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.

By the Hands of Men books 4-6 by Roy M.Griffis

Summaries

By The Hands of Men Book 4: Charlotte
The Blind Machinery of the World

She saved her friends from a life of imprisonment and escaped to the safety of England, but the shadow of modern fanaticism looms over Britain and the continent. What future awaits Charlotte when murderous madness stalks Europe?

After escaping her enslavement by the Bolsheviks, Charlotte Braninov begins to build a new life in London. She hoped to leave the insanity of Russia behind with the help of her family of refugees, but a dear friend and benefactor goes missing in France. Journeying to post-war Paris, she once more works as a nurse, confronting disease and danger. With communist zealots prowling Europe, will peace forever elude Charlotte?
“The Blind Machinery of the World” is the fourth volume of the By the Hands of Men series. Historical fiction by Roy M. Griffis, this epic sweeps across four continents in a gripping tale of fate, loss, redemption, and love. 

By the Hands of Men Book 5: Robert
The Wrath of a Righteous Man

Continuing the epic story of the “By Hands of Men” series, a man and a woman, torn apart by fate, forge their own destinies in the world after the Great War. Escaping her enslavement in Russia, Charlotte Braninov fights to build a new life in London while the shadow of modern fanaticism looms over Europe. Robert Fitzgerald faithfully serves the Crown in Africa until honor compels him to risk everything to overcome an ancient evil, only to discover that the greatest war rages within himself. 

By the Hands of Men Book 6
Ringside at the Circus of the Fallen

Robert and Charlotte fell in love amid the mud and blood of the Great War, before human duplicity tore them apart. Two decades and thousands of miles later, fate gives them another chance. Is the memory of young love enough to make the two weary travelers dare to risk heartbreak once more?

Robert has carried Charlotte in his heart ever since they first met near the front lines in France. All the long miles he traveled, she was never far from his mind.

Charlotte survived the hell of the Russian Civil War and she made a life for herself in America, but the cost was high. Losing faith in humanity, she resigned herself to the life of a beloved spinster aunt. And then tragedy once more brought her to close to her heart's longing.

Robert and Charlotte have learned that the hands of men can make a heaven or a hell of earth. When they are given a second chance at a first love, will fear keep them from risking everything?

Ringside at the Circus of the Fallen is the sixth and final volume of the By the Hands of Men series. Historical fiction by Roy M. Griffis, this epic saga sweeps across four continents in a gripping tale of fate, loss, redemption, and love.


My Thoughts

I can't sing enough praises for this entire series!

I read the first three books a while back.  They quickly became some of my favorites.  So, then I received the request to read the next three, I certainly jumped at the opportunity!

These books have all been so well-written.  The character building amazes me!  When you read a book that makes you feel like you are in it, like you know the characters, that is a great book!

Thank you again, Roy Griffis, for writing these books and for introducing them to me!  I love them and I highly recommend them!

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

Barriers by Patrick Skelton

Summary

In 2079, Barrier domes shield the planet's wealthiest cities from destructive solar flares, and only the healthy elite are granted protection. That’s bad news for Barrier resident, Nathan Gallagher—his son’s untreatable medical condition has deemed him a non-compliant citizen.

Nathan sets out to rescue his son from a Sanctuary deep in the badlands and becomes entangled in a mission of global magnitude. With only days until another flare is due to strike Earth’s Sanctuary cities, not only does his son’s life rest on his shoulders, but the fate of a quarter billion people.

BARRIERS is a sci-fi thriller set in a dystopian future where a trillionaire tycoon decides who gets protection from the sun…and who doesn’t.


My Thoughts

The Beginning of this book pulled me in almost immediately.  I was a bit confused but still very interested.  I do have to say that I don't love it when books move back and forth between the past and present but that didn't stop me from being drawn in.

Now, I despise the fact that they basically kill people wo are unable to contribute to society.  Their thought is that they save the Barrier resources for the people that are healthy and productive.  And, because of this, Nathan is on a mission to save his paraplegic son from being euthanized.

I did enjoy most of this story.  However, I must say that there were several times when I just couldn't follow.  I felt a bit simple minded while reading some of the technical/science-y things Hahaha!  But for the most part I understood and enjoyed this book!

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

Kingdom Cold by Brittni Chenelle

Summary

Attempted murder, that's how sixteen-year-old Princess Charlotte's engagement starts. It seems like the only thing she has in common with Prince Young of Vires is their mutual discontent.

When her kingdom's attacked, Charlotte's parents renegotiate her hand in marriage to a handsome stranger with a sinister plan. With the people Charlotte loves dying around her, and her kingdom's future at stake, the only person she can turn to is the prince she betrayed. But, should she save her kingdom or her heart?

One must fall.


My Thoughts

Oh!  My!  Word!  I loved this book!  It was not at all what I was expecting and I loved that!

Princess Charlotte, although annoying and bratty at times, was a great character.  Let be real, she was only sixteen and had just been told that she was going to be married to someone she didn't really know in just a few days.  She had every right to be a bit upset!

Prince Young was wonderful!  I love this character so much!  He's definitely my favorite.

The ending caught me by surprise in several ways.  First of all, the one ting that happened that has me devastated!  I'm not going to give it away, but.. really?!  I'm not ok with that!
But then... the ending!  The little twist (the Kingdom name, the new King, the Daughter's name...) I can't handle how much I loved it!!!

I am dying to read the sequel!  I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book!

Well done, Brittni Chenelle!  This is such a great book!

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

Are We French Yet: Keith and Val's Adventures in Provence by Keith Van Sickle

Summary

Can Two Americans Really Become French?

Val and Keith turned their lives upside down when they quit their jobs to begin a part-time life in Provence. But they wondered: Can we fit in? And maybe become French ourselves?

Follow their adventures as they slowly unlock the mysteries of France…
- Is it true that French people are like coconuts?
- Can you learn to argue like a French person?
- What books have changed French lives?
- Most important of all, how do you keep your soup from exploding?

There’s more to becoming French than just learning the language. If you want the inside scoop on la belle France, you won’t want to miss this delightful book!


My Thoughts

I had the pleasure of reading One Sip At A Time: Learning to Live in Province by Keith Van Sickle back in 2017.  My rating was actually 4 stars! I guess I really enjoy reading about different adventures and things in people's lives.

This book was just as good as the first!  I really loved it :)

I absolutely loved it when they were trying to learn to speak French better and the person literally laughed!  Lol!!!  That had me pretty tickled!

I highly recommend this book!  It is a great, fun read!

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

Tar by Taylor Hohulin

Summary

Brendan Cobb calls it tar, but there might be as many names for it as cities left standing.

To some, it’s known as filth, or blight. Others call it the Black God in reverential whispers. Whatever name it takes, the effects are the same. Cities left in ruins. People turned into monsters. Living infections with no known cure. The best anyone can do is avoid it, but even that gets harder the more it spreads.

Brendan survives this waking nightmare by trading salvage for shelter and for repairs to his cybernetic arm, until a newcomer arrives, convinced Brendan is the key to ridding the world of tar once and for all. Reluctantly, Brendan and his mechanic join the newcomer on a journey across the desolate highways of a ruined world, where he learns the true history of the tar…and of the dark power inside him, which grows stronger every day.

My Thoughts

I can honestly say that I did not really expect to like this book!  Even when I first started it, I was unsure if I would be bale to get into it.  Then... it sucked me right in!

Brendan's personality s hard to like but you also don't hate him.  I found myself getting frustrated with some of his choices yet also feeling like I might make the same choices at times!  Krystal is definitely my favorite character in this story.  In my opinion, she makes the book!

Tar is definitely not like any book I have ever read before.  I highly recommend it!  I can see this as a movie, for sure!  I know  would watch it!

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