Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
February 13, 2021
November 23, 2020
Grave's End: A True Ghost Story by Elaine Mercado - very good and makes 4 out of 5 stars
Grave's End: A True Ghost Story by Elaine MercadoMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Very good book, written skillfully. The only issue is that it sagged quite a bit in the middle, and though this is a short book, it could have been shorter.
Elaine, her husband, and two small children move into a house that had been on the market without continued interest. This was a home that Elaine and her small family could afford, and after the old couple from downstairs was finally out, they could make it completely their home. From day one they could feel someone watching them. Things do accelerate from there and get worse. I don't want to say more because I don't want to include spoilers in this review.
This was a good, fast read of particular interest to those of us who believe in ghosts and those who teeter on the edge of believing. I do recommend this book.
View all my reviews
November 8, 2020
slow going, but becomes a very spooky, suspenseful tale
Silence for the Dead by Simone St. JamesMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was so sure I had a ton of time to read this one, but it languished half finished on the coffee table while I recovered from surgery. As soon as I started feeling better, I picked up the book and began to read, reaching the point where I couldn't put it down, and was reading late into the night wanting to know what happened next.
The first half of the book was slow going as stories for Kitty and the others at Portis House were taking form and being fleshed out. I wasn't a huge fan of the first half of this book, clearly. I almost abandoned it, but I'm happy I gave it another chance.
Don't worry, no spoilers here, you learn the following at the outset.
Kitty is fleeing her cruel, abusive father who turned his rage toward her after his wife left and her brother went off to war. We are transported back to the early 1900's and World War I. She can't take anymore abuse and takes off, running as far from home as she can get. She invents a story for herself, impersonating a nurse and goes off to Portis House to nurse shell-shocked soldiers, some driven mad by the things they have seen. Portis House, meanwhile is a decaying hulk with a completely locked off wing of the house that no-one is allowed to enter. I can't say more without giving away too much, but can say that there are ghosts and a love interest (as much is said in the blurb on the cover). If you can persevere through the first half of the book (you may enjoy it, I was distracted by a broken foot), the second half has all the fun stuff you want to read in this spooky, suspenseful tale.
View all my reviews
June 3, 2018
The Blood of Patriots by Bill Fulton and Jeanne Devon: Amazingly suspenseful, edge of your seat reading
The Blood of Patriots: How I Took Down an Anti-Government Militia with Beer, Bounty Hunting, and Badassery by Bill FultonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
The beginning of this book was laugh out loud funny during the chronicling of his trip from down south all the way to Alaska. After arriving in Alaska and being medically retired from the military, Bill Fulton starting selling military stuff like that you can find at any army/navy store on the internet. When he opened his shop in Alaska, he hired other veterans who were suffering from a lack of direction and some PTSD. It gave them a place to call home, and a job they could be proud of. And, of course, his shop carried more than the average army/navy store. He also had body armor and other such equipment. Over time, he attracts the attention of some anti-government militia, with one who was particularly dangerous.
To say more would likely ruin the story for you since most of the above happens very early, near the beginning of the book. It takes off frighteningly fast after that and runs at a breathtaking pace. Told in the first person, since this is a memoir, you feel every prickly fear that Fulton feels and cascades of emotion. I read this book in a matter of two days. This non-fiction book is not usually my type of book, but this story was impossible to put down. This was written with journalist Jeanne Devon and you could see the skill there in the story telling. I had to keep reassuring myself that Fulton didn’t die during the course of his dealings with one particularly dangerous person (I knew he lived to tell the story).
I think this book could appeal to anyone. I almost didn’t read it, but ended up the edge of my seat, biting my nails, and worrying. Now I’ve passed the book on to my husband, and he’ll enjoy the heck out of it too.
View all my reviews
April 25, 2017
Book review: Vanishing Act by Thomas Perry
Vanishing Act by Thomas PerryMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I've read and enjoyed so many of Thomas Perry's Jane Whitefield series, so I finally got my hands on this first book in the series. The book does contain a history of the character, a Native American Seneca - I was particularly interested in this because I have Seneca in my family tree. So I was very interested in the history aspect of the book, but some readers may not be as interested in this background information, which you can easily skip past, but I don't recommend that. It does help explain what makes Jane the way she is.
This is an intriguing story about Jane Whitefield working with people who need to disappear because someone wants them dead. The focus character who comes to Jane is John Felker, a retired police officer with a bag full of money. The story follows the pair on the journey to anonymity. There are twists and turns that keep you reading to the very last page
Having read quite a few books in the series, you don't really need to read them in order. Even though this book builds her history, there are nuggets of that history sprinkled throughout the series. I do recommend this series very highly, but don't wait to read other titles until you've read this first book. Read whatever part of the series you can get your hands on - excellent and total worth your time.
View all my reviews
October 28, 2016
What I borrowed from the library ~ dieting, oh my [VEDO #28]
Click here to see all my book reviews
Follow me:
Beauty boxes I subscribe to:
Boxycharm – CANCELLED
Lip Monthly – only have a few months left on my year-long subscription, then will cancel
GoodBeing Box – I have this one through February, then will cancel
BeautyFix – this is the box that made the cut and will be the only beauty box left standing (for now)
Squix cleaning product box - you can get your favorites and/or cruelty free, natural, non-toxic cleaning products (my favorite); I like that you can put this subscription on hold until you need more cleaners
Freebie sites I belong to:
Unless otherwise stated in my video or description above, this product was purchased by me. I am not affiliated with manufacturers or any subscription service and am not compensated for the review. I promise you that you will always get my full and honest opinion.
Marketing: I’m PR friendly and would be delighted to try your products. Contact me if there is something you would like to send for me to try and review. Cruelty free products are preferred.
December 15, 2015
Project Book Finale ~ 2015 ~ The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up - Marie Kondo (KonMari)
Well here I am with the finale for Project Book fall/winter 2015. I
didn’t succeed in reading 4 books – more like 2-1/2. I’m planning another
Project Book for winter/spring 2016 that will run from January to April 2016. This is also a book review for The
Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo, creator of the KonMari method.
This is a good little book that contains a lot of wisdom, and it did change my
life.
Watch my video review on YouTube
Follow me:
Beauty boxes I subscribe to – too many boxes again! I unsubscribed from a few, but need to unsubscribe from a few more – just having a hard time figuring out which ones to leave:
Boxycharm - my favorite box
Kloverbox - eco friendly and cruelty free, a bit expensive
Julep - too expensive for the sizes of nail polish you get - may unsubscribe next month
Here are subscription boxes that I unsubscribed from:
Unless otherwise stated in my video or description above, this product was purchased by me. I am not affiliated with manufacturers or any subscription service and am not compensated for the review. I promise you that you will always get my full and honest opinion.
Marketing: I would be open to trying products from any company. Contact me if there is something you would like to send for me to try and review.
September 29, 2015
Finish 4 books by December 4th ~ Update #1 with a book review
Welcome to my channel. This is my first update for Finish 4 books by
December 4th. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy the first book very
much. Go see my full review of this book on my website HERE
I did receive this book for free from NetGalley.com to read and review.
You can start reading books for free at HERE
Become a member of a large community of readers and writers on GOODREADS
Watch my YouTube video
Follow me:
September 7, 2015
Finish 4 books by December 4th ~ The In-Between by Barbara Stewart
The In-Between by Barbara StewartMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
I almost stopped reading this book half a dozen times. It was such a total downer, but I kept hoping for a reprieve, but didn't get one. Still I kept reading, and hoping...
Elanor is a misfit and an outcast. Always dancing on the edge of a depression that wants to swallow her up. On the car ride to a new home her parents were moving her to, there is a bone crushing accident that threatens to swallow up both Elanor and her parents. Still, Elanor moves to the new home after a long coma and dance along the edge of a near death experience, she encounters a spirit in the new home. The spirit of a girl who threatens to swallow Elanor alive.
To tell more would give away too much of the story. This is well written and the author has crafted a well written story. But it dwells so much in the depths of depression that I could barely finish it. There were too few subplots to keep the story interesting beyond the soul crushing depression of the main character. I had such mixed feelings about this book. Bottom line is that I could have lived without this one.
View all my reviews
Follow me:
August 29, 2015
Finish 4 books by December 4, 2015 (Project Book)
Welcome to my channel. This project is a twist on the Project Pan
series we all love to watch. How many of you have books you haven’t read, or
have fallen out of the reading habit?
Join me in this challenge and read 4 books over the next 3 months, and
you’ll finally read again. Books have a
way of transporting us out of the present, they can be poetic, they can be
thrilling, they can be magical. So join me in this challenge and be transported
to other worlds…. And use those tired brain cells.
Watch my YouTube Video
Follow me:
Beauty boxes I subscribe to:
Here are subscription boxes that I recently, sadly, unsubscribed from:
And, I’ve suspended my Allure membership, so they won’t ship again unless I reactivate my account
Unless otherwise stated in my video or description above, this product was purchased by me. I am not affiliated with manufacturers or any subscription service and am not compensated for the review. I promise you that you will always get my full an honest opinion.
Marketing: I would be open to trying products from any company. Contact me if there is something you would like to send for me to try and review.
July 19, 2014
Erica Bauermeister - The Lost Art of Mixing - the Perfect Follow-up to The School of Essential Ingredients
The Lost Art of Mixing by Erica BauermeisterMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a perfectly beautiful follow-up to The School of Essential Ingredients. This book could be read on its own, but I think reading the first book helps you understand the characters in The Lost Art of Mixing so much better.
Lillian is a sensitive soul with a complex history. She owns a restaurant where, in the first book, we met characters through a cooking class Lillian hosts at the restaurant. The focus of this book, however, is about the staff of the restaurant and their complex lives and relationships. The book is written in third person limited point of view, where we see only what the chapter's main character knows. Chapters shift from character to character, and deftly delve into their souls and what motivates them to do the things they do. Bauermeister adds a touch of suspense, will their relationships fail or bloom? How quickly will Isabelle lose her memory? These questions are deftly handled.
Bauermeister writes very lyrically. She relies heavily on metaphors, sometimes just a tad too heavily. Also, the voice of each character sounds very similar to the voice of the others. Sometimes there is just an oaf in real life who could care less about others, not so in this book. They are all sensitive, good people and you want to see them succeed.
I had to think about this one before writing this review. The book and all its characters lived in my mind for days. I think my favorite character may have been Finnegan... perhaps because his amazing story lives near the end of the book.
Cozy up with a cup of cocoa and enjoy Bauermeister's amazing story. I can't wait to read the next one.
View all my reviews
July 24, 2013
I, Saul by Jerry B Jenkins and James MacDonald rates 2 out of 5 stars
I, Saul by Jerry B JenkinsMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
I so wanted to like this book. I've read other biblical fiction and thoroughly enjoyed it, for example. Daughter of Jerusalem: a novel was 5 stars and one of the best biblical books I've ever read.
I, Saul was painful to read, had to keep forcing myself along. I kept pushing myself to see if it would improve, see if the teasers came true. None did. All the characters had the same voice and were predictable with their actions, or lack of actions. There was a decided lack of emotion and the characters were not developed well.
Normally I stop reading at 50-100 pages if I'm not captivated by the story, but I pushed myself to continue reading this one. I had high hopes that it would get better and it did not.
View all my reviews
May 25, 2013
A delightfully funny and endearing book
Sorry I Barfed on Your Bed: by Jeremy GreenbergMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Is it any wonder this was written by a comedian? Cat lover that I am, I sat down with this book and laughed out loud. The photography is fabulous and catches cats in all kinds of poses to go with words you may think your cat would say if only they could speak. Sure, what they're really thinking about is that leaf, bug, or bird skittering across the deck outside the window; or they're thinking about food or napping in that tiny scrap of sun coming through the blinds. However, cat lovers tend to think their cats are thinking deeper thoughts and this book is full of them. The author matches every photograph with narrative from the cat in the photo that really will make you laugh out loud. This book was so delightfully funny and endearing that I bought a copy for Mom.
View all my reviews
January 17, 2013
The Time Keeper - Cherish each moment ... a book with a powerful message
The Time Keeper by Mitch AlbomMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read this book nearly a week ago and it is still lingering in my mind. What is time and why do we wish it away?
This is a story about Father Time and two people on earth who are wishing time away or wishing for more time. Father Time? Silly? No, Albom creates his character as the ancient human who first discovered how to mark time, starting with a stick in the sand. He becomes obsessed by time and ... well to tell you more would likely ruin the story for you.
Mitch Albom's books always have an enduring message. This one leaves you thinking about all the times in your life that you wished your life away (by this time next week I'll be finished with ...) instead of savoring all the time we have here on this earth, savor it as though each moment is your last.
It's a slim book with an important message.
View all my reviews
November 30, 2012
The School of Essential Ingredients a bit heavy on metaphors
The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica BauermeisterMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This literary novel, though often reviewed as a book best enjoyed by foodies, is really a novel about relationships. It starts with Lillian, a child whose mother was there in body, but not in spirit. Lillian tries to coax her mother to notice her by cooking for her. She grows to become a restaurant owner and chef. She holds cooking classes on Monday nights, the one night per week that the restaurant is closed.
This story isn't just about Lillian though; it's far more focused on the cast of characters who attend her classes. Bauermeister is so good at creating these characters that you care about them as they reminisce on their past mistakes, fears, unhappiness, and open to a new day like morning glories in the sunlight (there's one for you, simile/metaphor).
Metaphors abound in Bauermeister's book. In fact, it's a little heavy with simile and metaphor, so much so that I even found one sentence that contained two. That is the only fault this book held. Otherwise, it is a beautiful story well written and thoroughly enjoyed.
View all my reviews
November 26, 2012
Daughter of Jerusalem: a novel by Joan WolfMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of the reasons I've never seen the movie The Passion of the Christ is that I knew it would reduce me to tears that would be more than a little difficult to recover from. I never expected that this book would have the power to do the same.
Joan Wolf, a veteran historical writer with many titles under her belt, clearly did meticulous research on the region where Mary of Magdala lived. There have been more than a few versions of Mary through history. Wolf gives us the one that characterizes Mary of Magdala as a wealthy woman who assists the Master, but also follows him. Fortunately, there is more to this story than the religious aspect, Wolf delves deep into her character's personality and development over the course of the story. She also develops setting so well that you can feel dessert sands and the Roman finery of Sepphoris.
This is a well researched historical that is both beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time. A truly beautiful tale.
View all my reviews
November 16, 2012
Weekend Knitting: 50 Unique Projects and Ideas by Melanie FalickMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Are you a person who likes to read cookbooks and craft books? I know I am. Sometimes I even jump into cooking or creating from these books.
This book is a crafter's and reader's dream. Falick doesn't just fill the book with patterns and instructions, which are beautiful, but also with short stories and even a few recipes. I can also totally see myself making some of the simpler projects in the book - especially the flower-shaped knitted washcloth (I would probably use it as a coaster). The book is full of simple and more complicated projects for experienced knitters. This is a beautiful book.
View all my reviews
November 6, 2012
Unhallowed Ground by Daniel MillsMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Bittersweet Lodge is a once grand ruin of a house. The protagonist Henry Feathering goes on a trip to visit his uncle at the old home. Enroute he meets Clemency and Justice, who he becomes close friends with. Eventually, though, he falls in love with Clemency and proposes to her in a grove that shelters an grave on unhallowed ground.
Daniel Mills has crafted a novella with a thoroughly Victorian feel. If I hadn't known better, I would have sworn that I was reading a truly victorian novel. The story is told entirely from Henry's point of view, and like some of best dark suspense, we get a creeping sense of dread. The story is full of souls that won't rest, both alive and dead.
View all my reviews
October 28, 2012
The Uninvited by Heather GrahamMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second Krewe of Hunters book I've read. Though it is number eight in the series, it seems immaterial whether they are read in order since each book focuses on a different set of characters. Now that that important fact is out of the way, I really loved this book!
Heather Graham manages to weave a story that really does contain ghosts and a full-fledged murder mystery. Set in the historic Landon mansion in Philadelphia, site of a Revolutionary War spy and a mysterious murder. A sad present day murder takes place (not a spoiler, it happens in the beginning). We have absolutely no idea who dunnit. In the midst of it all, the Krewe is called in to investigate.
Graham skillfully tells the story from just a few characters' points of view with just enough detail to keep interest high. I quite literally couldn't wait to see what would happen next and had to stop myself from looking ahead. This was so good that I can't wait to read another Krewe of Hunters book.
View all my reviews
October 1, 2012
The Unseen by Heather Graham - much more than I expected
The Unseen by Heather GrahamMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Truthfully, I didn't expect a whole lot from this book. It's described as Logan Raintree and his group of paranormal investigators solving crime. So, I thought the book would likely be a bit hokey. I was pleasantly surprised that this story had so much depth and character development, so much so that I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
The story is told from mostly two points of view - Logan Raintree and Kelsey O'Brien, the two main investigators on the case and the love interest in story. They don't sit around in dark rooms communing with ghosts... at least not much. The beauty of the story is that Graham creates characters who use their investigative skills as Texas Ranger and US Marshall, respectively. Yes, there are just enough spine tingling ghost stories to keep the ghost story lovers happy (I am one of those people) and just enough mystery/thriller to keep thriller lovers on the edge of their seats (I was on the edge of mine).
Now I just got a taste of Graham's paranoramal series with this book and am looking forward to getting my hands on the next one.
View all my reviews
Posts
