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Yes, another fairy tale retelling. I am sorry. It is a weakness of mine. Lord Darkwood's Revenge by Jennifer Wenn is a spin on Beauty and the Beast. Lord Darkwood, Douglas, is part of the wealthy nobility and is engaged to the beautiful Annabelle. His cousin is jealous that he is the heir to the wealth and tries to murder him. Fortunately for Douglas, he does not die. But he is left with scars that scare his fiance away and she marries his cousin instead. Ten years later, Douglas has hidden away in his manor, thinking about revenge. He invites Annabelle's sister, Wendy, to live as a companion to his elderly Aunt in exchange for paying off all her father's debts. Her parents are quite too eager to be rid of her. Well, as the story has it. Wendy is kind and slowly tries to break down the walls that Douglas has built around himself. However, jealousy, greed, and danger complicate matters.
Sigh. Where to begin? If you are looking for a quick, simple read then this is it. Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairy tales, but I struggled with this one. First of all, I did enjoy the constant suspense. It felt like there is never a moment of peace. It will keep readers on their toes. Although, the parents. Dear God, those parents. I hated them. That is the point, I know. But I hated them so much that I almost stopped reading the book. Annabelle is awful too. Again, that is the point. But they were so bad, I cringed. I loved Wendy. She is unsure but strong. She is what makes the book. That and the servants. They made me smile, gave me hope for the book. That is my absolute favorite part.
Now. Douglas. Oh, temperamental Douglas. He is prone to mood swings and is ashamed of his looks because of his scars. Sounds like the beast, right? The only problem... his scars are no big deal!!!!! Everyone tells him, he looks fine and that they can barely see the scars. But no. No one knows how he feels. He sees a monster. This was painful to read. I just wanted to reach into the book and smack him. Come on, man! Get. A. Grip.
Now, that being said. Douglas and Wendy falling is love is both steamy and heartwarming. I love the fact that they both find solace in finding someone that truly cares for them.
Overall, I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. It is good! I still enjoyed the book and Beauty and the Beast fans will enjoy it too. There are just a couple of things that I could not ignore. Be sure to check it out when it is released on April 17th!--- The cover is absolutely stunning!
Thank you to the Author, NetGalley and Wild Rose Press for a copy of the book!
Sigh. Where to begin? If you are looking for a quick, simple read then this is it. Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairy tales, but I struggled with this one. First of all, I did enjoy the constant suspense. It felt like there is never a moment of peace. It will keep readers on their toes. Although, the parents. Dear God, those parents. I hated them. That is the point, I know. But I hated them so much that I almost stopped reading the book. Annabelle is awful too. Again, that is the point. But they were so bad, I cringed. I loved Wendy. She is unsure but strong. She is what makes the book. That and the servants. They made me smile, gave me hope for the book. That is my absolute favorite part.
Now. Douglas. Oh, temperamental Douglas. He is prone to mood swings and is ashamed of his looks because of his scars. Sounds like the beast, right? The only problem... his scars are no big deal!!!!! Everyone tells him, he looks fine and that they can barely see the scars. But no. No one knows how he feels. He sees a monster. This was painful to read. I just wanted to reach into the book and smack him. Come on, man! Get. A. Grip.
Now, that being said. Douglas and Wendy falling is love is both steamy and heartwarming. I love the fact that they both find solace in finding someone that truly cares for them.
Overall, I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. It is good! I still enjoyed the book and Beauty and the Beast fans will enjoy it too. There are just a couple of things that I could not ignore. Be sure to check it out when it is released on April 17th!--- The cover is absolutely stunning!
Thank you to the Author, NetGalley and Wild Rose Press for a copy of the book!
Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah is the March selection for my book club. This month is fantasy/science fiction. I was unsure about this novel at first. One thing is for sure, this is not really fantasy or science fiction. The story begins with Jo, who is a grad student and a bird biologist. She is doing research and a young girl appears on her doorstep. She is dirty, bruised and barefoot. Her name is Ursa and she claims to be an alien. She can't go home to her planet until she witnesses five miracles. Jo doesn't have time for this and recruits the help of her neighbor Gabe. Even though they both try to do the right thing, Ursa is definitely something special and they can't seem to figure out where she came from.
I was not sure what to think about this book when I first read the synopsis. But I read the first page...and I was hooked! I hated every moment that I had to put it down. This book will make readers laugh and cry. The emotion is so well written. The author does such a fantastic job and discussing trauma and reactions to trauma. She discusses abuse, addiction, cancer, and mental health in a way people should view them---reactions, and coping cannot be forced into a box. No one will react the same way and there are different ways to reach someone who is struggling. This leads to how the characters interact with each other. The characters bond together so well, which just makes the whole novel flow beautifully. I love the intelligence of the characters but also the fact that they are human and will have natural reactions to situations. I absolutely adored Ursa. Human or alien, it does not matter-she is truly magical.
I did have an issue with the ending being wrapped up too quickly, but I so enjoyed the overall message of the book. Love. Love is such a strong bond. It creates hope and healing, even through the most severe trauma. I cried because some moments were just so touching. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I was not sure what to think about this book when I first read the synopsis. But I read the first page...and I was hooked! I hated every moment that I had to put it down. This book will make readers laugh and cry. The emotion is so well written. The author does such a fantastic job and discussing trauma and reactions to trauma. She discusses abuse, addiction, cancer, and mental health in a way people should view them---reactions, and coping cannot be forced into a box. No one will react the same way and there are different ways to reach someone who is struggling. This leads to how the characters interact with each other. The characters bond together so well, which just makes the whole novel flow beautifully. I love the intelligence of the characters but also the fact that they are human and will have natural reactions to situations. I absolutely adored Ursa. Human or alien, it does not matter-she is truly magical.
I did have an issue with the ending being wrapped up too quickly, but I so enjoyed the overall message of the book. Love. Love is such a strong bond. It creates hope and healing, even through the most severe trauma. I cried because some moments were just so touching. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I have finally been able to read a Catherine Bybee book! She has been on TBR list and I am so glad that I read this book. Faking Forever by Catherine Bybee is the fourth book in the First Wives Series. Even though the book is the 4th in the series, it can be read as a standalone novel. However, I am so interested in the other characters, now I have to get the previous books!
Shannon is the ex-wife of a former governor. She has spent years trying to heal from the breakup that she knew was coming. But now she feels that her biological clock is ticking and starts thinking about having a baby on her own. However, in her spare time, she does photography for weddings. She flies to a destination wedding that has a nervous bride, an overwhelming mother, and a workaholic groom. Obviously, that is a bad mix and the bride makes a break for it just before the wedding starts. Shannon uses this opportunity to take a little vacation and maybe spot a sperm donor? Well, turns out the workaholic groom named Victor, decides to stay behind as well. They couldn’t be more different. However, they both make an impression on each other and make them take a hard look at what they want their future lives to look like.
What a great book to review on International Women’s Day! This book is a powerhouse of strong, determined women and fantastic female friendships. Can all of these women be my best friends, please? What I love about this book is that it is a romance but it wasn’t just that. It is about this couple finding themselves individually and finding their own happiness outside of relationships. Shannon is spectacular! She absolutely shines as the main character. I love her self-realization and growth throughout the story. All of the characters are real and relatable. I can’t wait to read the other books in the series and read about the other friends in the First Wives group! If you enjoy fun, witty romance, this is the book to read. I definitely rate this book 5 out of 5 stars! Thank you, NetGalley, Montlake Romance, and Catherine Bybee for a copy of the book!
Shannon is the ex-wife of a former governor. She has spent years trying to heal from the breakup that she knew was coming. But now she feels that her biological clock is ticking and starts thinking about having a baby on her own. However, in her spare time, she does photography for weddings. She flies to a destination wedding that has a nervous bride, an overwhelming mother, and a workaholic groom. Obviously, that is a bad mix and the bride makes a break for it just before the wedding starts. Shannon uses this opportunity to take a little vacation and maybe spot a sperm donor? Well, turns out the workaholic groom named Victor, decides to stay behind as well. They couldn’t be more different. However, they both make an impression on each other and make them take a hard look at what they want their future lives to look like.
What a great book to review on International Women’s Day! This book is a powerhouse of strong, determined women and fantastic female friendships. Can all of these women be my best friends, please? What I love about this book is that it is a romance but it wasn’t just that. It is about this couple finding themselves individually and finding their own happiness outside of relationships. Shannon is spectacular! She absolutely shines as the main character. I love her self-realization and growth throughout the story. All of the characters are real and relatable. I can’t wait to read the other books in the series and read about the other friends in the First Wives group! If you enjoy fun, witty romance, this is the book to read. I definitely rate this book 5 out of 5 stars! Thank you, NetGalley, Montlake Romance, and Catherine Bybee for a copy of the book!
Once again, J.C. Briggs takes us back to the dark streets of London in Death at Hungerford Stairs. This is the second book in the Charles Dickens and Superintendent Sam Jones mystery series. This time, Charles Dickens finds himself at a workhouse he knew as a boy. He is haunted by the memories that it left him but they discover a small boy murdered. This is just the first murder in a series of murders of small boys. Who is responsible? Charles Dickens and Superintendent Jones are left with very little evidence that takes them through the darkest depths of London.
For the most part, this book can be read as a standalone book. However, there are a few details and storylines that continue from the first book. I highly suggest reading the first book in the series before this book. I feel that these books are not the average mystery. The twists and turns keep coming and the clues are not obvious which makes it more interesting to solve the mystery while reading. This story is also extremely dark. Every time I pick up this book I envision a dark, foggy, dangerous Victorian London. The author truly excels with this aesthetic.
There are so many characters in this story. Sometimes it is difficult to keep track of them all throughout all the investigating and interrogations. The street talk and accents while they add great detail and realism to the story can be quite difficult to read. Although, it is the details that make this story so wonderful. I love how the author portrays Charles Dickens. Both his frustrations with his wife and his concern for the poor. Overall I rate this story 4 out 5 stars.
For the most part, this book can be read as a standalone book. However, there are a few details and storylines that continue from the first book. I highly suggest reading the first book in the series before this book. I feel that these books are not the average mystery. The twists and turns keep coming and the clues are not obvious which makes it more interesting to solve the mystery while reading. This story is also extremely dark. Every time I pick up this book I envision a dark, foggy, dangerous Victorian London. The author truly excels with this aesthetic.
There are so many characters in this story. Sometimes it is difficult to keep track of them all throughout all the investigating and interrogations. The street talk and accents while they add great detail and realism to the story can be quite difficult to read. Although, it is the details that make this story so wonderful. I love how the author portrays Charles Dickens. Both his frustrations with his wife and his concern for the poor. Overall I rate this story 4 out 5 stars.
Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen has been sitting on my shelf for years! I am so glad that I have finally read it. This book is the February selection for my book club and we plan to watch the movie in the next couple of weeks.
This book has two storylines. Both are from the point of view of Jacob Jankowski. He is 93 and lives in a nursing home. He is bitter and grieving. When his mind is right, he reminisces on the past. His past takes the readers back to his last few weeks of Vet school. In those last few weeks, his parents are killed in a car accident. Because of the Stock Market Crash, his father worked for free and Jacob was left with nothing. So instead of finishing his final exams, he stumbles across the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. There, he spots the beautiful, Marlena. Because of his veterinary experience, Jacob is hired to join this traveling circus. He is exposed to constant danger and betrayal. When the elephant, Rosie joins the show, Jacob cannot leave. Even though Marlena is married to another, Jacob cannot help but fall for her. Their love is impossible, so is training Rosie. But Jacob does not give up hope in reaching to both of them.
Wow. There are so many emotions throughout this book. First of all, the hero of this story is not Jacob, nor is it Marlena. It is Rosie. She proves that elephants and animals, in general, are beautiful, emotional and understanding creatures. The animal abuse in this story is difficult to read but I believe it necessary. It gives the animals who suffered this cruelty in real life a voice.
The love story is beautiful too. I did love Jacob as the main character. He is kind, caring and loyal. He befriends those who have no one else and stands up for them. Marlena is beautiful and loves her animals more than anything. She is in an abusive relationship. I was hoping that she develope more strength throughout the story. But she is such a gentle soul. These characters are what made this story so great.
I loved learning about this era, and about the traveling circus life. To everyone, it is amazing and glamorous but behind the scenes, it is dirty, unforgiving and dangerous. I could not put this book down.
Overall I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I couldn’t put it down. I felt connected with all the characters, including Rosie. I cannot wait to watch the movie.
This book has two storylines. Both are from the point of view of Jacob Jankowski. He is 93 and lives in a nursing home. He is bitter and grieving. When his mind is right, he reminisces on the past. His past takes the readers back to his last few weeks of Vet school. In those last few weeks, his parents are killed in a car accident. Because of the Stock Market Crash, his father worked for free and Jacob was left with nothing. So instead of finishing his final exams, he stumbles across the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. There, he spots the beautiful, Marlena. Because of his veterinary experience, Jacob is hired to join this traveling circus. He is exposed to constant danger and betrayal. When the elephant, Rosie joins the show, Jacob cannot leave. Even though Marlena is married to another, Jacob cannot help but fall for her. Their love is impossible, so is training Rosie. But Jacob does not give up hope in reaching to both of them.
Wow. There are so many emotions throughout this book. First of all, the hero of this story is not Jacob, nor is it Marlena. It is Rosie. She proves that elephants and animals, in general, are beautiful, emotional and understanding creatures. The animal abuse in this story is difficult to read but I believe it necessary. It gives the animals who suffered this cruelty in real life a voice.
The love story is beautiful too. I did love Jacob as the main character. He is kind, caring and loyal. He befriends those who have no one else and stands up for them. Marlena is beautiful and loves her animals more than anything. She is in an abusive relationship. I was hoping that she develope more strength throughout the story. But she is such a gentle soul. These characters are what made this story so great.
I loved learning about this era, and about the traveling circus life. To everyone, it is amazing and glamorous but behind the scenes, it is dirty, unforgiving and dangerous. I could not put this book down.
Overall I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I couldn’t put it down. I felt connected with all the characters, including Rosie. I cannot wait to watch the movie.
One thing you can always expect from Jocelyn Green’s novels is the attention to historical detail. That goes for her newest book Between Two Shores. This book is about a woman named Catherine. She is both Mohawk and French. It is the year 1759 and her world is in the midst of the French and Indian War. When she was a child, she decided to leave her village and care for her father. She helps run trade throughout the area with both the French and the British. When the man she loved randomly appears after being gone for years, it flips her world upside down. She is torn between helping and ending the war or ignoring him and going on with her life. That is until someone tries to have him killed. Will she risk her life to help him escape? The more important question is, how will she protect her heart from being broken again?
Like I said earlier, the historical detail in this book is absolutely extraordinary! Readers can tell that the author devoted so much time into studying the history of this time period. The characters are fantastic as well. They are all so complex! Especially, Catherine. She spends the entire book trying to figure out where she fits in this world. I love how the book goes into depth about the Mohawk culture and her transition to French life. My only issue is that most of the story is detail and backstory. The real plot really doesn’t start until more than halfway through the book. I do love the detail but I was hoping for more plot development.
However, once the plot picks up the book is difficult to put down! I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. The characters are phenomenal and really showcase the strength of women. The ending is unusual for this genre but completely satisfying!
Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House for a copy of the book!
Like I said earlier, the historical detail in this book is absolutely extraordinary! Readers can tell that the author devoted so much time into studying the history of this time period. The characters are fantastic as well. They are all so complex! Especially, Catherine. She spends the entire book trying to figure out where she fits in this world. I love how the book goes into depth about the Mohawk culture and her transition to French life. My only issue is that most of the story is detail and backstory. The real plot really doesn’t start until more than halfway through the book. I do love the detail but I was hoping for more plot development.
However, once the plot picks up the book is difficult to put down! I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. The characters are phenomenal and really showcase the strength of women. The ending is unusual for this genre but completely satisfying!
Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House for a copy of the book!
Finally! A Desperate Hope by Elizabeth Camden is the third book in the Empire State series. I have been waiting to read this book for some time because Eloise is such a mysterious character in the previous book and I am happy to hear her story.
Eloise is an incredibly intelligent young woman with a knack for numbers. She has a job as an accountant working for a company that will engineer the building of a massive reservoir. She is told to go down to the construction site and give estimates to the town there so they can move before the construction. Eloise is familiar with the town since she grew up nearby. Obviously, the town is not happy about having to relocate and don’t provide a warm welcome. The town’s mayor is Alex Duval, Eloise’s first love. They were separated as teens after their affair had been discovered. Now, they are on opposite sides. That isn’t all, there is sabotage lurking nearby making it difficult for both sides to proceed with plans. Eloise and Alex need to work together to find out who is behind the sabotage and make a plan that benefits the town and the state. However, their past feelings make that difficult.
One thing that I love about this series is that every main character is a woman, who is incredibly intelligent, who works twice as hard to be taken seriously in the world of men. The characters have amazing development but it is their courage to preserve that always adds such an amazing layer to the story. The men in the story were a little lackluster for me. I wasn’t a fan of either love interest.
Even though this book is Christian historical fiction, it is not preachy which I really appreciate. Her characters are real and make real decisions, which makes them so much more relatable. Another thing about this series, Camden always has incredible historical detail. Some may say it slows the pace down but I think it adds so much to the story.
Overall, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars!
This book releases on February 5th!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Bethany House for a copy of the book!
Eloise is an incredibly intelligent young woman with a knack for numbers. She has a job as an accountant working for a company that will engineer the building of a massive reservoir. She is told to go down to the construction site and give estimates to the town there so they can move before the construction. Eloise is familiar with the town since she grew up nearby. Obviously, the town is not happy about having to relocate and don’t provide a warm welcome. The town’s mayor is Alex Duval, Eloise’s first love. They were separated as teens after their affair had been discovered. Now, they are on opposite sides. That isn’t all, there is sabotage lurking nearby making it difficult for both sides to proceed with plans. Eloise and Alex need to work together to find out who is behind the sabotage and make a plan that benefits the town and the state. However, their past feelings make that difficult.
One thing that I love about this series is that every main character is a woman, who is incredibly intelligent, who works twice as hard to be taken seriously in the world of men. The characters have amazing development but it is their courage to preserve that always adds such an amazing layer to the story. The men in the story were a little lackluster for me. I wasn’t a fan of either love interest.
Even though this book is Christian historical fiction, it is not preachy which I really appreciate. Her characters are real and make real decisions, which makes them so much more relatable. Another thing about this series, Camden always has incredible historical detail. Some may say it slows the pace down but I think it adds so much to the story.
Overall, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars!
This book releases on February 5th!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Bethany House for a copy of the book!
When I finish a book, I try to take some time before actually writing a review. Sometimes, I close the book and think, “yeah, I enjoyed it.” Then I start thinking about the characters, the story, things that I liked and things that bugged me. Then…I can collect my thoughts and sometimes I still enjoyed the book, and sometimes I decide that it wasn’t as great as it could have been. I decided to read Ready Player One by Ernest Cline for a 2018 book challenge that I participate in with some of my friends. I have to be honest, I already wasn’t feeling this book when I picked it up. However, it was my final read for 2018 and I wanted it to be a fun, entertaining read to close out the year.
The book takes place in America, in 2044. All natural resources are pretty much gone, people have fled to the cities. The cities are overcrowded and people are starving. To flee this awful place, they escape to a virtual reality game called OASIS. The creator of OASIS dies and leaves clues to an egg that will leave the winner control of the program and all his billions of dollars. However, years go by and no one can figure it out. Not until Wade finds the first key. Then it is a race between other Gunters (players participating in the hunt) and a rival internet corporation to get through the other clues to the egg. Wade doesn’t have any friends outside OASIS and even then, they are fellow Gunters so they are still rivals as well.
Okay. So I know so many people that really enjoyed the book. I can see how it is enjoyable. There are many parts that are entertaining. However, it wasn’t the most entertaining or enjoyable story for me.
Let me start off with things I enjoyed. I loved all the references to the ’80s, pop culture, movies, music…even the ones that added nothing to the story. (SO MANY) –I am curious how he talks about ALL things the ’80s but never mentions Jem and the Holograms, that is just rude. Anyway, I digress. I enjoyed the world building, the author is very descriptive and does not leave one thing out.
The things I didn’t like…
This whole “if you are not totally and completely obsessed with the ’80s then shame on you!” attitude. I have many played video games and mostly ’80s video games. My favorite part of the book is when he plays the perfect game of Pac-Man. But this attitude seemed very divisive. Not to mention, kids who lived in the ’80s are still alive and could probably put this 18-year-old Wade to shame. Just sayin’.
I also felt that there was some information that was not needed. The author was explaining things as if he was talking to a newborn who does not know what his or her hands are yet. There are just pages and pages of information that caused me to just completely zone out. It totally slowed the pace of the story down every single time.
Overall, I see this as an entertaining story that could have hooked me in a bit better. The references were awesome and the story unique but it just didn’t reel me in. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
The book takes place in America, in 2044. All natural resources are pretty much gone, people have fled to the cities. The cities are overcrowded and people are starving. To flee this awful place, they escape to a virtual reality game called OASIS. The creator of OASIS dies and leaves clues to an egg that will leave the winner control of the program and all his billions of dollars. However, years go by and no one can figure it out. Not until Wade finds the first key. Then it is a race between other Gunters (players participating in the hunt) and a rival internet corporation to get through the other clues to the egg. Wade doesn’t have any friends outside OASIS and even then, they are fellow Gunters so they are still rivals as well.
Okay. So I know so many people that really enjoyed the book. I can see how it is enjoyable. There are many parts that are entertaining. However, it wasn’t the most entertaining or enjoyable story for me.
Let me start off with things I enjoyed. I loved all the references to the ’80s, pop culture, movies, music…even the ones that added nothing to the story. (SO MANY) –I am curious how he talks about ALL things the ’80s but never mentions Jem and the Holograms, that is just rude. Anyway, I digress. I enjoyed the world building, the author is very descriptive and does not leave one thing out.
The things I didn’t like…
This whole “if you are not totally and completely obsessed with the ’80s then shame on you!” attitude. I have many played video games and mostly ’80s video games. My favorite part of the book is when he plays the perfect game of Pac-Man. But this attitude seemed very divisive. Not to mention, kids who lived in the ’80s are still alive and could probably put this 18-year-old Wade to shame. Just sayin’.
I also felt that there was some information that was not needed. The author was explaining things as if he was talking to a newborn who does not know what his or her hands are yet. There are just pages and pages of information that caused me to just completely zone out. It totally slowed the pace of the story down every single time.
Overall, I see this as an entertaining story that could have hooked me in a bit better. The references were awesome and the story unique but it just didn’t reel me in. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
When I saw The Murder of Patience Brooke by J.C. Briggs on NetGalley I knew I had to read it. The book begins at the home that Charles Dickens founded for fallen women. The gruesome murder of Patience Brooke is discovered. So Charles Dickens and Superintendent Jones waste no time in investigating the murder. They did not know much about Patience Brooke but soon find out that not many knew her at all. Her past is clouded in secrecy. However, another girl disappears. They realize they may not have much time at all as they track through London chasing clues to find this evil murderer.
So the first thing that caught my eye was the title. It sounded like a good mystery. Then I saw that it was a Victorian London mystery…even better. AND THEN I saw that it is the first in a series called Charles Dickens Investigations! As in… A Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol…yes, that Charles Dickens! I absolutely adore Charles Dickens. He is one of my favorite authors, so reading a book about him investigating murders just really drew me in!
I must say, I was not disappointed! There were a few slow parts. I had to read when I was fully awake so that I did not miss any details. However, this book takes you on a journey through gloomy, foggy, Victorian London. The descriptions are unbelievable, it made me feel that I was there! This book is full of small details and facts regarding Charles Dickens which I really enjoyed. Also, Charles Dickens is not the only author that readers meet, no spoilers though. I also love the camaraderie between Dickens and Jones. They make a wonderful team. The mystery is dark and full of twists that keep the reader guessing until the end.
Overall, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars! I am counting down the minutes until I can read the next book!
Thank you, NetGalley and Sapere Books for a copy of this book!
So the first thing that caught my eye was the title. It sounded like a good mystery. Then I saw that it was a Victorian London mystery…even better. AND THEN I saw that it is the first in a series called Charles Dickens Investigations! As in… A Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol…yes, that Charles Dickens! I absolutely adore Charles Dickens. He is one of my favorite authors, so reading a book about him investigating murders just really drew me in!
I must say, I was not disappointed! There were a few slow parts. I had to read when I was fully awake so that I did not miss any details. However, this book takes you on a journey through gloomy, foggy, Victorian London. The descriptions are unbelievable, it made me feel that I was there! This book is full of small details and facts regarding Charles Dickens which I really enjoyed. Also, Charles Dickens is not the only author that readers meet, no spoilers though. I also love the camaraderie between Dickens and Jones. They make a wonderful team. The mystery is dark and full of twists that keep the reader guessing until the end.
Overall, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars! I am counting down the minutes until I can read the next book!
Thank you, NetGalley and Sapere Books for a copy of this book!
Merry Christmas!
I think everyone who knows me, knows that if I could choose anyone in the world to meet, past or present, it would be J.R.R. Tolkien. I love everything he has ever written. However, after reading Letters From Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien, I would love the chance to meet his children. This book is filled with letters and drawings from Father Christmas, that Tolkien wrote for his children between the years 1920-1942. These letters have a snarky Father Christmas and his mischevious polar bear friend. These letters tell the stories of what is going on with Christmas preparations and even Goblin wars–because only Tolkien would include Goblins in Christmas letters.
These letters are heartwarming and I could only imagine that they just made Christmas for the Tolkien children so utterly magical. This is why I would love to talk to his children, to see how this impacted their childhood and what it was like. He took such time and put so much detail in these lovely letters. It also broke my heart. At first, the letters are to John. Then to John and Michael. Then to John, Michael and Christopher. Then finally to John, Michael, Christopher, and Priscilla. But then John grows up. Then Michael grows up…then Christopher. At the final letter to his daughter, Tolkien knows this is his final letter to her. I was shamelessly sobbing at this moment in the middle of Starbucks. It truly touched my heart as Tolkien always does.
Obviously, this book is 5 out of 5 stars for me. I can’t wait to share these absolutely beautiful stories with my children.
Have a wonderful holiday everyone!
I think everyone who knows me, knows that if I could choose anyone in the world to meet, past or present, it would be J.R.R. Tolkien. I love everything he has ever written. However, after reading Letters From Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien, I would love the chance to meet his children. This book is filled with letters and drawings from Father Christmas, that Tolkien wrote for his children between the years 1920-1942. These letters have a snarky Father Christmas and his mischevious polar bear friend. These letters tell the stories of what is going on with Christmas preparations and even Goblin wars–because only Tolkien would include Goblins in Christmas letters.
These letters are heartwarming and I could only imagine that they just made Christmas for the Tolkien children so utterly magical. This is why I would love to talk to his children, to see how this impacted their childhood and what it was like. He took such time and put so much detail in these lovely letters. It also broke my heart. At first, the letters are to John. Then to John and Michael. Then to John, Michael and Christopher. Then finally to John, Michael, Christopher, and Priscilla. But then John grows up. Then Michael grows up…then Christopher. At the final letter to his daughter, Tolkien knows this is his final letter to her. I was shamelessly sobbing at this moment in the middle of Starbucks. It truly touched my heart as Tolkien always does.
Obviously, this book is 5 out of 5 stars for me. I can’t wait to share these absolutely beautiful stories with my children.
Have a wonderful holiday everyone!