Sacagawea: The Bird Woman by Tara Mayoros REVIEW

 

"From the Atlantic coast, over the many waterways, across the Great Plains, towering over the ridges of the Rocky Mountains, and all the way to the Pacific Ocean, one creature is found consistently in ancient symbols and stories." 

I guess you'll have to read this book to find out which creature! 

I wish we had more info on Sacagawea. She's an amazing and interesting American star! I loved Tara's storytelling and Todd Powelson's art. I learned a lot in a short amount of time. 

The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson REVIEW

 The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson

A heretic thief is the empire’s only hope in this fascinating tale that inhabits the same world as the popular novel, Elantris.

Shai is a Forger, a foreigner who can flawlessly copy and re-create any item by rewriting its history with skillful magic. Condemned to death after trying to steal the emperor’s scepter, she is given one opportunity to save herself. Though her skill as a Forger is considered an abomination by her captors, Shai will attempt to create a new soul for the emperor, who is almost dead.

Probing deeply into his life, she discovers Emperor Ashravan’s truest nature—and the opportunity to exploit it. Her only possible ally is one who is truly loyal to the emperor, but councilor Gaotona must overcome his prejudices to understand that Shai’s forgery is as much artistry as it is deception.

Brimming with magic and political intrigue, this deftly woven fantasy delves into the essence of a living spirit.

Brandon definitely doesn't need my mediocre review on any of his books, much less a super short one. LOL. I love his writing and his style, his characters and their insights. Brandon is a master weaver of fate, soul and making me want to be a better person through his compelling stories. 

Book Review: The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson's The Emperor's Soul is a masterful novella that exemplifies his exceptional storytelling prowess. Winner of the Hugo Award for Best Novella, this story is a testament to Sanderson's ability to create a deeply engaging and thought-provoking narrative within a limited page count.

Set in the same universe as his acclaimed novel Elantris, The Emperor's Soul follows the story of Shai, a gifted forger who can magically alter objects' history and essence to transform them into something else. The plot begins with Shai imprisoned after a failed heist. However, instead of facing execution, she is given an impossible task: to forge a new soul for the Emperor, who has been left in a catatonic state after an assassination attempt.

Shai's journey is not just a physical one but also an exploration of identity and redemption. As she works on the Emperor's soul, she reflects on her own life, choices, and the nature of her art. Sanderson deftly weaves themes of identity and self-worth into the narrative, making readers ponder what truly defines a person. Shai's ability to turn her weaknesses into strengths is a central theme, showcasing Sanderson's skill in character development and thematic depth.

One of the novella's most impressive aspects is its innovative magic system. Sanderson's approach to magic is both creative and meticulous, grounding the fantastical elements in a set of well-defined rules. The art of forgery, as presented in the story, is a fascinating blend of magic and craftsmanship. It involves an intricate understanding of an object's history and essence, allowing Shai to alter it convincingly. This concept not only drives the plot but also adds layers of meaning to the story, as Shai's forgeries are symbolic of the changes she undergoes.

Sanderson's writing style is another highlight. His prose is clear and precise, yet rich with detail. He manages to convey complex ideas and emotions succinctly, making the novella both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The pacing is perfect, maintaining a steady tension that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

(Written with the help of AI)

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien REVIEW

Title: "The Hobbit": A Timeless Classic That Soars Over My Head

As I sit here, pondering Bilbo Baggins' adventures in Tolkien's "The Hobbit," I can't help but feel like I've met up with a good friend after years apart. 

J.R.R. Tolkien’s "The Hobbit" is a tale spun with the finesse of an ancient bard, weaving together dwarves with names longer than my attention span. From the quaint comfort of Bag End to the treacherous peaks of the Misty Mountains, Tolkien paints a world so vivid, it feels as though I could go visit next week. 

The heart of the story beats with Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit whose reluctance to leave the comfort of his hobbit hole, but once he does, he starts on an epic hero's journey. 

But fear not, dear reader! Amidst the labyrinthine plot twists and the bewildering array of character names (seriously, why are there so many dwarves?), "The Hobbit" offers gems that even a hobbit-sized intellect like mine can grasp. Tolkien’s prose sings with a warmth and wit that make even the fiercest battles feel like a fireside tale, and Bilbo’s transformation from a reluctant adventurer to a hero with a heart of gold resonates with a timeless charm.

"The Hobbit" is more than just a literary masterpiece—it's a testament to the power of imagination and the triumph of the unlikely hero. We can all embrace the adventure, savor the riddles, and let Bilbo Baggins remind you that even the smallest of beings can leave the biggest mark on the world.

In conclusion, "The Hobbit" may soar over my head like an eagle riding a thermal, but its magic is undeniable. It's a timeless classic that beckons readers to step outside their comfort zones and journey into the heart of Middle-earth. And who knows? You might just discover a bit of unexpected courage along the way.

KINGDOM OF SEA AND STONE by Mara Ruthford BLOG TOUR and REVIEW!

The Paper Daughters of Chinatown by Heather Moore

A powerful story based on true events surrounding Donaldina Cameron and other brave women who fought to help Chinese-American women escape discrimination and slavery in the late 19th century in California.

When Donaldina Cameron arrives at the Occidental Mission Home for Girls in 1895, she intends to teach sewing skills to young Chinese women immigrants, but, within days, she discovers that the job is much more complicated than perfect stitches and even hems. San Francisco has a dark side, one where a powerful underground organization--the criminal tong--brings Chinese young women to America to sell them as slaves. With the help of Chinese interpreters and the Chinatown police squad, Donaldina becomes a tireless social reformer to stop the abominable slave and prostitution trade.

Mei Lien believes she is sailing to the "Gold Mountain" in America to become the wife of a rich Chinese man. Instead she finds herself sold into prostitution--beaten, starved, and forced into an opium addiction. It is only after a narrow escape that she hears of the mission home and dares to think there might be hope for a new life.

Opening line:
""From a woman, and she a pretty, fair-spoken Scotch maiden, this slave trade took its hardest blow--playing her desperate lone hand she reduced the traffic by about one-half.""

This is a heart-wrenching, moving, beautiful story of one amazingly strong woman making a change, one Chinese-American girl at a time told by a masterful storyteller.

In 1895, Donaldina, or Dolly as she preferred to be called, moved to the Occidental Mission home for Girls in San Francisco. She believed she would be teaching sewing, but she ended up doing much, much more for these girls who were brought to America with the belief, and lies, that they would marry rich men and be able to send money home to their families. 

The girls were beaten, abused, sold into slavery and brothels and denied any human rights. Dolly and a small band of helpers worked tireless to save the girls and stop the human trafficking. She saved thousands of girls, got them legal paperwork, hence the name "Paper Daughters," so they could leave the 'homes' and 'uncles' who claimed the girls as their family. 

There are alternating chapters with Dolly's story of a fictional character of Mei Lien, one of the girls Dolly helps rescue. Mei's story brings the horror of what the girls go through from the lens of one the abused. Her story is tragic, hopeful and learned strength.

The mission home, and it's members, survived illegal searches, threats, shootings, beatings, and even survived the 1906 Earthquake. What was amazing to me during this part of Dolly's history was that she went back into the mission home and saved all the paperwork of the girls because she was worried she wouldn't have proof of the girls legality and the 'uncle's would try and take them back. From my knowledge, all legal documents (birth, marriage, death certificates etc) in San Francisco were burned except the ones Dolly was able to save (and some family's who were able to save their papers. But those are very few). 

Heather Moore not only has talent for weaving a dramatic and endearing story, she excels in research and bringing her research to life in a way that makes the reader read on and learn. I hope this author writes more books about #strongwomen We need their stories.


Thanks to netgalley for the early read.

A FORGOTTEN MURDER by Jude Deveraux

 A FORGOTTEN MURDER by Jude Deveraux

An English manor home, an unsolved mystery, too many suspects to count… It’s the perfect holiday for romance novelist Sara Medlar.

After solving two murder cases in their hometown of Lachlan, Florida, Sara Medlar, her niece Kate and their friend Jack need a change of scenery. Sara arranges for them to visit an old friend of hers in England. Upon arrival at Oxley Manor, a centuries-old estate that has been converted to a luxury hotel, Kate and Jack quickly realize that Sara is up to something. They learn that Sara has also invited a number of others to join them at Oxley.

When everyone assembles, Sara lets them know why they are there. Decades earlier, two people ran off together from Oxley and haven’t been heard from since—and Sara wants to solve the case. As the people who were there the night the two went missing, the guests find themselves cast in a live mystery-theater event.

In reenacting the events of that night, it becomes clear that everyone has something to hide and no one is safe, especially when the discovery of a body makes it clear that at least one of the people who disappeared was murdered.

Sara, Jack and Kate are once again at the heart of a mysterious case that only they are able to solve. But someone is willing to continue to kill to keep the truth about Oxley Manor buried, and none of the guests are safe.

Opening line:
"Puck didn't expect to find a body."

A fun, intriguing, cold-case murder mystery with so many suspects, all friends who don't seem to like each other and yet can't be without each other. 
Set in an on old English manor, Sara, a novice mystery solver from America finds a mystery to solve. Two women live in the manor and one lives in an out building. All three have an inkling who might have killed Sean, the stable hand, who was suppose to run away with one of the rich woman in a circle of friends far above his station. 
Sara brings the group of friends together and sets them to confess their part of what happened on the night too many mysteries unfolded. 
I don't want to give too much away because it is a fun read that is hard to put down. Every person I thought was the murderer wasn't and the more stories that came to light, the more red herrings I was sure I'd stumble upon. 

There is a rape.

Thanks to netgalley for the early read!

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IT'S A MALL WORLD AFTER ALL by Janette Rallison book review

It's a Mall World After All by Janette Rallison

 It's too bad they don't give out diplomas for what you learn at the mall, because I could graduate with honors in that subject. No really. Since I've worked there, I've become an expert on all things shopping-related. For example, I can tell you right off who to distrust at the mall:

1) Skinny people who work at Cinnabon. I mean, if they're not eating the stuff they sell, how good can it be?

2) The salesladies at department store makeup counters. No matter what they tell you, buying all that lip gloss will not make you look like the pouty models in the store posters.

3) And most importantly—my best friend's boyfriend, Bryant, who showed up at the food court with a mysterious blonde draped on his arm.

Yeah, I saw it, and yeah, I told my best friend all about it.

You would think this would mean trouble for Bryant, but you would basically be wrong. Somehow, the evil boyfriend turned everything around, and now I'm the one who has to prove myself! But I will. Even if Bryant—and more importantly his best friend, Colton—keep trying to stop me.



What a fun book! I laughed out loud numerous times! I finished this book around 11:30 PM and tried to laugh quietly, which shook the bed and woke my husband anyway.

The story is about Charlotte who was teased in jr. high and is still smarting from the teasing in high school. Her family moved away for a few years and when Charlotte moves back she is hot. But she takes revenge out on the boys in her school and refuses to date any of them.
Charlotte works in the mall and sees her best friends boyfriend flirting with a girl from another school. Like any best friend, Charlotte tattles and this leads to many hilarious scenes.
Good messages about holding grudges, being a snob, and why you shouldn't use bunson burners to heat cider

SHADOW OF THE FOX by Julie Kagawa BOOK BIRTHDAY!

 One thousand years ago, the great Kami Dragon was summoned to grant a single terrible wish—and the land of Iwagoto was plunged into an age of darkness and chaos.

Now, for whoever holds the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers, a new wish will be granted. A new age is about to dawn.

Raised by monks in the isolated Silent Winds temple, Yumeko has trained all her life to hide her yokai nature. Half kitsune, half human, her skill with illusion is matched only by her penchant for mischief. Until the day her home is burned to the ground, her adoptive family is brutally slain and she is forced to flee for her life with the temple’s greatest treasure—one part of the ancient scroll.

There are many who would claim the dragon’s wish for their own. Kage Tatsumi, a mysterious samurai of the Shadow Clan, is one such hunter, under orders to retrieve the scroll…at any cost. Fate brings Kage and Yumeko together. With a promise to lead him to the scroll, an uneasy alliance is formed, offering Yumeko her best hope for survival. But he seeks what she has hidden away, and her deception could ultimately tear them both apart.

With an army of demons at her heels and the unlikeliest of allies at her side, Yumeko’s secrets are more than a matter of life or death. They are the key to the fate of the world itself.



Opening line:
"It was raining the day Suki came to the Palace of the Sun, and it was raining the night that she died."

That's a fantastic beginning though I didn't know or appreciate it when I started reading. As a matter of fact, I almost quit reading because I could not figure out what or who or why this book was happening.
I'm glad I stuck it out.

Yumeko was raised with monks, hidden away from the world. The book opens with the day her life changed. Demons broke in and killed everyone inside...except Yumeko who escaped. She is tasked with an almost impossible task: take a piece of a scared scroll to a hidden temple.
Tatsumi is a samurai tasked with bringing a piece of the scroll back to his masters, no matter the cost. he meets Yumeko as she's leaving and somehow she convinces him to be a protector on the journey to the temple.
They meet all sorts of demons (did you know there were thousands??) and interesting characters along their journey.
Yumeko is a naive young woman who has a secret she can't reveal. But she is also tough and kind and humble. She has a knack with bringing people to her side. In the end, there are four on the journey who have the skills needed to help Yumeko.
Tatsumi totally reminded me of Samurai Jack! LOL He was strong and fast and quiet and driven. It was intriguing to read the conflict between being human and being machine with Tatsumi.
I WILL read the next book to see what happens to our little clan.

For the sensitive reader: there are about 20 swear words, lots of fighting and killing and maiming.
Thanks to netgalley for the early read!!

Favorties reads from August 2018

I had a productive reading summer! We didn't travel as much as we usually do, we were home more often and the kids were all busy so I got caught up on a lot of my TBR!

Drum roll... I read 45 books! HOLY COW! I didn't think I'd read that many until just now when I counted! WAHOO! That cleaned out a lot of my list plus new books.

But I can't believe summer is coming to an end. I LOVE the sun! I love the relaxed schedules and routines. I LOVE sleeping in. I love the fresh food and BBQ's and being outdoors. I'm going to let myself grieve a little bit over the next few weeks.






These were my favorite books from the summer (in order of last read):

TELL THE WIND AND FIRE
by Sarah Rees Brennan

Opening line:
"It was the best of times until it was the worst of times."

 GRACE AND FURY
by Tracy Banghart

Opening line:
Serina Tessaro stood on the steps of the fountain in Lanos's central piazza flanked by nine other girls her age, all in their finest gowns."

SHADOW OF THE FOX
by Julie Kagawa

Opening line:
"It was raining the day Suki came to the Palace of the Sun, and it was raining the night that she died."

THE SOUND OF GLASS
by Karen White

Opening line:
"An unholy tremor rippling through the sticky night air alerted Edith Heyward that something wasn't right."

AS WIDE AS THE SKY
by Jessica Pack

Opening line:
"Two hours, forty-three minutes."

AS BRIGHT AS HEAVEN 
by Susan Meissner

 Opening line:
"Morning light shimmers on the apricot horizon as I stand at the place where my baby boy rests."

 THE DISAPPEARANCES 
by Emily Bain Murphy


 Opening line:
"I want something of hers." 






Other FAVS!

 

TELL THE WIND AND FIRE by Sarah Rees Brennan

 In a city divided between opulent luxury in the Light and fierce privations in the Dark, a determined young woman survives by guarding her secrets.

Lucie Manette was born in the Dark half of the city, but careful manipulations won her a home in the Light, celebrity status, and a rich, loving boyfriend. Now she just wants to keep her head down, but her boyfriend has a dark secret of his own—one involving an apparent stranger who is destitute and despised.

Lucie alone knows of the deadly connection the young men share, and even as the knarah Reeowledge leads her to make a grave mistake, she can trust no one with the truth.

Blood and secrets alike spill out when revolution erupts. With both halves of the city burning, and mercy nowhere to be found, can Lucie save either boy—or herself?

Celebrated author Sarah Rees Brennan tells a magical tale of romance and revolution, love and loss.


Opening line:
"It was the best of times until it was the worst of times."

I should have realized from the opening line that this book would be similar to one of my favorite Dicken's stories: Tale of Two Cities. That might be why I loved this story. Or maybe it's the storytelling, how the author wove love and war in between each other. Or maybe it's because of the main character, Lucie, and her journey to understand herself, her enemies and her destiny.

This story is literally light and dark battling each other. Lucie is from the Dark City, but because she freed her father from the "cages" the politicians in the Light City decided to hold her up as an example of someone from the other side choosing correctly. She always does what everyone tells her; she believes this is the only way to keep her loved ones safe. But what about her own soul? That is the Lucie's theme throughout the story. When is lying okay? And killing? And revenge?

About half way through the book, Lucie realizes she doesn't really know the people she loves. She will not trade secrets and therefore, doesn't know what hides behind her loved ones masks.

I did skim some of the info/backstory dumping but found it was part of the secrets.
i felt the ending was over too quickly but not sure how it would end otherwise.

For the sensitive reader: war, death, killings, kissing

Thanks to netgalley for the read!

GRACY AND FURY by Tracy Banghart

In a world where women have no rights, sisters Serina and Nomi Tessaro face two very different fates: one in the palace, the other in prison.

Serina has been groomed her whole life to become a Grace - someone to stand by the heir to the throne as a shining, subjugated example of the perfect woman. But when her headstrong and rebellious younger sister, Nomi, catches the heir's eye, it's Serina who takes the fall for the dangerous secret that Nomi has been hiding.

Now trapped in a life she never wanted, Nomi has only one way to save Serina: surrender to her role as a Grace until she can use her position to release her sister. This is easier said than done. A traitor walks the halls of the palace, and deception lurks in every corner. But Serina is running out of time, imprisoned on an island where she must fight to the death to survive and one wrong move could cost her everything.

 Opening line:
Serina Tessaro stood on the steps of the fountain in Lanos's central piazza flanked by nine other girls her age, all in their finest gowns."

Serina and Nomi have been raised in a country that puts women down to the point of punishing them if they do anything besides grovel, make meals and babies. Nomi is rebellious and learns to read; Serina follows the rules and is chosen as a Grace for the Heir. As their roles reverse, they find they have strengths they didn't know they possessed and they use them to help each other.
The chapters alternate between the sister's points of view and that was interesting to read their different characters and style. And I really enjoyed their individual journeys to becoming stronger.
There is romance, too. Plus, a lot of fighting and death.
It was easy to predict the twists but I kept reading.
I was annoyed with the constant "women are oppressed!" "stay with the status quo!" "Fight the man!" I didn't need to be reminded of these themes every chapter. Woven through the story subtly would have been enough. At one point in the story, both girls are rescued by a man, sooooo...
I still wanted to keep reading.
I will read the next book, too. I want to know what will happen to the sisters!

To the sensitive reader: fighting, death, cuts, bleeding, stabs, gunshots, talk of spending the the night with the Heir, threat of a rape.

Thanks to netgalley for the read!

NO! It's the Summer TBR Wipeout Wrap-up Post!

Where in the world did summer go?? How is it possible that school starts in a week? Where did all my plans for a spectacular summer go?

I'm not going to complain about my summer, though. It really was fun and very relaxing. I hope all our summers are as low-key and chill as The Summer of 2018.

Thanks to The Candid Cover for sponsoring and hosting this event again! It's been fun!

I also got a lot of writing done and, most importantly, LOTS of books read!

Here is what I read since my last post:

I only got THREE read since my last post but I listened to the beginnings of at least FOUR and stopped listening because of content.
I read almost TWENTY books this summer. I really tried to clean out my netgalley shelves to boost my ratings on that site.

I have a few more I hope to read by next month and I'm going to post them here, to keep me going!

AS WIDE AS THE SKY by Jessica Pack HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY!

Five a.m.: Amanda Mallorie wakes to the knowledge that her son Robbie is gone. And a new chapter of her own life must begin. She has spent four years as her son's only support, desperately trying to understand the actions that landed him on death row and to change his fate. Now Amanda faces an even more difficult task--finding a way, and a reason, to move forward with her own life.












 Opening line:
"Two hours, forty-three minutes."

AS WIDE AS THE SKY is a heavy, enlightening, hopeful book about a mother and the ramifications of a single act of her son.

The book opens with Amanda waking up and wondering about her son and his death. I was immediately pulled in and wanted to know why he was dead and why the chapter started with a sort of count down. The more I read the more I understood that Amanda's son, Robbie, had committed a heinous crime for which he got the death penalty and was given a lethal injection that morning.
But that's not what makes up the book.
The book is a lot about introspection and making the right choices and coming to terms with those choices and it's consequences. A mother can only do so much with the influence she has over her children. They grow up and make their own choices, good or bad.
But what if your child killed another? Amanda goes through so many memories and emotions as she tries to not only grapple with her sons death, but the deaths he created.
There are other characters too, affected by the tragedy, that get their own chapters. I loved how Ms. Pack wove all their stories together.

Thanks to netgalley for the early read!

AS BRIGHT AS HEAVEN by Susan Meissner

In 1918, Philadelphia was a city teeming with promise. Even as its young men went off to fight in the Great War, there were opportunities for a fresh start on its cobblestone streets. Into this bustling town, came Pauline Bright and her husband, filled with hope that they could now give their three daughters--Evelyn, Maggie, and Willa--a chance at a better life.

But just months after they arrive, the Spanish Flu reaches the shores of America. As the pandemic claims more than twelve thousand victims in their adopted city, they find their lives left with a world that looks nothing like the one they knew. But even as they lose loved ones, they take in a baby orphaned by the disease who becomes their single source of hope. Amidst the tragedy and challenges, they learn what they cannot live without--and what they are willing to do about it.

As Bright as Heaven is the compelling story of a mother and her daughters who find themselves in a harsh world, not of their making, which will either crush their resolve to survive or purify it.


  Opening line:
"Morning light shimmers on the apricot horizon as I stand at the place where my baby boy rests."

AS BRIGHT AS HEAVEN is a story of family, love and death set during WWI. I became fascinated by WWI and the Spanish Flu a few years ago and I will be adding this book to my growing WWI shelf.
Told from the different perspectives of the Bright women, we get a unique view from different ages and personalities into their lives and what it was like to live through the worse pandemic in history.
An uncle in Philadelphia has no children, no heirs, and wants to leave everything to Mr. Bright. He is an undertaker and wants to teach him the business and pass it on. He takes the family from country life and introduces them to city life.
Pauline is the mother and fiercely protective of her daughters, especially after having lost a baby son.
Evie is the oldest and the pragmatic one.
Maggie is sensitive, wants answers but leads with her heart.
Willa is the youngest and is headstrong and lets her emotions out.
There are so many intriguing threads that weave together nicely, and sometimes a little tangled, in this story. The story setting, the characters, the POVs kept me reading all day, wanting to know what would happen to this family.
The story also teaches there is more than one way to be a family--being needed is one of them. The neighbors, the orphaned baby, even speakeasy owners can all become family..

Ten swear words (damn and hell); one scene where an unmarried woman and married man had sex but I wasn't totally sure and had to reread the passage a couple of times. It's very subtle and vague. War, death, sickness is talked about and seen throughout the book.

Thanks to netgalley for the read!
 

THE DISAPPEARANCES by Emily Bain Murphy

 What if the ordinary things in life suddenly…disappeared?

Aila Quinn’s mother, Juliet, has always been a mystery: vibrant yet guarded, she keeps her secrets beyond Aila’s reach. When Juliet dies, Aila and her younger brother Miles are sent to live in Sterling, a rural town far from home--and the place where Juliet grew up.

Sterling is a place with mysteries of its own. A place where the experiences that weave life together--scents of flowers and food, reflections from mirrors and lakes, even the ability to dream--vanish every seven years.

No one knows what caused these “Disappearances,” or what will slip away next. But Sterling always suspected that Juliet Quinn was somehow responsible--and Aila must bear the brunt of their blame while she follows the chain of literary clues her mother left behind.

As the next Disappearance nears, Aila begins to unravel the dual mystery of why the Disappearances happen and who her mother truly was. One thing is clear: Sterling isn’t going to hold on to anyone's secrets for long before it starts giving them up.


Opening line:
"I want something of hers."

Aila Quinn's mother died.
Her father was going to war.
Aila and her brother Miles had nowhere to go.
A stranger, a friend of their mother, takes them in. They knew they would not like Sterling but little did they know that the town was surrounded by mystery and the citizen's didn't have a future...at least that is what they believed.
Sterling is the city of The Disappearances. Reflections are missing in windows and mirrors; scents have disappeared; coloring with crayons only produces grey. Every seven years something new goes missing and every seven years the townspeople hope and pray that the curse will end.
Aila and Miles are thrust into the middle of the curse. The only clue Aila has is in the underlined passages in a volume of Shakespeare's works.
This was a fun and intriguing read! I wanted to know if Aila and her friends could figure out how to break the curse. It was fun to read Shakespeare too!
I loved the writing and here are a few quotes:

"I want to ask George, How can you be so unafraid of the truth? Even truth that is inconvenient or damning or not what you want it to be?"

"The Clifftons, whether they are trying to or not, are making inroads straight across each fault line of my heart."

"And I think that for the rest of my life I will never forget this night--when under an empty ink sky, a boy who shone brighter than the stars stopped long enough to smile at me."

AN OCEAN AWAY by Heather B. Moore

Gina Graydon knows the last thing she’ll attract on her holiday in France is an eligible bachelor. Tall, outspoken, and with a weakness for laughing at the wrong moment, not to mention being much too occupied with reading gothic romances, Gina decides she’d rather live in her fictional world. Besides, the only man who pays attention to her at the resort hotel happens to be her father’s worst enemy. And that is far from romantic. Reading in a secluded garden, and dreaming about the perfect kiss, all keep Gina much too busy to consider Mr. Edmund Donaldson any sort of hero.

AN OCEAN AWAY was originally published in the Timeless Romance Anthology: European Collection, and it's a companion novella to the USA Today bestselling romance HEART OF THE OCEAN.


 Opening line:
"Gina Graydon tucked a deliciously romantic gothic novel under her arm and stepped onto the hotel balcony of her second-floor room."

Gina is fun and spunky and adventurous. And the swoon-y Edmund was delicious. Because this was a quick read, their romance blossomed quickly which I don't always think is a bad thing. Especially when the reader gets to the kissing soon. :)

Another great story from the amazing Heather B. Moore!

There is kissing and hugging and blushing in the story.

The Secret of the India Orchid by Nancy Campbell Allen

Anthony Blake is in love with his best friend's sister, Sophia Elliot. But his plans to court her are put on hold when he is forced to resume his role as an undercover spy for the Crown. A secret document listing the names of the entire network of British spies-including his own-has been stolen. To protect Sophia, Anthony cuts off all ties to her and exchanges his life as an honorable earl for the façade of a flirtatious playboy.

Heartbroken and confused, Sophia travels to India, hoping to find healing in one of the most exotic regions of the British Empire. But the exotic land isn't as restful as she had hoped. Instead, she finds herself embroiled in a mystery of a missing sea captain, a possible murder, and a plot that could involve the prince of India. And when Anthony appears at the British Residency, asking questions and keeping his distance from her, she is stunned.

She still loves him, and, in her heart, she knows he loves her too. But how can she rebuild her relationship with him if he won't confide in her? Does she dare offer her heart to him a second time, or will their love be lost under the India sun?

 Opening line:
"Anthony Blake, the new Earl of Wilshire, stepped from white'sGentleman's Club with a light heart and a smile on his face."

On the eve that Anthony Blake was going to propose to his best friend's sister, he is thrust back into the British spying game that he thought he left behind. Because of the danger his mission would bring to hs family and loved ones he cuts off his relationship with Sophia Elliott and resume his guise as a "womanizer."
Poor Sophia! She thought her and Anthony had a spark of affection for each other and now he's traveling the globe and flirting with all the women. How could she be so wrong about him? She decides to get away from England and explore a different country. And she's loving her adventure...until all of a sudden, Anthony Blake is there beside her. She's hurt, confused and angry. And she still loves him.
Trying not to blow his cover, Anthony has a hard time concentrating on his mission while Sophia is giving him the cold shoulder Or reminding him that they are brother and sister (as he stated in his letter when he broke ties with her.).
But it doesn't matter if he's trying to protect her. There's romance, intrigue and a murder.
I enjoyed this story! It clipped along with the tension and witty banter and mystery. I really did like how the characters were kind to each other and cared about each other. Other than the villain, of course.

Thanks to netgalle and Shadow Mountain for the early read!


5 STARS 

Havencross by Julie Daines

When a shocking scandal involving her father spreads through London society, Elaine Cardinham and her parents are forced to retreat to their country home in Cornwall for refuge. But Havencross is no sanctuary for Elaine. She is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of her brother—and the heartbreak she left in her wake all those years ago. It has been five long years since Gareth Kemp last saw Elaine—when she rejected his marriage proposal. Her reappearance convinces him of one thing: he has never stopped loving her. To put his feelings for her aside, he focuses his attention on the dangerous smuggling plaguing the Cornish coast. As Elaine attempts to run from her past, she ventures ever closer to a dangerous truth—and Gareth may be the only one who can save her from a deadly finish.





 Opening line:

"Two hundred fifty miles into this journey and not a word spoken."

Deception, lies, romance, unrequited love and smugglers all roll along in Ms. Daines newest, delightful book.

Elaine's family is still reeling from the death of her brother and now from the scandal of something her father did. They move from London, and the wagging tongues of gossips, back to Havencross, their little country home. Elaine has no hope of marriage prospects now. How she wishes she would have accepted the marriage proposal of Gareth now.
Gareth's family is always reeling from a death. His father was killed by smugglers and he wants them brought to justice. But the local authorities don't seem to make any progress on finding the killers. When he sees Elaine again, he tries to stay away from her; she did break his heart, after all.

This story is set in Cornwall, England, in the era when there were smugglers. The story is woven masterfully to include tension, romance and suspense. There were tender moments between different characters. I really enjoyed the interchange between Elaine and her Aunt Rose and creating your own Camelot.

If you like regency romance, a well-written story and characters you can love, this book is for you!

A Seaon in london (Timeless Romance Anthoogy) by Elizabeth Johns, Heather B. Moore, Rebecca Connolly

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean Romance, comes A SEASON IN LONDON.

Three brand new Regency Romance novellas by Elizabeth Johns, Heather B. Moore, and Rebecca Connolly.

POOR RELATIONS by Elizabeth Johns
As a ‘poor relation,’ Emma Standrich has already pre-empted her dismal Season by applying for a governess post. Her aunt and cousin are kind enough to sponsor her, but in truth, Emma is just waiting for it to all be over. Emma’s grief over the death of her brother while in military service casts a pallor on everything else in her life. When Colonel Shelton, the man who was her brother’s superior, asks her to dance at her first ball, Emma is more surprised than anyone. But she has questions for him, and soon she’s caught up in an intrigue she wasn’t expecting—both of the heart and the mind.

EDWARD & EMILY by Heather B. Moore
As a second son, Edward Blackwood never anticipated becoming heir to his family estate, or the need to find a wife and secure that inheritance. But with the death of his older brother, Edward is thrust into a life he never wanted. When his mother encourages him to be kind to his long-time neighbor Emily Foster, a girl he’d hardly paid attention to while growing up, Edward realizes that returning home might not be such a set-back after all.

A SPORTING SEASON by Rebecca Connolly
Daphne Hutchins is no simpering female who aims for a husband with a fortune. In fact, she’d be more than happy to live her life free of the heartache that men seem to bring. So when she sets out to play the fool in front of the ton during her first Season in order to send all eligible men running, she’s quite unprepared for James Woodbridge. Bored, but with a sense of family duty, James arrives for the Season, anticipating going through the expected motions befitting any gentleman. What he isn’t prepared for is Daphne Hutchins and the way she completely upends his heart.

 Another great addition to the Timeless Anthology!

Poor Relations by Elizabeth Johns
""This is my cousin, Emma Standrich," said Jane Wetherby said for the hundredth time that evening."
Emma feels she needs to become a governess to save her family. Colonel Shelton is smitten with her and offers his hand in marriage and the access to his money to help her save her family.

Emily and Edward by Heather Moore
""You are nearly thirty years of age," Edward Blackwood's mother said in her sharp voice as se peered at him through a raised quizzing glass."
Ah! Emily and Edward! What a sweet story! Edward is happy with his life of solitude but one look at his neighbor all grown up and he wonders if he shouldn't change his plan.
Emily is reeling from the loss of her father and doesn't want to be out in society but her mother insists they go out. She finds Edward all grown up and wonders why she didn't notice how handsome he was before.

A Sporting Season by Rebecca Connolly
"A season in London."
What a fun read! Daphne is determined to ruin her season in London before anyone else does and Jaime is determined to have a front row seat. Their dialogue is snappy and intelligent and their chemistry sweet.

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Bordi Ashton, Jodi Meadows

The comical, fantastical, romantical, (not) entirely true story of Lady Jane Grey. In My Lady Jane, coauthors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows have created a one-of-a-kind fantasy in the tradition of The Princess Bride, featuring a reluctant king, an even more reluctant queen, a noble steed, and only a passing resemblance to actual history—because sometimes history needs a little help.

At sixteen, Lady Jane Grey is about to be married off to a stranger and caught up in a conspiracy to rob her cousin, King Edward, of his throne. But those trifling problems aren’t for Jane to worry about. Jane is about to become the Queen of England.

  CLEVER!

That's what this story is all about! It's clever. Funny. Smart. Hilarious at times. Intriguing all the time. The story of Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Day Queen, is told from the three different, rich viewpoints, thanks to three great writers. So many awesome quotes. Here's one that made me laugh out loud (I was listening to the audio book which made my laughter even more startling) and caused my children to look askance at me:
"Your mother was a hamster and your father reeked of elder berries!"