Knowing Jack By Rachel Curtis, A Book Review

 

Invasion (C.H.A.O.S., #1) By Jon S. Lewis, A Book Review

 

This is an action-packed story, detailed to enhance your vision of each scene, and entice you to wonder if it could be real. The characters are drawn with dialogue that is genuine in real life, and keeps you wondering and enjoying the antics and adventures of their lives.

Young adults who enjoy sci-fi would love this story, and it is a 3-book series, so the action could go on for a while. The book is filled with constant action, with no boring sections, and suspense to keep you wondering what will happen next. 

I enjoyed the story and the characters. The characters were interesting, well-developed, and believable. They weren't hyped up beyond normal, and talked like they would have in real life, in their situations. It was well done, even in the what-the-heck-is-going-on questioning scenes.

I have to applaud Jon; the writing was engaging and fun. All ages would enjoy this story.

Creator Class By K. M. Breakey, A Book Review

 

I had read this book years ago, but couldn’t remember the ending, so I read it again. I never skip to the end; I don’t want to miss anything in between. Since this is listed as a series, I can understand why he left the plot open. However, I can’t find any other books in this series, which is disappointing.

I liked the story; it was believable for a dystopia, and it kept you reading to see what happened in the end, and even made you contemplate what did happen in an if-this-were-real way. If there were another book in this series, I wouldn’t be disappointed. Since I can’t find one, though, I am left without an ending, or should I say a more exciting ending.

The characters were interesting, and they attached to you like you really knew them and connected to their emotions and plight. I think this story could have been developed into a gripping saga, but I guess the author had better plans. This shouldn’t stop you from reading it, though. What happened in this book could, and somewhat twisted, have happened in real life. If you want an adventure into a dystopian world with many events and thoughts that hit home, then read the book. The author was not afraid to go into the minds of creators, good and bad.

Incarnate (Mars Origin “I” Mystery #3) by Abby L. Vandiver, A Book Review

 The book is the third in the series, and I enjoyed every single one. The storyline didn’t waver from its original base, the characters were great, and the entertainment continued without interruption from the start.

This third book put a nice end to the saga, without hurting the story. I would certainly read more if it were available, but it didn’t leave me disturbed or disappointed that it was the end. As I said before in these reviews, Abby used true archeological information that was discovered and expanded it to create a great story. Interesting, creative, and entertaining. The characters make you happy, sad, laugh, and anxious. All the feelings to give you a front row seat to an immersive story you don’t want to stop reading.

If you read this series, you must start with the first one. These books can each stand alone, but reading the series gives you so much more. I loved the whole saga. Abby did a wonderfully creative story that you will thoroughly enjoy.  I applaud her.

Jump, The Morac Book 2 by Colleen M Bratley

When a simple question spirals into a pulse-pounding struggle for survival, four friends find themselves entangled in mysteries that defy logic and shatter their reality. Julian and his close-knit group, once searching only for missing loved ones, soon uncover more than answers; they confront an unseen force that pushes their courage and loyalty to the brink.

As haunting memories resurface and startling truths emerge, the bonds between these friends transform into an unbreakable weapon. Each revelation drags them deeper into mind-bending challenges, forcing choices that will test their spirit and resolve. The ominous Morac, confident in their control, watch silently, underestimating the strength of a united front forged in adversity.

Experience a story where emotional depth meets thrilling suspense, blending gut-wrenching twists with moments of hope and bravery. The rads’ fight isn’t just for answers; it’s for the right to shape their own destinies in a world that seems designed to keep them powerless.

Step into a gripping saga where the greatest strength lies in connection and the will to overcome the darkest fears. Your heartbeat will quicken, and your mind will race as every page brings you closer to a more terrifying truth than any nightmare. Will unity be enough to break through the shadows? The answer waits within these electrifying chapters.

The Morac, Book 1 By Colleen M Bratley

 Four friends. One weekend getaway. What begins as a simple break from reality quickly spirals into a harrowing journey that will challenge everything they believe about the world—and themselves. When the power goes out, they think it’s just a minor inconvenience, a temporary blackout to ride out. But returning home, they find a landscape hauntingly silent: no cars, no people, no signs of life. Not one soul remains.

What has happened? As confusion turns to desperation, these friends cling to each other, their bond the only light in an ever-growing darkness. What they uncover will shake them to their cores: a truth so unimaginable it eclipses their wildest nightmares. With every step forward, they’re forced to confront a reality far more terrifying than the absence of electricity—a revelation that will alter their very souls.

Survival becomes more than just a physical struggle; it’s a battle for their sanity, their trust, and their future. Their tight-knit friendship is tested like never before, pushing each of them to summon courage they didn’t know they possessed. How do you fight back when the world around you has disappeared? How do you keep hope alive when every answer only deepens the mystery?

Experience a gripping tale of suspense, loyalty, and the unyielding human spirit as these friends navigate a transformed world where the stakes are higher than ever, and the journey is only beginning. Dive into a story that will leave you breathless, questioning everything—and rooting for survival against all odds.

Irrefutable Proof (Mars Origin “I” Mystery #2) By Abby L. Vandiver, A Book Review

 

This book is a sequel, and it didn’t disappoint in keeping the saga going with gusto. I enjoyed the second book as well as the first, and I jumped right into the third one already.

The concept, intrigue, and creativity of this story keep rolling along, sweeping you up into the tale with every page. The character, Justin, is well-rounded and developed with a realistic edge that makes you feel she is alive and real. Even with her quirkiness and others claiming she is insane, the author leads you to really enjoy her. All the time. Even when you think,’ that was stupid’, at times. The supporting characters have their own distinct personalities and are written to be just as well-known, understood, and enjoyed.

Yes, the story is far-fetched, but not so far that you don’t want to know how they arrived at their conclusions, or what happens to each character. It is fiction, so nothing is unexpected, and yet it is. How the story connects pieces of reality to get you into the trenches of it is wonderfully done.

Abby has a gift for writing, and I really enjoy what she creates. This sequel is just as fun, interesting, and entertaining as the first one. I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good book with a tale of intrigue and fascinating concepts to read.  If you like to go on an adventure with a book, this one fits the bill.

Mars Origin “I” Mystery #1 In the Beginning, By Abby L. Vandiver, A Book Review

This book was right up my alley. I loved it. It's sci-fi, archeological basis, biblical insights and thoughts, and full-on facts and theories hit home. I finished it and started the sequel. I was captivated by it. I couldn’t and didn’t want to put it down, even though I had to. I love history, and I love figuring things. The creative process of the author was exciting and unexpected. It was fascinating. I actually thought about going into archeology at one time because the mysteries intrigued me so much. Reading this book was way more fun.

If you are not afraid to delve into the mysteries, the unknown, and examine other theories for fun, then you will love this book. It is well written, intriguing, surprising, and extremely entertaining. Abby did a phenomenal job with this book. This is a 5 out of 5 stars with an exclamation point.

 

The Baby Factory By Donna Walo Clancy, A Book Review

This was a great book. It was a page turner, faithfully wanting to find out what happens to the main characters, Meghan and Sarah. They were two well-developed characters with quite different personalities, which kept the story interesting and scary. Yes, frightening most of the time, which kept you on the edge of your seat, fingers constantly poised to turn the page.

I would like to believe that this doesn’t really happen, but I know that it does, which makes you root for them both and keep reading until the end. You can’t put it down. I was so worried that neither one would make it out, and Donna kept the writing so absorbing that you didn’t know what was going to happen next.

The book has an impactful story, one that stays with you, wondering and praying that any real-life situations turn out for the good, and this one does, too. I know that may sound crazy, but you get to know and feel for these characters, and it slams your heart with emotions you don’t expect. You will enjoy and be glad if you read this one. This is a story well done.

 

Heartkeeper (Heartkeeper Saga, #1) By B. T. Lyons, A Book Review

 

This was a good story for the imagination. It kept on track, so the pace didn’t make you want to skip pages. The characters were interesting, but not as open as I would like, so I couldn’t get attached to any one of them. But it was still good, sweet, and interesting.

The book is about people who live off the land, barter and trade for things, and seek to be one with nature, the Earth, and care for it and one another. How they do that, though, is where the imagination comes in, and the author is quite creative. I enjoyed it.

I can see where there would be a sequel, and I might read them too. For young adults, this is a good one to read. It offers some valuable life lessons and experiences to reflect on and learn from. I would recommend this to other middle school and young adult kids. I gave this 5 our of 5 stars because it was entertaining, no swearing, and life living morals too. 

Shattered Glass A Novel of Drama By Mitch Goth, A Book Review

The title is a true statement from the beginning of the book through to the end.

The story, at least I believed it was, revolved around the journey of an abused and neglected child and how she survived it. But toward the end of the book, it became about her partner and soul holder, and how he survives his trauma, which was totally unexpected.

This story made me cry. I’m not sure if it was just my usual reaction to any death or disturbing situation, or if it was from feeling the desperate cry of the characters. Either way, it was an emotionally heavy journey to read this story. I hated some things that happened, and cheered for others. I could also see this as a true story for many people, and that saddened and disturbed me, so it was draining, but I had to read it to the end. Not just to finish the book, but to see how it all turned out. I don’t like not knowing the outcome or resolution.

It was a shattering read, and sometimes a dark sadness, but knowing, sometimes, is just that. If you aren’t afraid to face a reality, which can be grim and disturbing at times, you won’t want to read this book. If you want to learn about some realities, grim or not, and hope it can help you grow and even help others in need, then read the book. I am glad I read the book, but it is not something I can read very often. It is a challenge to my mental strength.

Christmas in Crimson By Sandra Sookoo, A Book Review

 What a delightful and engaging story. I really enjoyed this for many reasons. Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

First, the story is about a widow who can’t seem to get past the grieving stage, but then encounters an interesting and, shall we say, challenging man. She engages with him, I think, just because it was a new venture from the last several years, and wanted to be intrigued. So the start brings in the fun it was written as in keeping with the time period it occurred. Like I said, it started out in a fun way, and it continued as such throughout. I loved that.

Second, the play of the characters was enveloping. They wrapped their personalities around your mind and kept you intent on what they were going to think and do next. Some stories have characters that do dumb things. I assume these authors believe it livens up the plot,  and I always think that it ruins the whole thing. That, thankfully, was not present here and solidified my thorough enjoyment of the whole book. When you root for characters, you are totally involved in the story, and that is exactly what you get here.

Third, the story itself was fun, interesting, and kept you wondering from start to finish. I was happy. I wanted to keep reading. I needed and loved finding a sweet, simple yet engaging story that took my mind to another time and place with peace and contentment that makes you want to stay there.. There is some heightened drama in the book, but it does not overlay the basic sense of pleasant, fun entertainment.

There are more reasons I liked this story, but I won't bore you to tears with my dribble. If you like romance, intrigue, and a great story, you will enjoy this book from beginning to end.

A Flicker In The Dark By Stacy Willingham, A Book Review

 

Surprisingly, this novel was not what I expected. I actually thought it would be like a documentary-type read of what happened, from the daughter's point of view. Instead, I found a page turner, a get the next clue, a discover the next answer, story, to find out how it ends. It has many twists and turns, each making you question what really happened, and if the truth is really that, and what the end will be.

I was drawn to this book because I like puzzles. Literally, and in stories. Who did it, what did they do, why did it happen, you know, all the questions you can ask. Trying to figure out where the story is going and answering all those questions is fun for me.

The only part unrealistic to me in they types of stories is when the characters enter perilous situations, as if they are invincible, or way more courageous than they need to be. I stage them as foolish people, and it is hard to read those parts because you know miraculously, they are going to come out unscathed, or minorly injured, ready for the next irrational move. There are a few of those in this book, but they aren’t flagrant or impossible to bear, so they don’t wreck the story.

Even with things I didn’t care for, this book was a good read. I read it in a few hours because I couldn’t stop. I had to know what happened. I’m pretty sure you will do the same thing. Read it. You will be glad you did if you like to figure out clues.

The Fall (Caught Off Guard #1) By L. Sommers, A Book Review

 

Romance. This story is literally about romance, subtle and bold.

The characters are strong, yet they show their vulnerabilities. One of the leads, Liam, is very strong, very sexy, and yet has his vulnerable moments, too. These may be elusive to some readers who are more absorbed in his physical attributes, but are shown as real, tangible feelings that are exposed but not exploited by the author.  The other lead character, Desiree, has a secret. A painful one that intrudes on her present life and connections, including with Liam.

It is a romance that is written with not just dialogue, but sensual details. Most of the romance books today are heavy into the sexual details. This is not. This story flirts with the concepts and senses, but doesn’t grind out all the details to the end. It leaves you wringing the rest out in your mind, so you can move on, or not. It makes for a good book to ponder. For the imagination.

I enjoyed the story and the characters, especially Liam. He is quite interesting. And sexy, which doesn’t hurt either. I didn’t realize when I selected this book that there was a sequel to these two characters. So now I am on to finding the second book because you know I can’t stop without a formal ending. There are 4 books in this series, and all but the last, I think, are about Desiree. Even if I had read that before I got the book, I would have still purchased it to read. I love series.

If romance is your genre pick, or you just want a romance read to interrupt your normal purview, then this is a good selection. The characters are relatable and fun, and you will appreciate the sweet and realistic story.

Downfall By S.R. Kent, A Book Review

 

Any time an angel falls, a new reality emerges. This story is just that. A new reality that most can’t comprehend, nor do they want to. It defies the known ideology that they have identified with since childhood. So, is this a possible reality? It doesn’t matter because it is still a fun and lively story to enjoy.

Marijana is an angel who fell to a human status, for the love of her life. As we know, angels are selfless, so this was neither surprising nor shocking, but certainly endearing. Others fell too, which, in turn, created an enjoyable story with characters who didn’t disappoint in catching and holding your heart and your page-turning fingers.

If you enjoy fallen angel tragedies and love stories, you will enjoy this one. There could actually be a sequel, but I don’t know if one is planned.

The Scribe by Liam R. Mullen, A Book Review

 This story, in its entirety, is as relevant today as it was in its time. Christians are still pursued, and if caught, still persecuted today all over the world. Reading this book was an eye-opening exploration, driving the reader into the yesteryear (world) of the scribes in the Bible. Due to the extent of time the book traverses, there is a lot to digest for more than one character, which I feel dilutes the story of Luke, the scribe. Had the story stuck to just Luke and interspersed the other facts necessary without the other characters’ cumbersome and time-consuming details, I would have loved the story. As it is, I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. That is a personal preference and not something that may hinder others, and should not deter anyone from reading this book, which would be a true miss.

Luke is a scribe of the bible; a story no one really talks in depth about until now. It is a researched and creative book that is written to place you back in that time, and you will enjoy being there. Witnessing the events and characters you recognize is fun. Living the stories of that time can be entertaining and traumatizing, but it will definitely be unforgettable. You will most likely recall details of a story or stories you may have read in the bible or elsewhere about the other characters besides Luke. The details of that time and those characters may now put a scene in your mind that you can live and will most certainly remember.

The story of Jesus and his followers is a never-ending and soul-touching encounter that most people will thoroughly enjoy. The gut-wrenching events, such as the crucifixion, may dampen your spirits and hurt your heart a bit, but the overall picture is heart-warming, spirit-elevating, and love-enveloping. It is a story that no matter how many times it is told, you’re always ready to hear it again.

This book is for anyone with a quest for knowledge who loves stories of the bible and wants to experience the time of the bible through the writing and dialogue of this author. It is an enjoyable and fascinating read.

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.

 

The Blood Wares: Crystal Secret By Maria Bradley, A Book Review

 

This sequel was a good continuation, but it left me with a lot of unanswered questions. Maybe that was the intended design, but I don't like it when things end, and I still have questions.

It was a good story, both in the first and second books.  It was creative, interesting, and the characters were relatable to typical kids their age when you want them to shut up, or forge ahead while you're rooting for them.

I would certainly be happy if there were a third installment of this tale, but still, it was fun to read the first two. If you like vampires and all the intricate details of power and abilities that go with them, then this is a great fun read for you.

Only Human: The First One By Marie Bradley, A Book Review

This book tells the story of a vampire kingdom and the humans they have overtaken. I don’t much care for vampire stories, even though I liked Twilight because it was also a love story, but this is a different take on it. It kept me guessing, and the creative inputs were not expected. The flow was good, guaranteeing the need to find out what happens next throughout the story.

I enjoyed it, and there is a sequel which I am about to start now. Love sequels, especially when the story is absolutely not finished in the first or even subsequent books, meaning you have to get to the final book, and even then, you might want more. The need to read more is fun. The ending of this first book was surprising, so I have to find out what happens next. Thanks for the story, Maria, it was a delight to read.

 

Worth the Chance MMA Fighter #2 By Vi Keeland, A Book Review

This story takes the lad Vinney from the Worth the Fight book into his adult life. His mentor in that book, main man Nico, trains him to be a prizefighter. Vinney falls for Olivia but doesn’t realize how deep until he almost loses her. It is amazing how easy it is to write about how most men are slow to understand their emotions. Anyway, Vi again writes the lines to keep you turning the pages, even though you are sure how it will end, you may not see the bumps in the road, which makes it fun. 

 

Frazzle By Stephen Cosgrove, A Book Review

 I am torn with this book. It reads like a goal to show children that you can be whatever you want to be, but it always takes work and determination. The problem for me is that I felt it was too harsh in some ways. The concept is commendable, but I would have used different words and ways to tell it in some places. Of course, each author has their own writing style, so others will probably find none of my issues.

It is a teaching story, and I am sure others will enjoy it as much or more than I.

Wrath, Prequel to Tredan’s Bane By Lita Burke, A Book Review

 

This mini 17-page book is part of what I wondered about in reading Tredan’s Bane. It helps fulfill the questions and thankfully is written in detail, as is the author’s way. I enjoyed it, but I still have questions, meaning there actually could be another book, and it would be a welcome read.

On to the next one of this author’s interesting and fun stories.

Tall, Dark and Kilted by Lizzie Lamb, A Book Review

This story is a romance between a young, ambitious, caring, and tender-hearted Felicity and a tall, dark, and kilted laird of a Scottish estate, Ruairi Urquhart. I was drawn to this book because I love Scotland, and the title's image was, of course, also enticing. I would love to see that for real. Many, many times.

As with most romance stories, the two don’t get along at first, but are drawn together time and again due to the fire-starting chemistry that can’t be doused to embers. In their confrontations, though, you acquire truths about them from child to adult, learning what makes them who they are, and who they will become. There were a few instances where I had to slow down to understand the writing dialect, as in the true Scottish accentuation I am not accustomed to, but truly love. It makes the story come to life.

It is an enjoyable story, well done, and in a few years, I will probably read and enjoy it all again. In the meantime, I will be reading other books by Lizzie Lamb. Thanks for this book, Lizzie. I am delighted you became an author. 

Vietnam 1969 Year of the Rooster By Patrick Keally, A Book Review

Intense and real. My two brothers went to Vietnam, and I have always had an idea of what they endured through my second brother. This book put the last stitch to the mural with the true events of what just one soldier bore. It was, in many ways, the same and in others better and worse than my own family. These events cannot be compared; only sadly absorbed as facts of incredibly torturous actions they experienced.

I have always been distraught over how much of our own country treated these valiant soldiers during and after the war. It was and is disgusting, and I always hoped they would get a grip and be thankful for the unwarranted war they had to fight. It was not their fault, and they suffered innumerable grievances for our country. Every person in our country.

Read this book for a glimpse into the real-life understanding of what was, the Vietnam war. 

Worth the Fight MMA Fighter #1 by Vi Keeland, A Book Review

 Vi Keeland does not disappoint if you want a fiery read. One book after another, the emotions from both partners are explored and enjoyed... passionately. They are love stories that show you true and complete love, one fulfilling the needs of the other, unconditionally. Of course, with any love story, they don't start without issues, including a lack of self-confidence, fear, and vulnerabilities. Hence, the story evolves with each other realizing and understanding new truths about themselves, and releasing their walls of protection, so they can experience the greatest of all blessings, love.

If you like details on the love life of a couple, this author delivers, and the story is a woven tale of enjoyment from start to finish.

Tredan’s Bane By Lita Burke, A Book Review

 

What a creative and fun story. It is not the usual writing I read; the author states many things in short, exact sentences. Yet it’s descriptive where it needs to be to engross you to turn the page for more. The characters complement the story and delight the senses. They weren’t doing irritating things, like ‘they should be smarter than that’ scenes, which I greatly appreciated.

I don’t want to tell more of the story because not knowing the creative weave of place and people makes it that much more pleasant to discover. Suffice it to say, I was impressed with the whole story from start to finish, and I am certain you will enjoy it too.

It is a love story, and I was so pleased with the whole thing; I definitely want to read more of Lita’s books. I will recommend this book to everyone. Great job, thank you!

Hero For Hire By C.B. Pratt, A Book Review

 Sometimes delving into a book can be slow and confusing as you get into the story and the characters. This was no exception, but only because you are in a totally different world from your own, which you need to learn and understand. 

Pratt is a colorful writer, rendering your senses alive and vibrant while you quickly turn the page for more information. It was a good story, with interesting characters that you either decisively liked and wanted to spend time with, knew there was something you didn't know yet about them, or just didn't like them at all. It was written to elicit a reaction rather quickly.

The story is entertaining, and at the end, you want to know what happens to that character next. You know the next book will be an interesting read from the created lead character and all the other characters he encountered in this one. 

The story was well done and enjoyable. I look forward to reading the next one.

It Lives In The Basement By Sahara Foley, A Book Review

 I enjoy reading stories that are supposed to delve into the nightmares, especially around Halloween, but most fail to raise my heart rate or evoke goosebumps. This story surprised me. I am actually still avoiding my basement now. I am not kidding.

Sahara has a letter in the story that the detective is reading in the house they are investigating. The tone and details of events described kicked it off into high gear of fear. Then she took it even further, expanding the cast and events.

I enjoyed the story, but I wouldn't suggest you read it at night. Great job.

Zero Days by Ruth Ware, A Book Review

 Zero Days was a race: a race against time, and a race for justice. This alone kept the story moving. I had figured out ‘the who’ early on, but that didn’t detract from the fun and enjoyment of each page. Of course, I wasn’t certain until much later, but I was pleased that I had been right.

You will root for the lead character, Jacintha (Jack), and feel like you are just like her because she is a down to earth, everyday person. She resonates with everyone; Ruth creates her characters well.

Ruth also plays her scenes well. I had to reread one such scene that I put words into, expecting it to be so, and found out I was so wrong. I had to read it again to make sure I had read it wrong. She is a master. Well done.

I enjoyed this book as I have others of hers and recommend this one to anyone looking for a fun and fast-paced and thrilling read.