This one was much better than the previous book in the series. There were plenty of twists in this tiny book, and a great story was told in only 160 pThis one was much better than the previous book in the series. There were plenty of twists in this tiny book, and a great story was told in only 160 pages. I liked that it was a honeymoon story that did not get overly sensualized. Definitely a job well done on that front. The joy of a honeymoon was well expressed, but the bedroom scenes were kept off the pages, for which I was so grateful.
Content: mentions of a demigod, Hinduism, and reincarnation ...more
The cover of this book is one of Lynette Eason’s best to date. The yellow tone is gorgeous, and I love that tree-packed landscape too.
A hostage negotiThe cover of this book is one of Lynette Eason’s best to date. The yellow tone is gorgeous, and I love that tree-packed landscape too.
A hostage negotiator was featured, and that job, when well written, is a huge magnet that draws me in. This one was spectacularly done. I especially enjoyed how many times the negotiation came up throughout the novel. It did not feel glossed over in the least; instead, it was presented in a way that made it feel like the author had personally experienced such events. That’s the sign of a great writer, if you ask me.
While this book was packed with action and suspense, there were some sweet moments that allowed me to catch my breath too. The sock-tossing scenes were entertaining, and the moments between the sisters were some of my favorite of the calmed-down scenes.
As with most, if not all, of Mrs. Eason’s previous books, this one was family oriented. The leading lady was the guardian of her little sister, which is a familial experience not typically highlighted in Christian fiction. It was handled so well here that the bar has been moved higher for those sibling-guardian books that will be written from here on out.
School shootings were featured but not in the typical way. One was in memory form, while the other was not a mass shooting event but rather more targeted. It was interesting to see this take on this type of social tragedy, because it presented very personal cases of what it can look like to see cries for help before these sorts of events happen as well as different ways in which they may be resolved.
It was fantastic to see how Dottie dealt with a bully during a crisis. I can’t really say more than that without spoiling anything, but my heart melted and tears gushed to the surface so that I had to blink fast and hard to be able to continue reading. That moment near the end of the book was a prime example of how a caring heart can make a huge difference in the lives of those around us.
The insanity one character was immersed in was so well written that it gave me chills and made me check my own mind after reading certain scenes. I loved how exquisitely this character was written, and this added a richness to the story in a different sort of way. It was perfect for this book’s plot and definitely made it one to remember.
There was one point of view that felt completely random. However, I felt like that was on purpose even as I was confused by it, because Mrs. Eason doesn’t do random. She always has a design in play, and I knew that would be the case here. I’m so glad I reserved judgment until the end, because when I figured out the connection on the page before the final chapter, my brain exploded and every moment of foreshadowing flashed through my mind. I kept thinking, “You foreshadowed it here… and there… and again here!” I loved that moment! This is a book I will read again with the intent to study how Mrs. Eason so exquisitely layered in the foreshadowing so that I didn’t see that big revelation coming. Hopefully this is something I can learn to apply in my own writing as well, because it was something I really enjoyed about this book.
I can hardly wait for the next two books in the Extreme Measures series!
My feelings about this book are conflicted. On one hand, it was a really great, suspenseful mystery. On the other, there was an odd, positive emphasisMy feelings about this book are conflicted. On one hand, it was a really great, suspenseful mystery. On the other, there was an odd, positive emphasis on Greek and Roman mythology.
I thought the turtles were going to play a much larger role, so that aspect was disappointing.
The leading lady thought people using their First Amendment right to peacefully protest was “insane.” Whatever happened to being proud to be from the USA and knowing one’s rights and using them well and respectfully? The peaceful protesters in chapter one were apparently doing that, but the leading lady scoffed at them.
When a father panicked when his daughter vanished, the leading lady “chalked it up to an overly protective father.” Yet, two seconds later, she thought the girl’s disappearance was “none of her business, really, but she had to make sure the little girl was all right.” So she thought the dad was “overly protective” for worrying about his missing daughter, but a moment later she found herself concerned even though she hadn’t met the child yet. How does this contradiction make any sense?
The leading characters kept finding excuses to stay in the same cottage or house overnight. This felt sleazy and made me uncomfortable. It was not sticking to Bible-based moral standards, nor was it a good example for the man’s young, impressionable daughter to observe and learn from. Since the leading lady was involved in these low-moral decisions, I found it ironic that she would then accuse the leading man of having “no morals.”
At one point, a character was disappointed that her cover was blown—but she was the one who revealed her identity. I didn’t understand her train of thought on that, so her emotion was wasted on me.
The thing that bothered me most of all was that the leading lady encouraged a little girl to admire Greek and Roman mythological figures. She even touted them to be heroes to learn courage from. I’m not sure which myths she meant, because all the ones I’ve ever heard about are the devil’s way of twisting God’s truth into something completely convoluted. I had noticed a subtle mention of a mythological creature in a previous Coble book, but that one was neutral and basically only a cameo appearance. The mentions in this book were definitely in a positive light and had a lot more page time. This is a disheartening trend that’s creeping into her books now.
The core of this story was a really great mystery that was thick with good suspense and high-stakes action, but I had to wade through the aforementioned swamp to get to it.
The turtle hatchlings were amazing. I just wish there would have been a stronger presence of turtles in the remainder of the story. You know, past that first chapter.
The island was beautifully described and felt realistic. The setting, in and out of the water, came alive and was one of the best parts of the story. That was helped out by the spectacular sea lion scenes. I had never heard of Navy sea lions before, so this was a fascinating topic to explore. This part of the story was really well expressed and kept me riveted to the pages while the sea lions were upon them. I especially enjoyed the underwater scenes. These had me holding my breath!
I really enjoyed the mystery that Torie was trying to unravel and the troubles this journey threw in her face. This aspect provided many surprises and plot twists that kept me guessing most of the time. It was wonderful to see the layers peel back one by one until the big reveal. The suspense kept me on pins and needles throughout the story, even though I guessed one of the bad guys about a third of the way through.
Joe and Hailey were great together. Their father-daughter relationship was fun, and I liked that they began incorporating Torie into their close-knit group from pretty early on. Their runs for ice cream were so enjoyable!
I wish the negatives were fewer so that I could have enjoyed even more of this story.
Content: alcohol, crude sexual term, suicide mentioned often, mythology ...more
This felt very much like a time-slip novel, though I don’t suppose it technically is. Memories played a huge role in the story. While that was disconcThis felt very much like a time-slip novel, though I don’t suppose it technically is. Memories played a huge role in the story. While that was disconcerting at first, I grew to understand that half or more of the novel would actually be experienced through memories.
I loved how everyone’s lives were interconnected and overlapped. It was a beautiful example of how one person’s life really does intersect with thousands of others’ during a lifetime. It also showcased how one tragic mistake could cast a shadow over one’s life… but that redemption through repentance and accepting Jesus as one’s Savior can turn the trajectory of one’s life from a spiral of destruction to a pathway of blessings.
Reunion stories are so much fun! I liked that there were family AND friend reunions after long estrangements or having crossed paths once upon a time. This was my favorite aspect of this book.
There was one scene that linked this book to the Angels Walking series. The rest of the book fully linked it to the Baxter Family saga that is spread over numerous series and “stand-alone” books.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.
Life Flight kicks off the Extreme Measures series in superbFTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.
Life Flight kicks off the Extreme Measures series in superb, hang-on-to-your-hat fashion. With a plethora of twists I didn’t see coming and a creepy villain who belongs on Criminal Minds, this book kept me on the edge of my seat and flipping pages at a furious pace. One of my friends told me the shockers kept coming in this one, and having that proven true was spectacular. Sometimes Eason’s baddies are predictable to me (though I still love all the books of hers that I’ve ever read), but this one… oh man, were these baddies twisted and surprising, and, yes, the shockers kept coming until the very end.
It was really fun to have an EMS helicopter pilot who loved doing renovation work on her house as the main character. Penny Carlton was hardworking and smart as a whip, but she had moments of fear and weakness too. She was a great role model for readers, because of this complexity that made her totally realistic.
Holton Satterfield, the leading man, was a gentleman throughout, but I loved that he showed his instinct to protect the women he cared about, whether girlfriend or sister. Once again, we have a great role model. This guy displayed real masculinity that every guy ought to try to emulate. He was brave, courageous, not afraid to admit when he was wrong (though there was a battle of his will on that at first, which is natural and was well written), and chivalrous. This type of man is exactly what the world needs right now.
I wish I could talk about the twists, but that would spoil the story for other readers. Suffice to say that my jaw dropped on more than one occasion. My mind was blown on at least three of the plot twists, and that delighted me to no end. It’s yet to be known if this Extreme Measures series will surpass the Women of Justice trilogy as my favorite Eason series so far, but it has a greater chance of taking that top slot than all the series in between—and there have been quite a few great ones.
High stakes were present from page one, but they skyrocketed with each new turn of the journey. Closing the book when I had to work one of my jobs was difficult. This is the exact type of story I love reading, and I’m glad there are going to be more installments soon. Not soon enough for my taste, but I understand it takes time to write a novel. The next book, Crossfire, just rocketed to the top of my most-anticipated list.
My favorite thing about this book, as with all other Eason novels, is that the author showed how God overcomes the evil of the world. Evil may have its day, but it doesn’t win in the end; God does. That was such a beautiful thing to see unfold, and it’s true in real life too. This exquisite thread was a joy to witness.
The way that family and friends were woven in for both Penny and Holton was lovely. I enjoyed the high stakes involved with these interesting connections. I can hardly wait to see how similar things are done for Penny’s friends as well. I hope their backgrounds prove to be just as wonderful and complicated and heartbreaking as Holton’s and Penny’s were. Yet another reason I can hardly wait for the next book to arrive!
I’m so happy Kate got a book. I enjoyed her struggle (both emotional and physical) in book one of Sunset Cove series, so I was thrilled when I startedI’m so happy Kate got a book. I enjoyed her struggle (both emotional and physical) in book one of Sunset Cove series, so I was thrilled when I started the audio and realized she was featured as the leading lady of Twilight. It was fun to spend a full book watching her heal from her past and open her heart to a bright future.
Drake’s devotion to the nieces he inherited was fantastic. What a tough position to be placed in! He handled it like a pro and sought the resources (nanny, namely) he needed to adjust well to the new role of parent he suddenly found himself in.
Puffins! Goodness, having this bird featured threw me back over a decade. I remember in grade school when I got this amazing puffin TY beanie baby. I also remember when it got a hole and started losing its beans. Mom refilled and patched it up for me. I still have that little guy and the fond memories to go along with it. So I adored that puffins were highlighted in this story. I’ve enjoyed them since that TY puffin found its way into my home, and someday, I’d like to see a real one up close and personal.
The suspense and high stakes were great in this story, which fit in well with the other two books in the series. The cover is gorgeous and reflects the leading lady’s job on a blueberry farm. So neat how the cover design team so perfectly captured the beauty of what I imagine a real-life blueberry farm would be like in the ripest seasons.
Content: voyeurism (a guy took pictures of a girl in a shower; it was toned down after that disgusting moment, thankfully), one profanity, marital affairs ...more
Wow, this one was an action-packed thriller! I especially liked that I couldn’t figure out all the plot twists ahead of time. This was a great story tWow, this one was an action-packed thriller! I especially liked that I couldn’t figure out all the plot twists ahead of time. This was a great story to add to the Danger Never Sleeps series. Only one more book to go, and I’m eager to get to it to find out what happens next in this heart-pounding series.
The characters were amazing. Heather was a wonderful lead to cheer for. She struggled to let people past her defenses and loathed exercise, both of which made her relatable. Travis made my heart flutter. He was a modern-day cowboy who cherished and respected women. Ryker was an amazing teen. It was tough to read about his troubles, but my heart broke for him, and I’m excited to learn that he’s going to be featured in an upcoming novella.
I was really happy to not be able to figure out the big baddie. My mind was blown at that reveal!
Melt my heart! That finale was such a delicious treat.
Content: a couple of replacement expletives...more
The core story of this book was really good. I loved the sting rays, that the Deepwater Horizon was mentioned (I like the movie about the disastrous eThe core story of this book was really good. I loved the sting rays, that the Deepwater Horizon was mentioned (I like the movie about the disastrous event on that oil rig), and that Steve Irwin was also mentioned. The mystery was good and kept me interested throughout. I liked that the Coast Guard was highlighted well. There are not enough fictional books (especially in Christian fiction) about this branch of the United States military. The fact that there was murder afoot and that it was a journey to discover whodunit made me so happy. I love a good murder mystery! So the chapters flew by pretty quickly just for that reason.
I feel like I might not be the right audience for Mrs. Pettrey’s books. I’m not a fan of expletives in Christian books, and this one had a few. It also was emphasized many times that someone used an expletive (curse word) even when the word wasn’t flat-out written into the text. The only correction was “There’s a lady present.” Why is it ever okay for men to use bad language? I’ll never understand that. There are always nicer words to choose from, even to express anger or frustration. And silence is golden in those moments.
I was also disappointed that a random sexual affair popped up, as did a “he raped our baby” moment. Neither felt organic to the story at all. It felt like they were only in there for the shock factor. All they served to do for me was make me decide this wasn’t the book for me.
There was an awkward and aggressive discussion about a girl named Austin. I’m with the dude: I’ve never met or heard of a girl named Austin before either. This discussion and its aggression did not make sense to me, as that is not typically a unisex name. I’m sure there are some girls named Austin out there, and that’s perfectly fine. Maybe it’s because I’m Texan and grew up learning about Stephen Austin who fought at the Battle of the Alamo. Maybe it’s because I’ve known at least three different boys/men named Austin. But this conversation in this book, while only a small portion of the story, stood out as really awkward to me, and it pulled me away from the story for a while.
I’m rating this book three stars because the core was good and I realize I might not be the right reader for this story. I think many other readers will like it.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from Revell Reads. These are my honest thoughts.
Despite a single expletive, thFTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from Revell Reads. These are my honest thoughts.
Despite a single expletive, this book has soared onto my favorites list this year. This debut was fresh and different and deep. When I first saw the cover, I was blown away, but I wasn’t certain what to expect beneath it. Let me tell you, it wasn’t anything like I would have guessed.
The story began with a homeless man, and this was something I had never seen done before. This approach tugged my heart in right away. This was a time-split novel, and sometimes the new scenes took me away from what I wanted to keep reading about, but overall, this was very well done (even in those tense moments).
The theme of seeing the unseen people in our lives (those society deems less than worthy of our attention) was superbly on display. This is one reason this book is now a favorite. It takes the “look after orphans and widows” (James 1:27) and “will assemble the outcasts” (Isaiah 11:12) themes and creates a haven for those who are looked down upon by the vast majority of society.
This story is powerful and needed today. I think it’s a must-read for anyone who wants to grow in compassion and who wants to know how to see with new eyes what you’ve missed so many times before.
I loved the tension throughout. It was crafted by the constant unpredictability of the ups and downs of the story and the plot twists and surprises along the way. This helped create a wonderful, thick atmosphere for the story. Harvey’s and Ivy’s lives and problems, fears and hopes and goals fit well into this rich atmosphere.
My emotions were engaged well from page one, and I ended up weeping on a couple of occasions (which made my heart happy even as the words on the page ripped it apart).
Some of my favorite lines were:
“I have faith God is somehow going to heal what feels impossible.”
“There’s a better life for you out there than the one you’re living. All you have to do is take hold of it.”
“We all need a place to rest and be reassured.”
Triggers: losing a child/infertility, rape/sex trafficking, suicide (mentioned and inferred)
Amanda Cox may be new on the Christian fiction scene, but I think she’s whittling out a place to settle in for a while. I can hardly wait to discover her next story.
Now this is suspense! From the very first page, the action and stakes were high—and they kept rising! The characters were three-dimensional and intereNow this is suspense! From the very first page, the action and stakes were high—and they kept rising! The characters were three-dimensional and interesting, and the backstories were inserted in small chunks along the way to help fill in the blanks of the past as we cruised through the present.
The mystery surrounding a murder off the coast of an island during a nor’easter was wonderful. I enjoyed how the weather played a large role in this novella. That was a brilliant touch by the author, and delivered well. The way clues were dropped here and there along the way was great, but I still didn’t figure out who was behind it before the big reveal. Well done, Mrs. Pettrey!
Content: one sexual term, a couple of derogatory terms, mention of a one-night stand (with a drug involved)...more
This story was so lovely. I adored Moira and her journey so much. I felt badly for Aedach and his circumstances despite how difficult-to-love he was. This story was so lovely. I adored Moira and her journey so much. I felt badly for Aedach and his circumstances despite how difficult-to-love he was. It was interesting to see how the superstitions of the Irish townsfolk in this story led to so many hurt feelings… yet how Moira fought her way through the gossip and cruelty to shine God’s light of hope and doing the right thing. This proved, once again, that God’s will and our obedience in serving Him are more powerful than our greatest fears.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Content: alcohol, pubs, praying to saints (mentioned), swearing by “Great Mary,” attempted rape, one profane word ...more
This story was entertaining and held a thread of humor that made me chuckle more than once. There were hints of suspense that made it feel like the auThis story was entertaining and held a thread of humor that made me chuckle more than once. There were hints of suspense that made it feel like the author’s suspense stories were leaking into her contemporary romances. I wasn’t completely opposed to that merging, but it did come as a surprise. It actually added something special and worked well for this particular storyline.
One of my favorite lines was found in chapter three: “It’s amazing how one caring touch can make a person feel less alone.” This line reminded me that hugs , high-fives, and heartfelt smiles are incredibly healing, for the mind if not also for the body. This line reminded me that mental health matters and makes a difference in physical health too.
Content: one expletive, one profanity, one sexual term, sensuality (many kisses, emphasis on longing for “much more”), alcohol (including “beer can chicken”)...more
FTC Disclosure: NetGalley gave me a complimentary copy of this ebook. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.
Wow. From beginFTC Disclosure: NetGalley gave me a complimentary copy of this ebook. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.
Wow. From beginning to end, this story swept me away, into the gothic night of 1820s Massachusetts, where graves were being robbed… and hearts shattered.
The opening scene was so shocking and vividly written with powerful wording that I knew I was in for an adventure vintage actor Peter Lorre would probably have starred in as a show-stealing secondary character. The further in I got, the more I found to love about the book. That first impression of creepy gothic vibes grew stronger with each fresh turn of events. Yet, there was a thin thread of hope that tenuously broadened and lengthened until the final page revealed it wasn’t a thread alone but the complete foundation upon which the whole book was compiled.
I’m interested to see more from Mrs. Dicken. Are all of her stories so vividly told? Do they each sweep the reader away to another moment in time? Has she written any other gothic tales… or will she? This is definitely a genre in which she shines. ...more
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Revell. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughFTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Revell. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Yet another amazing suspense story by Lynette Eason, and, yes, it stole my sleep! The surprises and twists kept me flipping pages way too late into the night, and I was able to finish this one up in only three days. The plot was wonderful and involved many different players and settings and events. I like how mysterious things were; there was definitely a vibe of secrecy going on throughout that intrigued me.
There were a couple of times I was being led to believe the leads were about to solve everything… but there was still half a book or a third of a book left, so I knew there had to be a huge twist coming. Still, I didn’t guess it until it smacked me upside the head. In that fashion, this book very much reminded me of Mrs. Eason’s first Revell series, Women of Justice, my favorite of her series until Blue Justice came around. I think I need to pull out those oldies to see how I feel they compare to this new and brilliant collection of books. May I just binge-read a ton of her stories right now?!
The faith thread seemed to arrive a little late, but it was a good one. I really enjoyed seeing the leads overcome their fears and challenges within their journeys of faith. The way the author entwined the two separate threads of faith was mesmerizing and encouraging, and that finale! Just you wait till you reach that point and see if your jaw doesn’t drop in humble surprise (okay, flat-out shock). It’s amazing, truly.
Fans of Dee Henderson’s O’Malley Chronicles and the TV show Blue Bloods will adore this series. Be sure to start from the beginning to get all caught up on the St. John family’s adventures!...more
I liked it well enough. The suspense was good. The stalker angle was good except for the cliched gift he left behind. I would have loved that to be spI liked it well enough. The suspense was good. The stalker angle was good except for the cliched gift he left behind. I would have loved that to be spruced up and made unique. I really liked that Kaylee struggled to see her dad in a new light than his dark, old ways. It is sometimes hard to give people a second, third, or hundredth chance when they've already broken our trust, and I think Kaylee's journey is one worth reading for that aspect.
Walter was amazing. I love it when crusty old vagrants actually have big hearts. So many people are misunderstood, and I could really connect with him because of that.
I didn't care for how both the leads were trying to control their parent's future. If the leads are in their twenties or thirties, then the parents clearly would be into their forties or fifties, at least. How do those "kids" think they have any right to dictate what their parents should or should not do? This was a huge dampener for me, as it seemed poor motivation to bring the leads together or to bring the leading man back into his hometown (telling his mom what to do about a certain aspect of her life was the only reason he claimed for coming back). That was weird.
Overall, a good suspense story with twists and good moments to catch your breath....more
This story was chock full with twists and suspects and dangerous events. The cast was great, especially the leads and the baddWhew! What an adventure!
This story was chock full with twists and suspects and dangerous events. The cast was great, especially the leads and the baddies. Not that I like psychos or anything, but the ones in this book were written well enough to appear on Criminal Minds.
The stalker angle was exquisitely written. It kept the tension high and my nerves on edge.
The fact that this book featured the rock climbing community made me so happy. I wish adventure sports would be featured a lot more in Christian fiction (in a variety of genres, please!), and this book was a great start toward that. The rock climbing and the equipment stores and gear were all used well throughout the plot, and I soon felt like I was immersed in the community myself because the author infused the book with details that made the rock climbing aspects (named above, plus more I’m probably forgetting) pop right off the page in an atmospheric way. This book is proof that research is required even when writing contemporary fiction. Trust me, y’all: Research pays off and enriches the story.
There was heavy emphasis on marital affairs through the first third or so of the book. That’s really the main thing that docked a star. The other thing was the use of one derogatory term.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from NetGalley. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts. (SincFTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from NetGalley. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts. (Since the book has already released, I also had a paperback [not complimentary]. I read from both copies as I had time.)
Everyone I know who has read this book has told me it blew them away, so I went in expecting to be wowed.
I wasn’t.
It was an okay story that I enjoyed well enough, but there was never an oh-my-goodness-did-that-really-just-happen moment for me. Right when I’d get a little pulled in to one aspect or other about the various threads in the tale, eye-rolling melodrama would pop up—again—and shove me back to arm’s distance once more.
While I’ve heard this book is supposed to be creepy, I only got an odd, evil overtone instead. It never gave me those creepy chills I was expecting. I don’t know if it was the “haunted” house, frequent mentions of superstition, or the talk of the “ghosts,” but there was something that rubbed me the wrong way and made me uncomfortable spending so much time in this book.
Both storylines had interesting points and surprises, but because of the melodrama I mentioned earlier, I never felt emotionally invested in this book. I’m a very emotional reader, and it’s common for me to end up weeping or laughing or getting frustrated (or a mix of all three of those, plus others) through the course of reading a book. Not this one. During Foster Hill, it felt like I was simply reading a story rather than becoming fully immersed in it.
The mystery felt dragged out at times, and several scenes and chapters didn’t add anything to it. There was a significant lack of suspects throughout, and I really had hoped for more suspense since that’s one of the categories this book is listed under on Goodreads.
All that being said, I found a few things that kept me coming back until the story was finished. Ivy’s passion for making sure people were remembered was incredible, and I completely understood why she kept a “death” journal. The Wisconsin setting was beautiful. I think this might be the first book I’ve read that took place in that particular state, so that was a fun and interesting place to spend so many hours of this February (2019). The restoration of the Foster Hill house was intriguing, but I was sad to see that it wasn’t finished by the end of the story. I wanted more of the completed, refurbished house, especially because it was such a featured character in its own right. I did enjoy how the house played such significant roles throughout, whether it be the discovery of clues or a great hiding place or just the mysterious ambiance it seemed to ooze. I really adored Megan and wished she would have been a smidge more developed. Those supporting characters are the ones who add great richness to the core story, at least for me. Something I really loved was how the classic Great Expectations was used in the plot. No spoilers on that, but it was a neat aspect that added a bit of flair to the tale.
Content: profanity and replacement expletives (both came with excuses for why they were okay to use, and neither was ever admitted to be wrong by the characters using them), sexual abuse (off-page), thematic elements ...more
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. These are my honest thoughts.
I’ve looked forward to reading this fantasy FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. These are my honest thoughts.
I’ve looked forward to reading this fantasy novel for years. The cover is gorgeous, the premise intriguing, and I thought for sure I was in for a good, decent read.
Not so, my friends.
The core story was good and entertaining, but it was bogged down in many, many problems that are unquantifiable to me. The language was crude and profane, though the bad words were changed to the fantasy-world’s lingo. There was nudity that made no sense to be included. The straw that broke the camel’s back, so to speak, was the developing feelings of love for a character’s half-sibling. It was made a huge deal for many chapters that these two characters were half-siblings, yet moments after the last mention, the character that had realized this relationship existed suddenly ignored or forgot about the person’s being their own half-sibling and fell completely in love with said person. Incest is gross and morally wrong, and I don’t like reading about it. The relationships in this book were complicated by an over-abundance of plot twists and backstory dumps and a few random flashbacks, so things got a bit confusing at times, but it was very clear that a romance was developed between half-siblings. Also, the leading gal’s guiding force seemed to be her mother. I found that to be very strange and disconcerting in a book sold in Christian bookstores.
The Reflections and Callings were intriguing, so I have to say the creativity was good for developing such an interesting story world and rules for said world. I only wish it were delivered in a more appealing and easy to understand story without the incest romance.
I bought the second book in this trilogy on clearance at Mardel a few years ago, because I knew I had this one to read and the cover of book two is even more beautiful than this one’s. Now I’m not so sure I want to read it, despite the finale that prompts the reader to immediately pick up book two. There were aspects of this story that fascinated me, so it’s possible I’ll read book two, since I own a copy, but I’m not making up my mind today.
Content: romantic feelings for a half-sibling, profanity, expletives, crude talk and innuendo, teen drinking/drunkenness, alcohol, tobacco, replacement expletives, tattoos, nudity, casual mentions of betting and wagering, unwed pregnancy ...more
This story was interesting and had some surprises and twists along the way. It was fun to see a crime drama without a cop or private investigator beinThis story was interesting and had some surprises and twists along the way. It was fun to see a crime drama without a cop or private investigator being one of the main two POV characters. I liked that brothers were featured. The stalker angle was a good one. I was kept guessing about who the culprit was throughout the whole story.
There was one scene in which X-rated movies were mentioned. It seemed unnecessary and inappropriate, and it never came back into play to make that scene relevant to the story.
Content: X-rated movies mentioned, alcohol, prostitution mentioned...more
The cover perfectly captured the tone of this book. From the model’s fretful glance over her shoulder to her windblown hair to the estate and labyrintThe cover perfectly captured the tone of this book. From the model’s fretful glance over her shoulder to her windblown hair to the estate and labyrinth on the bottom half… every aspect hints at some aspect of the story beneath the surface.
I’d not heard of a landscape architect before, so this was an interesting career to feature in this book. I felt like I learned something while reading, which is nearly always fun. The labyrinth angle, both physical and psychological, was amazing and exquisitely written. It made me want to find and visit a labyrinth, though without the scary bits of this novel hanging over me. Perhaps a daylight visit would be best for me.
Ever since I first saw Wuthering Heights as a teenager, I’ve adored gothic stories. This is the first contemporary gothic I’ve read, and I must say, the vibes were extraordinary throughout. In portions it was very creepy, while in other spots it felt deliciously mysterious. There were tones of thriller, suspense, mystery, gothic, contemporary, psychological thriller, and romance, which made for quite a tense tale!
It’s so difficult to find decent psychological thrillers, so I was really happy to stumble across this one. That there was a huge mental-health angle was an added bonus. I loved the fight to resolve the root causes of the mental break rather than solely treat the symptoms. This is so crucial to true healing, and I like that it was featured in this book. The psychological trip of this book will keep my mind spinning for days, and I don’t recommend reading this one in the dark.
I hope the next book I read by this author will be just as good as this one.
Content: mentions of mythological gods, one expletive, one profane word, sensuality (a couple of chapters in the middle of the book, particularly), talk of supernatural (ghosts, etc.; these were shown as superstitions, and the leading lady did not believe in them, nor did the events seem supernatural to me, as local gossips suspected), casinos, alcohol...more
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