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Resurrection of an Empire (The Magic Within #2)
Resurrection of an Empire (The Magic Within #2)
Sharon Gibbs | 2016 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Resurrection of an Empire starts pretty much where Bound to Survive finished. We meet up with Henry, Clarence, Christopher and Elle as they try to reawaken and revitalise the Keep, making it a home for people again. It actually starts with a prologue that will immediately have your heart jumping, but you will have to carry on reading to find out what is happening!

With thrills, spills, action, adventure, evil, love, dying, and hope, there is something in here for all fantasy lovers. Hang on for a thrilling ride as Ms Gibbs puts you through your paces in a fast but smooth adventure fantasy read.

This is part of a series, so I would definitely recommend reading Bound to Survive first. Also, you can get Beginnings, a free prequel novella from her website, or by clicking http://sharongibbsauthor.com/book/beg...

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 29, 2016
  
An Unlikely Proposal
An Unlikely Proposal
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Let me say this book definitely surpassed all my expectations!!

I know we've all been there... that isle of books at the store with the Harlequin titles trying to decide if we want another feel good, know how its gonna end type of story. LET me advise you. This book IS NOT your typical Love Inspired book (of which I will admit to reading ... almost everyone published). I had to do a double check of the page count with this one honestly. Toni Shiloh managed to fit SO much depth of character, layered background, and faith based elements that I was enamored of the book from the beginning and scratching my head wondering how something so marvelous could come out of such a tiny package!

I loved the plot, a true friends-to-lovers/ girl-next-door/ marriage of convenience story that I have.. uhem already reread. I loved Omar's little ones that Toni Shiloh filled with life and love. Plus, I really enjoyed the circumstance that Toni Shiloh put Trinity and Omar into! Great chemistry and awkwardness between the two of them.

Overall, one of my favorite reads ever in terms of modern character development and storyline. A definite 5 star read you DO NOT want to miss!

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
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Merissa (12051 KP) rated Spanish Siesta (Flying into Love #2) in Books

Aug 2, 2022 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)  
Spanish Siesta (Flying into Love #2)
Spanish Siesta (Flying into Love #2)
C.F. White | 2022 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
When rugby players fall, they fall hard!
SPANISH SIESTA is the second book in the Flying Into Love series and, just as with the first book, there was a character I instantly connected with and one I didn't.

Kieran has had a long-term crush on his best mate, Matt, since forever. Matt, on the other hand, is a first-class alpha man-ho, never sticking around and sleeping his way through the female population of London. Although from the outside looking in, you might think Kieran had it tough; compared to Matt's dysfunctional family, Kieran had it incredibly easy as he at least had his mother's love.

You don't actually go too deep with any of the supporting characters, or indeed, with the main ones. Matt's sudden epiphany didn't seem that realistic, although his reaction to people finding out was the opposite.

The pacing was smooth and the writing style was easy. The story flowed, leading you to the conclusion. It was an enjoyable book with no surprises. If you like the friends-to-lovers/bi-awakening tropes, then this is one for you.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 1, 2022
  
The Labyrinth of the Spirits
The Labyrinth of the Spirits
Carlos Ruiz Zafón | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics, Mystery
10
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
A beautiful and deserving ending to a wonderful series
This is the fourth and final instalment in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books series. I have to be honest - I have read the first book in the series, and I have the second and third books on my bookshelf, unread. I thought I had actually read them, but as I read this book, it became blatantly obvious that I hadn't. I WILL be rectifying that! However, it isn't actually necessary to read these in order. I don't feel I've missed any of the plot, although I have a sneaking suspicion I would have 'cottoned on' a lot quicker with some of the story lines.
I loved this book - the characters are so well developed, the story had me reading through my fingers (if you see what I mean!). I wanted the best for the Sempere's for Alicia and Fermin, and they all got the ending they deserved (and that's all I'll say!).
Parts of the book are toe-curlingly graphic. Alicia's life is not a pleasant one, and one of the other characters has a very bad experience. We get to see the corruptness of government officials in fascist Spain, and the depths they go to for money and power.
And underlying it all is a love of books that we book lovers all understand: "This is a place of mystery...a sanctuary. Every book, every volume you see here has a soul. The soul of the person who wrote it and of those who read it and loved and dreamed with it."
Yes, I cried. It's a gorgeous book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
  
How to write a review without giving spoilers, when there is so much I want to say!? I will say that, if you don't know by now, Wanda Brunstetter is one of my absolute favorite Amish novelists. She never fails to hook me with her books and keep me entertained the entire way through. And, The Blessing, book 2 in her Amish Cooking Class series is no exception! I was hooked from the beginning and held captive til the very end. True talent! 

The Blessing picks up where book 1, The Seekers, left off. Heidi and Lyle Troyer are adopting a baby but a sad circumstance leaves Heidi heartbroken and once again teaching a class to occupy her mind. She, once again, opens her home to strangers and the fun begins! Each new character brings something special to the story and I loved watching Heidi interact with them. The messages thrown into the story and watching the characters realize what those messages were, was truly refreshing! 

This book is deserving of so much more than 5 stars! Mrs. Brunstetter has created another wonderful novel that every Amish fiction fan (and those that are new to the genre!) will fall in love with. Not only with her writing style, but also with the characters. They quickly become a part of the reader! I highly recommend this book to all book lovers! Hats off to the talented Mrs. Brunstetter, once again! I can't wait for book 3 to release. <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/book-review-the-blessing-by-wanda-brunstetter/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>