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lucyslibraryreviews's reviews
363 reviews
The Grandfather Clock by Phyllis Wheeler
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
4.75
This is a short story that introduces the reader to the means of time travel for this adventurous series. It's a story about a likable determined to find his father. He happens upon a time traveling clock shop that changes his life.
The author is intentional to write stories that encourage virtues and values. This series is a fun way for kids to experience other times and cultures and develop a heart that desires to help others.
The author is intentional to write stories that encourage virtues and values. This series is a fun way for kids to experience other times and cultures and develop a heart that desires to help others.
Thorns of Winter by Moriah Chavis
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is the first I've read from Moriah Chavis. She's been a finalist at Realm Makers 3x and it shows in her beautiful prose. Though this is just a short story with a well loved trope, Thorn of Winter has lovable character and some interesting twists and turns. It is delightful from start to finish.
I did receive a free copy for an honest review... yada yada yada.
I did receive a free copy for an honest review... yada yada yada.
Hybrid by Candace Kade
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Hybrid is the 2nd installment in a series &, like the first book, I loved it. This futuristic story set in China is so different from anything else I’ve read, which is a big win for a girl like me that wants to get away when she reads.
The hybrid part wasn’t surprising, it’s in the name. The fact that Urban survives, not surprising, she’s got another book to star in. Everest (BF) is still amazing, not surprising. Everything else, was completely unexpected. Urban is so determined and daring she makes choices that are a bit crazy. Her quest to find her family, how that went was totally unpredictable.
Urban’s not a super hero. She has fears, but she stares them down out of a necessity born out of her refusal to accept the status quo. Without being loud and glaring, she has a quiet determination for justice and equality in a world where modernity has made societal divides that are more vast than the Grand Canyon.
My only disappointment is the loose ends that must remain untied until book 3 is completed. Man! I hope I get an ARC!
The hybrid part wasn’t surprising, it’s in the name. The fact that Urban survives, not surprising, she’s got another book to star in. Everest (BF) is still amazing, not surprising. Everything else, was completely unexpected. Urban is so determined and daring she makes choices that are a bit crazy. Her quest to find her family, how that went was totally unpredictable.
Urban’s not a super hero. She has fears, but she stares them down out of a necessity born out of her refusal to accept the status quo. Without being loud and glaring, she has a quiet determination for justice and equality in a world where modernity has made societal divides that are more vast than the Grand Canyon.
My only disappointment is the loose ends that must remain untied until book 3 is completed. Man! I hope I get an ARC!
Good Deeds Gone Wrong by Ruthie Godfrey
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
NOTE: I haven't read this on Kindle, but on Kobo it was really hard to see the words using the app on my phone so I recommend buying a physical copy. It was readable on my laptop, but still small.
Stephen is a lovable character & I hope to read his other books. I really love the way he is excited about Good Deeds Week, but things keep going wrong. Let's face it, sometimes life is like that. He doesn't let his disappointments stop him and at the end of the book there is fruit from his good deeds, in spite of the mishaps and disappointments. This book made me laugh out loud several times & the illustrations also made me smile.
And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24 is the inspiration for Stephen’s story.
Stephen is a lovable character & I hope to read his other books. I really love the way he is excited about Good Deeds Week, but things keep going wrong. Let's face it, sometimes life is like that. He doesn't let his disappointments stop him and at the end of the book there is fruit from his good deeds, in spite of the mishaps and disappointments. This book made me laugh out loud several times & the illustrations also made me smile.
And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24 is the inspiration for Stephen’s story.
A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado by Kathleen Denly
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
At 162 pages, this is a short, romantic murder-mystery. I enjoyed reading a story set in this iconic hotel that Some Like it Hot was filmed at. The author included some facts, like the founder of the hotel. As a native San Diegan, it was a fairly accurate portrayal. At one point, there were crunching leaves and in a location I’m not sure people would walk. I’d have to go to the hotel to check, and if the writer is incorrect it did not affect the story in any way.
I liked the main characters and it was fun to see them breaking the rules to solve the mystery. The romance was pure & the murder was not described making this clean reading & safe for teen as well as adults.
I liked the main characters and it was fun to see them breaking the rules to solve the mystery. The romance was pure & the murder was not described making this clean reading & safe for teen as well as adults.
Suspended in the Stars by E. A. Hendryx
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Suspended in the Stars is a unique sci-fi adventure that begins on a circus ship. Think trapeze artists. It’s a fun place to start in the world building. The adventure spreads across the stars with galaxy politics, assassins, lots of hiding, running and a few surprises in the plot.
Romance is not my usual genre. Jane Austen said: “pictures of perfection make me sick and wicked,” I don't think she’d like this book. He is a perfect, muscular warrior and she is the beauty of the show. For me, there was a bit much sexual tension as it’s constantly there. He wants her perfect body. She wants his. The characters were likable and the story was good enough to make me want to read book two. There was no sex. Kissing. Hugging. It was all fairly innocent, but it left you feeling like the think of little else. I’d enjoy it more if I too were perfection. It’s not very original for a man to fall for a gorgeous woman. Likewise, it’s not too impressive for the gorgeous woman to fall for the handsome, muscular man in tight clothes. They both have secrets. They don’t know if circumstances will permit their love. Her flaw is that she trusts people too easily and is sometimes mistaken. His flaw is that … I’m not sure what his flaw is. Maybe, this is normal for romance. I chose it for the sci-fi adventure that it is. As I said, the story was good enough that I’ll probably give into the cliff hanger and read book two.
Romance is not my usual genre. Jane Austen said: “pictures of perfection make me sick and wicked,” I don't think she’d like this book. He is a perfect, muscular warrior and she is the beauty of the show. For me, there was a bit much sexual tension as it’s constantly there. He wants her perfect body. She wants his. The characters were likable and the story was good enough to make me want to read book two. There was no sex. Kissing. Hugging. It was all fairly innocent, but it left you feeling like the think of little else. I’d enjoy it more if I too were perfection. It’s not very original for a man to fall for a gorgeous woman. Likewise, it’s not too impressive for the gorgeous woman to fall for the handsome, muscular man in tight clothes. They both have secrets. They don’t know if circumstances will permit their love. Her flaw is that she trusts people too easily and is sometimes mistaken. His flaw is that … I’m not sure what his flaw is. Maybe, this is normal for romance. I chose it for the sci-fi adventure that it is. As I said, the story was good enough that I’ll probably give into the cliff hanger and read book two.
The Gingerbread Queen by Carrie Anne Noble
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The Gingerbread Queen is a sweet indie story that contains a good witch, and a bad witch. The bad witch has a small role, as this is a continuation of the Grimm fairy tale in which the witch is burned in an oven. This is not so dark as the original, and it does a lovely job of building up the characters in the story. The story is set as the kids are in their late teens and their father has died. Noble does a good job of imagining the effects of such trauma on their character as well as the effects of such a tale on the townsfolk.
The story has wonderful prose & I underlined many beautiful sentences & thoughts. I’m not sure I’ve ever loved so many lines in a piece of fiction. There is some innocent romance, as well. It’s hard to not like the characters, except for Hansel. But then, who wouldn’t be scarred after being caged up by a witch for tomorrow night’s supper?
The duck has a much larger part than in the fairy tale, he adds much amusement as well as depth of story.
There is a character that reminisces about adultery. There is some lusty description, though it does not glorify adultery in any way.
“If she’d learned one thing over the years, it was this: sometimes one had no choice but to act bravely and hope for the impossible.”
“I have no doubt that you can take care of yourself, and have done so many times. But to ask for help is an act of courage, and to accept help is braver still.” Lukas
“The possession of such power rankled him far more than being reduced to eating spiders. He’d wieleded such magic once! Somehow, someday, he vowed with a dismal quack, he would be formidable again. He’d move more than spiders and storm clouds. Someday, he’d feast on the finest foods. He’d wear fine silk and soft leather, jeweled rings and gold pocket watches. His servants would bow and grovel and treat him like royalty. In his future mansion, feathers would be forbidden.” Ansgar- in duck form
“With all his being [Ansgar- in duck form] he willed the girl Gretel to come back to break the spell that bound him. The concentrated effort made his head hurt-and likely affected nothing else in the universe”
The story has wonderful prose & I underlined many beautiful sentences & thoughts. I’m not sure I’ve ever loved so many lines in a piece of fiction. There is some innocent romance, as well. It’s hard to not like the characters, except for Hansel. But then, who wouldn’t be scarred after being caged up by a witch for tomorrow night’s supper?
The duck has a much larger part than in the fairy tale, he adds much amusement as well as depth of story.
There is a character that reminisces about adultery. There is some lusty description, though it does not glorify adultery in any way.
“If she’d learned one thing over the years, it was this: sometimes one had no choice but to act bravely and hope for the impossible.”
“I have no doubt that you can take care of yourself, and have done so many times. But to ask for help is an act of courage, and to accept help is braver still.” Lukas
“The possession of such power rankled him far more than being reduced to eating spiders. He’d wieleded such magic once! Somehow, someday, he vowed with a dismal quack, he would be formidable again. He’d move more than spiders and storm clouds. Someday, he’d feast on the finest foods. He’d wear fine silk and soft leather, jeweled rings and gold pocket watches. His servants would bow and grovel and treat him like royalty. In his future mansion, feathers would be forbidden.” Ansgar- in duck form
“With all his being [Ansgar- in duck form] he willed the girl Gretel to come back to break the spell that bound him. The concentrated effort made his head hurt-and likely affected nothing else in the universe”
Mortal Queens by Victoria McCombs
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
This was a unique and elegant rendition of fae. They live on islands in the night sky & their culture is focused on thimblerigging (yea, I did find that with a thesaurus) for more and more power.
Every year, a new young mortal is chosen to be queen. The latest choice is our protagonist, Thea. She wants to seek out the queens chosen in the past years, but can only find one. She is worshiped, she is adored, but she’s also questioning if it’s worth the price. Does she want to remain in luxury, like she’s never seen on earth, or return to her family. All she knows is that she wants to live.
Thea is not at all like me. Well, we are both mortal, but I’d buy my time in the palace, instead of diving into the games of intrigue that they fae are all about. Still, I couldn’t help rooting for her. She’s intelligent, determined, compassionate and loves her family, dearly. I look forward to Lethal Kings, to see if she ends up in the fae realm, or return the human realm, if she can.
Every year, a new young mortal is chosen to be queen. The latest choice is our protagonist, Thea. She wants to seek out the queens chosen in the past years, but can only find one. She is worshiped, she is adored, but she’s also questioning if it’s worth the price. Does she want to remain in luxury, like she’s never seen on earth, or return to her family. All she knows is that she wants to live.
Thea is not at all like me. Well, we are both mortal, but I’d buy my time in the palace, instead of diving into the games of intrigue that they fae are all about. Still, I couldn’t help rooting for her. She’s intelligent, determined, compassionate and loves her family, dearly. I look forward to Lethal Kings, to see if she ends up in the fae realm, or return the human realm, if she can.
Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln by Margarita Engle
slow-paced
5.0
Just like with the artwork, the author weaves beautiful visuals into her prose. This is an inspiring story about a girl who brought joy in wartime & to Abraham Lincoln and family just after his son’s death.
The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine is a whimsical story narrated by Emlyn, herself. She is in her late teens and a bit sarcastic and left me laughing out loud. She lost her sister at a young age, the sister unraveled before her eyes leaving people thinking she’s insane. The explanation for this is completely ludicrous, but when an author can make you believe in such a thing you have a wonderful tale.
Emlyn is part of a team. She is not what she’s expected to be. There’s a gryphon that can’t fly. A protector that is easily frightened. They are a hot mess, but it’s beautiful to see them still become a success and complete their missions. This is especially good considering there’s a universe at stake.
There are bonuses to writers & readers because there is a bit of magical library in this story.
There are also bonuses for Wizard of Oz fans.
The story has some interesting plot twists, and the epilogue promises that the sequel will have one, as well, with a mermaid.
The characters are late teens, early twenties. They live on their own, without families. A boy comes over and hangs out, but it's all completely innocent. I'd feel comfortable letting teens of all ages read this book.
Emlyn is part of a team. She is not what she’s expected to be. There’s a gryphon that can’t fly. A protector that is easily frightened. They are a hot mess, but it’s beautiful to see them still become a success and complete their missions. This is especially good considering there’s a universe at stake.
There are bonuses to writers & readers because there is a bit of magical library in this story.
There are also bonuses for Wizard of Oz fans.
The story has some interesting plot twists, and the epilogue promises that the sequel will have one, as well, with a mermaid.
The characters are late teens, early twenties. They live on their own, without families. A boy comes over and hangs out, but it's all completely innocent. I'd feel comfortable letting teens of all ages read this book.