The Earth Bleeds Red by Jackson Paul Baer

Summary

Scott Miller has everything he’s ever hoped for. He has a successful marriage to Jessie, a stunningly beautiful, creative woman. His seventeen-year-old daughter, Ashley, is both gorgeous and intelligent, and has just been accepted to the University of Notre Dame, where Scott received his PhD. He has a comforting home in the woods, and a fulfilling career as a college professor at Oregon State University in Corvallis. He’s blissful, and at peace, until it all comes shattering down.

Ashley is kidnapped. The scene of the abduction is horrific and bloody, and the police are convinced she couldn’t have survived. They accuse her boyfriend, Brandon, of Ashley’s murder. He declares his innocence, and claims that a masked man who entered his house and overwhelmed them both took Ashley. No one believes Brandon.

Then the bodies of three other missing girls are discovered, all bearing the mark of a known serial killer the FBI has been hunting for years. Evidence mounts. As Special Agent James Duncan tracks the Hail Mary Killer, Scott and Jessie try to move on with their lives. But they can’t shake the feeling that Ashley may still be alive, and that the time for saving their only daughter is quickly running out.

In the best tradition of literature and suspense, Jackson Paul Baer has weaved a heartfelt tale of one family’s struggle to survive after a despicable evil wrenches them apart.


My Thoughts

First of all...the cover!  Oh this cover is so beautiful!  Never mind the fact that the tree is actually dripping blood... it is still beautiful.  I love it!

Now, the book itself.  I was so back and forth throughout this book!  I like it, I'm not so sure, it's good, hmmm I didn't like that part... seriously back and forth.  For the most part, I did like this book.  The little things that bothered me didn't overpower the things that I did like.

However, then came the last few chapters.  I was like, Wha?????  I don't want to spoil so I'm trying to be careful yet not confuse you.  I honestly feel like the book could have been completely done at the end of the chapter, 'Two Floors Up'.  I don't understand why the events in the chapter, 'The Fray' were needed!  And then the very end...WHY?  Maybe the end was done so that there can be a sequel?

I really did enjoy this book and am so glad that it was sent to me.  I am interested to know if anyone else feels the same about the last few chapters!  Pick it up, read it, and let me know your thoughts!

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

The Isian Series by Serena Clarke

Summary

The Treasure of Isian:

Prince Garin is a brave, proud, adventure-seeking prince. Elani is his most trusted servant and she would do anything for him, even die for him.
Their quest to find the mystical Treasure of Isian is immediately interrupted and they find themselves confronted by angry giants, soul-stealing elves, bewitched dragons, a vengeful water-witch, battling foes, and a mysterious kingdom.
Elani must face her greatest fears to save her prince and her kingdom. Garin must decide what the most important things are in his life. 
Will they be able to make a great sacrifice to save the kingdom? And will Elani find true love?

Become lost in the adventure, love, loyalty, and mystery of The Treasure of Isian!

The Alliance of Isian:

War is coming and all the kingdoms must choose a side. Isian decides to make an alliance with their long time enemies in order to defeat a common enemy. So Isian sends a proposal, offering their daughter to the prince, in order to ensure an alliance. 
Princess Gabrielle and her new husband, Prince Alec must learn to work together and trust each other in order to triumph in the approaching war. 
With a mysterious beast attacking the kingdom, their lives in danger, and overcoming their vast cultural differences, will love grow despite their trials or tear them apart?

Enjoy the fantasy, danger, mystery, and romance!

The Secret of Isian:

Many prophecies have been uttered about the impending war and those who will seek to stop it. With the war finally upon them, Rimelda, a talented seer, has heard the prophecies and believes she can help. Prince Ander, doubtful of her abilities and her true intensions, but determined to save his kingdom accepts her help and they proceed on a quest to end the war.
Hindered by enemies as well as their own doubts, Ander and Rimelda must search for guidance in unlikely places and unravel the mysteries of the prophecies.
With the world shrouded in darkness, will Ander accept his destiny in time to save the kingdoms and will he admit his true feelings for Rimelda?


My Thoughts

I was going to do separate reviews for each book but decided that it would work just as well to do them all at once.  First of all, I love that I received these in audiobook format!  There are so many times that I am driving, doing the dishes, cleaning the house, or just anything that makes me unable to actually read a book.  It works out great to be able to hit play on the audiobook and keep doing whatever I need to do.

I gave The Treasure of Isian and The Alliance of Isian three stars.  They were good but not amazing.  I enjoyed them.  They kept my interest for the most part.  I wish I liked them more than I did, but they were just simply ok to me.

However, I enjoyed The Secret of Isian much more!  It was more exciting, it had a better relationship story, and it kept me interested.  I wish the other two had been more like this one.

Not to say that the others were bad, it just shows how the author has grown!  I definitely recommend reading all three!  I don't think you'll regret it at all!

*Note: I received copies of these books in exchange for honest reviews.

The Crying Bird by E. J. Stillings

Summary

May Johnson used to be an ordinary wife and mother. Now, she’s a middle-aged millionaire, grieving the loss of her family. The only living relative she has left is her smothering younger sister. May’s sanity is already threatened when tensions rise, so she sets out to find solitude in Florida. However, life has other plans for her. 

Animal encounters, unlikely friendships, sisterly squabbles and hilarious scenarios take May on an unforgettable journey from the depths of grief to a new life. But, will she embrace it?


My Thoughts

The Crying Bird wasn't at all what I expected, not that I can actually put into words what it was that I was expecting.  This book is about a woman whose husband and young daughter died so, of course, it had very sad parts.  However, there where times when I literally laughed out loud!

At one point while we were in the car, my husband driving, I was reading.  I read the section where 'Limpy' was giving her the snail and I busted out laughing!  I had to reread it to the carload of people!  That was a great part :)

There were a few things that I didn't love but overall this was a good book.  It kind of ended abruptly, it was almost too simple, but I still enjoyed it.  Glad that this book was sent my way!

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

To Love A Spy by Laura Beers

Summary

Freed from the clutches of her cruel, traitorous mother and impostor husband, Lady Camden wants to rebuild her fractured life. But the years of terror and pain she endured at their hands continue to grip her heart in an iron vice. Refusing to stray from the refuge of her country estate, Kate tentatively agrees to an unusual alliance with the new Lord Camden, being mindful to keep her trust, and her heart, firmly safeguarded.
Adrien, the Earl of Camden, had lost everything he held dear while working undercover in France as an agent of the Crown, known only as Hawk. Now an earl, he wants only to repair his tattered, lonely life. His efforts are interrupted, however, when he is called to accept another assignment: Stop French spies from passing a bill in Parliament that will eliminate British aid in the war against Napoleon.When Kate's past pulls her into a web of treachery and deceit, a life she is wholly unprepared for, Adrien must use any means necessary to stop the French spies from succeeding in their evil designs and keep her safe. When the truth is finally revealed, will Lady Camden be strong enough to seize her own future and happiness, or will her heart be too shattered to ever love a spy?

My Thoughts

I read and loved Saving Shadow.  I read and loved A Peculiar Courtship.  So, when To Love A Spy was presented to me to read and review I jumped at the opportunity!  Of course I would love to read it!  And, let me tell you, I am glad I did!

Just like the other books in this series, you get the rollercoaster of emotions while reading this book.  So happy and then completely frustrated!  They like each other and then something happens and they get upset.  They finally open up and then a miscommunication happens and they shut each other out.  Back and forth like you know it will.  It's somewhat predictable but not in a bad way.  You still get the little surprises and fun things thrown in all throughout.

I really, really enjoyed this book!  I said it before and I’ll say it again, I am a Laura Beers fan!  Thank again, Laura, for sending your book to me!

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

River Rising by John A. Heldt

Summary

Weeks after his parents disappear on a hike, engineer Adam Carson, 27, searches for answers. Then he discovers a secret web site and learns his mom and dad are time travelers stuck in the past. Armed with the information he needs to find them, Adam convinces his younger siblings to join him on a rescue mission to the 1880s.

While Greg, the adventurous middle brother, follows leads in the Wild West, Adam, journalist Natalie, and high school seniors Cody and Caitlin do the same in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Like the residents of the bustling steel community, all are unaware of a flood that will destroy the city on May 31, 1889.

In RIVER RISING, the first novel in the Carson Chronicles series, five young adults find love, danger, and adventure as they experience America in the age of bustle dresses, gunslingers, and robber barons.

My Thoughts

I am never disappointed in books by John A. Heldt.  Never.  Thankfully, that remains true after reading River Rising!

John A. Heldt is the author who introduced me to time-travel books.  I didn't know what I was missing before I read The Mine .  That book won me over!

While reading River Rising, there were a few times when I wasn't sure about it.  It had slow points and I was getting worried.  However, it picked up and the story got better and better.  

I am definitely still a Heldt fan!  I can't wait to read the next book!  Thank you for sending it to me.  I certainly recommend it to all!

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

A Peculiar Courtship by Laura Beers

Summary

Lord Jonathon Beckett's mission is simple: retrieve Lady Hannah and place her under the protection of the Crown. But he isn't prepared for the havoc she inflicts on his world, making him question whether his duty as an agent of the Crown should always come before his heart.
Lady Hannah's father has uncovered evidence exposing a French traitor to the Crown. Willing to do anything to silence him, the traitor's primary target has become Lady Hannah. Keeping her safe means locking her away from Society, but she refuses to stand idly by, letting others put their lives on the line to protect her. Instead, she will stop at nothing to learn to defend herself, even at the risk of losing Lord Jonathon's protection, or his affections.
With a sinister scheme in play to collapse the English government from within, Lord Jonathon must protect Lady Hannah from the French spies intending to use her as a pawn in their game of treachery. But can he protect her from herself?


My Thoughts

I was so excited to read this book!  After reading the first book of this series, Saving Shadow, I knew that this one would be good.  I was right!

From the very beginning to the very end I highly enjoyed A Peculiar Courtship.  There were actually several areas where I literally laughed out loud!  One in particular is found in the  chapter.  Hannah asks Lucy if these certain men are following them and Lucy replies, “No, but they are ogling us.  They are both extremely unfortunate-looking.  I think the constable should arrest them just because their ugliness offends me.”

Seriously, that had me pretty tickled!

I love the relationship between Jonathan and Benedict.  It is important to me that books have other relationships in addition to the romantic relationships.  The banter between Jonathan and Benedict adds the perfect amount to the story.  They are so funny and you can tell that they are great friends.

I obviously love Jonathan and Hannah!  They are perfect and complicated at the same time.  Their relationship frustrated me at times and made me smile at other times.  I love them :)

I have become a big fan of Laura Beers!  Thank you so much for sending your books to me!  This is definitely another book to recommend!  Pick it up and read it!  You won’t regret it!

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

The Step-Spinsters by Madina Papadopoulos

Summary

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away…

...(actually, in Medieval France, to be exact) there lived Cinderella's stepsisters, Fredegonde the tall and Javotte the small. They wake up the morning after the legendary ball to learn that they each still have a chance to be the bride—all they have to do is make their feet fit into that tricky slipper. Alas, these two damsels under stress never quite seem to fit in anywhere. But that doesn’t stop them from wishing and hoping as they set upon a quest for grooms and grandeur of their own.


My Thoughts

If you like fairytale retellings, you will probably enjoy this book.  Well, if you like silly retellings, you will probably like this book.  It is definitely not your average Cinderella book, that is for sure!  You know, Cinderella, the one you are usually rooting for and loving?  Well, that isn't the case in this book! Hahaha!

I actually found Cinderella to be so annoying!  I liked the stepsisters much more!  Reading a book that flips the fairytale world upside down is so much fun.  And with this book being less than 200 pages, it makes it a fun and quick read.

I am so glad it was sent to me!  Pick it up!  You'll be glad you did!

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

The Scent of Rain by Anne Montgomery

Summary

Rose Madsen will do anything to keep from being married off to one of the men in her Fundamentalist Mormon (FLDS) community, even endure the continued beatings and abuse of her mother. But when her mentally handicapped baby sister is forced to strangle the bird she loves at the behest of the Prophet, Rose frees the bird and runs away. 

Adan Reyes will do anything to escape the abusive foster care system in Phoenix, even leaving his good friends and successful high school athletic career behind him. Ill-prepared for surviving the desert, Adan hits the road only to suffer heat stroke. Found by a local handyman, he catches a glimpse of a mysterious girl--Rose--running through town, and follows her into the mountains where they are both tracked and discovered by the men of the FLDS community.

With their fates now intertwined, can Rose and Adan escape the systems locking them into lives of abuse? Will Rose be forced to marry the Prophet, a man her father's age, and be one of dozens of wives, perpetually pregnant, with no hope for an education? Will Adan be returned to the foster home where bullying and cruelty are common? Is everyone they meet determined to keep them right where they belong or are some adults worthy of their trust?


My Thoughts

Hmmm, my thoughts on this book...  I don't recall ever reading a book about the FLDS.  This was certainly something new to me.  Being that I don't know much about that community, I can't say much about the accuracy of the details.  However, to me, this book was so good yet so horrifying!  It did seem a bit slow at times but when it picked up you forgot about the slow times.

The things that Rose endures in her life... I can't even imagine.  Adan's story, although good, was definitely secondary to Rose's.  I did, however, love the dynamic between the two.  Their relationship felt real.  

If you are at all interested in books about the FLDS community then you would certainly like to read this one.  I am so glad that it was sent my way!

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