Book Review: Asylum

West Bow publishing describes The Asylum by Ashley HodgesBazer as

“When Chase’s wife, Trista, goes missing, he follows a trail that leads to imprisonment on a space-based facility for the insane. Chase leads a revolt against the doctors and takes control. Other circumstances bring Trista to the ship, but when she encounters Chase, she is different. She calls herself Krissa.”

This science fiction space age book is one that many reviewers loved.  Because this isn’t really the genre of book I normally go for I hesitantly picked this book to read (yes I had a choice between almost 100 books so I could have picked anything…) but  I could not get into it.  I think it’s mostly my feelings on this genre.  It does have a good story line and good interesting characters but I can’t get past the space travel.  For me the book was slow.  Again this could be because this isn’t the kind of book I normally read. 

I hope other people give this book a try.  The author has done a good job writing a science fiction book with good characters and a great meaning woven into the story.

Note: I did receive a copy of this book for free from www.booksneeze.com to read and review.  The opinions above are my own and I was not compensated for a positive review.

Book Review: Fire Prophet

Another Great installment in the series!!  The Fire Prophet by Jerel Law continues the story of Jonah and Eliza with their amazing journey and adventures as quarter angels.  This time there is a worldwide attack on all quarter angels.  Jonah and Eliza, along with their younger brother Jeremiah, have to face another round of battles against Abaddon and all his fallen angels.  Elohim is always there for them and helps them through many battles.  As their talents grow, they also learn to lean on Elohim and each other more and more to succeed. 

I really enjoyed this first book of this series (Spirit Fighter) and the second is no exception.  I know I am not the target audience for these books but I still really enjoyed them. They are a nice quick read with an affirming message of leaning on God and all the amazing things that can happen.  It is also a nice way for kids to understand the unseen spiritual battle that occurs around us every day.  Yes a little exaggerated (I hope) but still a fun insightful introduction.

Note: I did receive a copy of this book for free from www.booksneeze.com to read and review.  The opinions above are my own and I was not compensated for a positive review.

Book Review: Isle of Shadows

The isle of Shadows by Tracy Higley is a story of Tessa, the most famous courtesan on the island.  She hates her life with her current partner Glaucus.  When he unexpectedly dies from an accident, she sees it as her way of attaining freedom.  With the help of two unsuspecting servants a plan is put into motion to save all their lives and the life of everyone on the island. 

I have to say I have read a couple books like this lately and really enjoyed this one.  I don’t know if it was me or the book but I could not get through this book.  There was a lot going on and yet it seemed so slow.  I liked the characters and the plot.  I just couldn’t get excited about the story and it seemed to take forever to get there.

I hope some of you really enjoy this book. This book was a Christy Award finalist for a reason.  I was just unable to get it into it as others had. 

Note: I did receive a copy of this book for free from www.booksneeze.com to read and review.  The opinions above are my own and I was not compensated for a positive review.

Book Review: Marriage of the Hearts

The Marriage of the Heart, Three Novellas by Kelly Long contains the stories The Perfect Secret, Christmas Cradles, and A Marriage of the Heart.  The first novella, the Perfect Secret, was in another Kelly Long novella book, An Amish Wedding.  I enjoyed it then and I enjoyed rereading it now.

Christmas Cradles is a story about Anna who fills in for her Aunt as a midwife on Christmas. As she is called from house to house to help deliver babies, she makes a new connection with her driver.  It’s a great story on new life, forgiveness, and new beginnings.  I was a wonderful quick read.

The Marriage of the Hearts is a story of Abagail and Joseph who are married abruptly without knowing each other well.  As they live out their married life they learn to trust and love each other.  Most of all they gain a family they never had before with each other and their community.

Overall I enjoyed reading these novellas. I’m not the biggest fan of authors reusing their stories in books like this. At first you feel like you are getting more for your money (3 for the price of one) but when you already own books by this author you get less of a deal.

Note: I did receive a free copy of this book from www.booksneeze.com to read and review.  The opinions above are my own and I was not compensated for a positive review.

Book Review: Darkness Rising

Darkness Rising by Lis Whiel and Pete Nelson is the second book in the Salem Series.  I read the first book a while back and love it.  I was so excited to see a second one was available.  I got a copy of it as quickly as I could.

This book picked up right where the last one left off.   The book description is

“The evil in East Salem is no longer content to hide in the shadows. The stakes—and the darkness—are rising.

Dani Harris thought there wasn’t much left that could surprise her after serving as a forensic psychiatrist in East Salem. And Tommy Gunderson has faced few challenges in his life that he couldn’t overcome by either physical strength or his celebrity status.

But as they race to uncover what’s really happening behind the high walls of St. Adrian’s Academy, it becomes clear that supernatural forces have been at work here for generations. And now their focus is on making sure Dani and Tommy don’t interfere.

When the unseen becomes seen, faith is the only weapon strong enough to fight in a battle involving not just murder and betrayal—but angels and demons.”

I would recommend this book series to anyone.  It is a fun fast read.  Although there are a lot of new important character additions in this book, their personalities and interactions with each other help the reader keep track of who is who.  

One of the main things I love about this book is that I can’t guess the ending.  There are a few times you have an idea how certain situations are going to play out but I would never had guessed the ending of this book. I cannot wait for the third installment in the series.

 Note: I did receive a copy of this book from www.booksneeze.com to read and review.  The opinions above are my own and I was not compensated for a positive review.

Book Review: The River

The River by Michael Neale had me with the first chapter.  This is the kind of book that you start and cannot put down.  I could have read it all night (if I didn’t have to work in the morning).

Gabriel Clark was born and raised around the river. His father was a white water instructor and spent all their time hiking, swimming, and kayaking in and around the river until the unfortunate day when he was five years old.  Then everything changed. 

Gabriel couldn’t deny the feeling of the River drawing him but he has learned to fear and hate the river for what it has done to his life. When he comes back years later he searches for the answers to life and how the River fits.

I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.  He author did an amazing job writing the story. The characters are so full of life and depth. 

I can’t wait to read more books my Mr. Neale in the future.

 

Note: I did receive a free copy of The River from www.booksneeze.com to read and review.  The opinions above are my own and I was not compensated for a positive review.  To find out more information you may visit www.booksneeze.com

Book Review: The scent of rain

The Scent of Rain by Kristin Billerbeck is a fun Christian Romantic Comedy about Daphne. Daphne quit her job at the number one perfumery in Paris as a “nose” to move back the US to marry her fiancé Mark and move to Ohio.  When Mark leaves her at the altar, takes her old job, and puts question on her experience she struggles to keep going.  To make all things worse she loses her sense of smell in all the chaos.

At first Jesse did not like the idea of his company who makes cleaning products hiring a “nose” to help increase sales.  Too much was riding on the next quarter and profits had to be made.  Now he had to fit a new salary into the mix. 

Jesse and Daphne have their conflicts from the beginning.  Both have broken hearts and are closed to any close relationship, professional or other.  As they set their plan on tolerating each other for 6 months, connections start to form that throw both their worlds upside down.

 

I really enjoyed this book.  It was a fun romantic comedy to read and different than the books I have been reading lately.  Yes, you know what’s coming… the two people who are thrown together in a less than ideal situation but just happen to complement each other perfectly.. What will happen???

I would recommend this book for someone who wanted to take a relaxing break and just have fun reading. 

 

Note: I was given a copy of this book to read and review for free from www.booksneeze.com.  I was not compensated for a positive review.  The opinions above are my own.