Search
Search results
Merissa (12894 KP) rated Reap This Three: Getting Back Mine (Oh So Happy Holidays #3) in Books
Nov 30, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2023)
REAP THIS THREE: GETTING BACK MINE is the third and final book in the Oh So Happy Holidays series. I would definitely read this as a series, or at the very least, read book 1 before this - which is the beginning of Seamus and Mine's story.
In the seemingly hopeless quest to get back Mine, we travel to the past, once to the time of the Witch Trials, and then further back to before the places we know even exist.
For me, this book is split into parts - Before, Witch Trials, Beginning, and After. If I'm being completely honest (which I always am in my reviews), I loved Before, adored and cried at the Witch Trials, enjoyed Beginning, and smiled at After. Make of that what you will!
I'm really REALLY hoping for more. I don't know if I'm quite ready to let go of Seamus, Mine, and family. The ending didn't leave me with a feeling of finality, so who knows? Maybe if I whinge and whine at Mr Jadison, he may relent. But then, I felt the same way after books one AND two, so maybe I'm just very greedy *grabby hands*!
A brilliant story and series that I have thoroughly enjoyed, and have no hesitation at all in recommending!
** 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!
Nov 30, 2021
In the seemingly hopeless quest to get back Mine, we travel to the past, once to the time of the Witch Trials, and then further back to before the places we know even exist.
For me, this book is split into parts - Before, Witch Trials, Beginning, and After. If I'm being completely honest (which I always am in my reviews), I loved Before, adored and cried at the Witch Trials, enjoyed Beginning, and smiled at After. Make of that what you will!
I'm really REALLY hoping for more. I don't know if I'm quite ready to let go of Seamus, Mine, and family. The ending didn't leave me with a feeling of finality, so who knows? Maybe if I whinge and whine at Mr Jadison, he may relent. But then, I felt the same way after books one AND two, so maybe I'm just very greedy *grabby hands*!
A brilliant story and series that I have thoroughly enjoyed, and have no hesitation at all in recommending!
** 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!
Nov 30, 2021
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Murder at the Majestic Hotel in Books
Jul 14, 2023 (Updated Jul 14, 2023)
Honeymoon Interrupted but a Not So Sweet Death
This book picks up a couple of days after the third book ended. The newly married Stella and Lyndy have just arrived in York for their honeymoon, but they discover that, despite their reservation for the honeymoon suite, it has been taken by someone else for the night. The interloper is Horace Wingrove, owner of England’s most popular chocolate company. The next morning, Wingrove is dead, and Stella and Lyndy can’t help but worry that this might have been their fate had their reservation been honored. But Stella sees a few things that don’t quite make sense to her. Will she figure out what is really going on?
If you haven’t read this series yet, be aware that this book spoils some of the previous book in the series. It only makes sense considering what happened and how close in time this book is to the previous one. The plot seemed to wander a bit before it came into focus, but once it did, I was hooked, and things made sense at the end. While I enjoyed seeing Stella and Lyndy’s relationship continue to grow, I did miss some of the other regulars and the complications they bring. But the characters we did get to meet are good. The multiple viewpoint narration is great at bringing us the story as always. I also enjoyed the little bit of real history that is twisted into the plot. Fans of historical mysteries will be glad they picked up this series.
If you haven’t read this series yet, be aware that this book spoils some of the previous book in the series. It only makes sense considering what happened and how close in time this book is to the previous one. The plot seemed to wander a bit before it came into focus, but once it did, I was hooked, and things made sense at the end. While I enjoyed seeing Stella and Lyndy’s relationship continue to grow, I did miss some of the other regulars and the complications they bring. But the characters we did get to meet are good. The multiple viewpoint narration is great at bringing us the story as always. I also enjoyed the little bit of real history that is twisted into the plot. Fans of historical mysteries will be glad they picked up this series.
Merissa (12894 KP) rated Blood Ties (Monsters of London #2) in Books
Mar 11, 2025
BLOOD TIES is the second book in the Monsters of London series and absolutely needs to be read as the series not as a standalone. We continue the story with Drew making his escape and meeting up with Kieran, and Sam and Adam dancing around each other.
WHAT. A. STORY! It just gets better! I loved how Drew was the biggest but also the softest cinnamon roll you'll ever see. The relationship between the three of them was so well written - all of them were so concerned about not being in the way of the others. I was glad when Adam stepped up. Before they get jiggy with it though, there is so much tenderness, touches, and heartfelt looks, that my heart just melted.
The overarching story moves on and becomes even more in-depth and layered. You still don't know the half of it, but what you do know makes it clearer. Kieran and Lucien are still big players, with Kieran becoming even bigger by the end of the book, which made perfect sense to me. I am absolutely loving this series. Not only does it have outstanding main characters, but the side characters are also amazing, adding their own flair to the scenes.
I can't wait for the next book. This was outstanding and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY ME.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 4, 2024
WHAT. A. STORY! It just gets better! I loved how Drew was the biggest but also the softest cinnamon roll you'll ever see. The relationship between the three of them was so well written - all of them were so concerned about not being in the way of the others. I was glad when Adam stepped up. Before they get jiggy with it though, there is so much tenderness, touches, and heartfelt looks, that my heart just melted.
The overarching story moves on and becomes even more in-depth and layered. You still don't know the half of it, but what you do know makes it clearer. Kieran and Lucien are still big players, with Kieran becoming even bigger by the end of the book, which made perfect sense to me. I am absolutely loving this series. Not only does it have outstanding main characters, but the side characters are also amazing, adding their own flair to the scenes.
I can't wait for the next book. This was outstanding and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY ME.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 4, 2024
Kyera (8 KP) rated Clockwork Prince in Books
Jan 31, 2018
The Infernal Devices continues with the second book in the series, Clockwork Prince. The story continues not long after the events of Clockwork Angel and takes place in the now familiar London. In retrospect, I realize that there is not a lot of action in these books. While there are some fantastically written scenes, there are a lot less active, fighting elements than in her other series. For example, you frequently see the characters of the Dark Artifices either training or fighting demons - yet that doesn't happen very often in the Infernal Devices.
As I've re-read this series, I've come to appreciate just how character driven these novels are. While there is action, most of the scenes focus on the characters themselves. You delve deeper into Will's psyche as he continues to push everyone away and wonders if the mask he wears will soon become who he is. You watch as Jem struggles with his illness and how much those around him mean to him. You understand Tessa's struggle to understand who, and what, she is. You feel for Charlotte's struggle for the Institute and the distraction of her husband.
Even though the series is a work of fiction, it just feels real and I believe that that is the mark of a fantastic novel. You connect with the characters and go on this emotional journey with them. As they learn about themselves, grow, change, learn, love and lose - you also feel that you have been affected. Each and every character is further developed in this novel, which I think is the strongest aspect of Clockwork Prince. Tessa, Jem and Will are some of my favourite fictional characters from all of the books that I've read.
I do feel that this book falls prey, to a small degree, to the curse of the second book - which being a bridge between the first and final books in the series can be lacking. Cassandra Clare moved the plot along, allowed us and the characters to discover new information, but overall not a lot happened. I still loved this book, but it was not quite as good as Clockwork Angel and likely won't be anywhere near as good as Clockwork Princess (proclaimed by many to be the best conclusion).
I highly recommend this series to fans of fantasy, who enjoy character driven plots and immerse worlds. Of course, you must read Clockwork Angel first as this is a series and the book would not entirely make sense otherwise.
As I've re-read this series, I've come to appreciate just how character driven these novels are. While there is action, most of the scenes focus on the characters themselves. You delve deeper into Will's psyche as he continues to push everyone away and wonders if the mask he wears will soon become who he is. You watch as Jem struggles with his illness and how much those around him mean to him. You understand Tessa's struggle to understand who, and what, she is. You feel for Charlotte's struggle for the Institute and the distraction of her husband.
Even though the series is a work of fiction, it just feels real and I believe that that is the mark of a fantastic novel. You connect with the characters and go on this emotional journey with them. As they learn about themselves, grow, change, learn, love and lose - you also feel that you have been affected. Each and every character is further developed in this novel, which I think is the strongest aspect of Clockwork Prince. Tessa, Jem and Will are some of my favourite fictional characters from all of the books that I've read.
I do feel that this book falls prey, to a small degree, to the curse of the second book - which being a bridge between the first and final books in the series can be lacking. Cassandra Clare moved the plot along, allowed us and the characters to discover new information, but overall not a lot happened. I still loved this book, but it was not quite as good as Clockwork Angel and likely won't be anywhere near as good as Clockwork Princess (proclaimed by many to be the best conclusion).
I highly recommend this series to fans of fantasy, who enjoy character driven plots and immerse worlds. Of course, you must read Clockwork Angel first as this is a series and the book would not entirely make sense otherwise.
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated The Spectacular World of Waldorf: Mr. Waldorf Travels to the Wild State of Alaska in Books
Feb 15, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
This is a great book for young readers. This is good for parents to help struggling readers with this book. It teaches about the places around the USA and the World. This one get you to explore Alaska and it wild life. If your family or children are into animals, this would be a good book for them.
The pictures are done wonderfully. The author will get readers engaged with this set of book. I got the 4 books that's are out for this series. Your children will learn about the state of Alaska. The author does wonderful giving you different things in this book. The way the author has Mr. Waldorf travel in this book makes it quite run and enjoyable.
This is good for adventurous children. The pup in the book whose name is Mr. Waldorf seem to lose this reading glasses. Your children will laugh and learn at the same time. To me the age is good for children as young as age 3 to beginner readers.
The pictures are done wonderfully. The author will get readers engaged with this set of book. I got the 4 books that's are out for this series. Your children will learn about the state of Alaska. The author does wonderful giving you different things in this book. The way the author has Mr. Waldorf travel in this book makes it quite run and enjoyable.
This is good for adventurous children. The pup in the book whose name is Mr. Waldorf seem to lose this reading glasses. Your children will laugh and learn at the same time. To me the age is good for children as young as age 3 to beginner readers.
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels, Vol 2: The Borrowed Bracelet in Books
Aug 30, 2018
The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels book is about another moral lesson that we need to teach lesson. This story about an borrowed bracelet but do your children or child know the different between borrowing and stealing?
This story plot put Michael in a predicament. Does he know the different or not? You will see that he does something he thinks is justified as he not harming anyone one and has learned lesson about what did in book one. If you have not that is a good book to read a well and is the beginning of the series.
Tony Penn does a good job with this moral lesson and bringing it out for children to learn and understand the concept. He also does it where young children can learn and enjoy the book. This is a good book for parents as well as young children and readers.
The picture are done well. I do enjoy the misadventures that the young Michael goes though. I can see young children learning from this book and the moral lesson behind the book.
This story plot put Michael in a predicament. Does he know the different or not? You will see that he does something he thinks is justified as he not harming anyone one and has learned lesson about what did in book one. If you have not that is a good book to read a well and is the beginning of the series.
Tony Penn does a good job with this moral lesson and bringing it out for children to learn and understand the concept. He also does it where young children can learn and enjoy the book. This is a good book for parents as well as young children and readers.
The picture are done well. I do enjoy the misadventures that the young Michael goes though. I can see young children learning from this book and the moral lesson behind the book.
Cumberland (1142 KP) rated It's Not Summer Without You (Summer, #2) in Books
Nov 1, 2018
An Excellent Second Book
This book does a great job of showing the characters emotions as they go through hard times. All of them are suffering from the loss of Susannah, and all of the characters express themselves in very different ways.
Belly made a lot of good and bad decisions in this book, but overall she has grown a lot as a character. The first book was mainly about her love life, and while that still plays an important role; In this book she is more concerned with helping the people she cares about.
A great addition to this book were the chapters in Jeremiah's point of view. Jeremiah sees Belly differently than she sees herself, and it's nice to get his perspective on things.
Ive finished the first two books, and I still can't decide if I like Conrad. I don't think he's a very honest character; however I did enjoy seeing Belly learn more about him and herself. This is a great series, and I can't wait to read the next book.
Belly made a lot of good and bad decisions in this book, but overall she has grown a lot as a character. The first book was mainly about her love life, and while that still plays an important role; In this book she is more concerned with helping the people she cares about.
A great addition to this book were the chapters in Jeremiah's point of view. Jeremiah sees Belly differently than she sees herself, and it's nice to get his perspective on things.
Ive finished the first two books, and I still can't decide if I like Conrad. I don't think he's a very honest character; however I did enjoy seeing Belly learn more about him and herself. This is a great series, and I can't wait to read the next book.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated The Blessing (The Amish Cooking Class #2) in Books
Jun 18, 2018
The Blessing by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the second book in the series The Amish cooking class. In the first book Heidi and Lyle open their home up at the Troyer Amish Farm for cooking classes that Heidi teaches. In this second book Heidi teaches were second cooking class. I read the Brunstetter's first book in The Amish cooking class series and this book did not disappoint.
Just like the first book, Heidi's students in The Blessing are facing a variety of needs. Aa young teenage who is struggling with life after her mother, an alcoholic, abandon her family. A mailman who wants to learn to cook. A wife who's husband is a policeman and gives her this gift to learn to cook. A caterer who wants to learn new recipes for her business and a hunter who wants to learn to cook for his buddies. The story bring in some of the characters from the first book in the series, which is an added bonus to see how the first set of doing are doing.
Heidi seems to be a compassionate and thoughtful young woman, with a good sense of humor who genuinely loves sharing her love of cooking and of God with her students. It is heartwarming to see how Heidi is able to reach her students hearts when they are suffering, particularly teenage Nicole, who is struggling with forgiving her mother for leaving the family.
At the classes Heidi teaches her student to cook good Amish food and always sends them home with a Bible verse on the back of the recipe card. The story shows how each person needs something in there lives and Heidi is able to help them.
The story has feelings of hope, love, friendship, forgiveness and trust in God. Heidi shares a scripture with each of her recipe cards. This touching story left me wanting for more. I hope there will be more additions to her Cooking Class series. The stories are uplifting and enjoyable to read.
I received an ARC from Shiloh Run Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Just like the first book, Heidi's students in The Blessing are facing a variety of needs. Aa young teenage who is struggling with life after her mother, an alcoholic, abandon her family. A mailman who wants to learn to cook. A wife who's husband is a policeman and gives her this gift to learn to cook. A caterer who wants to learn new recipes for her business and a hunter who wants to learn to cook for his buddies. The story bring in some of the characters from the first book in the series, which is an added bonus to see how the first set of doing are doing.
Heidi seems to be a compassionate and thoughtful young woman, with a good sense of humor who genuinely loves sharing her love of cooking and of God with her students. It is heartwarming to see how Heidi is able to reach her students hearts when they are suffering, particularly teenage Nicole, who is struggling with forgiving her mother for leaving the family.
At the classes Heidi teaches her student to cook good Amish food and always sends them home with a Bible verse on the back of the recipe card. The story shows how each person needs something in there lives and Heidi is able to help them.
The story has feelings of hope, love, friendship, forgiveness and trust in God. Heidi shares a scripture with each of her recipe cards. This touching story left me wanting for more. I hope there will be more additions to her Cooking Class series. The stories are uplifting and enjoyable to read.
I received an ARC from Shiloh Run Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles, #2) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series, Cinder. The plot moved along much more quickly and it didn't take me as long to get hooked in to the story. There are a bunch of new characters added in this book... Scarlet (little red riding hood) & Wolf (the bog bad wolf) being the two main additions. The 2 classic fairy tales mesh well together & add more interest along with several unexpected plot twists.
I'm going to stop this review now so I can get started with Cress. The only problem I have now is that the fourth & final book doesn't come out for a year!!!
I'm going to stop this review now so I can get started with Cress. The only problem I have now is that the fourth & final book doesn't come out for a year!!!
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Never Never (Detective Harriet Blue, #1) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
This is not the best James Patterson book I've ever read. I figured out the bad guy about halfway through the book and was not surprised. HOWEVER, I enjoyed this book significantly more than many other JP books I've read, because of the characters. I absolutely love Detective Harriet Blue, I think she's amazing and hilarious and a sarcastic ass and I love it. I love the development, the confusion, the raw emotion. I love the game the bad guy is playing the whole way through.
Definitely going to continue with this series, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a kick-ass heroine cop as the protagonist.
Definitely going to continue with this series, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a kick-ass heroine cop as the protagonist.