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Mercy (Forever #3)
Mercy (Forever #3)
India R Adams | 2018 | Contemporary, Mind, Body & Spiritual, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Mercy (Forever #3) by India R. Adams
Mercy is the third book in the Forever series, and it IS a series so I would definitely recommend starting with Serenity. Trust me, so much goes on inside these pages, you would be lost otherwise.

Now then, where do I start? First of all, this is a long book. So whatever you do, make sure you have stocked up on supplies. That includes a box of kleenex, enough chocolate to last you a week, plenty of drinks, and let your family know you will be indisposed for the foreseeable future, until you've finished reading. Because once you start reading, you will be lost. I promise you that. The first chapter had me crying! That is how quickly I was sucked back into Serenity's world and the situations she was dealing with. Some pleasant, some not so pleasant, some downright horrible.

As this is a long book, you can be sure of plenty of things going on. There is never a dull moment, but whether it is happiness or sorrow you are feeling, your emotions will never be far away. There is danger and suspense, building up to an epic climax that will blow you away. There is a twist here that I never saw coming. I sort of hope this is the end to one part of it, but knowing how Ms. Adams' works takes me to places as yet undiscovered, I guess I will have to wait and see what comes next. Whatever it is I can imagine, will only be a whole load better!

With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading, I was completely engrossed with this story. This book defies genres and situations. It is hard to put into words, so you will just have to read it for yourself. One thing I can promise is that you won't regret it.

Such a good book, a fantastic series, and 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!
  
Wanting Secret Baby
Wanting Secret Baby
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Naomi has the worst luck finding men. She wants to find someone to settle down with and start a family but all the men she keeps interacting with are duds. At her friends engagement party she encounters the brother of the intended groom and sparks fly, at least on her end. Is Alex the man she needs in her life?

Naomi has enchanted Alex since first glance. He’s barely spoken to her, yet she envelops his nightly dreams. He cannot get her face out of his conscience and tries to come up with any excuse just to see her again. When his brother asks him to be his best man, knowing Naomi is the maid of honor gives him a perfect excuse to see her again.

Naomi is powerless whenever Alex is near her. She needs to find a way to be as far from him at all times as possible. He messes with her concentration to a point that she knows she can’t trust herself near him. One stolen kiss is all it takes to send her over the edge.

Alex and Naomi can’t fight the pull that is constantly at work when they are near each other. After sneaking away from the wedding reception they find themselves at the point of no return. A tragic phone call after sends Naomi running from Alex, but can she stay away from him forever?

Alex and Naomi find themselves apart but never far from each other’s thoughts. After an unexpected gift leaves Naomi scrambling to escape, will she ever be able to come home again? Alex has to get Naomi out of his mind, for good this time. He tries to move on but every woman has Naomi’s face. When she shows back up in town a year later, he realizes he still cares for her more than he’s ever cared for any woman. Can he convince her to give him a chance?

Include some big secrets in the mix and Naomi and Alex find themselves fighting even harder to stay apart. Their chemistry is palpable. I received an advance copy without expectation for review, any and all opinions expressed are my own.
  
You Could Be Mine - Single by Berith
You Could Be Mine - Single by Berith
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Berith is a singer-songwriter and bandleader from North Askøy, Norway. Not too long ago, she released an evergreen love ballad, entitled, “You Could Be Mine”.

“In another place or time, I would hold you. In another world, you could be mine. Then I would know, how it would feel when you put your hand in mine. I want to see, love light up your eyes. I want to see you smiling to the world. Every child needs hope to trust the future.” – lyrics

‘You Could Be Mine’ tells an adorable tale of a young woman who sees a child walking down her street every morning.

From the look of things, the child seems unhappy because he never smiles. His dire appearance touches the woman’s heart and encourages her to want to get to know him.

Later, she admits that she dreams about him every night, and wants to show him that there are happiness and love in the world.

‘You Could Be Mine’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation scented with an evergreen fragrance of love.

“‘You Could Be Mine’ is a song about longing. About having so much to give, but none that special to give it to. This story includes a neglected child, a longing, and a wish to make a difference in the world through loving care of a child.” – Berith

Berith gathers inspiration from both her native Norwegian roots and Celtic and American traditions.

She lives where her family of sailors, fishermen, and farmers has lived for hundreds of years. The location is as far out into the North Sea as one can get without a boat.

With her acoustic guitar and melodeon, Berith has traveled the fjords and weather-beaten west coast of Norway since her teens.

Not too long ago, she partnered with a bunch of musicians to form her band. The members include Dag Atle Håland (mandolin, guitars, and backing vocals), Endre Aasebø (guitars, banjo, and backing vocals), Svein Henning Berstad (bass and backing vocals), and Anders Vengen Jensen (drums, percussion, and backing vocals).

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/berith-you-could-be-mine/
  
When I first read A Noble Masquerade (book one of the series), I knew that Kristi Ann Hunter was unique. Little did I know that her books would be able to twist and pull on my heart and emotions in such a strong way. An Uncommon Courtship is a story filled with sweetness that will make you sigh, rogues that will make you shudder, scheming women that will make your blood boil, and passion that will make you swoon.

Trent and Adelaide make such an adorable pair. They complement each other beautifully. Watching their "courtship" progress, witnessing their hearts opening, and learning what it means to love and be loved is a precious thing. This is a Christian novel and the passion and discussions are clean and appropriate by my standards. However, there are conversations that you may or may not feel are suitable for younger readers. One of the messages that continued to speak to me throughout the story is that, "God doesn't make mistakes." I have been reminded of this several times over the last couple of months, and it is so very true. No matter what we go through we must trust that He knows what He is doing. Even through the pain of shattered dreams, He does not make mistakes. Whatever He gives us, He gives us for a reason. The other thread that really stuck with me through this book is, love. True love, the love of the Father, the love He created between husband and wife. Kristi broaches this subject in a pure and Biblical way. It breaks my heart to see our society searching for and demonstrating love in all the wrong ways. His love is perfect and loving each other the way God intended is such a beautiful thing.

If you haven't read the rest of the books in the series I would recommend you do so before you jump into this one. The novella, Lady of Esteem, is available as a free ebook. I highly recommend this book and the series.

I received a complimentary copy of An Uncommon Courtship from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
TG
The Golden Braid (Hagenheim, #6)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A classic fairy tale, re-imagined like you would never believe! Experience the story of Rapunzel through new eyes.

Rapunzel is an accomplished artist and can throw a dagger better than anyone, however, she longs to learn how to read. When yet another young man proposes marriage to Rapunzel, Mother Gothel whisks them away to the city of Hagenheim. And her dream of learning to read might actually become a reality. When the handsome knight, Sir Gerek, saves them on the road, her opportunity to learn may be here at last! But Rapunzel has been brought up to fear everyone and everything in life. Especially men, claiming that none can be trusted. Despite this fact, Sir Gerek agrees to teach Rapunzel to read. As the story unfolds, truths are revealed, and everything Rapunzel has come to believe about herself changes. Will she find her "Happily Ever After?" Or will she allow fear to consume her as it does for so many.

The Golden Braid is not your typical "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!" re-telling of this classic fairy tale. There are deep truths and weighty lessons that resonate deep within your soul. We have all faced fears.
Have we allowed fear blind us to the truth that our Heavenly Father is protecting us and guiding us? Sometimes bad things happen, and we may never know why. But as children of God we must trust that He knows what He is doing and that He will guide our path. Love is another powerful aspect of this story. That human love, no matter how deep and true, will never be able to satisfy like God's love. While we need earthly love from our family and spouse, we must ultimately cling to the true love our Father love above all others. I had very high expectations for this book and Melanie Dickerson blew them all out of the water! I can not believe I have not read her books before now. I am thrilled to have found her books and am eagerly anticipating reading her next book: A Spy's Devotion.

I received a free digital copy of The Golden Braid from Thomas Nelson Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
  
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Little Ray Of Sunshine (41 KP) rated A Monster Calls in Books

Jan 11, 2019 (Updated Feb 10, 2019)  
A Monster Calls
A Monster Calls
Patrick Ness | 2016 | Children
10
8.6 (40 Ratings)
Book Rating
Book Review | A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Blurb
An extraordinary novel of love, loss and hope. Conor has the same dream every night, ever since she started the treatments that don't quite seem to be working. But tonight is different. Tonight, when he wakes, there's a visitor at his window. It's ancient,elemental, a force of nature. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor.


It wants the truth.

Review
I read this book with my friend/sister Christine. We read a few chapters a day. But we wanted to read more as this book is beautifully written. The story is about Conor he's mother is ill with cancer and hes dad as a new family in America. I felt really sorry for him as the one person who should be there is hes dad. But it had to take care of hes mum and get is self to school. School as been tough as people make him feel invisible and 3 lads bully him and while this is happening he's mum aint going to get better and he have to live with hes Grandma who he doesn't like. All these problems make him have a dream of a Yew tree that starts to talk to him and tells him 3 tales and the Yew tree tells him when he tells him the 3 stories he need to tell him the fourth story and it will be the truth.
I feel the Yew tree is making him stronger and face what is going to eventually happen to him. I won't tell you what happens as you will need to read it for yourself.
I felt this book made me realise what every child is going through while their loved ones are going through cancer, I hope it does for you.


Patrick Ness took Siobhan Dowd idea and helped by writing and publishing this book to show what she went through. As she sadly died from breast cancer back in 2007. All the royalties from this book go to the Siobhan Down Trust www.siobhandowdtrust.com

Thanks for the read x
  
The Storm (The Rain, #2)
The Storm (The Rain, #2)
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
My rating: 3.5

This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

What would happen if water became fatally harmful to humans? This is what Virginia Bergin continues to explore in the second novel in the young adult, dystopian series, The Storm. Fifteen year old Ruby Morris has been trying to survive by herself only getting through each day by telling herself "everything is going to be OK." With the belief that her Dad is still alive, she sets off to find him whilst trying to dodge violent people, the British army, and, of course, the rain.

As the story develops it is revealed that Ruby may be a key character in ending the global apocalypse, however she does not trust the scientists involved in finding a solution.

Since the first book it appears that Ruby has matured a lot. She is able to take more responsibility and even help other people. Like in the first book, The Rain, Ruby is narrating her experiences to the reader as well as her deceased mother. As her mother disapproved of swearing Ruby blocks out certain words with a symbol. In some ways this makes the story suitable for early teen readers, however it is fairly easy to work out what the missing words are and therefore may not be appropriate for some readers.

The Storm was much more exciting to read than the previous novel. Ruby was less annoying and was much more mature. It is interesting to discover how the situation develops. There is a lot of action to keep the reader on their toes.

One issue with this book is how the ending is written. It almost feels like Bergin tried to end the story quickly. The whole story was carefully planned out and narrated however the end was rushed.

Overall, The Storm is a great continuation of an interesting concept. It is much better than the first part of the story and keeps the reader interested. Although intended for young adults, there is nothing to stop adult readers from enjoying it too.
  
I received an ARC edition of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

As the title says, this is book 2 in the Eternal Mates series and as such I recommend reading Kissed by a Dark Prince first, although this is not altogether necessary.

A lunar month has passed since the end of Book 1 and during that time Sable has been dreaming of King Thorne but keeps telling herself that she isn't interested. She is aiming to be Commander in Archangel and is determined to make the mission to help King Thorne a success - but only for career options, of course! Thorne has also been dreaming of Sable and knows that she is his fated female but is at a loss on how to proceed. During which time he is also trying to find a way to stop his kingdom from being overrun and how to improve his subjects' lives (if they survive the coming battle).

Felicity Heaton has written another fantastic series that you can lose yourself in. There are aspects of most characters that you can either relate to or admire... and trust me, I did a lot of admiring of Thorne! But with elves, werewolves, dragons and vampires there is someone there to interest everyone. And I just have to say that I love how the Vampire Erotique Theatre makes a show (another fantastic series if you haven't read it yet).

This book has everything from shapeshifters, vampires, demons (obviously) to war, battles, portals and angels. It is a book to immerse yourself in and not come up for air until you've finished it. Claimed by a Demon King is smoking hot and if Thorne is inexperienced, then all the angels in heaven won't be able to help Sable once he gets some experience under his belt! A perfect blend of innocence and pure, unadulterated male who has found his match in Sable. May the gods help Hell, because with this pair, anything is possible.

Highly recommended for all fans of Paranormal Romance and Felicity Heaton.

http://archaeolibrarianologist.blogspot.de/2014/02/claimed-by-demon-king-eternal-mates-2.html
  
Deadpool (2016)
Deadpool (2016)
2016 | Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi
An X-Men spin off, of a poorly received character from an earlier X-Men spin off... FOX must have had some major trust in Ryan Reynolds to give Deadpool the green light after the mess of X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

I've been a huge fan of Deadpool comics since as long as I can remember. When I was younger, the 4th wall breaking, the hyper violence, comedy, and self awareness that he is a comic book character, was always something that appealed to me.
So I, like many other Marvel fans, really hated what they did with the character in Origins, and it seems Ryan Reynolds did as well, pitching a rough sequence to FOX which convinced them to give this beloved characters another shot. God bless Ryan Reynolds.

And it paid off in spades. And it's easy to see why - Deadpool is a great movie.
The character himself is near perfect. He looks the part, he sounds the part, and it's great that the studio didn't shy away from an R rating.

The violence in Deadpool is frequent and messy, as is the cursing and crudeness, and the result is hilarious.

The story is told mostly in flashbacks before the big last showdown, and is nicely mapped out, and we're given a hugely likable cast.
Ryan Reynolds is of course , as is T.J. Miller and Morena Baccarin.
I even liked Ed Skrein's villain, Ajax.
Deadpool even manages to sneak in a couple of X-Men with a completely CGI Colossus joining the party, as well as Negasonic Teenage Warhead - the best superhero name ever, and coincidentally the films shining star after Ryan Reynolds - Brianna Hildebrand is a welcome addition to the film, and I genuinely hope that she makes in over to the MCU in the recent Disney Fox merge.

Deadpool is important for a number of reasons - it finally does the character justice. It's also shows that spin off films away from the main X-Men cast can be really decent, and it also shows that R rated superhero films can do the business at the box office.

It's certainly in the top tier of the FOX X-Men series.
  
The Family Upstairs
The Family Upstairs
Lisa Jewell | 2019 | Crime, Mystery, Thriller
8
8.6 (9 Ratings)
Book Rating
Twenty-five years ago, a tragedy occurred at the large house at 16 Cheyne Walk. When the police arrived, they found three dead adults, an apparent suicide note, and, upstairs, a healthy ten-month-old baby. The neighbors spoke of other children who lived in the house, but there was no trace of them. The house is left in trust, and twenty-five years later, Libby Jones receives the letter she's been waiting for. In it, she learns about her birth parents and that she's inherited their home on Cheyne Walk: making her an instant millionaire. But others have been waiting for this day for years, too, and now Libby is about to learn more about her past and what happened so long ago at Cheyne Walk.


"Now she owns a house in Chelsea and the proportions of her existence have been blown apart."


In typical Lisa Jewell fashion, The Family Upstairs is a dark and twisted story of family secrets, and betrayal. It's told from the perspective of Libby, who inherits the house; Lucy, a mother in France struggling to find shelter and safety for herself and her two children; and Henry, who tells his story from the past, when he lived at Cheyne Walk.

As their three stories intertwine, we learn more about the horrors that happened at the house all those years ago, and how exactly Libby, Lucy, and Henry are tied together. It's an enthralling story and not easy to put down. It's dark, with plenty of twists and turns, and it certainly kept me guessing. There's lots of wondering who is who, and lots of awful things that happen to people. There were a lot of surprises at every turn. I was drawn to Libby, along with Lucy and her children, even if I sometimes wasn't sure if everyone was making the right decisions.

I was really into this book until the end, where the vagueness of the ending disappointed me a bit. But it's still an interesting thriller, no matter what: lots to keep you entertained, tons of dark and twisted bits, and plenty that kept me wondering right up to the end. 4 stars.