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pelicanfreak's reviews
2242 reviews
The Many Lives of June Crandall by Suzanne Whitfield Vince
4.0
This novel sucked me in from the start and in what seemed like minutes I’d read half of it already. I enjoyed the drama of following Grace through her child/teen/college years. It began to get a little too ‘happily ever after’ for a short while but there was still drama and it kept me intrigued. Yet more drama ensued and I won’t say whether it was a happily ever after – you’ll need to read to find out. For me, it was very well written, and a good story concept but a bit dragged out.
Braineater Jones by Stephen Kozeniewski
5.0
Braineater Jones
Upon first discovering this book and checking it out, one might be under the impression that it’s some sort of joke or spoof. Check it out anyway – trust me. I love this book. Off the bat, I find myself laughing at it – I do not mean in a mocking way. I mean because the author has a way of writing that is quite humorous. ‘Braineater Jones’ describes his surroundings and situation in a way that paints a very clear picture, provides humor and makes me need to read on. As I do, there are several mysteries afoot and none of them are your typical mystery novel style. This book is like nothing I’ve read before and I just want more.
While Jones is undead, there isn’t any apocalypse / zombie situation going on. People are going about their lives during a difficult time in our history- some are living and some are.. well.. unliving. Jones’s personality promptly shines through, despite the fact that he cannot remember who he is – this is a brilliantly designed character surrounded by other well designed, and funny characters.
The author was even considerate enough to include a glossary in the back to help with some of the slang from the past though I must say I didn’t find this necessary. Any phrases I hadn’t heard before were used in away that were self-explanatory meaning there was no need to be checking back & forth.
Upon first discovering this book and checking it out, one might be under the impression that it’s some sort of joke or spoof. Check it out anyway – trust me. I love this book. Off the bat, I find myself laughing at it – I do not mean in a mocking way. I mean because the author has a way of writing that is quite humorous. ‘Braineater Jones’ describes his surroundings and situation in a way that paints a very clear picture, provides humor and makes me need to read on. As I do, there are several mysteries afoot and none of them are your typical mystery novel style. This book is like nothing I’ve read before and I just want more.
While Jones is undead, there isn’t any apocalypse / zombie situation going on. People are going about their lives during a difficult time in our history- some are living and some are.. well.. unliving. Jones’s personality promptly shines through, despite the fact that he cannot remember who he is – this is a brilliantly designed character surrounded by other well designed, and funny characters.
The author was even considerate enough to include a glossary in the back to help with some of the slang from the past though I must say I didn’t find this necessary. Any phrases I hadn’t heard before were used in away that were self-explanatory meaning there was no need to be checking back & forth.
Rehab Is For Witches by Miranda Stork, Cynthia Valero, Elle J. Rossi, Tyffani Clark Kemp, Tara S. Wood, J.A. Howell
5.0
First of all this collection is designed brilliantly; if you’re a fan of short stories you can read this, in or out of order as standalones as they all wrap up nicely. Yet, if you’d rather a full-length novel, you can read them all (I’d suggest in order) as each has ties to the others. This has been an incredibly fun read that more than lived up to all the hype that the promotional materials built up for me over the past several months.
‘A Diary Full of Names’ by Tyffani Clark Kemp
Extremely well written, hard to put down and a bit mysterious. Although Die is open about what landed her in this situation, there is clearly a bit more to her that she’d rather not divulge so easily. In Die’s story, we are also treated to a glimpse of the other girls in rehab and I cannot help but feel excited for all that is to come.
‘A Closet Full of Demons’ by Miranda Stork
Catherine is hilarious and highly relatable for me. I suspect she’s only partly straightforward in telling us what landed her in Rehab but as dark magic is involved I have to find out but I get the feeling she really isn’t all that bad…
This one will leave you needing more – typical Miranda!
‘A Cauldron Full of Goodbyes’ by Cynthia Valero
Trista brings us to a very fun place in history – this story is not to be missed! A bit naïve yet fearless, her story is exciting every step of the way.
‘A Trunk Full of Peril’ by Tara S. Wood
Circe is my kind of chick – the style, the language the attitude. Even if you’re not a fan of her particular brand, you’ll find yourself hard pressed to keep a straight face at her antics. Her self-destructiveness is frustrating but stick with her; trust me…
‘A Basement Full of Secrets’, by J. A. Howell
Finally – we get to meet Gertie! Each of the other girls has had something interesting to say about her and I’m so ready to read her side. She grows on me quickly and fiercely – I SO need more Gertie in my life that I’m wondering if we can convince Howell to give her her own series or something… Without spoilers I will also say that some very satisfying stuff happens here as well.
‘A Suitcase Full of Revenge’ by Elle J. Rossi
Robie’s story is short and sweet and like some of the other girls, she isn’t actually bad, just screwed over. Very well developed characters and good continuity with the other stories but what I absolutely love here is the sinister feel the story gives off.
‘A Photo Full of Justice’ by All above-mentioned Authors
Action packed & well written, you’ll have to read for yourself to find out what happens here.
‘A Diary Full of Names’ by Tyffani Clark Kemp
Extremely well written, hard to put down and a bit mysterious. Although Die is open about what landed her in this situation, there is clearly a bit more to her that she’d rather not divulge so easily. In Die’s story, we are also treated to a glimpse of the other girls in rehab and I cannot help but feel excited for all that is to come.
‘A Closet Full of Demons’ by Miranda Stork
Catherine is hilarious and highly relatable for me. I suspect she’s only partly straightforward in telling us what landed her in Rehab but as dark magic is involved I have to find out but I get the feeling she really isn’t all that bad…
This one will leave you needing more – typical Miranda!
‘A Cauldron Full of Goodbyes’ by Cynthia Valero
Trista brings us to a very fun place in history – this story is not to be missed! A bit naïve yet fearless, her story is exciting every step of the way.
‘A Trunk Full of Peril’ by Tara S. Wood
Circe is my kind of chick – the style, the language the attitude. Even if you’re not a fan of her particular brand, you’ll find yourself hard pressed to keep a straight face at her antics. Her self-destructiveness is frustrating but stick with her; trust me…
‘A Basement Full of Secrets’, by J. A. Howell
Finally – we get to meet Gertie! Each of the other girls has had something interesting to say about her and I’m so ready to read her side. She grows on me quickly and fiercely – I SO need more Gertie in my life that I’m wondering if we can convince Howell to give her her own series or something… Without spoilers I will also say that some very satisfying stuff happens here as well.
‘A Suitcase Full of Revenge’ by Elle J. Rossi
Robie’s story is short and sweet and like some of the other girls, she isn’t actually bad, just screwed over. Very well developed characters and good continuity with the other stories but what I absolutely love here is the sinister feel the story gives off.
‘A Photo Full of Justice’ by All above-mentioned Authors
Action packed & well written, you’ll have to read for yourself to find out what happens here.
Slow Cooker Cookbook by Amber Brooks
We are treated to a short and sweet introduction - nice. Immediately onto the recipes and some of these are quite brilliant. I'd never have thought to use my slowcooker for pancakes, for example. The recipes are easy to understand, clearly stated and consisting of easy-to-obtain ingredients. This is a great book!
5.0
We are treated to a short and sweet introduction - nice. Immediately onto the recipes and some of these are quite brilliant. I'd never have thought to use my slowcooker for pancakes, for example. The recipes are easy to understand, clearly stated and consisting of easy-to-obtain ingredients. This is a great book!
Birth of the Vampire by Gayla Twist
5.0
The book opens up in a way that leaves me wanting more and I have to go on - I started this book earlier today and I couldn't stop until it was finished. There are very well-developed characters who seem realistic both in nature and in their conversations, something I'm not finding enough of lately. Early on I made several predictions thinking I'd made how the whole book would play out but - nope. It took a very different turn and I will not know if ANY of my predictions are correct as the end left me very much hanging. Very well written with good grammar and from a believable standard. The POV switches around a bit and it is done well with great continuity and is very easy to follow.
Dying to Return by Trish Marie Dawson
5.0
Trish does it again - what I love is her consistency. If she wrote it, I won't be able to put it down, as I'm learning. You cannot go wrong with any of her works.
In this third installment to the mind-opening Station Series, we see Piper find the meaning of real friendship and true love both. For me personally, my mind was opened to the infinite possibilities of our universe -and others and what lies beyond our galaxy. In exposing us to these new worlds, she manages to make them sound believable and subtly points out what were are doing wrong here, in regards to maintaining (or NOT-maintaining really) our planet.
These messages just add to the brilliance of the book. The story itself is impossible to put down and brought such vivid, colorful images to my mind - I can only wish other authors could do this for me. Since they cannot, I'll continue to impatiently hound Trish to publish more of her works. ;)
In this third installment to the mind-opening Station Series, we see Piper find the meaning of real friendship and true love both. For me personally, my mind was opened to the infinite possibilities of our universe -and others and what lies beyond our galaxy. In exposing us to these new worlds, she manages to make them sound believable and subtly points out what were are doing wrong here, in regards to maintaining (or NOT-maintaining really) our planet.
These messages just add to the brilliance of the book. The story itself is impossible to put down and brought such vivid, colorful images to my mind - I can only wish other authors could do this for me. Since they cannot, I'll continue to impatiently hound Trish to publish more of her works. ;)
Wolf's Song by Taryn Kincaid
3.0
This book starts out a bit vaguely; there is plenty of action, some confrontation that is great but without knowing who is who I cannot decide whom I’m routing for or even what they’re really fighting about. This is frustrating to me – as an avid reader who generally has no trouble reading between the lines, I am not used to guessing games at this level. To be fair though, I see this is Book 4 and **I was given this book in exchange for honest review** without any discussion or knowledge of the series.
I would say, do not read the books of this series as standalones! To be fair to the author, the book is well spoken, well written and well imagined. I would consider reading more by this author and maybe even going back and starting at Book 1.
I would say, do not read the books of this series as standalones! To be fair to the author, the book is well spoken, well written and well imagined. I would consider reading more by this author and maybe even going back and starting at Book 1.
Sweet Treats: A Valentine's Day Short Story Romance Boxed Set by Jean Oram
4.0
Whiskey and Gumdrop Hearts:
4 stars
As the title may imply to fans of the Blueberry Springs series, this installment features Mandy! A lovable character and I am happy to be exposed to more of her, her inner thoughts, her personality. She is still the same Mandy I have previously come to love with her ever-existing fear of commitment and anxiety of failure.
This book is so much fun as I get to watch Mandy be her neurotic self ... I enjoy Mandy because she is a strong character, a business woman and an all around fun person. Oram is a brilliant character designer, which is why her Blueberry Springs series works so well.
While the cast can be a bit quirky, they do still say things sometimes that I find to be cheesy and unbelievable for the times. Not too often, but phrases such as 'get out of town' seem out of place.
Overall a very fun read and well written!
In other news, these books ALWAYS make me want gumdrops and I can only ever find spice drops. I totally think Jean should send me some gumdrops since she always prompts this craving in me! ;)
Tequila & Candy Hearts:
4 stars
Blueberry Springs and all the charm this small town has packed into it is back and this time with a 'community planner' . This grips me right away as I cannot wait to see what sort of quirky events Nicola plans to spice up the town's social life! I get to read about Nicola's inner thoughts while she plans a fun, first-time event for Blueberry Springs and Oram cleverly works some humor into the whole situation. As we are treated to all of Nicola's inner thoughts though, it does lead the reader to predict every bit of what's going to happen in this book - however it ends abruptly, leaving the reader hanging! A nice surprise and a good time getting there!
Vodka & Chocolate Hearts:
4 stars
This short ties in just perfectly with the other shorts in this box set and the whole of Blueberry Springs. Another fun little teaser into the lives of the quirky cast of this series that I have come to love so much.
Normally these books are very predictable but this one did not turn out the way I expected it to – respect to Jean for throwing a curveball at me, as not many can surprise me.
4 stars
As the title may imply to fans of the Blueberry Springs series, this installment features Mandy! A lovable character and I am happy to be exposed to more of her, her inner thoughts, her personality. She is still the same Mandy I have previously come to love with her ever-existing fear of commitment and anxiety of failure.
This book is so much fun as I get to watch Mandy be her neurotic self ... I enjoy Mandy because she is a strong character, a business woman and an all around fun person. Oram is a brilliant character designer, which is why her Blueberry Springs series works so well.
While the cast can be a bit quirky, they do still say things sometimes that I find to be cheesy and unbelievable for the times. Not too often, but phrases such as 'get out of town' seem out of place.
Overall a very fun read and well written!
In other news, these books ALWAYS make me want gumdrops and I can only ever find spice drops. I totally think Jean should send me some gumdrops since she always prompts this craving in me! ;)
Tequila & Candy Hearts:
4 stars
Blueberry Springs and all the charm this small town has packed into it is back and this time with a 'community planner' . This grips me right away as I cannot wait to see what sort of quirky events Nicola plans to spice up the town's social life! I get to read about Nicola's inner thoughts while she plans a fun, first-time event for Blueberry Springs and Oram cleverly works some humor into the whole situation. As we are treated to all of Nicola's inner thoughts though, it does lead the reader to predict every bit of what's going to happen in this book - however it ends abruptly, leaving the reader hanging! A nice surprise and a good time getting there!
Vodka & Chocolate Hearts:
4 stars
This short ties in just perfectly with the other shorts in this box set and the whole of Blueberry Springs. Another fun little teaser into the lives of the quirky cast of this series that I have come to love so much.
Normally these books are very predictable but this one did not turn out the way I expected it to – respect to Jean for throwing a curveball at me, as not many can surprise me.
Accepting the Moon by K.S. Haigwood
5.0
hooked on short stories where in the past I would never bother with them. Luckily, there is also more to come as it kicks of a series that Kristie is currently working on – I definitely need more of these characters and to know how they go about their lives.
At first sight, Mena may seem like a woman who has been walked on but she soon proves that she handles herself well. When she lands in a life-threatening situation, her cheating husband appears on the scene and she has to make a quick decision: go with him or entrust her life with a stranger. Enter Jaxon; seemingly a beast who initially does have dangerous plans for her but in an instant makes a decision that saves her life. What she has yet to discover is that worlds are going to change as a result of her decision that night.
She goes on to not only save her own life in yet another volatile situation but claim her new place as a leader, and even form an alliance with her natural enemy.
At first sight, Mena may seem like a woman who has been walked on but she soon proves that she handles herself well. When she lands in a life-threatening situation, her cheating husband appears on the scene and she has to make a quick decision: go with him or entrust her life with a stranger. Enter Jaxon; seemingly a beast who initially does have dangerous plans for her but in an instant makes a decision that saves her life. What she has yet to discover is that worlds are going to change as a result of her decision that night.
She goes on to not only save her own life in yet another volatile situation but claim her new place as a leader, and even form an alliance with her natural enemy.
Derek The Dragon And The Missing Socks by Leela Hope
4.0
ery simplistic, cute poetic book.
This book reads very easily with just 4 short, simply lines on each page, accompanied by some really great, bold illustration. Derek the Dragon is adorable and lovable as he goes a bit nuts trying to find his lucky socks. He ends up cleaning everything in an attempt to find the socks which I think is a good message. (Hey kids - missing something? CLean your room and you'll probably find it!)
Cute, fast read with beautiful illustration.
This book reads very easily with just 4 short, simply lines on each page, accompanied by some really great, bold illustration. Derek the Dragon is adorable and lovable as he goes a bit nuts trying to find his lucky socks. He ends up cleaning everything in an attempt to find the socks which I think is a good message. (Hey kids - missing something? CLean your room and you'll probably find it!)
Cute, fast read with beautiful illustration.