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BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Luther and Katharina: A Novel of Love and Rebellion in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Amidst the flames of the Reformation, the bonds of love become an overpowering force.
The year is 1523, Martin Luther's teaching have slipped into the abbey were Sister Katharina von Bora resides. His words are powerful and awakens the desire for marriage and a family in Katharina. She leads a handful of nuns in an escape from the abbey, to forsake their vows and follow Doctor Luther. Danger follows the sisters and Abbott Baltazar will stop at nothing to see the nuns returned and punished for their sinful ways. Doctor Luther protects the sisters and finds them husbands and homes to begin a new life. All the while steadfast in his vow to remain single. Katharina and Martin are as opposite as can be, yet they are drawn together despite the never ending tension. Little does he know that the fiery sister who led these brave nuns to freedom would steal his heart. Katharina is of noble birth however, and longs to return to her social class and regal way of life. Will she be able to put aside her stubborn desires for true love? Will Doctor Luther be able to forsake his vow of isolation? When life is at its darkest, love triumphs through it all.
I will begin by saying that I can not believe the historical accuracy of this book. I was eager to read the author's note and was surprised to find that most of the events highlighted actually happened! I was shocked to learn about the workings of the church of the time. And understand a little better why Martin Luther was so passionate about the Reformation. Luther and Katharina is a story of true and passionate love (details are heated but remain tasteful as in all of Jody's books). My interest has been piqued to learn more about this time period. Doctor Luther and Katharina are two people to be admired and honored. In the face of adversity they lived by their convictions and I believe the world is a better place because of them. This is a work of fiction and creative liberties were taken, but the overall story remains true to history. Jody Hedlund earned my complete admiration a long time ago, and she continues to deliver incredible books! Order pizza for the family and take a break from the housework, this one will have you reading late into the night.
I received a free Advanced Reading Copy of Luther and Katharina from Blogging for Books in exchange form my honest review. Published by Waterbrook Press.
The year is 1523, Martin Luther's teaching have slipped into the abbey were Sister Katharina von Bora resides. His words are powerful and awakens the desire for marriage and a family in Katharina. She leads a handful of nuns in an escape from the abbey, to forsake their vows and follow Doctor Luther. Danger follows the sisters and Abbott Baltazar will stop at nothing to see the nuns returned and punished for their sinful ways. Doctor Luther protects the sisters and finds them husbands and homes to begin a new life. All the while steadfast in his vow to remain single. Katharina and Martin are as opposite as can be, yet they are drawn together despite the never ending tension. Little does he know that the fiery sister who led these brave nuns to freedom would steal his heart. Katharina is of noble birth however, and longs to return to her social class and regal way of life. Will she be able to put aside her stubborn desires for true love? Will Doctor Luther be able to forsake his vow of isolation? When life is at its darkest, love triumphs through it all.
I will begin by saying that I can not believe the historical accuracy of this book. I was eager to read the author's note and was surprised to find that most of the events highlighted actually happened! I was shocked to learn about the workings of the church of the time. And understand a little better why Martin Luther was so passionate about the Reformation. Luther and Katharina is a story of true and passionate love (details are heated but remain tasteful as in all of Jody's books). My interest has been piqued to learn more about this time period. Doctor Luther and Katharina are two people to be admired and honored. In the face of adversity they lived by their convictions and I believe the world is a better place because of them. This is a work of fiction and creative liberties were taken, but the overall story remains true to history. Jody Hedlund earned my complete admiration a long time ago, and she continues to deliver incredible books! Order pizza for the family and take a break from the housework, this one will have you reading late into the night.
I received a free Advanced Reading Copy of Luther and Katharina from Blogging for Books in exchange form my honest review. Published by Waterbrook Press.
BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Red Storm (Sleeper #2) in Books
Sep 24, 2020
This time, we have a similar vibe as to the first part, all the story is still set during World War II, but this story has different goals. The protagonist of this novel is still Will, but in this book, we have a second person, adding to the story. I really liked Rose’s story, I think it is really sinister and very intriguing, and I really liked reading about her. This novel keeps some of the earlier characters, but at the same time, it adds a very wide variety of new characters. I think it is really needed because the mortality rate is very high in this book. Will is still my favourite, even though his assassin skills keep improving, his near-death experiences are even more extreme, he still has this charm about him and whatever he does. This book always keeps me on the edge.
I really liked the way J.D turned the narrative of this book. We still have the same historical war feeling, but at the same time, this novel has a lot of futuristic aspects. I like it, but it makes me wonder, what is going to happen in the next book because at the moment I prefer that historical feeling over lasers and fancy spaceships… There is already plenty of those kinds of books.
The plot of this book never stays still, Will keeps running and the action never stops. Every chapter has something new, unexpected turns and twists didn’t allow me to get comfortable with a particular scenario, and that’s what kept me glued to this book. I am pretty sure that the reader could understand what is going on without reading the first part, but to fully understand Will’s and other character’s backgrounds, I would recommend reading the first book as well.
The writing style didn’t change much, it is still very well researched, detailed but at the same time easy and pleasant to read. The chapters are pretty short and fly pretty fast. I really liked that the author chose different settings for the book, I liked reading about different countries and it’s people. The ending is concluding this part very nicely but at the same time left me very curious and intrigued by the upcoming books.
So, to conclude, if you like spy stories, filled with action, great characters and incredible adventures, you have to read this book! I really hope that one day the movies will be made because these books are perfect for the big screen. This is one of my favourite series, and I can’t wait to read the next Enjoy!
I really liked the way J.D turned the narrative of this book. We still have the same historical war feeling, but at the same time, this novel has a lot of futuristic aspects. I like it, but it makes me wonder, what is going to happen in the next book because at the moment I prefer that historical feeling over lasers and fancy spaceships… There is already plenty of those kinds of books.
The plot of this book never stays still, Will keeps running and the action never stops. Every chapter has something new, unexpected turns and twists didn’t allow me to get comfortable with a particular scenario, and that’s what kept me glued to this book. I am pretty sure that the reader could understand what is going on without reading the first part, but to fully understand Will’s and other character’s backgrounds, I would recommend reading the first book as well.
The writing style didn’t change much, it is still very well researched, detailed but at the same time easy and pleasant to read. The chapters are pretty short and fly pretty fast. I really liked that the author chose different settings for the book, I liked reading about different countries and it’s people. The ending is concluding this part very nicely but at the same time left me very curious and intrigued by the upcoming books.
So, to conclude, if you like spy stories, filled with action, great characters and incredible adventures, you have to read this book! I really hope that one day the movies will be made because these books are perfect for the big screen. This is one of my favourite series, and I can’t wait to read the next Enjoy!
Merissa (12995 KP) rated Zero Chance (The Seven #5) in Books
Jun 13, 2025
ZERO CHANCE is the fifth book in The Seven series, and it's the turn of incorrigible flirt, Keene. We got a glimpse of him and Waverley at the end of Just This Once (Parker and Hope's story), and this carries on from there. I would absolutely recommend you read the prior books in this series, simply because they are all outstanding!
Anyway, Waverley is Library Girl, invisible to most, but unfortunately, not to Xander, who insists on befriending Waverley. I loved Xander for that, as she was just what Waverley needed, even when she didn't think so. Waverley was also not invisible to Keene, even when she wanted to be. Nope, instead, he would irritate and aggravate her at every turn, but what he wouldn't do was flirt with her. Even though he flirted with anything that moved! So when Waverley seizes the day to find out what the fuss is all about, the game is on.
I loved every moment of this book. Waverley has had a sh!tty life up until now. From r@pe at a very young age, to a su!cide attempt, to an overbearing mother and a standoffish father, it all sucks. The thing I loved about this, though, was that everything had a reason. Her parents weren't helicopter parents for no reason, and Waverley understood that, even if it annoyed her.
And Keene, oh, man. This dude about killed me. He has been the loud flirt all the way through the series, and finally seeing what makes him tick was wonderful. He is absolutely the right person for Waverley, the same as she is for him. These two perfectly complement each other, which means they can both deal with the darkness better.
I will give a Kleenex warning, though! As with most books in this series, if not all of them so far, I ended up with leaking eyes. This is a good thing as it means I've connected with the characters. But it's also a bad thing, as it means I have to stop reading to stop the blurring.
So, so good. I loved every word and can't wait for Thane's book. I'll give Xander and Alec some space as I know she still needs some time. But Thane! Come on!!
In case you haven't figured it out yet, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and the series. Love it!
** 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!
Jun 4, 2025
Anyway, Waverley is Library Girl, invisible to most, but unfortunately, not to Xander, who insists on befriending Waverley. I loved Xander for that, as she was just what Waverley needed, even when she didn't think so. Waverley was also not invisible to Keene, even when she wanted to be. Nope, instead, he would irritate and aggravate her at every turn, but what he wouldn't do was flirt with her. Even though he flirted with anything that moved! So when Waverley seizes the day to find out what the fuss is all about, the game is on.
I loved every moment of this book. Waverley has had a sh!tty life up until now. From r@pe at a very young age, to a su!cide attempt, to an overbearing mother and a standoffish father, it all sucks. The thing I loved about this, though, was that everything had a reason. Her parents weren't helicopter parents for no reason, and Waverley understood that, even if it annoyed her.
And Keene, oh, man. This dude about killed me. He has been the loud flirt all the way through the series, and finally seeing what makes him tick was wonderful. He is absolutely the right person for Waverley, the same as she is for him. These two perfectly complement each other, which means they can both deal with the darkness better.
I will give a Kleenex warning, though! As with most books in this series, if not all of them so far, I ended up with leaking eyes. This is a good thing as it means I've connected with the characters. But it's also a bad thing, as it means I have to stop reading to stop the blurring.
So, so good. I loved every word and can't wait for Thane's book. I'll give Xander and Alec some space as I know she still needs some time. But Thane! Come on!!
In case you haven't figured it out yet, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and the series. Love it!
** 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!
Jun 4, 2025
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Haunted (Harrison Investigation, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
I picked up Haunted after I had finished [b:The Seance|959245|The Seance (Harrison Investigation, #5)|Heather Graham|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255876724s/959245.jpg|944150], and I was unaware that they both feature Adam and Harrison Investigations. I'm all set to read [b:The Vision|731809|The Vision (Harrison Investigation, #3)|Heather Graham|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1177781638s/731809.jpg|717999] that I just picked up from the library. Even though I've completely juggled around the order of when they were written, it's lucky for me that they are standalones. In the prologue it gave background information about Adam's son, Josh, who was mentioned just briefly in The Seance, and he plays a big part in this book, so I was happy to find out all that information before I get to next book that features Harrison Investigations.
Now to get to the main story in Haunted...
Even though with the way Darcy was written you would think she was a Mary-Sue, she wasn't and I liked her just fine. Now Matt on the other hand, well he was a jerk, plain and simple. I never could like him much and that detracted a lot from the book. It seems that Heather Graham must make the male lead a hard-core skeptic that just will not believe (until the end of course) in anything paranormal and thinks the female lead is crazy or delusional or something. It would be nice if it was reversed or if maybe, just maybe, the hero is open-minded enough to say, well maybe there is 'something' out there that cannot be proven. *gasp* Is that even possible? Can a hero ever truly be open-minded? Not in these books. He has to be so narrow-minded that his thought-blocks must fit neatly into their right-shaped holes (e.g. triangle block into triangle hole, etc.).
I really enjoyed the whole Darcy/Josh/Adam/Ghost hunting thing. I thought the author did a good job describing how Darcy went about finding out about the ghosts and that's what made this book good. I really did like Darcy a lot and she was a sympathetic character who stood up for herself and acted like an adult with poise and class (unlike some other character I could mention). The mystery did keep me guessing because I was never quite sure who the ghost was or what had happened, although I had narrowed down who was behind everything to two people, leaning more on the actual culprit (yay me!), for lack of suspects. So overall, the mystery was very good, though I wish Ms. Graham would bring in more people so it isn't as easy to figure out. All in all, not as good as The Seance, but a good and entertaining read.
3.5 stars
I forgot to mention that there were tons of editing problems, which seem to be a mainstay in H.G.'s books. Once Clint's name is changed to Cliff and Josh was referred to as Matt, plus numerous other things that cropped up everywhere.
Now to get to the main story in Haunted...
Even though with the way Darcy was written you would think she was a Mary-Sue, she wasn't and I liked her just fine. Now Matt on the other hand, well he was a jerk, plain and simple. I never could like him much and that detracted a lot from the book. It seems that Heather Graham must make the male lead a hard-core skeptic that just will not believe (until the end of course) in anything paranormal and thinks the female lead is crazy or delusional or something. It would be nice if it was reversed or if maybe, just maybe, the hero is open-minded enough to say, well maybe there is 'something' out there that cannot be proven. *gasp* Is that even possible? Can a hero ever truly be open-minded? Not in these books. He has to be so narrow-minded that his thought-blocks must fit neatly into their right-shaped holes (e.g. triangle block into triangle hole, etc.).
I really enjoyed the whole Darcy/Josh/Adam/Ghost hunting thing. I thought the author did a good job describing how Darcy went about finding out about the ghosts and that's what made this book good. I really did like Darcy a lot and she was a sympathetic character who stood up for herself and acted like an adult with poise and class (unlike some other character I could mention). The mystery did keep me guessing because I was never quite sure who the ghost was or what had happened, although I had narrowed down who was behind everything to two people, leaning more on the actual culprit (yay me!), for lack of suspects. So overall, the mystery was very good, though I wish Ms. Graham would bring in more people so it isn't as easy to figure out. All in all, not as good as The Seance, but a good and entertaining read.
3.5 stars
I forgot to mention that there were tons of editing problems, which seem to be a mainstay in H.G.'s books. Once Clint's name is changed to Cliff and Josh was referred to as Matt, plus numerous other things that cropped up everywhere.
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated Mending Fences (The Deacon's Family #1) in Books
Mar 8, 2019
I am sure if you have read Suzanne Woods Fishers book or a few you may have read a book about Luke Schrock in one of her books. Then you ran into Stoney Ridge community. I know I did. It nice to see Luke and see if he make it in the world.
He is mentioned in the “The Queting” in the Bishop series. This book is mostly about Luke and him making amends. Though we meet someone new named Issy? Luke seem to want to be friends with this girl that at windmill farm.
There seems to be a story behind Issy and we get her side and Luke's. Will Luke be able to help Issy? What is really behind Issy and her looking for her mother? I can say you will be surprised to find out how David and his family and Amos Lapp stories or past are connected. There seems to be mystery to Chris and Jenny Yoder.
We follow Luke on his journey though this book. I really think this is book about redemption and learning to trust god. Will Issy and Luke get together? We see Fern and Amo's health and their lives and how they add other trouble children to stay with them.
He is mentioned in the “The Queting” in the Bishop series. This book is mostly about Luke and him making amends. Though we meet someone new named Issy? Luke seem to want to be friends with this girl that at windmill farm.
There seems to be a story behind Issy and we get her side and Luke's. Will Luke be able to help Issy? What is really behind Issy and her looking for her mother? I can say you will be surprised to find out how David and his family and Amos Lapp stories or past are connected. There seems to be mystery to Chris and Jenny Yoder.
We follow Luke on his journey though this book. I really think this is book about redemption and learning to trust god. Will Issy and Luke get together? We see Fern and Amo's health and their lives and how they add other trouble children to stay with them.
Jeremy King (346 KP) rated Tolkien (2019) in Movies
May 16, 2019
Ok lets just come out and say i have enjoyed JRR Tolkien's work since i was 13, I remember going to a used book store looking for comics and D&D. The old man said here check this out and showed me a boxset of books LOTR. He said if I buy them he would throw in the Hobbit. Ok here is $3.00. I am 44, still have them and my kids each have a set as well. Ok enough of that back to the film.
I went in think this is going to be about how he came up with the stories and that kind of stuff. WOW how I was wrong it was about his life as boy to man and ends with him starting to write the Hobbit.
It can be slow at times but i enjoyed it. I would even watch it a couple of more times. Sound was great, acting was great, the shots were great.
Saying that i think it will not be in theater long but i am sure it will win awards. People wont see it as a movie about friends, love, war but just a the creator of hibbits and that is a shame.
GO SEE IT
I went in think this is going to be about how he came up with the stories and that kind of stuff. WOW how I was wrong it was about his life as boy to man and ends with him starting to write the Hobbit.
It can be slow at times but i enjoyed it. I would even watch it a couple of more times. Sound was great, acting was great, the shots were great.
Saying that i think it will not be in theater long but i am sure it will win awards. People wont see it as a movie about friends, love, war but just a the creator of hibbits and that is a shame.
GO SEE IT
Janeeny (200 KP) rated Making Magic in Books
May 16, 2019
I receivef an ARV of this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
As a Pagan, and a dabbler in Wicca I’m always keen to learn other forms of practice and sometimes pick up other things to use in my rituals. So I was keen to read 'Making Magic' as the blurb sets it as “welcoming guide to accessing your magic and creating a spiritual path that is all your own”
It does just that, each chapter talks about an aspect of magic and gives you an idea and an example of ritual.
The concept isn’t anything new, but the rituals are pared down to the very basics. although it does suggest using certain talismans and trinkets they are not necesarry and each ritual can be brought right back down to nature. That was actually what I liked most about this book, the very basic nature of the rituals.
Most other books on practicing Paganism talk about ‘summoning your circle' or 'calling the corners', for someone like me that sometimes struggles with this kind of visualisation I was quite pleased to see that the ritual preperations in this book were just two cleansing breaths; In and Out. This is something which I shall definitly be adding to my own little pot pourri of paganism.
As a Pagan, and a dabbler in Wicca I’m always keen to learn other forms of practice and sometimes pick up other things to use in my rituals. So I was keen to read 'Making Magic' as the blurb sets it as “welcoming guide to accessing your magic and creating a spiritual path that is all your own”
It does just that, each chapter talks about an aspect of magic and gives you an idea and an example of ritual.
The concept isn’t anything new, but the rituals are pared down to the very basics. although it does suggest using certain talismans and trinkets they are not necesarry and each ritual can be brought right back down to nature. That was actually what I liked most about this book, the very basic nature of the rituals.
Most other books on practicing Paganism talk about ‘summoning your circle' or 'calling the corners', for someone like me that sometimes struggles with this kind of visualisation I was quite pleased to see that the ritual preperations in this book were just two cleansing breaths; In and Out. This is something which I shall definitly be adding to my own little pot pourri of paganism.
Debbiereadsbook (1454 KP) rated The Accidental Baker in Books
May 30, 2019
pure sugar!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
A short review for a short book, only 5 chapters, 64 pages, took me about 40 minutes to read.
Some chocolate eggs and bunnies escape and find their way into the lives for four men, who each find love.
This book is PURE sugar! It's so bloody SWEET, your teeth will rot but I LOVED it!
I will usually say that I prefer my books on the more explicit/sexy side, but this particular book is almost clean, just some kissing and some talk about what one character wants to do. CLEAN and I loved that it was!
I've only read another short by London, and loved that too, but now I want to read something longer, more in depth book. I like the way she spins her tales, I really do.
This book landed on my kindle at 9am. It was read by 10am. I hadn't moved out my pit, I'm full of a cold but this book made me feel a little better, about myself and the world.
So, thank you Ms London, this dollop of sugar set me up for the day!
4 solid stars.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
A short review for a short book, only 5 chapters, 64 pages, took me about 40 minutes to read.
Some chocolate eggs and bunnies escape and find their way into the lives for four men, who each find love.
This book is PURE sugar! It's so bloody SWEET, your teeth will rot but I LOVED it!
I will usually say that I prefer my books on the more explicit/sexy side, but this particular book is almost clean, just some kissing and some talk about what one character wants to do. CLEAN and I loved that it was!
I've only read another short by London, and loved that too, but now I want to read something longer, more in depth book. I like the way she spins her tales, I really do.
This book landed on my kindle at 9am. It was read by 10am. I hadn't moved out my pit, I'm full of a cold but this book made me feel a little better, about myself and the world.
So, thank you Ms London, this dollop of sugar set me up for the day!
4 solid stars.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated The One That Got Away in Books
Jun 5, 2019
The One That Got Away by Annabel Kantaria takes a terrifying peek into how you should always be cautious about meeting ex-partners at school reunions, especially that ‘one that got away’ (after a bad breakup) should you be wanting to rekindle that old flame. haha!
I’d say it is also a cautionary tale and that should make anyone considering even contemplating adultery to think twice about the consequences of playing with fire! Take George for example, who gets his fingers truly burnt when he goes after Stella despite being a married man. I loved it how he was just too conceited to see what was happening right under his very nose! But who is manipulating who? George has his own agenda.
Childhood sweethearts Stella and George have a history and they’re about to continue where it left off.
This cleverly written dark and twisted story that is probably one of the first books I have read in which I didn’t like either of the main characters, (and I think that is the point) yet I still found the story thrilling! Who to emphasise with? It’s a light read with short chapters which helped increase the speed I read this.
I’d say it is also a cautionary tale and that should make anyone considering even contemplating adultery to think twice about the consequences of playing with fire! Take George for example, who gets his fingers truly burnt when he goes after Stella despite being a married man. I loved it how he was just too conceited to see what was happening right under his very nose! But who is manipulating who? George has his own agenda.
Childhood sweethearts Stella and George have a history and they’re about to continue where it left off.
This cleverly written dark and twisted story that is probably one of the first books I have read in which I didn’t like either of the main characters, (and I think that is the point) yet I still found the story thrilling! Who to emphasise with? It’s a light read with short chapters which helped increase the speed I read this.
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated Beloved Enemy: Battle of First Bull Run (Battles of Destiny, #3) in Books
Feb 15, 2018
This book is got me hooked as soon as I started reading the Preface. This book is great for though that love the Civil War. I got this book and started reading before the other two in this series. This book is Fiction somewhat. There is some true folks from our true american History that is in this book along with some fiction folks.
This book is backed on the start of the Civil War. It starts out with Abraham Lincoln traveling to the White House. Then it goes into the Battle of Bull Run. There is some really interesting things and our history in this book. I do not want to spoil the book by giving any thing away. If you have not read this book I strongly read it. My mom is quite interested in reading the book and she barely picks up the same books as I do. If you want to read about the Civil War then I suggest that you read this book called "Beloved Enemy".
You read about the Lincons In Aungration and the Battle of Bull Run Creek and who start the Civil war.You learn about Confederate Spies and what happens to them. This is something I would recommend to everyone to read.
This book is backed on the start of the Civil War. It starts out with Abraham Lincoln traveling to the White House. Then it goes into the Battle of Bull Run. There is some really interesting things and our history in this book. I do not want to spoil the book by giving any thing away. If you have not read this book I strongly read it. My mom is quite interested in reading the book and she barely picks up the same books as I do. If you want to read about the Civil War then I suggest that you read this book called "Beloved Enemy".
You read about the Lincons In Aungration and the Battle of Bull Run Creek and who start the Civil war.You learn about Confederate Spies and what happens to them. This is something I would recommend to everyone to read.