I love to read. My favorite genres are women's fiction, romance, psychological thrillers, fantasy, young adult, steampunk, dystopian, LGBTQIA, and paranormal.
Although she doesn’t realize it, Kendall is drowning in secrets. About her husband Carter, who died in a car crash. About Gabe, who was driving the night Carter died. About her brother George’s girlfriend. Gabe’s return to Sturgeon Falls brings the secrets bubbling to the surface.
Since Carter’s death, Kendall’s been too busy running a B&B, managing a cherry orchard and raising two girls to think about Gabe. But when he shows up at her B&B, memories come rushing back – including the crush she’d had on him.
Can Kendall and Gabe face the past and find forgiveness? Or will the secrets bury them?
First Line:
He’d thought he was ready for this.
Small-Town Secrets by Margaret Watson
My Review:
I needed to read Small-Town Secrets. Not only because it is a romance but because I needed to read a book that had a simple plot. I needed a book where I didn’t have to keep intricate notes. I got that in Small-Town Secrets.
Small-Town Secrets is a book about reconciling the past with the present. It also shows what the power of forgiveness does. I liked that it showed that what is shown to the public isn’t what goes on in private.
There are one main storyline and two prominent secondary storylines. They were all well written. The pacing of the storylines seesawed between slow and medium. I didn’t mind that. Considering what Gabe and Kendall were working through, it was needed. The secondary plotlines were woven into that plotline with skill.
I liked Kendall, and I sympathized with her. She was a single mother raising two girls and running two businesses (a B&B and an orchard). I did think that she was harsh on Gabe at the beginning of the book. But, considering what happened, I would have been the same way. I felt she took Amy’s secret well and handled the fall out gracefully. I don’t know if I would have been as understanding (or kind) as she was.
Gabe was terrific in Small-Town Secrets. He straightened his life out after the car accident. Gabe didn’t hide his feelings for Kendall and did his best to protect her. From the intruder to the mysterious guest, he was there for her. Gabe did have secrets, but he didn’t come back to disturb lives. He came back to honor Carter and reconnect with Kendall.
Amy’s secret was a doozy. When it was revealed (early in the book), I was surprised. What I wasn’t expecting was George’s reaction and what he said to Amy. I was stunned by his response. “Holy crap, son, calm down,” went through my mind. I did think that Kendall dealt well with Amy’s secret. I mean, what else could she do?
The romance between Kendall and Gabe seemed to happen overnight. I do want to point out that it wasn’t Instalove, though. The feelings that Kendall and Gabe had for each other had been simmering for years. All that simmering came to a boiling point and exploded.
The end of Small-Town Secrets was satisfying. I liked how Kendall and Gabe’s storyline ended. I was “eh” about Amy’s storyline. George rubbed me the wrong way. The author did leave another storyline (the one with the guest) open. I am curious to see what that goes.
I would give Small-Town Secrets an Adult rating. There is sex. There is mild language. There is mild violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.
I would reread Small-Town Secrets. I would recommend it to family and friends.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
Pirate’s Curse: Division 1 by Leigh Anderson & Rebecca Hamilton (The Berkano Vampire Collection) Publication date: October 22nd 2017 Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal
Once upon a time, a vampire and a witch fell in love, and that love fractured the world. Now divided into sixteen isolated Divisions, the world is an unstable and dangerous place.
In the Division of NOLA, Catheryn Beauregard fears her burgeoning magical powers. Hiding as just another slave in the home of the Hoodoo Queen, Catheryn hopes her simplistic powers will simply go unnoticed. And her plan seems to be working…until the Hoodoo House is attacked by a ruthless band of vampire pirates.
Captain Rainier Dulocke and his crew need humans to feed on. In an act of desperation, they beset the Hoodoo House and take ten slaves to sustain them. Rainier takes a girl named Catheryn for himself, but her blood is giving him terrible side effects. Still, he refuses to give her up. Even when the Hoodoo Queen demands her return.
The NOLA Division is in danger. The waters are rising. Food is running out. And the Hoodoo Queen is about to destroy everything that’s left if the pirates don’t meet her request. Now Catheryn must choose who will die: the humans who sold her, the witches who bought her, or the vampires who stole her. If she fails to decide, everyone could die.
PIRATE’S CURSE is a standalone contribution to The Berkano Vampire collection. Stories can be read in any order. To learn more, visit FallenSorcery.com
Excerpt:
Rainier nodded. “Things tend to only happen when you are threatened,” he said. “Like the doors when you were chased or the beam when you were cornered.”
“Yes,” she said. “I noticed that as well. Which is why I think the powers are only latent. I cannot control them, but they take on a life of their own to protect me.”
“Yet they allowed you to be captured by me,” he said, wiggling his eyebrows. “Perhaps your powers knew I was not a threat to you.”
“Or they just weren’t quite strong enough yet to fight you off, but it’s only a matter of time,” she said with a teasing smirk.
“Well, we will have to see what other surprises you have in store for me, Catheryn Beauregard,” he said.
He smiled as they rowed back to the ship. He wanted to believe what she had told him. He didn’t have a reason not to believe her, except that she hadn’t been completely honest with him before. More like lying by omission. But she didn’t trust him before. Why should she? At least now they seemed to have turned a corner.
But the truth of what she was still gnawed at him. It should be safe for him to feed off a lesser witch. They were usually close enough to human that there should be no side effects from feeding off one. Yet every time he fed from Catheryn, he had those strange visions. And he wasn’t feeling energized the way he should afterward.
There was still something about Catheryn that didn’t make sense.
New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Hamilton writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Harlequin, Baste Lübbe, and Evershade. A book addict, registered bone marrow donor, and indian food enthusiast, she often takes to fictional worlds to see what perilous situations her characters will find themselves in next.
Represented by Rossano Trentin of TZLA, Rebecca has been published internationally, in three languages: English, German, and Hungarian.
LEIGH ANDERSONloves all things Gothic and paranormal. Her master’s thesis was on vampire imagery in Gothic novels and she met her husband while assuming the role of a vampire online. She currently teaches writing at several universities and has a rather impressive collection of tiny hats. She lives in a small town in the mountains with her husband, human child, and two fur-children. She is currently working on too many writing projects, and yet not enough.
Evangeline Christmas will do anything to save her year-round Christmas store, Holiday House, when high-powered real-estate developer Caine Elliot uses his money and influence to push through his competing property next door. When her last desperate attempt to stop him fails, she gambles everything on a proposition she prays the handsome, blue-eyed player can’t refuse.
Caine agrees to Evie’s bargain because how hard can it be to fulfill three wishes on the Angel Tree at Holiday House? The wishes have him reliving the Christmases of his past and taking part in the holiday festivities of Christmas present. But just when he begins to believe Evie might be his Christmas future, dark secrets from his past are revealed.
Will the last wish on the Angel Tree be enough to give Caine and Evie the happy ending they deserve?
First Line:
A power outage on Black Friday was the last thing Evangeline Christmas needed.
Christmas in Harmony Harbor by Debbie Mason
My Review:
I haven’t read a Christmas based romance that I didn’t like. Reading about two people falling in love during the most magical time of the year always gets me misty-eyed. So, when I saw that Debbie Mason had written another book in her Harmony Harbor series, I couldn’t wait to read it!!
I loved the plotline of Christmas in Harmony Harbor. It was fast-paced and well written. There was a spot in the book where it lagged. But the author was able to get the book back on track.
The storyline of Christmas in Harmony Harbor was interesting. It was a mixture of A Christmas Carol and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. It reminded me of A Christmas Carol because of the journey that Caine took during the time he was with Evie. Each task he had to complete had him reflecting on his past, present, and future. It reminded me of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas because Caine’s heart grew three sizes too large towards the end of the book.
I was surprised to find out that Christmas in Harmony Harbor was going to be the last book in the Harmony Harbor series. That upset me because I didn’t want the series to end. Hopefully, the author will start a new series that features a least some of the unattached characters (thinking Clio here). That way, I can catch up on what the characters in this series have been doing.
Christmas in Harmony Harbor can be read as a standalone book. But, considering the intertwining storylines, I would read the previous books. I wish I did because some plotlines were mentioned that had me going, “Huh?”
I loved Evie, but she was a hot mess. She was trying to save her family business and disrupt Caine’s plans for her house. But, she did make me laugh during the book. I thought her idea to win Caine over by using the Angel Tree was perfect. I also liked how she saw the best in everyone/thing. Like her shop. It was a rat, and mice-infested mess, yet she loved it.
I didn’t like Caine for the first half of the book. He was hellbent on getting revenge on the Gallaghers on behalf of his grandmother. But then he met Evie, and he started to thaw. He agreed to 3 wishes from the Angel Tree. It was after that scene that I began to like him. But, I wish that he stood up to his grandmother sooner.
Caine and Evie’s romance was cute. They weren’t expecting to develop feelings for each other. Caine viewed Evie as a PITA, and Evie thought Caine was the second coming of Satan. But I saw that spark. The minute that Caine went into the basement and faced down rats, I knew it. I loved it, even though it was Instalove.
I thought that the secondary characters made this book. Caine’s grandmother, GG, Seamus, Evie’s mother, and all of the characters from the previous book added depth to the story. My favorite was Seamus. I had this mental picture of this barrel-chested, handsome Irishman helping his nephew. My least favorite was Caine’s grandmother. Up until the end, she insisted on doing things that harmed everyone. I also couldn’t get past what she told and do to Caine. I did a mental “WTF” when that came out.
The end of Christmas in Harmony Harbor was bittersweet. I liked it because I got to see Caine and Evie’s HEA. But I was sad because the author is ending the series.
I would give Christmas in Harmony Harbor an Adult rating. There is sex. There is language. There is very mild violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.
I would reread Christmas in Harmony Harbor. I would recommend it to family and friends.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
From the author of the multi-million copy bestseller, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, comes the new novel based on an incredible true story of love and resilience.
Her beauty saved her life – and condemned her.
Cilka is just sixteen years old when she is taken to Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp, in 1942. The Commandant at Birkenau, Schwarzhuber, notices her long beautiful hair, and forces her separation from the other women prisoners. Cilka learns quickly that power, even unwillingly given, equals survival.
After liberation, Cilka is charged as a collaborator for sleeping with the enemy and sent to Siberia. But what choice did she have? And where did the lines of morality lie for Cilka, who was sent to Auschwitz when still a child?
In a Siberian prison camp, Cilka faces challenges both new and horribly familiar, including the unwanted attention of the guards. But when she makes an impression on a woman doctor, Cilka is taken under her wing. Cilka begins to tend to the ill in the camp, struggling to care for them under brutal conditions.
Cilka finds endless resources within herself as she daily confronts death and faces terror. And when she nurses a man called Ivan, Cilka finds that despite everything that has happened to her, there is room in her heart for love.
First Line:
Cilka stares at the soldier standing in front of her, part of the army that has entered the camp.
Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris
My Review:
I usually do not read books that are based on real events. I have found that my knowledge of the event overshadowed the book. I couldn’t help but compare what happened to what was going on in the book. I would almost always end up disappointed in the book. Then I read The Tattooist of Auschwitz, which is the first book in this series. I was taken away by Lale’s story. Cilka was introduced in this book. She was a mysterious and enigmatic character. I wondered what happened to her at the end of the book. What I read in Cilka’s Journey broke my heart.
Cilka was a child when she caught the attention of The Commandant. Which sickened me in the first book. In this book, I was still sickened. What he did to Cilka in those years was heartbreaking. But, it was what happened after Auschwitz was released that broke my heart.
Cilka was found to be a Nazi collaborator because the Russian Army found out that she was sleeping with The Commandant. Instead of earning her freedom, she was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor in Siberia. I was outraged when I read that. She was traumatized at a young age, forced to watch friends and family die/killed, and then, instead of being able to heal, she was retraumatized on top of that.
I know that I am making a big deal about Cilka’s age in this book. She was 16 when she was sent to Auschwitz. She was around 20 when she was sent to Siberia. She suffered trauma after trauma in Auschwitz. So, yes, I was shocked when the Russian Army sent her to Siberia. She was forced to do what she had to survive, which mean becoming a camp wife of a soldier. I can’t tell you how that affected me. The abuse shook me. She suffered in both places. There were points where I wanted to hug her, take her away, and get her therapy.
The prison camp in Siberia was as bad as Auschwitz. But, and stress this, the prisoners could leave, if they survived to the end of the sentences. It was an awful place to live. Disease and violence were rampant. To my knowledge, I don’t think that I have read a book that takes place in one. I have heard of them and have seen them mentioned in books.
Cilka’s Journey was not an easy read. There were times I had to put the book down and walk away because I was that disturbed by it. The emotional impact that it had on me lasted days after I read it.
The end of Cilka’s Journey was informative. The author included a note about Cilka and her life after the prison camp. While the characters portrayed in the prison camp were fictional, the camp itself wasn’t. The author explained what happened to it and when it closed down.
I would give Cilka’s Journey an Adult rating. There is sex. There is mild language. There is graphic violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.
I would reread Cilka’s Journey. I would recommend it to family and friends.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
Ilya Dragonovich is no stranger to the dark side. As a safe-house owner for security agency Brute Force, Dragon knows that the battle line between good and evil runs through the heart of every man―and, sometimes, a beautiful woman…
Emma Jane Preston needs help. After her marriage crumbled, she believed she could get back to a normal, happy life. But her ex-husband moved among some shady characters, and now she needs the kind of protection that comes at a cost―one that only someone like Dragon can provide. But can Emma Jane trust this handsome, undercover operator to keep her safe when she is in danger of falling into the arms of the deeply seductive, fiery Dragon. . .and never letting go?
First Line:
Emma Jane Preston wasn’t certain what brought her awake, but between one second and the next she was fully aware, heart pounding, her mouth dry with fear.
Lethal Nights by Lora Leigh
My Review:
I was hesitant to review Lethal Nights. I had reviewed Dagger’s Edge this previous June and didn’t like it. What changed my mind was the blurb. It caught my attention and made me want to read the book. I am glad that I read Lethal Nights because I enjoyed this book.
The plot for Lethal Nights was fast-paced and well written. The author did a great job of keeping the frantic pace up the entire book. There were parts of the book where it lagged, but the author did a fantastic job of getting the book back on track.
I loved Emma Jane. She was a strong woman. The things she went through before Ilya would have broken a lesser woman. And the things she went through after him would have broken even a strong woman. I loved how family-centered Emma Jane was too. Her family and their safety came first. She wasn’t above hiding things from them (including what her slimy ex did). She was perfect for Ilya. She saw who he was beneath the tattoos and loved him. It was something that he needed.
I loved Ilya, but man, his personal life was a mess. No wonder he kept Emma Jane at arm’s length. I love that his past was a mystery. There were parts of his past that made me wonder how it is going to fit into the series. I mean, he is the heir to rule a tribe of Gypsies with powers. On top of that, Ilya is dangerous, and that part of him sent shivers up my spine. Because I knew that he wouldn’t back down when Emma Jane was targeted.
The romance between Emma Jane and Ilya was sweet but at the same time dangerous. I liked that Ilya fell for Emma Jane the minute he saw here. He respected her enough to leave her alone so she could recover from her divorce. But, once she got attacked at her house, all bets were off. And that’s when things started to heat up.
The sexual chemistry and attraction between Emma Jane and Ilya were intense. What I liked is that the author didn’t have them jump right into bed with each other. Instead, they took it slow. There was a point where I got frustrated. I wanted them to have sex, release the tension, and do-over. But, it was a great move on her part. She held them from having sex until the middle of the book. Talk about explosive!!! Then she built that tension back up.
The plotline with who was trying to kill Emma Jane was full of suspense and danger. There were two people who I felt were behind the attacks. Of course, I was surprised at who it was. I was also surprised at how depraved this person was.
I do wish that Ilya’s Gypsy background was revealed sooner. I was fascinated by it. I wanted to know more about how the Dragon King worked, what his title entailed. Some of it was explained, but I felt a lot of left out. I got a suspicion that there was some paranormal element to it.
I do want to drop a warning. This book covers some heavy situations. Even I had issues reading some scenes because of what happened. There are child abuse and domestic abuse in this book. There are several vivid scenes of Ilya being abused by his uncle and stepfather in the book. Those scenes made me cry. There is also a scene of domestic violence that involved Emma Jane and her manchild of an ex-husband.
The end of Lethal Nights was exciting. I can’t get into it because of what happened, but I will say that Emma Jane and Ilya get their happily ever after. Now, I do wonder who will be in the next book.
I would give Lethal Nights an Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is explicit language. There is graphic violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.
I would reread Lethal Nights. I would recommend it to family and friends.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
Where you can find The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove: Amazon
Book synopsis:
AN EXCITING TALE OF ROMANCE, MYSTERY, AND SMUGGLING IN REGENCY CORNWALL FROM AMAZON BEST-SELLING AUTHOR KATE CARTERET.
When Sir Edmund Tate dies, he leaves his daughter in the care of his old friend, The Earl of Northcott. He is a kindly guardian, one whom Clarissa grows very fond of. But he’s a man with a secret, and that secret sent his youngest son to live in the house on Smuggler’s Cove.
When the Earl hints at the secret in his last days, Clarissa wonders if she will ever discover the truth behind the rift which made father and son strangers for so many years and turned one brother against the other.
Left in the care of Philip Ravenswood, the successor to the Earldom of Northcott, Clarissa finds herself drawn deeper and deeper into a secret friendship with his handsome but unconventional brother, Felix, visiting the beautiful Smugglers’ Cove more and more. She is a little afraid of his reputation, but cannot stop herself falling for him.
When smugglers return to the old cove, dangerous men determined to keep Cornwall’s old tradition alive, can Clarissa find the truth and stop suspicion falling upon Felix. And can she uncover the biggest secret of them all to lift the veil from the lie the Northcott Estate has sheltered beneath for so long?
A tale of love, excitement, and mystery on the rugged, beautiful, and sometimes unforgiving Cornish Coast.
First Line:
Try to take a little water, Lord Northcott, you must.
The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove by Kate Carteret
My Review:
Man, I needed to read this book. I have read a string of middle-grade books, and I was craving something more adult. So when I saw that The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove was up next on my TBR, I couldn’t wait to read it.
The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove was an exciting mix of mystery and romance. The plotline centers around a young girl, Clarissa, who is the ward of Lord Northcutt. Lord Northcutt is dying and wishes to make amends with his son, who he hasn’t seen in years. Clarissa is forced to sneak Felix in the house so he can say his final farewells. On his deathbed, Lord Northcutt reveals that he has been carrying a secret for years but passes before he could tell what it was. Curious, Clarissa starts looking into it, with the help of Felix . She soon realizes that someone is desperate to keep it from coming out and will do anything to keep it buried. At the same time, Clarissa realizes that she is falling in love with Felix. What is the secret? Will Clarissa and Felix be able to discover it and come out unscathed?
The plot for The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove got off to a slow start. I didn’t mind it, though. The author laid the backstories of Clarissa and Felix in those first few chapters. She also did a fantastic job of beginning the mystery. After those chapters, the book took off. It became a quick read for me. I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know what was going on.
I loved the setting for The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove. It takes place in Cornwall, England. I can trace my roots back to that area on my father’s side, so I was fascinated by what I read. Especially the smuggling. I had no idea that it was such a huge thing back then. I loved that the author chose to include the local dialect.
I loved Clarissa. I did feel that she was between a rock and a hard place for the first half of the book. But she dealt with everything with grace. The second half of the book showcased how strong she was. She was living with people who were idiots. She dealt with smarmy men trying to woo her. She dealt with them with grace and class that I found admirable. I did think she was headstrong at times (thinking of a particular scene on the beach).
I loved Felix. He felt awful for holding on to his anger at his father. I mean, it was justifiable, considering what his father did to his mother. But he was able to put it aside and make amends before his father died. I liked how he treated Clarissa too. He didn’t treat her like a proper young lady. He went along with her desire to find out what his father’s secret was. And he was able to protect her at the end of the book.
The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove is a clean romance. Plain and simple, that means that there is no sex. There are some kissing scenes, but that is it. Clarissa and Felix’s romance was sweet. I loved it.
There are two mysteries in The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove. One centered around Felix’s father’s secret. I loved how the author executed that. The clues were spaced out. I did guess at what the secret was but, and stress but, I wasn’t expecting the full scope of the mystery. That took me by surprise.
The other mystery is about the smugglers. Again, the author did a fantastic job of making me wonder if there were smugglers in the cove. I wasn’t surprised by what was revealed. But I was surprised at who was involved. Looking back, it made sense.
The end of The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove was explosive. The author did a great job of revealing what the secret was and if there were smugglers. What I enjoyed is that they were told almost simultaneously. It made for an epic ending. I also loved the epilogue. It made my heart go all fluttery when I read it!!
I would give The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove an older Teen rating. There is no sex. There is no language. There is very mild violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 16 read this book.
I would reread The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove. I would recommend it to family and friends.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
Where you can find The Devil’s Apprentice: Amazon | BookBub
Book Synopsis:
Philip is a good boy, a really good boy, who accidentally gets sent to Hell to become the Devil’s heir. The Devil, Lucifer, is dying and desperately in need of a successor, but there’s been a mistake and Philip is the wrong boy. Philip is terrible at being bad, but Lucifer has no other choice than to begin the difficult task of training him in the ways of evil. Philip gets both friends and enemies in this odd, gloomy underworld—but who can he trust, when he discovers an evil-minded plot against the dark throne?
The Devil’s Apprentice is volume 1 in The Great Devil War-series.
First Line:
Philip heard him.
The Devil’s Apprentice by Kenneth B. Andersen
My Review:
The Devil’s Apprentice is the story about Philip. Philip is a good boy. So Philip was puzzled when he dies after a car accident, and he goes to Hell. It is after meeting Lucifer that they realize a mistake has been made. The wrong boy died. Lucifer is desperate and he needs an heir because he is dying. So, he makes Philip his heir and is determined to teach him how to become evil.
Meanwhile, Philip is busy making friends (and enemies). He also discovers that what is happening to Lucifer is being done on purpose. Will Philip turn evil? Will he be able to find out what is happening to Lucifer?
The Devil’s Apprentice did get off to a slow start. I understand that the author was doing the character and world-building at the time. The slowness lasted only for a couple of chapters. Once Philip was in Hell, the book sped up. There was zero lag in the plotline. That, along with the nicely moving plotline, made The Devil’s Apprentice a good read for me.
I was a little skeptical about a young adult novel set in Hell. But, the author was able to make Hell approachable. There was a town where the demons lived with the main street called Maim Street. I loved that the author took a place that has been associated with evil and made it into something somewhat normal and relatable. Of course, it had its dark side, and that dark side showed up often.
I liked Philip. I did feel bad for him when he first realized he was in Hell. Talk about shock!! He did acclimate as well as a human could. I mean, he was surrounded by all sorts of devils and demons. I know I wouldn’t have acclimated as well as he did!
I wasn’t too sure about Satina for a good part of the book. I thought that she was using Philip right from the beginning. By the middle of the book, I was divided on how I felt about her. It wasn’t until Philip fought Aziel that my opinion of her turned.
The storyline with Philip trying to figure out why Lucifer was dying was interesting. The author did a great job of keeping why and who was trying to kill Lucifer under wraps. I was surprised when it was revealed at the end of the book.
The other main storyline, Philip being in Hell, was fascinating. I did wonder if he was ever going to go back to Earth. That was my thoughts for the first half of the book. My thoughts on the second half were “No freaking way.” Philip changed so much in that part of the book. Now, I am wondering how that is going to affect him in real life.
The end of The Devil’s Apprentice was satisfying. The author wrapped up some storylines but left other storylines open. I can’t wait to read the next book.
I would give The Devil’s Apprentice a Young Teen rating. There is no sex. There is no language. There is very violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 13 read this book.
I am on the fence if I would reread The Devil’s Apprentice. I am also on the fence if I would recommend it to family and friends.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
In Garner County, girls are told they have the power to lure grown men from their beds, to drive women mad with jealousy. They believe their very skin emits a powerful aphrodisiac, the potent essence of youth, of a girl on the edge of womanhood. That’s why they’re banished for their sixteenth year, to release their magic into the wild so they can return purified and ready for marriage. But not all of them will make it home alive.
Sixteen-year-old Tierney James dreams of a better life—a society that doesn’t pit friend against friend or woman against woman, but as her own grace year draws near, she quickly realizes that it’s not just the brutal elements they must fear. It’s not even the poachers in the woods, men who are waiting for a chance to grab one of the girls in order to make a fortune on the black market. Their greatest threat may very well be each other.
With sharp prose and gritty realism, The Grace Year examines the complex and sometimes twisted relationships between girls, the women they eventually become, and the difficult decisions they make in-between.
First Line:
No one speaks of the grace year.
The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
My Review:
From the minute I read the blurb for The Grace Year, I knew that I wanted to read it. It had all the earmarks of a book that I would love. A strong female main character and a storyline that seems to be fantastic. I am glad that I read The Grace Year. It ended up being all that and then some!!
The plotline of The Grace Year sucked me in. It was well written and fast. Yes, quick. This book took place over the girls 16th year, and it flew. Oh, man, it did fly. I loved it!!
I liked Tierney. She was one of the most influential female main characters that I have read to date. I liked that in a society that viewed women as the lesser sex, she wasn’t afraid to voice her opinion. I loved that she didn’t want a man to make her happy. But I felt that her behavior in the last half of the book contradicted that. But that is what made me like her character so much!!!
Tierney and Ryker’s storyline was interesting to read. I am not going to get into it because there are some significant spoilers. All I have to say is that there were times where I was heartbroken and then times where I was elated. I know, such a contradiction but once you read the book, you will understand.
The plotline with Hans surprised me. I was not expecting him to do what he did. I put the book down and said, “No way.” Then picked the book back up and continued reading. It explained so much. So much!!!
I do want to comment on the women in the village. I thought one thing when I started reading the book. By the end of the book, my view about them changed. Tierney’s mother was a huge one.
The end of The Grace Year made me cry. All I have to say is that it was bittersweet. Because of the way it ended, I am hoping that there is a book 2.
I would give The Grace Year an Older Teen rating. There is sex. There is language. There is violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 16 read this book.
I would reread The Grace Year. I would recommend it to family and friends.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
When Tessa Markham’s bookstore gets bought out, she is forced to face an uncertain future. After her best friend challenges her to start baking, she accepts—even if the last time she baked wasn’t what she would call a delicious success.
After a small kitchen fire, Tessa’s life begins to change. She finds encouragement from a sexy fireman, agrees to a questionable ruse to help another business owner with a complicated situation, and needs to be there for her best friend now more than ever.
Can a delicious disaster lead to a new future and a successful baking career?
Excerpt:
Having changed clothes, feeling refreshed and more than ready to tackle icing the cakes she and C.C. had made, her phone rang. She didn’t recognize the number, but she answered anyway. “Hello?”
“Is this Tessa?” a woman asked.
Noting that the woman’s voice sounded slightly familiar, Tessa replied, “Yes, who is this?”
“This is Lorie Rain, C.C.’s boss,” she began, pausing so Tessa could reply.
“Oh yes, I remember you.” The almost icing thief!
“Wonderful!” Then with a click of her tongue, she continued, “I hope you don’t mind, but I got your number from C.C. I’m calling to place an order from you for four dozen cupcakes—they’re for my daughter’s cheerleading team. I need each dozen to be a different color—red, yellow, green, and purple—those are my daughter’s favorite colors.” Letting out a giggle, she added, “I would have my housekeeper do it, but she can’t be bothered with such mindful tasks, you know what I mean?”
Is this woman for real? “I’d be happy to help you,” Tessa said to Lorie as she quickly grabbed a pen and notepad to take notes. “When do you need the cupcakes by?”
“I need them to be delivered tomorrow at The Eternity Gymnasium at noon, and not a minute later.”
What the hell! Tessa looked around her kitchen, thankful that she’d—just by chance—bought cupcake tins earlier that day, but with less than twenty-four hours’ notice, it seemed like an extreme task to begin so late in the day. “First of all, Lorie, thank you for contacting me. On second thought, and I hate to say this, but I’m unable to help you on this matter after all. With little time, I wouldn’t feel comfortable selling them.” That was somewhat a lie, because cupcakes were easy, but pretty colorful cupcake decoration was time-consuming.
“C.C. promised you could help me,” Lorie whined. “If you’re a real baker, then why can’t you do this?” There was a long pause on the other end of the phone before Tessa heard a whimpering sound. Her voice was high-pitched, which led Tessa to know that she was playing the guilt-trip card. “I’ll pay extra,” Lorie exclaimed quickly in what seemed to be a begging tone.
Tessa closed her eyes, gnawed on her bottom lip, and tilted her head back, hating herself for what she was about to say. So giving in and realizing that her night would involve a lot of work and no play, in her singsong voice, which she and C.C. often referred as her play- nice tone, Tessa said, “I will make it happen.”
Isabella Louise Anderson grew up with a book in her hand, and to this day, nothing has changed. Aside from writing, she focuses her time on featuring other authors and their books on her blog, Chick Lit Goddess, along with sharing book reviews. Isabella Louise is also a member of the Romance Writers of America.
She lives in Dallas with her husband and their two cats, enjoys spicy Indian and Mexican food, margaritas, and red, white, and rosé wines. She loves spending time with family and friends and cheering on the Texas Rangers.
Isabella Louise Anderson is currently working on her next release.
Tour Schedule 7 October Read with Me – Review Euthalia – Review, Excerpt and Interview
8 October Comfy Chair Books – Excerpt
9 October Binding Addiction – Promo Only
10 October Lisa Book Life – Excerpt
11 October Hearts & Scribbles – Excerpt the bookworm lodge – Promo Only
12 October TMBA Corbett Tries to Write – Excerpt and top ten list
13 October Underneath the Covers – Excerpt
14 October Sandra’s Book Club – Review Paulette’s Papers – Promo Only
15 October The Genre Minx Book Reviews – Review
16 October Book Lover in Florida – Review and excerpt
17 October My Reading Journeys – Review and excerpt
18 October We All Make Mistakes in Books – Review
19 October She Writes About It – Review 20 October All the Ups and Downs – Excerpt Review after tour Comfy Chair Books
First Line:
Tessa Markham’s time as a small bookshop owner was over.
Delicious Disaster by Isabella Louise Anderson
My Review:
When I read the blurb for Delicious Disasters, my interest was piqued. This book sounded like something that I needed to read. See, I had been getting a little burnt out from reading. I needed a book that I didn’t have to focus on or had a super intricate plotlines/characters. Delicious Disasters was that book for me. I am glad that I read it!! It was a much-needed change of pace for me.
The plotline for Delicious Disasters was medium paced. I didn’t find myself being rushed along while reading. I also didn’t find myself mentally urging the plotline to go faster. It was perfect!! There were a few lags in the plotline, but the author was able to get the book back on track.
I liked Tessa. I could relate to the hijinks she got herself in. Like forgetting about the cake in the oven and having the fire department come out. Been there, done that. How about dating two guys at once? Been there, done that a bunch of times (don’t worry, way before I got together with BK). Taking on more than she can handle, yeah, living that life right now. I did question some of her decisions too. Like pretending to be Jake’s fiance. I understood why she did it but still. It didn’t make sense to me. The other huge one is when she took another one of Lori’s orders. Sorry, but that would have been a hard no from me.
I did think that Tessa was a bit selfish during Delicious Disasters. It was clear that C.C. was going through something, and Tessa was all about her issues. I didn’t blame C.C. for blowing up at Tessa. Not one little bit. I thought that it should have happened sooner in the book.
Tessa’s relationship with Brye was cute. I agreed with what Brye said in the middle of the book. It was wrong of Tessa to do what she did, and I didn’t blame Brye for what he did. Now, Tessa’s relationship with Jake was a whole other story. I didn’t like Jake from the minute he was introduced in the book. Something about him rubbed me the wrong way. And man, was I vilified!!! All I have to say is that he got his in the end.
The end of the book was cute, but it was a little predictable. I had guessed at everything that happened. I did like how Tessa handled the whole Jake situation, though. Talk about karma!!
I would give Delicious Disasters an Adult rating. There is sex. There is mild language. There is mild violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.
I would reread Delicious Disasters. I would recommend it to family and friends.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
The world continues to let children die every day from thirst and starvation, poisoned water and disease, and the world continues to let the Earth die.
A man, destroyed by the desertion of his wife, comes out the other side and finds a mission. It’s bold. It’s crazy. He’s not totally sure what’s at the end of it but he has to follow it. It’s a terrifying leap away from his world but it ends up being a mission to rescue the very substance of life.
From the ancient Aztecs to the Moroccan desert, Spanish highways to the remote fields of Russia, clues appear, people die and someone gets ever closer to him.
The children, the generation who must eventually find the answer, silently guide him to the truth.
And it’s a truth that will change everything.
First Line:
It’s only when a mosquito lands on your balls do you learn to resolve your conflict without violence
Amy’s Square by Dominic Schunker
My Review:
When I read the blurb for Amy’s Square, my initial first impression was that this book was going to be a book like The DaVinci Code. Since I liked The DaVinci Code, I decided that I would read Amy’s Square.
Amy’s Square’s plotline took a while to get going. It crept, which I didn’t enjoy. I understood that the author was world and character building, but I wanted it to go faster. When the book finally did get moving, about halfway through the book, it flew along.
Another issue that I had with Amy’s Square is that it was filled with British slang. At first, it confused me (and my phone got a workout from Googling it), but I got used to it.
I pitied Abe for the first half of the book. I couldn’t imagine being dumped the way he was. No wonder he was a mess!! I would have been too. Then the second half of the book came around, and I loved him. When he got his diagnosis, he decided to live. That included spying on a company called xLight and refinding love.
The author didn’t get into xLight. What was explained as it was a huge corporation that had its hand in some bad things that were happening. On the one hand, I wished that he told it, but on the other hand, I loved the mystery.
The end of Amy’s Square had a couple of twists that I didn’t see coming. The first one left me with my mouth open, but the second one made me put my book down and say, “NO!!!!”.
I would give Amy’s Square an Adult rating. There is sex. There is language. There is violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.
I would reread Amy’s Square. I would recommend it to family and friends.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
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Escape Into Reading 