Monday, March 27, 2023

"Save My Soul" by K.S. Haigwood

Kendra died on the operating table after a rappelling accident. But a guardian angel tricks her into agreeing to help save the soul of her doctor, but he forgot to mention that she only has 1 week, and failure will cost her her soul as well as his. How do you convince someone with every reason to distrust God to return to believing in Him?

This was an interesting story. I found the idea that everyone has a guardian angel as well as a guardian demon trying to influence them quite interesting, and plausible. It really makes you think not only about how your decisions affected not just yourself, but those around you. And it also would certainly seem to explain a lot of the way we see others behaving to see it as them listening to the inner voice of either their angel or demon.

I enjoyed this story quite a bit. I'm not normally all that interested in books with a major religious theme, but this one did not only catch my interest, but it held it despite the religious theme inherent in a book about fighting to save someone's soul from Hell. I think this book would appeal to most anyone, regardless of whether or not you are a believer. It was an interesting story with an interesting perspective


This book is also available from other retailers. To see where, simply follow the link below.

https://books2read.com/u/bzK2M9

Monday, March 20, 2023

"Charms and Firearms" by Trixie Silvertale

After hosting a fundraising auction in her bookstore to raise money for the animal hospital, Mitzi is invited on a ski trip with the handsome Rory Bombay. On that trip, while learning to ski, Mitzi winds up falling onto a dead body.  And once again, she finds herself in the middle of trying to solve another murder mystery.

I enjoyed reading this one. I am still working on reading these earlier books in the Mitzi Moon series as I wound up reading the series out of order. If you can, I would recommend trying to read this series in order. If you don't, some of the later books might make you feel like you missed a few things. But even if you wind up missing a few books along the way, this is still an entertaining story with fun characters. 


I have been enjoying this series and plan on reading my way through the rest of the books that I appear to have previously skipped. If you like cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist then I believe you will enjoy this book.


This book is also available through other retailers. Simply click on the following link to see where. https://books2read.com/u/m0qAQW


Monday, March 13, 2023

"The Mussorgsky Riddle" by Darin Kennedy

Mira Tejedor is a psychic who often uses her talents consulting for those who need her help. Sometimes it is to locate a missing person, but this time it is to help a young boy who has withdrawn so far within himself that he is almost comatose. But what happened to send him into such a state? Mira has been hired to try and reach the boy, hopefully helping to bring him back to himself and his family.

This was the first book in the Fugue and Fable series. And I enjoyed reading it a great deal. The author did a wonderful job of describing the internal world that Anthony had created in order to protect himself, and watching the tale unfold as it was accompanied by pieces of classical music was a very imaginative way to tie the whole story together. The ending of this book almost came as a complete surprise to me, having not noticed some of the clues hidden throughout the story. (And that made the whole thing that much more enjoyable for me, as often I find that I've spotted a big clue to the ending of a book well before the book ended. But this one I almost didn't see coming at all.)


If you enjoy mysteries with a hint of the fantastical, stories where music and art play a large role, or are just looking for something a little different, give this book a try. I think you'll be enjoying it as much as I did. And I'll be keeping my eyes open for book two in this series. I really want to know what adventure is next in store for Mira.


This book is also available at other retailers. Simply click on the following link to view where: https://books2read.com/u/49VXjp

Monday, March 6, 2023

"The Definition of Luck:
The Post-Modern Prometheus"
by Steven Paul Leiva

Khadambi Kinyanjui is a very tall Kenyan who was raised in London. Joe Smith is a much shorter red-headed orphan boy who grew up in the California desert, raised by his aunt. When the two scientists meet at University, they appear to be exact opposites. But the two of them find more in common between them than most people would think possible. Soon the two become the best of friends, closer even than brothers. (No, there is nothing romantic or sexual between them, this is not that kind of story.) 

This is the story of their friendship. One that spans a lifetime and beyond. It is the story of what they will do for each other when a life-changing tragedy strikes, and how that tragedy may wind up changing the course of their lives, as well as potentially the lives of a great number of other people. This is also a story about humanity, and what it means to be human. One big question explored by these two characters is... can one be considered human if they can no longer live in the physical world?


I love reading Mr. Leiva's books a great deal. His stories always leave me highly entertained, but more than that, they make me really think about the story and the characters. His stories are never ones that I read and then soon forget about as I begin reading another book. No, his stories really make me think about the meaning behind the story. And they stick with me long after having read them. (And for someone who reads a lot of books, that means something to me.)


I would highly recommend this book. It is a very complex tale, but one that I think anyone would enjoy, especially if you like books that will really make you think.


This book is also available through other retailers Simply click on this link to see them: https://books2read.com/u/bzK279


Monday, February 27, 2023

The Doctor's Western Bride"
by Florence Linnington

Before Mabel's father died, he asked her to find her half-brother Collin and deliver his inheritance. She has never met Collin, but her father had told her about what a wonderful man he was, and promised that Collin would take care of her. Unfortunately, when she arrived at his home, she met a drunken, angry, and violent man. He only agrees to allow her to stay because of the money that her father had sent. And given how much he drinks, that money isn't likely to last very long.

Thomas is the town's doctor. He lost his wife and child during childbirth and has been alone and still grieving two years later, believing that he can't face falling in love & losing anyone else the same way.


I enjoyed reading about these two lost and lonely souls finding each other and finding love and a family despite the obstacles they face. (If you've read any of her other mail order bride tales, then my telling you that this book has a happy ending shouldn't spoil any of the book's surprises for you. I love reading Ms. Linnington's well-crafted tales. And even knowing there is always a happy ending, it is the way that the characters get to that happy ending that I enjoy.


If you enjoy maul order bride tales, stories about finding love despite hardships and other obstacles, or have enjoyed any of Ms. Linnington's other books, then you should enjoy this book.


If you would prefer to purchase this book from a retailer other than Amazon:

https://books2read.com/u/4ENLXY

Monday, February 20, 2023

"Making Monsters: Dark Origins"
by AJ Parnell

Born to poverty and living in a South African shanty town, Vander may be small for his age, but is also smart enough to be able survive the dangerous life he is stuck in, hiding his supernatural gifts from those who wouldn't understand. When he meets and befriends a wealthy English gentleman, his life will never again be the same, uf he can survive the dangers in front of him long enough to find a way out.

I read an Advanced Review Copy of this book and greatly enjoyed it. It held me captivated from beginning to end as I tried to figure out who the serial killer was. (All I will say on that part is that the ending both did and did not surprise me.) I am very definitely looking forward to reading book two in this series.  The author did a fantastic job of leaving me a lot to consider as I was reading. And honestly, I'm still not entirely sure who the worst monster of the story was. But I am looking forward to seeing where the author is going to take the story from here.


I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dark and gritty urban fiction stories. Especially if you enjoy ones with just a touch of horror and a fair amount of suspense. But be warned, this book does contain instances of sexual assault and abuse. It is, unfortunately, a part of the plot that cannot be removed from the story, so if this is something that you might find triggering, then this may not be the book for you.


This book is also available through:


https://books2read.com/makingmonsters01



Monday, February 13, 2023

"I'm in Love with Mothman"

Heather was a video influencer who needed a break from all the negative comments about herself and her channel. But it's the personal attacks that have been getting to her the most. So what does she do? She sells everything and buys a small isolated cabin in the woods. The locals warned her about the dangerous winged monster that lives out there, but who would really believe such stories? At least not until he shows up and catches her as she falls out of a tree?


I received an Advance Review Copy of this book and really enjoyed it. The title caught my attention as there is a Mothman museum & statue in my state. My family and I have been to see both. So how could I not want to read this book? The story was a fun romance with two people from very different worlds, but who find more in common than one might at first think possible. This is an adult romance, so is definitely not a book meant for younger readers. It is the first book in a series, and I am very much looking forward to reading book 2 in the series.


If you enjoy somewhat unusual romances, paranormal romances, are at all familiar with Mothman, or fantasy novels, then I think you might enjoy this book just as I did.


If you would prefer to buy this book from a retailer other than Amazon, just follow the link below:


https://books2read.com/ILoveMothman01


Monday, February 6, 2023

"An Ideal Vessel" by Sarah Hans

Zuzanna had a job cleaning an exhibit in 1893. One night, after everyone else has left, one of the automatons in the exhibit comes to life. It claims that it is a spirit possessing the form and needs help. It is on a mission to hunt down a demon who has escaped from another realm and is wreaking havoc and death wherever it goes. The demon must be found and destroyed before it can commit even more harm than it already has.

This was a shorter book with a darker theme than I normally read, but I enjoyed this story. It ended feeling like there is or will be a sequel and I may have to hunt it down. But even if there isn't one, this story is a complete tale, even if the theme is a bit darker than my usual tastes. In my opinion, it carries a bit of a Frankenstein's monster theme about it that I believe many would likely enjoy.


Looking for this book from somewhere other than Amazon? The link below should take you to everywhere else it is available.


https://books2read.com/u/bQNyyd






Monday, January 30, 2023

"Sparks and Landmarks" by Trixie Silvertale

In Book 4 of the Mitzi Moon series, our heroine finds herself needing to prove her father's innocence in both an arson and a murder investigation, but it's not going to be easy as he appears to be the prime suspect. 


I know that I'm somewhat playing catch-up while reading this book as I've been reading this series rather out of order, but I really enjoyed this one. Several new characters were introduced in this book. Having read later books involving those characters, I was already aware of who they were and had a hint as to what was going to happen. But honestly, that did not detract from my enjoyment of reading this story. It did manage to fill in a few holes for me that I was missing from not having read the series in the proper order.


That all being said, I did enjoy reading this book. I would recommend reading them in order if you can, but even if, like me, you don't, I do still believe that you will enjoy this one. Mitzi is quite an amusing character and when I finish each of her adventures I find myself wanting to know what she'll get up to next. Now it's time for me to move on to reading book number 5 so that I can fill in a few more holes in my knowledge of what happens in this very entertaining series. 

Monday, January 23, 2023

"Their Amish Stepfather" by Samantha Price

Wilma and Levi have married and the two families are struggling to become one. But with so many things and expectations changing, life seems much harsher for the girls than it used to be. Levi has made many new rules that the girls don't like and his expectations for everyone are difficult for them to fulfill.

The two older married sisters that had moved away are each expecting their first child, as is Florence, though her family doesn't yet know about it. Can everyone find a way to put aside their differences and come together or will they be torn even further apart?


I enjoyed this 8th book in the Bonnet Sisters series. It was a quick read that left me feeling lighter in mood. This series always makes me smile. I think anyone who enjoys Amish romance, has enjoyed the previous books in this series, or who is just looking for a book to take their mind off things for a while should enjoy it as well.

Monday, January 16, 2023

"Keep Me Close" by JM Paquette

With a greater demon hunting her and a magical blade that everyone seems to be after in Sylvia's possession, of course now was the time that Theo's maker chooses to come to town wanting him back. And unable to refuse her call or her will, Theo leaves with his maker, leaving his companions and the demon Mr. Pilkington to protect Sylvia and to find a way to destroy the dagger. But Sylvia isn't ready to give up her vampire without a fight. Can she find a way to help him?

This was the third book in the Conjuring Fascination trilogy, and boy did it deliver. From the very beginning this book took us on quite a ride, with more than a few twists and turns along the way. It tugged on heartstrings and had me yearning for a happy ending that seemed impossible. I really want to say more about it, but I am afraid that in doing so I would give away too many spoilers. So please trust me when I say that this book is well worth reading and has more than a few surprises inside.

One thing I do need to mention is that this is not a book meant for younger readers. There is a fair amount of sex in this one. It is all very tastefully done and definitely part of the story. (With a book involving both demons and vampires, there was bound to be both sexual situations and some violence.) But it was all very well done. It just might not be appropriate for a younger audience.

Monday, January 9, 2023

"The Infinity Caverns" by Stuart Jaffe

 Roni helps out in a bookstore that is owned by her grandmother and 3 of her grandmother's closest friends. But there's so much more to it than that, as she learns when her date breaks into a locked area in the basement of the building. And down there, Darin finds himself in a world of trouble when he opens a book that sucks him into another world, almost taking everyone else with him. It seems that Roni's grandmother and friends were tasked with keeping their world safe from rips between worlds. And now they must both rescue Darin and once again save their world from destruction.

This was a fun book to read. I enjoyed watching Roni learn that her grandmother and friends are so much more than merely the four elderly people they seem to be. The story was very entertaining. Watching Roni come to terms with what to her is a new reality, I found captivating. I enjoyed the surprises and twists this story took. It’s not every day when four elderly persons are tasked with saving the world. Usually, that task seems to be left to the younger generations. But in this book, it definitely works.


If you enjoy paranormal fiction, urban fantasy,  or stories about trying to defend the world from threats from other realities then I think you'll enjoy this book. I'm looking forward to seeing where the next book in the series goes.

Monday, January 2, 2023

"A forgiving Heart for the Ranch Hand"
by Florence Linnington

Cindy left her home after her Father's death, leaving to marry a farmer that she had never met. When she arrived at the small town, she soon discovered that her husband-to-be was considerably older than she was, but with no other options left to her, they were married that same day.

And here is where this story takes a noticeably different turn than one might expect. For this is not simply a story of these two strangers making a life together and finding love. Instead, this book takes you down a different path. I don't want to give away what happens, though as you read the book it is possible to make an educated guess as to what happens. But it is this twist that truly captured my attention. And it was the following ones that held it.


If you enjoy mail order bride stories or any of Ms. Linington's other books, then I can almost guarantee that you will also enjoy this one. As with her other books, there are some tough moments that each of their characters must face, but you are pretty much certain to enjoy the happy ending that they always seem to find their way back to. But it is the getting there that makes this story so enjoyable.


"Save My Soul" by K.S. Haigwood

Kendra died on the operating table after a rappelling accident. But a guardian angel tricks her into agreeing to help save the soul of her d...