July Wrap Up

July

I read a total of  22 books. My own tbr pile started the month at 35. I read three of my owned books and received my owlcrate book.  So now my TBR pile is at 33.  And my unread series is still at 33. But I didn’t buy any books this month.

The Spook in the Stacks by Eva Gates

American Princess by Leslie Carroll

The InnKeeper’s Daugter by Michelle Griep

Anastasia’s Secret by Susanne Dunlap

Wolf Camp by Katie Mcky

River to Redemption by Ann H Gabhart

Because I Love You by Max Lucado

Her Cherokee Groom by Valerie Hansen (owned)

Engraved on the Heart by Tara Johnson

Killer Green Tomatoes by Lynn Cahoon

The Romanov Empress by C.W. Gortner

A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette

Chivalrous by Dina L Seleiman (owned)

The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes by Leonard Goldberg

Irish Stewed by Kylie Logan (owned)

Once Upon a Farm by Rory Feek

Prince Philip by Philip Eden

Suddenly a Frontier Father by Lyn Cote

Dark Highway by Ann Dangelo

Hocus Pocus& The All New Sequel by A.W. Jantha

Tickle Monster by Josie Bissett

I Can Only Imagine by Bart Millard

Review of More than Meets the Eye

Title: More than Meets the Eye 

Author: Karen Witemeyer 

Pages: 354

Series: Patchwork Family book 1

Genre: Christian Historical Romance Christian Historical fiction 

Rating: 3 stars 

More than Meets the Eye is the first book in the Patchwork Family series by Karen Witemeyer, and I have to say the name of the series fits. The Hamilton's the family that Karen writes about isn't your typical family. Evangeline, Seth, and Zach aren’t related to each by blood instead they are a patchwork family stitched together my necessity as children after an orphan train wreck.  They have become their own version of family. 

Zach as the oldest will do whatever it takes to protect his younger siblings Seth and Evangeline.  Seth has Asthma and Evangeline has one brown eye and one blue leaving the town of Pecan Gap, Texas to believe that she's cursed.  Then stranger Logan Fowler comes to town bent on getting revenge on Zach for what he believes to be past wrongs.  The one thing that Logan didn't plan on was falling for Evangeline. 

Karen's books here lately have been hit or miss for me, but I didn't enjoy this story.  Evangeline's strong faith despite the town's treatment of her showed what it means to turn the other cheek. I loved how protective of his siblings Zach was. However as an asthmatic myself I'm not conceived that by eating fish Seth was able to keep his symptoms at bay nor would coffee help. I guess I'll have to read up on asthma treatments in the 1800s. Though keeping away from dust and the like does help I'll give her that one. 

But all in all I did enjoy the story though the ending did feel a little rushed.  I do hope that the next book in this series is Zach's story I do feel like he deserves a happily ever after. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Review of More than We Can Tell

Title: More than We Can tell 

Author: Brigid Kemmerer 

Series: Letters to the Lost book 2

Pages: 416

Genre: teen, teen real life issues 

More than we can tell by Brigid Kemmerer and it is the sequel to Letters to the Lost but it's more of  companion novel than a true sequel.  I enjoyed this one as well, but not as much as I did the first one.   But I did enjoy reading more about Rev, and I loved meeting Emma Blue a girl who's trying to make it in the gaming world.  

This novel didn't shy away from the hard stuff nor the gritty world of gaming and the problems that go along with it. Especially if you’re a girl. In a perfect world this wouldn't happen. Girls and women could play video and computer games as well as design them without worrying about harassment from boys and men.  I was glad that this book bought to light that this does indeed happen, and it happens more than it should.  

Just like in Letters to the Lost  Brigid Kemmererer shows that just because it’s a harsh or touchy subject she's not going to shy away from writing about it; especially if it something that teens especially teen girls can relate too.  I think everyone not just teenagers can read this and get something out of it. 

Review of The Orphan's Wish

Title: The Orphan's Wish 

Author: Melanie Dickerson 

Chapters: 34 plus epilogue 

Pages: 352

Series: Hagenheim Series book 8

Genre: Christian fairy tale retelling, Christian Teen Historical 

Rating: 3.5 stars 

     The Orphan's wish by Melanie Dickerson is the 8th book in the Hagenheim series Lady Kirsytn is the youngest daughter of the duke of Hageheim, and Aladdin an Orphan from the Holy Land.  Kirstyn is the daughter of character's from The Healer's Apprentice  the first book in this series  as well as the younger sister of characters from book 3 The Fairest Beauty, book 4 The Captive Maiden, book 5 The Princess Spy and book 6 The Golden Braid. So it is best to read this series in order.  

     I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would mainly because Aladdin was one of my least favorite Disney movies and I had read the original story that it was based on. Melanie was able to put on own spin on the story and make it her own.  With all of her previous novels in this series and her other fairy tale series her characters have a strong Christian faith. While it wasn't my favorite book of the series it was still good. Readers will see aspects of the Aladdin but it is still a new story because Mrs. Dickerson adds to the story and makes it her own.  

     I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys fairy tale retelling and Christian teen historical fiction. I would say that this book is appropriate for older teens about 15 or 16 and up.  I look forward to next book in this series which just happens to be a Mulan retelling. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Excerpt of The Thief of Corinth

An Excerpt of Thief of Corinth is available on the Tyndale House website

Review of A Most Noble Heir

Title: A Most noble Heir 

Author: Susan Anne Mason 

Pages: 360

Genre: Christian Historical fiction, Christian Historical Romance 

Rating: 3 stars 

Imagine spending your whole life thinking your one person only to discover as an adult you’re another person.   That is what happens to Nolan Price the main character in A Most Noble Heir.  Growing up he was a stable hand but on his mother's death bed he learns two shocking things one she isn't his mother and two he is the son of the Earl of Stainsby.  To top it off he is the oldest son and true heir. 

But this bit of news also comes with a price one Nolan doesn't know if he can pay. He'll have to give up the woman he loves Hannah Burnham who as a maid is below his station. But a choice that Nolan makes has dire consequences for more than one person. 

A most Noble Heir was the first book that I've read by Susan Anne Mason for some reason I couldn't get into her series but I did enjoy this one. I guess it was the slight regency setting. I do enjoy reading books set in the regency period.  Thanks Jane Austen. 

To me the book starting on the slow side but picked up by chapter eight.  The character development of all the characters show just how much they all grew and changed, most of them for the better.  As of right now the book is a stand alone novel. I may now go back and read her first series.  

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading Regency fiction and historical fiction. As well as stand alone novels.  

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Review of Cracked to Death

Title: Cracked to Death 

Author: Cheryl Hollon 

Pages: 274

Series: A Webb's Glass Shop Mystery book 3

Genre: Cozy Mystery 

Rating: 4 stars 

Cracked to Death is the third book in A Webb's Glass Shop Mystery series by  Cheryl Hollon.  Savannah has settled in to running Webb's Glass shop and creating and teaching classes her newest one is a recyclable-bottle workshop. When the body of a diver Martin Lane is found with bottles that tie him to Amanda Blake, Savannah's shop manager and friend. 

Now Savannah must race against the clock to prove her friends innocence and find the real killer. When she solved her father's and Hugh' murder she didn't plan continuing to solve murders but yet here she is again. 

Cracked to Death was more fast paced than the first book, but it is still a typical cozy mystery that any cozy mystery lover would enjoy. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Pre- Order Gift: For Tessa Afshar's The Thief of Cornith

"Pre-Order @TessaAfshar's THIEF OF CORINTH and get a free 1 Corinthians 13 devotional. Simply email a photo of your receipt to ThiefofCorinth@gmail.com." 

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Can't Wait Wednesday

Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings

This  Week the Book I can't wait for is

Summary : First-century Corinth is a city teeming with commerce and charm. It’s also filled with danger and corruption—the perfect setting for Ariadne’s greatest adventure.

After years spent living with her mother and oppressive grandfather in Athens, Ariadne runs away to her father’s home in Corinth, only to discover the perilous secret that destroyed his marriage: though a Greek of high birth, Galenos is the infamous thief who has been robbing the city’s corrupt of their ill-gotten gains.

Desperate to keep him safe, Ariadne risks her good name, her freedom, and the love of the man she adores to become her father’s apprentice. As her unusual athletic ability leads her into dangerous exploits, Ariadne discovers that she secretly revels in playing with fire. But when the wrong person discovers their secret, Ariadne and her father find their future—and very lives—hanging in the balance.
When they befriend a Jewish rabbi named Paul, they realize that his radical message challenges everything they’ve fought to build, yet offers something neither dared hope for. from Goodreads  

Review of Murder in the Locked Library

Title:Murder in the Locked Library  

Author: Ellery Adams 

Pg:  289

Series: Book Retreat Mysteries 

Genre: Cozy Mystery 

Rating: 3.5 stars 

Murder in a locked Library is the fourth book in the Book Retreat Mysteries. Jane Steward is finally settling into her role as guardian and managing Storyton Hall. It's easier now that her sons are Fitz and Hem are back in school.  Plans are going through with building a spa on to Storyton Hall when a body is found. Since no one knows how old the body is a forensic archaeologist is called into to investigate. But then a murder happens in the Henry James library and Jane has to determine if the two events are connected.   

As this is the fourth book in the series it is hard to go into much detail without giving away any information of plots to the previous novels. The Book Retreat Mysteries is one cozy mystery series that is best to read in order, and the first book is Murder in the Mystery Suite. This series is perfect for book lovers and anyone who loves a good cozy mystery.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Review of Bear Witness to Murder

Title: Bear Witness to Murder 

Author: Meg Macy 

  

Pages: 292

Series: Shamelessly Adorable Teddy Bear Mystery book 2 

Genre: Cozy mystery 

Rating:3 stars 

Bear Witness to Murder by Meg Macy is the second book in The Shamelessly Adorable Teddy Bear mystery series and while I didn't like it as much as the first book in the series it was still an enjoyable read. I mean what's not to love about a teddy bear workshop. While the first book was set in the summer this book is set in September with the village gearing up for Oktobear Fest instead of Oktoberfest.  With the theme being focused on teddy bears.  And not to be confused with the name Oktoberfest and Oktobear fest does indeed take place in September not October.  

Sasha Silverman's goal is to run her family's bear shop and factory without any problems meaning no mysteries and especially no murders. But then she has to go and find a dead body.  So much for staying away from mysteries and murder.  To clear family and friends names she will have to work to solve the murder before the police do.  

Bear Witness to Murder is indeed your typical cozy mystery and that's not a bad thingespecially if you do indeed love cozy mysteries.  But for me it kind of fell into that second book rut, but that doesn't mean I won't pick up the next book. I think for me if I had read it in either September or October.   

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Review of Pane and Suffering

Title: Pane and Suffering 

Author: Cheryl Hollon 

Chapters: 

Pages: 320

Series: A Webb's Glass Shop Mystery book 1 

Genre: cozy mystery 

Rating: 4 stars 

In Pane and Suffering by Cheryl Hollon the First book in the A Webb's Glass Shop mystery series Savannah Webb comes back to St Petersburg Florida to run her father's glass shop after his sudden death  only to find her father's friend Hugh Trevor dead of a heart attack. Savannah thinks that the two deaths from the same thing is worth investigating. The police however do not. 

They think that both deaths are from natural causes and do not want to investigate farther. So Savannah takes it upon herself to solve the mystery.  But can she solve it before she becomes the next victim.  

I enjoyed this cozy mystery that introduced me to the world of glass making as well as an adorable puppy as well and a British guy whos trying to make a goal of a pub in St. Petersburg Florida.  This cozy was a little on the slow side than most but I think that was because it was trying to set up the setting for future books in the series. I do look forward to reading more books in this series. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Review of Daughter of the Pirate King

Title:  Daughter of the Pirate King

Author: Tricia Levenseller

Series:  Daugther of the Pirate King book 1

 

Pages: 311

Genre: Teen Fantasy and myths

Rating: 4 stars

     The Daughter of the Pirate King is a young adult fantasy an myth story with pirates. Alosa is not only the daughter of the pirate king she is a pirate in her own right with an all-female crew. She ends up on a rival pirate ship as a prisoner but it’s alright she actually planned it.

     I loved Alosa she’s tough and loyal to her crew though her loyalty to her father is being called into question. Pretty much the whole novel takes place on pirate ships. This is the first YA novel that I’ve read and enjoyed and I look forward to the sequel in this duology.  Both titles in the duology hints to Alosa’s parentage.

    

     To me one of the best things about the book was a YA novel that didn’t focus on romance. Why can’t more YA novels focus on adventures without trying to pair the main female character off.

Review of the Spook in the Stacks

Title: The Spook in the Stacks 

Author: Eva Gates 

Chapters: 23

Pages: 336 

Series: Lighthouse Library mystery book 4

Genre: cozy mystery 

Rating: 4 stars 

The Spook in the Stacks is the fourth Lighthouse Library Mystery by Eva Gates and Lucy and Charles are back for a new mystery. Charles is the loveable cat who lives in the library. Lucy thought her time of solving mysteries was behind her. That is until just before Halloween when Jay Ruddle a businessman is found death in the library the rare book room of all places.  Lucy plans to stay out of it and let the police handle it.  But when the police's prime suspect is the victim’s granddaughter whom Lucy believes couldn't do it she decides to investigate on her own.

The police chief wants Lucy to stick to just being a librarian and leave the police work to the professionals.  But as a librarian people who won't talk to the police will talk to her.  

What I love about this book and the series as a whole is that Charles the library cat has a habit of pointing out clues to Lucy that end up leading her towards the person who committed the crime or murder.  But look adorable while doing it.  Charles likes just about everyone who comes into the library that if he doesn't like someone there's a reason. 

I love that this series focuses on a library inside a lighthouse as far as I know this is the only cozy mystery series about a library inside a lighthouse.  In a small beach town in the outer banks of North Carolina that hasn't completely been touched by the developers. 

The Spook in the Stacks is great for anyone who loves libraries, lighthouses, cats, and cozy mysteries. And as always I look forward to the next one in the series. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Review of When Courage Calls

Title:  Where Courage Calls

Author: Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

Series: Return to the Canadian West

 

Chapters: 28

Pages: 338

Genre: Christian Historical/ Christian Historical Romance

Rating: 4 stars

     When Courage Calls is the first book in the Return to the Canadian West series. This series is a bit of a sequel series to the Canadian West series. Beth Thatcher goes west to be a teacher in Coal Valley much like her aunt Elizabeth did in When Calls the Heart.

     Coal Valley ends up being move primitive that Beth thought it would be. After a few mishaps including her belongings being stole including a compass and a priceless violin; Beth comes  to love the children and the community as they do her. While in Coal Valley she meets Constable Jarrick “Jack” Thornton of the Royal mounted police. 

     I enjoyed When Courage Calls more than I thought I would. I even loved it. When I didn’t think that I would because the Canadian West series wasn’t a favorite.

     But Beth was a character you couldn’t help but love. And the children of Coal Valley were so sweet and they had been though so much. And of course Jack being a character in the book wasn’t so bad either.  Reading this book has me wanting to watch the When Calls the Heart TV show. But I want to finish this book series first.

     From the beginning of the novel Beth’s strong faith had me pulling out my own Bible and reading though the Psalms while I was reading the book. I even added the When Calls the Heart Devotional to my list of books to buy.

     I am looking forward to finishing this series. And If the next two are anything like this one I know that I am going to love each of them.  

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.