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Full disclosure: I don't like birds. They terrify me.

Hummingbirds being the exception, and even more so now that I've devoured this book.
(I've read it three times in the past year!)

Fastest Things on Wings is a rare glimpse into this hidden wonderland of the lives of hummingbirds, and a California woman's heroic efforts to rescue and rehabilitate them. The care, compassion and love Terry has for these almost mythical creatures is astounding, and my heart is ten times bigger after reading of some of these stories, including that of Garbriel, a male rescued in the middle of Rodeo Drive, and female hummingbird Pepper, who was injured on a movie set. You come to admire these tiny little birds stories of tenacity and strength, mixed in with dash of science, a whole lot of heart and honestly, a bit of magic.

It takes a lot of time, energy and strength to rehabilitate any animal. There are some very sad losses, but some delightful, and charming wins throughout this book and you relish in the fact that this type of job actually exists, and how quickly you are pulled in and charmed by it's tight knit community.
I learned so much about the migration, mating, and eating habits of these creatures, and it has me hungry to learn more about this splendid, beautiful bird that enamors so many.

5 Stars - without a doubt.
  
Reason (The Dreughan #2)
Reason (The Dreughan #2)
Lena North | 2015 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Reason (The Dreughan #2) by Lena North
Reason is the second book in the Dreughan series, and this time it is Sannah who is the main character. This follows on from Courage and should definitely be read as part of the series, rather than a standalone.

She has said she doesn't want Kee, but we all know she is lying. Through this book, we learn just why she lied, plus how they overcome that and become the happy couple we want them to be. Although this is Sannah's book, and she tells a magnificent story, I will admit to holding Valerian in my heart! He played a part in Vilda's story, and certainly plays a part here. He is kind and considerate, whilst also being firm when needed. He is the General after all.

Vilda and Drake are still going strong, and I love the jokes that happen between this close-knit family by bond.

Once again, I will say there were a couple of errors in this book. But as before, the writing was so good I am more than happy to overlook those as they definitely didn't impact my enjoyment of the story at all.

I am going straight into Joy. I am LOVING this series, with its amazing characters and world building that is good enough for the reader to see, and can't recommend it highly enough. Absolutely fantastic.

* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
The Lovely and the Lost
The Lovely and the Lost
Jennifer Lynn Barnes | 2019 | Young Adult (YA)
7
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Original title: Lost Causes
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

The Lovely and the Lost is the first novel I read by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Considering she published almost 30 novels in genres I often read, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, and Young Adult, that is surprising.

In it, we are introduced to the Bennett family. Cady, the mother, is one of the best search and rescuers who also trains search and rescue dogs. Her son is Jude and her adopted daughter, Kira, was found by Cady in the woods many years ago. Rounding out the family is Phoebe, who prefers to be called Free, the 3rd in the teen's close-knit trio. The story focuses on a search and rescue and gives some detail on how to tray search and rescue dogs. All of the teens work with the dogs and are training to be search and rescuers.

The Young Adult novel is well thought out and well-written. The characters are flawed, show their limitations, their strengths, and feel real. While it would be enjoyable for all readers of YA, I feel middle school students would enjoy it the most.

I will definitely read one of Jennifer Lynn Barnes's series. As of 6/17/19, Goodreads lists 7 series.

This review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 6/17/19.