Book Beginnings + Friday 56: A Place Of Magic by Merrie Destefano

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring A Place Of Magic by Merrie Destefano. It's the perfect read for this time of year. Slightly spooky with a bit of a gothic-vibe to it. Loved it! 

About the Book

Halloween is the wrong time to visit Ticonderoga Falls.

Dangerous fae hunt in the nearby woods.

The Prey...

Maddie MacFaddin (“Mad Mac” to fans of her bestselling magical stories) spent a blissful childhood summer in Ticonderoga Falls. That’s where she wants to be when her adult life is falling apart. The nearby forest holds many memories, some joyous, some only half-remembered. But she doesn’t remember the dark parts—and knows nothing of the legend that keeps the area’s terrified residents captive. She has no recollection of Ash, the magnificent creature who saved her life as a child, or that his kind preys upon humanity.

The Monster...

Ash, a Darkling fae, has been trapped in Ticonderoga Falls for a century—ever since his wife’s tragic death. Now, his own curse holds him captive. As penance, he’s required to hold a Hunt once a year. Then, hungry fae will descend upon the small village to harvest the dreams of the inhabitants.

The Hunt...

There are rules about harvesting humans; the poor creatures are so delicate. If you take too much, they’ll die. Without dreams, they perish. And perish they do, now and then, despite Ash's efforts to keep them safe. Then he realizes Maddie is the prey his unwanted guests are after. But, try as he might, this time he’s not strong enough to protect her. The entire village is in danger.

Soon the Hunt will begin. And no human will be safe.

Note: This is a re-release of Feast: Harvest Of Dreams. The book has been rewritten since its 2011 release.

Book Beginnings

Madeline MacFaddin was just a girl - bony, pale-skinned and wild - when Ash stumbled upon her in the woods.

Friday 56

She slammed the door shut. Then she leaned against it, terrified that she was going mad. What was she doing? She had no evidence that the monsters in the woods had been real. Maybe she really had stumbled through deadly nightshade, like the vet said. She closed her eyes and prayed that she would hear Ash's footsteps thudding down the stairs as he walked away.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Blood from a Stone (The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone #5) by David James Warren

About the Book

He fled the future with blood on his hands. Now, he’ll do anything to stop a killer.

Tragedy has yet again taken from Detective Rembrandt Stone everything he loves. Now, he has one last chance to get things right and stop a killer he’s been hunting across four timelines. Instead, he gets tangled in a petty crime that just might cost him his once chance at justice.

With two murders to stop, and thirty-eight lives still in the balance, Rembrandt must play his hand against time just right if he wants to win his future… Play it wrong and his life will stay shattered beyond repair.

What sacrifices will he have to make to come home to his wife and daughter?

The stakes have never been higher in the heart-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat fifth story of the True Lies of Rembrandt Stone.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Blood from a Stone was another fantastic installment in this series. And like I've said before, each book just gets better and better. This is the best one yet. I've become so invested in Rem and Eve's lives, hoping, wishing, praying that everything will work out in the end.

The stakes have never been higher for Rem. This is his last chance to get things right, to fix the past, and create a future he can live with. And, my goodness, what a surprising journey to the past this was! So many twists and turns I didn't see coming and an ending that has me clamoring for the next book.

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: The King of Koraha (Archives of the Invisible Sword #3) by Maria V. Snyder

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 King of Koraha (Archives of the Invisible Sword #3) by Maria V. Snyder releasing November 22. I'm really hoping that this conclusion to the series will be as good as book one, The Eyes of Tamburah. Book two, The City of Zirdai, was just kinda meh for me, but that seems to happen with a lot of book twos. I wonder why that is? Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing how this series concludes.

About the Book

Hard on the heels of trouble in Zirdai city, Shyla Sun-Kissed and Rendor are ordered to report to the King of Koraha - a summons that is deadly to ignore. The King holds the key to Koraha's existence, but a formidable new enemy threatens Koraha's very survival and the King desperately needs Shyla and Rendor's help.

Wielding a terrifying and unknown magical power that can convert opponents into devoted soldiers, the mysterious army is hellbent on usurping the crown. Shyla and Rendor are tasked with discovering who in the seven hells these insurgents are. And what their real endgame is.

Trekking through the punishing conditions across the searing surface of Koraha, and facing numerous unseen foes and untold danger, they must follow the clues to uncover the truth before it's too late. The fate of the King and all the citizens of Koraha rests in their hands...

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: The Sultan and the Storyteller (A Villain's Ever After #2) by Lichelle Slater

The Sultan and the Storyteller (A Villain's Ever After #2) by Lichelle Slater 

Every day for more than a month, the Sultan has picked a new woman to be his bride. The very next day, she's dead, which starts the whole cycle all over again. When her best friend is chosen as the Sultan's next wife, Shahira bravely takes her place. Though magic is outlawed, she plans on using her storytelling powers to get to the bottom of what's really going on with the Sultan's murdered brides and hopefully find a way to not become the next victim.

I'm not familiar with the original tale this was based on (though I did see a few nods to Aladdin here and there), so this was new and exciting for me. I absolutely loved it! It sucked me right in and transported me to Zunbar. It was so vivid and enchanting! I couldn't get enough of it.

The mystery surrounding the Sultan's wives had me so intrigued. I had to find out what was really happening to them. Was the Sultan really murdering them? If so, why? If not him, then who? And for what purpose? I was so invested.

I genuinely enjoyed this enchanting tale. And I was so excited to learn that it's a prequel for a new series! I'm definitely gonna be checking that out.

FOUR STARS

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Blood from a Stone (The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone #5) by David James Warren

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Blood from a Stone (The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone #5) by David James Warren.

About the Book

He fled the future with blood on his hands. Now, he’ll do anything to stop a killer.

Tragedy has yet again taken from Detective Rembrandt Stone everything he loves. Now, he has one last chance to get things right and stop a killer he’s been hunting across four timelines. Instead, he gets tangled in a petty crime that just might cost him his once chance at justice.

With two murders to stop, and thirty-eight lives still in the balance, Rembrandt must play his hand against time just right if he wants to win his future… Play it wrong and his life will stay shattered beyond repair.

What sacrifices will he have to make to come home to his wife and daughter?

The stakes have never been higher in the heart-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat fifth story of the True Lies of Rembrandt Stone.

Book Beginnings

This is not my world.

Not my life.

Not my time.

Friday 56

I take a breath, remembering suddenly how he tried to drown me twenty-three years from now. And, with that memory come the words he spoke. "You've been dogging me for twenty years for a crime I didn't commit?"

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Operation Grendel by Daniel Schwabauer

About the Book

It’s the war story he’s dreamed of. But the battle may cost him his mind.

Military journalist Raymin Dahl thinks he’s finally getting the story of a lifetime. Secret peace talks on a remote tropical moon are about to surrender five colonized worlds—and six hundred million civilians—to a ruthless enemy.

But when his commanding officer, Captain Ansell Sterling, is fatally wounded before the negotiations can begin, Dahl can no longer just report on the mission. He’s ordered to complete it. With help from the AI embedded in Sterling’s comms bracelet, Dahl must impersonate his commander—a Marine Corps hero and psychological operations expert.

However, Sterling’s AI may be luring him to surrender more than he realizes. And the mission Corporal Dahl thinks he’s running isn't the only operation underway.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I'm kinda at a loss about what to say because I'm still reeling from that ending! What a shocker! It completely blew my mind and sorta threw me for a loop. I haven't been that surprised in a long time. I want to reread the book immediately to see if I can pick up on some of the clues I obviously missed.

I loved the writing style and will definitely be on the lookout for more from this author. It was intense, exciting, and filled with so many surprising twists. A page-turner, for sure. I don't really read much military sci-fi, but I think that needs to change because I enjoyed this one so much. I highly recommend it.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Gilded by Marissa Meyer

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 Gilded by Marissa Meyer releasing November 2.

About the Book

Marissa Meyer, #1 New York Times-bestselling author, returns to the fairytale world with this haunting retelling of Rumpelstiltskin.

Long ago cursed by the god of lies, a poor miller's daughter has developed a talent for spinning stories that are fantastical and spellbinding and entirely untrue.

Or so everyone believes.

When one of Serilda's outlandish tales draws the attention of the sinister Erlking and his undead hunters, she finds herself swept away into a grim world where ghouls and phantoms prowl the earth and hollow-eyed ravens track her every move. The king orders Serilda to complete the impossible task of spinning straw into gold, or be killed for telling falsehoods. In her desperation, Serilda unwittingly summons a mysterious boy to her aid. He agrees to help her… for a price. Love isn't meant to be part of the bargain.

Soon Serilda realizes that there is more than one secret hidden in the castle walls, including an ancient curse that must be broken if she hopes to end the tyranny of the king and his wild hunt forever.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Jane Austen Investigates: The Burglar's Ball by Julia Golding

About the Book

Nancy Drew. Enola Holmes. Sally Lockhart. Move over girls, it’s Jane's time!

Join young budding detective Jane Austen in her second investigation to uncover a devious diamond thief at the glitziest, most scandalous ball of the year! Inspired by Sense and Sensibility.

‘No one who had ever seen Jane Austen in her infancy would suppose her to be born to solve crimes. From her early love of sugar plums, and cleverness in hiding her expeditions into the pantry, her mother declared her far more likely to commit them. However, as Jane would counter, there was no better person to identify the culprit than the thief turned thief-catcher.’

When the headmistress invites her past favourite pupil to attend their end of term ball, Cassandra brings her younger sister, Jane, along too. Cassandra plunges into the feverish excitement of preparing for the biggest event of the year – the dresses, the dances and the boys expected from the neighbouring school.

Feeling rather excluded, sharp-witted Jane unearths the reason for the fuss – the headteacher wants to impress a rich family returned from India as the school is at risk of going bankrupt. Jane also befriends the dancing master’s assistant, a former slave, called Brandon, who is as quick to notice things as she. At the ball, a diamond necklace is stolen from a locked room and they are propelled into a race to uncover the burglar and save Brandon from gaol.

With the ever-present Austen spirit, Jane with notebook in hand, boldly overcomes the obstacles to finding the truth.

Perfect for readers aged 9-109, and for fans of Katherine Woodfine and Lucy Worsley.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was a delightfully fun mystery! I loved the first book in this series, so I was ecstatic to have a new mystery to solve alongside young Jane.

This time, Jane's trying to catch a thief who stole a diamond necklace at the summer ball at her old school. The mystery was perplexing and kept me guessing. I had strong suspicions about who the culprit might be, but there were plenty of viable suspects that had me questioning my initial thoughts, plus a surprising twist or two, added to the mix.

This witty and fun mystery is sure to appeal to readers of all ages. I had such a great time reading it and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries.

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

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Operation Grendel by Daniel Schwabauer

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Operation Grendel by Daniel Schwabauer, a really great military sci-fi. This isn't one of my normal genres, but I really enjoyed it. 

About the Book

It’s the war story he’s dreamed of. But the battle may cost him his mind.

Military journalist Raymin Dahl thinks he’s finally getting the story of a lifetime. Secret peace talks on a remote tropical moon are about to surrender five colonized worlds—and six hundred million civilians—to a ruthless enemy.

But when his commanding officer, Captain Ansell Sterling, is fatally wounded before the negotiations can begin, Dahl can no longer just report on the mission. He’s ordered to complete it. With help from the AI embedded in Sterling’s comms bracelet, Dahl must impersonate his commander—a Marine Corps hero and psychological operations expert.

However, Sterling’s AI may be luring him to surrender more than he realizes. And the mission Corporal Dahl thinks he’s running isn't the only operation underway.

Book Beginnings

Like every journalist, I lie for a living.

Friday 56

In my mind Ivy stood next to my recliner with her hands folded. I couldn't actually see her, of course, but I could feel her there, waiting.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Scales and Sensibility (Regency Dragons) by Stephanie Burgis

About the Book

Sensible, practical Elinor Tregarth really did plan to be the model poor relation when she moved into Hathergill Hall. She certainly never meant to kidnap her awful cousin Penelope's pet dragon. She never expected to fall in love with the shameless - but surprisingly sweet - fortune hunter who came to court Penelope. And she never dreamed that she would have to enter into an outrageous magical charade to save her younger sisters' futures.

However, even the most brilliant scholars of 1817 England still haven't ferreted out all the lurking secrets of rediscovered dragonkind...and even the most sensible of heroines can still make a reckless wish or two when she's pushed. Now Elinor will have to find out just how rash and resourceful she can be when she sets aside all common sense. Maybe, just maybe, she'll even be impractical enough to win her own true love and a happily ever after...with the unpredictable and dangerous "help" of the magical creature who has adopted her.

A frothy Regency rom-com full of pet dragons and magical misadventures, Scales and Sensibility is a full-length novel and the first in a new series of standalone romantic comedies.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I had so much fun reading this book! It had me laughing, and completely engaged, from the very first line. The world-building was fantastic. I mean, come on, the Regency era with dragons? How cool is that? I was totally invested and couldn't read fast enough.

Elinor, the practical young lady, and Sir Jessamyn, the always nervous and easily frightened but lovable dragon, were the perfect pair. They were both so likable and easy to root for. Elinor found herself in quite a predicament, but I thought she handled things as well as she could. I don't think I would've done as well if I found myself in that situation. Though I did wonder how in the world she was gonna get out of the mess. I will say it was fun watching her try.

Benedict had a real charm about him. I liked him instantly. It was obvious from the moment he first walked onto the page what a good guy he was. He was in a rough spot moneywise, and while I didn't exactly like what he was doing to try to remedy that, I understood his great desire to provide for the people he cared about, and marrying a wealthy young lady was a common thing to do back in that time. But, really, could he have picked a more detestable lady than Penelope to try to woo? My goodness, she was an absolute terror! I was hoping he'd come to his senses about her quickly.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. If you're a fan of historical fantasy, it's a must read! I'm very much looking forward to reading about Elinor's sisters in future books.

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

4.5 STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Lost in Darkness by Michelle Griep

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 Lost in Darkness by Michelle Griep releasing November 1.

About the Book

Even if there be monsters, there is none so fierce as that which resides in man’s own heart.

Enchanting Regency-Era Gothic Romance Intertwined with Inspiration from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Travel writer Amelia Balfour’s dream of touring Egypt is halted when she receives news of a revolutionary new surgery for her grotesquely disfigured brother. This could change everything, and it does. . .in the worst possible way.

Surgeon Graham Lambert has suspicions about the doctor he’s gone into practice with, but he can’t stop him from operating on Amelia’s brother. Will he be too late to prevent the man’s death? Or to reveal his true feelings for Amelia before she sails to Cairo?

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Dance With The Sword (Bluebeard's Secret #2) by Sarah K.L. Wilson

About the Book

A GRIM BETRAYAL. A DYING KING. A HUSBAND WHO WON'T LET HER GO.

With the heart of the Wittenhame still ringing from Izolda's actions and her new husband shocked at her betrayal, the future seems very grim indeed.

If Izolda had been asked if she wanted to be rescued from her would-be bridegroom and returned to her home and family, she would have eagerly agreed to go, but now that she is back in the mortal world, she is quickly discovering that home, family and even the inclinations of her own heart are not what she expected.
Worse yet, Izolda has unwittingly become a pawn in a deadly dance between two Wittenbrand, snatched from the claws of one of them only to be stolen back by the other.

With her bodiless friend Grosbeak along for the ride and the great game of crowns and thrones still being played out across the nations, will Izolda's endless common sense still be enough to rescue her from disaster? Or will she fall prey to the terrible ambitions of her enemies?

DANCE WITH THE SWORD is the second book in the Bluebeard's Secret series following the eerie and romantic story of FLY WITH THE ARROW.

Warning: There are four books in this series. Read at your own risk.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a fantastic sequel to Fly with the Arrow. This picks up right where the last one left off. And, let me tell ya, the fast pace hardly lets up. I couldn't stop myself from racing through the pages. Filled with a constant sense of danger, a slow-building romance, and surprises at every turn, Dance with the Sword is just as good, if not better, than the first one.

With the way the first book ended, I was worried that we wouldn't see much of Bluebeard, Grosbeak, or really any of the Wittenbrand. But thank goodness that wasn't the case. To my delight, they were featured very prominently, even more so this go-around. I felt like we really got to know Bluebeard better and, I've gotta say, I can't get enough of him. He's such an intriguing guy. So multi-layered. I was excited that we got to experience the Game in such depth, too. It was brutal but captivating.

Now, about that ending! I just thought the previous book's ending was a doozy, but this one tops it! My goodness, what a cliffhanger! I'm so anxious to find out what happens next!

4.5 STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Scales and Sensibility (Regency Dragons) by Stephanie Burgis

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Scales and Sensibility (Regency Dragons) by Stephanie Burgis. I LOVED it! It's such a fun historical fantasy. 

About the Book

Sensible, practical Elinor Tregarth really did plan to be the model poor relation when she moved into Hathergill Hall. She certainly never meant to kidnap her awful cousin Penelope's pet dragon. She never expected to fall in love with the shameless - but surprisingly sweet - fortune hunter who came to court Penelope. And she never dreamed that she would have to enter into an outrageous magical charade to save her younger sisters' futures.

However, even the most brilliant scholars of 1817 England still haven't ferreted out all the lurking secrets of rediscovered dragonkind...and even the most sensible of heroines can still make a reckless wish or two when she's pushed. Now Elinor will have to find out just how rash and resourceful she can be when she sets aside all common sense. Maybe, just maybe, she'll even be impractical enough to win her own true love and a happily ever after...with the unpredictable and dangerous "help" of the magical creature who has adopted her.

A frothy Regency rom-com full of pet dragons and magical misadventures, Scales and Sensibility is a full-length novel and the first in a new series of standalone romantic comedies.

Book Beginnings

It was a truth universally acknowledged that any young lady without a dragon was doomed to social failure. But it was becoming increasingly obvious to everyone in Hathergill Hall that for Penelope Hathergill, actually having a dragon would guarantee disaster.

Friday 56

"I beg your pardon?" Penelope's voice soared upwards. "Are you actually trying to claim that my dragon's behavior was my fault?"

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Way We Are (Gaining Love) by by Tanya Eavenson

About the Book

To Gain a Bodyguard - Book One

Undercover ICE agent Madi Reynolds has spent years infiltrating a human-trafficking ring, but when her life is threatened, she is forced to walk away and advised to leave the country. Undeterred, she continues her plan to attend her brother’s Christmas wedding, with her partner assigned as her bodyguard. But after seeing Brice care for her niece, she finds it's more than her life that needs protecting. Is there really any defense for the heart?

War Veteran and ICE agent Brice Johnson has been defending his country and American lives for as long as he can remember. Now, he faces the biggest assignment of his life--protect the woman he loves. He's never been one to run from a fight, but when an old flame butts in expecting a second chance with Madi, and crippling visions of war call out to him, he begins to wonder if surrender is an option after all.

To Gain a Bodyguard - Book Two

Undercover ICE agent, Brice Johnson, fell in love with his partner, but the fight to control his PTSD drove him to leave her and his assignment.

Deep undercover, ICE agent Madi Reynolds’ identity is blown, and she is involved in a hit-and-run meant to kill. Lucky to be alive after her vehicle was forced off the mountain, she finds herself in a wheelchair and facing an unknown future.

Even though the men responsible were tracked down and brought to justice, Brice’s gut tells him Madi is still not safe. Details of the investigation aren’t adding up. In secret, Brice moves to Helen, Georgia, across the street from Madi. But how long can he stay in the shadows when seeing her struggle day in and day out bombards him with memories of their happier days.

Unable to forgive himself for Madi’s accident, Brice vows to protect her, but is it enough? Is he enough?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

The Way We Are was a heartfelt, faith-filled romance featuring likable characters and a moving, inspirational story.

I can't even tell you how excited I was for this book. I loved Madi and Brice in To Gain a Bodyguard, but wanted more of their story. The Way We Are delivers that. It includes the original story and adds part two, which I loved just as much, maybe even more, than the first.

Book one featured Madi and Brice coming together. Book two finds them, a little while later, falling apart, no longer together and yet still drawn to each other. My heart broke for them and their struggles. I was rooting so hard for them. They're such a great pair and deserved all the happiness in the world.

If you're a fan of contemporary romance, I highly recommend The Way We Are.

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: False Prophet (Windy Ridge Legal Thriller #4) by Rachel Dylan

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 False Prophet (Windy Ridge Legal Thriller #4) by Rachel Dylan releasing October 26. The first three books were all five star reads for me, so I was ecstatic to find out there would be a fourth book. I've got it preordered and am so ready to dive into it. 

About the Book

When an arsonist destroys Windy Ridge Community Church, Pastor Dan is shaken to the core. He calls on attorney Olivia Murray and her boyfriend Grant Baxter to help secure a place for worship services. Shockingly, the City of Windy Ridge denies the church’s application to use the civic center, and Olivia brings a lawsuit to protect the church’s constitutional rights.

During this already challenging time for the Windy Ridge community, an outside pastor decides to open a place of worship within the city limits. People begin flocking to the young charismatic preacher especially since Windy Ridge Community Church lost its building. Olivia worries that this new and radical approach to faith will lead people astray, but with each passing day, his popularity continues to grow.

When the police make a surprise arrest in the church arson, the battle lines are drawn across Windy Ridge. Alliances are shaken and relationships are tested like they’ve never been before. The forces of darkness are working overtime to shake the faith of the believers. Can Olivia and Grant stand up for their faith and prevail in the battle of good versus evil?

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: The Inn on Hanging Hill (The Beach House Mystery Series #2) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

Lindsey Waters never wanted to return to the seaside inn where she grew up. Too many traumatic memories haunt the place, both from her childhood and from days gone by. But with guilt relentlessly chasing her after a tragic choice, she’s desperate for a fresh start.

Mysterious incidents begin plaguing the inn—dangerous incidents—that make it clear someone wants to scare Lindsey away. But why? Does it have anything to do with the two weeks missing from her memory when she was abducted at age twelve?

Childhood friend Benjamin Newsom seems like an answer to prayer when he shows up to work as a handyman. But something is different about him, something Lindsey can’t put her finger on. She’s certain Benjamin harbors secrets.

As peril continues to close in, Lindsey must decide if she wants to face her past or run. She doesn’t know whom she can trust, and whatever choices she makes will determine if she lives or if she becomes part of the inn’s tragic legacy.

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting.

MY THOUGHTS

The Inn on Hanging Hill was an intriguing mystery that had me racing through the pages. Even though it's book two, it stands alone just fine. There's no connection to the previous book.

Lindsey's come back to her childhood home to fix up her family's dilapidated old inn and sell it. Lots of bad memories are attached to the place, and she's ready to get rid of it. When she was a preteen, Lindsey went missing for two weeks, but she can't remember exactly what happened then. Her memories for those two weeks are gone. Now that she's back, it looks like the past may be coming back to haunt her when mysterious things start happening around the inn and she starts receiving threats.

I can't say that I ever really connected with the characters, and there was some suspension of belief needed in a couple of places, but the mystery kept me very interested. I was so curious about what was really going on, who the culprit was, and why they did it. I didn't figure it out until right before the reveal. There were definitely some twists and turns, and some surprises that I didn't see coming.

3.5 STARS

A Couple of Reviews: Phoenix Heart: Season 1 by Sarah K.L. Wilson & Crimson Phoenix by John Gilstrap

About the Book

SHE THOUGHT THERE COULD BE NO FUTURE FOR SOMEONE LIKE HERE UNTIL SOMETHING BLOOMED IN HER HEART - A PHOENIX.

Disabled and rejected in her community, Sersha has never had a best friend. Until one day, a phoenix enters her world, tied to her heart in a way no one can break.
Now, this great fiery beast has adopted her as his best friend and he wants to take her away from the world she’s known until now.

But Sersha’s village is in trouble and unless she can learn to work with her phoenix friend right now, they might both lose the future they were counting on.

Will Sersha’s big heart be enough to forge a bond between them?

NOTE FROM AUTHOR:

"Phoenix Heart "is a series very much like your favorite streaming tv show. There are seasons and episodes. The episodes are designed to be read in roughly two hours, though fast readers will read more quickly and those of you who like to take your time may go more slowly. They’re intended to be fast-paced and exciting, and they release frequently so that you can keep up with the story even if you have a very busy life. Perfect for lunch breaks, a single evening of enjoyment, and younger readers who prefer bite-sized chunks.

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

On All Five Episodes of Season One

I was in the mood for something different, so I picked up episode one from Kindle Unlimited, not really expecting much. I thought I'd probably read a chapter or two and send it back. Boy was I wrong. I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved it!

I've never read anything in an episodic format like this, but I really enjoyed it. It's fast paced and engaging. It kept me invested in the characters' lives and yet still had me hungering for more. It was quite inspiring watching Sersha's journey from a voiceless underdog that everyone dismissed and saw as dispensable to the strong and fierce young woman she became.

This was my first time reading anything by Sarah K.L. Wilson. I read the first four episodes in a row and then while I was waiting for episode five to release, I picked up a copy of the first book in her Bluebeard series and became a forever fan. If you're looking for captivating and quick reads, check out this highly addictive series. I can't wait for season two.

FOUR STARS

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About the Book

From John Gilstrap, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Jonathan Grave novels, comes Crimson Phoenix—first in the new Victoria Emerson Thriller series. With America brought to the brink of destruction, one woman becomes the last hope of a nation and its people . . .

Victoria Emerson is a congressional member of the U. S. House of Representatives for the state of West Virginia. Her aspirations have always been to help her community and to avoid the ambitious power plays of her peers in Washington D. C. Then Major Joseph McCrea appears on her doorstep and uses the code phrase Crimson Phoenix, meaning this is not a drill. The United States is on the verge of nuclear war. Victoria must accompany McCrea to a secure bunker. She cannot bring her family.

A single mother, Victoria refuses to abandon her three teenage sons. Denied entry to the bunker, they nonetheless survive the nuclear onslaught that devastates the country. The land is nearly uninhabitable. Electronics have been rendered useless. Food is scarce. Millions of scared and ailing people await aid from a government that is unable to regroup, much less organize a rescue from the chaos.

Victoria devotes herself to reestablishing order—only to encounter the harsh realities required of a leader dealing with desperate people . . .

Amazon / Goodreads

I borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited, but it doesn't look like it's available to check out there anymore.

MY THOUGHTS

I had high hopes for this novel, but it just didn't work for me. I ended up not finishing it. I hate doing that, but I just didn't want to spend anymore time on it.

I will say though that I enjoyed the first half. It was really interesting and engaging before "the event" happened. Watching how everyone prepared for "the event", wondering if it would actually happen and if it did, what that would look like. But once it did happen, that's where things started falling apart for me. Maybe I've read too many books like this, but things started taking a very predictable turn. There were no surprises, nothing special. And add to that the fact that Victoria, an outsider, came into a town, started barking orders at everyone and the townspeople did as she said with little to no arguments. I've gotten really tired of that trope. The one where the newcomer comes into a well established place and just takes over, saving the day for the poor people who didn't have a chance without her. 🙄 I just didn't care anymore after that.

I will say that I did enjoy the bits of story that followed the makeshift government. That was new and interesting, and I wish the whole story had focused on that instead.

DNF