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Dana (24 KP) rated The Romances of Chretien de Troyes in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I really enjoyed reading these Medieval stories. My favorite one was Erec and Enide. I had to read these for one of my college classes on Medieval Literature and it was very interesting to be able to read.
I loved, in Erec and Enide, how it was set up into three acts and how all of them were so different from each other.
When I was rereading some other fiction that I really enjoy, I noticed some allusions to the Erec and Enide story, specifically the hunt of the White Stag which I thought was very cool. I'm not sure whether or not the author meant to do it, but it was definitely there.
I had to do a paper on Erec and Enide, so I was able to analyze their relationship and how i changes over the course of the story.
I'm keeping this review pretty short and I may come back to add more later.
I recommend this to anyone who really likes Medieval literature and stories about King Arthur and his court.
I loved, in Erec and Enide, how it was set up into three acts and how all of them were so different from each other.
When I was rereading some other fiction that I really enjoy, I noticed some allusions to the Erec and Enide story, specifically the hunt of the White Stag which I thought was very cool. I'm not sure whether or not the author meant to do it, but it was definitely there.
I had to do a paper on Erec and Enide, so I was able to analyze their relationship and how i changes over the course of the story.
I'm keeping this review pretty short and I may come back to add more later.
I recommend this to anyone who really likes Medieval literature and stories about King Arthur and his court.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Endgame (Sirantha Jax, #6) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Endgame is the final book in the Sirantha Jax series, according to Aguirre, and it definitely shows. Everything gets wrapped up very satisfactorily. Nothing new is introduced. Jax's relationships with March and Vel are both expanded in a delightful manner, and I love the way that works out. She also gets to develop a not-quite-motherly relationship with Sasha, March's adopted son.
The entire volume takes place on Laheng, home of the Lahengrin. We've only met the race through Loras so far in the series, but their story is touching. This is Loras' story as much as anything, the story of the fight to free the Lahengrin from the Nicuans and from the need to be owned (or "protected" as it is called). The action is brutal - Aguirre doesn't hide the realities of war. She doesn't dwell on it in an obscene manner, though, so the book is readable.
Reading the ending of a wonderful series is also bittersweet, but at least Aguirre has stated that she'll revisit this universe.
The entire volume takes place on Laheng, home of the Lahengrin. We've only met the race through Loras so far in the series, but their story is touching. This is Loras' story as much as anything, the story of the fight to free the Lahengrin from the Nicuans and from the need to be owned (or "protected" as it is called). The action is brutal - Aguirre doesn't hide the realities of war. She doesn't dwell on it in an obscene manner, though, so the book is readable.
Reading the ending of a wonderful series is also bittersweet, but at least Aguirre has stated that she'll revisit this universe.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated At Grave's End (Night Huntress, #3) in Books
Feb 23, 2018
Cat is definitely coming into her own now, and her relationship with Bones is portrayed far more healthily than most in the paranormal romance category. I love the fact that she demands that he permit her to stand as his equal, rather than treat her like a delicate thing to be protected.
The plot is more interesting than I recall in previous excursions, while building on the earlier books. I know there's another volume either planned or on the shelves, and I plan to read it. I wasn't so sure after the last book, but I'm glad I gave this one a chance.
I still contend that the cover art, no matter how lovely, shows a woman in a position that cannot be obtained by any human who wants to walk again. Cat is supposed to be half-vampire, but that hasn't been said to give her more flexibility—increased strength, speed, and healing power, yes, but not this sort of oddity. Yes, it's a minor nit to pick, but it has bugged me since the first time I saw the cover.
The plot is more interesting than I recall in previous excursions, while building on the earlier books. I know there's another volume either planned or on the shelves, and I plan to read it. I wasn't so sure after the last book, but I'm glad I gave this one a chance.
I still contend that the cover art, no matter how lovely, shows a woman in a position that cannot be obtained by any human who wants to walk again. Cat is supposed to be half-vampire, but that hasn't been said to give her more flexibility—increased strength, speed, and healing power, yes, but not this sort of oddity. Yes, it's a minor nit to pick, but it has bugged me since the first time I saw the cover.
Things are gearing up for Christmas in July in the town of Rudolph, New York, and Merry Wilkinson is looking forward to the town’s new tradition, Santa arriving for his vacation in a boat parade. However, things get complicated when her ex-fiance, Max Folger, shows up in town wanting to rekindle his relationship with Merry. When he turns up dead in Merry’s shop, she finds herself drawn into the investigation. Can she figure out what is going on?
I love this series for the Christmas spirit that author Vicki Delany infuses into every page, and just because this book is set in July, that Christmas spirit hasn’t diminished at all. The mystery takes off into some surprising areas that kept me turning pages until I reached the end. The series regulars are their normal charming selves, and I was pleasantly surprised by the growth we saw in the suspects as well.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-hark-herald-angels-slay-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I love this series for the Christmas spirit that author Vicki Delany infuses into every page, and just because this book is set in July, that Christmas spirit hasn’t diminished at all. The mystery takes off into some surprising areas that kept me turning pages until I reached the end. The series regulars are their normal charming selves, and I was pleasantly surprised by the growth we saw in the suspects as well.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-hark-herald-angels-slay-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Clare Parrott (294 KP) rated Dirty (Dive Bar, #1) in Books
Feb 13, 2018
A nice read,
Favourite quote...
“When women read romance books, one of two things generally happen.” Mal ran a hand through his lovely locks. “They either want to discuss the book in great depth. And probably, life and your relationship. Now sometimes that’s okay. You reach a higher level of understanding with each other and shit. But sometimes it sucks, pure and simple. You wind up getting bitched at for days because of something the dude in the book did that makes you look bad. But if it’s an awesome book, however, a hot one? Well then … kinky fuckery like you wouldn’t believe, man. The ideas Pumpkin has gotten out of some of those books. Gold. I could never have talked her into trying half of that stuff.” “Huh.” “Trust me, never mock a romance book,” said Mal with all the zest of a manic street preacher. “You have no idea the amount of good they can do for you between the sheets and on the streets. If you love your girl? Buy her books.”
Favourite quote...
“When women read romance books, one of two things generally happen.” Mal ran a hand through his lovely locks. “They either want to discuss the book in great depth. And probably, life and your relationship. Now sometimes that’s okay. You reach a higher level of understanding with each other and shit. But sometimes it sucks, pure and simple. You wind up getting bitched at for days because of something the dude in the book did that makes you look bad. But if it’s an awesome book, however, a hot one? Well then … kinky fuckery like you wouldn’t believe, man. The ideas Pumpkin has gotten out of some of those books. Gold. I could never have talked her into trying half of that stuff.” “Huh.” “Trust me, never mock a romance book,” said Mal with all the zest of a manic street preacher. “You have no idea the amount of good they can do for you between the sheets and on the streets. If you love your girl? Buy her books.”
Katharina and Martin Luther: The Radical Marriage of a Runaway Nun and a Renegade Monk by Michelle DeRusha gave a vivid picture of 2 individuals whose path led to each other and to changing the course of history. It shares personal details of their lives, childhoods separated from family and risking capture, the escape to new lives. They married as virtual strangers but over time they grew to love and admire each other.
The book was extremely well written and researched. When reading you get a glimpse of what life was like at the time, and how Katharina and Martin called on their faith and each other to share their progressive thoughts.
This is a very intimate view of someone who hundreds of years later is a household name. It presents Martin Luther as very human, with doubts and fears, but with courage and the support of a loving relationship, gave Christians another way to live in faith.
I received this advanced reader's copy from Baker Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book was extremely well written and researched. When reading you get a glimpse of what life was like at the time, and how Katharina and Martin called on their faith and each other to share their progressive thoughts.
This is a very intimate view of someone who hundreds of years later is a household name. It presents Martin Luther as very human, with doubts and fears, but with courage and the support of a loving relationship, gave Christians another way to live in faith.
I received this advanced reader's copy from Baker Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Crystal (9 KP) rated Some Fine Day in Books
Jul 4, 2018
At first I wasn't quite sure what to expect. In the beginning it seemed a basic story of underground girl going on vacation above ground. After she emerges from her underground world though things are not as they seem. The main character is developed well, and grows, but the other characters are supporting but don't really grow on their own. The main love interest is said to have changed, but I don't feel we know him well enough in the beginning to see such change. I would like to have been able to see more in the beginning, to see who the main character was before she discovered the world for what it was. Also, she has a relationship in the beginning that we know very little about, and I felt that could have been developed more as well. The ending is good for the most part, but is frustrating because as it ties up the main storyline, there are many loose ends and it leaves it as a cliffhanger, leaving me wondering about the fate of the main characters.
Sue (5 KP) rated The Pajama Frame in Books
Aug 13, 2018
The Pajama Frame is book #5 in the Madison Night Mystery series. While the books can be read as stand-alone, each preceding book builds on the characters and their relationships.
When her octogenarian friend dies and leaves interior decorator Madison Night a pajama factory, Madison is faced with a decades-old tragedy and a more recent murder. All Madison wants to do is hide from the drama, but when estranged family members and special interest groups want to get into the sealed factory, Madison realizes she is caught having to solve a mystery before she becomes the next victim.
As with previous Madison Night books, I found the character of Madison delightful and refreshing. She is no-nonsense, quirky, snarky, and a throwback to Doris Day. Who wouldn’t enjoy an independent woman that dresses and enjoys decorations from the era of the fifties and sixties? Add to the mix a love/hate relationship with the chief of police Tex and a few witty friends & neighbors; you have the perfect chemistry for a delightful cozy mystery series.
When her octogenarian friend dies and leaves interior decorator Madison Night a pajama factory, Madison is faced with a decades-old tragedy and a more recent murder. All Madison wants to do is hide from the drama, but when estranged family members and special interest groups want to get into the sealed factory, Madison realizes she is caught having to solve a mystery before she becomes the next victim.
As with previous Madison Night books, I found the character of Madison delightful and refreshing. She is no-nonsense, quirky, snarky, and a throwback to Doris Day. Who wouldn’t enjoy an independent woman that dresses and enjoys decorations from the era of the fifties and sixties? Add to the mix a love/hate relationship with the chief of police Tex and a few witty friends & neighbors; you have the perfect chemistry for a delightful cozy mystery series.
Recently divorced Jasmine feels like she has failed everyone; her husband, her kids, and herself. Her ex-husband left her for a younger model, her daughter blames her for the divorce & won’t speak to her, and her son broke his leg as a call for attention.
While making a new friend, a mistake made at a women’s shelter leaves Jasmine in danger and doubting her safety. She seeks the help and guidance of her bible study group the Planted. As she finds a new job and perspective in life, Jasmine is brought closer to God and those she loves.
This is the fifth book in the Christian suspense series, Planted Flowers. As with the other books in the Planted series, this is more than just a book of mystery and romance. The underlining story has to do with finding faith, strength, understanding, and support while gaining a deeper relationship with God and his teachings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While making a new friend, a mistake made at a women’s shelter leaves Jasmine in danger and doubting her safety. She seeks the help and guidance of her bible study group the Planted. As she finds a new job and perspective in life, Jasmine is brought closer to God and those she loves.
This is the fifth book in the Christian suspense series, Planted Flowers. As with the other books in the Planted series, this is more than just a book of mystery and romance. The underlining story has to do with finding faith, strength, understanding, and support while gaining a deeper relationship with God and his teachings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sue (5 KP) rated Murder at the Art Gallery (Pet Portraits Mystery, #1) in Books
Aug 13, 2018
Having kicked cancer to the curb, 60 something year old Georgie is ready to pursue her dream career of painting pet portraits. An opportunity opens up at an art gallery that expressed interest in doing a show of her artwork and Georgie takes twin Aleta along for the ride. What they didn’t expect was a murder taken placing and dashing Georgie’s hopes of having a gallery opening. Can Georgie and Aleta find the murderer before they become the next victims?
Georgie is the flirty, bold, and living life to the fullest twin. In contrast, accountant Aleta is more reserved and tries to keep Georgie balanced. It is the combination of their relationship and the hijinks they get themselves into that will keep you reading until the very last page.
This is a cozy mystery at its finest! With fun-loving amateur sleuths, a cast of characters including an ex-husband who is a police detective, and loads of mystery & some comic relief, like me you will want to immediately get the next book in the series.
Georgie is the flirty, bold, and living life to the fullest twin. In contrast, accountant Aleta is more reserved and tries to keep Georgie balanced. It is the combination of their relationship and the hijinks they get themselves into that will keep you reading until the very last page.
This is a cozy mystery at its finest! With fun-loving amateur sleuths, a cast of characters including an ex-husband who is a police detective, and loads of mystery & some comic relief, like me you will want to immediately get the next book in the series.