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Rachel King (13 KP) rated The Dead Girls' Dance (Morganville Vampires, #2) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
The books from this series read like a good bowl of popcorn - I read a page and I want another, then another, and another, etc. I flew through this book in less than 3 days, which is really saying something for a mother of two girls under the age of 3. I like how unlikely of a heroine Claire is, and yet she keeps "saving the day." The majority of the characters are well-defined and distinguishable from one another, and I find myself even liking some of the "bad guys" sometimes, which indicates good character development. The plot flows easily and quickly, and I could barely tell I was reading.
I love the comraderie between the characters in the Glass house, and the way they are amassing allies with other people in Morganville brings to mind a favorite television show of mine that has been off the air for awhile, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I was not a fan of Michael becoming a vampire - I think that the author could have conceived of a less-cliche way of fixing his half-existence / entrapment. On the other hand, I can see how his new status can be used in future books to further the plot, and his romance with Eve will certainly be interesting, as vampire-human romances always are.
I also enjoy the except of Eve's diary that always follows the main text, as a window into the next book. Eve's character is just as interesting and complex as Claire herself, but does not seem to have as much time devoted to her in the books, and the diary entries seem to help in that area.
So overall I loved the book, and can't wait to get my hands on the next one, Midnight Alley.
I love the comraderie between the characters in the Glass house, and the way they are amassing allies with other people in Morganville brings to mind a favorite television show of mine that has been off the air for awhile, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I was not a fan of Michael becoming a vampire - I think that the author could have conceived of a less-cliche way of fixing his half-existence / entrapment. On the other hand, I can see how his new status can be used in future books to further the plot, and his romance with Eve will certainly be interesting, as vampire-human romances always are.
I also enjoy the except of Eve's diary that always follows the main text, as a window into the next book. Eve's character is just as interesting and complex as Claire herself, but does not seem to have as much time devoted to her in the books, and the diary entries seem to help in that area.
So overall I loved the book, and can't wait to get my hands on the next one, Midnight Alley.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Moon Called in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I recently recieved the fifth book in the Mercy Thompson series, Silver Borne, for reviewing purposes, and decided to start the series at the beginning like a good bookworm. I was not sure if I would like the series, but imagine my surprise when mechanically-inclined, shapeshifter Mercy Thompson has a penchant for the Christian religion! She likes to attend church, and she chooses to wear a lamb on a necklace instead of a cross because she finds it sick to display the instrument of Christ's torture, and one of Christ's names is the Lamb of God. I gotta say, how cool is that?
Anyways, I find it interesting how non-chalant Mercy is about what she is and can do. She does not seem to know much about being a "walker", but it doesn't bother her. It's the other preternatural beings who give her bits of information about her kind in well-timed accidents. She reminds me a bit of Rachel Morgan from the Kim Harrison series. (Oooh, cross-over potential...)
I also liked the complexities of the different cultures that the various preternatual beings originate from, and most expecially the impossible-to-pronounce names to match, such as Elizaveta Arkadyevna Vyshnevetskaya and Siebold Adelbertsmiter. The book was heavy on politics and violence, while light on romance, which I can appreciate in light of the storyline, but I look forward to things heating up between Mercy Thompson and her two wanna-be boyfriends, Adam and Samuel. I got a bit confused when trying to remember who's who in the cast of characters, especially since many of the lesser werewolves all tended to behave the same, and I really hope that future books will explain who or what the Gray Lords are.
Anyways, I find it interesting how non-chalant Mercy is about what she is and can do. She does not seem to know much about being a "walker", but it doesn't bother her. It's the other preternatural beings who give her bits of information about her kind in well-timed accidents. She reminds me a bit of Rachel Morgan from the Kim Harrison series. (Oooh, cross-over potential...)
I also liked the complexities of the different cultures that the various preternatual beings originate from, and most expecially the impossible-to-pronounce names to match, such as Elizaveta Arkadyevna Vyshnevetskaya and Siebold Adelbertsmiter. The book was heavy on politics and violence, while light on romance, which I can appreciate in light of the storyline, but I look forward to things heating up between Mercy Thompson and her two wanna-be boyfriends, Adam and Samuel. I got a bit confused when trying to remember who's who in the cast of characters, especially since many of the lesser werewolves all tended to behave the same, and I really hope that future books will explain who or what the Gray Lords are.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Runaway Romance in Books
Feb 27, 2019
It's been sometime since I read a Miralee Ferrell novel. I loved her work when I read her Love Finds You books, but I hadn't read them in a long time. So, when the opportunity arose for me to review her new book, Runaway Romance, I jumped. It sounded intriguing and not like what I am used to from her and I couldn't wait to jump into it. I was very happy that I did!
This book is filled with fun loving characters. I was instantly hooked on Ann and Hunter's characters and they both settled into my heart to stay. I loved the way Ann fell in love with the Amish Inn and their way of living. I feel the same way when I go to Amish country! And Hunter, bless him! I loved his character so much. I really felt for him, watching him be a little cautious when it came to Ann. My momma self came out when his character was introduced.
In Miralee Ferrelly fashion, she throws in a few characters that you will either love, or love to hate. I enjoyed getting to know ALL of the characters within the pages of this new book. Each one brought something different to the tables and really kept me turning the pages long into the night.
This is definitely a 5 star book! I highly recommend it to all who are looking for a book on trusting God, forgiving and learning to accept His will. The characters will take you on a whirlwind ride and leave you wanting more! I am definitely looking forward to more books like this in the future from Ms. Ferrell. Well done!
*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Blog Tours and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
This book is filled with fun loving characters. I was instantly hooked on Ann and Hunter's characters and they both settled into my heart to stay. I loved the way Ann fell in love with the Amish Inn and their way of living. I feel the same way when I go to Amish country! And Hunter, bless him! I loved his character so much. I really felt for him, watching him be a little cautious when it came to Ann. My momma self came out when his character was introduced.
In Miralee Ferrelly fashion, she throws in a few characters that you will either love, or love to hate. I enjoyed getting to know ALL of the characters within the pages of this new book. Each one brought something different to the tables and really kept me turning the pages long into the night.
This is definitely a 5 star book! I highly recommend it to all who are looking for a book on trusting God, forgiving and learning to accept His will. The characters will take you on a whirlwind ride and leave you wanting more! I am definitely looking forward to more books like this in the future from Ms. Ferrell. Well done!
*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Blog Tours and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Jessi Bone (48 KP) rated Murder in the Reading Room in Books
Apr 30, 2019
Storyline (1 more)
Characters
How Far Would You Go For The Truth
Jane goes on a search to the Biltmore Estate to find Edward and discovers far more than she thought she knew about her own past. Now she must discover what she really wants for her future and her family she has created for herself and her sons. When enemies from the past and the present collide Jane must decide if the secrets of the library should be open for the world to see and read. As more of the story of the Templars and Guardians becomes unwound Jane discovers that everyone is keeping secrets from her both friends and foes that make her want to take a stand and change the rules of what has always been at Storyton Hall.
“Your Stories are their stories' said Uncle Abysius” By Jove, I think I like it.”
Mrs. Adams takes us beyond Storyton Hall to the walls of the Biltmore Estate. She outdoes herself again. As a long time Ellery Adams fan she blew me away with this story-line and how she evolved the characters in this five Book Retreat Series. I must say this is my favorite book of the series. I really recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a who done it, thriller, bibliophile or even a little romance it has all of those and a little history too. It is really worth your time to pick up the book and take a trip to Storyton Hall even if only for an hour at a time to escape to a place where books are protected and cherished and the characters will make you feel like you are coming home.
“Your Stories are their stories' said Uncle Abysius” By Jove, I think I like it.”
Mrs. Adams takes us beyond Storyton Hall to the walls of the Biltmore Estate. She outdoes herself again. As a long time Ellery Adams fan she blew me away with this story-line and how she evolved the characters in this five Book Retreat Series. I must say this is my favorite book of the series. I really recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a who done it, thriller, bibliophile or even a little romance it has all of those and a little history too. It is really worth your time to pick up the book and take a trip to Storyton Hall even if only for an hour at a time to escape to a place where books are protected and cherished and the characters will make you feel like you are coming home.
Debbiereadsbook (1166 KP) rated Better Together (One Fond Embrace #1) in Books
Aug 24, 2018
a great lazy afternoon read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Britney and Alex had a week in Vegas, a whirlwind romance, followed by a wedding. But Britney runs from Alex on their wedding night and ahs been pushing for a divorce ever since. Alex needs a wife to secure his family ranch's future. So, Alex will give Britney her divorce, if she will give him two weeks. Will that be enough for them both to get what they want? Who they want?
This review will be short, and I apologise for that!
I liked this. It was a n..n..n...n......it was an easy read, perfect way to pass a rainy afternoon, a perfect hangover cure, both book and alcohol induced!
I just can't get passed that N word for this book, and ya'll know how much it pains me to use that word, and how much it pains me not to be able to say what I want!
It's not overly complicated, nor is it explicit, but it is sexy. It's full of Hawaiian (sorry if this is spelt wrong!) words, with translations both in the main body of the text, and a glossary at the front of the book. I didn't look at the glossary; I had all the information given to me as the words popped up. Lots of beautiful scenery described too.
I saw no editing or spelling errors to spoil my reading enjoyment, and I read it in one sitting.
This is the first I've read of this author. Will I read more? Possibly. I really did LIKE this book.
3 good solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Britney and Alex had a week in Vegas, a whirlwind romance, followed by a wedding. But Britney runs from Alex on their wedding night and ahs been pushing for a divorce ever since. Alex needs a wife to secure his family ranch's future. So, Alex will give Britney her divorce, if she will give him two weeks. Will that be enough for them both to get what they want? Who they want?
This review will be short, and I apologise for that!
I liked this. It was a n..n..n...n......it was an easy read, perfect way to pass a rainy afternoon, a perfect hangover cure, both book and alcohol induced!
I just can't get passed that N word for this book, and ya'll know how much it pains me to use that word, and how much it pains me not to be able to say what I want!
It's not overly complicated, nor is it explicit, but it is sexy. It's full of Hawaiian (sorry if this is spelt wrong!) words, with translations both in the main body of the text, and a glossary at the front of the book. I didn't look at the glossary; I had all the information given to me as the words popped up. Lots of beautiful scenery described too.
I saw no editing or spelling errors to spoil my reading enjoyment, and I read it in one sitting.
This is the first I've read of this author. Will I read more? Possibly. I really did LIKE this book.
3 good solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Necole (36 KP) rated The Other Woman in Books
Sep 2, 2018
#BewareOfPammie #TheOtherWoman
#BewareOfPammie #TheOtherWoman
Domestic Suspense Thriller you won't want to put down. The cover alone is captivating then opening the book and reading the Prologue, holy wow can we say it makes you want to read it right away!!!!!
PROLOGUE
"She looks beautiful in her wedding dress. It fits her perfectly and is exactly what I'd imagined she'd go for: elegant, understated, and unique --- just like her. My heart breaks that her day will never come, but she doesn't need to know that yet.
I think about the guests who won't attend, the picture frames with no photographs, the first dance that will be silent, the cake that won't get eaten, and I feel my resolve weakening. I pull myself up. This is not a time for doubt.
There is still so much work to do, so much more pain to inflict, but I will not be deterred. I failed once before, but this time, I'll get it right. There's too much at stake to get it wrong."
Just wow!!! And which character is this coming from? Adam the fiancé? Pammie (Adam's mom and future mother-in-law)? James? (the jealous at times brother of Adam) Someone else in Emily's circle????
This book is about a romance that happened very quickly between Adam and Emily, a devious mother named Pammie, a brother who seems to want Emily for himself … Do you really know the family you will become in-laws with and will Emily find out too late who they really are? What secrets will be revealed? Get ready for an entertaining, twisted thriller you will not want to put down until the very end with lots of manipulation, guesses, and questions.. oh scratching your head moments like WTF …
Domestic Suspense Thriller you won't want to put down. The cover alone is captivating then opening the book and reading the Prologue, holy wow can we say it makes you want to read it right away!!!!!
PROLOGUE
"She looks beautiful in her wedding dress. It fits her perfectly and is exactly what I'd imagined she'd go for: elegant, understated, and unique --- just like her. My heart breaks that her day will never come, but she doesn't need to know that yet.
I think about the guests who won't attend, the picture frames with no photographs, the first dance that will be silent, the cake that won't get eaten, and I feel my resolve weakening. I pull myself up. This is not a time for doubt.
There is still so much work to do, so much more pain to inflict, but I will not be deterred. I failed once before, but this time, I'll get it right. There's too much at stake to get it wrong."
Just wow!!! And which character is this coming from? Adam the fiancé? Pammie (Adam's mom and future mother-in-law)? James? (the jealous at times brother of Adam) Someone else in Emily's circle????
This book is about a romance that happened very quickly between Adam and Emily, a devious mother named Pammie, a brother who seems to want Emily for himself … Do you really know the family you will become in-laws with and will Emily find out too late who they really are? What secrets will be revealed? Get ready for an entertaining, twisted thriller you will not want to put down until the very end with lots of manipulation, guesses, and questions.. oh scratching your head moments like WTF …
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Bunker Boy in Books
Jun 18, 2019
Bunker Boy is the latest dystopian novel by the diverse author Jordan Elizabeth. One minute, the eighteen-year-old Zara is studying for her Spanish exam and the next she is waking up in a strange room where she has apparently spent five years in a coma. The world as Zara knew it is over. She is informed that terrorists bombed the East Coast of the United States of America and she is one of the lucky few to survive the viaane gas poisoning.
What initially seemed to be salvation turns into a backward, middle ages scenario where women are oppressed by the government run by a dictatorial headmaster. Zara soon learns that no one can challenge the way of life without putting their own lives at risk. She also discovers that things are not at all what they seem.
Jordan Elizabeth's writing is fast-paced but still manages to gradually build up the storyline. Being told from Zara's point of view, the reader experiences things as they happen rather than being aware of things the characters do not know. As a result, readers share the same emotions as the protagonist, imagining themselves in the same position.
Another great attribute of Jordan Elizabeth's writing is that she does not need to include romance to make the story interesting. Although there are relationships of a sort, there is no love, lust or conflicting emotions to distract from the storyline. The author knows how to naturally engage the reader and keep them interested.
Bunker Boy is just one of many of Jordan Elizabeth's greatest books. The only downside is it is short and, therefore, over way too quickly. The author has the potential to write a full-length novel in the future.
What initially seemed to be salvation turns into a backward, middle ages scenario where women are oppressed by the government run by a dictatorial headmaster. Zara soon learns that no one can challenge the way of life without putting their own lives at risk. She also discovers that things are not at all what they seem.
Jordan Elizabeth's writing is fast-paced but still manages to gradually build up the storyline. Being told from Zara's point of view, the reader experiences things as they happen rather than being aware of things the characters do not know. As a result, readers share the same emotions as the protagonist, imagining themselves in the same position.
Another great attribute of Jordan Elizabeth's writing is that she does not need to include romance to make the story interesting. Although there are relationships of a sort, there is no love, lust or conflicting emotions to distract from the storyline. The author knows how to naturally engage the reader and keep them interested.
Bunker Boy is just one of many of Jordan Elizabeth's greatest books. The only downside is it is short and, therefore, over way too quickly. The author has the potential to write a full-length novel in the future.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest (A Medieval Fairy Tale, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Danger and romance lie deep in the heart of Thornbeck Forest. Where a poacher's only desire is to feed the poor. The forester determined to catch the poacher. And a margrave who holds the future of all in his hands.
"Because love was the best reason of all!"
Odette Menkels has a burning desire to help the orphans of Thornbeck. And the forest at her doorstep has an abundance of wild game. The only problem is that the game belongs to the king. Nevertheless, Odette braves the wrath of the margrave who is responsible for the Thornbeck forest. Every night she disguises herself, hunts the deer and feeds the poor. Her life is changed in an instant when she meets Jorgen Hartman, the forester, at the Midsummer festival. Jorgen has found evidence of a poacher and would like nothing better than to bring this poacher to justice. What will he do if he finds out that Odette is the poacher? Will Odette have everything stripped from her? There will be many confessions and consequences, but not all are bad...and some may even surprise you!
This is the first book I have read by Melanie Dickerson, but it won't be the last! I already have The Golden Braid on my list to read by the end of the year. I believe that writing medieval fairy tales for adults was a stroke of genius! The thrill of the chase. The excitement of the hunt. Balls and finery, sorrow and hunger, the desire to do good and the consequences of the laws of the land. The tragic circumstances of the day were portrayed very well. Life in 1363 was rough! But we are reminded that the bonds of love and family are not to be trifled with. Enter the forest of Thornbeck and be whisked through an incredible journey.
"Because love was the best reason of all!"
Odette Menkels has a burning desire to help the orphans of Thornbeck. And the forest at her doorstep has an abundance of wild game. The only problem is that the game belongs to the king. Nevertheless, Odette braves the wrath of the margrave who is responsible for the Thornbeck forest. Every night she disguises herself, hunts the deer and feeds the poor. Her life is changed in an instant when she meets Jorgen Hartman, the forester, at the Midsummer festival. Jorgen has found evidence of a poacher and would like nothing better than to bring this poacher to justice. What will he do if he finds out that Odette is the poacher? Will Odette have everything stripped from her? There will be many confessions and consequences, but not all are bad...and some may even surprise you!
This is the first book I have read by Melanie Dickerson, but it won't be the last! I already have The Golden Braid on my list to read by the end of the year. I believe that writing medieval fairy tales for adults was a stroke of genius! The thrill of the chase. The excitement of the hunt. Balls and finery, sorrow and hunger, the desire to do good and the consequences of the laws of the land. The tragic circumstances of the day were portrayed very well. Life in 1363 was rough! But we are reminded that the bonds of love and family are not to be trifled with. Enter the forest of Thornbeck and be whisked through an incredible journey.
Midge (525 KP) rated Batter Off Dead in Books
Dec 11, 2018 (Updated Dec 20, 2018)
Thoroughly enjoyable read (3 more)
I liked the author's descriptive style
Great for foodies - you can almost smell the cakes baking while you are reading!
Good portrayal of the lead character's relationship with her best friend
Absolutely Delightful!
Sophia Cummings, the owner of For Goodness Cakes, is catering for a charity fundraiser at Grape Valley Winery and must make it a successful event to win more catering jobs and pay the bills. Ray Peel, the Winery's landlord, has pledged to pay off a library loan in her hometown of Rumford, however, the event turns sour and Ray is murdered before the loan and Sophia can be paid. Can she figure out who the murderer is before the bakery collapses?
I have never read any of Maymee Bell's novels before, but I thoroughly enjoyed this. I particularly liked the author's descriptive style, especially the many references to the cakes sold at the bakery which were described so well that you could almost smell them baking in the oven! The portrayal of Sophia's relationships, especially Madison, her best friend, and Bitsy, her mother were also very good, although I think that there could have been a little more spark between Sophia and Carter Kincaid, her sheriff boyfriend. You were introduced to many characters very quickly at the start of the book which was a little confusing at first, however, I like that I was kept guessing all the way through as to the identity of the murderer. The ending to the book was finished off very nicely and I will be reading more Maymee Bell novels in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book, supplied by Netgalley.
I have never read any of Maymee Bell's novels before, but I thoroughly enjoyed this. I particularly liked the author's descriptive style, especially the many references to the cakes sold at the bakery which were described so well that you could almost smell them baking in the oven! The portrayal of Sophia's relationships, especially Madison, her best friend, and Bitsy, her mother were also very good, although I think that there could have been a little more spark between Sophia and Carter Kincaid, her sheriff boyfriend. You were introduced to many characters very quickly at the start of the book which was a little confusing at first, however, I like that I was kept guessing all the way through as to the identity of the murderer. The ending to the book was finished off very nicely and I will be reading more Maymee Bell novels in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book, supplied by Netgalley.
There Your Heart Lies
Book
From the award-winning novelist Mary Gordon, here is a book whose twentieth-century wisdom can help...
literary fiction