Out Of The Box Awakening By Jennifer Theriot, A Book Review

 

This story is a romance novel with the older generation, but it didn’t dampen or dull the senses due to the age of the characters; it woke them up. I felt it was sometimes patronizing of the elderly, as if age mattered concerning emotions. We put the limits on what people of certain ages can or should do, so I wasn’t in favor of that subtle nuance.

The main character was lovable and fun, but almost too much. Her new companion was a great person, and a little too perfect. Together, they were fun to follow, but left me doubting it could ever be true, believable, which taints the story a bit. I want happy endings, fun lives, and exciting adventures, but real life just doesn’t walk that easy path. So I wavered. My faith in the story, the characters, and the path became questions and doubts. Olivia was strong-willed, but without the confidence to venture forth alone, no matter what she thought about it. Some of the steps in the story were left unresolved, which piled onto the already questionable actions. Ash, the compliment to Olivia, was a little too perfect. With no flaws, he became a fairytale, one you couldn’t even see in the ending as real.

I did enjoy the story mostly, but I was disappointed in the holes and doubts the characters' personalities created. I think it should be tweaked and revised to bring the reader into the story to root for and hope for their great moves to successful growth, not just happiness because of others. I felt as if the character couldn’t have accomplished this on her own; she needed the perfect Ash to get her there. It was a dependent resolution, and that was unfortunate. The writing, overall, was good, though, so I still gave it 4 stars out of 5.

The Siege of Baradesh By Brad Stucki, A Book Review

 

A story to learn from and a delight to read. The book is well-written, well-versed, and told in a way that keeps you reading and your mind engaged with many thought-provoking ideas.

Reading the author’s notes at the end gripped me, making the story even more stunningly important. This book tells a story, a lesson we all should heed, learn, and practice. What a different society and culture we would have today if we had and did heed the lessons of the story.

Caleb, the heir, is not only brave and intelligent, but he also absorbed the knowledge given and utilized the keys to wisdom that Silas, his guardian, taught him. Recognizing the tragedies of the past is one thing, but creating a better future with wisdom is quite another. This story is not only entertaining, it is also a valuable lesson for everyone to learn, and hopefully, wisely, enact.

This is a timeless tale that everyone should read, and all will thoroughly enjoy.

Winter Star in the Scottish Highlands Book 2, By Lizzie Lamb, A Book Review

 Lizzie Lamb is an author who never disappoints. Another ‘hit it out of the park’ book that you enjoy too much to put down. This is the second book in this series; the first one is ‘Dark Highland Skies’. At the end of this book, Lizzie says Tor and Halley are her two favorite characters, and she’s not ready to let them go yet. I don’t want her to let them go yet either, but there are only these two books in the series, so…I will have to deal with that.

The writing is so involved, showing intrigue, passion, truths, deceit, and even contrition, giving the characters depth and relevance on each page. I can’t get enough of her novels, so I am sure you will see another review of another one of her books soon. If you read one, you will read another. Enjoy.

My Darling Bride (The Darlings, #1) By Ilsa Madden-Mills, A Book Review

 

What a fun read. The story was a pleasure to dive into and enticing without fail, page after page. The pace was constant, void of boring pauses, and the characters were lovable. That keeps you reading even if the story is not very good. Thankfully, it was a great story and entertaining.

There is some explicit sex, but not the whole book, for those who don’t read explicit romances. The characters shine in Lisa’s writing, leaving you with a sense that you really know them in real life. There are funny parts I had to laugh out loud at, and even exasperating parts that actually felt real, meaning my friends or I would have done that sort of thing.

A lot of romance novels are predictable and tried-and-true, with nothing new or fun. This book hits the mark; I would recommend it to everyone who likes romances. You will enjoy the story Lisa weaves.

Awakening, Book 2 of TheFortress Series By Lisa M. James, A Book Review

The second book was well worth the time to read. The pace was good with no downtime to let my mind wander. The ending was also great, and answered the many questions from the first book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The score is settled for Isaac and Kiatra, with their love on display for everyone to see. It was a story not lost in the weeds of deception as the two braved the turbulence of power and greed in their lives, fighting for justice and peace with love as the hidden truth. They both want to be secure, safe in their place in life, and free to love and enjoy the normal life easily afforded to others. Getting the courage to show their truth of love and hope was a long, hard road, but they did get there, and it was a breath-expelling moment of relief. They made it, and while they are all the better for it, it also soothes your soul.

If you read the first book, you can’t miss this second one. It completes the circle of questions with answers. There is a large leap from a depth of despair to a love from which the true heart and soul of faith resides. It’s a great story with an ending that calms the emotional heart-wrenching events, to a comforting and soothing peace and contentment.

 

The Riddle of Prague By Laura DeBruce, A Book Review

A story like the scavenger hunt game, with a riddle to solve and the discovery of whom to trust. It is a non-stop, moving story with questions galore, wondering who is who in the big picture, and how it will all end.

I did enjoy the story and kept turning the pages to find out what would happen next, and I was not disappointed. There were many characters, but they were essential to the story and all its twists and turns.

I don’t want to give anything away about the story and possibly ruin your fun of guessing and discovery. So, suffice it to say, this was fun to read, and I would read the sequel. 

Premonition The Fortress, #1 By Lisa M James, A Book Review

 

Premonition is just that, a sight of the future that one young man could see. It is a great story, without dead zones, waiting for the story to move forward. That made the story easy to read, quickly.

The characters stayed true to their initial depiction, evolving a little, but still staying true to their core being. So you knew what to expect of them, and wanted to emotionally coax them to ‘get it together’ sometimes, too. The pace and details were involving and entertaining. There were some scenes that I didn’t like, or maybe prefer is a better word, but they seemed to be needed for historical relevance.

Isaac was tormented by his gift and lived life hiding it. He also suffered family issues because of it. Kiatra was a priestess, set on discovering all Isaac’s secrets while ruling the kingdom without appearing weak or showing favoritism toward Isaac.

I really enjoyed the story. It was different, well-paced to keep me reading, and written to draw you in and keep you there. I liked it so much, I just bought the sequel, so I can find out what happens next. If you want a good, fun, engaging read, get this book.