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Parables
Book
It is summer. The grapes have grown ripe on the vine. You sit and listen under the shade of the...
christian fiction faith shortstories

The Best Girls
Book
Inspired by a true event, this powerful short story from the author of National Book Award finalist...
Korean Asian Fiction Korean Fiction short story short read

Keep It In The Family
Book
Mia and Finn are busy turning a derelict house into their dream home when Mia unexpectedly falls...

Hazel (2934 KP) rated Keep It In The Family in Books
Oct 23, 2022
I haven't read anything by John Marrs before but I will keep my eyes open in the future as this dark, family drama/thriller kept me engaged most of the time. I must provide a warning that this book deals with child abuse and murder and some scenes are upsetting as you can imagine so be aware.
Mia and Finn have put all their money into buying a derelict property to do up but during the renovation, a grisly discovery in the attic causes all manner of problems and long held, deep, dark secrets are revealed with devastating consequences.
With a cast of flawed characters and a dark and twisty plot, this was an engaging read and although it went a bit flat in the middle, it held my interest and I thank Amazon Publishing / Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Keep it in the Family.
Mia and Finn have put all their money into buying a derelict property to do up but during the renovation, a grisly discovery in the attic causes all manner of problems and long held, deep, dark secrets are revealed with devastating consequences.
With a cast of flawed characters and a dark and twisty plot, this was an engaging read and although it went a bit flat in the middle, it held my interest and I thank Amazon Publishing / Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Keep it in the Family.

David McK (3562 KP) rated A Flight of Arrows (The Hundred Years War #1) in Books
Sep 17, 2023
As an actual archer (in my case, Olympic Recurve style although I have also shot Longbow) who enjoys reading historical fiction, I thought this would be right up my street.
Especially when it was on Amazon as #1 in archery.
Unfortunately, I found it rather sluggish in parts, with it never really gripping my attention the same way as a historical novel by Bernard Cornwell or Simon Scarrow or Angus Donald does.
This is set during the early stages of the 100 Years War (which lasted for 116 years), and is really a detective/spy story (rather than concentrating on the lives of the archers) as the herald Simon Merrivale investigates the assassination of an English knight , leading up to and including the Battle of Crecy.
Don't get me wrong - I enjoyed the history, and learning a bit more about the times and the background to the war; I just wish it had gripped me more somewhat.
Maybe the sequels will follow through on that ... ?
Especially when it was on Amazon as #1 in archery.
Unfortunately, I found it rather sluggish in parts, with it never really gripping my attention the same way as a historical novel by Bernard Cornwell or Simon Scarrow or Angus Donald does.
This is set during the early stages of the 100 Years War (which lasted for 116 years), and is really a detective/spy story (rather than concentrating on the lives of the archers) as the herald Simon Merrivale investigates the assassination of an English knight , leading up to and including the Battle of Crecy.
Don't get me wrong - I enjoyed the history, and learning a bit more about the times and the background to the war; I just wish it had gripped me more somewhat.
Maybe the sequels will follow through on that ... ?

Exile (The Last Roman #1)
Book
Gaul, 37 AD Seasoned imperial officer Marcus Sempronius Gracchus leads the 9th Roman Legion into...

Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Nov 6, 2022

Merissa (12911 KP) rated Midnight Conquest (Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles #1) in Books
May 30, 2023
This is the first book in the Bonded by Blood Vampire Chronicles. It is a paranormal romance/suspense, with a historical setting; rather than a historical romance with a paranormal twist. This is a distinction to be aware of as it MAY make a difference to a hardcore historical fan!
This story tells the tale of Broderick and Davina, how they meet, what impact on each others' lives they have or will have, tells of the fears they fight, and the enemies who plot against them. There will be an overall story arc running through this series, as the epilogue tells us when Cordelia once again makes an appearance.
With an engaging storyline, excellent world and character building, plus a smoothly paced plot that builds to a thrilling climax, this story is a wonderful start that nonetheless will leave you wanting to know more. Definitely recommended.
* Verified Purchase on Amazon *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 21, 2016
This story tells the tale of Broderick and Davina, how they meet, what impact on each others' lives they have or will have, tells of the fears they fight, and the enemies who plot against them. There will be an overall story arc running through this series, as the epilogue tells us when Cordelia once again makes an appearance.
With an engaging storyline, excellent world and character building, plus a smoothly paced plot that builds to a thrilling climax, this story is a wonderful start that nonetheless will leave you wanting to know more. Definitely recommended.
* Verified Purchase on Amazon *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 21, 2016

Merissa (12911 KP) rated The Eternal (Mythology #3) in Books
May 31, 2023
The finale of the Mythology series does not disappoint in any way, shape, or form. I felt that Helen Boswell made a brave step in that a lot of this book is from the point of view of Jonathan, instead of just Hope and Micah like usual. This means that you definitely see things differently and find out reasons for the way that he has acted and the things he has done.
With plot twists and turns aplenty, this is one nail-biting climax that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you turn from page to page, afraid to put it down in case something happens whilst you're away!
Excellently written, and smoothly paced as per the author's style, this made for a thrilling climax to the series and I have no hesitation in highly recommending this series.
* Verified Purchase on Amazon *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 31, 2016
With plot twists and turns aplenty, this is one nail-biting climax that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you turn from page to page, afraid to put it down in case something happens whilst you're away!
Excellently written, and smoothly paced as per the author's style, this made for a thrilling climax to the series and I have no hesitation in highly recommending this series.
* Verified Purchase on Amazon *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 31, 2016

David McK (3562 KP) rated Silk Road (Epic Adventure #1) in Books
Jun 29, 2025
This was what I would probably term a 'chance read', in that it was by an author I knew nothing about, had never read any of their works, but same it on Amazon prime reading and thought I might as well give it a go as I was between books at the time.
I'm glad I did.
Set (initially) in the Holy Land not long after the Third Crusade, this follows Templar Knight Josseran Sarrazini as he is tasked with accompanying the Domincan Friar William as an envoy to the Mongols, just as their previous Khan dies necessitating a journey along the Silk Road of the title towards the Mongolian capital Xanadu - further than either have ever travelled before, and with new experiences for both - and just as a civil war is about to break out amongst the Mongolian nation itself over who will be next Khan.
I may read some more of Falconers's 'Epic Adventure' series in the future.
I'm glad I did.
Set (initially) in the Holy Land not long after the Third Crusade, this follows Templar Knight Josseran Sarrazini as he is tasked with accompanying the Domincan Friar William as an envoy to the Mongols, just as their previous Khan dies necessitating a journey along the Silk Road of the title towards the Mongolian capital Xanadu - further than either have ever travelled before, and with new experiences for both - and just as a civil war is about to break out amongst the Mongolian nation itself over who will be next Khan.
I may read some more of Falconers's 'Epic Adventure' series in the future.