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TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Stork Bite in Books
Feb 24, 2021
Stork Bite by L.K. Simonds was one of the most deeply layered books I have ever had the privilege of reading before, and it emphasized how the small choices we make in life can have huge ripple effects that last generations.
This book is divided into two separate, yet connected stories. In the first “book” L.K. Simonds immediately immerses you into deep south life Louisiana. With vivid descriptions of local wildlife, scenery, and murder (really vivid). It was a great hook, and I could not put it down to see what happened next. L.K. Simonds did a great job making me feel like I was right there with David exploring all the options available to me. The people David meets on his journey were interesting and showed a real glimpse of life at that time, and the hardships that many people went through. I LOVED how David emphasized the need for education as being a founding block for a better life, and his selfless actions were remarkable. This “book” was my favorite as it really engaged me, and I enjoyed the ebb and flow of the author’s voice.
The second “book” introduces a completely new cast of characters, and as you will find out when you read the book, all the characters are interconnected in a remarkable way that is not obvious upon first reading the second “book”. While David seems to disappear from the story altogether, we meet Cargie and Mae two women from very different walks of life and who make very different life choices. I was fascinated by L.K. Simonds look into the 1920-1930s era of mobs, bootlegging, and the choices of people. It made for an interesting storyline. What really helped make this story interesting for me was not just the story itself, but the way L.K. Simonds rounded out the seemingly not connected stories into one overarching story.
Overall, I think that L.K. Simonds did a great job layering her characters, giving a good mystery that left you scratching your head for a while, and showing how one man’s choice can affect a multitude of people. One thing I wish was done differently, would have been the first book characters remaining as background characters in the second “book” so that I was not completely at a loss on how the two stories fit together until the last 50 or so pages. But Stork Bite did have a good conclusion that wrapped everything up nicely and gave me the pieces I needed to feel like David’s story ended. I give it 4 out of 5 stars for the accurate historical details, the stretched-out mystery, and for being able to layer so many characters and have the story come out richer because of it.
*I will advise that this story does include some mild swearing
**I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
This book is divided into two separate, yet connected stories. In the first “book” L.K. Simonds immediately immerses you into deep south life Louisiana. With vivid descriptions of local wildlife, scenery, and murder (really vivid). It was a great hook, and I could not put it down to see what happened next. L.K. Simonds did a great job making me feel like I was right there with David exploring all the options available to me. The people David meets on his journey were interesting and showed a real glimpse of life at that time, and the hardships that many people went through. I LOVED how David emphasized the need for education as being a founding block for a better life, and his selfless actions were remarkable. This “book” was my favorite as it really engaged me, and I enjoyed the ebb and flow of the author’s voice.
The second “book” introduces a completely new cast of characters, and as you will find out when you read the book, all the characters are interconnected in a remarkable way that is not obvious upon first reading the second “book”. While David seems to disappear from the story altogether, we meet Cargie and Mae two women from very different walks of life and who make very different life choices. I was fascinated by L.K. Simonds look into the 1920-1930s era of mobs, bootlegging, and the choices of people. It made for an interesting storyline. What really helped make this story interesting for me was not just the story itself, but the way L.K. Simonds rounded out the seemingly not connected stories into one overarching story.
Overall, I think that L.K. Simonds did a great job layering her characters, giving a good mystery that left you scratching your head for a while, and showing how one man’s choice can affect a multitude of people. One thing I wish was done differently, would have been the first book characters remaining as background characters in the second “book” so that I was not completely at a loss on how the two stories fit together until the last 50 or so pages. But Stork Bite did have a good conclusion that wrapped everything up nicely and gave me the pieces I needed to feel like David’s story ended. I give it 4 out of 5 stars for the accurate historical details, the stretched-out mystery, and for being able to layer so many characters and have the story come out richer because of it.
*I will advise that this story does include some mild swearing
**I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Driftwood Dreams (Carolina Coast #2) in Books
Feb 24, 2021
Driftwood Dreams is the second book in T.I. Lowe’s Carolina Coast Series. The books can be read as standalone’s, but I did see returning characters’ appearances from the previous book; I loved the first book, so I recommend going back to read that one as well. The whole series takes place in a small seaside town off the coast of Carolina (which is one of my favorite places ever) and makes you feel at home right from the first page.
Characters can make or break my interest in the story, and T.I. Lowe did a great job of capturing my interest with both main characters in a very relaxed manner. Josie is a quiet, helpful, and loyal person who is always willing to lend a helping hand. She has high expectations of herself, is a people pleaser and an artist at heart. August is something of a mystery (maybe why I liked him so much) and is a mix of a hard-working and laid-back artist. I thought that his thought process was easy to follow and engaging to read. The chemistry between August and Josie was developed at a fun and interesting pace, and from the beginning, there were hints of the end goal for them. It was a twist on the girl next door type character plot.
I thought that T.I. Lowe did a great job with the storyline movement and that the characters were genuinely relatable. The themes she wove in were great reminders that we only have this one life to live, and we need to live it how God calls us to. Also, we need to remember to follow our dreams and not be afraid of what others might think. T.I. Lowe described island life in a way that made me feel like I had sand under my feet and palm trees growing in my house. I truly loved her vivid descriptions. I think readers who like Debbie Macomber, Rachel Hauck, and Denise Hunter will love this book and the Carolina Coast series.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the relaxing storyline (So made me want to go to the beach), the interesting characters, and for the theme of following your dreams. I recommend picking up this book (or series!) to read while at the beach this summer!
*Reason for 4 instead of 5 stars: I loved the characters, I really did, however, some of their reactions or choices just did not seem believable to me.
**I volunteered to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Characters can make or break my interest in the story, and T.I. Lowe did a great job of capturing my interest with both main characters in a very relaxed manner. Josie is a quiet, helpful, and loyal person who is always willing to lend a helping hand. She has high expectations of herself, is a people pleaser and an artist at heart. August is something of a mystery (maybe why I liked him so much) and is a mix of a hard-working and laid-back artist. I thought that his thought process was easy to follow and engaging to read. The chemistry between August and Josie was developed at a fun and interesting pace, and from the beginning, there were hints of the end goal for them. It was a twist on the girl next door type character plot.
I thought that T.I. Lowe did a great job with the storyline movement and that the characters were genuinely relatable. The themes she wove in were great reminders that we only have this one life to live, and we need to live it how God calls us to. Also, we need to remember to follow our dreams and not be afraid of what others might think. T.I. Lowe described island life in a way that made me feel like I had sand under my feet and palm trees growing in my house. I truly loved her vivid descriptions. I think readers who like Debbie Macomber, Rachel Hauck, and Denise Hunter will love this book and the Carolina Coast series.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the relaxing storyline (So made me want to go to the beach), the interesting characters, and for the theme of following your dreams. I recommend picking up this book (or series!) to read while at the beach this summer!
*Reason for 4 instead of 5 stars: I loved the characters, I really did, however, some of their reactions or choices just did not seem believable to me.
**I volunteered to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Jenny Houle (24 KP) rated The Forgotten Girls in Books
Jan 13, 2018
Received an ARC from First To Read for an honest review:
First, I like many others it seems, did not know from the blurb that it was book 6 in a series. That scared me just a tiny bit when I started it, but as I read the book I realized it definitely also works as a standalone.
Second, I'm not big on crime novels that are not of the "cozy mystery" variety. That being said, the more violent scenes in this book were not...bothersome. It worked it's way up in intensity, but there was nothing that forced me to step away from the book and take a breather.
That being said, though, the book was full of amazing scenes beautifully described that you couldn't, as a reader, NOT picture, even if you didn't want to. Lines like: "Even the sky seemed static, just a blank wall, a paint swatch, 'chronic depression gray'." were scattered throughout, and they place you in the wintry, desolate, desperate situation of the characters so that you are right beside them, experiencing what they are, for better or worse.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book, even though the content was not a topic of my normal choosing (sorry, serial killers hunting women freak me out).
Extra bonus for the techy geek stuff I didn't know about the "cloud" that I had to double check with the more "techno-advanced" member of our household about. Definitely makes me think twice about the idea of even donating a used phone.
First, I like many others it seems, did not know from the blurb that it was book 6 in a series. That scared me just a tiny bit when I started it, but as I read the book I realized it definitely also works as a standalone.
Second, I'm not big on crime novels that are not of the "cozy mystery" variety. That being said, the more violent scenes in this book were not...bothersome. It worked it's way up in intensity, but there was nothing that forced me to step away from the book and take a breather.
That being said, though, the book was full of amazing scenes beautifully described that you couldn't, as a reader, NOT picture, even if you didn't want to. Lines like: "Even the sky seemed static, just a blank wall, a paint swatch, 'chronic depression gray'." were scattered throughout, and they place you in the wintry, desolate, desperate situation of the characters so that you are right beside them, experiencing what they are, for better or worse.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book, even though the content was not a topic of my normal choosing (sorry, serial killers hunting women freak me out).
Extra bonus for the techy geek stuff I didn't know about the "cloud" that I had to double check with the more "techno-advanced" member of our household about. Definitely makes me think twice about the idea of even donating a used phone.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Eat, Live, Thrive, Diet in Books
Mar 26, 2019
As some one who was recently diagnosed with food allergies, I knew my diet would have to change. It did. But not in a way I wanted. I was suddenly giving up hope because it was so hard to find food I could eat, food I would enjoy. But, then, not long ago, I received this book. It’s a self help book called Eat Live Thrive Diet.
Since I’m pushing 40, I know my lifestyle isn’t the greatest, but this book. This book is amazing for helping me. There are things in this book to help with boosting your metabolism late in life, for dieting without the big E word mixed in. There are amazing elements to this book that will make you feel refreshed, awake, healthier. I loved, too, that this book had some recipes in it that I could actually use because it uses things like coconut oil or milk, versus the dairy milk that I’m allergic to.
As an added bonus, this 4 star worthy book has a website to go with it, where you register your email and boom. You’ve got other elements beyond the book that these two talented ladies created. Definitely a life gamechanger in my opinion! If you want a fantastically put together self help book, grab this one. You will not be disappointed! I look forward to seeing what these ladies hand us in the future!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Press and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Since I’m pushing 40, I know my lifestyle isn’t the greatest, but this book. This book is amazing for helping me. There are things in this book to help with boosting your metabolism late in life, for dieting without the big E word mixed in. There are amazing elements to this book that will make you feel refreshed, awake, healthier. I loved, too, that this book had some recipes in it that I could actually use because it uses things like coconut oil or milk, versus the dairy milk that I’m allergic to.
As an added bonus, this 4 star worthy book has a website to go with it, where you register your email and boom. You’ve got other elements beyond the book that these two talented ladies created. Definitely a life gamechanger in my opinion! If you want a fantastically put together self help book, grab this one. You will not be disappointed! I look forward to seeing what these ladies hand us in the future!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Press and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
ArecRain (8 KP) rated A Woman Worth Ten Coppers (Shadowed Path, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I could not put this book down. From the first chapter, I was hooked. So many secrets surround Honus and Yim, and, as the reader, I wanted so much to figure out each and every one right along with the protagonists. However, I felt like nothing ever happened.
First off, the world seemed like such a cold, dark place. Everywhere Honus and Yim traveled, there was nothing but suffering and strife. I felt as if the entire world was just this bleak place with no hope of any kind. Even when the two protagonists reached a town filled with priests and merchant, I felt the utter lack of happiness. It was actually pretty depressing to read, especially when every person the two ran across was down on their luck in some way.
I was also frustrated with the secret keeping. I wanted so much to scream their secrets at each other that it was one of the things that drove me to keep reading. However, whenever any secrets were revealed, it was so anticlimactic that I was just happy it was finally out.
The more I read the novel, the more I couldn't wait for Honus and Yim to reach their destination. When they did, the suffering still continued. Then the novel ended so suddenly that I immediately bought the second one to see what happened.
If you are looking for any romance, look somewhere else. If you want some action, you won't find it hear. However, if you want a dark novel riddled with secrets and unknown futures, Morgan Howell delivers.
First off, the world seemed like such a cold, dark place. Everywhere Honus and Yim traveled, there was nothing but suffering and strife. I felt as if the entire world was just this bleak place with no hope of any kind. Even when the two protagonists reached a town filled with priests and merchant, I felt the utter lack of happiness. It was actually pretty depressing to read, especially when every person the two ran across was down on their luck in some way.
I was also frustrated with the secret keeping. I wanted so much to scream their secrets at each other that it was one of the things that drove me to keep reading. However, whenever any secrets were revealed, it was so anticlimactic that I was just happy it was finally out.
The more I read the novel, the more I couldn't wait for Honus and Yim to reach their destination. When they did, the suffering still continued. Then the novel ended so suddenly that I immediately bought the second one to see what happened.
If you are looking for any romance, look somewhere else. If you want some action, you won't find it hear. However, if you want a dark novel riddled with secrets and unknown futures, Morgan Howell delivers.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Ruin of Stars in Books
Aug 14, 2018
Characters (1 more)
World Creation
Just as good as the first
When I read Mask of Shadows I was blown away by Linsey Miller's book. I loved Sal and so many of the characters. They were truly lovely. It was horror filled love letter written and I loved everything about it. When I saw that Ruin of Stars was up on NetGalley, I knew that I had to read it! When I was accepted as an ARC reader I did a little jump of joy as well.
Just like Mask of Shadows, Ruin of Stars brings us the wonderful character of Sal. I honestly loved the gender fluid nature of Sal though at times in this book I felt is was a little too preachy on sexuality. What I loved about it is that though slightly preachy at times, Sal is still Sal. Sallot is written well and isn't a gender fluid character just to be gender fluid and I loved that Sal was so beautifully written.
This book revisits all of our favorite & least favorite characters from Mask of Shadows, you see Sal trying to cross off his list. You also see the struggle of all of the characters when it comes to living, dying, and everything in between.
The descriptions, the characters, and everything you loved about Mask of Shadows is here. This is one of my favorite reads so far. I loved it so much, I refused to finish it for the longest of times. If you liked the first one, you'll love this one too.
Just like Mask of Shadows, Ruin of Stars brings us the wonderful character of Sal. I honestly loved the gender fluid nature of Sal though at times in this book I felt is was a little too preachy on sexuality. What I loved about it is that though slightly preachy at times, Sal is still Sal. Sallot is written well and isn't a gender fluid character just to be gender fluid and I loved that Sal was so beautifully written.
This book revisits all of our favorite & least favorite characters from Mask of Shadows, you see Sal trying to cross off his list. You also see the struggle of all of the characters when it comes to living, dying, and everything in between.
The descriptions, the characters, and everything you loved about Mask of Shadows is here. This is one of my favorite reads so far. I loved it so much, I refused to finish it for the longest of times. If you liked the first one, you'll love this one too.
Robert Ben Garant recommended Reservoir Dogs (1992) in Movies (curated)
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Creed II (2018) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
Insert the standard "I haven't seen any of the previous ones" line here. Luckily it's such a big part of popular culture that I knew enough about Rocky to get all the references.
I had a lots of urges to leave in the first half of the film. There was very little happening and the script seemed a little bit half arsed. I was rather optimistically thinking that the film was nearly over when the fight was announced. Luckily the action packed second half of the film was much more engaging.
The emotion was so much more real. There were plenty of opportunities to shine in the first half but none of it grabbed me until we got into the first fight between Creed and Drago.
If we discount the beginning then the rest of Creed II is an excellent story of family loyalty and letting go of the past.
Did anyone take a word count for Viktor Drago? I imagine that most of his script just read "*glares with [insert random emotion here]*". Despite the fact we have a long list of excellent actors no one seemed to give a memorable performance. There was certainly nothing that made me want to go back and watch any of the others in the franchise.
What you should do
Unless you're absolutely obsessed with Rocky and Creed then you should probably just wait for this one when it's streaming.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
That apartment with it's amazing view would be a very therapeutic thing to come home to.
I had a lots of urges to leave in the first half of the film. There was very little happening and the script seemed a little bit half arsed. I was rather optimistically thinking that the film was nearly over when the fight was announced. Luckily the action packed second half of the film was much more engaging.
The emotion was so much more real. There were plenty of opportunities to shine in the first half but none of it grabbed me until we got into the first fight between Creed and Drago.
If we discount the beginning then the rest of Creed II is an excellent story of family loyalty and letting go of the past.
Did anyone take a word count for Viktor Drago? I imagine that most of his script just read "*glares with [insert random emotion here]*". Despite the fact we have a long list of excellent actors no one seemed to give a memorable performance. There was certainly nothing that made me want to go back and watch any of the others in the franchise.
What you should do
Unless you're absolutely obsessed with Rocky and Creed then you should probably just wait for this one when it's streaming.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
That apartment with it's amazing view would be a very therapeutic thing to come home to.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2423 KP) rated The Decorator Who Knew Too Much in Books
Mar 19, 2022
Did Madison Find a Dead Body?
It’s been seven months since we last saw Madison, and she’s been enjoying her new relationship with Hudson James. When he suggestions they take a working vacation to Palm Springs to help his brother-in-law with a project he has going on there, she accepts. However, their first day there, Madison spots a dead body below the surface of the river that runs near the project site. By the time the police show up, the body is gone. The delays to the project and the suspicion that Madison just imagined what she said she saw begin to make the trip stressful. How can Madison prove she was right?
As I expected, I was caught up in Madison’s latest adventure once I opened the book. The stakes are soon personal, and I loved watching how everything unfolded. The climax was suspenseful and answered all of our questions. We do get some updates on someone back in Dallas, but the focus is, naturally, on Madison and Hudson for this book. The rest of the characters are just as sharp. The Doris Day movie that inspired this title was the only one I had watched before starting to read this series, and I enjoyed picking up on the Easter eggs from the film in this book. Not that you need to be familiar with the film to enjoy this story. If you are looking for a creative series that will keep you glued to the page, this is the series for you.
As I expected, I was caught up in Madison’s latest adventure once I opened the book. The stakes are soon personal, and I loved watching how everything unfolded. The climax was suspenseful and answered all of our questions. We do get some updates on someone back in Dallas, but the focus is, naturally, on Madison and Hudson for this book. The rest of the characters are just as sharp. The Doris Day movie that inspired this title was the only one I had watched before starting to read this series, and I enjoyed picking up on the Easter eggs from the film in this book. Not that you need to be familiar with the film to enjoy this story. If you are looking for a creative series that will keep you glued to the page, this is the series for you.
Merissa (13314 KP) rated Atancia (The Durand Duology #1) in Books
Apr 15, 2023
This is the first book of two that details the changing life of Atty (Atancia). She is dealing with panic attacks, possibly brought on by the trauma of seeing a young boy die in front of her. Apart from that, her life is safe and normal. However, that all changes when she goes to a New Year's Eve party and meets Ben. Before you (or she) knows it, her life has changed drastically and not in all ways good. Her beloved nana has died and Atty feels personally responsible. Ben is her knight in shining armour and helps to ease things. Before long, Atty has left the States for Australia, needing some space to get closure whilst she figures out just who she is and what she wants to do with her life.
I won't go into any more details as I dislike giving spoilers but I will say that this book has a fresh take on the whole 'vampire' story which makes it a refreshing and intriguing read. There are lots of amazing characters in here that you will like or dislike, depending on the part they play. Perhaps, it's my twisted mind, but I will admit to looking for 'snakes in the grass' throughout this story. Did I find them? That's for me to know and for you to find out when you read the book!
A brilliant book to start the duology with. Totally recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 11, 2015
I won't go into any more details as I dislike giving spoilers but I will say that this book has a fresh take on the whole 'vampire' story which makes it a refreshing and intriguing read. There are lots of amazing characters in here that you will like or dislike, depending on the part they play. Perhaps, it's my twisted mind, but I will admit to looking for 'snakes in the grass' throughout this story. Did I find them? That's for me to know and for you to find out when you read the book!
A brilliant book to start the duology with. Totally recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 11, 2015