tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44667451762322865572024-03-05T10:39:02.231-08:00Piper's PonderingsIn this blog you are likely (though it's not a guarantee) to find sources such as book/movie reviews and recommendations, poems and writings by yours truly, and other various and random ponderings of Piper.Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-70564950025724123072020-08-25T17:12:00.001-07:002020-08-25T17:12:47.361-07:00Book review: Cinder<p style="text-align: center;"> Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles book 1)</p><p style="text-align: center;">By Marissa Meyer</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Even in the future, the story begins with Once Upon a Time. . . .</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl. . . .</p><p style="text-align: center;">Sixteen-year-old Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past and is reviled by her step-mother. But when her live becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future. Because there is something unusual about Cinder, something that others would kill for.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">This was an interesting read. It was like a mix between Cinderella, Star Wars and an anime show called Aldnoah.Zero. I think doing a take on the classic fairy tales but making it futuristic/sci-fi is a great idea. The story moved at a pretty good pace and kept me reading intently until the end. There were moments that I didn't love in it and some of it was just kind of meh but overall it was pretty interesting and now I need to read the rest of the series to see what happens next. </p>Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-78807119644316619042020-08-25T16:58:00.000-07:002020-08-25T16:58:16.243-07:00Book Review: Girls in Pants<p style="text-align: center;"> Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood</p><p style="text-align: center;">By Ann Brashares</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">"The Pants came to us at the perfect moment. That is, when we were splitting up for the first time. It was two summers ago when they first worked their magic, and last summer when they shook up our lives once again. You see, we don't wear the Pants year-round. We let them rest during the year, so they are extra powerful when summer comes. </p><p style="text-align: center;">We thought it was a big deal two years ago, our first summer apart. Now we're facing our last summer together. Tomorrow we graduate from high school. In September we go to college. And it's not like one of those TV shows where all of us magically turn up at the same college. We're going to four different schools in three different cities (but all within four hours of one another---that was our one rule).</p><p style="text-align: center;">As life changes go, it's really, really big. If you're my dad, you say, "Hey. You'll see each other at Thanksgiving." But if you're me, you realize that life as we've known it is over. Our shared childhood is ending. Maybe we'll never live at home again. Maybe we'll never all live in the same place again. We're headed off to start our real lives."</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">As a lover of cozy summer movies and books, <i>The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants </i>series is a favorite of mine, both the movies and books. I read the first book and then found this one---the third---at a church flea market where you could cram as many books as you were able into a bag and buy the whole lot for 25 cents. (or was it a dollar? Either way, it was a great deal) Without having read the second book I decided I could read this one anyway because I saw both of the movies already. This book had content from the second movie as well as a few things that were in neither movie. I didn't feel too lost having not read the book before this one, but I would still like to read it at some point. These books are actually wonderfully written and are the epitome of a cozy summer read. After finishing this one I scoured Book Outlet for similar cozy summer books because that was all I wanted to read after reading this! When you're feeling down or in need of a light read, I highly recommend this series! Do start with the first book and read them in order though, especially if you haven't seen the movies. They are the perfect mix of coziness, sadness, drama, friendship, romance and summertime goodness! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-66030863635971511402020-06-04T11:23:00.000-07:002020-06-04T11:23:56.778-07:00Book review: Six of Crows<div style="text-align: center;">
Six of Crows </div>
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by Leigh Bardugo</div>
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Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price---and no one knows that better than Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone. . . . </div>
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<i>A convict with a thirst for revenge</i></div>
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<i>A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager</i></div>
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<i>A runaway with a privileged past</i></div>
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<i>A spy known as the Wraith</i></div>
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<i>A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums</i></div>
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<i>A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes</i></div>
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Kaz's crew are the only ones who might stand between the world and destruction---if they don't kill each other first.</div>
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While it was a little slow at first, this book soon sucked me in and had me wanting to read more and more. It's the best book I've read in a while. Extremely well written in my opinion, not flowery with description but also not drab and dull, good, strong characters who all had very differing personalities and good development. It felt fairly well balanced, not staying too long on a certain scene while also not rushing through them. The plot was actually phenomenal as far as making things connect and why this or that was the way it was or why such and such happened. The author also did an excellent job on creating an entire world from scratch, down to the geography, languages, laws, the differences between different regions. It felt very real for being a fictional world. The setting sort of reminded me of a mix between Skyrim and The Hunger Games, some medieval fantasy mixed with futuristic dystopian. In fact I'm pretty sure the author is probably an Elder Scroll's fan because sweet rolls were mentioned. XD </div>
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So basically, I loved this book and definitely recommend it! It did, however, have some very graphic violence, some "disturbing images", language, nudity, and slightly suggestive themes, so if you're the squeamish sort and can't handle blood and gore this isn't the book for you. I'm usually pretty fine with that stuff but there was a scene that made even me uneasy. Also, there was the hint of a gay relationship but it was kept toned down and didn't go too far at all, but just an FYI. </div>
Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-75216719130659808912020-05-29T12:20:00.001-07:002020-05-29T12:20:48.864-07:00Book review: Grace and the Preacher<div style="text-align: center;">
Grace and the Preacher by Kim Vogel Sawyer</div>
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From the back cover:</div>
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Can the faith of one small prairie town and a kind woman's generous heart survive a great deception?</div>
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At the age of twenty-four, postmistress Grace Cristler has all but given up hope of finding a husband among the narrowing group of eligible men in her town of Fairland, Kansas. But when her uncle decides to retire from the pulpit, Grace is responsible for corresponding with the new preacher set to take his place. She can't deny the affection growing in her heart for Reverend Rufus Dille---a man she deeply admires, but has only met through his letters.</div>
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Theophil Garrison is on the run from his past. Ten years ago, his outlaw cousins convinced him to take part in a train robbery, but Theo fled the scene, leaving his cousins to face imprisonment. Now they've finished their sentences, but the plan for vengeance has just begun. Branded a coward and running for his life, a chance encounter could provide Theo with the escape he needs. </div>
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But the young man's desperate con might come at an enormous price for the tenderhearted Grace---and the entire town. Will Grace's undeserved affection and God's mercy make something beautiful from the ashes of Theo's past?</div>
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Kim Vogel Sawyer is---or at least used to be---one of my favorite authors, but it took me two years to finish this book... that's mostly due to the fact that life got busy and I sort of fell out of the habit of reading for a while (but I'm so happy I'm finally getting back into it!) So I can't exactly say the reason it took me so long to read it was because it wasn't good, although I will admit it wasn't great. Maybe this just wasn't this author's best, or maybe I'm growing bored of this genre, but I found the book to be somewhat boring at parts, predictable, and every conflict was way too easily solved. It didn't really feel like it had a climax, and just when I thought it was going to reach it, (SPOILER ALERT) suddenly the villain just <i>decides </i>he doesn't want to be bad anymore. Like the whole book was building up to the point when Theo's cousin caught up to him, and then when he finally does he's like, oh never mind, I guess I forgive you! I wanted to see some ACTION! And I know this like spoils the story but I really doubt anyone reading this review will read the book, (and if you do want to, go ahead and stop reading here.) so I'm just gonna say, I was also disappointed by how easily Grace forgave Theo in the end as well. Sure, she locked herself away for a few weeks and didn't want to see him, but then when she does decide to forgive him it's so immediate and they're suddenly in love again! If a man was that deceptive to me, I really don't know if I'd just go and be okay with marrying him. Forgiving him is one thing, because we all should forgive, but forgiveness doesn't always mean I accept you and what you did with open arms. This book (as most of Kim's books do) had several viewpoints, Grace's, Theo's, Theo's cousin and an elderly woman named Bess, and I have to say I think I liked the parts in Theo's cousin's viewpoint the best. I do like that this author always adds side stories with other characters (something I usually do in my own writing), as opposed to having the story only follow the hero and heroine, because it keeps the story moving, adds variety, and the scenes are usually shorter, which I always prefer. Anyway, I really don't remember much from the beginning of the book because I read it so long ago, and I do remember enjoying it when I first started it, so either the book just didn't end as well as it started or my tastes changed since I started it. I do like to read a good old historical prairie read from time to time because they're always cozy, and this book did have a coziness to it, but it just wasn't my favorite I've read by this author. Anyway, sorry for the lengthy review!</div>
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I actually received a free review copy of this book, but the review program I got it from is no more, which is kind of good because with how long I took to read it, I probably would have been removed from the program! lol.</div>
Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-24785740249458046832020-03-02T13:04:00.000-08:002020-03-02T13:04:13.333-08:00Book Review: Caraval by Stephanie GarberHello to all! Finally, after a couple years of not writing a single review, I'm back at it with a review for <i>Caraval </i>by Stephanie Garber.<br />
For the past two years, I would say, I've been in a bit of a reading slump. I had several books I would pick up and read a chapter or two of here and there, but the avid reader I once was felt all but gone. Was it that what I was reading wasn't interesting enough? Had I simply lost my love of reading? Whatever the reason, I was sad over the fact that picking up a book and trying to read did not hold the same glorious appeal it once did, where I could read for hours and hours being swept up in another time and place. Truly I think what happened was that life changed and got busy and many things happened that prevented me from having the time to read, or oftentimes the desire because there were other things I needed or wanted to be doing.<br />
While life is still a bit hectic, I've recently been determined to make time again for reading and writing, and slowly but surely I've been easing back into both! I'm very excited to be a book person again! It just feels "right" ! That being said, let us commence with the review!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Caraval</span> </div>
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by Stephanie Garber</div>
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Story synopsis from the book:</div>
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A legendary competition.</div>
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A mesmerizing romance.</div>
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An unbreakable bond</div>
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between sisters.</div>
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Scarlett Dragna has never left the tiny island where she and her sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett's father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval---the faraway, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show---are over. </div>
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But this year, Scarlett's long-dreamt-of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval's mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season's Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.</div>
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Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. Nevertheless she becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic. And whether Caraval is real or not, Scarlett must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over or a dangerous domino effect of consequences will be set off, and her beloved sister will disappear forever.</div>
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Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . </div>
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beware of getting swept too far away.</div>
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My review:</div>
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While this book was entertaining, and the idea is certainly intriguing, there were definitely some flaws. I can see how someone could love it and become swept away by the magical feel the entire book possesses, but for me the whole book felt lacking. I enjoyed the story and the "game" and the concept, but the book was mostly full of flowery descriptions of magical scenes described with fancy words. There was almost no character development, all the characters felt two dimensional and like they were all simply playing their part of being the type of character they were supposed to be without having any real depth to them. Scarlett was the typical brunette heroine who thinks she's to blame for everything and will do anything to save the ones she loves. Tella was the typical flirtatious blond sister who is prettier and "naughtier" than the heroin. And there was nothing to like about her. The whole book is about Scarlett trying to finding her, but I didn't care at all whether she did or not, and actually hoped she wouldn't. LOL. (not saying whether she did or not, but just saying my feelings throughout the book). They were supposed to have this deep sisterly bond but it really wasn't felt. Also, I felt that all of the conflicts throughout the book were way too quickly and easily resolved. I don't know about you, but I love bringing my characters to their lowest low and then bringing them lower still and basically destroying them and then slowly bringing them back out of the pit. You have to actually find yourself feeling for the characters and connecting with them emotionally to even care about whether they are triumphant or not. And sadly this book did not have that. </div>
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So while this review might have sounded pretty harsh, I actually did like the book. I loved the idea, and the fact that it was an easy read was nice for getting me back into reading, but I'm sad it didn't have more depth. I'm also a little sad the idea was snatched up and already used, because I would love to write something with a similar story myself only add the depth and character development to it that this one was lacking. This book is the first in a series of 3 and I definitely do want to read the other two because there were things left unresolved, but I do wish there was more depth to the "Sugary, glowy, flowery, serpentine, emerald, swirly, dagger-like" adjectives that speckled the book. Okay, I'm done now! XD.</div>
Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-45509176217725647792017-02-15T13:20:00.001-08:002017-02-15T13:20:24.721-08:00Book Review: Irish Meadows Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason<br />
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Faced With an Uncertain Future, Sometimes All You Have Left Is the Courage to Dream.<br />
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Brianna and Colleen O'Leary know their Irish immigrant father expects them to marry well. Recently he's put even more pressure on them, insinuating that the very future of their Long Island horse farm, <i>Irish Meadows</i>, rests in their ability to land prosperous husbands. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.<br />
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Brianna, a quiet girl with a quick mind, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry---as long as her father's choice meets her exacting standards of the ideal groom. When former stable hand Gilbert Whalen returns from business school and distant relative Rylan Montgomery visits Long Island during his seminary training, the two men quickly complicate everyone's plans.<br />
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As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, James O'Leary grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father's machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?<br />
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I actually enjoyed this book quite a bit. Lately I tend to grow bored with Christian historical fiction, as it can start to all be the same ol', same ol' and full of cliches, but this one actually wasn't so bad. I really enjoyed the fact that it followed two love stories as opposed to the usual one, which I think kept things interesting without either story dragging on too much. I don't think she focused too long on the boring details of things, so that was nice. It was pretty typical as far as historical romance goes, however I think the author is a good enough writer that she was able to keep things fresh and new. Brianna was pretty much your typical heroine, so I think I enjoyed Colleen's story a bit more. I tend to enjoy the characters who start in a "bad place" and gradually become better, as opposed to the characters who start out already "perfect". It just adds more depth and meaning to the story, in my opinion. So while it certainly wasn't a book that I absolutely loved and just couldn't put down, it was pretty good for its genre, so I give it a good 4 out of 5.<br />
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I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.</div>
<br />Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-22990772182472811622017-02-15T12:40:00.001-08:002017-02-15T12:40:15.394-08:00Book review: Eat Beautiful<div style="text-align: center;">
Eat Beautiful:</div>
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Food and Recipes to Nourish Your Skin From the Inside Out</div>
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by Wendy Rowe<br />
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Beauty is as much about good health as the way you look. In <i>Eat Beautiful, </i>Wendy Rowe shows you how to achieve amazing skin, with 70 delicious recipes based on nutrient-boosting ingredients.<br />
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This is a really nice "cookbook". Not only does it contain lots of yummy recipes, but it is also full of nutritional and skincare tips, as well as lists of foods and ingredients and what they are good for. I love that it is seperated into seasons, with recipes containing ingredients that are easier to get your hands on for each corresponding season. I have only tried one recipe from it, a smoothie that we happened to already have most of the ingredients on hand, but I look forward to trying more! This seems to be a really nice book, and is also visually appealing with a nice hardcover in a pretty blush color with bronzy gold lettering! If you're into eating healhty, and/or are looking to improve your complexion through eating the right foods, I definitely recommend this book!<br />
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I received a free copy of this book from the publishers in exchange for my honest review.<br />
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Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-92104602417599955792016-12-21T18:11:00.001-08:002016-12-21T18:11:11.244-08:00Review: Newton & PollyNewton & Polly: A Novel of Amazing Grace by Jody Hedlund<br />
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"AMAZING GRACE! HOW SWEET THE SOUND<br />
THAT SAVED A WRETCH LIKE ME!<br />
I ONCE WAS LOST, BUT NOW AM FOUND . . . "<br />
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Now remembered as the author of the world's most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty is to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father---until the night he hears Polly Catlett's enchanting voice, caroling. He's immediately smitten and determined to win her affection.<br />
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An intense connection quickly forms between the two, but John's reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life are concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern leaves John imprisoned and bound, Polly must choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves?<br />
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Step back through the pages of history, to uncover the true love story behind a song that continues to stir the hearts and ignite the faith of millions around the globe.<br />
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I really enjoyed Jody Hedlund's story of Luther and Katharina, so I was excited to get my hands on this book! I'm not sure I liked it as well as the other, but it was still a very interesting story. It was neat to learn about John Newton and all that he went through in his life. I do feel that the story was just a tad bit repetitive with John seeing Polly, then going out to sea, then seeing Polly, and so on, and I also felt that there could have been a bit more with Polly, but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless. Perhaps a bit slow at parts, but then there were the more fast-paced parts that grabbed my attention. A 4 out of 5 from me, and I look forward to reading more by this author!<br />
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I was provided a free copy of this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for my honest review.Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-46375630671730665002016-11-15T18:58:00.000-08:002016-11-15T18:58:08.400-08:00Book review: A Noble MasqueradeA Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter<div>
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Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother's old school friend, the Duke of Marshington. Since she's never actually met the man, she has no intention of ever sending the letters and is mortified when her brother's mysterious new valet, Marlow, mistakenly mails one of the letters to the unsuspecting duke.</div>
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Shockingly, this breach of etiquette results in a reply from the duke that soon leads to a lively correspondence. Insecurity about her previous lack of suitors soon becomes confusion as Miranda finds herself equally intrigued by Marlow, a man she has come to depend upon but whose behavior grows more suspicious by the day. As the secret goings-on at her family's estate come to light, one thing is certain: Miranda's heart is far from all that's at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.</div>
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This book was not terrible but nor was it incredible. I really enjoyed the first half of it when Miranda was exchanging letters with the duke, but then it took a boring turn as the second half was filled the London season of parties and suitors calling on Miranda and her sister at their home. That may sound exciting to some, but it was just too much of the same ol', same ol' for me. There was some action toward the end and the excitement picked up some, but even so I still found myself becoming a bit bored. It was decently written and all, just too much like other books I have read before. A 3 star rating from me.</div>
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I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.</div>
Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-9579157887651576722016-09-20T12:32:00.000-07:002016-09-20T12:32:12.584-07:00Book review: JuneJune by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore<br />
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Twenty-five-year-old Cassie Danvers is holed up in her family's crumbling mansion in rural St. Jude, Ohio, mourning the loss of the woman who raised her---her grandmother June. But the shriek of the rusted doorbell forces her out of isolation. Cassie has been named the sole heir to legendary matinee idol Jack Montgomer's vast fortune. How did Jack Montgomery know her name? Could he have crossed paths with her grandmother all those years ago? What other shocking secrets lie in wait behind the oak doors of June's once-stately home?<br />
Soon Jack's famous daughters arrive, determined to wrestle Cassie away from the inheritance they feel is their due. Together, they all come to discover the true reasons for June's silence about that long-ago summer, when Hollywoo came to town, and June's and Jack's lives were forever altered by murder, blackmail, and betrayal. As this page-turner shifts between past and present, Cassie and her guests are forced to rexamine their legacies, their definition of family, and what it truly means to love someone, steadfastly, across the ages.<br />
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While this book was very well written, I can't give it a high review. It's not a Christian book and me being a Christian I just found it to be much too worldly. I read most of it but decided not to finish it because of this. It does have an interesting storyline and keeps you wanting to know what happens next, and I did skim the last chapter to see how it ends. Overall, well-written but not something I feel comfortable reading. The cover and book iself is really pretty though!<br />
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I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.</div>
<br />Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-60433307634505967122016-09-08T10:51:00.001-07:002016-09-08T10:51:37.455-07:00Book Review: Wolves Among Us<div style="text-align: center;">
Wolves Among Us</div>
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by Ginger Garrett</div>
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Sometimes a savior can</div>
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bring destruction.</div>
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Sometimes a doubter can </div>
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save a town.</div>
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Dinfoil, Germany, 1538. When a double murder stirs up fears,</div>
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the village priest sends for help. But the charismatic Inquisitor who answers</div>
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the call brings a deadly mix of spiritual fervor and self-deceptive evil. Under</div>
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his influence, fear, guilt, and suspicion of women take a deadly turn. Pious</div>
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and heretic alike become victims of witch-hunting zealots. In the midst of</div>
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this nightmare, a doubting priest and an unloved wife---a secret friend of</div>
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the recently martyred William Tyndale---somehow manage to hear another</div>
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voice . . . and discover the power of love and fear.</div>
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This book was nothing spectacular. It wasn't very well-written in my opinion and lacked depth. It was dealing with deep issues and topics, but there was no feeling of deepness or connection to any of the characters. Most were very naive and didn't even react much to situations that you would be sure they should react to! Anyway, it had a few interesting parts, especially toward the end, and it was overall an okay book, not awful or anything, just not great. It was kind of weird too. So I guess I would give it a 3 out of 5.</div>
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Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-77101233029160329882016-08-22T12:42:00.002-07:002016-08-22T12:42:57.478-07:00Book Review: The Midwife's Tale<div style="text-align: center;">
The Midwife's Tale </div>
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by Delia Parr </div>
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(At Home In Trinity book 1)</div>
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From the back cover:</div>
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Martha Cade comes from a long line of midwives who have served the families of Trinity, Pennsylvania for generations. A widow with two grown children, she's hopeful that her daughter will follow in her footsteps, but when Victoria runs off, Martha's world is shattered.</div>
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Worse, a new doctor has arrived in town, threatening her job, and she can't remember a time when her faith has been tested more. Still determined to do the work she knows God intended for her, Martha is unprepared for all that waits ahead. Whether it's trying to stop a town scandal, mending broken relationship, or feeling the first whispers of an unexpected romance, she faces every trial and every opportunity with hope and faith.</div>
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I hate to give negative reviews, but sometimes it can't be helped. This book was, for the most part, extremely boring. I feel like it could have been done way better, as there were some good ideas and plots presented, but unfortunately, they were nothing more than ideas, because hardly anything happened in this book. </div>
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(SPOILERS AHEAD) By the end of chapter one Martha finds out that her daughter has run off with a troupe of traveling actors and decides she should leave to try and find her. At that point, I'm thinking, "Oh, exciting! Already the book is starting off with a journey! Maybe it will even switch to Victoria's POV and show some snippets of her life as a traveling actor!" Not so. Chapter two starts off with Martha <i>returning</i> from her journey three months later and then gives us a hardy dose of narrative summary of how she failed to find Victoria and what happened on her journey. In fact, whenever anything exciting was about to happen in this book it skipped over it and instead tells us how it went in the next chapter or scene. When I read a book, I want to be thrown right into the action, I want to experience everything right along with the characters. I do not want to read about how it all went down after it's over with. No thank you. </div>
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The book did have a <i>few </i>exciting, right there in the action scenes, but not enough to really count. So basically the book was about Martha wandering around the town <i>thinking</i> about how she's failed as a mother, <i>thinking</i> about what she's going to do. She eats a ton of sweets, befriends a bird and a little boy, and there are a few birth scenes, but really not as many as there should have been considering the book's title. And then there's her love interest... at least I think he was her love interest?? I don't know, because they loved each other in the past but now all she does is <i>think</i> about how she turned him down in the past and is now confused about her feelings for him, and said love interest might as well have been a cardboard cutout. </div>
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One thing I did like was the friendship that started to grow between Martha and the new doctor who moved into town. (Maybe <i>he</i> was the love interest?? But he's young enough to be her son!) </div>
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So, in conclusion, I feel like this book was sorely lacking, and that the author might have had a good idea for a book ending, or a series, but had to come up with some kind of beginning and middle so she threw some stuff in that was pretty irrelevant to the plot. I have a feeling the next book might dive into more action and finally get things rolling, but if that's the case, this book really didn't need to exist, and unfortunately I won't know because I have no interest in reading the next book in the series. </div>
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I give this book a rating of 2.5 out of 5 because of the ideas that were good, the few scenes that did grip my interest, and the friendship between Martha and Doctor McMillan. (and I also enjoyed learning a bit about what midwifery was like back in those days).</div>
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I was provided a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.</div>
Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-20279056953896244302016-08-13T12:56:00.002-07:002016-08-13T12:56:50.729-07:00Book Review: Guide Me Home<div style="text-align: center;">
Guide Me Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer</div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">Working as a guide in Mammoth Cave might allow</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">Rebekah the chance to bring joy back to her family.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;">But will the cave claim more than it gives?</span></div>
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After tragedy leaves its mark on Rebekah Hardin's family, she plans to help her parents and six siblings honor her beloved brother's memory and alleviate their poverty by working as a guide in the dangerous cave system. Kentucky's renowned Mammoth Cave presents profitable opportunities for hardworking, capable <i>men. </i>But Rebekah is determined, and if it means presenting herself as a <i>himself, </i>then she's up to the job.</div>
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Under the wing of experienced guide Tolly Sandford, "Reb" begins to learn the complexities of the cave. The two are joined by an aspiring young cartographer, Devlin Bale. The university student has traveled to the hill country to map tunnels---not to fall for a girl in disguise. </div>
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Can the God who designed miles of underground astonishment shape Devlin's ambitious plans and free Reb from the weight of her past?</div>
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Kim Vogel Sawyer is one of my favorite authors and once again she did not disappoint. She always keeps her stories moving, never lingering too long on the same scene or bogging the story down with too much description. I like that the idea for this story is new and fresh; how many stories can you think of that the plot centers around a cave? She did well writing it, and it kept me interested as far as plot. However, I didn't much like either of the two main characters. They just felt a little bland in my opinion, and it was like they fell in love simply because they were the hero and heroine and that's what was supposed to happen. There was no chemistry between them, no real <i>reason </i>for them to fall in love. Honestly, my favorite character was Rebekah's sister, who had a side story in the novel. I don't know if this will be part of a series, but if so, I hope the next book is about her! </div>
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Also, there seemed to be a few plot holes and it felt like the story hadn't fully concluded by the end (which is another reason I'm hoping for a sequel!). I give the book 4 out of 5 for the original plot, good writing, and interesting side characters. Overall an enjoyable read!</div>
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Many thanks to Waterbrook Press for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.</div>
Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-45749945061464157722016-08-08T20:13:00.002-07:002016-08-08T20:13:54.061-07:00Book review: The Well<div style="text-align: center;">
The Well by Stephanie Landsem</div>
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COULD HE BE THE ONE</div>
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WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR?</div>
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For the women of the Samaritan village of Sychar, the well is a place of blessing---the place where they gather to draw their water and share their lives---but not for Mara. Shunned for the many sins of her mother, Nava, Mara struggles against the constant threats of starvation or exile.</div>
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Mara and Nava's lives are forever changed with the arrival of two men: Shem, a mysterious young man from Caesarea, and Jesus, a Jewish teacher. Nava is transformed by Jesus, but his teachings come too late and she is stoned by the unforgiving villagers. Desperate to save her dying mother, Mara and Shem embark on a journey to seek Jesus' help---a journey that brings unexpected love and unimaginable heartbreak.</div>
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For some reason I find it difficult to write a review for this book, but it isn't because it wasn't good. This book was, in fact, a masterpiece. If you know me at all you'll know that coming from me, it must be a good book. </div>
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Landsem had me captivated by the first page with her vivid descriptions and ability to keep the story flowing without feeling too rushed. Not to mention, her phenomenal skills at storytelling! This book was brilliantly written and had everything a good book should have. It kept my interest throughout the entire book and I eagerly gobbled it up in less than a week. It is now easily one of the best books I have ever read. It had the ability to make me cry at parts, which is also really something coming from me! Maybe some people don't like books that make them cry, but to me, it just makes the book that much better! It shows supurb skills in writing on the author's part, which is admirable and inspiring to me. This was the first book I've had the pleasure of reading by this author, and now I hope to be able to read her others! It easily receives a 5 out of 5 star rating from me, and if you are a fan of biblical fiction, or any Christian fiction, I highly recommend it! (Thanks to my niece for letting me borrow it!)</div>
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Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-66212470107952885542016-07-30T19:13:00.000-07:002016-07-30T19:13:08.438-07:00Book review: Shadow of the Mountain: ExodusShadow of the Mountain: Exodus by Cliff Graham<br />
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"MAY IT BE WRITTEN THAT MY WOMAN LOVED ME,</div>
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MY CHILDREN ADMIRED ME,</div>
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AND THE ENEMY FEARED ME."</div>
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- CALEB</div>
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Two men were brave enough to tell the truth about what awaited the liberated Hebrews in the Promised Land. This is their story. From the slave pits of Egypts to the efforts of an eighty-five year-old Caleb as he battles the last of a race of fearsome giants, <i>Shadow of the Mountain </i>is a vivid portrait of two of God's chosen champions, and a meditation on masculine mentorship and the challenges and blessings of growing older.</div>
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<i>Exodus</i>, the first volume of Graham's Old Testament saga, begins with Caleb as he prepares to attack the fortified city he has claimed for his inheritance. He refuses to spend his twilight years resting, and instead is driven to claim the victory the Lord promised him decades previously. Capturing Caleb's early days as a mercenary for Pharaoh in Egypt watching the Hebrews suffer under the yoke of slavery, through a desperate fight with Anakite giants in the dark forests of the Israelite hill country, this is a story filled with the epic battles, gritty intensity, and supernatural events that made Graham's LION OF WAR serios a hit. <i>Shadow of the Mountain </i>is destined to ignite a love for the Scriptures in popular culture.</div>
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I really enjoyed this book! It was fast moving and action-packed, which is what I often crave in novels. The story takes place in two different settings, that of the elderly Caleb telling the story of his youth to his nephew as they prepare for battle, and the actual story he tells. With Caleb not being mentioned much in the bible, Graham wove his own tale of how his life might have been, and the result was a captivating tale. At the end of the book Graham states: <i>My purpose is not to invent an elaborate backstory because I felt the Bible was insufficient; it is to create a way for the reader to encounter the events of Exodus as the Egyptians themselves might have known them.</i></div>
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His story is well-written and will keep you wanting to read more. I was especially taken in by the part with the plagues of Egypt. The whole book was written vividly and it was easy to imagine everything as it was explained, without being overly descriptive. Some of the battles were a little long for my taste, but that's about it. It was also extremely gory, so I would not recommend it for those who can't handle blood and strong violence. It even made me cringe at a few parts, and I have a pretty high tolerance for that sort of stuff. </div>
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But overall a very good read and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys Biblical fiction and can handle the gore.</div>
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I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.</div>
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Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-41378180688079385872016-07-23T18:10:00.001-07:002016-07-23T18:10:09.860-07:00Book Review: A Refuge at Highland HallA Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky<br />
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From the back cover:<br />
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<i>The Great War shakes the world of a spirited young woman and the brave British pilot she loves, taking her from London to her family's magnificent country estate, and sending him into the war-torn skies over France.</i><br />
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Penny Ramsey has always considered Highland Hall her home, but when Britain becomes involved in World War I, she travels to London to help her sister Kate with the eight orphan children she and her husband, Jon, have taken into their home. Doing her part for the war effort takes priority over Penny's dreams of romance until she meets Alex Goodwin, a Royal Naval Air Service pilot in training.<br />
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Alex is determined to prove his worth and do his part to defend his country. Knowing he is heading off for the dangerous assignment of chasing Zeppelins in France, he feels it's unwise to form any romantic attachments. But he can't help admiring the pretty, warm-hearted Penny and wondering what it would be like to find her waiting when he returns home from the war.<br />
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As Penny writes to Alex, their friendship blossoms, and she becomes his tie to home and normalcy as he faces the hardships of war. But being an RNAS pilot means confronting the enemy, and the fallout from those experiences pushes Alex beyond Penny's reach. Can God mend the brokenness left by the losses of war?<br />
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I hate to too harshly critique a piece of literature, because it is a dear thing to me, nor is this a direct jab to the book or its author, but I found this book to be far too slow-paced for my liking. While the story had its strong points, and it was not in the least the worst book I've read, it was certainly not the best. It's more a matter of my own, personal prefernces rather than to how good the book was. In order for me to become enamored by a story, it must be moving forward constantly and speedily, a new scenario popping up in every chapter. The characters must be strong individuals with realistic personalities, fears, and flaws. This book, in terms of that criteria, was mediocre. I found myself becoming bored more than once, and I actually had to force myself to read it because I knew I needed to finish it in order to write this review. I did find parts of the story likeable, especially the side romance that took place between two of the minor characters, and the writing wasn't all bad. There were, however, several typos throughout the book, and I'm fairly certain this was not an advanced reading copy as it did not say so on the cover as they usually do. Also, there were two very similar scenes in the book which I found silly! In both scenes, there was a mail call, and the man whose perspective it is in is hoping he has a letter, but then becomes dissappointed when the stack of mail is depleted and his name wasn't called. But wait! The man announcing who the mail is for reaches again into his bag and pulls out a package, which is in fact for the man in whose perspective it is! This happened twice, to two different characters! Maybe I'm being ridiculous, but I just found it to be redundant. Also, the end of the book felt rather rushed, with poorly worded sentences thrown in. I can often sense a change in an author's writing when a book is nearing its end, like she was coming too close to her deadline and had to hurry to finish it up.<br />
In conclusion, it was not a terrible story, it had its ups and downs, but overall it was just too slow and boring for my taste, though I am sure (and know) that there are others who would enjoy it, as I noticed it has several 5 star reviews on goodreads. Mostly, my opinion is just a personal prefernece.<br />
Because it did have some interesting twists and a few likeable characters, and was clean and Godly, I give it a rating of 3 out of 5.<br />
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I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Press in exchange for my honest review.Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-36337367998843713312016-07-09T16:50:00.000-07:002016-07-09T16:50:41.498-07:00Book Review: AwakeningAwakening by Tracy Higley<br />
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: PTSans; font-weight: 700;">Kallie Andreas is a mystery, even to herself.</span></div>
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Seven years ago Kallie woke up in a New York City museum, injured and traumatized. Alone and unclaimed.</div>
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Despite her shattered memories, she's worked her way into a position as assistant curator in that very museum, and now she wants nothing more than to pursue funding for her project--assembling pieces from the ancient Minoans.</div>
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But then the blackouts start. Lost time, stranded in terrifying danger, frantic visions that can't be real. A threatening phone call may be nothing more than paranoia and madness. Or perhaps not.</div>
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It's time to start seeing her psychiatrist more often.</div>
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Kallie's doctor challenges her to keep a journal, but her writing morphs into something else... What begins as a romantic fairy tale becomes an allegory of a woman plunged into crisis in the ancient past, in the misty islands of Minoan Greece, home to myth and legend.</div>
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When a mysterious billionaire invites Kallie to scour the black market with him for the most valuable of all Minoan treasures, the key to their lost language, Kallie can't resist. Dimitri is wealthy, charming and good-looking, but she's not interested--not in someone who's clearly hiding secrets of his own.</div>
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Together, the two embark on a global quest to find the Key, through some of the most exotic and beautiful locations in the world--unraveling the mystery and pursuing leads, all the while resisting romance in Italy, under the Santorini sun, and among the pyramids of Egypt.</div>
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Meanwhile, Kallie's memories are bleeding through and her journal has turned violent. She's teetering on the verge of a breakthrough, but what devastating truth has she been suppressing?</div>
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When a strange woman who clearly knows Kallie's real identity tries to murder her, it's clear that Kallie's past and present worlds are colliding, in a deadly crisis that will finally reveal the shocking mystery of her past.</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: PTSans; font-weight: 700;">But will the truth leave room for love?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: PTSans;">This was a pretty good book! I love anything to do with treasure hunters, and I loved the locations in this book! It was mysterious and fairly well-written. It kept my interest pretty well, and was an easy book to read, although I did read it kind of slowly. The only things I didn't like was that Kallie turned to an Oracle rather than God, and while it was a clean book there was very little in the way of Christianity. The other thing was that I found Kallie's traveling companions to be extrememly stereotypical and cliche, and that really annoyed me. So those things aside, it was well written and an entertaining, mysterious story. </span></div>
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Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-33216232330564423052016-04-18T16:12:00.000-07:002016-04-18T16:12:04.983-07:00Book review: Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar ChildrenMiss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs<br />
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A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of peculiar photographs. It all waits to be discovered in <i>Miss Peregine's Home For Peculiar Children</i>, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Chidren. As Jacob explores its decaying bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that Miss Peregrine's children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow---impossible though it seems---they may still be alive.<br />
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This was a really good book! Very well written and an engaging and mysterious story that kept me reading at a steady pace, eager to see what happens next. I enjoyed the characters and the setting a lot. I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes these sorts of books! It does have a lot of language and gore, and some things that some would find frightening, so it isn't for everyone. But a very good book, and now I look forward to seeing the movie when it comes out!<br />
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<br />Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-70236138669145780492016-04-13T10:47:00.002-07:002016-04-13T10:47:48.636-07:00Book Review: Beyond All DreamsBeyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden<div>
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Anna O'Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across the baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. Thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, her determination outweighs her shyness and she turns to a dashing congressman for help. </div>
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Luke Callahan was one of the nation's most powerful congressmen before his promising career was shadowed in scandal. Eager to share in a new cause and intrigued by the winsome librarian, he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship.</div>
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From the gilded halls of the Capital to the scholarly archives of the nation's finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth riskig all they've ever dreamed for their futures? </div>
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I inched through this book very slowly at first, but I think it was more due to me not being in much of a reading mood over the winter. Then I picked it up last night and finished it off! I loved the setting and the plot and charatcers were likeable. I especially liked Luke, and Anna reminded me a bit of myself. There were parts that I found to be a bit slow, and then it seemed like the end was on the rushed side, but overall I thoght it to be an enjoyable read. This was the second book I've read by Elizabeth Camden and it surely won't be the last! I like her writing style and she seems to choose very interesting topics, settings, and characters. Her style seems fresh and a little different from your typical Christian historical romance. I don't think I liked this book as well as the other I read by her, "With Every Breath", which I thought was amazing, but this one was still good! I definitely recommend this author to others! </div>
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I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.</div>
Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-15856599535493374412016-01-01T11:35:00.001-08:002016-01-01T11:35:28.977-08:00Books I read in 2015Happy New Year! Here's my collage of the books I read in 2015. I had really hoped to do more reading, but I ended up only reading half the amount of books I read in 2014! So I'm really going to try to make 2016 a better reading year!<br />
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<br />Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-71384607230152778122015-12-31T15:41:00.002-08:002015-12-31T15:41:57.525-08:00Book Review: The Man of the DesertThe Man of the Desert by Grace Livingston Hill<br />
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John Brownleigh had lived the lonely life of a missionary for three years, ministering to his flock of Indians in the desert. Although he longed for companionship, he knew it would take a special type of woman to live his chosen life with him.<br />
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Hazel Radcliffe arrived in Arizona by private car on a passing train. She planned to stay for only one day, but circumstances threw her into deep trouble. Saved by Brownleigh, she felt an immediate attraction for the strong, dedicated man. Could two such different people ever find happiness together? Or was their love fated to be put aside forever?<br />
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I actually read this book a couple months ago and never got around to writing a review for it, so I thought I best do so before the new year! This was a cute, lighthearted little romance story. I enjoyed it pretty well, though at times it got a little too wordy for me, and the perspective was a bit odd, but I think its style was what was popular for the time it was written, so I'm not going to complain too much. Overall a sweet story that could easily be read in just a couple days. A "cozy" read, if you know what I mean!Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-57205972950180939172015-11-30T13:24:00.000-08:002015-11-30T13:24:09.419-08:00Book Review: Doodletopia: Cartoons<div style="text-align: center;">
Doodletopia: Cartoons by Christopher Hart</div>
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Draw, Design, and Color Your Own Super-Fun Cartoon Creations</div>
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This is a neat book for learning to draw cartoons! The book is filled with drawing exercises and step-by-step tutorials that are fun and easy to learn. Unlike some drawing how-to books, this one has you draw right in the pages of the book so you don't have to have your own paper or sketchbook at hand to enjoy it! Plus, the book is laced with humor throughout which makes it even more enjoyable! I've done the first two step-by-step drawings and both proved to be quite simple to draw! Everything is explained quite clearly so it's easy to understand and follow along. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys drawing or wishes to better their skills!<br />
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I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.<br />
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<br />Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-54408069576654115572015-11-07T12:03:00.000-08:002015-11-07T12:03:24.610-08:00Review: The Time Chamber<div style="text-align: center;">
The Time Chamber</div>
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A magical story and coloring book</div>
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by Daria Song</div>
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When a tiny fairy who lives inside a cuckoo clock</div>
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decides to explore the world outside, she discovers a</div>
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human realm where everything is immense and magical.</div>
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Filled with fantastical, intricate pen-and-ink illustrations by artist</div>
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Daria Song, <i>The Time Chamber </i>presents a Korean pop art-inspired </div>
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vision of our world made new---and ready for coloring.</div>
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I've wanted an adult coloring book for some time now so I was excited when </div>
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I saw that Blogging for Books had one available for review! </div>
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This is a gorgeous book with lots of intricate and lovely pictures ready to be colored.</div>
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The cover of the book is also gorgeous and the pages are made of a very sturdy, good quality paper.</div>
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I already colored one of the pages, and look forward to coloring the rest! A very lovely book indeed! I recommend it to anyone who enjoys coloring, young or old! (though it's definitely more geared toward women than men!)</div>
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I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.</div>
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Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-25227692677862151542015-10-31T09:43:00.000-07:002015-10-31T09:43:52.931-07:00Review: Q&A a Day for Creatives<div style="text-align: center;">
Q&A a Day for Creatives</div>
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A 4 year journal</div>
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From the back cover: </div>
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Q&A a Day for Creatives is your go-to source for inspiration, whimsy, and idea generation. Each page of this four-year journal features a compelling question designed to get you thinking, drawing, and dreaming. Open the journal to today's date and fill in the appropriate space as you see fit. (Pencil doodles? Watercolor? Musical scales?) As the journal fills year after year, you'll own a showcase of your ever-growing creative output. </div>
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I am super obsessed with journals, so I was ecstatic to get this! I haven't actually started it yet, but I can tell it will be lots of fun! Some of the prompts seem pretty easy, while others are more thought-provoking, which is nice to get you thinking and get your creative juices flowing! I've flipped through several pages and found lots of prompts that I know I'll really enjoy doing, while there are a few I'm not so excited about, but will be good for getting me outside my comfort zone. The book itself is beautifully put together and of a good, sturdy make. The cover is flexible but not flimsy, and the inside cover is a beautiful sky blue color. The book is a good size and easily lays open for you to do your work. The pages seem to be good quality paper that should hold up through whatever artistic endeavors you put them through. (Though some markers would probably leak through.) I am very pleased with this journal, and can't wait to begin! (The only struggle is deciding whether to start it now or wait until January 1st!)</div>
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I received a copy of this journal for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.</div>
Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466745176232286557.post-48732374838247137172015-10-16T10:51:00.000-07:002015-10-16T10:51:38.418-07:00Book Review: Luther and Katharina<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Luther and Katharina </span></div>
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Jody Hedlund</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">SHE WAS A NUN OF NOBLE BIRTH. HE, A HERETIC,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A REFORMER...AN OUTLAW OF THE HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the sixteenth century, nun Katharina von Bora's fate fell no further than</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">the Abbey. Until she read the writings of Martin Luther.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">His sweeping Catholic church reformation---condemning a cloistered life and</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">promoting the goodness of marriage---awakened her desire for everything she'd</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">been forbidden.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Including Martin Luther himself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Despite the fact that the attraction and tension between them is undeniable,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Luther holds fast to his convictions and remains isolated, refusing to risk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">anyone's life but his own. Katharina longs for love, but is strong-willed. She</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">clings proudly to her class distinction, pining for nobility over the heart of a</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">reformer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They couldn't be more different.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But as the world comes tumbling down around them, and with the threat</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">on Luther's life a constant strain, these unlikely allies forge an unexpected</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">bond of understanding, support, and love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Together, they will alter the religious landscape forever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This was an interesting read. I enjoyed the historical value it held and learning what things were like back then---quite awful, I might say! It was also interesting to learn about Martin Luther and Katharina, and the hardships they faced. It kept my interest through its entirety, and rarely had a dull moment. It was my third read by this author and probably won't be my last. While Jody tends to focus perhaps a bit much on the physical aspect of relationships, her writing is good and she keeps the story flowing at a comfortable pace. I give it four stars.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I received this book for free from Water Brook Press in exchange for my honest review.</span></div>
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<br />Piper Ashleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821466572236418086noreply@blogger.com0