Book Review - Sunburst (Sky King Ranch #2) by Susan May Warren

 

Ranger Kingston is a former Navy SEAL and a lifelong bachelor dedicated to his job. When he was called upon to rescue his brother, Colt, who has been kidnapped by terrorists in Nigeria, he never imagined he would come across the one woman who he could never forget.

Noemi Sutton was attempting to reunite a young girl with her family in Boko Haram territory. However, she finds herself and the girl taken hostage, along with several others.  Ranger is able to get the hostages away from their captors, but he will need Noemi's help if they want to leave Nigeria unharmed.

Noemi suggests that they pose as husband and wife. When her uncle finds out, he insist that the pair do a traditional Nigerian wedding, binding the two to each other. As Noemi and Ranger try to find a way to safety, they discover the real reason why she was kidnapped and no one around her might be safe.

This was the second book in the series but, it can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed the first book of the series but, I didn't really like this book as much. I felt like Noemi was supposed to be trained in the field but, she kept doing things and letting her feelings get the better of her causing them to be in trouble. I did like that she was witty and I liked their back to forth banter. I didn't like that this book had tons of switches from the future to the present as sometimes, it wasn't very clear. I did like learning about Nigerian customs and the cultural norms. The story does end in a cliffhanger and leads way to the next book in the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Girl in the Walls by A.J. Gnuse

 

Elise knows every inch of the house she once shared with her parents before they were taken by the car crash. She knows which boards will creak and where there are gaps in the walls. Elise knows which part of the house will take her in and hide her. This is Elise's home no matter who else is currently living there.

Eddie is a teenager who is struggling with everyday life. He is trying to forget about the girl that he sometimes notices from the corner of his eye. When his older brother mentions her too, they are faced with the obstacle of removing someone they aren't sure they even exist. As they try to lure Elise out, they end up seeking help from a more dangerous person who brings chaos to their doorstep.

I thought this book was going to be a thriller or mystery novel. Instead, it didn't really have any thrills or excitement unless you include the idea of Elise being caught. I thought it was interesting how the author set up the chapters but, sometimes I felt like the story just muddled along. I thought the ending was interesting and was a nice wrap up but, it took a painfully long time to get there.

Book Review - The Prince and the Prodigal by Jill Eileen Smith

  

Joseph is the favorite son of his father, Jacob. His older brothers are jealous and resentful over Joseph's status as their father's favorite. So, when the opportunity arises to get rid of him, the brothers take the chance and sell him to slave traders. They told Jacob that Joseph was killed by wild animals. The brothers believe that their troubles are finally over but, for Joseph and his brother, Judah, they are just beginning.

Joseph becomes imprisoned when he is accused of raping his master's wife. Judah tries to escape the guilt of selling his brother into slavery. Decades has passed, when the brothers finally reunite again. Joseph  is in a position of power while Judah begs for mercy. Will the brothers be able to choose forgiveness?

I have read a few books by the author and I liked this book better than the others. I felt like the story flowed more smoothly even though at times, the book felt like it was moving very slowly. There was a lot of sex and scenes of rape that I didn't care for but, I understand that they were needed for certain parts of the story. I like that the story was told from alternating story lines. I like reading about how the brothers were dealing with the past betrayal. While, I know that Joseph is the main character and he  didn't want the preferred treatment of his father, I felt that when he got older he lost some of his humility. Overall, the book will be well received by readers who are  fan of the author's.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Rules for Being Dead by Kim Powers

 

In the late 1960s in McKinney, Texas ten-year-old Clarke and his brother, Corey escapes to the local theaters to watch movies. They use the movies as a way to fuel their dreams and cope with the recent death of their mother. The boys lose their beloved mother. but, no one will them how she died. And no one has told their mother, Creola, how she died either. She is floating around trapped between life and death. She spends her days watching her family and trying to figure out her final moments. Clarke decides that he will figure out the truth behind his mother's death. Will be able to cope with the truth?

I had hard a time getting into this book because the font size and spacing was so tiny! I felt like a grandmother trying to read this book and I had to read it in small bursts. However, I thought it was an entertaining but, a sad read. The author did a good job illustrating grief and flawed characters. The book was narrated in alternating points of view which allowed readers a glimpse into each character.  The author took portions of his life story as inspiration for this book. I wish there was a section in the book explaining which parts were true to life and which were fabricated. I found myself thinking about it throughout the novel.  

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Estranged by Ethan M. Aldridge

Photo Credit - Amazon

Changeling Edmund and the Human Childe were swapped at birth. Edmund lives in secret among the humans in the World Above. He keeps his powers a secret from his parents and older sister, Alexis. Childe lives in the World Below among the changelings. In the World Below, being a human makes him a curiosity in the royal palace. When a dark force descends on the palace and an evil sorceress Hawthorne takes the throne, Edmund and the Child will have to work together to stop her.

The book had a very basic storyline of two "brothers" fighting for their family. The graphic novel had themes of friendship, family, and loyalty weaved throughout the book. I found it to be a fun read and a good starting point of the next adventure of Edmund and the Childe. I wasn't fond of the washed-out artwork but, it started growing on me. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Estranged #2: The Changeling King by Ethan M. Aldridge + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Changeling Edmund Carter resumed his rightful role as Cinder, king of the World Below after spending years pretending to be human. However, not all of the underworld inhabitants are happy about his return to the throne. Ed is still adjusting to his new human life in the World Above. His birth parents are kind and accepting of him but, he misses his sense of purpose as a knight.

When a new threat threatens the lives of everyone in the World Below, Cinder must rely on his friends and family to assist him. However, Cinder discovers a dark secret at the end of their journey. Will Cinder be able to protect his family and kingdom against all odds?

The graphic novel was illustrated in beautiful watercolor paintings. I enjoyed the first book in the series and the second one didn't disappoint. We got to see the characters learn about themselves and how they fit in with their world. They also learn the importance of friends and family is not only people who are related by blood. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

 

Series: Estranged (Book 2)
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (October 1, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 006265389X
ISBN-13: 978-0062653895

Praise for ESTRANGED Series

“A splendid tale of faery magic and adventurous siblings, all told in gorgeously rendered watercolor panels: this is exactly my kind of thing.” —Ben Hatke, author and illustrator of the New York Times bestselling Zita the Spacegirl trilogy

“It’s got dragons. It’s got drama. It’s got depth. And it’s got me impatiently awaiting Ethan M. Aldridge’s next eye-popping adventure.” —Tim Federle, award-winning author of Better Nate Than Ever and Five, Six, Seven, Nate!

“A compelling story about finding identity in a world where magic dangers lurk just around the corner. I loved Estranged!” —Molly Ostertag, author-illustrator of The Witch Boy

“As richly imagined in the full-color illustrations, the worldbuilding is both accessible and as familiar as those genre stalwarts… this should easily resonate with preteen and teen fans of both Holly Black and Neil Gaiman.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Worthy of inclusion in any fantasy collection.” —School Library Journal

“[F]un, daring, and dark...with themes and art that fall into the realm of Neil Gaiman, Michael Ende, and Jim Henson. Coupled with the beautifully toned watercolor art, the interdependence of and tension between the two protagonists makes this book stand out.” —Publishers Weekly

“The deliciously captivating start to this adventure series will leave readers hungry for more.” —Booklist

Enter a world of faerie magic and epic adventure in this spellbinding sequel to Estranged—a rich fantasy graphic novel perfect for fans of Amulet.

After years of pretending to be human, the changeling Edmund Carter has assumed his rightful role as Cinder, king of the World Below. But not everyone at the royal palace is happy about his return.

Meanwhile, Ed is adjusting to human life in the World Above. His birth family treats him with a kindness he never knew growing up in the Fay court, but Ed misses the sense of purpose he had as a knight.

When a mysterious new threat emerges in the World Below, Cinder must call on Ed and their older sister, Alexis, for help. But nothing can prepare them for the family secret that awaits at the end of their perilous quest.

With over two hundred pages of gorgeous watercolor paintings, The Changeling King invites readers on an epic journey through a magical world—one they will not soon forget.

You can purchase The Changeling King at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Content from Ethan M. Aldridge 

Ethan M. Aldridge is a bestselling author and illustrator. He is the creator of the fantasy graphic novel ESTRANGED (a Junior Library Guild selection, Indie Bestseller, and YALSA Great Graphic Novel For Teens), and it's follow up THE CHANGELING KING (coming fall 2019).

Ethan was raised in a small town in Utah. Growing up, Ethan’s favorite things to draw were monsters and whatever dinosaur he liked that week. He now does more or less the same thing for a living. Ethan lives in New York City with his husband, Matthew, and their dog, Kitsune.

Ethan has had the pleasure to create work for HarperCollins Publishers, Penguin Random House, and EA Games.

        

WEEK ONE - REVIEWS

DECEMBER 9th MONDAY Insane About Books REVIEW
DECEMBER 10th TUESDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW
DECEMBER 11th WEDNESDAY JeanBookNerd PODCAST
DECEMBER 11th WEDNESDAY Wonder Struck REVIEW
DECEMBER 12th THURSDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
DECEMBER 13th FRIDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW 

WEEK TWO - REVIEW & CREATIVE INSTAGRAM PICTURE
DECEMBER 16th MONDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW
DECEMBER 17th TUESDAY BookHounds YA REVIEW
DECEMBER 18th WEDNESDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW
DECEMBER 19th THURSDAY Life Within The Pages REVIEW
DECEMBER 20th FRIDAY For The Love of Fictional Worlds REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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Book Review - The Good Son by You-Jeong Jeong

Photo Credit - Amazon

Twenty-six-year-old Yu-jin wakes up to a strange smell and a phone call from his brother asking if everything is okay because he had a missed call from their mother. Yi-jin shortly discovers her murdered body in their apartment and he is covered with her blood. Yu-jin suffers from seizures his most of his life and has trouble with his memory. He recalls his mother calling his name but, he is unsure why she was calling his name. Yi-jin begins to uncover what happened that night and he learns the truth about himself and his family.

The novel was a suspenseful read but, a few parts were a bit slow. I was surprised at the ending but,  I wondered if there was more that could have been done with the story. Overall, it was an interesting take on the mind of a psychopath and I would read more books by the author.

 **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

After the tragic death of her husband, Aven Norgaard decides to give up her life in Norway. She travels to Blackbird Mountain to become a housekeeper for her husband's family. When she arrives she finds three grown men on the farm. Aven was expecting to help care for three children. As she adjusts to life living with the brothers, she learns the brothers make a living by brewing hard cider.

Aven's appearance at the farm has the two youngest brothers at odds. They are both in love with Aven and want to marry her. Haakon, the youngest is bold and passionate. While Thor is a gentle deaf and mute giant who drinks to cope with his pain. Will the love for Aven tear the two brothers apart? Will she be able to find the solace she is looking for?

I enjoyed that this novel had a character who had disabilities. I thought the author portrayed Thor's challenges and frustrations in a humanizing and sympathetic way. I enjoyed reading the novel but, at times I felt like it was a bit slow and boring. I felt like novel could have more action/drama, instead of the fluff.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

Title: Sons of Blackbird Mountain
Author: Joanne Bischof
Genre: Historical Romance
After the tragic death of her husband, Aven Norgaard is beckoned to give up her life in Norway to become a housekeeper in the rugged hills of Nineteenth-Century Appalachia. Upon arrival, she finds herself in the home of her late husband’s cousins—three brothers who make a living by brewing hard cider on their three-hundred acre farm. Yet even as a stranger in a foreign land, Aven has hope to build a new life in this tight-knit family.
But her unassuming beauty disrupts the bond between the brothers. The youngest two both desire her hand, and Aven is caught in the middle, unsure where—and whether—to offer her affection. While Haakon is bold and passionate, it is Thor who casts the greatest spell upon her. Though Deaf, mute, and dependent on hard drink to cope with his silent pain, Thor possesses a sobering strength.
As autumn ushers in the apple harvest, the rift between Thor and Haakon deepens and Aven faces a choice that risks hearts. Will two brothers’ longing for her quiet spirit tear apart a family? Can she find a tender belonging in this remote, rugged, and unfamiliar world?
A haunting tale of struggle and redemption, Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a portrait of grace in a world where the broken may find new life through the healing mercy of love.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

 

JOANNE BISCHOF is an ACFW Carol Award and ECPA Christy Award-winning author. She writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the heartstrings. She was honored to receive the San Diego Christian Writers Guild Novel of the Year Award in 2014 and in 2015 was named Author of the Year by the Mount Hermon conference. Joanne’s 2016 novel, The Lady and the Lionheart, received an extraordinary 5 Star TOP PICK! from RT Book Reviews, among other critical acclaim. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her three children. Visit her online at JoanneBischof.com, Facebook: Author, JoanneBischof, Instagram: @JoanneBischof.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Joanne is giving away

Grand prize of a country crate, a jar of apple butter, a bag of gummy berries, journal, bath salts, honey spoons, copper earrings, and a blackbird sign!!

Click below to enter.  
https://promosimple.com/ps/d140/sons-of-blackbird-mountain-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review - The Pretender: A Blackguard in Disguise (The Caselli Family #1) byTa`Mara Hanscom

Photo Credit - Amazon

On a snow day in 1975, Tillie Caselli was given the opportunity to show her artwork in a Junior Artist Competition. While visiting a new city, her fellow students sneak out to a bar. Worried that something happened to them, Tille and her friend, Ginger venture into the bar to bring them back to the hotel. Tillie crosses path with bad boy biker, Noah Hansen and  their lives will never be the same. Is Noah the perfect knight for Tille or is he a blackguard in disguise?

When reading the description, the novel seemed very interesting. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get into the book. The conversations between the characters didn't feel real and the writing style was painful to read. The love story between Tille and Noah also felt unrealistic. They fell in love in two days and wanted to get married, but then when something happens, instead of trusting each other and their feelings, one of the characters just completely abandon the relationship. How can someone go from being head over heels in love and then completely ignore their love interest? There was also too many random events and characters which were very hard to keep track of along with the story just droning on and on. 

The author lost credibility in my opinion when she used one of the characters, Tara to call Tillie a "waif". Which means "neglected or abandoned child", and from reading the novel, we all know Tillie is anything but neglected. She has a family that loves and cares for her and she had several suitable prospects. I also didn't like how the family was quick to judge people and call them either blackguards or knights, when they themselves didn't act respectable at times. The Casellis knew their daughter wasn't interested in her prom date, but told her to go anyways, so she has someone to take her there and that Tillie can just be with her friends during the prom instead of her date. Well, the story finally picked up towards the end, I am very hesitant to pick up another book by the author because of the lack of story and poor editing.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - His Guilt: The Amish of Hart County by Shelley Shepard Gray

Photo Credit : Amazon

Two years ago, Mark Fisher was accused of a crime he didn't commit. He left the Amish community, in hopes to start over but he could never forget his home. Mark returns to Hart County when his mentor reaches out to him for help at his store. At the store, is where he meets the innocent Waneta or Neeta Cain. At first, Neeta is afraid of Mark but she decides the Amish way is to forgive people and decides to befriend Mark. As their friendship buds, Neeta is one of the few people in Hart County who knows Mark isn't capable of hurting anyone despite his rough exteriors. When their friendship starts to bloom romantically, one of Neeta's close friends was attacked just when Mark begins to feel at home. Then another woman who knows both Neeta and himself is attacked, Mark is scared for Neeta's safety. Who is the culprit behind these crimes? Why are they targeting these women?

I have read a couple of the author's books and have enjoyed them. This one is no exception; I love how it has a darker and grittier side to Amish romances. The novel was suspenseful and kept me guessing but like many of her books, you are given clues to the culprit's identity. A thrilling read for anyone who likes Amish romance novels.

**Disclosure - I received an uncorrected copy of this book for review**

Book Review - The Heirs A Novel by Susan Rieger

Photo Credit - Amazon

After their father, Rupert Falkes, dies his five adult sons find their inheritance threatened when a woman sues their father estate, claiming she has two sons by him. While the brothers are still reeling from their father's death, they feel betrayed by the turn of events. However, their mother, Eleanor seems to be calm and cool even under pressure of the claim. Eleanor even believes that they should give some of the money to the "other" sons. The novel follows the quirky cast of characters as they deal with Rupert's death. Who is this mystery woman? What secrets is the family hiding?

A quick and interesting read with an unexpected ending.  A good read for the beach with the complex and interesting characters. But it lacks much of a story line; if you rather read more about character details, than this book is for you.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - The Cherished Quilt (An Amish Heirloom Novel) by Amy Clipston

Photo Credit - Amazon

Christopher Hochstetler leaves Ohio after a family tragedy. He is heartbroken and overwhelmed with grief and guilt. When he arrives in Bird-in-Hand, he puts up a cold exterior and tries to keep to himself as he tries to work in his uncle's leather shop. However, that doesn't stop Emily Fisher from trying to befriend him. Their budding friendship slowly turns to love when Emily and Chris share their secrets with each other.  Emily decides to make a quilt as a token of their friendship, however Chris leaves for Ohio after a family emergency without telling Emily.  When Emily sends Chris the complete quilt, would Chris be able to accept the token of her love? Will Chris join the church so  they can be together?

The third novel in the series was beautifully written and fun to read.  I like that the author included a family tree and a dictionary for Amish translation. My only qualm with the novel is that I felt like the quilt was an afterthought and not much of the story revolved around it. A good read  for anyone who likes happy light reading Amish novels.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**