Book Review: The Campbell Sisters by Eileen Joyce Donovan

 

Author: Eileen Joyce Donovan

Title: The Campbell Sisters

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 396

Published: March 7, 2023

Where I Got It: Given to me for my honest and unbiased opinions. 

Summary: 

Helen Campbell is the eldest and most practical of three sisters, daughters of hard-working Irish emigrants living in New York City in the 1950s. She does what she can to keep the wild-child middle sister, Carolyn, in line and support the youngest, Peggy, as she pursues her dreams of becoming a doctor. Then Helen meets Charlie. While it's love at first sight for those two, Carolyn’s antics threatens to derail all the sisters’ future happiness. However, through thick and thin, the three sisters strive to prevail, though not necessarily in the ways they thought they wanted.

Review:

Been excited about this one when I first heard about it! Love a good people story!

This story is about the Campbell sisters. They are the daughters of hard-working Irish emigrants living in New York City in the 1950s. Helen is the eldest and most practical of the three. Carolyn is the wild-child middle sister. Peggy dreams about becoming a doctor. When Helen meets Charlie it is love at first sight, but Carolyn's antics threaten to derail all of the sisters' future and happiness. 

This was a lot of fun! Loved these sisters....even the crazy Carolyn. I loved reading about them navigating through their young adult lives and finding what/who will make them happy. This was for sure a people story. So some drama was sprinkled around.

I will say there are also some slow parts sprinkled around here and there. But it allowed you to learn more about the girls. Lots of conversation and lots of food. Honestly...it made me want to go to some of those restaurants!

You know what be nice? I would love a prequel about their parents Mr and Mrs Campbell! There seems to be some interesting stories there...finding love, the drama in Ireland, and then coming to America. That would be fun. I adored their parents even with them being stuck in their old-fashioned ways.

Ooo! I sequel would be fun! I for sure want to see more of these sisters and what comes next. Esp for Carolyn. Giiiiiiiirl has gotten herself in deep! I don't want to spoil anything but I am anxious to see what happens next. 

The author did truly bring these characters and this time to life. If you like historical fiction with a big splash of romance, this is the one for you. There are slow moments, but it was easy to look past. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Mar 13 Kickoff 

Emily Many Thoughts of a Reader Mar 14 Review 

Denise Amazon & Goodreads Mar 15 Review 

Danielle Urban Book Reviews Mar 16 Review 

Jane Amazon & Goodreads Mar 17 Review 

Nora S. Storeybook Reviews Mar 21 Review & Guest Post 

Sal Bound 4 Escape Mar 22 Review 

DT Amazon & Goodreads Mar 23 Review 

Just Another Reader Mar 24 Review & Excerpt 

Lu Ann Rockin' Book Reviews Mar 29 Review & Guest Post 

Amy Locks, Hooks and Books Mar 30 Review & Excerpt 

Carole Rae's Random Rambling Mar 31 Review  

Suzie My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews April 4 Review 

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Apr 6 Review 

Bee Book Pleasures April 7 Review & Interview 

Laura Lee Celticlady’s Reviews April 11 Review

Book Review: Miss Darcy's Beaux by Eliza Shearer

Author: Eliza Shearer

Title: Miss Darcy's Beaux

Genre: Historical Romance, What If

Format: ebook

Pages: 207

Published: June 5, 2017

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon

Summary: 

Fitzwilliam Darcy’s beloved sister Georgiana is now a woman of twenty. After living in the enclosed safety of Pemberley for years, she is sent to London for the season with Lady Catherine de Bourgh as her chaperone. Lady Catherine is determined that her niece shall make a splendid match. But will Georgiana allow her aunt to decide for her? Or will she do as her brother did, and marry for love?

Review:

This year has really been a year I've been tackling my TBR pile. This one isn't as old as some as the others so I didn't include it in my TBR challenge list (but tbh I have had this as a "want-to-read" since 2017 so it def could have counted). Oh well. 

Here we follow Georgiana Darcy. She is now twenty and has become settled into her life in the enclosed safety of Pemberley for years. However, the family wants her to experience life...especially her Aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh who has agreed to be her chaperone. Aka told everyone she was just going to do it. She is determined to find Georgiana a suitable match, unlike Fitzwilliam. However, will Georgiana be allowed to follow her heart and make the decision herself? Will she find the strength to do it? Or will she just settle for whatever Lady Catherine finds for her?

I did enjoy this. I adore Georgiana and I want her to find love! Wickham was terrible and she didn't deserve to have that happen to her. She is an angel and too sweet. 

On that note....Georgiana barely said a word this entire novel. She was sooooo meek it literally enraged me. Yes, I get she doesn't want to rock the boat but say something. Defend Elizabeth! Defend your beloved brother! Defend yourself! Ugh! I wanted to shake her. I'm glad she finally got a backbone near the end, but her brother really had to help. 

Catherine was terrible and mean. 

Lydia was nasty. 

Mary was rude. 

Kitty was annoying. 

Captain Price....sighs....I liked him but he was so sensitive all the time. I'm glad he was understanding after a bit. 

I wish we had more time with Darcy and Elizabeth! 

LOVED that Captain Wentworth and Anne made an appearance!!! I love them!!!! Now I wanna read 'Persuasion' again!

But yes, this was fun if you like the JA characters and stories. It was nice seeing some characters from other books make an appearance. And Captain Price is a nice match for Georgiana. That was unique and different! I approve. 

Just be prepared to want to kick a lot of people who are just plain mean. And Georgiana was too meek for too long. 

In the end, 3 stars from me. 

Audiobook Review: The A.I. Who Loved Me by Alyssa Cole

Author: Alyssa Cole

Narrator: Regina Hall, Mindy Kaling, Feodor Chin, Therese Plummer, Dina Pearlman, Neil Hellegers, Adenrele Ojo, & Kyla Garcia

Title: The A.I. Who Loved Me

Genre: SciFi, Romance, Novella, Fantasy

Format: Audiobook

Published: December 3, 2019

Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 

Trinity Jordan leads a quiet, normal life: working from home for the Hive, a multifunctional government research center, and recovering from the incident that sent her into a tailspin. But the life she’s trying to rebuild is plagued by mishaps when Li Wei, her neighbor’s super sexy and super strange nephew, moves in and turns things upside down. Li Wei’s behavior is downright odd—and the attraction building between them is even more so. When an emergency pulls his aunt away from the apartment complex, Trinity decides to keep an eye on him…and slowly discovers that nothing is what it seems. For one thing, Li Wei isn’t just the hot guy next door—he’s the hot A.I. next door. In fact, he’s so advanced that he blurs the line between man and machine. It’s up to Trinity to help him achieve his objective of learning to be human, but danger is mounting as they figure out whether he’s capable of the most illogical human behavior of all…falling in love.

Review:

I have been seeing this book everywhere on every system and site that has audios. I also have adored other books by this author so I finally caved and decided to read this. It is/was a freebie on Audible for those with a Plus membership. 

Trinity Jordan has been living a quiet and "normal" life since an incident sent her into a tailspin. She is trying to get back on track, mentally, working remotely before she goes back to work at the Hive. The Hive is a multifunctional government research center. However, life is getting complicated and plagued by mishaps when Li Wei moves in with his aunt to recover from an accident he suffered recently too. His behavior is weird and the attraction between them is growing quickly. When an emergency pulls his aunt away, Trinity decides to keep an eye on him for the aunt. Turns out he is more than just human....he is an AI. He is SO advanced that he blurs the line between man and machine. It's up to Trinity to help him achieve his objective of learning to be human. However, danger and love are heading their way.

This started off fine enough. I was liking this for the most part...until I didn't. 

I'm not sure where the disconnect happened for me. There is a great cast of narrators....and the story is fresh. I know I struggle with SciFi in general but this sounded like it would be a win. I also am super meh about robots, but this AI was super human and super hawt. However, I struggled to finish. 

The first 10% was good...and the last 10% was good. The middle 80%? Ugh. I had to speed up the narration to make it go by quicker. I didn't want to DNF because I adore the author and have liked her stuff in the past. I was just hoping I would connect again with the story. I did for the last chunk. Or was I just happy it was coming to an end? I couldn't honestly tell you. 

Sighs. 

In the end, there are a lot of parts and components I liked, but as a whole, I was meh about this. It just didn't pull together for me. There are loads of people that adore this, but it was for me sadly. I'll give this 2 stars and only because there are pieces I did like. 

Challenge(s):
- #15 for Audiobook challenge

- #11 for Romance Reading Challenge - SciFI

Book Review: Serendipity by Louise Shaffer

Author: Louise Shaffer

Title: Serendipity

Genre: Historical Fiction, Chick Lit, Romance

Format: Paperback

Pages: 341

Published: January 1, 2009

Where I Got It: My shelf (Used Book store)

Summary: 

A child of theatrical royalty, Carrie Manning is having a hard time getting her own act together. Thirty-seven, aimless, and having just buried a famous mother she never understood, she is desperate to uncover her family’s mysterious past in the hopes that it will help her understand herself.

Carrie’s search reveals the fascinating life stories of her estranged grandmother Lu, a glamorous Broadway star whose dreams came with a price; her great grandmother Mifalda, who gave up everything to come to America as a sixteen-year-old Italian bride; and her father, Bobby, the charismatic Broadway genius who wrote some of Lu’s greatest musicals and died tragically young. At the heart of Carrie’s discoveries lies the reason for her mother’s complicated life, and a dark secret that has been buried for thirty years.

Review:

Picking this one had a couple of reasons. 1) Needed something for book club and this seemed like we could have some good convos and 2) it's been collecting dust on my shelf for yearsssss so it is part of a TBR Pile reading challenge. 

Carrie Manning has had a hard time getting her act together. She is 37 and aimless. And now even more so after having to bury her famous mother. Now, Carrie is desperate to understand her mother and uncover her family's mysterious past and secrets. Maybe she will finally understand herself! Her search reveals a fascinating past of her mother, grandmother, and even her great-grandmother. She will also uncover some dark secrets that have been buried for a long, long time. 

So this started out slow for me. It took me a couple of chapters to really get into it. I did step away for a couple of days to finish up a different book. When I picked this backup.......I could NOT stop reading. I literally finished this in a day. 

Where do I even begin? 

Each woman is complex and different but similar to their daughter. Honestly, I would love to learn more about the great-great grandma now too! It seems that these women have complicated relationships with their daughters. Hopefully, if Carrie has a daughter one day, she can break the cycle. There are so many hurt feelings and trauma with these women. If they all just sat down and tried to be understanding of each other MAYBE, JUST MAYBE there wouldn't be such bad blood and the whole "I'll never be like my mother!!!!!". But we wouldn't have this story and Carrie trying to find her way ;)

I really adored this book. TBH it could be a good contender for best of the year. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I kept finding myself surprised at each turn of the page. I literally ate this book up. 

So many lessons could be learned from this story. 

I can't wait to talk about this at book club! It is unaliving me not to be able to spoil this for ya'lls ;) 

But yes. Great stories. Great characters. There are times you just want to scream, "TALK TO EACH OTHER!!!!!!" But you know the generational trauma continues until Carrie. 5 stars 100% 

Challenge(s):

- #4 TBR Pile Reading

Blodeuedd's Monday: Wolf in the Shadows by Maria Vale

By: Maria Vale

Narrated by: Senn Annis, Julio Maxwell

Series: Legend of All Wolves, Book 5

Length: 11 hrs and 7 mins

Release date: 03-21-23

PNR/UF/to review

The last book. I definitely recommend reading the previous ones. Like why Julia is a shifter, but Arthur who can shift to a wolf is something else. He is more wolf than human and Julia is more human than wolf.

Oh and a lot of stuff went down in the last one. Her uncle being killed, shifters trying to kill wolves, her being locked up among the shifters. Her the spoiled little princess finding out that maybe these wolves know how to run wild and be free.

Julia went from spoiled to learning about her true self. Along the way she meets Arthur, who is at the bottom of his pack. They fall for each other, and there is also the big drama that finally comes to a conclusion. Can shifters and these "wolves" live in peace again?

There was this one disturbing thing at one point, it was not handled very well and had to do with Julia and Arthur. Was it meant to show us something? Now it just made her out to be evil

But I enjoyed this last one. The first book is still my favorite. It had the realness to it. I did like that we finally came to an ending. They just wanted to live in peace, from humans and shifters. And now they possibly can. Hopefully.

Good narration between two narrators. They worked well with each others characters too. The story flowed well.

A wolf shifter hero with a haunted past

A shifter heroine with a lot to learn about being part of the Pack

Dark secrets that could destroy everything they love

Fantasy-level world building and epic romance-the new werewolf standard

Shifter Julia Martel has been spoiled and pampered by all the alpha males around her whose urge to protect her have left her uninformed and vulnerable. Now the Great North Pack has relegated Julia to the care of the wolf at the very bottom of the Pack hierarchy, Arthur Graysson. Julia wants nothing to do with the Pack, except to escape back to her life of luxury and idleness, but the more time she spends with Arthur, the more she learns about the Pack, the dark secrets Arthur carries with him, and the fierceness within herself that could save them all...

Book Review: One Bite Per Night by Brooklyn Ann

Author: Brooklyn Ann

Title: One Bite Per Night

Series: Scandals with Bite #2

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 384

Published: August 5, 2014

Where I Got It: My shelf (Bought from Amazon)

Summary: 

The Dowager Countess of Morley asks Vincent Tremayne, Lord Vampire of Cornwall, to become guardian of her American granddaughter. Vincent honors the agreement and plans to get his new ward married and off his hands as soon as possible.

When Lydia Price arrives, she soon turns Vincent's gloomy castle upside-down, and he decides he wants Lydia for himself. But if Vincent can't protect Lydia from her entanglement with scandalous portrait painter Sir Thomas Lawrence, the vampire community will make sure that he—and Lydia—face dire consequences..

Review:

Been meaning to read more of the series. I really liked book 1 and I want to get to Rafe's story! I believe he is book 3. Slowly getting there ;) But yes, this was on sale at Amazon during Xmas so I grabbed it up!

Here we follow Vincent and Lydia. Vincent is approached by the Dowager Countess of Morley who asks him to become the guardian of her unwanted American granddaughter, Lydia. He only agrees because of a vow he made to the family years and years ago. He plans to get Lydia married ASAP before she realizes he is not only a vampire, but he wants her for himself. When Lydia arrives, she soon turns Vincent's gloomy castle upside-down. She has brought happiness to the castle and to Vincent. Soon they will find themselves in a very dire situation.

It was so nice to see our old couple show up to help these two. I loved them and it is nice seeing them happy and in love. 

I liked Vincent and Lydia and they are SO obviously made for each other. The lust is there right away and you can see them become fast friends and then more. It felt natural for them. However, it drove me insane how long it took for them to just TALK out their issues. So much guilt that they both had especially after THE event that changed everything. OMG. Just talk to each other!!!! *shakes fist*

I'm not sure I really liked how things transpired on getting her turned (no spoiler...you know it happens eventually lol). I wasn't crazy with all that drama it sparked. Won't say more....but I wasn't a huge fan. Lydia's actions that created the situation seemed out of character and melodramatic. Mmmm. 

But yes, this was a fun ready. A lovely romance between two characters who deserved to be loved and find love. Plus vamps are always a blast. 

Can't wait for the next one! It's Rafe's turn to find love! Yayyyyy!

In the end, I did enjoy this. A couple of issues but overall a nice romance. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- #3 TBR Pile Reading

Audiobook Review: Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews

Author: Ilona Andrews

Narrator: Renee Raudman

Title: Magic Rises

Series: Kate Daniels #6

Genre: Urban Fiction, Paranormal Romance, & Fantasy

Format: Audiobook

Published: July 30, 2013

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Atlanta is a city plagued by magical problems. Kate Daniels will fight to solve them—no matter the cost.

Mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate, Curran, the Beast Lord, are struggling to solve a heartbreaking crisis. Unable to control their beasts, many of the Pack’s shapeshifting children fail to survive to adulthood. While there is a medicine that can help, the secret to its making is closely guarded by the European packs, and there’s little available in Atlanta.

Kate can’t bear to watch innocents suffer, but the solution she and Curran have found threatens to be even more painful. The European shapeshifters who once outmaneuvered the Beast Lord have asked him to arbitrate a dispute—and they’ll pay him in medicine. With the young people’s survival and the Pack’s future at stake, Kate and Curran know they must accept the offer—but they have little doubt that they’re heading straight into a trap…

Review:

Kate is one of my favorites! I am getting sad that there are only so many books left! WAAAH!

But for this one...you will want to read the others books first. Lots of references going around.

Kate and Curran are struggling to solve a heartbreaking issue among the Pack's children. For some reason...some kids fail to survive to adulthood. There is a medicine that can help but the European packs won't share the recipe. However, they will get a chance to be given some if they agree to arbitrate a dispute between some of the European packs. It has all the makings to be a trap, but they have no choice if they want to save the future. 

This one broke my heart in a few places. 1) Those poor kids and parents! 2) Curran and Kate are having some issues. UGH Poor Kate. I wanted to kick Curran SO hard!!!!!! 3) The whole Desandra thing was super sad. 4) And the ending. OMG! I actually had a tear for a certain person I never thought I would care about but ended up adoring. MY POOR HEART!

Lots going on here. Some drama, some romance, lots of action, lots of mystery....so much fun. And the different setting was very refreshing! Loved learning more about different packs and different creatures/etc. 

The narration is flawless as per normal. 

So good. Probably one of the best of the series for sure. I wish I could give this more than 5 stars. But 5 stars it is. 

Challenge(s):
- #14 for Audiobook challenge

TMST: Famous Authors from Michigan

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

3/21/2023 Tell us about some famous author from your city/state/country

Famous? Mmmmmm I'm going to have to do some digging for this one. I know a few people that have written books that are from my state or city. I live in the US so I could list a few, but I'm going to try and research Michigan folks. *vanishes to the Googleverse*

*pops back*

Okay...here is what I found!

• Lyssa Kay Adams! She wrote 'The Bromance Book Club' which I read a little while ago. She certainly is making a name for herself. :) I can't wait to read more by her. She currently lives in Michigan. Not sure if she was born and raised here, but cool that she is here. 
• Steve Hamilton. I have seen his books everywhere so that is fun that he is a Michigander. Looks like he is known for mysteries and thrillers. I'll have to finally check out one of his books. 
• Mitch Albom. Originally born in New Jersey, but he currently lives in Michigan. I feel like I knew this fact, but still nice to see a familiar name! Plus I have read many of his books! 

Those are the names that stuck out to me when thinking and researching. I'm sure I've seen (and maybe even read) some books by other Michigan folks. Here is a list I found that has a bunch of names of authors tied to Michigan in some way. 

B's Monday Review: A Hate Like This by Whitney Dineen & Melanie Summers

By: Whitney Dineen, Melanie Summers

Narrated by: Lila Winters, Jason Keller

Series: Gamble on Love Mom Com Series, Book 2

Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins

Release date: 03-07-23 by Tantor Audio

Contemporary romance/ to review

Moira has 3 kids, is a single mum, owns a diner, and just living her life in Alaska. In comes Ethan, who she has met before. A lawyer from LA who wants to write a book.

Whatever they feel at first is quickly swept away by a budding lust. And wondering where they can take this. Two very different lives.

I liked Moira, she felt real and the only support network she had was here in Alaska.

Ethan falls hard, he was a really nice guy who wanted to give her the world.

The drama, oh these two. Moira needed to see it from his point too. But it all works out and they live happily ever after.

Good narration by two narrators switching chapters. They made the voices work well at their own chapters and it felt easy listening

Single mother Moira Bishop hates when her family interferes in her love life. If life as a young widow isn't hard enough, just add three boys, a slew of unruly pets, and ownership of Gamble Alaska's only diner. The last thing she needs is a man to look after too.

Entertainment lawyer to the stars Ethan Caplan hates his clients. There's only so much coddling and placating a man can do in a lifetime. He's finally decided he's had enough, so he escapes to the tiny no-horse town of Gamble to work on the novel he's always wanted to write.

Positive that Alaska will be distraction-free, Ethan's sure he can pen a bestselling legal novel. That is until he lays his eyes on Moira Bishop. Suddenly he finds himself having five meals a day at the diner, just so he can talk to her for a few minutes.

When Moira's son wins tickets to a Dodgers' game in L.A., Ethan jumps at the chance to play host to the family. He's sure he can win her over by showing her how glamorous life could be with him. With the help of his friends, he plans the date to end all dates, hoping one incredible night will change her mind about giving love a second chance.

Will Moira open her heart to Ethan? Will Ethan do what it takes to prove that he can be the man Moira and her boys need in their lives?

Movie Review: Jumanji - Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

Title: Jumanji - Welcome to the Jungle

Length:  1h 59m

Released: 2017

Genre:  Action/Adventure, Comedy, & Fantasy
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Hulu

SUMMARY:

Four teenagers are sucked into a magical video game, and the only way they can escape is to work together to finish the game.

Click here for the trailer

REVIEW:

Been meaning to watch this for an eon....but just never got around to it. It popped up as recommended on Hulu SO I decided it was time......and I ended up watching it twice. 

The movie takes place after the end of the original. The Jumanji game washed up on shore...in the sand. It is picked up and it is a little bit different. Instead of the classic board game, it is now a video game. Four teenagers decide to try it out and get sucked into this magical video game. The only way to escape is to work together and save Jumanji. 

This was SOOOOO much fun. I loved it!!!!!!!!!!! Like I said earlier I watched it twice. Once...alone. The second time I made Hubby watch it with me. We both love video games and the original so it was nice to get all the jokes. Even if you don't play video games, it is still funny. 

Great cast! Couldn't pick anyone better. They are so fun together. 

We had some nice nods to the original which was nice. One I didn't even catch until Hubby pointed it out. *chef kiss* Beautifully done. 

This was fun, funny, heartwarming, action-filled, and just plain entertaining. 

I do plan on watching the sequel. It's not on Hulu like this one....so there will be a delay for sure. 

In the end....5 stars. LOVED it. 

Book Review: Magic Gifts by Ilona Andrews

Author: Ilona Andrews

Title: Magic Gifts

Series: Kate Daniels #5.5

Genre: UF, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Novella

Format: ebook

Pages: 146 

Published:  December 24, 2011

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

It isn’t often that Kate Daniels and the Beast Lord Curran get to take a break from protecting their pack and enjoy some time for themselves. So when Curran offers Kate a romantic dinner in town, there’s no way she’s going to pass.

But their quiet night doesn’t stay quiet for long. The trouble starts with a necromancer dying at a nearby table, continues with bloodthirsty vampires crashing though the windows, and ends with more blood on the walls than any dining establishment needs.

Pulled into a deadly game neither wants to play, Kate and Curran find themselves dealing with the vile undead and tolerating a clan of maniacal, hard partying Vikings while desperately trying to save the life of an innocent child...

Review:

Been itching to read this one!! Finally was able to get it from my library. No audio...which bummer....but beggars can't be picky ;)

Kate and her love, Curran, finally are getting a break from protecting their pack. They are taking some time for themselves. When Curran offers to take Kate on a romantic dinner in town...there is NO way she is going to pass. However, the quiet night is ruined when a necromancer dying at a nearby table chaos ensues. They are pulled into a deadly game that they do not want to play. In order to save the life an innocent child, they will have to deal with undead, Vikings, and something unspeakable.

Kate and Curran need a day off...no a week! NO a year! Nooooo 5 years. However, it is their role of leaders and the pack and innocent folks need them. 

I really, really enjoyed this one. It was quick, but not too quick. Honestly, I would've been fine with this being a full length novel! But it worked at the length it was. 

Loved the blend of Viking and Cherokee lore! That was one bad monster. Curious to see if they will need to knock on that door later on. Feels like there are things unfinished with that monster!!

The real baddie was terrible. I'm glad karma found its way to that character. Terrible person. HOW COULD YOU DO THAT?! No spoilers....but grrr to that person. 

I enjoyed this one and I want to see more Vikings and that monster. 

5 stars from me. Super fun novella for the series!!

Re-listen: Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop

Author: Anne Bishop

Narrator: Alexandra Harris

Title: Vision in Silver

Series: The Others #3

Genre: Urban Fiction, Paranormal, & Fantasy

Format: Audiobook

Published: March 3, 2015

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

The Others freed the cassandra sangue to protect the blood prophets from exploitation, not realizing their actions would have dire consequences. Now the fragile seers are in greater danger than ever before; both from their own weaknesses and from those who seek to control their divinations for wicked purposes. In desperate need of answers, Simon Wolfgard, a shape-shifter leader among the Others, has no choice but to enlist blood prophet Meg Corbyn’s help, regardless of the risks she faces by aiding him.

Meg is still deep in the throes of her addiction to the euphoria she feels when she cuts and speaks prophecy. She knows each slice of her blade tempts death. But Others and humans alike need answers, and her visions may be Simon’s only hope of ending the conflict.

For the shadows of war are deepening across the Atlantik, and the prejudice of a fanatic faction is threatening to bring the battle right to Meg and Simon’s doorstep…

Review:

2nd time around! Slowly re-reading the series. 

The Others have freed the caged Blood Prophets....but those who have been used and caged for so long are struggling to live. They are in danger from the outside world and from themselves. Simon and Meg will try their bests to help them even though Meg is still deep in her own throes of addiction to prophecy.  On top of all of this, there is a shadow of hatred and war spreading from the humans. 

Gave this 5 stars years ago and I'm giving it 5 stars again. This series just keeps getting better and better! And it for sure has stood up the test of time!!! 

Love Meg and I still defend her actions here. Everyone was mad. Sure, I get their points...but I think they were just freaked out because of her blood can be dangerous. Yes, she should've been smarter but something bad was going to happen if she didn't do what she did. That kid was being a brat and do something. 

WHICH Lizzie was dumb, but she is just a pup. Their pups do selfish and annoying kid things too. The Others are on edge....that is their only excuse for blowing that situation out of proportion. 

ANYWAY. 

Yes, we are learning more about our mains. There is danger and some fun times with our folks. 

Damn humans! They are so dumbbbbbbbb. I guess I don't get WHY they are the way they are, but herd mentality I guess. They are prey and think like prey. 

I did the audio version again because the narrator is perfection for this series. 

In the end...5 stars! Such a great series. 

Challenge(s):
- #13 for Audiobook challenge

Blodeuedd's Monday: Over the Woodward Wall by A. Deborah Baker

Narrated by: Heath Miller

Series: The Up-and-Under, Book 1

Length: 5 hrs and 31 mins

Release date: 10-06-20

Fantasy/ Mg?

It was short so I gave it another go, but it was rather dull.

The story is mentioned in her book Middlegame, another one I dnfed. Her style either works really well for me, or not at all.

This was two kids lost in Wonderland, and blah blah. More books coming. But it could be a fun MG adventure for some

Good narration, but not a story to hold me

Avery is an exceptional child. Everything he does is precise, from the way he washes his face in the morning to the way he completes his homework - without complaint, without fuss, without prompt.

Zib is also an exceptional child, because all children are, in their own way. But where everything Avery does and is can be measured, nothing Zib does can possibly be predicted, except for the fact that she can always be relied upon to be unpredictable.

They live on the same street. They live in different worlds.

On an unplanned detour from home to school one morning, Avery and Zib find themselves climbing over a stone wall into the Up and Under - an impossible land filled with mystery, adventure and the strangest creatures.

And they must find themselves and each other if they are to also find their way out and back to their own lives.

Book Review: Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

Author: Rachel Hollis

Title: Girl Wash Your Face

Genre: Self-help, Nonfiction, & Memoir 

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 240 

Published: February 6, 2018

Where I Got It: My shelf (Book Depository)

Summary: 

Founder of the lifestyle website TheChicSite.com and CEO of her own media company, Chic Media, Rachel Hollis has created an online fan base of hundreds of thousands of fans by sharing tips for living a better life while fearlessly revealing the messiness of her own. Now comes her highly anticipated first book featuring her signature combination of honesty, humor, and direct, no-nonsense advice.

Each chapter of Girl, Wash Your Face begins with a specific lie Hollis once believed that left her feeling overwhelmed, unworthy, or ready to give up. As a working mother, a former foster parent, and a woman who has dealt with insecurities about her body and relationships, she speaks with the insight and kindness of a BFF, helping women unpack the limiting mind-sets that destroy their self-confidence and keep them from moving forward.

From her temporary obsession with marrying Matt Damon to a daydream involving hypnotic iguanas to her son's request that she buy a necklace to "be like the other moms," Hollis holds nothing back. With unflinching faith and tenacity, Hollis spurs other women to live with passion and hustle and to awaken their slumbering goals.

Review:

Recently, I joined a new little book club that is trying to get off the ground. The current theme is self-help books. We each pick a book and pass it around. So, in theory, later this month I should be borrowing a book from someone else while they borrow this. I am excited! Curious to see how this book club goes! I picked this one because I have heard non-stop good things....even my BFF has this on her shelf....so I figured it was time to check it out. 

This is written by Rachel Hollis who has a lifestyle website, is a CEO, and has written books in the past. This book goes over life, love, body-issues, motherhood, and so much more. 

Sooooooooooooo I avoided GR reviews because there is a def a split with half loving this...and half hating this book. I wanted to read this and not have their voices/words in my head to make me biased. I suggest you do the same. 

There were some really impactful sections and quotes that really hit my soul. There were some moments where I had to stop and really think about it. She talks about mental health issues, working on boundaries, setting realistic goals, never giving up, working hard, negative self-talk, therapy, trauma, and even body issues. 

There is a religious tone here and there, but, for me, it was honestly easy to ignore. Some of the quotes and life lessons were super relevant to drive a certain point home. It never felt preachy or that she was saying Christianity is the only way. Which I highly appreciate! 

Now...there was one part that really bugged me about her view on losing weight and whatnot. She made it so simple...too simple....just eat less and eat healthy. Boom. You'll drop weight and you will be healthy. You shouldn't eat anything bad because you need to take care of yourself. Sure...she is not 100% wrong and I can agree on some of her viewpoints! Eat good and take care of yourself. You owe it to yourself to treat yourself right. However, losing weight or gaining weight is not that black-and-white.

Now, I will applaud how she really promotes therapy. That is just so important.. Even if you had a perfect childhood and never had anything bad happen to you ever, I'm sure there is SOMETHING to talk about and work through. Therapy is a fantastic tool for deep issues or just day-to-day issues. I am so glad she kept saying it. 

But yes, this was a quick and easy read. I was able to finish this in just a couple of sittings. I did go back and re-read a few parts since I wanted to take notes for the book club coming up at the end of the month. She is funny and I enjoyed her writing style. This is def a good book if you want something not crazy involved for a self-help.

There are some good quotes! Like, "...the gift of life is that we get another chance tomorrow." Or "This is your life. You are meant to be the hero of your own story." OR, my personal fave, "SOMEONE ELSE'S OPINION OF ME IS NONE OF MY BUSINESS!" Some good gems FOR SURE.

In the end, I enjoyed this. It was good. It had some good things you can put in your back-pocket. Some good tips to navigate this wild thing called life. I had one big hiccup, but everyone is allowed their own opinion. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Happy International Women's Day!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Blodeuedd's Monday: Text and Confused by Whitney Dinneen & Melanie Summers

 

By: Whitney Dineen, Melanie Summers

Narrated by: Avery Reid, Alexander Cendese

Series: An Accidentally in Love Story, Book 6

Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins

Release date: 03-14-23

Contemporary romance /to review

This was a cute one. Toni wants a change in her dating life, so she disses the cute working man (too handsome, too everything), and instead opts for the boring white collar guy. But life is never that easy and she gets the wrong number. She wants to take it slow so they start to text each other, and both are falling in love. Awww what could be better!? Well, she was texting the wrong guy.

Toni was a bit prejudiced against Connor. Not his fault he is handsome, and seemingly like the other guys that did not want to settle down. She got to know him through texts and should have realised he is perfect.

Sumner was an ahole who ghosted her and she still gave him a chance. Also listening to one POV and believing that POV...wait, is this Pride and Prejudice? Yes, dang Sumner is Wickham!

But everyone gets their stories straight and live happily ever after. A cute romance with some twists. Connor was the best

Good narration by this pair. It worked well and they got the voices done in a manner that fitted them. It flowed well and was easy listening to. They worked well together.

I'm Toni Capella and I'm a bad-man-o-holic. (Hi, Toni!). But it's a new year and for the first time in my twenty-nine years I'm determined to attract Mr. Right. So when super-hot contractor Cooper Flint walks into my office, I immediately put him on my "no way" list. Besides, my eye is on another new coworker, Sumner Livingston. Handsome, well-heeled, and professional, Sumner is nothing like my usual type, which I assume makes him perfect for me.

I insist Sumner and I keep our budding relationship separate from work. I even suggest we do our initial courting via text while we get to know each other better. Things are going beautifully and just when I'm starting to think he's "the one," I find out there's been a horrible mix-up. My boss accidentally gave me Cooper's number, not Sumner's, and I'm falling for Mr. Wrong, again.

Unfortunately, after I break it off with Cooper, I discover that Sumner isn't the good guy he portrays himself to be. When Cooper rescues me from a compromising situation, I belatedly realize I might be been missing out on the man of my dreams. Have I lost my chance at true happiness or is there some way I can convince Cooper I'm the woman he needs?