Now in My Bookbag: Goddess, (A Runes Novel), by Ednah Walters

I just finished my second read through of this book, thus my delay in reviewing.

This book is an enjoyable read. I feel as though it starts a bit slowly, and spends a lot of time rehashing a scene involving Dev. That scene was covered in depth at the end of Gods, the last book in Eirik’s story.

Once Cora goes to meet her birth parents, the book takes on an excellence in storytelling that I have come to expect from author Ednah Walters. However, the story feels unfinished. How will Cora and Echo’s adventure end if this is truly the final installment of their saga?

3.75 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Maude, by Donna Mabry

Maude is an biographical novel about the author’s grandmother. Though it is a long book, it is worth every moment spent reading it. From those whom Maude very first loved and lost, through her very last, I am drawn to her story. It is so very like my own grandmother’s life story.

It is based on the stories told to author Donna Mabry by her beloved grandmother. It is honest, recounts the good as well as the bad, and inspires a wide range of emotions. It is a story of love, loss, elation, and regrets.

Though this is Maude’s story, the rest of the characters truly come to life in Mabry’s recounting. I see each of the family members, and friends, through Maude’s point of view.

The circumstances and catalysts make for a compelling read. I spent every available moment immersed in this book. If possible, I would give this book 10 stars. Since that is not an option, I rate this emotional story 5 stars.

Amazon Purchase Link

Now in My Bookbag: In This Life, by Christine Brae

What a beautifully written, emotional rollercoaster! The story is wonderfully imagined. The feelings expressed, and drawn from me, are beyond compelling. It has been a very long time since a book has affected me to my core. The story is poignant, touching, and tear-jerking. I could not put this down.

The characters are perfectly imperfect. There is a lot of love, a lot of hurt, and a lot of grief. I never thought it possible to be happy for a character, while also being disgusted with them. Getting inside the heads of both Anna and Jude is very enlightening, though adding the point of view of Dante would add to the depth of the story.

I consider myself very lucky to have found this magnificent book. I am enamored of this story, and its author, Christine Brae. I look forward to finding more of her books, and I recommend this story to readers of contemporary books. 6 stars… (5 stars)

https://www.amazon.com/This-Life-Christine-Brae-ebook/dp/B019HXWKVC/https://www.amazon.com/This-Life-Christine-Brae-ebook/dp/B019HXWKVC/

Now in My Bookbag: Shady Bay, by Casey L. Bond

I really enjoyed this spinoff of the Devil Creek novel. The plot was great, sweet and emotional. I loved the characters, all of them.

I was thrilled to follow Jaxon from Devil Creek, West Virginia to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He was so much more than he originally showed. It turned out that he was kinder and gentler. When Mercy fell into his life, proud and emotionally battered, he couldn’t get her out of his head. Mercy needed to lean on others to save her from hunger and homelessness. She made great friends who offered her a way up.

Author Casey L. Bond did a fabulous job creating and developing all of the characters. She also built their world in such a way that I could picture it all in my head. I found a few typos, but nothing that truly detracted from the success of the story. 4 3/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Diving In (Book #4 in The Beach Bag Boxed Set), by Gretchen Galway

This is a nice story with likeable characters. It touches on issues like phobias and family divisiveness. Nikki is driven by the need to heal herself, and Ansel is driven by the need for his father’s acceptance and love. I do have an appreciation for the author’s use of a size 14 heroine, rather than a size 6. It is not often that writers use the type of body types from the real world.

The story follows a standard romance diagram, though the writing doesn’t dig as deep into the romantic elements. I can appreciate Nikki’s drive and Ansel’s insecurities. Overall, I find this book an enjoyable read, though I wish it was more in-depth. 3 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Feudlings (Fate on Fire Book 1), by Wendy Knight

This is an interesting story of friendship, forbidden love, and dynamic forces. I like these characters, and find the book enjoyable. The read flows pretty well.

Author Wendy Knight does a wonderful job in her character creation. Charity and Hunter are relatable and lovable. Ari and Shane are powerful forces to be reckoned with. Nev and Livi are vibrant and charismatic friends. They are great characters who add much to the story. The bad guys are truly vile.

The story is a good read, with nice use of plot devices. This is a satisfying YA book.

Now in My Bookbag: The Bells of Herkimer, by Natalie Merheb

This book has been on my TBR list for a while. I truly wish I had read it sooner.

I am a huge fan of this work. It is imaginative, suspenseful, and well-told. Author Natalie Merheb has created characters that are truly interesting. The story itself brings me back to my love of Nancy Drew, only this book feels so much more sophisticated… perfect for the older reader. I really could not have predicted all of the great twists and turns.

I highly recommend this read, however I am currently unable to find this book available from any retailers. 4 3/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Refuge (Book #2 of the Relentless Series), by Karen Lynch

This next step in Sara’s journey begins with her feeling like she doesn’t belong… like she will never measure up. She eventually makes friends, meets long-lost relatives and makes progress in training. Still, there is so much that sets her apart.

I really love this book. There is a vast amount of emotion evoked, both happiness and sadness. Experiencing Sara’s pleasure as she spends time with her animals brings a smile to my face. Feeling the warmth of first love makes my heart remember. There are parts of this book that make me ugly-cry. Lynch delivers moments of tear-jerking, heartbreaking anguish.

This book has so much pulse-pounding action and excitement. Sara learns a lot about harnessing all of her powers, giving her the tools to hold her on in a fight. Every so often there is a flash of laugh out loud funny. This book provides a lot of great new characters, and surprising betrayal.

Author Karen Lynch provides a well-told story that provides everything a great book should. 5 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: Clockwork Princess, by Cassandra Clare

This is one of my favorite ugly cry books. It is also an exemplary novel and a perfect ending to the Infernal Devices Trilogy.

The story is full of love, in all its forms. I adore these characters and, after reading this trilogy so many times, consider them friends and family. They are complex and completely relatable, even though they are fictional. I am so invested in these characters that elements of the story are heart-wrenching still, after all of this time.

Author Cassandra Clare builds a believable Shadowhunter world in the midst of 1800’s London. I always feel transported there, every time I read it. I will always recommend this trilogy as one of my favorites. 5 stars

The correct reading order of this trilogy is as follows: Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, Clockwork Princess.

Available March 15th... Heroes, by Ednah Walters!! Pre-Order NOW!

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Heroes are not born. They rise out of love and duty.

But what if you have to choose?

Eirik wants nothing more than to show Celestia—the Witch who pulled him out of the darkness—that his feelings for her are real, but his parents expect him to avenge a wrong done to his family. To make matters worse, Celestia is moving on and is already dating another guy. Then Eirik discovers she is the key to accomplishing his goals. Caught between love and duty, Eirik will do whatever it takes, including getting up close and personal with Celestia, to get his way.

Celestia is convinced she is drawn to Eirik because of the bond created by the dragon’s kiss, so she pushes him away. But when he comes to her for help, she is once again thrust into his world, where things are never what they seem.

From Earth to the realms of the gods, betrayal follows them and help comes from unexpected sources. But when the time comes for Eirik to choose, will he fulfill his duty or follow his heart? Everything rests on his shoulders as the wrong choice may lead to Celestia’s worst fear—the rise of the Harbinger of Death

Available on March 15!! Pre-Order NOW!!

PreOrder Links:

Amazon http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderKindle

Amazon  UK http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderKindle-UK

iBooks http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderiBooks

B&N http://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-BN

GooglePlay http://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-GooglePlay

Smashwords http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderSmashwords

Kobo http://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-Kobo

Heroes are not born. They rise out of love and duty.

But what if you have to choose?

Eirik wants nothing more than to show Celestia—the Witch who pulled him out of the darkness—that his feelings for her are real, but his parents expect him to avenge a wrong done to his family. To make matters worse, Celestia is moving on and is already dating another guy. Then Eirik discovers she is the key to accomplishing his goals. Caught between love and duty, Eirik will do whatever it takes, including getting up close and personal with Celestia, to get his way.

Celestia is convinced she is drawn to Eirik because of the bond created by the dragon’s kiss, so she pushes him away. But when he comes to her for help, she is once again thrust into his world, where things are never what they seem.

From Earth to the realms of the gods, betrayal follows them and help comes from unexpected sources. But when the time comes for Eirik to choose, will he fulfill his duty or follow his heart? Everything rests on his shoulders as the wrong choice may lead to Celestia’s worst fear—the rise of the Harbinger of Death.

Now in My Bookbag: Awakening, by S.J. West

This book was a great read. Author S.J. West perfected the seamless transition from the previous Redemption Series to this Dominion Series. Awakening, Book One, continued the story of Anna and Malcolm in such a consistent manner. Their love story, family, and mission to improve the lives of the down-worlders, remained flawlessly connected to the end of Redemption, (the final book of the Redemption Series).

The book was well proofed and well edited. The flow was very good, and created effortless reading. The dialogue was well done, and the plot lines made perfect sense.

This story was so interesting, with enough twists to keep me guessing until the very end. There were so many surprises, it created a compulsion to keep reading. I had to know what happened next. I read straight through and was completely blown away by the ending. I immediately wanted the next book in the series.

5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Wings of Vengeance, by Cameo Renae

When I learned that author Cameo Renae planned to add a book to her Hidden Wings Series, I was both excited and worried. I was in love with the idea of spending more time in the world of Emma, Kade, and the rest of their family and friends. I was also fearful that an any addition to the story might fail to meet the very high standards already set by the Hidden Wings Series.

I was thrilled to find that Wings of Vengeance met, and exceeded, the bar previously set.

This story was centered around the strength given through the love of family and friends. It also focused on finding one’s own courage and power. Finally, it highlighted the strength of love versus the debilitating effects from hate.

There were triumphs and tragedies. I faced several emotional moments during the course of the book. Renae’s masterful storytelling had not diminished in any way, and I found myself absorbed into a fantastic addition to the Hidden Wings Series.

5 Stars 

Now in My Bookbag: Ties That Bind, by Debbie White

The publisher of this work provided, through NetGalley, a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Author Debbie White has written a story that has an interesting plot. The events depicted are fairly easy to follow, and the details understandable. The main character, Patsy, takes us on an incredible journey through her life story.

There are many ups and downs throughout. The potential to connect with the segment of readers who are adopted, or know only one birth parent, presents during Patsy and Charles’ expedition to investigate Patsy’s true lineage. The last fourth of the book, or so, elicits several emotions, and offers plenty of opportunity for tears. This is the part of the book that provides the strongest connection to most readers.

However, there is much work to be done on the punctuation… especially commas. There are a very many places that are missing appropriate commas, plagued with too many commas, or a comma is simply inserted at the wrong place. The book needs another proofread. Also, a few of the sentences need restructuring, and the flow needs a bit of work. I am sure that another edit can rectify these concerns.

I like the concept of the book. I love the focus on family. There is an honesty concerning topics like depression, child neglect, and the search for biological connections to the past, and it is very refreshing. I can also appreciate White’s attention to detail on the realities of aging, care taking, and death of a loved one.

With some tweaking, this can be a great book, rather than a good read.  3 1/2 Stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Mason List, by S.D. Hendrickson

This a completely engrossing, all consuming read. I LOVED every minute of it!!

I was hooked from the very start, and I could not stop until I revealed the entire picture. Each chapter provided an extra piece of the puzzle… of the unusual story of Alex Tanner.

Though the story was told from the present, the backstory (spanning 20 years) was revealed through flashbacks. It chronicled family, love, loss, hate and lasting friendship. It introduced the Masons, including nearly life-long, best friend Jess. Even though the story fluctuated between the present and the chronological past, the flow was very good. It kept me guessing through the very end.

The epilogue was a nice touch. It sort of wrapped the story up in a nice bow. This book was phenomenal, and I recommend it with 5 out of 5 stars!

Now in My Bookbag: The Hazards of Mistletoe by Alyssa Rose Ivy

The Hazards of Mistletoe is a contemporary book suitable for new adults, and therefore I suggest for readers 18 and up. It is a nice holiday read that I really enjoyed.

Savannah gets the kiss she has wanted for a while, then gets humiliated. Glen has been friends with Savannah since they were kids, even though they only see each other once a year. He also has a secret, one that changes their friendship forever.

I really like this book. The story is simple and sweet. It provides a little drama, a lot of romance, and ends the way that it should. It is not often that I get a chance to read a story uncomplicated by a lot of plot twists and red herrings. This is a straight-forward romance that follows a certain path. It is a pleasure to read and puts a smile on my face. I highly recommend as a light read for the holidays. 4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: A Matter of Truth by Heather Lyons (A Fate Series Novel)

This book is unbelievably good. The story, which is a continuation from the previous two books of the series, brings an unexpected twist for the first half of the novel. The fact that Author Heather Lyons transitions this story from one reality to another, and back again, is extraordinary.

There are so many things that Chloe is able to learn, and discover about herself. There are lessons about family and the importance of love. There is an obvious maturity that develops during this book. It is a critical part of who Chloe is… who she must become.

This story is told masterfully. Lyons uses a cleverly designed plot to further the story and broaden the story-lines. Her mix of the magical with the everyday makes the perfect blend for a really great read.

Now in My Bookbag: Unbearable by Sherry Gammon (Port Fare Series Book #3)

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This book is so well-written. It is the story of Booker and Tess… and their story is very well told.

While the first two books of the series do feature couples, the women’s stories/backstories are the ones that are more raw and exposed. In writing Unbearable, Gammon reveals the brutal, ugly pasts of both Booker and Tess. It is easy to see how those pasts pull them together and still push them apart. Their emotional journeys are quite compelling.

Creating a very palpable sensation of ‘waiting for the other shoe to drop’ is another thing that Gammon does well. Once she sets the stage, she makes it impossible to put the book down. 5 stars

I have really enjoyed the Port Fare Series. 

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