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I truly enjoyed this adventure across the country!
I have read several of Misty M. Beller’s books now and she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors in the Christian historical fiction genre. This is the first book in The Mountain Series and a great introduction to the series overall! I will be buying the rest of the series.
    From the very beginning, Misty M. Beller grabs your imagination with intrigue and travel. With so much going on in the first few chapters I was nervous that the rest of the book would not live up to the beginning’s standards. I was pleasantly surprised when that same even pace was kept through the whole book! The vivid descriptions through Leah’s travels across the country and the descriptions of everyday life on the mountain were fascinating and believable. It got my imagination involved. The plot was believable (Mostly, I mean it is a work of fiction), and it flowed well from one scene to the next keeping a hint of mystery along the way.
    The characters in this book were interesting. I loved Leah’s faith; I strive to have the faith she displays. I also liked her unwavering strength when things got tough on the mountain, she showed such a positive spirit and seemed like a joyful person. Gideon... Silent and quiet at first, great with animals, like to chop wood, Mm, talk about a mountain man
  
This book was fantastic in its complexity. I have never read a book by Carla Laureano before, even though I know she is a well-known Christian Fiction romance author. I just have not picked up her books. Now I am definitely going back and reading them. In this fantasy novel, I found so much depth, intrigue, and growth. The characters were very well laid out, had fantastic arcs, and the first part of the story was told from a male POV, which I had never read before.

The world in which Carla Laureano immersed me was like no other. I loved the Isle of Seare and how it was intricately built through the pages, and I liked the different cultures of the four different kingdoms. I for one have always been fascinated by our faith in a theological sense and I loved how Carla Laureano wove different aspects of it into this story. It added a touch of realism that was interesting.

Overall, this book was one fantastic read that left me breathless with wanting more (bring on the next book soon please!), had some twists I did not see coming and filled me with a sense of wonder. I definitely recommend putting this one on your soon to be read list. 4 out of 5 stars!

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
To Steal a Heart was my first time reading a book by Jen Turano and it was a very enjoyable experience. I have heard from friends that her books were good for a long time but just never picked one up, however, the synopsis on this one just sounded too good to not read it. It is the first book in a series.

Gabriella and Nicholas had great character interaction right from the start. Their easy comradery was fun to read and made me smile. I thought both characters had good character growth through the story, and I felt like I really got to know them as characters by the time the story was over (I do hope we get to see glimpses of them in future books too!). The secondary characters added some interesting layers and comedic relief in certain areas that were a perfect addition to the story.

Overall, I loved the setting of this book, the time period is always fascinating. I loved the mystery/intrigue interwoven with this story. I also enjoyed Jen Turano's vivid scene descriptions they really helped me to envision the scene as the characters saw it. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the great characters, fantastic humor, and for sucking me onto the story.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated The Tell-Tale Tarte in Books

Apr 9, 2021 (Updated Apr 9, 2021)  
The Tell-Tale Tarte
The Tell-Tale Tarte
Maya Corrigan | 2021 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Impersonating Danger
A new year has started, and Val Deniston’s grandfather appears to be making some changes in his life. He’s updated his look, including a new haircut and new outfit. He claims it is for a new job he’s landed for his investigations business. Then Val is on the scene when a man dies at a nearby shopping center – a man who looks just like Grandfather does now thanks to his new look. The case soon points to Rick Usher, a local author who has made a career writing tales inspired by Edgar Allan Poe. Is Grandfather the next target of the killer? How does Rick play into the mystery?

I must confess, I know little about Poe (I feel like I should know more considering how much I love mysteries), but that wasn’t a hamper to enjoying this book. Poe lore is certainly a big part of the inspiration of the story, and bits and pieces of his life weave their way into the book. Even without that, we get a strong mystery with plenty of intrigue. I did feel the ending was a little weak, but it did wrap everything up. The characters are fun and continue to grow here. I’m especially interested to see where some of those relationships go in the future. We get six more five-ingredient recipes at the end. Whether you are a fan of Poe or not, this book will keep you guessing until the end.
  
Wintersfall (Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria #1)
Wintersfall (Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria #1)
Sarah Westill | 2021 | Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
WINTERSFALL is the first book in the Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria series and the reader is introduced to a complex world where ranks are important, as well as limiting.

Following the murder of her mother and sister, Katria joins a government team on the understanding that an investigation will take place to find out who killed them. Fast forward three years and Katria has grown into a more than capable agent. With one fail to their name, the team is called back to Haven City and the intrigue really starts!

This was a great, twisted story with an amazing cast of characters, both main and supporting. I found it slightly difficult to get my head around the hierarchy and hated having to keep switching back and forth to the explanation given at the beginning of the book. In the end, I gave up and just read it as was.

The story isn't completed, by any stretch of the imagination. The focus may be moving from Katria and Sean but, make no mistake, there is so much more to come. I don't think we've even scratched the surface yet.

A great story that I thoroughly enjoyed and can't wait to read more. Absolutely recommended by me.

** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!