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A Batter of Life and Death
A Batter of Life and Death
Ellie Alexander | 2015 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murderous Contest
It’s autumn, which means that tourist season is winding down in Ashland, Oregon. Fortunately, The Pastry Channel has come to town to film the newest season of Take the Cake. They’ve asked Jules Capshaw to use Torte’s kitchen as a location some of the contestants use to prepare their pastries. Then they ask Jules to be a last-minute contestant. She’s thrilled until she finds Chef Marco, one of the other contestants, dead before the first day of filming. Since she is part of the show, she can’t help but learn things about her fellow contestants. Can she figure out which one is a killer?

It’s been too long since I read the first book in the series, but I was quickly back in Jules’s world with this fun second in the series. The pacing was a bit off at times, but overall there is an enjoyable mystery with plenty of secrets for Jules to uncover. The suspects are good and do their part to keep us guessing. Jules has some personal stuff she is trying to work through, and I enjoyed seeing the growth in her here. This book really made me want to visit Ashland at some point in the future. We get seven recipes at the end for a wide variety of things. It’s easy to see why this series is so popular. I need to pick up the next soon.
  
Bastille Vs. the Evil Librarians
Bastille Vs. the Evil Librarians
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Fanciful and Funny Finale. Finally.
This book opens right where the previous one ended. That means Alcatraz is dressed in a tux tied to an altar of outdated encyclopedias in the Highbrary having just experienced two horrific personal losses. That’s when Bastille finally wakes up from her coma and comes rushing in to try to save the day. But with the leader of the librarians on his way to enact his evil plan half way around the world, can anyone stop him? Especially since Alcatraz doesn’t seem to have it in him to fight any more.

I am so glad this middle grade fantasy book finally came out so we could have a proper conclusion to the series. If you are new, don’t jump in here but start at the beginning so you won’t be confused, but those who are fans will be properly rewarded. We have all the same action, humor, and craziness we’ve come to expect. This book does deal with the dark ending of the previous book, and I appreciated how it did that, including the growth it gave us in Alcatraz and Bastille. The rest of the characters are entertaining. And I mentioned the action right? There were so many twists and so much danger I had a hard time putting the book down. I definitely feel like the wait to find out what happened was worth it.
  
The Music Man
The Music Man
Moonyani Write | 2018 | Children
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
What I liked best was the lessons this story offers. All the characters go through some kind transformation and many experience personal growth. (0 more)
What I didn't like was the style itself, in fact it was a major negative for me. I lost track of who was talking to who frequently because of the lack of paragraphs (0 more)
Honest Review for Free Copy of Book
The Music Man by Moonyani Write is Written in a very different style, with no long paragraphs. Each sentence seems to be tarted on a different line, at least the dialogue is written this way. I recommend reading this book at a slower pace, there is no need to rush through it. In fact if you rush while reading this book there is a good chance that the reader wll miss things. Over all this book is a good way to kill some time.

A young boy by the name of Jimmy runs away from home on a cold day. He finds himself knocking on the door of the Music Man asking to come out of the cold. Jimmy and the Music Man find that they both have a love for music, especially melodies. With the help of a few neighbors, they bring the Music Man's piano downstairs from the attic. Then while playing a song together that the Music Man wrote on his piano they are magically transported to another world.

In this new world, the Music Man is a famous conductor who is scheduled to perform a concert in a few days. There is another conductor called Hornsbury who is using his music to possess people in an attempt to take over the world, one town at a time. Now Jimmy and his new friends must set out to stop Hornsbury. They travel to the town that Hornsbury came from in search of answers while the Music Man stays in Harmony town with his new friend Olivia. In the course of trying do defeat Hornsbuy it becomes clear that not everyone living in Harmony is exactly who they claim they are.

What I liked best was the lessons this story offers. All the characters go through some kind transformation and many experience personal growth. The happy ending, although expect was still a nice touch even with all the twists along the way. What I didn't like was the style itself, in fact, it was a major negative for me. I lost track of who was talking to who frequently because of the lack of paragraphs. The lack of paragraphs also caused me to get confused when the story shifted from Jimmny to Hornsbury. It was also extremely anti-climatic during the big battle at the end and did not build tension very well.

The target readers for this book are young teens. To be honest I would not recommend this book to teens with a high reading level. The content and subject matter should not be a problem if younger
readers would like to give this book a try as well. On face value the book may seem a bit on the longer side but readers should not let this intimidate them because it really is not that long of a book. I rate this book 2 out of 4. This is because while the story itself was decent the writing felt inconsistent. The style it was written in made it choppy to read. There were also times when it would be nicely detailed and then vague all in the same chapter.

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A beautiful setting and a heart touching tale of forgiveness and redemption. A very sweet story that had me falling in love with Gloucestershire and Beagle puppies! The Elusive Miss Ellison is Carolyn Miller's debut novel and I applaud her creativity and gift for story! The descriptions of the settings, homes, and gowns were so detailed that I can still see the images in my mind.

Miss Ellison and Lord Hawkesbury have so many challenges to overcome. In their personal lives as well as with their relationship with their families and each other. Learning to lay down their pride and lean on God for truth and guidance was a very encouraging thing to witness.

I did enjoy this story and I am very excited to continue the series. However, the flow of the story and some inconsistency in the characters had me confused on multiple occasions. Hence my rating. That being said, the words and language was elegant and soothing. I found it very fun to read terms used in Regency times that I had to look up. This aspect added an extra level of depth to the story. There are several acknowledgements to Pride & Prejudice, which is always a delight to find in books. I am eagerly looking forward to following the author's growth and progress in her books to come. If you enjoy Regency stories with romance and redemption, I suggest you give this one a try!

I received a complimentary copy of The Elusive Miss Ellison from Kregel Publications through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
The Stolen Marriage
The Stolen Marriage
Diane Chamberlain | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Ok so let me just say the cover of this novel is absolutely stunning … all the water droplets are raised and the image is breath taking!!!!
After reading the synopsis of the story in the cover, I was hooked into wanting to read this and the novel did not disappoint. This is not only a multilayered, multifaceted novel of plots and characters but also genre of books. The writing is like watching a movie playing in your head … Chamberlain has a way at pulling you in and making you feel all different emotions throughout the story. Each character is written in a way that you feel like you know them and see their growth and there views and feel each of their stories. If you like historical fiction or mystery or self discovery or even romance, you will love The Stolen Marriage.
The book is set in 1943-1945 with an epilogue that is 1955. It starts out with Tess in Baltimore, which in these times is considered to have northern values and religions with a mix of cultures. Then the story continues into Hickory NC where southern religions, views on colored people, values such as money and family come into play. I am not going to summarize it too much and give too much away nor am I going to describe the synopsis of the book that is given because it is spot on. However, the first chapter draws you in with an accident and a death!!! Then the story unfolds where Tess makes a detrimental decision that changes her path in life drastically. Then its a wild, emotional and beautiful story about a marriage to someone she doesn't know and slowly gets to know, loosing people that are precious to her, loosing herself and finding herself when she becomes a nurse and uses these skills when the polio epidemic hits Hickory, how the town comes together during this time to build a make shift hospital in a very short time, losing and regretting the love of her life, finding out people are not what they make of themselves, secrets that come to light throughout the book, finding out that even though differences are evident you still can learn and overcome a way of thinking, and so much more.
The decisions she makes changes not only her path but others as well. And also the decisions others make change Tess and change the characters lives as well.
This book has race issues, religious issues, moral dilemmas, moral values, personal growth, finding ones true self, etc.
I highly recommend this book!!!!! It was an amazing read, compelling story telling and so many plots wrapped up in one incredible novel!
  
Geekerella (Once Upon a Con #1)
Geekerella (Once Upon a Con #1)
Ashley Poston | 2017 | Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
8
7.8 (11 Ratings)
Book Rating
Geekerella is a modern day retelling of the classic fairytale, Cinderella. Our protagonist is Ella and the most important thing in her life is fandom, specifically her love of Starfleet. It was a show that she watched on re-runs with her dad and fell in love with. Her father even started a convention called Excelsicon because of his love of Starfleet. After her mother died when she was a small child, it was just Ella and her dad. Unfortunately, her father got remarried and later died in a car accident leaving Ella with her step-mother and two step-sisters. They didn’t understand her love of the sci-fi cult hit and treated her more like a servant than a sister.

Geekerella is a cute contemporary novel that will speak to your fandom loving heart. Even if you’re not super into sci-fi, comics, comic con, cosplay or those types of things, I think you will enjoy the classic human experience portrayed in this book. The Cinderella retelling aspect of the story was the least relevant to my reading experience. I personally enjoyed the development of friendly and romantic relationships, the geeking out over fandoms and the personal growth seen in this novel.

The main characters are likable and relatable, despite the fact that one of them is famous. He alternates between wanting to be normal, or down to earth, and succumbing to the intoxicating appeal of being famous. Even though you generally know the bones of the story if you’re familiar with Cinderella, the story itself doesn’t feel incredibly formulaic and can surprise you at times.

Highly recommended to young adult/teen fan of contemporary books, teen romance, nerd/geekdom, comic con, cosplay, fairytale retellings and simple, cute reads.
  
Depravity (Beastly Tales, #1)
Depravity (Beastly Tales, #1)
M.J. Haag | 2015 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
First off, let me say how furious I am that this is a three part series with each novel ending in a cliff hanger. Each novel has enough meat to it to count as individual novel, but they all end in maddening cliffhangers. I loathe cliff hangers more than I loathe serials.

That being said, this series had me from page one and I couldn’t put it down until the very last one. I missed a lot of sleep for it… I am a huge fan of fairy tale retellings, especially if there erotica involved. This is definitely one of the better retellings of Beauty and the Beast, albeit a very dark one. The female lead is almost raped more times than I can count, abused by her obnoxious sisters, manipulated by an arrogant sorceress, and subjected to dealing with a short tempered man child stuck in a beast’s body. Through it all, Benella stays determined and loved her grit.

There are some themes that may not sit well with some people, especially with the Beast’s treatment of Benella in the second novel. I think they are missing the point of this story, however. The premise is not just about looking beyond aesthetic value, it is about personal growth. While it is the Beauty’s purpose to look beyond outer appearances to appreciate what people have on the inside; it is the Beast’s role to develop from …well a beast to a better person. I feel that most people look past that.

This is a great series for those looking for an adult retelling of Beauty and the Beast and can handle the dark themes and cliff hangers that come with it. If you can accept an anti-hero with faults who falls for a strong woman who can hold her own in a hateful sexist world, then this is definitely the series for you.
  
Julie & Julia (2009)
Julie & Julia (2009)
2009 | Comedy, Drama
9
9.5 (4 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Julie & Julia’ is an intertwined tale based on the two true stories of cooking legend Julia Child (Meryl Streep) and that of author Julie Powell (Amy Adams). It is a story of non-traditional mentoring and the value of hard work and dedication, covering the process Child went through creating the 1961 classic Mastering the Art of French Cooking alongside the tale of Powell who was made famous when she blogged her way through Child’s book.

The films leads do nothing but deliver. Amy Adams, sporting a spunky new haircut, creates a character that is both soul searching and fun to watch. Meryl Streep amazingly transforms into Child, having perfected the subtleties of her personality so well that I found myself remising back to my single digit years.

The costumes are delightful and manage to seamlessly separate the two women’s tales while uniting them into a bigger story. The use of color and pacing make this a film that displays not only a change in time and lifestyle, but also the uniting human values that are entirely timeless.

A story of relationships and personal growth, combined with moments of laughter and hardship, I found myself in the mood I enjoyed through ‘Chocolat’ and ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’.

The film could have used more food imagery and I felt like the character of Eric Powell (Chris Messina) could have been better developed. But the delightful relationship between Julia and her husband Paul Child, played by the ever-enchanting Stanley Tucci, made this film a wildly entertaining journey.

On top of being a well-told tale, ‘Julie & Julia’ has that je ne sais quoi which make it a truly exceptional piece of film, and I know this because even my action loving husband enjoyed it. Well worth the price of admission ‘Julie & Julia’ is a time traveling felicity that is sure to win your heart, as it has mine.
  
The Boy and His Ribbon
The Boy and His Ribbon
Pepper Winters | 2018 | Romance, Young Adult (YA)
8
9.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Often discomforting but gripping
I don't know how to categorise the genre of this book because the story is a metamorphosis of character growth in age and maturity. THE BOY AND HIS RIBBON is a story of becoming family, escaping abuse but never really being free. This is a tale told over a number of years, everything in this book has a tangible and realistic timeline.

The two characters in this book are Ren Wild the boy on the run and his little fellow escapee Della Ribbon. These two were enchanting characters to read; beautiful souls. Ren knocked my socks off as a care giver, his love for Della evolved and bloomed as he fathered-her, brothered-her, best-friended-her. He was utterly selfless in carving out life and survival for his Ribbon and himself. The bond between these two was seemingly unbreakable. Della evolved the most in this book, growing from babe to teen and she was a complex, fiercely-loving and possessive girl.

"He treated me as capable and brave and bright, and that's what I became because I never wanted to let him down because he would never let me down. Simple as that.“

The story is narrated from a dual POV with an emphasis on Ren's perspective but Della then reflecting back on her experiences. I felt there were two distinct phases in this book, both difficult but certainly the latter years, more complex and challenging. There is a discomfort to the story direction that challenged my allegiances, my personal morality and it's a bit of noodled-mess of thinking right now. However, I could not look away, it was an addictive story, compelling in the best way.

I have thoughts about where I think the next book's story line is going and I'm full of trepidation over it but longing to read it nevertheless. I enjoyed Pepper Winter's writing in this immensely, especially the childhood era of Della and Ren.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
  
Her Avenging Angel (Her Angel: Eternal Warriors #4)
Her Avenging Angel (Her Angel: Eternal Warriors #4)
Felicity Heaton | 2014 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Nevar has been through hell, quite literally. He has spent what seems like an endless amount of time trying to find ways in which to defeat his master, Asmodeus. He made a mistake though when he tried to exploit Liora as Asmodeus' weakness and ended up nearly killing her. This in turn leads to a series of events which sees him on guard duty, bored and hungry. So he decides to create a portal which takes him to Cloud 9 so that he can eat and drink. While he is there, a dark-haired beauty catches his attention, along with every other male there. Unfortunately, whilst she can understand most languages, she can only speak in one and no else seems able to. Apart from Nevar that is, and Asmodeus when he turns up looking for Nevar.

This story is about growth, friendship and personal responsibility inasmuch as it is a love story. All our males grow upon finding their female and none so much as Nevar. He has quite the learning curve to go through but with Lysia by his side, he is convinced that he can do it. Of course, their path doesn't run smoothly but Nevar finds a family that he never before acknowledged, prepared to help him and fight beside him.

All of our favourites are still here and still as brilliant as ever. Asmodeus and Veiron remain my favourites, especially in one of the last scenes where they are making fun of Nevar (but I won't say more than that so that I don't spoil anything!)

There are some interesting leads made in this story which makes me believe that the following stories in this series will continue with the smexiness, action and humour that makes them so enjoyable. Definitely recommended for all fans of PR.
 
* 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!
July 26, 2016