Hey all, Christmas is quickly approaching. I read a new Christmas story with my kids last night. I wanted to share a quick review with all of you.
The Santa Thief is an amazingly cute story about the meaning of Christmas. I truly enjoyed reading it aloud to my kids, (ages 9, 7, and 4) and they all enjoyed the story. I loved following along with Georgie as he picked out the tree with his dad. Such a wonderful story about a young boy learning that Christmas is more about giving than receiving. A truly touching story, perfect for all families at Christmas. A great addition to any family library, as well as a great present.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey
Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey is book three in her Chesapeake Valor series. It was the first of her books that I have read. Without having read books 1 and 2 there were times I felt a bit lost, but not so much as to make the book unenjoyable or hard to follow. I just felt like I would have understood the characters a bit better if I had read the other books. I also felt like I might have had a bit more information on the case that Declan and Tanner were working on.
I found it different and interesting that there were at least two different cases going on through out the book. While Declan and Tanner worked on their case as the main characters of this book; Griffin, Parker, Finley, Avery, and Kate worked another case. There was also Luke, who was a member of their group, before he disappeared, who is working on something that may tie into someone's case. This book definitely falls into the Mystery and Drama categories, but I wouldn't call it a thriller.
Now, while this book wasn't bad, and I don't regret reading it, I must say it ended up falling outside my comfort zone. Before I selected this book to read I read the back of the book and thought it sounded great. That's how you're supposed to choose books, right!?! I wasn't prepared for what I found inside. I will admit that I believe in God, however, I am far from the devoted Christian my mom and sister wish I was. I most definitely am not a fan of Christian Fiction. I did make it through this book, and for the most part I enjoyed it. I did frequently find myself skipping the parts where there characters were praying, either by themselves or as a group. This happened I would say at least once per chapter. So, if you like Christian Fiction I think you will like this book, if Christian Fiction isn't your thing, it's probably not for you. While I find myself wanting to know more about the characters and how things turn out in the end of this series, I don't want to know bad enough to read any of the other books myself.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I found it different and interesting that there were at least two different cases going on through out the book. While Declan and Tanner worked on their case as the main characters of this book; Griffin, Parker, Finley, Avery, and Kate worked another case. There was also Luke, who was a member of their group, before he disappeared, who is working on something that may tie into someone's case. This book definitely falls into the Mystery and Drama categories, but I wouldn't call it a thriller.
Now, while this book wasn't bad, and I don't regret reading it, I must say it ended up falling outside my comfort zone. Before I selected this book to read I read the back of the book and thought it sounded great. That's how you're supposed to choose books, right!?! I wasn't prepared for what I found inside. I will admit that I believe in God, however, I am far from the devoted Christian my mom and sister wish I was. I most definitely am not a fan of Christian Fiction. I did make it through this book, and for the most part I enjoyed it. I did frequently find myself skipping the parts where there characters were praying, either by themselves or as a group. This happened I would say at least once per chapter. So, if you like Christian Fiction I think you will like this book, if Christian Fiction isn't your thing, it's probably not for you. While I find myself wanting to know more about the characters and how things turn out in the end of this series, I don't want to know bad enough to read any of the other books myself.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge
So to follow up from my Thanksgiving post, I have just finished reading the first of my physical books I received for review. I am working on writing the review, and hope to get it posted in a few days. I have also been hard at work creating my TBR list for the PopSugar 2018 Reading Challenge. That has been hard work, but exciting. Of the 48 books on my list I already own 25 of them, so the other 23 I will probably try to get from my local library. I have 2 prompts I have yet to find books for. One of which is a book that was borrowed of given to you, I should have no trouble getting this one taken care of. I will probably use a book I receive to review after the 1st of the year. The other prompt I haven't filled yet is a book that was being read by a stranger in a public place, I am going to have to start paying more attention when I am out and about to people who are reading.
Here is a link to my PopSugar 2018 Reading Challenge List. Books that I have highlighted in yellow are the ones that I do not already have copies of. If you would like to help me out through out the year Kindle books are loanable, I would have no problems loaning you a book in return.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1LtT__buVXaUsKvAbaB6wOf_qGftbmQzkA-vMqYGE_7U
Enjoy your holiday season. Keep an eye out for my upcoming review of Blind Point by Dani Pettrey. Also, read a good book, and join me in the 2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge.
Here is a link to my PopSugar 2018 Reading Challenge List. Books that I have highlighted in yellow are the ones that I do not already have copies of. If you would like to help me out through out the year Kindle books are loanable, I would have no problems loaning you a book in return.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1LtT__buVXaUsKvAbaB6wOf_qGftbmQzkA-vMqYGE_7U
Enjoy your holiday season. Keep an eye out for my upcoming review of Blind Point by Dani Pettrey. Also, read a good book, and join me in the 2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Wow, as I write this I find myself seriously wondering what happened to the time. It seems like it was just Halloween last week. I do wish to apologize for my lack of good reviews this month. It's not that I haven't been reading. I just haven't been reading as much, and have been seriously lacking the time to write.
I have been very busy at my full time job. We recently transitioned to a new computer system and are still working out all of the bugs. This has been taking up my reading and writing time at work. I have also been busy with my kids, and myself. My son just turned 4, we had a nice little celebration, just me and my 3 kids. I have been and continue to be preparing for my upcoming foot surgery. So I will be off work, laid up, unable to walk or drive for 3 weeks at Christmas time. That means I should have more time for reading and writing.
For now, I have decided to make some changes in how I am going to go about this adventure. Instead of writing a full blog review of each book I read (I sometimes read 3-4 in a week), I am going to be more selective in the books I put full reviews of on my blog. Any physical books I get for review will receive a blog review. I will also write full reviews of books that either completely amaze me or ones that were, in my opinion, terrible. I am going to aim for a minimum of two reviews posted here each month. However, all of the e-books I receive to review I will review on Amazon. I have added a link to my Amazon profile to the bottom of my blog page so that you may find those reviews easier.
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!! I also hope that you all find time to read and enjoy a great book. Once again feel free to offer suggestions of books to read. I am learning to broaden my horizons. In fact I recently learned about the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge, and intend to try to complete the 2018 challenge. Here's the link if you would like to check it out https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/Reading-Challenge-2018-44138581. I will probably do a full blog review for each book that I read for the challenge as well as update my challenge progress with each post. I think it will be lots of fun and hope some of you join me.
I have been very busy at my full time job. We recently transitioned to a new computer system and are still working out all of the bugs. This has been taking up my reading and writing time at work. I have also been busy with my kids, and myself. My son just turned 4, we had a nice little celebration, just me and my 3 kids. I have been and continue to be preparing for my upcoming foot surgery. So I will be off work, laid up, unable to walk or drive for 3 weeks at Christmas time. That means I should have more time for reading and writing.
For now, I have decided to make some changes in how I am going to go about this adventure. Instead of writing a full blog review of each book I read (I sometimes read 3-4 in a week), I am going to be more selective in the books I put full reviews of on my blog. Any physical books I get for review will receive a blog review. I will also write full reviews of books that either completely amaze me or ones that were, in my opinion, terrible. I am going to aim for a minimum of two reviews posted here each month. However, all of the e-books I receive to review I will review on Amazon. I have added a link to my Amazon profile to the bottom of my blog page so that you may find those reviews easier.
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!! I also hope that you all find time to read and enjoy a great book. Once again feel free to offer suggestions of books to read. I am learning to broaden my horizons. In fact I recently learned about the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge, and intend to try to complete the 2018 challenge. Here's the link if you would like to check it out https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/Reading-Challenge-2018-44138581. I will probably do a full blog review for each book that I read for the challenge as well as update my challenge progress with each post. I think it will be lots of fun and hope some of you join me.
May at the Peacock Ranch by Michele Machado
This is a great book about May, who just lost her mother to cancer and is trying to figure out how to save her family. May has always lived in Las Vegas with her mother, younger brother, and younger sister. She has decided she will do whatever she has to do to ensure CPS doesn't take her brother and sister away from her. This will be no easy task as all of their utilities are late, there are mounds of medical bills, and they are about to loose their home. Her friends give her ideas of how to come up with the money, some serious, others more like jokes. No one would be prepared for the option May chooses.
May is a strong, determined young adult. Even before the loss of her mom their lives were far from easy. May's mother did a great job of raising her children to take care of themselves and each other. Most people wouldn't approve of what she does to save her family, but she does what she feels is the only option. Nothing is more important to May than her family and she will do anything to keep them together. Such a great story about self sacrifice, love, and friendship. I know I've done some things in my life that I'm not entirely proud of for my family. Family is the most important thing there, and this book does a great job of showing that. While May is 19 in this book, I would recommend it for adults only.
May is a strong, determined young adult. Even before the loss of her mom their lives were far from easy. May's mother did a great job of raising her children to take care of themselves and each other. Most people wouldn't approve of what she does to save her family, but she does what she feels is the only option. Nothing is more important to May than her family and she will do anything to keep them together. Such a great story about self sacrifice, love, and friendship. I know I've done some things in my life that I'm not entirely proud of for my family. Family is the most important thing there, and this book does a great job of showing that. While May is 19 in this book, I would recommend it for adults only.
Color Me Yours by Diana T Scott
Color Me Yours is another amazing book by Diana T Scott. This is the story of Paige and Miles, who we have met in both Our Demons, Best Friends and Love Me While I'm Gone. They are both shy people who help open each other up.
Paige is finishing Med School in New York and has decided to take a position in a Residency Program in Chicago. The next morning she gets up early to tell her boyfriend of 3 years that she will be gone before he gets home from work. She has a tendency to make spur of the moment decisions. She was born in Chicago and lived there until she was 16. She hopes that going back can help her find herself.
Miles is from Seattle. He moved to Chicago for his Medical Residency Program. When he first meets Paige he doesn't give her much detail about his past. He is very interested in what she has to say, and finding himself without his family influence.
Their friendship starts when Paige pays for coffee at a stand near the hospital. She is the kind of nice person who pays for the next persons coffee. The first two days Miles gets to the stand right after Paige and gets the coffee she paid for. They start talking the second day because he wants to thank her and they are both in the same residency program. They are both trying to find themselves. Who would have guessed it's easier to find yourself when you have the right person by your side.
I am again astounded by how well written her characters are, and how easily I relate to them the way Miles helps Paige find herself is so romantic. This helps show why the one you love is or should be your best friend. I was so engaged I couldn't put it down. Absolutely loved this book, and the others in the series. Being the third book in this series I felt I already had an idea of what to expect. Although there were parts that still caught me completely off guard. My favorite thing about all of the books in this series is that you wouldn't necessarily have to read them in order. Each book is it's own individual story, with supporting characters from the other books as the main characters.
I voluntarily received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Paige is finishing Med School in New York and has decided to take a position in a Residency Program in Chicago. The next morning she gets up early to tell her boyfriend of 3 years that she will be gone before he gets home from work. She has a tendency to make spur of the moment decisions. She was born in Chicago and lived there until she was 16. She hopes that going back can help her find herself.
Miles is from Seattle. He moved to Chicago for his Medical Residency Program. When he first meets Paige he doesn't give her much detail about his past. He is very interested in what she has to say, and finding himself without his family influence.
Their friendship starts when Paige pays for coffee at a stand near the hospital. She is the kind of nice person who pays for the next persons coffee. The first two days Miles gets to the stand right after Paige and gets the coffee she paid for. They start talking the second day because he wants to thank her and they are both in the same residency program. They are both trying to find themselves. Who would have guessed it's easier to find yourself when you have the right person by your side.
I am again astounded by how well written her characters are, and how easily I relate to them the way Miles helps Paige find herself is so romantic. This helps show why the one you love is or should be your best friend. I was so engaged I couldn't put it down. Absolutely loved this book, and the others in the series. Being the third book in this series I felt I already had an idea of what to expect. Although there were parts that still caught me completely off guard. My favorite thing about all of the books in this series is that you wouldn't necessarily have to read them in order. Each book is it's own individual story, with supporting characters from the other books as the main characters.
I voluntarily received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Eden Wakes by C.S. Harte
Kayla Odachi is an orphan in the foster care system. She has been bounced from home to home during the seven years since her mother died. She's been with her current foster family for six months. He foster brother, Tommy, is quickly becoming Kayla's friend. Before meeting Tommy, her dog Charlie was her only friend. When she starts her new school she meets Isabelle. Isabelle was orphaned at the age of 2 and adopted just a year later. Isabelle quickly befriends Kayla, including her in as many activities as possible. The two quickly become best friends, even though at first Kayla thought there was no way they were anything alike.
Every now and then, usually when under stress, things that can't quite be explained happen around Kayla. Almost like she is making things happen. It worries her. Then the accident happens. Kayla is in the hospital, on heavy pain medication to recover from her injuries. Then, what seems like the next moment to her, she is in a car arriving somewhere she's never heard of, with no signs of the accident anywhere on her body. This is Eden House. Here Kayla will get answers to the unexplainable events that have occurred around her. She meets new people, some friendly, others far from it. Is Eden House the haven it's mistress claims it is?
This book is incredibly well written. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put it down. It gives you enough information about each character to make them seem real and relatable, without adding too much length to the book. I really enjoyed the way Kayla finally made friends and learned to accept herself. Self- confidence is very important to have. I think this book did a great job of relaying that message, without feeling like that was the main goal of the book. This book would be great for teens and young adults, or anyone who enjoys books with magic, possibly even a mature middle grader. I am letting my 9 year-old read it, as long as it's not to difficult for her.
I voluntarily received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Every now and then, usually when under stress, things that can't quite be explained happen around Kayla. Almost like she is making things happen. It worries her. Then the accident happens. Kayla is in the hospital, on heavy pain medication to recover from her injuries. Then, what seems like the next moment to her, she is in a car arriving somewhere she's never heard of, with no signs of the accident anywhere on her body. This is Eden House. Here Kayla will get answers to the unexplainable events that have occurred around her. She meets new people, some friendly, others far from it. Is Eden House the haven it's mistress claims it is?
This book is incredibly well written. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put it down. It gives you enough information about each character to make them seem real and relatable, without adding too much length to the book. I really enjoyed the way Kayla finally made friends and learned to accept herself. Self- confidence is very important to have. I think this book did a great job of relaying that message, without feeling like that was the main goal of the book. This book would be great for teens and young adults, or anyone who enjoys books with magic, possibly even a mature middle grader. I am letting my 9 year-old read it, as long as it's not to difficult for her.
I voluntarily received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Shadow Descendant by L.D. Goffigan
Naomi is working as a curator at the Athens Museum of Antiquities. She is examining artifacts the field team recently brought in. One artifact in particular seems to call to Naomi. She feels like it is pulling her towards it and speaking to her. All of her life she has felt a pulsing energy within her. This energy had led to seizures, generalized anxiety disorder, and migraines, with the occasional unintelligible whisper or magnetic pull towards people or places and nightmares. Her parents had died when she was a teenage and she was taken in by her Aunt Kat. She always had a sense that something was missing in her life.
Alaric is a vampire. He is a Watcher for the Alliance. He has been on his current assignment, watching Naomi, for almost a month. While Naomi doesn't know who or what she is, Alaric does. His job as a Watcher is to keep an eye on Naomi and keep her safe from the Order. Until now this has been a fairly simple task, but an artifact recently found will change all of that.
In Shadow Descendant we join Naomi and Alaric on an adventure throughout Europe. Naomi learns the truth about her parents and herself. On top of it all she may be expected to save the world. Will she have enough time to learn the skills she needs? What about the attraction she feels towards Alaric? What will happen between the two of them?
For me this book was a bit of a slow start. I really got into it though about half way through. By the end I was captivated by Naomi and Alaric. The battles they faced, along with the struggles of their past made for a very interesting and intriguing story. So while it may have taken a while to get into it, I'm glad I kept going. Definitely worth the read. I voluntarily received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Alaric is a vampire. He is a Watcher for the Alliance. He has been on his current assignment, watching Naomi, for almost a month. While Naomi doesn't know who or what she is, Alaric does. His job as a Watcher is to keep an eye on Naomi and keep her safe from the Order. Until now this has been a fairly simple task, but an artifact recently found will change all of that.
In Shadow Descendant we join Naomi and Alaric on an adventure throughout Europe. Naomi learns the truth about her parents and herself. On top of it all she may be expected to save the world. Will she have enough time to learn the skills she needs? What about the attraction she feels towards Alaric? What will happen between the two of them?
For me this book was a bit of a slow start. I really got into it though about half way through. By the end I was captivated by Naomi and Alaric. The battles they faced, along with the struggles of their past made for a very interesting and intriguing story. So while it may have taken a while to get into it, I'm glad I kept going. Definitely worth the read. I voluntarily received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Ruby's Letters by Maggie Van Well
Emma Hopkins, a recently divorced chimney sweep, takes on a big job in Brooklyn Heights helping to restore an old home. When she knocks down a wall of a bricked up fireplace she discovers a skeleton that's likely been in there since 1888. Of course, while still in shock from the discovery, the general contractor shows up. This was not at all how their first meeting was supposed to go.
Ryan Atkinson is a general contractor. He has just started renovating and restoring an old brownstone, when a chimney sweep he hired finds a skeleton in the fireplace. This is the first job he has taken in Brooklyn Heights in 5 years, he wasn't sure he was ready, now he's sure he wasn't. Work on the project is halted until the cops finish their investigation.
Ruby Van Leer was finally free of the fireplace. Before her death Ruby used a special gift to help unite soul mates. She chooses to stay in the brownstone instead of going into the light upon her release. She wants to help Emma and Ryan. This won't be an easy task though. Ruby is not the only spirit residing in the brownstone. The other spirit, Hilary, has every intention of keeping Emma and Ryan apart.
Ryan and Emma work together to try to piece together who's skeleton they found in the fireplace. They also want to figure out what happened to her that resulted in her being encased in the fireplace. They have many obstacles to overcome, including a malevolent spirit who wants them to leave her house alone.
This book was an incredible read. Trying to solve a murder over 100 years old, overcoming personal loss and tragedy, romance, and ghost hunting all wrapped up in one amazing story. I was so emotionally invested in it that there were times I just wanted to yell at the characters. Tell them things like "open your eyes", "don't be such a fool", or "it's right there". I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries, paranormal, or romances.
I voluntarily received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Ryan Atkinson is a general contractor. He has just started renovating and restoring an old brownstone, when a chimney sweep he hired finds a skeleton in the fireplace. This is the first job he has taken in Brooklyn Heights in 5 years, he wasn't sure he was ready, now he's sure he wasn't. Work on the project is halted until the cops finish their investigation.
Ruby Van Leer was finally free of the fireplace. Before her death Ruby used a special gift to help unite soul mates. She chooses to stay in the brownstone instead of going into the light upon her release. She wants to help Emma and Ryan. This won't be an easy task though. Ruby is not the only spirit residing in the brownstone. The other spirit, Hilary, has every intention of keeping Emma and Ryan apart.
Ryan and Emma work together to try to piece together who's skeleton they found in the fireplace. They also want to figure out what happened to her that resulted in her being encased in the fireplace. They have many obstacles to overcome, including a malevolent spirit who wants them to leave her house alone.
This book was an incredible read. Trying to solve a murder over 100 years old, overcoming personal loss and tragedy, romance, and ghost hunting all wrapped up in one amazing story. I was so emotionally invested in it that there were times I just wanted to yell at the characters. Tell them things like "open your eyes", "don't be such a fool", or "it's right there". I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries, paranormal, or romances.
I voluntarily received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Speaker of The Lost (Lark Nation Book 1) by Clara Coulson
Imagine being promoted to agent when you still have two months of training left. Then add to it being given a mission assignment in small town Maine with a partner who is known for his incredibly bad mood and his inability to keep a partner for long. This is the position Stella Newport finds herself in. She has been training to become a member of the FBI's Paranormal Squad. She aced her first 3 training missions in hopes of landing the best senior partner when her training is complete. However, since an attack on a convention center in Aurora, Michigan, the DSI (Department of Supernatural Investigations) and the FBI's Paranormal Squad need as many qualified agents on the ground as possible.
The squad's agent-in-charge cuts Stella's training short because of her exemplary training score and sends her to join Oswald (Oz) Bolton in Bismuth, Maine. Oz would prefer to work alone. He is moody, and hasn't recovered from the loss of his partner 5 years ago. Oz and Stella must investigate what turns into a string of murders by beheading. Trying to get answers in a small tight knit and tight lipped town makes it no easy task.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were all so well written. I felt empathy for Oz. Hoping he could finally get over the loss of his partner in order to make his partnership with Stella work. I understood his pain and the attitude he showed the world to protect himself. Frequently through out the story I found Stella doing things that I would do. She was such an easy character for me to relate to. She's a bit of an over achiever, but doesn't do it to make others look bad, but to be the best person she can be. She wants to prove herself to the world around her, but sometimes this leads to her taking bigger risks than necessary. Sheriff Barnes is a character you can easily grow to dislike. It seems like he doesn't care who gets hurt of dies as long as he himself is okay. He's not afraid to bend the rules to benefit himself.
This book was hard to put down. It's very engaging. I think that if you like a good mystery with a little bit of magic and paranormal activity you will love this book. Some of the scenes about the murders are a little graphic, but there is not sexual scenes. I would feel comfortable letting a mature teenager read this book.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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