Wednesday, August 21, 2019

The Girl of All My Memes by C. S. Johnson




Summary

He didn't "meme" to do it ... 

Tenth grader Tommy Baher has always lived in the shadow of his older brother Johnathan, and he has always hated it. Determined to set himself apart from his brother, Tommy puts all his efforts into securing the highest grades in his class. There's just one problem standing in his way: Kara Metaxas, his longtime academic rival, who has always made his life at school difficult. 
When Tommy and Kara are invited to participate in the Junior Science and Technology Symposium, an academic competition hosted by a prestigious college, Tommy sees it as a chance to prove himself to his parents and his peers. Tommy feels even more sure of himself as he begins to make funny memes using a picture of Kara. Everything is coming together for him. 
But when Tommy starts to change his mind about Kara - and subsequently, nearly everything else about his life - his memes go viral, and threatens to destroy everything Tommy has worked for. 
Can he find a way to make things right with Kara before he loses everything?
FROM THE AUTHOR: 
With themes of cyberbullying, teen romance, sibling rivalries, and the importance of family, The Girl of All My Memes is a light-hearted read that packs a subtle punch.

My Thoughts
This was definitely a great read.  A bit unexpected, if I'm being honest.  I thought it was going to be a lot less deep and a bit more "young" than it turned out to be.
The Girls of All My Memes is told from Tommy's perspective.  He's very smart and a bit of an overachiever.  I usually enjoy reading from a female perspective but I did enjoy reading from Tommy's perspective.
This book turned out to be a light, fun read while sending a really good message.  A big thanks to the author for sending it to me.
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, August 12, 2019

Angel's Mission by Pamela Nerren





Summary

Is love really enough?

Angel became an instant millionaire when her abusive husband died. She uses her newfound future to make the world a better place by starting the Angel Foundation, but her emotional scars have yet to heal.

Kevin is an actor fleeing from his fame. When Kevin and Angel meet, they are instantly mesmerized. When Angel doesn’t recognize him, Kevin keeps his fame a secret. Meanwhile, Angel encloses herself in an emotional wall.

On an emotional journey wrought with danger, they cling to one another. Twists. Turns. Attempted murder. Abduction. But when they unmask, what secrets will be revealed? Will those secrets destroy their connection?



My Thoughts

I did enjoy Angel's Mission well enough.  It was a bit predictable, but still enjoyable.  This book is a very quick read, perfect for a vacation/beach read.

A big thanks for sending it my way!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Coordinate by Marc Jacobs





Summary

Logan West and Emma James grew up together but are now high school seniors going in totally opposite directions after graduation. When they are assigned to work together on one last history project, they hardly expect the monotony of high school life to change. Instead, as they decode a series of unexplained clues hidden within their history project itself, Logan and Emma manage to unfold an ancient mystery that has baffled scientists and archeologists, one that has powerful implications for the present day. As they embrace the adventure they’ve stumbled upon, and a growing romantic attraction to each other, Logan and Emma find themselves caught up in a dangerous, high-stakes race across the globe to decipher mankind’s past in order to save humanity’s future, not to mention their very own lives, with a mystery that just might reach towards the stars…

“A thrilling cross-continental Dan Brown-style action adventure that blends sci-fi and ancient conspiracies seamlessly into an intriguing plot…” — IndieReader

“Two teenagers embark on a school project that turns into an exciting, dangerous, and globe-trotting adventure in this YA sci-fi novel…. In his debut novel, Jacobs tells a Dan Brown–style adventure story — one that’s full of puzzles to decode and bold, perilous actions… Jacobs keeps the plot moving throughout by introducing unexpected twists… Entertaining on several levels, and sure to win fans for a planned series.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Marc Jacobs’ novel, The Coordinate, will not disappoint your high expectations. With action and unsuspecting twists throughout the story, you’ll be viewing the wonders of the world in a completely different way than before and will be reevaluating your thoughts about the state of our current world. Jacobs’ writing reads very similarly to that of Dan Brown and Robin Cook…” — San Francisco Book Review

"The idea that there are hidden secrets about humanity’s past will continually fascinate readers, and it is done to great effect in The Coordinate. ... The novel is a great work of adventure, as if we’re following a team of Lara Croft and Indiana Jones as teenagers. ... Despite the target audience of this book being YA readers, it also holds an appeal for older readers, simply because of its accessibility, rapid pace, and intriguing subject matter. ... A highly entertaining read where you rarely see the twists coming. ... The Coordinate is a thrilling adventure from an ambitious and creative author." -- Self-Publishing Review
 



My Thoughts

Let me gather my thoughts...

I'm not completely sure how to explain how I feel about this book.

First of all, if I had picked this book up during on of my "try a chapter" moments I probably wouldn't have finished it.  The first chapter was just not enough to keep me wanting to read.  Luckily, I picked this book up with the full intension of reading the whole thing.  So, I powered through and kept going.

Now, with that being said, it did get much better!  As I kept reading I became completely wrapped up and was fully enjoying the storyline.  That lasted for several chapters.

However, the book then went back into a few chapters that I found to be hard to follow and stay interested.  This is how the book was for me.  A bit back and forth, interesting/not so much, exciting/not so much...

I honestly feel like this book would be a great movie!  Seeing some of the scenes rather than reading the over explained scenes might make it better for me.  I honestly don't think I've ever said that before... I always like the books better!

Overall, I did enjoy this book and I'm glad it was sent my way!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Friday, August 2, 2019

Creek Bait by Richard Lutman





Summary

“Creek Bait” is a collection of fourteen stories exploring a range of genres. Each story portrays the world of characters who escape from life. Some succeed, others face heartbreak and the lucky ones find redemption. From the isolation of a husband and wife to a magician who offers a ray of hope reading these stories is a journey that is passionate, surprising and sometimes tragic.

THE BUTTERFLY LOVERS
Lover, friend or enemy, for each the attraction to a woman was different; her laughter, voice, eyes, hair, perfume mingled with the night air or the portent of a dark shape leaning from a darkened doorway.

CREEK BAIT
The film I’d always dreamed of making about a bait shop would open with the establishing shot of a flat-bottomed boat tied to a dock and herons poised on yellow stilts in the estuary.

A PRETTY HAND
Cass Franklin spent the first few days after his release from prison preparing his charcoal kilns.

THE MEDALIST
What had he done to deserve such a fate when his future had been before him and Theresa’s body waited for him, warm and desirable, in bed?

THE GREAT CAUSE
My name is Miller, Corporal Thomas W. Miller, II I’m the only one left to search and destroy.

THE MAGICIAN
Today I saw a magician die.

DE NADA
Something would happen tonight, he was sure of that.

A VIEW OF TOLEDO
When she asked him about the blueberries, several shoppers stared at him then at her, wondering at their relationship.

CROSSING THE GREAT DIVIDE
At last, he would show his wife and her therapist, Dr. Sloane, he’d had enough of being married.

THE CALF
Wes hoped the long drive through the cold December rain would be worth it.

THE BLUE LADY
Colonel Hidalgo of the Ninth Regiment wasn’t a drinking man, but today was different.

BIRTHDAY BOY
Today I’m thirty-five years old; last year I received another necktie from a distant cousin in Joplin, Missouri.

THE STARS ARE OUT IN CABLAND
Is it too much to ask to catch a glimpse of the pure, clean stars against the sky?

LAUGHTER FOR PADRE
The doctor expected The Padre at the birth of this child, the first son to Ruiz the carpenter.




My Thoughts

Ok.  I typically really love to read anthologies.  Sometimes I like to be able to read a short story in between other books.  Other times I'll just read straight through.  This one, I just read the whole book in one sitting.

Most times, I enjoy the more of the stories than not.  I regret to say that really wasn't the case here.  I didn't hate them all!  I'd say it was about 50/50.  And, they honestly didn't feel like they were all written by the same author.  I guess that threw me a little.  All in all, not all bad, but not all good! Lol!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.



85 Fresh Life Quips & Quotes for the New Millennium by Riya Aarini





Summary

Quotations have inspired humanity for hundreds of years, guided us and made light of the trying situations of life. In a few words, quotes have served many of our lives well.

In this book, you are presented with brand-new, unheard of and 100% original quotations and quips that refer to present day scenarios, from modern day technology to familiar scenes in life that only the 21st century recognizes.

Included are unique quotes about love, friendship, life issues, health and more topics.



My Thoughts

I love reading quotes, tips, facts, and things like that!  So, when this book was sent to me I was pretty happy!

It is a quick, fun read that I really have no complaints about!

So glad it was sent my way!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Queen Mary's Daughter by Emily-Jane Hills Orford





Summary

There are so many possibilities that affect the course of history. One change, one small item overlooked, can make a world of difference, not only in a person's life, but in the history and well-being of an entire nation. And then there are those multiple scenarios of what if? What if King James VI of Scotland didn't succeed in amalgamating Scotland with England? What if there had been another heir to the throne of Scotland? One who would secure its independence? Would Scotland have remained free and independent and a nation of its own well into the twenty-first century? And would Scotland, this independent version, make its own decision to join the European Union when its southern neighbor was choosing to pull away?

Queen Mary's Daughter presents another plausible timeline, one that incorporates both historical fact and fiction with the endless possibilities of time travel.


My Thoughts

I have come to really enjoy historical fiction.  And, the idea of a "what if" historical fiction storyline.... well, I had high hopes!  That can turn out disappointing at times.  This time, I was NOT disappointed!

I loved the characters in this book.  If a book doesn't grab me pretty quick with great characters I tend to lose interest.  But, thankfully, the characters in Queen Mary's Daughter were wonderfully done.  The historical details were beautifully done and the thoughts and ideas so intriguing.  I was absolutely drawn in.

Such a wonderful, well-done story!  I'm so pleased that it was sent my way!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.