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Midge (525 KP) rated The White Headhunter in Books
Mar 16, 2019
Fascinating & Very Well Presented
Reading “The White Headhunter” was a complete change of genre for me and although I had a few reservations about the choice, I’m really pleased I decided to go with it.
This first book by Nigel Randell is a work of non-fiction. A teenage Scots sailor, Jack Renton was rescued from captivity on the Pacific island of Malaita, home to a fearsome tribe of headhunters. In his memoir, Renton recounted his eight-year adventure: how he jumped ship and drifted two thousand miles in an open whaleboat to the Solomon Islands, came ashore at Malaita and was stripped of his identity. For all it’s detail and authenticity Renton’s chronicle glossed over many key events. This book is a more complete and grislier account of Renton’s experience.
Very well presented and easy to read “The White Headhunter” contains some fascinating history of the late 19th century and the Pacific with some entertaining and enlightening information about the period. This true story was interesting, enjoyable and well worth the read.
[Thank you to #NetGalley, #ThistlePublishing and #NigelRandell, for a free ARC of #TheWhiteHeadhunter in exchange for an honest review.]
This first book by Nigel Randell is a work of non-fiction. A teenage Scots sailor, Jack Renton was rescued from captivity on the Pacific island of Malaita, home to a fearsome tribe of headhunters. In his memoir, Renton recounted his eight-year adventure: how he jumped ship and drifted two thousand miles in an open whaleboat to the Solomon Islands, came ashore at Malaita and was stripped of his identity. For all it’s detail and authenticity Renton’s chronicle glossed over many key events. This book is a more complete and grislier account of Renton’s experience.
Very well presented and easy to read “The White Headhunter” contains some fascinating history of the late 19th century and the Pacific with some entertaining and enlightening information about the period. This true story was interesting, enjoyable and well worth the read.
[Thank you to #NetGalley, #ThistlePublishing and #NigelRandell, for a free ARC of #TheWhiteHeadhunter in exchange for an honest review.]
ArecRain (8 KP) rated How to Spin: From Choosing a Spinning Wheel to Making Yarn in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who crochets, spinning has always been something in the back of my mind. It has always been something I have been interested in, both for curiositys sake and because I want to learn how to do it. While this book was both interesting and informational, however, there were a handful of parts where I didnt understand the jargon. The author was quick to explain them as well as having accompany images that make what she discussing clear and translate to real like. The images are actually quite detailed and I found myself learning just as much from them as the text. The author has an easy friend tone that feels like she is having a conversation with you rather than teaching you.
While I was unable to put her teaching into practice, I learned a great deal from this book. For a novice, it was an easy clear read that I hope to be able to put into practice someday soon and be able to make my own yarn.
As someone who crochets, spinning has always been something in the back of my mind. It has always been something I have been interested in, both for curiositys sake and because I want to learn how to do it. While this book was both interesting and informational, however, there were a handful of parts where I didnt understand the jargon. The author was quick to explain them as well as having accompany images that make what she discussing clear and translate to real like. The images are actually quite detailed and I found myself learning just as much from them as the text. The author has an easy friend tone that feels like she is having a conversation with you rather than teaching you.
While I was unable to put her teaching into practice, I learned a great deal from this book. For a novice, it was an easy clear read that I hope to be able to put into practice someday soon and be able to make my own yarn.
Fleeing a tragic accident, Ruby Proulx crosses from Canada to Old Orchard, Maine. She’s run there to meet her mother’s side of the family for the first time. They are about to reopen the family home as a resort for spiritualists, and the summer of 1898 will be make or break for them. But when her past catches up to her and a murder threatens her new home, will Ruby be able to solve any problems?
While I am not a fan of paranormal cozies (because I don’t believe in the things they are based on), I still found this a very fun debut. The characters are charming, and I fell in love with them. Even though the murder comes a little late, I still found Ruby’s introduction to Old Orchard fun, and there is plenty of conflict early on. When the murder does happen, the pace picks up and leads us to a logical conclusion.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/09/book-review-whispers-beyond-veil-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
While I am not a fan of paranormal cozies (because I don’t believe in the things they are based on), I still found this a very fun debut. The characters are charming, and I fell in love with them. Even though the murder comes a little late, I still found Ruby’s introduction to Old Orchard fun, and there is plenty of conflict early on. When the murder does happen, the pace picks up and leads us to a logical conclusion.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/09/book-review-whispers-beyond-veil-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2206 KP) rated Toasting Up Trouble (Dinner Club Mystery #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
J.J. Tanner is an event planner by day and an aspiring chef by night. As part of her event planner job, she’s hired local chef Antonio Marcotti to cater an Italian themed party. But Antonio is a bit egotistically, and after he ignores the contract, he and J.J. get into a fight. Only the next morning, J.J. returns to clean up after the party to find that Antonio is dead. With the police looking at her and a friend in the local dinner club she’s joined as suspects, J.J. needs to find the real killer.
This debut got off to a bit of a slow start, but once the murder happened, it picked up. There were some good twists and surprises before we reached a logical ending. The characters who got a decent amount of page time were well developed, and I’m betting we’ll get to know the rest better in future books in the series.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-toasting-up-trouble-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This debut got off to a bit of a slow start, but once the murder happened, it picked up. There were some good twists and surprises before we reached a logical ending. The characters who got a decent amount of page time were well developed, and I’m betting we’ll get to know the rest better in future books in the series.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-toasting-up-trouble-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Dandelion Dead (A Natural Remedies Mystery #4) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
I jumped in at the middle again this is book #4 in the series, but the first one that I read. Although some characters did share a history, I had no problem figuring out who was who, or how they related to each other, so you dont have to have read the earlier books to enjoy this one.
Cafe owner Willow, her animal rescuer boyfriend Jackson, and winemaker (and Willows ex-boyfriend) Simon are a great team. Each brings a unique set of qualities to the table, and they work well together.When Lily, one of Willows employees, is accused of murder as well as a second attempted murder, the police are convinced that theres no need to look for other suspects. The three friends decide to investigate on their own, both to keep Lily out of jail, and to stop the real killer from finishing the job he started.
Dandelion Dead is a fun read, both for the mystery and the info on edible plants and natural remedies.
<i>NOTE: I was provided with a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.</i>
Cafe owner Willow, her animal rescuer boyfriend Jackson, and winemaker (and Willows ex-boyfriend) Simon are a great team. Each brings a unique set of qualities to the table, and they work well together.When Lily, one of Willows employees, is accused of murder as well as a second attempted murder, the police are convinced that theres no need to look for other suspects. The three friends decide to investigate on their own, both to keep Lily out of jail, and to stop the real killer from finishing the job he started.
Dandelion Dead is a fun read, both for the mystery and the info on edible plants and natural remedies.
<i>NOTE: I was provided with a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.</i>
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Isolation (Faye Longchamp, #9) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
***NOTE: I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
Faye Longchamp lives on a small island with her family. Going to the mainland for breakfast one morning, her husband and recently-released-from-jail father-in-law find a local woman dead in the water off her restaurants pier. Fearing that her father-in-law might make an easy scapegoat, Faye starts looking into the murder
This book started out slow, and I wasnt sure I was going to like it. In the beginning of the story, we learn that Faye has recently suffered a miscarriage, and shes having trouble coming to terms with the loss. Faye muddles around in a haze for several chapters, but as she starts to come back to herself, the book picks up pace as well. Once it gets going and you look back on the slow beginning, you can see that it is fitting considering Fayes state of mind. Im glad I didnt give up during the slow part, because it finished up as a quick-moving, cant-stop-until-I-know-who-did-it mystery.
Faye Longchamp lives on a small island with her family. Going to the mainland for breakfast one morning, her husband and recently-released-from-jail father-in-law find a local woman dead in the water off her restaurants pier. Fearing that her father-in-law might make an easy scapegoat, Faye starts looking into the murder
This book started out slow, and I wasnt sure I was going to like it. In the beginning of the story, we learn that Faye has recently suffered a miscarriage, and shes having trouble coming to terms with the loss. Faye muddles around in a haze for several chapters, but as she starts to come back to herself, the book picks up pace as well. Once it gets going and you look back on the slow beginning, you can see that it is fitting considering Fayes state of mind. Im glad I didnt give up during the slow part, because it finished up as a quick-moving, cant-stop-until-I-know-who-did-it mystery.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated The Devil's Music (Emory Crawford Mysteries #1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
***I was provided with a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review***
The Devils Music was a quick, easy read at only 218 pages, but also an enjoyable one. The story is sprinkled with plant lore as well as bluegrass and folk music tidbits that add interest to the story. I would suggest not reading this book on an empty stomach, however, as the descriptions of all of the delicious sounding food served at various functions are sure to leave you hungry!
The Sleuth, Emory Crawford, is a likable protagonist. Even though she aspires to be a young Miss Marple, she has her faults, and they add to her charm. Her occasional fumbling around after clues makes her seem all the more genuine. I did appreciate the fact that she wasnt all-knowing despite the gift that she realizes she has part of the way through the story. She still had to rely on her wits and ability to make logical deductions, not solely on her intuition.
Overall, a nice start to a new cozy mystery series.
The Devils Music was a quick, easy read at only 218 pages, but also an enjoyable one. The story is sprinkled with plant lore as well as bluegrass and folk music tidbits that add interest to the story. I would suggest not reading this book on an empty stomach, however, as the descriptions of all of the delicious sounding food served at various functions are sure to leave you hungry!
The Sleuth, Emory Crawford, is a likable protagonist. Even though she aspires to be a young Miss Marple, she has her faults, and they add to her charm. Her occasional fumbling around after clues makes her seem all the more genuine. I did appreciate the fact that she wasnt all-knowing despite the gift that she realizes she has part of the way through the story. She still had to rely on her wits and ability to make logical deductions, not solely on her intuition.
Overall, a nice start to a new cozy mystery series.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street in Books
Jun 14, 2018
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Glaser is a wonderful book that's positively overflowing with charm. The Vanderbeeker children are hilarious, and I fell instantly in love with each one of them and with the happy chaos of their household of 5 children, one dog, one cat and one bunny.
The five Vanderbeeker children range from age 4-and-three-quarters to twelve; four girls and one boy. They also have a dog, a cat and a rabbit which all adds up to one bustling household. When they find out their lease will not be renewed for the new year, the kids all come up with their own ways to convince their landlord to let them stay.
Each of the kids are endearing in their own way, as are the the various neighbors who are such a big part of life as they know it. The Vanderbeekers face troubles, misunderstandings and heartaches, but in their lives there is also beauty, music, ingenuity, teamwork, and love.
I received this ARC from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group and HMH Books for Young Readers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The five Vanderbeeker children range from age 4-and-three-quarters to twelve; four girls and one boy. They also have a dog, a cat and a rabbit which all adds up to one bustling household. When they find out their lease will not be renewed for the new year, the kids all come up with their own ways to convince their landlord to let them stay.
Each of the kids are endearing in their own way, as are the the various neighbors who are such a big part of life as they know it. The Vanderbeekers face troubles, misunderstandings and heartaches, but in their lives there is also beauty, music, ingenuity, teamwork, and love.
I received this ARC from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group and HMH Books for Young Readers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Murder at Cirey (Victor Constant Mysteries #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Upon finishing this novel, I definitely reiterate the idea that Victor Constant is the Jack Reacher of 18th-century France. His methods are a little unorthodox, but he gets the job done no matter what, and that's what really matters, right?
Well, of course not, because where would be the fun in that?
After all, this IS 18th-century France we're talking about, so playing by the rules, doing everything by the book, and bending to the whims and wishes of the aristocracy is all part of the game. But that's a game Victor doesn't have time for because there's a murderer on the loose!
Once Victor and Voltaire met, this book was set for me. I love the idea of having Voltaire involved in something like this, considering all we really know happened with him, and it was interesting to read his theories on the crime alongside that of Victor's.
I will definitely be checking out the next one in this series, as I think Victor Constant is a force to be reckoned with.
4.5 stars
Upon finishing this novel, I definitely reiterate the idea that Victor Constant is the Jack Reacher of 18th-century France. His methods are a little unorthodox, but he gets the job done no matter what, and that's what really matters, right?
Well, of course not, because where would be the fun in that?
After all, this IS 18th-century France we're talking about, so playing by the rules, doing everything by the book, and bending to the whims and wishes of the aristocracy is all part of the game. But that's a game Victor doesn't have time for because there's a murderer on the loose!
Once Victor and Voltaire met, this book was set for me. I love the idea of having Voltaire involved in something like this, considering all we really know happened with him, and it was interesting to read his theories on the crime alongside that of Victor's.
I will definitely be checking out the next one in this series, as I think Victor Constant is a force to be reckoned with.
4.5 stars
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated On Hart۪s Boardwalk (On Dublin Street, #6.7; Hart's Boardwalk, #2.5) in Books
Jul 12, 2018
Holy crap, this novella pulled on my heartstrings. This is the story of two beloved characters from the On Dublin Street series, Olivia & Nate. Honestly, I forgot how much I missed the On Dublin Street gang right until I picked up this book and was thrown back into the world where everyone is still there and just as you remember them (though a little older).
Samantha Young has created characters that stick in your mind and make you never want to leave them. They make you smile, cry, laugh and want to scream at times. I love the character development & just the writing style is a refreshing take on the romance genre.
When you pick up a Samantha Young book, you know you're in for a treat. This is why she quickly became my favorite romance author. Her books are well written & the plot lines are always intriguing.
Hands down, this is a great novella & I cannot wait to read what she has next.
**I received this in exchange for an honest review but I'm about to preorder it on B&N because I know that I have to own it.**
Samantha Young has created characters that stick in your mind and make you never want to leave them. They make you smile, cry, laugh and want to scream at times. I love the character development & just the writing style is a refreshing take on the romance genre.
When you pick up a Samantha Young book, you know you're in for a treat. This is why she quickly became my favorite romance author. Her books are well written & the plot lines are always intriguing.
Hands down, this is a great novella & I cannot wait to read what she has next.
**I received this in exchange for an honest review but I'm about to preorder it on B&N because I know that I have to own it.**