Rainy Day Ramblings

Audiobook Review: Protect the Prince (Crown of Shards #2) by Jennifer Estep

 

 

First, Evie has to deal with a court full of arrogant, demanding nobles, all of whom want to get their greedy hands on her crown. As if that wasn’t bad enough, an assassin tries to kill Evie in her own throne room. Despite the dangers, Evie goes ahead with a scheduled trip to the neighboring kingdom of Andvari in order to secure a desperately needed alliance. But complicating matters is the stubborn Andvarian king, who wants to punish Evie for the deaths of his countrymen during the Seven Spire massacre. But dark forces are at work inside the Andvarian palace, and Evie soon realizes that no one is safe. Worse, Evie’s immunity to magic starts acting in strange, unexpected ways, which makes her wonder whether she is truly strong enough to be a Winter Queen. But Evie’s magic, life, and crown aren’t the only things in danger—so is her heart, thanks to Lucas Sullivan, the Andvarian king’s bastard son and Evie’s . . . well, Evie isn’t quite sure what Sullivan is to her. Only one thing is certain—protecting a prince might be even harder than killing a queen… 
Audible Audio
Published July 2nd 2019 by HarperAudio
Source: Library

 

Five stars: This series continues to impress. Love the action and the magic. 

 

Things haven’t gotten any easier for Evie since she snatched the throne away from her treacherous cousin. As queen, Evie is encountering even worse threats, including assassination attempts. As if having people try to murder her wasn’t bad enough, Evie must now deal with the nobles who are snotty and arrogant. Evie won’t forget how they looked down their noses at her. If Evie wants to be successful, she must find a way to appease the nobles and protect her kingdom. That means she must visit the neighboring kingdom to try and forge an alliance. This kingdom just happens to be the home of Lucas Sullivan. Things are even worse in Andvaria. Upon her arrival, Evie is met with resistance, and once again someone is out to kill her. Will Evie live to fight another day?

What I Liked:

• Last year, I was thrilled to discover Jennifer Estep’s fantasy adventure: Kill the Queen. I was excited to continue the series, and even more pleased to discover this second installment was just as strong as it’s predecessor. This was one fantastic read!
• I loved seeing Evie taking on her role as queen. Being queen is even worse than trying to steal back the throne. Evie is dealing with assassins, snotty nobles and many who want to do her harm. She must always be on her toes. I enjoyed seeing her dish it back to those arrogant nobles in her kingdom. I also appreciated her new found strength and her confidence, even when she doubts herself. Evie continues to be a force to be reckoned with, but above all, I like that she is fair and kind. I also appreciated her maturity when it came to dealing with others. The way she handled the beautiful noble at Andvaria at the end was excellent. 
• There is lots going on in this story. Never a dull moment. I like that it starts with an assassination attempt and it never lets up. If you like lots of action and intrigue, this is a series for you. Prepare for treachery, betrayal and a whole lot of action. 
• Evie’s magical abilities are continuing to grow. I liked seeing her learn to wield her magic in new ways. I appreciate that her magic is unique, I especially like that she can pick up emotions with her sense of smell. Love the creativity with the magic in this series. 
• The secondary cast of characters continues to impress. I love that Evie’s troop is still behind her. I also appreciated that there were some interesting new characters introduced at Andvaria. It took awhile for several of them to grow on me, but I liked what I saw in the end.
• The romance is one that drives me nuts, yet I love it. I waited breathlessly for that magic moment, and then it came only to be followed by more trouble. Needless to say, the romance in this one isn’t dull.
• The ending was top notch. I loved that it ended on a high note. No cliffhanger. There is plenty to be followed up on in the next book for sure, but I was satisfied that this ended in a good spot. 
• The audiobook narrated by Lauren Fortgang was outstanding. Ms. Fortgang does an excellent job with the both the male and female voices. I loved her work. Definitely grab the audiobook if you can, I couldn’t stop listening. 

And The Not So Much:

• The big reveal of the culprit was not a surprise. It was too easy to figure out who was behind the treachery. However, I didn’t figure out all the motives. 
• I am still feeling like I am in the dark when it comes to this adversary kingdom hellbent on destroying Evie. Who are these people? Why do they want to destroy everyone? Who is this king?

Protect the Prince was a thrilling second installment in an outstanding series. This book grabs you from the beginning and does not let go. If you like a good fantasy with magic and dueling kingdoms, this is one to check out. This series has landed on my favorites list, and I cannot wait for more. Grab it!

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Don't miss the first book:

Watch for book three:

Audiobook Review: Spin the Dawn (The Blood of Stars #1) by Elizabeth Lim

 

 

Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping YA fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars. Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. When a royal messenger summons her ailing father, once a tailor of renown, to court, Maia poses as a boy and takes his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she'll take that risk to achieve her dream and save her family from ruin. There's just one catch: Maia is one of twelve tailors vying for the job.Backstabbing and lies run rampant as the tailors compete in challenges to prove their artistry and skill. Maia's task is further complicated when she draws the attention of the court magician, Edan, whose piercing eyes seem to see straight through her disguise. And nothing could have prepared her for the final challenge: to sew three magic gowns for the emperor's reluctant bride-to-be, from the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of stars. With this impossible task before her, she embarks on a journey to the far reaches of the kingdom, seeking the sun, the moon, and the stars, and finding more than she ever could have imagined. Steeped in Chinese culture, sizzling with forbidden romance, and shimmering with magic, this young adult fantasy is pitch-perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas or Renée Ahdieh.
Audible Audio, Unabridged
Published July 2019 by Listening Library
Source: Publisher

 

Fives stars: At last a imaginative YA fantasy that I loved. 

Maia has been sewing since she could hold a needle. At sixteen, she is the one keeping her father’s shop running since her older brothers went off to war, and her father ailing father is no longer able to keep up with the demands. When a royal summoner arrives at the shop commanding Maia’s father go to court to compete to be the Emperor’s tailor, Maia takes a daring chance. It is forbidden for women to be the imperial tailor, but Maia has no choice, since her brother returned home injured and her father isn’t able to sew, she decides to pose as a boy and go in her father’s place. Once Maia arrives at court, she is faced with a daunting task. She must compete against twelve other tailors. Amidst backstabbing and treachery, Maia presses on, only to be faced with the most impossible task of all. To be the imperial tailor, Maia must sew three mythical dresses: one from the sun, the moon, and the stars. Can Maia achieve this herculean task and keep her secret or will she die trying? 

What I Liked:

• It has been a long time since I have been impressed by a YA fantasy. I was thrilled when Spin the Dawn delivered a fantastic story with impressive world building, imaginative story lines, magic, impossible quests, unforgettable characters and a swoon worthy romance. I loved this one!
• Maia is a wonderful protagonist. She begins the story as a talented but overlooked tailor because she is a girl. Once she begins posing as a boy to compete in the contest, things get exciting. I loved her courage, her devotion to her family and her belief in her abilities. It was a tremendous journey, and I was thrilled with her growth along the way. I loved her! Then there is Edan, a mysterious and brooding hero. He has plenty of secrets, and I wasn’t sure how to feel about him early on. However, as the story progresses, his layers peel away and we learn some of his secrets. I truly grew to love him. He like, Maia, loves fiercely and he is loyal as well as courageous. I thought he was the perfect counterpart to Maia. 
• The cast of secondary characters is just as delightful. I long to know more about Lady Sarnai and her lover as well as the old tailor who befriends Maia. 
• The story itself is fantastic. There is rarely a dull moment. I loved the numerous conflicts, the adventure, the originality and so much more. This book is packed with action, danger, magic, romance and adventure. Grab it. 
• The world building is excellent. The author creates her own world, but it borrows heavily on Chinese culture. I enjoyed the various settings from the desert, to the mountains and a ghostly realm. I enjoyed the descriptions, and I felt like I was transported to this unique world. 
• The romance is fantastic. It starts out antagonistic, and then it moves into a hesitant friendship. The reader, like Maia, isn’t sure whether to trust the male suitor, but soon all that changes when he makes several great sacrifices to help her. I loved that this was a slow burn romance, and when it gets to that magical moment, it is perfect. I especially liked how each party was willing to make great personal sacrifices for the other. This romance was pure and beautiful. 
• I loved that this book has so much going for it. There is excellent world building, myths, magic, action, impossible quests and an unforgettable romance. I can’t wait for more! 
• I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Kim Mai Guest. I thought Ms. Guest did a tremendous job with the narration. Her characters voices are excellent, and it was easy to immerse into the story. I highly recommend grabbing the audiobook if you can. 

And The Not So Much:

• Sigh.....the books ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. It isn’t a terrible heart stopping ending, but there is so much left undone, and I am worried about the fate of certain characters. I hope it isn’t a long wait for book two. Normally, a cliffhanger would lower my rating, but this was such an enthralling book, I gave it a pass. 
• I personally don’t like the marketing comparison for this book. It is being sold as Mulan meets Project Runway, this book is so much more than that. It is imaginative, sophisticated and wonderful. Also don’t hesitate because this one is labeled as YA. It does not have a YA vibe to it at all. 
• I wish there was more explanation on the magical aspects. Some people in the land feared magic. I think a little more explanation on the beliefs of the people was needed. 

Spin the Dawn is a book that grabbed my attention and kept me enthralled throughout. I loved this imaginative story with its unique world building, bold characters, captivating story lines, magic and a lovely romance. It has been a long time since I read and loved a YA fantasy, so I was thrilled to find this gem. If you want a terrific read, look no further, this is one to grab! 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Audiobook Review: The Bride Test (The Kiss Quotient #2) by Helen Hoang

 

 

Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, he feels irritation when people move his things or contentment when ledgers balance down to the penny but not important emotions, like love. His family knows better that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly avoids relationships, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride. As a mixed-race girl living in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, Esme Tran has always felt out of place. When the opportunity arises to come to America and meet a potential husband, she cant turn it down. Seducing Khai, however, doesn't go as planned. She’s hopelessly smitten with a man who is convinced he can never return her affection. 
Audiobook
Published: June 7th 2019 by Dreamscape Media 
Source: Library

Five Stars: A brilliant and unconventional love story with two unique and unforgettable  characters. 

Esme Tran spends her days tidying the bathrooms at a local hotel. It is hard work, but she is grateful to have the job to support her young daughter. Then one day, fate walks in while Esme is cleaning. Several girls rush into the bathroom in tears, followed by an older woman. The woman is drawn to Esme, especially her green eyes. The woman asks her if she wants to go to America and marry her son. Esme refuses, but later when the woman tracks her down and calls her at home, Esme gives in at the insistence of her mother. Soon Esme finds herself in California face to face with Khai Diep, a young Vietnamese man with autism. Khai does not want Esme in his home touching his things and ruining his routine, but then something happens, a friendship forms. Can these two opposites find love?

What I Liked:

• After reading Ms. Hoang’s debut book last year: The Kiss Quotient, I knew I had to get my hands on the Bride Test. This book did not disappoint, in fact, I think it was even better. I love Ms. Hoang’s characters, the emotion and passion and most of all that she brings us characters with autism. A fantastic book!
• I adored both Kwan and Esme. Esme is a young woman born out of wedlock in the slums of Ho Chi Min. She works hard and is determined to prove herself. I loved her strong work ethic, her devotion to her family, and her strong moral compass. She is a go getter, and I adored that about her. I also liked that she wasn’t all about a free ride or taking the easy way out. Then there is Khai. He is fascinating. I loved getting inside his head and understanding how an autistic man processes information and how he controls his emotions. He is a nerd who is set in his ways, but he is also sweet and smart.  Khai has the biggest heart, even though he is afraid to tap into his emotions and experience them. I loved his quirks! 
• The romance is all kinds of adorable. It is hard to explain, it is one you have to experience. It is difficult because the two are thrown together under non conventional circumstances, basically it is kind of a mail order bride. There is awkwardness, bristling and then friendship, and then something more. Things are never straight forward with this romance, and it has plenty of stumbles. It was sweet, satisfying and so darn cute. 
• I loved so much about this book. I adored the characters, the romance and more. I loved how the author tapped into emotions and feelings. She especially does an excellent job with the guys’ points of view. One of my favorite parts in the book was when Khai sought sexual advice from his older brother, Quan, and his cousin, Michael from The Kiss Quotient. This scene was absolutely hilarious as the three try to figure out Esme’s reactions to Khai after their first intimate encounter. I won’t spoil it for you, read it. 
• The supporting cast was terrific. I especially enjoyed Quan, Khai’s older brother. I loved how supportive Quan was to Khai. I hope the author considers writing a book featuring Quan. 
• Even though I struggled at first with Esme’s reason for coming to America, it became so much more. Esme wasn’t about trapping Khai into a marriage, she wanted to make something of herself and prove her worth. She doubts herself time and time again, but she doesn’t give up, and in the end, her efforts pay off. This is a story about immigration, self worth, working hard and making the most of the American Dream.
• The book ends with a sweet, satisfying epilogue down the road. I loved the way it all worked out. A lovely ending. 
• This is a companion novel. You can jump in and reading this without having read the first book as it involves a new set of characters. 
• I listened to the audiobook narrated by Emily Woo Zeller. I have listened to several audiobooks narrated by Ms. Zeller. I think she does a fantastic job with the voices, both male and female. 

And The Not So Much:

• I was disappointed that there wasn’t more scenes with Khais’ mother, Cô Nga. She travels to Vietnam to find a bride for Khai so I expected her to play a big role in the novel, but surprisingly after the first few chapters she fades into the background. She makes appearances here and there, but I expected her to be more involved. I wanted to understand her better. 
• The ending was sweet and satisfying, but I didn’t like that the story took a nice slow pace, and then the ending is rapid fire, and then the epilogue jumps ahead a few years into the future. I wanted to experience more of the parts in between. I thought too much was glossed over. 
• I didn’t quite buy into the sudden appearance of Esme’s father. It comes out of nowhere and I wanted to see how the dots were connected. It felt too happily ever after. 
• I was a tiny disappointed that there wasn’t more from Michael and Stella from the first book. There are only a couple of mentions. 

The Bride Test was an absolute joy. I loved this delightful book. The romance, the characters, the emotions and the story were all outstanding. I especially love that Ms. Hoang continues to develop characters with autism to help us all understand the disorder better. I am overly impressed with Ms. Hoang, and at this point, I will continue to read everything she publishes. Don’t miss this one!

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.

Don't miss the delightful companion novel:

Audiobook Review: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

 

 

Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil's name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does or does not say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.
Audible Audio, unabridged, 12 pages
Published February 28th 2017 by HarperAudio
Source: Library

 

Five big stars: An emotional, compelling and educational read that everyone should experience. 

 

I must have been living in a cave the last couple of years not to have taken notice of this book. I kept seeing it around, but I don’t think I even paused to read a review. Then the book kept winning awards, and it was even made into a movie and still I didn’t pay attention. Finally seeing it on my library must read feed, I decided to put the audiobook on hold and check it out. I went into this blind. I didn’t read the synopsis, I had no idea what it was even about, which probably made it better. Needless to say, I am kicking myself for not reading this sooner. This was a powerful, emotional and educational read, especially considering the upheaval and prejudice that is going on in our country right now. This is a book that everyone should read, experience and discuss. It is an important book that opens up the potential for conversations and perhaps even the chance to change our perceptions. Just read this book. 

 

I am going to forgo my usual format today share the reasons why you should read this book:

 

Educational: This book was an eye opening experience for me a middle aged, white woman living happily in the suburbs. The story opened my eyes to the uncomfortable topics of racism, prejudice and violence against African Americans. I loved that I experienced the world through Starr’s eyes. Starr’s perspective is unforgettable. Starr is a sixteen year old girl struggling with her identity because she is trapped between two worlds. Starr lives in the hood, but she and her brothers attend a rich school for mostly privileged white kids. At school, Starr must behave a certain way, she can never truly be herself. In the hood, she is constantly on edge, fearing another shooting. Her perspective is vivid, informative and unforgettable. I loved Starr!

 

Racial Discrepancies: We all know there are severe differences in the way minorities, especially African Americans are treated in the United States, yet we continue to deny the truth. White people never have to have the conversation with their children about how to behave around the police, because the police don’t usually pose a danger. In contrast, African American parents school their children on how to act and behave around a cop in hopes of saving their lives. Black lives do matter. Furthermore, the way the public views the victim is shameful. The young man who was shot in this book was made out to be less valuable and important because he was a gang banger or a drug dealer, but no one bothered to learn the truth. Assumptions were made, shots were fired and he was yet another victim to the racist violence that continues to exist in society. Heartbreaking.

 

Outstanding characters: The author did a tremendous job with the characters. Starr is a phenomenal protagonist. I loved her voice, and I appreciated how she was always caught between the white world and the black world. I loved her fierceness, her tenacity and her courage. The rest of Starr’s family is outstanding. So often in YA books, the parents are absentee. Not in this book. Starr’s parents are constantly involved. I absolutely loved the family dynamics in this book. It was probably my favorite part of the book. Her parents were amazing and sometimes downright adorable. I wish more YA books featured families like this one. 

 

Powerful: If this book doesn’t move you or inspire you to look at things from another angle, I feel sorry for you. I learned so much from this book, and it completely changed my perspective. Big props to the author for bringing this story to the mainstream. This book is educational, informative and hopefully it will inspire people to make changes. I hope that one day this book will be required reading for high school kids. 

The Hate U Give is a book that I wish I had read sooner. This is a powerful, emotional and moving read. It taught me so much. I feel like I have my eyes wide open now, and I am ready to help make a change. Read this book, pass it along to others, start a dialogue and push for change.  

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Review: When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton

 

Beautiful. Daring. Deadly. 

The Cuban Revolution took everything from sugar heiress Beatriz Perez--her family, her people, her country. Recruited by the CIA to infiltrate Fidel Castro's inner circle and pulled into the dangerous world of espionage, Beatriz is consumed by her quest for revenge and her desire to reclaim the life she lost.

As the Cold War swells like a hurricane over the shores of the Florida Strait, Beatriz is caught between the clash of Cuban American politics and the perils of a forbidden affair with a powerful man driven by ambitions of his own. When the ever-changing tides of history threaten everything she has fought for, she must make a choice between her past and future--but the wrong move could cost Beatriz everything--not just the island she loves, but also the man who has stolen her heart... 
Audio CD, 1 page
Published April 9th 2019 by Blackstone Audio
Source: Publisher

 

Five stars: A stirring story of love, intrigue, patriotism and courage as one woman fights for Cuba.  

It is 1960, one year after the wealthy and prestigious Perez family escaped Cuba and Castro’s regime. The family resettled in Florida, trying to carve out a new life and establish themselves. Beatriz is not happy in Florida. She wants to help free Cuba, and more than anything she wants Castro to pay for murdering her twin brother. Revenge drives Beatriz to the CIA where she agrees to help spy for the US government. Soon Beatriz finds herself caught in the fight for Cuba and a battle for her heart. Beatriz is never one to fall for a man. She has already turned down five marriage proposals, but at another social event in Palm Beach, Beatriz meets a handsome senator. Their attraction and chemistry is undeniable, but he is engaged to another. Will Beatriz be able to help free Cuba and be with the man she loves?

What I Liked:

• Next Year in Havana was one of my favorite reads of 2018, so I was eager to grab this companion novel: When We Left Cuba. Once again, Ms. Cleeton delivers a thrilling piece of historical fiction. I loved learning more about Cuba and the political events that headlined the 1960s. 
• I adored Beatriz. She is first introduced in Next Year in Havana, and I was excited to get her story. Beatriz is the wild, unconventional one of the Perez sisters. I loved how fierce and courageous she was. I admired her strong will, her loyalty and compassion for Cuba. The best thing about Beatriz is that she didn’t care about social niceties and she refused to do what was expected of her. She shunned marriage, in favor of being a spy and gaining an education. Loved her ferocity! 
• Even though this is a piece of historical fiction, there are plenty of real life events woven into the fabric of the story. The story takes place during the upheaval of the 1960s. The Cold War is in full swing, and Beatriz soon finds herself working for the American CIA to gain information on the Russians and Cuba. As the book progresses, the reader experiences through Beatriz’s eyes, the Bay of Pigs Invasion, The Cuban Missile Crisis and the Kennedy Assassination.  I thought the author did a brilliant job with the material, and I could tell that she had done plenty of research to make this story come alive.
• There is a romance in this one, and surprisingly I enjoyed it. The romance is an unconventional one indeed. It starts out forbidden, and then it changes over the course of time. Even though the two were often at odds due to their intense political views, their chemistry and passion was undeniable. I loved that there was nothing easy about this relationship, from the raised eyebrows of society to the sacrifice and the disagreements over political views and ambitions. I thoroughly enjoyed it. 
• The book ends in 2016 with Beatriz as an old woman celebrating the death of Castro with her family and friends. I loved catching up with her and seeing what she made of her unconventional and rebellious life. I was satisfied with the end, but still wanted more. I hope the author will consider writing another book from another Perez sister’s point of view as I can’t get enough of this series. 

And The Not So Much:

• I wish the author had included a bit more detail on the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. If you don’t have any prior knowledge of these events, you might feel a little lost. I still don’t completely understand the Bay of Pigs. I also felt like the author didn’t quite capture the fear and terror felt in the US during the Cuban Missile Crisis. I felt like this part of the story missed the mark a tiny bit. 
• The final chapter of the story fast forwards from the mid nineteen sixties to 2016. There is a brief recap of Beatriz’s life between that time, but I was left wanting so much more. There were many things I was left wondering about. As far as I am concerned, the book could have gone on a few more hundred pages. 

When We Left Cuba is a fascinating and riveting novel that plunges the reader into the politics surrounding the fight for Cuba during the turbulent 1960s. Follow sugar heiress Beatriz Perez as she attempts to adapt to life in America while she continues to fight for Cuba. Once again, Ms. Cleeton impressed me, and I hope she will bring us more tales about Cuba. Don’t miss this one or the companion novel: Next Year in Havana. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Read the companion novel:

Audiobook Review: Lovely War by Julie Berry

 

 

A sweeping, multi-layered romance with a divine twist, by the Printz Honor-winning author of The Passion of Dolssa, set in the perilous days of World Wars I and II.

It's 1917, and World War I is at its zenith when Hazel and James first catch sight of each other at a London party. She's a shy and talented pianist; he's a newly minted soldier with dreams of becoming an architect. When they fall in love, it's immediate and deep--and cut short when James is shipped off to the killing fields.

Aubrey Edwards is also headed toward the trenches. A gifted musician who's played Carnegie Hall, he's a member of the 15th New York Infantry, an all-African-American regiment being sent to Europe to help end the Great War. Love is the last thing on his mind. But that's before he meets Colette Fournier, a Belgian chanteuse who's already survived unspeakable tragedy at the hands of the Germans.

Thirty years after these four lovers' fates collide, the Greek goddess Aphrodite tells their stories to her husband, Hephaestus, and her lover, Ares, in a luxe Manhattan hotel room at the height of World War II. She seeks to answer the age-old question: Why are Love and War eternally drawn to one another? But her quest for a conclusion that will satisfy her jealous husband uncovers a multi-threaded tale of prejudice, trauma, and music and reveals that War is no match for the power of Love. 
Audio CD
Published March 5th 2019 by Listening Library
Source: Library

 

 

Four and a half stars: An enticing story of love and war with a Greek mythology twist. 

World War II is raging across the world, breaking hearts and stealing love. In a hotel room in Manhattan, a trap is laid for a pair of illicit lovers by a jealous husband.  Hephaestus snares Aphrodite and Ares in his trap. Aphrodite in answer to the eternal question of why Love and War are drawn together, and in order to get out of Hephaestus snare, tells a tale of love set against the backdrop of World War I. Will the  lovers find a happy or ending or lose their loves to the flames of war?

What I Liked:

• Lovely War was an addictive story of love and war that I couldn’t put down. I loved this tale of two sets of lovers brought together and then torn apart during World War I, plus the added in twist of having the story told by Greek Gods, made it even more fun. Loved this tale.
• Hazel and James’ tale immediately snagged my heart. The two catch a glimpse of each other at a party in London. Hazel is a shy pianist who has never had a beau. James can’t take his eye off her. The problem is, the two meet one week before James is set to ship out to the trenches of World War I. Their tale is one of fate, love, determination, heartaches and setbacks. I couldn’t help but to cheer for this pair. Would their love survive the first Great War?
• The second set of lovers faced even larger obstacles. Aubrey Edwards is an American musician set across the sea as part of an all African American infantry. Falling in love is the furthest thing from Aubrey’s mind, that is until he meets the lovely Collette. Collette is a young Belgian girl who has already survived terrible heartbreak and loss. When the two meet, a fire is lit, but how can their love weather not only the war but also the hatred and prejudice aimed at a white woman and a black man in love? I liked that the author included this multiracial romance. It was interesting to see the stark contrast in the way the Europeans viewed the African American man as opposed to the way they were viewed in the United States. 
• I was enraptured by both of the love stories. Each character faces harsh circumstances, loss, heartache and setbacks. My heart was in my throat for a good portion of the book as I was completely invested in the characters and romances. 
• This book is set during World War I. I loved learning more about this era. The author does a wonderful job in recreating the turbulence of the period. I especially loved that she included the prejudice the African American soldiers faced. I learned a great deal while reading this story. 
• The inclusion of the Greek Gods added a fun little twist to the story. It was fun to learn more about Aphrodite and Hephaestus and their relationship.
• The ending is perfect. It concludes the story. No cliffhanger or unfinished story lines. It was just right. 
• I highly recommend reading the author’s note at the end of the book. There is plenty of informative information at the end, including the author’s research on the African American soldiers in the war, from their roles and heroism to the backlash and prejudice they faced back home. I also appreciated that she used real life people in some parts of the story.
• I listened to the audiobook version. I thought the audio was very well done. Each character has a different narrator, which adds to the story. I also appreciated the music clips. 

And The Not So Much:

• I was excited when the book opened during WWII. I was expecting to get part of the story told against the backdrop of WWII. Sadly, there is really nothing regarding the second war. I was hoping for storylines set during WWII.
• I wish there was a little more information on the views of Europeans and multiracial relationships. It seemed that these types of romances weren’t taboo like they were in the U.S. I thought this was forward thinking for the time period, and I wished that it had been expanded on more so I could have a better grasp of racial relations in Europe. 
• I finished wanting more on the relationship between Hephaestus and Aphrodite. 

Lovely War was a unique and captivating story set during the tumultuous final portion of World War I. This is a tale of two different couples falling in love during war. There is also a clever twist involving the Greek Gods. If you are on the hunt for something different, this is definitely one to check out. 

 

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Audioobok Review: Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King

 

A new collection of four never-before-published stories from Stephen King.

1922

The story opens with the confession of Wilfred James to the murder of his wife, Arlette, following their move to Hemingford, Nebraska onto land willed to Arlette by her father.

Big Driver

Mystery writer, Tess, has been supplementing her writing income for years by doing speaking engagements with no problems. But following a last-minute invitation to a book club 60 miles away, she takes a shortcut home with dire consequences.

Fair Extension

Harry Streeter, who is suffering from cancer, decides to make a deal with the devil but, as always, there is a price to pay.

A Good Marriage

Darcy Anderson learns more about her husband of over twenty years than she would have liked to know when she stumbles literally upon a box under a worktable in their garage.
Audiobook, Unabridged, 368 pages
Published November 9th 2010 by Simon & Schuster Audio
Source: Library

 

A collection of four short stories from the master does not disappoint. As a long time “Constant Reader” of King, I am kicking myself for not reading this sooner. It released way back in 2010, but for whatever reason, I never got around to it until now. This collection of short stories, in my opinion, is one of King’s best. These stories explore the darker parts of humanity, those dark bits we keep hidden from the world. Bringing forth the dark secrets within makes the stories even more frightening, especially the second and fourth tales. As with any King story, expect complex characters, creepy storyline and masterful storytelling. I devoured this book.

Here is a run down of the stories:

1922:

This is a story about a farmer who takes matters in his own hand when he and his wife disagree over a piece of land left to her. Wilfred ends up murdering his wife to prevent her from selling the land to large hog butchering corporation. After the murder, things begin to fall apart for Wilfred. Is he really being haunted by his dead wife and her minion of rats or is it a guilty conscience? This story is not for the faint of heart. 

Big Driver: 

This is the frightening tale of a cozy mystery writer takes a short cut home at the behest of a local librarian who promises it is safer than the interstate. On the way home, she runs into some road debris. What follows is a horrendous encounter. Tess decides to take matters into her own hands. Vigilante justice along with shocking revelations made this one a page turner. My hesitation with this story was that I was left wanting to know more about the librarian and her role. 

Fair Extension: 

This story is classic King. It reminds me of Needful Things. This is a tale about a man afflicted with stomach cancer who has a meeting with a man who promises him a fair extension. Basically, this is your deal with the devil story. My only complaint with this one is that it was too open ended.

 

A Good Marriage:

This was the best of the bunch for me. A loving marriage of 27 years changes when Darcy trips on a box in the garage while looking for batteries. What she finds completely changes everything she thought she knew about the man she married and lived with for all these years. How could she not know she was living with a monster? A frightening story because it once again instills in the reader the knowledge that you can’t ever really truly know someone. A riveting and horrifying story that will leave you thinking on it for days to come.

Full Dark No Stars is a masterful collection of short stories by the brilliant Mr. King. This book is all about the darker parts of humanity, and Mr. King spares no punches when it comes to showing the darkness within. Grab this one and settle in for some frighteningly good tales. The first and third have a paranormal twist, while the second and fourth stories are truly frightening because they can and do really happen. I highly recommend the audiobook version if you can get your hands on it. The narrators are brilliant. Don’t miss this collection if you are a fan of King. 

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this reviews. 

 

Review: Swimming for Sunlight by Allie Larkin

 

Aspiring costume designer Katie gave up everything in her divorce to gain custody of her fearful, faithful rescue dog, Barkimedes. While she figures out what to do next, she heads back to Florida to live with her grandmother, Nan.

But Katie quickly learns there’s a lot she doesn’t know about Nan—like the fact that in her youth Nan was a mermaid performer in a roadside attraction show, swimming and dancing underwater with a close-knit cast of talented women. Although most of the mermaids have since lost touch, Katie helps Nan search for her old friends on Facebook, sparking hopes for a reunion show. Katie is up for making some fabulous costumes, but first, she has to contend with her crippling fear of water. 

As Katie’s college love Luca, a documentary filmmaker, enters the fray, Katie struggles to balance her hopes with her anxiety, and begins to realize just how much Bark’s fears are connected to her own, in this thoughtful, charming novel about hope after loss and friendships that span generations. 
Paperback, 352 pages
Expected publication: April 23rd 2019 by Atria Books
Source: Publisher

 

Four and a half stars: A beautiful book about conquering your fears, overcoming the past and finding a bright new future. 

Katie chatters all the way to Florida to her beloved dark, Barkimedies. Katie is heading home after her divorce to live with her Grandma Nan. Katie has no idea what she will do, but she and Bark hope to do it together. Once she arrives home, Katie and Bark are still crippled with fear and anxiety, but they slowly begin to overcome their fears. Katie heals by sewing costumes for Nan and her friends so they can relive their glory days as mermaids. Bark takes baby paw steps as he learns to be a better dog. Will Katie and Bark be able to escape their fears?

What I Liked:

• I went into this one expecting it to be a nice romance, but I got so much more. This really isn’t a romance at all. Instead it is a book about conquering your fears, moving forward, finding your way and most of all about love and friendship. I loved this book. 
• This is a book about growth. I loved following Katie as she worked to overcome her past. In the beginning she is a mess. Slowly as Katie spends time with her grandma and her friends, she begins to work through her fears and find her courage. It is a slow process, she fights hard, and in the end, she makes significant progress. It was a joy to watch Katie grow and evolve. 
• I adored Nan and her friends. I hope when I am an old lady, I will have a zest for life like Nan. It was so fun seeing Nan reconnect with her old friends and relive her past. I loved following the women as they created the documentary. Such a joy. 
• There is a tiny bit of romance, but like the rest of the book, it is more focused on friendship and healing. I liked seeing the old friends reconnect and find that spark again. 
• Bark is a treat. At first, he is this dog who has severe anxiety issues, but just like Katie, he learns to overcome his fears with some extra love. He was the perfect companion for Katie. 
• The book ends on a positive note that left me feeling good. I hated to let go, but I was thrilled to see how far Katie had come. This book was a joy from beginning to end.

And The Not So Much:

• Even though I was not disappointed at all that this wasn’t a romance, I wish that there had been more development with the romance. I wanted to see it unfold more. 
• I felt a bit cheated when it came to the big finale of the mermaid documentary. After all the buildup, I wanted to see it in action, but that doesn’t happen. 

Swimming for Sunlight is a delightful book. This is a book about growing, changing, overcoming fear and friendship and love. There is so much to love about this book. It is a lovely, positive feel good read that left me wanting more! Definitely read this one!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

 

Review: The Outsider by Stephen King

 

 

An unspeakable crime. A confounding investigation. At a time when the King brand has never been stronger, he has delivered one of his most unsettling and compulsively readable stories.
An eleven-year-old boy’s violated corpse is found in a town park. Eyewitnesses and fingerprints point unmistakably to one of Flint City’s most popular citizens. He is Terry Maitland, Little League coach, English teacher, husband, and father of two girls. Detective Ralph Anderson, whose son Maitland once coached, orders a quick and very public arrest. Maitland has an alibi, but Anderson and the district attorney soon add DNA evidence to go with the fingerprints and witnesses. Their case seems ironclad.
As the investigation expands and horrifying answers begin to emerge, King’s propulsive story kicks into high gear, generating strong tension and almost unbearable suspense. Terry Maitland seems like a nice guy, but is he wearing another face? When the answer comes, it will shock you as only Stephen King can.

Kindle Edition, 577 pages

Published May 22nd 2018 by Scribner
Source: Library

 

 

Four and a half stars: A dark, masterful tale that will terrify and surprise you.

When the body of a young boy horribly murdered is discovered in the woods, the police want the perpetrator found immediately. When several eye witnesses come forward and positively identify one of the city’s most popular citizens: Terry Maitland, the Little League coach, the police move in for an arrest. Terry is arrested in front of the town. He swears he didn’t do it, and he has a rock solid alibi. Yet, the DNA evidence points to him. Even when a video surfaces showing Terry at the event he stated he was at, the DNA and eye witness testimony points to him. How could he be in two places at once?

What I Liked:

• Being a “Constant Reader” of Mr. King, I never fail to get sucked into his fascinating stories. I will admit, I picked this one up, and set it aside at first because the murder was gruesome and stomach turning. When I started a second time, I was hooked. The story is fascinating! Filled with every day characters that are easy to relate to, a shocking crime, a thrilling story, a head scratching puzzle, and then a terrifying supernatural turn. It was mind blowing. Loved it!
• I love how King takes his time to develop characters. He draws you from the first pages with eye witness testimony from average citizens in the small town. I appreciate how relatable all the characters are. He provides detail and back story that add depth and layers to all the characters. I enjoyed getting to know the main players, plus Holly from The Bill Hodges Trilogy makes an appearance. Holly is fantastic. I like how she thinks out of the box, and I adore her quirks. Ralph Anderson, the local detective, was a character that I liked watching evolve. He makes mistakes, he makes amends and he doesn’t quit. Mr King is a master a creating characters.
• The story is riveting. I will admit, the first few pages are rough as the murder is horrific, not for faint of heart, but once you get past that, the conundrum begins. The suspense is thick as the case against Terry Maitland builds. All signs point to Terry, but Terry swears he’s innocent. Then something huge happens that changes everything. I was shocked! Then the story began to twist and transform into something completely unexpected as a bit of supernatural comes into play. I assure you, the story is captivating. I couldn’t figure out where it was going. This one is filled with so many jaw dropping surprises and shocking turns. Well done! It took tremendous willpower not to peek at the end as I was dying to know.
• This is not your average thriller. This is a book with many layers and depth, and then a supernatural angle that you won’t see coming. Mr King throws in plenty of the creep factor in the final third of the book. Shivers....Stephen King isn’t called the master of horror for nothing.
• The ending is perfect. It concludes in a good spot. No big unanswered questions. I loved that this book kept me guessing and thinking until the finale.

And The Not So Much:

• As I mentioned, this book is not for those with weak constitutions. The opening is brutal as an absolutely heinous murder of a young boy is laid out in gory detail. I am not going to lie, it is stomach churning. So terrible that I put the book down the first go around. After you get through the initial horror, it gets better and better. Be prepared though for the gut punch at the beginning.
• I was left wondering about the final fate of the murdered boy’s father.
• I wish that things could have been different for the Maitland family. My heart ached for them.
• This is my opinion, but I felt like the big confrontation at the end was a tiny bit lacking. I thought it was almost too easy??

The Outsider is another masterpiece from the Master of Horror. King lays down another thrilling story that takes it sweet time unfolding. No one can tell a tale like Mr. King. He spends plenty of time on the small details crafting a suspenseful and thrilling tale that will have you puzzled and guessing before it takes you into the creepy supernatural territory. If you are a fan of Stephen King, this one is not to be missed.

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.

Review: Parkland Speaks by Sarah Lerner

 

 

Featuring art and writing from the students of the Parkland tragedy, this is a raw look at the events of February 14, and a poignant representation of grief, healing, and hope. The students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School share their emotional journeys that began on February 14, 2018, and continue today. This revealing and unfiltered look at teens living in the wake of tragedy is a poignant representation of grief, anger, determination, healing, and hope.The intimate collection includes poetry, eyewitness accounts, letters, speeches, journal entries, drawings, and photographs from the events of February 14 and its aftermath. Full of heartbreaking loss, a rally cry for change, and hope for a safe future, these artistic pieces will inspire readers to reflect on their own lives and the importance of valuing and protecting the ones you love. 
Kindle Edition, 192 pages
Published January 22nd 2019 by Crown Books for Young Readers
Source: Library

Five stars: A must read! This is an emotional, powerful and moving book about grief, loss, heartbreak, hope and healing. 

February 14, 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School started out ordinary. The halls were bursting with balloons, stuffed animals, hearts and Valentines. Then during the final period of the day, tragedy struck when a former student opened fire in the Freshman building. Seventeen people lost their lives that day to another senseless act of gun violence. For three hours, students and teachers cowered in classrooms, texting, praying and wondering if they would be next. That day marked the end of innocence and safety. The survivors hugged, cried and wondered how they had been spared, while some their friends and teachers had not. How do you move forward after gun violence shatters your life?

• This is a book I urge everyone to read. This little book is a compilation of essays on survival, poetry, photos and real life accounts of what happened that day. It is an emotional and moving read. It made me sad, angry and hopeful. This is such a powerful read. I cried throughout as I read it. 
• I loved that this book incorporated so many different formats. I loved the unique voices and reading how differently everyone coped with the tragedy. This book put faces and voices to the victims of gun violence. 
• What struck me the most as I read this book was how desensitized we have become to school shootings. Back in 1999, I was in my mid twenties graduated from college two years prior, when the first mass shooting occurred at Columbine. I was glued to the coverage, horrified at what had happened. Twenty years later, I can only name two other schools were school shootings have occurred: Sandy Hook Elementary and now Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Yet, in twenty years there have been countless shootings to the point where they are commonplace. When is it going to stop? As the students stated in the book, “When are people going to stop sending thoughts and prayers instead of doing something?” I am terrified at the thought of my kids one day being a victim of a school shooting. I applaud these kids and their teachers for fighting for change and not letting up. I only hope that this next generation will succeed where other generations have failed. I am in awe of these brave kids!
• One of the most chilling accounts comes from one of the teachers who came face to face with the gunman as she shoved as many students to safety as she could. She then locked the door and remained huddled with her students for three hours as they listened to the gunman and the cries of the wounded and dying. If this doesn’t get to you, I don’t know what will! I was also impressed at another teacher who threw herself over the students reassuring them that the gunman would have to go through her first. Wow!
• The book isn’t all sad, there are parts where students recount their experience of going back to school as they tried to move forward and heal. Several spoke of the therapy dogs that were all over the campus for the students for the rest of the year. These dogs brought smiles and comfort to the students as they tried to forget the violence and terror. The dogs made an enormous difference. One girl even certified her own dog to be a therapy dog.
• This book brought forth such an array of emotion for me as I read. I had tears in my eyes throughout. I was shocked, horrified, sad and then impressed, hopeful and filled with love for the teachers and students of this horrendous tragedy. I think this is an important book for everyone as it a startling reality of the gun violence epidemic that is rampant in the U.S. I hope that people will read this book and that it will inspire them to help these young people push for change. Read it!

And The Not So Much:

• My only hesitation with this book is that it is not one I would recommend in ebook format. I read the Kindle version and there were several pieces that were almost impossible to read on the Kindle. The book utilizes photographs of the students actual written pieces. With the Kindle format, I wasn’t able to enlarge the pictures to read some of the writing. I found that if I fiddled with the lighting, I was eventually able to read almost all of the writings. If you are going to read this one, definitely grab a physical copy. 

Parkland Speaks was an unforgettable read. This is a book that made me cry. It is sad, emotional, horrifying and yet so powerful. I hope that everyone will read this book and that it will be a conversation starter. I also hope that it will inspire change so hopefully this will not continue to happen again and again. A huge thanks to the students and teachers at MSD High for putting this out and making their voices heard, now let’s hope someone is listening! 

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.