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Kate (493 KP) rated Redemption Lake in Books
Oct 19, 2020
This was a good book. It was all about the choices people make and the choices they make also depend on the situation they are involved in. I did get frustrated with some the choices the Matt made throughout the book. But this could be due to my age. I had to remember he had just turned 18 and was in a very stressful situation. Also he though his choices were helping the people around him. I was going back and forth with who I thought did it which is a good thing.
It was also a book about growing up and how life changes as you grow. I was hooked from Chapter 1 but then I found I wasn't as gripped as I initially was.
I got a feeling for each character and how they were feeling from the author's writing. The author did well in describing the places, people and scenes. The book flowed well.
The blurb described the book very well.
I would recommend the book to people but people of a younger age.
If the author had another book out I'm not sure I would read it as I may not be the target audience but I would always read the blurb and then make a decision. I wouldn't actively look for this author.
It was also a book about growing up and how life changes as you grow. I was hooked from Chapter 1 but then I found I wasn't as gripped as I initially was.
I got a feeling for each character and how they were feeling from the author's writing. The author did well in describing the places, people and scenes. The book flowed well.
The blurb described the book very well.
I would recommend the book to people but people of a younger age.
If the author had another book out I'm not sure I would read it as I may not be the target audience but I would always read the blurb and then make a decision. I wouldn't actively look for this author.
Debbiereadsbook (1675 KP) rated Caught Off Guard by Beth Laycock in Books
Jun 20, 2022
I needed Tristan and I don't get him.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I think, this book fell in my queue right at the point I needed it to, and I really REALLY liked! Not quite enough to love it, but I will explain why.
Only Lane gets a voice. Yes, yes YES I know I say it often enough, but I am big enough and ugly enough to admit when I might be wrong about this, but I NEEDED Tristan, and I don't get him.
I needed to hear what he thought of Lane, right at the beginning. I needed to know what he was feeling when he kisses Lane that first time. I needed to know what was going through his head when he blanks Lane and I NEEDED, I really NEEDED to know what he was feeling when things are finally sorted with Lane's brother.
I can't word this bit right, without giving anything away, so if this doesn't make sense, I'm sorry!
Things with Lane's brother don't end how I thought they would and (please don't hate me!) I actually loved that they didn't. It was a twist I did not see coming, and I was reading at work, and I must have made a noise cos a customer asked me if I was ok. So, well played there, Ms Laycock, very well played.
Like I said, only Lane gets a say, and that's the only reason I can't stretch to 5 stars!
4 really REALLY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I think, this book fell in my queue right at the point I needed it to, and I really REALLY liked! Not quite enough to love it, but I will explain why.
Only Lane gets a voice. Yes, yes YES I know I say it often enough, but I am big enough and ugly enough to admit when I might be wrong about this, but I NEEDED Tristan, and I don't get him.
I needed to hear what he thought of Lane, right at the beginning. I needed to know what he was feeling when he kisses Lane that first time. I needed to know what was going through his head when he blanks Lane and I NEEDED, I really NEEDED to know what he was feeling when things are finally sorted with Lane's brother.
I can't word this bit right, without giving anything away, so if this doesn't make sense, I'm sorry!
Things with Lane's brother don't end how I thought they would and (please don't hate me!) I actually loved that they didn't. It was a twist I did not see coming, and I was reading at work, and I must have made a noise cos a customer asked me if I was ok. So, well played there, Ms Laycock, very well played.
Like I said, only Lane gets a say, and that's the only reason I can't stretch to 5 stars!
4 really REALLY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Renewed Spirits (Wiccan Haus, #18) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first I have read in this series but it is certainly not the last. I thought this was going to be another cliche romance story involving a female wronged by a man for a stupid reason and a man tired of meaningless sex. Honestly it would have been if the author wasnt such a good storyteller. I enjoyed both the characters and environment. Their love story was a delight, reading their journey of learning what they need rather than what they think they need.
This is the first I have read in this series but it is certainly not the last. I thought this was going to be another cliche romance story involving a female wronged by a man for a stupid reason and a man tired of meaningless sex. Honestly it would have been if the author wasnt such a good storyteller. I enjoyed both the characters and environment. Their love story was a delight, reading their journey of learning what they need rather than what they think they need.
Mo (66 KP) rated Brass: Birmingham in Tabletop Games
Oct 23, 2018
Fun game mechanics reminds me of monopoly (2 more)
Lots of different strategies
2 parts for the game can turn suddernly
I guess it is a game I had to play
This was a fun Game, which lasts a couple of hours. It requires a lot of planning to build your industry and to plan for the age of rail which is the latter part of the game. There is a lot to do in the game and i found it to be quite a heavy strategy game for the group of people I was with
Sarah Betts (103 KP) rated These Wicked Waters in Books
Dec 31, 2019
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was a really cool take on the little mermaid story. I have no idea if that was intentional because this book is about sirens not mermaids but there are definitely parallels.
I really like Annie's family issues. They informed a lot of her character and explained a lot.
It was a bit slow at first but once it gets going it does not stop. This could easily be a stand alone but I'm really hoping for a sequel!
I thought this was a really cool take on the little mermaid story. I have no idea if that was intentional because this book is about sirens not mermaids but there are definitely parallels.
I really like Annie's family issues. They informed a lot of her character and explained a lot.
It was a bit slow at first but once it gets going it does not stop. This could easily be a stand alone but I'm really hoping for a sequel!
Frank Carter recommended ...Like Clockwork by Queens Of The Stone Age in Music (curated)
Debbiereadsbook (1675 KP) rated Dragon's Mate Volume Three: Books 8-11 in Books
Feb 26, 2025
I needed previous books
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of thi box set, 3 books and a novella.
These are books 8-11 in the Dragon's Mate series, and I think, that I SHOULD have read the other books first. It came with a prior reading not required, so I jumped in. And I'm fairly certain I missed something along the way by not reading the previous 7 books.
These 3 main books kinda of overlap each other. Almost layer upon layer, there were the same scenes repeated in multiple books, granted from other points of view, but still. It got a bit...tedious, and I wasn't really enjoying those bits.
I LIKED that all 6 of the couples had a say. I liked the pairings were mismatched and very different. I liked each couples quirks. I liked that everyone came together in the end in the short novella to tie up ends.
It's steamy, but I didn't find it ever so explicit. A little bit of violence in some places, but not too much.
I *DID* like this, I really did, I just think I should have read the previous books first. I think I would have had a better picture of what was going on with those dragon who had been banished/left in the previous books, and seen the BIGGER picture, is all.
3 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
These are books 8-11 in the Dragon's Mate series, and I think, that I SHOULD have read the other books first. It came with a prior reading not required, so I jumped in. And I'm fairly certain I missed something along the way by not reading the previous 7 books.
These 3 main books kinda of overlap each other. Almost layer upon layer, there were the same scenes repeated in multiple books, granted from other points of view, but still. It got a bit...tedious, and I wasn't really enjoying those bits.
I LIKED that all 6 of the couples had a say. I liked the pairings were mismatched and very different. I liked each couples quirks. I liked that everyone came together in the end in the short novella to tie up ends.
It's steamy, but I didn't find it ever so explicit. A little bit of violence in some places, but not too much.
I *DID* like this, I really did, I just think I should have read the previous books first. I think I would have had a better picture of what was going on with those dragon who had been banished/left in the previous books, and seen the BIGGER picture, is all.
3 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated The Crossing at Cypress Creek (Natchez Trace #3) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
Over the Hills and through the sea to sea a family reunited and a family started !
Such a great book ! This book is the last one in a series, but I do believe that you can read this one as a stand alone (I did ). It made me want to go back and read the previous books, as well as hoping to someday get to read a fourth book in the series (Hint, Hint ;) .
I believe that this is one of the first books I have read by Pam Hillman (I can't believe it as this one was so good), I already have ordered the previous two books in the series. I believe that Pam did a great job at showing some of the struggles people went through before there was "Civilization" around, and she made me believe I was right there and that I could here the forest all around me.
I loved the characters, how they interacted, the ways you got to hear their thoughts and share a little piece of their lives. I thought that the underlying message was that it is never too late to receive grace, or ask forgiveness from God.
I give this story a 5 out of 5 stars, for original and engaging characters, amazingly detailed descriptions, and page turning smiles.
I volunteered to read this book from Tyndale House Publishing in return for my honest feedback, the thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Such a great book ! This book is the last one in a series, but I do believe that you can read this one as a stand alone (I did ). It made me want to go back and read the previous books, as well as hoping to someday get to read a fourth book in the series (Hint, Hint ;) .
I believe that this is one of the first books I have read by Pam Hillman (I can't believe it as this one was so good), I already have ordered the previous two books in the series. I believe that Pam did a great job at showing some of the struggles people went through before there was "Civilization" around, and she made me believe I was right there and that I could here the forest all around me.
I loved the characters, how they interacted, the ways you got to hear their thoughts and share a little piece of their lives. I thought that the underlying message was that it is never too late to receive grace, or ask forgiveness from God.
I give this story a 5 out of 5 stars, for original and engaging characters, amazingly detailed descriptions, and page turning smiles.
I volunteered to read this book from Tyndale House Publishing in return for my honest feedback, the thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated Ethereal Custody: Anthologies in Books
Aug 3, 2020
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Ethereal Custody: Anthologies is a story about a young man, who was born in an underground slum and decides to risk his life for a chance to reach the surface. During his pursuit, he discovers that he is part of a much larger scheme of a supernatural nature, in an alternate reality. To escape his world, he grasps the opportunity to create utopia. But paradise has a dark side too.
While we follow this main character, we also follow different characters, who are part of the alternative world that this man created in his dreams - with their own stories of supernatural nature, Angels and people with animalistic tendencies involved as well.
<b><i>“We don’t hold grudges against Angels who didn’t save us. Our self-held grudges stem from the idea that we should have been able to save ourselves.”</i></b>
The story follows a few different planets, with a lot of different characters.
The book is written in the form of a journal. For me, it was very difficult to keep track of the planets and characters. I was losing interest very quickly, re-reading the same page a few times, seeking for adventures and plot twists, when all I could see were descriptions of places and objects. Sometimes there were good parts, where the story was really intriguing. Other times, I had to put the book down and read something else.
<b><i>“I don’t know if it’s forgiveness or love or grieving. But life feels like this slow and heartbroken process of learning to live without something we wanted so badly that we cannot have. To go on without those loved people we miss so much and all the precious moments we could have shared and knowing those futures will never be. It’s having to learn how to trek forward in a new life without a part of yourself; that missing fragment of a loving heart we surrendered and gave away as a gift to someone who’s no longer here with us.”</i></b>
There were many descriptions of places being repeated with the exact words. This made me wonder and question myself whether I’ve read this before. I then needed to go back in the book and reassure myself. It was very irritating to go back and find the same paragraph a few chapters earlier, with the same description of a place.
<b><i>“If there’s anything I learned tonight, it is this: I want to die with a smile on my face.”</i></b>
I am sad to say I didn’t enjoy this book.
Honestly, I liked the idea and where it was intended to go. I also liked the way it was written in the form of a journal. However, the writing was bad. Not only from a grammar and editing point of view, but also the skill to keep the reader intrigued. This book put me through a big reading slump. I am not a fan of DNFing books, but I was close with this one. I recommend Ethereal Custody: Anthologies, if you enjoy multiple planets, a lot of characters and a bit of supernatural sprinkles on top, but this book wasn’t for me.
<b><i>“We are afraid to be silent, yet afraid to speak. We fear to be alone with our demons in the dark, yet we are terrified of those demons being seen in the light among friends. Afraid to be powerless; afraid to be influential. I don’t understand it. I just don’t want to be afraid of myself anymore.”</i></b>
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<img src="https://diaryofdifference.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Book-Review-Banner-60.png"/>;
Ethereal Custody: Anthologies is a story about a young man, who was born in an underground slum and decides to risk his life for a chance to reach the surface. During his pursuit, he discovers that he is part of a much larger scheme of a supernatural nature, in an alternate reality. To escape his world, he grasps the opportunity to create utopia. But paradise has a dark side too.
While we follow this main character, we also follow different characters, who are part of the alternative world that this man created in his dreams - with their own stories of supernatural nature, Angels and people with animalistic tendencies involved as well.
<b><i>“We don’t hold grudges against Angels who didn’t save us. Our self-held grudges stem from the idea that we should have been able to save ourselves.”</i></b>
The story follows a few different planets, with a lot of different characters.
The book is written in the form of a journal. For me, it was very difficult to keep track of the planets and characters. I was losing interest very quickly, re-reading the same page a few times, seeking for adventures and plot twists, when all I could see were descriptions of places and objects. Sometimes there were good parts, where the story was really intriguing. Other times, I had to put the book down and read something else.
<b><i>“I don’t know if it’s forgiveness or love or grieving. But life feels like this slow and heartbroken process of learning to live without something we wanted so badly that we cannot have. To go on without those loved people we miss so much and all the precious moments we could have shared and knowing those futures will never be. It’s having to learn how to trek forward in a new life without a part of yourself; that missing fragment of a loving heart we surrendered and gave away as a gift to someone who’s no longer here with us.”</i></b>
There were many descriptions of places being repeated with the exact words. This made me wonder and question myself whether I’ve read this before. I then needed to go back in the book and reassure myself. It was very irritating to go back and find the same paragraph a few chapters earlier, with the same description of a place.
<b><i>“If there’s anything I learned tonight, it is this: I want to die with a smile on my face.”</i></b>
I am sad to say I didn’t enjoy this book.
Honestly, I liked the idea and where it was intended to go. I also liked the way it was written in the form of a journal. However, the writing was bad. Not only from a grammar and editing point of view, but also the skill to keep the reader intrigued. This book put me through a big reading slump. I am not a fan of DNFing books, but I was close with this one. I recommend Ethereal Custody: Anthologies, if you enjoy multiple planets, a lot of characters and a bit of supernatural sprinkles on top, but this book wasn’t for me.
<b><i>“We are afraid to be silent, yet afraid to speak. We fear to be alone with our demons in the dark, yet we are terrified of those demons being seen in the light among friends. Afraid to be powerless; afraid to be influential. I don’t understand it. I just don’t want to be afraid of myself anymore.”</i></b>
