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Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated A Mother For Leah (Windy Gap Wishes #1) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
I was super excited to partake in this blog tour and read this new Amish novel by a new to me author. It sounded like an intriguing read. However, upon receiving it and reading it, I found it to be a little slack in the gripping department. It was a bit of a slow start and took me a few tries to get into the book. But, that said, once I did get past the first several chapters, I was pleased to be able to enjoy the story line and make friends with the characters!
The characters within this story all look forward to one thing: moving on. This story consists of two widowed souls who, after a time, are ready to seek God's will and new love. I've suffered the loss of my mother so I really felt for Leah! Though I'm older, I still often feel I need my mother here with me, so I can see why a mother was needed for Leah. And as a remarried woman, I can see the struggles that Samuel had with wanting to introduce his new frau to his family.
In the end, I did like the story. The book has some great messages of being patient and accepting what God has planned for you. It's worthy of 3.5 stars and I do recommend this book to those who enjoy Amish. Despite myself not being able to get into the story quickly, perhaps others won't have that trouble. I will also be giving book 2 in the series a try, as not every book by the authors will be the same. <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/sg-publishing-blog-tour-review-a-mother-for-leah-by-rachel-miller/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
The characters within this story all look forward to one thing: moving on. This story consists of two widowed souls who, after a time, are ready to seek God's will and new love. I've suffered the loss of my mother so I really felt for Leah! Though I'm older, I still often feel I need my mother here with me, so I can see why a mother was needed for Leah. And as a remarried woman, I can see the struggles that Samuel had with wanting to introduce his new frau to his family.
In the end, I did like the story. The book has some great messages of being patient and accepting what God has planned for you. It's worthy of 3.5 stars and I do recommend this book to those who enjoy Amish. Despite myself not being able to get into the story quickly, perhaps others won't have that trouble. I will also be giving book 2 in the series a try, as not every book by the authors will be the same. <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/sg-publishing-blog-tour-review-a-mother-for-leah-by-rachel-miller/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Louise (64 KP) rated Haiku Princess: Poems in Ascending Order of Profanity in Books
Jul 2, 2018
**I received this via Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I really don't know what I read! The one word that comes to mind is bizarre. Now I am not by any means a person that reads a lot of poetry as there are always deeper meanings and sometimes I don't think my intelligence stretches that far. However, I wanted to start reading a bit more and this one instantly caught my attention. I have a crude sense of humour and not one to shy away from foul language or sexual references but this just left me flummoxed.
First of all the Victorian artwork just did not work with the crudeness of the poetry. The title is very accurate and gets ruder and cruder throughout. The book is split into five sections: Cradle, Maiden, Lady Ku, Ku of the crone and The Holy one. The cover of the book and the artwork inside is beautiful and would be worth it just for the pictures. It did get several guffaws from me but that's all. I really wanted to like this but I felt it didn't really work, was there supposed to be a meaning to the pictures or is it just the authors sense of humour. Writing poems out of 17 syllables and getting a message across is an amazing feat and applaud Tanager for her efforts as I know I certainly wouldn't be able to produce anything.
Sniff, dab and wipe. Sniff, dab and wipe. Sniff. I wish they just made nose tampons.
If you are a fan of poetry and not easily offended then I would check this out
Overall I rated this 2.5 out of 5 stars.
I really don't know what I read! The one word that comes to mind is bizarre. Now I am not by any means a person that reads a lot of poetry as there are always deeper meanings and sometimes I don't think my intelligence stretches that far. However, I wanted to start reading a bit more and this one instantly caught my attention. I have a crude sense of humour and not one to shy away from foul language or sexual references but this just left me flummoxed.
First of all the Victorian artwork just did not work with the crudeness of the poetry. The title is very accurate and gets ruder and cruder throughout. The book is split into five sections: Cradle, Maiden, Lady Ku, Ku of the crone and The Holy one. The cover of the book and the artwork inside is beautiful and would be worth it just for the pictures. It did get several guffaws from me but that's all. I really wanted to like this but I felt it didn't really work, was there supposed to be a meaning to the pictures or is it just the authors sense of humour. Writing poems out of 17 syllables and getting a message across is an amazing feat and applaud Tanager for her efforts as I know I certainly wouldn't be able to produce anything.
Sniff, dab and wipe. Sniff, dab and wipe. Sniff. I wish they just made nose tampons.
If you are a fan of poetry and not easily offended then I would check this out
Overall I rated this 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated The Mountains Wild in Books
Jun 24, 2020
Mystery from the Past; Race Against Time in the Present
In 1993, Maggie D’Arcy’s cousin Erin vanished while living in Ireland. Maggie went over for a couple of months trying to figure out what happened, but the mystery was never solved. It did have a profound impact on her life since after returning home, Maggie become a cop herself on Long Island. Now, another young woman has vanished. In the search for her, a skeleton has been found, and buried with the skeleton is Erin’s scarf. Has Erin been found after all these years? Where is the new woman who has vanished? Are the cases connected?
It’s been years since Sarah Stewart Taylor released a book, but I was thrilled to pick up something from her again. I’d forgotten just how atmospheric her writing is, but I was soon back under her spell. The pacing was off near the beginning since Maggie doesn’t have any jurisdiction in Ireland, but eventually she found a way into the case and we started getting the twists that lead us to the climax. The book takes place in 1993, the present, and even further in the past as Maggie and Erin are growing up. All of these time periods are easy to follow. They also allow us to see how characters have matured over the years, which I enjoyed. This is Maggie’s story, and I couldn’t help but feel for her as the book progressed and the story unfolded. The story also switches from past to present tense depending on which time period we are reading about. It took my brain a bit of time to adjust to this, but I did rather quickly. This is more serious than the cozies I often read, but if you keep that in mind, you’ll enjoy this book as well.
It’s been years since Sarah Stewart Taylor released a book, but I was thrilled to pick up something from her again. I’d forgotten just how atmospheric her writing is, but I was soon back under her spell. The pacing was off near the beginning since Maggie doesn’t have any jurisdiction in Ireland, but eventually she found a way into the case and we started getting the twists that lead us to the climax. The book takes place in 1993, the present, and even further in the past as Maggie and Erin are growing up. All of these time periods are easy to follow. They also allow us to see how characters have matured over the years, which I enjoyed. This is Maggie’s story, and I couldn’t help but feel for her as the book progressed and the story unfolded. The story also switches from past to present tense depending on which time period we are reading about. It took my brain a bit of time to adjust to this, but I did rather quickly. This is more serious than the cozies I often read, but if you keep that in mind, you’ll enjoy this book as well.
Anand Wilder recommended Nuff' Said! by Nina Simone in Music (curated)
Merissa (12911 KP) rated The Omega Merger: A Reverse Harem Omegaverse in Books
May 6, 2023
THE OMEGA MERGER is a Reverse Harem Omegaverse with MM and MF elements and is the first book in the Billionaires in Heat series
I enjoyed the story and the different characters although I did have some issues with it too. It was one of those books that absolutely drew me in whilst I was reading it but, after I had finished, questions and reactions started coming to light.
For example, Alain after he drops a bombshell at dinner when he comments about Maddie and Kel checking in with their boss because he keeps them on a tight leash. He was just being an a$$hole, there was no reason for that. No wonder Maddie didn't think he liked her!
In one respect, the book was actually true to life. After all, things happen every day that don't move our stories forward, and that's what happened here with the bomb threats and stuff about Maddie coming out. It made for fun reading but I don't really know why it was in there. If you take it out, you're not missing anything. Or with Finn Viser or the Lyall Brothers too. It makes me wonder if things will tie together when their stories come out.
I really feel as though Lucas got the short straw. He was the one alpha I was interested in and he got the least amount of page space.
This was an omegaverse with a twist that I did enjoy and would definitely read more in this world.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 6, 2023
I enjoyed the story and the different characters although I did have some issues with it too. It was one of those books that absolutely drew me in whilst I was reading it but, after I had finished, questions and reactions started coming to light.
For example, Alain after he drops a bombshell at dinner when he comments about Maddie and Kel checking in with their boss because he keeps them on a tight leash. He was just being an a$$hole, there was no reason for that. No wonder Maddie didn't think he liked her!
In one respect, the book was actually true to life. After all, things happen every day that don't move our stories forward, and that's what happened here with the bomb threats and stuff about Maddie coming out. It made for fun reading but I don't really know why it was in there. If you take it out, you're not missing anything. Or with Finn Viser or the Lyall Brothers too. It makes me wonder if things will tie together when their stories come out.
I really feel as though Lucas got the short straw. He was the one alpha I was interested in and he got the least amount of page space.
This was an omegaverse with a twist that I did enjoy and would definitely read more in this world.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 6, 2023
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Curveball (Barlow Sisters #1) in Books
Sep 22, 2017
Curveball (Barlow Sisters #1) by Jordan Ford
Curveball is the first book in a new series called Barlow Sisters. As you might gather, this trilogy involves three sisters - not triplets like they get mistaken for. Instead, Max and Maddie are twins, with Chloe being a bit younger. They have been uprooted and driven across the country, but they are still there for each other. Their relationship is as close as you could want - sisters before misters. However, a spanner gets thrown in the works in the shape of Holden Carter. Not only does Chloe fall instantly in love with him, but he infuriates Maddie to the nth degree. She has a few words to say to him, which hurt him. So he decides to show her he isn't what she accused him of being. Throw in some robberies, a bit of sport, friendship, sisterhood, and you've got yourself another winner by Jordan Ford.
I love reading Jordan Ford books because I am always surprised by something that is going on within those pages. The characters, and situations, leap off the page before you, drawing you into their world, so you feel all their pain, their heartache, their joy. One part that really got me, was when Holden took Maddie to Cresthill, and she spent time with his grandpa. Lump, meet throat - you're going to become very acquainted with each other right now. I thought I had the bad guy figured out, and I did (yey me!), but somehow I still ended up feeling sorry for him. Every character in this book was believable, and therefore relate-able.
With no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, this book flowed from start to finish. It was completely engrossing, and I can't wait to read the other sisters' stories, especially as I have them paired up already! Highly recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I love reading Jordan Ford books because I am always surprised by something that is going on within those pages. The characters, and situations, leap off the page before you, drawing you into their world, so you feel all their pain, their heartache, their joy. One part that really got me, was when Holden took Maddie to Cresthill, and she spent time with his grandpa. Lump, meet throat - you're going to become very acquainted with each other right now. I thought I had the bad guy figured out, and I did (yey me!), but somehow I still ended up feeling sorry for him. Every character in this book was believable, and therefore relate-able.
With no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, this book flowed from start to finish. It was completely engrossing, and I can't wait to read the other sisters' stories, especially as I have them paired up already! Highly recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Silhouettes in Books
Dec 14, 2017
Silhouettes by E.L. Tenenbaum
Silhouettes is an amazing story about two young teenagers who end up tied to the world they no longer inhabit. Brooke and Tyler run in different circles when they're alive, but when they are dead, they spend time with each other - trying to figure out just what is going on. The differences in their lives are distinguishable and obvious. Not only do they have time together, but they find out about each other's lives, and see the heartbreak and sorrow that those left behind are dealing with. With many a poignant insight, this book is guaranteed to make you think, if not make you cry!
This book is outstanding, so much more than I thought it was going to be (and yes, I know that is vaguely insulting to the author! I'm really sorry!!!) Written from Brooke's point of view, you stay with her as she learns more about those around her than she knew when she was alive. The twist wasn't really a twist, as it became obvious early on. HOWEVER, that really isn't the point! Whether or not you figure it out, it's the emotions that it brings that make the real impact. I was a bit worried it might become preachy, but it never did. So many things are said that hit home to me, but one line that is amazing is simply this: "You don't have to die to be dead inside."
Overall, this book is one that everyone should read at some time in their lives. It's not 'just' a Young Adult book, it is simply a book where the two main characters are teenagers. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this book swept me away. The scenes are full of impact and flow smoothly from one to the next. I really can't recommend this book highly enough.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This book is outstanding, so much more than I thought it was going to be (and yes, I know that is vaguely insulting to the author! I'm really sorry!!!) Written from Brooke's point of view, you stay with her as she learns more about those around her than she knew when she was alive. The twist wasn't really a twist, as it became obvious early on. HOWEVER, that really isn't the point! Whether or not you figure it out, it's the emotions that it brings that make the real impact. I was a bit worried it might become preachy, but it never did. So many things are said that hit home to me, but one line that is amazing is simply this: "You don't have to die to be dead inside."
Overall, this book is one that everyone should read at some time in their lives. It's not 'just' a Young Adult book, it is simply a book where the two main characters are teenagers. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this book swept me away. The scenes are full of impact and flow smoothly from one to the next. I really can't recommend this book highly enough.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Heights in Books
Apr 27, 2018
The Heights—a contemporary imagining of Wuthering Heights
by Brian James
Genre: YA Fiction, Romance
Rating: 4, DNF
Ah. Again. A high rated book that I did not finish. “Haley what is wrong with you?” Haley stop talking to yourself.
Let me start with the positive: This book is all about the characters. James has taken characters that were only mildly relatable in Wuthering Heights and made them so realistic that you feel everything they feel. This is a mark of a good writer… but also a very painful book. The viewpoint alternates between Henry and Cathy, but it’s not distracting. It’s so easy to get inside their heads and live their lives. Almost too easy.
The negative: It was too painful to finish. I know what’s going to happen because I know the story of Wuthering Heights… and I don’t think I want to live through that. Because I know if I read it, it will feel 110% real. And I don’t think I could handle that.
This book has taken me two days to read… and each time I could only get a little bit farther before I had to stop because I was so angry at the characters for being stupid and prideful and selfish and mean and hateful, that I threw the book across the room. Twice.
I guess this sad love story is just not my kind of love story. Let’s hope I’m not jinxing myself (Haley you know you don’t believe in such things). If you love sad romance stories or love Wuthering Heights, you’ll love this—because this one hurt. I’ll save it for a rainy day when I need to force myself to break down and cry…
Content: Henry has a dirty mouth, but it’s not overdone. No sexual content, and all romance is appropriate
Recommendation: Anyone who wants a good cry… ages 13+
Cover: I know I usually don’t say anything about the cover… but really they could have done better. Henry (Heathcliff) is supposed to be dark skinned with dark hair. The guy on the cover looks nothing like him.
*angry and sad Haley now goes to the corner and pouts and finds a lighter romance to cheer herself up*
by Brian James
Genre: YA Fiction, Romance
Rating: 4, DNF
Ah. Again. A high rated book that I did not finish. “Haley what is wrong with you?” Haley stop talking to yourself.
Let me start with the positive: This book is all about the characters. James has taken characters that were only mildly relatable in Wuthering Heights and made them so realistic that you feel everything they feel. This is a mark of a good writer… but also a very painful book. The viewpoint alternates between Henry and Cathy, but it’s not distracting. It’s so easy to get inside their heads and live their lives. Almost too easy.
The negative: It was too painful to finish. I know what’s going to happen because I know the story of Wuthering Heights… and I don’t think I want to live through that. Because I know if I read it, it will feel 110% real. And I don’t think I could handle that.
This book has taken me two days to read… and each time I could only get a little bit farther before I had to stop because I was so angry at the characters for being stupid and prideful and selfish and mean and hateful, that I threw the book across the room. Twice.
I guess this sad love story is just not my kind of love story. Let’s hope I’m not jinxing myself (Haley you know you don’t believe in such things). If you love sad romance stories or love Wuthering Heights, you’ll love this—because this one hurt. I’ll save it for a rainy day when I need to force myself to break down and cry…
Content: Henry has a dirty mouth, but it’s not overdone. No sexual content, and all romance is appropriate
Recommendation: Anyone who wants a good cry… ages 13+
Cover: I know I usually don’t say anything about the cover… but really they could have done better. Henry (Heathcliff) is supposed to be dark skinned with dark hair. The guy on the cover looks nothing like him.
*angry and sad Haley now goes to the corner and pouts and finds a lighter romance to cheer herself up*
Dana (24 KP) rated Rebel Mechanics (Rebel Mechanics, #1) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I got this book from the Uppercase book box for the August book box. I am slowly getting out of a reading slump, so this was a really good book to help out with that.
This review actually is a 4.5/5 stars!!
I was a bit hesitant about this book because I don't read steampunk/historical fiction books that often. As you can see from my rating, I really enjoyed it! It was a good balance of drama, intrigue, and magical steampunkiness.
I liked how the characters were developed throughout the story and were not left to have one flat characteristic that I have seen happen a lot before. I absolutely loved the main character, Henry and the children. They were by far the best parts of the book for me solely based on their fun familial energy and retorts.
The plot went by pretty fast as well and I didn't feel like there was much left out of the story.
I did, however, want there to be more information on certain backgrounds of characters (if you have read this, you will understand what I mean). Some parts of it felt stiff for me. The bit about the dangerous secret felt like it was put in as an afterthought at parts. It didn’t really flow that well with the rest of the story. They could have been fleshed out in a more organic manner, in my opinion. (This is the reason for the 1 star off, even though it should only be 1/2 a star, but I can't do that on here.)
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a great, fun read!
I would definitely recommend this to people who haven't read a lot of steampunk, but want to get into it. This is a great introductory book for that because it isn't a slap in the face with so much steampunk. Also, anyone who wants to be really entertained by a headstrong, sassy female lead who will make you laugh out loud at parts, this is a great book for you!!
This review actually is a 4.5/5 stars!!
I was a bit hesitant about this book because I don't read steampunk/historical fiction books that often. As you can see from my rating, I really enjoyed it! It was a good balance of drama, intrigue, and magical steampunkiness.
I liked how the characters were developed throughout the story and were not left to have one flat characteristic that I have seen happen a lot before. I absolutely loved the main character, Henry and the children. They were by far the best parts of the book for me solely based on their fun familial energy and retorts.
The plot went by pretty fast as well and I didn't feel like there was much left out of the story.
I did, however, want there to be more information on certain backgrounds of characters (if you have read this, you will understand what I mean). Some parts of it felt stiff for me. The bit about the dangerous secret felt like it was put in as an afterthought at parts. It didn’t really flow that well with the rest of the story. They could have been fleshed out in a more organic manner, in my opinion. (This is the reason for the 1 star off, even though it should only be 1/2 a star, but I can't do that on here.)
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a great, fun read!
I would definitely recommend this to people who haven't read a lot of steampunk, but want to get into it. This is a great introductory book for that because it isn't a slap in the face with so much steampunk. Also, anyone who wants to be really entertained by a headstrong, sassy female lead who will make you laugh out loud at parts, this is a great book for you!!
Apraxia Therapy Lite - with VAST video for aphasia
Medical and Education
App
Tackle apraxia and aphasia head-on with a powerful speech therapy app that uses video to help people...