Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Book Review - The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson

 

 

Immanuelle Moore is living in Bethel where the Prophet's word is the law. Her very existence is blasphemy. Her mother had an affair with an outsider of a different race. For her mother's sins, her entire family was cast out in disgrace. Immanuelle tries to atone for her mother's disgrace by trying to worship the Father and follow all the rules as the other women in the settlement.

Growing up, Immanuelle has heard stories about the Darkwood forest. Settlers are forbidden from entering the forest. The forest is where the first prophet chased and killed four powerful witches. When returning home from the market, an accident occurs which causes Immanuelle to enter the Darkwood forest. She comes across two of the witches and they give her a gift. When Immanuelle opens the gift, she realizes it's her dead mother's journal. She finds out that her mother once sought sanctuary in the woods.

Immanuelle knows that having the journal is forbidden but, she is fascinated with the secrets that are buried in the pages. She is struggling to understand how her mother could go against her faith and conspire with the witches. As she tries to dig deeper into the journal, she learns the truth behind the Church and its history along with the secrets it keeps.

The novel is an interesting read. I thought it was interesting reading the description of the witches. However, I was expecting a bit more from the novel. The secrets that the church has is more about human greed than a secret scandal. I felt like the story followed most storylines about cults where men are fearless leaders and women are stripped of most of their rights. Then one woman will try to stand up to the leaders but, the "faithful followers" will go against her but, she will do the right thing anyway. I was confused by the role of witchcraft. It seems like some of the other "darker-skinned" people worshiped the witches but, the witches seem to be evil people hurt whoever gets in their way. I thought when Immanuelle saw the marks on the witches' faces are similar to the Prophet's wives, the story was going to take a different turn but, it didn't.  The story had potential but, failed to live up to it. Also, can we stop making people who look different especially people of dark skin color villains by the story characters?

**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.**

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Book Spotlight - Ottoman Dominion by Terry Brennan



Diplomatic Security Service agent Brian Mullaney wants out. He's been drawn against his will into a dangerous international mission with world-ending implications--and his final assignment is going to pit him directly against the terrifying, evil entity known only as the Turk.

But when the Turk's minions breach the US embassy in Israel and the American ambassador disappears, Mullaney has no choice. He must accept his role as the final guardian of a mysterious box, his only weapon against the powers of darkness bent on preventing the second coming of the Messiah, no matter who or what they annihilate to accomplish their goal. Can this man who's already lost so much find the strength and faith to save the world--and fulfill the prophecy of peace?

The final volume of the Empires of Armageddon trilogy will have fans of Joel Rosenberg, Ronie Kendig, and Frank Peretti on the edge of their seats up to the final page.

Click here to read an excerpt!

About the author

Terry Brennan is the award-winning author of The Sacred Cipher, The Brotherhood Conspiracy, and The Aleppo Code, the three books in The Jerusalem Prophecies series. His latest series is Empires of Armageddon, which includes Ishmael Covenant, Persian Betrayal, and Ottoman Dominion.

A Pulitzer Prize is one of the many awards Brennan accumulated during his 22-year newspaper career. The Pottstown (PA) Mercury won the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing for a two-year series published while he led the team as the newspaper’s Editor.

Starting out as a sportswriter in Philadelphia, Brennan became an editor and publisher for newspapers in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York and later moved to the corporate staff of Ingersoll Publications (400 newspapers in the U.S., Ireland and England) as Executive Editor of all U.S. newspaper titles.

In 1996, Brennan transitioned into the nonprofit sector, spending 12 years as VP Operations for The Bowery Mission and six years as Chief Administrative Officer for Care for the Homeless,  both in New York City.

Terry and his wife, Andrea, now live in Danbury, CT.

More on Brennan can be found at www.terrybrennanauthor.com. He is also on Facebook (Terry Brennan) and Twitter (@terrbrennan1)

Book giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Saturday, December 5, 2020

Book Review - Burden of Proof by Davis Bunn

 

 

 

Three weeks after his twenty-third birthday, Ethan missed the chance to save his brother's life when he was assassinated at the courthouse in Jacksonville, Florida. Ethan has felt a profound disconnect between the man he was meant to be and the man he became after that fateful day. His days are a jumbled mess as he constantly replays the scene of his failure again and again.

His brother's widow enters his life and calls for his help to discover who was really behind his brother's murder. Ethan is shocked to learn that she and her late husband were involved in a much larger case than he knew—one that threatens the global power system. When Ethan joins the search for answers, he will travel back to his past and find a way of redeeming his future.

I thought this novel had an interesting spin. However, I found myself having a hard time getting into the novel. I thought the main character was annoying and all the female characters were either stupid and annoying or aggressive and rude. The entire novel felt like a chore and was very boring to read. I stopped reading halfway and never looked back.

 **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.**

Thursday, December 3, 2020

Book Review - Craven Manor by Darcy Coates

 


Daniel is down on his luck and he is desperate for a job. He is willing to take any job to be able to afford food and rent. Someone slides a note under his door offering him a job as a groundskeeper at an old crumbling estate. The job offers him free housing and food along with a generous salary. He feels like the job is too good to be true.

When he arrives at Craven Manor, he feels like he might have been a victim of a prank. The mansion is dilapidated and its front door is wide open. The house is covered in leaves and cobwebs and it's apparent that no one has lived there in a long time. When he turns to leave, he finds an envelope with his name on it. There is a note offering him the job and it contains money with the promise of more if he accepts the job.

Daniel accepts the job because his only other option is to be homeless. He moves into the groundskeeper's cottage and tries to do his job. He tries to ignore all the strange occurrences and focuses on getting his job done. However, he feels that something is wrong deep in bones especially when there is a candle flickering in the abandoned tower window. He feels that Craven Manor is hiding a terrible secret but, can he survive it?

I enjoyed this novel. I like for the first time, a character isn't oblivious that something is wrong. Unfortunately, I feel for Daniel because he is stuck in a tough spot.  However, I didn't like that Daniel kept caring for a person who didn't even have his best interest at heart. I understand that Daniel was at a low point and that person was there for him but, it seems that everything that person did was motivated by greed. Daniel realized that this person was motivated by greed but, still tries to be positive and caring towards that person. Overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading 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.**


Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Book Review - Rules for Being Dead by Kim Powers

 


In the late 1960s in McKinney, Texas ten-year-old Clarke and his brother, Corey escapes to the local theaters to watch movies. They use the movies as a way to fuel their dreams and cope with the recent death of their mother. The boys lose their beloved mother. but, no one will them how she died. And no one has told their mother, Creola, how she died either. She is floating around trapped between life and death. She spends her days watching her family and trying to figure out her final moments. Clarke decides that he will figure out the truth behind his mother's death. Will be able to cope with the truth?

I had hard a time getting into this book because the font size and spacing was so tiny! I felt like a grandmother trying to read this book and I had to read it in small bursts. However, I thought it was an entertaining but, a sad read. The author did a good job illustrating grief and flawed characters. The book was narrated in alternating points of view which allowed readers a glimpse into each character.  The author took portions of his life story as inspiration for this book. I wish there was a section in the book explaining which parts were true to life and which were fabricated. I found myself thinking about it throughout the novel.  

 **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.**

Sunday, November 29, 2020

November 2020 Haul Part 2!

 


 Wow, I can't believe it's November already!  I can hardly believe it. I felt like it was just Halloween a few days ago. 

I got a few more masks from Facetory to replenish my stock even though I haven't really been using them too often. It's been cold in my area and I didn't want something cold on my face. I bought a few more masks from Facetory's own brand line. I liked their masks so far and I am hoping these are good too.

I have used Kat Von D lip products and got a new dark red. I love NYX products and got two new dark purple colors in subversive socialite and temptress. I got a new "nude" lipstick from Nars and a "nude" Kylie liquid lipstick. I am on the fence with the Kylie product. I am not sure if I would consider her products prestige since it came out that her lip kits used the same formulations and ingredients as Colourpop.

Bath and Body Works released a new foaming luxury bath product. I love taking baths so, I am really excited to try it. I also got another Rituals body wash to replace the one I finished a few months ago. I got a new mud mask that I am excited to try. I am hoping this month I finish a few more things to justify my spending :D :D

Did you get anything new this month that you are excited to try?


Friday, November 27, 2020

Book Review - Softly Blows the Bugle by Jan Drexler

 


 In 1863, Elizabeth Kaufman's husband perishes in the Battle of Vicksburg. Instead of feeling sad over his death, she is relieved. She is determined to never let a man control her life again, even if it means she will never have a family of her own.

Aaron Zook joins Elizabeth's brother, Jonas in his journey home. He wants to move the West and restart his life because his past is too painful. He never imagined that the Amish way of life would be appealing as his grandfather left the faith years ago. However, as Aaron spends more time with Elizabeth and Jonas, he finds the Amish ways enticing.  Aaron is stuck between moving to the West and starting a new life with the Amish.

The book was a quick and easy read. I thought Elizabeth to be an annoying character. She claims that she doesn't want to settle down and is content by herself. However, when Solomon throws a bit of interest at her she fawns over him. She feels uncertain about him and her gut is telling her that he is a bad guy. And several people are telling her the same thing but, she still refuses to believe them. When she meets a guy who does care for her and put her interest first, she gives him harsh words even when he was looking out for her. She claims that she doesn't want to beholden to any man who is cruel or mean but, she does the exact opposite. Except for Elizabeth, I thought the rest of the book was an interesting 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.**

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Book Spotlight - Hunter by Nicole Conway + Giveaway

 

About The Book:

Title: HUNTER (The Dragonrider Heritage #1)

Author: Nicole Conway

Pub. Date: November 24, 2020

Publisher: Broadfeather Books

Formats: Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 352

Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, Kindle, AudibleB&N, TBD, Bookshop.org

Read for FREE with a Kindle Unlimited Membership!

One boy must earn the trust of a blind dragon and hunt down an elusive sorceress before she can rekindle the war that nearly destroyed their world.

As the Kingdom of Maldobar emerges victorious from the brutal invasion of the Tibran Empire, much of the land is left in utter ruin. With his home destroyed and family gone, 16-year-old Thatcher Renley has no one left to turn to. And when he’s mistaken for a Tibran soldier and banished to a wartime prison camp, Thatcher knows his only hope for freedom lies in appealing to Queen Jenna directly.

But getting out of the prison camp might be the least of his worries— especially after he stumbles across a feral dragon locked in an iron cell.

As far as dragons go, Fornax is a lost cause. The battle that killed his rider also left him blind and too aggressive for any knight to control. But Thatcher can’t deny feeling drawn to the beast. Does he have what it takes to calm Fornax and join the proud ranks of Maldobar’s dragonriders? Only time will tell. And with a bloodthirsty Tibran witch threatening to rekindle the chaos of war, everyone’s time may be running out.

 

About Nicole:

Nicole is an award-winning, #1 international bestselling author from North Alabama. With a passion for relatable, authentic characters and exciting, fast-paced plots, Nicole is best known for her series, THE DRAGONRIDER CHRONICLES. Other published works include THE DRAGONRIDER LEGACY SERIES, SPIRITS OF CHAOS SERIES, MAD MAGIC SAGA, and THE DRAGONRIDER HERITAGE SERIES (Coming Winter 2020).

 

Subscribe to Nicole’s Newsletter!

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tumblr | Pinterest | BookBub | AmazonGoodreads


Giveaway Details:

1 lucky winner will win a signed finished copy of HUNTER & swag, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

11/16/2020

Two Chicks on Books

Interview

11/16/2020

JaimeRockstarBookTours

Instagram Stop

11/17/2020

Hurn Publications

Excerpt

11/17/2020

Hurn Publications

Instagram Stop

11/18/2020

The Momma Spot for both

Review

11/18/2020

The Momma Spot for both

Instagram Stop

11/19/2020

A Dream Within A Dream

Guest Post

11/19/2020

Jrsbookreviews

Review

11/20/2020

PopTheButterfly Reads

Review

11/20/2020

PopTheButterfly Reads

Instagram Stop

 Week Two:

11/23/2020

BookHounds YA

Interview

11/23/2020

BookHounds YA

Instagram Stop

11/24/2020

Jenguerdy

Review/Instagram Stop

11/24/2020

Westveil Publishing

Review

11/25/2020

Fyrekatz Blog

Review

11/25/2020

The Reading Wordsmith

Review

11/26/2020

Books A-Brewin'

Excerpt

11/26/2020

Jaime's World

Guest Post

11/27/2020

Two Points of Interest

Review

11/27/2020

Rajiv's Reviews

Review





Monday, November 23, 2020

Book Review - Catfishing on CatNet by Naomi Kritzer + Giveaway

 


 Steph and her mom are always on the move. They never lived anywhere for longer than six months. Her only friends are the ones from the online community called CatNet. CatNet is a social media website that allows users to share cat photos and connect with other people like her. Steph doesn't know that the site's admin, CheshireCat is a sentient A.I. When Steph's past catches up to her, she will need to rely on people she can trust even if it means endangering them.

I thought the book was an interesting read with a few surprises. I liked how Steph's friends rallied behind her and tried to help. I enjoyed reading the portions that were narrated by the A.I. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as there were a few unresolved threads left.

 **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.**

 




Hardcover : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 1250165083
ISBN-13 : 978-1250165084
Item Weight : 13 ounces
Publisher : Tor Teen (November 19, 2019)
Language: : English

Praise for CATFISHING ON CATNET

“The characters offer positive, realistic LGBTQIA+ representation―especially nonbinary identities and characters still exploring their identities. Refreshingly, the characters also feel like generally-woke-but-still-imperfect humans. Wickedly funny and thrilling in turns; perfect for readers coming-of-age online.” ―Kirkus, starred review

“Kritzer’s take on a benevolent AI is both whimsical and poignant. An entertaining, heart-filled exploration of today’s online existence and privacy concerns.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Smart, sly, scary, and irrepressibly good fun, this novel has everything I’ve ever wanted from a story: it is a cerebral, funny, tender, big-idea delight. I can’t wait for you to read it.”―Kelly Barnhill, Newbery Award-winning author of The Girl Who Drank the Moon

"An absolutely charming and incredibly gripping, superbly plotted YA thriller." ―Cory Doctorow, New York Times bestselling author of Little Brother

“Kritzer’s flawless collection taps deep wells of emotion and wonder…. Her work is indisputably speculative, but it’s a perfect entry point to the genre for readers who prefer fantastical and futuristic elements to stay more in the background, with human (and robotic) feelings always at the fore. This splendid treat is not to be missed.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Cat Pictures Please and Other Stories 


How much does the internet know about YOU?

Because her mom is always on the move, Steph hasn’t lived anyplace longer than six months. Her only constant is an online community called CatNet—a social media site where users upload cat pictures—a place she knows she is welcome. What Steph doesn’t know is that the admin of the site, CheshireCat, is a sentient A.I.

When a threat from Steph’s past catches up to her and ChesireCat’s existence is discovered by outsiders, it’s up to Steph and her friends, both online and IRL, to save her.

You can purchase Catfishing on CatNet at the following Retailers:
        

Photo Credit: Sean M. Murphy/SMM Photography

NAOMI KRITZER has been making friends online since her teens, when she had to use a modem to dial up at 2400 baud. She is a writer and blogger who has published a number of short stories and novels for adults, including the Eliana's Song duology and the Dead Rivers Trilogy. Her 2015 short story “Cat Pictures Please” won the Hugo Award and Locus Award and was a finalist for the Nebula. Naomi lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her family and four cats. The number of cats is subject to change without notice.

Edgar Allan Poe Award Winner
        
WEEK ONE - REVIEW AND EXCERPTS
NOVEMBER 16th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
NOVEMBER 17th TUESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT 
NOVEMBER 18th WEDNESDAY Books and Zebras REVIEW 
NOVEMBER 19th THURSDAY BookHounds YA REVIEW 
NOVEMBER 19th THURSDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT 
NOVEMBER 20th FRIDAY Kait Plus Books REVIEW & EXCERPT 

WEEK TWO - REVIEWS
NOVEMBER 23rd MONDAY Ya It's Lit REVIEW
NOVEMBER 24th TUESDAY A Court of Coffee and Books REVIEW 
NOVEMBER 25th WEDNESDAY Two Pints of Interest REVIEW
NOVEMBER 26th THURSDAY Metaphors and Miscellanea REVIEW
NOVEMBER 26th THURSDAY Belle's Archive REVIEW 
NOVEMBER 27th FRIDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, November 21, 2020

Book Review - Winston's Wet by Megan Cline + Giveaway

 

Winston is back with a new story to share! Except, he is really hot and needs to cool down. He wants to play outside but, it's so hot. His mom tells him he can play in the sprinklers. Together they enjoy playing in the sprinklers together and cooling down under the hot sun.  However, Winston makes a discovery and is curious to know where it came from. He found a rainbow and wants to know everything about it. Together with his mom, he will learn all about relationships and rainbows.

 The book is a cute read for youngsters and little ones. It teaches them about the rainbow and relationships. I liked how the illustrated book worked in themes of friendship, rainbows, and love.

 **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 Books:

Title: WINSTON WINKS

Author: Megan Cline, Sakshi Mangal (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: December 14, 2018

Publisher: FriesenPress

Formats: Hardcover, paperback, eBook

Pages: 28

Find it:  GoodreadsAmazonKindle, B&NiBooksTBDBookshop.org

 

A curious and thoughtful little wombat, Winston is always trying new things and wondering about one thing or another. Luckily, his always loving and patient mom is there to offer encouragement, affection, and the answers to all of his questions―of which there are many.

 

Today, Winston wants to wink. Why? Well, he always watches his Grandpa wink and wants to wink as well. But wow! What a challenge!

 

With the help of his mom, he learns that not every skill comes easily, but that with patience and practice and perseverance, they can be perfected.

 

If Winston wants to wink badly enough and keeps working at it, then wink he will!...

 

Title: WINSTON WIGGLES

Author: Megan Cline, Sakshi Mangal (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: May 10, 2019

Publisher: FriesenPress

Formats: Hardcover, paperback, eBook

Pages: 28

Find it:  GoodreadsAmazonKindle, B&NiBooksTBDBookshop.org

 

Winston is a curious and thoughtful little wombat who has questions and ideas about the world. Winston's family encourages and helps him with his discoveries and adventures. Tonight Winston has caught a case of the wiggles. He is so excited about his class field trip that he can barely be still. With some help from his Mom and Dad, Winston will learn some calming tricks to get him ready to rest....

 

Title: WINSTON’S WET

Author: Megan Cline, Sakshi Mangal (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: December 5, 2019

Publisher: FriesenPress

Formats: Hardcover, paperback, eBook

Pages: 28

Find it:  GoodreadsAmazonKindle, B&NiBooksTBDBookshop.org

 

Everybody's favorite Wombat is back, and he's desperate to cool down! Winston wants to play outside, but it's SO hot. Luckily, his mom comes up with a great idea: They can play in the sprinklers! Together they jump and laugh and play in the cool water under a hot summer sun, and then things get even better. There's a rainbow! Right there in the mist. But where did it come from?

 

With the help of his mom, Winston learns why rainbows appear when there's mist in the sun, and how it's just like friendship and love-something miraculous that you can feel and enjoy, even when you can't catch it in your hand....

 

About Megan: 

A lifelong lover of books, and a member of her local library board of trustees for over fifteen years, Megan Cline has been inspired to create this series of children’s stories by her own insatiably curious son, whose questions and wonderings about the world around him always prodded her to think about things that had never even occurred to her.

 

​Megan currently lives in Iowa with her husband, son, Patsy the dog, and Humphrey the hamster.

 

Photo by Becky Carlyle.

Website | Facebbok | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 

Find out about the Illustrator Sakshi Mangal HERE!

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a signed copies of the WINSTON THE WOMBAT SERIES, US Only.

Rafflecopter Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba21178/?

 

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

11/2/2020

A Dream Within A Dream

Excerpt

11/3/2020

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt

11/4/2020

JaimeRockstarBookTours

Instagram Post

11/5/2020

BookHounds YA

Excerpt

11/5/2020

BookHounds YA

Instagram Post

11/6/2020

Little Red Reads

Review

 

Week Two:

11/9/2020

Jotted By Jena

Review

11/10/2020

Do You Dog-ear?

Review

11/11/2020

midnightbooklover

Review/Instagram Post

11/12/2020

Jazzy Book Reviews

Instagram Post

11/13/2020

Cuzinlogic

Review

11/13/2020

Cuzinlogic

Instagram Post

 

Week Three:

11/16/2020

Gimme The Scoop Reviews

Review

11/16/2020

gimmethescoopreviews

Instagram Post

11/17/2020

Novel Novice

Review

11/17/2020

Novel Novice

Instagram Post

11/18/2020

Momfluenster

Instagram Stop/Review

11/19/2020

onemused

Review/Instagram Post

11/20/2020

booksaremagictoo

Review

11/20/2020

booksaremagictoo

Instagram Post

 

Week Four:

11/23/2020

Nerdophiles

Review

11/24/2020

The Momma Spot

Review

11/24/2020

The Momma Spot

Instagram Post

11/24/2020

Future Bookworms

Instagram Post

11/25/2020

@fictitious.fox

Review/Instagram Post

11/26/2020

@minnesota_mailer

Review/Instagram Post

11/27/2020

two points of interest

Review

 

Week Five:

11/30/2020

Rajiv's Reviews

Review