Kennedy Debutante by Kerri Maher

Not much is known about this sibling of Kennedy Clan. Her name's Kathleen Kennedy who insisted on her name "Kick".  This is a fictionalized account of her life.  This novel starts in 1938 until 1944 in London and NYC due to the fact her father was an appointed Ambassador. 

I wanted to learn more about her despite of her short life since she wasn't as famous as her siblings like Jack and John.  The story tells of loyalty, family,  high society, love, and religion. However, the first part of the book just dragged on with the detailss of the parties and trips. It's a meticulous detailed historical novel which I know many of you would enjoy.  Don't get me wrong, I'm a major history nerd! I just felt Kerri Maher's writing lacked emotional depth is what I'm trying to get at.  I couldn't connect well with the characters in the book as I had hoped at the begining. 

However, the second half improved to help me read further along.  At the end, my heart ached for Kick..

This book was not for me but I'm sure it would for others.  I'll give it a 3.5 stars. Since this is the writer's debut book, I'm going to give her next novel a try.

I won this ARC from Penguin Random House through First to Read for exchange for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you!

Virgil Wander by Leif Enger

Where do I begin?

How do I began?

I finished this book couple weeks ago. I thoroughly enjoyed it.  The story still stayed with me up to today. But....how do I put this into words?  How do I put this eloquently without boring anyone?  If I try to put this on papers, my trashcan would be overflowing with crumpled papers with crossed out sentences, disappointing words, and self failures.  This book is one of the few rarities which has me loss for the words to totally describe how I felt about this book.  

First of all, as I was reading this book, an oldie popped in my head,  'Small Town by John Mellencamp.  This song described this book perfectly well.

Moving on....This is a whimsical journey of a movie house owner who survived a freak car accident/drowning in icy lake, piecing together his own personal history.  Even though his memory and language impaired, he pushes on with his life with sarcasm and subtle humor. 

It isn't just all about Virgil.  It's about the community he lives in. The small town full of quirky and awkward people. The name of the Midwestern town is Greenstone.

There is a magical realism to Greenstone. There's something mystical about this small town along with loyalty, friendship, love, and redemption. What connects the town and its residents are the hope and the strangeness of all.  Ah, the redemption...the redemption...there's no further words for that.  It is enchanting novel to be embraced for years to come. I would love to read more book by this gifted storyteller in the future. It is one of the rare books which sits with you for a long time.

Now excuse me while I go and listen to the rest of the song of 'Small Town'.

I recieved this enchanting ARC from Grove Atlantic Grove Press through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased and honset review.  Thank you !

Star Wars: Lando's Luck by Justina Ireland

Imgaine my delight when I was informed that I won this book.  I'm a HUGE Star Wars fan since it first came out. I even read the books in the 90s'.  I can never get tired of them. Lando happens to be one of the mysterious characters.  I've always wondered about his past.  I orginally thought I'd get some of the gist of his past and how he became the man he is.  Unfortunately that didn't happened. But.....there a piece of his past which is told by a woman.  

The illustrations were wonderfully and tastefully done on the cover and inside the book. The kids will enjoy them.

This story was so fun to read. It's perfect for middle graders and all ages!  I'm older and I really enjoyed it.  I saw that there is a collection which can be collected together. 

By the way, L3 was so my favorite. She cracks me up!  

Kudos to Justina Ireland! She's done it again!  I will most definately read Solo and the other books to this collection in the future AND I will start reading more of Justina Ireland's books in the future also.

I won this ARC in print from Disney Book Group through Bookish First. Thank you!

Shadow of the Fox by Julia Kagawa

I'm so delighted with this wondrous novel. I was blown away from the beginning to the end, especially the end.  What cliffhanger!  With an ending like that made me wanted to smack the author for leaving me hanging like that!  Now, the torturous wait begins for the second book in the series.  I truly thought it was a stand alone book.

This is story of an oriental fantasty.  It's got all the yummy characters in it.  

Half kitsune/half human

Dark samurai

    Ghost

Witches

 Ronin

Prince

Oni

Dragons

Demons

 Legends

Myths

  Dragons

Monks

Temples

and

much more.

This novel is packed with variety of action, drama, humor(yes, I actually laughed out loud at some of the comments.) characters, legends, and etc.  It was woven cleverly where I wasn't even a bit bored at all. 

If someone mentions animated, I'm going to slap that someone because it deserves to be imagained as realistic fantasy.  This is one astonishing adventure I was glad to be part of and hope to do so in the second book. I thoroughly enjoyed the book even with that frustruating cliffhanger at the end!

This book deserves 4 stars.

 I recieved this beautifully written ARC from Harlequin Teen through Net Galley in exhanged for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you!

Hardknocks, Hiccups and Headstands by Ali Gardner

I'm not sure how I feel about this book. Maybe it the writing style that threw me off. It's novella for kids and early teens. The first half I enjoyed, the other half I did not enjoy.  I couldn't believe how the bad behaviors in childminder was easily being excused for mental breakdown.  The childminder planned and knew exactly what she was doing.  She was a psychopathological (if that's even a word!) woman who's intent to hurt the children. She wasn't deranged. She was dangerous. It's not okay to say oh, she had problems and had a breakdown and she didn't know what she was doing.  Any kid reading this book would get the wrong ideas.  

I cannot say anymore on this book.  I'm vastly disappointed in this book.  It didn't really help the kids reading the book how to deal with the loss of a parent, moving and etc.  It was very confusing.

I recieved this weird book from Troubador Publishing Ltd through Net Galley for exchange for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you.

The Field by Ian Dawson

WARNING: This is not for the weak heart. It's a major roller coaster ride reading this book. Enter at your own risk.

This has gotten to be one of the most intense thriller/horror I've read in a long time. This is a story of a true friendship and this is a story of a toxic so called friendship. This is the story of right and wrong. This is the story of evil and good.  This is the story of mentally stable and unstable.  This is the field of battle of those combined and who will overcome this nightmare. This is the stuff that Criminal Minds would investigate.

This book really evoked a lot of intense emotions from me. This book may or may get mixed reviews, but this book is very well written.  Whew!  What a ride!  I wouldn't be surprised if this author  becomes famous in the near future if he keeps writing more books.  This is some talented writing there.

I give this book 4 stars.  

I recieved this very intense eARC from Book Baby through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you!  

********

Update:

I recieved a lovely thank you email from Ian Dawson. He informed he's used my link for his tweet and his site TheFieldYa.com.  Of course, curiosity kills this QuirkyKat.  I went to his site.  I had no idea.  He's based this novel on his traumatic experience in 1993 when he was kidnapped and tortured for several hours before being released. He was 13 at the time.  

I don't know about you guys, but I'd get this book!  And check out his site.  Just click on the link I provided.

Kudos to Ian for having the courage to write this novel.  You got standing ovation from me.  

Solace Island by Meg Tilly

WhenI first saw this book and the name Meg Tilly, I dropped everything and looked the name up to see if it's THE Meg Tilly I was thinking of.  Sure enough, it's her!  I'm thinking this woman is of many talents. I decided to give her first novel a try.  I even signed up for it from GoodReads thinking I won't win, I'll end up getting it at Barnes & Noble when it comes out in November.   Totally forgot all about it until I opened my email announcing I won. No Way!  Out of 2,588 entries? Wow! My first win at Good Reads.

I had no problem reading this book. I could tell the multi talented had fun writing this book. I could tell that Ms. Tilly is a sucker for romance. I enjoyed the characters. It was an enjoyable read. I even laughed out loud in at several different scenes.

With those being said, I understand this is her first novel.  This novel was more romance than suspense/thriller/mystery.  As I said before, maybe she's building up her series and learning along the way.  I'm hoping her next novel will have equal balance of romance and suspense/thriller/mystery. Yes, I wil read her future novels. Why? Because she makes it fun to read. 

I won this book through GoodReads Giveaway from Penguin Random House. I'm not required in any way of shape or form to write a review but I want to. This is my unbiased and honest review.

The Secret Orphan by Glynis Peters

I did NOT want the story to end.  I was so invested in this story. I was so caught up until the last paragraph.  I even exclaimed NO!  I want more.  I want to know more when they moved.

This is truly one of the best historical novels I've read. I actually felt like I was there. I was rooting for the young heroine.  I love how she grew up quickly. I love how she took on the orpan and made her own.  I love how she fought for her.

The story starts right before the WWII and into the WWII.  The author drew me into her web and keep me there until the end.  It was hard for me to put the book down before going to work.  I came back home straight to the book to continue reading the magical tale.

I just did NOT want this wonderful story to end!   

I recieved this eARC from Harper Impulse and Killer Reads through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.  Thank you! 

Dear Santa by Nacy Naigle

 As I read along, a movie, You've Got Mail flashed in my head. I groaned because I remember how upset I was with the movie and I was NOT happy with the movie.  I did not understand why a lot of people liked it.  I didn't.  It was NOT cool how it played out.  With that being said, I was debating whether I should finish the book or not.  I did not want to get angry over something that's not worth my time.  What got me going was the heroine and the Dear Santa letters.  I LOVE her.  So, I plowed on.

I love how the lighthouse was turned into a cute store named Heart of Christmas. I love how there's a daily fact at each chapter about the town. I love the Dear Santa letters in each chapter.  

Sure the hero has a change of heart.  But I can't believe it would be in real life or even realistically ever or in a short span of time. 

With that being said, I enjoyed some parts of it and some I was very disappointed. You can blame my guarded heart and the movie, You've Got Mail.

I recieved this unrealistic eARC from St. Martin's Press through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you.

The Sea Archer by Jeny Heckman

If you're interested in different types of mythology, then you'll totally love this beautifully written novel.

This story is very immersed in mythology, romance, suspense and mystery.  At the beginning, it may be confusing at first if you're not familiar with the mythology.  You will catch on as you read on. I was fortunate enough to really follow the storyline without getting lost. I started reading mythology when I was in 5th grade in a tiny library in my school out in the country.  I loved that little library with hardly any light from the windows, the bookshelves were from the ceiling to the floor.( I think they did. I was a little girl!) I would sit on one of the step stool and start reading. Okay, back to the book.  As you read on, the story will flow.

The mythology and fantasy combined, were extraordinarily woven together with the present, the past, the suspense, romance and the thrill of a mystery without being a hot mess.

. 

The day I started reading it, I did not want to put it down, but I was so exhausted, my nook fell on face and stayed there til I woke up, but I went right back reading it. It's just that good. The ending ended with a BANG!  I LOVED it!  I cannot wait for the 2nd book to come out.

  I recieved this wonderful eARC from Wild Rose Press Inc through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you!

Putting the Science Back in Fiction

When I first read the excerpt of this book, I was expecting this to be boring, dull, monotone.  I was wrong!  I was quite suprised! Pleasantly surprised which I wanted to read more, so I signed up for the drawing of this book and I won!  Thank you, Bookish First!  

By the way, while I read the first couple of chapter, Sheldon and Penny from The Big Bang Theory television series popped in my head. I can actually see Sheldon handing Penny this book for her to learn about science and writing!  I had to chuckle at my visualization.

When the book arrived, I was pleased to see a beautiful big big book with 260 or so pages.  It easy to read.  Very enjoyable and entertaining. I even laughed out couple of times.  I'm really tempted to write a sci fi novel myself!

If you're truly interested in writing a good science fiction novel and need help in some or all aspect of ideas, this is the book for you.   It basically covers everything from hospitals, labs, microbiology, brains, earth, Skynet, computers, researches, ocean, planets, astronomy, space, and much, much more.  This book would be an excellent tool to add to your other tools for writing your own science fiction novel. Take advantage of it.  You won't regret it.

I won this excellent entertaining ARC from Writers' Digest Books though Bookish First. Thanks you!

The Darkest Star by Jennifer L. Armentrout

First of all, I did not know there's a Lux series before this novel. Now, that I've finished this book, I really do want to read the Lux series. This book made an excellent stand alone novel.  

It was supposed to be a romance novel but it didn't come across  like that to me at all.  There is a little bit of romance.

This about your typical 17 year old girl's world started changing the moment she stepped in the night club illegally after sneaking out of her house with her friends.

There was never a dull moment in the book. Plot after plot, twist upon twist, mystery upon mystery kept me on my toes. 

As the pages flipped, I respected Evie more and more due to the fact she chose to be herself, not afraid of expressing her feelings, standing up for others and standing up for what she believes in. I like the fact as she learns more about herself and others around her, she knows she's going to be okay as a kick ass chick for a human being.

I really did enjoy this book and the characters. Jennifer L. Armentrout has a way with words that keeps you engrossed in her story where you don't want the story to end.  She's a rarity for keeping your interest that long.

Now, I need to hit those Lux series.

4 stars by the way.  Well worth my 5 hours today!

I received  this engrossing Sci-fi ARC from MacMillan-Tor/Forge through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you!

A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson

This is a light Christian romance novel. Clean romance which I thoroughly enjoyed. At the beginning I was drawn right away into treasure hunt (who could pass that up?) and the genealogy mystery.

There were some parts in the book just dragged on but picked up right away again. I'm more of action/mystery gal than a romance girl so it was light. There were times I just wanted to strangle Ben for being an arse!  

I enjoyed the fact there were journals in there alternating between the past and present helping Millie to solve some mysteries.

Love the ending of the book.  It's almost every girls's dream!

I will give it a high 3 stars.

I recieved this ARC of ebook and print from Revell through Net Galley and Bookish First.  Thank you!!

Daughter of Light and Shadows by Anna McKerrow

Magical

Faeries

Scotland

Seelies Court

Witches

 Evil

Powers

Ocean

Romance

Two Dimensional Worlds

What more could you want? 

Oh, yeah, the main character's name's Faye Morgan. For those of you who are sucker for fantasy should know what that means!

This is truly a pure magical fantasy world to fall into easily. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.  I could do without eroticism in this book. 

This is a story of a young woman discovering more about herself and heritage.

I'm giving this 3 3/4 stars due to the fact there's too much sex scenes, very little information about her father, and few unanswered questions.  

I recieved this ARC of magical world from Bookouture through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.  Thank you!

The Sound of Freedom by Kathy Kacer

I'm amazed how well this book was written for middle aged kids/ preteens and possibly young teens. This could be read by all age groups.

This is a historical novel which takes place right when the Nazis and Hitler were coming into power.  The setting starts in Poland.  

I was able to understand, feel, and enjoy the book. It's not quite the same as Anne Frank but it's relatable.  The kids will understand and appreciate this novel and history.  It would make an excellent discussion in classrooms.

I'd give this book low 4 stars.

I recieved this ARC  from Annick Press Ltd through Net Galley in an exchange for my honest review.  Thank you.

Book Love By Debbie Tung

Think Calvin and Hobbes comic  strips or books.  Then imagine this as a book. 

When this book is out published, I intend to purchase the hardcover. It's that GOOD!

Debbie Tung gets me as a book worm, book nerd, book lover, bookaholic, bibliophile, and bibliomaniac.  Debbie SO gets me!

I laughed, nodded with gusto, exclaimed "Truth!", cringed, giggled, and you name it. 

I love love love love this book with a passion!  This is one of my newest favorite books of all time and it WILL be on my real bookshelf!

For those who LOVE books, you have got to read this. You will relate to some, most and all of the book.  For me, it was ALL!

I cannot wait to have it in my hands physically!

I recieved this book from Andrew McMeel Publishing Comic and Graphic Novels through Net Galley.  Thank you so much! I'm going to read and read and read this comic book forever!

The Nightmare Before Christmas (Zero's Journey)

If you adored The Nightmare Before Christmas and you still want to continue the journey with these quirkisome characters, then this manga book is for you!

Zero's Journey is beautifully illustrated and the colors are wonderful.  I was able to follow the story easily. It is adorable. It is what we, the pet owners go through when our pets go missing. 

I love Zero! I want him as my pet now!

I've always liked The Nightmare Before Christmas movie.  Imagine my delight when I saw this manga novel.  I just had to read it despite my age.  It's heartwarming, whimsical, feel good reading.

Get this .  I promise it won't let you down.  Even though it's meant for middle aged kids, any age will enjoy this comic.

10/20/18: Oh, oh!  For those of you who's a big fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas, this graphic novel is just the begining!  They've decided to kick off their 25th anniversary by introducing this comic! Here's the link for information! 

25th Anniversary Edition.  There's even preview if you want to check it out.  Come on, what are you waiting for? I'm so excited about this!  Aren't you?

I recieved this colorful ARC from Diamond BookDistributors and Tokyopop through Net Galley for my honest review.  Thank you!

Roseblood by A.G. Howard

I read this lovely book back in August when I got it from one of my lovely litten friends at Litsy.com.  I adore this book and the cover.  The reason why I'm posting this is because I just found out its on sale at Amazon and Barnes and Noble for $1.99!! Check it out!  Don't know how long it'll be on sale for!

4 Stars....*sighs dreamily* Wonderful story. Mystery upon mystery.  Layers of them and yet so haunting. Perfect for YA.  Come to think of it, I think I actually like it better than Glass of Throne series better! What can I say? It just got to me! Beautiful cover and beautiful pages.  Red letters did not even bother me at all.

Just noticed this book 5 in Splinter ed series.  I haven't read the other books yet.  Roseblood can be stand alone. I personally  enjoyed this book.

October Kiss by Kristen Ethridge

Ingredients:

1 warm favorite turtleneck sweater
1 pair of leggings
1 pair of thick scrunchy socks to match
1 cup of either hot apple cider or pumpkin latte
2 or 3 pumkin spiced cookies
1 scented apple/cinnamon candle (lit of course!)
1 October Kiss book
Optional : fireplace on

I absolutely adore this beautiful cover.  This book is an excellent way to get you in the mood for Autumn and light romance. It will propel you into the mood for walking among those colorful leaves on the ground, go for a drive to see the scenery out in the country or mountains, go to pumpkin patches, go for bonfires, hayrides, apple cider, apple dunkin', Halloween decorations, and etc.

I had no idea this book was based on the movie on Hallmark. I don't know which is better, the book or the movie.  I haven't seen the movie. I hardly watch television nowadays.

This story is so sweet, gentle, and light reading.  You'll fall in love with most of the characters. 

I wouldn't mind reading more books from Hallmark just to get me in a lighter happy mood.

I'll give it a low 4 stars.

I received this heartwarming ARC from Hallmark Publishing through Net Galley in exchange for my honest unbiased review.  Thank you!  Love the cover!

Before We were Yours by Lisa Wingate

Oh! Oh!  Be still my heart and my soul!  Where do I start? I had to wait a full day before I could write my review.  

First of all, in the symposis, it stated this novel was based off a notorious true-life scandal. I've heard of horribly run orphanages and couple of ladies in the 1800s accepting babies, selling or killing them.  In this case, I've never heard of Tennessee Children's Home Society Orphanage and its' owner. My, what evil in those days.

This is the story of the beginning and the ending.  The is the story of past and present. This is the story of secrets waiting to be discovered by another generation of family.  This is the story of heartbreaks, tragedies, struggles, forgiveness, redemptions, and closing the circle even when not all the secrets are solved.

When I got to the end of the book, my heart and my soul: such sadness when thinking of all the missing children alive, dead, murdered, unaccounted, and  missing, not being able to reunited with their families all because of one woman and her powerful and political connections enabled this horrible evil to develop over the years.

Okay, getting back on track, this author eloquently weaved the present and the past together.  Her prose will tug and poke at your heart as you read.  You will feel every emotion imagainable.  You will have answers and questions and what ifs at the end of the book.  This novel will have you thinking of all the actual children at the horrific orphange and questioning their whereabouts.

I'd give it a low 4 stars.

I picked this book up at my local library to support them.  My reveiw is totally unbiased and honest.

You Can't Iron a Wrinkled Birthday Suit by Sharon Phennah

Okay, I admit it!  When I first saw the photo, I loved it. It was the photo and the title that got me sold. I selected it to read right away.

Oh, the cover, I'm trying to find words for the that wonderful enchanting painting of three active elderly women who don't give a hoot dancing in the rain.  If that was a snapshat of my friends and me, I'd frame it!  There's something whimisical and endearing about this cover.
This book was hilarous.  It made me think of The Golden Girls.  I love all the characters!  I sure hope to have a life like those friends who are loyal and true to each other depsite of their flaws.
I have never laughed so hard in a long time with a book.  This book was for a light and feel good reading.  The only problem I had was towards the last 1/4 part of the book.  It seemed to drag on, less humour and I was NOT happy with the ending.
As for the rest of the book, it was easy to follow along and be part of the friends.  LOVE the bantering between the friends.

I love how the author was able to convey that the older we get, we're still spunky, likely to get into trouble, have a life at that age. Life gets much interesting when we get older.

Oh! Oh!  How could I forget?  As a pet lover myself, there are pets involved, so be sure to tuned into your secret animal language when you read the book!

Because of the way the book was dragging towards the end and how it ended, I'm going to give it a high 3 3/4 stars.

I received this hilarous ARC from Boutique of Quality Books Publishing through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. Thanks for the laughs!

Back to the Cutting Board by Christina Pirello

At first, I was skeptical of this cookbook and how the author would admonish the readers how it's wrong to eat dairy and meat.  You get the idea. I was pleasantly surprised how warm and gentle the author came across.  she explained why and how she's gotten into this lifestyle  of eating vegetables.  She wanted to share her passion with her recipes she's enjoyed cooking.

She's even listed the utensils which need to be utilized  for cooking. She's also included the glossary for cooking words so beginners won't flounder in her cookbook.  She's made it easy to understand and follow instructions easily.

Her photos are simply gorgeous!  Warm and mouth watering. 

Even though I'm not a vegetarian, I simply adore veggies and have always looked for ways to incorporate  different recipes withe different veggies .  I saw some recipes I would love to try out soon.
I would recommend  this book to anyone who wants to be a vegan or vegetarian or who already are, or just simply want to try out the recipes .
I received  this beautiful  ARC of a cookbook from BenBella Books through Net Galley in an exchange  for my honest review. Thank you!

I am definitely going to test some of the recipes.  If I really enjoy them and keep coming back for more recipes then, I will purchase a print of this copy to add to my collection of cookbooks.  I collect cookbooks and am very selective on my cookbooks .

The Last House on Sycamore Street by Paige Roberts

I honestly thought from reading synopsis that this would be a thriller.  I just assumed which I shouldn't have.  When I looked closely at the cover and read the synopsis again after finishing the book today, I was wrong.  It was more of a suspense and a literary novel.

This book was well written.  I was able to get into it easily.  There were some parts which were funny I chuckled.  I was able to relate to the main character, Amy, even though I wanted to strangle her at times.
To my irritation, the author chose to use the political correctness words or phrases how drug abuse is a disease.  I wanted to scream, it's NOT a disease.  When will people understand the word?  Before any of you jump all over my case, I DO understand, have seen some of my friends and family suffer from different types of drug and alcohol abuse.  So, don't lecture me.

This is is the book of new friends who are learning about each other and discovering secrets and how they're handling it until Amy fully realizes what is going on with her new friend and the family and how Amy chose to handle the whole thing at the end.  The is the tapestry of trust, understanding, friendship, love, family, self realization, forgiveness, and moving on with grace.

I'd give it a 3 3/4 stars.  I wouldn't mind reading her other books.

I received this ARC from Kensington Publishing Corporation through Net Galley in an exchange for my unbiased and honest review.  Thank you.

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear

I adore, I breath, I ravish, I live history.  I'm a major history buff.  I'm a history nerd/geek and proud of it!
 With that being said, I truly enjoyed this 5th book in Mayflower Brides series. The author took her time researching the territory and the trail in late 1700's.  With her words, I can actually visualize everything she penned down.  This had to be hard for her to write this because of the time period with the slaves and the indians.  I know for a fact in that time period, life was hard especially after the Revolutionary War where there were bitterness among the traitors and the Tories.
This is a light contemporary Christian romance novel.  It can be a stand-alone alone novel which I had no problem reading.  I normally don't care for romance but in this book, it was more realistic.
The traveling from Shenandoah Valley to Cumberland Gap to find a place to find a home was a breathtaking, mesmerizing, daring, and daunting task to travel by foot/horses in those days.  There was hardly any wagon in those days yet.  Covered wagons came later.  This is the period of time I would have so loved to live in that fresh clean wilderness.  I wouldn't mind the hardship because I would be embracing life.

I truly embraced living in the book for several hours.

The only problem I have with this book is at the beginning of the book where a genealogy tree was revealed.  Bear with me, I love family trees.  But I must not comprehending how that tree and the family in the story match up.  Am I missing g something here?
I'm going to give this book a low four stars because of the political correctness of the indians and the slavery.  I know the author held back because she wanted to focus more on other aspects of the book, rightfully so and the family tree which threw me off.  I applaud the author for doing her research on history, genealogy, and geography for this book.
I would not mind picking up earlier books and am looking forward to the next installments.  Cannot wait!

I received this adventurous ARC from Barbour Books through Net Galley in an exchange for my unbiased and honest review.  Thank you!

Christmas Catch by Mary Shotwell

Warning:  Like I said before, this turbulent story will toss you right into your Christmas mood before Halloween!
Ingredients:
1. Cup of cocoa
2. 3 or 4 snicker doodle cookies any choice will do as long as it's Christmas theme!
3. Lazy boy chair with a blanket
4. Christmas music....softly
5. Christmas Catch
6.  Yourself, of course!
7. Dog and/cat  optional but they'll keep ya warm!

Direction.  Combine them together in one place. You know what to do!

This book is so good.  You'll love the heroine and yet, strangle that infuriating, maddening and impossible hero or pain in the butt.  I just fell in love with the whole town!  What's NOT to love?
I could not put this book down and I'm not all for romance This book suckered me in!  I was rooting for the heroine throughout the book.  I basically wanted to boot the man out of the town for a large part of the story.  I don't care how how charming or handsome he is.  He needed to smacked upside the head by somone.
Thankfully it all worked out for everyone!

This is a light, sweet, entertaining, and heartwarming romance novel.  What have you got to lose?  Just grab the book and follow my direction!

I received this heartwarming and turbulent ARC from Carina Press through Net Galley in an exchange for my honest review.   Thank you!

Odette's Song by A.G. Russo

WOW!  I'm impressed how this 154 pages long novel was packed fully with powerful emotions, sensitivity, empathy, and redemption.  I'm amazed how the author was able to grab my face into his writing and never let go until the last note ended.  I was fully hypnotized with actions, emotions, and musical notes. The ending was beautiful, rightfully so.

This is a story of a very dysfunctional family trying to bring a washed out drug addicted and alcoholic talented musician and an orphaned stepson together.   Stepfather refuses to have anything to do with him due to his deceased wife's betrayal and suicide.  This is the journey of an embittered man and a confused boy.  This is their story.  As the boy said, this is the story of his step father and his mother.  "My father had two obsessions:  music and my mother..."
This short novel deserves a 4 stars from me.


I received this powerful short ARC from A.G. Russo through Net Galley in an exchange for my honest review. Thank you.

The Peithosian Gift by Cristina Archer

I had to wait for a bit and ponder what I was going to write in this review. Why?  Because there were a lot going on and this is an unusual story.

First of all, the story (yes, I know it's a fantasy) totally reminded me of several of William Shakespeare plays such as Romeo and Juliet, and any other play which consists of warring families, betrayals, forbidden love and etc.

This novel isn't for a quick read.  It's divided into 5 parts. First part starts several centuries before the presents.  Basically described the start of chains of motion into the present. There are a lot of characters involved but as time goes by in the book, you'll get the hang of it.

There will be some areas where it can confuses you.

Basically it involves two families (they share the same common ancestor) who are constantly at war with each other. Unbeknownst to both sides, there is another branch to the lineage who is hiding from both sides until a fate forced them to reveal themselves. The way they treat each other is so brutal and shocking for human beings. Why so many years of war between the families?  Because the ability to read, will, and bend the minds which can be very dangerous to the brains. Too much of it can kill the person unintentionally and intentionally.

The ending was okay.  It was just too abrupt for my taste.

It will make you think.  I had to ponder on this book for a day before I could write anything about it.

I'd give it a 3 3/4 stars.

I received this unusual ARC from Rowanvale Books through Net Galley in an exchange for my honest review.

The House by the Cemetery by John Everson

This book is very much a horror story. The last time I watched a horror movie was back in the early 90s.  When the author brought up the titles, Friday the 13th, Halloween, Chainsaw Massacre, and etc for the haunted house, talk about flashbacks!   Good old memories.

Let's start with the book.  The plot was good, some of the characters were good, ideal house in the cemetery totally reminded me of the horror movies.  It appears to be written for the movie but that's just me.
Here are couple of things I have a problem with, There were lots of characters in the book, some were really unnecessary.  The ideas and themes they had for rooms were way too far fetched because from what the house was described, the rooms were too small. Rooms weren't built large back then.  There were some things that did not factor in well for me in the book.
However, if you truly enjoy the total creepiness, bloody gores, spells and etc that makes you think of all the horror movies you've seen, then you'll totally enjoy this book.  I'll give it 3 1/2 stars.

I received this horror ARC from Flame Tree Press through Net Galley in an exchange for my honest unbiased review.  Thank you.

The Isle of Gold by Seven Jane

Ok, this book may not be for everyone.  I totally enjoyed this book.  I even took my time to savor this story.  It was a delight to read a very different novel for once.  History (think of 1700s), missing woman, mad man captain, mythology, girl disguised as a lad, a beautiful ship with at least 5 masts, Caribbean  sea, islands, and mystery does this gal's heart good.  Love how the author tied in the story with the title.  Her prose is so beautiful causing me to absorb them gently and carefully. This isn't intended for a light reading but you'll be glad that you read this beautiful story.  Also, I love the cover.  Uniquely  designed and perfect for this novel!
 I received this copy from Net Galley and The Black Spots Books in an exchange for an honest review.

Note: I had finished this wonderful book and did a review back in August 30, 2018.  I just had to bring it up on here to share this great news!  Her book will be out in 6 days and I cannot wait to see what you guys think of her novel!!

Great news!  The author, Seven Jane announced that its on sale right noway for 99 cents at Amazon.com!   Here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/Isle-Gold-Seven-Jane-ebook/dp/B07D43ZKJ8
Take an advantage of this deal!  I don't know own how long it'll last!  Enjoy!

Haunted Hearts by Kimberly Dean

Okay, Since it's October, I decided to add this book to my TBR pile of thriller, horror, paranormal, and mystery for this month.

This book is short and full of romance which I could do a lot without.  However, the plot was surprisingly strong for this short novel.  It does contain paranormal and suspense. It was relatively a quick easy read (3 hours) for me.  It did send a slightly chill along my neck and couple of times which tells me the author is good with her prose.

If you're into strong romance along with paranormal and suspense with a beautiful house then this book is for you.
By the way, who can deny this gorgeous cover?
I'm going to give this novel  3 3/4 stars for a strong plot, ability to keep my attention, characters are likeable and relatable, goodles prose, and gorgeous cover.
I received this copy of ARC from Tiger Eye Publishing, LLC through Net Galley in an exchange for my honest review.  Thank you

Watching You by Lisa Jewell

First of all, it's been ages since I've read a book by Lisa Jewel.  I believe that was in 2008 following my final divorce and figuring out what to do with my life.  I remember purchasing one of her books at the grocery store in a little town where I had lived at the time.  The reason why I remembered it so vividly was because it was totally out of my genre and I had stayed up all night reading it..  I believe it was 31 Dream Street.
When I requested this Watching You, I had no idea it was the same author.  Her name kept nibbling at me until I looked it up.  Imagine my surprise !   Yet, this novel is a completely different genre from 31 Dream Street and mine!

Wow! What a whammy or should I say double whammy? The beginning drew me in right away and managed to keep my nose in the book like it's supposed to. There were layers upon layers of secrets which kept coming for these characters. Just when you think you know who dunnit, another twist slams into you time after time, making it all the more delicious !  The ending was just perfect where I whispered wow couple of times.

I received this intense copy from Atria Books through Net Galley in an exchange for my unbiased honest review .  THANK YOU!  I thoroughly enjoyed it!