Month: March 2024

Sunday Post: Happy Easter!

BonnieReadsAndWrites17 Comments

Have a Blessed Easter! It celebrates THE most important day for Christians. The day Jesus rose from the dead after sacrificing himself for the sins of all.

I had an egg hunt with my grandkids and did their Easter baskets yesterday. This will be the last time we don’t have a church in the city we live in, since we are moving to Bryson City NC permanently this fall, and our church is there. Really looking forward to that.

Pause in Review Submissions/Acceptances: I’m putting a pause on Review submissions on this site until after I retire and move. My work trip to Germany starts in April and I’m retiring in August and moving in the Fall, so I just will have too much on my plate until about November. I will be requesting fewer reviews on Netgalley as well, but I will still do Netgalley reviews. I will do the occasional book tour and I’ll probably still use BookSirens for Indie reviews.

My reading and blogging will continue, however, and once I get time to go out and sightsee (sitesee?) I should have some great photos.

NEXT WEEK: I leave for Germany on the 5th. There will be lots of reading time on the trip. Once I get situated with internet, etc., I’ll be back to blogging, within a couple of days. I’ll be scheduling out some reviews before I go, so you might not even have time to miss me!

BOOK HAUL

Daughter of two ruthless high-Gradient telepaths, Auden Scott is not the child her Psy parents wanted or expected, even before her brain injury. Her thoughts are scattered, her memories fuzzy—or just terrifyingly blank. The only thing she knows for certain is that she must protect her unborn baby . . . a baby she has no recollection of conceiving and who draws an unnerving depth of interest from her dead mother’s closest associates.

Leopard alpha Remi Denier is a man driven by the primal instinct to protect. Protect his pack, protect his allies . . . and protect the mysterious woman who has become a most unlikely neighbor. With eerie eyes that see too much and a scent that alters in ways disturbing and impossible, Auden Scott is the enemy . . . but nothing about this strange Psy is what it seems, and Remi’s feline heart is as fascinated by her as his human half.

Then Auden asks Remi to help her shatter the wall of secrets that is the Scott bloodline. What they unearth will reveal a nightmare beyond imagination. This time, the battle is to the death. . . .

Hope you had a great week. Happy Easter!

Book Blogger Hop: Bloggers or Professional Book Critics?

BonnieReadsAndWrites7 Comments

I can only speak for myself as a reader. Of course, I’m also a blogger, so maybe that makes me a bit biased. I think power is too strong a word. Influence would be better. I can’t say either bloggers or professional critics have more influence on me either way. I have chosen books that are popular with other bloggers or with critics, but I do not always feel the same way myself. I also often find myself loving books that might not be as popular with others. So, I would say the only thing that influences me is the book itself.

Book Review: The Devil and Mrs. Davenport Review

BonnieReadsAndWrites9 Comments

I reviewed this book for the February issue of Historical Novels Review, the Journal of The Historical Novel Society.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

The bestselling author of The Witch of Tin Mountain and Parting the Veil mines the subtle horrors of 1950s America in a gripping novel about a woman under pressure—from the living and the dead.

The first day of autumn brought the fever, and with the fever came the voices.

Missouri, 1955. Loretta Davenport has led an isolated life as a young mother and a wife to Pete, an ambitious assistant professor at a Bible college. They’re the picture of domestic tranquility—until a local girl is murdered and Loretta begins receiving messages from beyond. Pete dismisses them as delusions of a fevered female imagination. Loretta knows they’re real—and frightening.

Defying Pete’s demands, Loretta finds an encouraging supporter in parapsychologist Dr. Curtis Hansen. He sees a woman with a rare gift, more blessing than curse. With Dr. Hansen’s help, Loretta’s life opens up to an empowering new purpose. But for Pete, the God-fearing image he’s worked so hard to cultivate is under threat. No longer in control of his dutiful wife, he sees the Devil at work.

As Loretta’s powers grow stronger and the pleading spirits beckon, Pete is determined to deliver his wife from evil. To solve the mysteries of the dead, Loretta must first save herself.

BOOK REVIEW

Missouri, 1955. A young girl, Darcy, is missing, which is disturbing enough, but then Loretta Davenport begins seeing visions of the girl’s location, and, sadly, knows where her body can be found. This paranormal ability does not sit well with her husband, a Bible professor at a local college. He’s already upset about her lack of energy and weight gain. Their perfect life seems threatened enough without psychic messages that overwhelm her. After the vision of Darcy, the door to the “other side” seems to open for Loretta, and she begins to see more of the dead. She seeks out a psychologist to try and make sense of it as her life turns upside down.

This story of a 1950s housewife who can suddenly see and receive messages from the dead is so fascinating and compelling that it will be hard to put down. Loretta’s growing abilities and the cracking facade of her life are so well described. The author expertly begins to pull the curtain from Loretta’s marriage and show the truth—her husband is not perfect, and is, in fact, abusive. The combination of a bad marriage and explosive new psychic abilities makes this book shine. The lack of basic rights for women in the 1950s is also explored, as Loretta becomes almost a prisoner in her own home. And a mystery is involved, as Loretta is trying to find Darcy’s killer to save others from the same fate. There is a bit of romance, and a theme of embracing one’s true self. This is a satisfying mix of historical mystery and paranormal fiction that fans of those genres will enjoy. Highly recommended.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paulette Kennedy is the bestselling author of The Witch of Tin Mountain and Parting the Veil, which received the prestigious HNS Review Editor’s Choice Award. She has had a lifelong obsession with the gothic. As a young girl, she spent her summers among the gravestones in her neighborhood cemetery, imagining all sorts of romantic stories for the people buried there.

After her mother introduced her to the Brontës as a teenager, Paulette’s affinity for fog-covered landscapes and haunted heroines only grew, inspiring her to become a writer. Originally from the Missouri Ozarks, she now lives with her family and a menagerie of rescue pets in sunny Southern California, where sometimes, on the very best days, the mountains are wreathed in fog.

You can connect with her on Instagram at @pkennedywrites or her website: http://www.paulettekennedy.com

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | AUDIBLE

*Kindle Unlimited Subscribers can read and listen for free.

Sunday Post: Last Minute Details

BonnieReadsAndWrites15 Comments

Thanks to The Caffeinated Book Reviewer for hosting Sunday Post.

My departure for a two-month work trip to Germany is coming up fast. Our cleaning and getting rid of a lot of stuff continues! I’m leaving on April 5th. If anyone has any international travel or packing tips, I’m all ears. There is a very cool page on Instagram called “The Folding Hacks,” and I’m scouring that trying to learn how to get more into my suitcase, but neatly. I’ll still be posting from Germany, and I’ll be continuing my volunteer work as Indies Co-Editor and as a reviewer for Historical Novels Review, the magazine of The Historical Novel Society.

I am still behind on Goodreads and blog visiting, but I’m hoping to catch up this coming week.

WHAT ARE YOU READING

(Partial blurb from publisher Atria Books) 1918: As the Great War rages, Jessie Carson takes a leave of absence from the New York Public Library to work for the American Committee for Devastated France. Founded by millionaire Anne Morgan, this group of international women help rebuild destroyed French communities just miles from the front. Upon arrival, Jessie strives to establish something that the French have never seen—children’s libraries. She turns ambulances into bookmobiles and trains the first French female librarians. Then she disappears.

WHAT HAVE YOU JUST FINISHED

Historical Fiction combining The Blitz in London with a bookish theme. Loved it.

WHAT ARE YOU READING NEXT

A serial arsonist has burned down another house and two children are missing. Detective Jace Franco is on the case.

This is Book Two of the An American in Paris mysteries, in which Julia Child is a supporting character. I absolutely loved Book One.

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Book Tour and Spotlight: Atom Inc

BonnieReadsAndWrites3 Comments

BOOK DESCRIPTION

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I write what I love to read – big-issue thrillers that are super well-researched inside a complex plot full of twists and turns.

The result of the above is The Race Is On series or TRIO. The best sequence to read it in is as follows:

– MAD, a 120-page prequel novella that you can download from my website

– LEAP, Book 1, kicks off the TRIO series

– Green Ray, Book 2, is set five years after the end of LEAP

– ATOM, INC, Book 3, which picks up immediately from the end of Green Ray

I live in Leeds, UK with the love of my life and our two daughters. It rains a lot in Leeds but that works out well for me – loads of time for research and of course writing!

OC’s Links

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website

Book Links

Goodreads | Buy Links

WWW Wednesday: What Are You Reading?

BonnieReadsAndWrites10 Comments

Welcome to WWW Wednesday! This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived here on Taking on a World of Words. Just answer these three questions: What Are You Reading?, What Did You Just Finish?, What Are You Reading Next?

UPDATE

Because I’ve been so busy, I haven’t been able to provide an update or post much at all. I’m doing Indies Co-Editor duties for Historical Novels Review, the magazine of The Historical Novel Society, while the Indies Editor takes a break. Now that I’m more caught up with that, I can get back to my regular posting. I’m learning a lot about being an editor and having to choose some books and turn some down. It’s tough.

WHAT I”M CURRENTLY READING

I’ve just started A Feather So Black, an audiobook I received from Hachette Audio. I’m behind on this one and it’s already been published, so I hope to get it done soon.

This is a dark fantasy and not my usual choice, but I’m giving it a try.

WHAT I JUST FINISHED

This is another book in the “A Secret Staircase” series. I am going to provide this as a mini review, along with a few others.

WHAT I”M READING NEXT

1857: In a bid to outrun her past, Carrie Ballentyne accepts a nursing position with a doctor in the New Mexico Territory. She knows the journey from New York to Santa Fe will not be easy, but she relishes the adventure. However, nothing could have prepared her for the wilderness she encounters. Its vastness and power are awe-inspiring, stunning in both beauty and brutality. To endure, she must learn to rely on her fellow travelers—and one enigmatic man in particular. As the small, tight-knit group tackles challenge after challenge, she feels her heart opening to this rugged land—and the people willing to risk so much for one another.

Hope you had a great week. What are you reading?

Charlie Hustle by Keith O’Brien #baseball #PeteRose #HallofFame

BonnieReadsAndWrites9 Comments

I grew up in Cincinnati, and I was 11 and 12 years old when the Reds won the World Series in 1975 and 1976. It was a wonderful time. In school, we were shown Pete Rose as an example of how even mundane tasks, like running to an almost sure out at first, can make a difference if you put every effort you have into it, and “hustle.” It changed how many of us looked at even the little things we had to do. For that, plus his stellar body of work in Major League Baseball, he should go into the Hall.

The author makes a great case that Pete is not a nice guy. But that shouldn’t keep him out of the Hall. A lot of people didn’t like Pete, and apparently for good reason. But a lot of people didn’t like Ty Cobb, and he’s in the Hall.

It’s obvious Pete had a gambling problem and that he bet on the Reds, but he never bet against the Reds so he could not be accused of throwing a game. To me, there’s a difference.

Yes, Pete sounds like an asshole who cheated on his wife AND his mistresses, but that is not something that should keep him out of the Hall. I feel the Hall of Fame is about a player’s body of work on the field, and Pete has more than earned it.

For most of the book, the author seemed objective, but I feel that throwing in some unsubstantiated allegations about corking his bats was a low blow, possibly designed to argue against those of us who say that only Pete’s on-field work matters.

In the end, I got the feeling the author doesn’t want Pete in the Hall. I disagree. I originally gave this four stars because it is well-researched, but the author’s bias towards the end has swayed me to change it to three.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

PURCHASE LINKS

*Click on the cover to pre-order this book, which will be released 3/26/2024.

Book Tour and Review: Ride the Mountain by Patrick Gooch

BonnieReadsAndWrites9 Comments

BOOK DESCRIPTION

BOOK REVIEW

Adam Livesey is a downhill skier, and a good one, but his life is about to take an unexpected turn. When he witnesses the death of his friend, a Russian ski jumper, Anatoly Vasiliev, a few whispered, nonsensical words put Adam in danger.

This is an exciting thriller set in the world of competitive skiing. I knew very little about this sport, but I learned a few things, and it was so interesting to follow the life of a competitive skier. I particularly enjoyed the way that skiing was combined with the Russian mafia and politics to create a compelling thriller. There’s even a bit of an enemies-to-lovers romance that fans of that genre will enjoy. This novel has many clever twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and at times when you think the story is over–it’s not. Skiers and fans of thrillers will love this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Zooloo’s Book Tours. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
(In His Own Words)

I studied History of Art, and lectured at the Central School of Art and Design in London. However, marketing was my main occupation; and in this role I have worked for a number of German, American and British companies.

Latterly, I joined the family trade development company, working principally with government departments of foreign countries. To relieve the tedium of long-haul flights and the four walls of rooms in impersonal hotels, I turned to writing.

Over time, I amassed a number of manuscripts, which were stored in the metaphorical bottom drawer. The number grew until, in exasperation, my wife declared I should either attempt to get them published, or she would.

In fact, she did submit the first novel; and, to date, ten have been published.

Patrick’s Social Media:

Twitter | Goodreads

BUY LINK

*Click on cover below for the buy link.

Sunday Post: Busy, Busy, Busy

BonnieReadsAndWrites15 Comments

Thanks to The Caffeinated Book Reviewer for hosting Sunday Post.

Another week went by when I was so busy I couldn’t post much. I wasn’t able to post the reviews I had planned, so some of them will go up today. I’m preparing for my work trip to Germany, finishing up reviews for The Historical Novel Society, and also doing some editing work for them while one of the editors is taking some time off. It’s been a great experience.

NEXT WEEK: I hope to catch up and provide you a lot of good reviews! These include Charlie Hustle, The Ark and the Dove, The Great Divide, and more.

BOOK HAUL:

This is the third book in a fantastic series about a family of safe-cracking criminals who become government spies during WWII.

The Burning Rooms is the third book in a great series of standalone thrillers from Anni Taylor.

I’m off to make lemon bars and chicken parm! So we’re eating well tonight. How was your week?

Book Review: Sisters of Fortune by Anna Lee Huber

BonnieReadsAndWrites8 Comments

Sisters of Fortune introduces us to the real-life Fortune sisters, who boarded the Titanic with their family and had their lives changed forever. The novel is filled with historical facts about the ship and some of its passengers, and the author’s thorough research is obvious.

I had not heard of the Fortune sisters, so this is a new take on the sinking of the Titanic and introduces passengers that many people did not know about. The description of the ship as the sisters boarded is realistic and well done, as the reader can easily imagine the decadence the wealthy sisters enjoyed. The actual disaster and sinking of the Titanic has of course been written about many times before, but the author does a great job of transporting the reader to that tragedy. The characters, both real and fictional, are woven together beautifully into an intriguing story. The author adds a fictional romance to the novel, and it is so compelling and well done.

In Sisters of Fortune, Fiction, Romance, and History are woven together to create a heartbreaking but very memorable story. Anyone interested in the sinking of the Titanic will enjoy this novel.

I received a free copy of this book. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | Google | Kobo