Drawn to Fight by Lillianna Anderson----a review

SYNOPSIS:

Sometimes, it's inappropriate to fall in love with a certain someone. I should know. When I met Hugo Sparks, I didn't know he was my art teacher. But, by the time we found out, it was too late - we'd already fallen. But, we did the right thing, we tried to fight it. Eventually though, we gave in. That was when my brother Zac caught us. He said it would tear our family apart - we were already hanging on by a thread. I said I was in love. He didn't believe me and did everything he could to keep us apart.


Including breaking my heart.


In return, I broke his.


My name is Meg Reid - Zac Rivers' half sister. This is a tale of hurting the ones you love, and thinking it's for the best.

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

I enjoyed reading Lillianna Anderson's Drawn to Fight.   This story was set in Australia where there are fight clubs and both Meg's brother, Zach and her boyfriend, Hugo, need to fight to release their inner demons.

Anderson's characters are very well developed and realistic.   The   characters drew the reader into their story and made the reader care about their outcomes.   Life had made Meg mature beyond her years;   she possessed the wisdom of someone older and the aura of the same.    No wonder Hugo was drawn to her without a clue as to her true age and identity.

The storyline was a bit complicated, with Zach trying to keep the family together and being almost paranoid about bringing outsiders in to their "secret" lives.   Meg saw things differently, but tried to abide by his wishes...for the sake of the family.   She wanted to be a normal teen-ager....no possibility of that under the circumstances.

All was resolved in a satisfactory albeit, almost unbelievable fashion.

Now I had not read the first in this series, but this book was easily read as a standalone and quite enjoyed as such.   This is one of those stories that just qualifies as great escapism for the reader.

I rated this as a 4 wink read!

   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 exchange for an honest review.

The Changing Season by Steven Manchester---A review

SYNOPSIS:

This was supposed to be a simple summer for Billy; one more lazy expanse of time before college began. He'd fill the hours playing with Jimmy – his canine best buddy – going camping and doing all the things he promised Jimmy they'd do before Billy left.

But that was before the accident that shook the entire town.

It was before the summer job that turned into something so much more than a way to get a paycheck.

And it was before Vicki.

This summer was destined to be many things to Billy, things he didn't truly understand until now. But it was definitely not going to be simple.

An enormously touching, richly textured, deeply moving novel of new adulthood, THE CHANGING SEASON is an experience to savor.

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

In my humble opinion, Steven Manchester is one of this generations greatest writers and so when something comes out by him, it becomes the top book to be read in my TBR pile.   I can't help it, his writing always speaks to my heart and leaves me with so much to think about.

The Changing Season resonated with me as I could relate on so many levels to this tremendous tale of growing up.   Like Billy Baker, I loved animals and I was carried on a splashing sea of uncertainty....what did I want to do with my life after high school?   I never did determine what I should do, unlike our young hero, Billy.

Another thing we shared was a strong moral ethic and a strong sense of loyalty to our friends.    Billy was your normal teenager experiencing first love, a vile test of friendship, and a job he came to love and appreciate.

The author could have taken this story in so many different directions, but I loved the simplicity of the relationship between dog and boy.  The story could've been about your next door neighbor or at the very least, someone you know.

This book is an easy read for those who love coming of age tales, dogs, and first love.
I loved it. I am excited that it was my first read in 2016.   It's a good sign for future reads this year.

I rated this a five Wink read!

 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 exchange for an honest review.

December Reading Recap

Happy New Year fellow readers.    I didn't succeed with my twenty -five days of Christmas reading this year.    First I took the summer months off and then in early December I received a breast cancer diagnosis, that thoroughly threw my planning into utter chaos.

This diagnosis came just in time for the depressing winter weather we have in Iowa.    I am so looking for sunshiny days and milder temps this year.    I don't want to get depressed.

Anyway, I only read five Christmas stories In December, but I think they were worthy Christmas reads....certainly enjoyable to this reader.   All but one was reviewed during December 2015.   Evergreen Springs will be blogged about during December 2016, but is quite worthy of the read.

Wishing each and every one of you the best that 2016 has to offer us in the coming year!    May God richly bless you through out the New Year!

and Happy continued Reading!


Miss Beth

Trust Me by Earl Javorsky---A Review

SYNOPSIS:

Jeff Fenner’s life is out of control. At the nadir of a rocky, sometimes-up-usually-down career, he has finally come face-to-face with his demons: he’s being investigated by the police, he owes money to the wrong people, and he sees an empty future shutting down in front of him.

When Jeff hears that his sister Marilyn has committed suicide, he refuses to believe she killed herself and he embarks on a tortuous journey toward self-discovery and redemption . . . and toward the beautiful but troubled Holly Barnes. Holly’s own demons have led her to a self-help cult in Beverly Hills called Saving Our Lives (or, perhaps more appropriately, SOL). Through Holly, Jeff learns of a string of apparent suicides eerily similar to his sister’s—and that Holly is the next target.

A fresh, bracing, surprising novel of suspense, TRUST ME further establishes Earl Javorsky as a thriller voice that demands to be heard.

FROM MY MIND'S EYE:

If you are into thriller suspense/ mystery, murder and mayhem, Earl Javorsky is an author to be added to your TBR list!  In my humble opinion, he ranks right up with the best authors out there in this genre.

Trust Me is written in alternating voices, which can be disconcerting with so many characters, but at some point that becomes a minor influence as you move deeper into the story Javorsky creates.  It is an effective tool though as these various characters begin to cross paths with one another.   The stage has been set for their interactions and the suspense steadily builds to the climactic end of this brewing pot of insanity and criminal deeds.

Truly a nail biter with criminal intent which repulses this reader at times, it is difficult to put Javorsky's work down.   His writing is smooth and flows effortlessly; his characters are strong and well rounded.    You can feel their psychological pain and weaknesses in the writing.  

Javorsky is definitely an author that should be followed as he journeys through this genre.

I rated this a 5 wink read!

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 exchange for an honest review.

A Fairytale Christmas by Susan Wiggs---A Review

SYNOPSIS:

Ace reporter Jack Riley loves his job, or at least he did until Madeleine Angston took over as publisher for the Courier. The perfect blonde ice queen is a daunting presence in the newsroom and an irresistible distraction, despite Jack's determination to avoid her as often as possible. Even if it means boycotting her fancy Christmas party.

Then a chance encounter with a stranger transforms Jack from a scruffy journalist into a debonair Texan in a tux, and he suddenly finds himself at the center of Madeleine's attention. As they embark on a fairy-tale evening together, Jack realizes that Madeleine isn't the woman he thought she was…but unfortunately, she no longer recognizes him in his new "Prince Charming" attire! Will Madeleine still be able to love the man behind the suit when she discovers who he really is?

FROM MY MIND'S EYE:

At only 72 pages, A Fairytale Christmas, is a fun and light-hearted read.   It's a spoof on the fairytale Cinderella, only the glass slipper is really a goatskin cowboy boot.

The characters aren't quite as they seem, but they are well rounded and likable in this quick read.    It's a definite twist on an old fairytale and enjoyable from start to finish. And there is a lot of heart and Christmas spirit within.

I rated A Fairytale Christmas 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 purchased this book for my own personal collection.

Christmas Jars by Jason F Wright--A Review

Just when you think you have read the best book ever, along comes a different book, different by leaps and bounds and just as enjoyable, maybe even a little better, or just enough different to make that feel good feeling come alive again!   I am so grateful for books and the variety of creative souls on this wonderful planet we inhabit.   Thank you Jesus for this ride of so many lifetimes being shared through books!

Christmas Jars was just such a book!



SYNOPSIS:

Where had it come from? Whose money was it? Was I to spend it? Save it? Pass it on to someone more needy? Above all else, why was I chosen? Certainly there were others, countless others, more needy than me... 

Her reporter's intuition insisted that a remarkable story was on the verge of the front page. 

Newspaper reporter Hope Jensen uncovers the remarkable secret behind the "Christmas Jars", glass jars filled with coins and bills anonymously left for people in need. But along the way, Hope discovers much more than the origin of the jars. When some unexpected news sets off a chain reaction of kindness, Hope's greatest Christmas Eve wish comes true.

FROM MY MIND'S EYE:

I loved this Christmas read.  It was short at 149 pages, but every page was worthy of being read.  More than one lesson was contained within the pages of this Christmas novella.

Hope Jensen, reporter,  was determined to find the origins of the Christmas Jars.   She had received one when she was in need of help.   Her investigative skills led her to thank you's printed in the paper from others who had received the jars and her search began.    However, the folks who had received the jars were pretty tight lipped and the jars were always given in anonymity.   But finally someone talked and she found what she believed was the source.    

Choosing to misrepresent herself, she inserted herself into the unsuspecting family.   She wrestled with her conscience, but did not win the battle and she continued to glean information.   When things are misrepresented, good people tend to regret their decisions and the conscience continues to prick their guilt, until everything gets blown way out of proportion....at least  between their ears.   So it was with Hope.    She had to distance herself from this family that she had come to love and need in order to assuage her guilt.

The story is ingenious as it begins with Hope as an infant left in a cafe booth with an anonymous note asking the person who finds her to care for her.   It carefully weaves a story of love and comes back full circle to the same cafe years later.   It is enchanting, delightful and certainly brings to life the spirit of giving. 

I rated this a 5 wink read!

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 for my own personal collection.

  

Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses by Jenny Hale--A Review

SYNOPSIS:

An uplifting, beautiful story about never letting go of your dreams, the special magic of a family Christmas… and the rush of falling in love under the mistletoe. 

Single mother Abbey Fuller loves her family more than anything, and doesn’t regret for a moment having had to put her dreams of being an interior designer on hold. But with her son, Max, growing up, when a friend recommends her for a small design job she jumps at the chance. How hard can it be? 

Nick Sinclair needs his house decorated in time for his family’s festive visit – and money is no object. What he doesn’t need is to be distracted from his multi-million dollar business – even if it is Christmas. 

When Abbey pulls up to the huge Sinclair mansion, she has a feeling she might be out of her depth. And when she meets the gorgeous, brooding Nicholas Sinclair, she knows that she’s in real trouble… 

With the snow falling all around, can Abbey take the chance to make her dreams of being a designer come true? And can she help Nick to finally enjoy the magic of Christmas?

FROM MY MIND's EYE:

This was a great Christmas story, romantic and clean and delightful.   I absolutely loved it.  This read was all about what Christmas and family mean!

The characters:  strong, realistic, likable.    There were no grinch like characters, definitely no one that everyone loves to hate.    Nick's biggest drawback was being such a successful businessman dedicated to his work, his company and making money, to the exclusion of a private and passionate life.   Abbey was passionate about life.   She loved her family more than anything and she cared about the people in her life.   She was a hard worker, but not at the expense of her loved ones if she had any control over situations.

The setting:   Christmastime.   Hale did an excellent job of describing the mansion and the grounds of the Sinclair property.   Comparing Abbey's apartment and life to that of the Sinclairs provided a stark contrast.

The plot:  flowed smoothly from start to finish and made for an interesting journey as our main characters, Nick and Abbey, realized their mutual attraction and the importance of sharing their lives and dreams.

The conflict:  two totally different worlds and priorities collide.   Can they somehow be turned into one life, redefined with compromise and reordered priorities?

The resolution:     Let's say, just what the reader wanted!

One of the best Christmas romance reads ever!

I rated this a 5 wink read!

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 for my own personal collection.