Now In My Bookbag: In All My Years, by Ciara Knight

I enjoyed this sweet romance, set in Riverbend, Tennessee. Kathleen and Column’s story was both moving and suspenseful. The story also included the next chapter of Anna and Liam’s story from Knight’s previous Riverbend story, IN All My Wishes.

The flow was good, and the main characters get their second chance at romance. Author Ciara Knight was very successful in creating the history, struggles, and future for Kathleen  and Column. I definitely felt a part of their story.

I really happy about the return of Anna’s father. It added an excititing element to the plot, and the surprising plot twist added yet another layer of danger to the story.

I find this book very enjoyable. It is  entertaining and nostalgic. This is a very nice, well-told story. 4 3/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Mika Between the Veil, by Anne Violet

Although still part of the Enchant Me Series, Book #3 bears little resemblance to books one and two. The only things shared with the previous books are Druidism, and poor punctuation and sentence structure.

The protagonist in this book, Mika, is a fringe character from Enthrall Me. This book is much more imaginative, in my opinion. Unexpected love, vengeful ghosts, loss, and acceptance combine to weave an emotional story. It is responsible for a few tears shed by me. This story gives me more of the feels than the other two combined.

It is unfortunate that Violet’s punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure remain unrefined. All these mistakes take away from my reading enjoyment. With a good proofing, this could be a really good book. 3 1/2 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Enthrall Me, by Anne Violet

This is an interesting story about magic, facing the ghosts of the past, saving love, and fighting darkness within and without.

Where Enchant Me is told from Alexis’ point of view, this book is told from three different points of view. Christian is more the protagonist in Enthrall Me. Author Anne Violet also includes Nicolas’ point of view for part of the story, enabling me the opportunity to see the growth of his character. Very little of this story encompasses Alexis’ point of view. I think there is missed opportunity there.

As in Enchant Me, the many punctuation and sentence structure problems in this book make it a difficult read for me. I do wish that Violet would submit the books for further proofing.

Otherwise, I like the story, and I like the characters. Violet shows some imagination here. It is a good young adult book. 3 stars

Book Series for Sweetwater County Series, by Ciara Knight

This is a great, nostalgic series set in Tennessee. It has a lot of heart and a little edge. I highly recommend these down-home, second chance stories.

http://www.amazon.com/Sweetwater-County-Boxed-Set-Books-ebook/dp/B0115C9R7I

Now in My Bookbag: Enchant Me, by Anne Violet

This is an interesting story about family secrets, magic, a scary stalker, and falling in love. The basic premise is a little familiar. Alexis, the protagonist comes of age only to find that there is a family secret that affects her. Her soulmate, Christian, has secrets of his own. There are also unique elements that set this story apart from similar ones. Author Anne Violet infuses a lot of imagination into this book.

The many punctuation and sentence structure problems in this book make it a difficult read for me. I am always particularly bothered by grammar and punctuation mistakes.

Otherwise, I like the story, and I like the characters. It is a good young adult book. 3 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Perfekt Balance, by S. T. Bende

What would happen to all of the realms if the Unifier-in-training couldn’t figure out how to keep everything in perfekt balance?

Elsa has no one to guide her, and she can’t seem to get the hang of it on her own. She can’t even get the matters of her love life sorted out. Forsee seems devoted to her, so why does he keep her at arms length?

Author S.T. Bende weaves yet another fascinating and exciting story that gets to the heart of these issues. She has a real talent for world-building that I truly appreciate, because she chooses her descriptive words wisely.

I like the way that Elsa is written. She craves Forsee’s love, yet she is not full of angst. She is smart, strong, and determined. Her loyalty never falters, even when her freedom is at stake.

The story is definitely full of surprises, and the action is exhilarating. The book is well-written, and I highly recommend this series. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, by Phaedra Patrick

I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for providing honest feedback to the publisher.

This book elicits a wide range of emotions. It is moving, enlightening, and life affirming. The story tastefully handles matters of grief and loss. The premise of the story creates a lot of interest throughout, and it is a refreshing concept. It is quirky and imaginative, and I could not put this book down.

Arthur is lovable, eccentric, and lonely. The mystery about the early life of his Miriam finally opens him up to living again.The characters are an eclectic mix, and they relate to each other fascinating ways. It is a privilege to tag along with Arthur on his adventures.

I shed a few tears, laughed out loud, and felt the need to add a bit of adventure to my own life. There are a few phrases that become lost in translation for me, as I am an American reader/reviewer. However, it is not necessarily detrimental to the enjoyment of the book, which I highly recommend.

4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Behave, by Andromeda Romano-Lax

This book reads as part fiction, part textbook, and part cautionary tale. Because it is based on a true story about scientists and scientific research, it contains a lot of terminology reminiscent of college textbooks. I feel as though that makes this a rather dry, sometimes boring read.

As to the fiction, it is a great idea to create the story around Rosalie Rayner Watson. She is the woman behind the man, Dr. John Watson… behavioral scientist from the early to mid 1900’s. With her as the subject, author Andromeda Romano-Lax has the autonomy of artistic license in her writing. I find it unfortunate that the story is rather lackluster. Although, there are a few parts of the book that elicit some emotion.

I did find this book mildly enjoyable, and mildly interesting. 2 3/4 stars