Showing posts with label Clean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clean. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

The Bridge By Karen Kingsbury

The Bridge
By Karen Kingsbury

For thirty years Charlie and Donna Barton have run The Bridge a book store in Tennessee, not only do they sell books but through the years have touched the lives of many people around them. This includes Molly Allen and Ryan Kelly who met in college and would use The Bridge as their own secret hideout. Years later Molly and Ryan have drifted apart and The Bridge has been hit by hard times after a devastating flood. Now Molly and Ryan are reunited to save their beloved bookstore and maybe work through the hurt of their pasts.






Karen Kingsbury has now made it onto my “Evil Evil Authors” list, I think I cried throughout three fourths of this novella so I definitely recommend grabbing a box of tissues to have by your side as Karen Kingsbury is a master at playing with your heart strings. This was such a beautiful novel of how the smallest thing can truly change a person’s life forever. Each person has a story and Charlie has become a part of that by showing a simple act of kindness to those around him. Karen Kingsbury manages to incorporate so much in such a short book not only Molly and Ryan’s story but also Charlie and Donna and even glimpses into the lives of the many people who were affected by the bookstore. I absolutely loved this book it’s just a simple yet beautiful Christian romance yet the story will stay with you.
Heather


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Monday, November 5, 2012

Erroneous Talibani By Richard Asner Review


Erroneous Talibani
By Richard Asner

Greg Damet was recently recruited by the CIA, all he knows is that he must learn Farsi and learn some interrogation techniques. While he is in training he meets Jacquie and the two soon hit it off. On his first mission to Afghanistan Greg’s plane is shot down, leading him into a struggle just to survive.



In the footsteps of all great spy novels this book has it all, romance, intrigue, espionage, and tons of action. Greg Damet isn’t your usual spy, who is perfect in every way possible, he is much more relatable so in the end you can imagine yourself right by his side as he is beaten and he determinedly works his way back to the United States. Each moment you are captured in this struggle and have your fingers crossed that he will succeed. Richard Asner has turned out to be a phenomenal author not only bringing to life fascinating characters but also creating scenes that will surely keep you entertained. The only thing I have to point out about this book is that it is a bit dated; I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when Osama Bin Laden was brought into the picture. But then this just makes the novel so much more relatable because you know precisely who the author is talking about.

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Souled By Diana Murdock Review


Souled
By Diana Murdock

Seth is completely head over heels in love with his girlfriend, Dani, he would do anything for her and to keep her. So when he comes across an ad proclaiming a soul for sale that would give him more control over his life he reluctantly jumps at the opportunity, even if it turns out to be a hoax he would only be out one dollar. But then the ad turns out to be true and he finds himself with more than he bargained for.
Souled 
I am always interested in a paranormal romance that is unique; this one is one of those occasions. The first half of the novel is written completely in Seth’s perspective as he becomes the host to another soul that soon begins to become more frightening. The second half of this novel is written from Dani’s perspective as she fights to save the one she loves. I have yet to come across another book like this where it is broken down into the different perspectives, it makes the novel truly original and interesting yet when we come to Dani’s side of the story it feels odd because we do not know her side personally by the time we get to it.  But the biggest problem I had with this book was that it was highly anti climatic, the author starts off with an amazing action scene that abruptly halts and the conclusion is settled by the click of a mouse, I think if she had gone back to Seth’s perspective in this instance it may have turned out much better but in the end it was a complete let down.

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Wednesday, June 13, 2012

The Gatekeeper by Jason D. Morrow Review


The Gatekeeper
Book Two of The Marenon Chronicles
By Jason D. Morrow

We return to Marenon in the midst of the war between the Stuhocs and the citizens of Marenon. Silas Ainsley is searching for the gatekeeper in hopes of finding out more of the prophecy that has led to him being the chosen one and find out what exactly he is supposed to be the deliverer of. While this is happening Nalani, a member of the Dunarians, is trying to retrieve the orange pendant from the Nestorians and newly appointed King Jullian Hobbes investigates the corruption within the Dunarians. With all that is happening each character goes through their own individual struggles some more so than others but in the end will what they face bring them any closer to being able to defeat the Stuhocs once and for all?

So much happened in this book I don’t think I did it justice in my brief synopsis. In this book we travel to new places within Marenon and we watch as Silas falls in love, insert girly sigh here. This was definitely a great continuation of the previous book but if you haven’t read the first one you may want to go back and familiarize yourself with the players thus far, the story is very intricate and so far has been a fantastic fantasy series. I loved the progression of Jullian after the death of his brother in the last book I honestly didn’t expect what happened to him and I found it quite entertaining to read, of course I can’t tell you more than that otherwise it would spoil it so I suggest you read it and find out!

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Saturday, May 26, 2012

When, At Last, He Found Me by Adrianna Stepiano Review


When, At Last, He Found Me
Memoir of a Mermaid Book One
By Adrianna Stepiano

All Seraphin wants to do is make it through graduation and get the keys to her family home, after the death of her father Seraphin has been troubled by visions and randomly blacks which has led her to become an outcast. But after graduation she realizes that the black outs are only the tip of the ice berg where her life is concerned and when a mysterious man comes into her life she realizes she has been lied to her entire life. As she is tossed into an unexpected world she must come to terms with who she really is and find out who she can and cannot trust.

Adrianna Stepiano did a wonderful job in bringing to life the mythical world of mermaids, she managed to take a classic tale and bring it into a whole new dimension. Seraphin is a strong willed character unlike a lot of the young adult female characters who are coming to terms with themselves and growing up within the pages of a book and her love interest is arrogant and stubborn but when you combine the two they blend perfectly. In this story Seraphin turns out to be a guardian amongst mermaids and if this is not enough of a plot for you the author throws in one of the best fight scenes imaginable, as I read this book I kept thinking there is no way the author will be able to top this novel until she drops a bomb at the end that is sure to bring you back for more. This was definitely a great book and I look forward to reading more of the series.

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Saturday, May 12, 2012

The Fate of the Muse by Derrolyn Anderson Review


The Fate of the Muse
Marina’s Tales Book Three
By Derrolyn Anderson

Marina has begun to believe the people who were after her and kidnapped her have given up; all she has to worry about now is her visit with the Muse Council. Now that she knows what she truly is she must also come to terms with her new powers, since she is the only one of her kind that is not as easy as it may seem. It seems her influence on people is so strong that the people around her start to do and become incredible things, the love of her life Ethan is even working himself ragged and she starts to doubt his feelings for her and wonders if this is a side effect from her powers or if he truly loves her.

Once again Derrolyn Anderson has written a wonderful book, this one may not have been as good as the previous two but it was still an interesting read as more of the main plot thickens.  I have always loved the way the author brings to life each of the side characters and with this book and the end of the previous book we realize they are essential to the main character in so many ways. This novel is fluid and well written with such descriptive and interesting scenes from fashion shows in Paris to Surfing in Hawaii Derrolyn Anderson did a wonderful job of bringing the places to life. I admire the way Derrolyn Anderson has written three books that flow seamlessly together and I can’t wait to read the fourth book.


Monday, May 7, 2012

Quest One: The Golden Scarab by S.W. Lothian Review


Quest One:
The Golden Scarab
By S.W. Lothian

Twelve year old JJ Sterling has been enlisted by Horus to retrieve the Golden Scarab for him so he may be able to defeat his evil brother Seth. Thrust back in time to Ancient Egypt JJ must travel through a dangerous tomb and dodge Seth’s minions at every turn. Will JJ be able to complete his mission and return back to modern day London in one piece?

This was a great “Early Young Adult” novel. The author did a wonderful job in brining Egyptian mythology to life and weaving it into a story that is fascinating and full of action and adventure. Even if you don’t know much about the Egyptian Gods S.W. Lothian does a fantastic job in explaining them without losing the readers interest. As soon as JJ and his best friend travel back to Ancient Egypt this book turns into nonstop action keeping you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. The book is only about two hundred pages long, which is perfect for young readers or those who are just beginning.

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Saturday, May 5, 2012

The Moon and The Tide by Derrolyn Anderson Review


The Moon and the Tide
Marina’s Tales Book Two
By Derrolyn Anderson


The mermaids are scared someone is hunting them and one of their sisters has gone missing. Meanwhile on land Marina is coming to learn more and more of the people she is surrounded by and secrets that have been kept from her, her entire life come to light. Soon though a terrible accident causes her own secret to be revealed and she is caught in a dangerous world that will take every ounce of her strength to survive.

If it is possible this book was better than the first, we learn more about Aunt Evie and it isn’t quite what you would expect. Also Marina soon finds out love is a lot harder than it seems in fairytales and we go through a growth process as she and Ethan learn to cope with the progression of their relationship and Marina uncovers more of her own past. This is a great young adult book and Derrolyn Anderson has once again done a remarkable job intertwining several stories into one beautiful and thrilling novel. This book is a brilliant blend of suspense, romance, and fantasy. As this story progresses the more it draws you in leaving you eager to find out what happens next.

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Thursday, May 3, 2012

Exiled by J.R. Wagner Advanced Review


Exiled
By J.R. Wagner

James has been falsely accused of a murder he did not commit and exiled to The Never. Though James is the Anointed One, a powerful sorcerer who will bring about the end of the Epoch Terminus a war between the Faithful, those who believe in magic, and the Unfaithful, those who do not, in The Never James does not have any powers in this strange land where even the plants are dangerous. Along the way he meets a woman who shows him how to find water that makes him feel stronger and introduces him to her village where they have been awaiting him to save them all.

The main story line of this book is very interesting but it’s the secondary story line that became quite irritating. The Secondary story line is a mass of events that took place after James was discovered to be the Anointed One and mainly involves James’ mother the irritating part is that they have no flow to them for instance in one chapter his mother is visiting the seer and roughly a hundred pages later it is his mother and father on their way to the seer.  This notwithstanding it could definitely use a bit more editing there are several places where the he is confused with she and vice versa, this would not be so bad but when there are both male and female in the scene it makes it confusing. I would like to see what happens next, this book just ended abruptly I think to get the reader to check out the next book, all in all it’s not a terrible book the main story line is actually quite enthralling just be sure to pay attention to the dates on the secondary one!

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Wednesday, May 2, 2012

The Wrong Stuff by M T McGuire Review


The Wrong Stuff
K’Barthan Trilogy Book Two
By M T McGuire

The Pan of Hamgee is back and as cowardly as ever but this time we travel from K’Barth to modern day London as The Pan is trying to rescue Ruth from the Grongles. We also follow along with the continuing story of trying to find the true Architrave as Deirdre sets herself up for the Resistance to try to deceive the populace that she comes from humble beginnings by working in the castle’s laundry, As Lord Vernon searches for The Chosen One to become his bride so he too can pretend to be the rightful Architrave, all the while the true chosen one has yet to realize who he actually is. As Ruth and The Pan become close and begin to fall in love the story becomes interwoven and immensely beautiful.

M T McGuire once again brings to life a fun a hilarious novel. This novel picks up right where the first book left off and I laughed so hard since The Pan was only able to say “I’m a little teapot” to Ruth when he first meets her! I have no idea how M T McGuire comes up with these things but combining his wickedly funny imagination and a fantastic writing style the book comes to life. Not only is this book funny it also has a lot of action and adventure and even romance I am sure this book will please anyone who wants to read it. So far this series has definitely been highly entertaining I can’t wait for the third book to come out.

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Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Neophyte by Emmalee Aple Review


Neophyte
By Emmalee Aple

Addisyn White died two years ago, but three days after her death she was reborn as an angel. Not a full-fledged angel it will take her five years to become one, she is still mostly human and must still go through training with her Link five other angels who will protect her and teach her. There is Hunter her companion in this new life that can read her thoughts and will always share a special connection with and then there is Greysan, handsome and kind and the love of her life. When Addisyn is sleeping on the porch and her Link has left to run an errand a fallen angel stumbles upon her leading to Addisyn being in the greatest danger of her life, and this is just the beginning.

This is an interesting book full of romance and intrigue, the author has taken a new look at angels and most of them are just like all of us. Emmalee Aple creates an intricate and unique world where angels are born or created when a person dies protecting someone else, with elders and companions it is certainly an interesting perspective and then the author brings a beautiful romance to all of this that makes the book worth the read. Though I still have one major question why is Addisyn so important? I am hoping this will be answered in the next book. The only problem I found with this book is that it needs to be edited as it is right now it is riddled with grammatical mistakes but even though this is an issue, Emmalee Aple’s writing is actually quite remarkable.

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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Wraith's Forest by L.J. Leger Review


Wraith’s Forest
By L.J. Leger

Every twenty-five years a group of young women are chosen to harvest the Tree of Providence, this time as a young woman, Jenna, is harvesting she holds resentment in her heart  for having been selected in doing so she has condemned the harvest which in turn can cause famine and death to the rest of the villagers. There is only one way to heal the fruit, she must appeal to the Wraith who stalks the forest around the village if she can persuade him to let her have his magical blade she will be able to undo what has been done. The Wraith agrees on one condition, she must spend a week with him.

L.J. Leger does a wonderful job in her retelling of Beauty and the Beast, I only wish it was a full novel I want more of this story! Even though it is roughly fifty pages the author manages to pull us into the story and brings the story to life with the descriptions of the house in which the wraith lives and even the description of Jenna but I wish she had gone into more details of what the wraith looked like under his cloak and why the villagers had gone insane from their encounters with him. All in all it is an interesting short story.

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Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Witchy, Witchy by Penelope King Review


Witchy, Witchy
By Penelope King

Calista is not your ordinary teenage girl; she has always been blessed with special gifts, like opening her curtains with the flick of her finger. Though she had no idea just how special she was until her and her father move to Crystal Cove Estates in Southern California, there she finds out that she was actually born a witch, and the lady of the house who has hired her father to be her new caretaker is actually none other than her own grandmother, Ana. Not only does Calista have to start a new school and deal with the local bully she must also be on guard against a group of people who had been cursed with an insatiable need to kill witches, witch-hunters. Thus begins Calista’s new life and to make matters more interesting she has been having dreams of a guy she met on the beach her first day there, making her feel like a love sick child, but there is more to these dreams than even she realizes.

So much happened in this first book I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to do it justice. I loved how Penelope King explained her version of witches; it was very unique and intriguing, that when the world began normal human being could not survive so the Gods created a special group of kind hearted people who were blessed with powers of the lesser Gods. Penelope King was able to write a beautiful love story, but also a story about a young woman finding out about herself and for the first time in her life actually having friends that are as close to her as family. The only thing I wanted more of from this book was the story of her mother but I am hoping that, that story is more intertwined within the next books. I definitely can’t wait to read the next book this one was left on such a cliffhanger I am almost itching to know what happens next.

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Monday, April 16, 2012

The Deliverer by Jason D. Morrow Review


The Deliverer
By Jason D. Morrow

What if death was only the beginning of your story? That is where we find Silas Ainsley, he is being hunted down by creatures and the only way to save him his protector stabs him through the heart. Silas is then transported to Marenon where anyone who has died prematurely is taken to keep living, “life after life.” Once Silas is there it turns out to just be the beginning of his story that he had actually been born there and it was prophesied that he would be the deliverer, of what we do not know.

For years people have debated on what happens after we die and Jason D. Morrow has come up with a very interesting answer, we keep living in a separate world full of magic and strange creatures. Though this book was interesting and Jason D. Morrow jumps right into the story submerging you completely, it does need some more editing. All in all it was entertaining, leaving you wanting more and ready to read the next book to see if Silas can fulfill his destiny.

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Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Between the Land and the Sea by Derrolyn Anderson Review


Between the Land and the Sea
By Derrolyn Anderson

Marina’s father is leaving for Afghanistan too do research on agriculture but since it is not safe for his teenage daughter he sends Marina to a small California coastal town to live with her aunt and her cousin.  Shortly after she arrives she is swept into the ocean and rescued by what turn out to be her other aunt, a mermaid. Once Marina finds out that her mother who had died giving birth turn her had been an actual mermaid never having attended school before seems the least of her problems.
This is a very unique book a half-mermaid girl is being lured to the ocean, what may seem innocent turns out to be sinister with nightmare prophetic dreams that have her walking in her sleep towards the ocean. I may be biased mermaids have always been my favorite mythological creatures, but Derrolyn Anderson did a fantastic job with this book she was so wonderfully descriptive there was one scene in particular were Marina had stepped on glass that I cringed with phantom pains of my own. I also enjoyed the other characters she was able to put enough background to them that they all could have their own stories but not so much to take the focus away from the main plot and Marina. Definitely worth the read and I can’t wait to read The Moon and The Tide book two of Marina’s Tales.

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Saturday, March 31, 2012

A Marked Past by Lesle Deaton Review


A Marked Past
By Leslie Deaton

After Lyla’s father dies in a freak accident her mother moves them to her father’s family home in Salem. Shortly after arriving Lyla’s uncle notices a mark on her neck in the shape of a crescent moon, he tells her that this mark means she will be a goddess among their people, witches. After, he tells Lyla about his family’s history beginning with the Salem witch trials and how they had all been murdered by the same man who is now out to kill Lyla and the rest of her family, dragging her into a four hundred year old battle. All while trying to make it through a new high school and falling in love.
Once I started reading this book I didn’t want to put it down it has fantasy, drama, action, and romance. From watching the relationship between Lyla and her newly discovered cousin Hana form into something akin to sisters or watching her fall madly in love with Caleb the Preacher’s adopted son, the interweaving relationships will keep you involved. If that is not enough for you, you still have a centuries old raving lunatic to deal with. I can’t wait until I am able to read the next book.

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Monday, March 26, 2012

You are getting sleepy...

Hey guys! Just a short update, I had a crazy day at the doctors today so I didn't get much reading done, I will hopefully have a review of Game of Thrones up tomorrow. So far it is pretty intriguing, I mainly started reading it because I had seen a couple episodes of the show, and well after the first episode I decided I had to read the book.  Well I am off to cuddle on the couch with my Hubby and watch some Monk! Night Guys!


Friday, March 23, 2012

Grave Morality by JC Finch Review


Grave Morality
By JC Finch

A person of un-known origin who only goes by the name RJ is manipulating people into “repenting” for their sins by killing their coworkers, otherwise the secrets of the sins they have committed will be revealed and their lives ruined. RJ sends them a package and various instructions, inside the package there is evidence of their co-workers corruption, their sins are nothing compared to their coworkers, or so they justify themselves.  Ron Persey and George Hart, two young men who were greatly affected by the murders that have taken place decide to find out who the killer is, taking us on a journey of murder and intrigue.

I truly enjoyed this book, maybe I am warped but the way these people were murdered was ingenious. The “killer” is never actually present for any of it, they just pulls the puppet’s strings, letting someone else pull the trigger.  There were enough plot twists to keep you interested but not too many as to lose you completely, the characters where engaging, the story itself draws you in and will not release you until you are finally at the end.  There really isn’t much I can say without giving the book away and I wouldn’t want to ruin your fun. What I can say is be sure to have tissues available! 

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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern


The Night Circus
By Erin Morgenstern

This is the story of Le Cirque des Rêves the circus that arrives without warning and is only open at night. We are taken back to the very beginning and how it was created to be the stage for an epic game of magic between Celia Bowen and Marco Alisdair. Both are chosen as children to be the competitors, training from an early age to participate. The game is simple one out does the other with the use of magic, as the story progresses so does the circus each one adding a bit more to it until it is completely something of wonder. The more the characters play the closer they become until ultimately they fall in love with one another, but only one of them can win this game.


This is my first review on an audio book. My first welcome surprise was that it was read by Jim Dale, if you do not know who this is; he is the one who read the Harry Potter audio books. Jim Dale has an amazing way of bringing the characters to life and in this book with so many main characters and elaborate details it was definitely fun to listen to. In this book the details about the circus are so vivid you feel as if you are there and if you do not then you want to see it for yourself; I wouldn’t be surprised to see this one made into a movie.   The story was complex spanning several years and encompassing many different characters into the plot, the author managed to pull it together beautifully. From the love that develops between Celia and Marco to just watching the twins, Poppit and Widget grow along with the circus, I am sure you will continue to be entertained.


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Monday, March 19, 2012

Keeper of My Heart by Darcy Flynn


Keeper of my Heart
By Darcy Flynn
 
Set around a beautiful old lighthouse, we are introduced to strong-willed and opinionated Katie McCullough who has spent the last two years restoring our scene.  She hopes to one day buy it for herself and her “Pops.”   Just as she tastes the fruits of her determination, as her uncontested bid is to be announced, fate sucker punches her and when it turns an unknown thief has swooped in the last minutes to steal her light house.  Max Sawyer, a former naval officer now a developer,  makes his mark by transforming historic places into lavishly exclusive spas has come back to ask Katie for forgiveness for a past indiscretion.  Realizing Max was her thief Kate rages a hilarious war. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it was light and fun.  Darcy Flynn did an amazing job describing her scenes, though I wish there had been more to a few of the scenes themselves.   That notwithstanding, for being a shorter book I couldn’t put it down.  I loved the romance between Max and Katie with kisses and simple affection, rather than the reliance upon more carnal scenes found in most romance novels.


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