Review: The String

The String

"Welcome to the string. Let's go over the ground rules.

Rule #1: Participation is mandatory.
Rule #2: If any one person refuses to play, the threats to all players will come to pass.

Since this is my game, allow me to introduce myself. I am the conductor. Just as musicians in a symphony must follow the conductor's direction, the selected students and staff of Trenton University must submit to my commands . . . or risk massive chaos and deadly consequences. Even that pesky university cop, Markus Haas, who thinks he'll find a way out of the impossible dilemma in which I've trapped him. Oh, the surprises I have for him. 

Ready to play?"

Author: Caleb Breakey

Genre: Suspense/Thriller

Series: Deadly Games (book 1)

Y'ALL! I was READY for this book!! I mean, READ THE SYNOPSIS!!!! 👀💀

I love a good thriller, especially when there is a head mastermind pulling all of the strings. This book was totally up my alley...hypothetically.

There is a point where there are too many characters and too many moving parts! This book fell into that category. I had to work REALLY hard to keep track of the cast, and at some point in the book I forgot about some of them. 

Don't get me wrong, I understand there needs to be multiple angles for a "game" like this to work. I think it was too much in book form. Please don't egg my house, but I think this would've been better suited as a movie. That way you could really SEE everything that was happening, and multiple POV makes sense.

I know the technology stalking is ENTIRELY plausible, however the actual motive made the whole scheme really outlandish and unnecessary. 

There were a few storylines that weren't completed, and not in a cliffhanger way, but in a "totally forgot that was in there" way. I had no clue this was going to be a series, so I wonder where the author is going to take these storylines and the series as a whole.

I spent most of the book utterly confused, and not in a good way. The "bad guy" completed blind sided me (props to the author), but I didn't really understand his mindset behind "the game".

The 1st person POV character, Markus, really got under my skin. He was SO selfish in all of this actions and jumped into every situation without thinking. 

I'm so beyond sad I didn't fall head over heels for this book. We win some, we lose some.

I'm sure there is an audience for this type of thriller, probably super visual, quick minded people!

I can't get over the pure GENIUS that went into writing this book! It was definitely the work of a mastermind. (who might watch too many crime shows 😏😉) A ton of imagination went into crafting this story, though it wasn't for me.

I rated it a 2.5/5 stars.

*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: Yours Truly, Thomas

Yours Truly, Thomas

"For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people's mail. Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the Dead Letter Office. Still she dreams of something more--a bit of intrigue, a taste of romance, or at least a touch less loneliness. When a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love falls into her hands, Penny seizes this chance to do something heroic. It becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

Thomas left his former life with no intention of ending up in Azure Springs, Iowa. He certainly didn't expect a happy ending after what he had done. All he wanted to do was run and never look back. In a moment of desperation, he began to write, never really expecting a reply.

When Penny's undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter and yet she finds herself caring--perhaps too much--for the one who wrote it."

Author: Rachel Fordham

Length: 320 pages

Publisher: Revell

"Signed, Sealed, Delivered,

I'm Yours"

GUYS! THIS BOOK IS ABOUT THE DEAD LETTER OFFICE!!!! I REPEAT.

THE. DEAD. LETTER. OFFICE. 

*insert ALL of the heart eyes*

Last year my mama, sister, and I found the TV series "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" that Hallmark produces, and ever since I've been obsessed with the DLO. When I found out Rachel was doing a story based around it I might've totally screamed. 

I just love how her heroes are always sweet & gentle! They have the biggest shift of perspective and mind-set throughout the story.

Her heroines are normally a little naive & self conscious. They have the biggest shift of self love and assurance.

Each character grows throughout the story, normally because and with each other.

These characters were no different, and I loved them.

Penny & Thomas had less than graceful falls from society, they felt that hiding was the proper response. But through fate and letters they found that hiding isn't all it's cracked up to be. Together they learned to live life fully. 

I really enjoyed the addition of the dog in the story! Honeysuckle was a hoot, but she was the perfect companion when she was needed. 

I JUST WANT SOMEONE TO WRITE ME A LOVE LETTER! Okay, that is all. 😍😭😍😭

Though not a series, we do get to back to Azure Springs in this adorable story, and I am SUPER excited about it! 

I've loved Azure Springs and the people there since "The Hope of Azure Springs", that came out last summer.

Stories are a HUGE aspect to Rachel's books. I love seeing how includes her love of stories into her writing. 

Rachel writes the sweetest, most wholesome stories chock full of hope and healing!

I look forward to see what story this author releases next.

4/5 stars!

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Quotes: 

"I think God knows we need reminders from time to time. He wraps up in a little blessing in a sound or smell. A testament of his love."

Spotlight: The Heart of a King

ABOUT THE BOOK


"King Solomon was wealthy and wise beyond measure. He could--and did--have anything he wanted, including many women from many lands. But for all his wisdom, did he or the women in his life ever find what they searched for all of their lives?

In this engrossing novel, you'll find yourself whisked away to ancient Israel, where you'll meet Solomon and four of the women he loved: Naamah the desert princess, Abishag the shepherdess, Siti the daughter of a pharaoh, and Nicaula the queen of Sheba. As you experience the world of Solomon through his eyes and the eyes of these women, you'll ask yourself the ultimate question: Did Solomon's wisdom ultimately benefit him and those he loved . . . or did it betray them?"

PURCHASE THE BOOK: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christian Book | Book Depository

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling, award-winning author of the Wives of King David series, the Daughters of the Promised Land, the Wives of the Patriarchs, and the Loves of King Solomon series. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.

When she isn’t writing, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, read stories that take her away, ride her bike to the park, snag date nights with her hubby, try out new restaurants, or play with her lovable, “helpful” cat Tiger. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.

CONNECT WITH JILL: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Review: The Number of Love

The Number of Love

"Three years into the Great War, England's greatest asset is their intelligence network--field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren't enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy who just won't give up. He's smitten quickly by the intelligent Margot, but how can he convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life's answers lie in the heart?

Amid biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save themselves from the very secrets that brought them together."

Author: Roseanna M. White

Length: 386 pages

Series: The Codebreakers (book #1)

"The Toughest Puzzle She'll Have to Solve

Might Be the Wishes of Her Own Heart"

I loved the premise of this book! All of secrets, breaking codes, and action. Definitely my kind of book. 

The characters were really interesting and different for me. Every person written was a genius in some way or another, even the villain. Every brain worked at a different rate than normal people, which made them perfect for the task they were given to help stop the war. 

There were times when I had to skim over the terminology and geek speak. (😔🙊 I'm not a genius by any means lol)

Even with that I still got a great grasp of the characters. 

There were A LOT of moving parts to this story. There was a pretty big cast of characters since there were so many different locations, but it laid the foundation for the story and the series. It is a very interesting time in history as well, one I'm looking forward to learning more about. 

The romance was handled in a way they made sense to the story and still kept this romantic very pleased! 

Margot was a SUPER logical and she was CRAZY smart. I did a bit of a character profile on her a few week ago. 

Here is a quote from Roseanna M. White about Margot's character. 

"I wanted Margot to be distinctive...and also to have some quirks that people today might recognize as being on the very mild end of the autism spectrum. I love exploring how when we have limitations in one respect, God expands us in others."

Though there were times when her character got a little taxing, since I am a feeler and not a thinker, in the end I did like her character.

I loved how Margot & Drake interacted. They were perfectly matched, and I loved how God intertwined their lives! 

And the way he "wooed" her. 😍😍😍 And the way she told him she loved him! 😍😍😍

All of the heart eyes & all of the swooning!

Lots of relationships were cultivated throughout the story, main characters and side characters alike. (There were even some characters from a previous series. 😏)  I loved every single one of them, they just made the book come alive to me.

I really really enjoyed this book, and all the spunk and smarts it brought with it. I'm excited to see where the series goes. 

4/5 stars.

*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: Never Marry a Marquess

Never Marry a Marquess

"Shy Ivy Bateman has always felt more comfortable behind the scenes than front and center. She is happiest caring for her family and baking sweet treats. She certainly never expected the wealthy Marquess of Kendall to propose marriage, especially a marriage of convenience. It seems his baby daughter needs a mother, and Ivy cannot deny the attraction of the role, or the attraction she feels for the handsome marquess.

Kendall had asked Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency to find him a particular sort of lady. His heart went to the grave with his first wife. Now, all he cares about is ensuring his frail daughter doesn’t follow it. Installing Ivy Bateman as his next marchioness will not disrupt his life or make him question his love for his dead wife. But as he comes to appreciate Ivy’s sweet nature, he begins to wonder about their future.

 When an old enemy strikes at Miss Thorn and all her ladies, a grieving lord and a shy lady must work together to save the day. In doing so, they might just discover that love, and a good cinnamon bun, can heal all wounds."

Author: Regina Scott
Length: 232 pages
Series: Fortune's Brides (book 6)

Can a shy lady

Win the grieving lord's heart?

In one short year we have been blessed with 6 of the greatest books ever! I have enjoyed every single second of it IMMENSELY. Though I'm so sad to see the series end, I know I can dive back in anytime I want. (REREADS!!!! 😍)

One thing I really enjoyed about the series is meeting the couple from the NEXT book, and kind of getting to know them. Not in a super detailed way, but enough to build a great foundation for a wonderful love story. 

I LOVED Ivy & Lord Kendall in "Never Kneel to a Knight" and was REALLY looking forward to reading their story. Lucky for me I had the book on hand, so I started it as soon as I was done with "NKTAK", and finished it in one sitting.

The characters really came out of their shell throughout the book. Both started off very aloof and separate, but as time went on...*wiggles eyebrows* BAM! LOVE.

They learned from each other, they grew stronger as individuals and as a couple. It was a real partnership! (Even if it started out as a bit of a business deal)

Y'all know how much I LOOOVVVEEE 'marriage of convenience' stories. I also love when they're "forced" to get married. (Don't judge me)
I guessed you gathered this book uses that troupe. (ALL of the heart eyes. ALL OF THEM.)

As always, our little "shotgun marriage" turned into a great relationship and marriage. 
Because the characters were living under the same roof they had time to truly get to know each other. It was just sweet!
They learned what made each other tick, what made them happy or sad. They then took that information and used to strength each other.

Lord Kendall started out pretty paranoid. He wanted to hide his daughter from the world so she could never get hurt, but Ivy showed him that that was no way to LIVE. She helped him open up to love and live again.

Ivy was quite but observant, loving, and gentle. So different than most Society ladies. (but those are always my favorite stories)  Though she had so much to offer, she didn't see it. She let people take advantage of her, but Kendall helped her see her worth and realize that she could stand up for herself because she was worth it.

They were fun characters to learn about, and watch their story unfold. I already want to reread it!

Regina writes the best romances! All the wit, all the banter. all the chemistry, all the things. *swoon*

I rated this book a 4.5/5 stars.

*I received this book from the author**I was not required to leave a positive review**All opinions are my own*

I ADORED this series SO MUCH! I am sad to see it end, but excited for what the future holds for the author. I'll link all of my reviews for the series. I definitely suggest you try this series out, it is SO worth it! 💓

Never Doubt a Duke - book 1

Never Barrow a Baronet - book 2

Never Envy an Earl - book 3

Never Vie for a Viscount - book 4

Never Kneel to a Knight - book 5

Cover Reveal: A Worthy Heart

I'm thrilled to be working with author Sara Beth Williams today to reveal the cover of her next book.
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Without further ado, here it is!

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Isn't it so sweet?

"A Worthy Heart" releases on JULY 9TH! You'll be able to purchase it on Amazon. (in paperback and ebook format)

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Joel Bennett has always known Serena Hayes as his sister’s gregarious best friend. In the three years since Lacey began college, Serena became a regular houseguest, but lately, she’s absent more than not. When Joel discovers she’s in an abusive relationship, protectiveness from within roars to life.

With only a part time job to support her and nowhere to go, Serena fears leaving her current relationship would jeopardize her chances of graduating college. After a brutal attack leaves her no choice, she courageously moves out. On her journey toward regaining confidence, self-worth, and independence, Joel falls in beside her, encouraging her. The way he emulates Godly love and compassion draws her close—not just to him, but to the God who can satisfy her longing for love better than any man,

Attraction sizzles between them, but events from their pasts cast shadows of doubt.
When the unthinkable happens, can Serena open her heart to a second chance at love, or is she destined to be alone?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sara Beth Williams has loved to read and write since her elementary school days. She loves a good story, regardless of platform. Therefore, she hates watching TV episodes out of order! (God forbid she should miss something vital to the overall story line!)

She was raised in Sacramento, California, and still resides there with her husband and two beautiful daughters. Her time is currently divided between working, raising her daughters, and writing every spare moment she can.

She loves children, writing, music, teaching and playing with children and a good, soaking rainstorm. 

Connect with Sara on her website!

Review: Midnight on the River Grey

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Midnight on the River Grey by Abigail Wilson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Midnight on the River Grey 

Author: Abigail Wilson

Publisher: Thomas Nelson 

Release Date: July 2, 2019

Genre: Historical Suspense/Gothic Romance

She knew the house was keeping secrets. If only the darkness would speak . . .

After her elder brother’s mysterious death, Rebecca Hunter vows to expose the man she believes responsible: Mr. Lewis Browning—known by the locals as the Midnight Devil and by Rebecca as her new guardian.

Summoned to his reclusive country estate to await her London season, Rebecca plans her own secret investigation among the darkened corridors of the mysterious Greybourne Hall. Yet Lewis Browning is not as she once imagined, and his motivation is horribly unclear. Recurrent nightmares and Rebecca’s restless feelings are further complicated by the shadow of her mother’s prior descent into madness and wondering if she, too, will follow the same heartbreaking path.

Even as midnight rides, strange injuries, and further murders lead back to Mr. Browning, Rebecca can’t ignore the subtle turn of her heart. Has she developed feelings for the man she swore to see hanged? And moreover, can she trust him with her uncertain future?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook

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MY THOUGHTS

Let me start off by saying I loved the premise and FEEL of this book. It was dark, yet not heavy. It felt almost gothic in nature, I was all for it.

I instantly fell for our mysterious hero, Mr. Lewis Browning. *insert literally ALL of the heart eyes* He was my FAVORITE part of the whole book, and I might have cried a little when I realized we weren't going to get his perspective at all.
He was so dark, and mysterious, yet there was such good in him. He had a huge heart though he tried to hide it behind a brooding facade.

Rebecca was meh to me. Her voice was SO young and immature. She would jump to conclusions, she would speak without thinking, and she never thought about the consequences. People would tell her not to do something, for her own safety, yet she would do it anyways.
I am ALL for strong, independent female leads, but she did NOT have that air about her. I wasn't a fan of her attitude.

I did enjoy the intrigue plot to the book. I had my suspicions while reading the book, but I was excited when the author took the story a different way and gave us a different villain.

As a whole I did enjoy the story in the end. I rated it a 3.5/5 stars.

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Abigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A registered nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the national parks, attending her daughter’s gymnastic meets, and curling up with a great book.

In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA’s Fab Five contest and in 2016, ACFW’s First Impressions contest as well as placing as a 2017 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense.

She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children.


CONNECT WITH ABIGAIL: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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