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Despite her intension to leave Paris for America, Ophelia Flax finds herself going to the country estate of her soon to be ex-fiancée to join a hunting party. But a broken down coach brings strangers into the mix, and the next morning one of them is dead. The locals are blaming it on the legend of an ancient beast, but Ophelia thinks poison was involved. Can she figure out whose heart is beastly enough to be a killer?
This is such a great book! The author weaves in elements of “Beauty and the Beast” and plays with it as a real legend while presenting a puzzling mystery filled with real characters and viable suspects. Everything kept me guessing until the great climax, and the way this book leaves things, I hope we get more soon.
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/2016/02/book-review-beauty-beast-and-belladonna.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is such a great book! The author weaves in elements of “Beauty and the Beast” and plays with it as a real legend while presenting a puzzling mystery filled with real characters and viable suspects. Everything kept me guessing until the great climax, and the way this book leaves things, I hope we get more soon.
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/2016/02/book-review-beauty-beast-and-belladonna.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Amy-Faye and her friends have formed a book club in their town of Heaven, Colorado. The morning after they meet to discuss The Maltese Falcon, Amy-Faye goes to meet with a member only to find that member dying from poison. The police rule is a suicide, but Amy-Faye is certain it was murder. With the help of the other Readaholics, she starts poking around. But what secrets will they uncover?
There were a lot of characters introduced early on, and I had a hard time keeping them straight early on. However, as I began to get into the story, their different personalities made it easy to distinguish them. The plot was strong with great twists and a couple of good sub-plots. I was surprised by the ending, and set the book down wanting the next already. I can’t wait for the sequel.
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/2015/04/book-review-readaholics-and-falcon.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
There were a lot of characters introduced early on, and I had a hard time keeping them straight early on. However, as I began to get into the story, their different personalities made it easy to distinguish them. The plot was strong with great twists and a couple of good sub-plots. I was surprised by the ending, and set the book down wanting the next already. I can’t wait for the sequel.
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/2015/04/book-review-readaholics-and-falcon.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Forsaken (Shadow Cove Saga #1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
***NOTE: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
Forsaken is a book partially based on characters and events from the Salem witch trials. Some of these events find their way into the latest novel by best-selling novelist Thad McAlister.
Throughout the story, the author allows you glimpses into the past via excerpts from Clayton Stone's journal, showing you important events that happened in 1692. These journal entries give you just enough information to keep you guessing and add to the suspense when you are reading about the present. There were some good twists and a nice salute to Stephen King (one of my favorites) that made this even more fun to read. This was a great stay-up-all-night-reading type of spooky story, and I recommend this book to any fans of horror novels, witches, or things that go bump in the night. I will also be on the lookout for book #2 of the Shadow Cove Saga, to find out what happens to Ashley and Rachael!
Forsaken is a book partially based on characters and events from the Salem witch trials. Some of these events find their way into the latest novel by best-selling novelist Thad McAlister.
Throughout the story, the author allows you glimpses into the past via excerpts from Clayton Stone's journal, showing you important events that happened in 1692. These journal entries give you just enough information to keep you guessing and add to the suspense when you are reading about the present. There were some good twists and a nice salute to Stephen King (one of my favorites) that made this even more fun to read. This was a great stay-up-all-night-reading type of spooky story, and I recommend this book to any fans of horror novels, witches, or things that go bump in the night. I will also be on the lookout for book #2 of the Shadow Cove Saga, to find out what happens to Ashley and Rachael!
Sarah has been working hard to set up the largest community yard sale in New England. When the day arrives, some fires outside of town are the only thing that goes wrong – or so she thinks. After the day is over, she learns her friend Carol was robbed of a painting she was doing on commission. The next morning, Carol finds a dead stranger in her shop. What is happening?
This is a very fun mystery filled with great characters. Seriously, I love spending time with them. The plot includes a few intriguing sub-plots that all tie together in some way at the end of the book. The result kept me turning pages. One word of warning, one part of the first book is spoiled here, but there is no way to continue Sarah’s personal life without doing so.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/06/book-review-longest-yard-sale-by-sherry.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a very fun mystery filled with great characters. Seriously, I love spending time with them. The plot includes a few intriguing sub-plots that all tie together in some way at the end of the book. The result kept me turning pages. One word of warning, one part of the first book is spoiled here, but there is no way to continue Sarah’s personal life without doing so.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/06/book-review-longest-yard-sale-by-sherry.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated Murder on St. Mark's Place (Gaslight Mystery, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
One of midwife Sarah Brandt’s clients goes into early labor due to the shock of learning her sister was murdered. Knowing that the killer will never be caught, Sarah begins to investigate, enlisting police sergeant Frank Malloy to help her. The victim spent her evenings with a variety of men, so the suspect list is quite long. Are there too many suspects, or can Sarah and Frank find the killer?
This book does a fabulous job of taking us back to the summer of 1896 in New York City and introducing us to girls who would give out favors in exchange for nice things they couldn’t afford on their salaries. That adds a somber note to the book; one that gives it depth. The characters are equally deep, and I loved seeing Sarah and Frank move forward in their personal lives. I did figure out a twist or two early, but the book kept surprising me until the end.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/04/book-review-murder-on-st-marks-place-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book does a fabulous job of taking us back to the summer of 1896 in New York City and introducing us to girls who would give out favors in exchange for nice things they couldn’t afford on their salaries. That adds a somber note to the book; one that gives it depth. The characters are equally deep, and I loved seeing Sarah and Frank move forward in their personal lives. I did figure out a twist or two early, but the book kept surprising me until the end.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/04/book-review-murder-on-st-marks-place-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Roxy the Raccoon: A Story to Help Children Learn about Disability and Inclusion by Alice Reeves is a book about Roxy who is disabled and needs a wheelchair and what her life is like.
This heart felt book for ages 4-8 shows children that there are ways to include a person who can not walk or stand, in their games and life, and how to be creative in finding ways around obstacles.
Roxy the Raccoon is differently-abled and cannot do the same thing as some of the other animals in the forest but with a bit of thought and working together they are able to play together and hang out and see and do the same things. This beautiful story shows how Roxy's friends make her feel included. The illustrations done in watercolor and are eye catching. A stunning book for all children.
I received an ARC from Jessica Kingsley Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 4.5/5 stars.
This heart felt book for ages 4-8 shows children that there are ways to include a person who can not walk or stand, in their games and life, and how to be creative in finding ways around obstacles.
Roxy the Raccoon is differently-abled and cannot do the same thing as some of the other animals in the forest but with a bit of thought and working together they are able to play together and hang out and see and do the same things. This beautiful story shows how Roxy's friends make her feel included. The illustrations done in watercolor and are eye catching. A stunning book for all children.
I received an ARC from Jessica Kingsley Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 4.5/5 stars.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated The Girl in The Tower: The Winternight Trilogy in Books
Jul 10, 2018
I just finished this book and all I can do is wish that I was still reading it. Katherine Arden is a masterful story weaver. I was completely lost in this world. I loved it and truly wish that I was still in this world that Katherine Arden wove.
I had doubts that this book could match the first in the series and I was wrong. It is just a beautiful and just as powerful. I cannot even imagine picking up another fantasy in the next few weeks simply because this book has created a world that I do not wish to leave.
The characters are the same characters that we all found and loved in "The Bear and the Nightingale" but they have matured and shown great growth. The plot was unique and it engulfs you in flames. It really is beautiful.
If you're a fan of Juliet Marillier's Sevenwaters series this will be an enchanting read for you. It has the beautiful characters and world that you are accustomed to.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had doubts that this book could match the first in the series and I was wrong. It is just a beautiful and just as powerful. I cannot even imagine picking up another fantasy in the next few weeks simply because this book has created a world that I do not wish to leave.
The characters are the same characters that we all found and loved in "The Bear and the Nightingale" but they have matured and shown great growth. The plot was unique and it engulfs you in flames. It really is beautiful.
If you're a fan of Juliet Marillier's Sevenwaters series this will be an enchanting read for you. It has the beautiful characters and world that you are accustomed to.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Denial (Careless Whispers, #1) in Books
Jul 10, 2018
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have been wanting to read this book since it came out but I never found the time to sit down and truly start to read it. Lisa is a phenomenal author and I forgot how much I love Lisa Renee Jones' books. Lisa has a way with words and truly engulfs you in the story. Her characters speak for themselves and it seems that they constantly jump off the page and become your new best friend.
I love how much Lisa puts into her books. The characters, the scenery, the plot twists all have you wanting more. Ella is a likable character in the Inside Out series and it is nice to see, even with amnesia, she is likable. I loved getting to know her as a character and I cannot wait for the next book.
If you're looking for a fun book that has darker undertones, this one is for you! Seriously, just read it.
I have been wanting to read this book since it came out but I never found the time to sit down and truly start to read it. Lisa is a phenomenal author and I forgot how much I love Lisa Renee Jones' books. Lisa has a way with words and truly engulfs you in the story. Her characters speak for themselves and it seems that they constantly jump off the page and become your new best friend.
I love how much Lisa puts into her books. The characters, the scenery, the plot twists all have you wanting more. Ella is a likable character in the Inside Out series and it is nice to see, even with amnesia, she is likable. I loved getting to know her as a character and I cannot wait for the next book.
If you're looking for a fun book that has darker undertones, this one is for you! Seriously, just read it.
Ross (3284 KP) rated The Fires of Vengeance in Books
Jan 12, 2021
Superb follow-up African fantasy
The follow-up to Rage of Dragons follows Tau and his sword-brothers as they seek to take back control of their country after its civil uprising and invasion by the less civilised former inhabitants of Xidda.
I had my misgivings about reading this second book as I had some issues with "Rage ...", finding the first two thirds really quite a slog. My love of the final third, where all the action was, really made my mind up. I am so glad I decided to read this book as it is truly superb. It has been a long time since a book kept me up reading at night, normally my eyes go quite quickly. Not so here, I was reading for over an hour at times.
The book is a nonstop thrill, every page either filled with action, strategy or concise dialogue that moves the plot along. There is simply no filler material at all.
I received a free copy in advance from the publishers and netgally in exchange for an honest review
I had my misgivings about reading this second book as I had some issues with "Rage ...", finding the first two thirds really quite a slog. My love of the final third, where all the action was, really made my mind up. I am so glad I decided to read this book as it is truly superb. It has been a long time since a book kept me up reading at night, normally my eyes go quite quickly. Not so here, I was reading for over an hour at times.
The book is a nonstop thrill, every page either filled with action, strategy or concise dialogue that moves the plot along. There is simply no filler material at all.
I received a free copy in advance from the publishers and netgally in exchange for an honest review
EF
Exchange-Traded Funds: Investment Practices and Tactical Approaches: 2016
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With Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) sponsors constantly making new types of ETFs available, there is now...