Book Review - Come Back to Me (Waters of Time, #1) by Jody Hedlund

 

Marian Creighton doesn't believe there is an ultimate cure that could cure any disease. She doesn't believe in her father's quest to find the cure for the disease that killed their mother and has affected her sister. However, Marian's father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water that is believe to contain trace residue from the Tree of Life. Marian begins to question everything she thought she knew. Marian tries to study the clues that her father left behind to see if he crossed back in time. She didn't think it was possible until she found herself back in time during the Middle Ages.

William Durham is a knight for the king and comes to Marian rescue. He is willing to offer protection if she becomes his wife. As Marian stays longer in the Middle Age, she begins to care for William. Will she find a way to return to the present?

I thought the book had an interesting premise but, I didn't quite care for the book. I was more than one third of the way done before I lost interest in the novel. I felt like it was boring and moved very slowly. If you like time traveling romance novels with hints of medical drama, then this would be a good read for you.

 

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

Book Review - The Anatomy of Desire by L.R. Dorn

 

Claire Griffith has it all. She rebranded herself as Cleo Ray and has a thriving influencer business, a successful boyfriend, and glamorous friends. Cleo knew she was meant for more than her super-strict religious parents preached to her. She arrives to Los Angeles and is completely broke. She climbs her way up to being a popular fitness coach and social media influencer. She is on her way to realizing her biggest dreams and getting everything she ever wanted.

Beck Alden and Cleo went on a canoe trip on a serene mountain lake one summer day. An hour later, Beck is found dead in the water Cleo is missing. The police suspect foul play and concentrate on locating Cleo because someone matching her description was found running away from the lake.  The news of Cleo's involvement goes viral and people are feverishly following the case.

I was a bit torn on this book. The format was interesting and I felt like it added a bit of "drama" to the story and that we were reading an actual court transcript. However, I found it annoying to keep track of who was talking at times. Sometimes, that broke the flow for me. I felt like sometimes, the story felt off-kilter because they had Chloe's perspective when they were describing the crime. I felt that there wasn't much of a plot but a constant rehash of the same bits of story.

 

Book Review - Blue Ticket by Sophie Mackintosh

 

When girls get their first period, they are able to take part in the lottery. The young women report to a station and they learn what kind of woman they will be depending on the ticket they get. If they get a white ticket, they can have children and get married. A blue ticket allows them to pursue a career and be free of family duties. This system relieves the burden of choice from a young woman's shoulder. One of the rules of the lottery is that once you receive your ticket, there is no going back.

Calla has received a blue ticket and she questions her fate. She decides to go on the run and live the life she wants. Calla will need to rely on the skills she learned and question those around her. She will have to find a way to escape as the system pits women against her. During her journey, Calla must decide if the lottery knows her better than she knows herself and what the consequences are for going against the lottery.

I was not a fan of this book. I read more than half of the book before I just dumped it. The book lacked world building details. They would share details about certain things but, fail to go into details. I found it hard to understand certain things without understanding the "why".  The writing style felt bland and flat and it was hard to connect to Calla. She came across as cold and clinical. It was hard to put myself in her shoes and feel anything for her plight.

Book Review - Present Danger by Elizabeth Goddard

 

Special Agent Jack Tanner left the FBI to become a detective in Montana. During a search and rescue mission, he comes across a body in the national forest. He is determined to find the killer, even if he has to work with his ex-girlfriend,  US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors.

Terra discovers the victim had ties to a dangerous person who is trafficking artifacts. As the duo investigates, the investigation takes  a deadly turn and it hits too close to home. Terra feels that she doesn't have the courage to face what she needs to do next. However, Jack is determined to protect Terra at all costs. He felt that he has let her down before and he isn't willing to do it again.

I thought the novel was an interesting read with a few twists and turns. I didn't find that the novel was at the edge of my seat suspenseful even though it had a few unexpected twists. I felt like there was a few things that weren't really resolved and it seems the second book in the series are new characters.  While the characters were interesting, I felt like they were a bit dull for my tastes. I would still be open to reading other books by the author.

Book Review - House of Shadows (House of Shadows, #1) by Darcy Coates

 

Sophie has grown up in a privileged world. However, that all changes when a disaster bankrupts her family. As Sophie tries to come terms with news, an unexpected solution appears. A wealthy stranger, Mr. Argenton, asks for her hand in marriage. Sophie knows if she marries Mr. Argenton it will save her family's fortune and from scandal. Sophie is torn because she knows she will have to leave her family and live in Northwood, a vast and dark mansion that is hours away from civilization.

She struggles with her new life as the mistress of the cold and desolate mansion. Her new relatives are distant and cold, while Mr. Argenton is keeping secrets. Sophie feels that there is something wrong with the house and it feels unnatural.

She hears a piano play during the middle of the night but, no one in the house plays. The house drips blood from the ceiling and she feels a dark and cold presence. Sophie begins to learn that the house is haunted and the house doesn't like intruders.

Sophie feels trapped at Northwood and she is desperate to escape. She wants to leave but, she is unable to leave Mr. Argenton behind. She finds herself drawn to him and suspects he feels the same way about her. However, she knows that the secrets that Mr. Argenton keep might cost her life.

I have quite a few of the author's novels and I have enjoyed them. This book is part of a series and it was an interesting read. However, I had a hard time liking Sophie. I felt like the character was weak and pathetic and she turns hysterical over everything. When Sophie finally grew a backbone, it was unrealistic and out of character for her. I thought it was unrealistic how quickly Sophie fell in love with Mr. Argenton when they mostly kept their distance and she knew he was keeping secrets.  I didn't understand why Sophie kept the odd behaviors of her husband's family a secret when he was nothing but understanding towards her.

Book Review - Network of Deceit (Amara Alvarez #2) by Tom Threadgill

 

After Amara Alvarez rescues nearly fifty kidnapped children, she finally lands her dream assignment. She is transferred to the San Antonio's Homicide Division. Amara receives her first case of a suspicious death of a teenager at a local water park. 

As Amara investigates the case, she notices as she applies pressure to her suspects she bring more chaos to her personal life.  Someone is watching her entire move and is stalking her online. Amara will have to trust her intuition and use unconventional methods to find the killer. She will need to prove herself that her first case won't end up in the cold case files.

This is the second book in the series and the first book I read. I was able to follow along and understand the story but, I felt like there were some character nuances that I missed. The book mentioned several times the case that Amara worked on previously. I enjoyed the story but, I had a hard time liking Amara. I felt like she was a bull in a china shop and had no chill.  I am looking forward to the next book in the series especially, the drama with her new partner.

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

 

Book Review - Nemesis and the Swan by Lindsay K. Bandy

 

Photo Credit - Amazon

 

Helene d'Aubign is accused of being a spy and is thrown in jail in revolutionary Paris. The nineteen-year-old aristocrat recalls the events that led to her predicament. She must decide if she will follow the path of her parents or will she abandon the man she loves.

While Helene grew up in a world of privilege and surplus, her progressive governess has instilled radical ideas of a revolution in her early years. Her family tries to prevent her to follow the dangerous path of the revolution but, she has her own ideas. This includes falling in love with a young apprentice. Helene is determined to be with him even though the revolution threatens to tear their family apart.

When violence erupts in Paris, Helene is forced into hiding with her family. She discovers that her family is keeping a deadly secret from her. As Helene tries to find the truth behind the murder, she travels back to Paris to find her beloved. In Paris, she realizes that everything has changed and she can no longer trust anyone. Helene must choose between her family's past or betraying her heart.

I enjoyed reading the book even though it was very slow and predictable. I liked that Helene followed her heart and followed the path of forgiveness of her accuser. There were some parts of the story that wasn't resolved but, the ending was satisfying. Helene is portrayed as wanting the revolution to happen but, she doesn't really express any ideas about it or question her family's priviledge. Instead, she gets annoyed when the artist follows certain progranada of the revolution because the citizens are after her blood. I feel like at times she was pretending to be in favor of the revolution. Overall, I enjoyed the book and I look forward to reading other books by 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.**

 

Nemesis and the Swan

by Lindsay K. Bandy
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Release Date: October 27th 2020

Genre: Young Adult, Historical, Fiction, France

 

Synopsis:

 

From her prison cell in revolutionary Paris, nineteen-year-old aristocrat Hélène d'Aubign recalls the events that led her to choose between following in her parents' unforgivable footsteps or abandoning the man she loves.

 

Despite her world of privilege, Hélène is inspired early on by the radical ideas of her progressive governess. Though her family tries to intervene, the seeds of revolution have already been planted in Hélène's heart, as are the seeds of love from an unlikely friendship with a young jeweler's apprentice. Hélène's determination to find true love is as revolutionary as her attempt to unravel the truth behind a chilling set of eye-shaped brooches and the concealed murder that tore her family apart.

 

As violence erupts in Paris, Hélène is forced into hiding with her estranged family, where the tangled secrets of their past become entwined with her own. When she finally returns to the blood-stained streets of Paris, she finds everything-and everyone-very much changed. In a city where alliances shift overnight, no one knows who to trust.

 

Faced with looming war, the mystery of her family's past, and the man she loves near death, Hélène will soon will find out if doing one wrong thing will make everything right, or if it will simply push her closer to the guillotine.

 

BOOK LINKS

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository | Kobo | Google Books

 

AUTHOR INFORMATION

Lindsay Bandy writes historical and contemporary young adult fiction as well as poetry. She lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with her husband, two daughters, and two cats, and currently serves as the co–regional advisor of the Eastern Pennsylvania region of Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Instagram

 

TOUR SCHEDULE

https://favouritepagesbookclub.blogspot.com/2020/09/tour-schedule-nemesis-and-swan-by.html

 

 

Book Review - The Gentleman Spy by Erica Vetsch + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Marcus never expected to be the Duke of Haverly as he was the second-born son. When his father and older brother suddenly passed away from a carriage accident, he becomes the Duke with responsibilities he never wanted. Marcus goes against his mother's wishes and impulsively marries a bookish wallflower.  He thought since she was independent that he would be able to compartmentalize to his relationship with her and his duties as a secret agent for the Crown.

However, Charlotte is determined to become Marcus's wife and duchess. She wants to use her position to help women who were forced into prostitution due to circumstances out of their control. Her desire to pursue the charity is frown upon by society and by Marcus who wants her to remain in the background.

This was the second book in the novel and could be read as a standalone. The book was a quick and engaging read. I did enjoy reading more about the mysterious Marcus character. He has grown from his debut in the first book. I feel like he was more playful in the first book, while this book he is coming into his own as the Duke and learning his new role. I am excited to read the next book in the series and curious to know who would be the main character.

**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.**

 

About the book

He only wanted a duchess for a day--but she's determined to make it a marriage for life When his father and older brother suddenly pass away, the new Duke of Haverly is saddled with a title he never expected to bear. To thwart the plans of his scheming family, the duke impulsively marries a wallflower. After all, she's meek and mild; it should be easy to sequester her in the country and get on with his life--as a secret agent for the Crown. But his bride has other ideas. She's determined to take her place not only as his duchess but as his wife. As a duchess, she can use her position to help the lowest of society--the women forced into prostitution because they have no skills or hope. Her endeavors are not met favorably in society, nor by her husband who wishes she'd remain in the background as he ordered. Can the duke succeed in relegating her to the sidelines of his life? When his secrets are threatened with exposure, will his new wife be an asset or a liability?

About the author

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate. Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks. A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England. Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).

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

Photo Credit - Amazon

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 - The Midwife's Dilemma by Delia Parr

Photo Credit - Amazon

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 - 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?

(Affiliate link included.) Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Smashwords

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.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | BookBub

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

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

ENTER HERE

Book Review - Mermaid Moon by Susann Cokal

Photo Credit - Amazon

Sanna is a mermaid but, she is half landish. When Sanna was born, an old sea witch cast a forgetting spell that made Sanna, her mother, her father, and her people forget the details of her birth including her mother. When Sanna turns sixteen years old, she decides to find her mother as she feels like an outsider in her seavish flok. Determined to find her roots and identity, she apprentices herself to the sea witch who cast the spell on her and her family.

After learning the magic to make a pair of legs for herself, she decides to follow the clues to the location of her mother. Before she leaves, the sea witch gives her a cryptic quest to complete. As Sanna begins her journey, her flok wait for her news on her journey. While on land, Sanna comes across a village who is desperate for a miracle and a baroness who will stop at nothing to live forever.

I was quite torn with this review. I thought the novel was beautifully written but, then at times, it was just too much. I was more than 85% done with the book before I couldn't be bothered anymore. The story progressed so slowly that the story didn't even progress in 50 pages. It was mostly 50 pages of atmosphere building or Sanna debating what to do or the sea life that lives on the old witch's body. I wasn't a fan of the different points of view because I felt like it added little to the story. I wanted to enjoy this book more because I love a good tale. I am still looking forward to other books by 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.**