Book Review - The Hiding Place by C.J. Tudor

 

Joe thought once he left Arnhill, he would never have to return again. He left behind painful memories of bullying, the betrayal of friends, the suicide, and what happened after his sister went missing. However, Joe has no choice but to return home, when he receives an ominous email. The sender claims to know the truth behind his sister's disappearance and claims it is happening again.

Joe decides to lie and apply to a teaching job at his former high school. Joe has to deal with a few people who aren't happy with him coming back to town including, new ones he made over the years. Joe knows he will need to come to terms with his past if he wants to help prevent another tragedy.  However, he is having hard time returning to the abandoned mine where his entire life changed forever.

I have read "The Chalk Man" and have enjoyed it. This book was equal amount of creepy and suspenseful. The novel had a few unexpected twists but, I felt that the ending was a bit lacking. It felt like it was thrown together and I felt like some things were left unexplained. However, I still enjoyed the book and look forward to read more works by the author.

Book Review - Bridge 108 by Anne Charnock + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

In the late twenty-first century, drought and wildfires ravage southern Europe causing residents to flee. When twelve-year-old Caleb and his mother make the journey north, he becomes separated from her and falls victim to human traffickers. He becomes enslaved in an enclave outside Manchester but, he uses the opportunity to improve his situation. Even when his situation looks dire, Caleb never loses hope.

Caleb meets another victim of trafficking and together they look for better opportunities. He hides in the woods and searches for a new place to call home. As Caleb searches for his path, he realizes he can't trust anyone because he might end up in a perilous situation. 

I enjoyed reading this novel as the writing flowed smoothly. The book grabbed my attention and kept it until the end. I enjoyed reading about Caleb and his adventures in finding a place to belong. I liked that the author included different points of view in the book but, I felt like some characters should have been included. I would have liked to have read about his friend in the enclave roof next door and her motivations. The book was fast-paced but, lacked a bit of world-building. The author mentioned a few things in passing but, I wanted to know more about the tech or the political landscape. I felt like this book would be a great introductory novel into an awesome series about a new "world".

**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.**

Print Length: 195 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1542006082
Publisher: 47North (February 18, 2020)
Publication Date: February 18, 2020
Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07PLHGMQN

Praise for BRIDGE 108

“Readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories with hopeful messages will be gratified by this topical tale of human resourcefulness in the face of climate disaster.” —Publishers Weekly

A dystopian novel set in the climate-ravaged Europe of A Calculated Life. Told through multiple voices against the backdrop of a haunting and frighteningly believable future, Bridge 108 charts the passage of a young boy into adulthood amid oppressive circumstances that are increasingly relevant to our present day.

From the Arthur C. Clarke Award–winning author, a dystopian novel of oppression set in the climate-ravaged Europe of A Calculated Life, a finalist for the Kitschies award and Philip K. Dick Award.

Late in the twenty-first century, drought and wildfires prompt an exodus from southern Europe. When twelve-year-old Caleb is separated from his mother during their trek north, he soon falls prey to traffickers. Enslaved in an enclave outside Manchester, the resourceful and determined Caleb never loses hope of bettering himself.

After Caleb is befriended by a fellow victim of trafficking, another road opens. Hiding in the woodlands by day, guided by the stars at night, he begins a new journey—to escape to a better life, to meet someone he can trust, and to find his family. For Caleb, only one thing is certain: making his way in the world will be far more difficult than his mother imagined.

Told through multiple voices and set against the backdrop of a haunting and frighteningly believable future, Bridge 108 charts the passage of a young boy into adulthood amid oppressive circumstances that are increasingly relevant to our present day.

You can purchase Bridge 108 at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Content from Anne Charnock

Anne Charnock's latest novel, DREAMS BEFORE THE START OF TIME, is the winner of the 2018 Arthur C. Clarke Award, and was shortlisted for the BSFA 2017 Best Novel Award. Her novella THE ENCLAVE has won the BSFA 2017 Best Short Fiction Award. This novella is written in the same world as her debut novel, A CALCULATED LIFE, which was a finalist for the 2013 Philip K. Dick and The Kitschies Golden Tentacle Awards.

SLEEPING EMBERS OF AN ORDINARY MIND, her second novel, was named by The Guardian as one of the Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books of 2015

Anne Charnock's journalism has appeared in New Scientist, The Guardian, Financial Times, International Herald Tribune and Geographical. She was educated at the University of East Anglia, where she studied Environmental Sciences, and at The Manchester School of Art, England where she gained a Masters in Fine Art.

As a foreign correspondent, she travelled widely in Africa, the Middle East and India and spent a year overlanding through Egypt, Sudan and Kenya.

        

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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.**

Primark Home Paradise Palm and Coconut Candle

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I love Primark! The store is filled with affordable finds for every occasion and person. A few items have questionable quality though. The clothing can be worn out quicker than other brands and the fit varies per item. I love their candles as they are small and fragrant and usually under $5. This one had a soft tropical scent that wasn't very overpowering. I usually lit this candle after I finished cooking or when I am in the tub soaking. The scent is quite soft and fades quite quickly. But, when I am trying to cut down on expenses, the candle is a nice treat.

Book Review - Bug Boys by Laura Knetzger

Photo Credit - Amazon

Stag-B is a calm but smart adventurer while Rhino-B is a sweet person but self-assertive. The two young beetles are best friends and make up the Bug Boys. They spend their time exploring Bug Village and the surrounding areas.  Together the duo goes on adventures to save their village honey supply, travel through caves, and work with a bookish spider. What new adventure will the Bug Boys embark on?

The graphic novel was a cute read about friendship and coming of age. The two beetles were a fun treat to read about their adventures. The graphic novel has a few jokes but, had a bit more humor.

 **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 Gillespie County Fair by Marc Hess

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The oldest fair in Texas is the Gillespie County Fair. The fair is well regarded and everyone loves to participate in the fair. The old German farming community is struggling to keep it's original charm alive, while rampant land developers are trying to buy up family homesteads.  Two families are torn apart over the sale of their homestead. Will the community be able to survive?

When I first read this book, I thought it was going to be about a community that is struggling and how they able to come together. However, I made it 75% through the book before I found it rather pointless to say the very least. There were a lot of characters and many of them felt just throw into the story. It was very hard to keep track of how all these characters played a role in the story. To be honest, I still don't know what role they played. And, I am not really interested in finding out more about the characters. Overall, I found the book very hard to get into and the characters unrelatable. I wish the author focused on a few main characters and built a concise storyline.

 **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 Sparkle of Silver (Georgia Coast Romance #1) by Liz Johnson

Photo Credit - Amazon

Over ninety years ago, Millie's great-grandmother was a guest at the famous estate of oil tycoon Howard Dawkins. Now, Millie and her grandmother struggle to support themselves. When her grandmother becomes ill, Millie is desperate to find a way to save her. Her grandmother hints that her great-grandmother left behind a lost diary containing clues to a hidden treasure. Millie takes a job at the estate and when she starts snooping around the estate, she catches Ben Thornton's attention. Ben works as a security guard at the estate. He has a few skeletons in his closet and so when Millie offers to split the treasure, he has a hard time saying no. Will Ben and Millie be able to find the treasure?

The book is a sweet romantic story with a bit mystery of mystery mixed in. Both Millie and Ben were flawed but, relatable characters trying to help people they love and care about.  I enjoyed the story but, I would have loved a bit more historical context especially, the parts with Millie's great-grandmother. Overall, a good romantic novel for fans of the genre.

**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 any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram

Photo Source - Amazon

Darius Kellner never really fit in with his Persian family. He knows more about Hobbits and Klingon than Farsi and Persian traditions. When his family decides to take to Iran, Darius realizes this trip will change his life.

Darius has trouble fitting in at home and he knows things will be the same in Iran. However, when Darius meets Sohrab, everything changes. They start playing soccer together, talking for hours, and exploring the city together.  Sohrab makes Darius feels that finally belong somewhere.

I thought this was an emotional and delightful read. I found it endearing and easy to relate to Darius. I remember growing up around that age, I constantly felt out of place and had trouble fitting in. As a child of immigrants after a few years in America, I lost most of our culture and blended with American culture more easily. I had a tough time finding a balance between my culture and the love of my new adopted country. I love how this book illustrates that we all need someone to help us feel that we belong. Overall, a great read for readers of all ages!

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

Book Review - Firestorm by Laura Hilton + Giveaway

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The Behrs moved from a bustling Amish community in Ohio to the desolate and cold Upper Peninsula of Michigan after an incident with a stalker. Her father, Hosea buys a home which is currently inhabitable. The family is forced to reside in a RV, while their home is being rebuilt. Bridget is hoping for a fresh start. But, when the overly friendly Amish man who lives next door starts flirting with her, she has a hard time trusting him. She believes, he is a serial womanizer who takes home a new girl every week.

Gabriel Lapp was exiled from his Florida community because there wasn't enough work to keep him from trouble. His father wants Gabe to settle down and start a family. When the Behrs move next door and need help with the construction of their home, Gabe jumps to the chance of helping. However, the pair like each other but, fear that the other person wants something else. Will they realize there is more to each than they realize?

I found the book a fun read. I like reading the portions with Bridget's father and Gabe. Each character had their own faults and wants but, had a hard time following their hearts.  I didn't like that Bridget and Gabe were going back and forth about dating each other. Overall, a great read especially for fans of the genre.

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

About the Book

Title: Firestorm
Author: Laura Hilton
Genre: Christian Amish
Release Date: July, 2018

Bridget Behr and her family migrate from the bustling Amish community where she grew up in Ohio to the mostly unpopulated Upper Peninsula of Michigan after a stalker breaks into their home. While her father and brother try to find work in the area, the family is forced to reside in a borrowed RV until the house and barn are rebuilt. While Bridget is hoping for a fresh start, she’s afraid to trust anyone—even Gabriel, the overly-friendly Amish man who lives nearby. Bridget thinks he’s a flirt who serial dates and doesn’t even remember the girls’ names.

Due to not enough construction work in his Florida community to keep him out of trouble, Gabriel Lapp has been sent to Michigan to work. His father is desperate for his son to settle down. When the family walks into Gabe’s home in the middle of a thunderstorm and he discovers their circumstances, he offers to help with construction. For Gabe, the beautiful girl he teasingly calls “the recluse” once he discovers she doesn’t attend youth events, confuses him like none other.

As Gabriel and Bridget grow closer, they realize there is more to a person than meets the eye. Just as Bridget is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding love, tragedy strikes. Now Bridget and her family must decide if they should move to another Amish community, or dare to fight for the future they’d hoped for in Mackinac County.

About the Author

 

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with over twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.

When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.

Giveaway

Grand prize: Firefighter Puppet 9 (Melissa & Doug), Copies of Amish Firefighter and Firestorm by Laura Hilton.

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Book Review - Imperfect Justice (Hidden Justice #2) by Cara C. Putman

Photo Credit - Amazon

It seemed like an easy open and closed case - Kaylene Adams kills her daughter only to be killed by the police. Kaylene's attorney, Emilie Wesley, questions the validity of the highly publicized story. She knows that Kaylene would never hurt her daughters and she was looking to leave an abusive marriage. Emilie is consumed by self-doubt and it affects her ability to help other women in violent relationships. Will Emilie be able to find out what really happened to her client?

The novel had an interesting story, but I felt the main character was lacking. She is a person from money and it seems like a lot of things that she does is motivated by money. She mentioned that she would use her trust fund to furnish her lifestyle but not her work. However, she kept mentioning how her work is how she identifies herself and without it, she is lost. She also claims that Kaylene was a good friend and she was torn about the deaths but when Kaylene's brother requested her help, she was hesitant to help saying how it would cut into her personal time (which she also claims she is always working and barely spends time with her friends). But if you think your friend was wrongly accused, I wouldn't worry about my free time (which she still manages to hang out with her other friends). I also think it was petty, that she keeps mentioning her salary at the women's center. And when news of Kaylene's death shook Emilie, she tries to remember  all the good she has done, but when another client comes in to escape with her 10 month old, she seems to be more concerned that she can't write an article for her side job. Overall, it's an interesting book, but it just wasn't for me.

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

Book Review - A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star (Rwendigo Tales) by J. A. Myhre

Photo Credit - Amazon

Kusiima is a thirteen year old, boy but unlike the average kids his age, he has no time for school or having fun. An orphan living with his grandmother and sister, he has to work long hours to support his makeshift family. Kusiima barely makes enough to support his aging grandmother and his sickly sister when he was presented with a once in a lifetime opportunity. The owner of a prominent charcoal company asked Kusiima to accompany him to his next charcoal expedition.  However, when Kusiima realizes they are entering a protected forest where it is illegal to cut down the trees, Kusiima is surrounded by several decisions. Would Kusiima do what is best for his family? Will Kusiima be able to do what is right if it means that his family would suffer?

The short story was an interesting read. It showcased a lot of problems children from third world countries face that children in the first world would take for granted. Children in the United States complain about going to school when many children in other countries don't even have the option of attending school. However, I felt like while the story had a "happy ending", there might be a lot of topics that are too dark and stressful for the target age demographics such as AIDS, abandonment, children dying from starvation, lack of health care, degradation of natural environments, and hopelessness. While, it can be a good tool to let young ones to be more aware and to show them to treat others and Mother Earth with generosity and compassion it would be better to pair this with additional conversation to overwhelm young readers.

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

Book Review - Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Photo Credit - Amazon

Hazel DeFord has a deep and dark secret that continues to haunt her. In 1943, a young ten year old Hazel was picking blackberries with her younger three year old sister, Maggie.  Hazel momentarily leaves Maggie alone to discover Maggie has disappeared upon her return. 

More than seventy years later, Hazel is still haunted by the guilt while the mystery remains unsolved. Hazel's secret has strained her relationship with her daughter, Diane, who is frustrated by her mother's paranoia and being overly overprotective. Diane's daughter, Meghan, on the other hand, loves her grandmother's affection and attention. When Meghan is hurt in an accident, she decides to use her recovery time to visit her grandmother. However, when she arrives, she finds out her mother has also planned to tag along as well.  Diane and Meghan uncover Hazel's dark secret while visiting. Meghan is a cold case detective and volunteers to help her grandmother uncover the truth behind Maggie's disappearance. Will the three generations of DeFord women be able to survive each other? Will Meghan be able to solve the mystery behind Maggie's disappearance?

The novel had an interesting premise, but it failed to deliver. I felt like the story dragged on and on until the last few chapters and I felt like the book could have detailed some characters better. For example, Hazel and her late husband's relationship; did he know about Hazel's secret? I also felt that Meghan didn't really help much with solving the mystery behind Maggie's disappearance. Her partner had a bigger role in solving it and than she did while the "mystery" was quite obvious from the beginning. I like the author's writing style so I might be open to reading more of her novels.

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