Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.” —Groucho Marx

Monday, June 30, 2014

This Girl by Colleen Hoover--A Review

I was hoping to hold off on the last book of the Slammed Series,  but I knew that would not happen as soon as I even thought it.    Although I am a recent reader of Colleen Hoover, I love her work, her heroine and I love, love, love her male protagonist,  Will!!    What a great story she has told within this series,

SYNOPSIS:

Colleen Hoover’s New York Times bestselling Slammed series has brought countless readers to their knees with a whirlwind of love, passion, and heartache. 

Layken and Will’s love has managed to withstand the toughest of circumstances and the young lovers, now married, are beginning to feel safe and secure in their union. As much as Layken relishes their new life together, she finds herself wanting to know everything there is to know about her husband, even though Will makes it clear he prefers to keep the painful memories of the past where they belong. Still, he can’t resist his wife’s pleas and so he begins to untangle his side of the story, revealing for the first time his most intimate feelings and thoughts, retelling both the good and bad moments, and sharing a few shocking confessions of his own from the time when they first met.

In This Girl, Will tells the story of their complicated relationship from his point of view. Their future rests on how well they deal with the past in this final installment of the beloved Slammed series.



FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

I began reading This Girl with the preconceived notion that it would be a let down, because we'd already had the meat of the story told and to read it from Will's perspective would be redundant and therefore, boring.

But you know I loved Will's character and not too far into the book I wanted to know his thoughts and motivations as much as Layken did.   And the third book in the series contained additional information that only strengthened and added to what had already been penned.  I could not put book # 3 down--earning it a well deserved rating, (worth losing sleep over), at least in my humble opinion.  

Hoover had a clear vision as to what she hoped to accomplish in her Slammed Series and I believe she was successful.    The fact that Will shared his thoughts was quite unique and brilliant.   By telling his side, we had a far richer story and a far better resolution to the entire series.

Readers are in for an especially humorous treat when they read the epilogue too!   It was laugh out loud funny!   If you love romance, you have to add Colleen Hoover's Slammed Series to your TBR shelf.    I do not believe you'll regret it!

5 Wink rating!



Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.   I purchased this series for my personal collection.  

Friday, June 27, 2014

Fatal Impressions by Reba White Williams--A Review








SYNOPSIS:
Coleman and Dinah Greene are making names for themselves in the art world. Coleman's magazine publishing empire is growing and Dinah's print gallery is gaining traction. In fact, Dinah has just won the contract to select, buy, and hang art in the New York office of the management consultants Davidson, Douglas, Danbury & Weeks � a major coup that will generate The Greene Gallery's first big profits. However, when Dinah goes to DDD&W to begin work, she discovers a corporate culture unlike anything she's ever encountered before. There are suggestions of improprieties everywhere, including missing art worth a fortune. And when two DDD&W staff members are discovered murdered, Dinah and Coleman find themselves swept into the heart of another mystery. Revealing the murderer will be no easy task...but first Dinah needs to clear her own name from the suspect list

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

This book was quite an enjoyable read.  It is the story of two cousins who live and work in New York.  These two have built their businesses from the bootstraps up and have wonderful reputations.  They are concerned with the success of their businesses and some of their decisions have brought them very close to less than perfect business people.

The book reads fast as the chapters are short and lead the reader on a merry jaunt through murder and mayhem.   The main characters are strong and are well thought of by friends and family.    However, they are subjected to strife and jealousy in the corporate world.   We know that our girl didn't commit the crimes, but just who was the guilty party?   And what were the motives?  The story being easy to read and fast paced, held my attention fully.   I felt Dinah's fear was stymied to learn, her reprieve had always been right before their noses.   One of the characters that I thought could be responsible, turned out to be innocent, although he was totally lakadaisical about his management role.  Definitely an enjoyable read, as I approached the end, I felt things were a little rushed.

I rated this book 4 Winks!




Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like. I received a complimentary copy from the author or the author’s representatives in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Sticks and Stones by R Franklin James--A Review

Sometimes reading a book is like catching up with a good friend.   And so it was when I read the second in the Hollis Morgan mystery series.   As I read, I was drawn in to all that was affecting my friend Hollis.   She needed to vent and I was caught up in her whirlwind life!

Grab a coffee, and I'll tell you all about it.

SYNOPSIS:

“Sticks and Stones can break my bones ….” Despite what the old children’s rhyme says, words can cause grievous harm. A lesson ex-con Hollis Morgan, a casualty of her deceased ex-husband’s white collar crimes, knows all too well. Now that she has received an official pardon, she is free to pursue her dreams of moving up in the world from paralegal to attorney.

While awaiting the results of the bar exam, she hopes to clear the name of a friend accused of libel by philanthropist Dorian Fields, a man whose charitable giving looks a lot like money-laundering. Only problem: the evidence has disappeared and her friend Catherine is found dead. Although initially thought a suicide, Hollis' friend was murdered. Catherine was writing an article about Fields for a tabloid. Hollis and attorney Mark Haddan convince the magazine to let them carry on with the libel defense, but they have fewer than 60 days to prove Catherine’s exposé was well-founded. In the meantime Hollis has other distractions; she is also helping to settle the estate of Margaret Koch, a rich client of the law firm whose impetuous actions as revealed in her letters still embitter the lives of those she left behind. And then there are the two men vying for her attention—one a police detective, the other a private eye. 

Normally Hollis trusts her built-in lie detector, but in this case, too many people are lying for too many reasons. One of them is not only a liar, but a killer. Sticks & Stones is Book Two of the Hollis Morgan Mystery Series, which began with The Fallen Angels Book Club.


FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

Hollis Morgan had been knocked around by life a time or two, but she'd made a life for herself inspite of the cards she was dealt.    She served time for a crime her husband committed, (Insurance fraud).   His scheming and conniving ways eventually caught up with him...now he is deceased.

Hollis had served "his" time, and taken the California bar exam.    She had always wanted to be a probate lawyer and leave her job as paralegal behind.   She was like a dog with a bone when it came to researching things and got herself into more trouble...seemed like someone was always dying around her and she'd often been considered a person of interest if not the suspect.   She'd also been a little too close to the police investigations and warned against withholding evidence.

In this installment a close friend came to Hollis for help and was murdered before the next dawn.  Hollis was then thrown into a plight to clear her friend's name and reputation.   And a wonderful mystery ensued, well actually two.    And there were a couple of love interests for Hollis, one of which would be nice to have on her side.

R Franklin James has a great writing style.   She plots a great story and writes it out like it is magic and it flows quite nicely.    The reader is easily  drawn in to the world of Hollis and her coherts.   There are always twists and turns and some surprising results which are quite satisfying for the mystery lover.

I rated this book a 5 Wink read...quite enjoyable!



Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like. I received a complimentary copy from the author or the author’s representatives in exchange for an honest review.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Cupid's Last Stand--Release Day Blitz and Review!!

Good Morning all!    

It is release day!


I am pleased to announce that Cupid's Last stand has been released today and is now available at Amazon, B&N, iTunes, Kobo, and Createspace.    Go visit your favorite seller and getcha some!





Cupid’s Last Stand blurb:
Tristan Blackfeather . . .
The wounded boy has grown into a man, and his ghosts continue to haunt him. Now, faced with the ultimate betrayal, he makes a break for it, only to find himself face-to-face with his first love . . . the one he never truly forgot.
Darby Deveraux . . .
Squelching every desire of her soul, she’s existed the best she can in spite of the hand life has dealt her. Now, the boy who shattered her heart has come roaring back into town, demanding a second chance . . . does she dare?
One last shot . . .

Luckily, an old friend is there to help guide these two together. But is their Cupid Michael up to one final mission? Can your first love be your last?

Excerpt from Cupid’s Last Stand by Shauna Allen:
Some stupid part of him wanted her to say she remembered every single thing about that summer. That she wanted it back. Wanted it all . . . wanted him. But he knew that could never be. He wasn’t the kind of man that women loved like that. He was not worthy; he was infinitely flawed—had known it since his dad left him, and most especially when Darby had first been thrown into his stratosphere as the ultimate tease. Mallory only served as an exclamation point. It was Darby. Had always been Darby.
Looking at her now, he knew it.
Suddenly, she dropped her head as something in her seemed to break. “Why, Tristan?”
Why, what?” He placed the teabag on the counter.
She snapped her head up, her green eyes shimmering behind her glasses. “Why didn’t you write? Why did you just up and leave me that summer without a word? I mean, I know it was a long time ago and it shouldn’t matter now, but I just—”
He cupped her face and brought his lips to hers, shushing her words. He’d been waiting to do this since he first laid eyes on her in the Red Cross building . . . hell, maybe since he left her ten years ago.
She froze, her body rigid and tight as emotion thrummed between them. Then, as if a dam burst, she clutched at his shirt and yanked him closer as a mewling moan ripped from her throat and she allowed his tongue to slide in and twirl with hers. He tilted his head and deepened the kiss as far as he could, allowing every ounce of her to intoxicate him. He traced his fingertips down her throat, feeling the restless pounding of her pulse.
Ten years might as well have been ten seconds as it all came crashing down on them. He pressed her back against the countertop, fitting their pelvises together snugly, drawing a low groan from her as her nails raked down his back.
He sucked her tongue into his mouth, nibbled her lower lip. He’d eat her alive if he could. She was everything he needed to live in this moment. And she seemed to consume him in kind as her fingers moved greedily through his hair, holding him closer still.
A pop and a hiss from the coffeepot broke through the moment and she startled, drawing back to rest her head against his chest. “Tristan . . .”
He gripped her hips and held her close. “Darby. I did write. Even after your daddy told me not to. But you didn’t answer.”
She didn’t move for a moment and he wondered if she’d heard him. But she eventually peered up. “You wrote to me?”
He tapped his forehead against hers. “Yes. God. Like every day in the beginning. And I called too, but you were never home. I eventually gave up when you didn’t call or write back.” He pressed a kiss to her damp lips because he couldn’t help himself. “I told you I was crazy about you.”
She rested her cheek back to his chest. He didn’t say anything, not sure what else to say. He’d been a teenage kid. Sure, he’d promised her the moon, and sure, he’d been head over heels for her, but what did she expect? She hadn’t acknowledged one of his letters or calls. Life went on and heartbreak was a two-way street. He’d just sucked his up and bottled it away.
She rubbed her face up and down across his T-shirt as if inhaling his scent. “What did you mean about my daddy telling you not to write?”
Really?”
Yeah.” She drew back and met his eyes, her arms still linked around his waist.
He sighed. He hated to burst her bubble, he remembered how she worshipped her old man. He’d heard when he rolled into town that he’d died last year, and now Darby was running the company. Somehow, it felt wrong to talk smack about the dearly departed. But, the truth was the truth. “No big deal, Darby. After he found us together that night in your room, he pulled me aside and told me I was obviously not the kind of boy who was any good for his little girl, and if I knew what was good for me . . . well, he basically let me know that I was never to communicate with you again.”
She remained motionless, processing this. “He did?”
Yeah.”
Her hand flew to her lips. “Oh, God.” Tears filled her eyes. “And all this time I was crushed. I thought . . . I blamed you. Thought you walked away and forgot me.”
He yanked her closer and pressed a kiss to the crown of her head. “I never forgot you, Darby. Not for one second.”
From My Perspective:

Oh how I have loved this series!!!   Regretfully, Cupid's Last Stand  is to be the final installment.   I guess it is true, all good things must come to an end.   Who said that?  If I knew, I would challenge a duel!

Seriously, this last installment was as sweet as the previous books and involved Tristan who we met as a teen in The Halo Efferct, (Book Two).     Now Tristan has grown into a man and he still thinks of himself as broken, and very unworthy.   I have read about so many women with low self esteem and how damaging it is to their hearts and souls, but I never gave a man with low self esteem much thought.  What incredible insight.

Cupid's Last Stand was the story of Tristan Blackfeather's and Darby Devereaux's past and present love story.   It all began when they were sixteen and now, they have been rung in for round two.   And Michael, the angel, and head of God's Love Detail was back to stack the deck with love for the two of them.  He had taken on a new physical body and was a little different than he had appeared previously.   But he was still Michael through and through.

As always, with Shauna's writing, the story was tender, inciteful, heartwarming and gave the reader a warm and fuzzy feeling.  It was delightful to see so many characters revisited throughout this last book...to catch up on their stories as well.   The characters were real and the story hugged your heart and welcomed you in to share it.

I gave this a 5 wink rating.    I so loved this series, The Cupid Chronicles.  I hate to see it concluded!

Shauna Allen:


Shauna grew up an only child with two open and loving parents in Central Texas. She’s married to her high school sweetheart and is the mother to three awesome teenagers, including one she’s about to send off to the Air Force. She is the award-winning author of the Cupid Chronicles series, including Charlie’s Angel and Cupid’s Last Stand. Shauna also writes emotional Contemporary YA novels as SC Montgomery, works as a freelance editor, and is personal assistant to two NYT Bestselling authors. She loves all things sexy, sassy, and Gerard Butler.
Join Shauna Allen's Facebook party on June 24th to celebrate the release day of Cupid's Last Stand!


Link is: https://www.facebook.com/events/764085243611625
Shauna would love for you to visit her at her website and blog at: www.shaunaallen.com
You can also sign up for all the latest Shauna Allen news with her Angel Kisses Newsletter here! http://eepurl.com/D_RcP
And please learn more about her YA alter-ego at: www.scmontgomery.com
                                                   ***
Praise for Shauna Allen’s Cupid Chronicles:
Tattoos, cupids, and bad boys: Shauna Allen delivers one heck of a read. Fresh, sassy, and witty—she brings a new voice to romance that readers are gonna love!

New York Times Bestselling Author, Christie Craig


A charming romance from start to finish. Shauna Allen's fresh, new voice makes Inked by an Angel a must read.
Harlequin Romantic Suspense and Zebra author, Melissa Cutler







Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like. I received a complimentary copy from the author or the author’s representatives in exchange for an honest review.


Friday, June 20, 2014

Good Night June by Sarah Jio--A Review

Greetings my book loving friends!

I am enjoying June for reading some of the best books!  And for getting to use my creative juices in the world of art.    At the end of the month I will do another Wine and canvas class.   Hope I do well on my orchid.   I can draw somewhat and I get the concept of shading, but if it requires a steady hand and an eye that doesn't sometimes reveal my insecurities...well, ya know?   It's a bit sad and now I understand why my art teacher in 9th grade gave me a D.   Much as I would love to be an artist, I don't quite make the grade.   And if I don't jump into the fire soon, I will never write my own book.

It's funny how comfortable we get with our friends and loved ones sometimes and that is how I feel about the authors I read.   I feel like Sarah Jio is a part of me.    I am comfortable with her writing and she never ever disappoints.   In my book she is a true gem.  I have always loved her flower titled books and was a bit taken aback by this title, Goodnight June.   But as I read, I became enamoured, invested and thrilled with the awesomeness of her story.

SYNOPSIS:
The New York Times bestselling author of Blackberry Winter imagines the inspiration for Goodnight Moon

Goodnight Moon is an adored childhood classic, but its real origins are lost to history. In Goodnight June, Sarah Jio offers a suspenseful and heartfelt take on how the "great green room" might have come to be.

June Andersen is professionally successful, but her personal life is marred by unhappiness. Unexpectedly, she is called to settle her great-aunt Ruby’s estate and determine the fate of Bluebird Books, the children’s bookstore Ruby founded in the 1940s. Amidst the store’s papers, June stumbles upon letters between her great-aunt and the late Margaret Wise Brown—and steps into the pages of American literature.


FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

Sarah writes what I consider to be women's fiction, with an added flare of romance.  Now I have a horrible confession to make, I am not familiar at all with Goodnight Moon, the children's story that inspired Sarah's wonderful story of how Good Night Moon came into being.   You can bet the farm, I will get my hands on a copy for my grand-daughter!

In Jio's book, Goodnight June, the main character, June Anderson was a strong and successful banker who inherited her Aunt Ruby's children's book store, Bluebird Books.
The shop is in  a mess without Ruby's  tender care and she is in hopes that her niece will remember her love for the bookstore and be able to save it from the financial crisis at hand.  Do physical books lose out to video games, television and the internet?     Or is there a way to save the beloved book store. 

The characters are so compelling in this read that it makes the journey through Jio's book, one of joy and a bit of angst.   The world is not perfect and Jio's characters endure the love and loss as we all do.   My favorite character was Gavin, June's love interest.   He was a chef with wisdom beyond his years and I was so glad they found each other.

The story is told through letters written and received by Aunt Ruby and her friend, Margaret Wise Brown, a scavenger hunt, and the desire that estranged sisters reconcile.  It was a very moving and heartfelt story that was hard to put down and even harder to not dwell upon it when you did put it down.   There is always depth and layers with Sarah Jio's books and this one was perhaps one of her best.   It was imaginative and very much filled with love.

I rated this read a 5 Wink Read.   If you haven't read it yet and decide to, please let me know what your thoughts on it are.   I read every comment and try to respond as quickly as possible.   If you've already read it, what were your thoughts?



Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

A Life, Redefined by Tracy Hewitt Meyer--Review of AudioBook

Have you ever noticed how many firsts there are in life?     Countless firsts come at all stages in life.
We have our first tooth, our first tooth lost, first day of school, first day of work, first marriage, first born, first favorite book. first book on kindle and first audio book.

And there you have it.....my first audio book ever.
Will it be my last?   Probably not, but I will say, if my eyes fail me, audio will be the way I go.    It seems much easier than learning Braille, don't you think?

SYNOPSIS:

Seven years ago, an innocent act by Rowan Slone turned her life into a nightmare. Since the age of 10 she's lived with the burden of her baby brother's death. Now she is 17 and all she wants to do is graduate high school, go to college, and escape the loveless family she has endured all these years - the same family that holds her responsible for his death. But no one holds her responsible more than herself. When long-time crush Mike Anderson invites her to the prom, suddenly her future looks brighter. Rowan's younger sister, Trina, however, is determined to ruin her new-found happiness, no matter the cost. And when Rowan discovers her mother's long-held secret, she finds herself teetering on the edge of an abyss. Can Rowan find the strength to move toward the future or is she doomed to dwell in the past?

©2013 Tracy Hewitt Meyer (P)2014 Tracy Hewitt Meyer


FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

First of all, I gave this audiobook a rating of 4 Winks.

I listened to this audiobook on my kindle and for the life of me, I could hardly hear it.    I am no techie so I'm not sure how to increase the volume.   And I  found myself disliking the narration of the story.    The narrator's voice got on my nerves and reminded me of a voice belonging to an individual I am not real fond of.

Now for the story itself.  The genre was Young Adult and I had read another story about pain and cutting.   Of course the theme of this story was a loveless family for many disturbing reasons and the secrets locked inside the mother's soul.   Ultimately this story was about the most dysfunctional family unit I have ever read about, let alone imagined.   For me it was easy to empathize with Rowen, the oldest daughter.   She was irritating at times with her desperation to leave her home life behind and escape with her sleaze of a car salesman boss.   Yuck!    Mike Anderson was a honey of a character.....the perfect senior soccer player, so sweet and from  a warm and loving home.   And Rowen's younger sister, Trina, was a real piece of work....absolutely the meanest person in Rowen's world.

I suppose cutting is no different than harming oneself by starvation, overeating, smoking or doing drugs or alcohol.....it's all harmful and reflects something way out of balance.  There were no redeeming characters in the Slone family, other than Rowen who needed to escape to normal so desperately.   She wanted to graduate from high school, stop cutting, go to college and live somewhere no where near her hometown.   She related much better to animals than she did to the people around her.

I did enjoy the psychology of this story and I enjoyed the ending.    Rowen had learned to accept help and love from others outside of her family.   Sometimes, you gotta take it where you find it.




Audible - http://www.audible.com/pd/Teens/A-Life-Redefined-A-Rowan-Slone-Novel-Audiobook/B00K23Z91A/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl

Bio for Tracy Hewitt Meyer

Tracy Hewitt Meyer is a multi-genre, multi-published author of new adult fiction as well as adult paranormal and contemporary romance. She has a B.A. in English and a Master of Social Work, both of which feed her true passion-her love of writing. Born and raised in the beautiful state of West Virginia, Tracy now lives in the mid-east with her family, a goldendoodle, and a bearded dragon.



Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like. I received a complimentary copy from the author or the author’s representatives in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, June 16, 2014

More Than a Cowboy by Susan Hornick--A Review

Good Morning readers!!

My mom gave me a stack of her books, (I think she is spring cleaning and like me she has a virtual library in her home).   I thought the synopsis, although tried and true sounded like a fun read and I'm always looking for a hero to love since my dear hubby passed away, so yes, I cabbaged on and read the book.

I will warn you, it is an inspirational read.   I like those as long as I get a good mix along the way and don't focus on only that.   I admire folks who can share the gospel and do as Jesus instructed.   I fall far short, so I encourage others to continue in their labor of love.   And I love when a story is inspirational and uplifting.   I love when I feel God in the story and when it is relevant and crucial to the story.   But I also know a lot of people avoid inspirational stories altogether these days.

So the  SYNOPSIS:

The identity of her daughter's father is a secret, one that single mother Haley Clayton must keep forever--for a very good reason. But when a tragedy takes the man's life--a tragedy Haley fears was her fault--the truth comes out. And now the man's stepbrother, handsome rancher Jared Sinclair, wants answers. Why has Haley kept the child from his family? What is she hiding? Haley can't tell him--ever. But then Jared insists Haley and young Sarah spend time at the family ranch, where she discovers he's not just a proud cowboy; he's her--and her daughter's-- deepest wish.

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

As an inspirational read, the characters of Jared Sinclair and his family are walking very close with God.  Jared is human however, and suffers the loss of his stepbrother tremendously and he takes to seeking the why into his own hands.   Hayley Clayton had some hard knocks in life and although she is no longer close to God, her heart is full of questions as to why he failed her in her bleakest hour.   These characters were written so strongly and you felt their pain and agony as the story progressed.

The plot was simple and has been used repeatedly, but it was a book so well written, I enjoyed the story and found it refreshing and fun.    The book required nothing more of me than to enjoy it for what it was.

I rated this book 4 winks.

So let me ask you a few questions.    How do you feel about inspirational books?    Do you have someone to share your books with?    My mother loves romance, pure and simple, but like me, she's not into the explicit sex scenes.    I like a wide variety of genres, although lately, I have enjoyed a lot of romance stories.   Do you share your books as in lending to someone close to you?   Leave me some comments friends.....I'd love to know your thoughts!


Miss Beth



Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.   

Friday, June 13, 2014

The Qualities of Wood by Mary Vensel White--A review

My computer is up and running once again and I could not be happier!   I was astonished at how dependent I have become on having internet and a working computer!    I rue the day, we are subjected to life without technology!    We are so dependent and so used to a fast response time....be it in the microwave, the drive-thru, the cell phone with all its apps and etc.

Well, I am thankful for what we currently enjoy, although I reserve a small place in my soul for mourning the loss of such wonder.   I just figure it can't last forever.

Today's review is about a book that takes us into an adventure in a small midwestern town, where life is slower. Although they do have technology, it's a much slower pace than being in a big city.



SYNOPSIS:

A haunting and beautifully written debut novel by an exciting new talent. When Betty Gardiner dies, leaving behind an unkempt country home, her grandson and his young wife take a break from city life to prepare the house for sale. Nowell Gardiner leaves first to begin work on his second mystery novel. By the time his wife Vivian joins him, a real mystery has begun: a local girl has been found dead in the woods behind the house. Even after the death is ruled an accident, Vivian can't forget the girl, can't ignore the strange behaviour of her neighbours, or her husband. As Vivian attempts to put the house in order, all around her things begin to fall apart. 'The Qualities of Wood' is a stunning novel from an exciting new writer. Perfect for readers of Anne Tyler and Anita Shreve.

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

I've rated this book a 4 Wink read.

   The Characters were strong in their own right and no one was who they seemed to the main character Vivian.    I felt that she had big city paranoia.   She felt that Abe Stokes flirted with her.   She was annoyed when a road construction worker, looked at her legs and figure.  There was a page or two alluding to an incident with her brother in law, Lonnie.   Although these things were mentioned in the book, they played no part in the story.   The story started out rather slow but after the first hundred pages, the story began to flow faster.   The story was indeed interesting and there was a mystery of sorts, although the death of a neighboring teenager was ruled accidental.  

Vensel White kept suspense going as the story came to fruition.  It seemed everyone had a suspicion of something more being behind the girl's death and in the end, I couldn't have accepted a villain if there had really been one. 

There really wasn't much that I can say I didn't like;  the way the story was revealed to the reader kept me wondering what the secrets were and how they played a part in the "accidental" death.   I was able to accept the ending revelations with very little problem. 


Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I received a copy of this book from the author or their representative in exchnge for an honest review.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

COVER REVEAL!!! Cupid's Last Stand by Shauna Allen

Cover Reveal for Cupid's Last Stand
by Shauna Allen!



It's finally here! The cover reveal for Cupid's Last Stand, Shauna Allen's fourth and final book in the Cupid Chronicles series.


Genre: Contemporary/Light Paranormal Romance
Release date: June 24th




Cupid’s Last Stand blurb:
Tristan Blackfeather . . .
The wounded boy has grown into a man, and his ghosts continue to haunt him. Now, faced with the ultimate betrayal, he makes a break for it, only to find himself face-to-face with his first love . . . the one he never truly forgot.
Darby Deveraux . . .
Squelching every desire of her soul, she’s existed the best she can in spite of the hand life has dealt her. Now, the boy who shattered her heart has come roaring back into town, demanding a second chance . . . does she dare?
One last shot . . .
Luckily, an old friend is there to help guide these two together. But is their Cupid Michael up to one final mission? Can your first love be your last?
 ***Releasing June 24, 2014 and to be available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Kobo and Createspace. Buy links available soon.




Shauna grew up an only child with two open and loving parents in Central Texas. She’s married to her high school sweetheart and is the mother to three awesome teenagers, including one she’s about to send off to the Air Force. She is the award-winning author of the Cupid Chronicles series, including Charlie’s Angel and Cupid’s Last Stand. Shauna also writes emotional Contemporary YA novels as SC Montgomery, works as a freelance editor, and is personal assistant to two NYT Bestselling authors. She loves all things sexy, sassy, and Gerard Butler.


Shauna would love for you to visit her at her website and blog at: www.shaunaallen.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ shauna.allen.12
Goodreads: http:// www.goodreads.com/author/show/6916632.Shauna_Allen

You can also sign up for all the latest Shauna Allen news with her Angel Kisses Newsletter here! http://eepurl.com/D_RcP
And please learn more about her YA alter-ego at: www.scmontgomery.com</ a>

Praise for Shauna Allen’s Cupid Chronicles:
Tattoos, cupids, and bad boys: Shauna Allen delivers one heck of a read. Fresh, sassy, and witty—she brings a new voice to romance that readers are gonna love!
New York Times Bestselling Author, Christie Craig

A charming romance from start to finish. Shauna Allen's fresh, new voice makes Inked by an Angel a must read.</ div>
Harlequin Romantic Suspense and Zebra author, Melissa Cutler
The Halo Effect . . . doesn’t disappoint. Shauna has an amazing ability to write compelling characters that are real and relatable.
Christie Palmer Reviews – 4 1⁄2 of 5 Stars
With a cupid in the mix love finds a way to conquer all things . . . I must say that I loved the book and the characters in the book. I hope we see more from this talented author.</ div>
Night Owl Reviews – 4/5 Stars
A well-written, clever romance with a twist, Inked by an Angel reminds us that love exists in the unlikeliest places, and that we may need a “guardian angel” to help us find what was meant to be all along.
Gillian’s Tattooed Book Reviews – 4/5 Stars
Holy smoke! Shauna Allen has done it again! I fell in love with the Cupid Chronicles from the first book and that was it for me . . . Shauna did not disappoint with Wounded Wings and from the first two sentences I kid you not I was in love.
Reese’s Reviews: My Addiction to Fiction – 5/5 Stars

  What a cool cover!   I CAN NOT WAIT TO READ CUPID'S LAST STAND!  Love, love, love Shauna's writing!

Miss Beth



Monday, June 9, 2014

SLAMMED--by Colleen Hoover...A Review

I read book two of the Slammed series before I got my hands on books one and three.   But I must say, when I read Slammed, book one, I had the same heartwarming feelings and romantic desires that were invoked from the second in the series.

Wow, what an awesome book!  I love Colleen Hoover's writing!  She just speaks to the heart.   You could be a thirteen year old reader or an old grandma like me, and the writing would still imprint on a romantic heart.   There is magic in her words.  I love what I read and how I feel what she writes.

Slammed was about a couple who met and yes,
there was insta-love, but not in a sexually explicit manner.  Will is a twnety one year old teacher.   Layken was an eighteen year old high school student.  Who knew what consequences would be spawned from their burgeoning relationship?

To me, this book was a compelling romance with strongly believable characters and an extremely romantic storyline.

I gave Slammed a 5 wink rating.

Here's the SYNOPSIS:

Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she's losing hope.

Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.

Not long after an intense, heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together, and the secret that keeps them apart.


Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I purchased this book in paperback for my personal collection.


Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Mystery Rises by Marilyn Phillips--A Review



You know you have read a really good book when you sigh at the ending and spend days thinking about the characters and their story.  I fell in love with Shadow and Samantha long ago when I first read book one in the Mystery Falls saga.

SYNOPSIS:

 After spending months apart due to an enforced separation, Samantha and Shadow are finally reunited. However, it is a reunion which may be short lived. As more secrets of the past are revealed, Samantha not only discovers her true heritage, but also how heavily intertwined it is with Shadow’s. Suddenly finding themselves on opposing sides of a feud which started long before either one of them was born, they struggle to remain together in a world which seems determined to keep them apart.

Neither one of them wants to enter the conflict started by their forefathers, but unfortunately, there may not be a choice. With Samantha’s true identity now known in the world of the angels, she has become a pawn in a deadly game of revenge. Desperate to hold on to the one person who truly matters to him, Shadow must find a way to protect Samantha... or risk losing her forever.

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

I have rated this a 5 Wink read.

Mystery Rises by Marilyn Phillips rates right up their near the top of the list of my all-time favorite reads.  It is a deliciously written love story between Shadow, a now fallen angel, and Samantha, a high school student whose birthright is that of angel, well part angel anyway.

Phillips has invented such believable characters, so strongly attracted to one another, with an entourage of ecclectic friends and family.   Some personalities are strong and truly loyal.   Some are totally annoying, but there is always room for growth and acceptable change.   That is not the case with Sam's grandfather Aric,  Shadow's former girlfriend, Kira and  a plotting fallen angel, named Raynor. 

The love story is sort of a Romeo and Juliet, or Hatfield and McCoy, troubled relationship.  They are hindered by an age old family war which the ancestors would prefer resulted in the elimination of the relationship between Shadow and Samantha.  Loads of passion and desire fill the pages as well as fear for the future.  To what lengths will the warring angels go to gain the upper hand in their endeavors?

I love angel stories and I love the romance between angels and their humans.   I have totally been intrigued by Phillips compelling story and I will hate to see it ever end.  Her writing is easy to read and follow.  And the story is endearingly sweet and sexy.   What woman doesn't long for a protector like Shadow?   I'd spend some serious time with the guy!

Book three should be out sometime this fall, (maybe November) and it is called Mystery Eternal.  It will be the last in this excellent series!   I for one, can not wait!!


 I received a copy of this book from the author or their representative in exchange for an honest review.