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Merissa (12788 KP) rated Twell and the Army of Powers (Como Chronicles #1) in Books
Jun 21, 2017
Twell and the Army of Powers (Como Chronicles #1) by Kate O'Leary
Twell and the Army of Powers is the first book in the Como Chronicles. It gives us an in-depth view into the lives of those who live there, how their lives are regulated, what is forbidden, and what isn't. Twell is the main character, and the story is told from her perspective, and yet is still rounded out enough that you don't feel like you are missing out on anything.
Twell is a bit of a brat at the start of the book, and I mean that in the nicest possible way. Her character grows in ways unforeseen, by her own actions and by the 'gentle' advice from her friends. All of the characters have grit though, whether you like them or not. There is not a weak character amongst them, and they all grow and change throughout the book.
There is so much I want to say about this book, but won't in case of spoilers. Things happened that I never saw coming; my heart was broken on more than one occasion; it jumped into my mouth as I desperately held onto hope (even knowing that the author wouldn't make it so easy). The story is concise and gripping, thrilling and action-packed, ending on a cliffhanger that had me shouting out "NO!" even though I had already suspected the outcome!
This is a fantastic Young Adult Dystopian story with a dash of romance, that is guaranteed to enthral the reader. Absolutely 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!
Twell is a bit of a brat at the start of the book, and I mean that in the nicest possible way. Her character grows in ways unforeseen, by her own actions and by the 'gentle' advice from her friends. All of the characters have grit though, whether you like them or not. There is not a weak character amongst them, and they all grow and change throughout the book.
There is so much I want to say about this book, but won't in case of spoilers. Things happened that I never saw coming; my heart was broken on more than one occasion; it jumped into my mouth as I desperately held onto hope (even knowing that the author wouldn't make it so easy). The story is concise and gripping, thrilling and action-packed, ending on a cliffhanger that had me shouting out "NO!" even though I had already suspected the outcome!
This is a fantastic Young Adult Dystopian story with a dash of romance, that is guaranteed to enthral the reader. Absolutely 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!
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated All the Broken People in Books
May 22, 2019
Alice Bennett knows what it means to suffer. After burying her abusive childhood and reinventing herself, Alice is living a life she never imagined could be hers. She's married to a perfect Southern gentleman. She has a challenging job she loves--writing for a woman's magazine. But when her past comes back with a vengeance, Alice finds herself on the outs with her husband, her perfect life crumbling around her feet.
Desperate to get things back to where they were, Alice travels to the mountains of North Georgia to care for her mother-in-law who was injured in a bad fall. Her motives aren't purely altruistic; she's hoping to get back into her husband's good graces. When she arrives, Alice discovers that the fall was no accident. Alice must battle her own inner demons as she uncovers the not-so-perfect truth of her husband's past. Ugly family secrets and devious attacks from an unknown assailant threaten to kill more than just Alice's dreams.
A dark journey into the Georgia mountains where kudzu covers the landscape and a grudge can last generations.All the Broken People will leave you questioning who the good guys really are or whether they exist at all.
This is an absolutely great suspenseful thriller, a roller coaster ride of a book! I couldn't put it down! The characters were well written, the intricate plot was fascinating. Just a wonderful book!
There is plenty of suspense and surprises.
The conclusion was something I didn’t see coming which is always fun.
The author has a real sense of how to build the tension to bring out the best pieces of the plot.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this early copy!
Desperate to get things back to where they were, Alice travels to the mountains of North Georgia to care for her mother-in-law who was injured in a bad fall. Her motives aren't purely altruistic; she's hoping to get back into her husband's good graces. When she arrives, Alice discovers that the fall was no accident. Alice must battle her own inner demons as she uncovers the not-so-perfect truth of her husband's past. Ugly family secrets and devious attacks from an unknown assailant threaten to kill more than just Alice's dreams.
A dark journey into the Georgia mountains where kudzu covers the landscape and a grudge can last generations.All the Broken People will leave you questioning who the good guys really are or whether they exist at all.
This is an absolutely great suspenseful thriller, a roller coaster ride of a book! I couldn't put it down! The characters were well written, the intricate plot was fascinating. Just a wonderful book!
There is plenty of suspense and surprises.
The conclusion was something I didn’t see coming which is always fun.
The author has a real sense of how to build the tension to bring out the best pieces of the plot.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this early copy!
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Then There Was You in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Then There Was You is a story filled with heartache, regret, pain, broken dreams...and the journey that Paige and Josh must traverse to gain the healing they need in order to move on with their lives.
There is a love triangle-squareish thing going on. But tastefully done and did not make me uncomfortable or annoyed. It felt very real and a situation that is very believable. Being set in Australia and jumping back and forth from an American perspective and an Australian's it really helped the perspective of how differently cultures can be even if they speak the same language. I LOVED it! I adore learning about different cultures...Even if I was disappointed to learn a thing or two about Koalas that weren't all that great. And drop bears! Y'all better watch out for those if you ever visit the land down under!
This story depicts the amazing hand of God at work in our lives. Sometimes, the things He has for us are even greater than we ever thought possible. Even if we can't see how it could ever work out.
Both Paige and Josh let preconceived ideas influence their opinions of each other. Only through trust and removing the walls they have placed around themselves will they be able to see the truth. But when that trust is tested will everything they have built be for naught?
A touching and moving romance infused with the healing that only God can provide. Travel Down Under with Paige McAllister for the adventure of a lifetime.
I received a complimentary copy of Then There Was You from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
There is a love triangle-squareish thing going on. But tastefully done and did not make me uncomfortable or annoyed. It felt very real and a situation that is very believable. Being set in Australia and jumping back and forth from an American perspective and an Australian's it really helped the perspective of how differently cultures can be even if they speak the same language. I LOVED it! I adore learning about different cultures...Even if I was disappointed to learn a thing or two about Koalas that weren't all that great. And drop bears! Y'all better watch out for those if you ever visit the land down under!
This story depicts the amazing hand of God at work in our lives. Sometimes, the things He has for us are even greater than we ever thought possible. Even if we can't see how it could ever work out.
Both Paige and Josh let preconceived ideas influence their opinions of each other. Only through trust and removing the walls they have placed around themselves will they be able to see the truth. But when that trust is tested will everything they have built be for naught?
A touching and moving romance infused with the healing that only God can provide. Travel Down Under with Paige McAllister for the adventure of a lifetime.
I received a complimentary copy of Then There Was You from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Books
Feb 15, 2020
Harry Potter's third year at Hogwarts is full of new dangers. A convicted murderer, Sirius Black, has broken out of Azkaban prison, and it seems he's after Harry. Now Hogwarts is being patrolled by the dementors, the Azkaban guards who are hunting Sirius. But Harry can't imagine that Sirius or, for that matter, the evil Lord Voldemort could be more frightening than the dementors themselves, who have the terrible power to fill anyone they come across with aching loneliness and despair. Meanwhile, life continues as usual at Hogwarts. A top-of-the-line broom takes Harry's success at Quidditch, the sport of the Wizarding world, to new heights. A cute fourth-year student catches his eye. And he becomes close with the new Defense of the Dark Arts teacher, who was a childhood friend of his father. Yet despite the relative safety of life at Hogwarts and the best efforts of the dementors, the threat of Sirius Black grows ever closer. But if Harry has learned anything from his education in wizardry, it is that things are often not what they seem. Tragic revelations, heartwarming surprises, and high-stakes magical adventures await the boy wizard in this funny and poignant third installment of the beloved series.
--scholastic.com
You're never to old for Harry Potter! This is one of my favourite books in the series I think I've read it at least 10 times. I have one of the original copies that came out and never allow anyone but me to read them 🤣. This is the book that turns it all for me and it all becomes a little bit darker. Sirius is a character I always wished had more time with Harry! These books are just Amazing no matter what age you are!
--scholastic.com
You're never to old for Harry Potter! This is one of my favourite books in the series I think I've read it at least 10 times. I have one of the original copies that came out and never allow anyone but me to read them 🤣. This is the book that turns it all for me and it all becomes a little bit darker. Sirius is a character I always wished had more time with Harry! These books are just Amazing no matter what age you are!
John Muir and the Ice That Started a Fire: How a Visionary and the Glaciers of Alaska Changed America
Book
Now in paperback! A dual biography of two of the most compelling elements in the narrative of wild...
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Sunshine & Secrets (The Paradise Cookery School #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2021
This review and more can be found at my blog
https://aromancereadersreviews.blogspot.com
A Romance Reader's Reviews
This was a bargain ÂŁ1 book from my favourite sells-pretty-much-everything store, The Works. I'd been eyeing the book online for a while in the stores 3 for ÂŁ5 promotion they do but wasn't sure if it was something I'd enjoy as I can be really picky with my chick-lit.
Sunshine & Secrets starts with Amelia (Millie) at the airport, ready to go spend some time with her mum but instead gets a phone call from her sister with a great opportunity in St Lucia where she can help a successful chef open a Paradise Cookery School. The lady wanting to open the school has had an accident and broken her leg and can't fly out yet so Millie is left arranging the inputting of the top notch kitchen and checking the recipes the chef want to do with her clients are as good as they can be.
While on the island she meets some of the locals and people from the UK who stayed there after falling in love with the serene life. The Purple Parrot - a local bar - becomes her favourite place away from the Villa and she makes friends with its clientele, including the Villa's estate manager, Zach.
The secrets part of the title only really comes into play towards the end when it turns out some people have been using the cocoa husks of the Villa's trees for illegal deeds.
This book focused more on the food and island portion of things, whereas I would have preferred more of the romance aspect between Millie and Zach, although I understand that both characters are going to be in the next book, too. However, I don't think I will bother reading it.
https://aromancereadersreviews.blogspot.com
A Romance Reader's Reviews
This was a bargain ÂŁ1 book from my favourite sells-pretty-much-everything store, The Works. I'd been eyeing the book online for a while in the stores 3 for ÂŁ5 promotion they do but wasn't sure if it was something I'd enjoy as I can be really picky with my chick-lit.
Sunshine & Secrets starts with Amelia (Millie) at the airport, ready to go spend some time with her mum but instead gets a phone call from her sister with a great opportunity in St Lucia where she can help a successful chef open a Paradise Cookery School. The lady wanting to open the school has had an accident and broken her leg and can't fly out yet so Millie is left arranging the inputting of the top notch kitchen and checking the recipes the chef want to do with her clients are as good as they can be.
While on the island she meets some of the locals and people from the UK who stayed there after falling in love with the serene life. The Purple Parrot - a local bar - becomes her favourite place away from the Villa and she makes friends with its clientele, including the Villa's estate manager, Zach.
The secrets part of the title only really comes into play towards the end when it turns out some people have been using the cocoa husks of the Villa's trees for illegal deeds.
This book focused more on the food and island portion of things, whereas I would have preferred more of the romance aspect between Millie and Zach, although I understand that both characters are going to be in the next book, too. However, I don't think I will bother reading it.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2332 KP) rated Crime of the Ancient Marinara in Books
Jan 27, 2021
Good Mystery Smothered
After a month of hard work, Nell Valenti is ready to oversee the opening of Villa Orlandini as a cooking school lead by the famous Chef Orlandini. In fact, the first group of Americans are arriving at the Tuscany villa in just a couple of days. Nell is hoping that the worst of her problems will be Chef’s broken arm, a bocce ball accident. But then the guests arrive, and they aren’t what Nell is expecting. They seem to be a difficult lot. When one of them is poisoned by Chef’s famous marinara, Nell realizes she has real trouble on her hands. Can she figure out what is going on?
While I did struggle with some things in the first book in the series, I still enjoyed it. Unfortunately, those same issues are present here. The most prominent is Nell’s struggle with Italian. While we always know what is going on, it is presented in such a way that it keeps us out of the story. It’s a shame because I do like the returning characters, and the suspects grow as the story progresses. The mystery takes a while to truly get going, although we are meeting suspects. It’s a shame the pacing isn’t better since there is a good mystery buried in the book. There was a major editing error, as well, that resulted in a character being in two places at once. The book left me craving Italian food, so the recipes at the end are a nice bonus. The first book had its fans, and they will enjoy this entry as well. But if you struggled with the first one, you’ll struggle with this one.
While I did struggle with some things in the first book in the series, I still enjoyed it. Unfortunately, those same issues are present here. The most prominent is Nell’s struggle with Italian. While we always know what is going on, it is presented in such a way that it keeps us out of the story. It’s a shame because I do like the returning characters, and the suspects grow as the story progresses. The mystery takes a while to truly get going, although we are meeting suspects. It’s a shame the pacing isn’t better since there is a good mystery buried in the book. There was a major editing error, as well, that resulted in a character being in two places at once. The book left me craving Italian food, so the recipes at the end are a nice bonus. The first book had its fans, and they will enjoy this entry as well. But if you struggled with the first one, you’ll struggle with this one.
Merissa (12788 KP) rated The Devil in Disguise (Broken Halos #4) in Books
Sep 27, 2019
The Devil in Disguise is the fourth book in the Broken Halos series, and MUST be read as part of the series, or it just won't make sense. With the help of her new-found friends, Hel is back on earth, but that's where the good news ends. Earth isn't at all how it is supposed to be, and Eric is still unconscious. Not only that, but things aren't looking too good as Hel and the others try to get one step ahead of Mammon and his crew.
If you follow my reviews, you will know that I am an avid fan of Maya Daniels. She hasn't written a bad book yet, and no matter what the storyline is, she manages to suck me in. It is the same with this book! Hel and Eric still remain my favourite couple, but I really want to know what is going on with Maddison and Leviathan!! Beezlebub is a firm favourite, and I adore how he interacts with Hel. My heart does ache for Raphael in this book though, so consider yourself warned.
With no errors that disrupted my reading, I was thoroughly engrossed in this story and, once again, found it to be over far too quickly. Not that the story is short, just that I didn't want it to end. A fantastic storyline with characters and situations to love, plus a sexy time. I am loving this series and have no hesitation in highly recommending it.
* 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!
If you follow my reviews, you will know that I am an avid fan of Maya Daniels. She hasn't written a bad book yet, and no matter what the storyline is, she manages to suck me in. It is the same with this book! Hel and Eric still remain my favourite couple, but I really want to know what is going on with Maddison and Leviathan!! Beezlebub is a firm favourite, and I adore how he interacts with Hel. My heart does ache for Raphael in this book though, so consider yourself warned.
With no errors that disrupted my reading, I was thoroughly engrossed in this story and, once again, found it to be over far too quickly. Not that the story is short, just that I didn't want it to end. A fantastic storyline with characters and situations to love, plus a sexy time. I am loving this series and have no hesitation in highly recommending it.
* 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!
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