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 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.

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

Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis

Captive Trail, by Susan Page Davis, is the second book of The Texas Trail series. Like the first book, this centers on a family in mid-1800 Texas. The Morgan family has a different author and I love her writing voice.

Let me tell you a bit about the story. Taabe Waipu is a Comanche captive. She escapes to avoid marrying a man she doesn't love. She searches for her white family, but on her travels, her horse falls and she's injured and alone. Ned Bright, a stagecoach driver happens along and finds her. He brings her to a mission where nuns take care of her and help her recover.

Okay, if that isn't enough to suck you in and make you want to read this book, then you're dead. 

All kidding aside, this was a great story, filled with major character growth. (Not to mention history about Texan life in the 1800's.) I loved the main character, Taabe Waipu, and admired her tenacity and courage.

The author, Susan Page Davis, has a beautiful writer's voice, smooth storytelling chops, and the ability to make characters come alive in my head.

4 stars

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book 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.

Lone Star Trail by Darlene Franklin

Lone Star Trail is the first book I've read by the author, Darlene Franklin. I'm intrigued enough by the first in the Texas Trail Series to continue on with the other five books. Time will tell if I enjoy the other stories as much…or more.

Lone Star Trail is about German immigrant family, the Fleishers, who leave their home to pursue a better life in the new Union state of Texas in mid-1800. However, life doles out difficult times for this family. A Texan, Jud Morgan, is initially hateful toward the immigrants, but ends up helping them. His views about immigrants gradually change as the story progresses. I like the believability of this happening. It was well developed. Kudos to the author.

The main premise, from what I gather, is about looking past prejudice, and learning about those who seem different and seeing life through their eyes—and hearts.

The book is full of history, which I adore, and the faith lessons are not shoved down your throat. A great, clean read, without being preachy.

On the flip side, the secondary story line wasn't necessary. In my humble, yet honest, opinion, it actually took away from the main plot.

Wrapping this up, I will read Captive Trail by another author I haven't read: Susan Page Davis. It's the next book in this multi-authored series. 

Though I enjoyed Lone Star Trail, I hope the next story stays focused on the main plot without branching off and thinning out the story. 

3 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book 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.

His Cemetery Doll by Brantwijn Serrah

The title alone captured my interest, 

but once I read the excerpt I was as entranced.

 A former soldier, Conall Mackay, is raising a child alone…a child he found in a graveyard.  The author, Brantwjin Serrah, has an imagination that outreaches past the graveyard, and into the madness beyond. Yet, she still incorporates tenderness and empathy into the story.

His Cemetery Doll is full of deep imagery. So deep that I could feel the mist, see the fog, and taste the wintry breath of whispers. Brantwijn Serrah certainly penned a fantasy that sweeps a ribbon around this reader and whips me into another world filled with the unimaginable…and makes them real.

The relationship between Conall and what he calls his cemetery doll is nothing like I imagined. He fears, but still is drawn to her. The exquisite and touching moments existing between him and someone so far removed from the living was breathtaking…and downright heart-wrenching.

On the other hand, the relationship between Conall and his adopted daughter, Shyla, is fresh and full of life. I adored Shyla and all her differences. She is smart, inquisitive and endearing…and loves to play in the graveyard, making up stories about the ones who lie there. 

All the characters in this book are well developed and I pictured every single one of them in my mind's eye. I loved, hated, gasped, smiled and even wiped a tear or two while reading His Cemetery Doll.

Even if you've never read paranormal, you should give this book a try. I guarantee you'll be surprised. I can't imagine anyone reading this story and not liking it.

4 stars

Disclosure of Material connection in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: The author has provided me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Asylum by Dana Wright

 I read this in bed, and had to scurry out to the living room and turn on the light.

Dana Wright has crafted many genres into Asylum. That is quite an undertaking, but she did it well! Murder mystery, ghosts, talking with the dead, time-travel, and romance are intertwined into a story about a modern day woman with a not so modern day talent.

 The main character, Rachel Winestock, can sense the spirits of those who have moved on, and the last thing she needs is a high-profile man who wishes to debunk her talent. Matt Rutledge is the man, and though she wants to despise him, she finds herself craving his belief…as well as his body.

The story flows well, the characters are rich and well-developed, and the writing is impeccable.

Asylum has several twists and turns and I loved following them all. And I will follow this author as well!
4 star

Disclosure of Material connection in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: The author has provided me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate

The cold feeling washed over me again--a brew of fear, fascination, and uncertainty. How could all of this be a coincidence? Who'd left this thing on my desk, and with what intention? ~Excerpt from The Story Keeper

The Story Keeper is two books in one. It is about a New York City editor Jen Gibbs, and the historical journey of a Melungeon woman, Sarra. I was captivated by the entwining stories.

Jen Gibbs, a new editor at George Vida's publishing company, discovers a partial manuscript on her desk. Unfortunately, it's from the notorious Slush Mountain—the one no one but the owner himself touches. Unsure of who put it on her desk, Jen is determined to return it, but first, a tiny peek won't hurt. Right?

Wrong. 

Slush Mountain hurtles Jen Gibbs directly to the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. The very place which sheltered her childhood from the outside world. The place she fled from years ago.

The mysterious manuscript grabs Jen by the throat, and won't let go. She must find the author; even if it means visiting painful memories. I couldn't let go of the manuscript either. I traveled with Jen Gibbs through the back roads, and into a world far removed from New York City...and enjoyed every moment.   

The author, Lisa Wingate, has seamlessly captured past and future. Never did I feel jolted from one time period to the other. I probably could sum up this book in two words: full impact. The growth of the main character, Jen Gibbs, is gradual and full. The story of the Melungeon woman, Sarra, and Rand, the man who found her, is astounding.

I found myself whispering parts of this book, savoring the language of Appalachian history with each word.

Be sure to put this book on your TBR list.

 5 stars

Quick question:  Did you google Melungeon?

The Grey Curse by Krista Kelley

There are so many things I enjoyed about this book. The Grey Curse grabbed me in the first couple of sentences: Rebecca Grey stared down at her blood covered hands. While it was animal blood, it still signified the horrible deed. Whoa…I couldn't put it down. I love it when that happens.

Now I'd thought every twist in a vampire/witch story had been done, but The Grey Curse proved me wrong. This is NOT your standard vampire/witch story—or typical love story. There are twists and turns weaved in the plot and you can tell the author put immense effort into the story.

Krista Kelley's writing is impeccable, emotive and imaginative. Though this is a short read, it's a complete one.

When I discovered this was Krista Kelley's debut publication, I was pleasantly surprised. I can't wait to see what else she has in store. Read this book. You won't be disappointed. 

4 stars

Disclosure of Material connection in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: The author has provided me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore

This coming of age story grabbed me from the first paragraph. I loved the constant twists and how everything tied together at the end. The author, Miranda Beverly-Whittmore, gives the main character, Mabel Dagmar, a wonderful voice throughout the story. Anyone who stood on the outside looking in as a young adult will relate to Mabel and anyone who didn't will gain insight into the life of someone less fortunate.

This story delves honestly into how one's actions--no matter how well-intended--can twist into tragedy. Speaking of intentions, there's evil ones too, leaving me with my mouth agape. Not one character, be it Ev, her family, or even Mable, was predictable...or ended up how I pictured in my mind.

This author has a gift. She lulls the reader in a soft, unassuming way, and then shocks with a surprise, twist or downright I-can't-believe-that-just-happened. 

I love the turns along the gravelly path in Bittersweet. I adore the cottages, each with a personality, and dubbed after a flower. And every one of them have bolts upon the door...even the bedrooms and bathrooms. Why, in such an idyllic and private setting of the Winslow Retreat is there a need for this? This was the earlies hint of the secrets waiting to be divulged. 

Mabel is the narrator in this story, with her perspective fluctuating between her disdain of her underprivileged past, and that of her wealthy roommate, Ev Winslow--and the desire to be like her.

I looked at the picture of the gathered Winslows above my desk, although it was as silly an enterprise as opening the menu of a diner you've been going to your whole life. I knew every blond head, every slim calf, as though her family was my own~excerpt from Bittersweet

The descriptions the author pens are amazing. I could smell the dank forests, feel the shock of water against my skin...or basking in the warmth of the sun. I could smell the food in the dining hall, and I shivered at the whisper of secrets nagging to be told.

The rhythm of the story soothed, shocked, and spattered in imagination, littering my mind with the constant--yet not overdone--twists and plots throughout the story.

5 Stars

Disclosure of Material connection in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: Blogging For Books has provided me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Let Us All Eat Cake (Cookbook)

Let Us All Eat Cake...and they're gluten-free!

Throughout the years, I've accumulated a collection of gluten free cookbooks--many banished to basement shelves,   never to see a kitchen counter again. Why? They tend to be filled with hard to find ingredients, and difficult to follow recipes. Then, after all the hard work the cakes tend to be heavy-textured enough to use as a doorstop.

That being said, Let Us All Eat Cake is a fantastic cookbook! I tried several recipes, and wow, I couldn't be happier with the results.

Pros:

1. LOTS OF PHOTOGRAPHS:  I want to see what the finished product should look like. This book is full of them. Love this bonus.

2. FLOUR MIX RECIPES! In many gluten-free cookbooks, a recipe will call for gluten-free flour, but they don't always give a recipe to create your own mixture. Now, there's nothing wrong with ready-made mixes, but it's more economical to make your own. Let Us All Eat Cake, has not one, but two recipes for flour mixtures: Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour Blend and Gluten-Free Whole Grain Flour Blend.  

3. CATEGORIZED INFORMATION: The beginning of the book is chock-full of information, including how to stock your gluten-free pantry. There are many helpful tips, from a breakdown of sweetener options to which flavorings and fruits work best with the recipes. For the beginner, there's even a list of equipment, from pans to utensils.

4. SERIOUSLY? VEGAN AND ALLERGY FREE CAKE CHART? Wow. This floored me. There's an easy to read chart listing which recipes are Dairy free, Vegan, Nut Free, and Soy Free. Who does this??? Let Us All Eat Cake is aptly titled.

5. FANTASTIC, TASTY, EASY TO FOLLOW RECIPES: Need I say more?

Cons:

1. I can't stop eating cake.

Summary:

Let Us All Eat Cake is sure to become a dog-eared, stained and worn cookbook. It won't end up tucked away in the basement, crisp pages intact, unmarked, and lonely. I highly recommend this book for anyone, not just those with gluten intolerance. You'll be pleased with the taste and texture of these cakes.

4 stars
Disclosure of Material connection in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: Blogging For Books has provided me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Ribbon of Darkness by Decadent Kane

Ribbon of Darkness 

by Decadent Kane

Excerpt: She licked her lips and stepped back. His eyebrow shot up in a challenge and he gave her a panty-dropping grin, the kind that said 'go ahead and do it.' Ribbon wasn't sure she was ready to take on Draven North in that sense. Despite the total lack of fear on her body's part. It was a good thing her mind took over. But she leveled his stare nonetheless.

         Blurb: An old family secret draws Ribbon into an Elven world while Draven is forced to find a way to drag her back home to save Christmas magic.

Ribbon of Darkness is far more than your average elven story. Once you delve into the world Decadent Kane developed, you're captured. I admit it--I actually forgot elves weren't real--or are they? This book makes one wonder. 

The main character, Ribbon, is well-developed and believable. Ribbon's adventures evokes a myriad of emotions for the reader: Laughter, sighs, gasps and tingles to name just a few. 

This novella made me smile, gasp and want to read the next in Trouble With Elves Series.

4 stars