I’ve had another month of some amazing reads! I only post 4 and 5-star reviews.
MY REVIEW:
I bought this book because of the setting. The Isle of Skye is fascinating to me and any story set there attracts me. And I was not disappointed. It is a love story like none other and a wonderful prequel to the Clan of Dragons series.
The improbability of a huge black dragon and tiny woodland fairy falling in love is huge. But that’s exactly what happens in this story. Duff is a dragon. Robina is a tiny fairy. But when using her magic, they are able to shift into human form, and they fall deeply and eternally in love. Robina tries to return to her fairy home after making love to Duff but finds her heart is empty and torn. Then when her mother reveals a huge dark secret, it sets Robina free. I loved everything about this story from the powerful, but lonely dragon to the tiny and magical fairy. I look forward to the rest of this series.
MY REVIEW:
Wow! I read this book in one sitting. I had to find the answers to Brad and Cara’s disappearance. But then when I did, I reeled with the shock of the truth. This story has all the things to keep a reader engaged. A missing twin brother, a haunted forest, rumors galore, and people turning up dead who dare to share any information. This author created a creepy and sinister atmosphere that transported me directly into that thick and dark forest along with Dan and his father, as they embarked on a mission to find out what had happened to Brad and Cara ten years earlier. Throw an ancient and evil alien into the mix and you have adventure galore! The twist the story took at the end had me gasping. The characters are multi-dimensional, the writing superb and the story gripping. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great tale!
MY REVIEW:
I have to be honest, it took me a couple of tries to finally get into this book enough to read it. And when I did, I couldn’t believe the horrors that were inflicted on the Osage Indian tribe. When the United States government forced the tribe onto reservation land in Oklahoma, they had no idea they were forcing them onto huge oil deposits. Once it was discovered in the early 1900s, the Osage became the richest Indian tribe in North America. But because of the way the government still viewed Indians, they were not given control of their money. Instead, they assigned guardians. The story is based around one Osage woman’s family. Mollie Burkhurt had two sisters and a mother. The story begins with the murder of her younger sister, Anna. A single bullet to the back of the head. Then over time, other murders occurred until the only member left of her family was Mollie herself. There was now a total of 24 Osage murders and not one case solved. J. Edgar Hoover had just taken over the newly formed Federal Bureau of Investigation. When the huge number of murders gained his attention, he recruited Tom White, a former Texas Ranger to head the investigation. It took several years, but the corruption at every level of government was exposed along with the man behind all the murders. The motive was money and control. This is not an easy story to read and in fact, I found it quite tedious at times, but it recounts a time in American history that deserves to be told. Kudos to David Grann for telling it in such precise detail. I can only imagine the amount of work that went into research for this exposé. And I have heard they are in the process of making this story into a movie.
MY REVIEW:
What a fun read! Carly is laser-focused on making her summertime business a success. When she’s not serving her delicious ice cream to patrons, she’s creating new flavors to tempt their palates. And what a great location! Her ice cream hut sits on the beach in Southern California, and long lines are common. She has no time or interest in love. She tried it once and got burned. Never again. The humiliation of the broken engagement still stings, even after a year. She wasn’t good enough for Declan (or so his mother proclaimed.) The story opens with Carly bartending at a bachelorette party as a favor to a friend. She’s anxious to try out her new alcohol/ice cream concoctions, which are an instant hit. The male strippers hired for the party are dressed as firemen. So, it’s no wonder Carly had her doubts when real firefighters showed up. Sparks flew, but she would never date a fireman again. Her father and brother are both firemen. It’s too dangerous. No, never a fireman. But when circumstances throw her and Noah together in a fake boyfriend, girlfriend scenario, neither are prepared to fall in love. This is a quick read with fantastic scenery and delicious ice cream melting under the spell of Noah Blaze.
MY REVIEW:
This book is different from anything I’ve ever read. Occasionally, I thought to myself, “this is too far-fetched to be believable,” then the next thought I’d have would send me deeper into the story. Is it possible for two people to die at the same time and switch bodies when one is resuscitated? Maybe. But I’ll start from the romance aspect of the story. Leeds had money. He didn’t need to work, but he loved music so took a gig playing bass in a band that he hated their music. When they land a job playing a wedding, Leeds’ life changes forever. The sister of the bride captivates him completely. Layla is fresh, honest, uninhibited, and pushes every boundary. Months into their relationship, an incident changes both of them forever. So, when Leeds decides to go back to where their love first bloomed, at the house where the wedding had been, weird and unexplained things begin to happen. He wants so desperately to salvage the love he has for Layla, but she’s changed. She’s not the same girl and he grows farther away from her. Enters Willow. Willow is a ghost trapped in a realm she cannot get out of. But there’s something hauntingly familiar about Willow and when she takes over Layla’s body so she can communicate with Leeds, he feels the old spark he used to feel for Layla. I won’t spoil how all of this got worked out, but it is intense and I might have caught myself holding my breath a time or two. Different? YES! But a great story I couldn’t stop reading! If you like stretching your mind beyond all your normal limits and boundaries, this might be the story for you!
MY REVIEW:
Lily Catherine Brownfield has suffered so much in her young life. As the book opens, she is in the hospital recovering from a horrible car crash that leaves her disfigured. Her shallow fiance takes one look at her face and immediately turns away in disgust. When she gave him back the ring, I wanted her to stuff it down his arrogant throat. She’s recuperating in her beach cottage when a newspaper blows across the pristine sand. She chases it until she retrieves the trash. But then her curiosity is piqued when she sees the newspaper is from Oklahoma, and for the lack of anything better to do, she puts it back together and reads it. But it’s a classified ad that draws her attention. A cook is wanted for a three-month round-up on an Oklahoma ranch. Maybe this is exactly what Lily needs, to get away from the awful memories of the car crash and breakup. She makes a call without realizing it’s the middle of the night two time zones over. A sleepy male voice answers and she inquires about the job. He hires her sight unseen. Case Longren just needs someone to cook for the cowboys during round-up. He’s beyond shocked when beautiful blonde-haired Lily arrives to fill the position. It is inevitable that the two of them get together, but it’s a long road. Lily’s mistrust of all men keeps him at arm’s length. After all, how could anyone look at the horrible scar on her face and not be disgusted? She is every time she looks in the mirror. To say it took some work to break through her icy barriers is an understatement. But with a lot of help from mother nature and near-death close calls, she begins to melt. I loved Lily’s father and brothers. They were all such unique characters. This is a fun read and satisfying love story with a great ending.
MY REVIEW:
It’s been a while since I posted a review of one of my sister’s books, but this story captured my heart from the first page. Sam Legend Jr is a conflicted man. He’s left his prestigious family and is living like a hermit in a primitive dwelling. His only passion left in life is making knives. That is until Cheyenne Ronan bursts into the dwelling and threatens his life. The attraction between the two is a slow burn and it takes a while for Sam to forgive himself for the death of his wife and accept a new love. There is lots of action and lots of memorable characters in this story. Watching it unfold is like watching a flower open under the sun. If you love romance set in the 1800s, you will love this story. If you love flawed characters, you will love this story, as both Sam and Cheyenne have their secrets. I highly recommend it to anyone who just loves a well-written and compelling character-driven story!
MY REVIEW:
Another compelling installment in Emlyn’s journey! This segment of the story begins on a slower note with Gethin and the gift of a powerful sword. Then it moves swiftly back to Pergesca where we left Emlyn, Osabide, and Zasha in Journey 10. Throughout this segment, perhaps more so than the others, Emlyn grows stronger and more confident in her powers. I loved the introduction of new characters, as well as the reuniting of the old. When Zasha goes before the High Council of The Deae Matres to warn of the dangers coming, I was somewhat surprised by the political structure of the council. I had expected it to be made up of people like the Deae Matres we have been traveling with through these novelettes. Not the case. Just that scenario brings a touch of reality into this fantasy story and I can see the resemblance of our government. What I love most about Journey 11 is the way the author brought me into the story through her excellent descriptive scenes. The clothes they wore, the food that ate, the way the city appeared—I was there! I also love how Emlyn creates and holds a portal with little help from Luce. A great part of the story!!
That’s it for this month. I hope you found a book you cannot pass up!
Such an enticing selection with many different genres. Perfect for the upcoming snowstorm.
Absolutely! Glad you found something you liked!
Jan, I hope all these wonderful reviews mean that you’ve been taking it easy, resting and focusing on getting better. 🙂
You’ve gone to many amazing places with these books. I can’t wait to read more of them. Linda’s book really caught my attention. (Occasional work on my Victorian Era slang dictionary has my head in those times.)
I’m thrilled that you enjoyed Dead of Winter: Journey 11. As you know, I wrote the overall novel 10+ years ago. Other than the ending I didn’t intend to do much rewriting. The Gethin character is an exception. I wanted to give him a bigger part and expand on some of his background (which was only hinted at originally). You will see more of him in the rest of the journeys, so I’m happy that you mentioned him. Keep feeling better. Hugs on the wing.
I loved the scene with Gethin and the amazing sword! I can see that might be a setup for him to play a bigger part in the story. I look forward to reading 12 and 13!! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! Hugs!
Wonderful reviews to share, Jan. Thanks for sharing the love. Bravo to all! 🙂
My pleasure, Natalie!
Thanks for sharing these great reviews, Jan. Certainly plenty to choose from, and congratulations to all of these authors! Personally, I’m looking at Descent Into Ulthoa, Killers Of The Flower Moon, and Dead of Winter.
Mark, you will NOT be disappointed in Descent Into Ulthoa. I read it in one sitting and it’s not a novella. 🙂 I’m glad these three books grabbed your attention! Thanks for stopping by!
What a variety of reading selection this month, Jan! Congratulations to all the authors. Red Cherry sound like a fun and delicious read. your sister’s A Cowboy Christmas Legend sounds lovely. 🙂
Thank you, Miriam. Cherry Red was a really fun read. And my sister’s book is awesome! I appreciate you stopping by!
It was a wonderful share, Jan!
You’ve been busy, Jan. Great reviews. I have Journey 11 next on my kindle, though I don’t think I’ll get to it until I get home. Thanks for all the other recommendations as well. Happy Readidng!
My pleasure, Diana. Whatever you do while you’re away, enjoy yourself!!! Hugs!
What a great list! Mostly my taste though I think the Osage Indians would break my heart. I’m becoming a Broday fan–just finished two of hers. Yikes they are good!
Whoo-hoo!!! My sister will be thrilled to see your comment, Jacqui! She is a fabulous writer! Thanks for stopping by!
Ooops–I forgot she was your sister! Well, I’m going to review both in the near future. Don’t tell her they’re both huge winners–I want to surprise her.
I won’t tell!
Ooh, nice variety! Congrats to all the authors on the wonderful reviews. I hid my Kindle behind my back for this post, but the little devil STILL went shopping, lol
Lol, Jacquie! These Kindles seem to have a mind of their own. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
When I saw the cover of Dalene’s book, I couldn’t help but think, “This looks like one of Jan’s stories.”😊
Lol! Nope, I didn’t write this one, but it was a fun story to read, especially if you are a lover of ice cream! 🙂
Ice cream is my weakness. We can’t keep it in the house.😎
That’s a lot of reading and a lot of variety.
I do like variety. I heard it was the spice of life. 🙂 Thanks for leaving a comment and sharing!
You have been busy, Jan. Terrific reviews.
I like to “keep my nose in a book” as my mom used to say about me and my sister. Thanks for stopping by!
😊
You’ve been busy, Jan – and what a variety! Thanks for the recs!
For some reason, Teri, while I was reading “Layla,” I thought of you. It’s such a different and gripping story. Thanks for stopping by!
Great reviews, Jan! Thanks for sharing them. 🙂
My pleasure, Yvette!
Great reviews, Jan! I had to pick up Shimmer and you reminded me of one I have to read on my TBR list. Two I already read and loved. What a fantastic reading month you had. 🙂
It was a great month of reading and I enjoyed every word I read! 🙂 Shimmer was truly a fun read and a great prequel to her new series. Thanks for stopping by, Denise!
Huge congrats to all the winners!!! This is wonderful to be included with so many talented writers. Thank you for liking A Cowboy Christmas Legend, Jan. It was quite a different story for me but I’ve always wanted to write a man who’s separated himself from family and living as a recluse. I love you, Sister.
I’m glad you liked my review, sister. It was a very different story, especially knowing the family Sam separated himself from. Thank you for leaving a comment!
You’ve been a busy lady! These books all sound wonderful, Jan! I’m glad you’re sharing them with us. Great stories, intriguing twists, and beautiful covers! More items for the tbr list.
Ah, yes, that never-ending TBR list. 🙂 Gotta love it. I’m glad you found some books that intrigued you, Mar. Thanks for leaving a comment!
A great lineup of books, authors, and reviews. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jan 💕🙂
My pleasure, Harmony. Thanks for stopping by and sharing! 😍
Wow. What an eclectic list. So many good ones to choose from! Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure, Staci. Thanks for stopping by and sharing.
Great reviews today, Jan! I’ve read a few of Darlene’s books. I’ll definitely check out the others. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you found a few new books and authors, Jill. Thanks for stopping by! 💕