I don’t even know where to begin. This book was a masterpiece. It was phenomenally written. The plot twists were *chef’s kiss*. The character growth wI don’t even know where to begin. This book was a masterpiece. It was phenomenally written. The plot twists were *chef’s kiss*. The character growth was amazing. This book was a rollercoaster ride of emotions with some loopy loops of plot twists to keep you on your toes. I feel like just when I was starting piece together Wonderland’s history BOOM another plot twist came and obliterated my theory. I could not put this book down guys. I ended the first one and immediately ran to this one (thanks Hoopla). I can’t say too much because this book is so complex and even different from the first that I do not want to spoil anything for anyone since you HAVE to go read this book. PLEASE I am begging you!
This duology is everything I could’ve wanted it be and honestly way, way more. I didn’t even think someone could be as creative at Sara Ella is and yet here we are. I want to just sit and listen to her wisdom in writing all day long to maybe get a little of her talent. This book was reignited my love for fairy tale retellings especially ones that are extremely unique and epic like this one. I did not want this book to be over yet here we are at the end but I know I will see these beloved characters again in a reread someday. ...more
Where do I even begin this review? This book has captured me and I don’t want to be released, thankfully there is a second book but I am not ready forWhere do I even begin this review? This book has captured me and I don’t want to be released, thankfully there is a second book but I am not ready for this duology to be over. I am not sure what I expected this book to be like when I first started reading it, but I feel in love with the world and the characters almost from page one. I was hooked. I couldn’t stop listening to it and then I spent way too much time reading my copy do it in the evenings when I should’ve been doing the dishes. I don’t even think words can communicate how much I loved this book.
Alice in Wonderland has never been my favorite story, but this retelling of it is. Mrs. Ella brought us on an adventure that had you sitting on the edge of your seat the whole time trying to figure out who you could trust and who was against our main character, Alice (or Ace). The plot was so unique and so engaging! As a lover of games, I loved how this whole book was full to the brim with games and so many twists on this games. I had so much fun with that aspect of it. Also, Sara Ella is truly the master of plot twists because this book is a wild ride full of them. I remember that being the case in her Unblemished series as well. She does them so tastefully and in the right spots where it’s not overdone or unrealistic. I literally loved this book so, so much!!
The characters were also amazing and I need to know what happens next!! Alice’s character was so fun to follow and her growth throughout this book was incredible. I loved her taking leaps into her imagination to get where she needed to go (if you read the book you would understand what I’m trying to get at) and how she learns to rely on others even if it doesn’t seem like the wisest thing for her to do in her mind. All of the side characters were just amazing as well and I cannot wait to get to know them more in the next book. I loved the sibling bond between Charlotte and Alice. I feel like we don’t get to see many good siblings bonds in YA, but this one was amazing and made me miss my sisters. I loved seeing how their relationship progressed even as the crazy plot twists ensued. And then there is Chess. I didn’t know what to make of him in the beginning, but he was such an amazing character. I loved how he tried really hard to not lie to Alice and how he was so encouraging and supportive of her. He let her figure everything out while being there to support her through it. He was so loyal and I just loved their romance so much!! It is do wholesome and j cannot wait to watch it develop in the next book. Ughhh, I literally need book 2 now so I can know what happens to our characters next!!
I really think one of my favorite aspects of this book is that it was so whimsical and such so fantastical. I love Mrs. Ella’s fairytale retelling because it feels like I’m taking a step back into my childhood but with more mature stories (this is a ya novel though so not “that� mature). This book has my heart and I seriously cannot wait to read the second one!!!...more
Dang, Busse really outdid herself with this one. I love this duology so much. After that wild cliffhanger in the first book, I was very happy to see tDang, Busse really outdid herself with this one. I love this duology so much. After that wild cliffhanger in the first book, I was very happy to see that my library had this one hoopla and I immediately started listening to it while I worked. This book was even better than the first one and the development for everything was *chefs kiss* If you continue any further from this point on, I will not be held responsible for any spoilers you may receive. This is your warning.
The plot continued to thicken as we were on the search for the cure and running from the House of Lords alongside Cass and Theo. I enjoyed every moment of this book. I loved how real Cass' inner struggle was throughout this book. (view spoiler)[ I loved seeing her realistic struggle in knowing if she wanted to save the House of Lords and people in the upper cities or if she only wanted to save her people. (hide spoiler)]Another thing that I loved so dearly about this book is Cass' faith journey. Busse did a phenomenal job at tastefully addressing faith. There was no preaching or in-your-face messages, Cass was led to Elaeros through Theo and others living out their faith and she saw the peace and the hope that came through following and obeying Elaeros. It was so well done. My only complaint was that this book wasn't longer. I definitely think the ending could have been slightly longer but selfishly I just wanted more time with these amazing characters. I love this series and I will never stop recommending it!! ...more
Wow. I am blown away. I have owned this book since it came out in 2021 but never got around to reading it and I regret not reading this sooner. I was Wow. I am blown away. I have owned this book since it came out in 2021 but never got around to reading it and I regret not reading this sooner. I was hooked from page one and I had such a hard time putting this book down. I am so excited to read book 2!! I need to figure out what happens to Theo, Cass, and the crew of Daedalus especially after how this book ended. I absolutely loved the plot and premise of this book, it is so unique and so captivating. Ugh, I loved this book so, so much!!
I highly recommend this book! I am not normally a fan of “zombie� books but this one is so good and not really your average zombie book. I cannot wait to see how Theo and Cass put their differences aside and work together to put an end to the mist. These characters are just so amazing and I loved them all so dearly, especially Theo and his relentless pursuit of truth and wanting to truly change the world for good. I cannot wait to see his and Cass� development in the next book!! ...more
I’m sorry, but cliffhangers should be illegal if the next book isn’t ready to be released asap. This book hooked me from page one and I could not put I’m sorry, but cliffhangers should be illegal if the next book isn’t ready to be released asap. This book hooked me from page one and I could not put it down! My head is still trying to wrap itself around how this book ended and honestly I am not okay. I really want certain characters to die and I really need certain characters to get all kick butt.
The Soul Mark was an exciting book with so much allegory woven throughout this story. I loved it so, so much!! I really cannot wait for the next book to see how far the allegory will go with another character who we just got introduced to! The world building and plot to this book were so unique and I loved how Mrs. Fischer wrote it! Caleb and Sela were honestly such great characters and I loved getting to see them grow and develop individually and together. Ugh, I don’t even have words to describe my love for them!!
This book was just so good and exactly what I needed to kick start my summer reading after finishing school. I cannot wait for the second book…like I literally need it right now!! So GOOD!
*FTC: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own. I was NOT required to write a positive review.*...more
This book has stolen my heart and I do not think I want it back. I knew after reading By Light and Love that the land of Taletha would be one that I wThis book has stolen my heart and I do not think I want it back. I knew after reading By Light and Love that the land of Taletha would be one that I would fall in love with, but Anna blew my expectations out of the water. The world-building and how she told her story had this book playing like a movie in my brain. I loved (and hated for reasons that you would understand if you read the book) the political tension and the uniqueness of Taletha. Although you can tell that Anna did research into middle eastern countries, she also added her own flare to the culture to make it so colorful, exciting, and real.
The characters were what stole my heart most though. The dynamic between Inara and Dhamar made me want to cry, swoon, and pace around my room. Their relationship was a rollercoaster of emotions but for good reason. I loved seeing both characters develop and mature into who they needed to be for themselves and for each other. Not gonna lie, I swooned one too many times with these two...I love them so much!!
Anna was not afraid to include hard topics throughout this book and that made this book even better. The realism of a relationship, trauma, and political pressures make this book so fast-paced, you will have a hard time putting it down. However, it is not too fast that you feel lost. The pacing and pose of this book are so beautiful! I cannot wait to see what Anna has next for us in the Taletha series!
*FTC: I received ane early copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.*...more
The Rose and the Thistle is a whimsical novel that will sweep you to the mid-1700s right in the middle of the Jacobite uprising. Laura Frantz hooks yoThe Rose and the Thistle is a whimsical novel that will sweep you to the mid-1700s right in the middle of the Jacobite uprising. Laura Frantz hooks you from the first page and leaves you wanting more once the story concludes. The Rose and the Thistle will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. Without a shadow of a doubt, every time I read a Laura Frantz novel, I fly through the last 100 pages like my life depends on it. The tensions are always so high and this book was no different. You would like after reading Mrs. Frantz's books for 7 years, I would know how her novels would end, but I get so consumed with the story that I cannot help but worry that maybe this will be the book that does not end with a HEA.
Laura Frantz is one of my favorite authors for a number of reasons. One of them are her characters. Blythe was like every other heroine. She has her own unique personality yet she has that Frantz heroine undertone. Blythe is strong in a very feminine way. She is independent but is not stupidly stubborn. She cares for those around her. She loved with all her heart. She is loyal. She relies on the Lord for everything. She is what biblical feminity looks like. I loved getting to know Blythe and her academic ways. Her interactions with Orin made my heart so happy. Her witty comments to Everard made me smile. Her insecurity made her more real and personable. She was an English rose.
Everard, Blythe's counterpart, was also like every other hero in Mrs. Frantz's novels, but his own person. He was dashing, handsome, protective, caring, and quiet. His heart is way too big for his chest. His love and care for his brothers, especially Orin warmed by heart. The way he protected Blythe made my heart pound. He was gentle but was not afraid to fight for his loved ones. His faith made his character even better. He was willing to risk his own life to save his wife from his royal pain in the butt, King George. I do not know if I can put into words just how amazing Everard was. You just need to read this book yourself to understand.
Another reason why Laura Frantz is one of my favorite authors is that her writing is lyrically whimsical. You can tell throughout the story that she has spent hours upon hours studying what she is writing about. I feel like I am right there with the characters through thick and thin. She is not afraid to show the reality of living in the 1700s, while also not going into too many gruesome details to make the story unpleasant or like a history textbook. Her writing is just so beautiful.
I also love how Mrs. Frantz is not afraid to add faith content to her novels. God is not just in the background for the characters to rely on in their troubles, but He is woven throughout the entire book. He is the main character along with Blythe and Everard. The faith content is what makes these books come more alive. It is not overly preachy, but it is not watered down either. It is just pleasantly there.
Overall, if you have not read this book, PLEASE do!! It is so good and definitely one of my top reads this year. It is just so beautiful!! If you have never read a Laura Frantz book, then you are severely missing out! I cannot recommend her books enough!!
*FTC: I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts were my own. I was not required to write a positive review.*...more
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference�
This book. TGod grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference�
This book. This book had me on a rollercoaster, y’all! My heart was racing at records speeds throughout many parts of this book. This book not only was a time-travel historical fiction romance, but it also had elements of suspense that had your mind reeling at how everything was going to work out in the end. I still have quite a few questions, but those are more personal questions that I want answered not questions that Mrs. Hedlund did not wrap up in the end of this book. Also, I LOVED that she included the Serenity Prayer! I adore this prayer so, so much! ...more
This whimsical book finally has released me back in the present. Laura Frantz yet again has whisked me off on an adventure to the 1700s with amazing cThis whimsical book finally has released me back in the present. Laura Frantz yet again has whisked me off on an adventure to the 1700s with amazing characters that I don’t want to let go of. From the second chance romance, to chocolate, to handsome captains, and a story about God’s sovereignty, this book will take you on an amazing ride. One thing that I loved the most about this book was how beautifully Mrs. Frantz weaved so many biblical themes throughout her book without it being preachy. Mrs. Frantz truly is a gifted storyteller.
If Mrs. Frantz’s characters were washing dishes and chatting the whole book, I still would’ve loved it as much as I do! I related to Esmee in a lot of ways. I honestly would be the one to still be in love with a man after not seeing him for 10 years after our engagement was broken. Esmee was such a wonderful character to follow and I enjoyed her and her story so much! Her bravery, compassion, and willingness shone brightly throughout this book. Also her boldness when it finally came down to her feelings for Henri made me love her even more. Speaking of Henri, he was the perfect match for Esmee. One thing that I love the most about Mrs. Frantz’s male characters is that they are actually men; mature, know how to communicate, pursue the girl, and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and work hard. They also love the Lord with their whole hearts and Captain Henri Lennox was not an exception to this. From the first time he appeared in this book, I knew that he was going to be amazing and boy was I happy when my expectations were blown out of the water! ...more
This book not only hit every single one of my expectations, but it blew them out of the ballpark. I literally was drawn in from page one and I still fThis book not only hit every single one of my expectations, but it blew them out of the ballpark. I literally was drawn in from page one and I still feel like I could read more and never get bored. Although I loved the first book in this duology, this book definitely is my favorite. I loved the found family trope in To Dwell Among Cedars, but Mrs. Cossette truly blew me away with the trope in this book. Towards the end of the book, I was nearly in tears because of the theme of forgiveness that was so beautifully portrayed in this book. I will refrain myself from gushing anymore over the last 20% of the book only so I do not spoil anything for anyone!
I had really enjoyed Lukio's complex character in TDAC and was anxious to see where Mrs. Cossette took him in this book. I honestly fell in love with his character. I loved watching him go from this ruthless fighter to this compassionate, fearless, selfish man that we got a slight glimpse of in book one. Lukio was so protective of both Shoshana and all the other wonderful side characters that he came in contact with. I loved how Mrs. Cossette wrote his redemption arc, because it truly has to be hands down one of my favorite. I know that this is just a work of fiction, but it truly amazes me that we serve a God who can turn someone like Lukio into His child because that is not a work of fiction, but something that He does on a daily basis!
Shoshana was such a darling main character. I had loved her character in book one, and I only feel further in love with her in this book. My heart ached for her when we learned about her past and what she had gone through to get where she in this book. She had such a sensitive, kind heart that there were many times that I wanted to wrap her up in a massive hug. She also was so fearless and bold in the best ways. I seriously just love her so, so much!
The side characters in this book were AMAZING! It would take me forever to go over them all, but if you read this book then you would know exactly who I am talking about!! I also LOVED being able to see Lukio's family again. I literally almost started crying when some of his brothers were brought into a scene, it literally was so enduring!
This book, as I slightly mentioned above, had so many deep and beautiful messages. I literally am still in awe at how beautifully written this book was. This book has touched my heart in ways that I cannot even put into words. All I can say is that you MUST read this book!! Yes, it will stress you out and maybe even give you a mini panic attack, it is all worth it to read the beautiful message that God has clearly given Mrs. Cossette to share with the world. You really do not want to miss this book!!
Favorite Quote: “We’re bringing him home.� Although I could probably have chosen a dozen quotes or so, this part literally almost made me start sobbing at 12am. This probably has to be one of my favorite scenes from this entire book! ...more
This book was so good!! I loved everything about it from the characters to the storyline! My full review will hopefully come tomorrow, but just know tThis book was so good!! I loved everything about it from the characters to the storyline! My full review will hopefully come tomorrow, but just know that I am in love with Selina's writing now!!! ...more
I just can't get over how amazing this book was! I now know why it's all over bookstagram...I just can't get over how amazing this book was! I now know why it's all over bookstagram......more
This book brought tears to my eyes. This was such a breathtaking novella that held so much wisdom, romance, and grace. Anna wrote a novel that will imThis book brought tears to my eyes. This was such a breathtaking novella that held so much wisdom, romance, and grace. Anna wrote a novel that will impact your life one way or another. There will be once character that you find yourself relating to even if you haven't walked their exact walk. Anna definitely has a beautiful gift in writing.
Better His Way: This story was probably my favorite. Della and Nicholas were amazing characters that I instantly connected with. Della was such a sweetheart and her personality made me laugh. She was so witty and wouldn't let anyone walk on her. Nicholas was a cinnamon roll (you will hear this a lot) who stole my heart. He probably was my favorite prince, if I HAD to chose one. I just loved his personality so much. ...more
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