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A Great book !
 I got totally engrossed in this story and truly learned some new things ! It made me want to read the other books in this series that Barbour Publishing is putting out. This was such rich historical story it was like being there! Kathleen Y'Barbo really made history come alive in this book and it is filled with adventure.
 While it was not my favorite book by Kathleen Y'Barbo it really was a great read and kept me interested throughout the whole book.
 I give this book 4 out of 5 stars, for good history, lovely characters, and family focus.
 I volunteered to read this book from Barbour Publishing in return for my honest opinion. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
AR
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Max O’Hara is getting ready for an Oktoberfest celebration in her brewpub, and part of that is going to listen to the band she’s hired. The evening ends on a weird note when a member of the band claims to recognize one of Max’s friends, something the friend denies. Then a member of the band wants to meet with Max, and a dead body turns up. Can Max figure out what is happening?

This book starts strong and never lets up. I couldn’t put it down, and raced through it, enjoying the twists and turns along the way. I love the characters we’ve met in this series, and they are in top form here. That includes Max’s large family and her relationship with her boyfriend. The new characters are just as fun. This book does spoil quite a bit of the first in the series, so start there. You won’t be sorry since all three books in this series are great.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/10/book-review-room-with-brew-by-joyce.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
TF
Taking Fire (One-Eyed Jacks, #4)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received this book for free for an honest review.

I love Cindy Gerard and I was excited to be accepted for an advanced reader copy of this book. When I got the acceptance email I had only read one of the books in the One-Eyed Jacks series so naturally, I had to read the other two before I started this one.

I still stand by the fact that this isn't my favorite of her series but that isn't saying much. I fell in love with the characters from her Black Ops series so it was hard to transition to other characters. I liked the other ones but honestly, this one was on par with the Black Ops books.

The characters are (as always) amazing. The backstory of Bobby was amazing to read and I loved Talia. The twists and turns were a little predictable but still fun and engaging.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes military romance. The characters are detailed and her combat writing is very engaging. If you're looking for a suspenseful romance that is sure to keep you up at night, this is the book for you!
  
My Soul to Keep (African Immortals, #1)
My Soul to Keep (African Immortals, #1)
Tananarive Due | 1998 | Paranormal, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I would give it more of a 4 1/2 star rating but I decided to round up. This was a very good book. It started off fairly slow but I'm glad that I stuck with it.

I will admit that I was fairly hesitant to start reading this book. My sisters kept pressuring me to read it and so I stated that I would have it read by thanksgiving. I do not deny that while reading it I kept thinking of the series that I am in the middle of, the book I finally bought after months of waiting, and the series that I want to restart.

All in all, Tananarive Due is an amazing author. I can see why it has been compared to Anne Rice's novels. I will definitely read the rest of the series when I find the time. The characters were very complex and realistic. This book definitely makes you look inside yourself and question what you would do in the situations that the characters were placed in. Though it did start out a little slow it gradually hooked me.
  
Photographic Heart (Itayu Lake #8)
Photographic Heart (Itayu Lake #8)
A.M. Halford | 2018 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Photographic Heart (Itayu Lake #8) by A.M. Halford
Photographic Heart is the eighth book in the Itáyu Lake series, and we have Brannon's story. He is the nephew of the two angelic aunts who have featured in previous books. He has had his vision and knows he will meet his mate soon, and a rough idea of where, hence why he is back at Itáyu Lake. Kyle has been sent to the Lake by a friend, who knows his friend will love the scenery there.

This was a well told story, making it an excellent addition to the series. This Lake is so well known by now, the author is able to concentrate on the connections between the mates, and everyone else who lives there. With lighthearted moments as well as heartbreaking ones, this book has something for everyone.

I would recommend reading this series from the start, just so you know who is with who! A great read, and recommended by me.

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

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments, #2)
City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments, #2)
Cassandra Clare | 2008 | Paranormal, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
8.4 (37 Ratings)
Book Rating
Book 2 in the Mortal Instruments series carries on where Book 1 left off but you are given a little breather before the action starts.

The story continues with Valentine trying to do his evil dude stuff and pretty much succeeding; Jace is trying to come to terms with who his father is, who he really is and his feelings for Clary; and Clary is also trying to do the same as Jace but also coping with the fact that her mother is in a coma with little or no chance of recovery especially seeing as she's in a mundane hospital!

All of the characters continue to have depth and grow in this book and there are enough twists and turns to still keep you gripped. This series is turning out to be absolutely fantastic and I don't see why it should be limited to the Young Adult genre!!!

I am glad that I have seen the film City of Bones but only because every time I read one of the character's names I get a image flash in my mind! YUM! Really enjoying this series and off to Book 3.
  
Dogs + Faith = An Inspiring book!

I have read all the books in the Independence Island series so far and have been enchanted by their realistic approaches to life and the way they each uniquely emphasize our need for a Savior. Tabitha Bouldin is a new to me author that I so glad to have found through this series. I LOVED the way she showed faith through her characters, the struggles of any small business, and her commitment to showing the realities of life. Melody and Zeke played so well off each other and were a great combination. Mishaps off the Mainland is one of my favorite stories so far in the Independence Island series and I am so looking forward to reading more books by Tabitha Bouldin (can you say going on a binge read?)

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the strong faith aspects, the relatable characters, and for leaving me thinking even after I am done with the book.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
This is the fifth installation of The Earthsea Cycle.In this book is a collection of short stories from different eras and locations within Earthsea. There are tons of links to other tales in this series throughout this book, including character crossovers. There's even a whole section on describing Earthsea at the end, giving a real in-depth history of the land and it's cultures.

I am getting a little bored with this series, but I think it's just because of how the writing has a rather archaic feel. This writing really does help create the universe, but it's just not my thing. I appreciate how effective it is in creating the world of Earthsea and immersing you in the book, though.

My favourite tale in this book is the final one, where a woman is allowed entrance into Roke School. I'm interested in seeing if equality returns to Earthsea - women with power are looked down upon, whereas sorcerers, wizards and especially mages are respected for their power.

I will stil finish reading this series, despite not loving it as much as I maybe should. 3 stars.
  
City of Heavenly Fire
City of Heavenly Fire
Cassandra Clare | 2015 | Children
3
8.4 (19 Ratings)
Book Rating
164 of 250
Book
City of Heavenly Fire ( mortal Instruments book 6)
By Cassandra Clare

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

Shadowhunters and demons square off for the sixth and final book in the internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series from Cassandra Clare.

Discover more secrets about the Shadowhunters as they fight to protect the world from demons in the final book in the internationally bestselling series. Darkness has descended on the Shadowhunter world. Clary, Jace, Simon, and their friends band together to fight the greatest evil they have ever faced...


I honestly don’t know why I stick with this series and this was just so hard to plow through. The reason I did is I came so far I needed to see it through. I skimmed most of it I was so so sick of hearing clary and Jace debate touching each other or brooding over Sebastian. I don’t see why they are so popular but hey each to their own and I’d never discourage young readers from trying them!
For me I’m glad it’s over and I will not be keeping them on my bookshelves.
  
Shifter Woods: Growl (Esposito County Shifters #3)
Shifter Woods: Growl (Esposito County Shifters #3)
Nicola M. Cameron | 2022 | Paranormal, Romance
10
8.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!


This is book number 3 of the Esposito county shifters series. Although it belongs to a series I feel it can be read as a stand-alone as you can understand what each character is to the story. I haven't read any of the other books in this series but I am interested in looking into reading the others.


I like Nicola as an author whatever she is doing in a story she seems to give with all her heart and make you feel that character's story.


This is a very steamy story with a lot of intimacy so if you blush easily then this is not a book for you! If you don't, go for it! I guarantee you will enjoy! It also has the element of danger and suspense with a bit of magic in there too.


I recommend it highly.


** 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. *