Book Review - Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

 

In August 1983, it's the day of Nina Riva's annual end-of-the-summer party. It is the party of the year and everyone who is someone is there. The Riva siblings are famous and everyone wants to be around them. Nina is a supermodel and surfer, Jay is a championship surfer, Hud is a famous photographer along with their baby sister, Kit. The siblings are famous and a source of fascination because their dad is the famous singer, Mick Riva.

Nina isn't excited about the party and hates being the center of attention. She was also just publicly dumped by her famous pro tennis player husband. Hud is keeping a secret from his beloved brother and he knows that it might break their bond. Jay is excited to be reunited with his dream girl. He can't stop thinking about her and hopes that she shows up to the party. Kit is keeping a few secrets of her own, including, inviting a guest to the party that would turn everyone's world upside down.

I read this book after reading Daisy Jones and The Six and felt there was quite a few similarities. It was like one book was the "what if" for the other. I thought the book was an interesting read but, at times it felt overwhelming with the amount of  characters. Similar to Daisy Jones, I felt like the novel lacked an actual story and was filled with a lot of trivial details. I did like that a few characters did make appearances in this book and the author's other books. I look forward to reading more books by the author.

Book Review - Ice and Stone (Sharon McCone, #34) by Marcia Muller

 

Two bodies of Indigenous women are found in the wilderness in northern California. It's the latest grim discovery in a long line of similar crimes in the area. Contrary to the presented evidence, the officials still believe the deaths are isolated and the cases join the ranks of other similar unsolved cases that are dismissed by law enforcement.

The town is used to the callous behaviors of law enforcement and just tolerate the injustices. A few people though refuse to let more Indigenous people suffer the same fate. Sharon McCone is a private investigator that was hired to help solve the murders in Meruk county. Sharon must try to parse out who is telling the truth and who is willing to kill to keep it a secret.

This is my first book by the author and even though it's a part of a series, I found it easy to follow along. I thought the book was okay, it was a straightforward and easy read. I was able to guess most of the plot ahead of time. I appreciate that the author focused on the plight and harsh conditions that Native Americans face on a daily basis. Overall, the book was an easy going read but, I am not sure I would go out of my way to read another book by the author.

Book Review - Consumed (Firefighters, #1) by J.R. Ward

 

 

Anne Ashburn is consumed by things she cannot control. She is bitter about her family legacy, her career as a firefighter has ended, she is in love with the department bad boy, and her new arson case is against a fiery killer.

Anne is always up for a challenge and is willing to push herself to the limits. However, she made one risky decision and it changes her life forever. Anne has tied her entire self-worth to being a firefighter and she had to give up her dream job. She had to find a way to reinvent herself and her job.

She decides to become an arson investigator but, it pales in comparison to the adrenaline-fueled life she once had. Anne doesn't feel like she would feel the same passion for her job again. However, when a string of suspicious fires is cropping up all over her city, she begins to feel her passion revitalized.

Danny McGuire is one of the city's best fireman. However, after the accident with Anne, he is suffering from a personal crisis. He is heading for disaster after he keeps taking risks after risks. Danny seems to have a death wish until Anne reappears in his life. Will the arson case be able to help Danny find his path again?

I liked that the author took time to build each of the characters and their backstory. However, many of the side stories were bought up but, they went nowhere. I felt like barely any time was spent on the arson case. The culprit was revealed and caught by a lucky chance towards the almost very end of the book. Most of the book was spent on Anne and Danny's romance and random side-stories. I am not sure if this book was meant to introduce us to the characters or it was just a mediocre read filled with useless details.

Book Review - Behind Every Lie by Christina McDonald

 

Eva Hansen wakes up in a hospital after being hit by lightning. She discovers her mother, Kat, has been murdered. The police found Eva unconscious a few blocks away from her mother. Eva has no recollection of the events from that night. However, the police are suspicious of her and think she is hiding something.

Eva is determined to discover the truth behind that night. She heads to Kat's former home, London to find answers. As she tries to unravel all the secrets her mother kept, she realizes someone is trying to keep the past buried. She is doesn't know who to trust.

The story is told from alternating perspective of Eva and Kat. I enjoyed reading how Eva was trying to piece together her memory from the night. Although there were moments that I found myself rolling my eyes at some portions of the story.  I did find portions of the book to be predictable but, thought the book was an enjoyable read overall.

Book Review - Softly Blows the Bugle by Jan Drexler

 

 In 1863, Elizabeth Kaufman's husband perishes in the Battle of Vicksburg. Instead of feeling sad over his death, she is relieved. She is determined to never let a man control her life again, even if it means she will never have a family of her own.

Aaron Zook joins Elizabeth's brother, Jonas in his journey home. He wants to move the West and restart his life because his past is too painful. He never imagined that the Amish way of life would be appealing as his grandfather left the faith years ago. However, as Aaron spends more time with Elizabeth and Jonas, he finds the Amish ways enticing.  Aaron is stuck between moving to the West and starting a new life with the Amish.

The book was a quick and easy read. I thought Elizabeth to be an annoying character. She claims that she doesn't want to settle down and is content by herself. However, when Solomon throws a bit of interest at her she fawns over him. She feels uncertain about him and her gut is telling her that he is a bad guy. And several people are telling her the same thing but, she still refuses to believe them. When she meets a guy who does care for her and put her interest first, she gives him harsh words even when he was looking out for her. She claims that she doesn't want to beholden to any man who is cruel or mean but, she does the exact opposite. Except for Elizabeth, I thought the rest of the book was an interesting read.

 **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 - The Sound of Falling Leaves by Lisa Cox Carter

 

Tessa survived a devastating fire that caused her to lose her voice. She retreats to her aunt's apple orchard to heal. She still wants to keep music in her life but, she is struggling after the fire. Tessa decides that she will research and collect folk ballads.  While researching folk ballads she discovers a connection between a murder and a woman who disappeared. Tessa gets a first-hand experience behind the corrupt politicians in the isolated Appalachian community. She has a hard time finding someone to trust.

Tessa finds herself drawn to Zeke. He is the quiet and mysterious caretaker. He tries to show her that mountain justice is neither impartial nor just. Tessa is unsure if she can trust him but, she finds herself drawn to him.

I was very torn reading this novel. There were some moments where I enjoyed reading the characters and then other times, it was like the character snapped. For example, Zeke got annoyed that Tessa was "obsessively" looking for a certain singer when Zeke was doing the same thing. I found the book to be slow during some parts but, it had a few twists. One thing I really didn't like is that on the cover of my copy, Zeke was colored in to appear darker as he is of mixed descent. I am not sure why they just didn't find someone of tan skin instead of coloring in the person's face.

  **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 - A Tangled Web by Leslie Rule

Photo Credit - Amazon

In November 2012, a thirty-seven-year-old single mother vanishes from Omaha, Nebraska. Cari was known to others as a doting daughter, a devoted mother, a thoughtful friend, and a reliable employee. She has never been the type to abandon her duties and obligations. She would never abandon her son or her dying father as he is taking his last breath. However, the texts from her phone indicated a different story. 

In a span of over thousands of text messages and emails, Cari dumps her new boyfriend, quits her promising career, plans to leave her familial home, sell all of her belongings, and give up custody of her son. Her boyfriend, Dave Kroupa, and her manager believe that this behavior is odd for Cari but, still believe and accept her texts at face value. Her mother, Nancy Raney, believes that this isn't the behavior of her daughter. She is certain that her daughter is in danger and reports her missing. The police are skeptical of her claim of someone posing to be her daughter.

Nancy and a handful of Cari's friends are afraid of what happened to Cari. However, Dave is certain that Cari is stalking him and grows fearful of her. He has never seen or heard Cari but, the stalker always remains one step ahead of him. His stalker also seems to be obsessed with his girlfriend, Shanna Liz Golyar. The stalker uses every opportunity available to be verbally abusive towards Liz and even threatens her.

In three years, the stalker sends over twelve thousand emails and texts to their victims. The stalker communicates with Cari's mother, Nancy along with stalking Dave and Liz endlessly. Dave and Liz receive threats of death, vandalism, and burglaries. While the stalker might have sent the messages in Cari's name, the identity of the real stalker is tangled behind webs of deceit and lies.

I wasn't familiar with the case and this was my first "real crime" novel. However, I must say, I am hooked. I didn't read the description of the novel so, finding out how the real culprit was a mystery to me. After a few chapters into the book, I had a feeling of the mastermind was. I was quite surprised that they were able to pull off such a ruse given how Dave describes her. The author wove an enticing read and I love getting the background behind each of the characters. A true gem for a true crime fanatic!

 **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 - Almost Home by Valerie Fraser Luesse

Photo Credit - Amazon

When America entered World War II, the small town of Blackberry Springs, Alabama grew overnight. Workers from all over are coming south for jobs in the factories. Dolly Chandler's family is going through a hard time and decides to turn her family home into a boardinghouse to accommodate the worker boom. Each one of Dolly's boarders is bringing a bit of the past with them along with their hopes for the future.

A couple from the Midwest who is going through a tough time in their marriage, a pair of married unemployed professors from Chicago, a widower from Mississippi, and a young veteran who is struggling to heal from the war. They each are hoping that they can heal at Dolly's house and find their back in the real world.  However, the house has a past that it's waiting to reveal to the boarders.

When an accident occurs and threatens Dolly's livelihood, she has to rely on her band of friends for help. Will the group of friends be able to solve the mystery of the missing young bride and pirate?

I thought the novel was a fun read. The novel was told from two different perspectives of a young woman in a failing marriage and a veteran returning from the war.  I found the middle of the novel to move a bit slow but, I did enjoy all the characters. I found the ending bittersweet and it felt like I was saying goodbye to a good friend when I finished reading the book. I am looking forward to reading more books by the author.

**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 - Promise for Tomorrow by Michelle DeBruin + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Logan and Karen decide to live a life of faith but, things are not going as they planned. Karen Millerson hoped to be teaching at a high school but, she is now teaching at a country school while boarding with a family of farmers.  She becomes engaged to  Logan De Witt and shares a life of faith with him. However, after a tragic accident occurs and the school catches on fire, Karen is blamed. Her future at the school remains uncertain.

Logan De Witt is working to remove his family from financial debt. However, when he accidentally breaks his leg, he is unable to work the farm which affects his ability to repaid the debt. Logan is faced with difficult decisions that might affect his desire to marry Karen. Will Logan and Karen find a way to care for his family and protect his love for Karen?

This the second novel in the series and while it can be read as a standalone, I felt like I was missing as few references as I didn't read the first book. For example, the struggles that Logan and Karen faced before agreeing to get married were already sorted in the beginning but, the couple didn't want their relationship to be noted as scandalous as they were courting while she lived with him. There were a few places were the book was a bit slow but, I enjoyed the plot twists. I enjoyed the part where the kids were playing pranks with each other even though, I felt for Karen.

**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.**

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Promise for Tomorrow
By Michelle De Bruin
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 290 Pages
November 19th 2019 by Mantle Rock Publishing

Living a life of faith isn’t going the way Logan and Karen hoped until some special visitors arrive and offer them their future back.

Karen Millerson dreamed of teaching high school but now finds herself boarding with a farm family and teaching country school. She is engaged to marry Logan De Witt and is getting prepared to share in ministry with him. But when she gets blamed for the tragic fire at the school, Karen’s future grows uncertain.

Logan De Witt is working to clear his family’s name with the bank. But when he breaks his leg, hindering his ability to work the farm, Logan is faced with life-changing decisions. When his best friend can’t offer the help he requested, can Logan find a way to care for his family and court Karen at the same time before his love for her destroys all of them?

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Hope for Tomorrow
By Michelle De Bruin
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 294 Pages
October 23rd 2018 by Mantle Rock Publishing LLC

When Logan De Witt learns of his father’s sudden death, he returns home to the family’s dairy farm. During his stay, he discovers his mother’s struggle with finances and his younger sister’s struggle with grief. Concern for his family presses Logan to make the difficult decision to leave his career as a pastor and stay on the farm. As a way to make some extra money, he agrees to board the teacher for their local school.

Karen Millerson arrives from Chicago ready to teach high school but her position is eliminated so she accepts the role of country school teacher. Eager to put her family’s ugly past behind her, Karen begins a new career to replace the trust she lost in her own father who had been in ministry when she was a child.

Logan and Karen both sense a call from the Lord to serve him, but neither of them expected that one day they would do it together.

Can Karen learn to trust again? Will Logan lay aside his grief in exchange for God’s purpose for his life?

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About the Author

Michelle De Bruin lives in Iowa with her husband and two teenage sons. She has a bachelor’s degree in Religion with a Christian Ministry emphasis, and in Music. Michelle is the spiritual services provider for an organization that offers services for people with mental and physical disabilities. She has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2015. Michelle writes inspirational historical romance about people who live in rural communities. Characters that bring to life the delights of farm and small-town living, whispers of Dutch heritage, and Christian faith make Michelle’s stories distinct. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always on the lookout for glimpses of God’s love through the window of a good story. Her first book, Hope for Tomorrow, released in 2018. The sequel, Promise for Tomorrow, released November 2019.

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Book Review - On a Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Photo credit - Amazon

Camden Grayson loves a challenge. Her professional career has never been better but, the rest of her life needs improvement.  Her sisters believe that her motto of "moving on" isn't helping her. Cam's life gets all topsy turvy when her father sells their childhood home to buy a remote island off the coast of Maine.

Paul Grayson and his deceased wife shared a dream of returning to the camp where they first met and fell in love. However, while Paul was busy chasing his career, his wife passed away during an unfortunate accident. He decided that he spent too much of his time waiting to achieve their dreams and decides to buy the island. He believes that he already wasted time he could have spent with this wife but, now he can use this time to bond with his daughters. Will the island provide solace to the family? Will they be able to find their path of happiness?

I grew up and spent most of my time in the city but, I have visited a few islands. Living on an island or even a small community has a different pace of time. A person can breathe and reconnect with each other and Mother Nature. The novel showed how people sometimes get caught up with the daily demands of life that they forgot to take time and reconnect with themselves and each other. The novel was a nice cozy read about three sisters finding their path to happiness along with a few twists.

**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 - Never Tell by Lisa Gardner

Photo Credit - Amazon

Someone shot a man three times in his home office but, his computer has been shot twelve times. When the police arrive, his pregnant wife is holding the gun. When D.D. Warren arrives on the scene, she recognizes the woman as Evie Carter. D.D. worked a case many years ago when Evie's father was accidentally killed by his daughter.  Warren feels that there are too many coincidental deaths that occur near Evie Carter.

When Flora Danes see the new report of Conrad Carter's murder, she remembers him from when she was kidnapped. Her captor, Jacob knew and met Conrad while Flora was his hostage. Flora is overcome with guilt for not trying to find out more about Jacob's victims. Flora decides to work with D.D. to help figure out the truth behind Conrad's death. As Flora and D.D. work on the case, they discover some people will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden.

I thought the novel was a suspenseful read and showed how far someone would go protect the ones they love. I have read other books by Lisa Gardner and usually love them. However, this book left me wanting more. I felt like the story drag towards the middle and did nothing to build the story. I left like D.D. Warren took a backseat in investigating the case until the very end when she realizes who is behind the murder.

 **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 - House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

Photo Credit - Amazon

Annaleigh lives a privileged life at Highmoor with her sisters and her father and stepmother. She used to be one of twelve sisters but, one by one her four sisters' lives has been cut short. Each one of their deaths more tragic than the previous. There are whispers in the village that the family is cursed by the gods.

After a series of ghostly visions, Annaleigh is convinced that there is something suspicious of her sister's deaths. The girls decide that they are done with mourning and decide to sneak out every night to attend balls and dance until dawn in their fancy silk gowns and shimmering slippers. Annaleigh is unsure if she stops them or joins them in their forbidden outings. She wonders who are they really dancing with as more darkness befall her family. Will Annaleigh be able to figure out who is behind her family's tragedies? 

I thought the novel was an engrossing and well-written read. I did find some parts to be a bit boring and the ending to be predictable. However, I did enjoy the world-building aspects of the novel and the different characters. At times, I felt that there was too much going on but, overall I did enjoy reading the book.

 **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 - The Liar's Room by Simon Lelic

Photo Credit - Amazon

Susanna Fenton is living a lie. She is keeping secrets from her daughter and her friends. Fourteen years ago, she left her husband and her identity behind to keep her daughter safe. She works as a therapist helping people, hoping she put her past behind her.

A young man, Adam Geraghty walks into her office, insisting he needs help from Susanna. Susanna feels that Adam isn't being honest with her and he has a darker motive. She begins to fear that her secret has been discovered. Why is Adam asking Susanna for help? What are his true motives behind his visit?

The novel had a few twists and turns but, I didn't find the novel to be exciting. I didn't find any of the characters relatable and I felt that the novel moved very slowly. Overall, it wasn't a bad read but, it wasn't very psychologically thrilling.

 **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 - Single Dad to the Rescue by Cari Lynn Webb + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Brooke Ellis finds herself homeless after her home is destroyed by a wildfire. She finds temporary shelter at the home of a paramedic, Dan Sawyer and his diabetic son, Ben. With Brooke and her furry companions moving in, Dan finds his already chaotic life to be turned upside down. After dealing with a messy divorce with his ex; Dan is hesitant to open his heart again. Will Brooke and Dan be able to move forward from their past?

The novel was a cozy romantic read with likable characters and not so likable characters. I found Ben to be cute and loveable along with all of Dan's friends. The author weaves the perfect amount of drama to keep readers drawn to the story and not become overwhelmed. Overall, it was the perfect romantic beach read.

 **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.**

On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Single Dad to the Rescue
(City by the Bay Stories #4)
By Cari Lynn Webb
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages
August 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He offered her help

And he found love

Her home destroyed by a wildfire, Brooke Ellis finds temporary shelter at the home of paramedic Dan Sawyer and his young son, Ben. With the addition of Brooke and her lively fur family, Dan finds his carefully planned routine delightfully turned upside down. And his carefully guarded heart daring to trust in love again. When his ex-wife suddenly reappears, will it be Brooke to the rescue?

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About the Author

Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers. Visit her at her website.

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Book Review - Dragonslayer by Duncan M. Hamilton + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

A long time ago, dragons once rule the lands and there was heavy demand for brave dragonslayers. However, the dragons have long died out and the need for dragonslayers died with them.  Guillot dal Villevauvais was once an illustrious famous knight of the King's personal guard and now, he a drunken disgrace.

When a quest to look forgotten power awakes a dragon, Gill is called upon to help slay the dragon.  He is astonished and worried when he called upon by Prince Bishop to kill the dragon  He is no longer the heroic person and must call upon his past experience to help guide him.  

On his way to the Capital, Gill comes across a young barmaid, Solene who is about to be burned as a witch by an angry mob. He had seen enough innocent people being punished wrongly and decides to save her. He soon discovers that Solene is a powerful mage but lacks experience and control. However, magic is considered to be forbidden but, Prince Bishop believes magic will help destroy the dragon and better the lives of the people. Together will Gill and Solene be able to defeat the dragon?

I love reading the "Lord of the Rings" novels. While this book has elements of a great fantasy novel, I felt like something was missing.  felt like there was a lack of explaining the world the characters lived in. There was no story behind the different cities and villages that would have helped add to the story. I did enjoy that the novel included the perspective of both the dragon and the human characters.  The novel did include a lot of gore, sword fighting, and adventure but, overall the novel wasn't for me.

 **Disclosure - I received a free unedited 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.**

Print Length: 304 pages
Publisher: Tor Books (July 2, 2019)
Publication Date: July 2, 2019
Sold by: Macmillan
Language: English
ASIN: B07CRFSDLS

Author of one of BuzzFeed 's Greatest Fantasy Books of 2013

Do you have what it takes to be a Dragonslayer? In this epic, adventure fantasy series, an unlikely hero, Guillot dal Villevauvais, must overcome his disgraced past as a failed member of the King’s guard and hunt down a ferocious beast thought long extinct. A dangerous quest, led by the swordsmanship of Gill, the magical powers of Solène, a barmaid nearly burned to the stake, and the goodness of Prince Bishop. From the critically acclaim fantasy author Duncan M. Hamilton, this fast-moving series is a must-read for fans of epic, sword-and-sorcery adventures.

In his magnificent, heroic, adventure fantasy, Dragonslayer, Duncan M. Hamilton debuts the first book in a fast-moving trilogy: a dangerous tale of lost magics, unlikely heroes, and reawakened dragons.

Once a member of the King's personal guard, Guillot dal Villevauvais spends most days drinking and mourning his wife and child. He’s astonished—and wary—when the Prince Bishop orders him to find and destroy a dragon. He and the Prince Bishop have never exactly been friends and Gill left the capital in disgrace five years ago. So why him? And, more importantly, how is there a dragon to fight when the beasts were hunted to extinction centuries ago by the ancient Chevaliers of the Silver Circle?

On the way to the capitol city, Gill rescues Solène, a young barmaid, who is about to be burned as a witch. He believes her innocent…but she soon proves that she has plenty of raw, untrained power, a problem in this land, where magic is forbidden. Yet the Prince Bishop believes magic will be the key to both destroying the dragon and replacingthe young, untried King he pretends to serve with a more pliable figurehead.
Between Gill’s rusty swordsmanship and Solene’s unstable magic, what could go wrong?

You can purchase Dragonslayer at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Credit: Jason Clarke

Duncan M. Hamilton is the Amazon best selling writer of fantasy novels and short stories, including The Wolf of the North and the Society of the Sword trilogy. He has Master’s Degrees in History and Law, and practised as a barrister before writing full time. Duncan is particularly interested in the Medieval and Renaissance periods, from which he draws inspiration for his stories.

He lives in Ireland, near the sea, and when not writing he enjoys sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, cycling, and skiing.

His debut novel, ‘The Tattered Banner (Society of the Sword Volume 1)’ was featured on Buzzfeed’s 12 Greatest Fantasy Books Of The Year, 2013.

Duncan is a member of The Society of Authors, and the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA). He is represented by DongWon Song of Howard Morhaim Literary.

      

WEEK ONE

JULY 1st MONDAY BookHounds EXCERPT 

JULY 2nd TUESDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

JULY 3rd WEDNESDAY J.R.'s Book Reviews REVIEW
JULY 3rd WEDNESDAY Stephanie's Life of Determination REVIEW

JULY 4th THURSDAY Lauren's Bookshelf REVIEW

JULY 4th THURSDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT

JULY 5th FRIDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
JULY 5th FRIDAY Book Briefs REVIEW

WEEK TWO

JULY 8th MONDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW

JULY 9th TUESDAY Sabrina's Paranormal Palace REVIEW 

JULY 9th TUESDAY Rose's Book Corner EXCERPT

JULY 10th WEDNESDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW

JULY 10th WEDNESDAY A Dream Within A Dream EXCERPT

JULY 11th THURSDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW

JULY 12th FRIDAY Movies, Shows, & Books REVIEW

JULY 12th FRIDAY Port Jericho REVIEW

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Book Review - Refuge at Pine Lake: A Pine Haven Novel by Rose Chandler Johnson + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

After a fire forces Robin Lancaster and her mother to move out of their condo, they decide to reevaluate their living arrangement. Robin decides to use the family's lake house to rearrange her priorities including finding love. Robin is a former kindergarten teacher but, she decides she wants to focus on her artwork. She hopes to rekindle her romance with Caleb Jackson, who is the area's top hunting and fishing guide. However, all of Robin's plans go awry when she finds out the cabin has been rented to a professor on sabbatical leave. 

Matthew McLaughlin is a widowed university professor and an acclaimed author from California. He comes to Pine Lake to heal after losing his wife in a car accident. He hopes that this sabbatical will help him revitalize his spirits and writing career. However, when he crosses path with Robin and her dog, he wonders if there is more to life.

At first, I wasn't very fond of the main characters. Robin seemed very involved in wanting to have freedom from her mother and to be able to pursue Caleb freely. However, she didn't take into account Matt's feelings and his need for privacy. On the same hand, Matt seemed to be gruff when they first met and then falls for Robin after a few homecooked meals. As the novel progressed, I did warm up a bit more to the characters and was hoping that they get their own happy ending. 

 **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.**

Refuge at Pine Lake
By Rose Chandler Johnson
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
March 6th 2019 by Chanson Books

Robin Lancaster, a twenty-six-year-old former kindergarten teacher, has her summer and her life all figured out. She’s ready to be on her own, writing and illustrating her children’s stories at her family’s beloved lake house. Once there, she intends to rekindle a romance with Caleb Jackson, the area’s top hunting and fishing guide, and bag him for herself.

Complications arise from the start when Robin finds out her mother has rented the lake house to a man they know nothing about.

Matthew McLaughlin, forty-year-old widowed university professor and author from California, shows up at Pine Lake in crisis. A sabbatical might be his only hope to save much more than his career. He needs a place of refuge. Sharing the lake house with a lighthearted young woman and her dog is the last thing on his mind.

Caleb Jackson has his own plans. He’s used to things going his way, but a man staying in Robin’s house presents unforeseen challenges. When paths unavoidably tangle for these three, hearts are on the line.

Goodreads│Amazon

About the Author

Rose Chandler Johnson is known for her heartwarming, inspirational writing. In addition to works of sweet contemporary fiction, her devotional journal, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments won the Georgia Author of the Year Finalist Award in 2014.

In her novels, Rose brings to life fascinating characters with compelling relationships embracing family, community, and faith. In distinctive southern settings, Rose creates memorable stories that will stir your heart. Readers often say her writing warms the soul as it reaffirms belief in love and wholesome goodness. Don’t be surprised if you sigh with pleasure as you savor the final pages of her stories.
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Rose has lived in a suburb of Augusta, GA for thirty plus years. Before retiring from Georgia’s school system, she taught English, French, and ESOL. Currently, she is an English instructor at a community college. In addition to reading and writing, Rose enjoys cooking, sewing, gardening, and spending time with her six children and her beautiful grandchildren.

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Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

- One winner will receive a signed print copy of Refuge at Pine Lake plus a $20 Amazon gift card

- One winner will receive a signed print copy of Refuge at Pine Lake

- US only

- Ends July 10, 2019

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Book Review - Last Day by Domenica Ruta

Photo Credit - Amazon

Once a year on May 28, all of humanity gather to celebrate the day of the planet's demise. People party and act as it is the last day they are alive. Sarah is a bookish wunderkind who is looking for love. She felt that she has always been asexual but, she finds herself attracted to an older man, Kurt. Sarah and Kurt met last year during her parents' Last Day BBQ. Kurt is a tattoo artist who is trying to make amends to a family he destroyed years ago.

Karen consistently gets in trouble. She was abused at a young age and suffers from an eating disorder. After getting into trouble again, she decides to abandon her current life and search for her long lost adoptive brother. Her friend, Rosette left the Jehovah's Witness and follows a new pastor who has different opinions about the Last Day. Rosette tries to help Karen as she believes it will her atone for her past sins. When Karen calls Rosette for help, she takes Karen to the church in hopes that it will help her.

Three astronauts on the International Space Station are witnessing the Last Day spectacle in Space. Bear, an American astronaut along with Russian astronaut, Svec, and a Japanese space tourist, Yui contemplate their lives during the Last Day festivities.  Together they band together and share stories of their native customs for the Last Day.

At first, I thought this was going to be an interesting read. Then, I was quite confused by some of the behaviors of the characters especially when they tried changing their behaviors. After I read more about each character I understood their motives. The book depicts how one person's actions have an effect on other people lives. I found that to be an interesting concept that something trivial to you can mean the world to someone else. Overall, the book was thought-provoking but, I am not sure if it was my cup of tea.

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