Magic Found

Magic Found by Misha McKenzie is a wonderful paranormal romance book.  On Wednesday Marissa Spencer (the nun who gave her the last name loved Luke Spencer on General Hospital) is a normal 30 year old.  She works as an assistant to private investigator, Jack Slade, and she was raised in an orphanage.  On Thursday after waking up from a bad dream weird things start to happen to Marissa.  She remembers after she got into the shower that she forgot her bath towel and the next thing she knows there is a towel floating outside her shower.  And that is only the beginning.  Marissa finds out that she has special magical abilities, a brother, cousins, parents, and someone out to kill her and steal her powers!  Marissa also finds love with the man she has been lusting after for three years.  Read all about Marissa’s adventures in love and magic in Magic Found. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

If you like Magic Found, then you will be happy to know that there are two more books in the series!  Magic Lost and Magic Hidden are available for purchase on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.  

I hope you have a lovely New Year's Eve and a very Happy New Year!  I am off to read Marked by Sarah Fine.  Happy Reading!

Kris

Hope Crossing

Hope Crossing (The Complete Ada’s House Trilogy) by Cindy Woodsmall is a wonderful book.  It contains three books in one.  The books are The Hope of Refuge, The bridge of Peace, and The Harvest of Grace.  It is nice to have all three books in one book and to read them one after the other.  Cara is an Englisher (as the Amish call us), single mother, and has a stalker.  Cara keeps moving to avoid Mike who has been stalking and threatening her for years.  Mike has found Cara again so she decides to leave immediately.  One of the few items she has from her childhood is her mother’s journal.  Cara discovers the name of a town hidden in the book.  It is Dry Lake, Pennsylvania.  Cara takes her daughter Lori and the little money they have left and heads to Dry Lake.   It is there that they discover a different way of life – The Amish Way.  She stumbles upon an Old Order Amish community.  Cara also finds an old friend, Ephraim Mast, memories that she forgot, and she finds family that she did not know existed.  We also have Deborah, Ephraim’s sister, is engaged to marry Mahlon Stolzfus.  Deborah has been in love with him since she was a young girl.  In the first book we get to know more about Cara, Ephraim, Mahlon, and Deborah.

The second book, The Bridge of Peace, deals with Lena Kauffman, a local Amish schoolteacher, and Grey Graber, woodworker.  It also continues the story of Cara, Ephraim, Deborah, and Mahlon.  The Harvest of Grace, the third story, continues the story of all the characters and adds Sylvia and Aaron. 

I found Hope Crossing just a lovely book.  I am a fan of Cindy Woodsmall’s work and reading this book was just a delight.  It is the type of book that when you finish you give a little sigh and have a smile on your face.  I hope you will read Hope Crossing and enjoy it as much as I did.  

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for visiting!  I hope everyone is having a wonderful New Year's Eve!  May you have a wonderful 2015 and that you read many delightful books!

Kris

Gilt by Associations

Gilt by Association by Karen Rose Smith is a delightful, cozy mystery.  It is the third book in the Caprice De Luca series and takes place about 5 months after Deadly Décor (the second book).  Caprice has a new client, Louise Downing, and, is enjoying her new puppy, Lady.  Unfortunately, Caprice’s client Louise ends up dead.  Louise was a friend of Caprice’s mother so Caprice is once again drawn into an investigation.  Caprice follows the clues to find out what happened to Louise.  This is such an enjoyable cozy mystery.  I love the relationship Caprice has with her family.  They are such a warm and loving family who will help and be there for each other.  You also get to see what happens next with Grant Weatherford (he adopts one of the puppies and calls it Patches) and Caprice’s doctor boyfriend, Seth.  Gilt by Association is an enjoyable book and I have already pre-ordered the fourth book in the series Drape Expectations!  

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Gilt by Association comes out on January 27, 2015!  If you enjoy reading cozy mysteries, you will enjoy this series.  

Thank you for visiting and reading my review of Gilt by Association.   Have a great week and Happy Reading!

Kris

Criminal Confections

Criminal Confections by Colette London is the first book in the new Chocolate Whisperer Mystery series.  I was looking forward to reading this book.  It looked like a great cozy mystery.  Unfortunately, I was very disappointed.  Hayden Mundy Moore is an expert on chocolate.  Hayden is hired by companies to help them improve an old chocolate dessert, start a new line of chocolates, or help a fading chocolate company.  When Hayden does a job, it is kept hush-hush.  Most companies do not want the word to get out that they have hired her.  Her latest job is for Lemaitre Chocolates.  They needed help with a new line of “healthy” chocolates (talk about taking the fun out of our favorite snack).  Hayden has been invited to the Lemaitre retreat at Maison Lemaitre (reminds you of the Hotel Hershey with the chocolate buffet and spa).  Hayden has invited her best friend, Danny Jamieson to join her (to be her plus one).   Danny is her oldest friend and works as a security expert.  The retreat starts off well, but soon someone is dead.  Hayden knew the deceased and is upset that her death is being written off as “accidental” so she starts to ask questions.   I know that this sounds like a great book, but it is not.  I would rate it as okay.  I liked it, but did not love it.  Hayden Mundy Moore is supposed to be really smart and well-traveled, but by the end of the book she comes across as a bumbling idiot except on the subject of chocolate.  The killer is also very easy to figure out (I had it solved within the first fifty pages). Criminal Confections is also written in the first person.  I think that the book has potential.  With more editing (deleting some scenes completely and not making Hayden look like an idiot) it could be a great book. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for visiting.  I hope you are having a lovely evening and are reading a great book!  Happy Reading!

Kris

Seven Daughters

Seven Daughters:  A Catalain Book of Secrets Novella by Jessica Lourey is a fun and magical book.  It is a companion novel to The Catalain Book of Secrets.  It delves further into the story of Helene who has a magical gift for chocolate and candy.  We also get a little more on the history of the town, Faith Falls. There are some scenes, though, that are literally identical to The Catalain Book of Secrets (like cut and paste).  Seven Daughters is a great story and I liked learning more about Helena as well as her sister, Xenia.  If you read The Catalain Book of Secrets, then you must definitely read Seven Daughters by Jessica Lourey (which is currently available for $.99 or free on Kindle Unlimited).

I am currently reading Magic Found by Misha McKenzie.  I will let you know how I like it.  I hope you are having a great weekend and reading lots of wonderful books!  What are reading?  I would love to know.  Happy Reading!

Kris

Like a Flower in Bloom

Like a Flower in Bloom by Siri Mitchell is a lovely historical romance novel.  It is such an enjoyable book to read (it made me laugh).  Like a Flower in Bloom takes place in 1852 Cheshire, England.  Charlotte Withersby is twenty-two and unmarried (very unusual for a girl in 1852).  Since her mother passed away, Charlotte has been taking care of her father.  Mr. Withersby writes books on botany and Charlotte has gotten very knowledgeable on the subject.  Charlotte takes care of the household (sort of), writes books and articles, collects specimens, does her father’s illustrations, and handles her father’s correspondence.  Charlotte’s uncle, The Admiral, has decided that Charlotte should get married and has convinced Charlotte’s father.  Mr. Withersby gets a new assistant, Mr. Edward Trimble, and sends Charlotte out into Society!  Charlotte has never been out in “polite society” and does not know how to act nor does she have the appropriate clothes.  Charlotte knows a great deal about plants, but nothing about finding a husband.  What follows is a funny, delightful story.  I hope you will read Like a Flower in Bloom by Siri Mitchell and find it as enjoyable as I did!  

Like a Flower in Bloom is currently available for pre-order and will be released on December 31, 2014. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for visiting and reading my review.  I hope you have had a wonderful holiday!  Happy Reading!

Kris

12 Angels of Christmas

12 Angels by Christmas by Lisa Grace is a sweet Christmas romance.  Mirabel has been wanting to find love for a long time.  She created Love Spark, a matchmaking service, but she could not find love for herself.  Mirabel sold the company and is now trying what to do with her life (and millions).  Mirabel asks God to meet her over coffee and talk to her.  She wants to find out why she cannot find true love.  To Mirabel’s surprise God does meet her and gives her a task.  Mirabel has to find twelve angels (identify) them before Christmas and He will then show Mirabel her true love.  Mirabel goes home to Loves Park, Illinois for Christmas and keeps running into the new fire chief, Brady Watson.  This is such a cute story about love, faith, and Christmas.  The 12 Angels of Christmas is an enjoyable story.  

I was gifted a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for visiting.  I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas and that you received a lot of great books!  Happy Reading!

Kris

Winter at the Door

Winter at the Door:  A Novel (Lizzie Snow Book 1) by Sarah Graves is a well-written suspense novel.  Lizzie Snow was a Boston PD Homicide Detective.  She has worked hard to get her current position; however, there is a lead on the whereabouts of her missing niece.  Lizzie takes a position with the Aroostook County Sheriff’s office to track down the lead.  Lizzie thought she would be out on the roads doing patrol, but the Sheriff gives her the position as the County Liaison Officer for Bearkill, Maine (not quite what Lizzie had in mind).  Sheriff Cody Chevrier has his own reasons for wanting a homicide detective on the force.  Lizzie adjusts to her new life and job in a small town, two suitors, looking for her niece, and helping the Sheriff with a string of “suicides”.  I really enjoyed Winter at the Door.  It is an easy book to read, and I was hooked right from the beginning.  I do not read suspense novels that often, but I will definitely be reading this series (and looking for other books by this author).

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Winter at the Door is available for purchase on Amazon.com.  It was released today (January 6, 2015).  Happy Reading!

Kris

Reckless Magic

I just finished Reckless Magic:  Star-Crossed Book One by RachelHigginson.  It is a wonderful paranormal romance book.  It is an intriguing book with an interesting concept on magic.  Eden Matthews has been in several schools.  Eden keeps getting expelled because of “accidents”.  The school floods, plagues of insects, and, of course, burning the school down.  Eden does not know how or why these things happen.  Eden’s Aunt Syl, a doctor, is now sending her to Kingsley Preparatory Academy in Omaha, Nebraska.  At Kingsley Prep Eden will discover who she really is, find out about her family, and the four classifications of immortals.  This is a delightful and fun book.  I enjoyed reading Reckless Magic and cannot wait to read the next book in this series.  If you wish to read Reckless Magic it is currently free on Amazon.com.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

Thank you for visiting!  I hope you are having a wonderful Holiday Season and that you receive many wonderful books for Christmas (or at least an Amazon.com Gift Card)!  Happy Reading!

Kris

The Vanishing Girl

The Vanishing Girl by Laura Thalassa is a new adult science fiction/fantasy book.  It feels more like a romance/science fiction book to me.  I really enjoyed this unique story.  Ember Elizabeth Pierce can teleport . . . for about ten minutes every twenty-four hours.  It started when she was about thirteen. Ember has just turned eighteen and her little trips have started to change.  Then Mr. Dane Richards and his men show up at her home and state they are taking her away.  Ember is taken to a high security facility where she is taught how to fight, fire a gun, and etiquette with her “pair” Caden Hawthorne.  Please read TheVanishing Girl to find out about Ember’s missions, Adrian Sumner, and splicing (if I write more I am bound to write spoilers). I do not want to warn you that the book ends with a cliff hanger, and you will have to wait until the next book to find out what happens.  I hope the sequel will come out very soon!   

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Vanishing Girl is available on Amazon.com and you can read it for free if you belong to Kindle Unlimited.  Happy Reading!

Kris

P.S.--The sequel is The Decaying Empire (The Vanishing Girl Series Book Two) will be out on April 21, 2015. It will also be available on Kindle Unlimited.  

Murder in the Book Group

Murder at the Book Group by Maggie King is a cozy mystery revolving around a book club where each member reads about a different mystery every month and then tells the group about it (instead of each member reading the same book).  I was really looking forward to reading this book and, unfortunately, I was very disappointed in this book.  The story seemed to focus more on relationships than the mystery.  The main character is Helen Adams.  She is one of the founders of the book group.  At a book group meeting Carlene Arness is found dead with a suicide note next to her.  No one believes that she would actually kill herself so they set out to find out who murdered her.  In looking for the killer there are a lot of relationships exposed:  lovers, ex-lovers, blackmailers, etc.  The focus seemed to be more on the gossip and relationships than on the murder.  I found this book difficult to get through (which is unusual for me).  I really did not want to finish the book, but I was determined to finish it.  Murder at the Book Group sounds like a great book, but it just did not live up to its potential.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Thank you for visiting.  I hope you are having a lovely weekend and a wonderful Holiday Season!  Happy Reading!

Kris

P.S.--I am currently reading Like a Flower in Bloom by Siri Mitchell.  It is a historical romance (which I rarely read), but I am loving it.  It is very funny.  I will write a review soon.

The In Between

The In Between by Olivia Pierce is a young-adult paranormal romance story.  It is about Tara and Justin.  Tara and Justin grew up together until age seven when Tara’s family moved to Tampa, Florida.  At age 14 Tara, her Mother, and her sister, Meg, moved back to Heron.  Tara did not really reconnect with Justin until the summer before their junior year.  At the lake Justin has a bad accident and needs CPR.  Tara is the only person around who knows CPR and administers it to Justin.  This begins the romance between them.  Unfortunately, on the night of the Homecoming Dance there is a car accident and Justin dies.  Instead of going directly to Heaven, Justin is stuck In Between.  In Between is a grey world that is not Heaven, nor Hell”.  Justin is told that he must complete a mission in order to go to Heaven.  This is a sweet (and, sometimes, a little sappy) romance.  Justin and Tara are very young but are soul mates and meant to be together.  Justin will do whatever it takes to get back to Tara.  The authors take on Heaven, Hell, and “in between” (most people would call it purgatory) are unique and different from normal perceptions.  I liked In Between and will definitely look for more books by Olivia Pierce. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for visiting and reading my review.  Please feel free to leave a comment.  Happy Reading!

Kris

Christmas at Thornton Hall

Christmas at Thornton House by Lynn Marie Hulsman is a funny romance.  It is not normally a book that I would read, but I love to read stories about Christmas during the holiday season.  Juliet is living in London and working as a private chef.  She works through top agency in London and is placed in the households of the very rich and titled.  After finding out that her boyfriend of one year is cheating on her, Juliet takes a booking to work over Christmas at Thornton Hall.  Jasper Roth has asked for her specifically.  At Thornton Hall is a wide assortment of characters. Some of the people at Thornton Hall are sweet Rose, handsome and rich Jasper Roth and his crazy wife, Chef Edward, and The Painter (he is the Earl).  There is romance, fights, illness, accusations, snow, misunderstandings, and lots of food.  Christmas at Thornton Hall is a fun read and is currently $.99 at Amazon.com. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for visiting and Happy Reading!

Kris

P.S.-My reviews are also on Facebook.  Please stop by and leave a comment (or just like).  

Alone

Alone by Marissa Farrar is the first book in The Serenity series.  I recently finished Twisted Dreams by Ms. Farrar and found out that it is a spin-off of the Serenity series.  I was lucky that Alone was available for free on Amazon.com that day (and still is available for free).  I read the book in just under two hours and loved it.  It is the story of Serenity and Sebastian.  Serenity is married to a horrible and abusive man.  Sebastian is a handsome and lonely vampire.  Alone tells the story of how they meet, fall in love, deal with an abusive husband and a very crazy female vampire.  Alone is very enjoyable and easy to read.  I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.

Thank you for visiting!  I have started a new Facebook page. I hope you will visit.  Just click on Facebook to go to my page.  Happy Reading!

Kris

Kinsale Kisses

Kinsale Kisses by Elizabeth Maddrey is a sweet Christian romance.  Rachel Sullivan is at loose ends since the passing of her father and the selling of the family business.  Rachel has always been in the hospitality business helping her father manage their cabins until she had to sell them to pay off medical debts from her parents.  Rachel decides to travel to Kinsale, Ireland to visit her Aunt Siobhan.  Siobhan runs the Sea Haven B & B and Rachel is hoping to help her run the business.  On her first day in Kinsale, Rachel visits The Flat Tire, a local pub, run by Patrick  and runs into Colin O’Bryan.  Colin has been traveling around Ireland playing music in exchange for a room and meals.  Colin and Rachel feel an immediate attraction to each other.  Patrick and Siobhan work to make sure that Colin and Rachel keep running into each other.  This is a sweet story.  I enjoyed reading it and look forward to more books by Elizabeth Maddrey.  Kinsale Kisses is currently available under Kindle Unlimited (wonderful program)!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I am starting  a Facebook page to post my reviews and to get feedback from other readers.  I hope you will visit it.  It has a long address but every name I tried was already taken (should have thought of this sooner)!  Just click on the word Facebook to go to the page.  

I am off to write a few more reviews and than to read.  I hope you are having a wonderful Holiday Season!  Happy Reading!

Kris

A Gift of Ghosts

A Gift of Ghosts by Sarah Wynde (Tassamara Book One) is really good and cute story.  I read in within a couple of hours (and cannot wait to read the next book in the series).  Akira Malone is a physicist and she can also see ghosts (not that she announces it).  Akira interviews for a wonderful job at General Directions (a company with a very vague description).  She is offered the job and moves from California to Tassamara, Florida.  Akira meets the Latimer family:  Max (the father), Zane, Lucas, Natalya, and Grace.  Each family member has a special gift.  Read how Akira adjusts to her new job, new town, and people finding out about her quirk (as she refers to her ability to see and talk to ghosts).  A Gift of Ghosts is such one of those books that is just a delight to read.  I enjoy a book that can make you laugh.  I hope you will read A Gift of Ghosts and love it as much as I do.  I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, A Gift of Thought (Tassamara Book Two).

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for visiting and I hope you are having a wonderful week.  I am off to finish the lights on my Christmas tree.  Happy Reading!

Kris

The Catalain Book of Secrets

The Catalain Book of Secrets by Jessica Lourey is a delightful and magical book!  The Catalain ladies are magical.  Velda, Ursula, Helena, Xenia, Katrine, Jasmine, and Tara are the Catalain women.  Each has their own magical gift.  Katrine has been gone from Faith Falls for a number of years, but has now felt the call to come home.  Jasmine (Katrine’s sister) has been keeping a secret, and, unfortunately, secrets can be this families undoing.  You need to read The Catalain Book of Secrets to see what happens to these magical ladies and how revealing their secrets can free them.  I loved this book and did not want it to end.   I hope there will be more books about the Catalain family. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was careful with this review, because I do not want to spoil the book for you (by revealing spoilers).  There is a lot going on in this book, but it easy to keep track of the characters and what is happening.

Happy Reading!

Kris

P.S.--I have discovered there is a companion book to The Catalain Book of Secrets.  It is called Seven Daughters:  A Catalain Book of Secrets Novella!  Yeah!  It is also available on Kindle Unlimited.  I hope it is as wonderful as The Catalain Book of Secrets!

Her Reunion Bond

Her Reunion Bond (A Sacred Bond novel) by Lee Tobin McClainis a Christian romance book.   Wendy Smith is working at the Rainbow Ark School handling their Creative Arts Program.  When Wendy was younger, she was in a car accident that left with using a cane.  The school is experiencing financial troubles and has hired Daniel Masterson and his agency to assist them with publicity and raising funds.  Daniel and Wendy have not seen each other since the summer after high school.  Daniel is trying to change his life and live a Christian life-style.  He wants to set a better example for his daughter, Tiffany (who has been spoiled rotten by her mother).  In order for Wendy and Daniel to be together, Wendy will need to overcome her prejudices toward men (thanks to her mother), a secret that she has never shared, and her outlook toward her disability.  This is a sweet, Christian romance.  I have enjoyed every book in the Sacred Bond series and look forward to reading about Boone’s journey in the next book (coming in January).

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.  

Thank you for visiting my blog.  I hope you are having a wonderful December and reading many wonderful books!  I am currently reading Christmas at Thornton Hall by Lynn Marie Hulsman (which is currently $.99 at Amazon.com).  Happy Reading!

Kris

Joint Venture

Joint Venture (A Grant Us Grace Novella) by ElizabethMaddrey is such a cute and romantic story.   Laura Willis has been dating Ryan since senior year of high school.  They are engaged and planning their wedding until Laura catches Ryan cheating – again!  Laura calls off the engagement and she has to decide what she wants to do with her life now.  Matt works with Laura as a stylist at a hair salon.  Matt has also known Laura since high school.   Matt and Laura decide to become partners and open their own salon and spa.  Joint Venture is a cute Christian story.  When I finished reading this book, I had a smile on my face and was sad for the book to end.  If you like Christian books, you will love Joint Venture.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I am off to read A Gift of Ghosts by Sarah Wynde.  I hope you are having a great evening and reading  a wonderful book.  Happy Reading!

Kris

Twisted Dreams

Twisted Dreams by Melissa Farrar is a wonderful book.  It is a young adult paranormal romance story.  It is the first book in The Dhampyre Chronicles.  Elizabeth Bandores is off to Sage Springs to start college.  She has decided to get away from LA to start college.  Elizabeth wants to be more independent as well as move to somewhere that is less sunny.  Elizabeth is half human and half vampire which makes her a dhampyre (and some great abilities that go with it).  Unfortunately for Elizabeth her new life in Sage Springs is off to a rocky start when she encounters a downed electrical wire that ends up frying her the electrical system in her car.  Though she does see and feels instantly attracted to a young man in black at the carnival that was setting up as Elizabeth entered town.  As Elizabeth starts college and meets new people, she notices some strange and unusual things happening at the college and the town.  This book has all the elements of a great story:  witches, elementals, handsome men, and a great mystery.  What more could you ask for?  It also is well written and once you start reading you cannot put the book down!  I hope you enjoy Twisted Dreams.  

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for visiting and I hope you are having a lovely Holiday Season!  Happy Reading!

Kris

Lullaby

Lullaby by Bridgette O’Hare (young adult paranormal romance) is A Book of Dreams Novel (the first one).  Halle Michaels thinks she is going crazy.  She keeps hearing voices, but no one is there.  What Halle does not know is that she is very special and she is being protected by guardians (immortals/angels).  Aedan Jeremiah has just been called in to protect Halle and is instantly attracted to her.  Aedan has never had this happen before and does not know what is so special about Halle.  Hellions (they are evil) keep popping up around Halle and the guardians are hard put to keep her safe.  The Hellions are looking for a special book – The Book of Dreams.  Aedan and his associates do not know what the book is or who has it.  Lullaby is an interesting book and I enjoyed reading it.  I will definitely read the next book in the series (I want to know what happens next).  

I was gifted a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend.  Christmas is almost here and I know everyone has a lot to do.  I appreciate you taking the time to visit my blog and read my reviews.  I hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season!  Happy Reading!

Kris

Worth the Time

Update

Worth the Time by Laura Jackson is available today, January 6, 2015!  Just go to Amazon.com to purchase it.  Happy Reading!

Worth the Time by Laura Jackson is a lovely heartwarming Christian novel.  It is the second book in the Waltham Academy series (this book can be read without reading the first book in the series).  Lindsey is a senior at Waltham Academy.  She transferred to Waltham (a lovely Christian school) after an incident her freshman year at Dalton School for Girls.  After transferring to Waltham Lindsey transformed herself and was determined to be a different type of girl.  After returning from their senior mission trip (which took place after Christmas), Lindsey is told by her school counselor, Mrs. Santana that she is severely short on the volunteer hours needed for graduation.  Mrs. Santana sends Lindsey to Covington House to get her volunteer hours.  At Covington House Lindsey sees a different lifestyle – a Christian lifestyle.  Lindsey has never known her Father and she is finally going to meet him as well as the rest of his family.  This is a wonderful story.  I enjoyed reading about Lindsey discovering Christianity.  This is a wonderful story about self-worth, discovery, and love.  I hope you will enjoy reading Worth the Time by Laura Jackson. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you for visiting and reading my review.  Happy Reading!

Kris

Seed

Seed by Lisa Heathfield is a unique young adult book.  The story revolves around Pearl and her life at the commune (a cult) called Seed.  Their beliefs are based on Nature.  That nature provides everything for them.  They do not educate the children, doctors are bad/evil, the outside world is a harmful influence.  However, they do sell produce and used cars to people outside the commune.  Papa S. (Stephen) is the head of the communion and one of the girls is always his “companion”.  Papa S. rules through fear, intimidation, and lies.  When three new people are admitted to the commune, things start to change at Seed.  Pearl always loved being at Seed and thought it was a wonderful life until she became a “woman” and the new people came to Seed.  Pearl embarks on a journey of discovery.  This is a young adult novel, but I do not think I would want anyone under the age of sixteen to read this book.  While there are no explicit sex scenes, it is heavily implied.  There is also murder, a “Jonestown” scene (if you do not know what this is, look it up on Bing), and physical abuse of an elderly person.  Seed comes out on April 16, 2015.  While the writing in this book is good, the subject matter is very disturbing which made it difficult to read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for visiting and I hope you have a lovely evening.  Happy Reading!

Kris

See Me -- Cute and Quirky Novel

See Me (Zombie Love Book 1) by Susan Hatler is a young adult paranormal, romance novel about Amy.  One night Amy is getting ready for a date with her BFF’s Nicole and Brynne.  One of girls decided it would be fun to consult a Ouija board regarding Amy’s date.  Unfortunately, the Ouija board attracted the spirit of Jonathan.  Jonathan follows Amy around until suddenly he manages to oust Amy’s soul from her body and take it over.  Thus ensues a hilarious adventure of Amy finding out what happened to Jonathan and how to help him.  See Me is a cute and quirky book.  It has romance, spirits, and humor.  I truly enjoyed reading this book and cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

I did receive a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for visiting and reading my review.  Happy Reading!

Kris

Aunt Lucie's Legacy

Aunt Lucie’s Legacy by Philippe Saimbert  is an offbeat funny novel.  The writing reminds me of Patrick Dennis (he wrote Auntie Mame).  Aunt Lucie lived a very full life and when she passed away she left the majority of her money to her nephews.  However, in order to inherit the money they have to follow the clues to find a turquoise necklace.  Unfortunately, for the nephews, none of them are that bright or perceptive.  It is a hilarious month as this motley crew hunts for the treasure in the Pyrenees.  There is only one bright bulb in this bunch and he is the narrator, Joseph.  Follow this unusual French family as they search through their Aunt Lucie’s house and grounds for their inheritance.  There is crude humor in this book as well as foul language. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Aunt Lucie's Legacy is not a book for everyone, but if you like Auntie Mame or books by P. G. Wodehouse, you will enjoy this book.

Thank you for visiting and reading my review.  Happy Reading!

Kris

DIY Type:  50+Typographic Stencils for Decorating, Crafting, and Gifiting by Dana Tanamachi is a book of typographic stencils.  There are over 50 individual stencils (letters of different sizes) but little to no instructions.  There are some tips and suggested supplies as well as information about the author.  The stencils are very nice and I cannot wait to use them.  However, I wish the author had provided some unusual ideas on how to use the stencils.  I wanted something new and different instead of the normal chalk, markers, colored pencils, and embroidery.  The one thing about this book that I loved was the cover.  It is lovely.  There are interesting curlicue cutouts around the wording on the cover.  It is such a shame that the book did not live up to the cover.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review. 

Thank you for visiting and reading my review of this book.  I hope you have a great week and Happy Reading!

Kris

Beneath Beautiful

Beneath Beautiful by Allison Rushby is an intriguing book.  Cassandra (Cassie) Tavington is reading in a Paris cemetery when she is approached by a handsome stranger all in black.  They seem to have instant chemistry.  However, when she realizes who he is, she runs off.  The stranger is Cameron Callahan.  Cameron is a famous modern artist whose sculptures are provocative and controversial.  Cameron wants Cassie to pose for a sculpture for his new collection, but Cassie, who is the daughter of an MP (Member of Parliament), is unsure.  Cassie undertakes a journey of getting to know herself, what she wants to do with her life, and growing up.  This is an enjoyable book and easy to read in a couple of hours.  I look forward to reading more books by Allison Rushby.  I give this book 4.5 stars! 

Please note that I did receive a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

If you belong to Amazon Unlimited, you can read Beneath Beautiful for free (otherwise it is only $2.99).  I hope you enjoy reading Beneath Beautiful as much as I enjoyed it.  Happy Reading!

Kris

Where Treetops Glisten

I just finished reading Where Treetops Glisten by Tricia Goyer, Cara utman, and Sarah Sundin.  Where Treetops Glisten is a delightful book.  It contains three romantic, Christian Christmas stories about the Turner family siblings and is set during World War II.  The prologue sets the stage for the story.  Starts out with the Grandmother getting the family house ready for Christmas.  In the Turner family is the grandmother, mother, father, and their three children.  Each story revolves around a different sibling.  There is then a epilogue at the end of the book that wraps up all the stories.  I really enjoyed the first two stories in the book.  They were sweet and romantic with a lovely Christmas spirit.  The third book was more religious and had more serious overtones.  The epilogue is just lovely.  I wraps up all the story lines in the book as the family enjoys a wonderful Christmas. 

It was an easy book to read and can easily be finished in a couple of hours.  I will look into reading more stories by Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman, and Sarah Sundin.  If you like romantic Christmas stories, you will enjoy this book.  It will definitely put you into the Christmas spirit.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for visiting.  If you have any questions or comments, please use the feedback section.  I am off to watch Marvel:  Agents of Shield.  Happy Reading!

Kris

Night School - Genesis

Night School – Genesis by C. J. Daugherty is a wonderful young adult book.  I am not a teenager (I am in my 40’s), but I love this book.  It is one of the best books I have read this year.  Allie Sheridan has been causing trouble for her parents since her brother, Christopher, disappeared.  After being arrested three times her parents decide to send her away to school.  They send her to the Cimmeria Academy.  The Cimmeria Academy is unique and has The Rules (and uniforms).  They also do not allow televisions, iPods, computers, and definitely no cell phones.  Allie is entering in the middle of the summer term and the school work load is heavy.  The students at Cimmeria are almost all from elite and rich families (which Allie’s parents are not).  Allie also begins to notice unusual things happening at the school.  It is an action packed book.  I could not put it down.  I read it within hours of receiving it.  If you love C.L. Stone’s (Ghost Bird and The Academy) series, you will enjoy reading Night School – Genesis!  

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of the book.

If you love Night School - Genesis, then you will be happy to know that there are three more books in this series!  Night School - Legacy, Night School - Fracture, and Night School - Resistance. You can get updates on the latest releases at C. J. Daughtery's website (www.cjdaughtery.com).

Thank you for visiting!  I am off to read a book (of course).  Happy Reading!

Kris

Promise of a Future

Promise of a Future by Stephanie McCall is a lovely book about Kate and Elinor.  Kate has cerebral palsy, but she is very high functioning.  Kate is currently going to a local college where she faces bullying and discrimination from students and administration.  Elinor is Kate’s aunt and has her own demons.  Elinor is trying to overcome tragic childhood experiences as well as deal with her schizophrenic mother.  Both Elinor and Kate are Christian’s but they both feel that they are too bad to be loved by God.  In this book you get to see what people with disabilities face on a daily basis.  In this day and age it is a shame how people with disabilities are treated.  There are some wonderful lessons in this book (about faith, loving yourself, standing up for what is right).  I enjoyed reading Promise of a Future and look forward to reading more books by Stephanie McCall.  To find out what happens with Kate and Elinor, please pick up a copy of Promise of a Future (available on Amazon.com).  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

Thank you for visiting and Happy Reading!

Kris

Between

Between by Dora Hilburn is a young adult love story.      Anna has inherited Fenway house from her uncle and has come to fix it up with her father before selling it to pay for her college education.  No one has lived in the house for a long time.  It is reputed to be haunted.  Even Anna’s uncle never lived in the house.  He purchased it and just visited it on occasion.  Anna senses that there is something or someone in the house and catches glimpses of someone out of the corner of her eye.  One night she sketches a face of a man that she has never seen or met and then dreams about him.  Wyatt has been in the house since he died.  His family lived in the house before he passed away and he returned to it after his death.  This is the beginning of Anna and Wyatt time together.  Between is such a lovely and heartbreaking love story.  I enjoyed Between and I hope that Dora Hilburn plans to write another book to continue Anna and Wyatt’s story.  I did receive a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Happy Reading and have a great evening!

Kris