Tag Archives: books

Book Reviews- August 2024

4 Sep

In August, I finished two series’ (am still in one though!) and honestly, my reading slowed down a bit, with those being done.

While covering different genres, I do not read anything that has blatant sexual content. I will tell you if there is any sort of such (typically very mild and delicately put) in them and if I don’t think they’d be appropriate for young/teenage readers.

In The Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick- The harrowing tale of a sperm whale aggressively attacking, and sinking, a whaling ship, in 1840, and the subsequent trials of the surviving crew. This is the real-life event that inspired Moby-Dick, and was as big of an event in their time as the sinking of the Titanic was, in ours.

~I heard about this book from a friend and listened to the audiobook via Hoopla. While I’ve never read Moby Dick, I definitely want to, after reading this. I feel like this is a docu-novel. It is interspersed throughout with information that makes the world of the whalers and what they went through being stranded on small boats in the middle of the South Pacific, more understandable and impactful. I’ve always had an affinity for anything nautical, plus it’s history- so I enjoyed this quite a bit, despite the heartbreaking story.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter #7) by J.K. Rowling- In the final installment of the series, we see Harry leaving behind the safety of the Burrow and setting forth on a dangerous and secret mission. Never has he felt so alone, overwhelmed or uncertain about the future. But he must find the strength to go on – and find just how he can defeat Voldemort.

~I’ll admit it, as I was listening to the audiobook, I was thinking that there was yet one more book to the series… This book definitely was a darker story that dealt with so many hard things -death, grief, making the decision you know is right despite everyone saying something else, etc. Certain events left me just staring at my phone in disbelief!! I felt it was a good ending to a fantastic adventure.

Eldest (The Inheritance Cycle #2) by Christopher Paolini- After helping save his new friends from destruction, Eragon must travel, with Saphira, to the elves’ city of Ellesmera for Rider training. He is soon thrust into a whole new world- one where he must take advantage of every moment. Eragon must do all he can as chaos reigns, despite the betrayal that plagues him.

~I feel like, in this one, I found Eragon to be a bit too… teenager-y for me. In the first one, his immaturity made sense and wasn’t too bothersome. While it still did in this one- he’s young, still learning and has been thrust into this important role… it grated a bit. But, I’m not the intended age target for the series, so mostly I was able to brush it off. I thought his training was interesting, and seeing him reunite with Roran was a nice touch of bringing together the old familiar with the new familiar.

Brisingr (The Inheritance Cycle #3) by Christopher Paolini -Very little time has passed since Eragon since uttered the word ‘brisingr’ – the ancient language word for fire, and has been tested to his very soul. He sets off with Roran to help his cousin rescue Katrina who’s being held by the Razac. But he’s bound to many others by promises of loyalty and he must abide by them, even as unrest claims the Varden and he must be an example and encouragement to them all.

~It was nice seeing Eragon grow up in this novel. He does his best to uphold his promises and oaths – but finds that more is needed when he is the Rider among the Varden. I really do like Nasuada, and tend to forget that she also is young. While there is a scene in Eldest that is my favorite of the series, I think this book is my favorite overall.

Inheritance (The Inheritance Cycle #4) by Christopher Paolini – Eragon and Saphira’s journey has been full of victories and heartbreaking loss. They’ve come further than anyone thought they could- but their greatest battle still lays ahead of them. Confronting- and beating- Galbatorix. And if they can’t defeat him, no one can.

~There was so much of this book that I did not remember! I really don’t know what to say about it- seeing how things came together – or fell apart- kept me turning the pages for sure. Nasuada and Murtagh and Roran. Jormundur and Orrin and Orik. Seriously, all the people with all their different personalities and roles… It was a great conclusion although I did have one scene firmly fixed in my memory and I kept waiting for it to happen but it never did… so I don’t know where that ‘memory’ came from… Anyway, very much enjoyed it!

About the B’nai Bagels by E.L. Konigsburg- Mark Seltzer has had it tough lately – losing his best friend and rigorous studying for his Bar Mitzvah, but then his mother becomes the manager of his baseball team, and his brother, the coach. His aggravation knows no limits – and indeed there is skepticism among the whole team. But they’re surprised when ‘Mother Bagel’ and Coach Spencer’s advice starts to bring improvement in all of them. They’re set up to being champs -something impossible the past years- but then Mark hears some startling news.

~ This is a children’s book published in 1969. As such, its style was definitely young for me, but it was still a fun story. There were some subtle references that will make me add a ‘parent’s read first’ caution.

Gaudy Night (Lord Peter Wimsey #12) by Dorothy L Sayers – Harriet Vane, murder mystery author, once accused of murder – only acquitted because of evidence found by Lord Peter Wimsey- puts aside her lingering shame of the trial and goes back to her alma mater – Oxford’s Shrewsbury College. But she soon realizes that her life is in danger again, when she receives the first poison-pen letter. It merely calls her names but they grow ever more threatening and dangerous. Harriet calls in Peter Wimsey to help her- for a killer is hiding among the Shrewsbury College dons.

~This one had such a different… feel than the other ones. The mystery definitely kept me guessing all the way to the end. And, as in the last Harriet point of view story, it was fun seeing Wimsey through a different lens. It was quite interesting reading about an all-female college as well. All in all, I highly enjoyed this one and recommend it.

Busman’s Honeymoon (Lord Peter Wimsey #13) by Dorothy L Sayers – At long last, Lord Peter Wimsey has succeeded in his ardent pursuit of Harriet Vane. They get married and immediately depart for their honeymoon in a picturesque farmhouse. But as soon as they get there – things are not as they anticipated. And when the previous owner is found dead in the cellar, more questions arise. Their honeymoon is suddenly over and Peter and Harriet are on the case as they try and find the identity of the murderer.

~I won’t give any spoilers, but I thought it was fun how this book started out. And then, on to seeing Harriet and Peter so newly married and expecting a tranquil honeymoon… instead they are met with upheaval and spiderwebs and suspicious neighbors and blocked chimneys. I appreciated how Sayer’s wove the mystery with the romance -written perfectly chaste! – so that it flowed and reminded you how little time really had passed since they’d gotten married. All in all, might be one of my favorites of the series.

Currently Reading:

Murtagh (The Inheritance Cycle #5) by Christopher Paolini

Farenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury

The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

Uprooted by Lyn Julius

Choosing a Jewish Life by Anita Diamant

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June and July 2024 Book Reviews

13 Aug

I hope that putting these two months into one blog post isn’t too long for you, my lovely readers. I’m nearing the end of two different series’ and have started (yet again) another series. While I have read a few non-fiction books this summer, I’d like to fit a few more in. As well as starting a Dickens perhaps.

While covering different genres, I do not read anything that has blatant sexual content. I will tell you if there is any sort of such (typically very mild and delicately put) in them and if I don’t think they’d be appropriate for young/teenage readers.

Born of Gilded Mountains by Amanda Dykes- I was so honored to be part of Dykes’ street team and to read her newest book for my honest review! Click the title to see my post about it.

Long Way Round: Chasing Shadows across the World by Ewan McGregor- McGregor and Boorman, celebrities and friends, decide to undertake a motorcycle trip that’s 20,000 miles long. From London to New York they travel through some of the harshest country, and document every step of the way.

~ It was fun to read as they rode through Europe, Asia and Alaska. The sights they saw, the experiences they were able to have and the people they met along the way. The only downside was the swearwords and I think, a few, inappropriate things. It was an enjoyable travel-ogue but I’d only cautiously recommend it.

Have His Carcase (Lord Peter Wimsey #8) by Dorothy L Sayers-We meet Harriet Vane for the second time in this series and this time around, it’s she that finds the corpse. This inevitably unites her with Peter Wimsey again and they set off to solve the lethal mystery. As they do so, avoiding danger as a matter of course, they find themselves becoming more than sleuthing partners.

~It was nice to see Harriet Vane again and I enjoyed how much of the book was in her point of view. It let us see Wimsey through her eyes, and in consequence, get to know him better. The murder mystery was quite complex and interesting, I thought. Another thing I enjoyed was the references to how Harriet thought like a writer. Highly recommend this one!

~Side note, yes these seem to be out of order, but apparently some short stories were also written, and those are, apparently, included in the series order. Articles I’ve read, share that if one skips these and reads only the full-length novels, you won’t miss much. (subjective of course, that). As I tend to prefer books to short stories, this is what I’m doing. Although I’d like to read all of them eventually.

Murder Must Advertise (Lord Peter Wimsey #10) by Dorothy L Sayers- Lord Peter Wimsey is called in to investigate a death that originally looked like an accident. At Pym’s Publicity, a respectable London advertising agency, ad man Victor Dean died after falling down a set of office stairs. But Wimsey soon learns that there’s more to copywriting than meets the eye- a bit of cocaine, blackmail and of course, the five brutal murders that occur in quick succession. This case will require all of Wimsey’s wit and cleverness to avoid being corpse number six.

~ Now, folks, this is the book that started me on this series in the first place. I got an old copy from a library book sale and was instantly intrigued by the title. I, of course, loved the theme of copywriting throughout the story. The case is especially intriguing as it’s not only centered in the agency’s office, but among the high-brow society. This is one of my favorites of the series, for sure.

The Nine Tailors (Lord Peter Wimsey #11) by Dorothy L Sayers- A disfigured corpse is found in a country parish, leaving the rector worried. He pleads with Lord Peter to investigate how the man died, who he was and how he came to be laid to rest…in the unfortunate place he was found.

~The way this story started was quite different, a slower pace, I thought. Actually, the whole story was a slower pace, probably. Anyway, this story talked a lot about bell tolling (apparently they’re called tailors? or is it the bells that are called tailors?) that lost me from time to time although some of it was interesting. I liked the rector – his forgetfulness and humble pride of his parish- and his wife – her gentle reminders to her husband and how she organized ‘everything’ so to help him in his calling. The plot did lose me from time to time, and I’m still not completely certain how it all tied up in the end. But, that’s why I don’t write murder mysteries, ha. Still an interesting story, but not, overall, one of my favorites.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter #6) by J.K. Rowling- The last time Harry saw Professor Dumbledore was when he was battling Lord Voldemort. And now, two weeks before start of term at Hogwarts, Harry is waiting nervously for Dumbledore to arrive at the Dursley’s. However, Harry doesn’t know why Dumbledore is coming – what is it that’s so important it can’t wait until he’s in Hogwarts?

~Ahh, Dumbledore. Seeing him at the Dursley’s was quite entertaining. There were so many more politics in this story -and man, if Rowling didn’t accurately portray the different motivations of those in power… We see more of Snape, Dumbledore and Draco in this story- and some drama between Hermione and Ron. The happy surprise in Harry’s year is that he rises to the top of potions class- all thanks to a tattered copy of the potions textbook whose previous owner was ‘the half-blood prince’ that causes some problems – naturally .

Waiting for Hope: Malachi Study by The Daily Grace Co. – Malachi, as the last book in the old testament, is a lesson on patience and faithfulness through trying times. This study highlights how to follow in God’s people’s footsteps – waiting with hope.

~This is a three week study, helping the reader through dealing with God’s seeming silence and trusting that He is still at work in our lives. Hope is an essential part of faith, isn’t it? Anyway, this study was good – although there were several repetitive questions and that tends to bother me. Obviously, being only a three week study, one can’t dive too in-depth but I did feel that this one stayed on the surface a little too much. The book itself was beautiful.

Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds by Brandon Sanderson- Stephen is a genius, but that comes at a price – his mind creates personalities, he calls them aspects, to contain all the information he can learn in a few hours. But his brain is getting crowded with all these imaginary experts and as he investigates the cases he’s been hired for, he must learn what is happening inside his own head.

~ I’d read this only once before, and as it’s a genre I don’t normally read – thriller-, it was a fun rabbit trail to dive into. Stephen Leeds does all he can to create as normal of a life as he can for himself. The case he investigates is intriguing- a camera that can supposedly take photographs of the past, and what that could mean for the world. I obviously like books dealing with case investigations and this one is no different.. well, it is because it’s a thriller…anyway.

Why The Jews? by Dennis Prager- This book sets out to uncover and understand the antisemitism that started in the ancient world all the way to the modern world.

~A friend recommended this one to me. I am glad I read it even though so much of the content was hard to read about (not surprisingly). I can definitely recommend this book if you’re interested in learning about the unique role that Jews play in human history.

DNF’d:(did not finish) It’s not often I don’t finish a book, but here are two. I won’t go into their synopsis’ here though, if you’re interested, go look them up. Just because they weren’t for me, doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy them!

The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle by Steven Pressfield- This had statements that I didn’t think were appropriate, especially not for a book on creativity. It wasn’t the type of book I was expecting – think more of a read-a-page-a-day. I would’ve gotten through it if it hadn’t been for the other issue.

The Heirs of Falcon Point by Traci Hunter Abramson, Sian Ann Bessey, Paige Edwards and A.L. Sowards- At first, this one sucked me in easily. But as I dove further into the story there got to be more instances of ‘gee that’s convenient’ and over telling. Now both of those are sure-fire ways to pull a reader from a story. Don’t let your hero/heroine know something just to move the plot along. Make them work for it. If you need further examples, watch certain superhero movies where they only survive because the plot needs them to. Anyhow, the over telling was what made me put the book in the donate pile though. I know what staircases look like and I know what people do when they get a phone call. . . As you can tell, these are two issues that drive me a bit batty. Otherwise, I would’ve loved this story. (update: my mom loved this book!)

Currently Reading:

In The Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter #7) by J.K. Rowling

Eldest (The Inheritance Cycle #2) by Christopher Paolini

About the B’nai Bagels by E.L. Konigsburg

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March 2024 Book Reviews

23 Jul

It’s time for book reviews again! I’ve been missing doing these monthly write-ups so I’m going to do my best to keep up with them. I’m actually surprised how many books I’ve read already this year – but I know that audiobooks have had a large role in that! I do try and share with you when I read it via audiobook – and I want to start sharing more about that edition (whether I liked it or not) because the narrator can really make or break it!

Around the World in Seventy-Two Days by Nellie Bly – As a journalist stunt in 1889, Nellie Bly traveled around the world to beat the fictional record of Phineas Fogg. She even made a stop in France to meet Jules Verne.

~I’ve been a fan of Nellie Bly for years now, so reading a book that’s based off the newspaper articles from 1890 was so fascinating. It was fun to read her record of her experiences, and the fact that she was able to meet Verne! I think anyone with a love of Fogg’s journey would enjoy this short read.

Strong Poison (Lord Peter Wimsey, #6) by Dorothy L. Sayers- When a man mysteriously dies from poison, it is his former lover that is investigated. Harriet Vane, mystery writer with a knowledge of poisons, is about to be charged with murder, because the man’s death is eerily similar to a death in one of her books. But Lord Peter Wimsey is determined to prove her innocence.

~I am absolutely loving these Wimsey books. This was the first one with a bit more romance in it but, with a twist than one would expect. Which, I’m coming to realize is very much in line with how Sayers wrote. I feel like this one left me confused a bit more than the others, but as always, I loved Peter and Bunter. I listened to this as audiobook, I believe it was Ian Carmichael narrating.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter #3) by J.K. Rowling – After a long summer with the terrible Dursley’s, Harry can’t wait to start his third year at Hogwarts with his best friends, Ron and Hermione. But when they arrive, things aren’t the same. There’s a mass murderer on the loose and the guards from Azkaban are called to the school.

~Listening to this series slowly has been fun these past months. Jim Dale is the narrator. This book is the one where it really felt like we’ve started to leave the ‘little kid happy’ feel of the previous two books and started feeling the darkness of He Who Must Not Be Named. I did like the puzzle of learning more about Harry’s past and meeting Sirius Black. The Azkaban guards though- messed up for sure. Rowling knew what she was doing when she wrote them. All in all, a fun read with several favorite parts. (honestly, many of those having to do with Sirius).

Easy to Kill by Agatha Christie – Luke Fitzwilliam, retired officer, puts Miss Pinkerton’s story that there’s a murderer on the loose in her small town of Wychwood, and that the local doctor is next, down as fanciful. But when he reads in the paper that both Miss Pinkerton and Dr. Humbleby are dead, he decides there just might be something to it and goes to the small town to investigate.

~This one was a bit off for me in pacing, but I was able to still enjoy the who-dun-it of it all. And I definitely hadn’t guessed it correctly. I did have to turn back a few pages because it so completely caught me off guard. Not a favorite, but still fun.

Padawan by Kiersten White- Obi-Wan Kenobi feels as if his goal of being the best Padawan is almost impossible with his new master, Qui-Gon Jinn. While his friends are going with their masters on missions, he’s stuck researching or sitting in silent contemplation. When Qui-Gon agrees to take him on a mission, but then doesn’t show up the next morning, Obi-Wan impulsively sets off without him. But, arriving at the planet, Kenobi finds a group of teenagers who all seemingly have a connection to the Force. He enjoys the freedom the group offers but not all is as it seems. And danger is getting closer.

~It was fun to read more about when Kenobi was a Padawan and see his interactions with Qui-Gon. The lessons Kenobi goes through in this story were… relatable. Even taking out the Force parts of it. And that is what makes a story one that you keep turning the pages and engaging with the characters. Recommend for Star Wars fans for sure.

Master and Apprentice– Claudia Gray- Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi have been master and apprentice for some time now but they both still struggle in their respective roles. Qui-Gon’s greatest fear is that he will fail his padawan. Obi-Wan respects his master but wonders at the secrets that the man holds. Like why he hadn’t shared that the Jedi Council had asked him to join them? They are assigned a mission to Pijal, on what might be their last one together, and Obi-Wan’s faith in Qui-Gon is tested. Qui-Gon starts to have visions of violent disaster and becomes fully convinced in their truth. But a threat arises that master and apprentice must rise to face together.

~Ahh, Kenobi and Qui-Gon. I enjoyed this one more than the previous s.w. book, perhaps because Obi Wan is older now and he goes on a mission with Qui-Gon. The plot on Pijal was intriguing and seemed to pull the two men in opposite directions. I’d recommend this one even more than Padawan but they were fun to read one right after the other.

In Honor’s Defense (Hanger’s Horsemen, #3) by Karen Witemeyer- Luke Davenport has always been a fighter – for respect, for his country and those who cannot fight. But with his Horsemen friends settled down and married, he looks to tame the wildness within by accepting a job on his own. Damaris Baxter must step out of her comfort zone of invisibility when her brother dies suddenly and leaves her care of his son. She moves to Texas to care for Nathaniel, eager to create a different life for herself and to give her nephew the family he needs. But when questions arise about her brother’s death, and Nathaniel finds himself in deep trouble, Luke is there to help, along with the Horsemen.

~I haven’t read any of other books of this series but I still was able to enjoy it. Luke has a wandering, hurt soul but his faith is a vital part of him even still. I appreciated the internal struggles we saw him go through, and the growth he had. I always love it when a character is named Damaris (I think this is only the second time I’ve seen it actually. The other one is A Woman Named Damaris by Janette Oke). I felt that she acted a bit too far out of her personality at times, even if she is trying to reinvent herself in a new environment, you know? But, on the whole, this was a sweet read. I am intrigued by the rest of the series as well. I got this from the library, always a nice choice for a new read!

Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen – Marly’s father is a recovering prisoner-of-war. So to help him heal, she and her family move from the loud city to the farmhouse on Maple Hill. They share so many adventures in the small town that all help them recover and bond more closely as a family.

~This book won the Newbery Medal in 1957 and I’m not surprised at all. It was a sweet, cute kids book that showed the beauty of nature, family and friends. One also learns a whole lot about harvesting syrup. My niece gave me this book and I’m so glad, because it’s a treasure. This is a middle grade classic.

And that’s it! Come back soon for April’s book reviews!

Have you read any of these books? Did any intrigue you enough to add to your TBR?

~Laura

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Born of Gilded Mountains Book Review

24 Jun

This book by Amanda Dykes was just released this month (June 2024)! The cover is absolutely stunning, isn’t it? Now, this is only the second book of Dykes’ that I’ve read, the first one (and the one that lives in my heart) is Set the Stars Alight. This story felt very different from that one, but that’s the beauty of a good author – their stories aren’t all the same. Really, her ability to draw you into a new world is pretty fantastic. I only hope I can learn to do that with my own novels!

First, here’s the synopsis of Born of Gilded Mountains:

A lost treasure. A riddled quest. The healing power of friendship.

Legends are tucked into every fold of the Colorado mountains surrounding the quaint town of Mercy Peak, where residents are the stuff of tall tales, the peaks are taller still, and a lost treasure has etched mystery into the very terrain.

In 1948, when outsider Mercy Windsor arrives after a scandal shatters her gilded world as Hollywood’s beloved leading lady, she is determined to forge a new life in obscurity in this time-forgotten Colorado haven. She purchases Wildwood, an abandoned estate with a haunting history, and begins to restore it to its former glory.

But as she does, her every move tugs at the threads of the mountain’s lore, unearthing what became of her long-lost pen pal Rusty Bright, and the whereabouts of the infamous Galloping Goose Railcar No. 8, which vanished years ago–along with the mailbag it carried, whose contents could change the course of countless lives. Not to mention the fabled treasure that–if found–could right so many wrongs.

Among the towering mountains that stand as silent witnesses, the ghosts of the past entangle with the courage of the present to find a place where healing, friendship, and hope can abide amid a world forever changed.

Intriguing, isn’t it? I loved getting to see the combination of small mountain town and some of Mercy’s time as a starlet during Hollywood’s golden age. The characters of Mercy Peak were exactly that- characters! The stories and lessons passed on to each other were touching. The hunt for the truth of what happened to Rusty and the railcar were so fun. I thought the ending very touching and sweet and satisfying.

Now, one can’t love absolutely everything about a novel, eh? I found the unique format a bit distracting, but I’m thinking that’s because I was reading it as an e-book. If I had a physical copy and could flip through the pages like I normally do, I don’t think it would’ve been as jarring as it was. It’s a very cool premise, how Dykes did things (no more description, because no spoilers!) but it did pull me from the story occasionally. I found some of the townspeople overly-unique, and overly willing to share their struggles with a (virtual) stranger.

All in all, a fun story that touches on faith, friendship, choosing the life you want to live and incorporating a treasure hunt all in a gorgeous mountain town that made me want to live there. Definitely recommend.

I did receive a free copy of this book for my honest review.

Here’s a link to order your own copy from Baker Book House, Amazon or Bookshop.org (to support independent bookstores) .

~Laura

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Book Reviews Feb 2024

12 Mar

Hello again, fellow readers! I know that audiobooks can be a polarizing topic but let me tell you, if it wasn’t for being able to listen while working up crochet patterns in the evenings and on the weekends, I’d be going slightly insane by this point.

The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club (Lord Peter Wimsey #4) by Dorothy L. Sayers- No one quite knew what time ninety-year old General Fentiman had died but that detail figured in a half million pound inheritance. Lord Peter Wimsey will need all his wits about him as he tries to unravel the mysteries of the lack of a poppy on the old man’s outer coat, how the club’s telephone was repaired without a repairman and how the old man’s knees swung freely when the rest of him was rigid with rigor mortis. His friend’s future is on the line – this is one case that he can’t get wrong.

~ I thoroughly enjoy these murder mysteries set in the 1930s. Peter and his butler and right hand man, Bunter are just my favorite. We can’t leave out Peter’s friend, Parker, either though. This one was different, as so much of the story occured inside the gentleman’s club- the Bellona- and the deceased was a (rather crochety) respected war hero. The twists and turns often left me wondering what- if any- significance there was to the latest revealed fact. Highly recommend!

Babylon’s Ark: The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo by Lawrence Anthony- During the Iraqi war, the only thing that conservationist Lawrence Anthony could think of was the Baghdad zoo that was located in the midst of the crossfire. When he arrives, he learns that combat and looting have killed almost all of the animals in the zoo, but not all. Along with the help of American soldiers and Iraqis, Anthony sets about improving the lives of the animals and turning the bombed-out zoo into a peaceful park.

~I picked this up from Brown Paper Packages Bookmail on Instagram, as it seemed interesting. It was a well written chronicle of Anthony’s time trying to get into Baghdad, saving the lives of the animals in the zoo and any other animals that he could from around the city. It was a potent reminder of how terribly animals can be treated but how, with a little initiative of some good people, things can be changed and improved. Definitely recommend this if you enjoy real-life accounts. It did have some pretty upsetting details of the state some animals were in.

The Davinci Code by Dan Brown – Robert Langdon, symbiologist, is woken in the middle of the night while visiting London to come investigate a crime scene. The curator of the Louvre was murdered inside the museum and the clues that he left are baffling.

~Whatever caused me to decide to read this, I’m not sure. But I did. The mystery-chase-intrigue was what kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed that part a lot, as well as the characters being really well written. For those reasons I could give this five stars.
But, as most probably already know, this is a pretty sacrilegious book. I’m not catholic, but even I found a lot of this… well, maybe not offensive but on that path.
Aside from that, I shy away from reading books that devote time to describing physical bodies and… the like. How it started out was a bit, uhm, much, but minimal enough that I kept reading. But it only increased as the story continued. All in all, I can see why Brown keeps getting published but also why this series in particular is such a controversial topic.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Harry Potter #1) by J.K. Rowling -Harry’s aunt and uncle immediately confiscate an intriguing envelope from a place called Hogwarts. But that one isn’t the only letter to try and reach Harry – although he’s never even heard of Hogwarts before. He’s given a shock when a giant named Rubeus Hagrid arrives and tells Harry that not only is he a wizard, but that he’s been accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!

~I honestly never thought I’d read this series. But, well, we watched the movies over the winter and I was intrigued enough to request the audio book from the library (loving hoopla). How Harry is treated by his aunt and uncle reminds me of the book “A Child Called It’. I liked seeing Harry enter the new fantastical world of magic and how he dealt with the fame that he didn’t know he had. I adore Ron and the Weasleys so much. I wish I’d been as faithful as a student as Hermione is. As a cautious recommendation: obviously this book (and series) deals in magic, so if you’re comfortable with that, I can definitely recommend it. Otherwise, skip over this one! It’s a fun read with a main character who is starting this new adventure/life, but who remains kind and humble.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter #2) by J.K. Rowling- His summer with the Dursley’s has been absolutely miserable and Harry is eagerly looking forward to returning to Hogwarts for his second year. But just as summer break is ending, a strange creature shows up and warns Harry not to return to school or disaster will strike. The creature was correct- Harry’s school year is full of horrors and danger, the most awful thing being that students are getting turned to stone. It could be Draco Malfoy, Hagrid, or even Harry Potter himself!

~The Dursleys really are terrible people. I just need to start with that. They were bad in the first book, but in this one? Geesh. I was glad to see Harry standing up for himself a bit -even if it wasn’t in the best way possible… Anyway, the things that Harry, Hermione and Ron go through are terrifying. Hagrid has a special place in my heart now.

Currently Reading:

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Around the World in Seventy-Two Days by Nellie Bly

Knowing God by J.I. Packer

My goal of reading more classics this year hasn’t gone too well… although Sayer’s books do fit that bill I suppose… But I do want to dive into a Dickens or the like in March.

What are you reading lately? Do you have a book/genre that you’re looking forward to reading?

~Laura

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Favorite Reads of 2023

11 Jan

As an avid reader, it’s always fun to go back through my list of books that I’ve read in a year and choose my favorites. I chose my top six out of sixty-five books. These aren’t in any particular order:

Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L. Sayers – #8 of Lord Peter Wimsey novels. When an employee dies at Pym’s Publicity, a respectable ad agency in London, it looks like an accident. But Lord Peter Wimsey is called in and he finds what’s really going on in the cutthroat world of copywriting.

-I found this while at a library book sale. My copy was published in 1933, hardcover and still has the paper sleeve. So of course, I had to grab it. I’d never read/heard of Sayers before but I’m so glad I snagged it! I’ve since read/listened to another of her Lord Peter Wimsey Novels, Clouds of Witness. I plan on reading more of the series this coming year. (her stories remind me a bit of Agatha Christie!)

Kenobi by John Jackson Miller – Obi-wan must set aside his status as jedi master and become Ben Kenobi as he watches over young Luke Skywalker. But he can’t help but aid the residents of Tattoine.

– This was my first Star Wars novel and since I borrowed it from a friend, I plan on buying my own copy since I’m already wanting to re-read it. It was fun to read about that in-between time that Kenobi went through -the struggles and grief and moments of peace.

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson- Yumi and Painter come from opposite worlds – she from one of gardens and spirits, he from darkness and nightmares. But when their lives become strangely intertwined can they figure out why, and how to help each other?

-I listened to this on audiobook on Spotify as it was part of the Year of Sanderson releases. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was fun to see the events through both Yumi and Painter’s points of view and to be constantly surprised by the revelations. Looking forward to reading/listening to this again!

The Long Patrol by Brian Jacques – The Rapscallion army is on the move after a sound defeat by Lady Cregga Rose Eyes, the Badger Lady of Salamandastron. The hare warriors, the Long Patrol, are on their trail to stop their progress to Redwall. Young Tammo is at the forefront as he chases his life-long dream of joining the Long Patrol.

-I listened to live readings of this from Story Time with Friends but also have a physical copy of it. Once again, the story of Redwall was delightful and full of delicious-sounding food, battles and morals. I love how Jacques weaves a story together.

The Boomerang Clue by Agatha Christie -Bobby didn’t know it when he found a body at the local golf course, but he was very lucky. Not only lucky to have escaped being poisoned, but to have Frankie at his side. Lady Frances Derwant was going to help him find the would-be murderer. But their only clues were a picture and the dead man’s last words- why didn’t they ask Evans?

-I found a hardcover five-in-one edition with this novel at the thrift store in the spring. I’d never read any Christie but had been wanting to give her at try. Six books later… anyway, this one was oddly fun (can murder mysteries be fun?).

Death Comes to Pemberly by P.D. James – Darcy and Elizabeth have been married for six years. Life is idyllic – they have two sons; Bingley and Jane live nearby; Mr. Bennet visits regularly; Georgianna has a promising marriage prospect. But it all comes crashing down when Lydia shows up, hysterical that her husband, Wickham, has been murdered. Both she and Wickham had been banned from Pemberley, but at this news, Elizabeth and Darcy take Lydia in and seek to solve this mystery.

-Brown Paper Packages Bookmail on Instagram was selling this and I just had to give it a shot. Several years ago, I watched the BBC production based on this book and enjoyed it – I probably liked the book even more! A murder mystery set in Pemberley with the beloved Austen characters? What else can you ask for?

Honorable Mentions:

Lumen by J.J. Fischer- #2 of Nightingale Trilogy- Sephone, Dorian and Cass continue their search for the only man who knows how to get to the Reliquary- the elusive Silvertongue. But Sephone’s time is getting short, Dorian is accused of treason and secrets start to drive the three companions apart. What choice will Dorian make when the stakes are at their highest?

-I received an arc for my free honest opinion. If you want to read that blog post, it’s right here. Suffice it to say, I highly enjoyed this sequel to Calor, and will have my own copy soon!

The Daybreakers by Louis L’Amour- When Tye Sackett stepped between his brother, Orrin, and a bullet, both their lives were irrevocably changed. They head west to Santa Fe where Orrin becomes marshal and Tye commands respect without a badge. But their past comes hunting them and one brother must sacrifice so the other’s dreams will be realized.

-I’ve been getting into L’Amour’s more this year thanks to thrift stores and book sales and now have a whole stack of them waiting to be read. This one, however, was an audiobook. I really enjoyed it- I’ve always liked western stories and how L’amour writes them is just nostalgic and lovely. The brother’s journey and relationship was intense, suspenseful and just engrossing.

Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones – #1 of Howl’s Moving Castle series – It’s Sophie’s misfortune to have been born the eldest and so to have the destiny of failure if she leaves home. But when the Witch of the Waste puts a spell on her that turns her into an old woman, Sophie is forced to seek out the one place where the spell could be broken- the wizard Howl’s castle. To do so means dealing with the heartless Howl, make a deal with a fire demon and face the Witch of the Waste head on. Through the journey, she learns that there’s more to Howl, and herself, than she ever dreamed.

-I love the Studio Ghibli movie based off this book so this summer I checked it out of the library. It’s different from the movie of course, Howl is from Wales for one thing! But it was still charming and a delightful tale. After reading it I was inspired to crochet both Howl and Sophie. I want to read more of the series this year!

And that’s it! Even though I did read several others that were quite wonderful! If you want to see my full year of reading, click here to go to Goodreads. It’s always interesting to me to see, at the end of the year, what genres I favored. Especially since I am very much a mood-reader (i.e. I can have the best of intentions to next read a certain book but if it doesn’t strike my fancy in that moment, I’ll grab whatever does.) And this year, the genres were definitely mystery and fantasy. With a lot of westerns thrown in.

I’m hoping to add more classics to my reads this coming year – I’ve picked up Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens and a book about Tchaikovsky that I really want to read, among others! Just in glancing at my bookshelf next to me I see The Velvet Doublet by James Street, Come out of the Kitchen by Alice Duer Miller, Valley of Wild Horses by Zane Grey and You Can’t Go Home Again by Thomas Wolfe. (yes, these are all on my classics shelf!)

I’d love to hear a favorite read of yours! Maybe I’ll add it to my list!

Happy Reading, Laura

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Lumen Book Review

8 Nov

Welcome to The Start of a Good Life! As usual, it’s a book review that’s drawn me back again.

Lumen is by J.J. Fischer and it’s book two of the Nightingale Trilogy. I reviewed book one- Calor here!

As a reminder (and in case you didn’t follow the above link) – Calor is a Christian Fantasy series that’s set sixty years after the apocalypse and trading in memories is a lucrative business. Owning and controlling those who can do so could make a man rich. Sephone Winter escapes her cruel master to help Lord Adamo find the Reliquary and forget his past. Cassius Vera joins them, intent on keeping his past, and abilities hidden.

Lumen picks up soon after the events of Calor- here’s the official synopsis:

What if erasing the past cost more than you were willing to pay?

Having narrowly escaped their enemies, Sephone, Dorian, and Cass continue their search for the elusive Silvertongue, the only one with knowledge of the Reliquary’s whereabouts. But time is running out for Sephone, and with Dorian accused of high treason, the quest takes on a new urgency. 

As secrets from each of their pasts drive a wedge between them, Sephone invests all her hopes in finding her homeland, Lethe—where her family may yet be alive. But nothing about Lethe is as she expects, and disappointment, betrayal, and danger await her at every turn. 

When the truth about the Reliquary’s curse comes to light, the fragile bonds between the unlikely companions are tested like never before. Meanwhile, Dorian faces a terrible choice: to save the life of one who is beginning to mean more to him than the past he’s so desperate to forget, or to save his beloved Caldera from dangers outside and within.

~ Getting to enter the tumultuous world of Caldera again was so wonderful- and worrisome and wondering ‘what in the world do you think you’re doing?’ because sometimes the characters’ choices just stress you out even if you do still kind of understand. (Looking at you, Sephone. And Cass. And Dorian…) I loved the twists and turns and things getting turned upside down on you as you continue through the story. And the ending? Well, that I can describe in three words- Fantastic and heartrending. (and if you read it and wonder how I can react that way to such an ending, well, suffice it to say that I’m a writer too and also I love a good cliffhanger.)

I feel this goes without saying but I will anyway- I highly recommend this Christian Fantasy trilogy that is a retelling of Hans Christian Anderson’s 1843 tale ‘ the Nightingale’, with hints of the tale of Hades and Persephone. It is a clean adventure-romance with wonderfully woven allegories. I could see this being a wonderful Christmas gift for the reader in your life!

It comes out December 5th, 2023, but pre-order is available now! Here’s the link to her Nightingale Trilogy page– just follow the pre-order link to claim your copy of Lumen!

I did receive an ARC of Lumen for my honest opinion.

If you want to check out the other books by Fischer that I’ve reviewed, there’s The Sword in His Hand and The Secret of Fire .

Have you read any Christian Fantasy? What did you think?

~Laura

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The Year of the Bear Book Review

19 Jan

Another book review, friends! I have had this one waiting for me for a bit, and I finally got to reading it. Life is just too much sometimes, you know? But, I want to start out by saying that I did receive this from Ambassador International in exchange for my honest review. I’ll share the synopsis and then will tell you what I thought of it.

When thirteen year old Jason and his dad kill an attacking bear, they don’t know that they’ve left a cub without its mother. When family friend, Sasquot of the Penobscot Indians, learns about it, he decides to teach Jason how to care for the cub and teach it how to survive in the wild. As Jason learns about caring for God’s creatures, he and his father deal with the fact that Jason’s own mother has left them. Jason struggles to find his place at home and school amid racial bigotry and bullies. As the year passes and Jason bonds with the bear cub, he learns valuable lessons about himself and God.

I was intrigued by the idea of a boy’s coming of age alongside a story of a bear. I’ve not read anything by Douglas J. Lanzo but as it was from Ambassador International, I knew it would be a clean story with (most likely) themes of faith throughout. First off, I love the cover they did- it makes me think of Louis L’amour books or the like. I appreciated how faith was intregal to the story- and Sasquot, ah Sasquot was a favorite character of mine. I wish that he were real and that I could have him as a mentor. What a patient, teaching man! I liked learning more about Maine and the Penobscot Indians and wildlife. Jason was a character that came to life for me pretty quickly. I always like a good coming-of-age story and having that wrapped up with how he and his father relate to each other was well done. Another theme was racial bigotry which is of course, so relevant and I appreciated how it was touched on overall.

I enjoyed the core story very much, but I found myself skipping or sometimes actually stopping reading because some of the descriptions/stories were too lengthy and/or unnecessary. I am not sure if part of this is just because I’m not into some of those things much, if at all. I think that if one is passionate about those things, the reader would love that aspect of it. But, for me, it was too much and took away from the story itself.

You can buy the book on Amazon, or on Ambassador’s site.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this book if you’ve read it, or think you might like to give it a try!

~Laura

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Calor Book Review

28 Nov

I’ve been away for far too long. But I come bearing a review for an absolutely wonderful book that you simply must order as soon as it’s available!

Calor by J.J. Fischer is a Christian fantasy novel set sixty years after the apocalypse, where trading in memories is a lucrative business. Sephone Winter is forced by a cruel master to use her unusual ability to numb memories, so that the aristocracy can forget their dark secrets. But Sephone longs to have her memories return- it’s her reason to keep living under Cutter’s thumb.

But while Sephone dreams of remembering, Lord Adamo works toward the day when he will forget his past. He speaks of an ancient relic that has the power to do what both of them want- erasing and returning memories. All he needs is her help to attain it. But not all is as it seems, when it comes to Lord Adamo, and Sephone must decide which path she will take. Helping the young lord forget his past, or traveling to Lethe where she might finally learn who she is.

I can’t even tell you how good this story was. The character arcs and plot twists! The characters themselves! The descriptions of the towns and scenery and- ahhhh. Jewel was basically an instant favorite. Cass was a great addition to the group with his skills, deboiner and yet broken self. Bas and Bear were wonderful bodyguards and friends. Damian as the broken, driven, cynical one that is hiding from himself. And Sephone, hopeful and wondering in this world that she’s seeing for the first time.

This is a retelling of Hans Christian Anderson’s 1843 tale ‘ the Nightingale. (Which, to be honest, I’ve never heard of and definitely want to read now.) Along with hints of the tale of Hades and Persephone.

I highly recommend this book if you’re wanting something that grabs you and doesn’t let you go, even after you’ve finished it. And if you enjoy some fantasy but really don’t want any graphic sensual or fight scenes. This book is as clean as one could hope, with solid storytelling.

It comes out December 6th, 2022, but pre-order is available now! Here’s the link to Fischer’s Calor page , and from there you can follow the link to pre-order. Also, Calor got a Publisher’s Weekly review!

I’ve also reviewed her Decantaria series on SGL – The Sword in His Hand and The Secret of Fire by J.J. Fischer Book Review. Which I enjoyed immensely as well.

I did receive an ARC of Calor for my honest opinion. I’ve had fun being part of Fischer’s street team and cannot wait to read book #2 in this series!

~Laura

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The Secret of Fire by J.J. Fischer Book Review

8 Jun

This is the sequel to The Sword in His Hand that I enjoyed so much. I was able to borrow this copy from a friend, but now that I’ve read it, I’ll definitely end up buying it.

Synopsis: The world of Darcentaria has been changed forever because Julien Arminius opened the door to the Outside. Because of the Outside’s influence, the Rebellion has fallen and El and Torsten are fighting to get back to each other. Through their journeys, they meet unlikely allies and learn surprising truths about each other. As well as the Outside and the beginnings of Darcentaria itself.

Ahhh, El and Torsten. The questions and doubts; the loyalty and sacrifice. El is a strong character that I enjoyed getting to see mature – especially from the first book. Torsten Eisleher has always been a scarred character but in this sequel/finale of the story, you learn even more why and see how he reacts when he comes face to face with who he is. I adored Kit and Creda. Poor Emery as he struggles with who he has become and what he believes. I’ll stop there, let’s just leave it to say that this book engrossed me just as much as the first one did.

The themes of faith and forgiveness were throughout, and I appreciated the scene where a certain hymn is alluded to – no spoilers! The tension rises and falls, leaving you eager to read what’s next but never so much that you just get frustrated with nothing ever going Right. (that’s not just me that struggles with that issue in books, is it?).

The ending was wonderful and satisfying as well as surprising. I really appreciated how Fischer managed to leave me happy and still thinking about how she added a few things that I had not expected. ~Happy Sigh~.

these two juts look so lovely together

Highly recommend you give the Darcentaria Duology a try. Even if you’re not normally a fan of fantasy, give it a go! It’s a clean, faith-filled story with no magic. What more can you ask of, of a great book?

~Laura

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