Now in My Bookbag: 1985 - Careless Whisper, by Misty Provencher

This book is a lot different from the previous books found in the Love in the 80’s series, so far. The story begins in 1992, and is moved along based on flashbacks to 1987. Those flashbacks focus on the perceptions of each member, as to what broke The Band.

I feel that the first half of the story moves rather slowly. It takes quite a while for the real plot to unfold. I actually wish that the book had started closer to halfway in, and then have extended beyond the finish.

I like the characters, very much. Their personal misgivings, as well as their personal revelations, make them far more loveable. Provencher does an excellent job creating them and bringing them to life. She does a good job creating the drama near the end, and do I find it amusing that the second half of the story seems to follow the layout of a who-done-it.

Though I figured out ahead of time what had happened, I still couldn’t figure out how it was accomplished until the end. The ending of the book happens way to fast for my taste. I wish there was, at least, an epilogue that provides some additional information about the characters in The Band. Having gotten to know them during the course of the book, I would like just a glimpse of what happens to them next.  3 1/4 stars

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: Winter Shadows, by Casey L. Bond

This book is far different than Bond’s other books set in West Virginia. Where the other books fit within the New Adult/College Romance genre, Winter Shadows is a Christian/Dystopian novel.

I believe the story is okay. I find the multiple point-of-views a little confusing because there are no chapter headings to delineate one voice from the others. It is necessary to read through the beginning of each chapter in order to determine whether it is Claire, Ethan, or Colin speaking. If these headings were added, it would make a dramatic difference.  These characters are interesting and likeable. Their evolutions throughout the novel are surprising and unexpected. I feel that one evolution in particular is a bit of a stretch. It is a tangent that pops up near the end of the book, and it doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of the story.

The concept of the book is interesting. The pace of the plot seems to flow steadily, then suddenly hits a fast pace. Then it slows. Before long, it speeds up again. For me, this is a bit disconcerting. There are also several typos in this work, nothing that another proofreading wouldn’t fix. 3 1/4 stars

This will not, however, keep me from reading more from this author. I have been very pleased with her work.

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: Torn (Book #2 of the Wicked Trilogy), by Jennifer L. Armentrout

This is an excellent follow up to Wicked. The story is more intense and exciting. However, it is a seamless continuation.

The ongoing story of Ren and Ivy is fascinating. Tink becomes an even more entertaining character as he reveals his extraordinary secret. I really love these characters. Author Jennifer Armentrout does a great job leading them through conflict toward an unexpected resolution as they run the race to stop the Prince of the Fae.

I am truly looking forward to the final book in the trilogy, (Brave), in the summer of 2017.
5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Torn (Book #2 of the Wicked Trilogy), by Jennifer L. Armentrout

This is an excellent follow up to Wicked. The story is more intense and exciting. However, it is a seamless continuation.

The ongoing story of Ren and Ivy is fascinating. Tink becomes an even more entertaining character as he reveals his extraordinary secret. I really love these characters. Author Jennifer Armentrout does a great job leading them through conflict toward an unexpected resolution as they run the race to stop the Prince of the Fae.

I am truly looking forward to the final book in the trilogy, (Brave), in the summer of 2017.
5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Eversea (The Beach Bag Boxed Set, Book 2), by Natasha Boyd

I like this book. While the format and basic play of the story is similar to many other books of this type, I still find it to be an enjoyable read.

Author Natasha Boyd does a pretty good job of world building, beginning on the very first page. I feel she does a good job with character development, and that her introduction of those personality layers is well thought out. However, I find that, in the end, the actions of a major character are incongruous to that character’s carefully developed persona, making said actions unrealistic.

Overall, this work is written well enough to propel me to one-click the sequel. 3.75 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Elsker Saga, by S.T. Bende (Full Set, Including Books 1-3 + Novella)

I am glad that I decided to get the entire set of The Elsker Saga. This enabled me to read straight through the entire story without loosing the flow.

I always enjoy books steeped in Norse mythology. I have developed a keen interest in it. Author S.T. Bende does not disappoint in her interpretation and storytelling.

I love her characters. Kristia is the ultimate representation of choosing to do the right thing, no matter the cost, and Bende does a phenomenal job in her character development throughout the saga. To a lesser extent, Bende does a good job in developing Ull’s character, taking him from a lonely stick-in-the-mud, to a god with an open heart and a reason to really live. The ancillary characters are great, and the villains are truly evil.

Bende knows how to create a fascinating story, with a well-imagined world. It is compelling and worthy of binge reading. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Feudlings in Flames (Fate on Fire Book 2), by Wendy Knight

I enjoyed this book and its continuation of the story began in Feudlings. The progression of the relationship between Ari and Shane, including the bumps in the road, was interesting. Even more interesting was the dynamic of feelings between Charity and Hunter. The bombardment of twists provided by author Wendy Knight was compelling, and the action was exciting. This is a great YA read. 4 1/4 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: Master (Arrow's Flight Book #3), by Casey Hays

Master finally reaches the destination, the climax, of the Arrow’s Flight story. Both Kate and Ian learn what it means to have faith in something beyond themselves. The kindness of strangers, the call to their souls, and the realization of truths drive this book. I feel that this work, more so than the previous two books, develops naturally… without feeling forced. The story is well written and inspiring. It comes complete with love, friendship, family, faith, and action. It is also a cautionary tale about the potential results from trying to play God.

I hope that there is a follow-up book soon. I need to know what happens next. 4 1/2 stars

Now in My Bookbag: BREEDER (Arrow's Flight Book 1), by Casey Hays

I find this to be a very interesting dystopian story. The concept is fresh, but violent. The array of characters brings balance to the story. However, there is a problem in the book’s flow.

It is obvious that author Casey Hays attempts to interject Christian scripture into the book, but the story does not lend itself to the interjection of Christian principles, yet. In fact, the plethora of scriptures is a bit confusing when trying to immerse myself into the plot of the story.

Having  read all three books available in this series now, I can honestly say that there is a perfect opening for the scriptures important to this overall story arc at a different point. It makes sense to interject more scripture into that part of the story where it more appropriately fits.

Despite the problems with the flow of the book, it is an interesting book. It is worth adding to the TBR list just to meet Kate, Ian, John and Justin. 3 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: Franny and Toby, by Tetman Callis

I received an advanced copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for honest feedback for the author and publisher, and an honest review.

This is a truly delightful book, perfect for children from 3rd to 6th grade. Told mostly through the voice of Franny, a cat who can read, this story it very appealing. Author Tetman Callis promotes topics like friendship, family, adventure, and the value of reading. It has great characters that are fun and entertaining. There is just enough light suspense that will appeal to the targeted age range.

The story could be condensed a bit, but reads well as is. I believe this book will be an enchanting tale for children, and a great addition to libraries everywhere. 4 3/4 stars

Currently Reading - Franny and Toby: The Mystery of the Kidnapped Cat, by Tetman Callis

I recently decided to read and review a children’s book, probably because I miss my childhood sometimes. I chose Franny and Toby. Since I love cats, the cover appealed to me. More importantly, the book blurb sounded fascinating.

This is the book BLURB, in its entirety, from amazon.com:

A Watership Down for the 21st Century – with cats! 

Inventive, magical and exciting, Franny & Toby is that rare story that gently teaches us that friendship and tolerance make our world a better place – and that a little education goes a long way when life becomes an adventure.

Meet Franny – she is one of the rarest of cats, for she is a cat who can read. She and her high-voiced brother, Toby, are the new cats on the block. When their human “owner” finally lets them outside they start making friends with other animals from the neighborhood: the cats next door, Highlanders Rainbow, Bay, and their TV-addicted brother Moo-Cow (who never comes outside); the cats across the street, Elbee and her three “kits”, Larry, Curly, and Moe (who are from the Southlands and arrived the year before as refugees from the Southie Wars); Bunny the Free Range Rabbit; MacAdam the roadrunner; and an amazing crowd of sky swimmers – the garrulous crow Squawky Shortbill, some enterprising pigeons, and one very serious falcon – The Colonel.

Beautifully crafted by a master storyteller, it’s exactly the sort of book every child should read – and one that kids of every age will love.

http://www.amazon.com/Franny-Toby-Mystery-Kidnapped-Cat-ebook/dp/B015XBEVK0/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1458943722&sr=8-1

Currently Reading: Catalyst, by Author Casey L. Bond

Blurb

The city of Confidence is surrounded by a thick, concrete wall. These walls are built to protect those within and to keep dangers outside. What happens when the only danger to the citizens within is its leadership?

When a young man on a suicide mission meets a young woman with a terminal illness, both of them use one another as a means to their own ends. They never expect to become friends. They never expect to become so much more to each other. Their backgrounds and the secrets they uncover are more dangerous than any plans they could make together or separately.

Revolution begins with a spark

http://www.amazon.com/Catalyst-Casey-L-Bond-ebook/dp/B00ZFX3HNE

Now in My Bookbag: The Replacement Bride (Hope's Crossing Book Two), by Cynthia Woolf

It was so nice to visit Hope’s Crossing again. I loved finding my old friends Sam and Jo Longworth, and it was wonderful to meet Clare and Jesse Donovan. The story was charming. I felt that it was a smart choice by author Cynthia Woolf, to vary the story of Clare and Jesse by:

• showing me a different standard of living than the previous Bride stories
• introducing the concept of a replacement for a previous engagement.

Still, I was bothered a bit by how many things this story does have in common with the other Bride stories. Relationship progressions, dangerous situations, etc

Ultimately, I thought this book was exceptionally enjoyable and lovely. 4 1/4 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 a One Night Stand, by Alyssa Rose Ivy

The Hazards Series is built around friends, and sorority sisters, at Harrison College in Charleston, SC. Each book includes the circle of friends. The books are also about college life, and the revelations that those experiences bring.

“One small town boy, one girl who wants more, one roll in the hay…”

This story features Mallory. When reading her story, I first thought her to be rather superficial. Rather than follow her heart, she worries what others will think. Embarrassed by her humble upbringing, she wants to be more than some nobody from a small town. However, there is so much more to her than that.

Mallory’s ideas are skewed by a father who ran away to the city and a boyfriend who shattered her heart. She feels an unworthiness that she associates with her hometown. How can she possibly fall for her high school crush who just started college at her school? Impossible, right?

During her sophomore year of college, Mallory learns a great deal about the whos and whats that are important in her life. She needs to see herself for who she is, not as some people think she should be.

I like this story. It speaks to believing in your own self-worth, living your own life, finding your own happiness, and then holding onto it. Author Alyssa Rose Ivy delivers all these lessons in the form of great storytelling. I didn’t even grasp all of this until I finished reading and then reflected on what I’d read. 5 stars

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

The Hazards of Skinny Dipping is a New Adult book, and I recommend it for readers 18 and up.

I like this book a lot, and for several different reasons. Foremost. it is well written. The story is relatable, and author Alyssa Rose Ivy really brings Juliette to life. Her character comes into her own as the book progresses… a journey that begins with skinny dipping for the first time in her life.

She learns that people are not always who you think they are, and sometimes there can be consequences of living in denial. She learns to distinguish between being in a healthy relationship versus being in a relationship because she likes the idea of the relationship.

She makes great friends and sorority sisters. Juliette develops the independence, strength, and sense of self that she was lacking in the beginning. She becomes empowered.

There are a couple of plot points that feel under developed, and the very end feels a little contrived. I appreciate the effort by Ivy to bring Juliette’s story full circle, but I don’t find it as relevant. She has come too far beyond where she started.

This book is an enjoyable read. It is well thought out and flows effortlessly. 4 stars