Book Review - The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal

 

In London in 1850s, the Great Exhibition was being built in Hyde Park. The spectacle brings a huge crowd of people which causes two strangers to be meet by chance. Iris is an beautiful aspiring artist who doesn't think much of this fleeting moment. However, for Silas, a curious collector is enchanted by the meeting and intrigued by Iris.

Iris is asked to model for artist Louis Frost but, before she agrees she asked him to teach her to paint. Iris finds her world expanded beyond the doll shop she was working in. She loves everything the new creative world has offered to her but, she has no idea of the evil that is lurking in the shadows. Silas has been unable to stop thinking of anything other than Iris and his thoughts are turning darker.

I didn't really care for the gruesome and disgusting details in this book. I felt like this has put me off on liking this book. I thought the book was  a bit boring and the ending felt incomplete. I wish there was background on some of the characters and less details on gruesome stuff. This book was a complete miss for me.

Book Review - The Hidden Things by Jamie Mason

Photo Credit - Amazon

A home security camera captures an attack on fourteen-year-old Carly Liddell. The video also shows her heroic escape. The video appears online and becomes a viral hit. As the popularity of the video grows, the lives of four people will be forever changed by an object that is barely visible in the corner.

The object is a stolen four-hundred-year-old painting by a master of the Dutch Golden Age. Carly's stepfather is the only person in their house who knows the history behind the painting and how it came into his possession. An art dealer who was betrayed and had the painting stolen from her sees the chance to get her life back. An enforcer hired by billionaires to hunt and deliver priceless treasure will stop at nothing to get his prize. However, as Carly comes to terms with newfound fame, she uncovers the secrets behind the painting. Will these secrets destroy her family and everything she holds dear?

The book had an interesting premise. However, I couldn't stand the writing style. I found myself rereading several passages over and over again. I found the story to drag on and on. I didn't find myself relating or even liking any of the characters. Unfortunately, I couldn't be bothered to waste more time on this book and didn't finish the book.

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Book Review - The Winter Sister by Megan Collins

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Sixteen years ago, Persephone went out with her boyfriend, Ben and never came home again. she is forbidden to see Ben and has kept her relationship a secret with him. She went missing for three days before her body was discovered but, her case has remained unsolved.

Sylvie, Persephone's younger sister, returns home to care for her mother, Annie as she undergoes treatment for cancer. Annie and Sylvie used to have a close bond but, after Persephone's death, the pair's relationship became strained. When Sylvie returns to take care of Annie, their reunion is filled with silence.

When taking her mother to the cancer center for treatment, she runs into Ben who works as a nurse at the cancer center. Sylvie always believed that Ben was responsible for Persephone's death. Sylvie is always weighed down by her guilt over the night Persephone went missing. As Sylvie tries to help her mom and navigate her relationship with her mother, she begins to uncover secrets. Will she discover who killed her sister?

I enjoyed the first part of the book but, towards the ending, the book became very predictable.  I didn't enjoy any of the characters but, I did like the character dynamics. I was expecting a lot more from this novel and I was disappointed I was able to guess every twist. There were a few things I wish we had more details on.

 **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 Art of Rivers (Coastal Hearts #3) by Janet W. Ferguson + Giveaway

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Rivers Sullivan has both visible and invisible scars, such as the bullet wound from the attack that killed her fiancé. After losing her faith in humanity, she decides to travel to  St. Simons Island to see the cottage and art gallery she inherited from her late fiancé. When Rivers discovers that recovering addicts are running her gallery, she is forced to confront her feelings from the attack.

After the devastating drowning of his cousin, James Cooper Knight spends his days and nights trying to redeem himself for his past mistakes. He spends his counseling and coaching people who are looking for help and he searches for others who are caught in the quickly rising tides of St. Simmons.  When Cooper rescues Rivers from the tides and delivers her to his grandmother's cottage; he knows his life will be changed forever.

While their tragic circumstances bring Cooper and Rivers closer, they fight their growing feelings for each other. Cooper has been sober for years but, Rivers has a tough time trusting her heart to a recovering addict. He knows a relationship with Rivers will rip the fragile bond he has with his family. Will Rivers and Cooper be able to get over their insecurities and take a chance on themselves and each other?

The novel was an inspirational read about people who are trying to conquer their struggles. It gives a realistic view of people who struggle when their faith is broken. I found the mystery a bit predictable but, overall the novel was a good 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

The Art of Rivers (Coastal Hearts #3) By Janet W. Ferguson Christian 

Contemporary Romance Paperback & ebook, 299 Pages June 30th 2019 by Southern Sun Press LLC

​Rivers Sullivan bears both visible and invisible scars—those on her shoulder from a bullet wound and those on her heart from the loss of her fiancé during the same brutal attack. Not even her background as an art therapist can help her regain her faith in humanity. Still, she scrapes together the courage to travel to St. Simons Island to see the beach cottage and art gallery she’s inherited from her fiancé. When she stumbles upon recovering addicts running her gallery, she’s forced to reckon with her own healing.

After the tragic drowning of his cousin, James Cooper Knight spends his days trying to make up for his past mistakes. He not only dedicates his life to addiction counseling, but guilt drives him to the water, searching for others who’ve been caught unaware of the quickly rising tides of St. Simons. When he rescues a peculiar blond woman and her sketch pad from a sandbar, then delivers this same woman to his deceased grandmother’s properties, he knows things are about to get even more complicated.

Tragic circumstances draw Cooper and Rivers closer, but they fight their growing feelings. Though Cooper’s been sober for years, Rivers can’t imagine trusting her heart to someone in recovery, and he knows a relationship with her will only rip his family further apart. Distrust and guilt are only the first roadblocks they must overcome if they take a chance on love.

(Affiliate links included.) Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository Also available through KindleUnlimited.

About the Author

Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.

Website│Goodreads│BookBub│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $10 Chick-fil-A gift card and signed copies of the first two books in the series, Magnolia Storms and Falling for Grace US only Ends November 6, 2019

ENTER HERE

Book Review - The Missing Years by Lexie Elliott

Photo Credit - Amazon

Ailsa Calder's mother recently willed her an old Scottish manor. However, only half of the house belongs to her. The other half belongs to her father who disappeared twenty-seven years ago with diamonds. Ailsa is torn between leaving her life in London behind and returning to her childhood home. She returns to get the house in order before selling and asks her half-sister to join her.

While spending time at the Manse, Ailsa feels claustrophobic and can't sleep. She feels drained and tired. She senses someone is watching her and especially when she hears stories about the manor's past. Then one night an intruder shows up causing Ailsa to fear what secrets the Manse might be hiding. Will Ailsa be able to move on from her father's disappearance?

I have read the "French Girl" and liked it but, this novel left me baffled. While the "villain" was unexpected, I felt disappointed. The novel dragged on and on only for a mediocre ending. I was left with more questions than answers. This novel is an easy pass and not worth even a second glance.

 **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 - Soul's Prisoner (Portraits of Grace #2) by Cara Luecht + Giveaway

Photo Source - Amazon

In 1891, Rachel is trying to survive the cruel winter in Chicago. She left her simple, quiet farm life to become a teacher in Chicago, but when things don't go as she planned. She ends up taking a job as a laundress at a local asylum. As the asylum's laundress, Rachel is able to access the deepest and darkest crevices of the asylum such as the labyrinthine like basement. During a particularly bad winter day, Rachel is unable to return to the boarding home that night and spends a night in the employee area of the asylum. However, Rachel witnesses a devastating secret that might put her very life in grave danger.

Jeremy, Rachel's brother is busy trying to get settled down that he barely has time for anything. But when he receives a letter from their mother desperately asking Jeremy to check on Rachel since no one has heard from her since she left the farm. Jeremy will stop at nothing to find his little sister since he feels responsible that he didn't check in on her sooner. Will Jeremy be able to find Rachel? What is the secret that Rachel stumbled into?

The novel gives readers a glimpse of the dark nature of asylums during the 19th century. It depicts the condition and hardships some of humanity's most vulnerable must have faced on a daily basis. The book was a captivating read and it kept me on the edge of my seat. It was filled with a strong cast of characters who are willing to do what is right regardless of their station in life. The novel is the second book in the series and can be read as a stand alone.

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

About the Book

Book Title: Soul’s Prisoner

Author: Cara Luecht

Genre: Historical fiction with some suspense and romance

Release Date: December 15, 2015

Chicago, Winter, 1891

Rachel is in danger. She’s seen too much.

She creeps along the cement walls through the dank underbelly of the asylum. She’d never planned to leave her quiet farm life, never thought she’d find a place in the city, never imagined she’d be in the kind of danger that would have her cowering in Dunning’s cold, labyrinthine basement.

Jenny has finally found her place. After a childhood of abuse, she has friends, a real job, and her only wish is to give her adopted son the kind of life she never had.

A life of stability, without the risk and uncertainty of a father.

But when Jeremy, Rachel’s brother, stumbles into their warehouse, asking for help to find his missing sister, Jenny’s carefully constructed life begins to crumble.

About the Author

Award winning author, Cara Luecht, lives in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin with her husband, David, and their children. Cara graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Currently, Cara is studying for a Masters of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away a grand prize of a signed copy of Soul’s Prisoner and sketching art supplies!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cb74

Book Review - The Little French Bistro by Nina George

Photo Credit - Amazon

After forty one years in a loveless and unhappy marriage, Marianne decides to take action. She decides to leave her old life behind and head to the coast of Brittany for a new beginning. She meets locals who while eccentric are nothing short of loving. While Marianne loses herself in this new world, she realizes its never to late to start over. Will Marianne be able to love again?

While, this novel was a short read,  I found that it had potential to be a heart warming, soul seeking cure for those in "loveless" relationship. However, the novel didn't live up to it's potential. I am not sure if it is because it was translated but some of the sentences didn't make sense. There was a lot of characters to keep track who were not well developed. I couldn't also see myself connecting with Marianne and hoping she has a happy life because some of her story seems to contrived.  A very disappointing book that I had very high hopes for after reading great reviews for her first book.

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

Book Review - Woman No. 17 by Edan Lepucki

Photo Credit - Amazon

When Lady Daniels' marriage is on the rocks, she decided to take a break from her husband. However, she needs someone to watch over her youngest son, Devin while she is working on her memoir about her relationship with her older son, Seth. Lady decides to take an ad out for assistance, when S arrives to help out. S is works like Mary Poppins for the Devin and becoming a confidante and trusted friend for Lady. However, everything is not what it looks like and the friendship becomes sour when secrets unfold. What secrets is "S" keeping? What is S's relationship with Seth? Will Lady be able to figure out her life?

An interesting read that kept me in suspense the entire time even though the secrets ended up being very predictable. The story is more of a cozy read as nothing exciting or titillating every happens.  I would be open to read other works by the author.

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

Book Review - Another Day, Another Dali (Serena Jones Mysteries Book #2) by Sandra Orchard

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A valuable Salvador Dali painting goes missing and FBI Special Agent Serena Jones is asked to investigate the disappearance by her grandmother.  Unfortunately, her grandmother's friend wants to keep the forgery a secret. Serena hopes that since her grandmother is asking her for help, that she can finally earn her grandmother's affection. As Serena digs deeper into the case, it becomes clear that one of owner's family members might be behind the crime. Who is behind the forgery? Is the forger behind the murder of Serena's grandfather?

The novel is the second book in the Serena Jones Mysteries series. While each book can be read individually, I found it helpful and entertaining to read each book in the series. I like how this book focused less on how desirable Serena is and how men throw themselves at her which was very prominent in the first book. Along, with the character developments but once again, she has the two "main" men who both vie for her attention and she brushes them off without a reason why. The novel is fast paced and interesting but it left me craving more story line than just fluff.  If you a fan of the first novel or Sandra Orchard,  you would enjoy this book.

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