Currently reading
The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook: Wickedly Good Meals and Desserts to Die For
Death of a Salesman
Conscripts: The First Book of The Off World Trilogy
Vivian Versus The Apocalypse
Hitler's First Victims: The Beginning of the Holocaust and One Man's Fight to End It
Charlie Chaplin
Storm
The last book in the series made us wonder about Erin's loyalty plus her illness really threw a wrench in things. Lily is gone and Eddie has been captured. That's about where we begin in Storm. If you haven't read the two previous books, you could probably pick this one up and not be very lost because of how the back story is woven throughout. This is really a nice addition for those like me who have been away from the series for a bit.As the story unfolds, we discover one surprise after another - some predictable and some not. What will Logan do about Lily? Has he written her off? And then there's Eddie... Will he survive another period with the helmet? Is Erin really on board or is she still working with DOME? And will they find the doctor in time enough to save Erin? And what about the drought? Why isn't it ending?
One page turning event after another will keep the reader entertained and guessing until the end and then even beyond as the series continues with "SPARK". Full of suspense and excitement, this series will entertain both young adults and adults alike. Personally I have really enjoyed the series so far and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book. I must see what happens with Logan and... oops - can't share any spoilers. You'll just have to read this for yourself!!!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of Thomas Nelson. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.
Domination
Please note: This is the third book in the C.H.A.O.S trilogy and really should not be read as a stand alone. Since there is not much back-story given, one will end up missing out on a lot of information that may hinder the story.Colt and his group are back together on a mission - a dangerous mission that could cost the team members their lives. This time it's serious and the Thule are wanting world domination. Can Colt stop them? With Oz expelled, Jonas with a secret, Colt's experimental blood transfusion and Pierce a difficult member, can the team survive their own problems, let alone save mankind?
Packed with page-turning action, "Domination" finishes the trilogy nicely, yet at the same time leaves a opening for another story! This story is full of alien fighting, some stunning reveals and tragedy, making it worth the wait.
Throughout the story, the main character, Colt, talks about his faith and knows that God will never leave him. It seems a bit odd at times, especially when they are at war, but then again, what better place to be to rely on God?
This story is mostly geared towards male teens with all the war and fighting. However, with Danielle and Lily involved, this may also appeal to teen girls who enjoy science fiction or action-packed stories.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of Thomas Nelson. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.
Frost
I thought I would sit down and read a couple of chapters this morning, but instead I found myself so captivated with "Frost" that I ended up reading the whole book today. What a read it was! From the strong and likable main character, Lia, to the unusual stranger that makes Lia look at things differently. What exactly is true and who to trust?
This book kept me on edge and had me captivated from beginning to end. I had no idea where it was going or who to trust and the end caught me totally off guard! I can't wait for the next book in the series so I can find out what happens to Lia and her choices.
Great young adult book that will appeal to adults that like fantasy with some mystery intertwined!
The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D.
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. The premises sounded captivating: A woman leaves her journals to her best friend instead of her husband and children. What secrets are there that she would never want them to know?Sadly, the book was a complete bore. Yes, things were revealed, but I honestly didn't feel any type of connection with anyone and even after pages and pages of information, I really got nothing out of it.
I imagine this would be an ok book for a book club as everyone could sit and debate the issues brought up, but why bother? Life is to short to read and discuss mediocre books.
Sorry - I can't recommend this one.
A Man of His Own
This heartwarming and at times heart-wrenching story centers around 3 people and a dog during the time of WWII. The war takes a toll on all 4 of them and each tells from his/her point of view making this one book that is absolutely impossible to put down. Guaranteed to keep you turning the pages, there will be things you just don't see coming and things that you know will but might not want them to.Susan Wilson writes a fantastic story and is an author that I must read more of. She has an amazing and spellbinding way with her storytelling that should keep any reader young or old satisfied until the end.
This memorable story comes highly recommended!
Goodbye to Yesterday
I so enjoy reading Amish fiction and usually enjoy Wanda Brunstetter's stories. Unfortunately, I'm not sure why I didn't love this first part, but I found myself not connecting with the characters and found myself not really involved. Maybe it's because the story was too short and I needed more time to connect, but as it stands now, I'm not really caring if I continue the series or not.The story ended in a cliff-hanger (as all serials do), but I felt like it was too predictable, that Meredith whined too much and I found it to be annoying. Will I read the next? Only time will tell at this point.
Don't let my frustrations sway you. Pick up an e-copy at your local library and judge for yourself.
Martyr's Fire: Book 3 in the Merlin's Immortals series
In Book 3, we find Thomas had to abandon the throne and is now a wanted man. He is still struggling with trying to decide who can be trusted, especially after all that happened in Magnus. As he travels and tries to find answers, he comes across some fantastic characters, finds old "friends" and learns more about both the Druids and the Immortals.As with the first two books, this was a page-turner for me. Diving into the world of mystery, confusion and evil, I wanted to find out about things as much as Thomas did. There were a few surprises and one additional hero was introduced that made me smile. An old favorite has returned and some heartache surfaces as things go wrong.
Sigmund Brouwer is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine, and not just because of this series. He's written numerous books and has an amazing gift of storytelling. Make sure to add this series to your list of must reads. You won't be disappointed!!!!
Ain't No Sunshine
I've sat and tried to figure out my feelings towards this book. I've flopped between a 4 and a 5 star rating and decided on 5 because of all the emotions it instilled in me. I was certainly involved with the characters and their family. I hated the father, loved the older brother,Matthew, and neighbor girl, Ruthie, and was very involved with Stephen. With the story line being centered around abusive home life, I had so many ups and downs and was certainly wanting to change things for everyone. At times I hated the book and didn't want to read it because of the abuse, but still NEEDED to because I wanted to know how everything turned out in the end. This was truly a love-hate relationship for me. I'm still stunned by the ending and all the twists that happened before. What a ride!
Uncommon Grounds
A fun yet somewhat predictable cozy mystery. This is a great start to the Maggy Thorsen Mystery series. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
Capital Girls
A good start to a new young adult series, "Capital Girls" brings to life the world of Washington, DC. The world that most think as glamorous, is shown here as being a life of money and feigned happiness - one where you do what you have to if you want to succeed and survive.Jackie Whitman is considered DC's It Girl. She's beautiful, smart, and is dating the President's son, Andrew. With all the pressures of just being a teen, Jackie finds herself in a very difficult situation and when she tries to handle it alone, she finds all does not go as it should. Jackie is an interesting character that one can feel for. Her friends, though, I'm not so sure about (besides Lettie).
I found the book to be a bit slow in the beginning as I was looking for the point of the whole story. As it continued, I got drawn in. The story was a bit predictable, but still a decent read. I'm quite looking forward to the next book in the series: "Secrets and Lies"!
Pleas note: This book contains adult situations, language, underage drinking and drug usage.
The Boleyn King
An absolutely fascinating read that kept me captivated from beginning to end! To imagine what would have happened if Anne Boleyn's child would have survived, makes this book's premises unusual and interesting, but the real hook is the voice that the author gives to each of the characters. She creates real people and creates convincing events! I kept having to remind myself that William wasn't real.I'm amazed that this is Andersen's first novel, as she has produced a story that I would have expected from a much more seasoned author. I cannot wait to see what her next offering will bring!
If you enjoy historical fiction, novels about the fascinating lives of the Kings and Queens of England, or just a great story, you should like "The Boleyn King"! This novel comes highly recommended!
I received this novel as a First-Reads win.
Catering to Nobody
The first in the Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery series, "Catering to Nobody" starts off with a death, a suicide to be exact - or is it? Then an incident happens that ends up shutting down Goldy Bear's business until things are straightened out, but Goldy isn't waiting around for the police - she needs that income, and fast!Full of red herrings, humor, a horrible ex-husband, and interesting characters,(as well as delicious looking recipes!) this is a great start to what appears to be a promising series. I'm looking forward to picking up the next book, "Dying for Chocolate".
Resuscitation
"Resuscitation" is a great "keep you on the edge of your seat" thriller that will make you second guess the need to visit your doctor. This is the second book of the Sami Rizzo series and it is strongly recommended to read the first book "They Never Die Quietly". Picking up two years later, this book jumps right in. There are many references to what happened in the first story and one needs to know what happened to appreciate Sami's situation.
Chanel Bonfire
Although a biography, this amazing story has the readability of a novel. It flows well and the story told is totally captivating. Told from Wendy's (Georganne's daughter) point of view, one can only gasp at the horrors being told, and told from a seemingly detached point of view that some would fault. However, that point of view gives the story a more realistic punch, because those that have faced such heartbreaking trials as Wendy did, have formed those protective walls of detachment and allow them to recall painful details with a shocking forthrightness without any real emotion.This book certainly grabs the reader and will leave a haunting impression that won't soon be forgotten. Chanel Bonfire is a must read for fans of books like "Mommie Dearest" or anyone that enjoys biographies/non-fiction about abusive families.
Mirrors
I'm still not sure how I feel about the marketing ploy for this eBook series, but since "Mirrors" was on sale for 99 cents, I HAD to pick it up to see what happened after Book 1! It certainly didn't disappoint and with its length, I finished it in one sitting.Dekker has a way with keeping on guessing, and in "Mirrors" I just can't figure out how things are going to turn out for Christy and Austin, but right now I'm really terrified...
Now, just to decide if I want to purchase the next eBook (Unseen (Eyes Wide Open, Book 3)) and have it now, or just buy the physical book that contains all 4 parts (Eyes Wide Open) and add it to my growing Ted Dekker collection. After finishing "Mirrors", I just might do both!
The Cornerstone
I was excited to win this novel from Goodreads, as the story line sounded like it would make the kind of book I'd love to cozy up with (with lots of lights on) on a good stormy night. Unfortunately, I found it to be a slow read for me, as no matter how much I wanted to like the book, I couldn't get "into" it nor find a connection with the characters. I found the story to be confusing at times, and try as I might, I really wasn't caring much about the characters or what happened to them. All I found myself wanting to do was get to the end to see what happened. I was a bit disappointed with how abruptly the story ended, and felt somewhat let down.
