Showing posts with label betrayal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label betrayal. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Book Review - They Never Learn by Layne Fargo

 



Scarlett Clark is a well known and respected English professor at Gorman University.  However, Scarlett is even better at getting away with murdering people. Every year, she searches for a man who is morally corrupted and plots a way to end his life. She is meticulous with her planning and has avoided getting caught.  As she begins to prepare for her next victim, the school opens an investigation due to the alarming amount of deaths on the campus.

She is determined to stay one step ahead so, she decides to join the investigation and befriend the woman in charge, Dr. Mina Pierce. Everything is going according to her plan until she loses control over her latest victim and puts her plan in jeopardy. 

Gorman student Carly Schiller is trying to survive being away from her parents and her freshman year. She is glad to be away from her emotionally abusive father. Carly wants to focus on her school and fade into the background. Her new roommate, Allison Hadley is the exact opposite of Carly. Carly wishes that she can be confident and cool like Allison. The duo becomes quick friends and when Allison is sexually assaulted at a party, Carly becomes obsessed. She plans ways for making the attacker pay and hopes to turn her fantasies into reality.

The novel was an interesting and engrossing read. There were a few twists but, most of them were predictable. I feel like lately many of the books I am reading have female friendships with a sexual undercurrent. I understand the need to make books inclusive but, I hate when it's like the main focus of friendships. I liked Scarlett as a character and was rooting for her but, I can't say I was fond of some of the other characters. I didn't like that the novel made it seem that most of the male characters (except the one gay couple) were sexual predators. As a female, I already know from firsthand experiences that not all male friends have your best interest at heart. However, there are plenty of men who are also just interested in friendship and won't attack or pressure people into sexual favors. I did like the book and I am looking forward to reading more books by the author.

 

**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.*

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Book Review - Silver Moon by Jenny Knipfer + Giveaway


Photo Credit - Amazon

Luis Wilson was shamed into joining the war and was recruited to work as a spy. He becomes injured and is presumed missing. During his stay at the hospital, he ends up falling in love with the same woman who shamed him into joining the war.

Oshki and Jimmy are fighting in the trenches and have a grim perspective. They worry about returning to Webaashi Bay, Ontario, to their loved ones. Lily is working with the women back home to help support the fight along with rallying support when a local is accused of being a spy.

This book is the third novel in the series. I am not sure if each book can be read standalone but, this was my first book. I found that there were a lot of characters in the beginning and it was hard for me to keep track of. I felt like there was a lot of jumping between different times and it ruined the flow for me. The novel does move a bit slowly. However, if you are a fan of cozy romances with a hint of espionage than this might be the perfect book for you.


**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.**

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Silver Moon

(By the Light of the Moon #3)

By Jenny Knipfer
Christian Historical Fiction
Paperback & ebook, 411 Pages
June 30, 2020

A tale of courage and hope in the darkest of times...

Silver Moon, the third book in the series: By the Light of the Moon, paints a stunning and poignant picture of life on the home front in Webaashi Bay, Ontario, and of three men who are a part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during WWI.

Shamed into joining the war, the tide turns for Luis Wilson when he is steered into the depths of espionage. Injured and presumed missing, will he lose his heart to the very woman who presented him with a white feather?

Oshki and Jimmy offer a grim perspective on life in the trenches. They despair of ever returning home to the women who hold their hearts.

Meanwhile, Lily fights for the cause in her own way and rallies the female troops at home as prejudices run high and the local cafe owner is accused of being a spy.

Will the women of Webaashi Bay receive their men back unscathed? Can the power of love win out over insurmountable odds? All this drama and more plays out under the light of a silver moon.
Fans of WWI historical fiction, Christian historical fiction, and literary fiction will find Silver Moon a moving, powerful read!

Praise for the Book

Taking an original angle on a tumultuous time in history, Silver Moon by Jenny Knipfer is a sparkling slice of historical fiction. Ambitiously detailing a diverse collection of characters, this World War I story bounces across space and time, delicately filled with vivid descriptions, nuanced moral dilemmas, and authentic relationships..." --Self-publishing Review

"Silver Moon is a highly recommended read for fans of historical wartime fiction, powerful emotive drama, and excellent atmospheric writing." --Readers' Favorite

"I am stunned by the amount of detail the author gave in this single story. On one hand, we have powerful characters... and on the other, we have a plot that demands all our attention. Jenny Knipfer pulls no punches and holds nothing back." --Readers' Favorite

(Affiliate links included.)

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

About the Author


Jenny lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Ken and their pet Yorkie, Ruby. She is also a mom and loves being a grandma. She enjoys many creative pursuits but finds writing the most fulfilling.

Jenny’s education background stems from psychology, music, and cultural missions. She spent many years as a librarian in a local public library but recently switched to using her skills as a floral designer in a retail flower shop. She is now retired from work due to disability.

She authored and performed a self-published musical CD entitled, Scrapbook of a Closet Poet.

Jenny’s books, Ruby Moon, Blue Moon, and Silver Moon earned five-star reviews from Reader’s Favorite, a book review and award contest company. Their praise: “Ruby Moon is entertaining, fast-paced, and features characters that are real. Blue Moon continues a well-written and highly engaging saga of family ties, betrayals, and heartaches… Silver Moon is a highly recommended read for fans of historical wartime fiction, powerful emotive drama, and excellent atmospheric writing.”

She holds membership in the: Midwest Independent Booksellers Association, Historical Novel Society, Wisconsin Writers Association, Christian Indie Publishing Association, and Independent Book Publishers Association.

Jenny’s favorite place to relax is by the western shore of Lake Superior, where her novel series, By The Light of the Moon, is set. She has self-published the first three books, Ruby Moon, Blue Moon, and Silver Moon, in her four-part series. One more novel to complete the series is planned for 2020. She is currently writing a new historical fiction series called, Sheltering Trees.

Photo Credit: Craig Jentink


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive ebooks of all three books in the By the Light of the Moon series by Jenny Knipfer (Ruby Moon, Blue Moon and Silver Moon) and a $25 Amazon eGift Card

Open internationally to those who can use one of Amazon's branches
Ends September 9, 2020


Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Book Review - I See You by Clare Mackintosh


Photo Credit - Amazon

Zoe Walker takes the same route to the train station every day. She even stands at the same spot and has a favorite seat. Zoe would never suspect someone is waiting for her every move. It all started when Zoe spots her photo in the classified ad section with a phone number and a listing for a website called FindTheOne.com. 

Zoe notices other women begin appearing in the same ad. The ad has a different woman each day. She realizes that the women from the ads become victims of violent crimes, including murder. Zoe reports the classified ads in hopes that she can determine the purpose of the ads. When she discovers a key bit of evidence, she realizes that it might be someone she knows. Zoe questions every single person that she comes into connection with. Is the friendly stranger on the train have a more deadly purpose than he is letting on?

The novel was a quick and suspenseful read filled with twists. The author leads you to believe it can be everyone and anyone who is out to get you. Thankfully, we are in quarantine for the next few months but, when I have to go back into the office, you can be sure I will be mixing things up. I can't wait to read other books by the author.

**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.**

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Book Review - Orphan Eleven by Gennifer Choldenko + Giveaway



Photo Credit - Amazon

Four orphans eagerly wait for an opportunity to escape from the Home for Friendless Children. Lucy, one of the orphans, used to love to talk and sing. Now, she no longer speaks as she believes silence is the only way to protect herself.

After a tumultuous journey, the orphans find work and new friends aboard a traveling circus. Lucy loves being able to take care of the elephants but, for her to secure the job of the elephant handler, she will need to speak to the elephants and warn others of danger. If Lucy doesn't cope with her fear of speaking, she will lose her chance to join the circus. Meanwhile, the matrons of the orphanage are eager to get Lucy back at the orphanage.

The book was a fun and cute read. It was nerve-wracking following the orphans' journey for a home and a place to belong. I liked that the author included a section about notes on the book. It was shocking to find out how much of Lucy's story was based on horrifying events. The novel was a heartwarming and enjoyable read and perfect for fans of 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.**

 

 

About the Book:
Title: ORPHAN ELEVEN
Pub. Date: May 26, 2020
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook
Pages: 320

Four orphans have escaped from the Home for Friendless Children. One is Lucy, who used to talk and sing. No one knows why she doesn't speak anymore; silence is her protection.

The orphans find work and new friends at a traveling circus. Lucy loves caring for the elephants, but she must be able to speak to them, and to warn others of danger. If Lucy doesn't find her voice, she'll be left behind when the circus goes on the rails. Meanwhile, people are searching for Lucy, and her puzzling past is about to catch up with her.


About Gennifer:
With more than 2 and a half million books sold, Choldenko’s best known Tales from Alcatraz series, has been called “A cornerstone series in contemporary children’s literature.” Al Capone Does My Shirts—the first book in the series—was a Newbery Honor Book and the recipient of twenty other awards. All four books in the series were Junior Library Guild selections and garnered many starred reviews. Gennifer’s newest novel: Orphan Eleven will be out May 26. Publisher’s Weekly has said this about Orphan Eleven: “This uplifting tale of hope, survival and belonging has all the ingredients to become a beloved middle grade book.” Gennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her loyal husband and naughty dog.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:
3 winners will receive a finished copy of ORPHAN ELEVEN, US Only.

Rafflecopter Link:


Tour Schedule:
Week One:
7/13/2020
Excerpt
7/13/2020
Excerpt
7/14/2020
Excerpt
7/14/2020
Excerpt
7/15/2020
Review
7/15/2020
Excerpt
7/16/2020
Instagram Stop
7/16/2020
Excerpt
7/17/2020
Review
7/17/2020
Interview

Week Two:
7/20/2020
Review
7/20/2020
Review
7/21/2020
Review
7/21/2020
Review
7/22/2020
Review
7/22/2020
Interview
7/23/2020
Review
7/23/2020
Excerpt
7/24/2020
Review
7/24/2020
Excerpt