Broken Dawn by Dianne Duvall
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum
Nick Belanger can’t stop thinking about the single mother who lives next door. She’s smart. She’s funny. She’s so beautiful he can’t stare at her too long for fear his eyes will start to glow. But Kayla thinks he’s just an ordinary guy who works in security. Finding out he instead is a powerful immortal warrior who hunts and slays psychotic vampires for a living may not go over well, particularly since she has a daughter she doesn’t want to endanger.Kayla Dorman can keep neither her gaze nor her thoughts from straying to the man next door. Who can blame her really? He is the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome with smart, charming, and honorable thrown in. He’s also a few years younger than her and surely would not be interested in a single mom who hasn’t dated since her divorce. At least that’s what she thinks until an accident nearly takes her life and Nick risks all to save her.
The dynamics of their relationship swiftly change. The friendship they’ve developed over the years deepens into love as the two spend every minute they can together, laughing and teasing, never suspecting a threat may lurk in the shadows. But that threat soon strikes, making it clear that Nick is the target and his enemy doesn’t care if Kayla gets caught in the cross fire. Though Kayla bravely rises to the occasion and is determined to do whatever it takes to help Nick defeat his enemy, Nick is terrified of losing her. Can he identify and eliminate his new nemesis before the man takes everything from him?
October Book of the Month Poll Winner ~ Broken Dawn by Dianne Duvall
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: Historical, Women’s Fiction
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by NymphaeaNew York socialite Caroline Ferriday has her hands full with her post at the French consulate and a new love on the horizon. But Caroline’s world is forever changed when Hitler’s army invades Poland in September 1939—and then sets its sights on France.
An ocean away from Caroline, Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager, senses her carefree youth disappearing as she is drawn deeper into her role as courier for the underground resistance movement. In a tense atmosphere of watchful eyes and suspecting neighbors, one false move can have dire consequences.
For the ambitious young German doctor, Herta Oberheuser, an ad for a government medical position seems her ticket out of a desolate life. Once hired, though, she finds herself trapped in a male-dominated realm of Nazi secrets and power.
The lives of these three women are set on a collision course when the unthinkable happens and Kasia is sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious Nazi concentration camp for women. Their stories cross continents—from New York to Paris, Germany, and Poland—as Caroline and Kasia strive to bring justice to those whom history has forgotten.
A mission, lives and righting wrongs…
I picked up this book because I liked other books set around the same time and thought I might like this one. The premise caught my attention and I wanted to know more. I’m glad I did. The plot is interesting and the writing was good. This story has promise.
Caroline and Paul’s storyline was interesting and rooted for them to get a happy ending. That said, the characters were a bit flat. I liked Kasia enough, but Herta… it was hard to read her plot because it was hard to buy into what she stood for. There are mentions of rape, which might be a trigger to some. I wasn’t sure how to feel about her. I didn’t like Herta’s actions, even if she thought she had a purpose. Caroline’s character came across a bit snobby. She’s a socialite, but the descriptions were a bit much. This could be a light read at times and bogged down in details in others.
Still, this is an interesting take on the subject of three women from WWII. Herta and Caroline are based on real people, so once I got to the author’s note, it was neat to find out they were real.
If you’re looking for a book that’s a different take on the time period, then give this one a try.
The Menu by Steven Manchester
The Menu by Steven Manchester
Publisher: Luna Bella Press
Genre: Contemporary, Inspirational, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by NymphaeaBlessed with a high emotional IQ, Phinn Reed enters the world with the promise of finding his soul mate. With heaven’s memories erased, his romantic quest teaches him that the heart often sees clearer than the eyes—and that not everyone has ordered the same items from The Menu. Evidence that love stories come in many different forms, The Menu is a spiritual journey involving more than just a man and a woman; it is a modern-day tale that reaches far beyond the boundaries of reason.
Can you find exactly what you want without ordering the perfect thing from the menu?
I’ve not read anything before by Steven Manchester, so this was a new to me author. This story is original. Phinn is in the world and trying to find his way. The writing moves along just fine and the characters are interesting.
This book does deal with abortion, so it might be a trigger for some readers. It’s inspirational in that the character of Phinn talks to his version of god while going along his way, but it’s also a bit of a fantasy story in that he’s allowed to order what he thinks he wants for a love story.
I liked that the characters aren’t perfect and I appreciated that they can’t always get what they want. It made me wonder while I read what I might have chosen had I the opportunity to pick from a menu. So in that respect, it does make one think.
This book isn’t what I’d normally pick for my reading. I like a distinctive line with the romance. The injected spirituality and religion is good, but not my cuppa. I also had a bit of an issue with this being listed as inspirational when there is discussion of romantic relations. I won’t give away spoilers, but this isn’t a sweet book. It’s more of a sensual story and might not be for some readers wanting purely sweet romance.
If you’re looking for a book that makes you think and look at the life, mostly your choices, a little differently, then this might be the book for you. Check it out.
Beaglemania by Linda O Johnston
Beaglemania by Linda O Johnston
Publisher: Berkley Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by NymphaeaLauren Vancouver is the head of HotRescues, a no-kill animal shelter north of Los Angeles, but it’s often human nature that puts her in the path of danger. Just like when she helps rescue four adorable beagle puppies that were dumped down a drainpipe at a nasty puppy mill. One of the mill’s employees has a history of dog abuse-and a bone to pick with Lauren. And when he’s found dead at HotRescues after threatening her, Lauren will have to sniff out the real killer to keep herself out of a cage…
A whole bunch of pups, a rescue and murder?
I picked this book up because it had beagle pups on the cover. I’ll admit it. The cover snagged me. Then I read the blurb. Sounded good. A woman who runs a rescue and saves critters and happens to be at the wrong time and wrong place when there’s a murder. It caught me. I’m glad I read this book. The dogs are a good backdrop to the story and it moves along quite well.
There were times when I wasn’t so enamored with the book. The story is told in first person, which isn’t bad, but the narrator insists on telling exactly what everyone is wearing and how expensive their item is. For example, she mentions she’s got a new television and how it’s fancy, flat screen and with all the bells and whistles because her son said to get that one. Seemed like a bit of info that stalled out the story. Lauren, the main character, can come off a bit snooty, too. She rescues pets so she feels she can get into jams and places she might not really belong because she’s helping. Sometimes it got frustrating because I wanted her to keep moving forward.
Still, this is a good book. It’s a quick read. There’s a thread of animal abuse in it and it’s not heavily described, which is good as it might be a trigger to some readers. I do have to say, though, there is a bit of a stigma against pit bulls mentioned and it might not be what some readers want to see.
It might seem like I wasn’t a fan of this book, but that’s not true! This author is a new to me author and I see she’s written more pet rescue and pet sitter mysteries. I’m game to read them because I did like the writing flow and the premise is interesting.
If you’re looking for a book about rescues, pups and mystery, then this might be the one for you.
The Relentless Moon by Mary Robinette Kowal
The Relentless Moon by Mary Robinette Kowal
A Lady Astronaut Novel, Book 3
Publisher: Tor Books
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Historical, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by NymphaeaThe Earth is coming to the boiling point as the climate disaster of the Meteor strike becomes more and more clear, but the political situation is already overheated. Riots and sabotage plague the space program. The IAC’s goal of getting as many people as possible off Earth before it becomes uninhabitable is being threatened.
Elma York is on her way to Mars, but the Moon colony is still being established. Her friend and fellow Lady Astronaut Nicole Wargin is thrilled to be one of those pioneer settlers, using her considerable flight and political skills to keep the program on track. But she is less happy that her husband, the Governor of Kansas, is considering a run for President.
Women on the moon. What a radical idea.
I’ve not read a lot of sci-fi/fantasy books, but I do love a good story about space. When I saw this version of the space race where everyone worked together and women were at the head of the program, I had to know more. This is book three in a series and it probably would’ve helped to get the first two read before reading this one. The format is still readable, but it would’ve made more sense to know what was going on. Still, I had to read it.
I have to say I wasn’t a fan of the heroine, Nicole. She’s a hard nut to crack. First, she’s extremely smart, which is good for a heroine. I liked that she could hold her own with her male counterparts. She’s tough and forthright, which was refreshing. But…she’s neurotic. I mean, she’s got anorexia, which is relatable, but it also made me wonder about her in space. If she’s not wanting to eat because of the disorder while she’s on Earth, wouldn’t it be dangerous for her to not eat while in space? Wouldn’t it make doing her job harder? Seemed like it might. And she’s convinced everyone is out to get her. Maybe they are, but maybe they aren’t.
There is also a nasty habit of using a lot of anachronisms for things and getting into heavy technical descriptions in this book. If I were reading a non-fiction book, then this wouldn’t have been as much of a problem. But being it’s a piece of fiction, it took away from my enjoyment of the story. I got bogged down trying to remember what each set of letters stood for and sometimes got lost in the descriptions. I want a book to pull me into their world. Sometimes, this didn’t feel like the case.
This is also a long book. It’s over five hundred pages. There is a bit of slogging to get through it. Now, to be fair, if I’d read the other books in the series, this might have made this book a bit less cumbersome. I might have known the characters better and felt more like they were people. So I suggest reading the first two first.
Still, this is an interesting telling of the space race with women in charge. The Earth is losing it’s battle, the USA is losing pieces and the human race needs to find somewhere else to live. It’s quite fascinating. If you’re looking for a book that’s going to take a while to read, but will be worth it, especially if you’re a space fan, then this might be the book for you.
The Astronaut Wives Club by Lily Koppel
The Astronaut Wives Club by Lily Koppel
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Genre: Historical, Non-Fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by NymphaeaAs America’s Mercury Seven astronauts were launched on death-defying missions, television cameras focused on the brave smiles of their young wives. Overnight, these women were transformed from military spouses into American royalty. They had tea with Jackie Kennedy, appeared on the cover of Life magazine, and quickly grew into fashion icons.
Annie Glenn, with her picture-perfect marriage, was the envy of the other wives; JFK made it clear that platinum-blonde Rene Carpenter was his favorite; and licensed pilot Trudy Cooper arrived with a secret that needed to stay hidden from NASA. Together with the other wives they formed the Astronaut Wives Club, providing one another with support and friendship, coffee and cocktails.
As their celebrity rose-and as divorce and tragedy began to touch their lives-the wives continued to rally together, forming bonds that would withstand the test of time, and they have stayed friends for over half a century. THE ASTRONAUT WIVES CLUB tells the story of the women who stood beside some of the biggest heroes in American history.
You’ve heard about the astronauts, but have you heard about the wives?
For these women, being a wife wasn’t the half of it. It wasn’t the hardest part, either. I’ve read the books about the astronauts. There’s an immeasurable amount of testosterone going on there. What else would one expect? They’re test pilots. But the wives. Now there’s something interesting that I hadn’t learned. The writing is crisp, but can be choppy at times, but the story is good.
Each woman is different and had her own set of challenges. If you don’t know the women, this is a great way to get to know them. I knew almost nothing about Michael Collins’ wife, nearly nothing about Louise Sheppard, Joan Aldrin…The only reason I remember Annie Glenn having a stutter was that John Glenn was our state senator forever and I remember seeing her on television. I respected each of the wives more and liked how they banded together. Marge Slayton become the mother of the group. Everyone rallied around the See, Basset, Chaffee, White and Grissom families. It’s touching, heartbreaking and interesting.
If you want a book about the unsung heroes behind the astronauts, then this is the one for you to check out. Read it.
Please Don’t Feed the Mayor by Sue Pethick
Please Don’t Feed the Mayor by Sue Pethick
Publisher: Kensington Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by NymphaeaWhen the lumber mill closes, laying off most everyone in Fossett, Oregon, Melanie MacDonald plans to revitalize her beloved but beleaguered homestead by running her border collie Shep in Fossett’s mayoral race . . .
Shep wins by a landslide.
A lover of democracy and dog treats, Shep is rapidly earning the goodwill of Fossett’s citizens. Tourists are streaming in and everyone wants to glad-paw the new mayor. Suddenly Melanie and Shep are media darlings, with requests for interviews, game shows, and personal appearances through the roof. But there’s trouble in paradise. Determined to win back his former wife, Bryce MacDonald discovers a rival in tabloid reporter Chad Cameron, who’s in Fossett to dig up dirt on Melanie and Shep. He finds a willing co-conspirator in the malcontent who lost the election. Hounded by the press and desperate to head off a potential dog-napping, Melanie unwittingly puts herself in danger. Shep comes to the rescue, proving his mettle to save his faithful human at the risk of his own life . . . and new political career.
A dog that’s the mayor? And it’s not just a publicity stunt? No way!
I picked up this book because of the dog on the cover. I did. Then I read the blurb and was hooked. A dog that’s the mayor? No way this can be possible. Now I have to admit, when I read Shep, I kept thinking of the dogs in Babe. It’s not a far stretch, really. The writing is interesting and the storyline, while a little implausible, is fun. It really is. Most places don’t have a dog for the mayor. That said, there is a reason and it ends up being cute.
I liked the characters of Bryce and Shep. Melanie left a little to be desired. Bryce never stopped loving Melanie, but his job takes him away from her. I was never sure why he and Melanie split, but I did root for them to get back together. I liked them when they worked together. Shep’s the dog and how can you not like a dog?
One issue I had with this book was the author’s tendency to write a character having a reaction, then on the next line speaking. For the first half of the book, I wasn’t sure who was talking. It required a bit of rereading.
Still, this is a cute book, a fast read and worth looking at. Shep is a fun pup and the mystery storyline adds a bit of flair. Check it out!
Be Careful What You Wish For: a Short Story by A. C. Hutchinson
Be Careful What You Wish For: a Short Story by A. C. Hutchinson
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by LavenderMeet David Patzpowski, a happy-go-lucky kind of guy who seems to get everything he wants, everything his heart desires. Success, love, marriage – they’ve all come at no cost. But David is about to find out that the things he takes for granted aren’t all what they seem.
This is a quirky short story, which ends in irony. A man, David, is minding his own business, eating in a diner when a stranger approaches him. What could he want? There is a good little shot of suspense right away.
The man starts questioning David, causing him to think about his life. Does David think he had a good life? It turns out that yes, things have gone well for him over the years. The suspense picks up because the stranger seems to know a lot about him.
Is David’s continual good luck merely a coincidence, or is there more to it? Could there actually be a price to pay for this? Are the people in his life such as his wife happy? This story may cause some readers to do a little introspection.
David makes a wish. And oh no, he should have wished for something else! Readers will get sucked into the unfolding of the conversation and be surprised by the end.
Blood and Gold by Anne Rice
Blood and Gold by Anne Rice
The Vampire Chronicles, Book 8
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by NymphaeaThe Vampire Chronicles continue with Anne Rice’s spellbinding new novel, in which the great vampire Marius returns.
The golden-haired Marius, true Child of the Millennia, once mentor to The Vampire Lestat, always and forever the conscientious foe of the Evil Doer, reveals in his own intense yet intimate voice the secrets of his two-thousand-year existence.
Once a proud Senator in Imperial Rome, kidnapped and made a “blood god” by the Druids, Marius becomes the embittered protector of Akasha and Enkil, Queen and King of the vampires, in whom the core of the supernatural race resides.
We follow him through his heartbreaking abandonment of the vampire Pandora. Through him we see the fall of pagan Rome to the Emperor Constantine and the horrific sack of the Eternal City itself at the hands of the Visigoths.
Bravely, Marius seeks a new civilization in the midst of glittering Constantinople, only to meet with the blood drinker Eudoxia. We see him ultimately returning to his beloved Italy, where after the horrors of the Black Death, he is restored by the beauty of the Renaissance. We see him become a painter living dangerously
yet happily among mortals, giving his heart to the great Botticelli, to the bewitching courtesan Bianca, and to the mysterious young apprentice Armand.Moving from Rome to Florence, Venice, and Dresden, and to the English castle of the secret scholarly order of the Talamasca, the novel reaches its dramatic finale in our own time, deep in the jungle where Marius, having told his life story, seeks some measure of justice from the oldest vampires in the world.
Marius finally gets his story! I’m stoked.
Once I read about Lestat and the Queen of the Damned, I knew I wanted to read about Marius. The man seemed to complicated and he is. I loved that he’s all about art and chasing his passions. I loved that he’s a passionate man. But I wondered often if he needed to many pages. This one tops out at over five hundred. There were times when the story seemed slow and the pacing off. Like I’d been told the same things over, just from another perspective. Sadly, I did have to put this one down a few times before I finished it. He has one heck of a long trip and the longevity of the vampires is definitely shown. I wanted him to find his heart’s delight and rooted for him to do so.
Marius isn’t a perfect character. He’s cruel, passionate, demands what he wants and doesn’t always care who he hurts. But isn’t that just like a vampire? This book is filled with sadness and can be hard to get through. If you’ve read others in the Vampire Chronicles series, then you’ll know much of this story to start. But don’t let that deter you. This is still an interesting book and Marius deserved his tale.
If you’re looking for a book that’s equal parts sad and complicated, but hopeful and beautiful, then this might be the one for you.
Million Dollar Baby by Janice Maynard
Million Dollar Baby by Janice Maynard
Texas Cattleman’s Club: Bachelor Auction Book 3
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by NymphaeaAfter one night with an anonymous cowboy…
…there’s a little secret on the way!
Going home with a stranger isn’t sheltered heiress Brooke Goodman’s MO. Neither is falling back into bed with the same sinfully sexy man…or asking him to marry her so she can inherit millions. But now she’s pregnant, and Austin wants to wed for real! Should she trust a man who can promise her his name but not forever?
One night can be all it takes for romance.
Janice Maynard is on my auto-buy list for a reason. Her work is always spot-on. The romance is sharp, but fun, the characters intriguing and I know I’ll have a good time while reading. This book was no slouch. I couldn’t put it down and stayed up past bedtime to finish it. I got emotionally involved with the characters, too. That’s a sign of a good book if it ropes me in long after the last page.
Brooke could be written in a snobby manner, but Ms. Maynard gives the heiress a much more human quality. I liked her right away. She has dreams and doesn’t want to be sheltered. I gave her props for wanting to break free. I could also understand her struggles with her family. Kudos to the author for making me feel for her and want to conk the parents on the head. Then there’s Austin. Oh, boy! A cowboy who wants to make good, even if he’s not sure how. I liked that he was broken in his own manner. I rooted for these two to get together and make things work.
If you’re looking for a book that’s sweet, saucy and will stick with you long after the end, then this is one to check out.
