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Way of the Wolf (Magnetic Magic, Bk 1)
Author:
Genres: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Book Type: Paperback
Excellent read!! Werewolves and Druids in this book along with magical artifacts! Main character just trying to get by in her 40s, and when she was forced to, that or die, she had no option but to be her full werewolf self!!
Five more books I can't wait to read them!!
Five more books I can't wait to read them!!
Paul W. (BookLovers) reviewed on + 64 more book reviews
This books answers a lot of the questions that came up in the series, and the action-packed finish wraps everything up nicely.
Spoons: A Family Story of Enduring Loss by J. Corn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Colorful, simple, and comforting story about missing and remembering our loved ones who have passed on.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Colorful, simple, and comforting story about missing and remembering our loved ones who have passed on.
Spoons by J. Corn is a helpful children's picture book about how we can gain comfort from loss by remembering our loved ones who have passed on before us. Grief, loss, and loneliness are natural feelings after the death of someone we love, but when missing them, remembering the good times with them and their special traits or talents or things that made them happy can lessen the pain of loss and make those reflections a positive and healing experience.
The author conveys these ideas through the whimsical story of the Spoon family whose Grandmother Spoon has died and becomes Grandmother "Angel" Spoon. Mom and the young Spoons miss her physical presence in their lives as they go about their day. But when they remember how she, too, enjoyed the same activities they were doing that day, they began to feel she was with them in spirit. The author color codes the lines of dialogue to the colors of the Spoon family members so readers can easily identify which of the Spoons are talking. This lovely picture book, with its simple message, would be a gentle way to open discussions with young children about the loss of someone in their lives.I recommend SPOONS to families with young children who have recently experienced the loss of someone in their lives.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.
Dream by the Shadows (Deluxe Limited Edition) (The Shadow Weavers Duology, 1)
Author:
Genre: Teen & Young Adult
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genre: Teen & Young Adult
Book Type: Hardcover
Dream by the Shadows by Logan Karlie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Atmospheric slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers young adult fantasy.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Atmospheric slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers young adult fantasy.
Dream by the Shadows is the first book of the Shadow Weavers Duology by author Logn Karlie, and it is an atmospheric young adult enemies-to-lovers tale within a frightening world of nightmares and dreams, shadows and light. Young Esmer's world falls apart when her parents succumb to "The Corruption," a horrific disease that turns normal people into slavering, demonic killers, plaguing her village. With her only desire being the protection of her younger brother, she soon becomes a pawn in an eternity-long struggle between her world's leader, Lord Mithras, the Light Bringer, and his evil antithesis known as the Shadow Bringer.
Esmer Havenfall is the heartbreakingly engaging young heroine trapped by the circumstances of her parents' actions and their subsequent deaths. She already carries a load of guilt, feeling responsible for her older sister's death, and she is the only support for her sweet, much-loved younger brother, Elliot. I was exhausted for this young woman, as each time she tried to sleep, she found herself in the nightmarish Dream Realm, where she encountered the notorious and reviled Shadow Bringer.The plot moves quickly as the author builds a complex setting and an intricate system of magic. There's a lot of ground to cover, and I had some difficulty keeping up at times. I enjoyed the push-pull of Esmer's emotions toward the Shadow Bringer as she was both repulsed by his reputation and sympathetically drawn to the man suffering behind the mask. The descriptions of the diverse and vivid settings were at times lush, stark, and always atmospheric.
As I mentioned, I did have some trouble comprehending the full nature of the world of Noctis, the lore, and the magic system; it was just that vast. It took the entirety of the book for me to gain a modicum of comfort with it all, as much is revealed during scenes in the Dream Realm that early on played out with all the well-known confusion one experiences in a nightmare. The excitement of the story really takes off toward the end of this book, leaving me anxious for the next, so I can see how this will all resolve.I recommend DREAM BY THE SHADOWS to readers of young adult fantasy.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through Toppling Stacks Tours.
The Hindenburg Disaster: A History from Beginning to End
Author:
Genres: History, Engineering & Transportation
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: History, Engineering & Transportation
Book Type: Paperback
Usually, I don't care for long-term background stories of things, but this one on the Zeppelin dirigible's history is an exception. The story of how dirigibles came to be is fascinating. They predated airplane travel by several years. The Zeppelin company never had a single accident during its operational history. However, things changed when the German government got involved.
The story of the Hindenburg Disaster is fascinating because the author told how the reality and the filmed versions differed. This is an engrossing story.
The story of the Hindenburg Disaster is fascinating because the author told how the reality and the filmed versions differed. This is an engrossing story.
There seemed to be a lot of padding in this cookbook. The first eighty-four pages were full of "sustainable culinary" and "empowering creativity" fluff. The book essentially starts with "Chapter 1: Soups."
The recipes included two varieties of the ever-popular GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE. After soups, there are entrees and sides, and finally, desserts. These recipes typically utilized the foods available in the fall. There are photos (but not necessarily of the recipe given) and nutritional information.
The recipes included two varieties of the ever-popular GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE. After soups, there are entrees and sides, and finally, desserts. These recipes typically utilized the foods available in the fall. There are photos (but not necessarily of the recipe given) and nutritional information.
The Circassians: The Turbulent History of the Ethnic Group in the North Caucasus
Author:
Genre: History
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: History
Book Type: Paperback
This is a brief overview of the Circassians, also known as the Adyghe people, who lived along the northeastern shore of the Black Sea. They emerged as a unique society in the tenth century CE. They seem to have predated the Kievan Rus.
Because they were strategically situated between the Russian and the Ottoman Empires, they were involved in centuries of conflict and strife. The Circassians were never a single political block, which made it harder for them to survive. These people started as Christians and Jews, but gradually converted to Islam. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries CE, they adopted the Sunni Muslim religion.
The Russians perpetrated the Circassian genocide during the Russo-Circassian War (1763 - 1864). At the end of nearly 100 years of warring, the Russians deported many of those Circassians still alive to the Ottoman Empire. The history of the Circassian people has been one of resisting larger powers, a tradition that has endured for generations.
Today, the Circassians live in the Russian Federation, as part of three republics: Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, and Adygea. I sincerely wish book editors would publish a photo or illustration of the area being discussed in books about foreign lands. Before reading this book, I was unaware of the existence of this group of people.
Because they were strategically situated between the Russian and the Ottoman Empires, they were involved in centuries of conflict and strife. The Circassians were never a single political block, which made it harder for them to survive. These people started as Christians and Jews, but gradually converted to Islam. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries CE, they adopted the Sunni Muslim religion.
The Russians perpetrated the Circassian genocide during the Russo-Circassian War (1763 - 1864). At the end of nearly 100 years of warring, the Russians deported many of those Circassians still alive to the Ottoman Empire. The history of the Circassian people has been one of resisting larger powers, a tradition that has endured for generations.
Today, the Circassians live in the Russian Federation, as part of three republics: Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, and Adygea. I sincerely wish book editors would publish a photo or illustration of the area being discussed in books about foreign lands. Before reading this book, I was unaware of the existence of this group of people.
Dark Web Investigation (Secure Watch, Bk 1) (Harlequin Intrigue, No 2297)
Author:
Genres: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genres: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Terrific start to this spin-off of the Secure One series. Jude Mason works for the sister organization, Secure Watch. He's covering for a coworker who is on her honeymoon when he gets a call from a friend of hers.
An ATV accident when she was a teenager resulted in the amputation of her foot and the death of her best friend. Now, she is a cybersecurity expert and "white hat" hacker who uses her skills to help other victims of corporate negligence. However, while delving into the dark web in search of evidence, she stumbled upon a site that could pose a threat to global security.
This story had me hooked from the first page. First, Kenley receives a creepy message from a hacker she knows, then she accidentally accesses a site that hijacks all types of security cameras. It doesn't take long for her to realize the danger of the site. I loved that she immediately reached out for help. Jude's quick response shows that he understands the threat. From that moment on, Jude and Kenley are caught in a deadly web. I was glued to the pages as Kenley and Jude attempted to crack the code and stop the program, while their adversary always seemed to be a step ahead. I held my breath as Kenley devised her plan. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with an unexpected twist in the resolution.
I enjoyed watching Kenley and Jude's relationship develop. There are sparks of attraction from the moment they met, but their pasts made each believe they were better off alone. I loved Jude's sensitivity regarding Kenley's prosthesis and how he watched over her. But as much as he cares for her, he worries that he is too old and emotionally damaged to make her happy. I ached for Kenley and the survivor's guilt that dominated her life, and the belief that her injury and her mission made her unlovable. Both wonder what will happen when their mission ends and it's time to return to their lives. I loved the ending, with Jude's big moment and the surprise that awaited her.
One of the things I love about the author's writing is that her characters have physical challenges, but those challenges are simply part of who that character is. I appreciate the matter-of-fact acceptance and the realistic impact on self-esteem and relationships.
An ATV accident when she was a teenager resulted in the amputation of her foot and the death of her best friend. Now, she is a cybersecurity expert and "white hat" hacker who uses her skills to help other victims of corporate negligence. However, while delving into the dark web in search of evidence, she stumbled upon a site that could pose a threat to global security.
This story had me hooked from the first page. First, Kenley receives a creepy message from a hacker she knows, then she accidentally accesses a site that hijacks all types of security cameras. It doesn't take long for her to realize the danger of the site. I loved that she immediately reached out for help. Jude's quick response shows that he understands the threat. From that moment on, Jude and Kenley are caught in a deadly web. I was glued to the pages as Kenley and Jude attempted to crack the code and stop the program, while their adversary always seemed to be a step ahead. I held my breath as Kenley devised her plan. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with an unexpected twist in the resolution.
I enjoyed watching Kenley and Jude's relationship develop. There are sparks of attraction from the moment they met, but their pasts made each believe they were better off alone. I loved Jude's sensitivity regarding Kenley's prosthesis and how he watched over her. But as much as he cares for her, he worries that he is too old and emotionally damaged to make her happy. I ached for Kenley and the survivor's guilt that dominated her life, and the belief that her injury and her mission made her unlovable. Both wonder what will happen when their mission ends and it's time to return to their lives. I loved the ending, with Jude's big moment and the surprise that awaited her.
One of the things I love about the author's writing is that her characters have physical challenges, but those challenges are simply part of who that character is. I appreciate the matter-of-fact acceptance and the realistic impact on self-esteem and relationships.
Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth
Author:
Genres: Biographies & Memoirs, History, Politics & Social Sciences
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Biographies & Memoirs, History, Politics & Social Sciences
Book Type: Paperback
My library book club motivated me to read Heartland by Sarah Smarsh. I listened to the audiobook narrated by the author while following along in the print copy for an immersive reading experience.
This book's subtitle describes it well: âA Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth.â Ms. Smarsh reflects on her childhood in rural Kansas in the 1980s and 1990s. She shares about life with her parents, hard workers who rarely achieved financial stability, her beloved grandparents who had important roles in raising her, and her nomadic and isolated youth, frequently moving from one home to another to live with various relatives.
As a fellow farmer's daughter from the Midwest (Nebraska), I could relate to a fair amount of the memoir, especially not comprehending the limits of your family's monetary resources because you had food raised on the family farm. I appreciated the cultural commentary about the working poor and other socio-economic issues.
The only aspect I didn't enjoy was the author's ongoing âconversation' with her non-existent child. She intentionally broke a generational family tradition of teen pregnancy, yet frequently addressed a child/embryo that doesn't exist.
Our group had a meaningful conversation about this memoir, and I'm glad I read it. I'll be checking out other titles by Sarah Smarsh.
This book's subtitle describes it well: âA Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth.â Ms. Smarsh reflects on her childhood in rural Kansas in the 1980s and 1990s. She shares about life with her parents, hard workers who rarely achieved financial stability, her beloved grandparents who had important roles in raising her, and her nomadic and isolated youth, frequently moving from one home to another to live with various relatives.
As a fellow farmer's daughter from the Midwest (Nebraska), I could relate to a fair amount of the memoir, especially not comprehending the limits of your family's monetary resources because you had food raised on the family farm. I appreciated the cultural commentary about the working poor and other socio-economic issues.
The only aspect I didn't enjoy was the author's ongoing âconversation' with her non-existent child. She intentionally broke a generational family tradition of teen pregnancy, yet frequently addressed a child/embryo that doesn't exist.
Our group had a meaningful conversation about this memoir, and I'm glad I read it. I'll be checking out other titles by Sarah Smarsh.
The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl
Author:
Genres: History, Science & Math
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: History, Science & Math
Book Type: Paperback
Helpful Score: 1
Timothy Egan's The Worst Hard Time is a very immersive and fascinating account of the great dust bowl that plagued the great plains during the 1930's. He tells the story of the people that stayed and survived this plague based on interviews and records of people who were in their 80s and 90s but who still remembered the awful years of the Dust Bowl. At its peak, the Dust Bowl covered one hundred million acres with its epicenter on the southern plains of Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico. Huge dust storms raged for much of the 1930s because farmers had plowed millions of acres of grassland to grow mostly wheat. Then when multi-year droughts hit, the land was left fallow with the topsoil swept up by the wind. "There'd be days, you couldn't see your hand in front a' your face," said one man who was a boy at the time. Cattle went blind and suffocated. When farmers cut them open, they found stomachs stuffed with fine sand. Children coughed and gagged, dying of something the doctors called "dust pneumonia." In desperation, some families gave away their children. Hugging a loved one or shaking hands could knock two people down because the static electricity from the dusters was so strong. The simplest thing in life, taking a breath, was a threat.
Egan provides a history of the area leading up to the Dust Bowl including the Comanche and their reliance on the buffalo. When they were driven from the land and the buffalo were all slaughtered, the cowboys used the grassland for cattle. One of the largest cattle ranches in the country, the XIT, was once located in what would become the dust bowl of the 30s. Then the homesteaders came at the urging of the government to grow crops on land that should have never been plowed.
The book goes on to tell the story of various families that lived mostly in the panhandles of Oklahoma, "No Man's Land", and Texas, and Baca County, Colorado. Some of these families refused to leave always hoping for a better year and a return to normal. But with the Depression going on at this time and no relief from drought, the dust storms kept coming and the families could barely survive. There were many people who did leave as related in John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath but the farmers Steinbeck wrote about were mostly from further east in Oklahoma and were ruined by the collapse of the economy. The people who left during the dust storms were called "Exodusters" and lived further west. Egan's book focuses on the people who stayed, "for lack of money or lack of sense."
This was overall a very hard hitting look at probably the greatest eco-disaster in history. It was full of pathos and poignancy and a very compelling read that I would recommend.
Egan provides a history of the area leading up to the Dust Bowl including the Comanche and their reliance on the buffalo. When they were driven from the land and the buffalo were all slaughtered, the cowboys used the grassland for cattle. One of the largest cattle ranches in the country, the XIT, was once located in what would become the dust bowl of the 30s. Then the homesteaders came at the urging of the government to grow crops on land that should have never been plowed.
The book goes on to tell the story of various families that lived mostly in the panhandles of Oklahoma, "No Man's Land", and Texas, and Baca County, Colorado. Some of these families refused to leave always hoping for a better year and a return to normal. But with the Depression going on at this time and no relief from drought, the dust storms kept coming and the families could barely survive. There were many people who did leave as related in John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath but the farmers Steinbeck wrote about were mostly from further east in Oklahoma and were ruined by the collapse of the economy. The people who left during the dust storms were called "Exodusters" and lived further west. Egan's book focuses on the people who stayed, "for lack of money or lack of sense."
This was overall a very hard hitting look at probably the greatest eco-disaster in history. It was full of pathos and poignancy and a very compelling read that I would recommend.
Frank F. reviewed on + 404 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A strange novel. Kid goes to a small college, gets into a Greek only class with 5 students. Other students are strange. They wind up killing a farmer and then one of their own. Book drones on for 500 pages. Reviews talk and talk about a book that is hard to read like its some kind of great lit, but to me, not worth the time.
Interesting read, an alien living among humans.
Malice (Butch Karp, Bk 19)
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
This book kept my interest and, as has happened to me before, when I was down to the last 50 or so pages, I just HAD TO finish it. As with many series in the action/adventure/mystery genres, I'm really not comfortable with characters having visions or psychic foretellings in order to help carry the plot. It seems to me that this is just an artiface that allows the author to expeditiously forward the plot without substantive action. But, that's just me. The story line, with its many subplots, was otherwise believable. Recommended.
Twelve Jays of Christmas (Meg Langslow, Bk 30)
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
This is the 30th book in the series. I would highly recommend starting from the beginning.
It's the holiday season and some guests are more welcomed than others.
This book was a slight improvement on her last. The series is loosing its fun and quirkiness.
Meg Langslow
1. Murder with Peacocks (1999)
2. Murder with Puffins (2000)
3. Revenge of the Wrought Iron Flamingos (2001)
4. Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon (2003)
5. We'll Always Have Parrots (2004)
6. Owls Well That Ends Well (2005)
7. No Nest for the Wicket (2006)
8. The Penguin Who Knew Too Much (2007)
9. Cockatiels At Seven (2008)
10. Six Geese A-slaying (2008)
11. Swan for the Money (2009)
12. Stork Raving Mad (2010)
13. The Real Macaw (2011)
14. Some Like It Hawk (2012)
15. The Hen of the Baskervilles (2013)
16. Duck the Halls (2013)
17. The Good, the Bad, and the Emus (2014)
18. The Nightingale Before Christmas (2014)
19. Lord of the Wings (2015)
20. Die Like an Eagle (2016)
21. Gone Gull (2017)
22. How the Finch Stole Christmas! (2017)
23. Toucan Keep a Secret (2018)
24. Lark! The Herald Angels Sing (2018)
25. Terns of Endearment (2019)
26. Owl Be Home for Christmas (2019)
27. The Falcon Always Wings Twice (2020)
28. The Gift of the Magpie (2020)
29. Murder Most Fowl (2021)
30. The Twelve Jays of Christmas (2021)
31. Round Up the Usual Peacocks (2022)
32. Dashing Through the Snowbirds (2022)
33. Birder, She Wrote (2023)
34. Let It Crow! Let It Crow! Let It Crow! (2023)
35. Between a Flock and a Hard Place (2024)
36. Rockin' Around the Chickadee (2024)
37. For Duck's Sake (2025)
38. Five Golden Wings (2025)
39. Probable Caws (2025)
It's the holiday season and some guests are more welcomed than others.
This book was a slight improvement on her last. The series is loosing its fun and quirkiness.
Meg Langslow
1. Murder with Peacocks (1999)
2. Murder with Puffins (2000)
3. Revenge of the Wrought Iron Flamingos (2001)
4. Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon (2003)
5. We'll Always Have Parrots (2004)
6. Owls Well That Ends Well (2005)
7. No Nest for the Wicket (2006)
8. The Penguin Who Knew Too Much (2007)
9. Cockatiels At Seven (2008)
10. Six Geese A-slaying (2008)
11. Swan for the Money (2009)
12. Stork Raving Mad (2010)
13. The Real Macaw (2011)
14. Some Like It Hawk (2012)
15. The Hen of the Baskervilles (2013)
16. Duck the Halls (2013)
17. The Good, the Bad, and the Emus (2014)
18. The Nightingale Before Christmas (2014)
19. Lord of the Wings (2015)
20. Die Like an Eagle (2016)
21. Gone Gull (2017)
22. How the Finch Stole Christmas! (2017)
23. Toucan Keep a Secret (2018)
24. Lark! The Herald Angels Sing (2018)
25. Terns of Endearment (2019)
26. Owl Be Home for Christmas (2019)
27. The Falcon Always Wings Twice (2020)
28. The Gift of the Magpie (2020)
29. Murder Most Fowl (2021)
30. The Twelve Jays of Christmas (2021)
31. Round Up the Usual Peacocks (2022)
32. Dashing Through the Snowbirds (2022)
33. Birder, She Wrote (2023)
34. Let It Crow! Let It Crow! Let It Crow! (2023)
35. Between a Flock and a Hard Place (2024)
36. Rockin' Around the Chickadee (2024)
37. For Duck's Sake (2025)
38. Five Golden Wings (2025)
39. Probable Caws (2025)
Cave Paintings: The History and Legacy of Prehistoric Man-made Art
Author:
Genres: Arts & Photography, History
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Arts & Photography, History
Book Type: Paperback
This is a particularly uninspired book about cave paintings. The author identified various places with primitive art (the Far East, Europe, the tropics, Mexico, etc.), and made the interesting statement that 99.9% of the rock art remains undated. They explained why. Testing sometimes destroyed part of the art, or the testing did not work with some of the ochre, clay, or whatever was used. This book did not appear to be well-organized.
An interesting story, two sisters raising their younger siblings in war torn, Nazi infested Poland. While I found it fascinating, there is one instance of mistaken identity that stretches your belief system a little. Still a good book.
Sins of the Father (Detective Nathan Parker, Bk 4)
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
Sins of the Father: A Detective Nathan Parker Novel by James L'Etoile
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A threat from Parker's past teams up with a dangerous new foe.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A threat from Parker's past teams up with a dangerous new foe.
Sins of the Father is the fourth book in author James L'Etoile's gripping Detective Nathan Parker series, and pits the canny lawman against a merciless new foe: a seemingly all-knowing and unstoppable criminal organization that even has the Mexican cartels on defense. While investigating a corpse found at a desert crossroads by a vanload of Boy Scouts and their leaders, Detective Sergeant Nathan Parker of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office inadvertently gets involved in a federal Joint Terrorism Task Force operation. After being arm-twisted into working with them, he suddenly finds himself on his own and back in charge of the case when the task force is discovered to be compromised and Red Dawn, the very organization they're hunting, abducts their loose cannon of a group leader.
What a great story! The complex plot is full of surprising twists and turns that reach several years back to the murder of Nathan's former partner, Josh McMillan. His coworker and close friend died in Nathan's arms, and it has taken him a lot of time and professional help to begin to cope with the emotional trauma. When another detective is critically wounded while working with him on this new case, Nathan quickly realizes he and the man's partner, Barry Johns, are emotionally vulnerable and should seek out support as soon as they are able. The secondary plot about the experiences of the wounded detective and his wife, forever waiting in the hospital, was so accurately portrayed that it was almost difficult to read.The activities of Red Dawn drew in a perplexing cross-section of Phoenix's society. Multi-millionaires running foundations, rich college students chasing a good time, immigrants minding their own business, and even Nathan's old friend and Miguel's boss, the former coyote, Billie Carson, appear to have nothing in common at first, but connections slowly come to light as Nathan and his team follow the clues. Nathan is smart, persistent, and persuasive, putting together a cohesive team that includes both his former and current girlfriends, FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Lynnette Finch and Deputy Linda Hunt.
The relationship between Nathan and Linda continues to deepen, progressing to the point where she and Leon are considering moving in with him and Miguel. Their love for each other and their sons is strong, both having overcome baggage from their pasts. This case definitely puts their connection to the test. In addition, I really loved seeing how Nathan's relationship with his adopted son, Miguel, has normalized to a natural father-son feeling, and they've developed a solid family unit.With its strong personal storyline, complex criminal investigation, and surprising resolution, I recommend SINS OF THE FATHER to readers of mysteries and thrillers, especially those who enjoy a good police procedural with an emotional personal story.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
Automatic Reload
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Book Type: Paperback
Laura P. (hemmputnam) reviewed on + 1181 more book reviews
This is not my usual type of read, but I was impressed with how the author raised important and thought-provoking issues around AI while also creating a page-turning shoot-em-up AND a relationship story with lead characters dealing with PTSD and panic attacks. Some parts were a little much for this gentle reader, but I will look for the author's other book that is allegedly "cozy" with a "gentle tone."
Voices of the Pacific: Untold Stories from the Marine Heroes of World War II
Author:
Genre: History
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: History
Book Type: Paperback
As a former Marine who is well read in Marine Corps history, especially that of World War II, I think the best book on the Marines in that war is "Strong Men Armed" by Robert Leckie. I actually read this book in my late pre-teens.
Leckie also wrote a wonderful narrative of his service in the Pacific called "Helmet for My Pillow." This book also served as one of the sources for the HBO miniseries "The Pacific."
"Voices of the Pacific" is also an exceptional book, in that the editors didn't write it. The text is straight from the lips of the Marines who stormed the beaches on the Pacific and saw their buddies pay the ultimate price. And many of the men quoted in this book were also badly wounded.
In "Strong Men Armed," Leckie relates how on Cape Gloucester the Marines had to assault a ridge hidden in a jungle so thick you lost sight of men a few feet away. To take out Japanese bunkers, Lieutenant Colonel Lew Walt, a Marine legend, and his men man-handled a 37 mm cannon up the ridge. It is a story I've always remembered. In this book, some of those men who did that with Lew Walt relate their experiences. I couldn't believe I was actually reading their words. This action, for which he was awarded the Navy Cross, is also mentioned on Lew Walt's Wikipedia page.
After my release from active duty, I also served eight years in the Marine Corps Reserve. One of the units I served with was in Florida. It turned out retired four-star General Lew Walt lived nearby and sometimes visited the unit. How do you approach a living legend? I couldn't do so and always admired him from a discreet distance.
This would be a keeper for me, but it's WLed by 12 members. So I decided to share it with them rather than storing it on one of my book shelves.
So if the book was so good, why did I give it just 4.5 stars? Well, the men quoted in this book were all in their 80s and 90s. And, as you probably know, service people, even Marines, like to garnish their "war stores" a bit. And like many others, these men earned the right to do so.
Leckie also wrote a wonderful narrative of his service in the Pacific called "Helmet for My Pillow." This book also served as one of the sources for the HBO miniseries "The Pacific."
"Voices of the Pacific" is also an exceptional book, in that the editors didn't write it. The text is straight from the lips of the Marines who stormed the beaches on the Pacific and saw their buddies pay the ultimate price. And many of the men quoted in this book were also badly wounded.
In "Strong Men Armed," Leckie relates how on Cape Gloucester the Marines had to assault a ridge hidden in a jungle so thick you lost sight of men a few feet away. To take out Japanese bunkers, Lieutenant Colonel Lew Walt, a Marine legend, and his men man-handled a 37 mm cannon up the ridge. It is a story I've always remembered. In this book, some of those men who did that with Lew Walt relate their experiences. I couldn't believe I was actually reading their words. This action, for which he was awarded the Navy Cross, is also mentioned on Lew Walt's Wikipedia page.
After my release from active duty, I also served eight years in the Marine Corps Reserve. One of the units I served with was in Florida. It turned out retired four-star General Lew Walt lived nearby and sometimes visited the unit. How do you approach a living legend? I couldn't do so and always admired him from a discreet distance.
This would be a keeper for me, but it's WLed by 12 members. So I decided to share it with them rather than storing it on one of my book shelves.
So if the book was so good, why did I give it just 4.5 stars? Well, the men quoted in this book were all in their 80s and 90s. And, as you probably know, service people, even Marines, like to garnish their "war stores" a bit. And like many others, these men earned the right to do so.
The Proof of the Pudding (Royal Spyness, Bk 17)
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Once again Ms. Bowen tells an interesting story. But this time no spies, just a murder or two. And Georgiana gets help in solving the mystery by a guest she meets at a dinner party, a Mrs. Agatha Mallowan.
Still, something is mentioned off hand several times in the book which led me to believe Bowen was dropping a hint as to the motive for the murders. And it made me feel good when it turned out I was right. It made up for all the times when I was wrong.
Sorry WLers, this copy goes back to the library.
Still, something is mentioned off hand several times in the book which led me to believe Bowen was dropping a hint as to the motive for the murders. And it made me feel good when it turned out I was right. It made up for all the times when I was wrong.
Sorry WLers, this copy goes back to the library.
The Doctor Who Fooled the World: Science, Deception, and the War on Vaccines
Author:
Genres: Biographies & Memoirs, Health, Fitness & Dieting, Nonfiction, Medical Books
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Biographies & Memoirs, Health, Fitness & Dieting, Nonfiction, Medical Books
Book Type: Hardcover
This is a difficult book to review because the author spent many years reporting on Andrew Wakefield, and the number of hours he must have spent reading papers from the scientific literature and conducting interviews and other research for this book is mind boggling. The majority of the book does an excellent job dissecting the problems with Wakefield's "research", and making the case that his subject is a narcissist willing to inflict harm on others for fame and financial gain. The descriptions of children being restrained while subjected to painful and unneccessary procedures were particularly hard to read, especially in light of the fact that the paper that was written about these patients was later disavowed by The Lancet and led to Wakefield being stripped of his medical license.
Unfortunately the last part of the book was less about Wakefield and more about the harrassment that the author endured by Wakefield and his followers. It is unfair that he was sued repeatedly and that he received threats because of his reporting, but I didn't pick up this book to read about the author. Although his feelings are valid and understandable, a few of the later chapters in the "Avenged" section read as the section's title would imply, though it wasn't necessary because after 300+ pages it was already clear that Wakefield is an awful person.
Unfortunately the last part of the book was less about Wakefield and more about the harrassment that the author endured by Wakefield and his followers. It is unfair that he was sued repeatedly and that he received threats because of his reporting, but I didn't pick up this book to read about the author. Although his feelings are valid and understandable, a few of the later chapters in the "Avenged" section read as the section's title would imply, though it wasn't necessary because after 300+ pages it was already clear that Wakefield is an awful person.
More Brothers and Sisters Than Blood
Agents arrive to forcibly pick up two native boys to whisk them away to an Indian boarding school. There is a confrontation with the family, an old man's sacred pipe is broken, and the boys are sent by their mother to run away. Eleven-year-old Levi is determined to replace his grandfather's pipe and protect his six-year-old brother, Rueben, whom he describes as "other-minded." The grandfather explains that the Creator endowed Rueben with "a different understanding," emphasizing that while Levi can adapt to the boarding school's teachings, Rueben must remain untainted. The family believes it is crucial to "learn what the Creator wants from Rueben."
Along their journey, the boys encounter a diverse cast of characters who are more than mere supporting players. Throughout the narrative, these individuals become fully developed, each destined to play a pivotal role in shaping the boys' paths, chosen by the Creator for this purpose. We are granted insight into their lives, their aspirations, and their hardships. The narrative features both Native and White people, and we witness how their respective backgrounds influence their perspectives.
"Lone Dog Road" spans 504 pages, translating to more than fifteen hours on audio, but none of it is wasted. It was a joy to journey alongside this ensemble as they seek redemption in lives that have lacked direction.
Over the past few years, I have read many books about the Native American experience, seeking to better understand and appreciate their cultures. My journey began with Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn-Chee novels. It was only later that I ran into the question of how appropriate it was for a non-Native writer to tell the story. While some in the Navajo community praised Hillerman, others criticized him for misrepresentation. His characters have recently been adapted into the "Dark Winds" series, now produced by Native artists.
In "Lone Dog Road," Ken Nerburn, a non-Native author, demonstrates a profound understanding of Native American culture, a testament to extensive research. Nerburn faced significant challenges in getting the book published, noting that "the big publishers ran from it because it has the mark of Cain upon it: A white man writing about Indians." Despite this, the writings have garnered substantial support within the Native community, including endorsements from Leonard Peltier and Louise Erdrich.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Agents arrive to forcibly pick up two native boys to whisk them away to an Indian boarding school. There is a confrontation with the family, an old man's sacred pipe is broken, and the boys are sent by their mother to run away. Eleven-year-old Levi is determined to replace his grandfather's pipe and protect his six-year-old brother, Rueben, whom he describes as "other-minded." The grandfather explains that the Creator endowed Rueben with "a different understanding," emphasizing that while Levi can adapt to the boarding school's teachings, Rueben must remain untainted. The family believes it is crucial to "learn what the Creator wants from Rueben."
Along their journey, the boys encounter a diverse cast of characters who are more than mere supporting players. Throughout the narrative, these individuals become fully developed, each destined to play a pivotal role in shaping the boys' paths, chosen by the Creator for this purpose. We are granted insight into their lives, their aspirations, and their hardships. The narrative features both Native and White people, and we witness how their respective backgrounds influence their perspectives.
"Lone Dog Road" spans 504 pages, translating to more than fifteen hours on audio, but none of it is wasted. It was a joy to journey alongside this ensemble as they seek redemption in lives that have lacked direction.
Over the past few years, I have read many books about the Native American experience, seeking to better understand and appreciate their cultures. My journey began with Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn-Chee novels. It was only later that I ran into the question of how appropriate it was for a non-Native writer to tell the story. While some in the Navajo community praised Hillerman, others criticized him for misrepresentation. His characters have recently been adapted into the "Dark Winds" series, now produced by Native artists.
In "Lone Dog Road," Ken Nerburn, a non-Native author, demonstrates a profound understanding of Native American culture, a testament to extensive research. Nerburn faced significant challenges in getting the book published, noting that "the big publishers ran from it because it has the mark of Cain upon it: A white man writing about Indians." Despite this, the writings have garnered substantial support within the Native community, including endorsements from Leonard Peltier and Louise Erdrich.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Grumpy Cat: A Grumpy Book
Author:
Genres: Crafts, Hobbies & Home, Humor & Entertainment
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Crafts, Hobbies & Home, Humor & Entertainment
Book Type: Hardcover
Julie Y. (naboo) reviewed on + 53 more book reviews
This book is hysterical! I loved the memes, the unworkable "Grumpy Word Search", the hilarious "Grumpy Crossword Puzzle", the impossible "Grumpy Maze", and the Litter Box Cake recipe (which looks delicious by the way).
Here are my favorite sayings:
"Happy people are two times more likely to get hit by falling pianos than unhappy people are."
"If you hate something, set it free. If it returns to you, destroy it."
"A bluebird serenades you from a nearby branch,... and it poops on you."
I would recommend this book to cat lover's of all ages!
Here are my favorite sayings:
"Happy people are two times more likely to get hit by falling pianos than unhappy people are."
"If you hate something, set it free. If it returns to you, destroy it."
"A bluebird serenades you from a nearby branch,... and it poops on you."
I would recommend this book to cat lover's of all ages!
The Everest Enigma (Abbie Bradford, Bk 1)
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
The Everest Enigma by Jeannette de Beauvoir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Stunning locations, an intriguing setting, and a puzzling mystery from the past.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Stunning locations, an intriguing setting, and a puzzling mystery from the past.
The Everest Enigma is the debut novel in veteran author Jeannette de Beauvoir's exciting Abbie Bradford Mystery series. Abbie, a trust fund baby from an old, established Bostonian family with a fresh new PhD in history, is recruited by bestselling historical romance author Emma Caulfield to accompany her on a research trip for her next book to Kathmandu, Nepal, and the Everest Base Camp. At loose ends since achieving the terminal degree, Abbie agrees only to discover, once in the mountains, that there is more to the trip than her new employer has let on. Emma hasn't told her everything she needs to know about their adventure, and now people around them are being killed.
Abbie Bradford, with her unusual childhood and opportunities, is the engaging and surprisingly amusing narrator of the story, and her âvoice' hooked me from the very start. She easily adapts to what's thrown her way as the mystery unfolds around her. Interesting side characters offer plenty of suspects, and the plot twists keep the story exciting and moving forward in unforeseen directions. The unusual setting and the details of the world of mountain climbing were intriguing and unexpected highlights for me, and they have me wondering what could possibly top them in Abbie's future.I recommend THE EVEREST ENIGMA to mystery readers, especially those who enjoy cold cases and dramatic settings as a background to the action.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
The Spirit of Vanderlaan (Samantha Hayes, Bk 1)
Author:
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy
Book Type: Paperback
The Spirit of Vanderlaan by Susan Harris Howell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A fun, quirky start to a warm, non-traditional new mystery series.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A fun, quirky start to a warm, non-traditional new mystery series.
The Spirit of Vanderlaan is the first book in author Susan Harris Howell's new mystery series featuring the nurturing university psychology professor, Dr. Samantha Hayes. In this first adventure, supernatural experiences on campus involving her and her students, including some more than coincidental room assignments linked to the professor's past, have them puzzled. This was a perfect kick-back, relax, and enjoy book for the end of my day, and I found the story warm, nostalgic, and completely engaging.
Samantha Hayes is a delight, and she is absolutely surrounded by outstanding supporting characters, especially her cadre of teaching assistants and the small knot of students who are regulars in her classes and during her office hours. I enjoyed the easy camaraderie that developed between Samantha and her students and was reminded of my college days with the fun and thoughtful mentors and friends I met while in school. I had to laugh at an incident early in the book where Samantha had to adjust a disgruntled and privileged student's demands for service! I really look forward to seeing more of this crew.I recommend THE SPIRIT OF VANDERLAAN to readers of cozy paranormal tales.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.| Reviews 1 to 25 of 168 |
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