Book Review - Ready to Trust (Hearts of Oklahoma, #2) by Tina Radcliffe + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Reece Rainbolt is shocked to learn that he has inherited half of the Ballard's family farm next door. He was close to his neighbor but, not close enough to inherit property. Reece is even more shocked when he discovers that he and his ex, Claire Ballard, have a five-year-old daughter together. Claire is devastated that she has to share the farm with Reece, especially since he broke her heart. She is determined to sell off the farm and leave him behind. However, Reece will buy the farm on one condition - Claire must stay the summer to help with the harvest and allow Reece to get to know his daughter.

The book was a quick and fairly straightforward read. I like that there wasn't a ton of back and forth drama of misunderstandings. I do wish that Claire had followed her heart earlier and made more attempts to win Reece over too. I didn't like that she wanted to know more about him without showing her true feelings while he was wearing his heart on his sleeve. I did love that family played an important role in the novel. I look forward to reading more books from the series.

**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

Ready to Trust

(Hearts of Oklahoma #2)

By Tina Radcliffe

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages

July 21, 2020 by Love Inspired

Proving he’s a changed man could be his biggest challenge yet.

Rancher Reece Rainbolt’s shocked to learn he’s inherited half of Claire Ballard’s family farm—and that he’s a father. Now Claire’s determined to break ties with the man who once left her behind. But Reece will buy her half only on one condition: she must stay in town to help with the harvest…and let him get to know his little girl.

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Other Books in the Series

Finding the Road Home

(Hearts of Oklahoma #1)

By Tina Radcliffe

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages

February 18, 2020 by Love Inspired

Some paths need courage to follow…

Can they find their fresh startwith roadblocks around every corner?

To care for her orphaned nieces and nephews, Daisy Anderson moved to a small town for a new deputy position—but now her job could be eliminated. With potential budget cuts looming, her only hope is to work with police chief Mitch Rainbolt to save their department’s funds. But can their fight for her job lead to something neither dared wish for: a future together?

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And coming in December...

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About the Author

Tina Radcliffe is the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award-winning author of inspirational romance. She is an ACFW and Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, and a four time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Tina is the author of fifteen inspirational romances for Harlequin HarperCollins.

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Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a Lily Queen Canvas Totebag (retail value $21.99), a $25 Amazon gift card and a print copy of READY TO TRUST (US/CAN only)

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Book Review - The Chain by Adrian McKinty

Photo Credit - Amazon

It started like every other day, Rachel Klein drops her daughter, Kylie at the bus stop and then starts her day. But when Rachel receives a call from an unknown number her entire world comes crumbling down. The woman who called informed Rachel that she has Kylie bound and gagged. The only way Rachel will ever see her again is if she follows the instructions exactly. 

Rachel will have to pay a ransom and then she will have to find another child to kidnap. The caller tells Rachel that this is no ordinary kidnapping and that her son has also been taken. If Rachel fails to follow the instructions both Kylie and the caller's son will perish. Rachel is now a part of the chain that makes victims turn into criminals while making someone very rich in the process. Will Rachel be able to put her morals aside and commit a horrible act to save her daughter?

The novel had an interesting idea of making distraught parents kidnap someone's kid to save their own. It shows the lengths that a parent would go to save their child's life. I thought the novel was a good read but, it was quite predictable. I thought some of the characters were a bit oblivious and didn't care for any of them.  I look forward to reading other novels 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.**

Book Review - Always Watching (Elite Guardians, #1) by Lynette Eason

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The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency is an elite group of women who are skilled in law enforcement. Wade Savage is a popular psychiatrist and radio personality and starts receiving gifts from a listener. However, it starts becoming clear that the person sending the gifts might be stalking Wade. Wade's father is worried about his son and hires the Elite Guardians to protect him.

When Wade's bodyguard was attacked and nearly killed, Olivia Edwards, the agency owner must step in and protect him. Olivia's abilities are put to the test when Wade's stalker becomes more aggressive and starts threatening people close to him. Olivia has a feeling that she might be next on the list when she and Wade are starting to fall for each other.

I liked the idea about having female bodyguards but, I thought it was annoying how they were always several steps behind their opponent and how Wade kept babying Olivia. Some of the characters seemed over the top and unrealistic. For example, when the daughter was yelled at for eating chocolates that were left by a stalker. She knew that her father's stalker was dangerous but, instead focused on her father's reaction of her wanting to eat chocolate. I liked that there wasn't too much back and forth in the romantic department. Where one character would push the other one way but, secretly want them. The plot was a bit predictable but, I still found the story enjoyable. I am looking forward to reading the other stories in the series.

**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 - Driftwood Bay (Hope Harbor, #5) by Irene Hannon

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Jeanette Mason moves to a small seaside town named Hope Harbor in hopes to live an isolated life. Jeanette is afraid of letting people in after a tragedy causes her to lose people she loved. She decides to avoid emotional attachments and focus on her lavender farm and tea room. However, Jeanette's life gets upends again when her new neighbor moves in. Dr. Logan West becomes an unexpected guardian of his niece after his mother's death. Logan gets a dog in hopes to help bond with Molly but, the dog is intent on damaging Jeanette's lavender beds. Jeanette and Logan find themselves gravitating towards each other when a refugee family from Syria moves to their town. Will Logan and Jeanette be able to open their heart to each other?

I thought the novel was an enjoyable read but, I had a hard time connecting with Jeanette. She closes herself off and didn't want to make the effort of connecting but, was annoyed that other people didn't make the effort. She felt that her neighbor should have connected with her first and made the effort. She wanted and made Logan make the first move and didn't respond well to his suggestive behaviors but, she would get sad when he didn't invite her to the beach. I found this incredibly annoying. At times, I felt like the Molly character talked to Jeanette as if she was an adult and not a five-year-old. Her conversations with Jeanette towards the end of the book didn't feel like something a child would say to an adult. Perhaps, this is how a child speaks once they go through grief but, it felt weird to me. I enjoyed reading about the Shabos' family, Logan trying to bond with Molly, Jeanette trying to find her way, and Molly and Elisa's budding friendship. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.

**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 - The Half Sister by Sandie Jones

Photo Credit - Amazon

Kate and Lauren are sisters who were never really close. They meet for lunch every Sunday at their parents' home. Since, their father passing, their family gathering never really felt the same. However, their lives get turned upside down one day when there is a knock at their door. A young woman named, Jess tells Kate and Lauren that she is their half-sister. She even has the DNA test to prove it. As Kate starts digging into Jess's story, she realizes that they are all hiding secrets.

I have all of the author's novels and have enjoyed them. However, I am stuck between liking this novel and it being "meh". Towards the end of the novel, it seems like one of the characters just breaks and spirals out of control when she seems to have planned things out. The novel was a quick and thrilling read but, I didn't find myself really connecting to any of the characters. The majority of the book was predictable but, it was an entertaining 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.**

Book Review - The Midwife's Dilemma by Delia Parr

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Midwife Martha Cade has finally decided that when Mayor Thomas Dillion returns in February, she will marry him. With everything else in her life spinning out of control, Martha feels this is the only thing she has control over. Her daughter, Victoria, is besotted with the town's younger doctor. Martha feels that she is ready to settle down and pass on her role as a midwife to someone younger.

The Pennsylvania town has grown in size and population. It has become an important hub for agricultural and economic needs. There are plans of canal allowing the town to be connected with the outside world. With everything changing, Martha will need to decide how she will spend the rest of her life.

I have read the first book of the series but, didn't realize this was the third book. Unfortunately, while each book can be read as standalone, I felt like I was missing portions of the story because I didn't read the second novel. I felt like the novel dragged and most of the time, Martha was spent debating her marriage proposal or about her horse. I also had a hard time understanding why Martha couldn't get married and continue being a midwife. I understand that she will eventually need to retire but, the constant pushing by Thomas to get his way seemed like drummed drama for an otherwise boring book.  I didn't also understand why there was a need for her to be a midwife and if she didn't want to do it, why not say she is no longer a midwife? Perhaps, I am looking at her struggle through a modern lens. I also didn't understand why Martha was stubborn and did things that she didn't like other people doing. I liked the first novel in the series but, this one was quite disappointing.

**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 - The Body Under the Piano by Marthe Jocelyn

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Aggie Morton lives in a small town on the coast of England. She is shy but, has an adventurous and imaginative streak. After her beloved father passed away, Aggie hasn't been able to do much. Until she crosses path with a young twelve-year-old Belgian immigrant named Hector Perot. When a dead body was discovered in her dance studio, Aggie and Hector join forces to help solve the crime. The pool of suspects is growing larger and the murder is threatening to tear the town apart. The duo will need to use their deductive skills and their curiosity to help solve the crime before Aggie's beloved dance instructor is charged with a crime Aggie believes she didn't commit.

The book was a cute read for children who love mystery and suspenseful novels. The plot twists and secrets were all very predictable and I was able to guess all of them before they happened. However, I am a grown adult and children would probably enjoy putting clues together to solve the mystery on their own. This novel is perfect for young readers who enjoy mystery novels.

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Book Review - Formula for a Perfect Life by Christy Hayes + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

College student Kayla Cummings is a hopeless romantic. She has dreams of the perfect life with husband and kids. However, her dreams are dashed after finding out she is pregnant from a one-night stand with her secret crush. Kayla is devasted and unsure of what she needs to do. She turns to her best friends and roommates for advice. The only thing she does know for certain is that she will need to tell the father.

Ben Strickland's future has been written in stone by his parents. He has zero margins for error. He needs to get a decent score on the LSAT since failed the first time. Ben is struggling to juggle his upcoming finals along with his demanding girlfriend Darcy. However, when Kayla shows up on his doorstep claiming to be pregnant, Ben's control on his life begins to further spin out of control.

Ben and Kayla have to work together to figure out how they are going to handle their unplanned pregnancy. Will the be able to forget past hurts and buried secrets to forge a new path together?

The novel is a cozy romantic read. It was a predictable read as there weren't many unexpected surprised or deep dark secrets. There was the usage of adult language that at times felt like a bit much. However, I have been in relationships and heard of stories of women being referred to that way. So, it was a bit realistic. The book would be a good read for fans of cozy heartwarming romantic reads.

**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

 

Formula for a Perfect Life By Christy Hayes

  

Christian New Adult Contemporary Romance 

Paperback & ebook, 323 Pages

 March 30th 2020

Two practical strangers. One fateful night. Two pink lines.

College senior and obsessive romantic Kayla Cummings' dreams of a storybook life are spun off course by an unplanned pregnancy after a one-night stand with her secret crush. Devastated, Kayla turns to her roommates and best friends for advice. No matter what she decides, no matter how deeply embarrassed, she has to tell the father.

Ben Strickland’s future is written in stone—as long as he gets a decent score on the Law School Admission Test. Feeling pressure from all sides, Ben struggles to juggle his upcoming finals, another shot at the LSAT, and his needy girlfriend Darcy. When the girl he spent a memorable night with weeks ago shows up at his doorstep pregnant, his already chaotic life spins out of control.

With the clock ticking, decisions to make, and a boatload of people to disappoint, Ben and Kayla embark on a journey neither anticipated—a journey where falling in love might be the biggest surprise of all. But when old hurts and buried secrets pose a greater threat to their future than impending parenthood, will Ben and Kayla go their separate ways or forge a new path to happy ever after?

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About the Author

Christy Hayes lives outside Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and dogs. Christy writes Contemporary Romance, New Adult Romance, Christian Romance, and Women's Fiction. When not writing, she’s reading, walking dogs, or stalking her college-aged kids on social media.

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Three winners will receive an ebook of Maybe It's You by Christy Hayes Open internationally Ends April 8, 2020

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Book Review - Second Chance for the Single Dad by Carol Ross

Photo Credit - Amazon

Camile Wynn is a dance teacher with a recent string of bad luck. She is excited to get a new student but, becomes wary when she finds out her new student is Rhys McGrath. Rhys McGrath is a reclusive man who lives with his orphaned niece. He wants to learn how to waltz so, he can take his niece to the father and daughter dance. Camile is surprised by Rhys's generous heart because of his cold personality.  When Camile finds out that he might lose custody of his niece, Camile takes matters in her own hands.

I have read a few of Carol Ross's books and have enjoyed them. Unfortunately, I wasn't a fan of this book. I am not sure if it's being in the quarantine lockdown but, I got quite frustrated reading this book. I had a hard time relating to any of the characters. I found that Rhys was cold, distant, robotic, and quite boring. I didn't like that Camile was complaining about how she wanted to do things on her own because of a falling out with her parents. She didn't want to accept help even from her sisters even though she was struggling and putting herself in danger. The idea that she spent so much time thinking that she forgot to eat, seemed ridiculous and absent-minded. I didn't like the fact that she complained that her friend had more free time because her parents paid for her bills. Camile could have more free time if she accepted help and not everyone has parents who are either generous or can afford to help their kids financially.

I found it odd that Rhys didn't notice Camile two years ago on their first date. Now, he's besotted for the first time after seeing her for two years. I felt like their relationship bloomed out of nowhere especially when he starts calling her sweetheart and she comments on how great he smells. It felt unnatural and that things were moving so quickly for a woman who didn't like him and a man who is cold to everyone. I can appreciate that the author is trying to include characters from previous novels into her book but, sometimes a scene had too many characters. It was hard trying to remember every character.  I am also disappointed that the author doesn't include any people of color.  I lost interest in the novel around the halfway mark. I think for the time being I am completely over heartwarming novels but, may revisit her books a few years later.

**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 SUMMARY:

She’ll save him a dance…

…if he follows his heart.

Dance teacher Camile Wynn has a new student. Reclusive Rhys McGrath is learning to waltz so he can take his orphaned niece to a father-daughter dance. Camile is surprised by her connection with him, but there’s a generous heart behind Rhys’s awkward exterior. When she learns Rhys could lose custody of his niece, Camile goes behind his back to help him…but will her lies end up hurting him instead?

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Book Review - Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson

Photo Credit - Amazon

Willow West is a gallery owner who is spontaneous and loves to have fun. When she crosses path with George Emerson, who is a button-up retired English teacher, she wasn't sure what to think of him.  However, she finds George interesting and wants him to loosen up and enjoy life.  While trying to make George embrace life, she finds herself falling for him.

George straddles the line of being irritated and attracted to Willow. He thinks Willow is around to often but, he misses her when she isn't around. George isn't interested in making new friends or trying new things as it hurts when you lose people you care about.

I thought the novel was an interesting premise. I thought both characters were flawed but, continue to grow and learn throughout their relationship. I did get annoyed during some parts of the novel, where they both accused each other of overstepping their bounds but, they both do the same thing.  They try to make the other person happy without actually considering the person's feelings. I also, felt like George and Willow were the most developed characters. I felt like the daughter and grandson felt forced and their conversations didn't feel authenticate. Another example, George knows he is closed off but, he becomes dismayed when his retirement party didn't have a big turnout.  This book wasn't my favorite by the author but, I will continue to read her novels.

**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 Well-Behaved Woman: A Novel of the Vanderbilts by Therese Anne Fowler

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After the Civil War, Alva Smith and her southern family find themselves destitute. She arranges herself to marry into the Vanderbilt family who is wealthy but, socially outcasts. Alva is determined to win respect after being ignored by the socialites from old money. She designed and help builds nine mansions, hosts grand balls attended by a duchess, and her daughter marries a duke. Alva also disrupts the norm for her time by asserting power in her marriage and becoming a leader in the women's suffrage movement.

It was interesting to read about Alva Vanderbilt who is a very complex person. I loved, hated, and loved to hate her while reading this book. I felt like the novel was a bit slow-moving and then in some parts, significant events were mentioned in passing.  I wish more time was spent on developing characters than describing the mansions she built.

 **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 - Anyone by Charles Soule

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In Ann Arbor, Michigan, a scientist is working inside her barn trying to locate the cure for Alzheimer's. When she flips a switch on her project, she finds herself mysteriously transported into her husband's body. Her botched attempt to cure Alzheimer's ends up changing her life and the world forever.

Two decades later, all over the world, the "flash" technology enables individuals the ability to transfer their consciousness into another person's bodies. The flash market is available to anyone who meets their criteria and individuals are only allowed to flash for a specified amount of time.  Every aspect of human life has been transformed by technology from travel to warfare to entertainment.

I thought the novel had an interesting premise but, I couldn't finish the rest of the novel, even though I was close to the ending. The story moved very slowly and nothing happened to advance the storyline chapter after chapter.  I was quite disappointed because the beginning of the novel was interesting and I couldn't wait to read more. Then towards the middle of the book because unbearable slow. After being maybe 100 pages shy of finishing the book, I couldn't be bothered with it anymore.

**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 - The Refuge by Ann H. Gabhart

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Darcie and Walter Goodwin decide to join the local Shaker village when a new cholera epidemic hits their area. The Shaker village seems to be immune to the disease and once, the threat passes, the Goodwins will leave the community. During a routine trip into town, Walter is killed in a riverboat accident.

Darcie is devastated by the news and but, she has nowhere else to go. She has no family and money along with being pregnant with a child. The Shaker community is celibate people who believe in marital relationships to be sinful.  Darcie feels isolated and alone because of her pregnancy. However, when Darcie crosses path with Flynn Keller and his daughter, will Darcie be able to find her path to happiness?

This was the first novel I ever read about the Shaker community. I thought some of their ideas were a bit "strange" especially, the procreation portion and referring to our parents as "sister" or "brother". However, I also like many of their ideas, such as, providing a haven for everyone, being an inclusive community, and ensuring everyone having a role to play. I liked all the characters except for one of the characters, who tried to murder someone and nothing happened to her. I liked that each of the characters was flawed but, found someone else or a community to help bring out the best of themselves.

**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 - The Janes (Alice Vega, #2) by Louisa Luna

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Two young women's bodies are discovered on the outskirts of San Diego. The victims have no names, no ID, or any filed missing people reports on them. The local police believe that the women are victims of human trafficking and reached out to private investigator, Alice Vega.  Alice Vega is known for her ability to finding missing people. Alice is determined to find the identities of the missing women. She and her partner, Cap will stop at nothing to find out the identity of the Janes.

I thought the novel was an interesting read but, some parts felt a bit unbelievable. A few things that Vega does I thought was unethical and grossly mishandled. It was a bit annoying how Cap kept referring to Vega as "my girl", we get it, shes's awesome but, move on.  However, the novel was a good way to pass some time. I haven't read the other book in the series but, I am no rush to go read it either.

 **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 - Girls Like Us by Cristina Alger

Photo Credit - Amazon

FBI Agent Nell Flynn hasn't been home to visit her father in over ten years.  She and her father, Homicide Detective Martin Flynn never had much of a relationship since, her mother's death. Her childhood home always brings memories of the brutal murder of her mother, Marisol. 

Nell returns home after her father was killed in a motorcycle accident. After spreading her father's ashes and closing his estate, her father's partner Detective Lee mentions the case he was working on before his death. Lee requests Nell to help him investigate the murders of the two young women. As Nell and Lee work the case together, Nell becomes convinced that the prime suspect might be her father and his police friends are helping him cover his tracks. Nell also begins to doubt her father's innocence in her mother's murder. Will Nell be able to uncover the truth about her family's past and the murders? 

I thought the novel was an interesting read. A few things left unsolved but, a majority of the mysteries were solved. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed, like a flurry of activity while the rest of the story was moving at a solid pace.  The plot was a bit predictable but, there were still a few exciting pieces. This was my second book by the author and while, I liked this book better, I won't actively go out of my way to read more of her books.

 **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 Winters by Lisa Gabriele

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After a brief and intense whirlwind romance, a young woman leaves the only place she knows as home and moves in with her new fiancé, Max Winter. Max is the exact opposite of our protagonist. He is a recent widower and a wealthy politician. While she spent most of her life in poverty.  Her new home is filled with memories of Max's beautiful first wife, Rebekah. Rebekah haunts the young woman's dreams and fuels her insecurities. While his daughter, Dani likes to make her life a living hell. She realizes that she doesn't have a place in the weird family dynamic between Max and Dani. They have a relationship dynamic that is both confuses and intrigues her.  As she grows more in love with Max, she worries about her relationship with Dani especially, when family secrets don't stay buried.

I don't like novels where the main character doesn't have a name. It makes it harder to discuss the protagonist when you don't know what to call them. I feel like when you don't name something, it's like you don't claim or love that person. Nor does it make it very easy to relate to the character.  And I very much feel like this novel wasn't a labor of love but, something that was quickly put together.  The novel takes forever to move along and the plot twists were very predictable. I thought I would have "fallen out of my seat" at least once during any of the revelations instead they were all met by my yawning. The novel was a complete bore and waste of time.

 **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 - Takes One to Know One by Susan Isaacs

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Retired FBI agent Corie Geller used to help bring down terrorists. After a few years at the bureau, Corie traded in her badge for motherhood and marriage. She married the charismatic Judge Josh Geller and adopted his fourteen-year-old daughter. While being the family chauffeur and chef, she scouts new and upcoming Arabic fiction for literary agencies. Corie joins a few other freelancers every Wednesday at a French restaurant to make friends.

Corie senses that something is off with one of the attendees of their group. Pete Delaney seems like a regular person but, he always shows up early and sits in the same spot with a different cellphone.  And he always keeps one eye on his car parked across the street.  Corie feels that Pete is hiding something. She is unsure if she is just making things up but, she decides the only way to know for sure is to investigate into Pete's life.

I love thrillers and mystery novels. After reading the summary, I was super excited to read the book. The first few pages were a bit tough but, I figured the book would start to pick up. After a hundred pages, I started to realize the book will never pick up and the whole book was rather pointless. I got tired of the constant "Oh, why did he marry me? He's so handsome!" nonsense every few pages. The premise of the entire novel seems so boring. Corie had no actual evidence that Pete was up to go no good but, just a hunch. Honestly, the novel was so boring, I couldn't read more. I am throwing this novel into the DNF pile.

**Disclosure - I received a free uncorrected 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 - Scars Like Wings by Erin Stewart + Giveaway

Ava Lee has lost her parents, her home, her best friend, and even her face in a moment's notice. She doesn't need to look in a mirror to know how she looks like because she sees it in the eyes of everyone around her. After nearly a year after the fire,  her aunt and uncle decide that she should go back to high school. They want her to have a "normal" life being surrounded by other people instead of feeling isolated. 

However, Ava feels that life will never feel normal for her again. And she could forget about making friends because no one wants to be seen with the Burned Girl. Things change when Ava meets another survivor named Piper. She begins to feel that she doesn't have to face the nightmare alone anymore. Piper likes to push Ava outside of her comfort zone and even introduces her to Asad, a boy who loves the theater just as much as she does. Slowly, Ava starts to feel connected to life again but, when Piper starts to struggle, will Ava be able to step up to the challenge?

 I thought this novel was a great and a emotional read. The characters were all well developed and likable. I love how each of the characters helped each other grow and become better versions of themselves.  The novel is an endearing read of someone facing psychological issues after a traumatizing event while finding herself again.

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

 

About the Book

Title: SCARS LIKE WINGS

Author: Erin Stewart

Pub. Date: October 1, 2019

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 352

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, TBD

Relatable, heartbreaking, and real, this is a story of resilience--the perfect novel for readers of powerful contemporary fiction like Girl in Pieces and Every Last Word.

Before, I was a million things. Now I'm only one. The Burned Girl.

Ava Lee has lost everything there is to lose: Her parents. Her best friend. Her home. Even her face. She doesn't need a mirror to know what she looks like--she can see her reflection in the eyes of everyone around her.

A year after the fire that destroyed her world, her aunt and uncle have decided she should go back to high school. Be "normal" again. Whatever that is. Ava knows better. There is no normal for someone like her. And forget making friends--no one wants to be seen with the Burned Girl, now or ever.

But when Ava meets a fellow survivor named Piper, she begins to feel like maybe she doesn't have to face the nightmare alone. Sarcastic and blunt, Piper isn't afraid to push Ava out of her comfort zone. Piper introduces Ava to Asad, a boy who loves theater just as much as she does, and slowly, Ava tries to create a life again. Yet Piper is fighting her own battle, and soon Ava must decide if she's going to fade back into her scars . . . or let the people by her side help her fly.

"A heartfelt and unflinching look at the reality of being a burn survivor and at the scars we all carry. This book is for everyone, burned or not, who has ever searched for a light in the darkness." --Stephanie Nielson, New York Times bestselling author of Heaven Is Here and a burn survivor

About Erin:

Erin Stewart is the author of SCARS LIKE WINGS, her debut novel. Erin is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern and a BYU undergraduate who works as a freelance writer and editor, as well as a weekly columnist in Salt Lake City.

Erin lives in Utah with her husband and three children. She is represented by the amazing Brianne Johnson of Writers House.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of SCARS LIKE WINGS, US Only.

Rafflecopter link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2992/?

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

10/1/2019- Feed Your Fiction Addiction- Review

10/2/2019- BookHounds YA- Review

10/3/2019- Lifestyle of Me- Review

10/4/2019- Fictitious Fox- Review

Week Two:

10/7/2019-  Fire and Ice - Review

10/8/2019- Moonlight Rendezvous- Review

10/9/2019- Fictitiouswonderland- Review

10/10/2019- Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers- Review

10/11/2019- Here's to Happy Endings- Review

Week Three:

10/14/2019- Treestand Book Reviews- Review

10/15/2019- Smada's Book Smack- Review

10/16/2019- Riddle’s Reviews- Review

10/17/2019- Jena Brown Writes- Review

10/18/2019- Book-Keeping- Review

Week Four:

10/21/2019- A Bookish Dream- Review

10/22/2019- Life Within The Pages- Review

10/23/2019- Portrait of a Book- Review

10/24/2019- The Pages In-Between- Review

10/25/2019- Paper Reader- Review

Week Five:

10/28/2019- Southern Girl Bookaholic- Review

10/29/2019- Do You Dog-ear?- Review

10/30/2019- Novel Novice- Excerpt

10/31/2019- Two points of interest- Review

 

Book Review - The Lost History of Dreams by Kris Waldherr

Photo Credit - Amazon

When famed poet Hugh de Bonne is discovered dead in his bath one day, his cousin Robert Highstead is tasked with helping Hugh with his last wishes. Robert is a post-mortem photographer and has to transport Hugh's remains for burial in a chapel where his wife's remains preside. The chapel, Ada's folly was built by Hugh sixteen years earlier as a dedication for his late wife and muse. However, since her death, the chapel has been locked and abandoned but, fans of de Bonne visit the site.

Ada's niece refuses to open the glass chapel for Robert unless he does something for her in return. She promises that she will allow Hugh's remains if Robert records Isabelle's story of Ada's and Hugh's love story over the course of five nights.  As Robert listens to Isabelle's story, he discovers secrets that closely align with ones he has been keeping secret. 

I love a good horror story but, this one didn't deliver. The beginning of the novel was very slow and it took a while before I became interested in the plot. I felt like there were no spooky elements but, only a few predictable surprises and a case of one too many mistaken identities. The novel fell short as a ghost story but, it had a few twists and turns.

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