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Speak of the Devil
Speak of the Devil
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Book was provided by the author herself, Britney King, in exchange for an honest review.

I truly enjoyed this novel. It left me gripping for more and wanting to learn more of the New Hope Church, the sirens, the leaders of New Hope, etc. I recommend starting with The Social Affair, as reading in order will help you gain a better understanding of what the underlying story is about and will make all the gaps come together in the end.
  
Things Fall Apart
Things Fall Apart
Chinua Achebe, Biyi Bandele | 2001 | Essays
6
7.5 (11 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received this book as part of a book exchange for my book club. I was excited because it finally gave me a reason to read a book that has been on my "I should read this" list. I finished this book and I honestly have no idea what my thoughts are. I'm trying to put them into words and I'm failing.

I liked this book for the multicultural issues that it proposes. It had elements that I have never grasped or read before which I enjoyed. I loved learning about the culture and customs of this tribe. I also loved how complex the main character was. I loved how at moments you're wanting him to be shunned and at other moments you want him to be fully embraced by his tribe.

I didn't like how abrupt the ending was. It was leading to the climax of the story and then just halted leaving me extremely unsatisfied. I want a resolution and I want a cookie cutter ending where everything is wrapped up tight with a cute little bow. Unfortunately, that isn't this book.

All in all, I'm happy that I read this book. I'm thrilled that I finally found time to read it. I'm just not so sure how I feel about it either.
  
In Toru: Wayfarer Returns, we as readers are once again exposed to way too much exposition and a nearly suffocating amount of passive voice. Normally, use of passive voice doesn’t really bother me. In most books, I am unable to identify said voice because it doesn’t disrupt the flow. Unfortunately the passive voice saturates this book so thoroughly that I am unable to make it past 15%. In fact, I can barely remember which parts of what I read were relevant to the current action of the book.

I gave this book several attempts, but each page felt like the written equivalent of trying to force-feed myself Miracle Whip. For that, I must unfortunately drop this novel. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
  
When Antonia Martinelli asks Penny Lively to look into sabotage at the Martinelli Winery, Penny feels like she has to say yes. However, things quickly escalate to murder, and Penny feels like she has gotten in over her head. Can she find the killer? Is the murder related to the sabotage?

This debut is filled with strong characters and a compelling plot that kept me turning pages. Sadly, the timeline early on had some errors in it, which is a big pet peeve. Those issues were resolved later in the book, and it never impacted the story. Overall, this is a strong book in what could easily become a long running series.

NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/05/book-review-one-foot-in-grape-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Sarah is spending the winter months running a virtual garage sale site for her local community. When she goes to make a trade with Margaret More, she is shocked to find the woman murdered in her car. And when someone takes a picture of Sarah at the crime scene and then sends it to her, Sarah gets really worried.

This book starts out quickly and never lets up. We are always getting a twist or clue to keep us turning the pages. The characters are wonderful, and we meet some new ones I hope stick around as well. The book was over all too quickly, leaving me waiting for the next.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/04/book-review-all-murders-final-by-sherry.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Suede to Rest (A Material Witness Mystery #1)
Suede to Rest (A Material Witness Mystery #1)
Diane Vallere | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
When Poly inherits the family fabric store from her great-uncle, she fully intends to sell the building. However, a string of sabotage and a murder behind the shop make her wonder why someone wants her out of town so fast. Could it have to do with her great-aunt’s murder ten years before?

I was hooked on this book from the beginning. The plot is great with plenty of enjoyable twists and turns. The characters were fully formed as well, and I easily fell in love with many of them. I will definitely be back for the sequel.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/11/book-review-suede-to-rest-by-diane.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Cam Flaherty's local foods dinner is a success despite the fact that Irene Burr had words with several people during the event. The next morning, however, Irene turns up dead. Did something from the dinner lead to her death?

I enjoyed the mystery, which had several viable suspects and some good twists before the climax. The characters were very fleshed out as well. My only complaint was one sub-plot that took over a bit at the beginning, but once it fell back to sub-plot status, I was absorbed in the book again.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/05/book-review-til-dirt-do-us-part-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.

Note: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
  
FF
Farmer Fisher
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
(This review will be on my blog <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.com/">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Year Old Girl</a> at the beginning of July).

I thought this was such a cute book! I enjoyed the rhyming, and even the story is interesting. We're left wondering if Farmer Fisher is ever going to make it to market! The story gets longer with almost every page. The illustrations are absolutely fantastic! You can tell the illustrator really took his time when it came to them.

This is a short story that will keep the little ones' attention. It is a cute story, well written, and the illustrations are beautiful! I'd say this is a book for all ages.

(I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review).