Forgive Me Not By Lacynda Mathes, A Book Review

Forgive Me Not is a murder mystery that goes down such and winding, twisting path, I had a hard time following it. That’s what you want, though, right? I thought I had it figured out, but the story kept me going to find out I didn’t have a clue. I guessed a few times at the conclusion, actually, but I was wrong each time.

Deb is a mother, a divorcee, and a girlfriend, asking herself if she should be, questioning who she is, and what kind of person she has become. She is better friends with her ex-husband now than she was when they were married. And she likes his new wife and is happy for him. She has what appears to be a tumultuous relationship with her mother and questions things, but pushes those thoughts to herself or her mother being irrational, so it’s better to just leave things alone. Not rock the boat, so to speak.

There wasn’t enough reasonable thought as to who would be trying to hurt her, or her mother, or her ex-husband's new wife, Miranda. Trying to figure that out was perplexing for her. In Deb's search and the state police, Gavin's search, she never expected to hear some truths about her family. Reading it felt like bouncing off a brick wall. So unexpected.

The writing style was short sentences, to the point, and directed you to the main character's thoughts and intentions without delving too deep. I don’t know if that was intentional to keep you guessing what happened and who did it, or not. It worked, though. Unfortunately for me, I did have trouble keeping all the characters straight. There are quite a few of them in the whole story, so I had to slow down in my reading to get it right, only so I could hopefully figure out who did it and why.

For a murder mystery, it was compelling. The characters were interesting, and kept you wondering about their full story, always wanting to know more so you had more ammunition for your own conclusion. Unfortunately, I didn’t solve it correctly before the author did.

Overall, it was a good story with good pacing for a quick read with only 190 pages. If you like murder mysteries, with a lot of characters to sort through to determine who did it and why, you will like this book. I think the story could have been enhanced and enriched with heightened anticipation and discovery had the characters been more developed and explored. That may have made the character sort and understanding a little easier.  For that reason, I gave this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

 

Fate’s Roar by Jalpa Williby, A Book Review

This book is the second in a series, taking the same characters but delving deeper into two of them, Shane and Samantha, making this their story. The story takes place ten years after the first book’s timeline, giving birth to elements that deepen connections and keeps the story interesting.

It is in the same fantasy genre and is another fun one to read. The pace keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next, and disappointment is never on the agenda.

The love story is embracing and relatable to any young love no matter what time, place, or situation. The characters were believable because being exasperating and exciting, rings true for any person you know. Nothing is seldom straightforward without unexpected or even expected events happening, and it keeps the story grounded enough to be true to a real life romance of these characters.

If you enjoy fantasy, then this is a good fun romance to read.

 

Redemption By Sara Furlong Burr, A Book Review

Seldom do you get a series that every single book is great. This is one. Even the final book was a treasure with consistency, pacing, and characters that kept you glued to the pages.

It is well written with a storyline that easily captures your imagination and emotions. I really enjoyed this book as well as the others, and actually hope for more. The ending is good, but Sara definitely leaves the door open for further books, and I would love to see more. If that is any indication of its power of a great read, then get the books, you will definitely enjoy them.

 

 

Vendetta Nation By Sara Furlong Burr, A Book Review

This is the second book of her trilogy, and it is as good as the first. Sara’s main character, Celaine, carries forward that same spunk you admired, as well as ignites exasperation and hope. Another can't put it down just yet book.

The story line is still interesting, intriguing, emotional and well paced. The characters again give an emotional connection and you remain invested in what they are feeling and doing.

The story continues to grab your attention chapter after chapter and keeps you turning the pages. It is again a good ending, which keeps you wanting the read the third one.

I am anxious to read the last one, and you will enjoy it too. Get the book. Sara does a great job.

 

Fate’s Cry (Fate Series Book 1) By Jalpa Williby, A Book Review

 

Jalpa’s stories never fail to keep you wanting more, and she sealed the deal once again with Fate’s Cry. I truly enjoyed this story and am anxious to read the next ones.

Kelsey, as a young girl, had to grow up fast, but it was not without consequences. Her life was with sorrows and lonely, yet straightforward until reality became unreal. The hints were in the chapters, and it was fun to see when your thoughts were in sync with the author, but it was even more fun to discover how the twists became creative and adventurous fun.

Jalpa Williby always gets you to love the characters. It has been true in every book of hers that I have read, which makes the story rich and vibrant.

I would recommend this and all her books for a fun and memorable story that you will want more of. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Anticipation Day By Jeff Michelson, A Book Review

A Sci-Fi novel set in 2030 about a simulation of any kind being available to citizens to live a different scenario from their present life, or relive a time from their memories as if they are really there, back in time. There are several characters, and the story is long, and even though it is interesting, the pace was slow in many areas, which waned my attention. The characters starting out in the novel are not revealed again once the simulation stories begin, which I was disappointed with because I had unanswered questions about one of the characters.

The simulation stories were interesting, and some were very detailed, appearing to have been well researched, while others, not so much. I got the emotions and thoughts of each character, but never reached the solid connection to them that I wanted to happen, which kept me from rooting for one or another during their dilemmas. Each simulation was different and explained to understand why they chose that anticipation, but the context or writing was raw, so I couldn’t immerse myself in the story with the character. I just didn’t feel it like I wanted to.

Connecting the characters was also hard for me. Yes, they knew each other but didn’t really interact to reveal their connection, meaning just friends, lovers, acquaintances, or nothing. I questioned what sustained their being in the story with each other. At times, some aspects of how one knew another were mentioned, but they didn’t interact with each other enough to provide a foundation for development and for my thoughts to analyze and connect with. I could only stand on the outside and watch what happened in the story.

Throughout the whole tale, I wondered how it would all end because I wasn’t tying it all together, and I was disappointed. It felt like the whole thing didn’t come together as a storyline from start to finish, but rather short stories of people and what happened in their lives. I get what I believe it was supposed to do, but the common thread through it all was just too wide and thin, or had too many characters not meshing to keep it together. I am not sure which it was.

I think this could be a great story, but it needed a little more work. Because of the raw areas and the storyline issues I had to give it a 3 out of 5 stars.

 

Scotch On The Rocks By Lizzie Lamb, A Book Review

Another tender romance that warms your heart. Everything in Scotland seems to make me happy, and this story didn’t disappoint. I always enjoy a good romance, and one that has a storyline that keeps you turning the pages is wonderful.

Ishabel Stuart is a character who reveals and reacts to her emotions in a heartfelt and yet stubborn way. She had a less than stellar parental upbringing, and it shows how she survived and rose above it. You root for her to figure it out and not deny herself the pleasure of allowing love to be the front and center of her life.

Brodie, is the love that does all the right things, has all the right moves, and yet you wonder if it’s real or enacted to get a selfish advantage. Even so, his Scottish looks and tender heart are endearing, placing you solidly in his corner. For real.

The other characters in this story shape these two in many ways and enlighten you to the individuals they became, and enrich the story to an enjoyable tale you don’t really want to end. I adored this book as much as the others I have read by Lizzie Lamb. If you like romance novels, you will enjoy it too.