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An Amish Homecoming
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
What better way to spend a time lost in book than in a book by not just one of my top Amish authors, but by FOUR of them? There really isn't a better way if you ask me. When I received this book to review, I was sick. I didn't want to read much of anything. But I dove into it with highest of hopes to be able to finish it. I read not just Ms. Clipston's novella, but all of them and fell in love with these stories of hope, faith, understanding and acceptance. Each story, written by equally talented authors, is unique and filled with characters that will stay with you long after.  While I loved all the novellas in this story, I will focus on Clipston's and Fuller's. 

Amy Clipston's NO PLACE LIKE HOME is beautifully and tenderly written.  Her unique writing style shines through and the messages from God are woven throughout. The characters are chiseled beautifully and I could feel myself walking along side them, as Eva returned home and came face to face with a man she once knew, and know is unsure of. Her story of letting go and moving on, is truly a tender one and one that will have me coming back to this story again and again. 

Kathleen Fuller's WHAT LOVE BUILT is another beautiful, moving story. Carolyn quickly stole my heart and when Atlee is introduced, bless! These two sweet souls truly had me pulling for them!  I cold feel their heartaches, their love for the Lord, all of it, as if the story was written just for me. I loved the messages of acceptance, of faith, of trust, all woven together to spin a story I won't soon forget! 

These stories together create a 5 star worthy novella collection that will be on my keeper shelf for many years to come. The Amish simplicity and the hope and love within, will forever pull me back. Each author did a wonderful job in their stories and I am looking forward to another collection like this from these talented ladies! Well done, and I highly recommend this book to all! 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
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Hazel (1853 KP) rated Rotham Race in Books

Jul 4, 2018  
Rotham Race
Rotham Race
Jordan Elizabeth Mierek | 2018 | Dystopia, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
This ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

Jordan Elizabeth has aced the dystopia genre in her first attempt at a post-apocalyptic story. Set in what remains of the United States in 2057, thirty-seven years after “The Happening”, the country is a broken place. Some states no longer exist and the ones that do are barely inhabitable. Civilian lives have been reduced to mere survival rather than living, however, there is one small hope. The US lost a microchip in the desert containing data that would help them restore the country to its better days. The only problem is finding it.

Orphan Troy, aged seventeen, is determined to be the one to locate the precious microchip. For ten years, bike riders have joined the “Rotham Race” into the desert in hopes of being the one to bring it back and return the US back to its former glory, however, within that decade, only one rider has ever returned. Undeterred, Troy sets off from Maryland to New York to sign up for the biggest race in history.

Along the way, Troy meets Barbie, a seventeen-year-old mechanic who helps him fix up his bike. Whilst staying with her, awaiting new cycle parts, the teenage pair falls in love, giving Troy a strong reason to make sure he wins and returns from the race.

Unbeknownst to the racers, the government has secrets that render the race a futile endeavour. Whilst hundreds hope for a victory, there is almost no chance of anyone returning.

Rotham Race is an exciting page-turner and original concept. Dystopian stories have been recycled again and again but Jordan Elizabeth brings something new to the table. The characters are likeable and strong, and the storyline is carefully thought out and gripping.

As a novella, Rotham Race is not very long and can be read in a matter of hours. Whilst some people prefer short stories, Jordan Elizabeth has the potential of turning it into a full-length novel or series. Since the story’s conclusion leaves matters unfinished, perhaps there will be a follow-up novella.

Previously, Jordan Elizabeth has concentrated on short fantasy stories but, as Rotham Race proves, her strengths lie in science fiction and dystopia. Rotham Race would not look out of place amongst popular novels such as Divergent and The Hunger Games.
  
In the Tall Grass (2019)
In the Tall Grass (2019)
2019 | Drama, Horror, Thriller
What did I just watch? If someone could enlighten me I would be most grateful. Netflix doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to original films and I have yet to see one that I was genuinely impressed with. Given all the money that Netflix has, you would have thought they might be able to deliver something worth watching.

For Netflix’s latest effort, In The Tall Grass, the film is based on the 2012 novella by Stephen King and son Joe Hill. King’s books, in particular, seem hardest to adapt onto the big screen so it should come as no surprise that this supernatural head-scratcher fails miserably.

Becky (Laysla De Oliveira) and Cal Demuth (Avery Whitted) are making the long trip to San Diego where Becky is planning to give up her baby. Stopping outside an abandoned church they hear a child crying for help from inside a field of tall grass. Not wanting to drive off the pair investigate and become separated and lost in the grass maze. Director Vincenzo Natali is no stranger to maze-like scenarios having helmed The Cube, in which six people are involuntarily placed in an endless maze of deadly traps.

King’s books, in particular, seem hardest to adapt onto the big screen so it should come as no surprise that this supernatural head-scratcher fails miserably.

With Becky and Cal in danger of being consumed by the grass, they encounter the family of the missing boy they were searching for. The Dad, Ross (Patrick Wilson) discovers Becky and promises her safe passage out of the labyrinth. Cal in the meantime has met the young boy, Tobin (Will Buie Jr.), who makes a few sinister statements. A huge rock in the middle of the field that can turn people insane as well as bend time expands the story’s supernatural element. This becomes apparent when Becky’s boyfriend shows up months after she failed to return home and becomes a focal point of the story.

The cast, except for Patrick Wilson who plays the psycho role to great effect, are forgettable. There is a scattering of creepy moments but it’s not enough to carry the film any further. Natali had to make a few changes that were different from the novella to pack it into a feature-length film and this is probably where it falls down.
  
    Secret Files: Sam Peters

    Secret Files: Sam Peters

    Games and Entertainment

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    [ The acclaimed point and click adventure Secret Files Sam Peters has now found its way back onto...

Dangerous Dream
Dangerous Dream
Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl | 2013 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
7
5.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Contains spoilers, click to show
This one started out a bit slow, but once Link and Ridley broke up and Ridley went her own way, it began to pick up. Actually, "started out a bit slow" is not accurate. The problem I had with the beginning was actually that it was too rushed. It seemed very hastily cobbled together like the authors just didn't have enough time or energy to expend the effort it took to mold it into a complete storyline, so instead, they just left it as the bare bones of a story.

However, then Link tells Ridley that he loves her, and she freaks out and runs off to be on her own. That is when the story gets good. I loved the idea of a Caster's game of BS in which the players play for talents, favors, and powers rather than cash. And I am INCREDIBLY interested to know just what it is that Ridley owes Lennox after she lost.

It was a very, very interesting little novella that pretty much ensured I'll go out and buy a copy of the new novel this December.
  
Eldridge's Release (Club Rebellion #1)
Eldridge's Release (Club Rebellion #1)
Evelise Archer | 2018 | Contemporary, Erotica, LGBTQ+
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Eldridge's Release (Club Rebellion #1) by Evelise Archer
Eldridge's Release is the first book in the Club Rebellion series, but it almost feels like it should be book two. Although Johnson and Issy being together is what gets Eldridge to the Club, I would also love to hear more about them and how they got together.

Although this is mainly low-angst, Eldridge does have enough angst in his past to deal with. The relationship with Dalton moves at the speed of light, as is often the case in novellas. That does mean that there is not much in the way of character's history, or connection as the two of them move forward, but still, this is a good read, and definitely a series I would like to continue with.

With no spelling or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommending this to those who enjoy insta-love in a fast-paced novella.

* 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!
  
Another fantastic, captivating, cowboy novella from the talented hands of the wonderful Dana Mentink. She takes suspense and swoon worthy cowboys, a touch of romance and lots of inspiring messages and wraps them up in an unforgettable plot line.

Ms. Mentink’s Ella and Owen are beautifully chiseled into characters that will steal your heart instantly. I loved their story. Watching Owen and Ella come to terms with not only their feelings for each other, but also with who’s behind framing Ella, was an intense ride! I love when a book will do that to you!

This second installment in the Gold Country Cowboys series is definitely one that I recommend with a high flying 4 star praise. This book will keep you up late, turning page after page, biting nail after nail, as you fly through the book to get to the last page and see how the story ends. You’ll be dying for more from this talented author! I can’t wait for the next one. Well done, Ms. Mentink!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
QS
Queen Song (Red Queen, #0.1)
6
6.8 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
Queen Song is a short novella detailing Coriane's life. It begins prior to her introduction to the Prince and shows a simpler life. Her elder cousin Jessamine wants her to be a proper lady and help restore the power/glory of their failing house. Coriane Jacos just wants to tinker and build things. It was nice to see that similarity to her future son, even though they never really knew one another.

You also get a taste of a second (future) queen in the young Elara, Maven's mother. She is just as pleasant as a young adult as she is in the series, which is to say she's a terror. Elara is manipulative and her power is incredibly strong. <spoiler> We even find out that it was, in fact, Elara that drove Coriane to end her life. Coriane even suspected that Elara was in her mind, but was unable to prove it. She thought she was able to sing well enough to find out if it was true, but Elara was able to resist her. The Queen even got help from someone who could suppress powers, to no avail. Elara drove her mad. </spoiler>