Search

Search only in certain items:

G
Gallant
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
140 of 235
Book
Gallant
By V.E. Schwab
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sixteen- year-old Olivia Prior is missing three things: a mother, a father, and a voice. Her mother vanished all at once, and her father by degrees, and her voice was a thing she never had to start with. She grew up at Merilance School for Girls. Now, nearing the end of her time there, Olivia receives a letter from an uncle she's never met, her father's older brother, summoning her to his estate, a place called Gallant. But when she arrives, she discovers that the letter she received was several years old. Her uncle is dead. The estate is empty, save for the servants. Olivia is permitted to remain, but must follow two rules: don't go out after dusk, and always stay on the right side of a wall that runs along the estate's western edge. Beyond it is another realm, ancient and magical, which calls to Olivia through her blood…


At first I was unsure it took a few chapters for me to get comfortable with it but once I was I just didn’t want to put it down. I’m really liking the gothic horror feel at the minute and this was done so well. A 16 year old non verbal girl just looking for a home and family to call her own. Abandoned by her mother and brought up in an awful place to find she has a family with a dark history. Loved it!!!!
  
TB
The Boston Breakout
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I had no idea that such an awesome series of books for young people existed! Of course as a huge hockey fan I am biased. I received [The Boston Breakout] free in return for a review and I can tell you I will be looking to purchase the rest. [Roy MacGregor] has created characters that you would find on any team but the Screech Owls are still a family even with all their quirks.

In this story they are playing a summer tournament in Boston. Their coach insists on making all trips educational, which most players enjoy. This trip they go to the aquarium. There are some animal rights activists there and one of the players falls under their spell. They get information about the plans of the group and have to act to stop it.

[MacGregor's] description of hockey is spot on and the addition of local history and some mystery makes these ideals books for young readers. I will be introducing my niece to them. Especially the one involving MSG. Go Rangers!
  
Aoléon The Martian Girl (Part 2)
Aoléon The Martian Girl (Part 2)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This another part of the story that just get more fun. We meet Aoléon's family and few of Aoléons classmates. We meet Bizwat. The story get a bit more interesting. Gilbert faces some experience with the Luminess. Somethings up or as I call it going on at the Luminon Palace.

I also enjoyed the a few of the pictures. One of my favorite picture is one of the Royal Palain Guard. The picture are down well. They all looked real. We learn about Bizwat and his job. We get more action and adventures. I wonder if Aoléon and Gilbert will seek into the Lauminon Palace.

We meet Charm Lepton and her friends Quarkina. Gilbert get a history lesson on the martian people. This after he visiting Aoléon's school. There a Psi-ball match. Gilbert overhears something that Charm and her friends plan to do. Though Gilbert does not know. Some of picture are cool when you see some of the students that are visiting Martian Space Academy. Some over classmates are somewhat strange but nice to see some of them in the pictures.
  
Hostiles (2017)
Hostiles (2017)
2017 | Western
Bring westerns back!
I love Christian Bale and I love westerns, so it is no surprise I found this an immensely entertaining film.

It is hard to believe humanity even survived the relentless, bleak, hostile and morose period in American history when native Americans were hunted down, slaughtered and removed from their land. They became equally brutal in retaliation and defending their property.


When Bale (Capt. Joseph J. Blocker) is ordered to transport a dying Indian Chief and former adversary and his family back to Montana based on his dying wish, Bale reluctantly agrees.


Their journey would be marked with heartache, sacrifice and brutality. Bale and his men come under attack and have to band together to survive.


I have seen few westerns which showcase the brutality of the Old West better than this film. Your heart goes out to the men and women left to survive with very little left in their lives to look forward to. Somehow, they manage to carry on and should be inspiring to the rest of us to do the same.

  
Katharina and Martin Luther: The Radical Marriage of a Runaway Nun and a Renegade Monk by Michelle DeRusha gave a vivid picture of 2 individuals whose path led to each other and to changing the course of history. It shares personal details of their lives, childhoods separated from family and risking capture, the escape to new lives. They married as virtual strangers but over time they grew to love and admire each other.
The book was extremely well written and researched. When reading you get a glimpse of what life was like at the time, and how Katharina and Martin called on their faith and each other to share their progressive thoughts.
This is a very intimate view of someone who hundreds of years later is a household name. It presents Martin Luther as very human, with doubts and fears, but with courage and the support of a loving relationship, gave Christians another way to live in faith.

I received this advanced reader's copy from Baker Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
  
MI
Moving In ( Book 1)
Ron Ripley | 2023
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
120 of 235
Kindle
Moving In ( Books 1)
By Ron Ripley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Iron...and...salt," whispers the old man. The dead old man. "Hurry or it will be too late...."

To escape the stress of living in the city and the anxiety of his high-pressure job, Brian Roy moves his family to the country. His wife loves the easy living, but Brian hates it...especially when weird things start happening in the house. When he discovers a dead body in the woods and a burial ground in his basement, Brian could never imagine the shocking history of the house or its former occupants that comes to light.

As his life starts to unravel, Brian isn't so sure living in the country is going to be the oasis of peace he and his wife expected. Lately, his home has become a haunting den of hell.

This was so much fun! A proper ghost fest! I love Ron Ripley he is so easy to read and enjoy. Really good start to a promising series.
  
Chili has grown and changed over the years. But one simple fact remains. Chili is a dish that continues to bring us warmth and comfort.

Robb Walsh not only gives us 60 delectable recipes for the ever favorite dish. But he also dives into the history and the evolution of chili. The book is divided into four parts: Chili's Family Tree, Tex-Mex Traditions, Chili Road Trip and Modern and Vegetarian Chilies (Because vegetarians have to eat, too - pg. 1). There are many vibrant pictures, so that your mouth begins to water just by flipping through the pages. Walsh not only instructs us on the main course, but how to roast green chiles, make fresh corn tortillas and stone ground cornbread. There is also a detailed guide to peppers and chili powders that I found very helpful. With dishes like Lobster Chili, Three-Bean Chipotle Chili and Old-Fashioned Tex-Mex Enchiladas, there is no doubt that this will be my go-to cookbook as the winter months quickly approach.

Chili...Need I say more? I love making chili, but also enjoy a variety of styles. The Chili Cookbook has such a wide selection of chili to choose from that I don't think I will ever tire of it. I enjoyed reading about the history of chili. From the Aztecs to the Chili Queens. Ready your taste buds for the ride of their lives as you dive into this delicious cookbook from beginning to end.

I received a free copy of The Chili Cookbook from the publisher, through Blogging for Books, in exchange for my honest review.
  
TF
Together Forever (Orphan Train, #2)
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Any time I pick up a Jody Hedlund book, I wish I could just cancel the day and binge read. Alas, life happens and children must be fed...However, there is a point in each of her books that demands that you read past your bedtime in order to finish (and that happened to me last night).

Filled with rich detail and engaging history, Together Forever will whisk you away to another era. A heartbreaking time in our history, I have learned a lot about The Children's Aid Society and the orphan trains through this series.

Marianne Neumann is a young woman riddled with guilt from past decisions. She is in a place that I am sure many of us have been. Thinking that God no longer cares, or would even bother with the likes of her. Her journey of acceptance, truth, and love is one to cherish. I LOVE the tender, fun, and passionate Andrew Brady. He too battles with forgiving himself for past mistakes...but his faith and character make him stand out among heroes.

Jody Hedlund never ceases to capture my heart and soul with her stories and Together Forever, is no exception. Faith, family, and romance are at the heart of this story. Let it sweep you away and get lost in a good book today! Together Forever is Book TWO in the Orphan Train Series, make sure to check out the prequel (An Awakened Heart) and Book One (With You Always) first.

I received a complimentary copy of Together Forever from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
109 of 235
Kindle
Charmed by the Past ( Spirits through time 1)
By Aimee Robinson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

She’s researching her family’s genealogy, but she never expected to become history herself.

Sarah Johansson is planning a family reunion when a photo of a little-known relative sparks her curiosity. A closer look at the post-World War I image causes her to tumble back in time to 1919 and into the hospital room of a brooding, wounded infantry corporal.

Jacob Bellamy is done with war and everything it involves. After risking his life in the trenches, he hopes to finally find peace by retiring to his family’s farm. But when the war’s toll strikes too close to home and lands him in a hospital bed, the last thing he’s prepared for is the beautiful, mysterious woman who barges into his room and demands help—or the long-dead feelings she stirs inside him.

As Sarah tries to unravel clues about her family’s history, her attraction toward the sexy Army veteran only grows. But her time in the past is growing short, and when an old wartime enemy of Jacob’s sets his sights on the blond beauty, Jacob will stop at nothing to keep her safe...even if it means losing her for good.

This was so freaking sweet just truly a lovely read I’m not one for big romance books but this had that time travelling edge. Oh I just fell in love with Jacob I want a Jacob!! Don’t think my hubby would be impressed though 😂. Definitely worth giving a go if you want that feel good happy ending.
  
Between The Lies
Between The Lies
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Chloe Daniels was in a terrible car accident, but when she wakes up, she has no idea who she is or who the people around her are. Not only has Chloe lost her memory, but she has also lost her son in this terrible accident. With flashes of what could have happened that night, Chloe is determined to find out the truth. But her family keeps filling her head with falsehoods that are hindering her from finding out what is really going on. Still weak from her accident and still unsure which memories are real and which have been implanted, Chloe set out to find out what happened that night and who she was then and who she is today.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's for the opportunity to read and review this book.

First of all, I don't know what I would do, if I woke up one day and had no idea who I was or who the people around me were. Then to find out that my family had been keeping secrets from me and trying to rewrite my history, that would make me go berserk. But Chloe is able to keep her composure long enough to discover what is really going on.

The book started off a little slow for me, but about half way through the story picked up and I couldn't put it down after that. Lots of ups and downs and twists and turns. When you find out the truth, it's really hard to believe. At first I was sure I knew what was going on, but towards the end, I found out I was very wrong. Chloe remembers nothing, but in her dreams she sees flashes of what could have happened. Are these dreams real, or are the manifestations? From what her family and the police tell her, they can't be real, but it feels true to her core. Chloe will go against everyone that is trying to "protect" her in order to protect herself.

This is the first book I have read by Michelle Adams, but it will not be my last. Her other book is If You Knew My Sister.