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With just two weeks to go until the town’s clock town starts ticking again, Ruth Clagan and her friends are busy getting everything ready to go. In order to help offset the expenses, they are hosting a fund raiser. However, Kim Gray, the town manager, is a no show until she is discovered crushed under the bell destined for the tower. Obviously, someone hated her. But who?

I was very surprised to see Kim was the victim, but pleasantly so since she’s been a pain in the previous books in the series. We learn even more what a nasty character she is along the way to the satisfying climax, even if one small part of the mystery isn’t quite resolved. The characters are charming as ever, and we get to know a few different supporting players this time, which I enjoyed.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/08/book-review-chime-and-punishment-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Bringing Maggie Home
Bringing Maggie Home
Kim Vogel Sawyer | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
So, I will confess: it's been awhile since I read a Kim Vogel Sawyer book. Like eons ago. But,when I saw this book available and read the blurb, I knew it was one I could not pass up! I definitely made the right choice for sure, as it was like coming home from a long stay in a foreign country. Her writing style was breathtakingly stunning in this emotionally moving, sometimes suspenseful book.

I loved the women in this book. They each stole a piece of my heart and became like family to me. I loved that feeling. I loved the way Ms. Sawyer created this story with 3 generations of stong willed, stubborn women. The mystery she added to the mix and the cold case of Maggie's story was incredibly done. It was the perfect blend of emotions for me!

If you are looking for a fast-paced, laugh out loud novel, don't pick up this book. If you want a book that will grip your soul, twist it, taking it on the most incredible roller coaster ride (the only way I will ever get on a roller coaster!), then this book, filled with messages of longing, hope, desperation and learning to lean on God to show the way, will be the perfect one for you! Ms. Sawyer's latest book is definitely a top read of 2017 for me and gets the highest of 5 stars! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/blogging-for-books-review-bringing-maggie-home-by-kim-vogel-sawyer/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
  
The Ploughmen
The Ploughmen
Kim Zupan | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry
8
5.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Also read my review here: http://bookbum.weebly.com/book-reviews/the-ploughmen-by-kim-zupan

<b><i>Darling - come alone to the shed.</b></i>

I’ve found it so hard to write a review for this book because it was such a moving, descriptive novel. It was sort of one of those reads that I loved for no particular reason, it was just a gorgeous book at the right time.

This book was by no means an “easy read”, it has some very dark and upsetting subjects running throughout it but it was one of those reads that I fell into so easily and smoothly every time I picked it back up. It was a complete pleasure to read. I gave it only 4 stars because various things in my day-to-day life made my reading of this very choppy, so I think I’d like to read this again in the future in a more relaxed time and maybe this would even get a 5 star rating.

I think this book and its characters are definitely going to stay with me for a while. Valentine was a precious soul, and in his own way, John was too.

Thanks to my quarterly challenge for forcing me into reading this because I don’t think I would have picked it up for years and years otherwise!
  
AO
All of It
Kim Holden | 2013
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
LOVED THIS BOOK!! I couldn't get enough of Ronnie and Dimitri. I felt like I connected more with Ronnie that any other character. I loved the fact that she always came across so normal to me. She had your normal teenage trials and tribulations, but she wasn't whiny about it. Dimitri, well, all I can really say is SWOON! He is an amazing character, he's fun, sweet, sexy, and you can tell he really loves Ronnie.

The end is great and oh the feelings! This story is so original, I truly loved it. I'm not giving anything away! You must read to find out!

Kim Holden is a new author, and her eye for story telling is amazing! I can't wait to read more from this new author. She has a great eye for description which brings her characters and setting to life! I can't wait to see what she has up her sleeve next.
  
Prom Nights from Hell
Prom Nights from Hell
Meg Cabot | 2007 | Young Adult (YA)
2
5.0 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
this book was very mediocre.

there were several stories. the one by Meg Cabot was poorly writen and stupid.

the one by Lauren Myracle made me angry.

Kim Harrison didn't finish her story. when i finally found the novel that finished it, it was dumb, and she didn't hardly explain anything, so i didn't like it much.

Michelle Jaffe's characters were sketchy and i never connected with them. bleah.

Stephenie Meyer... well, let's just say, she should stick to vampires and mind-controlling aliens.

all in all, i read this book on a vote (and did a riddle on it, also on a vote) and didn't really enjoy it. waste of ten bucks. don't bother.
  
When Love Returns (The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy #3)
When Love Returns (The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy #3)
Kim Vogel Sawyer | 2015 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Kim Sawyer is one talented author. If you have not read one of her books you should. Her series "The Zimmerman Restoration" has a wonderful ending. You can check out my reviews to "When Mercy Rains" and "When Grace Sings".

Well, "When Love Returns" starts out a little tension with Suzanne and Alexa. They are celebrating Christmas with all the family. Alexa wants to find her birth mother. When Alexa tells her mom Suzanne. Suzanne is a little unsure and startled by her daughter. Suzanne learns that she will be with Anna Grace for two months. It starts with the unsealing all reasons and the secret that only started it all.

Throughout the book, Suzanne Turns to Paul to talk about Anna Grace and Alexa. What will happen with Suzanne and Paul? I believe it will come full circle. Paul starts wanting to talk to Suzanne and talk about his son Danny. Will the members of the fellowship allow Suzanne back in? To find out all these answers and Alexa answers to her questions, you will need to read "When Love Returns'?
  
The Night She Disappeared
The Night She Disappeared
Lisa Jewell | 2021 | Mystery, Thriller
9
8.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
An intricate, twisty, page-turner of a thriller
Tallulah and her boyfriend, Zach, go out on a date, leaving their young son Noah behind with her mom, Kim. Kim waits up for Tallulah, but she never comes back. As Kim tries to find out what happened to her daughter, whom she knows would never leave Noah behind, she learns she was last seen at a party at house in the woods, called the Dark Place.

Two years later, Sophie moves to a boarding school where her boyfriend, Shaun, has just started to work as head teacher. As she explores the woods, she sees a note reading "Dig Here." A writer, Sophie starts investigating. Her sleuthing will take her into the world of the Dark Place and Tallulah's disappearance.

"With a racing heart and a sickening swirl in the pit of her stomach, she calls the police and she files a missing persons case."

This is an excellent thriller, hands-down. I read the second half in one sitting, because I was completely and totally sucked in. This is a mystery, but it has a ton of character to it--because the characters, ha, are real and vibrant people, with their own quirks, issues, and struggles that add an an extra element to the story. Tallulah, especially, is a nuanced character, a young mother struggling to find her place in the world, with her boyfriend, her friendships, and as a parent and student.

NIGHT is quite twisty--this read will keep you guessing. It's well-written, extremely dark (be prepared), and just well-done overall. It balances thrilling and characterization perfectly. I often hate when a "regular" character decides to be a sleuth, but Sophie, as a crime writer, was fine in the role. I loved Tallulah (extremely great, because she's missing, so Jewell gets us attached to a character who is gone and whose POV is told through the past). The book is complex, giving us insight into motherhood, relationships, friendship and more.

Overall, this was a winner for me. 4.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Atria Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
  
The Grace Year
The Grace Year
Kim Liggett | 2019 | Dystopia, Young Adult (YA)
10
8.7 (9 Ratings)
Book Rating
Title: The Grace Year ARC

Author: Kim Liggett

Read Dates: June 25th- July 3rd 2019

Why did I choose to read this book?
I chose to read this book because it was sent to me as an arc

Did I like it? I love it it's a very emotional story

Five things I liked about this book (Spoiler Warning skip to one character I disliked if you don't want spoiler's):
1. I love how the main character isn't like all the other girls.
2. I love how Michael saved her. I knew he was the one that veiled her from the beginning.
3. I love the love story between her and Ryker. I love how she ends up having his baby and she ends up being the one she dreams about.
4. I love how she helps the other Grace Year girls and the Grace Year girls in the years to come.
5. I love how she didn't judge Gertie like the others and ended up being friends with her in the end.

One character I disliked: Michael's father

Do I recommend this book? Yes, it's a very wonderful book. It's very emotional and has an unexpected turn of events and ending.

What is one similar book I think you'd like if you also love this book? Hunger Games or Divergent or Maze Runner

Questions for you:
1. Have you read this book? How'd you like it?
2. Who was your favorite character?
3. What's your favorite book and author?
  
The third entry in Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan books, in which she continues to flesh out the world she first created in ""Dead Witch Walking"", with the addition of several new characters and further hints about the motivations of some (one on particular) of the more enigmatic established characters.

It also helps to have read both "Dead Witch Walking" and "The Good, the Bad and the Undead" before starting this one, as it makes references to events in those books. As before, however, the novel also seeems to meander along quite a bit before getting to the point: it's almost as if Harrison is more interested in her characters than in her plot. While, for me, that can be annoying (get to the point already!), your mileage may vary ...
  
Medusa’s Master (Medusa Project #3)
Medusa’s Master (Medusa Project #3)
Cindy Dees | 2011 | Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Storyline (0 more)
Mills & Boon Ninja??
Captain “Kat” Kim, leader of the all female Medusa Squad, lives by a warrior code. When she pairs with Special Forces Captain Jeff Steiger, she faces new danger. Steiger is all-American, from his blue eyes to his sun-streaked hair, his laid back manner goes against Kat’s control freak ways. When the two hunt for a high end art thief, their opposite styles combust!

A quick easy read... Dees has a well thought out storyline, but limited to the standard short form of a mills and boon. Characters were slightly underdeveloped and there was a few gaps that could have done with some further follow up as the story and Kat and Jeff’s relationship progressed. Some funny moments, the odd heated moment. But overall fairly average