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Beth Wiseman | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A story of heartache and hope, Ms. Wiseman brings us another inspiring Amish novel. I have been a big fan of this author's tender writing style for a long time. Her words of encouragement are written through out the pages of each novel, and this one was no exception. She brought her readers another home run with this one. 

As with her previous novels in this series, Ms. Wiseman creates a story filled with twists and turns, and mixes it up with the simple living and finely chiseled characters, in Charlotte and Daniel. Learning to let go, move on and accept what God has in store for them, is never an easy feat, but Ms. Wiseman accomplishes that and so much more. 

This book is beyond captivating. It will leave you reflecting on the will of your own life, and I love that she did that for me! It's a book that I won't soon forget, that's for sure! This is most definitely a 5 star novel, and I highly recommend it to all. You'll fall in love with these beautiful characters and their Amish living and want more when you reach the end. Well done, Ms. Wiseman, well done! 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
Cursed (Beholder, #1)
Cursed (Beholder, #1)
Christina Bauer | 2016 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is not my normal read as lately I have been hitting the erotica/contemporary romance hard. However, it had to do with necromancy and that is something I simply cannot pass up. Necromancy is something I am highly interested not only because it is rarely written about (compared to vampires, shifters, etc.), but also because rarely is the hero/heroine ever the necromancer. Usually the necromancer is the villain/antagonist.

This story was refreshing, like a breath of fresh air from what I have been reading. Elea is such a powerful character, both in magic and personality. I could definitely get behind her and her ideals. The author’s created world was also fascinating. I felt she not only created a marvelous world but also did a good job at explaining it. Sometimes in fantasy novels, I get lost concerning the author’s created mythology, but I wasn’t with this novel.

It definitely has a young adult feel to it though. Regardless, I loved it and can’t wait to read more. If you are a fan of strong heroines with interesting magic, and a fascinating world beyond imagination, then you may enjoy this novel. Not to mention the young love that spurs main characters. I am all for young, dewy eyed love…
  
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Dana (24 KP) rated Red Queen in Books

Mar 23, 2018  
Red Queen
Red Queen
Victoria Aveyard | 2015 | Young Adult (YA)
10
8.0 (64 Ratings)
Book Rating
HOLY CRAP!!! THAT TWIST THOUGH!!!!

I really enjoyed the writing style of this novel. The way that Victoria Aveyard crafted the story made it very easy to get into the world. The rules of the world were set up really early on and there weren't too many of the usual YA tropes in it. I loved reading the character interactions in this story. They just felt really organic and lively. Mare was very well written. She was created with care and not condescended to in the writing. I felt like she, along with the other characters, were taken care of with the highest respect. That being said, it was really easy to start hating characters that I had previously loved. Thanks, Victoria. Like I didn't need my heart broken. I actually wasn't supposed to start reading this until after I finished my finals, but that is not what happened. It was too enticing and then I didn't want to put it down. The only reason I did was because I noticed that I actually had important assignments that I had to do.

I really recommend this novel to anyone who likes Fantasy and Dystopian novels. It is a perfect blend of the two and a really fun read. You will not want to stop until you finish!
  
The New Girl
The New Girl
Ingrid Alexandra | 2018 | Thriller
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

The New Girl by Ingrid Alexandra is billed as a Psychological Thriller. The description definitely piqued my interest. Imagine meeting someone and they instantly know you so well. Then imagine letting the person move in with you. I was looking forward to reading this story.

The story is written using flashbacks that allows readers, as well main character, to figure what happened That Night. At the beginning I found myself having difficulty putting this down. Pretty quickly though I found the flashbacks were distracting and never really felt a connection with any of the characters. The characters were not well developed and, at times, their behavior was unbelievable.

Even if I had not agreed to finish the novel, I would have. I did not dislike the book but realized I was tempted to skim the end. The ending is interesting and I am glad I read it but, at the same time, I found it unbelievable. I dislike using the same adjective in such as short review but unbelievable would be an adequate description of how I feel about the story and the characters.

I liked that the chapters were short and that the book itself was a quick read.
  
The Curse of Oak Island: The Story of the World's Longest Treasure Hunt
The Curse of Oak Island: The Story of the World's Longest Treasure Hunt
Randall Sullivan | 2018 | History & Politics, Reference
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

My family and I have never missed an episode of the History Channel's series "The Curse of Oak Island". For 5 seasons, we have cheered along with and rooted for Rick, Marty, Craig, Dan, Dave, and the rest of the team of treasure hunters. We have favorite "characters" and discuss the show well after the episode has ended. We are looking forward to November 13, 2018, the season premiere date of season 6.

Each episode contains history, theories, and current attempts on the island. "The Curse of Oak Island: The Story of the WorldÕs Longest Treasure Hunt" by Randall Sullivan drilled deeper than the show has. Yes, pun intended. The show frequently repeats information but I found the book to be more direct and contains detailed information that spans the history of treasure hunting on Oak Island. It is an in-depth, well researched study that is able to answer questions and explain the details of what is mentioned in the show's narrative. It also answers questions you did not know you had. It is a wonderful companion for those who have watched the show or for those who want to start watching the upcoming season without watching the prior ones.
  
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness
Erik Larson | 2004 | Crime, History & Politics, Reference
4
7.0 (16 Ratings)
Book Rating
Not so much murder, magic, and madness
I'm a true crime junkie, aka murderino, so of course, I looked forward to reading this book. The title and description sounded great and I previously read another book, Isaac's Storm, about the 1900 Galveston hurricane, by Eric Larson, which was fascinating as he did a ton of research and brought that book to life. Though it's been 8 years since I've read Isaac's storm, I remember the stories he told as he narrative made you feel you were there. I expected the same with this book, but alas, that was not the case. Instead, I got pages upon pages of details about rivets and the meetings between city councilmen and architects and city permits needed to build everything. OMG, seriously? Why? There are a few stories in the book that are interesting such as the creation of the first Ferris wheel, some of the exhibits and entertainers and drama of the World's Fair. There is a little information about H.H. Holmes, his murder castle, and crimes but not as much detail as any true crime buff has already read someplace else. And what there is about Holmes is a dry recitation of facts, nothing intriguing at all. I was extremely disappointed in his coverage of the events in this book. The title made it sound exciting but it was mostly just drudgery.
  
Rescued (Rescued Hearts #1)
Rescued (Rescued Hearts #1)
Felice Stevens | 2016 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Rescued (Rescued Hearts #1) by Felice Stevens
Rescued is the first book in the Rescued Hearts series, and we start off with Jason and Ryder. Jason has just finished with his long-term girlfriend, and Ryder has been alone for a long time, although he has his pitbull, Pearl, to keep him company. Ryder's life hasn't been that great, although he was born with the proverbial silver spoon. You find out just what a first class piece of work his mother is! Watching these two get together was superb. After Jason worked his own stuff out (which I do understand) I really didn't want Ryder to fall back in Jason's arms so quickly. Still, that's just one small point, and certainly did not affect my enjoyment of this story.

Exceedingly well written, with a sweet story, and hot and sexy intimate scenes, you really do get the best of both worlds with this book. I loved the characters, and the world-building, and would highly recommend this book.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go and get the second book!

* 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!
  
I totally enjoyed this story! It is my first time reading a book by both Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse writing together (I have read them separately!). It is the second book in their Treasures of Nome series, and I believe it can be read as a standalone since I personally did not read the first book and I was not lost in this one.

   I thought that both authors brought so much to this story and that it flowed just like a story should. Immersing you in with details, emotions, and best of all relatable characters. Endless Mercy is about what its name implies; God’s endless mercy on us and how we are called to show that same mercy time and time again. The characters were realistic, and I liked their thought processes and communications in this book. I also truly enjoyed the setting of Alaska (I mean come on, it’s ALASKA), the small-town community, and the emphasis on family always being there for you through the thick and thin. A great book that I enjoyed, I give it 4 out of 5 stars and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this series (and going back to read the first!).


*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.