Persistant by Allie Kincheloe

Persistent, by Allie Kincheloe, captured me from the first page. Yup.Totally invested.

I love it when a good girl falls for a bad boy. This book is filled with all the reasons why a good girl should steer clear, but Talia refuses to steer anywhere but into Sean's heart.

  

Sean, a victim of an unstable upbringing and his own demons, has made mistakes in his past. However, for the last five years he's done nothing but good. No matter his great intentions, or the fact he is a different man, he doesn't feel worthy of any relationship. 

Talia, the young woman who he rescues from an unsavory and abusive situation at the club he owns, has other ideas. Talia doesn't give up. She bounds into his heart and captures his interest, but he fights the attraction. Sean insists that she's too young, innocent and doesn't want a man like him in her life.

Long story short, Sean basically tries to convince his daggone stubborn self that he shouldn't pursue Talia. On the other hand, Talia does whatever she can to sway his conviction to keep her at arm's length. She succeeds—for a moment, anyway. Once their lips meet, She's not too crazy about the fact Sean captures her with a kiss then pushes away. 

The ensuing antics, serious moments and sometimes dangerous twists kept me riveted and wondering how the heck these two could ever find a happy ending. The story's plot is believable and intriguing. Just when I thought I had things figured out between the two main characters, the author threw in a twist… or three. (I love plot twists.)

Allie Kincheloe created flawed and lovable characters…and ones I loved to hate. (Especially Talia's ex-boyfriend, who is a domineering jerk.)  Talia made me smile so much my cheeks hurt. And Sean absolutely broke my heart at times. Quite a myriad of emotions, huh? 

Two thumbs up. This story has everything. I stayed up late many nights because I had to read "just one more chapter" of Sean's Sweetheart. (Which ended up being yet another…and another.) 

I highly recommend this romance if you like bad boys, good girls and the excitement the combination creates. You won't be disappointed.

5 Stars

Copy courtesy of author All opinions are my own.

The Mapmaker's Children by Sarah McCoy

I love the dual timeline in The Mapmaker's Children. Both 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. 

4 Stars

The Perfect Letter by Chris Harrison

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

Rouge Heroes by Ben MacIntyre

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 by Molly Harper

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.

Save a Truck, Ride a Cowboy by Molly Harper

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. 

The Girl in the Picture by Kerry Barrett

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. 

Every Little Thing: A Flat Vernacular Coloring Book

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.

Luther and Katharina :A Novel of Love and Rebellion by Jody Hedlund

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

The Time Chamber by Daria Song

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