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Everything Under The Sun
Everything Under The Sun
Jessica Redmerski | 2018 | Dystopia, Romance, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Everything Under The Sun by Jessica Redmerski
Everything Under The Sun is a post-apocalyptic story that focuses on two characters - Atticus and Thais. We start off at home with Thais, her father, and sister. Unfortunately, this idyll doesn't last for long, and then we are thrown into what the world can really be like for survivors. Thais and Sosie are taken to Lexington, where they meet Atticus for the first time as he is acting Overseer.

First of all, this is a LONG book. Everything in the book is used to describe a situation, feelings, etc., which can be excused being as the author has to describe not only a new world, but has to show how the world has changed from how it used to be. I did feel a bit lost with the timeline though, as it felt like they were at the cabin for a lot longer than was supposed to be. They say they've only left Lexington a month or so ago, and yet it felt like they'd spent at least 3 months there. Oh well, my bad.

I will also say, a lot of characters die in this story, so please don't become too attached to them! Some of it is obviously built up, so you know something bad is going to happen.

This was an intriguing story, with a solid male character who is flawed, and an idealistic, mostly naive, female, who thankfully did become stronger as the story progressed. It has one helluva cliffhanger ending, and I can't wait to see where it will go next.

If you really want a story to sink your teeth into, then I can highly recommend this one!

* 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!
  
Z
Zombified
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book was a very enjoyable read with an intriguing and promising premise for it's plot, but at times it just simply didn't deliver for me. That being said, I still felt compelled to find how the story ended and follow the characters through to the end, which is a strong point in it's favour.

The characters are a real mixed bunch, especially Henri and Josie. They capture your imagination and make you consider zombies in a completely different way, which was a positive for me as I usually shy away from anything to do with zombies. The other rag tags in the bunch are equally unusual, or perhaps unique is a better word, and they do capture your attention. They all have plenty of secrets, some of which could have been developed in more detail, but all of which give you something interesting about them.

In the main part, the plot is quite logical and develops well as the story progresses. It did stall slightly when it first started, and I don't feel like the pace was ever really capitalised on. It's clear LaCroix has tried hard to provide a good deal of development of characters, back stories and the plot in general, but at times, it didn't quite fit. The story had a rather strange and unexpected ending which was intriguing and works quite well as a cliff hanger.

In conclusion, I have to say I did find this book tough at times but it has something about it that redeems it. I can't quite pinpoint it, but I feel like with a little tweaking it could be a fantastic book, it's just not there yet, I will read the next in the series as I do want to know what happens to the characters, but I have mixed feelings about this book.

This book was reviewed as part of a blog tour (ARC provided for honest review) on Lily Loves Indie - http://lilylovesindie.co.uk/?p=515
  
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Dominique Marie (7 KP) rated Hinds' Feet On High Places in Books

Nov 28, 2018 (Updated Nov 28, 2018)  
HF
Hinds' Feet On High Places
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
MMD Reading Challenge 2017- For Fun
Category: Book recommended by someone with great taste

Back to the Classics Reading Challenge 2017
Category: 20th Century Classic

I had such mixed feelings about this book. It is a Christian allegory, that has some great themes, and it does make you think, but I wasn't a fan of the writing style. Much-Afraid is called by the Shepherd to make a journey to His Kingdom of Love, where he will give her a new name. It was a really strange mix of biblical language and more modern language. She kept switching between Thee and Thou and You, etc. Also, it was really repetitive. The descriptions were wordy, but repetitive. I felt like I was having De'ja vu. I also felt like I was being spoon-fed a majority of the time. It actually has some very similar themes to Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis, which I will be re-reading for my challenges this year, but Till We Have Faces is far superior in my opinion. There was one part in this book that drove me crazy. The Shepherd asks Much-Afraid if she would still love Him if he seemed to deceive her. She replied that she knows He cannot lie, so she would still love him. Then He asks if she would still love Him if he really did deceive her. She replied that, yes, it wouldn't matter if He really lied to her, she loves him and would still follow him. Now, I'm not a theologian or anything, but this makes absolutely no sense to me. The Shepherd is God. God cannot lie. So, if the Shepherd could lie it would mean he is not God, so she shouldn't follow him in that case. It was just a really weird scene. I do think that some people would really like this book, and I did relate in certain ways, so it's definitely a mixed bag for me.
  
Bishop Ridge (Sawyer's Ferry #2)
Bishop Ridge (Sawyer's Ferry #2)
Cate Ashwood | 2018 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
a far more engaging read than book one!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book two in the Sawyer's Ferry series. It's not really necessary to read book one, Alaska, first but I would personally say you should. Gage and Holden play a huge part here. And their story is really rather good too!

Jackson walks into Logan's clinic and sparks fly. I mean, even Logan was thinking about going against his doctor/patient rules. But Logan passes Jackson's case to Holden and all bets are off. But both men have a no-repeat rule. So just why are they going for round two, three and more?

Logan is Gage's partner at the hospital and best friend. We met him in Alaska. I'm glad he got his story!

It is again told from both men's point of view in the first person. Not my favourite, but Ms Ashwood seems to somehow negate that fact and I really am enjoying this series.

I loved the fact that this . . . Non-relationship kinda creeps up on both the guys. Its very much a slow burn in regards to the emotions involved for them both. Steam and passion? Immediate and powerful but the emotions creep up on them and it takes a while for them to see. Loved that they both fought it, hard.

Loved how Logan made Jackson admit to his feelings but not what got them to that point! Scary, I was worried!

We never did get to the story about how Jackson has a gunshot wound from 6 years ago, but it's only when typing this up that I realised that!

I gave Alaska 4 stars, but I found myself far more engaged with Logan and Jackson, than I was with Gage and Holden, so. . .

5 full and shiny stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
Hypocritical - Single by NOA
Hypocritical - Single by NOA
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
NOA is a 22-year-old singer-songwriter from Toronto, Ontario. Not too long ago, she released a music video for her lovely electro-pop tune, entitled, “Hypocritical”.

“As an artist and songwriter, I want to give others a voice through my writing. With my new single, I want people to know that they’re not alone and we’re only human. ‘Hypocritical’ was inspired by my own breakup aftermath. The realization that everything I didn’t want my ex to be doing, I was doing myself. also, in a post-breakup state, it’s so easy to get hung up on wanting your ex back, or at least not wanting him to move on. But in reality, whether you recognize it or not, you’re likely already moving on.” – NOA

‘Hypocritical’ tells a post-breakup tale of a young woman who struggles to let go of her ex-boyfriend.

Apparently, she has moved on with her personal life, but still wants to be with him, even though he no longer belongs to her.

Also, she doesn’t want to see him with another woman, even though she’s romantically involved with another guy.

‘Hypocritical’ is the first single of a series of songs that NOA will be releasing this year.

The likable tune contains a relatable storyline and ear-welcoming vocals. Also, the song possesses playful instrumentation scented with a dancy indie-pop aroma.

“Seeing my ex’s Instagram stories and Snapchats really highlighted these ‘Hypocritical’ feelings for me. Sometimes it’s okay to go through the motions and have these thoughts. But at the end of the day, we have to face ourselves in the mirror and continue to grow from the ups and downs.” – NOA

NOA’s fans have followed her to sold-out shows from Toronto’s Drake Hotel to Los Angeles’s Hotel Cafe.

Her music contains emo-themes from relationships to female empowerment and self-realization.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/noa-hypocritical/
  
Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)
Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)
2018 | Adventure, Family, Fantasy, Mystery
Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), is back in the second installment of the
Fantastic Beasts series. The film opens with Grinderlwald (Johnny Depp),
conducting an elaborate escape from custody which in turn starts off a
search to find him and bring him to justice.
After a few months of fruitless searching; the Ministry of Magic offers
Newt a chance to have his travel ban lifted if he will locate and
eliminate Grindelwald. Newt refuses especially since he would have to
join his brother’s division as an Orator and instead opts to travel to
Paris to help Jacob and Queeenie find Tina. Newt still has strong
feelings for Tina and is eager to resolve a misunderstanding which has
arisen.

At the same time, Grindelwald as well as forces from the Ministry are
eagerly trying to find Credence (Ezra Miller), who has become obsessed
with finding his mother.

To say there is a lot going on would be an understatement as I have not
even touched upon Dumbledore (Jude Law) and his conflicts with the
Ministry over his unwillingness to fight Grindlelwald and you can get a
sense of just how busy and at times convoluted the plot can be.
There are plenty of nice visuals and the cast works well with one another
but the film has a darker tone than the previous one and there are aspects
of the film which will appeal to the hardcore fans but will be lost by
newer or more casual fans.

The entire films plays more as a setup to the next chapter in the series
so aside from a few moments, there is little real resolution as most of
the film is simply setting up what is to be the focus of the remaining
films.

While it does entertain; it does seem to be better suited to the hardcore
versus the casual fan who might need more than the magical splendor it
offers.

http://sknr.net/2018/11/15/fantastic-beasts-the-crimes-of-grindlewald/
  
TT
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Why oh why has it taken me THIS LONG to read a book by Becky Wade? Oh ya, because I used to think I didn't care for Contemporary Fiction...*hangs head in shame*...This book is so full of emotions, faith, heartbreak, and the most incredible romance.

When Nora and John first meet, they think that is a coincidence. But as their story unfolds it becomes clear that God's hand was all over their relationship from the beginning...As in the VERY beginning. There were a few twists that took me by surprised. A few times that I literally laughed out loud, and I may have yelled at John...a couple times...But he figures it out eventually, thank goodness! Although I think my FAVORITE moment, was when I was reading and was still near the beginning of the book...I read the line that described Nora wearing her Hogwarts Alumni T-shirt...and I was wearing MY Hogwarts Alumni T-shirt! (Photo evidence below.)

My nerd girl moment aside...True to You has many moments that speak to TRUTH and FAITH. Very well written with a unique style and new elements that I have not yet seen in a book. Behind the scenes look at our other characters and delves deeper into the thoughts and feelings of everyone involved.

Becky Wade does not shy away from the difficult subjects that life throws at us. But she presents it in a way that glorifies the grace and mercy of God. An exciting story that will leave you filled with hope and encouragement that no matter where you came from, or what you have had to go through in life, that you are not alone. There is One that will lead you through, that will give you a NEW IDENTITY, that will lift you out of the waters that are trying to drown you.
I received a complimentary copy of True to You from Bethany House. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
Oh, readers...Prepare your heart for this one. Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a story that you will want to savor. Let the words sink into your soul and let them move you. Because they will...

I have never seen American Sign Language portrayed so precise as I have in this book. Having been raised by an interpreter for the Deaf, I have been immersed in the language and the culture my whole life. I say "Brava!" to Joanne Bischof for not only taking on this astounding task, but accomplishing it successfully and with excellence.

I can't get this story out of my heart or my head. Thor's struggles and his strength. His love and his protectiveness. Aven is the sister of my heart. With her compassion, empathy, understanding, and even her fears...she is a beautiful woman inside and out. I want to live in this story with them. I want to walk the orchard. Make a pie in Ida's kitchen. Go swimming...Ok, you have to read the story to understand...And through it all, watching Thor and Aven find their strength, not in each other alone, but in God. Learning to lean on HIM to provide. Letting HIS strength guide and direct their paths. And to show HIS love to those around them, even if they are the "enemy".

You all know how much I love The Lady and the Lionheart, well...Thor is sure giving Charlie a run for his money. I think my heart might explode with all the feelings and emotions emitted by these two stories and heroes.

Joanne Bischof continues to expand the boundaries of Christian Fiction. With passion, tension, conflict, and romance we are drawn into the world of Aven and the Norgaard brothers.

I received a complimentary copy of Sons of Blackbird Mountain from the publisher through Book Look. I also received an ebook copy through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
Talk about a book hangover! I have spent the last few days trying to sort through all the emotions and feelings this book evoked in me.

Sofi Snow is a young woman with a lot of confusion about her self worth. She has had her fair share of rejection in life. Miguel had been satisfied with his life...that is until he met Sofi. As their lives get thrown into a web of lies, deceit, blackmail, and hidden agendas. Will Sofi and Miguel be able to push their past aside and work together for the future of Earth and all of its inhabitants?

There is SO MUCH that happens in this book. It started off fast paced and ended with a major cliff hanger in the middle of a VERY INTENSE scene. (We do get a little breather from all the action in the middle of the book.) Between Sofi's struggle to find herself, Miguel's determination to be a "new man", and the whole mess with Shiloh...My brain was on overload. There were a few aspects to the story that still sit uneasy with me regarding Sofi and Miguel's past. I do think the situation calls for the background our characters have and I am curious to see how Mary Weber addresses this and where she takes them in the next book.

One of the main themes in this story is Human Trafficking. I commend Mary for addressing the very real and very serious issue that has been swept under the rug for too long. To hear her heart, you will want to read this book! I look forward to reading more from Mary and finding out how Sofi's story ends.

I received a complimentary copy of The Evaporation of Sofi Snow from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
LT
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Fast paced and filled with all the adventure, suspense, comedy, and romance that I have come to expect from Mary Connealy.

The Boden clan is a family that I am sad to say, I only JUST met in Long Time Gone. Even though I was able to pick up the gist of the story pretty quickly, I would suggest that you begin with book 1, No Way Up before diving into this one.

Angie and Justin are two peas in a pod. They really were made for each other and I just loved watching them bicker, tease, and fall in love. And they are both stubborn as mules. Justin, inexperienced when it comes to females, is adorable as he tries to sort out his feelings for Angie. Wanting to protect her, but trying not to come across as a dictator. Angie, still healing from the wounds of the past, is learning how to be her own woman, standing up for herself, defending herself. But we weren't made to do everything alone. That is why God sends us a partner to stand beside us, to fight with us. And above all we must never forget to lean on God for protection and strength. To trust that He is leading us down the right road. That no matter where life leads us, He will be by our side.

Mary's books have the great ability to make you laugh out loud, hold your breath in anticipation, shake your head in frustration, and curl your toes with the sweet romance.

Set in New Mexico Territory in 1880, we get to meet both outlaws and cowboys. Full of adventure and some hair raising escapades, Long Time Gone is sure to capture your attention, and the characters, your heart.

I received a complimentary copy of Long Time Gone from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.