Tori's bookshelf: all en-US Sat, 28 Sep 2024 15:51:57 -0700 60 Tori's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Dreamland 6679174 Living a Nightmare

Sarah Dessen's novels are known for being unerringly polished, for possessing the quintessential young adult voice, and for tackling tough but important subjects. In her latest, Dreamland, Dessen deals with the specter of physical abuse and the cycle of intimidation that can catch female victims of all ages. The victim in this case is young Caitlin O'Koren, whose new boyfriend, Rogerson, seems like a dream come true. However, it doesn't take long for the dream to become a nightmare that threatens to rob Caitlin of everything she holds dear.



Used to living in the shadow of her overachieving older sister, Caitlin has always been something of a loner. When the older sister runs away to be with a boyfriend, Caitlin is left behind to deal with her mother's anguish and her father's seeming indifference. While searching for her own identity and some sense of self-worth, Caitlin hooks up with Rogerson Biscoe. Rogerson is a mixed He comes from a wealthy, upper-class family, but he also comes with a reputation for being a troublemaker and a rebel. His rebellious lifestyle strikes Caitlin as refreshingly different. Rogerson is different in other ways, too, with his intense demeanor and dreadlock hair.



Though Rogerson doesn't fit in with any of Caitlin's friends, Caitlin is happy to tag along and meet his friends. While she may not always like them, she likes what Rogerson brings out in her, a side of herself that she's never explored. When she learns a terrible secret about Rogerson's life, it brings them closer, and Caitlin finds Rogerson to be an intelligent, sensitive, and caring boyfriend. But that same secret comes back to haunt Caitlin when she sees a side of Rogerson he's never revealed before. Deeply in love and caught in a cycle of abuse she doesn't know how to escape, Caitlin is desperate for someone to notice and help her. Because she can't seem to help herself.



Dessen's dead-on handling of the psychological maelstrom that accompanies an abusive relationship is vivid, heartbreaking, and honest. This is intelligent fiction that takes a hard but realistic look at many of the pressures teens must face as they enter adulthood, including that first brush with true love. Dessen gets her message across loud and clear without any spoon-feeding or preaching, and the sweetly naive but wry voice of Caitlin is captivating, funny, and entertaining.



--Beth Amos

]]> 260 Sarah Dessen 110104229X Tori 4 books-i-own, favorites 3.96 2000 Dreamland
author: Sarah Dessen
name: Tori
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/09/28
shelves: books-i-own, favorites
review:

]]> Every Time You Hear That Song 186872427 They say to never meet your idols. But they never said anything about upending your life for a quest designed by one.

Seventeen-year-old aspiring journalist Darren Purchase has been a lifelong fan of country music legend Decklee Cassel, who’s as famous for her classic hits as she is for her partnership with songwriter Mickenlee Hooper. The same Mickenlee who mysteriously backed out of the limelight at the height of their careers, never to be heard from again. Now, Decklee’s televised funeral marks the unveiling of her long-awaited time capsule. But when it’s revealed to be empty, a long trail of scavenger hunt clues unfolds, leading to a whopping cash prize for whoever finds the real capsule. Darren knows there’s a story there—and she’s going to be the one to break it. Even if it means a spontaneous road trip with her coworker, Kendall.

Flashback to 1963, where a young, runaway Decklee has her sights set on fame and glory. As she claws her way to the top over the years that follow, it’s Mickenlee’s lyrics that help rocket her to stardom. But as their relationship evolves beyond the professional, it threatens everything Decklee has worked for. What else will she sacrifice to hold on to her dreams?

Told in alternating perspectives, Every Time You Hear That Song is a queer coming-of-age story celebrating country music, complicated women, and living authentically. There’s more to Decklee’s story than Darren ever could have guessed, but the real story she has to tell is her own.]]> 320 Jenna Voris 0593623398 Tori 0 to-read 4.00 2024 Every Time You Hear That Song
author: Jenna Voris
name: Tori
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2024
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/03/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Well-Lived Life 176443581
Dr. Gladys McGarey, cofounder of the American Holistic Medical Association, began her medical practice at a time when women couldn’t even have their own bank accounts. Over the past sixty years, she has pioneered a new way of thinking about disease and health that has transformed the way we imagine health care and self-care around the world.

On these pages, Dr. McGarey shares her six actionable secrets to enjoying lives that are long, happy, and

- Spend your energy How to embrace your life fully and feel motivated every day.
- All life needs to How to move—spiritually, mentally, and physically—to help let go of trauma and other roadblocks.
- You are here for a How to find the everyday “juice� that helps you stay oriented in your life’s purpose.
- You are never alone : How to build a community that’s meaningful to you.
- Everything is your Discover the deep learnings that come from pain and setbacks.
- Love is the most powerful Learn to love yourself—and others—into healing.

In a voice that is both practical and inspiring, Dr. McGarey shares her own extraordinary stories and eternal wisdom—from her early childhood in India and a chance encounter with Mahatma Gandhi to her life as a physician and a mother of six, to her survival of both heartbreak and illness. Dr. Gladys shares her inspiring vision for a healthier and more joyful future for us all, filled with “rich and complex truths that will resonate with readers� hearts and minds� (Dr. Robert Waldinger, New York Times bestselling author).]]> 256 Gladys McGarey 1668014491 Tori 0 to-read 4.28 The Well-Lived Life
author: Gladys McGarey
name: Tori
average rating: 4.28
book published:
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/03/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Twilight Garden 200190296
In a small pocket of the city, between the houses of No. 77 and No. 79 on Eastbourne Road, there’s a neglected community garden.

Once vibrant and welcoming, and a sanctuary for the people when they needed it most, the garden’s gate is firmly closed.

But it only takes a small seed of an idea for big changes to happen. And as the neighbours� need for connection grows, the twilight garden comes out of hibernation...

From a bright new voice, Sara Nisha Adams, comes a life-affirming story of small spaces, small pleasures & friendships coming into bloom...]]> 400 Sara Nisha Adams 0063025329 Tori 0 to-read 3.68 2023 The Twilight Garden
author: Sara Nisha Adams
name: Tori
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/03/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Counting Miracles 205126997
“Sparks is superb at what he does. The setting is postcard perfect. The characters are immensely likable. . . . This is a tidy miracle you can count on.”—The Washington Post

Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents, following in his grandfather’s military footsteps to become an Army Ranger. His whole life has been spent abroad, and he is the proverbial rolling stone: happiest when off on his next adventure, zero desire to settle down. But when his grandmother passes away, her last words to him are find where you belong. She also drops a bombshell, telling him the name of the father he never knew—and where to find him.

Tanner is due at his next posting soon, but his curiosity is piqued, and he sets out for Asheboro, North Carolina, to ask around. He’s been in town less than twenty-four hours when he meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a doctor and single mom. They both feel an immediate connection; Tanner knows Kaitlyn has a story to tell, and he wants to hear it. To Kaitlyn, Tanner is mysterious, exciting—and possibly leaving in just a few weeks.

Meanwhile, nearby, eighty-three-year-old Jasper lives alone in a cabin bordering a national forest. With only his old dog, Arlo, for company, he lives quietly, haunted by a tragic accident that took place decades before. When he hears rumors that a white deer has been spotted in the forest—a creature of legend that inspired his father and grandfather—he becomes obsessed with protecting the deer from poachers.

As these characters� fates orbit closer together, none of them is expecting a miracle . . . but that may be exactly what is about to alter their futures forever.]]> 368 Nicholas Sparks 0593449592 Tori 0 to-read 4.05 2024 Counting Miracles
author: Nicholas Sparks
name: Tori
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2024
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/03/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Inheritance 181110013 From the bestselling author of The Home for Unwanted Girls and The Forgotten Daughter comes a compulsively readable mother-daughter story in which two women who share a difficult past must come to together to claim the future they deserve.

Arden Moore enjoyed an affluent life thanks to her husband’s high-paying job. But a year after his death, the 36-year-old is a grieving single mother deeply in debt and living paycheck to paycheck with her three children. Then an unexpected call from a well-known estate lawyer in New York offers a glimmer of hope. It is the beginning of a complex legal journey that could mean the difference between a life of abject poverty and unthinkable wealth thanks to her father, deceased billionaire Wallace Barclay.

Thirty years before, Arden’s mother Virginia Bunt, a flirtatious love addict with a string of failed affairs, met Wallace, an encounter that transformed her life. When he died unexpectedly without a will, Virginia fought to secure a comfortable future for her and the secret unborn daughter she shared with Wallace. Yet despite her best efforts, society and the legal system prevented her from receiving the money that should rightfully have been hers. Now, though, with changes in the legal system and science, her daughter Arden may finally succeed in claiming the inheritance that has been long denied.

Told from both Arden and Virginia’s viewpoints, straddling past and present, and moving from Toronto to New York City, The Inheritance is a poignant portrait of familial bonds, haunting pasts, the collateral damage of life choices, and the promise of hopeful futures as two venerable women fight for the life they deserve.]]> 336 Joanna Goodman 006331939X Tori 0 to-read 3.48 2024 The Inheritance
author: Joanna Goodman
name: Tori
average rating: 3.48
book published: 2024
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/01/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Jaded 176442986 A young lawyer wakes up the morning after a work gala with no memory of how she got home the previous night and must figure out what, exactly, happened—and how much she's willing to put up with to make her way to the top of the corporate ladder.

Jade isn’t even my real name. Jade began as my Starbucks name, because all children of immigrants have a Starbucks name.

Jade has become everything she ever wanted to be.

Successful lawyer.
Dutiful daughter.
Beloved girlfriend.
Loyal friend.

Until Jade wakes up the morning after a work event, naked and alone, with no idea how she got home. Caught between her parents who can’t understand, her boyfriend who feels betrayed, and her job that expects silence, the world Jade has constructed starts to crumble.

Jade thought she was everything she ever wanted to be. But now she feels like nothing at all.

For fans of Queenie and I May Destroy You, Jaded is a blistering—and sometimes darkly funny—account of consent, power, race, sexism, and identity in a broken society.]]> 384 Ela Lee 1668010992 Tori 0 to-read 4.12 2024 Jaded
author: Ela Lee
name: Tori
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2024
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/01/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Iron Man: Tony Stark Declassified: Notes, Interviews, and Files from the Avengers' Archives]]> 124011662 Millions of comic book fans know Tony Stark as Iron Man. But few, if any, truly know the man inside the armor.

He’s a genius entrepreneur, an inventor, a business mogul, and a super hero—not to mention an Avenger reassembled in his physical form and reunited with his humanity. And now Tony Stark is ready to talk about it all.

Revisit the story of one of Marvel Comics� most heroic, heralded, and complex characters in his own words, as well as through notes, interviews, and files assembled from the Avengers� archives.

An unprecedented, comprehensive firsthand chronicle, Iron Man: Tony Stark Declassified draws on more than a half century of classic tales to present an insightful, personal take about—and by—one of the most talked-about heroes of all time.

Featuring Tony’s perspective on his most important friends, allies, and enemies including Captain America, Pepper Potts, Happy Hogan, James Rhodes, Ironheart, Bruce Banner, and Arno Stark, and his thoughts on the Marvel Universe’s most memorable moments, this first-of-its-kind archival collection is a must for fans of all eras.]]> 336 Dayton Ward 163774305X Tori 0 to-read 3.91 Iron Man: Tony Stark Declassified: Notes, Interviews, and Files from the Avengers' Archives
author: Dayton Ward
name: Tori
average rating: 3.91
book published:
rating: 0
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date added: 2023/11/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[60 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet]]> 59879973 144 Dennis Denenberg 1728449316 Tori 0 to-read 4.30 60 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet
author: Dennis Denenberg
name: Tori
average rating: 4.30
book published:
rating: 0
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date added: 2023/11/20
shelves: to-read
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]]> <![CDATA[Instructions for Traveling West: Poems]]> 186872488 Ěý
First, you must realize you’re homesick for all the lives you’re not living. Then, you must commit to the road and the rising loneliness. To the sincere thrill of coming apart.
Ěý
So begins Joy Sullivan’s Instructions for Traveling West —a lush debut collection that examines what happens when we leave home and leap into the deep unknown. Mid-pandemic, Sullivan left the man she planned to marry, sold her house, quit her corporate job, and drove west. This dazzling collection tells that story as it illuminates the questions haunting us What possible futures lie on the horizon? What happens when we heed the call of furious reinvention?Ěý
Ěý
A book for anyone flinging themselves into fresh starts, Instructions for Traveling West grapples with loss, loneliness and belonging.ĚýThese poems teach us that naming our desire is profound alchemy. Each of us holds the power to set our own course forward.
Ěý
Expansive and heart-opening—exquisite in their specificity, galvanizing in their scope—the poems in Instructions for Traveling West speak to the longing that lives within us all. They remind us that “joy is not a trick.”]]> 160 Joy Sullivan 0593597613 Tori 0 to-read 4.38 Instructions for Traveling West: Poems
author: Joy Sullivan
name: Tori
average rating: 4.38
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/11/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[It Happened One Summer (Bellinger Sisters, #1)]]> 55659629
Piper hasn’t even been in Westport for five minutes when she meets big, bearded sea captain Brendan, who thinks she won’t last a week outside of Beverly Hills. So what if Piper can’t do math, and the idea of sleeping in a shabby apartment with bunk beds gives her hives. How bad could it really be? She’s determined to show her stepfather—and the hot, grumpy local—that she’s more than a pretty face.

Except it’s a small town and everywhere she turns, she bumps into Brendan. The fun-loving socialite and the gruff fisherman are polar opposites, but there’s an undeniable attraction simmering between them. Piper doesn’t want any distractions, especially feelings for a man who sails off into the sunset for weeks at a time. Yet as she reconnects with her past and begins to feel at home in Westport, Piper starts to wonder if the cold, glamorous life she knew is what she truly wants. LA is calling her name, but Brendan—and this town full of memories—may have already caught her heart.Ěý

Tessa Bailey is back with a Schitt’s Creek-inspired rom-com about a Hollywood “It Girlâ€� who is cut off from her wealthy family and exiled to a small Pacific Northwest beach town... where she butts heads with a surly, sexy local who thinks she doesn’t belong.Ěý]]> 397 Tessa Bailey 0063045656 Tori 4 There are some boring parts throughout the book that I struggled with, but they are few and far between. Plus the "boring" parts are admittedly kind of necessary to bring the reader to the next important scene in the book.
You couldn't even cut the sexual tension between Brendan and Piper with a knife. You would have to use a chainsaw just to loosen the tension. It is insane the pull that these two characters have towards each other.
Not only was this a really good storyline, but I loved seeing the transformation in the characters! Each character helped shape another character and helped them grow. It was amazing to see them all grow as they did. I really enjoyed that aspect of the story.
The spice is definitely through the roof as well. If you are someone that likes to complain about graphic sexual moments in books then I wouldn't recommend this one to you. There are definitely graphic sexual encounters that go into very vivid detail. Some of these encounters could even leave you blushing if you aren't careful. I would say this book has a spice level of 4.5 stars in my opinion.
By the last 10 chapters, I just couldn't put this book down if I wanted to. I was turning pages and reading faster than I had in a while just to find out what was going to happen. Don't worry, I won't be spoiling things, but definitely, be prepared for those last ten or so chapters. Give yourself time also and don't rush. My emotions even got to me as I could literally feel for the characters.
The author did a fantastic job of bringing this story to life. The reader will feel like you are picked up and put right in Westport along with all of the other characters.
I definitely recommend it, and I can't wait to read Hook, Line, and Sinker next. ]]> 3.91 2021 It Happened One Summer (Bellinger Sisters, #1)
author: Tessa Bailey
name: Tori
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2023/11/04
date added: 2023/11/04
shelves:
review:
It took me a few chapters to get invested in this book, but once you finally get hooked it is hard to put down. After the first few chapters, it was easy to keep reading.
There are some boring parts throughout the book that I struggled with, but they are few and far between. Plus the "boring" parts are admittedly kind of necessary to bring the reader to the next important scene in the book.
You couldn't even cut the sexual tension between Brendan and Piper with a knife. You would have to use a chainsaw just to loosen the tension. It is insane the pull that these two characters have towards each other.
Not only was this a really good storyline, but I loved seeing the transformation in the characters! Each character helped shape another character and helped them grow. It was amazing to see them all grow as they did. I really enjoyed that aspect of the story.
The spice is definitely through the roof as well. If you are someone that likes to complain about graphic sexual moments in books then I wouldn't recommend this one to you. There are definitely graphic sexual encounters that go into very vivid detail. Some of these encounters could even leave you blushing if you aren't careful. I would say this book has a spice level of 4.5 stars in my opinion.
By the last 10 chapters, I just couldn't put this book down if I wanted to. I was turning pages and reading faster than I had in a while just to find out what was going to happen. Don't worry, I won't be spoiling things, but definitely, be prepared for those last ten or so chapters. Give yourself time also and don't rush. My emotions even got to me as I could literally feel for the characters.
The author did a fantastic job of bringing this story to life. The reader will feel like you are picked up and put right in Westport along with all of the other characters.
I definitely recommend it, and I can't wait to read Hook, Line, and Sinker next.
]]> An Anonymous Girl 39863515
Dr. Shields seems to know what Jess is thinking� and what she’s hiding.

Jessica’s behavior will not only be monitored, but manipulated.

Caught in a web of attraction, deceit and jealousy, Jess quickly learns that some obsessions can be deadly.

From the authors of the blockbuster bestseller The Wife Between Us, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, An Anonymous Girl will keep you riveted through the last shocking twist.]]> 375 Greer Hendricks 1250133734 Tori 5
I was actually shocked by how much I loved this book. I was also shocked by the fact that I was surprised quite frequently throughout the novel! I am one of those readers who can usually foretell what will happen next rather early, but this book surprised me and had me on the edge of my seat. I could not stop reading it!

Within the first couple of chapters, I was completely hooked, and had I had just one day with nothing to do I would have surely read this in a day. It was hard to put down.

Jessica is a 28 year old makeup artist trying to make it on her own in a big city doing makeup and trying to escape her past. She feels constant guilt over family, and past mistakes. So to deal with that she moves far away, does what she can for herself, her family, and is struggling to make ends meet. One day during a job where she is preparing two young women to go out for the night she overhears a voicemail where one of the women was offered a part is a psychology study for payment. The young woman made it clear she was going to back out so Jessica figured there would be no harm in pretending to be that young woman just to make some easy quick cash. Unfortunately, this led Jessica down a dark and tempting road that would only further complicate her life and sanity.

The twists and turns in this book will have you unable to help yourself from staying up late just to find out what will happen next. This was a surprisingly good psychological suspense novel, and I am highly impressed that TWO authors came together to write this. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by the two of these talented authors. The characters were all definitely alive and vivid with depth and stories of their own. The setting drew me in no matter where the characters were, it was as if I was right there with them. The storyline was fantastic and unheard of for sure. Definitely a storyline you won't find just anywhere. This book has it all: obsession, love, anger, betrayal, morality, psychology, etc. Definitely recommend giving this read a try. ]]> 3.79 2019 An Anonymous Girl
author: Greer Hendricks
name: Tori
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2023/10/17
date added: 2023/11/04
shelves:
review:
Devious, Intense, and Mystifying!

I was actually shocked by how much I loved this book. I was also shocked by the fact that I was surprised quite frequently throughout the novel! I am one of those readers who can usually foretell what will happen next rather early, but this book surprised me and had me on the edge of my seat. I could not stop reading it!

Within the first couple of chapters, I was completely hooked, and had I had just one day with nothing to do I would have surely read this in a day. It was hard to put down.

Jessica is a 28 year old makeup artist trying to make it on her own in a big city doing makeup and trying to escape her past. She feels constant guilt over family, and past mistakes. So to deal with that she moves far away, does what she can for herself, her family, and is struggling to make ends meet. One day during a job where she is preparing two young women to go out for the night she overhears a voicemail where one of the women was offered a part is a psychology study for payment. The young woman made it clear she was going to back out so Jessica figured there would be no harm in pretending to be that young woman just to make some easy quick cash. Unfortunately, this led Jessica down a dark and tempting road that would only further complicate her life and sanity.

The twists and turns in this book will have you unable to help yourself from staying up late just to find out what will happen next. This was a surprisingly good psychological suspense novel, and I am highly impressed that TWO authors came together to write this. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by the two of these talented authors. The characters were all definitely alive and vivid with depth and stories of their own. The setting drew me in no matter where the characters were, it was as if I was right there with them. The storyline was fantastic and unheard of for sure. Definitely a storyline you won't find just anywhere. This book has it all: obsession, love, anger, betrayal, morality, psychology, etc. Definitely recommend giving this read a try.
]]> Never Let Me Go 6334 288 Kazuo Ishiguro 1400078776 Tori 0 to-read 3.85 2005 Never Let Me Go
author: Kazuo Ishiguro
name: Tori
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2005
rating: 0
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date added: 2022/12/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Paper Palace 55994372
Now, over the next twenty-four hours, Elle will have to decide between the life she has made with her genuinely beloved husband, Peter, and the life she always imagined she would have had with her childhood love, Jonas, if a tragic event hadn't forever changed the course of their lives.

As Heller colors in the experiences that have led Elle to this day, we arrive at her ultimate decision with all its complexity. Tender yet devastating, The Paper Palace considers the tensions between desire and dignity, the legacies of abuse, and the crimes and misdemeanors of families.

Alternate cover edition of ISBN 9780593329825.]]> 400 Miranda Cowley Heller Tori 0 to-read 3.73 2021 The Paper Palace
author: Miranda Cowley Heller
name: Tori
average rating: 3.73
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/12/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The ​Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and Ash, #3)]]> 55240343 She's been the victim and the survivor�

Poppy never dreamed she would find the love she’s found with Prince Casteel. She wants to revel in her happiness but first they must free his brother and find hers. It’s a dangerous mission and one with far-reaching consequences neither dreamed of. Because Poppy is the Chosen, the Blessed. The true ruler of Atlantia. She carries the blood of the King of Gods within her. By right the crown and the kingdom are hers.

The enemy and the warrior�

Poppy has only ever wanted to control her own life, not the lives of others, but now she must choose to either forsake her birthright or seize the gilded crown and become the Queen of Flesh and Fire. But as the kingdoms� dark sins and blood-drenched secrets finally unravel, a long-forgotten power rises to pose a genuine threat. And they will stop at nothing to ensure that the crown never sits upon Poppy’s head.

A lover and heartmate�

But the greatest threat to them and to Atlantia is what awaits in the far west, where the Queen of Blood and Ash has her own plans, ones she has waited hundreds of years to carry out. Poppy and Casteel must consider the impossible—travel to the Lands of the Gods and wake the King himself. And as shocking secrets and the harshest betrayals come to light, and enemies emerge to threaten everything Poppy and Casteel have fought for, they will discover just how far they are willing to go for their people—and each other.

And now she will become Queen.]]> 645 Jennifer L. Armentrout 1952457254 Tori 0 to-read 4.11 2021 The ​Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and Ash, #3)
author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
name: Tori
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2021
rating: 0
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date added: 2022/12/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Billy Summers 56852407
How about everything...]]> 517 Stephen King 1982173610 Tori 0 to-read 4.11 2021 Billy Summers
author: Stephen King
name: Tori
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/12/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Later 54798175
Later is Stephen King at his finest, a terrifying and touching story of innocence lost and the trials that test our sense of right and wrong. With echoes of King's classic novel It, Later is a powerful, haunting, unforgettable exploration of what it takes to stand up to evil in all the faces it wears.]]> 248 Stephen King Tori 0 to-read 3.99 2021 Later
author: Stephen King
name: Tori
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/12/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Love Hypothesis 56732449
That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor--and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford's reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive's career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding... six-pack abs.

Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.]]> 356 Ali Hazelwood 0593336828 Tori 0 to-read 4.10 2021 The Love Hypothesis
author: Ali Hazelwood
name: Tori
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/12/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A ​Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #4)]]> 53138095
Ůردی که بیش از دیگران اعصاب ا٠را تحریک می‌کندŘ� کسی نیست جز کاسین، این جنگجŮŰŚ زخم‌خŮردŮ� که Ů…Ůقعیتش در دربار ریسند Ů Ůیرا ا٠را مدام در نزدیکی نستا نگه می­دارد؛ اما خشم نستا تنها چیزی نیست که در حضŮر کاسین تحریک می­‌شŮŘ�. آتشی که بین آن­‌هŘ� شعله می­‌کشŘ� غیرقابل‌انکاŘ� است Ů ŮŮ‚ŘŞŰŚ ناچار به زندگی باهم در ŰŚÚ© خانه می­شŮند، بیش‌ازپیŘ� حرارت می‌گیرŘ�.

دراین‌بینŘ� ملکه‌­هاŰ� انسان خائن نیز که Ř·ŰŚ جنگ اخیر به قلمر٠خŮŘŻ بازگشته‌انŘ� Ů…ŘŞŘ­ŘŻŰŚ جدید ٠خطرناک یاŮته‌انŘ� که حضŮرش صلح شکننده حاکم بر دیگر قلمرŮها را تهدید می‌کندŘ� Ů Ú©Ů„ŰŚŘŻ بازداشتن این تهدید جدید در دست کاسین ٠نستاست که باید با گذشته­ی Ř´ŮŮ… Ř®ŮŘŻ رŮبه‌رŮ� Ř´Ůند.

نستا ٠کاسین در دنیایی غرق در جنگ، در دنیایی که عدم اطمینان ٠بی­ثباتی آن را ŮراگرŮته با هیŮلاهایی بیرŮن ٠درŮن ŮجŮŘŻ Ř®ŮŘŻ رŮبه‌رŮ� شده ٠به دنبال بهبŮŘŻ ٠پذیرش در آغŮŘ´ یکدیگر می‌گردنŘ�.]]> 757 Sarah J. Maas 168119628X Tori 0 to-read 4.44 2021 A ​Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #4)
author: Sarah J. Maas
name: Tori
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2021
rating: 0
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date added: 2022/12/02
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]]> <![CDATA[Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout, #1)]]> 60060431 Bearded, bad-boy barber Knox prefers to live his life the way he takes his coffee: Alone. Unless you count his basset hound, Waylon.
Knox doesn’t tolerate drama, even when it comes in the form of a stranded runaway bride.

Naomi wasn’t just running away from her wedding. She was riding to the rescue of her estranged twin to Knockemout, Virginia, a rough-around-the-edges town where disputes are settled the old-fashioned way…with fists and beer. Usually in that order.

Too bad for Naomi her evil twin hasn’t changed at all. After helping herself to Naomi’s car and cash, Tina leaves her with something unexpected. The niece Naomi didn’t know she had. Now she’s stuck in town with no car, no job, no plan, and no home with an 11-year-old going on thirty to take care of.

There’s a reason Knox doesn’t do complications or high-maintenance women, especially not the romantic ones. But since Naomi’s life imploded right in front of him, the least he can do is help her out of her jam. And just as soon as she stops getting into new trouble he can leave her alone and get back to his peaceful, solitary life.

At least, that’s the plan until the trouble turns to real danger.]]> 572 Lucy Score 1945631848 Tori 0 to-read 4.15 2022 Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout, #1)
author: Lucy Score
name: Tori
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2022
rating: 0
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date added: 2022/12/02
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]]> The Book Thief 19063 Librarian's note: An alternate cover edition can be found here

It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will be busier still.

By her brother's graveside, Liesel's life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Gravedigger's Handbook, left behind there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her accordian-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever there are books to be found.

But these are dangerous times. When Liesel's foster family hides a Jew in their basement, Liesel's world is both opened up, and closed down.

In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.

(Note: this title was not published as YA fiction)]]> 592 Markus Zusak Tori 0 4.38 2005 The Book Thief
author: Markus Zusak
name: Tori
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2005
rating: 0
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date added: 2022/08/30
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]]> Malfeasance (Taboo Treat) 37783163 A successful judge.
A single father.
A leader in the community.
Doing the right thing means everything.

But when he finds himself rescuing an incredibly young woman,
everything he’s worked hard for is quickly forgotten.
The only thing that matters is keeping her safe.
She’s gorgeous, intelligent, and the ultimate temptation.
Doing the wrong thing suddenly feels right.

Their chemistry is intense.
It’s a romance no one will approve of, yet one they can’t ignore.
Hot, fast, and explosive.
Someone is going to get burned.]]> 76 K. Webster Tori 0 to-read 3.69 2017 Malfeasance (Taboo Treat)
author: K. Webster
name: Tori
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2017
rating: 0
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date added: 2022/06/06
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]]> Take Me Home Tonight 55710525 Ferris Bueller’s Day Off meets Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist in this romp through the city that never sleeps from the New York Times bestselling author of Since You’ve Been Gone, Morgan Matson.

Two girls. One night. Zero phones.

Kat and Stevie—best friends, theater kids, polar opposites—have snuck away from the suburbs to spend a night in New York City. They have it all planned out. They’ll see a play, eat at the city’s hottest restaurant, and have the best. Night. Ever. What could go wrong?

Well. Kind of a lot?

They’re barely off the train before they’re dealing with destroyed phones, family drama, and unexpected Pomeranians. Over the next few hours, they’ll have to grapple with old flames, terrible theater, and unhelpful cab drivers. But there are also cute boys to kiss, parties to crash, dry cleaning to deliver (don’t ask), and the world’s best museum to explore.

Over the course of a wild night in the city that never sleeps, both Kat and Stevie will get a wake-up call about their friendship, their choices…and finally discover what they really want for their future.

That is, assuming they can make it to Grand Central before the clock strikes midnight.]]> 416 Morgan Matson 1481498983 Tori 0 to-read 3.64 2021 Take Me Home Tonight
author: Morgan Matson
name: Tori
average rating: 3.64
book published: 2021
rating: 0
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date added: 2021/12/26
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]]> <![CDATA[Edibles for Beginners: A Cannabis Cookbook]]> 49119444
Mastering homemade cannabis creations is a true art and science—but every edible enthusiast knows there’s a fine line between a relaxing munchie and a bite of reefer madness. This cannabis cookbook shows you how to confidently bake uniquely yummy sweet and savory goods in the comfort of your own canna-kitchen.

Dive in with an overview of the medicinal benefits of cannabis—and get started by learning how to decarboxylate and make butter and oil infusions to stock your cannabis pantry. With this cannabis cookbook you’ll soon have the skills (and ingredients) to whip up low-dose edibles that will be in high demand.

This cannabis cookbook

Flower power—This cannabis cookbook gives you the lowdown on 20 popular strains with user-friendly flavor profiles that also detail the THC/CBD content, health benefits, and what effects to expect of each.Kitchen magic—Get the basics on cooking with cannabis and make any of your favorite foods special with easy instructions for decarboxylating, infusing butter and oil, and calculating dosing.Reefer recipes—Wow your loved ones with the 50 tasty low-dose recipes of this cannabis cookbook, including appetizers, brownies, cakes, cookies, and more—each labeled with its THC content.Become a baking cannaisseur with the guidance of this cannabis cookbook.]]> 204 Mary Wolf 1646111184 Tori 0 to-read 4.38 Edibles for Beginners: A Cannabis Cookbook
author: Mary Wolf
name: Tori
average rating: 4.38
book published:
rating: 0
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date added: 2021/12/26
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]]> Escape and Rescue 59248550
Not in this home. Not with this man.

The stakes are too high. The threats, too far-reaching.

Will she ignore her fear and stay put until a clear plan of escape emerges? Or will she exercise what little faith she’s uncovered and make a run for it, praying she’ll find help along the way?

Neither option soothes her troubled heart. Neither guarantees they’ll come out unscathed on the other side. And neither quiets her biggest fear of all �

How will she ever escape with her life � and the lives of her children � intact?]]> 122 Sheila Daniel 1662829612 Tori 0 to-read 5.00 Escape and Rescue
author: Sheila Daniel
name: Tori
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/26
shelves: to-read
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]]> Quicksilver 58107994
Quinn Quicksilver was born a mystery―abandoned at three days old on a desert highway in Arizona. Raised in an orphanage, never knowing his parents, Quinn had a happy if unexceptional life. Until the day of “strange magnetism.� It compelled him to drive out to the middle of nowhere. It helped him find a coin worth a lot of money. And it practically saved his life when two government agents showed up in the diner in pursuit of him. Now Quinn is on the run from those agents and who knows what else, fleeing for his life.

During a shoot-out at a forlorn dude ranch, he finally meets his destined companions: Bridget Rainking, a beauty as gifted in foresight as she is with firearms, and her grandpa Sparky, a romance novelist with an unusual past. Bridget knows what it’s like to be Quinn. She’s hunted, too. The only way to stay alive is to keep moving.

Barreling through the Sonoran Desert, the formidable trio is impelled by that same inexplicable magnetism toward the inevitable. With every deeply disturbing mile, something sinister is in the rearview―an enemy that is more than a match for Quinn. Even as he discovers within himself resources that are every bit as scary.]]> 368 Dean Koontz 1542019907 Tori 0 to-read 3.74 2022 Quicksilver
author: Dean Koontz
name: Tori
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2022
rating: 0
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date added: 2021/11/26
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Fault in Our Stars 11870085
Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green's most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.]]> 313 John Green Tori 5 This book honestly left me speechless. I did not expect the outcome quite as it was. I won't give too many details on that because I do not wish to spoil the book for anyone. I will just say that aside from being completely surprising, I also thought it was very well written. This is a topic rarely talked about at all, let alone made into a book. Definitely was moving, understandable, sad, happy, and honestly just a really good read. I loved the perseverance of the characters, the way they made light of bad situations and tried to find the humor in things, and the way these conditions weren't just sugarcoated over. Every day the characters in this book just accepted things as they were and honestly just did their best to live their lives.
There was definitely intelligence contained in the pages as well. I liked the way that the author makes you really take a look at life in general.
This is my first John Green novel and I definitely would like to check out more from this author.
What I love most about this novel is that it is so realistic. Nothing is sugarcoated. The characters seem very raw and realistic. They speak of their feelings concerning their diagnosis, how they are treated around their diagnosis, and their fears yet acceptance of their future. This is more than just a story about teenage romance and medical diagnosis's. This book will have you taking a look at life, death, love, loss, frustration, family, faith, etc. ]]> 4.13 2012 The Fault in Our Stars
author: John Green
name: Tori
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at: 2021/11/21
date added: 2021/11/26
shelves:
review:
I have held off reading this book for quite some time. I have not watched the movie either as I usually always prefer to read the book first. I held off for so long because I could immediately tell just by reading the summary of the book that it would no doubt be sad. I wasn't wrong about that. This book is definitely sad, but there is such hope contained in each chapter as well. That is something that I loved about this book.
This book honestly left me speechless. I did not expect the outcome quite as it was. I won't give too many details on that because I do not wish to spoil the book for anyone. I will just say that aside from being completely surprising, I also thought it was very well written. This is a topic rarely talked about at all, let alone made into a book. Definitely was moving, understandable, sad, happy, and honestly just a really good read. I loved the perseverance of the characters, the way they made light of bad situations and tried to find the humor in things, and the way these conditions weren't just sugarcoated over. Every day the characters in this book just accepted things as they were and honestly just did their best to live their lives.
There was definitely intelligence contained in the pages as well. I liked the way that the author makes you really take a look at life in general.
This is my first John Green novel and I definitely would like to check out more from this author.
What I love most about this novel is that it is so realistic. Nothing is sugarcoated. The characters seem very raw and realistic. They speak of their feelings concerning their diagnosis, how they are treated around their diagnosis, and their fears yet acceptance of their future. This is more than just a story about teenage romance and medical diagnosis's. This book will have you taking a look at life, death, love, loss, frustration, family, faith, etc.
]]> The Book of Longings 52698452 “I am Ana. I was the wife of Jesus.�

Raised in a wealthy family in Sepphoris with ties to the ruler of Galilee, Ana is rebellious and ambitious, a relentless seeker with a brilliant, curious mind and a daring spirit. She yearns for a pursuit worthy of her life, but finds no outlet for her considerable talents. Defying the expectations placed on women, she engages in furtive scholarly pursuits and writes secret narratives about neglected and silenced women. When she meets the eighteen-year-old Jesus, each is drawn to and enriched by the other’s spiritual and philosophical ideas. He becomes a floodgate for her intellect, but also the awakener of her heart.

Their marriage unfolds with love and conflict, humor and pathos in Nazareth, where Ana makes a home with Jesus, his brothers, James and Simon, and their mother, Mary. Here, Ana’s pent-up longings intensify amid the turbulent resistance to the Roman occupation of Israel, partially led by her charismatic adopted brother, Judas. She is sustained by her indomitable aunt Yaltha, who is searching for her long-lost daughter, as well as by other women, including her friend Tabitha, who is sold into slavery after she was raped, and Phasaelis, the shrewd wife of Herod Antipas. Ana’s impetuous streak occasionally invites danger. When one such foray forces her to flee Nazareth for her safety shortly before Jesus’s public ministry begins, she makes her way with Yaltha to Alexandria, where she eventually finds refuge and purpose in unexpected surroundings.

Grounded in meticulous historical research and written with a reverential approach to Jesus’s life that focuses on his humanity, The Book of Longings is an inspiring account of one woman’s bold struggle to realize the passion and potential inside her, while living in a time, place, and culture devised to silence her.]]> 416 Sue Monk Kidd 052542976X Tori 0 to-read 4.21 2020 The Book of Longings
author: Sue Monk Kidd
name: Tori
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2020
rating: 0
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date added: 2021/11/23
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]]> The Great Alone 34912895 Unpredictable. Unforgiving. Untamed.
For a family in crisis, the ultimate test of survival.

Ernt Allbright, a former POW, comes home from the Vietnam war a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes an impulsive decision: he will move his family north, to Alaska, where they will live off the grid in America’s last true frontier.

Thirteen-year-old Leni, a girl coming of age in a tumultuous time, caught in the riptide of her parents� passionate, stormy relationship, dares to hope that a new land will lead to a better future for her family. She is desperate for a place to belong. Her mother, Cora, will do anything and go anywhere for the man she loves, even if it means following him into the unknown.

At first, Alaska seems to be the answer to their prayers. In a wild, remote corner of the state, they find a fiercely independent community of strong men and even stronger women. The long, sunlit days and the generosity of the locals make up for the Allbrights� lack of preparation and dwindling resources.

But as winter approaches and darkness descends on Alaska, Ernt’s fragile mental state deteriorates and the family begins to fracture. Soon the perils outside pale in comparison to threats from within. In their small cabin, covered in snow, blanketed in eighteen hours of night, Leni and her mother learn the terrible truth: they are on their own. In the wild, there is no one to save them but themselves.

In this unforgettable portrait of human frailty and resilience, Kristin Hannah reveals the indomitable character of the modern American pioneer and the spirit of a vanishing Alaska―a place of incomparable beauty and danger. The Great Alone is a daring, beautiful, stay-up-all-night story about love and loss, the fight for survival, and the wildness that lives in both man and nature.]]> 435 Kristin Hannah Tori 0 to-read 4.44 2018 The Great Alone
author: Kristin Hannah
name: Tori
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2018
rating: 0
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date added: 2021/11/23
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]]> The Midnight Library 52578297
When Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, she has a chance to make things right. Up until now, her life has been full of misery and regret. She feels she has let everyone down, including herself. But things are about to change.

The books in the Midnight Library enable Nora to live as if she had done things differently. With the help of an old friend, she can now undo every one of her regrets as she tries to work out her perfect life. But things aren't always what she imagined they'd be, and soon her choices place the library and herself in extreme danger.

Before time runs out, she must answer the ultimate question: what is the best way to live?]]> 288 Matt Haig 0525559477 Tori 0 to-read 3.96 2020 The Midnight Library
author: Matt Haig
name: Tori
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2020
rating: 0
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date added: 2021/11/23
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]]> Turtles All the Way Down 35504431
Aza Holmes never intended to pursue the disappearance of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Pickett’s son Davis.

Aza is trying. She is trying to be a good daughter, a good friend, a good student, and maybe even a good detective, while also living within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts.]]> 290 John Green 0525555366 Tori 0 to-read 3.87 2017 Turtles All the Way Down
author: John Green
name: Tori
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2017
rating: 0
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date added: 2021/11/23
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]]> Twice Bitten (Argeneau, #27) 35559672 Thrilling, witty, and oh-so-sexy, Lynsay Sands� Argeneau novel brings together a beautiful Immortal and the man who is her destiny�

For someone who’s been around for over a hundred and forty years, immortal Elspeth Argeneau hasn’t done a whole lot of living. Now that she’s moved away from her controlling mother, she’s tracking down rogue vampires and enjoying some overdue freedom. A fling would be fun. A life mate can wait. Yet to Elspeth’s surprise, her landlady’s hot grandson checks both boxes.

Wyatt fell instantly in love with Elspeth four years ago. He’s stunned to run into her again, especially as she has no memory of him. Then again, there are a lot of things about Elspeth that don’t make sense, like the miraculous speed with which her wounds heal. And the chemistry that transforms every touch into an explosion of desire. With mysterious “accidents� besieging Elspeth, the ex-Special Forces soldier appoints himself her bodyguard. But time is running out to uncover the truth about her enemies—and rediscover the man determined to love her for eternity.

]]> 0 Lynsay Sands 0062468871 Tori 0 to-read 4.30 2018 Twice Bitten (Argeneau, #27)
author: Lynsay Sands
name: Tori
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2018
rating: 0
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date added: 2021/11/23
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]]> Lyrics of a Small Town 58460109 One last thing, if you do fall in love with him, please go slowly. Be careful. Trust your gut and know not all things are easy. Damaged things can become beautiful if they’re placed in the right hands. —Love, Gran

A small town where pickup trucks rule, the farmer’s market is bigger than the grocery store, and just about everyone goes to church on Sunday is the last place Henley Warren expects to find herself three months after her grandmother’s death. But Gran left a list of things she needed Henley to do after she died, and fulfilling those wishes means spending a summer in the same place her mom fled from when she was only seventeen years old. With each task that is ticked off the list, events are set in motion that uncover secrets surrounding Henley’s life.

Although Henley may have arrived on the shores of Alabama’s Gulf Coast feeling alone and lost in a world without her Gran, things soon change. The small town holds more than she realized—including a broody, gorgeous, potentially dangerous guy who is always showing up when she needs him the most. Henley fears her heart isn’t ready to trust someone so unpredictable but he makes her feel things deeper than she thought possible. So, when Henley discovers the twisted, dark world he is living in, will it be too late to save her heart? Or has her heart been beyond saving from the moment he stepped out of his truck on that very first day?]]> 278 Abbi Glines Tori 0 to-read 3.73 2021 Lyrics of a Small Town
author: Abbi Glines
name: Tori
average rating: 3.73
book published: 2021
rating: 0
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date added: 2021/11/22
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]]> <![CDATA[Meant to Be Immortal (Argeneau, #32)]]> 54739650 In the newest Argeneau novel from New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands, an immortal barely escapes a raging fire only to kindle a sizzling passion with his potential life mate.

Mac Argeneau knows all too well: immortals can be killed. Not with holy water or silver crosses, but by decapitation or being set on fire. So when Mac’s house bursts into flames—with him inside—he’s sure it was no accident. But who would want to kill a scientist specializing in hematology? There is a silver lining: a blonde investigator appears on the scene and sparks feelings in him that have been dormant for centuries.

CJ Cummings is in town on a special investigation, but she’s been waylaid by the local police to deal with this arson case. The biggest mystery is how this sexy scientist with silvery blue eyes has emerged from a blazing inferno without a burn mark on him. He’s clearly hiding something. Sure, she’d love to see him without his lab coat, but she’s got a job to do—despite his insistence that he needs a bodyguard and...he wants her.

But when a second attempt on their lives puts CJ in harm’s way, it’s Mac who will do anything to safeguard the woman who’s destined to be his life mate.]]> 398 Lynsay Sands 0062956329 Tori 0 to-read 4.18 2021 Meant to Be Immortal (Argeneau, #32)
author: Lynsay Sands
name: Tori
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2021
rating: 0
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date added: 2021/11/22
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]]> The Memoirs of Cleopatra 10115 Most of all, in its richness and authenticity, it is an irresistible story that reveals why Margaret George's work has been widely acclaimed as "the best kind of historical novel, one the reader can't wait to get lost in."
]]> 1139 Margaret George 0330353829 Tori 0 to-read 4.20 1997 The Memoirs of Cleopatra
author: Margaret George
name: Tori
average rating: 4.20
book published: 1997
rating: 0
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date added: 2021/11/22
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]]> Nightwork 58724963
Harry Booth started stealing at nine to keep a roof over his ailing mother’s head, slipping into luxurious, empty homes at night to find items he could trade for precious cash. When his mother finally succumbed to cancer, he left Chicago—but kept up his nightwork, developing into a master thief with a code of honor and an expertise in not attracting attention?or getting attached.

Until he meets Miranda Emerson, and the powerful bond between them upends all his rules. But along the way, Booth has made some dangerous associations, including the ruthless Carter LaPorte, who sees Booth as a tool he controls for his own profit. Knowing LaPorte will leverage any personal connection, Booth abandons Miranda for her own safety—cruelly, with no explanation—and disappears.

But the bond between Miranda and Booth is too strong, pulling them inexorably back together. Now Booth must face LaPorte, to truly free himself and Miranda once and for all.]]> 437 Nora Roberts 1250278198 Tori 0 to-read 4.03 2022 Nightwork
author: Nora Roberts
name: Tori
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2022
rating: 0
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date added: 2021/11/22
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]]> The Best of Me 10766509
Now, twenty-five years later, Amanda and Dawson are summoned back to Oriental for the funeral of Tuck Hostetler, the mentor who once gave shelter to their high school romance. Neither has lived the life they imagined.

As Amanda and Dawson carry out the instructions Tuck left behind for them, they realize that everything they thought they knew was not as it seemed. Forced to confront painful memories, the two former lovers will discover undeniable truths about the choices they have made. And in the course of a single, searing weekend, they will ask of the living, and the dead: Can love truly rewrite the past?]]> 292 Nicholas Sparks 0446547654 Tori 4 3.97 2010 The Best of Me
author: Nicholas Sparks
name: Tori
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2010
rating: 4
read at: 2021/09/29
date added: 2021/09/29
shelves:
review:
This book really surprised me. I can't say it was an easy read. It actually took me a little while to get into it if I'm being honest. However, I am very glad I stuck with it. I really got swept up in the romance of this book and of true love. I wish there would have been more background on Dawson and Amanda's history though and perhaps a bit more background on Amanda and her husband Frank as well. Perhaps that would have helped tie things in a bit more snug. Regardless, this is one of those types of books that will just shock you at the end. I couldn't take the suspense as I neared the end of the novel and could not put it down. Its definitely a heartbreaking book but also one of true love and sacrifice as well. I can honestly say that I am glad I gave this book a chance. The author did a fantastic job of bringing this book to life right before your eyes.
]]> Knotted (Trails of Sin, #1) 38612964 It’s impossible.

Growing up together, Conor and I shared all our firsts.
First love, first kiss, first�
Not all our firsts.

We were sixteen the night she was violently assaulted while I helplessly watched.
I’ll never forget the sounds of her suffering.
Or my inconsolable agony when she left Oklahoma.

Years later, she returns to honor our teenage pact.
Except the boy she loved is gone, replaced by a ruthless cattle rancher knotted with secrets.
She doesn’t know my dark cravings or the trails of sin that lead to her.

I don’t deserve her, but one truth remains.
She’s mine.

TRAILS OF SIN series (HEAs with no cliffhangers - must be read in order):
Knotted #1
Buckled #2
Booted #3]]> 309 Pam Godwin Tori 0 to-read 3.85 2018 Knotted (Trails of Sin, #1)
author: Pam Godwin
name: Tori
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/09/29
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Fantasies of the Waking Dreamer]]> 13450134 A short collection of poetry 11 K.W. McCabe 146584192X Tori 4
My favorite poem in this collection is “Looking Back�, in it the author expresses how looking back on life she wouldn’t change a bit of it. It’s exactly how I feel about my own life, and I felt it was wonderfully worded. It’s a very positive wake up if you haven’t really looked back on your life. All the things we each go through in life leads us where we are, and there are so many other’s out there who deal with worse things and hold it inside themselves.

Poetry is often written from the author's lifestyle or views, but it can be just as rewarding what the readers take from it as well. As readers we often have the tendency to read a poem and identify with it in some way based on our own experiences. It makes it wonderful because not only do we know that someone else has felt as us, but can word our emotions so completely. Because as much as I wish it were so, we all can't be such wonderful writers. I felt in tune with the poetry in this collection and took away a little something from each one.

I loved the rhyming style in all of the poems and felt that the author did a wonderful job. Not only is this a collection that anyone can enjoy, but the words flow so smoothly creating a wonderful scene you can easily picture. You are transported into another place with each poem. It makes a great collection to refer to any time of the day or night, it's a wonderful read when your wanting something light, or if your just craving some insightful words of wisdom or experience.

I certainly craved more, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

~Tori
]]> 3.86 2012 Fantasies of the Waking Dreamer
author: K.W. McCabe
name: Tori
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2012/03/12
date added: 2021/08/28
shelves:
review:
I enjoyed this collection of poetry immensely. There are various poems in this collection, and the writing style creates such wonderful imagery. This is really a collection of poetry that anyone can enjoy. There are a variety of poems about love, life, happiness, etc.

My favorite poem in this collection is “Looking Back�, in it the author expresses how looking back on life she wouldn’t change a bit of it. It’s exactly how I feel about my own life, and I felt it was wonderfully worded. It’s a very positive wake up if you haven’t really looked back on your life. All the things we each go through in life leads us where we are, and there are so many other’s out there who deal with worse things and hold it inside themselves.

Poetry is often written from the author's lifestyle or views, but it can be just as rewarding what the readers take from it as well. As readers we often have the tendency to read a poem and identify with it in some way based on our own experiences. It makes it wonderful because not only do we know that someone else has felt as us, but can word our emotions so completely. Because as much as I wish it were so, we all can't be such wonderful writers. I felt in tune with the poetry in this collection and took away a little something from each one.

I loved the rhyming style in all of the poems and felt that the author did a wonderful job. Not only is this a collection that anyone can enjoy, but the words flow so smoothly creating a wonderful scene you can easily picture. You are transported into another place with each poem. It makes a great collection to refer to any time of the day or night, it's a wonderful read when your wanting something light, or if your just craving some insightful words of wisdom or experience.

I certainly craved more, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

~Tori

]]> The Fault in Our Stars 20821174
Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars brilliantly explores the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.]]> 318 John Green 014242417X Tori 0 to-read 4.22 2012 The Fault in Our Stars
author: John Green
name: Tori
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/04/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> No Hiding in Boise 56594377
Tessa is the twenty-three-year-old bartender who escapes to a backroom storage closet during the shooting. When it comes to light that five people were killed, she is burdened with the question of why she survived.

Joyce wakes up to a knock at her front door, a knock she assumes is her wayward son, Jed, who must have lost his keys. It’s not Jed, though. Two police officers tell her that Jed is dead, shot at the bar. Then they deliver even worse news: “We have reason to believe your son was the shooter.�

So begins the story of three women tied together by tragic fate.]]> 336 Kim Hooper 1684426235 Tori 0 to-read 3.99 2021 No Hiding in Boise
author: Kim Hooper
name: Tori
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/03/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Lucy in the Sky 12755252 A riveting first-person tale of addiction, in the tradition of Go Ask Alice and Jay’s Journal. The author of this diary began journaling on her sixteenth birthday. She lived in an upper middle class neighborhood in Santa Monica with her mom, dad, and Berkeley-bound older brother. She was a good girl, living a good life...but one party changed everything. One party, where she took one taste—and liked it. Really liked it.Social drinking and drugging lead to more, faster, harder... She convinced herself that she was no different from anyone else who liked to party. But the evidence indicates Soon she was she hanging out with an edgy crowd, blowing off school and everything she used to care about, all to find her next high.But what goes up must come down, and everything—from her first swig, to her last breath—is chronicled in the diary she left behind.]]> 289 Anonymous Tori 0 to-read 4.01 2012 Lucy in the Sky
author: Anonymous
name: Tori
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2020/01/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Scarlett 73062 884 Alexandra Ripley 0446363251 Tori 0 to-read 3.64 1991 Scarlett
author: Alexandra Ripley
name: Tori
average rating: 3.64
book published: 1991
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2020/01/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time, #1)]]> 49128045
When The Two Rivers is attacked by Trollocs—a savage tribe of half-men, half-beasts� five villagers flee that night into a world they barely imagined, with new dangers waiting in the shadows and in the light.]]> 753 Robert Jordan Tori 0 to-read 4.21 1990 The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time, #1)
author: Robert Jordan
name: Tori
average rating: 4.21
book published: 1990
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2020/01/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Dear John 5526
But 9/11 changes everything. John feels it is his duty to re-enlist. And sadly, the long separation finds Savannah falling in love with someone else.

Dear John, the letter read... and with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives were changed forever. Returning home, John must come to grips with the fact that Savannah, now married, is still his true love—and face the hardest decision of his life.]]> 276 Nicholas Sparks 0446528056 Tori 0 to-read 4.05 2006 Dear John
author: Nicholas Sparks
name: Tori
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2006
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2019/12/31
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Whispering of the Willows 29012449 A 1920s' saga of Emerald Ashby coming of age. Set against the superstitions and old time religion in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, author Tonya Jewel Blessing tells a difficult, yet redemptive story of a blossoming young woman who is accompanied by her friends and her foes on a journey towards hope and healing. Love weaves through gut-wrenching circumstances and dismal poverty where Emerald Ashby grows strong despite grievous wrongs committed against her.

Synopsis: Eighth grade Emie is about to learn some hard lessons when a disturbed young man is thrust into her life by her abusive father and enabling mother. The folk faith of the Appalachian community becomes creative, taking a gamble against the local preacher, in their unique form of hospitality. If you like the emotive movie, Nell, or the writing of Chris Fabry's Dogwood, (a Lifetime movie) you will love The Whispering of the Willows.

"Tonya Blessing's sweet, unassuming voice deals artfully with racism, sexism, and religious bigotry. Superb storytelling interspersed with practical faith portrays the difficulty and beauty of Appalachian life." --Marilyn Bay Wentz, author of Prairie Grace.

LCSH: Teenage girls--Abuse of--Fiction. Rape victims--Fiction. Abusive men--Fiction. Poverty--Appalachian Region--Fiction. Appalachian Region--History--20th century--Fiction. Historical fiction. Bildungsromans.

The Whispering of the Willows is an inspiring story full of twists and turns, freedom and redemption, the expected and unexpected. This book brings to light the struggles of young woman past and present. God's goodness and provision flow from each page. --Linda Bottoms, Rocky Mountain Ministry Network Women's Ministries Director]]> 357 Tonya Jewel Blessing 0997162546 Tori 4 4.25 2016 The Whispering of the Willows
author: Tonya Jewel Blessing
name: Tori
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2019/12/31
date added: 2019/12/31
shelves:
review:

]]> If He Had Not Come 23738503 of a young lad who discovers what his world would be like
if Jesus had never been born.

This unimaginable notion will surely generate thought-provoking discussions,
whether at the kitchen table, before bedtime, in the car or classroom."]]> 40 David Nicholson 1490818111 Tori 5 This book gives the question what would happen if Jesus hadn't come? And there are some amazing discussion questions to explore that more.
It is a great book to read as a family, to read in church to a Sunday school class, etc. The message is fantastic, the story flows so well.
A little boy is getting ready for Christmas and looking forward to the presents he hopes to get. He reads the bible before bed with his father, and goes to bed thinking of what they read. Then he wakes up and there is no Christmas, there are no places to help people in need, and there are rude people all around. He is so lost in this new world and cannot understand what happened?
This story shows so many great points about Christmas and Jesus, and the NEED for Jesus. A few great points are that Christmas isn't just about presents, what would happen to our world if there was no Jesus and no forgiveness for our sins? It really got my children thinking on this, and thinking how the entire world would be if things were changed like this. This story captured their attention and had them asking all sorts of questions throughout. They didn't once lose interest, and fully enjoyed this story. I highly recommend it to families, and to put it on your Christmas book list.


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a BookLook blogger in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.]]> 4.50 2014 If He Had Not Come
author: David Nicholson
name: Tori
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/07/19
shelves:
review:
This is an amazing book! Especially around Christmas! This is one of our family favorite Christmas stories that we will read year after year. It's a tradition now for us.
This book gives the question what would happen if Jesus hadn't come? And there are some amazing discussion questions to explore that more.
It is a great book to read as a family, to read in church to a Sunday school class, etc. The message is fantastic, the story flows so well.
A little boy is getting ready for Christmas and looking forward to the presents he hopes to get. He reads the bible before bed with his father, and goes to bed thinking of what they read. Then he wakes up and there is no Christmas, there are no places to help people in need, and there are rude people all around. He is so lost in this new world and cannot understand what happened?
This story shows so many great points about Christmas and Jesus, and the NEED for Jesus. A few great points are that Christmas isn't just about presents, what would happen to our world if there was no Jesus and no forgiveness for our sins? It really got my children thinking on this, and thinking how the entire world would be if things were changed like this. This story captured their attention and had them asking all sorts of questions throughout. They didn't once lose interest, and fully enjoyed this story. I highly recommend it to families, and to put it on your Christmas book list.


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a BookLook blogger in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
]]> <![CDATA[Raising Passionate Jesus Followers: The Power of Intentional Parenting]]> 35553337 304 Phil Comer 0310347777 Tori 4 This book has a lot of relatable stories throughout, and a lot of tips. There are even various sections with advice on ages which I appreciated because methods differs with each age group. I believe this can be a great instructional book for new Christian parents who may not have been raised in a Christian home as well. Those that don't know where to start with their children's faith and Christianity.
This is basically a reference book, but I did enjoy it. It definitely will work best as a sort of handbook where you can go back and look at it whenever you need it. Definitely a good option to keep on your book shelf.



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Handlebar in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.]]> 4.57 Raising Passionate Jesus Followers: The Power of Intentional Parenting
author: Phil Comer
name: Tori
average rating: 4.57
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2018/07/19
shelves:
review:
I am always interested in discovering new parenting books and getting new parenting advice. In a world that is ever changing, it's always good to get all the advice you can. Especially when it comes to Christian parenting.
This book has a lot of relatable stories throughout, and a lot of tips. There are even various sections with advice on ages which I appreciated because methods differs with each age group. I believe this can be a great instructional book for new Christian parents who may not have been raised in a Christian home as well. Those that don't know where to start with their children's faith and Christianity.
This is basically a reference book, but I did enjoy it. It definitely will work best as a sort of handbook where you can go back and look at it whenever you need it. Definitely a good option to keep on your book shelf.



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Handlebar in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
]]> Before I Saw You 36840297
Dividing her time between the diner and Sudie's place, Jaycee nurses her broken heart among a collection of unlikely friends who are the closest thing to family that she has. Eventually, she realizes she can't hide her pregnancy any longer--not even from the baby's abusive father, who is furious when he finds out. The choices she must make for the safety of her unborn child threaten to derail any chance she ever had for hope and redemption. Ultimately, Jaycee must decide whether the truest form of love means hanging on or letting go.

Includes discussion guide.]]> 379 Amy K. Sorrells 1496409566 Tori 5 Those were just a few descriptions of how you will feel when reading this book. Honestly this book took me on an emotional roller coaster.
This book came in the perfect year because things like drugs, abuse, poverty, etc., that is all here and now. Right in our day and age. I think readers will definitely be able to appreciate that this book describes very real life in some areas!
Drugs are a very real epidemic in the world today. Sadly there are also women living within these worlds unable to get out even if they do not do the drugs themselves. Children living with parents who put drugs first, unimaginable tragedies happening because drugs are coming before children, young men and women that live in drug filled neighborhoods and cannot move due to income issues, and it is a sad but harsh truth in the world today.
Jaycee is an extremely strong character. I felt her pain so much while reading this book. At times my heart felt so heavy for her. Even though Jaycee is a fictional character the author brings her to life, and I believe there are probably some women out there today that can relate to Jaycee. Jaycee led a very hard life and seen nothing much but tragedy. She forged ahead on her own and did everything she could to keep on the right path. Growing up with a mother who put drugs ahead of her own children, losing a brother whom she loved with all her heart, getting into a relationship to feel love but only getting abuse in turn, and then having her life turned upside down when she realizes she is pregnant by a highly dangerous man.
Thank goodness for Gabe. I believe he balanced this book out nicely, and honestly it shows that sometimes people come into our lives who may help us tremendously. People we wouldn't expect to have, but that are really God sent. They come into our lives for a reason. I believe Gabe was definitely that person to Jaycee. I also love the fact that Gabe and Jaycee are two totally different people with completely different backgrounds and it shows that you cannot judge someones character by their looks or upbringing.
This is truly a book about redemption, salvation, and honestly TRUST in God. I could not figure out what would happen in this novel next. This is not an easy read honestly. It was hard to get through some parts because at times I wanted to leap into the pages and shake some sense into some of these characters, and ask what was wrong with them??? There are other times I wanted to just wrap some of the characters in a hug. That's how well written these characters are. They come to life within the pages.
Despite everything Jaycee had been through she showed amazing courage and selfless love.
I highly recommend this book, and I appreciate the raw honesty this book brings. Even though this is a fictional book it deals with very real issues in the world today.


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.]]> 4.36 2018 Before I Saw You
author: Amy K. Sorrells
name: Tori
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/07/14
shelves:
review:
Gripping, heart wrenching, emotional, angry, happy, breathless...
Those were just a few descriptions of how you will feel when reading this book. Honestly this book took me on an emotional roller coaster.
This book came in the perfect year because things like drugs, abuse, poverty, etc., that is all here and now. Right in our day and age. I think readers will definitely be able to appreciate that this book describes very real life in some areas!
Drugs are a very real epidemic in the world today. Sadly there are also women living within these worlds unable to get out even if they do not do the drugs themselves. Children living with parents who put drugs first, unimaginable tragedies happening because drugs are coming before children, young men and women that live in drug filled neighborhoods and cannot move due to income issues, and it is a sad but harsh truth in the world today.
Jaycee is an extremely strong character. I felt her pain so much while reading this book. At times my heart felt so heavy for her. Even though Jaycee is a fictional character the author brings her to life, and I believe there are probably some women out there today that can relate to Jaycee. Jaycee led a very hard life and seen nothing much but tragedy. She forged ahead on her own and did everything she could to keep on the right path. Growing up with a mother who put drugs ahead of her own children, losing a brother whom she loved with all her heart, getting into a relationship to feel love but only getting abuse in turn, and then having her life turned upside down when she realizes she is pregnant by a highly dangerous man.
Thank goodness for Gabe. I believe he balanced this book out nicely, and honestly it shows that sometimes people come into our lives who may help us tremendously. People we wouldn't expect to have, but that are really God sent. They come into our lives for a reason. I believe Gabe was definitely that person to Jaycee. I also love the fact that Gabe and Jaycee are two totally different people with completely different backgrounds and it shows that you cannot judge someones character by their looks or upbringing.
This is truly a book about redemption, salvation, and honestly TRUST in God. I could not figure out what would happen in this novel next. This is not an easy read honestly. It was hard to get through some parts because at times I wanted to leap into the pages and shake some sense into some of these characters, and ask what was wrong with them??? There are other times I wanted to just wrap some of the characters in a hug. That's how well written these characters are. They come to life within the pages.
Despite everything Jaycee had been through she showed amazing courage and selfless love.
I highly recommend this book, and I appreciate the raw honesty this book brings. Even though this is a fictional book it deals with very real issues in the world today.


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
]]> <![CDATA[Lone Witness (Atlanta Justice, #2)]]> 36347657 320 Rachel Dylan 0764219812 Tori 5 I would definitely say that this book is a fast paced suspenseful novel. There is romance, but the suspense will have to turning the pages faster than you can read them to find out what will happen next. If you like suspense books with romance thrown in then you should definitely give this book a try. You won't regret it. I will definitely be looking into other books in this series, and looking for more from this author.



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.]]> 4.23 2018 Lone Witness (Atlanta Justice, #2)
author: Rachel Dylan
name: Tori
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/07/14
shelves:
review:
I love the legal suspense in this book. It was gripping, and very interesting. I love how Sophie is ready to make a difference and dive right into work. However, when she finds herself in a situation where she can no longer safely carry out her own daily tasks she gets a body guard named Cooper. After witnessing a double homicide she has to be prepared to carry out her job as needed, but also be prepared as a witness.
I would definitely say that this book is a fast paced suspenseful novel. There is romance, but the suspense will have to turning the pages faster than you can read them to find out what will happen next. If you like suspense books with romance thrown in then you should definitely give this book a try. You won't regret it. I will definitely be looking into other books in this series, and looking for more from this author.



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
]]> <![CDATA[Blind Betrayal (Defenders of Justice #3)]]> 35086267 320 Nancy Mehl 0764217798 Tori 5
This is my first Nancy Mehl novel, but I honestly cannot wait to read more of her books. The characters are captivating and very well done. The scenes that took place were just simply riveting! There are other books in this series, and unfortunately I did not get to read those. However, I wouldn't let that deter you from giving this book a read. It can definitely be a stand alone read. If you want more insight into the characters though then I would possibly go back and read the other books. But honestly it isn't necessary to enjoy this book.

My favorite thing about this book is that it definitely keeps you guessing. I can usually predict a books outcome, but there were so many surprises that I just didn't see coming!



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.]]> 4.15 Blind Betrayal (Defenders of Justice #3)
author: Nancy Mehl
name: Tori
average rating: 4.15
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/07/14
shelves:
review:
I actually haven't had the pleasure to read a really suspenseful book in a little while, and this one definitely did not disappoint! I really enjoyed every bit of this book, and to say it had me on the edge of my seat would be an understatement. Many times throughout the story I was actually holding my breath wondering what would happen next!

This is my first Nancy Mehl novel, but I honestly cannot wait to read more of her books. The characters are captivating and very well done. The scenes that took place were just simply riveting! There are other books in this series, and unfortunately I did not get to read those. However, I wouldn't let that deter you from giving this book a read. It can definitely be a stand alone read. If you want more insight into the characters though then I would possibly go back and read the other books. But honestly it isn't necessary to enjoy this book.

My favorite thing about this book is that it definitely keeps you guessing. I can usually predict a books outcome, but there were so many surprises that I just didn't see coming!



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
]]> <![CDATA[A Light on the Hill (Cities of Refuge, #1)]]> 35069181
When her father finds a widower who needs a mother for his two sons, her hopes rise. But when their introduction goes horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to flee for her life. Seeking safety at one of the newly established Levitical cities of refuge, she is wildly unprepared for the dangers she will face and the enemies—and unexpected allies—she will encounter on her way.]]> 323 Connilyn Cossette 0764219863 Tori 5 biblical-fiction
The author vividly describes everything so you can see everything with ease as you read. It more so played out like a movie in my mind while I read it was that vivid. There is a great message of salvation within this book's pages, and I think a lot of biblical fiction readers will greatly enjoy this one.


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.]]> 4.46 2018 A Light on the Hill (Cities of Refuge, #1)
author: Connilyn Cossette
name: Tori
average rating: 4.46
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/07/13
shelves: biblical-fiction
review:
This is an exceptional novel. I have read a couple of Connilyn Cossette's novels before, but this one so far is my favorite. This was nicely researched, the characters are alive on the pages, and the story overall will have you on with your finger ready to turn the page to see what will happen next. This book took me completely by surprise. I didn't want to put it down. I really loved Moriyah because despite all of her circumstances she never let anything break her. She was a very brave character. I also greatly enjoyed the character of Darek because he believes in justice, and does not judge harshly on others.

The author vividly describes everything so you can see everything with ease as you read. It more so played out like a movie in my mind while I read it was that vivid. There is a great message of salvation within this book's pages, and I think a lot of biblical fiction readers will greatly enjoy this one.


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
]]> <![CDATA[Judah's Wife (The Silent Years, #2)]]> 35069067
Judah's father resists the decree, igniting a war that will cost him his life. But before dying, he commands his son to pick up his sword and continue the fight--or bear responsibility for the obliteration of the land of Judah. Leah, who wants nothing but peace, struggles with her husband's decision--what kind of God would destroy the peace she has sought for so long?

The miraculous story of the courageous Maccabees is told through the eyes of Judah's wife, who learns that love requires courage . . . and sacrifice.]]> 384 Angela Elwell Hunt 0764219332 Tori 5 biblical-fiction, favorites
Angela Hunt is a great author. I have had the pleasure of reading a couple of her novels, and this one definitely didn't disappoint. Giving biblical characters lives and stories outside of the bible can definitely be tricky, but Angela Hunt did a fantastic job for the Maccabees.

My heart broke for Leah's mother, and Leah who had to live in a house filled with such physical abuse. My heart hurt for them, but the love that Judah and Leah had for each other was amazing. And Judah's entire family just honestly had my heart. Judah was such a surprising character for me. The gentle giant who put God above all, and loved his family with his entire heart as well.

The war parts in this story were difficult to read at times, but a must. It gives you a bit of insight on what things were like in biblical history. As graphic as it is, that was just how it was at times.

This is definitely a great read to show that no matter what is going on in life just trust and hold fast to God. Never let your faith waver. It is also a great show that everyone in life has a purpose for God. Even if you feel you have no purpose or you don't think you found your purpose you just might have and not even realized it. Leah felt often lost in life, and she was confused. Growing up the way she did she didn't fully talk to God and even though she believed it was clear that it was hard to put her complete trust in Him. Her growth as a woman, and a wife was amazing to read.

I don't want to give too much away because I don't want to spoil the novel for anyone. However, if you are looking for a novel that has war but love, despair but faith, loss but gain, then this book is definitely for you. It had me on the edge of my seat, and it gripped me in many ways. Highly recommended.


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.]]> 4.02 2018 Judah's Wife (The Silent Years, #2)
author: Angela Elwell Hunt
name: Tori
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/07/13
shelves: biblical-fiction, favorites
review:
Okay, let me just start out by saying I LOVED this book! Seriously, I have recommended this book to so many people. This book has many things I haven't found in a book in a long time. I felt a mixture of emotions while reading this book, and I just plain could NOT put this book down. You know it's a great novel when you are rushing through to get time to sit down and read again. I can honestly say I was hooked from the first chapter, and only a few books have captured me that quickly.

Angela Hunt is a great author. I have had the pleasure of reading a couple of her novels, and this one definitely didn't disappoint. Giving biblical characters lives and stories outside of the bible can definitely be tricky, but Angela Hunt did a fantastic job for the Maccabees.

My heart broke for Leah's mother, and Leah who had to live in a house filled with such physical abuse. My heart hurt for them, but the love that Judah and Leah had for each other was amazing. And Judah's entire family just honestly had my heart. Judah was such a surprising character for me. The gentle giant who put God above all, and loved his family with his entire heart as well.

The war parts in this story were difficult to read at times, but a must. It gives you a bit of insight on what things were like in biblical history. As graphic as it is, that was just how it was at times.

This is definitely a great read to show that no matter what is going on in life just trust and hold fast to God. Never let your faith waver. It is also a great show that everyone in life has a purpose for God. Even if you feel you have no purpose or you don't think you found your purpose you just might have and not even realized it. Leah felt often lost in life, and she was confused. Growing up the way she did she didn't fully talk to God and even though she believed it was clear that it was hard to put her complete trust in Him. Her growth as a woman, and a wife was amazing to read.

I don't want to give too much away because I don't want to spoil the novel for anyone. However, if you are looking for a novel that has war but love, despair but faith, loss but gain, then this book is definitely for you. It had me on the edge of my seat, and it gripped me in many ways. Highly recommended.


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
]]> A Most Noble Heir 35138329 Will gaining the world cost him everything he holds most dear?

When stable hand Nolan Price learns from his dying mother that he is actually the son of the Earl of Stainsby, his plans for a future with kitchen maid Hannah Burnham are shattered. Once he is officially acknowledged as the earl's heir, Nolan will be forbidden to marry beneath his station.

Unwilling to give up the girl he loves, he devises a plan to elope--believing that once their marriage is sanctioned by God, Lord Stainsby will be forced to accept their union. However, as Nolan struggles to learn the ways of the aristocracy, he finds himself caught between his dreams for tomorrow and his father's demanding expectations.

Forces work to keep the couple apart at every turn, and a solution to remain together seems further and further away. With Nolan's new life pulling him irrevocably away from Hannah, it seems only a miracle will bring them back together.]]> 360 Susan Anne Mason 0764230875 Tori 5 historical-romance ::My Thoughts::

What an excellent read! A lot of times with historical fiction, especially when talking romance novels certain aspects can blend together. It's very easy to go the stereotypical route, but thankfully this book did not. This book was out of the norm which made things completely unexpected. There were twists, turns, etc. I love books that take me by surprise, and I was glad that I could not guess what would happen in the next chapter throughout the book. It made the book that much more fun to read.

The main characters came to life right on the pages! While reading it was almost like I was right in the room with them! Nolan and Hannah had so much misfortune in their lives. Multiple obstacles were repeatedly thrown in their path, and still they persevered! It was a huge relief even though I kept expected this or that unfortunate event to rock them out of their element they held fast. It made everything that much more exciting to read. The characters definitely have depth to them, the story has many layers and will take you by surprise. There are a lot of other characters also that had me intrigued within the story. I would love to see more books about some of them. Especially Iris, Hannah's aunt. All in all I greatly enjoyed this story. It was romantic, it was heartbreaking, it was shocking, it was surprising. I think a lot of my blog readers will enjoy this novel. This one will definitely be going on my favorites shelf, and I can't wait to read more from this author.







::Product Details::
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (March 6, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764230875
ISBN-13: 978-0764230875
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounce


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
]]> 3.90 2018 A Most Noble Heir
author: Susan Anne Mason
name: Tori
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/07/13
shelves: historical-romance
review:

::My Thoughts::

What an excellent read! A lot of times with historical fiction, especially when talking romance novels certain aspects can blend together. It's very easy to go the stereotypical route, but thankfully this book did not. This book was out of the norm which made things completely unexpected. There were twists, turns, etc. I love books that take me by surprise, and I was glad that I could not guess what would happen in the next chapter throughout the book. It made the book that much more fun to read.

The main characters came to life right on the pages! While reading it was almost like I was right in the room with them! Nolan and Hannah had so much misfortune in their lives. Multiple obstacles were repeatedly thrown in their path, and still they persevered! It was a huge relief even though I kept expected this or that unfortunate event to rock them out of their element they held fast. It made everything that much more exciting to read. The characters definitely have depth to them, the story has many layers and will take you by surprise. There are a lot of other characters also that had me intrigued within the story. I would love to see more books about some of them. Especially Iris, Hannah's aunt. All in all I greatly enjoyed this story. It was romantic, it was heartbreaking, it was shocking, it was surprising. I think a lot of my blog readers will enjoy this novel. This one will definitely be going on my favorites shelf, and I can't wait to read more from this author.







::Product Details::
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (March 6, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764230875
ISBN-13: 978-0764230875
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounce


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

]]> The Masterpiece 35605477
A successful LA artist, Roman Velasco appears to have everything he could possibly want―money, women, fame. Only Grace Moore, his reluctant, newly hired personal assistant, knows how little he truly has. The demons of Roman’s past seem to echo through the halls of his empty mansion and out across his breathtaking Topanga Canyon view. But Grace doesn’t know how her boss secretly wrestles with those demons: by tagging buildings as the Bird, a notorious but unidentified graffiti artist―an alter ego that could destroy his career and land him in prison.

Like Roman, Grace is wrestling with ghosts and secrets of her own. After a disastrous marriage threw her life completely off course, she vowed never to let love steal her dreams again. But as she gets to know the enigmatic man behind the reputation, it’s as if the jagged pieces of both of their pasts slowly begin to fit together . . . until something so unexpected happens that it changes the course of their relationship―and both their lives―forever.]]> 496 Francine Rivers 1496407903 Tori 5
The story is completely unpredictable and is a real life type of story. It is very realistic. A very wealthy artist, Roman Velasco, comes from a very troubled past. He doesn't believe in people, God, and barely even himself. He leads a secret lifestyle that nobody knows about as the Bird, an unknown graffiti artist that has tagged buildings all over. If anyone found out his secret he could lose everything. Then comes along Grace Moore who also has quite the past of her own including a disastrous failed marriage. She becomes Roman's personal assistance and dislikes his personality at once. But as she gets to know Roman their lives begin to intwine.
I feel that many people out there in many different situations could even relate to this book.
It is a great read for believers as well as non believers. I love that this book shows that hope should always be there, and God is always waiting and ready to forgive. God's work with us is never done whether we realize it or not. We all have our pasts. This is not a book that will sit and preach but rather a book that will open your eyes the fact that God loves you and is only waiting. It is a very powerful and motivating book.
I had never personally read a book by the author, Francine Rivers, before this book and I can't wait to read more by her. Nevermind painting, the writing and story itself is truly a masterpiece. It has everything from romance, bitterness, suspense, drama, tears, happiness, etc.

I have been recommending this book left and right. It truly moved me and kept me guessing right until the very end. The characters just came right to life and no situation got sugar coated. I applaud this author for keeping things real especially in this day and age.
Now, if you want to see what all the fuss is about first hand then do yourself a favor and go read this book!
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.]]> 4.24 2018 The Masterpiece
author: Francine Rivers
name: Tori
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/04/02
shelves:
review:
This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I could barely put it down, and when I did put it down (because, well...life) I couldn't wait to pick it back up and read again.

The story is completely unpredictable and is a real life type of story. It is very realistic. A very wealthy artist, Roman Velasco, comes from a very troubled past. He doesn't believe in people, God, and barely even himself. He leads a secret lifestyle that nobody knows about as the Bird, an unknown graffiti artist that has tagged buildings all over. If anyone found out his secret he could lose everything. Then comes along Grace Moore who also has quite the past of her own including a disastrous failed marriage. She becomes Roman's personal assistance and dislikes his personality at once. But as she gets to know Roman their lives begin to intwine.
I feel that many people out there in many different situations could even relate to this book.
It is a great read for believers as well as non believers. I love that this book shows that hope should always be there, and God is always waiting and ready to forgive. God's work with us is never done whether we realize it or not. We all have our pasts. This is not a book that will sit and preach but rather a book that will open your eyes the fact that God loves you and is only waiting. It is a very powerful and motivating book.
I had never personally read a book by the author, Francine Rivers, before this book and I can't wait to read more by her. Nevermind painting, the writing and story itself is truly a masterpiece. It has everything from romance, bitterness, suspense, drama, tears, happiness, etc.

I have been recommending this book left and right. It truly moved me and kept me guessing right until the very end. The characters just came right to life and no situation got sugar coated. I applaud this author for keeping things real especially in this day and age.
Now, if you want to see what all the fuss is about first hand then do yourself a favor and go read this book!
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
]]> <![CDATA[A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet, #1)]]> 33574273 It was a dark and stormy night.

Out of this wild night, a strange visitor comes to the Murry house and beckons Meg, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe on a most dangerous and extraordinary adventure—one that will threaten their lives and our universe.

Winner of the 1963 Newbery Medal, A Wrinkle in Time is the first book in Madeleine L'Engle's classic Time Quintet.]]> 218 Madeleine L'Engle 1250153271 Tori 0 to-read 3.91 1962 A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet, #1)
author: Madeleine L'Engle
name: Tori
average rating: 3.91
book published: 1962
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2018/03/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Firstlife (Everlife, #1) 25785357 I’ve been told history is written by survivors. But I know that isn’t always true. My name is Tenley Lockwood, and very soon, I’ll be dead. This is my story—but the end is only the beginning.

Tenley “Ten� Lockwood has spent the past thirteen months locked inside the Prynne Asylum. She’s earned her rep as the craziest of crazies, but that doesn’t stop the torture. Ten can leave, but only if she allows her parents to choose where she’ll live—after she dies.

There is an eternal truth most of the world has come to accept: Firstlife is merely a dress rehearsal, and real life begins after death.

In the Everlife, two realms are in power: Troika and Myriad, longtime enemies and deadly rivals. Both will do anything to recruit Ten, including sending their top Laborers to lure her to their side. Soon, Ten finds herself on the run, caught in a wild tug-of-war between the boy she’s falling for and the realm she wants to support. Who will she choose? Can she stay alive long enough to make a decision?]]> 467 Gena Showalter 0373211570 Tori 0 to-read 3.68 2016 Firstlife (Everlife, #1)
author: Gena Showalter
name: Tori
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2018/03/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Chapel Car Bride 30259050 352 Judith McCoy Miller 0764219057 Tori 0 3.69 2017 The Chapel Car Bride
author: Judith McCoy Miller
name: Tori
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2017/11/10
shelves:
review:

]]> Girl in Pieces 29236380
Every new scar hardens Charlie’s heart just a little more, yet it still hurts so much. It hurts enough to not care anymore, which is sometimes what has to happen before you can find your way back from the edge.]]> 416 Kathleen Glasgow 1101934719 Tori 0 3.94 2016 Girl in Pieces
author: Kathleen Glasgow
name: Tori
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at: 2017/11/10
date added: 2017/11/10
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Selection (The Selection, #1)]]> 10507293
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.]]> 336 Kiera Cass 0062059939 Tori 0 to-read 4.07 2012 The Selection (The Selection, #1)
author: Kiera Cass
name: Tori
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2017/11/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, #2)]]> 8423493
Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before... and surprising readers at every turn.]]> 439 Suzanne Collins Tori 5 favorites Being the second book I was immersed from the beginning. I could not wait to see what would happen after the first Hunger Games book. Even though this book started out a bit docile, it wasn't long before I was on the edge of my seat once again.
Things start out a bit slowly, rightfully so since it has to lead up to the big picture, but once it does you will be on the edge of your seat.
Suzanne Collins not only has a way of transforming the story repeatedly into mystery and deception, but her words and story line will make you feel as if you are in the book or watching events right before you.
Much like the first book I DID not want to put this down.
The Hunger Games books so far have everything from mystery, romance, intrigue, rebellion, charisma, sass, cleverness, etc.
This book is even more easy to get swept up in as the first one was.
The new characters that come into play in this book are even more alive and you will connect with them in some way or another easily. The games become more thrilling, the rebellion begins to increasingly escalate and lives become more at risk.
The love triangle between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale goes into further detail and even though there is much confusion for Katniss things seem to fall more firmly into place.
This book would be best for ages fifteen and up into adulthood. It's a great book for males and females alike as it caters to both interests, and has characters you can each identify with.
I don't want to give too much away because this is just one of those books where it's better to read it on our own. You won't be sorry as each book thus far has you on the edge of your seat. You will find yourself not wanting to put this down so make sure before you read this trilogy you have a good amount of self control or you will find the rest of your life on hold.
You know it's a fantastic read when it pains you to put it down.


If your interested in reading other reviews by me, you can check out my personal blog ]]> 4.43 2009 Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, #2)
author: Suzanne Collins
name: Tori
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2009
rating: 5
read at: 2012/04/03
date added: 2016/12/27
shelves: favorites
review:
Just as good as the last one. Utterly thrilling is the best way I can describe it.
Being the second book I was immersed from the beginning. I could not wait to see what would happen after the first Hunger Games book. Even though this book started out a bit docile, it wasn't long before I was on the edge of my seat once again.
Things start out a bit slowly, rightfully so since it has to lead up to the big picture, but once it does you will be on the edge of your seat.
Suzanne Collins not only has a way of transforming the story repeatedly into mystery and deception, but her words and story line will make you feel as if you are in the book or watching events right before you.
Much like the first book I DID not want to put this down.
The Hunger Games books so far have everything from mystery, romance, intrigue, rebellion, charisma, sass, cleverness, etc.
This book is even more easy to get swept up in as the first one was.
The new characters that come into play in this book are even more alive and you will connect with them in some way or another easily. The games become more thrilling, the rebellion begins to increasingly escalate and lives become more at risk.
The love triangle between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale goes into further detail and even though there is much confusion for Katniss things seem to fall more firmly into place.
This book would be best for ages fifteen and up into adulthood. It's a great book for males and females alike as it caters to both interests, and has characters you can each identify with.
I don't want to give too much away because this is just one of those books where it's better to read it on our own. You won't be sorry as each book thus far has you on the edge of your seat. You will find yourself not wanting to put this down so make sure before you read this trilogy you have a good amount of self control or you will find the rest of your life on hold.
You know it's a fantastic read when it pains you to put it down.


If your interested in reading other reviews by me, you can check out my personal blog
]]> <![CDATA[Counted with the Stars (Out From Egypt, #1)]]> 25822042
Choosing to flee with the Hebrews, Kiya finds herself reliant on a strange God and drawn to a man who despises her people. With everything she's ever known swept away and now facing the trials of the desert, will she turn back toward Egypt or surrender her life and her future to Yahweh?]]> 345 Connilyn Cossette 0764214373 Tori 0 4.33 2016 Counted with the Stars (Out From Egypt, #1)
author: Connilyn Cossette
name: Tori
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at: 2016/06/27
date added: 2016/06/27
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[English River (Amish Horses #3)]]> 30264819 274 Thomas Nye 1633570649 Tori 0 to-read 4.78 English River (Amish Horses #3)
author: Thomas Nye
name: Tori
average rating: 4.78
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2016/06/24
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)]]> 256683
This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...]]> 485 Cassandra Clare 1416914285 Tori 0 to-read 4.08 2007 City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)
author: Cassandra Clare
name: Tori
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2007
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2016/05/31
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Mean Streak 20454672 From #1 New York Times best-selling author Sandra Brown comes a heart-pounding story of survival, that takes the age-old question, "Does the end justify the means?" and turns it on its head.

Dr. Emory Charbonneau, a pediatrician and marathon runner, disappears on a mountain road in North Carolina. By the time her husband Jeff, miffed over a recent argument, reports her missing, the trail has grown cold. Literally. Fog and ice encapsulate the mountainous wilderness and paralyze the search for her.

While police suspect Jeff of "instant divorce," Emory, suffering from an unexplained head injury, regains consciousness and finds herself the captive of a man whose violent past is so dark that he won't even tell her his name. She's determined to escape him, and willing to take any risks necessary to survive.

Unexpectedly, however, the two have a dangerous encounter with people who adhere to a code of justice all their own. At the center of the dispute is a desperate young woman whom Emory can't turn her back on, even if it means breaking the law. Wrong becomes right at the hands of the man who strikes fear, but also sparks passion.

As her husband's deception is revealed, and the FBI closes in on her captor, Emory begins to wonder if the man with no name is, in fact, her rescuer from those who wish her dead - and from heartbreak.

Combining the nail-biting suspense and potent storytelling that has made Sandra Brown one of the world's best loved authors, MEAN STREAK is a wildly compelling novel about love, deceit, and the choices we must make in order to survive.]]> 409 Sandra Brown 1455581127 Tori 0 to-read 4.06 2014 Mean Streak
author: Sandra Brown
name: Tori
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2016/04/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Treasure Concealed (Sapphire Brides, #1)]]> 25821990 Bestselling Author Tracie Peterson Launches Exciting New Series Set in 1890s Montana

Emily Carver wants a home where she can put down roots instead of following her gold-hungry father from one mining camp to another. She also longs for tenderness and love, both of which are missing in her life. Yet when she realizes she's losing her heart to the intriguing new man in camp, she fiercely fights her feelings, afraid that love will only result in disappointment and heartache.

Caeden Thibault, a young geologist, comes to Montana to catalog minerals indigenous to the state. He's a serious and guarded young man trying to escape the pain of his past. He has avoided all romantic entanglements, fearing he might become like his abusive father. But something about Emily Carver has caught his attention, something he never expected. . . .

Will these two broken souls allow God to bring healing and hope to their hurting hearts?]]> 432 Tracie Peterson 0764213350 Tori 5 3.96 2016 A Treasure Concealed (Sapphire Brides, #1)
author: Tracie Peterson
name: Tori
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2016/03/16
date added: 2016/04/03
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Amish Sweethearts (Neighbors of Lancaster County, #2)]]> 25837471 Can These Two Friends from Opposite Worlds Find Love?

They've been best friends for years, but as high school ends, Zane Beck can't help but look at his Amish neighbor, Lila Lehman, with different eyes. Her controlling father sees only one future for Lila, though, and arranges for her to be courted by an upstanding young Amish man. When Zane sees the two together, his plans for the future crumble, and he impulsively enlists in the Army, following in his father's footsteps.

However, the passing of years and the distance between them isn't enough to halt their now hidden feelings for each other. If being together used to be difficult, it's now impossible, especially with the Amish opposed to war. Zane's service takes a dramatic turn when he's sent to Afghanistan. Being on the front line and the reality of taking a life has him questioning whether he can continue to serve or not. But all choices have consequences--both his and hers. With Lila preparing to marry another, will these one-time sweethearts ever find the life together that they both still long for?]]> 352 Leslie Gould 0764215248 Tori 5
Lila is a young Amish girl who has lost her mother, lives with her father, and is the main caretaker of the family. Her sister Rose should be a help around the house but is more lazy than helpful. Lila takes care of the household, helps her father with chores when needed, and works outside of the home to help her family. She is courting an Amish man whom her father wants to see her married to. However, her heart belongs to her childhood Englisch friend who lives next door, Zane.
Zane is a young Englisch gentleman. His heart also belongs to Lila, but they come from two very different worlds. Lila is not willing to leave the Amish. Zane joins the military to get away from his heartbreak of seeing Lila with another man, and is sent on a rather intriguing journey with his Civil Affairs Unit.
Can the two find a way to make their love work? How could two people from such very different worlds possibly come together?

I loved pretty much all the characters in this book even though I wanted so badly to reach through the pages and give them a good shake. Lila was by far my favorite character. She really had such a pure heart, and was willing to do whatever she could for anyone. However, she also had a stubborn side and wasn't focused on making herself happy.

Zane is more stubborn than any of the characters in the book. He was tender hearted, but so frustrating I couldn't hardly take it. I just wished time and again he would pour his heart out to Lila instead of carry on.

Rose was my least favorite character. She was incredibly lazy, seemed overly jealous of Lila, and just got on my last nerve. However, I can see where this could lead to a book just about her which I would love to read. There could also be a book about Lila's brother Simon which I would love to read as well.

I was on the edge of my seat time and again while reading this book. There is just so much going on that you can't wait to find out what will happen next. The author does a fantastic job of leaving her readers wanting more. Everything was easy to imagine, and I appreciate that the story flowed so nicely without leaving me confused.

This is book two in this series, but you honestly can't tell. I haven't read book one, and this book does a great job as a stand alone book. I do have to say, though, after reading book two I want to go back and read one just because I fell in love with the characters.

It isn't often you find an Amish book where not only does the Amish girl fall in love with an Englisch boy, but there is suspense thrown in there with it. Zane joining the military definitely switched things up from your typical Amish romance book. I was left wanting to read more about Lila and Zane, but maybe in the future there will be more to their story. Until then I will just have to make do.

I definitely recommend this book if you love Amish romance. More so if you like a little suspense thrown in. There are so many twists and turns to this book I don't see how anyone reading it could get bored at all.



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.]]> 4.30 2016 Amish Sweethearts (Neighbors of Lancaster County, #2)
author: Leslie Gould
name: Tori
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2016/02/29
date added: 2016/04/03
shelves:
review:
This is not your typical Amish romance book. This one steps outside of the box a little bit, and to be honest I was quite surprised by it. This book gives a little of everything, and will take you on a roller-coaster of emotions. It really has just about everything.

Lila is a young Amish girl who has lost her mother, lives with her father, and is the main caretaker of the family. Her sister Rose should be a help around the house but is more lazy than helpful. Lila takes care of the household, helps her father with chores when needed, and works outside of the home to help her family. She is courting an Amish man whom her father wants to see her married to. However, her heart belongs to her childhood Englisch friend who lives next door, Zane.
Zane is a young Englisch gentleman. His heart also belongs to Lila, but they come from two very different worlds. Lila is not willing to leave the Amish. Zane joins the military to get away from his heartbreak of seeing Lila with another man, and is sent on a rather intriguing journey with his Civil Affairs Unit.
Can the two find a way to make their love work? How could two people from such very different worlds possibly come together?

I loved pretty much all the characters in this book even though I wanted so badly to reach through the pages and give them a good shake. Lila was by far my favorite character. She really had such a pure heart, and was willing to do whatever she could for anyone. However, she also had a stubborn side and wasn't focused on making herself happy.

Zane is more stubborn than any of the characters in the book. He was tender hearted, but so frustrating I couldn't hardly take it. I just wished time and again he would pour his heart out to Lila instead of carry on.

Rose was my least favorite character. She was incredibly lazy, seemed overly jealous of Lila, and just got on my last nerve. However, I can see where this could lead to a book just about her which I would love to read. There could also be a book about Lila's brother Simon which I would love to read as well.

I was on the edge of my seat time and again while reading this book. There is just so much going on that you can't wait to find out what will happen next. The author does a fantastic job of leaving her readers wanting more. Everything was easy to imagine, and I appreciate that the story flowed so nicely without leaving me confused.

This is book two in this series, but you honestly can't tell. I haven't read book one, and this book does a great job as a stand alone book. I do have to say, though, after reading book two I want to go back and read one just because I fell in love with the characters.

It isn't often you find an Amish book where not only does the Amish girl fall in love with an Englisch boy, but there is suspense thrown in there with it. Zane joining the military definitely switched things up from your typical Amish romance book. I was left wanting to read more about Lila and Zane, but maybe in the future there will be more to their story. Until then I will just have to make do.

I definitely recommend this book if you love Amish romance. More so if you like a little suspense thrown in. There are so many twists and turns to this book I don't see how anyone reading it could get bored at all.



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
]]> <![CDATA[The 5th Wave (The 5th Wave, #1)]]> 16101128 unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it's the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie's only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.]]> 457 Rick Yancey 0399162410 Tori 5 favorites 4.01 2013 The 5th Wave (The 5th Wave, #1)
author: Rick Yancey
name: Tori
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2016/03/25
date added: 2016/04/03
shelves: favorites
review:

]]> <![CDATA[I Was Blind (Dating), But Now I See: My Misadventures in Dating, Waiting, and Stumbling into Love]]> 28432919 Eight setups. Eight awkward dates. Eight things God tried to teach her along the way. (Some of which she’s still trying to figure out.)Stephanie Rische was starting to feel invisible. All around her, her friends were getting married, and she found herself decidedly alone. Stephanie couldn’t help but wonder if there was something broken in her—was she not pretty enough? Not fun enough? Not dateable enough (whatever that meant)? So she started praying in earnest for God to bring the right man into her life. And instead, He brought her matchmakers. Eight of them, to be precise.Beloved blogger Stephanie Rische debuts with this charming, vulnerable, and (who are we kidding?) often mortifying true story of a girl who tried really hard to find someone to fall in love with—even when she mostly just ended up falling flat on her face. But amid the most cringeworthy setups and awkward encounters, Stephanie found God’s grace and love meeting her there in ways she never could have imagined—once she opened her eyes to see.]]> 321 Stephanie Rische 1496405501 Tori 5 Stephanie not only is on a journey to find a true man whose beliefs match her own, but not settle for anything less than she deserves. Despite her times where she felt lonely, hopeless, or just wanted to give up she held fast to her faith and left it in God's hands.
This book is about community, friendship, faith, love, family, and so much more.
This book has a bit of everything happiness, laughter, suspense, sadness, faith, gratitude, etc. There is just so much you will feel taking this journey through reading.
The author holds nothing back which is amazing when you are reading a book. It makes you feel as if you are close friends with the author. I definitely felt that way. I love that she even went so far as to talk about moles, personal insecurities, etc.
As a married woman myself I believe I now understand my single friends a bit more. Not only that but I value my marriage even more than before. I also was able to see so much more of God's love, and learned some valuable lessons through this story.
I believe for single women out there it can also shed hope and renew faith.
I definitely recommend this book.



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.]]> 4.39 2016 I Was Blind (Dating), But Now I See: My Misadventures in Dating, Waiting, and Stumbling into Love
author: Stephanie Rische
name: Tori
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2016/02/25
date added: 2016/04/03
shelves:
review:
This is such a great book! It is also so much more than stories of blind dating. This is a book that anyone can benefit from. Whether you are single or married there are great lessons within the pages of this book.
Stephanie not only is on a journey to find a true man whose beliefs match her own, but not settle for anything less than she deserves. Despite her times where she felt lonely, hopeless, or just wanted to give up she held fast to her faith and left it in God's hands.
This book is about community, friendship, faith, love, family, and so much more.
This book has a bit of everything happiness, laughter, suspense, sadness, faith, gratitude, etc. There is just so much you will feel taking this journey through reading.
The author holds nothing back which is amazing when you are reading a book. It makes you feel as if you are close friends with the author. I definitely felt that way. I love that she even went so far as to talk about moles, personal insecurities, etc.
As a married woman myself I believe I now understand my single friends a bit more. Not only that but I value my marriage even more than before. I also was able to see so much more of God's love, and learned some valuable lessons through this story.
I believe for single women out there it can also shed hope and renew faith.
I definitely recommend this book.



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
]]> <![CDATA[The Infinite Sea (The 5th Wave, #2)]]> 16131484 The riveting follow-up to the New York Times bestselling The 5th Wave, hailed by Justin Cronin as "wildly entertaining."

How do you rid the Earth of seven billion humans? Rid the humans of their humanity.

Surviving the first four waves was nearly impossible. Now Cassie Sullivan finds herself in a new world, a world in which the fundamental trust that binds us together is gone. As the 5th Wave rolls across the landscape, Cassie, Ben, and Ringer are forced to confront the Others� ultimate the extermination of the human race.

Cassie and her friends haven’t seen the depths to which the Others will sink, nor have the Others seen the heights to which humanity will rise, in the ultimate battle between life and death, hope and despair, love and hate.]]> 320 Rick Yancey 1101599014 Tori 5 3.84 2014 The Infinite Sea (The 5th Wave, #2)
author: Rick Yancey
name: Tori
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2016/04/03
date added: 2016/04/03
shelves:
review:

]]> The Pounamu Prophecy 26717169 208 Cindy Williams 192513945X Tori 5
Mere was my favorite character. She really grew throughout the story and I was very impressed by her accomplishments. She was the glue that held the story together so to speak. She was the first character that pulled me in.

James and Helen were frustrating. Both seemed to put such little effort into their marriage and instead put their careers first and foremost. With that kind of attitude it is no wonder they were having problems. Their communication, or lack thereof, did not help their situation. I wanted to shake both of them and talk sense into them. I was admittedly kept on the edge of my seat wondering what would become of these two next. By the end I warmed up to both of them as well though.

Each one of the characters grew so much for the better which was very nice to see. I was more than pleased.

I had no idea of the severity of the trouble in New Zealand so long ago and feel for all the losses of life and land. It is nice when there are books that bring those points to life, and give a voice for those that cannot speak.

I definitely recommend this book. It has everything. I was held in suspense not knowing what would happen next!



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a BookCrash member in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.]]> 3.93 2015 The Pounamu Prophecy
author: Cindy Williams
name: Tori
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2016/03/19
date added: 2016/03/19
shelves:
review:
I really enjoyed this book. It captivated me right away and I learned so much by reading it! I didn't have trouble at all with any words or meanings throughout this book. The author does a fantastic job of writing so whether you are familiar with New Zealand terms or not you know what is going on.

Mere was my favorite character. She really grew throughout the story and I was very impressed by her accomplishments. She was the glue that held the story together so to speak. She was the first character that pulled me in.

James and Helen were frustrating. Both seemed to put such little effort into their marriage and instead put their careers first and foremost. With that kind of attitude it is no wonder they were having problems. Their communication, or lack thereof, did not help their situation. I wanted to shake both of them and talk sense into them. I was admittedly kept on the edge of my seat wondering what would become of these two next. By the end I warmed up to both of them as well though.

Each one of the characters grew so much for the better which was very nice to see. I was more than pleased.

I had no idea of the severity of the trouble in New Zealand so long ago and feel for all the losses of life and land. It is nice when there are books that bring those points to life, and give a voice for those that cannot speak.

I definitely recommend this book. It has everything. I was held in suspense not knowing what would happen next!



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a BookCrash member in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
]]> <![CDATA[Whispering to Horses (Amish Horses )]]> 27818218 52 Thomas Nye 163357041X Tori 5 amish, fiction
Matt was a character I found very frustrating at first. Mainly because he complained constantly of his beautiful surroundings, and took them for granted. He was very selfish with a cold heart for the longest time throughout the story. He had tons of land with lots of yard, but chose to complain about smelling manure from his Amish neighbors.

My favorite character was Eli, the young Amish boy that lived on the other side of the fence from Matt. However, my heart broke for Eli. He had so much weight on his young shoulders and carried those burdens without complaint. He is a hard working young man who cares deeply for his family. A very admirable young man for sure.

Eli really helped melt the ice around Matt's heart. As the story progressed Eli seemed to bring out the best in Matt, and he was redeemed in my eyes. I can't give too much away because I don't want to spoil anything, but I was honestly hooked and infatuated with ALL of the characters by story's end. Especially when it comes to Eli's mother Sony. I sense a story of her own, and I would love to see what the future holds for her. This story definitely leaves you craving more, and I highly recommend it if you love Amish stories.

I could vividly picture every detail in this story, and just could not figure out how it would end. Honestly my mouth was even wide open when I reached the end because it's not an ending you could even begin to expect. That is all I will say on that because, as I said, I don't want to give too much away. It is a must read for sure!

There is also plenty of details about the horses in this book so if you are a horse fan you won't be disappointed there either. This story definitely has it all, and that shocked me a tad because I have never found that in a novella...until now that is! The author wrote another fantastic book that will have you on a roller coaster of emotions, and leave you on the edge of your seat!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.]]> 4.67 Whispering to Horses (Amish Horses )
author: Thomas Nye
name: Tori
average rating: 4.67
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2015/12/31
date added: 2016/02/01
shelves: amish, fiction
review:
Whispering to Horses was a wonderful book. I highly recommend it. I hope there will be either another novella or novel to follow this. I really want to see where things go because I was definitely left wanting more! Thomas Nye never ceases to fail me with his writing style, vivid characters, and how everything is brought to life before my very eyes!

Matt was a character I found very frustrating at first. Mainly because he complained constantly of his beautiful surroundings, and took them for granted. He was very selfish with a cold heart for the longest time throughout the story. He had tons of land with lots of yard, but chose to complain about smelling manure from his Amish neighbors.

My favorite character was Eli, the young Amish boy that lived on the other side of the fence from Matt. However, my heart broke for Eli. He had so much weight on his young shoulders and carried those burdens without complaint. He is a hard working young man who cares deeply for his family. A very admirable young man for sure.

Eli really helped melt the ice around Matt's heart. As the story progressed Eli seemed to bring out the best in Matt, and he was redeemed in my eyes. I can't give too much away because I don't want to spoil anything, but I was honestly hooked and infatuated with ALL of the characters by story's end. Especially when it comes to Eli's mother Sony. I sense a story of her own, and I would love to see what the future holds for her. This story definitely leaves you craving more, and I highly recommend it if you love Amish stories.

I could vividly picture every detail in this story, and just could not figure out how it would end. Honestly my mouth was even wide open when I reached the end because it's not an ending you could even begin to expect. That is all I will say on that because, as I said, I don't want to give too much away. It is a must read for sure!

There is also plenty of details about the horses in this book so if you are a horse fan you won't be disappointed there either. This story definitely has it all, and that shocked me a tad because I have never found that in a novella...until now that is! The author wrote another fantastic book that will have you on a roller coaster of emotions, and leave you on the edge of your seat!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
]]> Gone with the Wind 545641 959 Margaret Mitchell 1416548890 Tori 5 considering 4.34 1936 Gone with the Wind
author: Margaret Mitchell
name: Tori
average rating: 4.34
book published: 1936
rating: 5
read at: 2014/10/01
date added: 2016/01/31
shelves: considering
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices, #1)]]> 25494343 Lady Midnight is a Shadowhunters novel.

It’s been five years since the events of City of Heavenly Fire that brought the Shadowhunters to the brink of oblivion. Emma Carstairs is no longer a child in mourning, but a young woman bent on discovering what killed her parents and avenging her losses.

Together with her parabatai Julian Blackthorn, Emma must learn to trust her head and her heart as she investigates a demonic plot that stretches across Los Angeles, from the Sunset Strip to the enchanted sea that pounds the beaches of Santa Monica. If only her heart didn’t lead her in treacherous directions�

Making things even more complicated, Julian’s brother Mark—who was captured by the faeries five years ago—has been returned as a bargaining chip. The faeries are desperate to find out who is murdering their kind—and they need the Shadowhunters� help to do it. But time works differently in faerie, so Mark has barely aged and doesn’t recognize his family. Can he ever truly return to them? Will the faeries really allow it?

Glitz, glamours, and Shadowhunters abound in this heartrending opening to Cassandra Clare’s Dark Artifices series.]]> 688 Cassandra Clare 1442468351 Tori 0 to-read 4.35 2016 Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices, #1)
author: Cassandra Clare
name: Tori
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2016/01/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[How to Woo a Reluctant Lady (Hellions of Halstead Hall, #3)]]> 8192917
When a charming rogue proposes she marry him to meet her grandmother's ultimatum, the Sharpe clan's strong-willed sister makes a tempting counter-offer that preserves her inheritance and ignites his imagination.

Lady Minerva Sharpe has the perfect plan to thwart her grandmother's demands: become engaged to a rogue! Surely Gran would rather release her inheritance than see her wed a scoundrel. And who better to play the part of Minerva's would-be husband than wild barrister Giles Masters, the very inspiration for the handsome spy in the popular Gothic novels she writes? The memory of his passionate kiss on her nineteenth birthday has lingered in Minerva's imagination, though she has no intention of really falling for such a rakehell, much less marrying him.

Little does she know, he really is a covert government operative. When they team up to investigate the mystery behind her parents' deaths, their fake betrothal leads to red-hot desire. Then Minerva discovers Giles's secret double life, and he must use all the cunning tricks of his trade to find his way back into her heart.]]> 345 Sabrina Jeffries 1439167559 Tori 0 to-read 4.05 2011 How to Woo a Reluctant Lady (Hellions of Halstead Hall, #3)
author: Sabrina Jeffries
name: Tori
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2011
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2016/01/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Bell Jar 6514 294 Sylvia Plath 0571268862 Tori 0 to-read 4.05 1963 The Bell Jar
author: Sylvia Plath
name: Tori
average rating: 4.05
book published: 1963
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2016/01/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Major Pettigrew's Last Stand 6643090
The Major leads a quiet life valuing the proper things that Englishmen have lived by for generations: honor, duty, decorum, and a properly brewed cup of tea. But then his brother's death sparks an unexpected friendship with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the Pakistani shopkeeper from the village. Drawn together by their shared love of literature and the loss of their respective spouses, the Major and Mrs. Ali soon find their friendship blossoming into something more. But village society insists on embracing him as the quintessential local and her as the permanent foreigner. Can their relationship survive the risks one takes when pursuing happiness in the face of culture and tradition?]]> 359 Helen Simonson 1400068932 Tori 0 to-read 3.89 2010 Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
author: Helen Simonson
name: Tori
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2010
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2016/01/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Forbidden (Forbidden, #1) 18889290
In the unforgiving Mesopotamian desert where Jayden’s tribe lives, betrothal celebrations abound, and tonight it is Jayden’s turn to be honored. But while this union with Horeb, the son of her tribe’s leader, will bring a life of riches and restore her family’s position within the tribe, it will come at the price of Jayden’s heart.

Then a shadowy boy from the Southern Lands appears. Handsome and mysterious, Kadesh fills Jayden’s heart with a passion she never knew possible. But with Horeb’s increasingly violent threats haunting Jayden’s every move, she knows she must find a way to escape—or die trying.

With a forbidden romance blossoming in her heart and her family’s survival on the line, Jayden must embark on a deadly journey to save the ones she loves—and find a true love for herself.

Set against the brilliant backdrop of the sprawling desert, the story of Jayden and Kadesh will leave readers absolutely breathless as they defy the odds and risk it all to be together.]]> 397 Kimberley Griffiths Little 0062194976 Tori 0 to-read 3.70 2014 Forbidden (Forbidden, #1)
author: Kimberley Griffiths Little
name: Tori
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2015/04/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, #4)]]> 1162543 "Don't be afraid," I murmured. "We belong together."
I was abruptly overwhelmed by the truth of my own words.
This moment was so perfect, so right, there was no way to doubt it.
His arms wrapped around me,
holding me against him....
It felt like every nerve ending in my body was a live wire.
"Forever," he agreed.

WHEN YOU LOVED THE ONE WHO WAS KILLING YOU, IT LEFT YOU NO OPTIONS. How could you run, how could you fight, when doing so would hurt that beloved one? If your life was all you had to give, how could you not give it? If it was someone you truly loved?

TO BE IRREVOCABLY IN LOVE WITH A VAMPIRE is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to werewolf Jacob Black, a tumultuous year of temptation, loss, and strife have led her to the ultimate turning point. Her imminent choice to either join the dark but seductive world of immortals or to pursue a fully human life has become the thread from which the fates of two tribes hangs.

NOW THAT BELLA HAS MADE HER DECISION, a startling chain of unprecedented events is about to unfold with potentially devastating, and unfathomable, consequences. Just when the frayed strands of Bella's life - first discovered in Twilight, then scattered and torn in New Moon and Eclipse - seem ready to heal and knit together, could they be destroyed... forever?

THE ASTONISHING, BREATHLESSLY anticipated conclusion to the Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions.]]> 756 Stephenie Meyer 031606792X Tori 0 3.74 2008 Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, #4)
author: Stephenie Meyer
name: Tori
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2008
rating: 0
read at: 2015/02/14
date added: 2015/02/14
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti]]> 5996317
From an affectionate alcoholic, to the classic New York City commitment-phobe, to a hipster aged past his sell date, and not one, but two novelists with Peter Pan complexes, Giulia has cooked for them all. She suffers each disappointment with resolute cheer (after a few tears) and a bowl of pastina (recipe included) and has lived to tell the tale so that other women may go out, hopefully with greater success, and if that's not possible, at least have something good to eat.

Peppered throughout Giulia's delightful and often poignant remembrances are fond recollections of her mother's cooking, the recipes she learned from her, and many she invented on her own inspired by the men in her life. Readers will howl at Giulia's boyfriend-littered past and swoon over her irresistable culinary creations.]]> 288 Giulia Melucci 0446534420 Tori 5 3.11 2009 I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti
author: Giulia Melucci
name: Tori
average rating: 3.11
book published: 2009
rating: 5
read at: 2014/09/01
date added: 2014/09/01
shelves:
review:

]]> The Girl in the Road 18297954 Stunningly original and wildly inventive, The Girl in the Road melds the influences of Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, and Erin Morgenstern for a dazzling debut.

Meena, a young woman living in a futuristic Mumbai, wakes up with five snake bites on her chest. She doesn't know how or why, but she must flee India and return to Ethiopia, the place of her birth. Having long heard about The Trail -- an energy-harvesting bridge that spans the Arabian Sea -- she embarks on foot on this forbidden bridge, with its own subculture and rules. What awaits her in Ethiopia is unclear; she's hoping the journey will illuminate it for her.

Mariama, a girl from a different time, is on a quest of her own. After witnessing her mother's rape, she joins up with a caravan of strangers heading across Saharan Africa. She meets Yemaya, a beautiful and enigmatic woman who becomes her protector and confidante. Yemaya tells Mariama of Ethiopia, where revolution is brewing and life will be better. Mariama hopes against hope that it offers much more than Yemaya ever promised.

As one heads east and the other west, Meena and Mariama's fates will entwine in ways that are profoundly moving and shocking to the core. Vividly imagined and artfully told, written with stunning clarity and deep emotion, The Girl in the Road is a true tour de force.]]> 323 Monica Byrne 0804138842 Tori 5 3.46 2014 The Girl in the Road
author: Monica Byrne
name: Tori
average rating: 3.46
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2014/06/22
date added: 2014/06/25
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Face to Face with Jesus: A Former Muslim's Extraordinary Journey to Heaven and Encounter with the God of Love]]> 18637175
Some are killed.

But after the chaos and fire and smoke, one young woman comes back to life.

In this thrilling true tale, death does not have the final word. From the first time Samaa heard the Lord Jesus calling her out of Islam into faith in Him, till she met Him face to face in heaven, her life is marked by God's supernatural love and power. Full of hope and encouragement, and overflowing with Jesus' love, her riveting account reveals the power of God to break through any circumstance--and is a moving reminder that, in a place beyond what we can imagine, we have a Savior waiting to welcome us face to face .]]> 272 Samaa Habib 0800795792 Tori 5 During one of these times in the bread line a commotion begins and an angry mob begins fighting. Gunshots are fired, people are trampled and Samaa finds herself praying to God. By some miracle she is spared when she could have been dead. More so they were lucky enough to get bread. Realizing that none of her prayers were ever answered by Allah Samaa starts realizing there is more to this God than she knows, and she yearns to know more.
Craving Jesus she begins finding out more and more on Christianity. She finds herself at some of their services, she begins Tae Kwon Do classes taught by Christians, and she begins to absorb all the knowledge she can. With that knowledge comes an unshakable faith that Samaa did not quite expect, and the hold she has always carried within her closes up.
Loving her new relationship with God she yearns to share His love with others, especially her family. Tentatively she starts spreading the news to others. Despite persecution, despite others throwing rocks at her, and her own family beating her Samaa does not give up. Slowly her loved ones begin transforming and Samaa realizes this is only the beginning of her journey.
An explosion at her church where she was a victim goes further to prove her theory that there is much more for her to do for Jesus in the world.

This book is not for the faint of heart. This is a real story of one young woman's harrowing experience in a land where freedom of religion is not accepted, and where all Christians are considered traitors. It is heart-breaking, heart-warming, and will send you on a roller coaster. It will leave you breathless and you cannot help but to sit at the edge of your seat. The difference between this book and many others is this is one young girl's TRUE accounting of what happened to her, her family, and her land.
I was left awed by this book. I was encouraged by Samaa's unflinching faith and I believe every encounter she detailed in this book. It is sometimes hard for us to accept such strong emotions and miracles. Sometimes it is easy for our minds to shed doubt on such things because certain circumstances are incomprehensible to us. But for me I loved this story and am grateful it was shared. I just know this book will go on to change lives, and I am thankful to have had the chance to read it. I have been recommending this book left and right, and will continue to do so. It woke me up even further to a lot of the issues pressing on Christians in other countries. Samaa's story is one of courage, faith, love, hope, determination, and the strength of Jesus. It just goes to show when we have Jesus on our side anything is possible.



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Chosen Books in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.]]> 4.35 2014 Face to Face with Jesus: A Former Muslim's Extraordinary Journey to Heaven and Encounter with the God of Love
author: Samaa Habib
name: Tori
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2014/06/25
shelves: christian, memoir, non-fiction, religion
review:
This book left me in awe and opened my eyes in more than one way. About a young Muslim girl who finds herself in the middle of her countries Civil War life is not easy. Sunni and Shia Muslims are at war with each other and many suffer. Prominent families lose their status and wealth. They have to burn their furniture to keep warm, and many die from the cold. Food is scarce and many kill wild dogs or worse just to eat. There are bread lines but they are often fruitless and citizens are told there is no more bread to give despite standing outside for hours.
During one of these times in the bread line a commotion begins and an angry mob begins fighting. Gunshots are fired, people are trampled and Samaa finds herself praying to God. By some miracle she is spared when she could have been dead. More so they were lucky enough to get bread. Realizing that none of her prayers were ever answered by Allah Samaa starts realizing there is more to this God than she knows, and she yearns to know more.
Craving Jesus she begins finding out more and more on Christianity. She finds herself at some of their services, she begins Tae Kwon Do classes taught by Christians, and she begins to absorb all the knowledge she can. With that knowledge comes an unshakable faith that Samaa did not quite expect, and the hold she has always carried within her closes up.
Loving her new relationship with God she yearns to share His love with others, especially her family. Tentatively she starts spreading the news to others. Despite persecution, despite others throwing rocks at her, and her own family beating her Samaa does not give up. Slowly her loved ones begin transforming and Samaa realizes this is only the beginning of her journey.
An explosion at her church where she was a victim goes further to prove her theory that there is much more for her to do for Jesus in the world.

This book is not for the faint of heart. This is a real story of one young woman's harrowing experience in a land where freedom of religion is not accepted, and where all Christians are considered traitors. It is heart-breaking, heart-warming, and will send you on a roller coaster. It will leave you breathless and you cannot help but to sit at the edge of your seat. The difference between this book and many others is this is one young girl's TRUE accounting of what happened to her, her family, and her land.
I was left awed by this book. I was encouraged by Samaa's unflinching faith and I believe every encounter she detailed in this book. It is sometimes hard for us to accept such strong emotions and miracles. Sometimes it is easy for our minds to shed doubt on such things because certain circumstances are incomprehensible to us. But for me I loved this story and am grateful it was shared. I just know this book will go on to change lives, and I am thankful to have had the chance to read it. I have been recommending this book left and right, and will continue to do so. It woke me up even further to a lot of the issues pressing on Christians in other countries. Samaa's story is one of courage, faith, love, hope, determination, and the strength of Jesus. It just goes to show when we have Jesus on our side anything is possible.



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Chosen Books in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
]]> <![CDATA[Silenced (Alaskan Courage, #4)]]> 18651854
A relaxing day of rock climbing takes a disturbing turn when Kayden McKenna's route leads her face to face with a dead climber. Is it a terrible accident or something sinister? When the case is handed to the overburdened sheriff, he turns to Jake Westin. With Jake's past now revealed, he's ready to use his talent for investigation again--but he could never prepare for where the case will take him.

Kayden and Jake soon realize that the death was no accident. And worse, it seems the killer is on to them. When strange things begin happening in Yancey, Jake is terrified that once again his world may put someone he loves in danger. But the truth is far worse than he could ever imagine.]]> 327 Dani Pettrey 0764211951 Tori 4 I was captured by this book. There is definitely suspense from beginning to end.
The author draws you into her novel and the words easily flow and hold you. Everything is so very well explained, and all scenes are created in just a way as if you feel as if you are right there alongside the characters!
What I loved most about this book was the twist and turns in suspense! I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that this book doesn't leave you wanting for more mystery and suspense. I literally found myself on the edge of my seat, sitting straight up in bed, holding my breath, and chewing on my lip at times I was so nervous and captured!
I also found myself frustrated while reading this book mainly because Kayden and Jake each in their own way was just so stubborn! I wanted to shake them and give them a good talking to. They are each attracted to each other, but neither will act on their feelings. It is so frustrating to see romance and sparks between two characters only for them not to act on it because of their own ridiculous reasons. Jake knows that Kayden is emotionally unavailable and believes she has no interest in him. Because of this and his past he fears telling her how he really feels will push her away so he keeps it to himself.
Kayden will simply not allow herself to feel. Terrified because of the loss of her parents due to health reasons she doesn't want to feel that type of pain again nor does she want to inflict that kind of pain on anyone. Despite the fact she is giving up love and personal happiness she is determined to go it alone and live the healthiest lifestyle she can.
Another wonderful aspect of this book is the closeness of the McKenna siblings and friends. They all hold faith in God and stick together in unimaginable ways. I fell in love with all of them in my own way. And to see God so strong in not just a few but many of the characters lives was so refreshing. Not to mention all the characters have such a strong personality each their own! No character melts into the next, and each is interestingly unique. I can't wait to go back and read the other books in this series to find out about more of the characters, and I especially can't wait to read the next book after this one. I'm hoping it tells more on Reef and Kayden and Jake. I was definitely left wanting more.
I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more information on Conrad Humphries death. I was really wanting more information on that. I can't go into specific details on that because I don't want to spoil anything.
Even though this is Book 4 in the Alaskan Courage series it does well as a stand alone book. All the characters are present, but this is more of Kayden and Jake's story. You get snippets of the other characters which makes you want to go back and read the other books dealing with their individual stories. Each of the novels are centered around suspense so you know they are all going to be page turners.
I urge you to give this book a read. Go out and get it and read it as fast as you can! :)

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Read more of my reviews at: ]]> 4.35 2014 Silenced (Alaskan Courage, #4)
author: Dani Pettrey
name: Tori
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2014/06/22
shelves: christian, favorites, fiction, mystery, romance, suspense
review:
I LOVE this book. It was filled with so much suspense that I just didn't want to put it down. From the beginning to the end I was at the edge of my seat!
I was captured by this book. There is definitely suspense from beginning to end.
The author draws you into her novel and the words easily flow and hold you. Everything is so very well explained, and all scenes are created in just a way as if you feel as if you are right there alongside the characters!
What I loved most about this book was the twist and turns in suspense! I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that this book doesn't leave you wanting for more mystery and suspense. I literally found myself on the edge of my seat, sitting straight up in bed, holding my breath, and chewing on my lip at times I was so nervous and captured!
I also found myself frustrated while reading this book mainly because Kayden and Jake each in their own way was just so stubborn! I wanted to shake them and give them a good talking to. They are each attracted to each other, but neither will act on their feelings. It is so frustrating to see romance and sparks between two characters only for them not to act on it because of their own ridiculous reasons. Jake knows that Kayden is emotionally unavailable and believes she has no interest in him. Because of this and his past he fears telling her how he really feels will push her away so he keeps it to himself.
Kayden will simply not allow herself to feel. Terrified because of the loss of her parents due to health reasons she doesn't want to feel that type of pain again nor does she want to inflict that kind of pain on anyone. Despite the fact she is giving up love and personal happiness she is determined to go it alone and live the healthiest lifestyle she can.
Another wonderful aspect of this book is the closeness of the McKenna siblings and friends. They all hold faith in God and stick together in unimaginable ways. I fell in love with all of them in my own way. And to see God so strong in not just a few but many of the characters lives was so refreshing. Not to mention all the characters have such a strong personality each their own! No character melts into the next, and each is interestingly unique. I can't wait to go back and read the other books in this series to find out about more of the characters, and I especially can't wait to read the next book after this one. I'm hoping it tells more on Reef and Kayden and Jake. I was definitely left wanting more.
I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more information on Conrad Humphries death. I was really wanting more information on that. I can't go into specific details on that because I don't want to spoil anything.
Even though this is Book 4 in the Alaskan Courage series it does well as a stand alone book. All the characters are present, but this is more of Kayden and Jake's story. You get snippets of the other characters which makes you want to go back and read the other books dealing with their individual stories. Each of the novels are centered around suspense so you know they are all going to be page turners.
I urge you to give this book a read. Go out and get it and read it as fast as you can! :)

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Read more of my reviews at:
]]> A Broken Kind of Beautiful 18240274 Sometimes everything you ever learned about yourself is wrong
Ěý
Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four year old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera.ĚýThis is the only life Ivy knows—so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white.Ěý
Ěý
If only her tenuous future didn’t rest in the hands of Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer.ĚýNot only didĚýhe walk away from the kind of success Ivy longs forĚýto work maintenance at a local church, he treats her differently than any man ever has. Somehow, Davis sees through the façade she works so hard to maintain. He, along with a cast of other characters, challenges everything Ivy has come to believe about beauty and worth. Is it possible that God sees her—a woman stained and broken by the world—yet wants her still?]]> 308 Katie Ganshert 1601425902 Tori 5 christian, fiction, romance
::A bit about the book from my own description::
Ivy Clark is a twenty four year old model who suddenly learns a hard lesson about how fickle the fashion world really is. Being thrown into the modeling world at the tender age of fourteen she has had many successful years, but suddenly finds that it is all quickly about to come tumbling down. She feels the desperate need to hold on. What does it matter that nobody cares about the real Ivy Clark? As long as she looks good for the camera, that's all they need.
So when Ivy is thrust into a modeling job for her stepmother's bridal wear line she realizes that may be her one hope to hang on to the ever fickle fashion world.
Ivy is not prepared for Davis Knight, her unusual photographer. He walked away from a successful life that Ivy could only dream of, and to be a maintenance man at a small town church. Not only does she not understand his life decisions, but Davis treats Ivy differently than any other man. Davis looks at the deeper her, and cares more about looking good for the camera. The problem is that Davis looks to the depths and Ivy isn't ready to go there.
Deeming herself unworthy Ivy can't understand how Davis or anyone else in her life could see her as more than just an outer shell, or how she can see herself as more than that.

::My thoughts::
I love this book. I used to model many years ago. Nothing big time, just a few small things here and there. I know a little bit about how cruel the fashion world can be which is why I quickly changed my mind about that kind of life. You are just there to take pictures and that's it. Opinions rarely matter from the model, and the outward beauty is all that matters. It's a sad reality.
This book had me so captured. Right from the beginning I just knew I was not going to be able to put it down. There is so much tension, passion, need, and hurt that you can almost feel it sizzle from the pages.
I hurt for Ivy. She had to endure emotional pain from such a young age, but I also felt annoyed with her many times. She was like a brick wall that wouldn't let anyone in. Most times she even acted like a completely spoiled brat.
I was equally as furious with Davis Knight. While he was more compassionate and always tried to see the best in Ivy, he is as stubborn as a mule when it comes to himself. The two paired together definitely provided a page turner.
You can almost feel the passion between the two characters sizzle the pages, that also had me hooked.
There are many other characters in this book that I fell in love with, but Ivy stuck with me. Throughout her childish behaviors she learns many important lessons about life and herself. This is definitely a book that will make you take a look at the world's perception of beauty, and maybe even your own perceptions. If I would have to sum this book up in one word I would say powerful! There isn't just one message to take away from this book, but many. You don't find that in every novel, and I am excited to have gotten the pleasure to read this book.
I am a huge Katie Ganshert fan, and this book only made that stronger. I read her book Wishing on Willows last year, and it was equally enthralling. I will definitely be keeping my eyes peeling for more of her fantastic novels, and I urge you to do the same. But while your waiting go ahead and read this one. I highly recommend it!





Disclaimer: Blogging for Books provided this book to me for free in exchange for an honest review.]]> 4.17 2014 A Broken Kind of Beautiful
author: Katie Ganshert
name: Tori
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2014/06/19
shelves: christian, fiction, romance
review:
I was first drawn to this book by the cover. It just kind of draws you in, and makes you curious. And then once I read the book summary I knew I just HAD to read it ASAP.

::A bit about the book from my own description::
Ivy Clark is a twenty four year old model who suddenly learns a hard lesson about how fickle the fashion world really is. Being thrown into the modeling world at the tender age of fourteen she has had many successful years, but suddenly finds that it is all quickly about to come tumbling down. She feels the desperate need to hold on. What does it matter that nobody cares about the real Ivy Clark? As long as she looks good for the camera, that's all they need.
So when Ivy is thrust into a modeling job for her stepmother's bridal wear line she realizes that may be her one hope to hang on to the ever fickle fashion world.
Ivy is not prepared for Davis Knight, her unusual photographer. He walked away from a successful life that Ivy could only dream of, and to be a maintenance man at a small town church. Not only does she not understand his life decisions, but Davis treats Ivy differently than any other man. Davis looks at the deeper her, and cares more about looking good for the camera. The problem is that Davis looks to the depths and Ivy isn't ready to go there.
Deeming herself unworthy Ivy can't understand how Davis or anyone else in her life could see her as more than just an outer shell, or how she can see herself as more than that.

::My thoughts::
I love this book. I used to model many years ago. Nothing big time, just a few small things here and there. I know a little bit about how cruel the fashion world can be which is why I quickly changed my mind about that kind of life. You are just there to take pictures and that's it. Opinions rarely matter from the model, and the outward beauty is all that matters. It's a sad reality.
This book had me so captured. Right from the beginning I just knew I was not going to be able to put it down. There is so much tension, passion, need, and hurt that you can almost feel it sizzle from the pages.
I hurt for Ivy. She had to endure emotional pain from such a young age, but I also felt annoyed with her many times. She was like a brick wall that wouldn't let anyone in. Most times she even acted like a completely spoiled brat.
I was equally as furious with Davis Knight. While he was more compassionate and always tried to see the best in Ivy, he is as stubborn as a mule when it comes to himself. The two paired together definitely provided a page turner.
You can almost feel the passion between the two characters sizzle the pages, that also had me hooked.
There are many other characters in this book that I fell in love with, but Ivy stuck with me. Throughout her childish behaviors she learns many important lessons about life and herself. This is definitely a book that will make you take a look at the world's perception of beauty, and maybe even your own perceptions. If I would have to sum this book up in one word I would say powerful! There isn't just one message to take away from this book, but many. You don't find that in every novel, and I am excited to have gotten the pleasure to read this book.
I am a huge Katie Ganshert fan, and this book only made that stronger. I read her book Wishing on Willows last year, and it was equally enthralling. I will definitely be keeping my eyes peeling for more of her fantastic novels, and I urge you to do the same. But while your waiting go ahead and read this one. I highly recommend it!





Disclaimer: Blogging for Books provided this book to me for free in exchange for an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[Under the Heavens (Amish Horses #1)]]> 19520883 412 Thomas Nye 1936746794 Tori 5 When Lenny's step-father's Amish Grandpa says it may be a good idea for Lenny to come spend a summer on their Amish Farm they agree. However, Lenny is reluctant to leave his modern city life he is accustomed to.
After a few hiccups on the farm Lenny soon finds that he doesn't mind a more simple life. Especially when Grandpa issues him the duty of being "horse boy" for the summer. Lenny finds himself excited and proud to be able to work with the big draft horses on the farm, and starts to connect with other members of his Amish family. He soon starts to leave some of his bitterness and anger behind.
A neighbor girl pops up at the edge of a field one day and Lenny finds himself instantly attracted to her. As their mini romance starts to form Lenny finds that the Amish life isn't the burden he expected. From moonlit buggy rides, to volleyball matches with friends, lanterns hanging from tree limbs, adventures with horses, and an unexpected non-Amish neighbor who causes a few hiccups in Lenny's summer adventure this book has a bit of everything.

I have to say that I enjoyed this book much more than expected. The author does a fantastic job of pulling you right in with the words to where it becomes hard to even put this book down. The main thing I loved about this book is that the author weaves the words in such a way to where you can picture almost everything you are reading. Everything is so descriptive it would be hard not to find yourself sucked right into this story. I felt so bad for Lenny throughout this whole novel. I could not imagine the feelings or emotions he was struggling with, but seeing the change in him after going to the Amish farm and finding God also was heart warming.
I do think that younger readers could benefit a lot from reading this book, but honestly I think all book lovers would enjoy this. I can't wait to read the other books in the series personally. I felt like this book has a little something of everything: humor, heart break, adventure, drama, romance, etc. And there is an incredible ending that honestly had me on the brink of tears. I just couldn't put it down if I wanted to. For a 400 page book I found this to be a rather quick read just because I couldn't put it down. The end of every chapter had me wanting more, and each page turn had me anticipating the adventures I would find on the next page.
I learned a lot from this book not only about the Amish but about buggy and draft horses as well. I really enjoyed the whole experience of reading this book, and highly recommend it to any reader out there interested in Amish or those of you with a love for horses.




Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a BookCrash reviewer in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.]]> 4.59 2013 Under the Heavens (Amish Horses #1)
author: Thomas Nye
name: Tori
average rating: 4.59
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2014/06/11
date added: 2014/06/19
shelves: amish, christian, favorites, fiction
review:
Lenny is a lost teen who has lost himself. As he looks at himself in the mirror he finds he cannot even place many of his own features. Not knowing who his biological father is, and unable to form a past for himself he starts to become bitter and angry.
When Lenny's step-father's Amish Grandpa says it may be a good idea for Lenny to come spend a summer on their Amish Farm they agree. However, Lenny is reluctant to leave his modern city life he is accustomed to.
After a few hiccups on the farm Lenny soon finds that he doesn't mind a more simple life. Especially when Grandpa issues him the duty of being "horse boy" for the summer. Lenny finds himself excited and proud to be able to work with the big draft horses on the farm, and starts to connect with other members of his Amish family. He soon starts to leave some of his bitterness and anger behind.
A neighbor girl pops up at the edge of a field one day and Lenny finds himself instantly attracted to her. As their mini romance starts to form Lenny finds that the Amish life isn't the burden he expected. From moonlit buggy rides, to volleyball matches with friends, lanterns hanging from tree limbs, adventures with horses, and an unexpected non-Amish neighbor who causes a few hiccups in Lenny's summer adventure this book has a bit of everything.

I have to say that I enjoyed this book much more than expected. The author does a fantastic job of pulling you right in with the words to where it becomes hard to even put this book down. The main thing I loved about this book is that the author weaves the words in such a way to where you can picture almost everything you are reading. Everything is so descriptive it would be hard not to find yourself sucked right into this story. I felt so bad for Lenny throughout this whole novel. I could not imagine the feelings or emotions he was struggling with, but seeing the change in him after going to the Amish farm and finding God also was heart warming.
I do think that younger readers could benefit a lot from reading this book, but honestly I think all book lovers would enjoy this. I can't wait to read the other books in the series personally. I felt like this book has a little something of everything: humor, heart break, adventure, drama, romance, etc. And there is an incredible ending that honestly had me on the brink of tears. I just couldn't put it down if I wanted to. For a 400 page book I found this to be a rather quick read just because I couldn't put it down. The end of every chapter had me wanting more, and each page turn had me anticipating the adventures I would find on the next page.
I learned a lot from this book not only about the Amish but about buggy and draft horses as well. I really enjoyed the whole experience of reading this book, and highly recommend it to any reader out there interested in Amish or those of you with a love for horses.




Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a BookCrash reviewer in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
]]> <![CDATA[Heaven is for Real for Kids: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back]]> 11351338 32 Todd Burpo 140031870X Tori 0 to-read 4.27 2011 Heaven is for Real for Kids: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back
author: Todd Burpo
name: Tori
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2011
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2014/04/05
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Skye O'Malley 19691268

From the Paperback edition.]]> 496 Bertrice Small Tori 5 This book had me on an emotional roller coaster to be sure. This is filled with everything a reader would find in a great book. Happiness, humor, sadness, danger, love, loss, adventure, mystery, etc. Definitely a book to leave you guessing and one that is hard to figure out.
At the beginning of the novel Niall Burke was my favorite character along with Skye, but toward the end I felt a fondness for Geoffrey Southwood and he remained my favorite male character.
This book does have graphic scenes so it shouldn't be read by someone too young as there are a lot of sexual parts that go into great detail. Bertrice Small as always blows me away by her writing and vivid detail.
I was so eager to see how this book would end up and yet I was so sad at it's ending because I became so absorbed in this book it was like saying goodbye to friends. Which tells you right there what a fantastic read it was. Only a great book can pull you in so much you get lost in it's world and characters come alive.
I wish it could have told more at the ending, and I won't say more on it without spoiling it a bit for some of you that have not read it. Still this book really has it all. And historically it is a great portrayal as always of how things were back then.
The author's note tells more how she comes about the characters and gives some well researched facts as well which makes you realize how much of the story wasn't far off from actual fact.
Bertrice Small definitely did not disappoint in this book, there was nothing that lagged. Everything was interesting even the smallest of characters. I will definitely be re-reading this book, and if you like historical fiction with a bit of erotica and danger then you will love this book. Historical Fiction at it's finest.]]> 4.55 1980 Skye O'Malley
author: Bertrice Small
name: Tori
average rating: 4.55
book published: 1980
rating: 5
read at: 2014/01/21
date added: 2014/04/03
shelves: favorites, historical, fiction, historical-romance, romance
review:
Oh my goodness! This book blew me away. So far this is my absolute FAVORITE book of Bertrice Small's. I couldn't hardly put this book down so intrigued I was by this. I was so into Skye O'Malley, her character and bravery. She is definitely one of a kind character, and one that is unforgettable.
This book had me on an emotional roller coaster to be sure. This is filled with everything a reader would find in a great book. Happiness, humor, sadness, danger, love, loss, adventure, mystery, etc. Definitely a book to leave you guessing and one that is hard to figure out.
At the beginning of the novel Niall Burke was my favorite character along with Skye, but toward the end I felt a fondness for Geoffrey Southwood and he remained my favorite male character.
This book does have graphic scenes so it shouldn't be read by someone too young as there are a lot of sexual parts that go into great detail. Bertrice Small as always blows me away by her writing and vivid detail.
I was so eager to see how this book would end up and yet I was so sad at it's ending because I became so absorbed in this book it was like saying goodbye to friends. Which tells you right there what a fantastic read it was. Only a great book can pull you in so much you get lost in it's world and characters come alive.
I wish it could have told more at the ending, and I won't say more on it without spoiling it a bit for some of you that have not read it. Still this book really has it all. And historically it is a great portrayal as always of how things were back then.
The author's note tells more how she comes about the characters and gives some well researched facts as well which makes you realize how much of the story wasn't far off from actual fact.
Bertrice Small definitely did not disappoint in this book, there was nothing that lagged. Everything was interesting even the smallest of characters. I will definitely be re-reading this book, and if you like historical fiction with a bit of erotica and danger then you will love this book. Historical Fiction at it's finest.
]]> <![CDATA[All the Sweet Tomorrows (O'Malley Saga #2)]]> 624043 "Bertrice Small creates cover-to-cover passion, a keen sense of history and suspense."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY]]> 608 Bertrice Small 0345477294 Tori 5 4.29 1984 All the Sweet Tomorrows (O'Malley Saga #2)
author: Bertrice Small
name: Tori
average rating: 4.29
book published: 1984
rating: 5
read at: 2014/03/14
date added: 2014/03/16
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Miss Brenda and the Loveladies: A Heartwarming True Story of Grace, God, and Gumption]]> 17934695 Seven ex-cons who changed her heart forever�
Ěý
For Brenda Spahn, entrepreneur and businesswoman, wealth was a lifestyle—until a brush with the law threatened to send her to prison. In those dark moments, Brenda made a promise to God.Ěý
Ěý
Spared incarceration, a renewed Brenda glimpsed into the lives of women serving time in one of the worst places in America—the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka, Alabama.
Ěý
What she saw prompted a God-inspired vision.
Ěý
With a heart to help and a will that couldn’t be crushed, Brenda fought the system and overcame tremendous obstacles to take ex-cons into her own home and help them navigate the alien world of life on the outside.
Ěý
This is the story of Brenda’s journey from rags to riches to redemption. It’s the story of the first unlikely year of her “Whole Way House� and of the extraordinary lives of the first seven women who came to call her “Miss Brenda.� It’s a story that testifies to the power of faith and how God changes hearts every day.]]> 240 Brenda Spahn 0307732177 Tori 5 4.31 2014 Miss Brenda and the Loveladies: A Heartwarming True Story of Grace, God, and Gumption
author: Brenda Spahn
name: Tori
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2014/02/24
date added: 2014/03/16
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[It Happened to Nancy: By an Anonymous Teenager, A True Story from Her Diary]]> 119076 304 Anonymous Teenager 0380773155 Tori 5 books-i-own They wander off to talk to each other, and find they have much in common. They keep in touch and since he is quite a bit older than her, Nancy decides to keep him a secret from her parents so they don’t forbid her to see him.
Nancy believes they have the perfect brother/sister relationship and she loves the attention Collin shows her. She doesn’t want anything to ruin it.
One night Collin shows up at Nancy’s house while her mother is at work and offers to make her dinner. Getting her drunk. he ends up raping her before disappearing himself. Believing it is her own fault she keeps it a secret and suffers with thoughts of what she did to make him do such a thing. Eventually she reveals the secret rape to her mother, and soon after learns she is infected with HIV. Due to an already weakened immune system, things rapidly progress to AIDS and she finds out that Collin was not the eighteen year old she believed him to be. He was twenty-four and everything he told her about himself was a lie including his name. This diary follows her struggles with her emotions, rape and her life with AIDS.

I was endeared by Nancy. I just wanted to wrap her up in my arms, rock her like a baby, and assure her that nothing was her fault and everything would be okay. I cannot imagine such a thing happening to anyone, and it was very difficult to keep the tears at bay while reading this novel. Throughout her horrible ordeal I loved how Nancy kept her faith. And with the love of family and friends, the albeit short life she led was a happily filled one. Through Nancy’s story we gain knowledge on the risks, dangers, and diseases out there that people often don’t think about. If this novel could help protect even one young teen from making the same decisions that Nancy made and put them in the know, then this novel has served a great purpose. Emotionally this is definitely a difficult novel to read. But the fact that Nancy persevered and kept on living her life while keeping her faith made me want to stand and shout out: “You go girl!� You will truly feel as if Nancy is talking to you, and once you get involved in her diary it will be difficult to put down.]]> 3.88 1994 It Happened to Nancy: By an Anonymous Teenager, A True Story from Her Diary
author: Anonymous Teenager
name: Tori
average rating: 3.88
book published: 1994
rating: 5
read at: 2011/11/19
date added: 2014/03/11
shelves: books-i-own
review:
This is an anonymous novel by a young teen girl. As we all know teenage years are rocky at best. And when one young girl is allowed to go to a Garth Brooks concert with her friends she is ecstatic. However when things get rough there and she finds herself having an asthma attack she is rescued by young man who introduces himself as Collin.
They wander off to talk to each other, and find they have much in common. They keep in touch and since he is quite a bit older than her, Nancy decides to keep him a secret from her parents so they don’t forbid her to see him.
Nancy believes they have the perfect brother/sister relationship and she loves the attention Collin shows her. She doesn’t want anything to ruin it.
One night Collin shows up at Nancy’s house while her mother is at work and offers to make her dinner. Getting her drunk. he ends up raping her before disappearing himself. Believing it is her own fault she keeps it a secret and suffers with thoughts of what she did to make him do such a thing. Eventually she reveals the secret rape to her mother, and soon after learns she is infected with HIV. Due to an already weakened immune system, things rapidly progress to AIDS and she finds out that Collin was not the eighteen year old she believed him to be. He was twenty-four and everything he told her about himself was a lie including his name. This diary follows her struggles with her emotions, rape and her life with AIDS.

I was endeared by Nancy. I just wanted to wrap her up in my arms, rock her like a baby, and assure her that nothing was her fault and everything would be okay. I cannot imagine such a thing happening to anyone, and it was very difficult to keep the tears at bay while reading this novel. Throughout her horrible ordeal I loved how Nancy kept her faith. And with the love of family and friends, the albeit short life she led was a happily filled one. Through Nancy’s story we gain knowledge on the risks, dangers, and diseases out there that people often don’t think about. If this novel could help protect even one young teen from making the same decisions that Nancy made and put them in the know, then this novel has served a great purpose. Emotionally this is definitely a difficult novel to read. But the fact that Nancy persevered and kept on living her life while keeping her faith made me want to stand and shout out: “You go girl!� You will truly feel as if Nancy is talking to you, and once you get involved in her diary it will be difficult to put down.
]]> <![CDATA[Beyond the Sea of Ice (The First Americans, #1)]]> 581599
When humans first walked the world, when nature ruled the earth and sky, a proud tribe is threatened by a series of natural disasters. A bold young hunter named Torka, who lost his wife and child to a killer mammoth, leads the survivors over the glacial tundra on a desperate eastward odyssey to the save their clan. Through attacks of savage animals and encounters with strangers not unlike themselves, they must brave the hardships of a foreign landscape and learn to live in an exotic new world of mystery and danger. They must travelĚýtoward the land where the sun rises for a new day for their clan—and an awesome future for the American.]]> 373 William Sarabande 0553268899 Tori 5 4.05 1987 Beyond the Sea of Ice (The First Americans, #1)
author: William Sarabande
name: Tori
average rating: 4.05
book published: 1987
rating: 5
read at: 2014/02/16
date added: 2014/02/16
shelves: based-on-true-story-accounts-histor, fiction, historical, native-american
review:

]]> Running Lean 16238084
A term referring to a deficiency of fuel in the fuel-to-air ratio of an internal combustion engine.

A physical condition where not enough caloric fuel is present for optimal performance of the body.

A spiritual condition in which a believer relies on his own strengths.

Equilibrium. That’s what Stacey and Calvin found in each other. He is as solid as his beloved vintage motorcycle and helps quiet the constant clamor in Stacey’s mind. She is a passionate, creative spirit—and a lifeline after Calvin’s soldier brother dies.

But lately the balance is off. Calvin’s grief is taking new and more dangerous forms. Voices of self-loathing are dominating Stacey’s life. When struggles with body image threaten her health, Calvin can’t bear to lose another person that he loves. Taking action may destroy their relationship, but the alternative could be much more costly.]]> 400 Diana L. Sharples 0310734975 Tori 5 ya, teen-fiction, ya-romance Stacey is a bright, talented girl who battled weight trouble in her past. She has so many inner demons due to some traumatizing moments in her young childhood, and she can't seem to shake them. Because of this she isn't comfortable in her own skin, and while others see her as pretty she just sees fat. Her friend Zoe is on a diet and continuously encourages Stacey on her dieting journey. However, Stacey takes things to far with her dieting and begins purging food. She becomes clever in her ways of hiding food and making it seem like she is eating when she isn't, and nobody is none the wiser in her presence. She wears baggy clothes to hide her weight so nobody needs question her. In love with her boyfriend Calvin she fears losing him most of all, but can't get her thoughts and actions straight enough to make all well between them.


Calvin is a teen boy who helps his father work their farm. Recently losing his older brother he has his own demons to battle in the sense of emotion and loss. Hardly wanting to deal with life's harsh realities his dirtbike and girlfriend Stacey are his only moments of release and happiness. His dirtbike is ancient and begins to have problem after problem. If that isn't enough of a worry for Calvin his girlfriend Stacey begins to act unlike herself. He notices a few signs where she doesn't eat and he begins to worry about the amount of weight she is losing. When she starts passing out and he figures out some of her secrets of hiding or getting rid of food it's like a punch in the stomach. He urges her to see a doctor and stop the madness but she shrugs him off. He just can't bear to lose another person he loves in his life so he struggles with what should be done to save Stacey.


My favorite thing about this book is that the author hits a major issue head on. Anorexia, bulimia, eating disorders, etc., is something a lot of teens these days are going through. Media tends to portray "beautiful" as super skinny. We see it everywhere: magazines, commercials, movies, fashion, etc. In reality few realize that everyone is beautiful and nobody was created to be the same, but due to everything our impressionable teens are seeing it's hard for them to realize that they are all beautiful in their own way. Teens do not understand the dangers of eating disorders and generally become good at hiding them from loved ones. Not only does this book show some of the beginning signs of anorexia and health risks, but it shows that if someone you love needs help you have to just be there and get them help. Often teens with these disorders do not see them as a disorder and they do not see anything wrong with their train of thought. I love that this book does not sugarcoat anything of the teen lifestyle but keeps things at a clean level without getting too graphic. I felt this is a novel very real and down to earth. The author does a fabulous job of writing so you find yourself lost in the story, and characters.
I love the balance between these two main characters. Stacey is passionate and outgoing while Calvin is more reserved and laid back. The characters are so different but mesh so well, and reading that was wonderful.
I was hoping to read more about some of the other characters in the book. I felt left hanging when it came to Stacey's sister Renee, as well as with Calvin's friends Tyler and Flannery. I would have liked just a little bit more when it came to them, but maybe they will end up with their own stories, who knows?
I love the faith in this book. No matter how hard things get and no matter how often a lot of these characters want to give up they pray and let God lead them. It's a great way to show teens that God can always overcome any obstacle, and with God they can overcome anything.







Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 ]]> 3.70 2013 Running Lean
author: Diana L. Sharples
name: Tori
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2014/02/03
date added: 2014/02/04
shelves: ya, teen-fiction, ya-romance
review:
I really love how this book deals with present day issues involving teens, especially teen girls. This is a rough read but a good one and one I would recommend to reader teens and adults.
Stacey is a bright, talented girl who battled weight trouble in her past. She has so many inner demons due to some traumatizing moments in her young childhood, and she can't seem to shake them. Because of this she isn't comfortable in her own skin, and while others see her as pretty she just sees fat. Her friend Zoe is on a diet and continuously encourages Stacey on her dieting journey. However, Stacey takes things to far with her dieting and begins purging food. She becomes clever in her ways of hiding food and making it seem like she is eating when she isn't, and nobody is none the wiser in her presence. She wears baggy clothes to hide her weight so nobody needs question her. In love with her boyfriend Calvin she fears losing him most of all, but can't get her thoughts and actions straight enough to make all well between them.


Calvin is a teen boy who helps his father work their farm. Recently losing his older brother he has his own demons to battle in the sense of emotion and loss. Hardly wanting to deal with life's harsh realities his dirtbike and girlfriend Stacey are his only moments of release and happiness. His dirtbike is ancient and begins to have problem after problem. If that isn't enough of a worry for Calvin his girlfriend Stacey begins to act unlike herself. He notices a few signs where she doesn't eat and he begins to worry about the amount of weight she is losing. When she starts passing out and he figures out some of her secrets of hiding or getting rid of food it's like a punch in the stomach. He urges her to see a doctor and stop the madness but she shrugs him off. He just can't bear to lose another person he loves in his life so he struggles with what should be done to save Stacey.


My favorite thing about this book is that the author hits a major issue head on. Anorexia, bulimia, eating disorders, etc., is something a lot of teens these days are going through. Media tends to portray "beautiful" as super skinny. We see it everywhere: magazines, commercials, movies, fashion, etc. In reality few realize that everyone is beautiful and nobody was created to be the same, but due to everything our impressionable teens are seeing it's hard for them to realize that they are all beautiful in their own way. Teens do not understand the dangers of eating disorders and generally become good at hiding them from loved ones. Not only does this book show some of the beginning signs of anorexia and health risks, but it shows that if someone you love needs help you have to just be there and get them help. Often teens with these disorders do not see them as a disorder and they do not see anything wrong with their train of thought. I love that this book does not sugarcoat anything of the teen lifestyle but keeps things at a clean level without getting too graphic. I felt this is a novel very real and down to earth. The author does a fabulous job of writing so you find yourself lost in the story, and characters.
I love the balance between these two main characters. Stacey is passionate and outgoing while Calvin is more reserved and laid back. The characters are so different but mesh so well, and reading that was wonderful.
I was hoping to read more about some of the other characters in the book. I felt left hanging when it came to Stacey's sister Renee, as well as with Calvin's friends Tyler and Flannery. I would have liked just a little bit more when it came to them, but maybe they will end up with their own stories, who knows?
I love the faith in this book. No matter how hard things get and no matter how often a lot of these characters want to give up they pray and let God lead them. It's a great way to show teens that God can always overcome any obstacle, and with God they can overcome anything.







Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
]]> Trafficked 12187771 When Sophie Hayes met Bledi she knew he'd change her life � but she had no idea how much. At first, it was a typical whirlwind romance. But one day Bledi told her that love always comes at a price ...

Bledi tricked Sophie into travelling to Italy, where he forced her to sell her body to help him pay off a debt. Terrified and ashamed, Sophie worked the dangerous Italian streets without rest, seeing as many as 30 clients in a night. She was completely at Bledi′s mercy for food, clothes and shelter. And without money, friends or family, she was trapped.

But Sophie found the strength to keep going, clinging to life by a single thread of hope: that somehow she′d find a way to escape.]]> 308 Sophie Hayes 0007438885 Tori 5 memoir, non-fiction The first few chapters really had me aggravated with Sophie. I know that her past with her father was horrible but she still has brothers, a sister, mother and stepfather that loves her dearly. Still I do think her father was a lot responsible for her behavior. No matter how much one person can tell another that only you control how you act things that start from childhood like that can stick with you and you may act from that hurt without even realizing it. I felt that Sophie treated people really horribly at first, mainly Erion. But it's something that she later realized she did so she did learn from it and realize what she had did wrong.
Nobody should deserve to go through what Sophie had to go through.
I strongly do feel like she is a courageous individual. I've read a lot of reviews on this book where people feel that she should have tried to run and get away. After all she did have plenty of chances to try. As I read through her story I found myself hoping that this time or that time she would run and flee only for it not to happen. But what people are not realizing is that Sophie was conditioned by Kas to do as he told her to do. The fear of what might happen if she tried to get away and it failed was too hard for her to take. She was in a strange place she knew nothing about, barely spoke the language, and of course other law enforcements in other countries are different from our own. They may not have known how to handle the situation and add to that fact that Kas was telling her he had people everywhere. Sure she could have fought him back but who knew what he was capable of? He was clearly a disturbed individual. I do believe that she did what she had to do to survive and once she finally felt safe enough to get away she did do just that! More than that she outsmarted her trafficker, even if she hadn't realized it at the time! So in reality she did get away when she felt like she could and was kept safe in the hospital.
I will admit that her decisions following her hospital release weren't exactly the smartest. She should have never went with Kas alone anywhere after getting help or let him anywhere near her. She should have had the courage to testify against him and put him away. Just by reading about his character it's clear he likely did it to one or more girls before and after Sophie. Unfortunately those of us (myself included) that feel that way are also not in her position. While she did tell her story in this heartbreaking memoir we still don't know of other horrors that befell her that she may not have shared. And it is easy for us to read something and imagine it but she actually had to LIVE it and the emotional, verbal, and physical trauma stayed with her. So it isn't up to us to judge how she handled things in the end. As long as she is at peace then that is what matters. And I applaud her for sharing her story as it may make others affected by trafficking come forward to tell their story and help others as well.
Many people who are rescued from trafficking do not even dare tell their story out of fear. Sophie was very brave to share with all of us her story. She speaks with STOP THE TRAFFIK giving her story to all who may fall victim or who may have been victims. So as a person she did a wonderful thing and continues to do so for others. It is not our place to judge her and even if we say we would have done things differently we don't truly know that because we were not in her place. We didn't suffer from the physical, verbal, and emotional abuse she had to go through. Everyone is different and everyone handles things in different ways. It isn't our decision to judge someone by how long they stay in a situation like that because they may honestly feel as if they have no choice. But when they DO finally get away and share their story with us we should applaud them because after the hell of what they went through no matter what else they do AT LEAST they shared their story so that it may shed light, understanding, and even give help to those that may seek it.
It's a sad reality that this happens to many people all over the world. It's something that makes me utterly sad and sick at the same time. But just like other horrible things in this world all we can do is our part to spread the word about it, look for signs in case we are ever in the position to help someone, be on the lookout always, and just NEVER give up.]]> 3.91 2012 Trafficked
author: Sophie Hayes
name: Tori
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at: 2014/01/24
date added: 2014/01/24
shelves: memoir, non-fiction
review:
This book definitely tugs at your heartstrings. I knew about women, men, and children being trafficked but this book separates from the normal stereotypes. I think this is a book that everyone should read because it proves that you just never know. It also proves that you should ALWAYS listen to your gut instincts when you have a feeling about people.
The first few chapters really had me aggravated with Sophie. I know that her past with her father was horrible but she still has brothers, a sister, mother and stepfather that loves her dearly. Still I do think her father was a lot responsible for her behavior. No matter how much one person can tell another that only you control how you act things that start from childhood like that can stick with you and you may act from that hurt without even realizing it. I felt that Sophie treated people really horribly at first, mainly Erion. But it's something that she later realized she did so she did learn from it and realize what she had did wrong.
Nobody should deserve to go through what Sophie had to go through.
I strongly do feel like she is a courageous individual. I've read a lot of reviews on this book where people feel that she should have tried to run and get away. After all she did have plenty of chances to try. As I read through her story I found myself hoping that this time or that time she would run and flee only for it not to happen. But what people are not realizing is that Sophie was conditioned by Kas to do as he told her to do. The fear of what might happen if she tried to get away and it failed was too hard for her to take. She was in a strange place she knew nothing about, barely spoke the language, and of course other law enforcements in other countries are different from our own. They may not have known how to handle the situation and add to that fact that Kas was telling her he had people everywhere. Sure she could have fought him back but who knew what he was capable of? He was clearly a disturbed individual. I do believe that she did what she had to do to survive and once she finally felt safe enough to get away she did do just that! More than that she outsmarted her trafficker, even if she hadn't realized it at the time! So in reality she did get away when she felt like she could and was kept safe in the hospital.
I will admit that her decisions following her hospital release weren't exactly the smartest. She should have never went with Kas alone anywhere after getting help or let him anywhere near her. She should have had the courage to testify against him and put him away. Just by reading about his character it's clear he likely did it to one or more girls before and after Sophie. Unfortunately those of us (myself included) that feel that way are also not in her position. While she did tell her story in this heartbreaking memoir we still don't know of other horrors that befell her that she may not have shared. And it is easy for us to read something and imagine it but she actually had to LIVE it and the emotional, verbal, and physical trauma stayed with her. So it isn't up to us to judge how she handled things in the end. As long as she is at peace then that is what matters. And I applaud her for sharing her story as it may make others affected by trafficking come forward to tell their story and help others as well.
Many people who are rescued from trafficking do not even dare tell their story out of fear. Sophie was very brave to share with all of us her story. She speaks with STOP THE TRAFFIK giving her story to all who may fall victim or who may have been victims. So as a person she did a wonderful thing and continues to do so for others. It is not our place to judge her and even if we say we would have done things differently we don't truly know that because we were not in her place. We didn't suffer from the physical, verbal, and emotional abuse she had to go through. Everyone is different and everyone handles things in different ways. It isn't our decision to judge someone by how long they stay in a situation like that because they may honestly feel as if they have no choice. But when they DO finally get away and share their story with us we should applaud them because after the hell of what they went through no matter what else they do AT LEAST they shared their story so that it may shed light, understanding, and even give help to those that may seek it.
It's a sad reality that this happens to many people all over the world. It's something that makes me utterly sad and sick at the same time. But just like other horrible things in this world all we can do is our part to spread the word about it, look for signs in case we are ever in the position to help someone, be on the lookout always, and just NEVER give up.
]]> Dreamland 4325 There is an alternate cover edition for this ISBN13 here.

Wake up, Caitlin

Ever since she started going out with Rogerson Biscoe, Caitlin seems to have fallen into a semiconscious dreamland where nothing is quite real. Rogerson is different from anyone Caitlin has ever known. He's magnetic. He's compelling. He's dangerous. Being with him makes Caitlin forget about everything else—her missing sister, her withdrawn mother, her lackluster life. But what happens when being with Rogerson becomes a larger problem than being without him?]]> 260 Sarah Dessen 0142401757 Tori 5 3.91 2000 Dreamland
author: Sarah Dessen
name: Tori
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2000
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2014/01/22
shelves:
review:

]]> Burning Sky 16142057
When her Mohawk brother arrives and questions her place in the white world, the cultural divide blurs Willa’s vision. Can she follow Tames-His-Horse back to the People now that she is no longer Burning Sky? And what about Neil MacGregor, the kind and loyal botanist who does not fit into in her plan for a solitary life, yet is now helping her revive her farm? In the aftermath of the Revolutionary War, strong feelings against “savages� abound in the nearby village of Shiloh, leaving Willa’s safety unsure.

Willa is a woman caught between two worlds. As tensions rise, challenging her shielded heart, the woman called Burning Sky must find a new courage--the courage to again risk embracing the blessings the Almighty wants to bestow. Is she brave enough to love again?]]> 416 Lori Benton 0307731472 Tori 5 This book had everything from romance, tension, drama, and friendship. I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't wait to read what would happen next. There were so many frustrating moments where I almost found myself screaming at some of the events in the book and that is obviously a great read when the reader can become so invested in the characters lives and actions.
I was sad when the book came to an end, but although everything did not turn out exactly as I had wished I did very much enjoy the ending and was very pleased with it.
Clean written but not to a prudish point there are sexual scenes but they are tastefully written and not vulgar.
There are many scriptures scattered throughout the novel which brings the Christian aspect to the novel continuously in a way that fits well with the story at hand while delivering a message to the reader without preaching.
I felt this book is a great example of overcoming trials and tribulations, letting God heal your heart, and standing your ground while holding onto God's hand. With God anything is possible and no trial is too big to overcome if you hold onto your faith.
I greatly enjoyed it and I would highly recommend this novel. I cannot praise it enough and it has found a permanent home on my favorites shelf.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.]]> 4.28 2013 Burning Sky
author: Lori Benton
name: Tori
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2014/01/03
date added: 2014/01/18
shelves: christian, favorites, fiction, historical, historical-romance, native-american, romance
review:
I am a huge fan of novels written on Native Americans, colonial times, etc. One look at the cover of this book had me instantly intrigued and reading the summary I knew I could not wait to read it. This novel did not disappoint me in the least. It was everything and more than I thought it would be! Faith is the core of this book, but the author does not lecture or preach faith, rather it comes out of the book and grips you without climbing a mountain to get there. The way this novel has been put together makes you get instantly lost in the events as they are told, and everything flows together nicely. It is very well researched and depicts how most things were after the Revolution.
This book had everything from romance, tension, drama, and friendship. I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't wait to read what would happen next. There were so many frustrating moments where I almost found myself screaming at some of the events in the book and that is obviously a great read when the reader can become so invested in the characters lives and actions.
I was sad when the book came to an end, but although everything did not turn out exactly as I had wished I did very much enjoy the ending and was very pleased with it.
Clean written but not to a prudish point there are sexual scenes but they are tastefully written and not vulgar.
There are many scriptures scattered throughout the novel which brings the Christian aspect to the novel continuously in a way that fits well with the story at hand while delivering a message to the reader without preaching.
I felt this book is a great example of overcoming trials and tribulations, letting God heal your heart, and standing your ground while holding onto God's hand. With God anything is possible and no trial is too big to overcome if you hold onto your faith.
I greatly enjoyed it and I would highly recommend this novel. I cannot praise it enough and it has found a permanent home on my favorites shelf.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
]]> <![CDATA[The Captive Heart (The Border Chronicles, #3)]]> 2954259 New York Times bestselling author, the third passionate romance in the Border Chronicles series.

The year is 1461, and the winds of war rage across England, uprooting Alix Givet, the daughter of Queen Margaret's physician, and the rest of Henry VI's court. Alix's plight becomes bleaker still when, out of duty to her queen, and to her ill, widowed father, she's locked into a loveless marriage to a cruel Northumbrian. But when her luck changes, Alix has another chance to flee, this time to save herself. Escaping north over the border into Scotland, she throws herself at the mercy of a dark and brooding laird who might provide the everlasting love of her dreams - if she can warm his cold heart.]]> 403 Bertrice Small 0451225023 Tori 4
Other than that I loved the book. Bertrice Small is one of my favorite authors and continues to be so. I have read quite a few of her books and fell in love with them, and I cannot wait to read more. She never disappoints on keeping the reader captivated in the story and the characters become alive.

In this particular novel I loved Alex Givet. She accepted her fate when it was due, stood her ground in her beliefs, and was incredibly strong portrayed for a woman in those times. I love how she wasn't claimed to be beautiful above all even though some found her so it was clearly stated there were other's more beautiful than she. It seemed to make it less fabricated and more believable as I read. Easier to picture events playing out in my head.

Malcolm Scott, however, infuriated me more than once. So stubborn and allowing some to get away with more than a border lord should have in those days. Some of it inexcusable. There were many points in this novel I did not think he was aggressive enough for certain situations and do not know why he pondered on things so long before he took action. When you read the story you will know what I mean. While he did get things done in the end he is a character that seems to take too long to do them.

But all in all I would say this a juicy, fantastic read! I was kept at the edge of my seat many a times wondering what would happen next, how things would end up, etc. It's definitely a book that keeps you guessing and captivated up until the very last sentence. If your like me, a lover of historical fiction and romance, you will find yourself quickly invested in some of the characters. I felt as if I was right there watching it all unfold. I felt myself close to tears at some points, and holding my breath at others waiting to see what would come next.]]> 3.91 2008 The Captive Heart (The Border Chronicles, #3)
author: Bertrice Small
name: Tori
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 2014/01/15
date added: 2014/01/15
shelves:
review:
The only reason I did not rate this book five stars is because I am highly upset at the ending of the novel. Without giving anything away too badly I will just say that a character was killed that I believe should have been spared. It was something I really didn't expect, and it made me incredibly sad. I felt that character could have gone on to make a fantastic other novel and so to see said character be killed was just horrific.

Other than that I loved the book. Bertrice Small is one of my favorite authors and continues to be so. I have read quite a few of her books and fell in love with them, and I cannot wait to read more. She never disappoints on keeping the reader captivated in the story and the characters become alive.

In this particular novel I loved Alex Givet. She accepted her fate when it was due, stood her ground in her beliefs, and was incredibly strong portrayed for a woman in those times. I love how she wasn't claimed to be beautiful above all even though some found her so it was clearly stated there were other's more beautiful than she. It seemed to make it less fabricated and more believable as I read. Easier to picture events playing out in my head.

Malcolm Scott, however, infuriated me more than once. So stubborn and allowing some to get away with more than a border lord should have in those days. Some of it inexcusable. There were many points in this novel I did not think he was aggressive enough for certain situations and do not know why he pondered on things so long before he took action. When you read the story you will know what I mean. While he did get things done in the end he is a character that seems to take too long to do them.

But all in all I would say this a juicy, fantastic read! I was kept at the edge of my seat many a times wondering what would happen next, how things would end up, etc. It's definitely a book that keeps you guessing and captivated up until the very last sentence. If your like me, a lover of historical fiction and romance, you will find yourself quickly invested in some of the characters. I felt as if I was right there watching it all unfold. I felt myself close to tears at some points, and holding my breath at others waiting to see what would come next.
]]> Carolina Gold 17456100 The war is over, but her struggle is just beginning.

Charlotte Fraser returns to her late father’s once-flourishing rice plantation on the Waccamaw River, determined to continue growing the special kind of rice known as Carolina Gold. But Fairhaven Plantation is in ruins, the bondsmen are free, and money is scarce.

To make ends meet, Charlotte reluctantly accepts a position as tutor to the young daughters of Nicholas Betancourt, heir to the neighboring Willowood Plantation. Then Nick’s quest to prove his ownership of Willowood sends Charlotte on a dangerous journey that reveals an old family mystery—and threatens all that she holds dear.

Inspired by the life of a 19th century woman rice planter, Carolina Gold continues Dorothy Love’s winning tradition of weaving together mystery, romance, and rich historical detail, bringing to life the story of one young woman’s struggle to restore her ruined world.]]> 336 Dorothy Love 140168761X Tori 5 Nicholas was an equally lovable character although he did frustrate me at times. I will admit it is refreshing to see a dedicated father in a historical novel. Most fathers in novels pay little attention to their daughters especially. However Nicholas doted on his daughters and it was easy to picture the love for them. I also love how Nicholas paid little attention to other women and even though he didn't let it publicly be known clearly held Charlotte in his favor among all.

Love is in abundance in this book. And it shows how God really wants us to be on helping thy neighbor and showing love and understanding to all who may need it. This book is the perfect example of life having it's ups and down but keeping your faith rooted in God always. No matter what set backs Charlotte faced, no matter what was going wrong in her restoring her family plantation she kept her faith and accepted what was. She still held to hope and she strives to find the truth of matters. She is a careful planner and a wonderful example of great women everywhere.
The scenes in the story are all very easy to picture and I was swept away in this novel. Historic details were right on point and I felt as if I was right there with the characters throughout. I couldn't wait to see what was happening next, and felt as if I was there through all of it.
There were many interesting characters in this book, and my only complaint was that it had to end. I liked to epilogue at the end and it was nice to see how a few things ended up for Charlotte although a little insight into the other characters would have been equally as nice. Especially Nicholas's young girls. Still I loved this book immensely, and if you love historical fiction then this is a book for you.
In a time when women were not seen fit to run their own plantation Charlotte did all she could and cared not what anyone thought. A wonderful read!



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book mentioned above from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.]]> 3.69 2013 Carolina Gold
author: Dorothy Love
name: Tori
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2013/12/21
date added: 2014/01/10
shelves: christian, historical-romance, historical, romance
review:
I have to admit I loved Charlotte. She was a very admirable woman whom I could not help take as my favorite character. Concerned about keeping her promise to her father and bring her dreams to life of restoring Fairhaven she also put the needs of others before her own often, and had a very kind heart. No matter what hurdles are thrown her way she perseveres, and stands her own ground. Meek but firm and loving but careful, she is no fool in any matters.
Nicholas was an equally lovable character although he did frustrate me at times. I will admit it is refreshing to see a dedicated father in a historical novel. Most fathers in novels pay little attention to their daughters especially. However Nicholas doted on his daughters and it was easy to picture the love for them. I also love how Nicholas paid little attention to other women and even though he didn't let it publicly be known clearly held Charlotte in his favor among all.

Love is in abundance in this book. And it shows how God really wants us to be on helping thy neighbor and showing love and understanding to all who may need it. This book is the perfect example of life having it's ups and down but keeping your faith rooted in God always. No matter what set backs Charlotte faced, no matter what was going wrong in her restoring her family plantation she kept her faith and accepted what was. She still held to hope and she strives to find the truth of matters. She is a careful planner and a wonderful example of great women everywhere.
The scenes in the story are all very easy to picture and I was swept away in this novel. Historic details were right on point and I felt as if I was right there with the characters throughout. I couldn't wait to see what was happening next, and felt as if I was there through all of it.
There were many interesting characters in this book, and my only complaint was that it had to end. I liked to epilogue at the end and it was nice to see how a few things ended up for Charlotte although a little insight into the other characters would have been equally as nice. Especially Nicholas's young girls. Still I loved this book immensely, and if you love historical fiction then this is a book for you.
In a time when women were not seen fit to run their own plantation Charlotte did all she could and cared not what anyone thought. A wonderful read!



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book mentioned above from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
]]> Mockingbird 16129330 252 Julie Trimingham 1849822387 Tori 5 The lengths she goes for Amelia risking herself but acting upon her natural instincts is very admirable. I'm sure many a women (myself included) would have reacted the way she did when finding a poor little baby laying in a car. I would have wanted to save her from the life her mother lived and give her something more. Sadly even though this book is fiction that life is had by many children all across the world and if only we could save each one of them.
Once I started reading this novel I could not put it down. I had no idea what was to happen next, it kept me guessing and kept me at the edge of my seat. I read it in a matter of a couple of days I was so eager to see how it would end.
I loved seeing a little into another countries customs and ways, the scenes were easy to picture in my head and I felt as if I was there at times.
I hated Magdalena, Amelia's mother, sadly she was very self absorbed and money hungry. Even though there are mothers out there in the world such as her I cannot for myself imagine it. Putting prostitution over your own child, leaving your child without knowing who she is with or how she is.
My only gripe about this book is I wish it would have given a little more at the end. But since it is a first book maybe the author will write another one giving us a glimpse of what happens next involving both Mia, and Amelia. I would love to see how they both end up and how things go. It definitely ended with me craving more.
I would definitely recommend this book, and I will be on the lookout for more titles from this very talented author!]]> 3.70 2013 Mockingbird
author: Julie Trimingham
name: Tori
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2014/01/07
date added: 2014/01/10
shelves:
review:
I LOVED this book. The author did a fantastic job writing this novel and to think this was her FIRST novel written! I couldn't believe this was a fictional story, it was incredibly easy to picture and very realistic. I felt for Mia. The whole story through she seemed as if she was stuck in a rut letting her youth go day by day. She didn't know her true self, wasn't sure of a future, and just did not know what she wanted from life aside from getting lost in it. Getting stuck in the party phase of life she was losing track of her personal self and giving everything to Alex. Only when she stumbles upon Amelia and finds love in Carlos does she finally become comfortable in her own skin and see what true love is.
The lengths she goes for Amelia risking herself but acting upon her natural instincts is very admirable. I'm sure many a women (myself included) would have reacted the way she did when finding a poor little baby laying in a car. I would have wanted to save her from the life her mother lived and give her something more. Sadly even though this book is fiction that life is had by many children all across the world and if only we could save each one of them.
Once I started reading this novel I could not put it down. I had no idea what was to happen next, it kept me guessing and kept me at the edge of my seat. I read it in a matter of a couple of days I was so eager to see how it would end.
I loved seeing a little into another countries customs and ways, the scenes were easy to picture in my head and I felt as if I was there at times.
I hated Magdalena, Amelia's mother, sadly she was very self absorbed and money hungry. Even though there are mothers out there in the world such as her I cannot for myself imagine it. Putting prostitution over your own child, leaving your child without knowing who she is with or how she is.
My only gripe about this book is I wish it would have given a little more at the end. But since it is a first book maybe the author will write another one giving us a glimpse of what happens next involving both Mia, and Amelia. I would love to see how they both end up and how things go. It definitely ended with me craving more.
I would definitely recommend this book, and I will be on the lookout for more titles from this very talented author!
]]> <![CDATA[Blackout Girl: Growing Up and Drying Out in America]]> 2034321
Jennifer Storm's Blackout Girl is a can't-tear-yourself-away look at teenage addiction and redemption. At age six, Jennifer Storm was stealing sips of her mother's cocktails. By age 13, she was binge drinking and well on her way to regular cocaine and LSD use. Her young life was awash in alcohol, drugs, and the trauma of rape. She anesthetized herself to many of the harsh realities of her young life--including her own misunderstandings about her sexual orientation--, which made her even more vulnerable to victimization. Blackout Girl is Storm's tender and gritty memoir, revealing the depths of her addiction and her eventual path to a life of accomplishment and joy.]]> 280 Jennifer Storm 1592854680 Tori 0 to-read 3.81 2008 Blackout Girl: Growing Up and Drying Out in America
author: Jennifer Storm
name: Tori
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2008
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2014/01/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Quarryman's Bride (Land of Shining Water, #2)]]> 16109754
Years later, Emmalyne's family moves, and she and Tavin meet again. Their feelings for each other are as strong as ever, but their painful past and Emmalyne's father still stand between them. Soon both families are in the midst of the growing conflict rising between the workers at the granite quarry that Tavin's father owns and operates. When a series of near-fatal accidents occur, Tavin must figure out who is behind the attacks before someone gets killed.

Bound by obligation, yet yearning for a future together, can Emmalyne and Tavin dare to dream that God could heal a decade-long wound and change the hearts of those who would stand in the way of true love?]]> 352 Tracie Peterson 0764206206 Tori 5 ::Description::
Emmalyne Knox and Tavin MacLachlan were engaged to be married. However, a horrible disaster that took the lives of Emmalyne's young sisters put a stop to that immediately. An age old tradition of the Knox family states that the youngest daughter will not marry but instead take care of her parents in their old age. As Emmalyne's heart sinks she cannot bear to let her parents down and takes on the selfless act of giving up her one true love and future to honor her family's tradition.
The Knox family moves away taking with them all of Emmalyne's hopes and dreams but leaving behind her heart. After eleven years circumstances bring the Knox family side by side working with the MacLachlan family and Emmalyne's and Tavin's paths cross again. The only question to remain is will true love conquer all?



::My Thoughts::
I LOVED this book. This was right up my alley and I enjoyed every minute of it. True love at it's best. I felt the author did a fantastic job on the whole novel. Even explaining day to day duties will take you inside the feelings of Emmalyne and other characters in the novel. In the 1800s, before, and likely after family traditions were often put above all else. Very few dared to go against age old traditions and instead accepted them as their lot in life good or bad. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen with Emmalyne and Tavin throughout the novel. Honestly I couldn't read a page fast enough to find out what would happen next. The other characters in the novel such as Fenella, Emmalyne's mother, etc., were also just as interesting. There are a few surprise character's included but it helped boost the story and make it all much more intriguing. This book is filled with happiness, sadness, devastation, intrigue, and love at both it's worst and finest. I can't wait to read the other novels in the series. I felt the entire novel was completely believable and I didn't have trouble following any of it. I definitely recommend this book to all you historical Christian romance readers or just historical romance readers in general! I was right back in the 1800s with this novel and couldn't wait to see how things would turn out.


This book is available in Print Kindle Nook Audible ...and more! Make sure to check for other forms! :)


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.]]> 4.07 2013 The Quarryman's Bride (Land of Shining Water, #2)
author: Tracie Peterson
name: Tori
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/10/06
shelves:
review:
::Description::
Emmalyne Knox and Tavin MacLachlan were engaged to be married. However, a horrible disaster that took the lives of Emmalyne's young sisters put a stop to that immediately. An age old tradition of the Knox family states that the youngest daughter will not marry but instead take care of her parents in their old age. As Emmalyne's heart sinks she cannot bear to let her parents down and takes on the selfless act of giving up her one true love and future to honor her family's tradition.
The Knox family moves away taking with them all of Emmalyne's hopes and dreams but leaving behind her heart. After eleven years circumstances bring the Knox family side by side working with the MacLachlan family and Emmalyne's and Tavin's paths cross again. The only question to remain is will true love conquer all?



::My Thoughts::
I LOVED this book. This was right up my alley and I enjoyed every minute of it. True love at it's best. I felt the author did a fantastic job on the whole novel. Even explaining day to day duties will take you inside the feelings of Emmalyne and other characters in the novel. In the 1800s, before, and likely after family traditions were often put above all else. Very few dared to go against age old traditions and instead accepted them as their lot in life good or bad. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen with Emmalyne and Tavin throughout the novel. Honestly I couldn't read a page fast enough to find out what would happen next. The other characters in the novel such as Fenella, Emmalyne's mother, etc., were also just as interesting. There are a few surprise character's included but it helped boost the story and make it all much more intriguing. This book is filled with happiness, sadness, devastation, intrigue, and love at both it's worst and finest. I can't wait to read the other novels in the series. I felt the entire novel was completely believable and I didn't have trouble following any of it. I definitely recommend this book to all you historical Christian romance readers or just historical romance readers in general! I was right back in the 1800s with this novel and couldn't wait to see how things would turn out.


This book is available in Print Kindle Nook Audible ...and more! Make sure to check for other forms! :)


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
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