Review: Kings of Dawn & Dusk (Chronicles of Twinsbane Book 2) by Mariposa Aristeo

SYNOPSIS

Not even their connection can stop fate.

The giant cracks fissuring the kingdom of Twinsbane threaten to divide the world into eternal day and night. Many believe the rift is a divine sign to sever the last connection between every twin, but the truth is far darker than anyone could imagine.

With no one left to trust, King Daccias turns to his twin, Waruu, in hopes of vanquishing the Separator's power over the land. Daccias seeks to uncover the lost history of the first two kings and resurrect the connection doubles once shared. But regaining that ancient bond may not be as easy as it seems, especially when the only way to fix his fractured world is to face the hidden nightmares from his childhood.

Joining forces with Daccias, Waruu is torn between his devotion to his family and the strange and annoying connection that allows him to feel Daccias's thoughts and emotions. But Waruu is willing to do anything to save what's left of his broken family—even if it means turning against the man who raised him.

To restore the kingdom and right the wrongs of the past, both boys must be willing to sacrifice the one person who has become like a brother—each other.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This book left me speechless in the best way possible. That ending? Beautiful and so profound. I was near tears. I loved this book even more than the first one, which I didn’t think would be possible.

This book picks up right where Sons of Day & Night left off. It was so great to be back in Twinsbane with Waruu and Daccias. Things were really falling apart in their world, and I was so worried about how everything was going to work out.

I loved seeing the dynamics and friendship, the brotherhood, between Waruu and Daccias grow. The humor was so good! I was laughing out loud in spots. But this was also an emotional and poignant story too.

This was fast paced and had plenty of twists. I had a very hard time setting it down when real life duties called. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. And I still can’t stop thinking about it. I loved it and highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Friday Book Snippets: Kings of Dawn & Dusk (Chronicles of Twinsbane Book 2) by Mariposa Aristeo

Friday Book Snippets is a weekly blogging event co-hosted by Anne@HeadFullofBooks and Olivia at Bemused and Bookish. Directions: Share two snippets (a sentence or short paragraph) from a. the book's beginning and b. page 56 (or another page) in the book you are currently reading. No spoilers, please.

This week I'm featuring Kings of Dawn & Dusk (Chronicles of Twinsbane Book 2) by Mariposa Aristeo.

SYNOPSIS

Not even their connection can stop fate.

The giant cracks fissuring the kingdom of Twinsbane threaten to divide the world into eternal day and night. Many believe the rift is a divine sign to sever the last connection between every twin, but the truth is far darker than anyone could imagine.

With no one left to trust, King Daccias turns to his twin, Waruu, in hopes of vanquishing the Separator's power over the land. Daccias seeks to uncover the lost history of the first two kings and resurrect the connection doubles once shared. But regaining that ancient bond may not be as easy as it seems, especially when the only way to fix his fractured world is to face the hidden nightmares from his childhood.

Joining forces with Daccias, Waruu is torn between his devotion to his family and the strange and annoying connection that allows him to feel Daccias's thoughts and emotions. But Waruu is willing to do anything to save what's left of his broken family—even if it means turning against the man who raised him.

To restore the kingdom and right the wrongs of the past, both boys must be willing to sacrifice the one person who has become like a brother—each other.

First Line

This would be recorded as the year the world broke.

Snippet from 54%

For the first time in my life, I've succeeded.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Falcon's Echo (Call of the Sea) by Elizabeth Camden

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring The Falcon's Echo (Call of the Sea) by Elizabeth Camden releasing January 19.

SYNOPSIS

Their greatest challenge was never the Naval Academy--it was each other.

1905
Lieutenant Cooper Wainright arrives in Annapolis carrying a secret that nearly ended his career. As the Naval Academy's new head football coach, he is determined to start fresh and build something lasting as he reaches for a winning season, a respectable future, and perhaps even a wife.

Athena Pembroke, part of the Navy's most storied family, leveraged every connection to become the Academy's new archivist and must hold her own at the all-male institution. Armed with wit, a lethal golf swing, and a fierce desire to uphold her family name, she steps into her hard-fought position knowing the superintendent is hoping she will fail.

When their paths cross, Cooper and Athena's attraction is immediate, inconvenient, and impossible to ignore. But as they draw closer, Cooper's buried truth becomes more dangerous. In a world ruled by honor and sacrifice, they must decide what integrity demands . . . and whether love is worth risking everything they've fought to reclaim.

Elizabeth Camden presents a romantic story of duty, courage, and redemption featuring ambitious naval officers, political intrigue, and the excitement of early collegiate football at the United States Naval Academy during the Progressive Era. This sweeping historical romance is perfect for fans of Mimi Matthews, Jody Hedlund, and Gabrielle Meyer.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Fatal Impulse (Green Dory Inn Mystery Series Book 5) by Janet Sketchley

SYNOPSIS

If the runaway mom didn’t sneak back into town, who’s the snow-covered corpse wearing her coat?

Landon Smith doesn’t dare investigate. Juggling intense university courses, a fledgling romance, and an empty bed and breakfast, the twenty-four-year-old trauma survivor is fighting for her dreams. Yet her heart breaks for the hurting teen who’s convinced his mother is the body in the woods.

For his sake, she’ll dig into the secretive woman’s abrupt flight. But when the missing persons case ties into the murder, Landon fears she’s placed herself on the villain’s hit list.

With her mistakes mounting and her personal life imploding, can Landon uncover the truth—and maybe open the door to a family reunion—before she stands face to face with a killer?

Cozy mystery meets Christian women’s fiction in Fatal Impulse, the twisty fifth book in the Green Dory Inn mystery series. If you like female amateur sleuths who don’t quit, small-town characters who feel like friends, and mischievous cats, then you’ll love Janet Sketchley’s heartfelt whodunit. Buy Fatal Impulse and check into the Green Dory Inn today. Come for the mysteries, stay for the characters.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Fatal Impulse is the first book I’ve read in the Green Dory Inn Mystery Series, and I really enjoyed it! I was able to step right into the story with very little trouble. I appreciated the list of characters at the beginning of the book. I think that really helped out. I thought the mystery was really good. It definitely kept me guessing. I was very surprised by who the culprit was.

I admired Landon’s resiliency and strength. She had been through a lot, and it was inspiring to see her overcome so much. I appreciated the fact that this book tackles some tough but important topics. I thought it was all handled with care.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys solid mysteries with a strong thread of faith. I look forward to going back and checking out the previous books in this series.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FOUR STARS

Review: Lost Without You (The Chimney Creek Romances Book 2) by Emily Conrad

SYNOPSIS

When her assignment to photograph small-town Chimney Creek collides with his mission to save an endangered lynx, Bailey and Luke are forced to work together.

To save the land beside Chimney Creek State Park from a mining operation, jaded park ranger Luke Fielding must show the Wisconsin legislature the property’s value. The federally threatened Canada lynx that treks through might help him turn skeptics into allies, but the animal proves elusive and the legislature demands evidence that might not exist to find, even for a skilled outdoorsman like Luke.

Photographer Bailey Sterling is broke, but with her upbeat attitude, her camera, and her teardrop camper, she’s set to camp out in Chimney Creek State Park until she can earn some income from the local tourism board. While there, she’ll cross the northern lights off her bucket list, thanks to the park’s famous overlook. Or so she hopes until a Northwoods blizzard brings trouble even the grumpy park ranger, who tried to convince her to leave before the storm, failed to predict.

Forced together by the storm and duty, Luke and Bailey soon discover they need each other, and not just to salvage her assignment and protect the land he loves. But claiming a future together would mean doing something neither is ready for—admitting they’d each be lost without the other.

This warmhearted and faith-filled romance is book 2 in the loosely connected Chimney Creek Romances.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Emily Conrad has done it again! Lost Without You was another stellar, faith-filled romance that I couldn’t put down. I loved it so much!

The author has a knack for writing authentic characters who are easy to root for. Bailey and Luke are so relatable! I loved getting to know them. They were such a great pair. Bailey had such an upbeat personality and an optimistic attitude about things. But there’s some hidden pain beneath her positivity. Luke was a bit of a grump. He was always seeing the worst possible outcome for things. And, my goodness, I could relate to that! I really admired his commitment to finding the lynx and saving the land.

I thought the setting really came to life. It was 80 degrees where I live while I was reading this book, but I could almost feel the wintry chill of snowy Chimney Creek. I loved that! If you’re a fan of contemporary romance with a strong thread of faith, don’t hesitate to pick up a copy of this book. I can’t recommend it highly enough!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Friday Book Snippets: Lost Without You (The Chimney Creek Romances Book 2) by Emily Conrad

Friday Book Snippets is a weekly blogging event co-hosted by Anne@HeadFullofBooks and Olivia at Bemused and Bookish. Directions: Share two snippets (a sentence or short paragraph) from a. the book's beginning and b. page 56 (or another page) in the book you are currently reading. No spoilers, please.

This week I'm featuring Lost Without You (The Chimney Creek Romances Book 2) by Emily Conrad.

SYNOPSIS

When her assignment to photograph small-town Chimney Creek collides with his mission to save an endangered lynx, Bailey and Luke are forced to work together.

To save the land beside Chimney Creek State Park from a mining operation, jaded park ranger Luke Fielding must show the Wisconsin legislature the property’s value. The federally threatened Canada lynx that treks through might help him turn skeptics into allies, but the animal proves elusive and the legislature demands evidence that might not exist to find, even for a skilled outdoorsman like Luke.

Photographer Bailey Sterling is broke, but with her upbeat attitude, her camera, and her teardrop camper, she’s set to camp out in Chimney Creek State Park until she can earn some income from the local tourism board. While there, she’ll cross the northern lights off her bucket list, thanks to the park’s famous overlook. Or so she hopes until a Northwoods blizzard brings trouble even the grumpy park ranger, who tried to convince her to leave before the storm, failed to predict.

Forced together by the storm and duty, Luke and Bailey soon discover they need each other, and not just to salvage her assignment and protect the land he loves. But claiming a future together would mean doing something neither is ready for—admitting they’d each be lost without the other.

This warmhearted and faith-filled romance is book 2 in the loosely connected Chimney Creek Romances.

Book Beginning / First Line

In defiance of the blizzard barreling toward Chimney Creek State Park, a one-hundred-thirty-pound lump of fur lazily peered up at Luke Fielding from a snowbank.

Snippet from 55%

Bailey peered out the window at the large, white farmhouse. In the dark countryside, the lights shining from all the first-floor windows should've been welcoming, but she might as well have been approaching a portal to another world. "You grew up here?"

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Widow of Woodlark Cottage by Julie Klassen

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring The Widow of Woodlark Cottage by Julie Klassen releasing December 1.

SYNOPSIS

A daughter's quest, an unfinished manuscript, a mysterious estate, and two men vying for her wounded heart.

Young widow Elizabeth Eaton resides with her late husband's cold, critical family. When she learns her estranged father, a writer and naturalist, has died at a rented cottage on the North Devonshire coast, Elizabeth reluctantly agrees to travel there to claim his belongings and the partial draft of a new book.

When she reaches the cottage on the grounds of an estate, she is told the nearby manor house is empty, yet she sees candlelight flickering within, giving Elizabeth reason to doubt her eyes--and her safety. Finding her father's final manuscript nearly complete, Elizabeth decides to stay long enough to finish it, hoping to make amends for cutting him out of her life.

As she does, she meets two very different men, a charming seafarer who fills her head with local legends and an aloof man of business with his own agenda. Strange, frightening incidents begin to occur, and Elizabeth must decide which man to trust when her life--and her heart--are in danger.

Julie Klassen pens a captivating historical romance for fans of Jane Austen set on the coast of Devonshire in Regency-era England brimming with intrigue, mystery, secrets, and a second chance at love.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?