{Blog Hop} Book Blogger Hop

 

Welcome to the September 18th - 24th Book Blogger Hop, hosted by Billy at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer. This week's post prompt, submitted by Elizabeth at Silver's Reviews, is:

"What draws you in more: the book's title, the book's cover, or the summary on the back cover?"

I'm not going to lie. I'm a total cover whore. I'm very quick to pick up a book and read its summary if the cover catches my eye. It's very rare that I'll give a book with a boring cover a chance ... not saying it NEVER happens, but it is rare.

What about you? Are you a cover whore like me or are you more of a title and/or summary person?

{Book Review} The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee

 

This is the second novel in the Montague Siblings series. This novel focuses on Felicity Montague and her aspirations in becoming a doctor. The problem is, a lady becoming a doctor in England in those days was unheard of. Those positions were for men only and women were expected to be at home cooking, cleaning, having children, etc. Women weren't meant to be employed in a "man's" world. Felicity, however, is bound and determined to change all of that ... at least for her, if not for all women.

When the novel begins, Felicity is in Edinburgh, which is where she was headed after her tour with Monty and Percy in the first novel. Edinburgh has the most elite university for those wishing to study in the medical field. Felicity has written letter after letter requesting to be tutored, enrolled in the university, or taken on as an apprentice ... SOMETHING that'll get her on her path to be a doctor. While in Edinburgh, Felicity works at a bakery to earn a wage while writing her letters and waiting for acceptance. The owner of the bakery is smitten with Felicity and proposes marriage. The proposal both scares and infuriates Felicity at the same time. She leaves Edinburgh and heads to London where Monty and Percy live.

Felicity arriving in London starts a chain of events that takes Felicity on another, unexpected, grand adventure. Will she finally become accepted into a university to learn medicine or is she destined to live the life of a simpering housewife she so despises?

Here's what I liked about the novel: The adventures Felicity are involved in are entertaining and they keep the story moving. I also enjoyed the fact that it made me feel angry about the injustices of women in English society during that time ... which also made me think of the social injustices that women still go through today.

Here's what I didn't like about the novel: I thought the ending was lackluster. It just fell flat and didn't round out the novel like it could have.

The first book in the series, The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue, was exciting and sexy and thrilling. Since then the series has steadily declined. I really hate that, too, because I was so looking forward to an excellent series that I could add to my favorites list. Oh, well. C'est la vie.

{Novella Review} The Gentleman's Guide to Getting Lucky by Mackenzi Lee

 

This is a short novella between The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue and The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy.

At the end of Vice and Virtue, Percy and Monty FINALLY reveal their feelings for each other. They make the decision to be mutually exclusive (not a stretch for Percy, but definitely for Monty) as well as to not return to their homes. They decide to run away to London together to start their new life, even though it'll be destitute and lacking their usual comforts.

The Gentleman's Guide to Getting Lucky is about what you think it's about. Sex. However, it's more about Monty and Percy trying to get to their first time and how obstacle after obstacle keeps them from having sex, making love, whatever you want to call it. The main issue standing in their way, surprisingly, is Monty. His issue is equating love and sex with the same person. He's used to using sex as a release with people he's not interested in keeping around. So, he is stressing the hell out that having sex with Percy will cause everything to go pear-shaped. Percy, sweet and perceptive Percy, understands something's going on in Monty's head and has a heart-to-heart with him about their relationship.

Overall, this was a quick, funny romp into Percy and Monty as a couple and gave the reader a little more depth into their relationship. I'd give it 4 stars.

{Book Review} The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

 

I put this on my TBR list when Margot with Epic Reads spouted her love of this novel in one of her videos (check out said video by clicking here - side note: she mentions that the book is narrated by Percy, but it's actually narrated by Monty). I'm not really sure what I was expecting but ... OH ... MY .... GOODNESS.

Monty is an absolute rake, but an adorable one, and he knows it. He's a bisexual nobleman in a time when being bisexual is VERY much frowned upon and could possibly get you hung. He has a younger sister, Felicity, a baby brother that he calls the Goblin, and a best friend, Percy. When he gets kicked out of Eton, his father beats him black and blue. The only way Monty knows how to deal with it is to continue doing what he's always done: drink, steal, and being promiscuous.

Felicity is sick and tired of being treated like a simpering female. She's interested in medicine and wants to go to university, not finishing school, but the times being what they are doesn't offer her much of a choice as far as career paths go.

Percy lives with his aunt and uncle. They love him but treat him differently when company's around. Why? Well, they're white English residents and Percy is a brown English resident. People of color are treated horridly in England during this time. They're not allowed in many hotels, they're not given very many jobs, and they're automatically distrusted because of the beautiful color of their skin. Add his epilepsy on top of that and the poor guy can't catch a break socially. This era of the English looks at epilepsy as demonic possession and enter those affected into insane asylums if exorcisms and other extreme measures don't work.

Enter one last hurrah for Monty, Percy, and Felicity under the guidance of Mr. Lockwood. The three are to go on a Tour before heading off in different directions: Monty to learn how to take over the estate, Felicity off to finishing school, and Percy off to learn a profession ... or so they all think.

Not long after the tour starts, the three go to a ball. They try to have a good time but Monty gets bored and starts his usual mess. Off he goes to the bedroom of some lady, which turns out to be in the apartments of the Duke of Bourbon ... someone that Monty does not really care for. So, while in the Duke's apartment, Monty looks around and finds something he wants to steal. Enter the Duke, exit Monty through an open window with the stolen artifact, and the chase begins.

Monty, Percy, and Felicity have an adventure beyond their wildest imaginations. Through it all, they learn more about themselves and each other. Felicity admits she wants to be a doctor ... and is actually offered an opportunity in a most unusual way. Monty realizes his drinking and promiscuity is something that he has GOT to get under control. Percy finally confesses what really awaits him at the end of the Tour and what it is he really wants.

This book was heartbreaking and exciting and sweet and a jolly good read. I've seen where there are two more books in this series so I'll be continuing them to see what else these three rapscallions have in store. I can't wait!

{Read-a-thon & Read-a-long} #FrightFall

The #FrightFall Read-a-thon is hosted by Michelle over at Seasons of Reading and is officially part of her Something Wicked Fall event every September and October on her horror blog, Castle Macabre. The genres being focused on for the read-a-thon are gothic stories for September and horror stories for October. If you want to participate, you can sign up here.

As you can see in the image above, Michelle is also hosting a read-a-long on her Castle Macabre blog for The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. Discussion posts will be put up every Sunday. The reading schedule begins tomorrow, September 1st. You can click here to view the reading schedule and additional information about the read-a-long.

If you're planning on joining the fun, let me know!

{Book Review} Lake People by Abi Maxwell

 

This was another Dollar General purchase. The cover is simple so that's not what drew me to this book. I kind of picked it up on a whim and decided to read its summary to see if I'd be interested in it. The summary, posted below, sounded intriguing and I genuinely anticipated a wonderful saga-esque story about Alice and where she came from.

From Goodreads:

"A haunting, luminous debut novel set in a small New Hampshire town: the story of the crisscrossing of lives, within and without family, and of one woman, given up for adoption as a baby, searching for the truth about her life.

As an infant, Alice Thorton was discovered in Kettleborough, New Hampshire, in a boathouse by the lake; adopted by a young, childless couple; raised with no knowledge of the women who came before her: Eleonora, who brought her family to Bear Island, the nearly uninhabitable scrap of land in Kettleborough’s lake; Signe, the maiden aunt who nearly drowned in the lake, ashamed of her heart; Sophie, the grandmother who turned a blind eye to her unwanted granddaughter. Alice grows up aching for an acceptance she can’t quite imagine, trying to find it first with an older man, then with one who can’t love her back, and finally in the love she feels for one she has never met. And all the while she feels a mysterious pull to the lake. As Alice edges ever closer to her past,Lake Peoplebeautifully evokes the interweaving of family history and individual fate, and the intangible connections we feel to the place where we were born."

I'm sorry to say, this book was a disappointment. It wasn't necessarily the story itself but the way it was written. I know each author has their own unique writing style and that's a great thing. You don't want to read different authors and have them all read the same - that'd be boring. Unfortunately, I am not a fan of Abi Maxwell's writing style.

All of the characters were ... destitute. That's the best word I can think of and I don't mean it financially. They were emotionally destitute. It's like all of them were mad, or depressed, or abusive, or willing to be somebody's emotional whipping post. There was very little hope or joy in this book. I do expect a certain level of problems or despair in a novel, especially when a character is trying to find herself and where she's from, but this was excessive.

While reading Lake People, there's one thought that kept running through my mind: "This is the weirdest book I've ever read." I'm sorry, Ms. Maxwell, but I'm giving your book 2 stars and that's only because, at the very end of the book, Alice found a bit of the happiness she was searching for. Thank goodness I only paid $1 for this book.

{TV Series Review} Parks and Recreation

 

So, like many of you, I was looking for a show to binge-watch on Netflix. I decided to give Parks and Recreation (aka Parks and Rec) a chance. Before I get into my thoughts, let me give you some deets about the show ... just in case you're interested.

According to Wikipedia

Genre: Sitcom, Mockumentary, and Political Satire

Created by: Greg Daniels and Michael Schur

Run Time: April 2009 until February 2015

Starred: Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Chris Pratt, Nick Offerman, Rob Lowe, Aubrey Plaza, and more

Okay, let's talk. 

The show centered around the Parks and Recreation department of fictional town Pawnee, Indiana. The vibe of the show reminded me of The Office with the characters talking to someone off camera during the course of the day. I half expected the series finale to reveal that a documentary was being recorded to preserve some history of Pawnee ... sounds like something Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) would've been excited to make happen. Speaking of Leslie, I sometimes found her to be a little too much. She couldn't accept when people didn't see things her way and practically bullied them until they conceded. I wanted to slap her. On the other hand, she remembered everyone's birthdays, cheered their accomplishments, and celebrated with everyone's successes. THAT Leslie Knope I could've been friends with.

My two favorite characters on the show, hands down, were April Ludgate (played by Aubrey Plaza) and Ron Swanson (played by Nick Offerman). April had RBF to the max, she didn't like showing or receiving affection, and she leaned towards the dark side. I related to her in so many ways. Ron Swanson was SERIOUS about maintaining his privacy. He was a meat-eater and loved breakfast food. I related to him, too. I love, and am drawn to, people with a dry sense of humor. April and Ron had that. It was amazing and I loved it.

It was weird to see Chris Pratt in Parks and Rec and try to reconcile that with his role as Peter Quill, the Star-Lord and a Guardian of the Galaxy. It's like I was watching a totally different person ... and I was there for it. The differences in Chris for each of those roles just goes to show how great of an actor he is and how committed he is in portraying whatever character he's currently acting.

There's a lot that can be said about Parks and Rec. I don't want to make this post too long so I'll just say this ... Despite a few annoyances, I enjoyed the show. The short episodes made it easily binge-worthy. Parks and Rec was funny, smart, sweet, corny, weird, quirky, annoying, loud, quiet, smooth ... everything you'd ever want in a show. I now understand the hype. Great job, Greg and Michael.

{Review} IN AN INSTANT by Suzanne Redfearn

 

I bought this book for my Kindle on a whim while I was sitting at work on my lunch break bored because I had forgotten my physical book that I was currently reading. The first thing that caught my attention was the cover. One, because I thought it gorgeous. Two, because I MISS THE SNOW (insert ugly crying here ... okay, not really). Once my eye was caught, I read the summary and became even more intrigued.

In an Instant is written from the perspective of a dead girl. Beautiful cover, grotesque plot? Nope, not in the least.

Finn is one of three daughters, and one of four children, to Jack and Ann. She has a best friend, Mo, and, when we meet Finn, she is currently at a bridal shop not being the most attentive maid of honor for her sister, Aubrey. Leaving the bridal shop, Aunt Karen (who really isn't an aunt, but Finn's mom's best friend) talks Finn into driving her mom's brand new car home from the shop. Ann, Finn's mom, is not keen on the idea because, HELLOOOO ... Brand. New. Car. 

Well, Aunt Karen succeeds in talking Finn into driving home. On the way, Finn gets into an accident ... nothing major, but there is damage to the front end. Ann, after checking on all parties involved, drives the rest of the way home. To say she's pissed is an understatement. Add that to the marital problems her and Jack are having and she's just a big ole ray of sunshine. So, what's a family to do?

FAMILY TRIP!!!

Jack decides that a trip to the ole family cabin a few hours away for a few days would be good for everyone. He, Ann, Finn, Aubrey, Chloe (the third sister/daughter), Vance (Chloe's boyfriend), Oz (the son), Bingo (the dog), Mo, Aunt Karen, Uncle Bob, and Natalie (Karen and Bob's daughter and an annoyance to Finn and Mo) all load up in one vehicle and head out to the cabin. At the cabin, everyone quickly unloads the van and gets ready to head to a local diner. Finn sits up front while Jack drives. Not to long after they leave, they come across a guy stuck on the side of the road. They offer to give him a ride to town since there's no cell service where he's stuck at. He accepts and climbs in the back with everyone else. Once they're on their way again, a buck runs out in front of them causing Jack to swerve, miss the deer, hit the old guardrail, and go over the side of the mountain. Thus, the death of Finn.

This may sound like the end of the story, but it's not. Finn is tied to the earthly realm while her family continues living the next few months or so without her. They struggle with their grief, with living, with finding purpose after the accident. Finn witnesses it all and is unable to help.

Will she ever leave earth and head towards her final destination? Will her family survive their heartbreak and learn to live again?

In an Instant is a quick read, even though there are over 90 chapters. Fortunately, they're not long and the premise of the story is interesting enough to keep you reading. It also made me wonder if people's spirits really do linger after death. It's interesting to think about.

Overall, I'd give this book 3 1/2 stars for its originality with a few plot issues (nothing major, just a couple things that made me question their validity).

{Review} NO BOOK BUT THE WORLD by Leah Hager Cohen

 

I found this book in a Dollar General. When you're holding the book in your hands, the cover looks as if you could tear away the rest of the painting and reveal the stark white cover with its black-printed words. It's so realistic I had to pick it up and read the summary. I was sold. I bought it.

That was about 2 years ago. I've finally read the book and, before I tell you my thoughts, let me give you a bit of background.

Fred and Ava were raised by two parents who were VERY unconventional. They, Fred and Ava, could be considered home-schooled although it seemed to be more of a moral and social experiment where their father is concerned. Fred and Ava were never disciplined. Instead, if they had tantrums or fits of anger, they were closely studied and asked questions about how they felt, why they did what they did, and so on. Being raised like that can make one feel as if they're more knowledgeable and socially/morally aware than others in mainstream society or it can make one feel like an outsider, an outcast, not as good as those in mainstream society. Either way, it's a very extreme environment to raise children. There's really no middle ground, no gray areas.

Fred was the youngest. He also had issues that wouldn't allow him to behave as others. It was never defined in the book, because that would go against their father's theories of raising children, but it sounded as if Fred had some form of autism. He would go off on his own and stay outside for a day or two. He eventually tried to live a "normal" life by getting jobs, finding places to live, etc. but he was never really accepted by most people because they didn't understand him.

Ava, being the eldest, always felt protective over Fred, even when she was tired of him. Of course, when she did feel tired of Fred she would then feel guilty for feeling tired of Fred. Once their parents died, Fred went off with a former member of their community and Ava followed her own path. She didn't stay in touch with him as much as she felt she should have but there was always an excuse as to why she couldn't. You know how it goes, right? We make time for what we want and when we don't want to do something, we'll allow the smallest excuse to keep us from doing what we should. That was grown-up Ava.

Enter the present. Fred is in jail for his alleged involvement in the death of a minor. Ava goes to the town where he's in jail to visit with his lawyer. Ava knows people don't understand Fred and how he is so she's trying to make him known to Bayard Charles, Fred's defense attorney.

As the story unfolds, we all learn more about Ava, Fred, Kitty, and their entire world they grew up in. We learn of the circumstances leading up to Fred's arrest. Did he have anything to do with the boy's death? Was it an accident? Was it natural causes?

Even without knowing the author's background, I could tell she is an extremely intelligent woman. The way she wrote her novel reveals that about herself. She made child-Ava sound more intelligent than I've ever known a child to think, reason, speak, and feel. The author used so many words I've never heard or read before that I almost opened a dictionary app on my phone just so I could understand what she was trying to say. I didn't open the dictionary app. I understood the gist of the portion of the story I was reading and that was good enough for me. Thinking about the story in retrospect, it was interesting and uniquely done. Ava, being the narrator, was the most fleshed-out character in the book. I would've liked to have known more about her parents, but that would've made the book longer than I would've wanted to read. I didn't hate the book but I didn't love it either. However, it did make me think. Overall, I'd give No Book but the World three stars.

{Review} A KID LIKE JAKE

 

So, I do this thing where I don't like to watch or read anything while it's popular with the majority of society. I like to wait until the hype dies down before I take a look at it. I did it with Harry Potter, Sex and the City, and more.

A Kid Like Jake is listed as a 2018 American comedy-drama film. I agree with the drama portion of the description, but I didn't find a lot of comedy in the film. The film was written by Daniel Pearle based on his own 2013 play of the same name.

You can tell from the poster above that there are some pretty popular actors in this film: Claire Danes, Jim Parsons, Octavia Spencer, and a couple more. The basic premise of the movie is a set of parents who try to figure the best, positive, way to help their son come into his own being. He was born a boy but displays effeminate traits. He's turning five and is about to begin school so making sure he has a healthy sense of self is important.

Greg, the father, wants Jake to begin counseling to help him express his feelings and healthy ways of expressing his emerging emotions. Alex, the mom, is pretty blind to the fact that Jake's displaying gender non-conformity behaviors. She thinks her friends and husband are attacking her way of mothering when they're just trying to help her see what's so clearly in front of her. Really, Alex was a little much for me. She was taking the situation personally when she should've been focusing on Jake and trying to discuss with Greg what was best for Jake's well-being.

Overall, the movie wasn't horrible, but I wish it would've focused more on Jake and how he felt. The poor boy barely had any speaking parts. I understand that 4- and 5-year-olds probably aren't very articulate about how they're feeling. I just felt like the movie was more about Jake's parents than about Jake, which left me feeling kind of 'meh' about the whole thing.

{Review} UNDER THE WIDE AND STARRY SKY by Nancy Horan

 

First of all, this cover is gor-geous! The cover and the title are the reasons why I bought this book from a Dollar General and added it to my Goodreads TBR list way back in 2017. I have finally gotten around to reading it.

To start, this is a novel based on the life of Robert Luis Stevenson's wife, Fanny Van de Grift Osbourne, and her marriage to the famous author. When Fanny met Luis, she had just lost her youngest child. Being 10 years Luis' senior, Fanny didn't think of Luis as a viable suitor and was, therefore, attracted to Luis' cousin. Eventually, Luis wins Fanny over, she divorces her husband in San Francisco, Fanny and Luis get married, and end up traveling the world to find a place where Luis can live healthily.

Fanny was too combative and could hold a grudge like nobody's business. There were quite a few times I remember thinking, "Dear Lord, just let it go already!" Luis could be an ass with his brutal honesty and biting wit. They made a strange pair and couple. I didn't get a sense of love or infatuation from either of them.

The book was entertaining and an interesting read. Although it's a fictional account of their lives together, this novel is based on facts, real letters, journal entries, etc from both Fanny and Luis. I am glad to have read it once, even if it's just to get it off my TBR list, but I don't foresee my reading it again in the future. I really don't know who I'd want to recommend it to, either, so I guess I'll end this by saying that I'd rate this about 2.5 out of 5 stars.

{Review} THE INSTITUTE by Stephen King

 

Those that know me personally know that I am a H-U-G-E Stephen King fan. Not because what he writes is scary. What makes me such a fan is how he thinks and how he writes about how he thinks. For example, my all-time favorite book (of King's and in general) is It. People hear that and say, "Ohmygod. How can you read that? Clowns scare me!" Which automatically tells me, they're going based off of the movie and haven't actually read the book. To me, It is about more than just a clown (which isn't really a clown but a shape-shifter based on a child's worst fear). The book It is about a child's imagination and how powerful it can be (good side) and it also deals with a child's fear and how powerful THAT can be (bad side). Then, you bring a group of children together, all with different fears and imaginations, and show how strong their bond can become ... it's a magical, powerful thing. And THOSE elements are what is at the core of the book It. It's not scary at all, it's actually beautiful in it's own way ... and that's why I love King.

But, I'm digressing ...

I was excited when Stephen King came out with some new novels the past year or two. The only one I've gotten so far is The Institute, which is what I should be talking to you about today.

The Institute is a place where children with special powers are gathered. While there, the children are tested to see if their powers can be strengthened or even added to. Those with the strongest powers are taken to a separate area of the Institute and put to work ... or, uh, "work." The Institute is, of course, ran by a secret group of government employees who could care less about the kids.

Luke Ellis is a beyond-brilliant ten-year-old kid and one of the kids picked up and brought to the Institute. He's a different choice as a protagonist which makes this an interesting read. Who would expect a ten-year-old kid to take on a secret government agency? King, that's who.

I don't want to give too much away in case you haven't read this novel yet, but I will tell you that it held my attention. Certain passages made me think of other King works. For example:

 - In the section titled "Maureen and Avery," there's a fight scene in part 12 that makes me think of The Losers fighting Butch Bowers in It.

- Another passage in "Maureen and Avery" part 12 makes me think of the two girls in the hallway of the Overlook Hotel in The Shining ... "Luke looked around. Joe was gone. There were two little blond girls standing where he had been. They were holding hands and wearing identical expressions of dazed terror. Everything about them was identical ..."

- And, then again, in "Maureen and Avery" part 14: "They reminded Luke of twins in some old horror movie." The Shining anyone?

I guess when you've been as prolific a writer as King, you're allowed certain liberties. Regardless of the similarities to earlier works, The Institute is still a testament to King's writing style and way of thinking. While I may not love this novel as much as King's earlier, darker, works, I would still give this 3.5 stars because it's a solid piece of storytelling.

I'll leave you with one final quote from this book and you can interpret it however you need to:

"It came to him, with the force of a revelation, that you had to have been imprisoned to fully understand what freedom was."

{Review} MORE THAN ENOUGH: CLAIMING SPACE FOR WHO YOU ARE (NO MATTER WHAT THEY SAY) by Elaine Welteroth

 

The first time I "met" Elaine was when I watched season 17 of Bravo's Project Runway (a guilty pleasure of mine ever since Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn were hosting). Anyway, as soon as she was introduced and I watched her for an episode or two I was enamored. You ever see someone and think, "I love their spirit, their vibe, just who they are in general?" That was me with Elaine. I didn't know her at all before Project Runway, had never heard her name, but I was intrigued by what I saw ... and then I found out she wrote a book. I had to get it.

Reading More than Enough was like listening to a friend speak her truth while telling you about her life's story. If all non-fiction read like this, I'd read a lot more non-fiction books. I felt so many emotions while reading this book: anger, pride, joy ... and cried tears through most of these. I loved that Elaine's book made me feel so many different emotions and I loved that she opened up to share about her experiences and her journey.

Elaine, girl, I know you don't know me, I know we'll likely never meet, and I also know you'll likely never ever read this review .... BUT ... just know, this white girl has your back. I am so proud of you for accomplishing what you have. Your story is just beginning and I cannot WAIT to see where you go from here. Thank you for being your truly authentic self. *hugs*

Food for Thought (quotes from the book):

"When you occupy space in systems that weren't built for you, your authenticity is your activism."

"In order to change the stories, you must change the storytellers."

Home Again, Home Again

 

Hi, everyone!!!

Yes, I know ... I'm back again. I tried to create a review blog on Wix. That didn't feel right or work out. I stopped reading and reviewing for the longest time afterward ... like 2 1/2 years. When I got back into reading and was ready to review again, I tried creating a new blog on Blogger under a different name. It didn't feel right. So, my only option? To come back home. To you.

I'm so excited to be back. I decided to make a change this time around. I'll no longer be reviewing indie authors. My apologies to the authors looking to get their name out there, but I've got to draw a line somewhere. My first time here I accepted 97% of the review requests that were sent to me. I became overwhelmed very quickly and, eventually, became burned out ... thus, my sabbatical.

Thankfully, my life is such that I've decided to end my time away and get back into the thick of things. I cannot wait to reconnect with you all. Let's talk about books, movies, life, and everything else we can think of ... I've missed you and I'm glad to be back home. 

{Review} A TANGLED MERCY by Joy Jordan-Lake

ISBN #: 978-1477823668

Page Count: 462

Release Date: November 1, 2017

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Goodreads Summary:

After the sudden death of her troubled mother, struggling Harvard grad student Kate Drayton walks out on her lecture—and her entire New England life. Haunted by unanswered questions and her own uncertain future, she flees to Charleston, South Carolina, the place where her parents met, convinced it holds the key to understanding her fractured family and saving her career in academia. Kate is determined to unearth groundbreaking information on a failed 1822 slave revolt—the subject of her mother’s own research.

Nearly two centuries earlier, Tom Russell, a gifted blacksmith and slave, grappled with a terrible choice: arm the uprising spearheaded by members of the fiercely independent African Methodist Episcopal Church or keep his own neck out of the noose and protect the woman he loves.

Kate’s attempts to discover what drove her mother’s dangerous obsession with Charleston’s tumultuous history are derailed by a horrific massacre in the very same landmark church. In the unimaginable aftermath, Kate discovers a family she never knew existed as the city unites with a powerful message of hope and forgiveness for the world.

Mandy's Review:

A Tangled Mercy is a complex novel. Kate's mother has died leaving her bereft of family. Sarah Grace, Kate's mother, made it difficult for Kate to know her. Stuck in the past, Sarah Grace couldn't focus enough on the present with Kate to give her a solid foundation of love and happiness. After Sarah Grace's death, Kate decides to go where her mother was from, Charleston, and see if she could find some posthumous way to connect with Sarah Grace. Kate continues her mother's search into the attempted Denmark Vesey slave revolt of 1822 wondering how it connected to their family. What's finally revealed is both sad and happy.

The novel focuses mainly in the year 2015 and Kate's research but does flashback to 1822, allowing the reader to get to "know" the events of the attempted revolt. One of the main characters in 1822 Charleston is Tom Russell, the slave-blacksmith who fashioned the weapons of the revolt. My heart ached, as it always does, reading about slaves and everything they had to go through.

If I had an issue with this book it would be the scene with the photographer. First, I don't believe it was necessary to the story; the flashback Kate had from it could've been developed in a different way. Secondly, all the responsibility of what happened was laid at the feet of the white person. None of the responsibility was laid on Gabe, who should've been taught, or realized, two things: 1.) You don't get near or mess with a stranger's things no matter how curious, or what color, you are and 2.) Knowing the type of world you're being raised in, Gabe should've known better than to reach into his pocket for his toy. The fault of the situation should've been represented equally between the two sides and it wasn't.

Despite that, the novel was well-written and captivating. It didn't feel too lengthy as some novels do that are over 300 pages. I would recommend this to my history-loving fiction readers making sure to mention the one point of my discontent.


* An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

{Review} WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOR by Robert K. Tanenbaum

ISBN #: 978-1476793221

Page Count: 384

Copyright: August 15, 2017

Publisher: Gallery Books

Goodreads Summary:

Butch Karp and his wife Marlene Ciampi must stop a radical organization of armed militants bent on the cold-blooded murder of uniformed on-duty police officers. 

When a cop shoots down the son of a respected inner-city Baptist preacher, the community rises up in anger and demands to have the officer prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. But there's something more than a call for justice at work here: a plot to bring down the city s police force through a conspiracy so vast and malicious only Butch Karp and his band of truth-seekers can untangle it.

Mandy's Review:

 
I could not finish this novel. I got about halfway through, reading every word, when I just couldn't do it any more. I skimmed my way through the second half just so I could see how it ended.

I understand that when a writer writes about racial events, slurs and derogatory remarks will be used. I expect that. Otherwise, the subject matter wouldn't feel real. There are slurs, derogatory remarks, and hatred for other races depicted in this novel. Okay, fine. I can deal with that. The way it was written, though, reminded me of a poorly written and directed 80s film.

** SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT AHEAD **

Another issue I had was the attempted shooting of Officer Kim. The crime scene was investigated the night it happened. No trace of a bullet was found and the window Kim was standing beside when being shot at wasn't broken by a bullet. They concluded the window wasn't open because the residents were ordered to leave the windows shut to prevent dirt and dust coming into the complex. Okay, cool. My issue? I don't think the crime scene analysts did a thorough job. Maybe it's because I watch too much Criminal Minds or NCIS but not once (unless it was said in the second half of the book I skimmed through) did they use a computer simulation program to play devil's advocate on where the bullet could have gone. I just think there was a missed opportunity there.

And, dear God, the acronyms. I kept thinking about the readers who aren't as familiar with them as I am. If a person isn't familiar with law enforcement lingo, they'd have NO CLUE what DA, DAO, BOLO and ADA meant. I know this is a long shot because it seems that everyone is familiar with these terms ... but what if they're not?

For me, the story progressed too slowly and it seemed the writer stayed in his head too much. He wrote it in a way that was familiar to him because he lives with these characters. He knows them. I think he needs to take a step back and re-read his work with the view of knowing nothing about any of his characters. I bet he would rewrite some chapters to make it more accessible to his readers' imaginations.


*An ARC of this novel was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

{Blog Tour: Review} SUGAR PINE TRAIL by RaeAnne Thayne

ISBN #: 978-0373803682
Page Count: 384
Release Date: September 26, 2017
Publisher: Harlequin Books

Summary from Goodreads:

Librarian Julia Winston is ready to ditch the quiet existence she's been living. She's made a list of new things to experience, but falling for Jamie Caine, her sexy military pilot neighbor, isn't one of them. Julia's looking to conquer life, not become the heartbreaker's latest conquest. But when two young brothers wind up in Julia's care for the holidays, she'll take any help she can get—even Jamie's. 

Happy to step in, Jamie reveals a side of himself that's much harder to resist. Not only is he fantastic with kids, he provides the strength Julia needs to tackle her list. She knows their temporary family can't last beyond the holidays, but the closer she gets to Jamie, the more she wonders if things could be this merry and bright forever…

Mandy's Review:

Sugar Pine Trail is one of those quick, easy reads where what you expect to happen happens. Julia has taken over ownership of her parent's Victorian mansion and has rented out the upstairs set of rooms to a man who needs a place to stay for a few weeks while his condo is being finished.

Jamie has agreed to rent the rooms sight unseen on the recommendation of his sister, an acquaintance of Julia's. When he arrived at the house, Julia shows him his rooms and gives him his set of keys. Jamie's first impression of Julia wasn't very favorable. Julia seemed a bit stodgy and uptight, not Jamie's type of female at all.

Over time, Julie and Jamie see different sides of each other. What they see about each other causes some unwanted affections to begin growing. Eventually, unknown to each other, they fall in love but are determined to not let the other know because they each have something in their past that's difficult for them to get over ... something that they believe has caused them to not deserve the love and affection of another.

If you're a fan of Harlequin romances, then this book is for you. Heck, this series is for you. Although this book is number seven in the Haven Point series, this novel can be read as a stand-alone. I've never read the first six books of this series and I was able to follow along just fine. There were relationships mentioned in this novel, though, that I figured were part of the first six novels and it kind of made me want to go back and read them.

Oh, and if you're one of those who don't enjoy a bunch of sex scenes, then have no fear. There was really only one scene in this novel and it was VERY mild compared to some others I've read. This was more geared towards romantic feelings rather than sexy romantic romps.

Sugar Pine Trail was a very sweet story that I enjoyed despite its predictability.


*An ecopy was provided by Little Bird Publicity via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review for this tour.

{Review} IF I UNDERSTOOD YOU, WOULD I HAVE THIS LOOK ON MY FACE?: MY ADVENTURES IN THE ART AND SCIENCE OF RELATING AND COMMUNICATING by Alan Alda

ISBN #: 978-0812989144

Page Count: 213

Publisher: Random House

Release Date: June 6, 2017

Goodreads Summary:

Alan Alda has been on a decades-long journey to discover new ways to help people communicate and relate to one another more effectively. If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? is the warm, witty, and informative chronicle of how Alda found inspiration in everything from cutting-edge science to classic acting methods. His search began when he was host of PBS's Scientific American Frontiers, where he interviewed thousands of scientists and developed a knack for helping them communicate complex ideas in ways a wide audience could understand--and Alda wondered if those techniques held a clue to better communication for the rest of us.

In his wry and wise voice, Alda reflects on moments of miscommunication in his own life, when an absence of understanding resulted in problems both big and small. He guides us through his discoveries, showing how communication can be improved through learning to relate to the other person: listening with our eyes, looking for clues in another's face, using the power of a compelling story, avoiding jargon, and reading another person so well that you become "in sync" with them, and know what they are thinking and feeling--especially when you're talking about the hard stuff.

Drawing on improvisation training, theater, and storytelling techniques from a life of acting, and with insights from recent scientific studies, Alda describes ways we can build empathy, nurture our innate mind-reading abilities, and improve the way we relate and talk with others. Exploring empathy-boosting games and exercises, If I Understood You is a funny, thought-provoking guide that can be used by all of us, in every aspect of our lives--with our friends, lovers, and families, with our doctors, in business settings, and beyond.

Mandy's Review:

I don't usually agree to read non-fiction books because I often find them boring. The only reason I agreed to read this one is because of the author. I remember watching M*A*S*H with my grandfather. Hawkeye, played by Alan Alda, was one of my favorite characters in the television series. I knew he portrayed his character with sarcasm, humor, and wit so I was curious to see how he wrote his books.

If I Understood You is an interesting read. Alan explains how simple improvisational exercises can help a person become more empathetic and a better communicator. The 'Mirror' exercise teaches two people to become so aware of each other that their actions become simultaneous. The 'Yes, And' exercise, my favorite exercise of the book, teaches you to take what a person gives you and add to it. The exercises, and there are more than just the two I mentioned, are simple yet challenging. It is a little difficult to believe they produce such amazing results, but I guess one won't know until one actually tries them.

Towards the end of the book, I felt like the same point was being repeated in different formats. The first 3/4 of the book was informative, thought-provoking, and insightful. I can see where these scientifically-proven improvisational exercises can help a wide range of individuals, from corporate executives to salespeople to teachers to two people in a relationship. I plan on trying some of these exercises with my husband to see if they'll make us more in sync and better communicators.

If you enjoy learning new methods of becoming a better person and communicator, I would recommend this book. I would especially recommend this book to you entrepreneurial types who have just started your own business. If you think you'd like to try it but don't have the time, don't fear. The book is less than 200 pages (minus the Acknowledgements and Index) so it reads quickly. Enjoy!

*A hard copy was provided by the publicist in exchange for an honest review.

{Review} SIRACUSA by Delia Ephron

ISBN #: 978-0399165214

Page Count: 304

Publisher: Blue Rider Press

Release Date: July 12, 2016

Goodreads Summary:

New Yorkers Michael, a famous writer, and Lizzie, a journalist, travel to Italy with their friends from Maine—Finn; his wife, Taylor; and their daughter, Snow. “From the beginning,” says Taylor, “it was a conspiracy for Lizzie and Finn to be together.” Told Rashomon-style in alternating points of view, the characters expose and stumble upon lies and infidelities, past and present. Snow, ten years old and precociously drawn into a far more adult drama, becomes the catalyst for catastrophe as the novel explores collusion and betrayal in marriage. Set on the sun-drenched coast of the Ionian Sea, Siracusa unfolds with the pacing of a psychological thriller and delivers an unexpected final act that none will see coming.

Kathy's Review:

This book is told from the perspective of the four adults in the novel. Each of them provides pieces of the plot, as well as their own skewed version of the truth. Each of the four narrators is not exactly a saint. Lizzie still harbors feelings for Finn; Finn picks up random women in bars after his wife and child go to bed; Michael is cheating on Lizzie; and Taylor is a next-level helicopter mom who has mentally damaged her child, Snow, with her overprotectiveness. Each of them see themselves through a filter where they aren't necessarily responsible for their own actions. They blame the others.

Siracusa takes us through a chain of events that occurs while the two couples are vacationing together in Italy. Alternating chapters with varying POVs, we see the same scenes but with additional information layered on from the various narrators until we finally have the whole picture.

It's hard to talk about what happens in the story without revealing major spoilers, but it revolves around Michael cheating on Lizzie, and Snow's fondness/obsession/crush on Michael. I was surprised by the plot twist, just as the book summary promised. I enjoyed the writing, and I liked reading the different perspectives. I come away from the book not really liking any of its characters, but still intrigued and fascinated by the plot. It's an interesting way to unfold a narrative.


*A physical copy was provided by the publicist in exchange for an honest review.

{Review} THE FIRE SERMON (The Fire Sermon #1) by Francesca Haig

ISBN #: 978-1476767185

Page Count: 384

Publisher: Gallery Books

Release Date: March 10, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

Four hundred years in the future, the Earth has turned primitive following a nuclear fire that laid waste to civilization and nature. Though the radiation fallout has ended, for some unknowable reason every person is born with a twin. Of each pair one is an Alpha - physically perfect in every way - and the other an Omega burdened with deformity, small or large.

With the Council ruling an apartheid-like society, Omegas are branded and ostracized while the Alphas have gathered the world's sparse resources for themselves. Though proclaiming their superiority, for all their effort Alphas cannot escape one harsh fact: Whenever one twin dies, so does the other. Cass is a rare Omega, one burdened with psychic foresight. While her twin, Zach, gains power on the Alpha Council, she dares to dream the most dangerous dream of all: equality. For daring to envision a world in which Alphas and Omegas live side by side as equals, both the Council and the Resistance have her in their sights.

Lupe's Review:

Wow. That was so much deeper than I thought it was going to be. The thought that twins are always born and that one literally can not live without the other seemed to be an easy peasy storyline and plot. But Haig turns it into so much more.

Cass is the Omega seer twin of ambitious Alpha Zack, whom she split from very late in life. From there, she is sent to an omega outpost to live with other omegas. Suddenly, she is taken away from there on her brothers orders many years later and forced to stay in the Keeping Rooms. This leads to many other issues revelations, not including the discovery of a place even worse than that. Cass dreams of the Island, a mythical place of Omega resistance and knows that's it's real. She wants to find it, has to find it, before the Council and her brother does. But what will happen when she does?

This was seriously epic on an epic scale I had not anticipated. I'm not sure why it took so long for me to finish it but holy smokes am I glad I did. I have the second one too, so I am ready to dive into the next part of the story with Cass and see where it leads. I was really impressed with this work. Apocalyptic fiction can be hard, especially when trying to set up the world (in this case, the Before and the After) but Haig did a masterful job of that. Really good work.

*A physical copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.