Book Review - Ice Wolves (Elementals, #1) by Amie Kaufman

 

 

In Vallen, ice wolves and scorch dragons are sworn enemies that live separate lives apart from each other. Twelve year old orphan Anders and his twin sister, Rayna, only have each other. So, when Anders take one elemental form and Rayna takes another, he wonders if they are even related. Even though Anders starts to question if they are even related, he does know Rayna is his only friend. She is nothing like dragons who are cruel to others and they steal children from their family.

Anders decide the only way to save his sister is to join the Ulfar Academy. The academy is a school for young wolves that teaches them to value loyalty to the pack over everything else. However, Anders is more loyal to his sister than being obedient and loyal to the pack. 

I thought this was an interesting book but, I felt like the book was short on details and story. I felt like the book finished without the story really progressing and I didn't really learn anything new. When the book ended, I was left with more questions than answers. I wish the author shaved off some portions and added more details about the Elementals. I felt like the ending was abrupt and I wish there was more story in book one to keep me interested in the series.

Book Review - This Wilderness Journey by Misty M. Beller + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Joseph Malcom likes to spend his time protecting those in need. His sister has safely settled down with her husband and young daughter in the Rockies. Since, she no longer needs his help, Joseph feels lost without a sense of purpose. When a neighboring priest requested Joseph to help guide his cousin to his cabin, Joseph jumps at the chance of adventure. However, his passenger isn't who he expects and catches him completely off guard.

Monti Bergeron's mother just passed away and with nothing keeping her in Montreal, she decides to go live with her cousin. She is both excited and nervous about mission work with the Indians. The life of a nun is simple and perfect for Monti since it will help her heal from her grief. As Monti settle down in the Indian camp, Joseph finds himself drawn to Monti. However, she made it very clear she isn't interested in a husband. Will Monti and Joseph be able to let go of the past and love each other unconditionally? Will they both find their purpose?

I found the book to a fun and interesting read. I like how both Joseph and Monti like each other but are afraid to tell each other their feelings. Overall, a fun and interesting book.

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

About the Book

Title: The Wilderness Journey
Author: Misty M. Beller
Release Date: April 24, 2018
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

He’s been sent to retrieve the new missionary… But she’s not at all who he expects to find.
Joseph Malcom has spent his life protecting those in need, but now that his sister is safely settled with her new family in the Canadian Rockies, his help is no longer required. That is, until he’s asked to safely retrieve the priest’s cousin to help minister to the local Indian tribe. But his passenger is not at all who he expects.

After the death of her mother, Monti Bergeron has nothing to keep her in Montreal. While the prospect of ministering to the Indians out West is daunting, she looks forward to assisting her beloved cousin in his mission work. The life of a nun may be just what she needs to heal her grief, serving her Heavenly Father and fellow mankind, especially if no more pesky suitors are around to ask for her hand in marriage. But the man who’s been sent to guide her through the mountains might make her second-guess her plans before she even begins.

As Monti settles into her ministry, Joseph finds his wandering feet drawn back to the Indian camp. Monti’s focus on God is more unsettling than he’d like to admit. Add to that her beauty which tests his willpower at every turn, and she’s made it crystal clear she doesn’t want a husband. But when his determination to keep distance between them puts Monti in danger, protecting her might require something Joseph might not be able to give.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

 

Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy. God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cd16/this-wilderness-journey-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review - Christmas at Grey Sage by Phyllis Clark Nichols

Photo Credit - Amazon

Maude and Silas deck out their adobe house with all the holiday trimmings that delight and thrill family and friends alike. Christmas at The Thornhills' Gray Sage Inn is always a day to remember until a tragic accident occurs. Now, Silas and Maude go on vacation during the holiday to escape the painful holiday memories. When Maude's best friend, Lily asks her to open the inn during the holidays for a group of eccentric travelers, she was hesitant to agree.

When the group of travelers arrives, they are surprised that Grey Sage Inn isn't decorated with Christmas decorations. After a snowstorm hits Santa Fe, the guests find themselves stranded and try to make the best out of the holiday as possible. Will Maude and Silas be able to heal and appreciate Christmas again?

The novel started with Maude's appreciation for Christmas; going into detail about her favorite decorations, traditions and moments. Then we get to meet the group of eccentric travelers and from there we find out why Silas and Maude don't celebrate Christmas anymore and the backstory of each traveler. I found the first few characters really boring and halfway towards the book, it finally picked up, but by then I was already over reading this book. It is a nice cozy reading novel for readers who loves Christmas stories, but this wasn't really my cup of tea.

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