Timeless Knight by Torie James

As a fan of anything Arthurian or paranormal, I was surprised to find both in Timeless Night. The legend of Camelot has been told in many ways, however,  author Torie James created a unique spin to the age old lore—adding a modern day twist. I knew from the first few pages that I would have a difficult time putting this book down.
 The author, Torie James, penned old world magic, modern day charm, and downright witty scenes throughout this amazing story. The paranormal aspect of the story has a twist I didn't see coming, and at first I thought "No…please don't do this." But oh, what surprises were in store for me. Pure magic was scribed in this tale. I suspect Torie James has a bit of fae blood flowing in her veins. 

Sabrina Foxworth, a strong-willed, modern day woman, is thrown into a whirlwind which changes her life forever. Her childhood dreams begin to make sense—though quite hard for her to swallow. Add to that, Mr. Dreamy-creamy-In-Her-Pants, a.k.a Alex, and all the magical twists he delivers…oh my. Despite her attraction, Sabrina refuses to follow his orders, and does things on her terms. She finds Alex's "explanations" and the ensuing turn of events difficult to believe. However, her very essence cannot deny deep down, she knows Alex speaks the truth. A truth that can be the very death of her.
The scenes are so well written I could "see" them. The personalities of both Alex and Sarah are strong, both conflicting with the other, while at the same time, pulling them closer together. 

The secondary characters, Merlyn, Gawain, Arthur, Guinevere and others are well- developed. I really can't say enough about Timeless Night by Torie James. It's absolutely amazing. 

The Mapmaker's Children

I loved the dual timeline of The Mapmaker's Children. Both of the stories intertwine into each other as the book progresses.

 The historical timeline follows the life of Sarah Brown, and her role in the Underground Railroad. Sarah is unable to have children, but she is a mother in many ways, both to her sister Annie, and the children she helps along the way. The author obviously did her research and made the characters walk right off the pages and into the reader's hearts. Sarah Brown's strength and growth were inspiring. (I also loved the historical photos at the end of the book.)

The modern-day timeline is 2014 in a small town, New Charleston, West Virginia. The main character, Eden Anderson, recently settled in this town. Well, maybe using the word settled is not right. Eden is anything but settled, both in the recent move, and her state of mind. Eden is struggling with many issues but the most heartbreaking is her recent miscarriage. While exploring her new home, she finds a porcelain doll head in a very mysterious place. This head is a pivotal part of the story. Her young neighbor, Cleo just about steals the story. I adore this kid. Eden initially doesn't know what to think of Cleo, but soon the two are inseparable.

So… how to these two stories end up connecting? I don't want to give too much away, but I will say both timelines eventually converges, slowly unfolding its secrets one clue at a time. At the end, I was truly satisfied.

I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from Blogging for Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255. 

Free Pass

Since my brain refused to connect with my mouth and I stood gaping like a fish, Austin blurted out his plan, "Be with another guy. Any guy you want. You can do anything with him for two weeks. I just want you to have the experience before we settle down." ~Excerpt

Free Pass by Allie Kincheloe is one of those just one more chapter books.

Throughout this page-turning adventure, I was able to delve into the thoughts and feelings of the characters. I was as surprised as Laney when Austin, the cheater boyfriend, suggests she fool around with whoever she wants for two weeks. Yep, I had to read just one more chapter to see if she'd snap up this free pass, or stab Austin with a pencil again. (Yep, this girl is not one to hold back.)

Not only does Laney accept the 'free pass', but she chooses someone she didn't consider—at first. She also didn't consider the fact that anyone could make her feel so…so damn happy. As a perfect twist, the man she is attracted to is her boyfriend's older brother, Jake. Yep, another page turner. And another…I read it from start to finish in one sitting.  

The relationships are tastefully written and told with sweet, steamy, and sometimes heart-wrenching emotion. To balance the story, the author injected Laney's inner dialogue, peppered with humor and a dash of sarcasm. 

There is a certain realization which peeks through Laney's discontent and confusion, and ends the story with personal growth with satisfying finesse. 

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a 'free pass' into an unusual, yet endearing, romance.

Neuro Tribes by Steve Silberman

Release date : August 25, 2015

Neuro Tribes—The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity

By Steve Silberman

As a mother of an autistic son, I couldn't wait to read this book. Though I have done extensive research into Autism, Steve Silberman opened up the archives of history for me! The previously untold, and sometimes muddied history of diagnosis, treatment (and mistreatment) of the disorder was opened up by Steve Silberman's research. He told the story with such depth, I found it hard to put this book down.

However, Neuro Tribes isn't just about history. It's about the future of the autism community as a whole. It gives hope and new insight to the "neuro-typical" population to accept and embrace the qualities of autism.

I recommend this book to everyone; not only those involved in the autism community, but those who wish to gain knowledge about this mysterious, yet intriguing thing called Autism.  It is no longer an affliction, but a quality and different way of observing—and a pin-point observation that most of us don't have. Steve Silberman gives many examples how those with autism have benefited and changed the world we live in today.

4 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ARC from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255