Reading this week

Finished

Hook by Terry Brooks

A Rancher for Christmas by Brenda Minton

Currently reading

Grimm’s Complete fairy tales by Jacob Grimm

Mr. Miracle by Debbie Macomber

A Pony Express Christmas by Rhonda Gibson

Finally a Mother by Dana Corbit

Yuletide Baby by Deb Kastner

Voyger by Diana Gabaldon

Non-fiction reading  

UnPhiltered by Phil Robertson

Getting ready to read

The Reliance by Marylu Tyndall

Mission to Murder by Lynn Cahoon

Doon by Carey Corp

Snow White Red Handed by Maia Chance

Tears of the Sea by Marylu Tyndall

Navy Seal Noel by Liz Johnson

The Yuletide Rescue by Margaret Daley

Sugar Plum Season b Mia Ross

Twin Threat Christmas by Rachelle McCalla

Mistletoe on Main Street by Olivia Miles

Classics

Reviewing

 The Princess Spy by Melanie Dickerson

The Job by Janet Evanovich

Devotional reading

Bible through in a year

The Girl’s still Got it by Liz Curtis Higgs

Did Not Finish

Audio

Graceling by Kristin Cashore (Playaway audio when doing chores)

Heist Society by Ally Carter (Audio on my way to work)

Reviews Posted this week 

 Review of Diamonds in the Rough

Review of How a Star Falls

Review of How a Star Falls

Title: How a Star Falls

Author: Amber Stokes

 

Chapters: 7 with Prologue and Epilogue

Genre: contemporary

Rating: 4 stars

     How a Star Falls is different than anything Amber has written before. But still great. Her previous novels were historical fiction. How a Star Falls is a contemporary novel about Derrick a College graduation working at record store who doesn’t feel like his degree in music is going to get him anywhere. Walking on the beach one day he sees a young woman in a white dress sitting on a bench. He thinks

She’s a fallen star.  He starts calling her Brielle.

     I enjoyed reading this novel, because like Derrick there are times that I feel like I majored in the wrong thing. Though I know I didn’t but sometimes it does feel like when I working a job that doesn’t like me use my major. Derrick is a relatable character to young adults and a “new” adults.   It was novella which means its short but a lot was packed into this short book.  I honestly didn’t see the bit of a twist that Amber had in the novel, but I did enjoy the twist.

I received a e-copy from the author in exchange of an honest review. 

About the Book

Sweet NA Contemporary Romance Novella

How does a star fall?
Quickly. Completely. Unexpectedly.

Derrick Knolane escapes to Trinidad Head most evenings, avoiding his apartment and planning for the day he'll break free of Humboldt County. Working in a music store might be fine for a while, but it's far from the goal he had in mind when he got his college degree. Not to mention the fact that his roommate is a jerk and his family won't stop trying to run his life.

Then Brielle falls into his world.

She claims to be a star. Not from Hollywood, but from heaven. He thinks she's crazy. Certainly delusional. Yet, he can't just leave her alone on the cliffs. So he takes her home.

And his whole world falls apart.

A heartfelt and fanciful contemporary romance novella, How a Star Falls explores the uncertain season of new adulthood and shows that sometimes the worst inconveniences make for the best miracles of all.

Purchase on Amazon

Author Bio

Amber Stokes works as a content writer (marketing services) for a Christian publisher. On the side, she self-publishes inspirational fiction depicting the seasons of life and love. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor's degree in English and to run her own freelance editing and publicity business for over a year. Happily, this new chapter of her career takes place in the Pacific Northwest—a part of the world she's always considered home. Learn more about Amber’s books at www.SeasonsofaStory.blogspot.com.

Social Media Links

Twitter: @SeasonsHumility

Blog: www.seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com

Website: www.seasonsofastory.blogspot.com

Pinterest: pinterest.com/seasonshumility

Goodreads: Amber Stokes

Google +:  +AmberStokes

Endorsements

"Perfect for when you want a whimsical, heartwarming read, How a Star Falls is more than an inspirational romance...it's a wink and a smile."

- Joanne Bischof, award winning author of This Quiet Sky

"Amber Stokes has perfectly expressed the challenges of twenty-something life in her sweet contemporary new adult novella, How a Star Falls. Brielle and Derrick's journey reminds us all of the search to find ourselves in the midst of young adulthood. Their story is charming and wistful with emotions we can all relate to experiencing at some point in our lives. It is a tale about letting go in order to find yourself once again while never losing the importance of who you are...and who you can be."

- Cerella Sechrist, author of Gentle Persuasion and The Paris Connection

"Though not typically a reader of contemporary fiction, I found How a Star Falls to be a wonderfully told story of both sweet romance and coming to terms with the fact that even though life doesn't always turn out exactly as we dreamed it would, even our undesirable circumstances can lead to a bright future."

- Jaye L. Knight, author of Ilyon Chronicles

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Share in the excitement of Amber’s new release with a special starry giveaway! You can enter to win one of three prize packs using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to U.S. residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of Diamonds in the Rough

Title: Diamonds in the Rough

Author: Michelle Madow

Series:  Secret Diamond sisters book 2

 

Chapters: 3

Pages: 439

Genre: Teen chick lit

Rating: 4 stars

     Diamonds in the Roughis the second book in The Secret Diamond sisters series. It pretty much picks up where the first book left off.  In the first book I wondered why the chapters were written from Peyton, Courtney , Savannah, and Madison’s point of views. After reading this book that question was answered. ’  

     Diamonds in the Rough was a good book. I enjoyed it more that the first book. I feel that the diamond sisters have started to grow up. Though Peyton still has a long way to go. Peyton still doesn’t seem to understand that her choices and actions don’t just affect her but those around her. After reading Diamonds in the Rough I am actually starting to like Madison. I didn’t see that happening but it did.

     Though Diamonds in the Rough answered some questions it left a lot of unanswered questions which leaves me waiting for book 3.  Diamonds in the Rough was a good read. However I would stress that it is for older teens and younger olders. The characters in the books have behaviors that are not right for teens to do, but it is an learning tool.

I was given an e-copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Reading this week

Finished

Farewell to the East End by Jennifer Worth

Finding Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn

Ho Ho Homicide by Kaitlyn Dunnett

The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

On Borrowed Time by Jenn McKinlay

Finally a Mother by Dana Corbit

When Mercy Rains by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Currently reading

Grimm’s Complete fairy tales by Jacob Grimm

Hook by Terry Brooks

Mr. Miracle by Debbie Macomber

A Pony Express Christmas by Rhonda Gibson

Finally a Mother by Dana Corbit

Extra Sensory Deception by Allison Kingsley

Non-fiction reading  

UnPhiltered by Phil Robertson

Getting ready to read

The Reliance by Marylu Tyndall

Mission to Murder by Lynn Cahoon

Doon by Carey Corp

Snow White Red Handed by Maia Chance

Tears of the Sea by Marylu Tyndall

Winterspell by Claire Legrand

Navy Seal Noel by Liz Johnson

The Yuletide Rescue by Margaret Daley

Yuletide Baby by Deb Kastner

Sugar Plum Season b Mia Ross

Twin Threat Christmas by Rachelle McCalla

Mistletoe on Main Street by Olivia Miles

Voyger by Diana Gabaldon

Classics

Reviewing

 The Princess Spy by Melanie Dickerson

A Rancher for Christmas by Brenda Minton

The Job by Janet Evanovich

Devotional reading

Bible through in a year

The Girl’s still Got it by Liz Curtis Higgs

Did Not Finish

Audio

Graceling by Kristin Cashore (Playaway audio when doing chores)

Heist Society by Ally Carter (Audio on my way to work)

Reviews Posted this week 

 Review of Forever with you

Review of Married by Christmas

Review of Married by Christmas

Title: Married by Christmas

Author: Karen Kirst

Series: Smoky Mountain Matches book 5

 

Chapters: 27 plus Epilogue

Pages: 285

Genre: Christian Historical Romance Love Inspired Historical

Rating: 5 stars

Married by Christmas is the fifth book in the Smoky Mountain matches. This time its Caleb O’Malley’s turn for a chance at happy ever after. The only problem is he doesn’t think that he deserves to be  happy not after what he did to his best friend. Causing him to call off  his engagement to Rebecca Thurston.

When a Snow storm causes an injured Caleb to be nursed by Rebecca Thurston the town of Gatlinburg insist that they marry to protect Rebecca’s reputation.

I enjoyed all of the Smoky Mountain matches books but I was looking forward to Caleb’s story. Since the firsts books Caleb’s been seen as the black sheep of the family. Married by Christmas gives light to Caleb’s story and you finally start to understand him. I cannot wait until the next book in the Smoky Mountain Matches series.

I was given an e-copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.   

Review of Forever With You

Title: Forever with you

Author: Robin Jones Gunn

Series: Christy and Todd The Married years

Chapters: 22

Pages: on my kindle

Genre: Christian Romance

Rating: 5 stars

Forever with You picks up with Christy and Todd as newlyweds. As well as the trouble that goes on with being a newlywed. The ups and downs the good and the bad.  I fell in love with the Christy series as a teenager and I am thrilled to be able to continue  to read her story as a n adult.  

Reading this week

Finished

The Christmas Light by Donna Vanliere

Belle The Charming gift by Ellie O’Ryan

Belle and the Mysterious Message by Kitty Richards

Off Kilter by Hannah Reed

Married by Christmas by Karen Kirst

Shadows of the Workhouse by Jennifer Worth

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Currently reading

Grimm’s Complete fairy tales by Jacob Grimm

The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

Finding Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn

Ho Ho Homicide by Kaitlyn Dunnett

On Borrowed Time by Jenn McKinlay

Non-fiction reading  

Farewell to the East End by Jennifer Worth

Getting ready to read

The Reliance by Marylu Tyndall

Mission to Murder by Lynn Cahoon

Doon by Carey Corp

Snow White Red Handed by Maia Chance

Tears of the Sea by Marylu Tyndall

Hook by Terry Brooks

Mr. Miracle by Debbie Macomber

A Pony Express Christmas by Rhonda Gibson

Classics

Reviewing

 The Princess Spy by Melanie Dickerson

A Rancher for Christmas by Brenda Minton

The Job by Janet Evanovich

Devotional reading

Bible through in a year

The Girl’s still Got it by Liz Curtis Higgs

Did Not Finish

Hook’s Revenge by Heidi Schulz

Audio

Graceling by Kristin Cashore (Playaway audio when doing chores)

Heist Society by Ally Carter (Audio on my way to work)

Reviews Posted this week 

 Review of The Raven Saint

Review of Peter Pan

Review of Peter Pan

Title: Peter Pan

Author: J.M. Barrie

Chapters: 17

Pages: 147

Genre: Children’s classics

Rating: 4.5 stars

     Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie was my favorite story as a child. I watched  the Disney cartoon so much as a child that the VHS tape finally got ate by the VCR. My mom was thrilled when that happened she hated that cartoon. Mainly because I watched it so much.

     When I read this classic I noticed that when my mom had read it to me as a child she cut parts out as well as skipped a whole chapter. However this reread still reminded me of my childhood and why I loved this story. Though it wasn’t the same as most people, I mean who doesn’t like the story of the book that never grew up. But for me that wasn’t it even as a child I found Peter Pan a little creepy reading the book again conformed that, (as well as season three of Once Upon a Time).

However it was my favorite story not for the boy who didn’t grow up, but for the pirates in the story.  With the pirate captain, the villain that you feel sorry for Captain Hook.  Captain Hook was my favorite character from that story.  To this day Hook remains my favorite Disney villain and second favorite Disney male, only behind the beast from Beauty and the Beast.

Reading Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie was a nice trip back to my childhood. 

Review of The Raven Saint

Title: The Raven Saint

Author: Marylu Tyndall

Series: Charles Towne Belles Book 3

 

Chapters: 41

Pages: 287

Genre: Christian Historical fiction

Rating: 4 stars

     The Raven Saint was my least of the trilogy. But it was still a good read. In this novel Grace Westcott is the sister that is kidnapped by pirates. She feels that she is where God wants her to be, for this time.

     Overall the series was a great series, I just couldn’t relate to the characters as I did in the first two books. I am still looking forward to more of Marylu’s books. 

thoughts and whatnots

Reading this week

Finished

Four by Veronica Roth

Sleepy Hollow by Dax Varley

The Navy Night Before Christmas by Christine Ford

Double Crossed: A Spies and Thieves Story by Ally Carter

How a Star Falls by Amber Stokes

As You Wish by Cary Elwes

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Diamonds in the Rough by Michelle Madow

Currently reading

Grimm’s Complete fairy tales by Jacob Grimm

The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

Doon by Carey Corp

Off Kilter by Hannah Reed

The Christmas Light by Donna Vanliere

Finding Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn

Married by Christmas by Karen Kirst

Non-fiction reading  

Shadows of the Workhouse by Jennifer Worth

Getting ready to read

The Reliance by Marylu Tyndall

Hook’s Revenge by Heidi Schulz

 The Christmas Secret by Donna Vanliere

The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson

An Irish Christmas by Melody Carlson

Mission to Murder by Lynn Cahoon

The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson

Classics

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Reviewing

 The Princess Spy by Melanie Dickerson

A Rancher for Christmas by Brenda Minton

The Job by Janet Evanovich

Married by Christmas by Karen Kirst

Devotional reading

Bible through in a year

The Girl’s still Got it by Liz Curtis Higgs

Did Not Finish

Alias Hook by Lisa Jensen

Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay

Audio

Motor Mouth by Janet Evanovich

Reviews Posted this week 

 Review of The Red Siren

Review of The Blue Enchantress