A Curious Incident by Vicki Delany review

Title:  A Curious Incident

Author:  Vicki Delany

Ch: 23

Pg:  304

Series: Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery book 6

Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Publisher: Crooked Lane Brooks

 

A Curious Incident by Vicki Delany is the sixth book in the Sherlock Holmes bookshop mystery series. I finished the book in a day. Unfortunately it was too predictable. Which can mean two things, I’m getting burnt out on this series m, or I’ve read to many cozy mysteries and need a break from them. I just don’t know which it is.

I do know that I still enjoyed reading this one even i figured who done but the heroine did. But I’ll keep reading cozy mysteries because they are my go to comfort read. Some readers comfort read is women’s fiction, chick lit or romance but mine is cozy mysteries.

 

 

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. 

The Broken Spine by Dorothy St. James review

Title:  The Broken Spine

Author:  Dorothy St. James

Ch: 42

Pg:  320

Series: A Beloved Bookroom mystery

Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Berkeley

 

The broken spine by Dorothy St James is a cozy mystery but as a bookworm and a library employee it’s starts out as a horror story. With the mayor and the town manager wanting to do away with books. Then a murder happens and then Trudell Becket has to clear her name and save her beloved library.

I enjoyed this cozy mystery but then I’m a sucker for cozies set in a library. It was a quick read I finished it in a day I couldn’t put it down.

 

 

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. 

First Line Fridays

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"The weeds climbed from soil to sky on all sides of Robinson Park, shrouding the abandoned grounds from the rest of Gotham City."

Beauty Among Ruins by J’nell Ciesilski review

Title:  Beauty Among Ruins

Author:  J’nell Ciesilski

Narrator: Kate Rudd

Ch: 27

Genre:  Historical Fiction

 Rating: 4.5 Stars

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

 

Beauty Among Ruins is my first book by J’nell Ciesilski but it won’t be my last. I listened to the audio book and it just added to the hero’s Scottish accent I loved it. Lily the heroine who even though she’s a socialite she strong willed determined and stubborn but I loved her. Both these characters have a lot to learn about themselves, each other and God.

Though Beauty among Ruins isn’t Christian fiction it is a clean read that has a beauty and the beast thread through it. Though set during WWI it’s behind the scenes so to speak because it focus on nurses, wounded soldiers and the great homes that become hospitals.

Alex was one of my favorite hero types, the scared and wounded stubborn who hides a heart of gold. I didn’t want the book to end but I kept listening because I wanted to know what happened.

 

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. 

Obsession by Patricia Bradley review

Title:  Obsession

Author:  Patricia Bradley

Ch: 75

Pg:  384

Series: Natchez Trace Park Rangers book 2

 Genre:  Christian Suspense with a hint of romance

 Rating: 4 stars

 Publisher: Revell

 

Obsession by Patricia Bradley is the second book in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series. And while I didn’t love it as much as the first book in the series i did enjoy it. Though I could have done without the chapters from the point of view of the stalker. Trigger warning for stalkers.

Emma was a pretty awesome heroine and Sam’s not a bad hero himself. Not to mention this suspense novel includes one of my favorite tropes second chances. But the romance didn’t overpower the suspense. But I do think this was a little too suspenseful this time. I would have finish it in one day if the suspense had become tense and stressful but it was still good.

The only con I had was that it was easier to figure out who the stalker was. But I think that was because i read a lot of suspense and mysteries but those who are new to genre won’t have that problem. I do look forward to the next book in the series.

 

I received a complimentary copy Obsession  from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

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. 

A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel review

Title:  A Dance in Donegal

Author:  Jennifer Deibel

Ch: 63

Pg:  352

Genre:  Christian Historical fiction

Rating: 5 Stars

Publisher: Revell

 

I loved A Dance in Donegal the debut novel by Jennifer Deibel. I enjoyed the Ireland setting that I’ve never read before. The secondary characters were a delightful bunch. The Irish Gaelic  language sprinkled throughout took a little getting used to, but once I did it only added to the story.

Moira was not only the heroine but she was also my favorite character as well. She was easy to relate to. I could see myself in Moira especially the emotions she was going through after losing her mom. It’s a process and after almost five years since I lost my own mom I don’t even think I’m there. It was nice to see if only in literature someone rekindling her faith after losing a mom.

The thread of romance in the story didn’t take away from the story it only added to it. And if I can’t visit Ireland in person right now I can visit in the pages of a book.

I look forward to Jennifer’s next book and I have a new author to add to my autobuy author list.

I received a complimentary copy A Dance in Donegal  from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

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. 

Dolly Parton Song Teller by Dolly Patron review

Title:  Dolly Parton Song Teller

 Author:  Dolly Parton

 Genre:  Memoir

 Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Chronicle Books

 

When I saw this book I knew I had to read it and when I saw that Dolly was the  narrator the audio i knew I had to listen instead of read it. Because I just knew Dolly’s own voice would add to the experience and I was right. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t a fan of Dolly’s music seeing as her music made up the soundtrack of my childhood.

I loved this memoir especially the audio because you got Dolly signing her songs through it.

First Line Fridays

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Boston 

October 1920 

"The Grandfather clock downstairs  chimed the hour, its clangs all too reminiscent of the funeral bells presiding over Mother's service just yesterday morning. 

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher Review

Title:  The Moonlight School

Author:  Suzanne Woods Fisher

Ch: 25

Pg:  320

Genre:  Christian Historical fiction

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: Revell

 

I’m a sucker for books set in my home state especially because that includes an unique piece of history of my state. The Moonlight School is my first book by Suzanne Woods Fisher and I loved it.

 

This book is historical fiction not really historical romance which I enjoyed. I also loved that the author wove in both historical and fictional characters to create a wonderful story that brought notice to adult ill literacy with the story of Cora Wilson Stewart’s moonlight schools. In which she used to help the adults people of Rowan county learn to read. Because learning to read leads to knowledge and knowledge is power. She is a Kentucky heroine and wish more people knew about her. I love how her story came to life through the point of view of her fictional cousin Lucy.

 

However Kentucky today has one of the highest I’ll-literary rate in the country. As a library employee I hope that this fictional novel brings attention to this issue.

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy The Moonlight School from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

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. 

When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin review

Title:  When Twilight Breaks

Author:  Sarah Sundin

Ch: 47

Pg:  384

Genre: Christian Historical fiction with a hint of romance , war-omance

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

 

Wow. Now that that’s out of the way let’s get to the review. When Twilight Breaks is Sarah Sundin’s newest novel. That is slightly out of her WWII wheel house. But I loved that this one was set in Germany prior to WWII. Evelyn Brand is an American news reporter who just wants to write the truth. Peter Lang is a German PhD student from the US studying in Munich.

I will say that while I loved this one it’s not an easy read as it deals with a horrible time in history. What makes the story come alive is that one of the main characters is three quarters Jewish and they live in fear of the German anti-Semitic laws. Have tissues handy.

Pete Lang is my kind of historical hero who knows that the heroine can handle herself but he just wants to support and help her not take it away from her. And the fact that he’s a little nerdy doesn’t hurt.

Evelyn’s personality and the cover the woman in the blue coat and red hat gives this marvel nerd slight Agent Carter vibes and I loved this.

When I got to 60% of the book i ended up staying up in order to finish because I had to know what happened. It made me a happy reader but not a happy worker at work the next morning but it was worth it.

What When Twilight Breaks gave me was something I didn’t know I need as a book trope a marriage of necessity not convenience . Which I guess is something she also have us in The Land Beneath Us. Even though I’ve only read four of Sarah’s books this is one of my favorites and it’s easy to say she is indeed the queen of war-mance. I can’t wait for Sarah’s next book to release but I also still have her back list to get through to hold me over.

 

I received a complimentary copy When Twilight Breaks  from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

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. 

Red Vengeance by Margaret Stohl review

Title:  Red Vengeance

Author:  Margaret Stohl

Ch: 37

Pg:  438

Series: Black Widow book 2

Genre:  YA Comic retelling

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Marvel Press

 

Red Vengeance by Margaret Stohl is the sequel to Black Widow forever red. And I loved it more than the first one. It was nice seeing Natasha again as well as her mini me. Though I kind of wanted to see more of the avengers. And when it alluded to someone from Nat’s red past I kind of hoped the winter soldier would make an appearance.

This helped ease my Black Widow withdraw as we wait yet again for the movie. The book wrapped up the duopoly but still left the possibility for a third book.

First Line Friday

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Berlin Germany 

Tuesday, March 15, 1938

"Evelyn Brand had done a crack bit of journalism, and she hadn't even had to dress like a man to do so." 

Pudge and Prejudice review

Title:  Pudge and Prejudice

Author:  A.K. Pittman

Ch: 29

Pg:  352

Genre:  YA Contemporary, retelling

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: Wander

 

Pudge and Prejudice by A.K. Contained two things I love. Pride and Prejudice and the 80s. I love cheesy 80s movies. And reading this book was like watching an 80s movie in a good way.

Set in a Texas small where high school football is king. And everyone in the town is pretty much cheering for the home team from the stands every home game. It was interesting seeing Mr. Darcy as a high school football star named Billy Fitz.

To me this was the most unique retelling of Pride abs Prejudice that I’ve ever read and I do think it’s my favorite. As an 80s nerd who miss most of the 80s and slept through the last two years at least according to my mom and who can binge watch John Hughes movies I knew I had to read this one as soon as I could. And that i would love it. And I was not disappointed. And quite frankly I think it would make and awesome movie, and it’s also got this Jane Austen nerd wants the rest of her books retold in an 80s setting.

First Line Friday's

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May 29, 1928

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

"'From that day on, death was in my song." Vera's Voice quivered as she ended her nightly number." 

Review of Set the Stars Alight

Title:  Set the Stars Alight

Author:  Amanda Dykes

Ch: 47 plus epilogue

Pg:  363

Genre:  Christian fiction dual time

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Bethany House

 

This one was my first Amanda Dykes book but it want be my last. I listened to the audio book and I think it added to the experience. Though it did take a bit for me to get use to the dual time slips but once I did I was hooked on both stories.

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 The Rancher's Holiday Arrangement

Title:  The Rancher’s Holiday Arrangement

 Author:  Brenda Minton

Ch: 15 plus epilogue

Pg:  224

Series: Mercy Ranch book 6

Genre:  Christian contemporary romance

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: love inspired

 

I think The Ranchers Holiday Arrangement is my favorite book by Brenda Minton. But I do know it contains my favorite hero. Joe Lawson is a one of kind hero who hasn’t let his military service nor his injury jade him he holds fast to his Faith. He’s the perfect hero for Daisy.

It was a great ending to the Mercy Ranch series and despite the title the book could be read at any time.

review of The Prodigal Cowboy

Title:  The Prodigal Cowboy

Author:  Brenda Minton

Ch: 16 Plus epilogue

Pg:  224

Series: Mercy Ranch book 5

Genre:  Christian Romance

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Love Inspired

 

I loved this sweet romance filled with second chances and learning to trust God. Not to mention two very stubborn adults and a sassy ten year old. I finished this one in one day.

January Wrap Up

 

I started the month with (47) unread books. Brought (3) books.  Got my owlcrate book (1) Book of the month (1) Got () book for review Won a book in a giveaway (1) Got books for gifts () which brought my total to (53). Read (4) owned books. Read () Kindle books I own  DNF’d () So I am ending the month at books (49) unread books and hoping to get back on track with the whole read 5 physical books before I buy anymore.  I read a total of (22) books across (4,777) pages.

Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz (owned)

Dreams of Savannah by Roseanna M. White (owned)

When Books Went to War: The Stories that helped us win world War II by Molly Guptill Manning (library)

Sets the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes (audio)

Peter  Panzerfaust: The Great Escape by Kurtis Wiebe

Active Defense by Lynette Eason (owned)

How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams (library)

Peter Panzerfaust: Hooked by Kurtis J. Wiebe (library)

 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (kindle)

The Prodigal Cowboy by Brenda Minton (Library)

Peter Panzerfaust: Cry of the Wolf by Kurtis J Wiebe (library)

The Rancher’s Holiday Arrangement by Brenda Minton (library )

Pudge and Prejudice by A.K. Pittman (library)

Peter Panzerfaust Vol 4 The Hunt by Kurtis J Wiebe (library)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chosen Ones by Nilah Magruder (library)

Frontier Follies: Adventures in Marriage & Motherhood in the Middle of Nowhere by Ree Drummond (library)

Red Vengeance by Margaret Stohl (owned)

Black Widow, Vol 2: The Tightly Tangled Web by Nathan Edmondson (library)

Beauty Among Ruins by J’nell Ciesielski (audio)

Black Widow Vol 3: Last Days by Nathan Edmondson

Nancy Drew: The Palace of Wisdom by Kelly Thompson

Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys: The Big Lie by Anthony Del Col

1.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

4/4 Physical
1/4 Kindle
5/4 Netgalley
2/1 Audio
0/0 Purchases I'm still the year off on a book buying ban for January