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Merissa (11950 KP) rated The Scent of a Storm in Books
Dec 8, 2021 (Updated Jul 9, 2023)
THE SCENT OF A STORM is the second book by this author I have read and gave me the same authentic feel I got from the first. This is based upon real events that made it into the history books.
One thing that seems easy to forget is not everyone in Germany thought Hitler was doing the right thing; not everyone belonged to the SS. This book paints the picture of what it was like for those who tried to live as best they could before they were unwillingly drawn into the middle of events that would change their lives forever.
The hardships told in this book sound like fiction; terrible, horrible fiction, which makes it even harder to understand when you realise circumstances like those mentioned were 'normal'.
Whilst the whole book is brilliantly written, I preferred it when Annie and Werner were young, even though the conditions were heartbreaking. When it changed to the more recent time, I felt like I'd lost something. That is the way of war, I guess. I just wanted more than I received.
For anyone with an interest in the history of WWII, especially if you are interested in the German perspective, then this is definitely one for your bookshelves. 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 the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 8, 2021
One thing that seems easy to forget is not everyone in Germany thought Hitler was doing the right thing; not everyone belonged to the SS. This book paints the picture of what it was like for those who tried to live as best they could before they were unwillingly drawn into the middle of events that would change their lives forever.
The hardships told in this book sound like fiction; terrible, horrible fiction, which makes it even harder to understand when you realise circumstances like those mentioned were 'normal'.
Whilst the whole book is brilliantly written, I preferred it when Annie and Werner were young, even though the conditions were heartbreaking. When it changed to the more recent time, I felt like I'd lost something. That is the way of war, I guess. I just wanted more than I received.
For anyone with an interest in the history of WWII, especially if you are interested in the German perspective, then this is definitely one for your bookshelves. 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 the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 8, 2021
Ross (3284 KP) rated The Bitter Twins in Books
Sep 10, 2018
Very good sequel to the Ninth Rain. Williams follows straight on from the conclusion of that book with another series of journeys, with an increasing cast of character heading in different directions. The worldbuilding is kicked up a notch, and the background behind this strange world full of strange creatures and people starts to be revealed.
While there is action aplenty here, as with the first book I found sections of it dragged quite a bit and I lost momentum. But once they were passed I rattled through the rest of the book.
Williams' narrative style is very heavy on the descriptions of people and places and I did find myself having to speed-read the last quarter of the book as it was getting a little tiring (there were times I would read a whole page and got nothing out of it). This is fine if you want a very very immersive experience and to picture everything exactly as the author intended, but I like to imagine things my own way sometimes so was content to scan through and pick up on the events and dialogue without the overly elaborate descriptions.
A good story in a very interesting world full of good quality characters and action.
While there is action aplenty here, as with the first book I found sections of it dragged quite a bit and I lost momentum. But once they were passed I rattled through the rest of the book.
Williams' narrative style is very heavy on the descriptions of people and places and I did find myself having to speed-read the last quarter of the book as it was getting a little tiring (there were times I would read a whole page and got nothing out of it). This is fine if you want a very very immersive experience and to picture everything exactly as the author intended, but I like to imagine things my own way sometimes so was content to scan through and pick up on the events and dialogue without the overly elaborate descriptions.
A good story in a very interesting world full of good quality characters and action.
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated Do You Like Trains? in Books
Jan 30, 2020
This book is interesting in the way the cover art. It a curious cover in a way that makes me want to pick it up and read it. I know from the title of the book what it about. The author does a wonderfully good job bringing in the reader.
I was curious about what the two animals were going about it. Though it looks like one friend is trying to explain about trains to a new friend. This seems apparent. In a way, he keeps it up to convince the friend of the raccoon. In a way that is not mean or annoying.
The picture is done well. They are cute and enjoyable. I could see the squire talk and express this love of trains. The way it ends makes me think he loves talking about trains. If you love trains he might want to teach his new friend all about them.
Parents and children will love this book “Do You Like Trains?”. It is good for teaching and learning about trains. It good train lovers and children that love trains. Children will love this book in the sense that it doe have some rhyming. Parents can read this to their children. Grandparents could read this to their grandchildren.
I was curious about what the two animals were going about it. Though it looks like one friend is trying to explain about trains to a new friend. This seems apparent. In a way, he keeps it up to convince the friend of the raccoon. In a way that is not mean or annoying.
The picture is done well. They are cute and enjoyable. I could see the squire talk and express this love of trains. The way it ends makes me think he loves talking about trains. If you love trains he might want to teach his new friend all about them.
Parents and children will love this book “Do You Like Trains?”. It is good for teaching and learning about trains. It good train lovers and children that love trains. Children will love this book in the sense that it doe have some rhyming. Parents can read this to their children. Grandparents could read this to their grandchildren.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Nov 18, 2020
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated Our Moon Festival: Celebrating the Moon Festival in Asian Communities in Books
Sep 4, 2021
Are you looking for a book about different Asian cultures and other traditions? I found one that talks about their Moon Festival. It is good to learn about different cultures and not change that culture because we do not like it. We should try and understand it.
“Our Moon Festival” by Yobe Qui is a beautiful picture book about three different families and how they celebrate the Moon and their traditions. The first one is about a Chinese festival and talks about Singapore. The second story talks about the Vietnamese and their lovely traditions. The last story is about the Japanese and how they celebrate the holiday with their traditions.
This book shows and illustrates the holiday; it talks about what is similar and how they are different. The illustrations in the book are displayed well and beautifully. The images are bright and colorful. Great for children and parents to learn about Asian communities and a bit of Asian culture.
Children will want to learn more about these three Asian countries, Japan, Singapore, Chinese, and the culture. Children want to learn about the Moon Festivals. I think they are different but similar. I enjoyed learning about other holidays and the traditions of different cultures. I enjoy learning about the Our Moon Festival.
“Our Moon Festival” by Yobe Qui is a beautiful picture book about three different families and how they celebrate the Moon and their traditions. The first one is about a Chinese festival and talks about Singapore. The second story talks about the Vietnamese and their lovely traditions. The last story is about the Japanese and how they celebrate the holiday with their traditions.
This book shows and illustrates the holiday; it talks about what is similar and how they are different. The illustrations in the book are displayed well and beautifully. The images are bright and colorful. Great for children and parents to learn about Asian communities and a bit of Asian culture.
Children will want to learn more about these three Asian countries, Japan, Singapore, Chinese, and the culture. Children want to learn about the Moon Festivals. I think they are different but similar. I enjoyed learning about other holidays and the traditions of different cultures. I enjoy learning about the Our Moon Festival.
Merissa (11950 KP) rated Embrace the Mystery (The Blood Rose #3) in Books
Apr 16, 2023
The third in the Blood Rose Series is dedicated to Quinlan and Batya, both natives of the Nine Realms although Batya left to live on 'mortal' earth, for reasons you find out as the book develops. In fact, it is not only the book that develops, but the series as a whole, as facts come to light and more starts to make sense. There is a name now for the 'big bad', an understanding of what is wanted, and more to the point, what is needed to stop it.
The chemistry is rife between Quinlan and Batya and, although you might think that the timing is wrong, they still manage to make time for each other. And boy, is it hot!
There are appearances from previous characters, as well as from new ones. Some, I'm not sure if they're part of the bigger picture or not, but I still really like reading about them.
This is a brilliant addition to the Blood Rose series and will definitely leave you wanting more. Highly recommended.
* 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!
Sep 20, 2015
The chemistry is rife between Quinlan and Batya and, although you might think that the timing is wrong, they still manage to make time for each other. And boy, is it hot!
There are appearances from previous characters, as well as from new ones. Some, I'm not sure if they're part of the bigger picture or not, but I still really like reading about them.
This is a brilliant addition to the Blood Rose series and will definitely leave you wanting more. Highly recommended.
* 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!
Sep 20, 2015
Lake of the Spirit Bear
10.0
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Does your child have a hunger for knowledge and facts which you want to feed while at the same time...
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BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Fire and Ice (Wild at Heart, #3) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Bailey has hidden her true identity for years. Will she be able to set aside the charade, forgive herself for her past and open herself to love?
In 1866 it is unheard of for a woman to be a successful rancher. But that is exactly what Bailey Wilde has done. Through hard work, sheer determination and hiding that she is indeed a woman, her ranch is thriving. Partly due to the fact that she has homesteaded directly across the opening to a lush canyon owned by Gage Coulter. Gage will stop at nothing to get his canyon back, even if it means blowing up the mountain. Bailey's sisters have both married and moved away just as winter is setting in. As she endures the frigid winter months alone, she longs for companionship. And then Gage shows up with a proposal that could drastically change their lives. Will they both be able to overcome their stubborn independence and work together as a team? Will their fire and ice spark into love along the way?
"That's not God refusing to forgive you...It's you refusing to forgive yourself."
Fire & Ice was a wonderful completion to the Wilde sisters' stories. Mary Connealy's unique story line was very interesting. I did get frustrated with Gage's attitude a couple of times, and the situation was never fully resolved. But all in all, this is a tremendous story of the journey of forgiving yourself. My only real complaint about this book is the cover. Bailey is described multiple times as having warm hazel eyes that burn like fire. But in the picture, she has very blue eyes. Her hair is also described as short, yet curly. And the picture shows straight hair, there is a picture on the binding with her hat removed showing very straight hair. I know I shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but there you have it. The cover aside, Fire & Ice was yet another wild journey of the last Wilde sister finding forgiveness and love. This book can stand alone, but I highly recommend reading the whole series!
I received a free copy of Fire & Ice from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
In 1866 it is unheard of for a woman to be a successful rancher. But that is exactly what Bailey Wilde has done. Through hard work, sheer determination and hiding that she is indeed a woman, her ranch is thriving. Partly due to the fact that she has homesteaded directly across the opening to a lush canyon owned by Gage Coulter. Gage will stop at nothing to get his canyon back, even if it means blowing up the mountain. Bailey's sisters have both married and moved away just as winter is setting in. As she endures the frigid winter months alone, she longs for companionship. And then Gage shows up with a proposal that could drastically change their lives. Will they both be able to overcome their stubborn independence and work together as a team? Will their fire and ice spark into love along the way?
"That's not God refusing to forgive you...It's you refusing to forgive yourself."
Fire & Ice was a wonderful completion to the Wilde sisters' stories. Mary Connealy's unique story line was very interesting. I did get frustrated with Gage's attitude a couple of times, and the situation was never fully resolved. But all in all, this is a tremendous story of the journey of forgiving yourself. My only real complaint about this book is the cover. Bailey is described multiple times as having warm hazel eyes that burn like fire. But in the picture, she has very blue eyes. Her hair is also described as short, yet curly. And the picture shows straight hair, there is a picture on the binding with her hat removed showing very straight hair. I know I shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but there you have it. The cover aside, Fire & Ice was yet another wild journey of the last Wilde sister finding forgiveness and love. This book can stand alone, but I highly recommend reading the whole series!
I received a free copy of Fire & Ice from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
KarenRC (6 KP) rated The Key to Death's Door in Books
Jul 23, 2018
Never before has a book had me in such a mixture of feelings... I hated it in the way that it was so graphic and the Daryl character so abhorrent, but I also found myself totally unable to stop reading.
This was my first book by this author, but I don't think it will be the last. The writing style and character descriptions are second to none. The hate for Daryls character is matched only by the love for Lee/Pauls character and his relationship with Charlie/Bobby and that is testament to the author, in the same way that I think that the graphic scenes got to me so much, because I could picture them so well.
Definitely one that is going to stay with me, but not sure if I have decided whether that will be in a good way or not, yet!!
This was my first book by this author, but I don't think it will be the last. The writing style and character descriptions are second to none. The hate for Daryls character is matched only by the love for Lee/Pauls character and his relationship with Charlie/Bobby and that is testament to the author, in the same way that I think that the graphic scenes got to me so much, because I could picture them so well.
Definitely one that is going to stay with me, but not sure if I have decided whether that will be in a good way or not, yet!!
Chelsea (166 KP) rated Crazy Rich Asians in Books
Sep 29, 2018
I picked this up after I saw the movie because I liked it so much, and I’m very glad I did.
Rachel Chu is thrust into the lifestyle of the crazy rich in Singapore when she and her boyfriend Nick travel to attend a wedding of Nick’s best friend. She is treated horribly by Nick’s traditional family and their friends, who are trying their best to get her out of the picture. We follow as Rachel learns about Nick’s past and family, secrets of her own past, and see her struggle to figure out who she is or what she should do.
The book changes perspective every chapter, so you really get the back story on and thoughts of all the main characters. You learn about this lifestyle that is so extravagant I couldn’t even dream that big. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to pick up the next book!
Rachel Chu is thrust into the lifestyle of the crazy rich in Singapore when she and her boyfriend Nick travel to attend a wedding of Nick’s best friend. She is treated horribly by Nick’s traditional family and their friends, who are trying their best to get her out of the picture. We follow as Rachel learns about Nick’s past and family, secrets of her own past, and see her struggle to figure out who she is or what she should do.
The book changes perspective every chapter, so you really get the back story on and thoughts of all the main characters. You learn about this lifestyle that is so extravagant I couldn’t even dream that big. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to pick up the next book!