Book Review: Wrapped

Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Inventive addition to the typical paranormal - Egyptian paranormalcy in a Regency setting. I enjoyed the book, really I did, though what I have to say next might make it seem otherwise. The intrigue was a little dry for a long time and the author failed to capture a spirit of nervousness and danger (that one would expect to go along with her plot) with her writing. It was an adventure-filled book with the genteel feel of a much tamer story. That disappointed me, the feel of the book being all wrong. I wanted to feel anxious and to be on the edge of my seat to find out how these characters could possibly survive.....! But. I never did. However, I did like it and am definitely anxious to read the next.

As for the cover... Personally I like the following best.  How about you?



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Book review: Crescendo

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A little dirty. Not my thing, but not enough to make me feel like I had to put the book down. A few bits I had to skim...

A well-written story, for the most part, but not written well enough that it was particularly memorable, either. I don't know. I liked it. It wasn't anything special or spectacular, really, but I liked it. The author has some neat, fresh ideas (scars that when you touch them show you someone's past... I thought that was particularly inventive) and a fast moving plot that keeps you reading.

A lot of the romance stuff in the book and she made the love interest seem like a REALLY BIG MEANIE HEAD. Then all of a sudden after everything he does to the main girl she just... forgives him. Meanwhile she's also been throwing herself at him and acting crazy and obsessed and then throwing herself at other guys too. That whole middle part of the love story and the book... really ridiculously immature and somewhat irritating. Could have done without it. There were other ways he could have pulled away while not being such a poop and making us hate him. It makes her feelings and obsession towards him unbelievable and made me, as a reader, think she was acting like a doormat. It also made it very unbelievable when they were all-of-a-sudden back together.

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Book Review: The Grand Tour

The Grand Tour by Patricia C. Wrede
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I had a hard time staying interested in this book. I really struggled with the writing of the author that was Cecelia's voice. In both books,actually, we were supposed to believe she loved James, but she barely said two words in any sort of loving sentiment. I felt that was extremely disappointing as it took a lot of the reader's ability to believe the character as a narrator away.

The intrigue was interesting, but not particularly spectacular. The plot was well-arranged and ended without loose ends, which was satisfying, anyway.

Not a terrific book, but not terrible. If you read and enjoyed the first you would most likely enjoy this book.

I wouldn't know which audience to suggest this book to. It is written somewhat simply that would imply it is for a middle-school audience, but some of the words and some of the hints at romantic encounters between a husband and wife put it a little older than that. The cover also seems more juvenile.... I don't know. Maybe a mature middle schooler.

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Book Review: Frannie in Pieces

Frannie in Pieces by Delia Ephron
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I liked the question posed: what rules, your head or your heart? And the conclusion that it's your heart. Life is an illusion because what we see is always filtered through what we feel. We see what we feel -- not always facts.
When fifteen year old daddy's-girl Frannie's dad dies and leaves everything to her she has the sad task of going through his house. Her dad is an artist and his medium is wood. He created a puzzle from a picture of a coastal Italian town. When Frannie starts putting it together she gets sucked in more than once. As she gets closer to putting the puzzle together she finds out a little more about her dad. It isn't until she finds him in the puzzle, though that she can piece everything together and realize that even though her parents are divorced, they loved each other and it seems to give her peace in dealing with her dad's death and in her relationship with her mom.
Meanwhile she's working as an arts and crafts counselor at a kids' summer camp and she meets a cute boy who is soooo not her type -- until he just might be.
This book has a cute voice with real characters. It's a quick read with deep thoughts. Overall really enjoyed the book.

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Book Review: Red Harvest

Red Harvest by Dashiell Hammett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not as good as Maltese (or at least, I didn't think so), but as always I am blown away by Dashiell Hammet's talent in writing a novel.  He's just.... amazing.  Truly.  His descriptions create a vivid picture and never, ever feel cliche.  His dialogue and use of slang fitting the setting (time period and crime etc.) is believable and authentic.  The story is always intricate and gripping.

If you like crime novels, or just really, really amazingly well-written books then pick up something by Dashiell Hammet.


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Two Free Amazon E- book downloads!

Heads up, readers!  Free e-book downloads.  The links are here:


Fall For You - Jane Austen Academy

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A Little Bit Cupid

Blog Tour: Book review: "Rook" by Monica MacDonald

Rook by Monica MacDonald

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Welcome readers.... one and all!!! Glad to have you here as part of the blog tour

for Monica Mac Donald and her book, "Rook".

A blurb about Rook by Monica MacDonald

Could you be the monster to save who you love?

Two women, separated by generations, must leave what they know to start a new life. Seventeen-year-old Kate's senior year is ruined when she's moved from the only home she's ever known. After an isolating month alone in her apartment, school starts, but neither her classmates nor her teacher are who they seem. Kali, a single mother living in the nineteenth century wilds of Montana, is stalked by a malicious past. She fights to keep her daughter safe while her freedom is threatened by her less than benevolent benefactor. Both find love, and with it hope, but that is quickly ripped away as one woman must learn the lessons of the other -- before it's too late to save either.

Find the book: Goodreads | Amazon

I am grateful to Candace for setting up this blog tour and letting me be a part of it.


So.  Here it is.... my review.

Wow.  Can I just say that I loved the twist?  I can't even tell you the thing I loved most because it is closely tied to the plot, but let me just say: this is no ordinary paranormal book.  No vampires or werewolves here.  I am not hating on those types of books, I'm just always impressed by authors who go beyond that.  Seek out fresh, new paranormal characters.  That is what I loved most about this.

I really cared about the good characters by the end.  They aren't perfect or bold or powerful, but they make you feel for them and they try hard and they are good 'til the end.  I appreciate that in a book.  It makes it easier to get lost in the world the author has created if there are characters that you can care about... invest in.

This book also drew me in.  I couldn't let go of what was happening and when life intervened and forced me to close my computer I kept looking for a few moments to sit down and read some more.

Finally... this book was almost entirely clean.  I mean, how often does that happen anymore?  There were a few bits and pieces that flirted with being dirty, but not many.  I am always so grateful and relieved by that.  I really am.  Plus, good news for the author... I can read your whole book without skipping a bunch.  :)

All right, readers... I'll officially say this was not a waste of my time.  Try it... you might find you quite like it.  Take care!

Oh and p.s. if you wanna try to win a $50 Amazon gift card as part of this blog tour go here: GIVEAWAY!!!!

About the Author Monica MacDonald:

Monica is a married graduate student with three boys. Utah is home right now, but the need to wander has extended beyond the fantasy world of writing and into real life. She's lived all around the US and even into the Middle East. The world is really a small place, only made bigger through imagination.

Find the author: Website/Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads 

Oh and hey, if you liked my review and want to read more, follow my blog.  I'm always adding new book reviews and by following me you'll be able to keep up!  I know I can always use more book suggestions.  Thanks so much for stopping by and thanks again, Candace.