The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

AMAZON- http://amzn.to/2kFmUzM

MY THOUGHTS:

5/5 STARS

This book can only be described one way, a classic. It's words were like a literary hug... Each one surrounded me, embraced, and slowly seeped into my blood stream. Their impact pulled me in with turmoil and surrounded me with tragedy. It wasn't an easy book to read, but it's one I will never forget.
Liesel may just be my favorite heroine of all time. Her gentleness and immaturity grew into raw bravery and her ugly journey was full of hope. Her story starts with her brother dying and her mother giving her away. She ends up with adoptive parents and a world full of questions. The aggravating boy next door becomes her best friend/first love and a jew moves into her basement. One thing ties all of these things together... Words. The simple, yet complex act of reading brings her family and friends closer. Her papa teaches her love through ink on pages and in the end she returns the favor. Stealing books becomes her thing and what a thing it is...
My heart was filled to the brim while reading this book. It's a different type of historical with a new take on the enemy side. I found myself confused, angry, and sad, but most importantly... overwhelmed by how educated I felt once I finished. The narrator was a unique twist and helped pack the hard punch the story needed. I don't want to say I loved it because to love a story so full of tragedy is a tad morbid, but I did love the overall execution and grit that lined the pages. I loved the love between the characters and I loved the bittersweet ending.

Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley

In 1959 Virginia, the lives of two girls on opposite sides of the battle for civil rights will be changed forever 

Sarah Dunbar is one of the first black students to attend the previously all-white Jefferson High School. An honors student at her old school, she is put into remedial classes, spit on and tormented daily. 

Linda Hairston is the daughter of one of the town's most vocal opponents of school integration. She has been taught all her life that the races should be kept "separate but equal." 

Forced to work together on a school project, Sarah and Linda must confront harsh truths about race, power and the fact that they may be falling for one another. 

Boldly realistic and emotionally compelling, Lies We Tell Ourselvesis a brave and stunning novel about finding truth amid the lies, and finding your voice even when others are determined to silence it. 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/29DW8Q9

MY THOUGHTS:

4/5 STARS

This was a story about pushing boundaries and standing up for what you believe in.

Two girls are on the opposite sides of integration/segregation... One was taught that colored folks are evil and the other was raised to wear dark skin like a medal. Each one has an inner battle they are fighting and together they find an intense connection that helps them overcome fear and find their true selves.

It was a fierce, kind-of-taboo read with emotional gut punches and brutal reality. It takes you back in time and leaves you in the middle of an ugly world full of hatred. Sarah played the hero and Linda the villain. They say opposites attract and that rang so true in this book. Each girl empowered the other. They pulled out strengths from within and showed bravery in a time of fear.

I was intrigued by the history and really felt connected to the characters. It was a slow paced read that left you digest each word and really mull over the feelings each one portrayed. I would have preferred a faster paced book, but all in all, I recommend it to readers that enjoy history. It didn't blow my mind, but it did leave a lasting impression. It taught me important lessons and I can definitely appreciate that. 

Audacity by Melanie Crowder

The inspiring story of Clara Lemlich, whose fight for equal rights led to the largest strike by women in American history

A gorgeously told novel in verse written with intimacy and power, Audacity is inspired by the real-life story of Clara Lemlich, a spirited young woman who emigrated from Russia to New York at the turn of the twentieth century and fought tenaciously for equal rights. Bucking the norms of both her traditional Jewish family and societal conventions, Clara refuses to accept substandard working conditions in the factories on Manhattan's Lower East Side. For years, Clara devotes herself to the labor fight, speaking up for those who suffer in silence. In time, Clara convinces the women in the factories to strike, organize, and unionize, culminating in the famous Uprising of the 20,000. 

Powerful, breathtaking, and inspiring, Audacity is the story of a remarkable young woman, whose passion and selfless devotion to her cause changed the world. 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/29wXThi

MY THOUGHTS:

5/5 STARS

I could use many words to describe this book, but the one that stands out amongst all others is empowerment. Clara was a hero during her time. She immigrated with big dreams, but quickly dropped them for a greater good. She experienced the brutal workforce first-hand and made it her priority to stop it. She fought for fair wages, safe workplaces, freedom from harassment, and so much more. She put all she had into creating a women's union. She was belittled, beaten, laughed at, locked away, and shamed; and yet she never gave up. Her fierce bravery and strong will led her to one of America's greatest historic successes. It wasn't an easy battle, but she used her voice to empower others to use theirs.

Audacity was a book that I will never forget. It had a way of pulling me so deep into the pages that the lines between fiction and reality blurred. Each movement Clara made I felt as if I were making the movement myself. Every laugh directed at her, every punch thrown... I felt it. The words had a way of wrapping themselves around me and pulling me under. It's as if I slowly drowned in a pool of historic tragedy and was resucitated to a new world. Clara made sure that the brutality stopped. She pushed for equal rights and without her, who knows what America would be like today.

I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages. It's a story of ultimate sacrifice and I think all who read it will gain a broader appreciation for those who helped mold our world into what it is today.

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

Winter, 1945. Four teenagers. Four secrets.

Each one born of a different homeland; each one hunted, and haunted, by tragedy, lies…and war.

As thousands of desperate refugees flock to the coast in the midst of a Soviet advance, four paths converge, vying for passage aboard the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises safety and freedom.

Yet not all promises can be kept.

Inspired by the single greatest tragedy in maritime history, bestselling and award-winning author Ruta Sepetys (Between Shades of Gray) lifts the veil on a shockingly little-known casualty of World War II. An illuminating and life-affirming tale of heart and hope.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1rLg7Dz

MY THOUGHTS:

5/5 STARS

"Guilt is a hunter.

I was it's hostage."

Salt to the Sea brought focus to an historic event that deserves the attention of every person in the world. On January 30, 1945, 9,400 lives were taken when their ship to "freedom" was struck by torpedoes and sunk. That is the most human loss in a single ship sinking in history; So why haven't we heard of it before? Why has this important piece of history been wrapped in darkness for so long? I'm not sure, but Ruta Sepeteys brought light to the event with her intricate poetic words and did it the justice it deserved. When I think of this Author I think of what a mastermind she is at bringing history into our lives and making it the present. She weaves epic moments of tragedy and uses words to teach us things we ought to know. Her stories are so potent that sometimes I feel they will swallow me up whole. This book was no different... It was a gut wrenching story of war struggles, history, hope, death, desperation, and love. 

Their were four main characters...

Joana, the nurse.

Emilia, the pregnant polish girl. 

Florian, the mysterious boy with an important mission.

& Alfred, the psychopath sailor that I honestly didn't care for. 

Their lives overlap when they seek out on their personal missions... Emilia encounters Florian and looks to him as a hero. She feels he is vital to her survival so she follows him and forces her presence in his life. When they come across a group of refugees they aren't sure who to trust, but quickly take an interest in the leader Joana. For she is the glue to the group... She mends their wounds. gives encouragement, and shows care when it is needed most. The group consists of a wandering boy, a knowledgeable shoe maker, a whiny giantess, and a blind woman. They each have a brutal story, but have chosen to come together in hopes of finding the happy ending they all crave. Through heart ache and sickness they make their way to the boat that suggests freedom. No one could guess that their fates lie within a steel prison, but it does and quickly, that prison turns into their death sentence. 

This book was epic. I couldn't turn the pages quick enough. I became emotionally invested in the characters and took each word to heart. The writing was exquisite and I was a huge fan of the short chapters that punched a lot of impact. After each character's part I was anxious for another chapter. It really pulled me into the story and left me begging for more. The desperation in the story was one for the books. The emotion seeped from the pages and romance hid deep within the paragraphs. The lies flowed freely and the brutal reality slowly crept in. I don't think I've ever encountered a more well rounded book... It's definitely a top read for 2016. Everyone MUST read it! 

*Even if you don't like history I think you will still enjoy this book. There was a romance that was quite contagious. I loved rooting for their happily ever after.*

'Til Death Do Us Part by Amanda Quick

The author of the New York Times bestseller Garden of Liesreturns to Victorian London in an all-new novel of deadly obsession. 

Calista Langley operates an exclusive “introduction” agency in Victorian London, catering to respectable ladies and gentlemen who find themselves alone in the world. But now, a dangerously obsessed individual has begun sending her trinkets and gifts suitable only for those in deepest mourning—a black mirror, a funeral wreath, a ring set with black jet stone. Each is engraved with her initials.

Desperate for help and fearing that the police will be of no assistance, Calista turns to Trent Hastings, a reclusive author of popular crime novels. Believing that Calista may be taking advantage of his lonely sister, who has become one of her clients, Trent doesn’t trust her. Scarred by his past, he’s learned to keep his emotions at bay, even as an instant attraction threatens his resolve.

But as Trent and Calista comb through files of rejected clients in hopes of identifying her tormentor, it becomes clear that the danger may be coming from Calista’s own secret past—and that only her death will satisfy the stalker... 

AMAZON -> http://amzn.to/1QtnBzu

MY REVIEW

4/5 STARS

This was my first read by Amanda Quick and I was pleasantly surprised. It was rich in historical feels, had an intriguing plot line, and told the story of two unique characters. There was danger, romance, and plenty of mystery. I would call it a romantic Sherlock Holmes of the sorts.

Trent and Calista are entangled in a dangerous web of murders and have to go digging in order to save one another. They search for clues that will point them to the killer, but with each step closer, another murder arises that pulls them in a new direction. I was on the edge of my seat racking brain trying to figure out who it was... Unfortunately, I failed.

What intrigued me most about this book was Trent and his past. I loved that he was scarred and I couldn't wait to hear his story. After I got his answers though my interest in the story faded a smidge. I still enjoyed the plot, but at times it did feel drug out. We get lots of filler information... which isn't a bad thing because we need it, but it did bring the pace down a bit. I think secretly I wanted Trent to be connected to the murder. Now that would have been quite the twister... Plus, it would have put the focus on Trent where I felt it deserved to be. Don't get me wrong I liked Calista, I just found her to be a bit boring. It could have been the time period that made her more reserved and underwhelming, but something about her just didn't work for me.

Overall, I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to other readers. It was quick to pull me into another time period and Trent held me attention through the final page.. I think historical/thriller romance fans will definitely enjoy it. 

The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron Review

A Mysterious painting breathes hope and beauty into the darkest corners of Auschwitz--and the loneliest hearts of Manhattan.

Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at the altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire for distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl--a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.

In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with William Hanover--the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul--who may be the key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together Sera and William slowly unravel the story behind the painting's subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von Bron.

A darling of the Austrian aristocracy of 1942, talented violinist, and daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.

As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds beauty in the most unlikely of places: the grim camps of Auschwitz and the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1O5daqo

 

MY THOUGHTS:

5/5 Stars

 

Oh the feels...
My heart is overwhelmed with joy as I'm writing this review. Let me start by saying that my all time favorite read is The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons. I am constantly trying to find something comparable and am usually left feeling underwhelmed... Well this one may just be the first read that left me with the same mind blowing feeling.

There are two stories within this book. A modern love story and an epic historic romance. One painting connects them all and it is up to Sera and William to find it. Sera has been in search of the mysterious painting for years and William's career and family depends on it. When the two decide to work together, a journey of Christianity, hope, love, and learning to trust again begins. As the pages turn we get to see Sera and William's romance grow and also get the story behind the girl in the painting.

Adele, the well known musician fell in love with the wrong guy, put her life on the line for her friends, and was sent to Auschwitz. Her story was emotional and all-consuming. On one hand we have her falling head over heels in love and on another we have her fighting for her life. I ate up each word and found myself highlighting quotes like crazy. It was an epic love story with the kind of subtle romance that leaves you breathless. It's forbidden and tragic, but so worth the read.

 

 

The one constant in this story is the presence of God. Each and every character had to believe and have hope in order to move forward with their lives. I thought it was an inspirational book with two unforgettable stories. I recommend it to every reader and am now dying to read the next in the series. My new goal is to find a signed copy of this baby!

 

Out of Easy by Ruta Septeys Review

It’s 1950, and as the French Quarter of New Orleans simmers with secrets, seventeen-year-old Josie Moraine is silently stirring a pot of her own. Known among locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie wants more out of life than the Big Easy has to offer.

She devises a plan to get out, but a mysterious death in the Quarter leaves Josie tangled in an investigation that will challenge her allegiance to her mother, her conscience, and Willie Woodley, the brusque madam on Conti Street. Josie is caught between the dream of an elite college and a clandestine underworld. New Orleans lures her in her quest for truth, dangling temptation at every turn, and escalating to the ultimate test.

With characters as captivating as those in her internationally bestselling novel Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys skillfully creates a rich story of secrets, lies, and the haunting reminder that decisions can shape our destiny. 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1PMmdd6

 

My Thoughts:
4/5 Stars

 

This one was a breath of fresh air... I needed something different and Out of Easy exceeded all expectations. It was a historical piece that captured the essence of The French Quarter. It's about a girl that is tied to a brothel and has a Madame as a mother figure. There are a lot of twists and turns, but in the end I was quite satisfied. 

 

The characters in this story captured my heart. Josie was such a strong character. Her mom was worthless and her life wasn't anything to be desired, but she makes the most of it. She works hard and never gives up on her dreams. Her friends may seem underwhelming, but they are kind and she is truly lucky to have them. Her life is made hard by the decisions of her mom. She is tied to a criminal that commits a crime and leaves the town in shambles. Slowly Josie must put the pieces of the puzzle together to uncover the secrets behind the murder. Luckily she has stern Willie in her corner. She was an unconventional character, but I learned to respect her. She cared for Josie and chose to protect her when she had no one else.

 

The theme of the story was murder mystery meets upper/lower class scandal. It was quirky and heartwarming, but also dangerous and tragic. It's basically a tangle of lies with a mild love triangle. Josie has Patrick, the best friend and Jesse the guy that all the ladies love. She has mixed emotions and puts others in front of herself. It takes a bit for her to figure it all out, but she does and the decisions are genius. 

 

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It was a fun, emotional read that pulled me in and left me feeling like I was in the character's shoes. I definitely recommend it to readers that like time period pieces.

If I Should Die Before I Wake by Han Nolan Review

Hilary hates Jews. As part of a neo-Nazi gang in her town, she's finally found a sense of belonging. But when she's critically injured in an accident, everything changes.
Somehow, in her mind, she has become Chana, a Jewish girl fighting for her own life in the ghettos and concentration camps of World War II.
Han Nolan offers powerful insight into one young woman's survival through the Holocaust and another's journey out of hatred and self-loathing.
Reader's guide and an interview with the author included.

 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1KbeS3d

 

MY THOUGHTS:4/5 Stars

 

If you love reading about World War 2 then you most definitely need to read this one! It was a story about two girls that were connected in a significant way, but neither knew it until the very end. One was in a coma and the other was at a working camp. They face their own battles, but lean on one another to escape the darkness. There was guilt... There was hope... There was weakness and there was courage like no other... 

 

If I Should Die Before I Wake was an intense story with graphic, painful moments that brought an abundance of feels. I literally got sick to my stomach while I was reading. The vivid scenes and the heart wrenching deaths pulled me right into the pages. I felt for Chana and wanted to be the one to guide her through the dark times. No matter how weak her body and mind were she always pushed through. She helped others and in the end found that faith was her guidance. Hilary was a tough character for me. She was unlikeable from the beginning, but grew on me as the bitterness faded. The more her life blended with Chana the more she changed for the better. By the end I felt just as connected to her.

 

Overall, I was blown away by the history within the words. The Author made it easy for us to imagine what each character was going through and it really messed with my thoughts. I could feel my moods change with the pages. It was really an all consuming read that opened my eyes to just what took place at Auschwitz.

 

I definitely recommend it to all the history buffs or just someone looking for a unique story with a vivid realness to it.

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers Review

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1XVjhk1

 

MY THOUGHTS:
5/5 STARS

I just finished Grave Mercy and am left aw struck. The world between the pages has managed to lure me in and bury deep within my soul. It was full of suspense, royalty, bitter emotions, and unconditional love. It had many twists and turns that left me on the edge of my seat.

It is a story about a young girl who is convent raised to be an assassin. She is taught all the ways to kill and then sent on missions to look for the marque of death. When she is sent with Duval to the palace her world gets a tad crazy. She isn't sure who to confide in other then fulfilling her service to Mortain and her commitment to the duchess. Secrets have to be revealed and lies have to be uncovered... She doesn't expect to feel anything of the sorts of love, but the match is lit and there is no turning back. In the end a slow burn romance turns into a full burn flame.

I just fell head over heels in love with the characters and quickly became envious and jealous of Ismae. Her life was dangerous, but it was also magical, romantic, and intense. I loved how strong she was and how she always followed her heart no matter the consequence... She was a bada$$ heroine that pulled me in and left me captivated.

Overall, this book exceeded all expectations. It consumed me with it's regal setting and left me wanting to bid the lord good night. I definitely recommend it to all readers! Even if you aren't a YA fan... I still think you will enjoy it.

 



Tatiana & Alexander by Paullina Simons

Tatiana is eighteen years old, pregnant, and widowed when she escapes war-torn Leningrad to find a new life in America. But the ghosts of her past do not rest easily. She becomes consumed by the belief that her husband, Red Army officer Alexander Belov, is still alive and needs her desperately.

Meanwhile, oceans and continents away in the Soviet Union, Alexander barely escapes execution, and is forced to lead a battalion of soldiers considered expendable by the Soviet high command. Yet Alexander is determined to take his men through the ruins of Europe in one last desperate bid to escape Stalin's death machine and somehow find his way to Tatiana once again.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1POiZp7

MY THOUGHTS:
4/5 Stars

Let me start by saying The Bronze Horseman is my all time favorite romance... There is no book that compares and because of these strong feelings, I've put off reading the rest of the series. I was afraid that the others would fall flat in comparison and well... this one was really good, but not nearly as epic as book one. I think because the book was so different with switching povs and different settings, it brought a whole new feel. It was still an excellent read, but I was hoping for more romance. We get a lot of emotion and a lot of war scenes, but Tatiana and Alexander were apart until the last 100 pages.

I really loved Tatiana's parts and I think it's important that we got to experience what Alexander had to deal with, but in all honesty... Less war would have been more appealing for me. I liked the suspense and twists and turns, I just felt like there was a lot of filler information that took away the epic romance feel that book one had. Towards the end I started to feel more compelled by the story and when they finally reunited my heart about burst. I just wanted those feelings earlier in the book...

 

Of course I must read book three now because they are together once again. I can't wait to see what the future holds for them!

The Girl Who Came Home by Hazel Gaynor

A voyage across the ocean becomes the odyssey of a lifetime for a young Irish woman. . . .

Ireland, 1912 . . .

Fourteen members of a small village set sail on RMS Titanic, hoping to find a better life in America. For seventeen-year-old Maggie Murphy, the journey is bittersweet. Though her future lies in an unknown new place, her heart remains in Ireland with Séamus, the sweetheart she left behind. When disaster strikes, Maggie is one of the few passengers in steerage to survive. Waking up alone in a New York hospital, she vows never to speak of the terror and panic of that fateful night again.

Chicago, 1982 . . .

Adrift after the death of her father, Grace Butler struggles to decide what comes next. When her great-grandmother Maggie shares the painful secret about Titanic that she's harbored for almost a lifetime, the revelation gives Grace new direction—and leads both her and Maggie to unexpected reunions with those they thought lost long ago.

Inspired by true events, The Girl Who Came Home poignantly blends fact and fiction to explore the Titanic tragedy's impact and its lasting repercussions on survivors and their descendants.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1Mui8fj

MY THOUGHTS:
4/5 Stars

 

I always love a good story with a bits of history and deep rooted romance. This one did not disappoint in that aspect. Maggie is a character that all readers will love and her romance with Séamus is understated, but beautiful. While it's not overly intimate, it's a classic love story about overcoming tragedy. I loved their journey, but I did have mixed feelings about Grace's story.

 

While I loved the historical aspect and Maggie, I wasn't a huge fan of Grace. There were multiple times I wanted to close the book during her parts, but the journal entries always pulled me back in. I know Grace was an important role in the story, but I just lacked any connection to her. Where with Maggie I felt the romance and emotion pouring off the pages... Grace's character wasn't as well developed. It wasn't until the end that I truly felt the importance of her. Speaking of an ending.... It was AMAZING! I wanted it to be true, but until it was written in ink I wasn't sure what would happen. It really answered all the questions I had.

 

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The history sucked me in with it's rawness and the romance consumed my heart. I was pulling for a happily ever after and I feel satisfied with the way everything came together. I definitely recommend this book to all readers that have a love for history. The story of the Titanic is very important and I loved how a fiction tale captured the essence of reality.

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Lina is just like any other fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl in 1941. She paints, she draws, she gets crushes on boys. Until one night when Soviet officers barge into her home, tearing her family from the comfortable life they've known. Separated from her father, forced onto a crowded and dirty train car, Lina, her mother, and her young brother slowly make their way north, crossing the Arctic Circle, to a work camp in the coldest reaches of Siberia. Here they are forced, under Stalin's orders, to dig for beets and fight for their lives under the cruelest of conditions.

Lina finds solace in her art, meticulously--and at great risk--documenting events by drawing, hoping these messages will make their way to her father's prison camp to let him know they are still alive. It is a long and harrowing journey, spanning years and covering 6,500 miles, but it is through incredible strength, love, and hope that Lina ultimately survives. Between Shades of Gray is a novel that will steal your breath and capture your heart.

 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1Tf53r6

 

MY THOUGHTS:

5/5 STARS

 

Between Shades of Gray grips your heart at page one and slowly begins to dig it's nails in with each page you turn. It's an emotional book about survival and how having hope can make a world of difference.

 

Lina and her family are deported and we get to experience the journey through paragraphs of words. Each sentence holds a certain punch and each tiny mark of punctuation pulls out a new emotion. It's not always pretty, but it's a story that's felt deep within the soul. I couldn't believe all that Lina went through. The way she was treated made me sick. To think that there are people out there that experienced the life in which these characters lived makes my heart hurt. It was an awful way of life and so many were lost during this historical time. Children, adults, women, and men... Some even lost their selves. They were broken down, stripped of all rights, and left with little dignity. It truly makes you appreciate the life you live and all of the privileges that you take for granted each day.

 

I can't say enough good things about this book. The writing was flawless and the story is one that is all consuming. I loved the way everything played out and I especially loved the quaint hints of romance. It wasn't an in your face love, but more of an I will do everything to protect you kind of love. It is definitely going on my all time favorites list. I recommend it to anyone that loves stories with an utter rawness that will leave you breathless at times.

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent Review

A brilliant literary debut, inspired by a true story: the final days of a young woman accused of murder in Iceland in 1829.

Set against Iceland's stark landscape, Hannah Kent brings to vivid life the story of Agnes, who, charged with the brutal murder of her former master, is sent to an isolated farm to await execution.

Horrified at the prospect of housing a convicted murderer, the family at first avoids Agnes. Only Tóti, a priest Agnes has mysteriously chosen to be her spiritual guardian, seeks to understand her. But as Agnes's death looms, the farmer's wife and their daughters learn there is another side to the sensational story they've heard.

Riveting and rich with lyricism, BURIAL RITES evokes a dramatic existence in a distant time and place, and asks the question, how can one woman hope to endure when her life depends upon the stories told by others?

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1KEiDmj

 

MY THOUGHTS:

4.5/5 Stars

 

This book was rich in emotion and vivid in details. It crawled under my skin and tugged at my heart strings. It wasn't a story of redemption, but more of a bittersweet goodbye.

Agnes is convicted of murder and is sentenced to execution. She is sent to live with a family full of mixed emotions to wait out her final days. One daughter feels connected to her, the other despises her. The parents are stern, but slowly soften as time passes. A reverend is sent to be with her to help her find peace and during their meetings a beautiful, heartfelt story is told. Secrets are revealed and true closure is found.

It took me about a week to finish this one, which is long for me, but that's only because there was so much to take in. I loved it because it wasn't the typical story with the mushy romance. It's about life and how love can truly be ugly. It's a historical tale of how things came to be... a retelling of hardships and utter betrayal. It's not light hearted, with a happily ever after, so please if you are a sappy romantic, pass on this one. If want to be sucked into a story full of exquisite writing and mind bending plot, one click today!

HIGHLY RECOMMEND~

Jezebel by K. Larsen Review

30 years of affection.
10 years of soul shattering love.
8 years of happy employment.
2 months of turmoil.
1 week of truth.
A lifetime of betrayal.

Would you have seen it coming?

Annabelle Fortin landed herself in a bit of trouble. Mandated to community service at an assisted living facility for early onset dementia she meets Jezebel, one of the residents. This is the story that unfolds over the course of Annabelle's court ordered six month sentence. Nothing is what it seems.
AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1FWpdS4

 

MY THOUGHTS:
5 HUGE STARS

*I was provided an ARC for an honest review*
This book goes on my top reads of 2015 list. It was truly a beautiful, twisted masterpiece! Romance? Yes! Suspense? Yes! Mind F*? ABSOLUTELY.

 

With one page, I was addicted. The story quickly became my drug of choice. I think it's safe to say that this one is an epic read. It had that addictive feel that pulls a reader in and stays with them long after the last page. It was a story that was filled with characters that you love to hate. I was so conflicted on who to trust and what would happen in the end... The whole time I knew to expect something huge, but in all reality, the twist was MASSIVE. I'm talking jaw on the floor, eyes bulging HUGE! My ideas and thoughts were somewhat on track, but then again, so far away. I will tell you now... Everything you think you know will be tossed out the window with those last pages. It was one heck of an ending!

 

Looking back, I see how well crafted the book really was... It flowed flawlessly and kept you interested to the point of no skimming. Each and every word played an intricate role and I loved every bit of it... From the sweet romance, to the beautiful friendship. From the angst to the ultimate mind f*. It all filled my heart and made a happy reader.

 

I highly recommend this read to everyone that loves their books rich in thought with tons of depth.

The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons

The golden skies, the translucent twilight, the white nights, all hold the promise of youth, of love, of eternal renewal. The war has not yet touched this city of fallen grandeur, or the lives of two sisters, Tatiana and Dasha Metanova, who share a single room in a cramped apartment with their brother and parents. Their world is turned upside down when Hitler's armies attack Russia and begin their unstoppable blitz to Leningrad.

Yet there is light in the darkness. Tatiana meets Alexander, a brave young officer in the Red Army. Strong and self-confident, yet guarding a mysterious and troubled past, he is drawn to Tatiana—and she to him. Starvation, desperation, and fear soon grip their city during the terrible winter of the merciless German siege. Tatiana and Alexander's impossible love threatens to tear the Metanova family apart and expose the dangerous secret Alexander so carefully protects—a secret as devastating as the war itself—as the lovers are swept up in the brutal tides that will change the world and their lives forever.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/16dnR7h
MY THOUGHTS:
5 HUGE STARS

Oh Gosh, I honestly could not swoon more over a book! This one is an epic love story that should not be overlooked. My heart ached and my gut wrenched several times. Everything felt so real and even when the book was closed I was still consumed in the characters lives.

It is a story of hardships, war life, and forbidden romance. The main characters will grab your heart and hold it captive. The romance is so intense. It's not a mushy kind of love, but more of a I'll do anything to be with you kind of love. The sexual tensions pours off the pages and leaves you begging for more. It was intimate, intricate, and just flat out EPIC.

Normally, I have the urge to skim when books are long, but this one held my attention and sucked me in one word at a time. Even now, three days later, I cannot get into another book because my brain is still with Alexander and Tatiana. They were a couple like no other and the story was one I will never forget.

The Bronze Horseman will leave you appreciating the life you live and it will have you holding onto your loved ones a little longer. It is a fictional story based on a past time reality. It will mess with your mind and heart so be prepared!I can't wait to start book two.

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

4.5 out 5 for this angel series

This is another great YA romance series. It is about angels who come to earth to help save a town from danger. None of them expected to become tied to the mortals... but they do and one even finds herself in a love affair. The siblings do not agree with her choices but they soon grow to accept it. There is suspense, love, and even a historical story in this series. Highly recommend it!

Walk of the Spirits by Richie Tankersley Cusick

If you are looking for a historical paranormal read I recommend this 4 out 5.

It starts when a young girl is forced to move to small town St. Yvette, Louisiana. She is torn from everything she knows and is thrown into a group project that turns her life upside down. Her mother has kept her from her grandfather her whole life and she finally knows why. While struggling with seeing dead people and experiencing things they have, her new friends search for the answer.  This book has romance and suspense... Definitely worth reading!