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Merissa (11972 KP) rated The Ghost Garden (The de Chastelaine Chronicles #1) in Books
Apr 23, 2019
The Ghost Garden (The de Chastelaine Chronicles #1) by Catherine Curzon & Eleanor Harkstead
Set in the time between WWI and WWII, The Ghost Garden is an incredible tale that will capture your imagination and keep you turning the pages from the very beginning until the last word - and even then it will not be enough. You will be left wanting more, and as this says it is book one in the de Chastelaine Chronicles, I am very hopeful!
Set in an isolated school with a bully of a headmaster, and a meek and mild wife, this story immediately shows you there is more the Cecily than being 'Mrs Headmaster'. She has endured and survived, but not it is her time to thrive... although that doesn't happen without plenty of danger. I loved her acts of rebellion, small as they may seem, but you have to comprehend what she was living with. Those acts, however small, gave her the strength and courage to continue.
And then along comes Raf - blue-eyes and mischievous, infusing life back into the school and into Cecily herself. He is a friend first, never pushing for more. I loved hearing about his past as the story progressed. Their relationship had a naivety, an innocence, to it that was perfect. For all she was a married woman, Cecily was most certainly innocent in the ways of love, although Raf was more than happy to help out!
Mystery and intrigue wrap around this romance, giving you a fantastic read from a time gone by. I have never wanted for two couples (yes, you read that right) to get their HEA more than I did the characters in this book. One couple, I hope, has a peaceful time, whilst for Raf and Cecily, I hope for plenty more adventures to come.
A stunning novel that I heartily recommend!!!
* 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!
Set in an isolated school with a bully of a headmaster, and a meek and mild wife, this story immediately shows you there is more the Cecily than being 'Mrs Headmaster'. She has endured and survived, but not it is her time to thrive... although that doesn't happen without plenty of danger. I loved her acts of rebellion, small as they may seem, but you have to comprehend what she was living with. Those acts, however small, gave her the strength and courage to continue.
And then along comes Raf - blue-eyes and mischievous, infusing life back into the school and into Cecily herself. He is a friend first, never pushing for more. I loved hearing about his past as the story progressed. Their relationship had a naivety, an innocence, to it that was perfect. For all she was a married woman, Cecily was most certainly innocent in the ways of love, although Raf was more than happy to help out!
Mystery and intrigue wrap around this romance, giving you a fantastic read from a time gone by. I have never wanted for two couples (yes, you read that right) to get their HEA more than I did the characters in this book. One couple, I hope, has a peaceful time, whilst for Raf and Cecily, I hope for plenty more adventures to come.
A stunning novel that I heartily recommend!!!
* 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!
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Alison Pink (7 KP) rated It's Called a Breakup Because It's Broken in Books
Jan 15, 2018
All right let me first say that I am so not a self help book kind of person. I mean at all...ever! Then the most surreal experience of my life happened. My boyfriend of almost 10 years (yup, YEARS) went on a "business trip" for a week. I texted & called to no avail. While he was gone I cried, cleaned, & cried some more. Then I thought, "Wait! You can't even call me? Well f@$% you!"
A friend saw pictures of this "business trip" that apparently involved a beach front hotel & a blonde girl who just happened to let her tongue slip down his throat. I confronted him when he finally got home & needless to say he's history. But that didn't change the fact that I was scared, sad, hurt, & confused. I was pissed but handling it pretty well considering. But I also felt the need to commiserate with someone who got it. This book did just that.
It offered me a bit of a kick in the ass when I needed it but it also gave me some good laughs too. Not to mention really forced me to wrap my head around things I had been turning a blind eye to for years. It didn't tame itself too seriously but at the same time it was not all cheerleading either. I bought it on a whim on my Nook because I felt like I needed something to hold on to that wasn't his neck! It did the trick. By all means I don't feel over it but I sure as hell have some great ideas on how to get myself on that path. That was what I was looking for at the time.
A friend saw pictures of this "business trip" that apparently involved a beach front hotel & a blonde girl who just happened to let her tongue slip down his throat. I confronted him when he finally got home & needless to say he's history. But that didn't change the fact that I was scared, sad, hurt, & confused. I was pissed but handling it pretty well considering. But I also felt the need to commiserate with someone who got it. This book did just that.
It offered me a bit of a kick in the ass when I needed it but it also gave me some good laughs too. Not to mention really forced me to wrap my head around things I had been turning a blind eye to for years. It didn't tame itself too seriously but at the same time it was not all cheerleading either. I bought it on a whim on my Nook because I felt like I needed something to hold on to that wasn't his neck! It did the trick. By all means I don't feel over it but I sure as hell have some great ideas on how to get myself on that path. That was what I was looking for at the time.
Merissa (11972 KP) rated Mating Dance (Alien Blood Wars #5) in Books
Mar 29, 2019
Mating Dance (Alien Blood Wars #5) by Samantha Cayto
Mating Dance is the fifth book in the Alien Blood Wars series, although I didn't know this when I received the book to review. I have to say, it DID matter. This is a hybrid - it sort of stands alone, and yet, I also found myself missing out on what had gone before. For example, the relationships between the others, which also play a big part in this book; or the history with the 'big bad'. So... my recommendation? Read it as a series, and you'll be happy!!!
Now, onto the book itself. This was a great read, with plenty of action going on, and I don't necessarily mean between the sheets. Oh, don't get me wrong - there is tension aplenty, but Trey has his reasons, and you fully understand the why's and wherefore's of how he feels. I thought this was explained exceptionally well, giving the reader a deeper insight into one of the main characters.
With no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, I did enjoy this book, but like I've said, I would like to read the previous books in this series, just so I understand all the other relationships properly. The story was intricate and intriguing, and the characters are fully dimensional. I haven't yet read a 'bad' book by Samantha Cayto, and this one was a page-turner from beginning to end.
I definitely recommend this book, on the proviso you have read the prior ones first.
* 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!
Now, onto the book itself. This was a great read, with plenty of action going on, and I don't necessarily mean between the sheets. Oh, don't get me wrong - there is tension aplenty, but Trey has his reasons, and you fully understand the why's and wherefore's of how he feels. I thought this was explained exceptionally well, giving the reader a deeper insight into one of the main characters.
With no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, I did enjoy this book, but like I've said, I would like to read the previous books in this series, just so I understand all the other relationships properly. The story was intricate and intriguing, and the characters are fully dimensional. I haven't yet read a 'bad' book by Samantha Cayto, and this one was a page-turner from beginning to end.
I definitely recommend this book, on the proviso you have read the prior ones first.
* 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!
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Au Pair in Books
Apr 4, 2019
This was a book that everyone seemed to be talking about on Goodreads, so I picked it up. I'm glad I did. It was an engaging, quick read that kept me interested and guessing. The story alternates between the present-day, told by Seraphine and the past, leading up to the twins birth, as told by Laura, the young au pair. We learn that the Mayes family has a history of sadness and tragedy--especially when it comes to twins. However, Rous is very good as slowly unfurling her plot, letting us carefully uncover exactly what happened not only with Seraphine, Danny, and their older brother Edwin, but with their mother, Ruth, and with Laura.
The book is certainly weird and intriguing early on. It's very readable and certainly creepy at times. I did wonder why Seraphine didn't just take a DNA test from the beginning: at least then she'd know if Edwin and Danny were her brothers! There was a lot of hand-wringing and angst. Which, okay, I can understand if you believe you don't belong in your family, but it was a little much at times. There were a few cliches and predictable moments, but the plot was also really interesting and just dramatic enough to draw me in and keep me flipping the pages. I was fascinated to see how things would all turn out. And while Seraphine could irritate me at times, I overall liked both Laura and Seraphine as narrators and characters.
Overall, this was a good read--fast and twisty. I probably could have used a notepad to draw out the family dynamics by the end: there are some fun twists and turns there. It's a good book to embrace and enjoy the craziness and drama. It can be a little melodramatic, but overall a fun read. 3.5 stars.
The book is certainly weird and intriguing early on. It's very readable and certainly creepy at times. I did wonder why Seraphine didn't just take a DNA test from the beginning: at least then she'd know if Edwin and Danny were her brothers! There was a lot of hand-wringing and angst. Which, okay, I can understand if you believe you don't belong in your family, but it was a little much at times. There were a few cliches and predictable moments, but the plot was also really interesting and just dramatic enough to draw me in and keep me flipping the pages. I was fascinated to see how things would all turn out. And while Seraphine could irritate me at times, I overall liked both Laura and Seraphine as narrators and characters.
Overall, this was a good read--fast and twisty. I probably could have used a notepad to draw out the family dynamics by the end: there are some fun twists and turns there. It's a good book to embrace and enjoy the craziness and drama. It can be a little melodramatic, but overall a fun read. 3.5 stars.
Debbiereadsbook (1176 KP) rated Storm (Men Of Hidden Creek) in Books
Apr 3, 2018
warm and fuzzies and too stinking cute! Loved it!
I was gifted my copy of this book, that I write a review was not required.
OH!!! Warm and fuzzies, AND too stinking cute! Seriously, not had a book like this for some time and after a run of much heavier, emotionally devastating books, this landed in the queue at the very right time!
Chase gets a call and his life turns upside down and inside out. A visit to the doctor's introduces Chase to Hunter, and then Hunter's life is turned upside down and inside out. Spending more time with Chase and his daughter, Lyla, Hunter begins to really question what he wants, or more specifically, WHO. And when Hunter makes his mind up, there really is no stopping him.
Enter a few bigoted individuals in a position of power, and a few more who really surprise you, a three legged dog called Trooper, and you have an amazing little read! Took me couple hours, I lost the whole morning, but I really did love this!
It's very well written, from both Chase and Hunter's point of view, so we get all that internal wrangling that Hunter does, because let's face it, he does have a lot of wrangling to do. Or at least, he DID. But like I said, once he makes his mind up, Hunter is very clear about how he feels for Chase and Lyla and how he wants them both in his life.
This is part of the Men of Hidden Creek series. There were a couple of characters that popped up along the way who have an interesting story to tell and I do hope I get the chance to read them!
Excellent addition to Ms Welch's library!
5 full and shiny, warm and fuzzies, too stinking cute stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
OH!!! Warm and fuzzies, AND too stinking cute! Seriously, not had a book like this for some time and after a run of much heavier, emotionally devastating books, this landed in the queue at the very right time!
Chase gets a call and his life turns upside down and inside out. A visit to the doctor's introduces Chase to Hunter, and then Hunter's life is turned upside down and inside out. Spending more time with Chase and his daughter, Lyla, Hunter begins to really question what he wants, or more specifically, WHO. And when Hunter makes his mind up, there really is no stopping him.
Enter a few bigoted individuals in a position of power, and a few more who really surprise you, a three legged dog called Trooper, and you have an amazing little read! Took me couple hours, I lost the whole morning, but I really did love this!
It's very well written, from both Chase and Hunter's point of view, so we get all that internal wrangling that Hunter does, because let's face it, he does have a lot of wrangling to do. Or at least, he DID. But like I said, once he makes his mind up, Hunter is very clear about how he feels for Chase and Lyla and how he wants them both in his life.
This is part of the Men of Hidden Creek series. There were a couple of characters that popped up along the way who have an interesting story to tell and I do hope I get the chance to read them!
Excellent addition to Ms Welch's library!
5 full and shiny, warm and fuzzies, too stinking cute stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2177 KP) rated Chasing the Dime in Books
Nov 18, 2018
"What Happened to You?" "I Got the Wrong Number."
Henry Pierce is just days away from a patent and a huge meeting with a potential investor at the company he founded. However, he's also just moved into an apartment since he has split with his fiancee. That, of course, means a new land line, and Pierce starts to get phone messages for someone named Lilly. Pierce quickly figures out that Lilly is a prostitute, but how did he get her number? Why would she give it up? Pierce isn't able to let the puzzle go, and he begins to spend his weekend obsessing over finding her instead of doing the last-minute things he should be doing for his company. Will he find her? Will he destroy everything he's worked for in the process?
This book is definitely a departure for Michael Connelly, featuring an everyman and bordering on a technothriller. It starts out well with plenty of intrigue, but it gets bogged down in the second half. The pace gets way too slow at one point before picking up again and racing to the climax. Pierce's reasons for getting as involved as he does are reasonable, but we don't find out until the end. He does make an interesting main character, however, and the rest of the cast are just as strong. Since this book originally came out in 2002, it has some dated elements. It's amazing how much our lives have changed in the last decade and a half. This is one of Connelly's rare stand-alones, and you can read it as much, but fans of the Harry Bosch books will recognize some cool Easter Eggs, including a reference to the ending of City of Bones, the Bosch book that came out just before this book did.
This book is definitely a departure for Michael Connelly, featuring an everyman and bordering on a technothriller. It starts out well with plenty of intrigue, but it gets bogged down in the second half. The pace gets way too slow at one point before picking up again and racing to the climax. Pierce's reasons for getting as involved as he does are reasonable, but we don't find out until the end. He does make an interesting main character, however, and the rest of the cast are just as strong. Since this book originally came out in 2002, it has some dated elements. It's amazing how much our lives have changed in the last decade and a half. This is one of Connelly's rare stand-alones, and you can read it as much, but fans of the Harry Bosch books will recognize some cool Easter Eggs, including a reference to the ending of City of Bones, the Bosch book that came out just before this book did.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Angels Watching Over Me (Shenandoah Sisters, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Set during the Civil War, Angels Watching Over Me, is a story about two young women overcoming their differences and working together to survive.
Mayme is a slave girl and Katie is the daughter of a plantation owner. When they are faced with tragedy, they must rely on each other to make it through each day.
I was very excited to read this book, unfortunately, I was quite disappointed. The story line is good. However, there are a lot of inconsistencies and it jumps around more than I would like. The story is narrated by a much older Mayme. She goes back and forth between her story and Katie's. In the beginning of chapter 11 she even says "I know how it is when you’re trying to keep track of what’s going on, and the storyteller jumps about till you get so confused you can’t tell what happened when." I feel that the book could have started at chapter 11 and it would have worked just fine. There is also quite a bit of dialogue and thoughts being repeated.
*Spoilers*
I did not particularly enjoy the portrayal of Katie's character. We are led to believe that she is not very intelligent. On more than one occasion she is put down for not being able to think for herself. But then she magically delivers a baby for a colored girl without any thought or question. And we are given no explanation.
Again, I will say that the main idea of the book is good and I did enjoy the storyline overall. But this is not the style of book that I prefer. I will not be reading the rest of the series.
Mayme is a slave girl and Katie is the daughter of a plantation owner. When they are faced with tragedy, they must rely on each other to make it through each day.
I was very excited to read this book, unfortunately, I was quite disappointed. The story line is good. However, there are a lot of inconsistencies and it jumps around more than I would like. The story is narrated by a much older Mayme. She goes back and forth between her story and Katie's. In the beginning of chapter 11 she even says "I know how it is when you’re trying to keep track of what’s going on, and the storyteller jumps about till you get so confused you can’t tell what happened when." I feel that the book could have started at chapter 11 and it would have worked just fine. There is also quite a bit of dialogue and thoughts being repeated.
*Spoilers*
I did not particularly enjoy the portrayal of Katie's character. We are led to believe that she is not very intelligent. On more than one occasion she is put down for not being able to think for herself. But then she magically delivers a baby for a colored girl without any thought or question. And we are given no explanation.
Again, I will say that the main idea of the book is good and I did enjoy the storyline overall. But this is not the style of book that I prefer. I will not be reading the rest of the series.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated From Dust and Ashes: A Story of Liberation (World War II Liberator #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Europe is war torn and broken. But there is hope among the dust and ashes.
Tricia Goyer approaches World War II in a new light (for me at least). Beginning with the end of the war in Europe, we see the repercussions of the last 6 years of fighting.
Our three main characters include an American Sergeant, a wife of an SS guard, and a prisoner freed from the concentration camp Gusen. Sergeant Peter Scott is with the group of soldiers that liberated Gusen and the main camp Mauthausen. He finds friends and love in the least likely of places. Helen is struggling to make up for the wrongs her husband committed as a guard at the camp. Can she bring herself to forgive him for what he did? Michaela is on the road to recovery after spending years in the camps. Although it would seem that she has every right to hold on to bitterness and hate for all that she has been through, she chooses to trust in the Lord and forgive those that did her wrong.
I could not put this book down! This is by far one of the best books I have ever read. Tricia Goyer captured me from the minute I started reading. She is very vivid in her descriptions of the horrors found when the camps were liberated. I highly recommend this book, especially to anyone interested in WWII history. It sheds a whole new light on the war in Europe.
From Dust and Ashes is a beautiful story about forgiveness and the liberation that you receive in your spirit when you are lead by the Lord and forgiveness.
I purchased a copy of From Dust and Ashes for my personal library. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Tricia Goyer approaches World War II in a new light (for me at least). Beginning with the end of the war in Europe, we see the repercussions of the last 6 years of fighting.
Our three main characters include an American Sergeant, a wife of an SS guard, and a prisoner freed from the concentration camp Gusen. Sergeant Peter Scott is with the group of soldiers that liberated Gusen and the main camp Mauthausen. He finds friends and love in the least likely of places. Helen is struggling to make up for the wrongs her husband committed as a guard at the camp. Can she bring herself to forgive him for what he did? Michaela is on the road to recovery after spending years in the camps. Although it would seem that she has every right to hold on to bitterness and hate for all that she has been through, she chooses to trust in the Lord and forgive those that did her wrong.
I could not put this book down! This is by far one of the best books I have ever read. Tricia Goyer captured me from the minute I started reading. She is very vivid in her descriptions of the horrors found when the camps were liberated. I highly recommend this book, especially to anyone interested in WWII history. It sheds a whole new light on the war in Europe.
From Dust and Ashes is a beautiful story about forgiveness and the liberation that you receive in your spirit when you are lead by the Lord and forgiveness.
I purchased a copy of From Dust and Ashes for my personal library. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.