The story of King Arthur and his knights of the round table has fascinated readers for ages. This book is no exception. This is the fourth book in this series and begins strong & I felt finished even stronger. I had a very hard time putting it down to sleep at night!
In this book we get to learn what Arthur's childhood was like. It begins with both Arthur & Kay as infants being raised by Sir Ector and his wife. We are shown how the boys grew & we are given great insight into both their character as young children and what likely caused them to grow into the men they are destined to become.
Reading this book left little doubt in my mind as to why, as they grew, that they came to make the choices they made, all while clearly letting us see the differences in their personalities and why those differences existed that explains so much about each of them and their differences, despite being raised as brothers.
We get to see what lessons they learned along the way to turn them into the legendary knights that almost everyone is at least somewhat familiar with. We also see many of the other characters who will become central to this story before most of them will have truly ventured far on their journeys in life.
Most of us can guess as to one of the major events at the end of this book, though I won't give you the specifics of what happens in this review as each version of this legend is spun a little differently by each author who takes the task of telling it upon themselves.
What I will say is that this is one that you really don't want to miss out on reading. The story told is well written and very enjoyable. It is well worth the time spent reading it and you won’t want to put it down. I am very definitely looking forward to the next book in this series. Highly Recommended.
Monday, May 4, 2020
Monday, April 27, 2020
"Limped Mail Order Bride
and her Dejected Cowboy"
by Florence Linnington.
Cora knows it is time to make her own way in the world & that her parents can no longer continue to support her, though she knew they would try to if she stayed. So when she gets an offer of marriage from a man out west, she accepts it and leaves to marry a man she has never met.
She knows he has aspirations of becoming town mayor, and as such he needs a beautiful bride by his side when that happens. It is because of this fact that he does not care about the severe limp that so many other men had rejected her over. But shortly after meeting him, everything falls apart when he suddenly loses everything & can no longer afford to get married.
Cora had met only one person in town, and desperate with nowhere else to go, she makes her way to Ogoe Ranch in the hopes that Rachel and her family might need some help and provide her with a place to stay.
I enjoyed reading this book just as much as I have the rest of Ms. Linnington's books. The story was a heartwarming one about learning to accept yourself as you are and learning that the faults you see in yourself might not be even noticed by those around you.
Not only Cora, but a Ranch hand named Derek must learn these lessons before either of them can hope to find any sort of happiness in either of their lives. The question is, will they be able to do so?
As always with her stories, this is a well-written tale about finding a way to overcome our own self-created obstacles. And like her previous books, I enjoy knowing that I can expect a happy ending no matter what difficulties the characters must overcome to get there.
She knows he has aspirations of becoming town mayor, and as such he needs a beautiful bride by his side when that happens. It is because of this fact that he does not care about the severe limp that so many other men had rejected her over. But shortly after meeting him, everything falls apart when he suddenly loses everything & can no longer afford to get married.
Cora had met only one person in town, and desperate with nowhere else to go, she makes her way to Ogoe Ranch in the hopes that Rachel and her family might need some help and provide her with a place to stay.
I enjoyed reading this book just as much as I have the rest of Ms. Linnington's books. The story was a heartwarming one about learning to accept yourself as you are and learning that the faults you see in yourself might not be even noticed by those around you.
Not only Cora, but a Ranch hand named Derek must learn these lessons before either of them can hope to find any sort of happiness in either of their lives. The question is, will they be able to do so?
As always with her stories, this is a well-written tale about finding a way to overcome our own self-created obstacles. And like her previous books, I enjoy knowing that I can expect a happy ending no matter what difficulties the characters must overcome to get there.
Monday, April 20, 2020
"Prelude: Ghosts of Southampton"
by I. D. Johnson
Meg's father has realized that his wife has been trying to get rid of him and has taken steps to protect his young daughter and to arrange for her future. He makes an agreement with a good friend and business associate for Meg to marry the other man's son once they have both come of age. In the event of his death, his will leaves control of his business to Meg's husband, though her uncle will continue to run things until then.
And while Meg's life should have been one of extreme privilege and comfort, unfortunately it was anything but happy. Readers should be warned that Meg is abused by her uncle from a very young age. While this is not graphically depicted in the story, it is clear what has been happening to her and may be a trigger point for some readers. But this is an important plot point in the story and leads to actions taken by the characters in this, and likely the next, book in this series. As such, it cannot be ignored.
As described by the title, this book was the prequel to the novel "Titanic." While it may not be absolutely necessary to read this book to fully understand the story in the next book, I believe it gives us an important insight into the characters' motivations. I believe reading this book will enhance the experience of reading the rest of this series.
And while Meg's life should have been one of extreme privilege and comfort, unfortunately it was anything but happy. Readers should be warned that Meg is abused by her uncle from a very young age. While this is not graphically depicted in the story, it is clear what has been happening to her and may be a trigger point for some readers. But this is an important plot point in the story and leads to actions taken by the characters in this, and likely the next, book in this series. As such, it cannot be ignored.
As described by the title, this book was the prequel to the novel "Titanic." While it may not be absolutely necessary to read this book to fully understand the story in the next book, I believe it gives us an important insight into the characters' motivations. I believe reading this book will enhance the experience of reading the rest of this series.
Monday, April 13, 2020
"Choosing Sides" by Karen Meyer
Gilbert Freeman is a young man who is unhappy with his current life. His mother has passed away and he always seems to be at odds with his father lately. Gilbert really wants to return and finish his schooling, but his father needs him to stay and work full time with him on the farm.
Things keep getting more and more tense between the two of them, until one night Gilbert decides to leave the farm behind and move to Westerville and find his own way in the world.
This was a book that I truly enjoyed reading. It takes place in Central Ohio, near the area where I currently live, so while the specific locations mentioned may no longer be present, the towns mentioned still are.
The story in this book is based on a few events that occurred during the temperance movement in the 1800s in Ohio. I found this story to be well written. It drew me in and made me want to keep reading to see what would happen to Gilbert and to see where he would end up once all was said and done.
One of the things that I enjoyed most in this book were the author notes at the end of the story. I loved not only having had the chance to enjoy her tale, but getting the chance to learn about the historical events that inspired it. I would recommend reading this one, especially if historically inspired stories interest you as they do me.
Things keep getting more and more tense between the two of them, until one night Gilbert decides to leave the farm behind and move to Westerville and find his own way in the world.
This was a book that I truly enjoyed reading. It takes place in Central Ohio, near the area where I currently live, so while the specific locations mentioned may no longer be present, the towns mentioned still are.
The story in this book is based on a few events that occurred during the temperance movement in the 1800s in Ohio. I found this story to be well written. It drew me in and made me want to keep reading to see what would happen to Gilbert and to see where he would end up once all was said and done.
One of the things that I enjoyed most in this book were the author notes at the end of the story. I loved not only having had the chance to enjoy her tale, but getting the chance to learn about the historical events that inspired it. I would recommend reading this one, especially if historically inspired stories interest you as they do me.
Monday, April 6, 2020
“Ditch Lane Diaries Collection: Books 1-4”
by D.F. Jones
Today’s review is of a 4 book box set. I read each of the books in the series and have reviewed them for you separately so that should you prefer to read the books individually, my review might appeal more than simply one where all the books may have been reviewed together as one.
One thing to be aware of, each of the books in this collection do contain some scenes that may not be appropriate for younger readers.
"Ditch Lane Diaries Collection: Ruby's Choice"
Ruby's Choice is the first book in the Ditch Lane Diaries Collection. In this book, we learn the beginnings of where and how the girls first received their gifts. Ruby, the girl that the first book focuses on, has dreams of the future.
In this book we also meet Reed & Brent. Ruby is attracted to both of them, but discovers that Brent is being tormented by a demon. Can anything be done to help free Brent from his tormentor?
I enjoyed this book a great deal. It was set in the 1970s and the author did an excellent job of giving her tale a distinct 1970s feel. The slang used by the characters and other descriptions really made me feel like I was back in the 1970s that I had grown up in. The author really did an amazing job in setting the atmosphere for the series.
"Ditch Lane Diaries Collection: Anna's way"
This was the story of Anna, another of the girls who had found a secret cave and received a gem and special powers. Anna's power was the ability to heal almost any injury or illness. She could not always prevent death, but a desire to learn how to heal with medicine and science, as well as her gift sent her to medical school in Florida. But can her relationship with Jerry survive their separation? A separation made more difficult by another woman who wants Jerry to be hers instead.
This story starts in the 1970s and continues into the 1980s. I enjoyed the feel of the time period that clearly comes through in Ms. Jones writing. The story is well told and very entertaining, as well as well-edited/proofread.
"Ditch Lane Diaries Collection: Sandy's Story"
As mentioned in the title, this is primarily Sandy's story. It explains why Sandy's family moved to Tennessee when she was young and shows us how the group first met and became friends. It also lets us know more about how Sandy's power of Clairvoyance works.
Sandy's connection with her guardian angel has always been closer and more open than that of the rest of the Campbell Ridge group and their angels. And while this has often proved to be a good thing, it does present its own problems. Can Sandy & Baldric find a way to overcome these challenges and find their happy ending, or are they doomed before they ever had a chance?
Like the other two books, this one was very well-written and well-edited. What I've read so far has been a joy to read & definitely gives me plenty of reasons to continue reading this series.
"Lee's Lesson: warrior Angel"
This was the fourth book in the series, though it goes back to before the other three books were set, and begins with Lee’s family in the 1950s It explains how everything related to the Chosen/hybrids began. As one reads through the book, there is necessarily some overlap in the storylines of this book and the first three in the series. I definitely appreciated all the added details each book gives us in order to flesh out the series and each character's stories as a whole.
One thing to be aware of, each of the books in this collection do contain some scenes that may not be appropriate for younger readers.
Each story in this collection has been wonderfully written and are very enjoyable and entertaining. While it did take me some time to get through all 4 books in this collection one right after the other, I did enjoy reading all of them. The author did a fantastic job with making each book feel appropriate to the time period in which it was set. Recommended.
One thing to be aware of, each of the books in this collection do contain some scenes that may not be appropriate for younger readers.
"Ditch Lane Diaries Collection: Ruby's Choice"
Ruby's Choice is the first book in the Ditch Lane Diaries Collection. In this book, we learn the beginnings of where and how the girls first received their gifts. Ruby, the girl that the first book focuses on, has dreams of the future.
In this book we also meet Reed & Brent. Ruby is attracted to both of them, but discovers that Brent is being tormented by a demon. Can anything be done to help free Brent from his tormentor?
I enjoyed this book a great deal. It was set in the 1970s and the author did an excellent job of giving her tale a distinct 1970s feel. The slang used by the characters and other descriptions really made me feel like I was back in the 1970s that I had grown up in. The author really did an amazing job in setting the atmosphere for the series.
"Ditch Lane Diaries Collection: Anna's way"
This was the story of Anna, another of the girls who had found a secret cave and received a gem and special powers. Anna's power was the ability to heal almost any injury or illness. She could not always prevent death, but a desire to learn how to heal with medicine and science, as well as her gift sent her to medical school in Florida. But can her relationship with Jerry survive their separation? A separation made more difficult by another woman who wants Jerry to be hers instead.
This story starts in the 1970s and continues into the 1980s. I enjoyed the feel of the time period that clearly comes through in Ms. Jones writing. The story is well told and very entertaining, as well as well-edited/proofread.
"Ditch Lane Diaries Collection: Sandy's Story"
As mentioned in the title, this is primarily Sandy's story. It explains why Sandy's family moved to Tennessee when she was young and shows us how the group first met and became friends. It also lets us know more about how Sandy's power of Clairvoyance works.
Sandy's connection with her guardian angel has always been closer and more open than that of the rest of the Campbell Ridge group and their angels. And while this has often proved to be a good thing, it does present its own problems. Can Sandy & Baldric find a way to overcome these challenges and find their happy ending, or are they doomed before they ever had a chance?
Like the other two books, this one was very well-written and well-edited. What I've read so far has been a joy to read & definitely gives me plenty of reasons to continue reading this series.
"Lee's Lesson: warrior Angel"
This was the fourth book in the series, though it goes back to before the other three books were set, and begins with Lee’s family in the 1950s It explains how everything related to the Chosen/hybrids began. As one reads through the book, there is necessarily some overlap in the storylines of this book and the first three in the series. I definitely appreciated all the added details each book gives us in order to flesh out the series and each character's stories as a whole.
One thing to be aware of, each of the books in this collection do contain some scenes that may not be appropriate for younger readers.
Each story in this collection has been wonderfully written and are very enjoyable and entertaining. While it did take me some time to get through all 4 books in this collection one right after the other, I did enjoy reading all of them. The author did a fantastic job with making each book feel appropriate to the time period in which it was set. Recommended.
Monday, March 30, 2020
“Half-Deaf Mail Order Bride
and her Heartfelt Pastor”
by Florence Linnington
Elizabeth's mother had been ill for a long time before she’d passed away, and with no money left to pay the rent, Elizabeth was now facing being thrown out onto the street. When she received the letter from the Pastor of a town called Evergreen, it was a lifeline that she desperately needed.
But will her fears and secrets destroy her chance at happiness? She had been told that the local tribes had killed her father, and true or not, she will have to overcome her prejudices regarding the town’s native population if she is to have any hope of surviving here. And then there's the woman who decides that she wants the pastor for herself and sets out to end the relationship between Joshua and Elizabeth before they even get the chance to know anything about each other.
I enjoyed this book as much as I have Ms. Linnington’s other books. The version I read did contain a number of typos, but having discussed them with the author, I have no doubt that they will have been corrected before publication day.
I always enjoy seeing the character development in Ms. Linnington's books. She always does an excellent job of portraying her character’s emotions and allowing us to watch them grow as individuals as they overcome various challenges in their lives.
Ms. Linnington’s books always seem to have a happy ending and always leave me in a wonderful mood. In a time of great stress, her books are sure to leave you smiling. Recommended.
But will her fears and secrets destroy her chance at happiness? She had been told that the local tribes had killed her father, and true or not, she will have to overcome her prejudices regarding the town’s native population if she is to have any hope of surviving here. And then there's the woman who decides that she wants the pastor for herself and sets out to end the relationship between Joshua and Elizabeth before they even get the chance to know anything about each other.
I enjoyed this book as much as I have Ms. Linnington’s other books. The version I read did contain a number of typos, but having discussed them with the author, I have no doubt that they will have been corrected before publication day.
I always enjoy seeing the character development in Ms. Linnington's books. She always does an excellent job of portraying her character’s emotions and allowing us to watch them grow as individuals as they overcome various challenges in their lives.
Ms. Linnington’s books always seem to have a happy ending and always leave me in a wonderful mood. In a time of great stress, her books are sure to leave you smiling. Recommended.
Monday, March 23, 2020
“Fading Petals” by Nadiyah Muhaimin
Rue’s father left when she was young, and the only mother she has ever known tried to kill her when she turned 16. But Rue survived the attack and was sent to The Institute to recover. Things only get stranger from that point. Rue falls in love with a Tear Rabbit soldier, but true love is something he is forbidden from experiencing and will be punished for if it is discovered that he has honestly fallen in love, and is not just lusting for or fascinated with any woman.
This was a very well written book, though I was left uncertain if “The Institute” was a medical hospital, a mental hospital, or a combination of both. A number of the other patients that Rue meets seem to be a combination of the two. And with the doctors performing “treatments” on their patients to try and cure them, many of my questions in that regard remained unanswered.
I’m also not really certain how to classify this tale. Parts of it made me feel like I was reading some sort of fairy tale. Other parts were more of an adventure or a fantasy story. And I’m not entirely certain that I truly understood everything that was going on in this tale. And yet, I do know that I did enjoy reading it a great deal. I have never read anything like this story before. And while, as I said, I’m not exactly certain how to describe it to others, it was something that I enjoyed and would be interested in reading the sequel in order to find out how Rue’s story will end.
It may seem strange to hear me saying that I enjoyed reading a story that I’m not sure I really understood, but I truly did. I am looking forward to reading book 2 as well. Hopefully it will clear up some of my confusion, but even if not, I expect that it will still be an enjoyable read.
This was a very well written book, though I was left uncertain if “The Institute” was a medical hospital, a mental hospital, or a combination of both. A number of the other patients that Rue meets seem to be a combination of the two. And with the doctors performing “treatments” on their patients to try and cure them, many of my questions in that regard remained unanswered.
I’m also not really certain how to classify this tale. Parts of it made me feel like I was reading some sort of fairy tale. Other parts were more of an adventure or a fantasy story. And I’m not entirely certain that I truly understood everything that was going on in this tale. And yet, I do know that I did enjoy reading it a great deal. I have never read anything like this story before. And while, as I said, I’m not exactly certain how to describe it to others, it was something that I enjoyed and would be interested in reading the sequel in order to find out how Rue’s story will end.
It may seem strange to hear me saying that I enjoyed reading a story that I’m not sure I really understood, but I truly did. I am looking forward to reading book 2 as well. Hopefully it will clear up some of my confusion, but even if not, I expect that it will still be an enjoyable read.
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