Tuesday, November 19, 2013

The Curious Disappearance of Professor Brown

Tim Flanagan's new children's book, The Curious Disappearance of Professor Brown a Lawrence Pinkley Mystery is a great read. Even the most reluctant reader will find something in this book that will get them wanting to read. It has mystery, humor, and it's paced perfectly so there aren't any parts that drag.
The reader is taken on twists and turns with private investigator Lawrence Pinkley as he searches for Professor Brown. We are passengers on the thrill ride that is this book as the mystery unveils itself.  The reader will in one moment be laughing, and then in the next moment will be drawn into the suspense of the story.
Mr. Flanagan has created a children's book that will entertain and leave the reader wanting more of these books.
The illustrations add so much to the story. The colors pop off the page, and they help bring bigger than life characters into reality.  Bravo to Tim Flanagan for creating a story for children that is interesting and creative.








Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Black Lace Book 1

I hate to do this, but I must give a negative review.
Black Lace Book 1 by Yordanka Vladimirova Kotseva was a chore to read. The beginning jumped around and was confusing to get through, and the author seemed to be trying too hard. The characters were completely unbelievable, and the author tried too hard to make the book sexy to try to keep the reader's interest. To me, that is a sign that an author isn't sure of his or her own writing and is trying to take the easy way out in a book. I love a good vampire tale, but this one was written so poorly that I was wishing I was watching Twilight. I am sorry to say that this is a 'read at your own risk' book, and you have been warned. 1 Star
Yeah, it really was this bad!

Monday, September 30, 2013

Be Mine by Sandra Norton Flynn

Be Mine by Sandra Norton Flynn is a thriller of epic proportions! This book grabs your attention from the start. It's engaging, emotional, and scary. I found myself wanting to read more and more of this book. I would be out of town and find myself looking forward to reading when I got home. I can honestly say that this book is best seller quality!

Friday, May 24, 2013

Ticket to Hollywodd by Gary Reilly

My next review is on Ticket to Hollywood by Gary Reilly. This is the second in the Murph series, and I have to say it's better than the first.
Murph who swears not to get involved in the personal lives of his fares involved neck deep this time. With a missing girl to find, and Murph feeling responsible for her disappearance, he gets as involved with the life of this fare as he can get.
This book was filled with perfect characters, humor, and excitement. Again, I wish that Mr. Reilly was alive so I could tell him how good his books really are.
5 Stars!

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Who Has the Heart by Tania Eddingsaas

My review today is on a most wonderful book, Who Has the Heart by Tania Eddingsaas.
This book is a combination of three beautiful love stories. My favorite was the story about Duncan Adams.
The characters are wonderful, and their feelings are achingly real. I think we have all felt the way these characters have at one time or another in our lives.
The story lines were very creative, and I found myself lost in them, and that is always a good thing! The mood of this book was like a breath of fresh air. After reading it, I find myself feeling uplifted and happy.
I personally thank the author for writing an entertaining, uplifting, and beautiful book that can be enjoyed over and over again!
5 Stars to Tania Eddingsaas!

Friday, April 19, 2013

Tales of Aradia The Last Witch Volume Two

My review tonight is on Tales of Aradia The Last Witch Volume Two by L.A. Jones.
This book was one amazing roller coaster ride! The author has a way of making each character vivid and real, and making the reader fall in love or hate with them.
This book was slightly darker in tone and feel than the first volume, but it was necessary for the story to continue to unfold the way it was supposed to.
I loved this story that touched on so many serious topics that need to be talked about, especially by the targeted audience.
Once again the author has done a great job!
5 Stars!

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Aura by Rebecca Lynn Talley

My review today is on Aura by Rebecca Lynn Talley.
I will be completely honest and say that this is the first book that I have read for review that has scared the heck out of me. I loved it!
This book is completely unique and extremely interesting. As the main character, Crystal sees people changing all around her, you are drawn in. She has to use the Light within her to try to conquer the demons that are quickly surrounding her. It was an intense read.
The way the author tells this story is incredible. I wanted to read more and was sad when it was over. Even though the ending scenes are perfect.
5 huge stars to Rebecca Lynn Talley!!!

Monday, April 1, 2013

The Moon Stealers and the Everlasting Night

My next review is on Book 3 in the Moon Stealers series: The Moon Stealers and the Everlasting Night by Tim Flanagan.
This book is delightfully gripping and addictive from the first paragraph! I have to say that, in my opinion, this is the best book in the series. It's darker than the first two, but it's an intense ride to take your imagination on. It's worth the edge of your seat anxiety that is absolutely delicious.
Once again he has created a fascinating world with believable people out of his imagination. This world is an action packed adventure of epic proportions.
He can do what few writers can do well and that is shift from of person's point of view to another effortlessly and with no confusion to the reader.
He can also write in new characters that you immediately love and care about. His writing style seems flawless and impeccable on the page.
He is a very visual writer, so the pictures develop in your mind as you read. The movie that plays is unbelievable.
5 Stars Mr. Flanagan!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Asphalt Warrior by Gary Reilly

Today I am reviewing Asphalt Warrior by Gary Reilly. This book was a very good read. I loved the main character, Murph. He came alive on the page and made me laugh, see myself in him, and he made me think.
Murph is a cab driver, and an aspiring author. His determination not to get involved with his passengers' lives leads him on an adventure. I love Murph. This guy is quirky, fun, and he has such an awesome attitude.
This book is well written, a fun read, and highly recommended by this reviewer. My only regret is that Gary Reilly has passed away, and I can't share this with him personally.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Tales of Aradia by L.A. Jones

Tonight I am reviewing Tales of Aradia The Last Witch Volume One by L.A. Jones
The characters in this book are alive and thriving, and the plot line is fascinating. I love this book.
Aradia is fun, spunky, and packed full of life. Her friends are in for a wild ride with her.
This author knows how to write a story that will fill readers with action, adventure, romance and leave them wanting to read more. This is one of my favorite interactions in this book:
"Okay. What do you want to know?" he asked Aradia, who replied with just a single word.
"Everything."
This book is filled with beautiful writing just like this. This interaction struck me as particularly poignant and well written.
This reviewer can not wait until I can sink my teeth into Volume 2. 5 Stars to L.A. Jones!!!

Friday, March 8, 2013

Rogue Alliance by Michelle Bellon

Rogue Alliance by Michelle Bellon is in one word amazing!
As I read this book I went through a range of emotions: love, anger, hate, sadness, romance, and an incredible adrenaline rush! This book has it all!
She gives so much background on the characters, and brings them to life in a way that makes them feel so real. That is one of my favorite things about this book. You fall in love, hate, and have a deep empathy for each character.
The plot line is unique, fun, and the reader can go on the wild roller coaster ride that is this intense book. I got so into reading this that my husband reminded me that it was fiction that I was reading. You know you're reading a killer book when you can get that into it!
Michelle Bellon gets 5 stars from this reviewer!

Monday, March 4, 2013

Life As We Knew It series by Susan Beth Pfeffer

I would like to write a review on The Life As We Knew It series by Susan Beth Pfeffer. I love books that cover the topic of apocalyptic destruction and how people would function in a new society.
I think the author has done an amazing job of creating lively, complete, and believable characters in this series. They feel like real people of flesh and blood that she's writing about. Bravo!
The plot line is interesting and fun to read. She isn't afraid to talk about destruction, starvation, illness, and death.
Pfeffer does something very creative. In the first book she covers a mother and her children, in the second book she covers a brother and his two sisters, and their lives intersect in the third book.
I adore this series. It is heart wrenching, interesting, and most of all it shows what can happen in a family when everyone comes together and works together. Don't get me wrong, it isn't all peaches and cream with the families. They fight, argue, and get along like real people do in real families.
I have to give the author a huge 5 star review for her hard work on this series. Bravo!

Monday, February 25, 2013

Tide Ever Rising by Mandi Tucker Slack

I am reviewing Tide Ever Rising by Mandi Tucker Slack. This book is beyond good!
It's about a long journey that was started by a found journal from many years ago. The relationships that have formed because of the journal are wonderful to read.
Her characters are spunky, fun, and I love the relationship between Kadie and Maysha. You feel for the characters as if they were your friends or common enemies.
This is such a unique plot line that is amazingly interesting. It's beautifully descriptive, and the author has a gift for writing exciting books that anyone would love to read.
This book is an intriguing mystery that may send shivers down your spine! Every single detail is wrapped up, and nothing is overlooked.
Mandi Tucker Slack I give you 5 stars for your amazing work. Please keep writing! You have a tremendous gift!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Emergence

This is my first review in a little while, and it feels good to be back in the game.
Tonight's review is Emergence by C Michelle Jefferies. This book is a must read! If you like action, adventure, emotion, and redemption, this is the book for you!
Her characters are written so well. I love how she makes you feel for them. I found myself loving, hating, and having a mixture of emotions for the characters that she included in her book.
The plot is amazing, imaginative, and written with passion and excitement. It is gritty, and leaves you not wanting to stop reading.
We learn about the life and adventures of hit-man Antony Danic that strives for change. I will go on record saying that you will love this story.
As I was reading this I felt butterflies in my stomach, dying to see how it would end, and at the same time, as I came closer to the end, I wanted more!
5 stars to C Michelle Jefferies for writing a refreshing, action packed book that left me reeling, and wanting her to tell me more!

Friday, February 8, 2013

Ceremonial Magick by Ann Nyland

Ceremonial Magick by Ann Nyland
What can I say about this author and her work? I think the word fantastic about sums it up!
This mystery is well written, and you just want more clues.
The characters, especially Amy, pique your interest very quickly and easily. Nothing seems forced in this novel.
This book is a fun read! It is exciting, mysterious, and I love how the author slips humor in throughout the book.
This book keeps you guessing, and leaves you shocked!
5 Stars. I wish I had 10 to give her!

The Cure by Bradlee Frazer

My review tonight is for The Cure by Bradlee Frazer.
This book was interesting, scary, intense, and touching. The reader goes through many emotions as they read this book!
The characters are surprisingly real. Mr. Frazer creates people out of his mind that leave the reader wondering if they could be based on real people.
The plot line is scary because it could happen. It's about an illness that spreads like wildfire and kills without prejudice. The one "cure" is a man named Jason. As you can imagine, he is treated horribly to extract the "cure".
The plot is intense. This is a great medical mystery. It sucks you in and has a great X-Files feel to it. It has lots of twists and turns. It has the ability to absorb the reader.
One thing that I did notice was that the author has the rare talent to paint a picture with his words.
"Marcus tried to make out the words, but they were muffled and distant, like they were coming from yesterday." Beautiful!
5 Stars to you Mr. Frazer!

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Miracle by Elizabeth Scott

My review tonight is on Miracle by Elizabeth Scott.
This book is beautiful and haunting at the same time. As always, the author writes unique characters for this book, and they are written incredibly well. The relationships that blossom and grow are surprising and written with love and care.
This book is about Megan, the only survivor of a plane crash. The way she doesn't deal with the trauma, how people change around her, and her ultimate healing.
I love this author. She is one of my favorites, and I usually can't find anything about her work that I would change. That being said, there were parts that did drag a little. It pains me to admit this about the book.
Overall, this was a good read, but I must knock a star of for the plot drag. 4 Stars.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

The Moon Stealers and The Queen of the Underworld

Tonight my review is on The Moon Stealers & The Queen of the Underworld by Tim Flanagan. This is the Second book in the Moon Stealers series.
This book is just as amazing as the first. I have to say that I think Tim Flanagan is a J.K. Rowling in the making.
He can paint with words, and he can draw emotions from the reader's heart. He as the amazing ability to draw you into a mystical and magical world filled with amazing creatures and characters that will fascinate the reader.
His story lines are unique and truly refreshing. What I loved about this book was the action, both emotional and physical. The battle scenes are incredible!
I also found the moral messages really important:
Different races working together to battle a common enemy, and how nature surrounds us and is alive. I found myself wondering what the trees and plants around me were thinking! Then there was a quote that I loved:
"The size of a soldier does not reflect his determination and skill on the battlefield or dictate how great his heart is"-Lady Flora
This story flows freely, and picks up exactly where the first leaves off. Tim Flanagan writes with natural talent. The characters are interesting, vital, and full of life.
The plot line is thrilling to read, and the reader will be on the edge of their seats as they read this story. It's wonderful to read.
I think these books really need to be on every bookshelf. I love his writing style, and these books are great. Pick them up, and give them a read! 5 Stars!!!!

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Dreadful Sorry by Kathryn Reiss

Tonight I am pulling out another book that I adore for review. Dreadful Sorry by Kathryn Reiss is a twist and turn adventure that grabs at you from the beginning. The characters are fun and interesting, and they are full of life.
The plot is exciting and gripping. It can be completely addictive and you better make sure you have the time to just sit and read because you won't want to put it down.
5 Stars!!!

Sunday, January 27, 2013

The Alias by Mandi Tucker Slack

Alias by Mandi Tucker Slack is up for review tonight.
The characters are well developed, and realistic in their actions. I loved that I could picture them in my mind. Each and every character was well fleshed out, and they were interesting to read. Everyone was unique, and it was obvious that the author spent time to make them believable.
The plot line was both heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. It was descriptive enough so that I could picture everything in my mind. There weren't any dead spots, and the book was just the right length. It was believable, interesting, and suspenseful. I loved that it didn't leave any loose ends, and it was a great read.
5 Stars! Well deserved!!!

Thursday, January 24, 2013

The Penitent by C. David Belt

Wow! I just finished reading The Penitent by C. David Belt. What can I say about this book? How about amazing!
The book is told from Moira's point of view, and it was thrilling to read.
This book takes you in so many emotional directions: spiritual, happy, sad, sighing at the romantic parts, scared, and the reader will be thrilled from the first page.
The characters are more fleshed out in this, the second volume. You'll find yourself falling in love with them all over again.
The author knows how to insert gospel truths into a vampire novel in a way that you never thought would be possible. It's not preachy, but touching and informative. The author inserts many Book of Mormon stories and uses them in a way to teach vampires and the reader gospel truths.
The plot continues from the first volume picking up with the same characters, and adding new exciting ones as well. I found myself riveted to this novel. The author wrote so much excitement into this volume that it will become addictive.
This volume is brilliant, thoughtful, inspiring, and Moira is as always, loveable!

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery

This is such a beautiful cover!
I am going to review what is probably my favorite book in the world. As I say this, please keep in mind that I relate to the main character on a level that I would have sworn, had I been alive at the time, that it was written about me.
Now, the book is The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery. I know what you're thinking, "How can she think to review a master author like L.M. Montgomery." Well, it is done with nothing but respect.
This book is about a woman, Valancy, that has been living under her mother's, aunt's, and the rest of her family's thumbs all of her life. She has always been passed over since she was a little girl because she wasn't pretty.
It isn't until a series of some funny and some sad events take place that she finds herself out from under their control, and that's when she finally has a life! She lives, loves, and couldn't be happier.
I can't say a negative thing about this book. It touches the reader's heart and the characters are incredible. The plot is beautiful, and it moves at a great pace. You'll find yourself happy, sad, and frustrated as Valancy goes through the paces of really living for the first time. Beautiful! 5 Stars!

Monday, January 21, 2013

The Year I Turned Sixteen

I am going to review one of my favorite books tonight. The Year I Turned Sixteen by Diane Schwemm is now and forever a favorite of mine. It's a collection of her four books about four sisters that takes place in the year they each turned sixteen.
I adore the characters. The author does an incredible job of taking the reader on an emotional journey through four different and unique characters. The reader also finds themselves remembering the year they turned sixteen. I guess that good be either good or bad! :)
The characters face everything from dealing with being the oldest sister and helping the family, death, dealing with bad influences, and trying to find out who they are on their own.
I really don't think this book will disappoint. 5 stars

Sunday, January 20, 2013

One Moment by Kristina McBride is the book of choice for review tonight. This book is written with such an amazing mixture of emotions for the reader to delve into.
Maggie is a complex character that was written with passion and enthusiasm. Each character is unique and you grow to love each one.
The plot is very interesting to follow, and it is fleshed out extremely well. Maggie is on a cliff top with her boyfriend, and they are going to jump together. Maggie stops running, and she can't remember what happened that led to her to not jump, and that left her boyfriend, Joey, dead in the water below.
This book does, indeed, lead the reader down an emotional roller coaster. There also proves to be an interesting mystery that needs to be solved.
I give this book 4 Stars.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

The Duff

This evening I will be reviewing The Duff (The Designated Ugly Fat Friend) by Kody Keplinger.
This book is...well...read on.
The characters were written very well, so I have to give the author kudos for that. They were each unique, complicated, and well written.
The plot line was, in my opinion, an easy way out. It is basically about a guy, Wesley, that insults the main character, Bianca, by calling her the Duff of her group of friends.
This somehow leads to her sleeping with him multiple times as an escape to what is going on in her life at home.
Everything is tied up peaches and cream in the end when they get together. That just doesn't work for me. Reality is suspended way too far there. People just don't work that way, and if they do, they should be in a therapist's office ASAP.
I have to give this book 1 Star. It just isn't worth the time you would waste reading it.

Blood On My Hands

The book I am reviewing tonight is Blood On My Hands by Todd Strasser.
This book is gripping from beginning to end. I love each character, especially Callie Carson. What she has to go through is unbelievable-in a great way.
This book is addictive, and you will love every minute of it. The plot line is exciting, and it moves along at a great pace. Strasser puts in exciting twists and turns that leave you shocked.
For a reader that loves a good mystery, this is the right book for you!
5 Stars!

Monday, January 14, 2013

The Unwilling

WHOOT! I am reviewing one of the most unique books I have had the privilege to read. I was sent some books from authors to review when I first started this page, and this was one of them.
The book is The Unwilling by C. David Belt. I found myself not wanting to put it down. It became that addictive!
The characters were so full and well developed. I fell in love with Moira, and I wished she was a real person that I could be friends with. It's written from a male point of view which will make it a great read for anyone.
I initially had my doubts when I realized that it was a vampire book written from a Latter-day Saint point of view, but it worked! It was so interesting that even non LDS people will find this book appealing. There are so many exciting plot points to this story. You find yourself deeply involved in this incredible world that the author has created, and are surprised when you look at the clock and see how long you have been reading!
This book leaves the reader satisfied. It should be on every shelf. I just wish that Moira was real!
5 stars, Mr. Belt! Well deserved!

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Why We Broke Up

I will be reviewing a very interesting book tonight: Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler and illustrated by Maira Kalman.
I have to admit that when I picked up this book, I was giddy about the illustrations. They add so much to it. Other authors couldn't get away with doing this, but it worked perfectly here.
The whole story centers around the contents of a box, and each item told a story as to why the main characters broke up. The story was heartbreaking, but wonderfully told.
The plot was well told, and the characters were extremely believable. The reader can put themselves in Min's shoes, feel what she feels. It's amazing.
I also loved the fact that it was told in a teen's voice and point of view. That makes the story even more believable. The ending is perfect, and it will leave you sighing with contentment.
Another 5 Star Review

Thursday, January 10, 2013

The Moon Stealers by Tim Flanagan

Wow! That's all I can say right now. Just Wow! Okay..Review Time!
The Book I am reviewing is The Moon Stealers & The Quest For The Silver Bough written by Tim Flanagan.
I was drawn into this book literally from the very first paragraph!
The characters in this book are some of the most well written and interesting characters I have ever read. I loved how he was able to bring what could have been thin personalities, and breathe life into them. The author made them more than just average characters in most books, but turned them into living, breathing people that the reader can picture in his/her own mind.
The plot line is so unique, and interesting. It's a science fiction adventure that is aimed at teens and young adults, but I assure you that this book would entertain anyone from 12-112! Mr. Flanagan weaves the plot as someone would weave a beautiful intricate tapestry.
As I was reading this book, I found myself in complete suspense, talking to it as my husband looked on, thinking it was funny.
There are absolutely no dead spots in this story. I found myself absorbed in the details, the characters, and the plot line. This was a great read. Tim Flanagan has a natural gift. As you read this book it seems as if the story flows freely from his mind to the reader's.
I give this book 5 stars!!!
The second in the series is available now, and the third will be out around March!

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Certified Book Junkie!

I am a certified book junkie. I love everything about books: the feel of the cover, the heft of the book in my hands, the type on the page, and there is nothing like the smell of a new book.

This blog will be about books that I have read. The good, the bad, and the ugly will be revealed. I will be posting reviews, and I would love to hear feedback about them.

I have been in love with reading since I was very young, and my favorite book was The Three Little Kittens. I am all grown up now, and love many kinds of books. I hope you'll enjoy the taking this journey with me!