Shannon Grogan

Sixteen-year-old Kara is angry with her dead sister and with her mother. When Kellen died, her father left home and her mother retreated into a shell until she found religion. Her newfound faith changed her into a Holy Roller, offering advice and words of hope to strangers in her new cafe, while ignoring her own daughter. Kara doesn’t mourn Kellen because she hated her, hinting at something Kellen did which was unforgivable.

Kara bakes all sorts of baked goods to forget her problems, spending time alternately hurting and loving Charlie, the only boy who’s ever been nice to her, and trying to ignore scary notes randomly left on a daily basis by a stalker. Despite numerous opportunities to take others into her confidence, she continually assures herself she could handle the situation. By the time she realizes she’s in over her head, it’s almost too late.

In alternating chapters readers take a very slow ride through Kara’s memories growing up with Kellen, leading up to the unveiling of her stalker. However, I was not impressed. I found Kara to be annoying because of the countless excuses she gave for not seeking help as the notes got progressively worse. Always second-guessing herself, she also didn’t have any self-confidence. The most interesting character in the book was Charlie.

Thus I will leave it up to you readers ages 14 and older to decide if you want to read it or not.

Book review link: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress.com/2017/05/04/from-where-i-watch-you-shann...… (más)

This book was crafted like an award-winning pastry--the perfect blend of complimentary ingredients, and a rich, wonderful taste that stays with you long after. Seriously, it'll leave you craving more. They mystery of who Kara's stalker is definitely kept me reading, but I whole-heartedly loved the baking elements as well. And Charlie, well, he's just the perfect romantic addition to Kara's story. The flashback chapters were implemented in exactly the right places to keep the pacing of the story going. A great read, for sure.… (más)