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

Regarding Anna by Florence Osmund

I never wanted to be a private investigator. After high school, I'd had aspirations of becoming an interior decorator and had even enrolled in classes at Morton Community College. But when my parents died from carbon monoxide poisoning in their home three months before my eighteenth birthday, with no relatives to take me in, I was left to fend for myself. And that was when everything changed. ~ Excerpt from Regarding Anna 

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a book, the author weaving a maze of plot so deep you are right there with the characters? Well, author Florence Osmund gave me that experience. 

Grace. the main character, is left on her own after finding her parents dead. Soon after, she discovers clues in the attic which lead her to believe the two people who raised her may not be her parents after all.  As a young private investigator, Grace doggedly examines any lead in the case she labels Attic Finds. 

Throughout the story, she continues to delve into her confusing past, which leads her to Minnie. This elderly woman is tetchy gem and nearly steals the story with her antics. I adored her. After a rough beginning to their relationship, Grace and Minnie end up working together on the mystery of Grace's past. The camaraderie is endearing, the rapport amusing and the growing relationship is a joy to follow.

The many characters peppered throughout the book are well developed, and vary from snarky to endearing. Despite the number of people, I didn't have trouble keeping track of them. Each of them added a layer, and new revelations into the Attic Find case.

Grace's personal journey to self-discovery and worth, the friendships garnered and the wealth of information she never expected to find ties together nicely...without any loose ends.

I highly recommend this book.

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

Wicked Satyr Nights by Rebekah Lewis

Excerpt: The pale light gave her a bluish hue, and so distracted was he by her natural beauty that he didn't see her scars right away. The puckered flesh traveled her lift thigh and hip coming just to her waist and across her stomach, and likely her back as well. The crisscrossing scar tissue was the only imperfection on her soft, otherwise flawless, skin.

"Oh, vixen." He dropped to his knees and drew her closer. "What did this to you?" He ran his hand over the markings.

I loved the tenderness of above scene.

 That said, read on for my review of Wicked Satyr Nights. 

I couldn't put this book down! Thanks to the author, Rebekah Lewis, I lost sleep. Why? Well, let's sum it up with the fact bedtime meant nothing when it came to putting down Wicked Satyr Nights. Just one more chapter became my motto. 

I am intrigued by mythology, and wow, I inadvertently learned a lot about it. The author seamlessly entwines mythology with contemporary times. Not only that, the premise of this story was so well thought out it is BELIEVABLE.

 Kat, the heroine, is an independent, professional woman: yet her recent accident has her reeling. Finally healed--on the outside anyway--Kat takes an assignment to film a documentary on the urban legend, the Jersey Devil, without really holding any belief such a thing exists--until the winged myth kidnaps her.

It's clear the author did her research, right down to the weapons, curses, lineage of the gods, as well as the strength and weakness each hold. The immense thought involved combining myth, logic, human, god, and nymph is seamless. Not once did I doubt the plot, or trip on a hitch...other than the one in my heart when mythological god and human join with acceptance and love. 

The sexual scenes between the two main characters, Pan (the Jersey Devil) and Kat are steamy and loving. Their conversations are deep and usually fall into playful banter. I laughed out loud several times. I love it when that happens.

I'm drawn to series books, but I need closure. The ending of this book left me wanting more without leaving me hanging. Well done!

I highly recommend this book to those who want to broaden their mind while entertaining the possibility of love despite differences, faults or past mistakes. 

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 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.