifer Weiner

The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom

Fifty Shades Freed by EL James