Liars' Paradox by Taylor Stevens

First of all, there's something that had me stumped.  It's the cover.  The razor with blood and rust.  I'm trying to comprehend how it ties in with the story here.  The only thing that mentioned was a quote with the wording razor's edge.  I thought maybe I had missed something so I reread it.  Same confusement.  I do like the cover.  Creative.

Moving on....

Wow! Talk about a major disfunctional family especially between the twin brother and sister.  Apparently the special bond doesn't even exist between them.  You can practically taste the different flavors of hatred and  bitterness.  Especially when it rolled off the twin girl, Jill fast and furious; understandably so. Its mostly due to the way they were raised by their ever elusive mother.  She had trained them to defend themselves 24/7 .  They  couldn't understand why  but they do it for their mother's love.  They believed that their mother didn't love them due to the fact she would drop them off at different parts of the world and be trained without hearing a word from her for days, weeks, months, even year.  

The story alternates with the siblings, mother and other people who are involved in the twins' lives at the moment.  The twins had thought their mother disillusioned until her hidden home was bombed after receiving a cryptic text from her.  This is where their wild crazy ride begins.  In order to find their mother, they need to set aside their jealousy, pettiness and differences aside to solve the mystery.  In order to do that, they must go back into the past to get clues and hints as to who their mother really is and learn their real identities.

The story was a wild roller coaster ride.  There were times I just wanted to slap Jill and tell her to grow up. There are some characters who got me confused at first where I had to go back and figure out where they came from. 

It is a fast actioned mystery.  Also it's a first book in a series.  Basically, it's called Jack and Jill Thriller.  The way it ended in this book led me to believe there will be another book after this one. I like the way the book started and ended with a bang. 

For those of you guys who like mystery (think CIA, undercover, KCG, Broker, Berlin, Florida, contracts, murder for hire, and etc)  and thriller,  different emotions, and etc, then this book is for you.  This book is a bit unique for a mystery/thriller.

I'm going to give this book a low 4 stars.

I received ARC from Kensington Corp through Net Galley and won a print from Good Reads.  Thank you!

White Christmas by Tanya Stowe

If youj

If you're interested in a very short Christmas novella fit into your hectic schedule at this time of the year, get this book. 61 pages total.

This is another contemporary Christian romance novella which you'll enjoy for a very light reading.  it was a delight to read it.  

Don't let this cover fool you. The story is based in Arizona.   This is a couple who were  basically set up  by their female relatives after being informed that they're not interested in blind date. They happened to meet by "chance" by their relatives and they are attracted to each other. They have known each other when they were kids growing up. 

They learn more about each other and their beliefs and their political views.  Down the road, the hero gets an job offer which the heroine warns him against due to the corrupted political involvement and company.  They get into an argument and the heroine stands firmly what she believes in and walks away from him for good.  He gets angry. However, his reasoning with himself gets him to dig deeper into the investigation of the company and the man who wants to hire him.  Turns out she was right.  He does all the right moves. He asks the girl for forgiveness after all the work he's done to correct the wrongs that the corrupted company had done.

I'd give it a high 3 stars for this short novella.

I received this book from Pelican Book Group through Net Galley for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you!

A Christmas Homecoming by Maryann Diorio

Requirement for this novella: 1 or 2  boxes of tissues.

Why didn't anyone warn me this would be a tear jerker?  This is a novella of redemption, faith, and hope and forgiveness.

This a short contemporary Christian novella.   

This novella tells of a teenager who vanished after leaving a note for her parents. Her parents have searched for her in vain but never found her.  Years later, the heroine decides to come home with her children for Christmas after couple of misfortunes in another country.

This is the story of a family dealing with loss, anger, forgiveness, faith, love, hope, compassion, understanding, and most of all, redemption.

This is really well written for a short novella.  I was amazed how the author was able to go back and forth between the mother and the daughter in each chapter including another family member.  She was able to tie everything together.

Be sure to have tissues ready.

Low 4 stars for a novella

I received this short ARC from Pelican Book Group through Net Galley for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you!

Tempting the Highland Spy by Tara Kingston

This is one of the most enjoyable light romance novel I've read in a long time. After  being caught stealing at a party, Grace is forced to go undercover in order to save her aunt who also was caught stealing. There were reasons why they were stealing and this was supposed to be the last job for her and her aunt.  I love it how the American heroine and the British hero are being forced to wotked together as an uncovered newly wedded couple to spy on an American heiress who may have killed her father.

There are surprising twists and there are some parts that will make you laugh out loud.  It will keep you entertained as they solved the case while discovering about each other.  This is a light romance without heavy steamy scenes.  This is the 3rd book in Highland Hearts series written by other authors.  This book can be read as stand alone.
If you're in a mood for a fun, light reading novel to relax you, then this is it for you.

I'll give this book a high 3 3/4 stars.

I received this novel from Entangled Publishing, LLC / Entangled: Amara through Net Galley for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you!

Drakon's Tear by N.J. Walters

I'd like to say on here for the record that the cover is deceiving.  Why?  As I was reading, I thought to myself, this isn't one of those trashy romance books.  This novel consists of fantasy, suspense, action, and mythology.  Kinda like Sherrilyn Kenyon's and J.R. Ward's but without a lot of sex scenes. So, it deserves a better cover, but that's just me.

This novel really draws you in at the very beginning. I was hooked and could not put the book down until a little over 2 hours later.  I appreciate the fact there was hardly any steamy scene(sorry, too much of it gets too old for me. Nah, I'm not sorry.  It's just TMI for me) 

If you enjoy 

dragons

drakons

kidnapping

family bond

good vs evil

history

jewels

action

fights

Russia

light romance

then you'll enjoy this fast action novel. I wouldn't mind reading her other books in the series. This can be a stand alone book.

I'll give this book a low 4 stars.

I received this interesting ARC from Entangled Publishing, LLC /Entangled: Amara through Net Galley for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you!

The White Christmas Inn by Colleen Wright

First of all, I'd like to say, I adore this cover!  It reminds me of home in the country!  And may I say, it's perfect for this story?  

This is the story that I actually wanted to be in!  I wanted to be at the Inn right now, admiring all the decorations, smelling all the scents of Christmas, and the cooking!  Right there in the middle of nowhere, basically with lots of snow after the blizzard. The author was speaking my language as soon as I read the first page.  I did not put the Nook down until i was done 3 hours later.  Talk about miracles of all miracles for everyone! (well except for one, but you have to read on to see what I mean!) 

If you want to experience 

the aftermath of a blizzard

an inn in the middle of the country

the cozy country feel inside of an inn

Christmas theme

Food

Lit fireplace

Different families 

Sleigh rides

Children giggling and squealing

Romance

and much much more,

then this book is for you.  

You'll fall in love with each of the characters.  You just simply want to be part of them.  The ending was great!

I wouldn't mind reading more books by Colleen Wright. She has a way of bring bunch of characters together without confusing anyone. She can sew each square of the character's stories together effortlessly and flawlessly.

Go and get this book if you're in the mood for Christmas. It's not just romance. It's about family, friends, faith, hope, and miracles.  It'll do your soul good!  Seriously, this is one of those awesome feel good novel you'd want with cookies and hot chocolate!  You'll regret not reading it!

4 and 1/2 stars from me!

I received this wonderful ARC from Howard Books through Net Galley.  Thank you!

The Noel Stranger by Richard Paul Evans

Apparently, this is a second book in The Noel Collection.  I've never read any book  by Richard Paul Evans.  Imagine my suprise this Christmas novel is written by a gentleman. Thought I'd give it a try. The synopsis read reasonable and interesting.

As I read along, I was having a hard time believing how they connected.  The heroine was only thinking about herself.  I'm also having a hard time how she could just up and leave her restaurant running smoothly without her for several weeks or so. I'm also having a hard time how the divorce came about and how her husband can just show up asking her to show up for his court hearing.  Or just hop on the plane to go to an island for Christmas.  I saw her very insecured, understandably due to the divorce.  She basically questions everything in her new relationship which was almost destroyed. The hero was an idiot for not answering her questions and leaving her in the dark.  He expected her to know him well after learning about each other for a week?  Come one!  Give me a break.  Very unrealistic and contrived.

The story was easy to read.  It'll do for a light reading. Some of you guys may like it and some of you guys may not like it.

I was having difficulting connecting with the characters.  I wanted to, honest! I just couldn't.  The emotions just weren't there.

I'll have to read other books by Richard Paul Evans to understand why he's dubbed as the King of Christmas.  

I love the cover of this book. It's beautiful.

I'll give this book a low 3 stars.  

I received this ARC from Simon & Schuster through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.  Thank you!

Draw and Paint Super Cute Animals by Jane Maday

First  of all, this book is the size of a large magazine.  The cover is thick.  The illustrations are simply gorgeous  from the cover to the back of the cover. There are 110 pages.

This is an excellent book to have for a beginner who's just starting out to learn to draw and paint. She goes on to explain the tools needed, type of paints, color charts, shadings, and the techniques at the beginning.

As you turn the pages, she shows step by step on drawing and painting the animals such as puppies, kittens, birds, bears, foxes, and many more.

I've noticed the author emphasizes on that "art is a learning process ."  She gives positive vibes and encourages the readers not to be dicouraged but keep trying and practice drawing .  I like the fact that the author doesn't make claim that you can magically draw like a pro in one sitting.  She truly  comes across as an professional teacher in this book.

This book would serve well to all who desires to learn and it can be used as a tool and guide from to time to all ages.

The illustrations are wonderful and pleasing to the eyes.

I won this book in a raffle from North Light Books through Bookish First.  This review is totally voluntarily submitted by me and as usual as all my reviews are unbiased and honest.

Meridian Chronicles #1 by M.D. Fryson

Wow!

This is what Fantasty is truly is in this book.

If you're into

Witch

Fairy

Fairy Queen

Salem

Another World

Curse

Demons

Mysteries

Hidden truths

Souls

 Fairy book

unlikely friendships

Romance

and much more....

At the beginning, it was kind of confusing.  Remember, this is for YA.  As I moved along, I knew it would get better.  I was in for a ride.  I was NOT disappointed.

This is about a young teen who's discovering about herself and who her parents really are after an incident that happened.  This all came about when one man who wants absolute power wanting to crush her father and destroy the family at all cost in order to cover up his past.  So as her father is being cast to the Hall of Souls. Meridian begins her journey with her friends to save her father, her family, and everyone around her.

There is a love triangle involved in there but I won't get into it.

I cannot wait to see what the next book brings!  I still want to continue on with Meridian's journey!

I'm going to give this a low 4 stars because of the way it started out and I almost put it down.  I'm glad I pushed on because it became interesting.

Also, I want to point out that the cover is gorgeous!  Perfect for this novel!

I received this ARC from BooksGoSocial through Net Galley. Thank you!

The Good, the Bad, and the Duke

normally don't read this type of romance, but I needed a light reading since I've been with a really bad cold for over a week.
It was a cute novel for a Christmas story. It had me chuckle at the main characters. It was a very lighthearted love story. Who ever is a big fan of historical romance will enjoy it.

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

Bloodwitch by Susan Dennard (Preview Exerpt)

Downloaded this exerpt because it's one of my favorite genre.  I'm sold! I want more!  However, this is the 3rd book in the series.  I went on Barnes and Noble to research for Windwitch and Truthwitch. Imagine my delight,they were on sale (Black Friday)! I went ahead and ordered them because I really want to read those before the Bloodwitch comes out on sale.

I'm not saying much about this preview yet until I read the actual book. I want to be able to give a good review on Bloodwitch after I'm done reading it once it becomes available.

I received this sample of ARC from Tor Teen through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you!

Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

A month ago, I was invited to read excerpts when I signed up for Undertlined.  Intrigued, I went ahead and started reading the chapters the site offered for a couple of weeks at the time.  I was hooked at the first page. After 14 chapters, I knew I had to purchase the book.  The problem?  I had to wait until it came out in the stores.  I hate waiting! Finally got it and started reading it. This time I took my time reading it. I wanted to savor the story.

First of all, I've never heard of Brandon Sanderson until now.  I  know! I know!  You gotta understand I read LOTS of books and sci fi, fantasty and history are my favorite genres.I want to say I'm in love with Brandon, but can't because I realized I'm going to be having one of those love/hate relationships with him. Why? Because I need to back pedal to find all the books he's ever published and read them all.  If he's that good, he just might become one of my top favorite authors of all time.

Now, back to the book. Sensa, Sensa, Sensa.  What can I say about her?  All I know is this.  She's make a great role model for girls and boys if she existed in real life.

When Sensa was little, she was traumatized by her father's disappearance during the battle in his starship against the Krells. While growing up, she's forced to endure the stigma of her family while dealing with the harsh treatments from others.  She clings strongly to her belief that her father is not a defector.

Despite of all, Spensa dreams of being a starship pilot She goes through unfair treatments from others, trials, and testings.  She does not give up when all the odds were stacked up against her, except for one lone person....This is where I leave it at that.

My other favorite........who else but none other than sassy sidekick M-Bot!!  I LOVE it!

The relationship between Sensa and M-Bot reminded me a lot of Luke Skywalker and 3P0 when they first met from the original Star Wars. I can't help  but think M-Bot needs to meet his long lost cousin 3PO..

Again, the end of the novel left me hanging where I yelled NO! NO! NO!  That's unacceptable!  Now, I. Must. Wait. Til. The. Fall. Of. 2019.  (Sobs)

Seriously guys, you have got to get this book.  It draws you in right away. Fast paced, characters easily relatable, the scenes of the battles were tense as if you were actually up there with them, the emotions up and down, and so damn enjoyable!  Don't be surprised to be laughing out loud. You won't regret this.  I know I didn't except I have to wait.

I'm going to give this book 4.5 stars.

Miss Kopp Just Won't Quit by Amy Stewart

How come I never heard of The Kopp Sisters?  Of all the years of browsing the bookstores, I still haven't heard of these books until my request was approved to read this.  I'm mighty glad I read this book.  I intend to read the previous 3 books before this one. 
Even though, it's a 4th book in the Kopp Sisters series, I was able to get the hang of everyday going on in this story with Constance Kopp. It can be a stand alone book in my opinion.
This story starts out in 1916 where she's a deputy sheriff in a town in New Jersey.  By the way, Constance happened to be the very first female for that position.  However, the election is coming up where her position is on the line thanks to Sherriff and Congress. 
This story isn't really a mystery because there are several plots and threads happening at the same time. 
I truly enjoy this novel very much.  Very entertaining and amusing strong willed woman who can take anything in stride and come out as an underdog champion.  I was rooting for her all the way!
I'm going to give this a 4 stars and I WILL most definitely read the previous 3 books.

I received this awesome ARC from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt through Net Galley in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.  Thank you!

A Brazen Curiosity by Lynn Messina

This is one of the hilarious mystery novels I've read in a long time! 

The setting takes place at a small castle where family and friends are staying for a social.  The heroine is of course, a 26 year old spinster who's staying with her aunt until married.  One night, unable to sleep, she goes to the library only to stumble over a dead body and a Duke standing over the body.  This is the start of finding out who the real killer is and the hilarious banters and scenes between the heroine and the  broody and arrogant Duke as she uses her wits.

This was such a delightful book to read.

The only thing that bothers me howshes kept being called plain, mousy and dull by everyone in the book.  Its enough to bring her down.  She's classy, intelligent, strong willed and humorous.

I'd give it a high 3 stars.

I received this ARC from Potatoworks Press through Net Galley in an exchange for my unbiased and honest review.

Christmas Revelation by Anne Perry

First of this is a Christmas novella based on Anne Perry's characters from William Monk's series.  Now, I've never read any of Anne Perry's books.  I decided to go ahead and give this novella a shot.  I'm glad I did!

The setting takes place in an English town by Thames River during pre-Victorian era.  Reminded me much of Charles Dickens novels. The story focuses on Worm, the former river rat and Squeaky, mentor (I don't know exactly what his role is. I haven't read the series yet) few days before Christmas.  Previously orphaned boy had witnessed an abduction of a young woman in abroad daylight in the streets. He wants to help but realizes he can't do it alone.  So he runs home to enlist the help of Squeaky.  Together, they begin the dangerous journey of finding this kidnapped woman.

Will they be able to save the woman and solve the mystery just in time for Christmas?

I love how Anne described the buildings, the cobblestones street, horses, carriages, clothing, Christmas style during that era. Her writing is impeccable and beautiful.

I'm going to give it a high 3 stars due to fact I'm kind of confused about the characters and how they became a family and the story was slow going with some repetive words and phrases. However, I will be reading her other books to find out more about the characters.  I may change the star rating later.

I received this delightful ARC from Random House Publishing Group/Ballatine Ballatine Books.  Thank you!

Hidden Secrets by Jannine Gallant

If you need a quick escape from your real world, this novel is it.  It's one of those cozy suspense/Mystery romance novels.  It can be for a beach or fireplace reading.

This takes place in a quaint little town along Oregon coast. The story focuses on a young lady who owns a shop purchasing and selling antiques and her best friend who just purchased a restaurant and is in the process of having it remodeled. They decided to have a relationship after being best friends for many years.

There are events which unintentionally heads in the direction of an unsolved missing person case from years ago. That case reopens to a murder case.  Several ladies disappears. The clues point to hero as a suspect.  The heroine sets to find out who's breaking into her store, finding possible suspects for those missing women and the murdered teenager.

Keeps you guessing who the real killer is until the end.  I enjoyed the mystery, the little town and its inhabitants.  It was such a delicious read on a cold night for me.

Low 4 stars from me.

I received this cozy ARC from Kensington Books/Lyrical Press through Net Galley.  Thank you!

The Widow Next Door by D.L. Detwiler

This is a psychological thriller novel. 

This has gotten to be one of the weirdest story I've read in a long time.  The ending raised more questions than answers. At least that's what it did for me.  

The story narrated by an elderly widow who seemed to happy that a young couple moved in a house in her neighborhood. She watched them on a daily basis as if she's Netfix bingeing.

The story is narrated back and forth confusing who the narrator actually is at first.

This book didn't really raise any goosebump on me probably due to the way it was written.  Who knows, maybe you'll like it better than me.  Like I've said before, it was just weird.

I'd give it a low 3 stars.

I received this ARC from Avon Books UK.  Thank you!

Bluff by Jane Stanton Hitchcock

Maud, Maud, 'Mad' Maud....how I love you! You are just simply brilliant!

The cover is unique and awesome.

This was an ingenious, well thought out, intelligent novel which deserves many praises!

So, so, so, so GOOD!

The title Bluff is... well pretty much what the title says. The book is pretty well thought out, well executed to the end and gets major points for its originality of the story.

,

I absolutely adore Maud, the ex-socialite who was scammed out of her inheritance by greedy climbers. She is also a poker player.  Her love for poker knows no bound.  She integrates the themes and concepts of poker rules into her life. She uses them to her advantages.

I just love the snarky humors on upper class society.

The novel started out with a bang and ended with the most satisfying bang.  I cannot wait to see what the author has to bring to the table.  

I'd give this book a high 4 stars!

I received this highly entertaining ARC from Poison Pen Press from Net Galley and BookishFirst in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.  Thank you!

A True Cowboy Christmas by Caitin Crews

First of all, I'd like to say this photo of this man does not even resemble to Gray in the novel! Just sayin'!

Moving on..The beginning starts with Gray and his brothers burying their deceased abusive father on their Colorado property. Gary is one of those hardcore cowboys\ranchers type. Gary wonders about his life and how to save the land when he happens to glance up and sees his neighbor standing in his doorway and an idea forms.

Abby has been in love with Gary since forever. She's a hard worker and knows her mind.  She believes she's not beautiful thanks to her unattached mother who loved to berate her.  Abby and her grandmother happen to be Gary's neighbors for many years.

Both of them had a rough upbringing thanks to their dysfuntional family members.

Abby gets the shock of her life when Gary shows up at her house out of the blue moon, proposing her.  That had to be the longest proposal ever!  That conversation had me cracking up so hard.  After a lot of questioning and debates, they agree to go on their first date before they get married.  This would be the start of their journey of a very short date into their marriage along with Gary's teen daughter from former marriage, two brothers, and Abby's no nonsense grandmother. Gary was very set against Christmas until he learns the true meaning of Christmas.

It was an interesting love story. The author truly captured what a true cowboy\rancher is normally like.  I wouldn't mind knowing what happens to Gary's brothers and the outcome of the land in Colorful Colorado.

I'd give this book a 3 3\4 stars.

I received this ARC from St. Martin's Paperbacks through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.  Thank you!

She Lies in Wait by By Gytha Lodge

This is the debut of DCI Jonas Sheena series. 

The story opens up with a father and son stumbling across the scattered bones near a campsite during their camping trip.

A detective is called onto this case which was discovered to be a cold case of a missing 14-year-old girl who vanished in 1983. After the confirmation of the DNA, the fact is reopened.

The novel alternates between 1983 and the present in each chapter.  Over 30 years ago is when a group of friends gets together for fun at the campsite.  The 14-year-old girl, Aurora Jackson is the youngest of the group. She happened to tag along with her older sister, Topaz who is jealous of and resents her.  The present consists of a group of friends who have stayed close together for more than 30 years according to one of the detectives who had gone to school them and remembered of the story of missing Aurora and the DCIs interviewing everyone and the alibi trying to break open the case.

This is the trial of real friendships, perspectives, drugs, drinking, loyalty, friendships, betrayal, and who's the actual killer.

It is a somber and haunting thriller novel of a murdered intelligent 14-year-old girl who had a full life ahead of her whose life cut too soon.
It was exciting, but it's something I won't remember easily in the future.  The only thing that annoys me is how DCI Sheena acts like a teenager when her ex harrases her over the phone and actually verbally and emotionally abuses her via texts too.  The way this supposedly intelligent, quick-witted and hard working detective is portrayed as a weak woman like that. I'm having a hard time with that.

Three stars overall.

I received this ARC through Random House Publishing Group through Net Galley for my honest and unbiased review. Thank you.

Blood is Blood by Will Thomas

As the British would say, a bloody good classic detective novel!  If I heard one of them saying that, I'd agree.

It all started with an assistant who despises Mondays. Things always go wrong on that particular day of the week for him. Sure enough, he's stressing about his upcoming wedding, his office gets bombed, causing his employer to be seriously injured. While Llewelyn tries to clean up and assess the damages, his employer's long lost American brother shows up unexpectedly causing them to have a scrappiness which, in my opinion, is hilarious between a British and an American.  So far, not the greatest Monday for Llewelyn along the week following that day as he tries to come up with possible suspects who would want to harm Barker, his boss.

There have been twists and turns, and surprises which kept me on my toes.  The Scotland Yard area and London along with the buildings were pretty descriptive where I was easily lost in that era.  There is a bit of Sherlock theme going on but I thoroughly enjoyed it.  

"Nobody sells snake oil like a snake."

"Could you translate that from American to English?"

"A paragon of citizenship"

"YOU do talk posh, Mr. Llewelyn." He said.

Those are just couple of many banters between Llewelyn and the American that had me cracking up as a case gets solved.

So, the question of this story is, Will this assistant be able to solve this brutal crime just in time before his wedding on his own, while his employer is laid up in the hospital recuperating?  There were so many elements thrown his way including a shocking incident which may call off his wedding for good.

Just wanted to say the title was just perfect for this novel.

I was very delighted to be kept on my toes while reading this novel.  Extremely entertaining. Imagine my delight when I found out there are other Barker and Llewelyn novels!  I intend to read those and I hope the upcoming novels of those two beloved detectives in the future.

I received this interesting ARC from St. Martin's Press through Net Galley.  Thank you!

The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden

YES! I got my early Christmas gift this year. Almost a week ago, this book was up for request.  I got excited because this book has been a long awaited novel since I read The Girl in the Tower in December 2017.  5 days later, I came home from work to an email telling me the publisher has approved my request.  You betcha that I was just like that 8 year old girl who just opened the best present on a Christmas morning!  Made myself a cup of salted caramel hot chocolate, put on my PJs, turned off my phone, climbed into my wonderful bed with my dog Ewok, and my cat, Luna, and started reading.

Wow! What an amazing breathtaking finale! I needed a day to stop reeling from all the aftermath of this beautiful folklore before I could write this review.  Sadly, I needed to step out of the book affter saying goodbye to my favorite characters.

Like the synopsis stated, stunning conclusion.  It did not lie!  It was gut wrenching, anger, sorrow, relief, freezing cold, tired, self discovery, betrayal, love(not the sappy kind, mind you!) evilness, blood and gore, goodness, neutral, new and old friends, family, leap of faith, religion, and cult.  They all wrap into this fairytale, folklore, myths, and history.

Katherine Arden has done it again.  She did not fail with this third book in this Winternight Trilogy. In fact, it just may be the best book of the 3 books in this trilogy! Ms. Arden has improved with her story telling gift.  She is extremely talented with words and lyrics.  While I'm inside the story, I can almost hear her telling the Russian Folklore in the background. 

The story picks up immdiately at the ending of the novel, The Girl in the Tower.  I was able to remember the characters from both of the books.  This story was packed with mythical creatures, evil priest, mob, magic, evil, good, grief, madness, action, battle.  The heroine was growing into her own powers and discovering her self while discovering her love for the "winter king".  She really became one bad assed chick. The romance was hardly there but the love grew mostly out of admiration and respect which grew stronger.  She learns more of her magical ancestry and her self worth despite of the powers she has.  Bear, the evil twin brother of Winter King(many names for winter king) comes back and she has to use her wits, powers, and forgiveness against him.  Ironcally, they ended up working together on the same team with her brother, brother in law and other prince in the battle. 

I had to admire Vasya so much because her background was so deeply rooted to gods, and old beliefs to the point where she had to question herself with her beliefs and the religion her brother, Sasha believes in.  She basically questioned everything. By opening her eyes and  beliefs, she became a bridge between the old world and the new world. 

There's so much in this story.  Ms. Arden wrapped all of the pieces together as should be in this conclusion.  There were new understanding, new bonds, consequences and  etc.  This is a wonderful, magical world of winter with midnights, mythical creatures, spells, and fairytale weaved with myths and history.   

I was very spelled bound with all of the trilogy and Katherine Arden did not disappoint me one bit at all. It was so well worth the wait.  When the hardcover comes out, I will most definately purchase it to add it to my other two books, The Bear and the Nightingale and The Girl in the Tower. This trilogy will be among my favorite series of all time.

I received this beautiful magical ARC from Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine Del Ray through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you so much!

The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden

While browsing my favorite bookstore, I noticed this book just came out in December and of course, I just had to have it after reading The Bear and The Nightingale, first in this series!  I devoured it in one day.  As I recalled, it was snowing that day and I was enjoying my salted caramel hot chocolate. Here is the review I posted the next day on Goodreads in December 2017.

The moment I read the first paragraph, I fell deeper and deeper into the story, and not wanting to climb back out as the story ended.  I WANT MORE!!

The author has done it again.  She sure knows how to trap the readers in her books.  I know for a fact I’m addicted to her story!!  

As most 2nd book or sequels have bored or failed to impress me much, this did not.  I appreciated the fact that the author did not drag me down with with any extra information from the first book.  However, there were hints here and there to remind me what had happened in the first book.  She also managed to add in the fairy tales, myths, and mythical creatures flawlessly.  I love how the Russian folklore  came rushing back to forcing me to remember how I had loved reading them as a child.  

For you readers out there, you must read The Bear and The Nightingale first before reading this.  Sure you could read The Girl in The Tower first.  But you won’t appreciate the in-depth of the beautifully written story without The Bear and The Nightingale as much.   I just cannot wait for her next book to come out.

Also, I cannot wait to see what books she has in store for us.  She’s a wonderfully gifted story teller for all ages and genres.

Did I say how much I love the book?  I absolutely frikking LOVE the book!!  There, I said it!

The Bear and The Nightingale by Katherine Arden

I purchased this book after seeing this gorgeous illustrated cover and reading fascinating synopsis two years ago.  There was no turning back once I got past the first couple of pages. I fell in love. I knew this book shall have a spot on my bookcase.  Here is my review I posted on Goodreads back in 2017.

Magical! Magical!! I just wanted to get lost in it so deeply that I couldn't spring back out from the pages!! As I type this, I'm sighing and reeling from the story even when I finished it back in March 2017. I can still remember the story and the characters!! I cannot wait for the next book to come out. This book is definitely a keeper! I believe it just may one of the best Russian fairy tale ever!

The Truth Waits by Susanna Beard

I would like to start off by saying this isn't a psychlogical thriller. This is an international crime thriller.  I have to warn you there is international sex/human trafficking involved.

The book starts off with this protagonist who found herself stranded in Lithuania due to the ashes coming from the eruption of a volcano.  The planes were grounded for days. She takes a walk along the beach only to find a dead 16 year girl washed ashore.  After giving statements to the police, she meets a man younger than her while waiting to fly back to England.

She finally flies back to her home in England only to find that girl in constantly on her mind.  She slowly develops a relationship with a journalist she's met back in Lithuania.  During the course of their relationship with him, he doesn't want her to get involved with the investigation of the dead teen once she found out sex/human trafficking may be involved. Her co worker, friends, and family don't want her involved.  As the story moves on, it turns out that she and the journalist both have dark secrets of their own. The heroine spirals deep into depression along with panic attacks.  However, she doesn't give up. The conclusion was good.

It is mostly suspense/mystery, crime, relationships, corruptions, power, guilt, tragedies and trafficking.

The book may be dark but it is interesting even though it started out slow.

I'm going to give it a 3 3/4 stars.

I received this ARC from Legend Press through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you.

The Nowwhere Child by Christian White

I was intrigued when I saw the memo in the email from the editor from St. Martin's Press Minotour Press raving about this book.  It came with high praises and an invite to read this book.  I went ahead and downloaded this book.  Wow! What a wild ride!  I was hooked from page 1!  I have no regret and I understand why it's well liked.

This book is a psychological thriller/suspense that keep you on your toes.  It is full of action, investigation, emotions, and who's done it.  

It's about a young woman who was approached by a so called investigator telling her she's not who she is and she may possibly be the kidnapped child from 26 years ago. In a denial at first, she goes on a roller coaster journey in search of her own identity while solving her own abduction mystery. She meets up with her family she never knew of, in Kentucky with her own brother who found her in Australia.  Her world literally fell apart when she learns of her DNA testing and couple of truths from her step father. 

The story alternates between the past and the present.  I could not put the book down.  Wow, the conclusion....Cannot spoil the story here.  It was very satisfiying for me. I was rooting for the heroine all the way.

The book was brilliantly written and did fall into cliche genre of thrillers.  It is very different, shocking, entertaining, and believable.

For those of you who like the thriller, action, mystery and supsense, then this is the book for you.  

I received this ARC from St. Martin's Press/ Minotaur Books through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.  Thank you.

Laurentian Divide by Sarah Stonich

First of all, I'd like to point out this is a second  book in this series.  The first one is called Vacationland which I plan on reading soon before the 3rd book comes out. With that being said, let's move on.

This book isn't any of the action, thriller, suspense, horror, or romance genre.  I have no idea what to call this genre.

It is a novel of an ordinary small town located in Northern Minnesota of ordinary people. Laurentide Divide has a rich setting full of colors, quirkiness, and humor. The characters in this fictionalized little town were delightful to read.

Very relatable. I laughed, I cried, I frowned and I smiled with them.

What makes this book unique and enjoyable? The lives of the people which at the moment are being held together by politics, cultures, tragedies, hope and love. There are several plots in this book richly interwoven together. I actually felt immersed in this community even though it's not real.

I intend to read the first book, Vacationland before the 3rd book comes out.  I cannot wait for it to come out.  

I'd give it a 4 stars.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Do yourself a favor and get this book.  It's worth the heart warming, feel good, and a whole lot of thinking of everything!

I received this ARC from University of Minnesota Press through Net Galley and Bookish First in exchange for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you!

The Magic: The Gathering Cards by Ben Bleiweiss

When I saw this book offered in the raffle at BookishFirst, I had to sign up for it. Why? Because I collected and played the cards when they very first came out.  I loved playing them. Similar to playing D&D.  Yeah, I was that geek or nerd. I was excited when I won the book.  When it arrived at my doorsteps, all I could say, WOW!

Ah, talk about reminiscence! The flood gate opened up when I turned the colorful pages.  Oh, how I missed playing them and putting some of the good ones in the pocketsleeves of my binders.  I had 4 6" ring binder notebook holding these cards.

Mr. Bleiweiss did an extraordinary job putting this beautifully illistrated book together. It must have been painstaking putting all the cards together in one book.  This book is categorized by the earliest cards when they were first produced 25 years ago up to Non-tournament Legal Cards.  

At the beginning of the book, he explains the value and anatomy of the cards.  Bleiweiss also explains how to grade the cards and even provides the guide for grading them. He makes it very simple and easy to understand especially for those were involved with the Magic cards. Then, he explains all the sets and lists each card which were produced in 25 years.

The book is very thick, 512 pages long.  As you can see from the photo of the cover I posted is gorgeous.  Each page in the book is beautifully illustrated with vibrant colors and photos of the cards.  Breathtaking! You can tell he care about this book which had to be a HUGE project for him to put together.  The results are are outstanding! I intend to keep this book with me until I die and I intend to get my cards back (another story)

I had the alpha and beta of the Core set along with The Dark, Fallen Empires, Homelands, White-Bordered sets (5th and 6th editions) and the Ice Age.  Oh, how I want to play them again.  I just have to purchase some sets and find couple of people to play with me!

Bear in mind, this is unofficial collector's guide.  However, after reading this book, which was carefully and skillfully crafted together, it should be an official guide. 

Ben, Ben, Ben, where have you been?  I would've enjoyed playing Magic with you! Give me a hollar when you get the chance!

I receieved this wonderful printed ARC from Krause Publication after winning it in Bookish First in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.   Thank you!

One Day in December by Josie Silver

Warning:  A box of Kleenex is required!

Seriously, some books need warning labels for tissues!

Again, I normally don't care for romance.  But....Oh My Goodness!  This isn't really a romance but yet it is.  

Oh! Who am I fooling?

I WANT that kind of love!!

This is the best love story I've read this year.  I'm going to rank it #1 of the year 2018.  I know 2018 isn't over yet.  But I'm saying this is the best romance of the year for ME!

  I love how it started out.  I smiled, I cringed, I laughed, I frowned, I muttered jerk, you fool, I cheered,  I exclaimed, I cried and I bawled!  

 This started out as a love at first sight setting which bounded three people together down the road. This is the story not just between a girl and a boy but the special friendship between three friends during 10 years.  Oh, how those relationships grew and made them strong. I love how it ended.  It was just perfect.  

This story will stay with me for a long time.

I wouldn't be surprised if this was made into a movie and no, it had better not be Netflix or Hallmark because this novel deserves much better!

You have GOT to read this. You'd be glad you did. I'm giving this book a 5 star rating!

I recieved this beautiful ARC from Crown Publishing Broadway Books through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you!

Winter Without You by Beth Good

This is another holiday treat for this year.  Normally I don't care too much for romance  but Christmas is coming around so why not get into the mood? 

This novel is sweet from the beginning to the end.(you can put the candy cane down now) It will be heartwarming for most of you guys.

This is about a young woman who basically lost almost everything including her fiance.  She finds out unexpectedly she has inherited a house from her maternal grandmother whom she thought has been dead since she was a kid thanks to her mother's lies.  The heroine is determined to make it on her with the rundown house on her own, but at least several couple of ladies come into her life unexpectedly along with her next door louse. As she navigates through her journey with her new friends, louse, maternity, cat with kittens, new house, she discovers more about her grandmother and her grandmother's great love through the lettters she discovered and the letters her neighbor has.  There were amusing, frustruating, happy, loving, compassionate, stubborness moments all wrapped up in this book. The only problem I had with this book was why the heroine's mother lied to her about her grandmother being dead .  I hate it when things are left unturned or unsolved.  Other than that, this book was fun to read.

3 3/4 quarter stars from me.

I recieved this sweet ARC from Quercus Books through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you!

Finding Grace by Daphne Greer

This book is geared towards YA or preteens.  I did enjoyed reading this novel but I had difficulty probably due to the style of writing.  I don't know what it is.  I just can't put my finger to it.

Anyways, this is a story of a young teen who spent 15 years of her life growing up in a convent with her sister who had Down Syndrome. It details of her dealing with loss of her sister, grief, drama among her peers and nun.  If you enjoy some mystery, convent, drama, dormatory, diary, and WWII then you'll enjoy this story.  

I give this novel a 3 1/2 stars

I recieved this ARC from Nimbus Publishing through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you!

The Girl from Berlin by Ronald H. Balson

After reading  Once We Were Brothers and this  book, Ronald H. Balson has just become one of my few favorite authors. I'm really regretting not keeping Once We Were Brothers. 

This is such an incredible novel I've come across in a while! Mr. Balsom most certainly has done his research. He is so eloquently talented with words where he brings the story alive immediately from the beginning to the end, holding your interest. He is one of the few phenomenal storytellers of our time.

First of all, having read Once We Were Brothers over a year ago, I did not know he had written other books until The Girl From Berlin came out. This book is the fifth book of Liam Haggard and Catherine Lockhart series. Now, this should not scare you off because this can be a stand alone novel and I can tell you why.   The heart of this novel truly sets on the mystery, music, and historical details of the main character who wrote the journal.

This is a historical novel which takes place pre WWII and during WWII and present which are alternated back and forth but easy to keep up.  Once you start reading the first couple of pages, there's no turning back. Balsom did an incredible job bringing the depths of history, music and feelings alive. I LOVE how he conveyed a story to each of the classical music pieces. 

It isa not for a quick reading. This novel will bring out all kinds of emotions from you.  It is intended to be savored reading and long after you finish reading the book.

I truly truly enjoyed this story.  It is one of the best WWII stories I've come across this year.  I'd say this beats Lilac Girls, Nightingale, and  All the Light We Cannot See hands down.  I will read his other books and continue to read more of his books in the future.

I recieved this marvelous ARC from St. Martin's Press in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.  Thank you!