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BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated All Is Bright: A Devotional Journey to Color Your Way to Christmas in Books
Jan 2, 2019
I LOVE Christmas! And I LOVE coloring books! What better way to celebrate the season than by coloring a Christmas book? Beginning on December 1 this devotion will carry you through Christmas to New Year's Eve. Each devotion is only one page long and the opposite page is a full picture to color in. The perfect way to relax and express creativity while keeping Christ at the focus of Christmas. Filled with beautiful pictures of angels, nativity scenes, stars, winter, scripture, and patterns. At the end of the book there are Family Activities. Verses and conversation starters and prayer, to discuss Christmas as a family and keep or sights on Jesus in the middle of a busy season. Extra coloring pages are included at the end of the book as well. A beautiful way to bring the story of Christmas into our daily routine. If you enjoy coloring books, this is the perfect one to begin your holidays.
I received a free copy of All is Bright from Tyndale Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a free copy of All is Bright from Tyndale Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Merissa (11651 KP) rated The Darkest Road (The Fionavar Tapestry #3) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
The third and longest book in the Fionavar Tapestry Trilogy will leave you feeling emotionally exhausted by the time you finish it.
As the final book it obviously has to wrap up the whole story, including any new threads that have been introduced. GGK does this amazingly well and it will move you to tears (again).
One of the main characters and storylines of this book is Darien, the andain son of Jennifer and Rakoth and trust me when I say no punches are pulled with this. Although he ages quicker than normal children, he is still a child at heart and has the hardest decision of them all to make as he is the one that walks The Darkest Road. I won't put anything else as I don't want to spoil it for any that haven't read this book.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the books of The Fionavar Tapestry and have read them all over and over. A Tapestry is the correct term for these books and they are all interwoven together, with some bright threads and some dark, but ultimately all part of the bigger picture.
As the final book it obviously has to wrap up the whole story, including any new threads that have been introduced. GGK does this amazingly well and it will move you to tears (again).
One of the main characters and storylines of this book is Darien, the andain son of Jennifer and Rakoth and trust me when I say no punches are pulled with this. Although he ages quicker than normal children, he is still a child at heart and has the hardest decision of them all to make as he is the one that walks The Darkest Road. I won't put anything else as I don't want to spoil it for any that haven't read this book.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the books of The Fionavar Tapestry and have read them all over and over. A Tapestry is the correct term for these books and they are all interwoven together, with some bright threads and some dark, but ultimately all part of the bigger picture.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Light of Kaska in Books
Jan 11, 2021
I liked this.
It's my second story by the author, the other being The Huntress which I loved.
I'm not entirely a fan of sci-fi stories but Michelle has this way of weaving a tale that is heavy on the romance while still being very sci-fi/fantasy, and since I read books for the romance aspect most of the time they are right up my street.
I came to like Chase Stryker from early on and Sukeza grew on me the more she protested against his capture. Reading about their evolving relationship was great and I was urging them to stop being stubborn and just get together.
The relationship between Harle and Chase was fun to read about too. I'm used to reading about the relationship between female friends but the friendship between those two had me chuckling at times.
The synopsis didn't give much away with how this story would play out but I really enjoyed the journey over the three main places mentioned in the book and could picture them in my head.
I look forward to reading more books by the author.
It's my second story by the author, the other being The Huntress which I loved.
I'm not entirely a fan of sci-fi stories but Michelle has this way of weaving a tale that is heavy on the romance while still being very sci-fi/fantasy, and since I read books for the romance aspect most of the time they are right up my street.
I came to like Chase Stryker from early on and Sukeza grew on me the more she protested against his capture. Reading about their evolving relationship was great and I was urging them to stop being stubborn and just get together.
The relationship between Harle and Chase was fun to read about too. I'm used to reading about the relationship between female friends but the friendship between those two had me chuckling at times.
The synopsis didn't give much away with how this story would play out but I really enjoyed the journey over the three main places mentioned in the book and could picture them in my head.
I look forward to reading more books by the author.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Killbox (Sirantha Jax, #4) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Killbox won't make any sense without reading the previous three books, and I honestly feel that I should have gone back and re-read them before starting it. I was impatient for more fresh Aguirre after finishing [b:Shady Lady|6767883|Shady Lady (Corine Solomon, #3)|Ann Aguirre|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1302689192s/6767883.jpg|6913777], though, and [b:Killbox|7843135|Killbox (Sirantha Jax, #4)|Ann Aguirre|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1282093259s/7843135.jpg|6913748] is what I had on the Nook.
I really love Sirantha Jax's strength and complexity. She has grown and changed a great deal over the four books of the series, and reflects on the changes in herself during this book. Her relationship with March has deepened, as well. The depiction of a mature relationship being tested, rather than one that is fresh and new, is a nice switch from most of the books I've read recently.
The friendship between Velith and Jax is also a treasure. It is rare to see a pure friendship between a male and a female in fiction, without any sexual tension entering the picture. We're reminded that while he is an alien, Velith has had a human lover in the past, so it isn't as if that is impossible between the two — it just doesn't occur.
The book isn't solely about relationships, of course — I just appreciate how well Aguirre depicts relationships in and around the excellent plot. That's the part that you need background to understand.
The Morgut keep coming, a bigger threat than ever: they're colonizing instead of raiding. Jax secured a treaty with the Ithiss-Tor (Velith's people), but there's no help from them coming yet. Humanity's survival is on the line. Aguirre depicts battle believably, giving a sense of the horror without dwelling too much on gore.
Lovers are torn apart, established characters die, new ones come on stage. It's impossible to know at any given moment whether anyone, including Jax, will survive from scene to scene. That certainly kept me reading, and I think it will engage you, as well.
I really love Sirantha Jax's strength and complexity. She has grown and changed a great deal over the four books of the series, and reflects on the changes in herself during this book. Her relationship with March has deepened, as well. The depiction of a mature relationship being tested, rather than one that is fresh and new, is a nice switch from most of the books I've read recently.
The friendship between Velith and Jax is also a treasure. It is rare to see a pure friendship between a male and a female in fiction, without any sexual tension entering the picture. We're reminded that while he is an alien, Velith has had a human lover in the past, so it isn't as if that is impossible between the two — it just doesn't occur.
The book isn't solely about relationships, of course — I just appreciate how well Aguirre depicts relationships in and around the excellent plot. That's the part that you need background to understand.
The Morgut keep coming, a bigger threat than ever: they're colonizing instead of raiding. Jax secured a treaty with the Ithiss-Tor (Velith's people), but there's no help from them coming yet. Humanity's survival is on the line. Aguirre depicts battle believably, giving a sense of the horror without dwelling too much on gore.
Lovers are torn apart, established characters die, new ones come on stage. It's impossible to know at any given moment whether anyone, including Jax, will survive from scene to scene. That certainly kept me reading, and I think it will engage you, as well.
Auburn (57 KP) rated Picture Us In The Light in Books
Apr 10, 2019
Picture Us in the Light is a heartbreakingly honest book that feels so real you may find yourself second guessing if it is actually fiction.
Crying, laughing, and feeling your way through this unputdownable book is normal.
The main character feels real and the relationships between characters are well thought out and developed. None are just stand ins that make you second guess the plot. The plot is solid if not heartbreaking.
I am normally not one to read really emotional books but after getting the first look at this one I had to know what would happen next. The full book did not disappoint.
Perfect for fans of realistic contemporary fiction. Just be aware that this is one book you may just have to read in one sitting so you can get all of the emotions out at once.
Crying, laughing, and feeling your way through this unputdownable book is normal.
The main character feels real and the relationships between characters are well thought out and developed. None are just stand ins that make you second guess the plot. The plot is solid if not heartbreaking.
I am normally not one to read really emotional books but after getting the first look at this one I had to know what would happen next. The full book did not disappoint.
Perfect for fans of realistic contemporary fiction. Just be aware that this is one book you may just have to read in one sitting so you can get all of the emotions out at once.
David McK (3188 KP) rated Moving Pictures in Books
Jul 11, 2021
Discworld Industrial Revolution #1
<2021 update>
I hadn't realised that this book had the first appearance(s) of Ponder Stibbons, Arch-Chancellor Mustrum Ridcully alongside that of Gaspode the Wonder Dog! (well, maybe I knew the latter)
<original review>
Book #10 in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, which (for my money) stands alongside Soul Music as one of his best works, perhaps because these are the two books it is easiest to catch the many allusions in!
This is the one where Discworld discovers the magic of the Motion Picture, culminating in a not-quite-right scene of a giant lady carrying a screaming ape up a tall building (Ankh-Morpork's Tower of Art in the Unseen University), and is also, perhaps, the only book where CMOT Dibbler is actually a major character rather than an extra.
I hadn't realised that this book had the first appearance(s) of Ponder Stibbons, Arch-Chancellor Mustrum Ridcully alongside that of Gaspode the Wonder Dog! (well, maybe I knew the latter)
<original review>
Book #10 in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, which (for my money) stands alongside Soul Music as one of his best works, perhaps because these are the two books it is easiest to catch the many allusions in!
This is the one where Discworld discovers the magic of the Motion Picture, culminating in a not-quite-right scene of a giant lady carrying a screaming ape up a tall building (Ankh-Morpork's Tower of Art in the Unseen University), and is also, perhaps, the only book where CMOT Dibbler is actually a major character rather than an extra.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Drawn (Moon Claimed, #1) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
3.5 stars.
I really like the books cover, which is always a good thing :)
So, this is the debut story from the author and I was intrigued from the beginning. Why did she have these dreams? Why did she recognise the lake in the picture?
I liked Nathan. He seemed like a really nice, sexy guy who had his eye on Tess right from the start. And some of the sex scenes were fairly steamy... ;P
The story concept was different to any other I've read in the "mates" sense, though I wont spoil it by telling you how and let you read it for yourself.
There are a few minor wording issues but considering the author is from France, it is overall very good.
3.5 stars.
I really like the books cover, which is always a good thing :)
So, this is the debut story from the author and I was intrigued from the beginning. Why did she have these dreams? Why did she recognise the lake in the picture?
I liked Nathan. He seemed like a really nice, sexy guy who had his eye on Tess right from the start. And some of the sex scenes were fairly steamy... ;P
The story concept was different to any other I've read in the "mates" sense, though I wont spoil it by telling you how and let you read it for yourself.
There are a few minor wording issues but considering the author is from France, it is overall very good.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated The Toad in Books
Jun 18, 2018
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
The Toad by Elise Gravel is part of the Disgusting Critters Series. It is a non-fiction picture book about all things toads. The book shows how toads relate to frogs, their habitat, and food. It also shows that there are different kinds of toad breeds. Beyond talking about the different kinds of toads, the readers learn about their skin and the bumps. Readers learn that the pests that toads eat help to keep the insects at a reasonable amount so we humans don't have to deal with them as much.
The text in the book is presented in an easy way to read which is both entertaining and funny. The illustrations are a great visual that accompanies the text.
I received an advanced readers copy from Penguin Random House Canada and Tundra Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Toad by Elise Gravel is part of the Disgusting Critters Series. It is a non-fiction picture book about all things toads. The book shows how toads relate to frogs, their habitat, and food. It also shows that there are different kinds of toad breeds. Beyond talking about the different kinds of toads, the readers learn about their skin and the bumps. Readers learn that the pests that toads eat help to keep the insects at a reasonable amount so we humans don't have to deal with them as much.
The text in the book is presented in an easy way to read which is both entertaining and funny. The illustrations are a great visual that accompanies the text.
I received an advanced readers copy from Penguin Random House Canada and Tundra Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Taste of Beirut by Joumana Accad is an incredibly comprehensive introduction to preparing Lebanese cuisine. Taste of Beirut is a love story of history, culture, and food simply blossoming chapter after chapter, after chapter. The passion for the food, culture, and people left me with the deep desire to whip out my passport and take a trip across the world.
By reading this book, I learned a lot about the Lebanese cuisine. With each recipe there is a high quality picture that accompanies it. Throughout the book there are explanations and translation of ingredients, essential do's and don'ts, helpful notes included with nearly every recipe. Also included is how to prepare and store commonly used ingredients to make cooking quicker and easier. Recipes are straightforward, and dishes look very flavorful.
I received this book from HCI Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
By reading this book, I learned a lot about the Lebanese cuisine. With each recipe there is a high quality picture that accompanies it. Throughout the book there are explanations and translation of ingredients, essential do's and don'ts, helpful notes included with nearly every recipe. Also included is how to prepare and store commonly used ingredients to make cooking quicker and easier. Recipes are straightforward, and dishes look very flavorful.
I received this book from HCI Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Debbiereadsbook (1074 KP) rated Escape You (Cole Brothers #3) in Books
Jan 14, 2020
good but myabe not for me
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Tyler finds out his amazing one night stand is the mark for the next ATF raid. Then he finds himself on the opposite side of the fence, as her fiancee. Mia knows she has no choice to this union of Mafia branches, but she doesn't have to like it. Finding out there really IS a way out of it, is great, just not who Tyler really is. Can they really be together when it all goes down?
This is book 3 in the Cole Brothers series, and I have not read the others. I don't feel I missed out on anything by not doing, but this book gives me enough hints to THOSE books, that I would LIKE to go back and read them, because I want to, not because I need to.
And I really am NOT sure how I feel about THIS book! And ya'll know I'm ALL about my book feelings. Its just I don't seem to have any about this book and I cannot for the life of me, figure out what doesn't work for me.
I liked that both Mia and Tyler have a say, it is in the first person, but each change is headed as the chapter changes. I liked that Tyler's deception discovered late in the day, not by Mia, cos Tyler tells her, but by the other major players.
I liked that there is a much bigger picture here, with ALL the Cole brothers involved, and that picture is what makes me want to go back and read the other books. Maybe THIS one will fit in better then, I don't know.
A *for a Mafia book* Nice book, and as much I as hate using that word for a book, it's the ONLY one I can muster.
3 solid GOOD stars, just maybe not for me.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Tyler finds out his amazing one night stand is the mark for the next ATF raid. Then he finds himself on the opposite side of the fence, as her fiancee. Mia knows she has no choice to this union of Mafia branches, but she doesn't have to like it. Finding out there really IS a way out of it, is great, just not who Tyler really is. Can they really be together when it all goes down?
This is book 3 in the Cole Brothers series, and I have not read the others. I don't feel I missed out on anything by not doing, but this book gives me enough hints to THOSE books, that I would LIKE to go back and read them, because I want to, not because I need to.
And I really am NOT sure how I feel about THIS book! And ya'll know I'm ALL about my book feelings. Its just I don't seem to have any about this book and I cannot for the life of me, figure out what doesn't work for me.
I liked that both Mia and Tyler have a say, it is in the first person, but each change is headed as the chapter changes. I liked that Tyler's deception discovered late in the day, not by Mia, cos Tyler tells her, but by the other major players.
I liked that there is a much bigger picture here, with ALL the Cole brothers involved, and that picture is what makes me want to go back and read the other books. Maybe THIS one will fit in better then, I don't know.
A *for a Mafia book* Nice book, and as much I as hate using that word for a book, it's the ONLY one I can muster.
3 solid GOOD stars, just maybe not for me.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**