Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts

Friday, June 8, 2018

WHERE TRAINS COLLIDE by Amber Stokes // Blog Tour, Book Review, & Giveaway


HELLO, MY DRAGONS! Today, I am beyond thrilled to share Amber Stokes's latest release, Where Trains Collide (WHICH IS TOTALLY AMAZING AND YOU SO NEED TO READ IT!!!!), as a part of her tour team! Without further ado, here's my review of Where Trains Collide --

BOOK REVIEW

★★★★★

Trisha had a dream, a painted masterpiece of what her future might be --
until all her hopes finally burnt out.

Ever since I read my first Amber Stokes book back in 2016, I knew I needed more! So when Amber announced the release of her latest novella, Where Trains Collide, a couple months ago, I signed up as a reviewer without a moment's hesitation! And oh, my friends, I'm so glad I did. 💖

Where Trains Collide tells the story of Trisha Knolane, a college student who has little hope of a happy ending. Haunted by the stress of homework and classes, she gives in to her impulsive side -- and ends up on a train to Oregon, longing to find renewed strength. If only her ex-boyfriend weren't on the train, too.

THIS BOOK!!!! Oh my word.

The characters were amazing. So human, so relatable. Trisha's pressure in college, the life she wants compared to the life she has. Paul's goodness and chivalry was charming, and the two's romance was absolutely darling!

The setting was sweet and adventurous. From the very start of the story, when Tricia anxiously awaits her train, I could just feel the anticipation, from the darkness of the night, grayed by the streetlamps, to the mounting thrill of a new experience. All the little nods to Humboldt County, and the immersive descriptions of Oregon, completely captured my heart.

But my favorite thing about this book was the message.

You see, this book came at such a perfect time for me. Trisha's internal battle over her student life and her future were SO. CRAZY. RELATABLE. Watching her journey (both emotionally and travel-wise) changed me. And I totally cried while reading it! (Which, for the record, I consider a plus. This book had a serious impact on me!)

Where Trains Collide changed my heart for the better. It taught me that God has a plan -- for your life, and for mine. He doesn't forget. He never changes. He knows our stories... and our stories aren't finished, yet.

On that note, GO READ THIS! I'm 110% certain you'll fall in love with it. 😊

NOTE: I received a free ebook copy of Where Trains Collide from the author, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Click here to read my Goodreads review.

ABOUT THE BOOK


Two hearts racing in different directions will meet where trains collide.

Burned out and disillusioned with her chosen career path, Trisha Knolane gives in to impulse and hops on a train bound for Oregon, eager to escape the stress of college for a few days. But what begins as a fun little adventure takes an unexpected turn when she discovers that her ex-boyfriend is also on board.

All her hopes and dreams had once centered on Paul Benson. Now, when Trisha doesn't know where her current track will lead, Paul’s reappearance in her life only complicates matters and sparks difficult questions.

Questions that could change the course of her life.

A heartfelt and thought-provoking contemporary romance novella, Where Trains Collide faces the uncertain season of new adulthood head on and shows that sometimes a path of broken dreams can lead to life's best destination.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amber Holcomb (Stokes) is an indie author and freelance editor living below the majestic mountains of Montana with her adventurous husband. Previously, she worked in marketing for a Christian publisher for nearly three years. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor's degree in English and now fuels her work with words in this new season of life.

You can learn more about Amber's books, sign up for her author newsletter, join her street team, and learn more at www.SeasonsofaStory.blogspot.com.


GIVEAWAY

In celebration of this new novella, enter for a chance to win a $15 Amazon.com gift card! Giveaway is open internationally (to anyone age eighteen or older who can receive an Amazon gift card via email). Void where prohibited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE


June 3

Book Spotlight | My Favorite Pastime

Book Spotlight | A Real Writer's Life

June 4

Author Interview | My Favorite Pastime

Review | Serenely Stacy

June 5

Review + Travel Story | My Favorite Pastime

Review + Author Interview + Travel Story | Meagan Davenport

June 6

Review | Carissa's Bookshelf

Review | The Green Mockingbird

June 7

Author Interview | Unicorn Quester

Review | Chosen Vessels

Review | Heidi Reads…

Review | Christian Bookshelf Reviews

June 8

Review + Deleted Scene | Flowers of Quiet Happiness

Review | Liv K. Fisher


Aaaaaack I JUST LOVED WHERE TRAINS COLLIDE SO, SO MUCH!!!! It's seriously got an amazing message, you guys. And characters, and romance, and plot, and setting, and-- you get the idea. 😉 Don't forget to grab your kindle copy today, for only $0.99!

Have you read any Amber Stokes books? (And have you ordered Where Trains Collide, yet?)

❤,







P.S. So I totally missed Wednesday's post (#oops), but I promise that (unless I die or get hit by a truck or mauled by a bear) it's coming! Just a little late. 😉 And, now that summer's finally here, I can happily say that BLOGGING WILL BE SO MUCH MORE EXCITING! Which means that my posts will be more exciting, too!

And, at the suggestion of a friend, I have a new home for my blog tour stops, cover reveal posts, book reviews, etc. Starting tomorrow (with a special look at Mollie E. Reeder's debut novel, The Electrical Menagerie), you can find those new posts at my bookish blog, The Book Sprite! Of course, there'll still be plenty of bookish fun here, from time-to-time, as well. 😊

Have a fantastic day, Dragons! And happy adventuring! 😘

Sunday, April 29, 2018

SINKING by Sarah Armstrong-Garner // Book Review + DRIFTING Blog Tour


Good day, m'dear Dragons! Today, I'm delighted to share a book review (and some other pretty cool stuff 😉) in honor of Sarah Armstrong-Garner's latest release, Drifting!

I had the honor of reading and reviewing Sinking for this tour, and let me tell y'all... IT'S QUITE THE ADVENTURE. 😻 I won't fangirl too much (that's what the book review's for 😉), but you get the idea -- IT'S AWESOME. Without further ado, here's Sinking...

ABOUT SINKING


BOOK ONE OF THE SINKING TRILOGY

Jocelyn washes up on the shore of eighteenth century Ireland, alone, naked, and missing all of her memories. Taken in by a lonely old woman full of plots and schemes for the lovely yet enigmatic creature, Jocelyn knows only one thing. She longs for the sea with every ounce of her being. Yet it tried to kill her.

Aidan Boyd loves two things. His ship and the sea. When Jocelyn is thrust upon his vessel in the midst of his superstitious crew, he finds himself intoxicated by her -- willing to give up everything for her. He soon finds he cannot live without her.

But something holds Jocelyn back. The whisper of another's love. The embrace of water. Does she belong to this world? Or could Jocelyn possibly be from the sea?



ABOUT DRIFTING


BOOK TWO OF THE SINKING TRILOGY

The adventure continues...

Jocelyn plunges into the ocean near Calcutta, India, thrown overboard by a man claiming it's the only way to save her life. As she sinks, the transformation begins, and the ocean welcomes her back into its embrace.

Aidan Boyd thought the only way to save Jocelyn was to give her back to the ocean, but now he's not so sure. Aidan doesn't believe in mermaids, but he can't explain the way she changed. Will he see Jocelyn again? Or has he condemned her to a watery grave?

Jocelyn drifts in a world she'd forgotten only to find she's hunted by a deadly force from the ancient city of Thessa, the reason she was hidden in the world above. But she cannot get Aidan out of her head. Was what they shared real? Or was it a fantasy brought on by her unconscious need to seduce a human?

Both Aidan and Jocelyn begin a desperate and dangerous journey to discover the truth... and hopefully each other. But will their love be enough?



BOOK REVIEW // SINKING

★★★★☆

Jocelyn can't remember a thing -- not even her real name.

When she wakes up on the shores of eighteenth century Ireland, beaten and battered by the ocean waves, she is taken in by a widowed noblewoman... but the lady might have plans of her own.

THIS BOOK, Y'ALL. Mermaids, Ireland, sci-fi trinkets, and the 1700s? Sign me up!

The characters were all so realistic, but Aidan... *swoons* I don't think I've ever read of a male hero quite like him!

Jocelyn was fascinating. It was so interesting watching her grow from a naive yet bold little heroine to a strong and courageous young woman!

I loved the adventurous aspect of this book! With twists and turns aplenty, Sinking makes for a thrilling new read! Travel from the British Isles to India and across the ocean; be prepared to set sail on an epic journey through stormy seas and still waters -- you'll be gripping the edge of your seat!

You may want to know: I'd recommend this book for ages 16+, due to some implications, mild violence, and rather steamy kisses (which were a bit beyond my comfort level).

Goodreads and Merikthorne Library reviews forthcoming.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Armstrong-Garner lives in Northern California with her husband and three children, and get this: not only is she an author, screenwriter, and photographer, she also shoots indie films with her husband. You can visit www.SarahArmstrongGarner.com to learn more about her and her upcoming releases.


TOUR SCHEDULE

  • Monday, April 23rd
  • “A Recap of Jocelyn’s World: Review of Sinking,” Pam Halter, www.pamhalter.com
  • Tuesday, April 24th
  • “#LennReads -- Book Review of Drifting,” Lenn Woolston, www.lennwritesblog.wordpress.com
  • “Review of Drifting,” Jessica Moore, www.jessmoorewrites.wordpress.com
  • Wednesday, April 25th
  • Review: “Drifting: A Sequel Worth the Wait,” Jebraun Clifford, www.jebraunclifford.com
  • Thursday, April 26th
  • Visual Post: “Drifting: A Sneak Peek into a Mermaid’s World,” Jebraun Clifford,
  • www.quillsandinkblotts.wordpress.com
  • “Drifting Release Party Today,” Michele Israel Harper, www.micheleisraelharper.com
  • Friday, April 27th
  • “Author Spotlight of Secret Mermaid Sarah Armstrong-Garner,” Laura A. Grace,
  • www.unicornquester.com
  • Saturday, April 28th
  • “My Thoughts on Drifting,” Deborah Dunson, www.readingontheedge.tumblr.com
  • Sunday, April 29th
  • “Sinking Book Review and Drifting Blog Tour,” Liv K. Fisher, www.livkfisher.blogspot.com
  • “Why I Love Drifting,” Helen Giles, www.lifeofanerdishmum.blogspot.co.uk


Dragons, have you read any books in The Sinking Trilogy? If you were a mermaid, what color tail would you have? (Mine would be blue!)

❤,


Friday, March 23, 2018

SENTINEL by Jamie Foley // Book Review + SAGE Blog Tour & Giveaway


HELLO, MY DRAGONS! Today, I'm here with y'all to share about the third and final installment in an epic new series! (And guess what: I'll be sharing my review of the first book, too! Spoiler-free. 😉) First...

ABOUT THE BOOK


Ancient elementals awaken, fracturing a dying world to its core.

Teravyn Aetherswift returns to the land of the living, but everything seems unfamiliar... including her little brother. Zekk offers help, but can an alluring Lynx be trusted?

Sorvashti finally has everything she ever wanted, so the last thing she wants to do is run after traitors. But she won't leave Jet's side -- unless the horrifying truth about his mother tears them apart.

Darien is sick of being used and lied to. But if he stands up for what's right, he'll pay the price with his life... or the lives of those he loves.




Book I: Sentinel: Amazon // Goodreads

Book II: Arbiter: Amazon // Goodreads

Prequel novella: Viper: Amazon // Goodreads

Prequel novella: Vanguard: Amazon // Goodreads

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Jamie Foley loves strategy games, home-grown berries, and Texas winters. She's terrified of plot holes and red wasps.

Her husband is her manly cowboy astronaut muse. They live between Austin, Texas, and their family cattle ranch, where their hyperactive spawnling and wolfpack can run free.


BOOK REVIEW: SENTINEL


★★★★☆

The adventure begins...

I'm not one for thrillers or anything labeled "supernatural" -- it's just not my thing. But Jamie Foley's Sentinel -- the first in a striking new trilogy -- is an exception.

Darien Aetherswift's life isn't perfect. And neither is his sister Tera's. Their life is modest, cramped into a tiny apartment and repair shop filled with frequent calls to their insane mother, haunted by the memory of their father's death.

And then the meteor storm comes.

Suddenly, Darien and Tera's barely-manageable life spirals out of control, and, little do they know, they're being hunted.

THIS. BOOK. Y'ALL. Just... i cant words.

First off, CAN WE TALK ABOUT JET? bc Jet had to be my favorite part of this book.

An ex-sniper, Jet cares about two people, and two people only. The first is his sister, Aleah. The second... well, you'll see. 😉

But Jet is seriously A WHOLE BUNCH OF MUSCLES AND A WHOLE BUNCH OF AWESOME. He mentors Darien throughout the novel (and hates his guts... Jet and Darien should be every bromance's goal 😜), is desperately fond of people (but still a military man at heart), and is basically every character's Prince-Charming-to-the-rescue. (Seriously, he's amazing. Reason #10898945 you should read this novel.)

Secondly, the plot + the writing. Think a lighter, Christian version of Rick Riordan... but with angels' besties and element-wielding teens instead of Greek mythology and demigods. Got a clear picture? Yeah, IT'S EPIC. 😻

Just... go read this book, guys! You won't regret it. 💜

You may want to know: There is a fair bit of violence, along with some supernatural (but allegorical) elements.

Click here to read my Goodreads review.

NOTE: I received a free ebook copy of Sentinel from the author, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

GIVEAWAY

Want to dive into a new world? In need of a good book? Enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card by signing up for Jamie's newsletter at the link below.


TOUR SCHEDULE


Eeep! I'm so excited for Jamie's new release, and I can't wait to dive into Arbiter!

Dragons, have you read any books in the The Sentinel Trilogy? Which one is your favorite?

❤,

Friday, June 23, 2017

COILED // Blog Tour, Book Review, & Giveaway

{Image provided by H.L. Burke.}

Howdy, Dragons! Today I'm delighted to introduce to you Coiled, a new, YA mythological romance from H.L. Burke!

ABOUT THE BOOK

{Image provided by H.L. Burke.}

A healing touch. A hideous face. A looming curse.

As the ugly twin to a perfect sister, Princess Laidra lives her life in the shadows -- until her parents offer her as bait for a giant serpent.

Her escape attempt leaves her shipwrecked on a secluded island with only one inhabitant: Prince Calen, who lives under a curse. If anyone looks upon him, he turns into a giant serpent. Speaking to him in the darkness, Laidra sees past the monster to Calen's lonely soul, and she determines to free him from the magic's hold.

But if Laidra can't break the curse in time, Calen will become a mindless creature of scales and fangs forever.




BOOK REVIEW

★★★★☆

"Love doesn't fit on a scale for us to say whose has more weight."
~H.L. Burke, Coiled

Greek mythology retold. A giant, man-eating serpent. A rejected princess with a hideous curse and an astounding gift.

From the moment I first heard about H.L.'s upcoming novel to the moment I saw the cover, I knew this was a story I wanted to read.

A retelling of Eros & Psyche, as well as a Beauty & the Beast retelling in its own right, Coiled is the story of Laidra -- a girl forced into hiding by her own family, treated as if she was the child who was never meant to be, and thrown into political schemes as bait for a monstrous snake.

The characters -- Calen is so adorable! Which is saying a lot, because I hate snakes. But (thankfully!), Calen was no problem for me! He was such a cute, lovely little ginormous guy! 😊

ZEPHIA. She was probably my favorite character in the entire book! A clever, powerful demigoddess, daughter to a wind god? Yes, please!

And Valen. Uhg, Valen. He and his father are both such terrible people that I love/hate it. The pair of them would both, without a doubt, qualify for Paper Fury's "best worst villain to hate".

The romance -- The romance was definitely sweet. As the story progressed, however, I felt like the affection between Laidra and Calen was starting to be displayed a little too physically. A good dose of innocence in the romantic area would've been preferred, but otherwise, the romance was considerably clean. (See notes below.)

The writing -- H.L.'s voice is fast-paced, but not too much -- just enough to keep the story going at a likable, adventure-ready pace.

The setting -- The mythology elements shown through just enough to deliver an allegorical tale evidently set in a fantasy land inspired by ancient Greece. And, being the Greek mythology nerd that I am, I loved uncovering the subtle little references to characters such as Theseus and Perseus!

The plot -- About halfway through, when a certain unfortunate event occurred to a certain primary character, an unforeseen journey came into view. I tend to prefer romance in a story when it's "all or nothing", so I personally would've liked that journey to... not exist? It was certainly enlightening and relevant to the story, but I would've preferred to focus on the relationship between the main characters.

This made for such a lovely read! I'd recommend this to anyone searching for a sweet, romantic read with mythological elements thrown in. 🙂

You may want to know: There are some brief and rather undescriptive references to nudity, as well as strong suggestions/implications. There is violence and references to warfare, along with the involvement of "gods", drinking, magical elements, and kissing. The "ba-word" is used once.

NOTE: I received a free ebook copy of Coiled from the author, in exchange for my honest review.

Read my review on Goodreads and Merikthorne Library!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

{Image provided by H.L. Burke.}

Born in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and was always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.

An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.

Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.

Readers can connect with H.L. via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, her website, and her personal blog.

GIVEAWAY

Seven stops on this blog tour include special scavenger hunt clues, presented by H.L.'s own dragon, Theodore, and snake, Pistachio! Search for an image of either one of both of H.L.'s friends holding up a note, each of which is a part of her secret phrase. When you've found all seven pieces of H.L.'s phrase, click here to let her know! All correct entries will be put into a random drawing for a signed paperback of Coiled. The winner will be drawn during the Facebook party, on June twenty-third, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (PST).

{Image provided by H.L. Burke.}

TOUR SCHEDULE

~

❤,


Saturday, April 22, 2017

THE SOUND OF EMERALDS // Anniversary Blog Tour, Giveaway, & THE SOUND OF DIAMONDS Book Review

{Cover image source. Banner edited by yours truly.}

One year and one week ago, today, author Rachelle Rea Cobb released her book baby, The Sound of Emeralds -- the third and final novel in her Steadfast Love series -- into the world! And today, I have the pleasure of sharing with you Dragons a bit about the book, as well as a giveaway for signed copies of the entire series (!!), and my review of book one, The Sound of Diamonds.

ABOUT THE BOOK

{Source.}

What once was blazing hatred has turned to lasting love, but could the union of a wild heart with that of a lady ever result in more than heartache?

With the help of an old friend with uncertain loyalties, Dirk inches ever closer to clearing his name. Gwyneth throws her faith into good tidings and the promise of a future as a family. But an old evil comes to call, just as tragedy rips apart a fledgling truce. Enemies from the past and grief for the future threaten to tear asunder what God has brought together...

As the date of Dirk's trial approaches, his fate and his family hang in the balance. Will he be proven innocent of Gwyneth's parents' murders -- or be separated from her forever? How much pain does it take to erode a love steadfast?





ABOUT THE AUTHOR

{Source.}


Times gone by snatch Rachelle Rea Cobb close, so she reads and writes about years long ago -- her passions include the Reformation, revolutions, and romance. Rachelle wrote the Steadfast Love series during college. Five months after she graduated, she signed a three-book deal with her dream publisher, WhiteFire. She's a homeschool grad, Oreo addict, and plots novels while driving around her dream car, a pick-up truck. In June 2016, she married a man with the same name as her fictional hero, and they live happily ever after in Small Town, South. She is also the author of Write Well, a guide for writers, which released on March fourth!

You can connect with Rachelle via her website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, and Amazon page.

GIVEAWAY


{Provided by Rachelle Rea Cobb.}

Enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win signed copies of ALL THREE of Rachelle's novels. The whole series -- signed!

International friends, this giveaway is open to continental U.S. addresses only (sorry!). But do still enter, because one international winner will also be chosen to receive all three e-books.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BOOK REVIEW: THE SOUND OF DIAMONDS

{Source.}

★★★★☆
(4.5 stars)

Nay. Hatred would not bar my heart against pain. Hatred would only bar my heart against healing, redemption, love.
~Rachelle Rea Cobb, The Sound of Diamonds

I love a good rogue romance. Unfortunately, most of those romances I hold so dear rarely come true, so to put it (*coughs* I'm looking at you, Guy and Marian). But this... My dear friends, this was so good.

Gwyneth Barrington is on the path to becoming a nun. Living in a convent in Leiden, the Netherlands, she suffers from the memory of her parents' murders, and their promise for her happy future.

And then the assumed murder shows up, claiming that Leiden's convent is under attack, and he wishes to bring Gwyn to safety.

If only it were that simple.

I've been interested in The Sound of Diamonds for a while, now. That gorgeous title, that intriguing cover... As Prince Edward from Disney's Enchanted would say, what's not to like? So when a review opportunity came up, I pounced. 😉

The first chapter begins with action and adventure. Gwyneth, a young, headstrong noblewoman. Dirk Godfrey, a redeemed rogue with a scandalous past. Two of Dirks closest friends, a strict nun, and a sweet postulant.

The characters -- One of my biggest pet peeves in religious romance novels (and probably the main reason I don't read more romance, period) is the helpless (and very beautiful) Mary Sue and the slightly flawed (yet still very handsome) Gary Stu. I love how Rachelle took these stereotypical characters and tossed them out the window. 😄

We have a feisty daughter of nobility (with glasses! *cheers*), a God-pursuing son of a lord and lady, and a cast full of fun characters.

My only complaints in regards to the cast were Cade and Ian, both of whom seemed very similar (though the latter got much less "screen time"); and the villain, who, though his reasons seemed comprehensible enough, felt like he needed a little more motivation.

The romance -- I'll start by saying that the side-romance (between a certain friend and postulant *winks*) was super sweet. There was what was possibly an implication of sorts later on in their relationship that seemed a bit out of place, but it was left open to interpretation.

But the main romance. Our hero and our heroine. (*smiles*) Even though I know the answers, I'm still tempted to scream at them, "What took you so long?!" ♥

The writing -- I've yet to experience a novel so wonderfully historically accurate, yet so well written at the same time. Never in my life have I heard of the Dutch Revolution, but Rachelle brought it to life in wonderful ways, with her little phrases in late-Renaissance Dutch and Spanish.

The setting -- I'm not big on description; in fact, if there's more than one sentence of description in a book, that's the part I usually skip. However, I did feel as if this area could've done with a tad more development.

The plot -- Fantasy lovers, take your favourite fantasy quest -- journeys across seas, through forests, to castles, you name it... Now apply it to a historical romance, with an emotional murder mystery along the way. (*nods*) Remarkable, isn't it?

So, yes, my dear friend -- go read The Sound of Diamonds! Even if you're not big on historical romance, go do it. You won't regret it. ☺

You may want to know: There is violence (murder included) and kissing, as well as a few slight implications.

Note: I received a free ebook copy of The Sound of Diamonds from the author, in exchange for my honest review.

Read my review on Goodreads and Merikthorne Library!


TOUR SCHEDULE

Saturday, April 15th:

Sunday, April 16th:

Monday, April 17th:

Tuesday, April 18th:

Wednesday, April 19th:

Thursday, April 20th:

Friday, April 21st:

Saturday, April 22nd:

Sunday, April 23rd:

Tuesday, April 25th:

Wednesday, April 26th:

Thursday, April 27th:

Friday, April 28th:

Saturday, April 29th:

Sunday, April 30th:

~


Have you ever read any of Rachelle's books, before? (If not, go do so. Now.) Have you ever heard of the Dutch Revolution?

❤,