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amandasbookreview's reviews
966 reviews
A Duke by Scot by Amy Jarecki
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
"This book is clever and heartwarming with wonderful Cinderella vibes!"
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2022/february/viewer/desktop/#page/64
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2022/february/viewer/desktop/#page/64
Grace, Lady of Cassio (The Lovages of Cassio Book 2) by Rosemary Morris
tense
slow-paced
2.0
"There is potential in this medieval story filled with chivalry. It just needs direction."
My full review is at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2022/february/viewer/desktop/#page/64
My full review is at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2022/february/viewer/desktop/#page/64
Drawn by the Current by Jocelyn Green
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
Thank you, NetGalley, Jocelyn Green, and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read this book. It releases on February 1st, 2022.
“Olive felt a quickening inside, one that grew the longer she regarded this man who believed in the importance of her work. Who believed, it seemed…in her.”
DRAWN BY THE CURRENT
It brought so much joy when I got the notification that I would be receiving Drawn by the Current by Jocelyn Green. This book is the 3rd book in the Windy City Saga. The first book told the story of the Great Chicago Fire. The second book took us on a journey to the dark corners of the World’s Fair of Chicago. And finally, we enter the year 1915 and we meet Olive Pearce, an insurance agent who is determined to become an insurance detective. When she notices her best friend, Claire is having trouble in her marriage, they manage to get out for the day for a ride on the SS Eastland. This would change their lives forever. The SS Eastland capsizes, killing 844 people. Olive manages to survive and is separated from Claire. Claire has used this opportunity to escape her husband, but this only forces Olive into danger. Olive will need the help of photographer, Erik Magnussen to help Claire stay hidden, but also close all the cases for the families who lost loved ones on that tragic day.
Trigger Warnings: Abuse, Mass Death, Miscarriage
One of the things that I absolutely adore about Jocelyn Green is that she draws from true historical events and does an amazing job at honoring those who were affected by those events. There is one moment where the characters honor the victims of that tragic event, and Jocelyn Green uses the real names of those victims. I had never heard of the capsizing of the SS Eastland and it ripped my heart out. So much loss of life in the blink of an eye. But Jocelyn Green made sure she imagined the perfect advocate for the victim’s families.
The other thing that I love about Jocelyn Green is her fabulous characters. Claire and Olive have flaws and they must face those flaws. This leads to fabulous character development. I would be overjoyed with a series about Olive and Erik just solving mysteries. Throughout the novel, they often refer to each other as Sherlock and Watson. Their relationship is delightful and readers will be rooting for them from the get-go.
I was pleasantly surprised at the few plot twists in this book. Once a reader picks up this book, it will be impossible to put it down. There will be no time for dishes or laundry—only discovering answers along with Olive and Erik. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!
Trigger Warnings: Abuse, Mass Death, Miscarriage
One of the things that I absolutely adore about Jocelyn Green is that she draws from true historical events and does an amazing job at honoring those who were affected by those events. There is one moment where the characters honor the victims of that tragic event, and Jocelyn Green uses the real names of those victims. I had never heard of the capsizing of the SS Eastland and it ripped my heart out. So much loss of life in the blink of an eye. But Jocelyn Green made sure she imagined the perfect advocate for the victim’s families.
The other thing that I love about Jocelyn Green is her fabulous characters. Claire and Olive have flaws and they must face those flaws. This leads to fabulous character development. I would be overjoyed with a series about Olive and Erik just solving mysteries. Throughout the novel, they often refer to each other as Sherlock and Watson. Their relationship is delightful and readers will be rooting for them from the get-go.
I was pleasantly surprised at the few plot twists in this book. Once a reader picks up this book, it will be impossible to put it down. There will be no time for dishes or laundry—only discovering answers along with Olive and Erik. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!
The Origins of Wizards, Witches and Fairies by Simon Webb
informative
slow-paced
2.0
Thank you, NetGalley, Simon Webb, and Pen & Sword Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. It releases, today, January 30th, 2022.
I was so excited to dive into this non-fiction book, The Origins of Wizards, Witches, and Fairies by Simon Webb. I studied history in college and I loved studying the structure of different cultures which usually revolved around religion and the belief system. So I took many classes on Fairytales, Folklore, and Mythology and it never felt like enough. It is something that I am still fascinated by all these years later after graduating. My focus was on European history and one of the things that always drew my attention was the Witch Hunts. So when I was given this book, I thought this book would dive into the societal behaviors that led to stereotypes and lore that we associate with wizards, witches, and fairies today. Unfortunately, this book does not go into that. It focuses on media and how wizards, witches, and fairies are presented in the media.
One example that is brought up a lot is Gandalf from Lord of the Rings. One would think I would be overjoyed, as Tolkien’s Legendarium is one of my favorites…but the author didn’t fully grasp Tolkien’s invented history. In fact, there were actually many spelling errors when referring to the Maiar and Numenor. Then there is a reference to Game of Thrones…the show. But before the show, there were books and I felt that his argument would have been better had he referred to A Song of Ice and Fire, rather than the TV show that it is based on.
I did like the mention of Boudica. But again, even the history was very surface level. I felt that the “origins” concept was actually never answered. The structure felt very unorganized and repetitive. There was way too much focus on stereotypical objects like cauldrons, wands, and wide-brimmed, pointed hats. Again, the book barely skimmed the surface and was not at all what I was anticipating. Great cover, though! Overall, I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars.
One example that is brought up a lot is Gandalf from Lord of the Rings. One would think I would be overjoyed, as Tolkien’s Legendarium is one of my favorites…but the author didn’t fully grasp Tolkien’s invented history. In fact, there were actually many spelling errors when referring to the Maiar and Numenor. Then there is a reference to Game of Thrones…the show. But before the show, there were books and I felt that his argument would have been better had he referred to A Song of Ice and Fire, rather than the TV show that it is based on.
I did like the mention of Boudica. But again, even the history was very surface level. I felt that the “origins” concept was actually never answered. The structure felt very unorganized and repetitive. There was way too much focus on stereotypical objects like cauldrons, wands, and wide-brimmed, pointed hats. Again, the book barely skimmed the surface and was not at all what I was anticipating. Great cover, though! Overall, I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars.
In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
4.0
Thank you, NetGalley, Toni Shiloh, and Bethany House for the opportunity to read this book. It releases on February 1st, 2022.
Ok, before I even get into In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh. I have to praise the cover. JUST LOOK AT IT! It is absolutely gorgeous!!! It is probably one of my favorite covers…ever! But the book is just as enchanting as the cover. Brielle is a middle school civics teacher who was raised by her mother after her father died. So when she discovers that her father was actually a royal prince of an African island nation called Ọlọrọ Ilé and she is the heir… it is understandable that she is shocked. She gets to meet her grandfather, who is ill but is determined to teach her everything she will need to know about ruling the nation. However, there is one stipulation—she needs to be married in order to be accepted as Queen.
This book is in the same vein as the Princess Diaries, except we get the beautiful setting and culture of Africa. While Ọlọrọ Ilé is fictional, the author drew her inspiration from many cultures in the area. What I loved is that there is more to this book than being able to properly wave, wear ball gowns, and fall in love. The first half of the book focuses on developing the beautiful culture and Bri trying her best to learn the language and get to know the people. She sees firsthand the effects of French colonization that still impact the nation. I love how she and her best friend, Iris brainstorm ways to come up with sustainable ways of trade to help those in poverty.
This book is very focused on Christianity and the main characters lean on God to see them through their trials. I normally don’t like books that are preachy, but this book did not come off this way. I love how the characters doubt their decisions and face real fear but look to God for guidance. The romance story is also very touching as well. While it all came down to being pretty predictable, it doesn’t make it any less entertaining. I loved this fairytale story and the characters in it! I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars!
This book is in the same vein as the Princess Diaries, except we get the beautiful setting and culture of Africa. While Ọlọrọ Ilé is fictional, the author drew her inspiration from many cultures in the area. What I loved is that there is more to this book than being able to properly wave, wear ball gowns, and fall in love. The first half of the book focuses on developing the beautiful culture and Bri trying her best to learn the language and get to know the people. She sees firsthand the effects of French colonization that still impact the nation. I love how she and her best friend, Iris brainstorm ways to come up with sustainable ways of trade to help those in poverty.
This book is very focused on Christianity and the main characters lean on God to see them through their trials. I normally don’t like books that are preachy, but this book did not come off this way. I love how the characters doubt their decisions and face real fear but look to God for guidance. The romance story is also very touching as well. While it all came down to being pretty predictable, it doesn’t make it any less entertaining. I loved this fairytale story and the characters in it! I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars!
Call Us What We Carry: Poems by Amanda Gorman
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
“we know our inaction and inertia
will be the inheritance of the next generation
Our blunders become their burdens
But one thing is certain:
If we merge mercy with might,
and might with right,
then love becomes our legacy
and change our children’s birthright
So let us leave behind a country
better than the one we were left with”
CALL US WHAT WE CARRY
Call Us What We Carry is a collection of poems by Presidential Inaugural Poet, Amanda Gorman. While this collection does contain The Hill We Climb, the poem that she wrote at the 2021 Inauguration of President Biden, it also contains several others. The poems go through history and the effects they have on the present. It also focuses on all the emotions that we have faced during the Pandemic.
The poems make an impact but are also hopeful and lyrical. One of my favorites is called, The Miracle of Morning.
The poems make an impact but are also hopeful and lyrical. One of my favorites is called, The Miracle of Morning.
“While we might feel small, separate, and all alone,
Our people have never been more closely tethered.
The question isn’t if we will weather this unknown,
But how we will weather this unknown together.
So on this meaningful morn, we mourn and we mend.
Like light, we can’t be broken, even when we bend.”
THE MIRACLE OF MORNING
I do recommend the audiobook because it is read by the author and her passion is a light that shines so bright. I rate this collection 5 out of 5 stars.
The Sinister by David Putnam
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
3.0
Thank you, David Putnam, and Oceanview Publishing for the opportunity to read this book!
The Sinister by David Putnam is the 9th book in the Bruno Johnson series. Bruno Johnson is an ex-cop and is ready to take his pregnant wife Marie home to Costa Rica. He is wanted by law enforcement, so every moment is potentially dangerous. That is until FBI Deputy Director, Dan Chulack comes knocking at his hotel room door. He begs him to help him find his kidnapped granddaughter. Bruno Johnson can’t say no. As they are searching for the missing child, someone very unexpected walks back into Bruno’s life…
This is the first book that I have read in this series and I did feel really disconnected from the storyline. The books can be read as standalone, but I would not recommend it. Right from the beginning, I felt as if I was missing something. There are plenty of really descriptive action scenes. But don’t be fooled. This isn’t good guys vs. bad guys. Because if I am being honest, Bruno is not a good guy. In fact, most of the interactions with the law enforcement in this book were so past illegal. Any questioning or evidence found in this book would have been inadmissible in court.
One thing for sure is that all the characters run either hot or cold. Every reaction is extreme. The only character I really admired is Marie but at the same time, I could not see why she put up with Bruno. However, I can see this being a fantastic addition to the series if one is familiar with it already. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
This is the first book that I have read in this series and I did feel really disconnected from the storyline. The books can be read as standalone, but I would not recommend it. Right from the beginning, I felt as if I was missing something. There are plenty of really descriptive action scenes. But don’t be fooled. This isn’t good guys vs. bad guys. Because if I am being honest, Bruno is not a good guy. In fact, most of the interactions with the law enforcement in this book were so past illegal. Any questioning or evidence found in this book would have been inadmissible in court.
One thing for sure is that all the characters run either hot or cold. Every reaction is extreme. The only character I really admired is Marie but at the same time, I could not see why she put up with Bruno. However, I can see this being a fantastic addition to the series if one is familiar with it already. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Police brutality
Ghost Dancer by Alan S. Kessler
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
The entire flow of the novel is rough, the dialogue stilted and not believable. Then the author is a white male writing about prejudice, racism, discrimination, and it was leaning pretty heavily on White Saviorism. Let's uplift the Indigenous and Black authors and let them tell their stories.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism
Beyond the Lavender Fields by Arlem Hawks
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Thank you, Arlem Hawks, NetGalley, and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. It releases on February 1st, 2022.
“Doing what is right is more important than who is right, I think”
BEYOND THE LAVENDER FIELDS
Beyond the Lavender Fields by Arlem Hawks begins in Marseille, France in the year 1972. The revolution has been going on for a few years, but France is getting more and more polarized. Gilles Etienne follows his brother into the Jacobin Club. The Jacobins are a group of radicals intent on bringing new order to France and bringing down the aristocracy. Gilles is set in his beliefs until he meets a royalist named Marie-Caroline. She is called home from Paris and Gilles works for her father. He tries to charm her but their differences make any chance impossible. When violence escalates, Gilles sees how the revolution is losing its focus. Their society is forcing people to choose sides, and any doubts could mean death. So how could a royalist and a revolutionary come together in a time of much turmoil?
For those who love the enemies-to-lovers trope…this book is for you! Think of Romeo and Juliet but it wasn’t love at first sight. It was heartwarming to see their love bloom. I love how the setting of this book isn’t in Paris. We see the growing tensions of the revolution from a distance and how it affected the cities outside of Paris. When we think of the French Revolution, the first thing that comes to mind is the guillotine. The French Revolution actually lasted for 10 years. The timeline of this book begins with Austria and Prussia declaring war on France, three years into the revolution. The radicals retaliated by joining the military. With rising power, the call for executions begin and the guillotine is introduced. The author does a fantastic job at discussing all of these historical events with wonderful accuracy. Readers will see the progression of nationalism, unrest, unease, and fear all leading up to the Reign of Terror.
The pace does move nicely and the transitions from Caroline’s letters to her cousin to Gilles’ point of view. I think we can all agree how the polarizing of society is extremely relatable. I loved the characters, but my favorite character was Gilles’ father, Pere. He is a pirate–Oh, sorry, a privateer with a letter of marque. He was the star in my opinion and I would like a book just about him. I did have one issue with the book and that is the ending.
SPOILERS AHEAD.
That ending was way too happy. It was too happily ever after. It even felt a little far-fetched.
Overall I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
For those who love the enemies-to-lovers trope…this book is for you! Think of Romeo and Juliet but it wasn’t love at first sight. It was heartwarming to see their love bloom. I love how the setting of this book isn’t in Paris. We see the growing tensions of the revolution from a distance and how it affected the cities outside of Paris. When we think of the French Revolution, the first thing that comes to mind is the guillotine. The French Revolution actually lasted for 10 years. The timeline of this book begins with Austria and Prussia declaring war on France, three years into the revolution. The radicals retaliated by joining the military. With rising power, the call for executions begin and the guillotine is introduced. The author does a fantastic job at discussing all of these historical events with wonderful accuracy. Readers will see the progression of nationalism, unrest, unease, and fear all leading up to the Reign of Terror.
The pace does move nicely and the transitions from Caroline’s letters to her cousin to Gilles’ point of view. I think we can all agree how the polarizing of society is extremely relatable. I loved the characters, but my favorite character was Gilles’ father, Pere. He is a pirate–Oh, sorry, a privateer with a letter of marque. He was the star in my opinion and I would like a book just about him. I did have one issue with the book and that is the ending.
SPOILERS AHEAD.
Overall I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
A Lullaby for Witches by Hester Fox
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you, NetGalley, Hester Fox, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. This book will hit shelves everywhere on February 1st, 2022.
“Love is the centre of all we see, Love is the jewel that guides us true, No matter what, love, you’ll stay with me, No matter what, my love, I’ll stay with you.”
A LULLABY FOR WITCHES
I will always and forever read anything that Hester Fox writes. She always delivers with Gothic vibes. In previous books, she took inspiration from classic authors like Edgar Allen Poe and Mary Shelley. A Lullaby for Witches brings in the lore of witches from the North-Eastern part of the United States, including Salem, Massachusetts. Augusta has been working tours in Salem and comes home to a dwindling relationship. So things begin to look up when she gets a job at a small museum in Tynemouth called Harlowe House. She immediately connects with the house and the woman who possibly lived there centuries before. Her name is Margaret Harlowe and she is known for being a wild one in a wealthy family. But soon, rumors begin that she practices witchcraft. She finds herself in trouble and then betrayed by those she loves and vengeance and a hunger for all that she has lost will span time itself.
Trigger Warnings: emotional and physical abuse, murder
I can honestly say I had no idea where this book was going in the beginning. The beginning gives the impression of time travel. Boy, was I wrong! I loved Augusta and I think many women and men can relate to her. She finds herself in a relationship and a job that puts her down and makes her invisible. She loses her self-confidence. When people show true concern and care, she doesn’t know how to respond. Those of us who have been in her shoes, know the emotional toll that takes on a person. Then add a ghost that is up to no good.
The pace does drag a bit. There is a lot of time spent on Augusta’s research about the Harlowe family and her search for Margaret. –But I actually enjoyed that part. It was one of my favorite things to do in college, so I may have a little bias there. Then there are the time-jumps and the switching of points-of-view which didn’t come together all that smoothly. But the tie to history is everything. The ghosts of the past and the people trying to study them are just fascinating, even if it is fiction. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars!
Trigger Warnings: emotional and physical abuse, murder
I can honestly say I had no idea where this book was going in the beginning. The beginning gives the impression of time travel. Boy, was I wrong! I loved Augusta and I think many women and men can relate to her. She finds herself in a relationship and a job that puts her down and makes her invisible. She loses her self-confidence. When people show true concern and care, she doesn’t know how to respond. Those of us who have been in her shoes, know the emotional toll that takes on a person. Then add a ghost that is up to no good.
The pace does drag a bit. There is a lot of time spent on Augusta’s research about the Harlowe family and her search for Margaret. –But I actually enjoyed that part. It was one of my favorite things to do in college, so I may have a little bias there. Then there are the time-jumps and the switching of points-of-view which didn’t come together all that smoothly. But the tie to history is everything. The ghosts of the past and the people trying to study them are just fascinating, even if it is fiction. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Murder