Summary
Grace Summer lands herself in a melon load of trouble when she becomes torn between the boy of her dreams and the boy almost next door. As the newly-crowned Watermelon Queen, she is thrust into the spotlight, meets the dreamy Warren Hartley, and continues trying to get over an accident that rocked her world. Mix in working with Beau Baron who Grace happens to fight with just about as much as breathing and the metaphorical sparks fly.
Like most things in life, Grace must learn to take the good with the bad. While the good is the handsome and fun Warren Hartley, the bad is Beau Baron—or at least being around his annoying and rude self way more than she would like. For Beau, Grace is nothing more than aggravating and an irritating reminder from the night of the accident. Tensions soar as Grace and Beau fight to love themselves and maybe, just maybe, each other.
My Thoughts
This book was adorable! I loved it! Was it predictable at times? Yes. Did I love the "Love Triangle? Not really. Was the book still adorable? Yes!!!
The main character, Grace Summer, was a breath of fresh air. I totally knew who she would eventually end up with but I loved the journey getting there. The whole Watermelon concept had me craving watermelons the whole time I read this book. I've been snacking on them most days since reading this gem.
I don't know if I was just extremely ready to read this type of book or if it was really just that good but I certainly did enjoy it! I'm so glad it was sent my way!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary
The magical Hotel of Hoo is a mysterious place with some very unusual occupants. As our guests explore the strange hotel, they are invited to experience everything it has to offer with just one warning… don’t ever look behind door 32.
This imaginative picture book aims to take children beyond the first ten cardinal numbers, and introduces them to the patterns of counting in a fun and accessible way. With rooms to explore and unique objects to count, children will enjoy lingering on each page as they make their way closer to the forbidden door.
My Thoughts
This was a super cute book that my Kindergarten Class certainly enjoyed! The pictures are great and the "mystery" of door number 32 builds as the children wonder why they can't look in that room! It ends great and my class certainly got a chuckle out of it! Thanks for sending it my way!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary
The lone survivor of a tragic car accident, Elona has since been a recluse, with the exception of her parents. Though her memory is fogged, she is finally in a place where she can begin to piece together her life again. She felt that moving miles away from home would help her do that. She thought she was prepared for anything...until she met him.
Michael is a young man with a rough past, a past that’s left him pained and broken. He shoulders the guilt of his former circumstances. He’s accepted that he will never find someone deserving. Then he lays eyes on her and his whole life suddenly changes.
Will Elona be able to love, after she’s lost so much?
Can Michael move past the pain enshrouding him?
To get through tragedy they must feel the pain, but getting through the pain will be tragic.
My Thoughts
I expected this book to be more dramatic or something. It had its serious moments but it wasn't super dramatic. I did enjoy it, so that's a good thing!
A Life No Less Than Perfect is an enjoyable book. It's not the most amazing book that I have ever read but it was certainly good enough. At times, it was a bit predictable but I feel like most romancy type books are. It wasn't so predictable that it was annoying or anything, it was just somewhat predictable.
There were times that Elona got on my nerves. I understand that she had been through some tough things and all but she acted childish at times. I also felt that we didn't get enough of Michael's backstory. I would liked to have learned more about his past.
All in all, it was an enjoyable read. Thanks for sending it my way!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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.
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.
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.
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.
