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ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Gladiator's Temptation (Champions of Rome #2) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I had no idea what I was getting into starting this novel. I have read a handful of Ancient Rome romances, and they all seem to be lacking. There seems to be one element missing, whether it be historical accuracy, a tangible storyline, or realistic romance. This novel had everything and more. The author really knew her history, using jargon that gave the story a more authentic feel.
What really got me was the story line. Most of the romance I have read begin with the couple either meeting, or coming together again after a separation, then their progression to falling in love. This story differed in that, you get to read their story, but its more about them fighting the fates to be together instead of learning about each other. It was a nice change of pace but every challenge they faced broke my heart. I feel that the ending made up for all the torment the author put me through, however.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an emotional read to go with their steamy scenes and historically correct jargon.
I had no idea what I was getting into starting this novel. I have read a handful of Ancient Rome romances, and they all seem to be lacking. There seems to be one element missing, whether it be historical accuracy, a tangible storyline, or realistic romance. This novel had everything and more. The author really knew her history, using jargon that gave the story a more authentic feel.
What really got me was the story line. Most of the romance I have read begin with the couple either meeting, or coming together again after a separation, then their progression to falling in love. This story differed in that, you get to read their story, but its more about them fighting the fates to be together instead of learning about each other. It was a nice change of pace but every challenge they faced broke my heart. I feel that the ending made up for all the torment the author put me through, however.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an emotional read to go with their steamy scenes and historically correct jargon.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Girl on the Run in Books
Feb 21, 2018
I love Daryl Wood Gerber's cozy mysteries, and was both curious and excited to get my hands on this, her first novel in the suspense genre. I was not disappointed!
At first glance, it appears to be a standard setup - woman found with her dead husband and accused of murder - but it quickly takes off in its own direction and never stops. Once Chessa decides that she is going to have to find the truth on her own and takes off running, the suspense doesn't stop. She doesn't know what is going on or who she can trust, and seems to encounter more questions than answers in her search for the truth. I was completely sucked in and had a hard time putting the book down.
Chessa is my favorite type of female heroine - strong and smart, but not perfect by any means. She's just too stubborn to give up.
I really enjoyed this new venture from a favorite author, and hope there will be more to come!
NOTE: I received a free advanced copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
At first glance, it appears to be a standard setup - woman found with her dead husband and accused of murder - but it quickly takes off in its own direction and never stops. Once Chessa decides that she is going to have to find the truth on her own and takes off running, the suspense doesn't stop. She doesn't know what is going on or who she can trust, and seems to encounter more questions than answers in her search for the truth. I was completely sucked in and had a hard time putting the book down.
Chessa is my favorite type of female heroine - strong and smart, but not perfect by any means. She's just too stubborn to give up.
I really enjoyed this new venture from a favorite author, and hope there will be more to come!
NOTE: I received a free advanced copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Address to Die For (A Maggie McDonald Mystery #1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
This first book in the Maggie MacDonald series has Maggie moving to Silicon Valley to start a new life with her husband and two sons in the house that her husband inherited from an aunt. Between finding a body in the basement and a vandal wreaking havoc on their new place, Maggie is having second thoughts. While her husband is away on business for his new job, she throws herself into the renovations to try to make their new house a home for her family. Just when she thinks things are looking up though, a second murder leaves her unsure of who in town she can trust, so she decides to do a little snooping around on her own to get to the bottom of things.
This was a great start to a new series, and a great introduction to a cast of characters I expect to be seeing more of in the near future. I loved that I wasn't sure who would still be around next time until almost the end of the novel!
<I>NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All remarks and opinions are my own.</I>
This was a great start to a new series, and a great introduction to a cast of characters I expect to be seeing more of in the near future. I loved that I wasn't sure who would still be around next time until almost the end of the novel!
<I>NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All remarks and opinions are my own.</I>
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Trail Blazers: An Illustrated Guide to the Women Who Explored the World in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Trail Blazers: An Illustrated Guide to the Women Who Explored the World by Lisa Graves is a picture book full of famous women explorers. I found it interesting and educational. There’s not a great amount of information, but what’s here is enough to give a sense of these women’s accomplishments, as well as their determination, in just enough detail to whet the reader’s curiosity.
Graves introduces readers to thirteen women who were influential explorers. Each woman gets one spread with a column about their life and most famous accomplishments. Further textboxes on the spread highlight major accomplishments, places travelled, etc. Some of these women are well known names, like Nellie Bly, Amelia Earhart, and Sacagewa, others are not so well known like Ida Laura Pfeiffer, Harriet Chalmers Adams, and Gertrude Bell. They explored any time between the mid 1700s to mid 1900s, used different methods of transportation, explored different areas of the world, but all were intrepid adventurers and left their marks in society, literature, science, archeology, geography, and more.
I received an ARC from Xist Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Graves introduces readers to thirteen women who were influential explorers. Each woman gets one spread with a column about their life and most famous accomplishments. Further textboxes on the spread highlight major accomplishments, places travelled, etc. Some of these women are well known names, like Nellie Bly, Amelia Earhart, and Sacagewa, others are not so well known like Ida Laura Pfeiffer, Harriet Chalmers Adams, and Gertrude Bell. They explored any time between the mid 1700s to mid 1900s, used different methods of transportation, explored different areas of the world, but all were intrepid adventurers and left their marks in society, literature, science, archeology, geography, and more.
I received an ARC from Xist Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Waffles and Pancakes in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is such a charming story about bullying and its effects, as told through the pictures and words of hamsters. Waffles and Pancakes haven't been acting themselves ever since a certain trip to the vet, where they met a guinea pig named Oscar. He bullies them and makes them feel bad and afraid. Once their owners figure out what's wrong, they talk to the boy who owns Oscar, and he's mean to them for coming to his house. The boys learn he doesn't have many friends, and he's a bully to make up for his hurt feelings at being alone. They all decide to be friends, including Oscar, Waffles, and Pancakes, and the story has a very happy ending.
This would be a great book to share with younger kids and older ones alike. Everybody has been involved in bullying in some way, either as the bully, the one being picked on, or the friend of either. It's time to put a stop to bullying, and I believe this story would be an excellent starting point to have that discussion. Wonderfully written and illustrated!
5 stars
This is such a charming story about bullying and its effects, as told through the pictures and words of hamsters. Waffles and Pancakes haven't been acting themselves ever since a certain trip to the vet, where they met a guinea pig named Oscar. He bullies them and makes them feel bad and afraid. Once their owners figure out what's wrong, they talk to the boy who owns Oscar, and he's mean to them for coming to his house. The boys learn he doesn't have many friends, and he's a bully to make up for his hurt feelings at being alone. They all decide to be friends, including Oscar, Waffles, and Pancakes, and the story has a very happy ending.
This would be a great book to share with younger kids and older ones alike. Everybody has been involved in bullying in some way, either as the bully, the one being picked on, or the friend of either. It's time to put a stop to bullying, and I believe this story would be an excellent starting point to have that discussion. Wonderfully written and illustrated!
5 stars
Kristin (149 KP) rated Calves In The Mud Room in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
While this may not be your typical "coming of age" story as it only takes place over the course of a couple days, I would still term it as "coming into your own".
Wade lives on a farm which has gone to crap since his granddad passed and his stepdad started taking over. Not "taking over the farm", mind you, because he can't be bothered to lift a finger. No, he's just taken over Wade's life, and not for the good.
When we meet up with Wade, it's the date of a school dance and the girl of his dreams as actually asked him to be her date. He should be on cloud nine, right? Well, he is, until his day snowballs into one from Hell. Cue all the ill-timed things which can possibly happen when you're in a hurry and need to look your best, and multiply it by 10 because he's on a farm. How will his night turn out?
Great little story, and I'd definitely be interested to see where this character and author go from here.
5 stars
While this may not be your typical "coming of age" story as it only takes place over the course of a couple days, I would still term it as "coming into your own".
Wade lives on a farm which has gone to crap since his granddad passed and his stepdad started taking over. Not "taking over the farm", mind you, because he can't be bothered to lift a finger. No, he's just taken over Wade's life, and not for the good.
When we meet up with Wade, it's the date of a school dance and the girl of his dreams as actually asked him to be her date. He should be on cloud nine, right? Well, he is, until his day snowballs into one from Hell. Cue all the ill-timed things which can possibly happen when you're in a hurry and need to look your best, and multiply it by 10 because he's on a farm. How will his night turn out?
Great little story, and I'd definitely be interested to see where this character and author go from here.
5 stars
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated My First Hands-On Bible in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Explore the wonders of Creation and Jesus' life with your preschooler in a new and exciting way.
The fact that there is true scripture in this "kid's" Bible is one of my favorite aspects of this book. The Word of God is important and our children should be included in that. The verses are abridged, but not revised. Not all of the Bible is portrayed, however there are many key stories from both the Old and New Testament.
My First Hands-On Bible is a wonderful first Bible for preschool aged children. My son is 3 years old and really enjoys the stories and activities. The stories are short enough that he doesn't loose interest before we are done and the activities throughout help to keep him engaged. Throughout the day and for days afterwards, he is still repeating the lessons he has learned. I really feel that the activities helped to make it stick for him. I recommend this Bible. It is a great way to introduce children to reading The Word daily and learning about God's love.
I received a free copy of My First Hands-On Bible from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
The fact that there is true scripture in this "kid's" Bible is one of my favorite aspects of this book. The Word of God is important and our children should be included in that. The verses are abridged, but not revised. Not all of the Bible is portrayed, however there are many key stories from both the Old and New Testament.
My First Hands-On Bible is a wonderful first Bible for preschool aged children. My son is 3 years old and really enjoys the stories and activities. The stories are short enough that he doesn't loose interest before we are done and the activities throughout help to keep him engaged. Throughout the day and for days afterwards, he is still repeating the lessons he has learned. I really feel that the activities helped to make it stick for him. I recommend this Bible. It is a great way to introduce children to reading The Word daily and learning about God's love.
I received a free copy of My First Hands-On Bible from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
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