Far Horizons is the first book to The Emigrants Trilogy. The book is about the love story of Allan MacDougal and Harriet Campbell. The premise of the Far Horizons is the first book to The Emigrants Trilogy. The book is about the love story of Allan MacDougal and Harriet Campbell. The premise of the story is based on true events while all other are just tales the author wove to make it more appealing for the readers. Allan and Harriet (ancestors of the author) got engaged just hours before Allan's family sailed from Scotland to Canada to start a new life. Allan's father, Sandy MacDougal thought it was dishonorable for Allan to ask Harriet to wait for him so Sandy insisted that Allan set Harriet free. Allan then returned Harriet's letters when he's already at the port waiting for their ship to Canada. This made Harriet feel Allan is not sure of his feelings for her. What would you do if your significant other went away, promised to return and marry you but you received nothing from him/her for years. No calls, no letters, nothing that would assure you that someone is still keeping the promise he/she made the last time you talked?
If you are in an LDR (long distance romance) situation, this book is totally relatable. I've been in that situation decades ago and it was that hard. It was hard to wait for someone who's oceans away. It was even harder for Allan and Harriet because they were just not oceans away, imagine LDR without phones? Letters can only be sent through a ship that sails for months. Letters are delivered and can only be picked-up in ports? Reading this book made my heart ache, every page is truly heart breaking especially the first quarter of the story. I loved how the author described Scotland and Canada in 1819. The settings of the story surely enticed me to finish the book quickly.
Far Horizons is a great historical romance novel, I look forward to reading the second book. Highly recommended for book readers looking for a great series to start.
Merged review:
Far Horizons is the first book to The Emigrants Trilogy. The book is about the love story of Allan MacDougal and Harriet Campbell. The premise of the story is based on true events while all other are just tales the author wove to make it more appealing for the readers. Allan and Harriet (ancestors of the author) got engaged just hours before Allan's family sailed from Scotland to Canada to start a new life. Allan's father, Sandy MacDougal thought it was dishonorable for Allan to ask Harriet to wait for him so Sandy insisted that Allan set Harriet free. Allan then returned Harriet's letters when he's already at the port waiting for their ship to Canada. This made Harriet feel Allan is not sure of his feelings for her. What would you do if your significant other went away, promised to return and marry you but you received nothing from him/her for years. No calls, no letters, nothing that would assure you that someone is still keeping the promise he/she made the last time you talked?
If you are in an LDR (long distance romance) situation, this book is totally relatable. I've been in that situation decades ago and it was that hard. It was hard to wait for someone who's oceans away. It was even harder for Allan and Harriet because they were just not oceans away, imagine LDR without phones? Letters can only be sent through a ship that sails for months. Letters are delivered and can only be picked-up in ports? Reading this book made my heart ache, every page is truly heart breaking especially the first quarter of the story. I loved how the author described Scotland and Canada in 1819. The settings of the story surely enticed me to finish the book quickly.
Far Horizons is a great historical romance novel, I look forward to reading the second book. Highly recommended for book readers looking for a great series to start....more
When this was first offered to me for review, I turned it down. The pitch email didn't really impress me mainly because I was enjoying reading my receWhen this was first offered to me for review, I turned it down. The pitch email didn't really impress me mainly because I was enjoying reading my recently bought books. You know that feeling of a book blogger having new books bought in bulk lol so anyway the author sent me some marketing materials and saw the music video. Wow! It was really good, made me admit to the author I was wrong about saying no to him. The book also turned out sooo good, loved it so much!
I have so many good things to say about the book but I'll make this brief to avoid giving out spoilers. Poet of the Wrong Generation is an inspirational read about love, friendship and the ups and downs of life. I fell in love with the characters especially the main one, Johnny. He was just a simple guy who is into music and poems, happy and contented with his life. He never thought a nasty break-up would lead to his success in the music industry. The story is pretty well written and I liked that the dialogue felt authentic.
As for Megan, I can relate to her. Doing things she doesn't like/does not approve of, just to make other people happy. My heart ache for her, so heartbroken thinking about the choices she made that led to her unhappiness.
I highly recommend this book, without a doubt, you'll enjoy reading this too!...more
Okay, I liked KAI. The way the author describes every scene, uhm very hair-raising. Can't read when I'm alone! If you are following this blog, you knoOkay, I liked KAI. The way the author describes every scene, uhm very hair-raising. Can't read when I'm alone! If you are following this blog, you know that I only read when everyone is out of the house/sleeping. Reading KAI, well, had to do it when kids are in the house. Too many distractions I know but I really need them with me lol.
KAI is really good but is complex. Just the kind of story that you should closely follow or you'll be confused. I'm thinking maybe it's the alternating stories of the main characters (Seul Bi and Satsuki), and the rhyming Japanese names.
All in all, it was a good book. I enjoyed reading KAI, added to my re-read list.
The Ghost of Christmas Past is my first Christmas read and certainly gave me lovely feeling about the holidays. This is a light, quick and enjoyable rThe Ghost of Christmas Past is my first Christmas read and certainly gave me lovely feeling about the holidays. This is a light, quick and enjoyable read which will make readers' Christmas extra special! ...more
Since having health issues the past year, it has become my mission to make my family eat healthy. Chumbalina's fairy tale story is simple but this picSince having health issues the past year, it has become my mission to make my family eat healthy. Chumbalina's fairy tale story is simple but this picture book tremendously helped me improve my kids' diet. Now they understand the importance and benefits of healthy eating. Love the illustrations and matching colors!
Definitely, a book I recommend for struggling moms out there looking for ways to make their young kids eat healthy....more
I had this book since December last year or was it January? I'm not sure. I stopped accepting requests, just re-reading favorite books and learning gaI had this book since December last year or was it January? I'm not sure. I stopped accepting requests, just re-reading favorite books and learning gardening for a while now. I'm just stressed out in sooo many ways that I didn't want to waste my precious time (if you have been following me since last year, you know why) over new books. When I picked this out from my library, I was ready to be disappointed. Thought it was better that way than to up my expectations. Oh well, this is surprisingly sooo good that when I dived into it, I didn't stop until I flip that last page.
Madison Abigail Kinlock, also known as Mak, is a tough, kickass female lead (reminds me of the young Anita Blake). Her character is credible, I love her voice, and values as a cop (an ex-cop turned PI. Met few PIs in my line of work so I know how cool to have them as friends) . .
As for the male lead, the romance part? Yay! Moon is a swoon-worthy-drug lord! Okay, before you question my morality, I was actually pretty conflicted with my feelings with this guy. Like Mak, I was attracted to Moon but couldn't accept for what he is (a criminal!) but the author added some goody twist in Moon's character that made me want him and his world.
Sex - although yes so hot, it's not so over the top. Thankie! Hey, just tagged this as an all-time favorite book, this means this is so goood. It was THAT good I bought the second book! Highly recommended for readers looking for a great series to start!...more
Lucy's story just didn't work for me. Having read and loved (!) Monique's story (book 2), I expected this to be in that level. Although I found this bLucy's story just didn't work for me. Having read and loved (!) Monique's story (book 2), I expected this to be in that level. Although I found this book enjoyable, I didn't get past the 3rd quarter of the story (with a little skimming). The plot moves too slow for me. The writing felt historical, but the way the characters are described or played, too modern. I found Lucy and Chalifour as two playing young teens as opposed to how I felt in book 2. Overall, I would rate this as an okay read. ...more
It is Lady Monique's last season to find a husband. People those days know that if one didn't get married in three seasons, she'd be considered as a 'It is Lady Monique's last season to find a husband. People those days know that if one didn't get married in three seasons, she'd be considered as a 'spinster' (old maid). Yikes! So she is very determined to attend all the balls -- she has to make sure she gets the best, titled man. After attending a few balls, she realized everyone who has pursued her in the last two seasons were either married or getting married. There is one man that stood out among the ball's crowd, James Stanton. Problem is, although wealthy, he is not a titled man.
James Stanton needs to marry Lady Monique, he has to. He promised his mother he would make Lady Monique's mom pay for all the heartbreak they caused to his family. He knows he'd get her to say yes, but first, he has to find a solution to Lady Monique's standard of a 'titled man only'.
The author wove a realistic story of love, friendship, bethrothal and revenge with authentic dialogue and setting from the chosen time period. There's just enough romance which I truly am grateful because I'm actually more interested in reading about life and tradition in the early days. Each character's story are intriguing, definitely my reason for wanting to finish the book quickly.
One flaw, my opinion is that -- spoiler -- (view spoiler)[the revenge part was easily resolved by Monique's mom telling him the 'real' story. It would have been better if it came from someone else, not the mother. That revelation just felt flat for me. (hide spoiler)]
My first historical romance for this year, happy that I thoroughly enjoyed my time here. This is so good that I'm excited to read the first book in this series (thought this was the first book). ...more
clutch is a quick and entertaining read about a woman looking for her one true love. I had so much fun reading Caroline's love adventure, never a dullclutch is a quick and entertaining read about a woman looking for her one true love. I had so much fun reading Caroline's love adventure, never a dull moment. And Mike, Caroline's bestfriend, ooh I love him, so charming! His family story is intriguing, finding his own identity makes him so manly. Just one flaw... I didn't get to savor the moment of 'meeting' Caroline's forever, her HEA. The author could have added some more pages ;( still, I love clutch, definitely a re-read in the future is possible! ...more
Let me start by saying that my kids rate the books that I read to them. They loved the story though they're surprised to learn that the main characterLet me start by saying that my kids rate the books that I read to them. They loved the story though they're surprised to learn that the main character is actually around 40-ish already. Had a hard time explaining the child-like attitude of the man, it did bother them for a while but eventually they liked him and the cat! They find the illustrations cool as it helped them visualize the story. Pirate story is all new to them and it was really, really nice to see them imagining the story while I read this to them.
Mommies, if you are looking for a good adventure book for your kids, pick this up!...more
While the apocalyptic plot is engaging, some things just bother me. First, the characters. There are just too many of them and it's difficult to go onWhile the apocalyptic plot is engaging, some things just bother me. First, the characters. There are just too many of them and it's difficult to go on reading when all I do is trying to remember who's who. Kept on flipping back the pages to check who they are and their connection to the main character, Jay. Then there's the unusual reaction of the characters to the invasion of the unknown creatures coming from the sinkholes. They tend to over analyze things, plan with a step-by-step procedure on what to do in every situation. I mean for me, in real life, everything would be spontaneous. I wouldn't have time to plan in front of those trying to kill me. So with this, I soon lost interest in reading further (DNF). ...more
I have not read The Call of the Wild by Jack London so I cannot comment on this being a mash up of that book.
The Call of the Wild Werewolf is differeI have not read The Call of the Wild by Jack London so I cannot comment on this being a mash up of that book.
The Call of the Wild Werewolf is different from the werewolf books I've read in the past, this didn't have the usual paranormal stuff/feel, it's like a serious werewolf book. Surprisingly, I liked Carl Water's idea here, how a werewolf is made/turned, how they feel being trapped in an animal body, etc. Buck's story is relatable, I can feel his sorrow as a man and as a werewolf. Although some parts dragged on, I still enjoyed reading his journey to conquering his fears and achieving his dreams. ...more
It's always nice to read this kind of story, first love, first heartbreak... second chance romance. I immensely enjoyed reading Shelby and Logan's jouIt's always nice to read this kind of story, first love, first heartbreak... second chance romance. I immensely enjoyed reading Shelby and Logan's journey to finding each other again after so many years of no contact.The author was able to deliver a believable sweet love story with TOTALLY relatable characters.
My only complain is that the book is short... I was not satisfied with ending the story too soon. Sorry, that's just me. I'm starting to think short stories just don't usually work for me....more
This is my first Japanese-themed novel and I loved it soooo muchooo! While I tremendously enjoyed reading this (the romance part), it also gave me extThis is my first Japanese-themed novel and I loved it soooo muchooo! While I tremendously enjoyed reading this (the romance part), it also gave me extreme sadness, hopelessness, and depression. I hate to include my illness in the review but I have to. I started reading this in May 2015, but couldn't get to finish as I was too busy with lots of doctor visits. When I was diagnosed having lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes) in June, it became hard for me to go back reading this. The main character, Sakura, is dying and I have cancer. So just imagine me reading the story. Suddenly, Sarura became me.
I managed to finish the story, with or without cancer, I found the book sooo good. What I loved most is that how the author provided info about the Japanese culture and tradition. The setting of the story was likewise written well.
I highly recommend this to readers who are into Japan-themed novels....more
I immensely enjoyed reading this book! I know I swore before that I am done reading the "in love-with-best friend-story". Often, they are all the sameI immensely enjoyed reading this book! I know I swore before that I am done reading the "in love-with-best friend-story". Often, they are all the same, it's like re-reading an old story. Glad that Ms. Heflin did a good job in writing a believable and heartfelt friendship/romance between Darcy and Josh. It was really such a relief for me that she was able to make it right. Character dialogue felt authentic, love the humor, really had fun reading this.
My only complain is the magical element here. I didn't see it coming and I hated it. It would have been a perfect book for me if not for that 'magic'. Anyway, I have book # 2, I am excited to read Laura's story! ...more
When She Smiled reminds me so much of my child hood. I was thinking the author must have been born in the 80's as I could truly relate to the things (When She Smiled reminds me so much of my child hood. I was thinking the author must have been born in the 80's as I could truly relate to the things (wrestling, cartoons, gadgets, etc.) mentioned in this book. I had a good laugh reading Mrityunjoy's journey. I've seen reviews that some readers could not understand nor believe the characters' attitude towards life. I, myself, have been exposed to that kind of life, having strict parents and teachers (blogger is from the Philippines). Maybe if you are from the east, this is totally relatable. Mrityunjoy's struggle is real for me even the joy and pain of his first love with Akansha.
It was beautifully written although I note the author tends to over-describe things. Often, when the description's too much, say like a place, I forget the last thing the character is doing. Other than that, I still enjoyed reading the story. Looking forward to reading more from this author....more
My kids, 9 and 6 y.o. love this! Illustrations are colorful and nice to look at. The story is easy to read, recommended to mommies looking for a good My kids, 9 and 6 y.o. love this! Illustrations are colorful and nice to look at. The story is easy to read, recommended to mommies looking for a good bedtime story with moral lesson. ...more
I have been trying to write this review for weeks now but I just can't seem to find the right words to describe exactly how I felt reading this book. I have been trying to write this review for weeks now but I just can't seem to find the right words to describe exactly how I felt reading this book. Plot-wise, just like the first book, Mind Over Murder was a good mystery-thriller too. Jared Hamilton's story had me biting my nails. I liked how the author weave his story, there's a right amount of action and suspense. Oh well, while I found the book enthralling, I want to be honest here. I was soooo disappointed with the characters death. Sorry, a little spoiler there but it bothered me so much that I stopped reading for a week. It might not bother other readers but it surely bothered me that I'm taking out one star for this second installment. ...more
When Sophie lost her mother, the only one who has shown her real love, she felt God has forsaken her. She questioned HIM for almost every bad thing thWhen Sophie lost her mother, the only one who has shown her real love, she felt God has forsaken her. She questioned HIM for almost every bad thing that comes her way. She became cynical, believing the only way to survive is to be dishonest and selfish. Her boyfriend Gabe, proves this to be a great 'life strategy'. By doing this, he has managed to survive on the street for years.
One night, Sophie and Gabe were caught robbing a gas station. Gabe was sent to prison while Sophie, as she's a minor, was given a choice to either enter the juvenile detention or live with her grandmother, return to school, and all other conditions which should be met within a year. The latter sounds like a good choice, but thinking about her mom's past, Lila and her husband must have done something wicked that her mother decided to leave them for good, so it couldn't be that good.
After considering her two choices, she decided to try the second one: live with Lila in Nebraska but she will definitely go back to the city once the 'punishment' is completed.
The author wrote a very good, compelling story. Secrets of the Porch has it all; family, maternal affection, friendship, romance, faith, etc. I was intrigued by the secrets ...Why did Sophie's mother left her parents? Why didn't Lila looked for her daughter? Who is Charles? Once you open the first page, you will feel the need to keep on reading. The 'secrets' were carefully woven, they managed to keep the story interesting until the last pages of the book. These secrets also gave me a wave of emotions I cannot adequately explain, couldn't count the number of times I had to pause reading as my tears kept on falling.
There are few references to God and faith so I would also label this as a Christian book, though not a hard-core one. This is certainly a very good book I want to recommend to my dear readers. And I thank the author for sharing this book with me, looking forward to reading more from you!...more
Lori Powers kills prominent and abusive men to overcome the pain of losing her daughter to a suicide she caused. As she works as a flight attendant, iLori Powers kills prominent and abusive men to overcome the pain of losing her daughter to a suicide she caused. As she works as a flight attendant, it is so easy for her to murder her target and disappear without a trace.
When Lori has killed about four men, the police started to worry. The crime scene is always clean and no one could get a clue where to begin the investigation. So they sent Jake Roberts, the best detective in town to solve the complicated murders, and it became even more complicated once the detective met and fell in love with the killer.
After the Evil is a very good suspense book. Although the killer was revealed too soon, the story is still exciting. The mysteries of murders kept my eyes glued to the pages of the book. I admit, it was a bit of a struggle for me to read on as I find the story dark for moms like me. After experiencing trauma during my two pregnancies, I now couldn't handle children's death or suicide. But I finished reading this so it was an accomplishment for me.
If you are looking for a great suspense/mystery story, you might want to pick up this book. I assure you, your money is well spent on this one!...more
Loading...
