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Pieces of Dreams
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There are the visible flaws and the not-so-visible flaws, but everyone has them -- or thinks they...
Contemporary Fiction Romance
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated The Sisters of the Winter Wood in Books
Jun 24, 2019
I'm going to avoid discussing the plot too much so I don't spoil any potential readers (and I do recommend you read this!).
This book is set in Dubossary, narrated alternately by Liba and Laya. Liba is the older of the two, the only children in their family. They are Jews, and while this book was hugely about their faith and discrimination against them, it is not only about that. This book was like a new fairytale. It had magic in every page, and was genuinely exciting to read. There were tragic elements, tons of romance, and even a sense of suspense.
The girls are left in their home alone when their parents rush off to Kupel in a family emergency. But just as they plan to leave, the girls' Mami decides it's time to tell her daughters who they really are: a bear and a swan.
As I said, I will not delve into the story too much. But I really loved the story involving Laya and the Hovlin brothers, as well as Liba's own internal struggles. Laya's romance at the end of the book was, in my opinion, a little rushed and unexpected, but that's the only real downside I have.
The writing was lovely - it included Yiddish and Hebrew dialect, which was translated in the Author's Note at the end. (A quick side note; I actually read the entire Note, which is really quite rare for me.) And Laya's account, in particular, felt so poetic. She was definitely my favourite character, as much as I love Liba, too. And the relationship between the girls is so, so lovely. No matter how much they try to push each other away, they are always there for each other in the end.
As I enjoyed this book so much, I tried to talk about it with my boyfriend. However, I soon discovered that describing this story is really quite a feat. It was full of little details and twists that just made the story.
I really liked this book. As I only received an ARC and not a final edition, I didn't have the official layout, which I can imagine may add to it also. Even so, I'm easily giving this 4.5 to 5 stars.
This book is set in Dubossary, narrated alternately by Liba and Laya. Liba is the older of the two, the only children in their family. They are Jews, and while this book was hugely about their faith and discrimination against them, it is not only about that. This book was like a new fairytale. It had magic in every page, and was genuinely exciting to read. There were tragic elements, tons of romance, and even a sense of suspense.
The girls are left in their home alone when their parents rush off to Kupel in a family emergency. But just as they plan to leave, the girls' Mami decides it's time to tell her daughters who they really are: a bear and a swan.
As I said, I will not delve into the story too much. But I really loved the story involving Laya and the Hovlin brothers, as well as Liba's own internal struggles. Laya's romance at the end of the book was, in my opinion, a little rushed and unexpected, but that's the only real downside I have.
The writing was lovely - it included Yiddish and Hebrew dialect, which was translated in the Author's Note at the end. (A quick side note; I actually read the entire Note, which is really quite rare for me.) And Laya's account, in particular, felt so poetic. She was definitely my favourite character, as much as I love Liba, too. And the relationship between the girls is so, so lovely. No matter how much they try to push each other away, they are always there for each other in the end.
As I enjoyed this book so much, I tried to talk about it with my boyfriend. However, I soon discovered that describing this story is really quite a feat. It was full of little details and twists that just made the story.
I really liked this book. As I only received an ARC and not a final edition, I didn't have the official layout, which I can imagine may add to it also. Even so, I'm easily giving this 4.5 to 5 stars.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated A Defense of Honor (Haven Manor, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
The first thing I said to my hubby after I started reading this book was, "It has been WAY too long since I have read a Kristi Ann Hunter book." I absolutely LOVE her style and voice. The humor infused with the stark realities of life. The faith combined with growth. And the adventures...OH, the adventures these characters have is of epic proportions.
The first thing that stood out to me in this story is the completely new-to-me setting and theme. Although set in Regency England, we spend most of our time outside of London in a forgotten manor. Our leading lady is one who has been scorned by society and lives to protect those who would also be outcasts. I love Kit's passion and heart. She learns so much along her journey and in the end, becomes even more beautiful because of the trust she puts in God. Lord Wharton is swoony on all accounts. His love for the children and for Kit produce such tingling sensations as to set my heart ablaze with admiration.
If you are a fan of Regency books and haven't read a Kristi Ann Hinter book...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? If you HAVE read her books...You NEED to get this one in your hands...like yesterday. A Defense of Honor is my favorite KAH story to date and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!
I received a complimentary copy of A Defense of Honor through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
The first thing that stood out to me in this story is the completely new-to-me setting and theme. Although set in Regency England, we spend most of our time outside of London in a forgotten manor. Our leading lady is one who has been scorned by society and lives to protect those who would also be outcasts. I love Kit's passion and heart. She learns so much along her journey and in the end, becomes even more beautiful because of the trust she puts in God. Lord Wharton is swoony on all accounts. His love for the children and for Kit produce such tingling sensations as to set my heart ablaze with admiration.
If you are a fan of Regency books and haven't read a Kristi Ann Hinter book...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? If you HAVE read her books...You NEED to get this one in your hands...like yesterday. A Defense of Honor is my favorite KAH story to date and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!
I received a complimentary copy of A Defense of Honor through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Gail (4 KP) rated Fisher of Men in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Fisher of Men by Phoebe Alexander
Four Stars
What an interesting read. I was not expecting the twists the author put in this story. The main character Leah was a pain. The whole I'm a good girl act was just tiring. She used her “faith” as an escape and it was annoying. I know we shouldn’t judge how people choose to live but it just seemed so reckless. I did however keep an open mind about it. This book was full of things that were out of my comfort zone. The story was well written. The characters were flawed and it seemed like something that truly happened to someone. Cap was a mystery to me. I couldn’t figure him out. Did he want the lifestyle or did just want Leah. I was truly confused on the end game for them both. She was always running away and getting mad. It’s not like the man didn't say what he was into. Anyway if you choose to read this book keep your mind open. And don’t judge how some people choose to live and they do what makes them happy. We all need to learn how embrace our differences and just live.
Four Stars
What an interesting read. I was not expecting the twists the author put in this story. The main character Leah was a pain. The whole I'm a good girl act was just tiring. She used her “faith” as an escape and it was annoying. I know we shouldn’t judge how people choose to live but it just seemed so reckless. I did however keep an open mind about it. This book was full of things that were out of my comfort zone. The story was well written. The characters were flawed and it seemed like something that truly happened to someone. Cap was a mystery to me. I couldn’t figure him out. Did he want the lifestyle or did just want Leah. I was truly confused on the end game for them both. She was always running away and getting mad. It’s not like the man didn't say what he was into. Anyway if you choose to read this book keep your mind open. And don’t judge how some people choose to live and they do what makes them happy. We all need to learn how embrace our differences and just live.
The Darkslayer II: Hunt of the Beast
Book
The Trap is sprung Venir puts his faith on the line when he trust the Royal, Altan Rey, to lead...
Hazel (1853 KP) rated The Festival Shoes in Books
Aug 3, 2017
A literal fairy story
This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
The Festival Shoes by Tolulope Okudolo is a fairy story (literally) for young children. Although referred to as “pixies,” the illustrations provided by Eric Scott Fisher look like typical western imagery associated with the magical, winged creatures. The main character, Drumlo, is an ebullient pixie who is about to embark on his first trip to Earth in order to deliver a very important gift. With so much relying on his success, it would be absolutely awful if something went wrong.
Weaverton, the name of the land of fairies, is an invisible world that lies above the Earth. Whenever a child has a good thought or does something virtuous, a colourful string, unseen by the human eye, snakes its way up to the hidden land. Collected by pixies, these threads are woven into magnificent presents, which are delivered to the children as rewards on the day of the Great Festival. In order to prove himself as capable, Drumlo has been charged with safely transporting a pair of shoes to a truly deserving girl. With an effulgent thread as a guide, Drumlo sets off on his exciting mission.
The author is the founder of the publishing company Magnifying Children’s Horizons, which aspires to inspire children physically, mentally and spiritually about the natural world. Tolulope Okudolo’s author biography implies she is a Christian and likes to bring this aspect of her life into her writing. Although, as far as we know, fairies and pixies only exist in folklore, Tolulope retains the idea of the existence of God by referring to an unseen High King who lives above Weaverton. In this respect, the Great Festival and gift giving become similar to our Christmas tradition.
The Festival Shoes, however, is not intended to be a Christian book. Its purpose is to enhance children’s creativity and character by showing them the impact of their good and bad behaviour by emphasising the idea of receiving rewards. Whilst Drumlo is on his journey to Earth, he passes through the land where all bad thoughts and actions go. Compared with everywhere else, this place looks dull and gloomy, which goes to show what happens when nature is neglected and not cared for.
Another important message The Festival Shoes shows children is to have faith in themselves to do something for the first time. Drumlo had never been given such responsibility before, but he believed he could do it. Even though something goes wrong, his faith sees him through. He does not give up, everything works out in the end.
Reading the book as an adult, The Festival Shoes is not all that interesting. The ending comes about too quickly and, although the author is trying to emphasise that Drumlo’s faith saves the day, he does not physically do anything to fix what goes wrong – slightly misleading, perhaps?
The coloured illustrations that appear on every other page are pretty but do not help to tell the story. It is not a picture book for very young children; it is the next stage up. With discussion questions at the end of the book, The Festival Shoes is for parents and children to read together and think about their own impact on the world and nature.
Unfortunately, the book does not look professionally produced. The choice of typeface is uninspiring and the illustrations do not always slot into place well, leaving awkward layouts. As an eBook, this does not matter too much, but if it were to be printed, sales are unlikely to rocket.
The Festival Shoes by Tolulope Okudolo is a fairy story (literally) for young children. Although referred to as “pixies,” the illustrations provided by Eric Scott Fisher look like typical western imagery associated with the magical, winged creatures. The main character, Drumlo, is an ebullient pixie who is about to embark on his first trip to Earth in order to deliver a very important gift. With so much relying on his success, it would be absolutely awful if something went wrong.
Weaverton, the name of the land of fairies, is an invisible world that lies above the Earth. Whenever a child has a good thought or does something virtuous, a colourful string, unseen by the human eye, snakes its way up to the hidden land. Collected by pixies, these threads are woven into magnificent presents, which are delivered to the children as rewards on the day of the Great Festival. In order to prove himself as capable, Drumlo has been charged with safely transporting a pair of shoes to a truly deserving girl. With an effulgent thread as a guide, Drumlo sets off on his exciting mission.
The author is the founder of the publishing company Magnifying Children’s Horizons, which aspires to inspire children physically, mentally and spiritually about the natural world. Tolulope Okudolo’s author biography implies she is a Christian and likes to bring this aspect of her life into her writing. Although, as far as we know, fairies and pixies only exist in folklore, Tolulope retains the idea of the existence of God by referring to an unseen High King who lives above Weaverton. In this respect, the Great Festival and gift giving become similar to our Christmas tradition.
The Festival Shoes, however, is not intended to be a Christian book. Its purpose is to enhance children’s creativity and character by showing them the impact of their good and bad behaviour by emphasising the idea of receiving rewards. Whilst Drumlo is on his journey to Earth, he passes through the land where all bad thoughts and actions go. Compared with everywhere else, this place looks dull and gloomy, which goes to show what happens when nature is neglected and not cared for.
Another important message The Festival Shoes shows children is to have faith in themselves to do something for the first time. Drumlo had never been given such responsibility before, but he believed he could do it. Even though something goes wrong, his faith sees him through. He does not give up, everything works out in the end.
Reading the book as an adult, The Festival Shoes is not all that interesting. The ending comes about too quickly and, although the author is trying to emphasise that Drumlo’s faith saves the day, he does not physically do anything to fix what goes wrong – slightly misleading, perhaps?
The coloured illustrations that appear on every other page are pretty but do not help to tell the story. It is not a picture book for very young children; it is the next stage up. With discussion questions at the end of the book, The Festival Shoes is for parents and children to read together and think about their own impact on the world and nature.
Unfortunately, the book does not look professionally produced. The choice of typeface is uninspiring and the illustrations do not always slot into place well, leaving awkward layouts. As an eBook, this does not matter too much, but if it were to be printed, sales are unlikely to rocket.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated The Festival Shoes in Books
Dec 17, 2018
<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
The Festival Shoes</i> by Tolulope Okudolo is a fairy story (literally) for young children. Although referred to as “pixies,” the illustrations provided by Eric Scott Fisher look like typical western imagery associated with the magical, winged creatures. The main character, Drumlo, is an ebullient pixie who is about to embark on his first trip to Earth in order to deliver a very important gift. With so much relying on his success, it would be absolutely awful if something went wrong.
Weaverton, the name of the land of fairies, is an invisible world that lies above the Earth. Whenever a child has a good thought or does something virtuous, a colourful string, unseen by the human eye, snakes its way up to the hidden land. Collected by pixies, these threads are woven into magnificent presents, which are delivered to the children as rewards on the day of the Great Festival. In order to prove himself as capable, Drumlo has been charged with safely transporting a pair of shoes to a truly deserving girl. With an effulgent thread as a guide, Drumlo sets off on his exciting mission.
The author is the founder of the publishing company Magnifying Children’s Horizons, which aspires to inspire children physically, mentally and spiritually about the natural world. Tolulope Okudolo’s author biography implies she is a Christian and likes to bring this aspect of her life into her writing. Although, as far as we know, fairies and pixies only exist in folklore, Tolulope retains the idea of the existence of God by referring to an unseen High King who lives above Weaverton. In this respect, the Great Festival and gift giving become similar to our Christmas tradition.
<i>The Festival Shoes</i>, however, is not intended to be a Christian book. Its purpose is to enhance children’s creativity and character by showing them the impact of their good and bad behaviour by emphasising the idea of receiving rewards. Whilst Drumlo is on his journey to Earth, he passes through the land where all bad thoughts and actions go. Compared with everywhere else, this place looks dull and gloomy, which goes to show what happens when nature is neglected and not cared for.
Another important message <i>The Festival Shoes</i> shows children is to have faith in themselves to do something for the first time. Drumlo had never been given such responsibility before, but he believed he could do it. Even though something goes wrong, his faith sees him through. He does not give up, everything works out in the end.
Reading the book as an adult, <i>The Festival Shoes</i> is not all that interesting. The ending comes about too quickly and, although the author is trying to emphasise that Drumlo’s faith saves the day, he does not physically do anything to fix what goes wrong – slightly misleading, perhaps?
The coloured illustrations that appear on every other page are pretty but do not help to tell the story. It is not a picture book for very young children; it is the next stage up. With discussion questions at the end of the book, <i>The Festival Shoes</i> is for parents and children to read together and think about their own impact on the world and nature.
Unfortunately, the book does not look professionally produced. The choice of typeface is uninspiring and the illustrations do not always slot into place well, leaving awkward layouts. As an eBook, this does not matter too much, but if it were to be printed, sales are unlikely to rocket.
The Festival Shoes</i> by Tolulope Okudolo is a fairy story (literally) for young children. Although referred to as “pixies,” the illustrations provided by Eric Scott Fisher look like typical western imagery associated with the magical, winged creatures. The main character, Drumlo, is an ebullient pixie who is about to embark on his first trip to Earth in order to deliver a very important gift. With so much relying on his success, it would be absolutely awful if something went wrong.
Weaverton, the name of the land of fairies, is an invisible world that lies above the Earth. Whenever a child has a good thought or does something virtuous, a colourful string, unseen by the human eye, snakes its way up to the hidden land. Collected by pixies, these threads are woven into magnificent presents, which are delivered to the children as rewards on the day of the Great Festival. In order to prove himself as capable, Drumlo has been charged with safely transporting a pair of shoes to a truly deserving girl. With an effulgent thread as a guide, Drumlo sets off on his exciting mission.
The author is the founder of the publishing company Magnifying Children’s Horizons, which aspires to inspire children physically, mentally and spiritually about the natural world. Tolulope Okudolo’s author biography implies she is a Christian and likes to bring this aspect of her life into her writing. Although, as far as we know, fairies and pixies only exist in folklore, Tolulope retains the idea of the existence of God by referring to an unseen High King who lives above Weaverton. In this respect, the Great Festival and gift giving become similar to our Christmas tradition.
<i>The Festival Shoes</i>, however, is not intended to be a Christian book. Its purpose is to enhance children’s creativity and character by showing them the impact of their good and bad behaviour by emphasising the idea of receiving rewards. Whilst Drumlo is on his journey to Earth, he passes through the land where all bad thoughts and actions go. Compared with everywhere else, this place looks dull and gloomy, which goes to show what happens when nature is neglected and not cared for.
Another important message <i>The Festival Shoes</i> shows children is to have faith in themselves to do something for the first time. Drumlo had never been given such responsibility before, but he believed he could do it. Even though something goes wrong, his faith sees him through. He does not give up, everything works out in the end.
Reading the book as an adult, <i>The Festival Shoes</i> is not all that interesting. The ending comes about too quickly and, although the author is trying to emphasise that Drumlo’s faith saves the day, he does not physically do anything to fix what goes wrong – slightly misleading, perhaps?
The coloured illustrations that appear on every other page are pretty but do not help to tell the story. It is not a picture book for very young children; it is the next stage up. With discussion questions at the end of the book, <i>The Festival Shoes</i> is for parents and children to read together and think about their own impact on the world and nature.
Unfortunately, the book does not look professionally produced. The choice of typeface is uninspiring and the illustrations do not always slot into place well, leaving awkward layouts. As an eBook, this does not matter too much, but if it were to be printed, sales are unlikely to rocket.
PTL: The Rise and Fall of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker's Evangelical Empire
Book
In the early months of 1987 Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker had it all-a popular Christian talk show,...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Shattered Warrior ( Dark Warrior Alliance book 11 in Books
Jan 9, 2023
7 of 235
Kindle
Shattered Warrior ( Dark Warrior Alliance book 11)
By Brenda Trim and Tami Julka
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Detective Orlando Trovatelli is a glutton for punishment when it comes to matters of the heart and not even his shifter instincts can keep him on course. It's bad enough that he has feelings for the Vampire Queen, who is mated to one of the most powerful males of the Tehrex Realm, but then he falls for Jaidis, a mated cambion. He clings to the pathetic excuse that Jaidis's mate is abusing her and the Goddess will reconsider and give Jaidis to Orlando in the end. He learns how wrong he is the night he arrives at Jaidis's house to find her lying in a pool of her own blood while struggling to save her unborn baby. Orlando is prepared to move heaven and earth to save Jaidis's life, but ultimately all he can guarantee Jaidis is that he will protect her unborn son. Struggling with his new responsibilities, Orlando isn't prepared to deal with the aftermath of the new archdemons. With his Omega on one side of the fence and Zander on the other, Orlando is forced to choose between his loyalty to the Dark Warriors and disclosing their existence to humans. After everything Orlando has been through, he questions the Goddess and whether his faith in her has been in vain.
This was my favourite so far! I possibly say that every book but Orlando is just perfect and he’s been so unlucky in love and although Ember is a little bit of a selfish cow it’s nice to see him get his happy ending! Oh and the little pops of Izzy through these books are always a joy. Looking forward to The King of Khoth!
Kindle
Shattered Warrior ( Dark Warrior Alliance book 11)
By Brenda Trim and Tami Julka
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Detective Orlando Trovatelli is a glutton for punishment when it comes to matters of the heart and not even his shifter instincts can keep him on course. It's bad enough that he has feelings for the Vampire Queen, who is mated to one of the most powerful males of the Tehrex Realm, but then he falls for Jaidis, a mated cambion. He clings to the pathetic excuse that Jaidis's mate is abusing her and the Goddess will reconsider and give Jaidis to Orlando in the end. He learns how wrong he is the night he arrives at Jaidis's house to find her lying in a pool of her own blood while struggling to save her unborn baby. Orlando is prepared to move heaven and earth to save Jaidis's life, but ultimately all he can guarantee Jaidis is that he will protect her unborn son. Struggling with his new responsibilities, Orlando isn't prepared to deal with the aftermath of the new archdemons. With his Omega on one side of the fence and Zander on the other, Orlando is forced to choose between his loyalty to the Dark Warriors and disclosing their existence to humans. After everything Orlando has been through, he questions the Goddess and whether his faith in her has been in vain.
This was my favourite so far! I possibly say that every book but Orlando is just perfect and he’s been so unlucky in love and although Ember is a little bit of a selfish cow it’s nice to see him get his happy ending! Oh and the little pops of Izzy through these books are always a joy. Looking forward to The King of Khoth!
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated A Name Unknown (Shadows Over England, #1) in Books
Feb 25, 2019
Oh my goodness! I absolutely loved everything about this book. Roseanna M. White has been a long time favorite of mine and I was so excited to see what she had in store for her fans this time. I have to say that she did a wonderful job, yet again, and filled this book with wonderful pieces of history, Godly messages of love and hope, and characters that are beautifully created.
I loved Rosemary and Peter's characters. They instantly captured my heart and kept me hooked til the last page. Following Rosemary and her thiefing ways, and Peter's writing ways, Ms. White really took me on a whirlwind ride. Seeing Peter struggling with his stuttering really brought out the mama in me!
I definitely recommend this book with the highest of 5 stars! Filled with faith, love, friendship, and wit, you absolutely do not want to miss this fantabulous start to a new series by the talented hands of Ms. White. You'll be taken to a place in history that will cacoon you in all the feels and keep you there until you reach the end. Then you'll be desperately waiting until the next book releases! Well done, Ms. White! I can't wait for the next one. <a href="https://cafinatedreads.com/tlc-book-tours-review-a-name-unknown-by-roseanna-m-white/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
I loved Rosemary and Peter's characters. They instantly captured my heart and kept me hooked til the last page. Following Rosemary and her thiefing ways, and Peter's writing ways, Ms. White really took me on a whirlwind ride. Seeing Peter struggling with his stuttering really brought out the mama in me!
I definitely recommend this book with the highest of 5 stars! Filled with faith, love, friendship, and wit, you absolutely do not want to miss this fantabulous start to a new series by the talented hands of Ms. White. You'll be taken to a place in history that will cacoon you in all the feels and keep you there until you reach the end. Then you'll be desperately waiting until the next book releases! Well done, Ms. White! I can't wait for the next one. <a href="https://cafinatedreads.com/tlc-book-tours-review-a-name-unknown-by-roseanna-m-white/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>