Search

Search only in certain items:

CS
Crimson Sky (Dark Sky, #1)
Amy Braun | 2016
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first novel I have read from Amy Braun, but it is certainly not the last. While I appreciate other genres beyond romance and erotica, it has to really be something to grab my attention. Crimson Sky had me from page one. Not only did it blow me away, I became obsessed, having to know what happened next and not being satisfied until I finished the novel.

Crimson Sky is an action packed novel that is hard to describe. Braun is such a talented writer, she easily incorporates multiple genres into one. It can be classified as steampunk, horror, action, romance, and dystopian all in one. I appreciate that Braun could easily show so many themes without having to shove it down our throats. She does such a good job of showing, there is no need for telling.

This novel is an intense roller coaster ride that begins from the very first page. Filled with complex realistic characters in a terrifying world, Braun weaves a story filled with twists and personal growth that keeps you hooked until the very end. It’s been a long time since I have been this obsessed with a novel that didn’t qualify as erotic. Even now, I am stuck in literary limbo because nothing seems to match up to the intense emotions this novel pulled from me. I can’t wait to read more.
  
This book Legacy of Honor was fantastic. I read it in one sitting because I could not put it down. Renae Brumbaugh Green did a great job with the lay out and characters in this book. It is the first book in her Stratton Legacy Series, and boy am I looking forward to reading more books from her!

Emma Monroe was a strong female character that was easy to like, she showed good growth through the book, and I loved her caring nature. She shows the true light of Christ to those around her even during her own sorrows. The other main character Riley Stratton was a good example of the prodigal son. I also enjoyed the banter between Riley and Emma as well as the sweet edition of Skye.

The plot was very engaging and had ups and downs that kept me interested and eager to see what would happen next. What I really enjoyed though was Renae Brumbaugh Green’s consistent pointing towards God being the answer to our problems and that we need a personal relationship with Him. It was realistic and a great addition that was weaved seamlessly into the story.

Overall, I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the smile worthy movements, the well written characters plots, and for pointing us all back to Jesus.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
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.
  
The Lies We Live
The Lies We Live
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Betty Must Uncover the Truth for Her New Client
Business is booming for PI Betty Ahern, and September 1943 finds her opening her own office. She’s also taken on a new case. Her client is worried that her younger brother, a teenager, is up to something shady if not illegal. And when a dead body turns up, Betty realizes the stakes have been raised. Meanwhile, the stakes are also raised in her personal life when her fiancé, Tom, returns from the front in Africa. He’s been injured, and his return to civilian life is anything but easy. Can Betty solve the case and figure out how to navigate Tom being back?

As a fan of the series, I’ve been waiting to meet Tom, and I was happy to see that happen here. His return really forced Betty to mature, and I enjoyed seeing that character growth. Meanwhile, the mystery was also compelling. Between the two, I was engrossed in the book. The story does touch on race relations of the era, but without taking over the book. I also enjoyed that aspect of things. As usual, Betty narrates with some slang from the time, but I enjoyed it. There’s a smattering of foul language, but as long as you know that going in, you’ll be fine. To best appreciate this book, you’ll want to back up to the start of the series. Fans will be very satisfied with what we get here.