The Perfect Letter deserves a perfect grade--A+. Chris Harrison has a lot of imagination and writing kudos beneath those good looks and hosting abilities of his. I'm surprised he didn't follow the dream of publishing instead of hosting the Bachelor and Bachelorette. Then again, perhaps that's where he garnered so much about Leigh Merrill's, the heroine's, point of view.
I assumed The Perfect Letter would somewhat revolve around the world of the shows Chris hosts, but I was wrong. The characters feel real, the mystery surrounding a murder is tangible, and the romance put me through a myriad of emotions.
I highly recommend this book. Get “The Bachelor” out of your head and think “The Notebook” instead. A moving read with depth and purpose.
A+ and 5 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
The author, Ben MacIntyre, knows how to engage a reader. It’s a real page turner. The book does a fine job of depicting the amazing history of the SAS during WWII.
The focus of Rouge Heroes is on the founder of the SAS, David Stirling, but there is a full list of all the men involved at the end of the book.
This page turner is a must read for any military history buff. The unorthodox ways the SAS’s road to success Instead of “standing down”, David Sterling gained permission to form his own type of team. The notorious and highly regarded, SAS.
The photographs throughout the book brought the subject to life, and made the book even more interesting.
4 stars
I received a copy of this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Sweet Tea and Sympathy is the first book I’ve read by Molly Harper, and it will certainly not be the last. This story is so witty I laughed to tears several times. After finishing the book, I stood at my stove, cooking dinner and busted out laughing about random, hilarious banter from the book. (Yeah, that earned me a weird look from the others gathered in the kitchen.)
Sweet Tea and Sympathy is full of memorable, witty, and tear-jerking scenes. I found it hard to put the book down.
Molly Harper’s author voice sprinkled sweetness and reality throughout. All the characters are REAL. Yep, kudos to the author.
The main character, Margot, is easy to like—and sympathize with. She stumbles through sudden changes in her life. From culture shock between her former home of Chicago, to the southern quirks (and charm) of Lake Sackett, Georgia is not the only stumble. She has a whole family to adjust to—one she has not been in contact with since she was a young child. The loving, open-armed welcome she receives is yet another thing she needs to acclimate to.
Though the McCready family is huge, the author did a fine job of making each one memorable. I didn’t have any problem figuring out who was who.
Margot’s growth is gradual, and I found myself chuckling, wiping a tear, and biting my nails during the many twists and turns in Sweet Tea and Sympathy.
I adore the author’s voice, and her quirky way of writing about everyday life. I will certainly read more of her books.
5 stars
I received this complimentary copy from Net Galley.
Molly Harper’s novella, Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck, is a great introduction into her series. I love the location of Lake Sackett, GA. I don’t know if such a place really exists, but the author made it real if it isn’t. I read this book after enjoying Sweet Tea and Sympathy, and only then realized Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck was the first in the series—not the second like it is depicted on Amazon.
The southern comfort of family and values is prevalent throughout this book. However, the main character, Marianne is aghast when her old beau is the tow truck who comes to her rescue after her unfortunate near-miss with a deer. This is certainly not the entrance she had hoped to portray upon visiting her folks for the summer after attending college for 4 years. She did not leave on a good note—and to run into her high school sweetheart after breaking his heart, is super uncomfortable.
The trek through southern charm and sass is a fun read. As usual, Molly Harper spurs blasts of laughter throughout the book.
I highly recommend this short but sassy novella. It’s a great introduction into the world of the McCready family.
I love dual time period
books; but they must be intricately woven to keep me interested.
The Girl in the Picture by Kerry Barrett does
not disappoint. In addition to the historical aspect, the mystery is believable
and intriguing.
Ella, is the present day main character while
Violet’s life is reflected during the mid 1800’s. The mystery revolves around
the disappearance of Violet. Something the villagers still talk about 150 years
later.
The uncanny parallel lives are what hooks Ella’s
heartstrings and piques her drive to dive into the mystery. They both lost
their mothers and unborn baby sibling at the age of five. In turn a strained,
but loving relationship with their fathers ensues…along with
insecurities.
Ella, has left her secure job as an accountant
to write full time. They move from London and rent an old home in a small
village—Violet’s former home. Soon, she hears about the history behind the
house.
Violet, a talented painter, is swayed by a
married neighbor, Edwin. The 1800’s is no place for a woman with dreams, but
Edwin encourages her, and tells her he has ties in the art world. He is a
predator in every sense of the word. (I hated him.)
Violet is an innocent, sheltered
eighteen-year-old young woman. She is swayed by Edwin’s snake-like charm, and
soon allows him into her life and heart.
It was painful to watch. Yeah, I said watch. The
author actually planted me in the story so well it felt as if I watched the
scenes play before my eyes. The switch between present day and 1855 were
seamless.
The characters are easy to love, except for
Edwin. He is a villainous sleaze.
The mystery unfolds a little at a time, and I
followed along with undying interest. I didn’t find the ending unbelievable, as
I do some mysteries. This plot was well thought out.
Ella and Violet stumble through their
insecurities, but there is growth in both main characters.
I loved this book and highly recommend it to
anyone who likes dual time period mysteries.
I love the fact that the "adult coloring books" are the latest new thing on the shelves. Now I must interject a little thought here. I wish they were called something else…like intricate coloring books. Adult coloring books bring naughty things to mind. Then again, maybe that's just me. My imagination bounces right into the gutter at times.
Okay…time to bounce back to my review of Every Little Thing.
I've tried several coloring books and always look forward to filling in intricate drawings with my gel pens and color pencils. However, this book was not my cup of tea. The drawings in Every Little Thing are far from intricate. Luckily, this book wasn't my first coloring book. If it was, it would be my last.
Seeing I'm a bit harsh, let me focus on the pros of this coloring book:
1.It is well made.
2.The pages are thick and with a little coaxing, lay flat for coloring.
3.I tried to think of more pros, but my color pencils threatened to stab me if I didn't get on with the cons.
Cons:
1. The drawings are repetitious, simplistic and boring.
2.There are some instances where the drawings are in a different color smack dab in the middle of the black and white. Ugh.
3.There's a lot of empty space on the page.
4.The wallpaper look on every page makes sense. The design company specializes in wallpaper after all. However, this is a coloring book, not a wall. I feel they should stick with wallpaper and stay away from the coloring book craze.
I'm obviously not a big fan of this coloring book. However, I'm sure there are some who would enjoy the poorly drawn animals dancing around with random things thrown in.
Disclosure of Material Connection in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Blogging ForBooks has provided me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
I am a fan of historical novels. It doesn't really matter what time period, as long as the story is believable and accurately shows the life of the era. In this novel, the author, Jody Hedlund has penned a story of religions clashing, love and the strength of the people who lived through it.
The story of Martin Luther and Katherina is complex. Martin Luther is a former monk, leading the Protestant rebellion against the Catholic Church. Katherina Von Bora is an escaped nun who is rescued by Luther's followers. The story revolves around the struggle to follow their hearts and religious beliefs.
Jody Hedlund has done a great job of weaving fiction and sixteenth century historical facts in this novel. She made the time period come alive. The two main characters with all the struggles, and at times life-threatening issues, were vivid—it was if I were there, life threatened, fear palpable.
Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora are headstrong characters. Because of this, they continuously frustrate and infuriate each other. Both of them grew to accept each other, and the love they shared is deep and mature.
The author created a beautiful story filled with the emotional and difficult upheaval during this time of religious rebellion. I highly recommend this excellent read.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from Blogging for Books. 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
Daria Song does not disappoint with the second in her series of coloring books for adults. I adored the first book, The Time Garden.
Her newest, The Time Chamber, is absolutely stunning. I don't know which of Daria Song's coloring books I like best! I've been fulfilling my inner child, color pencils in hand.
Here's an example of a page:
Daria Song still tells a story to go along with her art work. Not many coloring books do that.
I've perused the many adult coloring books and I honestly think Daria Song's books have a quality of art,and imaginative story. The thick pages will prevent any bleed through. So I might just try gel pens instead of color pencils like I did in the first book.
I highly recommend this book for any adult who needs to de-stress!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received
this book from Blogging for Books. 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
I initially chose The Blender Girl Smoothies for its gluten free recipes. However, all of the recipes I've tried so far are amazing! My blender is getting a workout. I can't wait to try more of the many choices in this book. I haven't found one I didn't like.
I've always prepared smoothies with either fruit or vegetables—never both. Well, let me tell you, after following the recipes in Blender Girl Smoothies, I am a fan of mixing tasty veggies and fruits—along with nuts and more!
I love the detailed explanations, including why certain ingredients should be combined to achieve the health benefits, weight loss, energy and other benefits.
If you are looking for a healthy alternative to the (yawn) boring smoothies, this is the choice for you. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from Blogging For Books. 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
"Max Weiss, mermaids are drawn to the men of the earth. The goddess filled our hearts with longing for the love of men like you. But we are cursed as well." ~quote from The Memory of Mermaids
There's a book trailer for The Memory of Mermaids...and I found myself aching to read the book!
Now that you've viewed the tease...Let me tell you what I thought of the book.
Within the first chapter, I found Max Weiss breaking up with his girlfriend—or more like her breaking up with him. The rest of his life has pretty much fallen apart as well. Job, mother dying, mobster connections, you name it. The remaining chapters were just as full, though instead of negative situations, adventure begins making its way into Max's life.
Well, like many do, Max tries to ease his screwed up life with an overabundance of alcohol. He hears screams and...stumbles upon a sea monster—with a mermaid captured in the odd creature's tentacles. An alcohol-induced vision? No such luck.
I loved everything about this story. The interaction between Max and the mermaid Azzaria is enthralling. Max finds purpose in the request to help Azzaria locate her missing sister. Oh, and it goes without saying the author, Spencer Dryden, knows how to draw a reader into the steamy passages. Well done!
Max struggles with relentless thoughts and urges of a forbidden relationship, and I rooted for the him to give in--let it happen.However, though lust abounds, I wish I'd seen a little more of an emotional bond between Max and Azzaria.
But to get back to my favorite things about this book: The adorable way the mermaid speaks to Max made me grin. Azzaria doesn't differentiate between a first and last name, using it as one name. "Max Weiss, the dolphins say it is not safe…" "Thank you, Max Weiss, it has been many years since I have tasted rum…"
And I giggled out loud at this little comment: "Max Weiss, it gives my heart so much joy to see you again, did you bring some rum for me?"
I'm a voracious reader, but haven't read a single book about mermaids until now. The Memory of Mermaids is certainly a great start into something new. The human/mermaid interaction is very tastefully done. The twist of mythology mixed with theology is thought-provoking.
This novella is a fun read. Lose yourself in a new world, and a new way of thinking.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review 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
