Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Surprised By Love

I have always done my very best to make sure I am kind and honest in my appraisal of the books I review. I understand that everyone has different opinions and tastes in what they read and that every author will write books we like and books we don't...

I'm thrilled to have read many very glowing reviews of Surprised By Love and as I am a HUGE fan of Julie Lessman I'm bummed I can't give it my highest rating, but that doesn't mean it won't be a win for you.

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

I absolutely devoured Julie's first six books. I mean, I really had a hard time putting them down. They are wonderfully written and the characters are deep, rich and intriguing. This new series promised much, though was an intended departure from her pervious style--less passion between characters, etc. Unfortunately, for me this new setting and these new people seemed almost to be a new "version" of the family (and setting) from the previous books which in a way I found confusing. The things they did and the way they communicated (playing games as a family, the heroes giving the heroines pet-names), things that were such a hallmark of the previous family/books-- drew me away from the story. I had a difficult time being hooked into the plot and following who everyone was because of this difficult-to-explain lack of individuality so to speak.

Here's the blurb:

"Shy and unattractive as a child, Megan McClare has always been teased by her classmates. But when she returns home from her senior year in Paris, the wallflower has suddenly blossomed into a beauty. With ambitions to become a lawyer or doctor, Megan accepts an internship at the district attorney's office only to discover that she will be working with Devin Caldwell, a boy who mercilessly mocked her at school--and with whom she was hopelessly enamored. She turns to her dear friend Bram Hughes for support and advice. But Bram's vision is clouded by his sudden unwelcome attraction to a girl he had always thought of as a kid sister. He advises forgiveness, but can he forgive himself for pushing the woman he loves into the arms of another man?"

There's a lot of fun to be had with this idea, but for me, it wasn't a hit.

I don't mean to steer you away from this book or this series, I think everyone needs to come to their own conclusion. This is just the way I felt about this. The first two books were fun, quick reads, but again, just a very different style from her first books.

Have you read it? What did you think? I do absolutely love Julie and I'm looking forward to what she has coming up in the future. :)

(I'm glad this is via cyberspace...that way if you throw tomatoes at me it won't leave a stain. LOL)

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Lady of Eve

On a day like this (only those unfortunate enough to live in Kennewickistan will know what I'm
talking about) there are few of life's pleasures to be enjoyed. THANKFULLY there are books like this!

Book rating: Best of the Best

What would I do without Medieval heroes and heroines that snatch me from this lone and dreary world and carry me into a far better land of promise! SERIOUSLY?! I LOVE this era/setting!! I have completely binged on Tamara Leigh and here is my last review of her's--at least for a few weeks until her next book comes out . . . *wink*

Lady of Eve was all kinds of perfect. If you read Lady at Arms then you are familiar with the hero, and although the heroine is new, she is marvelous! (Actually--as much as I LOVED Lady at Arms, between the two, this one is my favorite!)

Graeye Charwyck hasn't had it easy. And now, called away from her marriage to Christ, her life is thrown into turmoil! She believes there is only one way out--and friends, I can tell you right now her mom wouldn't be happy with what she's chosen to do . . . gulp . . . but the thought of what awaits her is much more terrible. Yet, the consequences for her actions are more than she ever thought they would be . . .

Gilbert Balmaine is a man with a mission. He's tough, he's grumpy and he's fabulous. LOL I am not one to typically fall for brooding heroes, but Gilbert was so alluring with all his frowns and big muscles all over the place. I don't want to give too much away when it comes to these two, but I really liked their tumultuous relationship. It was super rocky at times, and there were points at which I really wondered if they would get together!!

A wonderful read that will surely consume you with its medieval perfection. I feel compelled to tell you, for those readers who try to keep their literary consumption free of all moral mishaps, what Graeye does is not, um, right, but as with Tamara's other books, there's nothing explicit and I personally would definitely consider this a clean read--but I just wanted to tell you because everyone has different opinions/preferences in that regard.

Sigh. I think I'm going to reread this one. Starting today. I need me some Gilbert.

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Lady at Arms

Oh me...oh life.....

I mean, really?! It's been wayyyyyyy too long since I've written a review--because of life--but friends, never fear. I am saving you from this painful dearth with a review that is sure to have you running for this book.

OK, well, my review might not be that great..... It's really the book Tamara Leigh wrote that's so stinkin' fabulous!

Book Rating: Best of the Best

Lady at Arms!!!! Or otherwise titled, "Ranulf the-hero-I-want-to-read-about-over-and-over". Mmmm mmmm GOOD! (Say it like the old Campbell's commercials...)

Maybe I'm biased. Maybe I'm addicted. Maybe I'm crazy--but either way, I'm very, VERY happy when I read a Tamara Leigh book so I don't care what anyone says. If you knew what was good for you, you'd make sure you had all her books on your kindle, em'kay?!

Lady at Arms is all that medieval deliciousness you've come to expect from Tamara. Magnificent setting, wonderful conflict and to-die-for characters. Lizanne is a great heroine, determined to find her attacker of years past and make him pay. She's tough--and I mean, tough!! (And yet, still with that soft femininity she just can't hide.) But, um, Ranulf is tougher--in all those very perfect, masculine ways. :) She believes she's got her man, but quickly finds herself the captured one and everything she thought she knew begins to unravel.... and oh--that's when all the romance and excitement begins!!

I must tell you.... this book is all kinds of romantic--VERY VERY romantic, yet still clean, which is super important to me and one of the reasons I'm so happy to have found Tamara Leigh. Tons of drama, great characters and just a perfectly delightful, exciting historical Christian novel. The rescue at the end of this story satisfied all my girlish desires! (cue soup commercial again...)

If you are gonna get some snow in the next few days and need something to read whilst you snuggle under a blanket, may I suggest inviting Lizanne and Ranulf over for a visit? I do believe you will be quite happy you did...

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

Thursday, November 6, 2014

20 random things you probably didn't want to know about me

I was tagged by a fellow writer/blogger to share with readers some fun facts/trivia about me that you might not already know. It's been eons since I've posted, so I thought this might be fun. Here it goes...

How tall are you?

5.5 and 1/2, though I nearly always claim 5.6 cuz, well, I just do.


Do you have a hidden talent?


I do the best impression on a groper fish you've ever seen.


What's your biggest blog pet-peeve?

Spammers. No, I don't want to see what you're selling on your blog that is totally and completely unrelated to mine!! GAH!


What's your biggest non-blogging pet-peeve?

I have many.... But the biggest one is other people's noise--music, chewing, bad words, crude subject matter. Just be quiet already!


What is your favorite song?

Without a doubt, my favorite song is When You Wish Upon a Star. I love to sing it to my children as a lullaby and even just sing it to myself. (Weird I know...) It's simply the most beautiful combination of word and song I have ever heard.

www,history.org
What's your favorite etsy shop?

Oh man, I am addicted to etsy. I don't have one favorite shop, I have several. And--you guessed it--all my faves are shops that sell 18th century related stuff. *sigh* If only I have a billion dollar, or even just five hundred... LOL


What's your favorite way to spend your free time?

Reading. Or writing.  Or reading.



What is your favorite junk food?

Fritos. Oh yeah!


Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?

No pets. Here's my philosophy: Big pet, big poop. Little pet, little poop. No pet, no poop.



What are your favorite fiction and non fiction books?

Non fiction? Right now I'm a HUGE fan of Nathaniel Philbrick--especially his book on the battle of Bunker hill. He makes history come alive and I seriously can't get enough.

Fiction? Well, if you follow my blog you know that I'm pretty much obsessed with Tamara Leigh right now. My favorite book is her novel titled, The Longing. Bless my soul! If you haven't read it, you are really missing out.


Favorite beauty product?

I like making this organic/natural face mask. I don't know the amount of each, I just add each ingredient until I get the desired consistency--honey, lemon juice and oat flour. Oh man, I love the way my skin feels after ward.


What is the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you?

I came out of the bathroom one time with my skirt tucked into my undies--and NO ONE TOLD ME for like 5 minutes. *facepalm*


What is your favorite beverage?

Huckleberry Italian Soda. With a touch of coconut cream.


What's your favorite movie?

THIS is probably the hardest question. I'm an old movie junky! Two of my all-time favorites are:
The Bachelor and the Bobby-soxer and It Happened One Night. (Very quotable movies!!)

BUT if we are talking about movies that really move you, and stick with you for days after you watch them, I'd have to say Band of Brothers.  I've watched it a hundred times and I'm always moved by it.


What were you in high school: prom queen, nerd, cheerleader, jock, valedictorian, band geek, loner, artist, prep?

I hated public school, I'm not gonna lie. Hated the stupid drama, hated that so many kids were jerks. I was home schooled through middle school and high school so I could focus more on music and acting, also so I could move as quickly through subjects as I wanted. I did do some choir, etc, at the high school in town, but that's about it.


If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

This is tricky for me, cuz I always get really analytical. But if we are simply imagining this for funs and giggles, I would pic a quaint town in the Swiss Alps. *sigh* Such simplicity and beauty! But if we are being practical, I'd probably choose Sandwich, MA. LOL Surprised? HAHA


PC or Mac?

MAC, BABY!!!


Last romantic gesture from a crush, date, boy/girlfriend, spouse?

My husband is very sweet and romantic. He often surprises me with flowers when he comes home from work. I love that!


Favorite Celebrity?

Meh... I don't really have a favorite in Hollywood. My pick would be William and Kate. I adore them!!! I totally watched their entire wedding, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.


Which blogger do you secretly want to be friends with?

I've been following Rel Mollet's blog for like--ever. I would LOVE to be blog friends with her. I'm not even really sure she knows about my blog at all, but that's ok. I'm a slacker when it comes to posts anyway, which makes my review site an embarrassment in comparison to hers. LOL But, honestly, I'm ok with that. :) I'm very happy with my little blog.


That was the last question, ladies!!! Are you relieved??!! Way more than you wanted to know, huh?

I'd love to know more about you! Leave your answer to one of these questions in the comments!!

Be looking for new reviews coming soon!!!

Happy Reading!