| Reviews 1 to 25 of 164 |
Show
results per page.
|
Page: |
The Prison Dome II: Bitter Pills by Warren Wagner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A very satisfying return to the South Dakota Penitentiary Dome and the lives of its unintended permanent residents.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A very satisfying return to the South Dakota Penitentiary Dome and the lives of its unintended permanent residents.
Thirty years ago, the state of South Dakota developed the âPrison of the Future' known as the âDome,â where the prisoners are thrown into an inescapable wilderness area with no onsite warden or guards. âThe Domeâ is where society sends the worst of the worst, and in all the years of its existence no one has ever fulfilled their sentence and returned home.
The Prison Dome II: Bitter Pills is the sequel to author Warren Wagner's outstanding debut novel, The Prison Dome: Survive or Die Trying, published in 2021. While most characters are familiar faces, a couple of new, strong personalities step into the spotlight and the resulting plot is riveting.The Entry Camp has settled into a workable routine with Grant reluctantly agreeing to helm the community and ably assisted by Chuck and Jim. Communication and trade opportunities with the other two established camps, River and Christian, have slowly developed and improved despite the high level of mistrust and suspicion. Still, all the groups exist on the thin edge of failure as food sources, especially larger game, grow scarce, and their agricultural endeavors meet with limited success and are not extensive enough to truly provide what is needed. The author does a great job conveying their fragile existence, always one poor season of crops away from disaster. The tension is heightened by the presence of small, roving bands of prisoners who don't belong to any of the organized camps and exist by preying on their weaknesses and any perceived opportunities they find.
While Grant has accepted his role as leader of the Entry Camp, Chuck still has an important voice in decision-making. He has stepped back somewhat, consciously trying to avoid any resemblance to Belinda, the former despot of the camp, who enslaved new prisoners as they came through the portal. New to "The Dome" is Melita Albright, separated from her three young children when she was imprisoned for armed robbery. She is a strong female protagonist and, at least initially, a sympathetic character as she did what she did to provide food for those kids. However, I was a little confused by her sudden plan to prostitute herself and other like-minded female prisoners to get out of daily chores. She never resorted to this before coming to "The Dome," and I thought it was out of character. She is quickly disabused of the notion by everyone she mentions it to, thankfully, because there is a delicious slow-burn romance with Chuck brewing.The plot starts off with a twist when one of the portal guards is shoved into the Dome by a malicious prisoner and can't be released immediately. This puts the entire prisoner population at risk because the prison forces are going to rescue their man no matter the cost, which includes shooting any prisoner on sight. The action sequences of Tony Russo ending up inside were heart-pounding as he frantically worked to escape the gas bomb, machine gun, and the perceived danger from the inhabitants. Even though he's observed the Entry Camp prisoners save numerous new inmates' lives when they are first dumped inside the Dome, he's bought into the media-manufactured hype regarding what goes on inside and is absolutely terrified.
With the threat of the prison forces entering "The Dome," the unsustainable food resources, and an evil opportunist ready to do anything to bargain his way back outside, THE PRISON DOME II: BITTER PILLS is a fantastic dystopian story and follow-up to the previous novel.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.
The Smartest Kids in the World: And How They Got That Way
Author:
Genre: Reference
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: Reference
Book Type: Paperback
Insight into what we are missing in out on in the American Education system. Nothing right or wrong. Just ideas.
Arsenic and Old Books (Cat in the Stacks, Bk 6)
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Love any book written by Miranda James
Helpful Score: 1
I have been appreciating Chris Offutt's skill in characterization, in describing the landscape, and in acquainting his readers with the people and culture of the hills and hollers of eastern Kentucky. There is such a thing as the code of the hills, and it's brought to life here, even in the smallest of details such as the proper chair to sit in when visiting the home of a deceased man. Mick knows all these things, and readers can trust him to lead them through each situation.
I love Offutt's descriptive and often poetic language that can bring rural life into sharp focus: "...it scratched around in the back of his mind like a rat in a corn crib" or "...the junk store had been run by a man who was legendary for locking customers inside until they bought something." Having grown up in a small farm town, I'm familiar with playing in corn cribs (after being told not to), and of the "colorful" characters that can be found in rural communities. (Just ask me about Maxine.) I've also grown accustomed to taking note of the birds that make appearances in each of his books: indigo buntings, sparrows, crows, blue jays, owls, mourning doves, meadowlarks... Offutt has a way of bringing me right into the landscape so that I'm walking the hills right along with Mick.
Code of the Hills has a strong mystery and an even stronger setting and cast of characters. If you're the type of armchair sleuth who enjoys learning about out-of-the-way places and other cultures, make the acquaintance of Mick Hardin.
I love Offutt's descriptive and often poetic language that can bring rural life into sharp focus: "...it scratched around in the back of his mind like a rat in a corn crib" or "...the junk store had been run by a man who was legendary for locking customers inside until they bought something." Having grown up in a small farm town, I'm familiar with playing in corn cribs (after being told not to), and of the "colorful" characters that can be found in rural communities. (Just ask me about Maxine.) I've also grown accustomed to taking note of the birds that make appearances in each of his books: indigo buntings, sparrows, crows, blue jays, owls, mourning doves, meadowlarks... Offutt has a way of bringing me right into the landscape so that I'm walking the hills right along with Mick.
Code of the Hills has a strong mystery and an even stronger setting and cast of characters. If you're the type of armchair sleuth who enjoys learning about out-of-the-way places and other cultures, make the acquaintance of Mick Hardin.
Ragnar Jónasson's Hidden Iceland trilogy (The Darkness, The Island, The Mist) featuring Hulda Hermannsdóttir is one of my all-time favorites, so I was pleased to see that Hulda would make an appearance in Death at the Sanatorium. Granted, it's more of a cameo, but she does make an impact, and her appearance is bittersweet for those readers who have read the Hidden Iceland trilogy. (Do you need to read that trilogy before reading this book? Absolutely not.)
Jónasson has translated Agatha Christie into Icelandic, and his familiarity with her work is obvious in his meticulous plotting. When it comes to plots, this man is a master weaver. But Death at the Sanatorium isn't all about the story. Jónasson is also a master at atmospheric settings, and you can't get much better than setting a murder mystery in an old tuberculosis sanatorium. I have a special sympathy for this setting because my mother was a patient in one when I was a baby. I'm very familiar with the photographs taken there-- especially the one of my grandfather holding me up to the window, me reaching futilely for my mother, and the look on my mother's face on the other side of the glass.
Plot? Check. Setting? Check. What about the characters?
It didn't take me long to want to throttle the young nurse, Linna. She enjoyed being an important witness, and she wasn't above stretching the truth. "The truth was that life was easier if you tweaked the facts a little in your favor." See what I mean?
Helgi is the star here. His father was an antiquarian bookseller, and Helgi has a fantastic library of detective fiction, in particular translated detective fiction, that was lovingly collected by both his grandfather and father. Those books-- as well as his investigation into the 1983 deaths at the sanatorium-- are his escape, and he does need one, as readers soon learn.
The ending of Death at the Sanatorium made me smile in appreciation of the author's skill. It also made me want to see Helgi again because I hope that he can solve yet another murder.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
Jónasson has translated Agatha Christie into Icelandic, and his familiarity with her work is obvious in his meticulous plotting. When it comes to plots, this man is a master weaver. But Death at the Sanatorium isn't all about the story. Jónasson is also a master at atmospheric settings, and you can't get much better than setting a murder mystery in an old tuberculosis sanatorium. I have a special sympathy for this setting because my mother was a patient in one when I was a baby. I'm very familiar with the photographs taken there-- especially the one of my grandfather holding me up to the window, me reaching futilely for my mother, and the look on my mother's face on the other side of the glass.
Plot? Check. Setting? Check. What about the characters?
It didn't take me long to want to throttle the young nurse, Linna. She enjoyed being an important witness, and she wasn't above stretching the truth. "The truth was that life was easier if you tweaked the facts a little in your favor." See what I mean?
Helgi is the star here. His father was an antiquarian bookseller, and Helgi has a fantastic library of detective fiction, in particular translated detective fiction, that was lovingly collected by both his grandfather and father. Those books-- as well as his investigation into the 1983 deaths at the sanatorium-- are his escape, and he does need one, as readers soon learn.
The ending of Death at the Sanatorium made me smile in appreciation of the author's skill. It also made me want to see Helgi again because I hope that he can solve yet another murder.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
Fear: Trump in the White House
Author:
Genres: Biographies & Memoirs, Politics & Social Sciences
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Biographies & Memoirs, Politics & Social Sciences
Book Type: Hardcover
Frank F. reviewed on + 365 more book reviews
An unbelievable story of the Trump presidency. Its unbelievable how our country was run by such a group of unexperienced and no talent people during his term.
To think it might happen again is scary.
To think it might happen again is scary.
House of Pounding Hearts (The Kingdom of Crows)
Author:
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy
Book Type: Paperback
If you are looking for a new series after TCOTR this is the one!
Hits all the marks and then some.
Great storyline. Very engaging characters and a close circle of core friends.
Enemy to lovers in a VERY SLOW BURN.
Magic, fae, crows, kingdoms and great characters. A must read series.
Hits all the marks and then some.
Great storyline. Very engaging characters and a close circle of core friends.
Enemy to lovers in a VERY SLOW BURN.
Magic, fae, crows, kingdoms and great characters. A must read series.
Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning
Author:
Genres: Biographies & Memoirs, History
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Biographies & Memoirs, History
Book Type: Hardcover
Gina A. reviewed on + 3 more book reviews
This is a must read for everyone-on all sides. I may not agree with her ideology but she is one of the bravest women I've seen. She honest and true to her word. I learned a lot about the days preceding January 6th. A learned a lot of about our "leaders". Some of the details were a little wordy but I understand she's trying to paint the fullest and truest picture of a horrible time in our history.
Unsolved Bayou Murder (Swamp Slayings, Bk 1) (Harlequin Intrigue, No 2188)
Author:
Genres: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genres: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
I have mixed feelings about this book. The mystery/suspense kept me reading well into the night, but I wasn't really feeling the romance. Fifteen years earlier, Beau and Peyton were a couple. She was eighteen, and he was twenty-one, and they had big dreams for their future. But Beau was accused and convicted of murdering a "working girl" and sent to prison. He swore he was innocent, but Peyton was influenced by her wealthy parents, who never approved of "swamp rat" Beau. She caved into the pressure to believe he was guilty.
Fifteen years later, Peyton is a defense attorney who returned to her hometown to start her own firm. The last thing she expected was Beau to come to her after his release from prison. He wants her help in finding out who really killed Lacey. This is where Peyton's actions first turned me off. She still believes he's guilty and doesn't see why they should stir things up again. It isn't until he reminds her of a critical piece of evidence that she realizes he is innocent, and she finally agrees to help him. I was irritated that she had had no faith in the man she supposedly loved. Now, she's all in on uncovering the truth.
The sparks of attraction between them are still intense, but Beau is wary of getting involved with Peyton again. He is still hurt and angry over the way she abandoned him all those years ago. In addition, he's now an ex-con with a bleak future, thanks to a betrayal by his best friend. He feels there is no way he and the respected attorney can have a future together. But as they work together to clear his name, there is no denying the feelings that keep growing stronger. I liked that once she believed Peyton was all-in on the investigation and refused to back down when threatened. Their road to a future together still has a few bumps - prove Beau's innocence and convince him they have a chance to be happy.
The suspense of the story is what kept me hooked. It is evident from the start that Beau's arrest and conviction resulted from prejudice and incompetence. I liked seeing Peyton dig into the details of the case. A lot is working against them because the townspeople still believe he is guilty. There is also someone determined to stop the investigation. Attacks on Peyton and Beau increase in intensity the closer they get to identifying the murderer. The final confrontation was intense, with a twist that surprised me. I was happy to see Beau's reputation restored.
Fifteen years later, Peyton is a defense attorney who returned to her hometown to start her own firm. The last thing she expected was Beau to come to her after his release from prison. He wants her help in finding out who really killed Lacey. This is where Peyton's actions first turned me off. She still believes he's guilty and doesn't see why they should stir things up again. It isn't until he reminds her of a critical piece of evidence that she realizes he is innocent, and she finally agrees to help him. I was irritated that she had had no faith in the man she supposedly loved. Now, she's all in on uncovering the truth.
The sparks of attraction between them are still intense, but Beau is wary of getting involved with Peyton again. He is still hurt and angry over the way she abandoned him all those years ago. In addition, he's now an ex-con with a bleak future, thanks to a betrayal by his best friend. He feels there is no way he and the respected attorney can have a future together. But as they work together to clear his name, there is no denying the feelings that keep growing stronger. I liked that once she believed Peyton was all-in on the investigation and refused to back down when threatened. Their road to a future together still has a few bumps - prove Beau's innocence and convince him they have a chance to be happy.
The suspense of the story is what kept me hooked. It is evident from the start that Beau's arrest and conviction resulted from prejudice and incompetence. I liked seeing Peyton dig into the details of the case. A lot is working against them because the townspeople still believe he is guilty. There is also someone determined to stop the investigation. Attacks on Peyton and Beau increase in intensity the closer they get to identifying the murderer. The final confrontation was intense, with a twist that surprised me. I was happy to see Beau's reputation restored.
The Fallen Architect
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
The Fallen Architect by Charles Belfoure is set in the early 1900s in England and has what I would call an old-fashioned writing style, it is very smooth and easy to read. The author includes lots of descriptive information about architecture, the social classes in historical England, their dialect, along with the early theater in England with its unique entertainers, or artistes as they are called in the book. Maybe it is historical fiction with a criminal element, along with a scary and mysterious plot. Even though, after something bad happened to him and the main character was building a new life for himself and show resilience, I kept wondering how everything was going to be resolved and if truly the main character was innocent. I liked the writing style and that I was learning things I knew nothing about and now I would like to find more books by this author.
Vampires of El Norte
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Horror
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Horror
Book Type: Hardcover
This was not the story I was expecting. Instead of lots of vampires, it was mostly romance. The writing was good and the story moved along but in the end, I felt deceived. Looking for a good vampire horror and this wasn't it.
This book is challenging to evaluate because the author's theories were interesting but needed to be sufficiently validated. There may have been little fighting when people were spread sparsely over lands. The fighting might have increased as they increased in numbers and different clans.
The ideas this author espoused were interesting but needed to be sufficiently proven. I enjoyed hearing about the pre-humans and their social systems (or not, depending). However, the proofs that were offered seemed flimsy. Average.
The ideas this author espoused were interesting but needed to be sufficiently proven. I enjoyed hearing about the pre-humans and their social systems (or not, depending). However, the proofs that were offered seemed flimsy. Average.
Shakespeare's Sisters: How Women Wrote the Renaissance
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Politics & Social Sciences
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Politics & Social Sciences
Book Type: Hardcover
While I did find this book valuable in a few ways, it definitely had its frustrations.
My main issue is how the author tells the stories of these four women. Rather than telling them one by one, on a timeline that helps the reader follow and keep their stories separate, she tells them on a chronological timeline. This means she's switching from woman to woman, telling what they're doing in each era of this timeline, but mercilessly confusing the reader who is likely new to at least most of their stories. The author knows these stories are new to most readers --- that's her reason for writing the book. Why would she make this so difficult? While we were still in the era of Queen Elizabeth I, I was tracking pretty good. After that, she lost me. Next time I read this, I'll be sure to hop around and read each woman's story fully before moving on to the next.
Secondly, I think these women were praised a little too highly for their "bravery" in developing their writing "careers". Regardless of the times, most of these women neglected their families to write. Not ok. As a writing mom of nine, I've been waiting a lonnnng time for that "room of one's own" to be able to write uninterrupted. There is a time for everything and this is not yet fully my time. I have a hard time respecting a parent who sets aside parenting to pursue their own interests.
Still, I think this is a great resource for Renaissance history and I know I will read back through it at least one more time. In the meantime, I'll be looking for works by these women which are finally in print again after all these centuries.
For more, visit my BookTube Channel, Belle's Library.
My main issue is how the author tells the stories of these four women. Rather than telling them one by one, on a timeline that helps the reader follow and keep their stories separate, she tells them on a chronological timeline. This means she's switching from woman to woman, telling what they're doing in each era of this timeline, but mercilessly confusing the reader who is likely new to at least most of their stories. The author knows these stories are new to most readers --- that's her reason for writing the book. Why would she make this so difficult? While we were still in the era of Queen Elizabeth I, I was tracking pretty good. After that, she lost me. Next time I read this, I'll be sure to hop around and read each woman's story fully before moving on to the next.
Secondly, I think these women were praised a little too highly for their "bravery" in developing their writing "careers". Regardless of the times, most of these women neglected their families to write. Not ok. As a writing mom of nine, I've been waiting a lonnnng time for that "room of one's own" to be able to write uninterrupted. There is a time for everything and this is not yet fully my time. I have a hard time respecting a parent who sets aside parenting to pursue their own interests.
Still, I think this is a great resource for Renaissance history and I know I will read back through it at least one more time. In the meantime, I'll be looking for works by these women which are finally in print again after all these centuries.
For more, visit my BookTube Channel, Belle's Library.
A Better Man (Chief Inspector Gamache, Bk 15)
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
A BETTER MAN is the fifteenth book in the Gamache series and follows KINGDOM OF THE BLIND which I read a few months ago. I found out that Penny will publish the nineteenth book, THE GREY WOLF, in October so I thought I better try to catch up a little on one of my favorite series. I have read all the previous books in order (which I would recommend doing given that previous events are discussed in the books) and I now only have a few left to read.
In this one, Gamache returns to the Sûreté du Quebec as the head of the homicide department after his demotion relating to events in the previous novels. However, his protege, Jean-Guy Beauvoir, is currently serving in that position until his pending departure from the Sûreté to take a job in Paris. So technically Gamache is reporting to his once subordinate. On his first day back on the job, he is bombarded by a doctored video on social media which portends to show Gamache wantonly killing black children. Then there is major spring flooding across Quebec which may wipe out the small town of Three Pines where Gamache is now living. And Gamache is approached by a subordinate who is trying to help a friend find her missing daughter. Meanwhile in Three Pines, Clara, the local artist is being attacked on social media for her latest offerings of a series of miniature artwork that people and critics feel are inferior work for her. The missing daughter turns out to be married to an abusive husband who may have murdered her along with her unborn child. Gamache feels empathy for the father as he can relate to how it must feel to be in his position. So what happened to the missing wife and daughter? Did her abusive husband kill her or did something else happen?
This was another very good entry in the Gamache series by Penny. I especially enjoy when the narrative takes place in the quaint village of Three Pines with the interplay among the eccentric characters living there. This one uses the Three Pines locale extensively so I was pleased. Penny also threw in several twists to the story and I was surprised by what happened to the missing woman. I'll be looking forward to continuing with the series but may hold off on reading the final books so I'll continue to have them to look forward to.
In this one, Gamache returns to the Sûreté du Quebec as the head of the homicide department after his demotion relating to events in the previous novels. However, his protege, Jean-Guy Beauvoir, is currently serving in that position until his pending departure from the Sûreté to take a job in Paris. So technically Gamache is reporting to his once subordinate. On his first day back on the job, he is bombarded by a doctored video on social media which portends to show Gamache wantonly killing black children. Then there is major spring flooding across Quebec which may wipe out the small town of Three Pines where Gamache is now living. And Gamache is approached by a subordinate who is trying to help a friend find her missing daughter. Meanwhile in Three Pines, Clara, the local artist is being attacked on social media for her latest offerings of a series of miniature artwork that people and critics feel are inferior work for her. The missing daughter turns out to be married to an abusive husband who may have murdered her along with her unborn child. Gamache feels empathy for the father as he can relate to how it must feel to be in his position. So what happened to the missing wife and daughter? Did her abusive husband kill her or did something else happen?
This was another very good entry in the Gamache series by Penny. I especially enjoy when the narrative takes place in the quaint village of Three Pines with the interplay among the eccentric characters living there. This one uses the Three Pines locale extensively so I was pleased. Penny also threw in several twists to the story and I was surprised by what happened to the missing woman. I'll be looking forward to continuing with the series but may hold off on reading the final books so I'll continue to have them to look forward to.
Kelly O. (KellyWilloughby) reviewed on + 200 more book reviews
This is one of my favorite of Colleen Hoovers. The ending is not what I expected and it kept me reading!!
Deborah S. (deborella) reviewed on + 68 more book reviews
Fredrik Backman is one of my favorite authors. From A Man Called Ove to Britt Marie Lives Here, he never fails to disappoint.
Beartown is no exception. It's a small town that thrives on the game of hockey. But when a crime happens, you find out who your real friends are.
Beartown is no exception. It's a small town that thrives on the game of hockey. But when a crime happens, you find out who your real friends are.
I don't normally read the genre of mysteries called "cozies" but I make an exception for Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series. I guess I'm a sucker for apparently inept leading characters who love dogs. I say "apparently inept" because Carpenter is a hard working and thorough defense attorney. There's action in these books but the story overshadows any normally frightening happenings. The story is logical with no loose ends. It's eminently readable.
Delightfully strange. Very train-of-thought, and I like that there are other weirdos out there that think like me. Boobs, butts, farts, vaginas all make appearances. The word tacky comes to mind, but that sounds negative and this is tacky in the absolute best way possible.
Long Upon the Land (Deborah Knott, Bk 20)
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Cheryl T. (cheryltav) reviewed on + 53 more book reviews
A different type of mystery with so many characters that I had to keep looking in the front family tree to remember who was being mentioned. I liked the sub story about her parents. This is the first book in this series that I have read, I am going to try to pick up some of the older ones and see if I like. I forget most books by the year or even the month after I read them, but I really enjoyed her stories about her father, the bootlegger.
Black List (Scot Harvath, Bk 11)
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Scot Harveth saves the day again.
Marcia C. reviewed on + 652 more book reviews
Great characterizations, very good plot, but I wasn't convinced by the Alaskan setting. We're asked to believe that a town of 506 people has a full-time police chief and two full-time deputies. I live in a town of 1000 people and we have a part-time police chief and 1-2 deputies in name only so that they can do traffic duty when needed. It's also highly unlikely that a town of 506 people could economically support both a newspaper and a radio station.
Lethal Standoff
Author:
Genres: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Romance, Christian Books & Bibles
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Romance, Christian Books & Bibles
Book Type: Paperback
The title and cover may lead readers to assume the protagonists are in law enforcement, but the heroine is a private hostage negotiator, and the hero is an investigative journalist. Acquainted through previous cases, one situation impacts them profoundly and they are drawn into finding justice for the Kendrix family.
I expected this to be a fast-paced plot, and it was. But I was surprised by the amount of medical injuries/crises, the storyline about severed relationships due to spiritual beliefs, and the depth of the family secrets and betrayals. At times, I wasn't sure who to trust, and that ratcheted up the tension and made the pages fly by.
However, the romantic connection between the hero and heroine didn't feel realistic and was more "tell" than "show." I was worried the immigration plotline would become political, and I'm confident the author's political beliefs are completely opposed to mine, but she managed to keep the topic relatively balanced.
Thank you to Tyndale Fiction for the complimentary copy of this novel; all opinions are my own.
I expected this to be a fast-paced plot, and it was. But I was surprised by the amount of medical injuries/crises, the storyline about severed relationships due to spiritual beliefs, and the depth of the family secrets and betrayals. At times, I wasn't sure who to trust, and that ratcheted up the tension and made the pages fly by.
However, the romantic connection between the hero and heroine didn't feel realistic and was more "tell" than "show." I was worried the immigration plotline would become political, and I'm confident the author's political beliefs are completely opposed to mine, but she managed to keep the topic relatively balanced.
Thank you to Tyndale Fiction for the complimentary copy of this novel; all opinions are my own.
what a delightful read/listen this was. fabulous narration by all. i loved the window into japanese culture. always love a library setting and books. the interwoven story lines of the characters are meaningful but the real big deal is the underlying messages that the very quirky librarian leads her patrons to and the ways in which their lives transform from stuck to expansive. the huge take away is that we can live life large. right where we are.
The Day He Drove By (Hawthorne Harbor, Bk 1)
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Romance
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Romance
Book Type: Paperback
Ten years ago, paramedic Drew Herrin delivered Dixie to Gretchen because she and her husband couldn't get to the hospital on time. Now, he finds that Gretchen and Dixie have moved back to the area because her husband has died, and Gretchen has opened a flower shop.
However, Gretchen has an accident, and Drew's family invites her to stay with them while she recovers. Gretchen rents their fields for her flowers (she grows the bouquets she sells in her shop). (Frankly, I cannot imagine having two jobs, raising flowers and creating bouquets simultaneously. It seems impossible.)
To me, an avid reader, this story needed more inspiration. It is average.
However, Gretchen has an accident, and Drew's family invites her to stay with them while she recovers. Gretchen rents their fields for her flowers (she grows the bouquets she sells in her shop). (Frankly, I cannot imagine having two jobs, raising flowers and creating bouquets simultaneously. It seems impossible.)
To me, an avid reader, this story needed more inspiration. It is average.
I really liked this short book that packed a lot of drama and action into so few pages. Characters were well drawn, and it was a good story that didn't drag things out or give a lot of unnecessary background. There was not a lot of joy for these people, and they certainly weren't all the nicest, yet they pretty much all had the decent ethics of true hunters. Respect your kill. And I suppose it was the moose, and her baby, that were the true hearts of the book, and what made it so enjoyable for me. Recommended.
I listened to the audio version.
I listened to the audio version.
| Reviews 1 to 25 of 164 |
Show
results per page.
|
Page: |
