Showing posts with label trust. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trust. Show all posts

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Book Review - The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel

 

The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel is about two people from different walks of life solving a decades old mystery that could change the trajectory of their lives. Brianna Kelly has spent her entire life at Ballymacool House and Boarding School. The headmistress Magee found Brianna on her doorstep when Brianna was an infant. The person who left Brianna on the school’s doorstep left no clues to indicate her lineage or her parents.

Brianna feels that since she spent her entire life as a servant at the school, she fears that she will most likely die in the same role. Although she feels that she is meant for something more, she lacks the power and money to alter her situation and circumstances. When Brianna isn’t working, she spends her time exploring the area surrounding Ballymacool. She looks for hidden treasures to add to her secret stash  that she has hidden underneath the floorboards of her room.

Michael Wray is a member of the Ascendancy class and the son of a local gentry. His presence was requested at Ballymacool when his unruly cousin, Adeline,  started having behavioral problems and the staff was unable to deal with her. As Michael tries to get his cousin’s behavior under control, he finds himself in the company of Brianna often. After spending a few brief moments with Brianna, Michael feels himself drawn to her.

 

As the pair spends more time together, Micheal feels that there is something familiar about Brianna. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she enlist Michael to help her find the origin of the platter. As they dig deeper, they find out a secret behind the platter that might change their lives.

 

I thought the book was an okay read. The novel moved very slowly with no story progression. The author spent more than ¾ of the book in the beginning to talk about Michael dealing with his cousin’s unruly behavior. And towards the end, when the story starts to pick up, Adeline just disappears. We don’t know if her behavior improves or is Adeline still a thorn in everyone’s sides.

 

I liked that the author weaved Irish phrases into the narration. It made me feel more immersed in the story. The book had a section in the back of the book that translated the phrases and gave readers a glimpse into the history of Ballymacool along with the author’s inspiration. I thought this was a delightful inclusion, but I would have preferred if the words were translated in story. I found it a bit annoying to move back and forth constantly to figure out what a specific word or phrase meant.

 

The ending did wrap up the story in a neat bow but I had a few questions that I don’t think were addressed. I felt that the author drew out the story and then didn’t fully address all the different storylines, such as: how did Brianna’s mother know Magee? Did Magee know about Brianna’s existence prior to finding Brianna? If you enjoy clean romance novels with a cozy mystery twist, then you will enjoy this novel.

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

Monday, July 11, 2022

Book Review - Honor by Thrity Umrigar

 

Smita is an Indian American journalist who is reluctant to return back to India after she and her family left years ago. She returns after a close friend had requested her help with a story. She follows the case of Meena, a Hindu woman who was attacked by her village and family because she married a Muslim man. 

Smita struggles to deal with a society where traditions are held to the highest regard. As she reports on Meena's story, Smita's own story that she kept buried for years is revealed. Smita tries to help Meena while she finds herself attracted to Mohan, an Indian man she met through a friend.

I actually didn't read the blurb before getting this book because I would have been tempted to skip over the novel. I am very glad I didn't because it was an enlightening and poignant read. I find myself agreeing with Smita on her views of Indian culture and traditions. When I was reading the novel, I found the same ideas and thoughts I had was shared by Smita. However, I can't say I loved her as a person as she could be annoying at times. For example, she wanted others to trust and open up to her but, she was very hesitant to share even the most basic information about herself. Then she would complain how she didn't have any close connections with anyone. Overall, the book was endearing and heart wrenching read. I can't wait to read more books by the author.

 

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Book Review - Satisfaction Guaranteed by Karelia Stetz-Waters

 

 

 

 

Cade Elgin has her life all figured out, when it comes to her career. When it comes to her personal life, including, relationships well, that's nonexistent. The only thing Cade is interested in is "professional talk", she has no time to spend in a relationship. Cade is busy working all the time but, when she inherits a sex toy store, her life is turned upside down. Cade has to help manage the store from the brink of bankruptcy with its irresponsible but, cute co-owner.

Selena Mathis knows that she can have too much of a good thing and she has learned that the hard way. It's her main reason for taking an oath of celibacy and focusing on getting her life sorted, including making the store profitable. She is determined not to mess again but, her emotions always have a habit of getting in her way.  

This was my first time reading a book in this genre and it was a funny read. The book was a bit raunchy and over the top at times but, still entertaining.  It was interesting seeing Cade and Selena find their way together as they are complete opposites. I found their occasional banter to be fun and light-hearted. 

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

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Book Review - A Good Idea by Cristina Moracho



Photo Credit - Amazon
Finley and Betty have been friends for years and their friendship even survived when Fin moved in the ninth grade. They talk on the phone constantly and when Fin comes back from Manhattan to Maine for the summer. During the fall of their senior year, they both applied to NYU and hope to be reunited for good as roommates.

When Betty disappears, her ex-boyfriend Calder admits to drowning her. However, his confession is thrown out and the town believes that he was coerced into confessing and Betty had run away with one of her suitors. Fin believes that Calder is responsible for Betty's death and she is determined to get justice for her friends, even if she is endangering herself and her loved ones. How far is Fin willing to go to find justice for her friend?

I was completely torn while reading this book. I didn't really care for any of the characters and when the mystery behind Betty's disappearance is solved, I could care less. I am not even sure the plot is completely believable. The story hints at a town that is keeping secrets which when was "revealed", it was so ordinary. I feel like watching the primetime news would have more noteworthy secrets than this book. The only reason I had picked up the book was that I liked the cover and the bathtub was only mentioned once offhandedly. This was a disappointing and longwinded read.

**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.*

Friday, December 6, 2019

Book Review - Shine! by J.J. Grabenstein & Chris Grabenstein + Giveaway


Photo Credit - Amazon

Piper's hero is an astronaut, astronomer, and television host. Piper lives by Nellie Dumont Frisse's motto "Shine on!". However, Piper feels that there are two types of people: those who are born to shine and those who don't. She believes she falls into the latter category. When her dad gets a new job at the elite Chumley Prep, Piper is reminded that everyone is good at something and she isn't. Will Piper be able to find something she can excel in?

The book was a heartwarming read and filled with teachable moments. While the book was a bit predictable, it allowed readers to join a young girl on her journey on learning what type of person she wants to be. The book is packed with valuable lessons for children (and adults!) of all ages!

**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.**



Title: SHINE!
Author: J.J. Grabenstein & Chris Grabenstein
Pub. Date: November 5, 2019
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook
Pages: 210

"Inspirational, commonsensical, and a whole lot of fun." --James Patterson

Everyone deserves to shine in this sparkling new book from the New York Times bestselling author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library , Chris Grabenstein, and coauthor J.J. Grabenstein--just right for fans of Word of Mouse and The Fourteenth Goldfish.


"Who do you want to be?" asks Mr. Van Deusen. "And not when you grow up. Right here, right now."

Shine on! might be the catchphrase of twelve-year-old Piper's hero--astronaut, astronomer, and television host Nellie Dumont Frisse--but Piper knows the truth: some people are born to shine, and she's just not one of them. That fact has never been clearer than now, since her dad's new job has landed them both at Chumley Prep, a posh private school where everyone seems to be the best at something and where Piper definitely doesn't fit in.

Bursting with humor, heart, science, possibilities, and big questions, Shine! is a story about finding your place in the universe--a story about figuring out who you are and who you want to be.

Co-author J.J. Grabenstein reads the first chapter of SHINE!:

Link:



About JJ & Chris: 

J.J. Grabenstein is the co-author, with her husband, ChrisGrabenstein, of SHINE! This is her first novel as a co-authorbut she has been the "first editor" on everything her husband hasever written, including the award-winning/bestselling ESCAPE FROMMR.LEMONCELLO'S LIBRARY series and more than fifty other works.
J.J. and Chris live in New York City with their cat Phoebe Squeak.

CHRIS GRABENSTEIN is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of ESCAPE FROM MR. LEMONCELLO'S LIBRARY, MR. LEMONCELLO'S LIBRARY OLYMPICS, THE ISLAND OF DR. LIBRIS, WELCOME TO WONDERLAND: HOME SWEET MOTEL and many other books, as well as the coauthor of numerous fun and funny page-turners with James Patterson, including I FUNNY, HOUSE OF ROBOTS, TREASURE HUNTERS, and JACKY HA-HA. Chris lives in New York City with his wife, J.J., two cats, and a dog named Fred. You can visit Chris at ChrisGrabenstein.com.

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Giveaway Details:
3 winners will receive a finished copy of SHINE!, US Only.


Rafflecopter Link:

Tour Schedule:
Week One:
11/5/2019
Excerpt
11/6/2019
Review
11/7/2019
Excerpt
11/8/2019
Excerpt

Week Two:
11/11/2019
Review
11/12/2019
Review
11/13/2019
Review
11/14/2019
Review
11/15/2019
Excerpt

Week Three:
11/18/2019
Review
11/19/2019
Excerpt
11/20/2019
Review
11/21/2019
Review
11/22/2019
Excerpt

Week Four:
11/25/2019
Excerpt
11/26/2019
Review
11/27/2019
Excerpt
11/28/2019
Review
11/29/2019
Review

Week Five:
12/2/2019
Review
12/3/2019
Excerpt
12/4/2019
Excerpt
12/5/2019
Excerpt
12/6/2019
Review



Thursday, October 10, 2019

Book Review - As the Light Fades by Catherine West + Giveaway



Photo Credit - Amazon

Liz Carlisle finds herself moving back to her childhood home while she is struggling to pick up the pieces of her life. When the family estate goes under renovation, the solitude she desperately needs forces her to look for a new home.  Matthew Stone senses that Liz has a lot of baggage and is willing to offer her place to stay with reduced rent. In return, Liz has to help Matt with caring for his rebellious niece, Mia. Liz barely has time for dealing with children and men. She was hesitant at first but she finds herself drawn the duo.

When Liz's ex-boyfriend is charged with assault, Liz is called to testify against him. However, she is afraid of going against him since he knows her darkest secret. Liz hopes that he will keep those secrets buried forever. Liz is struggling with telling the truth and trying to protect everything she has worked for and loves.

I thought the novel was a nice cozy read about forgiveness, friendship, and trust. The novel was told from a few different viewpoints such as Mia, Drake, Liz, and Matt. I like that it helped us get a well-rounded image of each character. I enjoyed reading the dynamics between Matt and Mia. This is the second book in the series but, it can be read as a standalone.

  **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.**




As the Light Fades
By Catherine West
Women's Fiction
Paperback & ebook, 362 Pages
September 10th 2019 by KDP

Sometimes we’re placed in the strangest of circumstances for the most important reasons.

After her carefully constructed life crumbles, Liz Carlisle finds herself back on Nantucket, picking up the pieces. With the family estate under renovations, the solitude she craves seems out of reach.

Matthew Stone intends to steer clear of his new tenant. She’s carrying a load of baggage, but as long as she pays the rent, he’ll let her be. He’s got enough to deal with caring for his wayward niece, Mia.

Liz doesn’t have time for teenagers and her track record with men is abysmal, but an unlikely friendship forms between the three.

When her former boyfriend is charged with assault, Liz is called to testify against him. But he knows the darkest secrets of her life—secrets she’d hoped to keep buried forever, and he’s ready to reveal them. Telling the truth is the right thing to do, but it may cost her everything she’s worked so hard for, and all she’s come to love.

(Affiliate links included.)
GoodreadsAmazonBook Depository
FREE on KindleUnlimited

About the Author


Catherine West is an award-winning author of contemporary women’s fiction. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or reading books by her favorite authors. She and her husband reside in Bermuda, and have two adult children and one beautiful granddaughter. Catherine is the winner of the 2015 Grace Award (Bridge of Faith) and the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award (The Things We Knew). Where Hope Begins released May 2018, and her latest novel, As the Light Fades, releases September 2019.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a $75 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of The Things We Knew by Catherine West (print to US/CAN, ebook to INT)
Ends October 23, 2019