4 Star – Page 24 – Books-n-Kisses

May 23, 2019May 22, 2019

Kelly reviews No Country for Old Gnomes by Delilah Dawson & Kevin Hearne

TITLE: No Country for Old Gnomes
SERIES #: Tale of Pell #2
AUTHOR: Delilah Dawson & Kevin Hearne
NARRATOR: Luke Daniels
PUBLICATION DATE: April 16, 2019
RUN TIME: 14 Hours & 7 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Go big or go gnome. The New York Times bestselling authors of Kill the Farm Boy return to the world of Pell, the irreverent fantasy universe that recalls Monty Python and Terry Pratchett.

The Skyr is a rich, verdant land claimed by both halflings and gnomes. For centuries, the halflings have worked to undermine gnomish power structures and seize total control–through legal means, certainly, but more insidiously through their extensive organized crime network. Now, threatened with being pushed out entirely, the gnomes are desperate and ready to fight back. Gustave the Goat King faces his first test as a leader: Can he bring peace to a fraught region or will a civil war consume the entire kingdom?

REVIEW:
Another excellent installment of the Tales of Pell. No Country for Old Gnomes takes us on a grand adventure that starts with the Gnomes of Pell are being attacked by a group of halflings. It will take a group of unlikely friends to set everything right.

The amazingly talented Luke Daniels narrates this book for us again. Luke does an amazing job of bringing the Tales of Pell characters to life.

This was a great book that introduces us to a group of new characters and we get to see some of our old friends. I really enjoyed the Gnomes, Halfings, Dwarfs and the Gryphon. There are a lot of wonderfully fun characters.

Very much looking forward to The Tales of Pell book 3, The Princess Beard { https://amzn.to/2Ek5Ual} (released October 8th)

Audio Sample:

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and audio review copy from Random House Audio in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

May 15, 2019May 13, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Night Window by Dean Koontz

TITLE: The Night Window
SERIES #: Jane Hawk #5
CHARACTERS: Jane Hawk
AUTHOR: Dean Koontz
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/14/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz brings Jane Hawk’s one-woman war to an explosive climax as the rogue FBI agent wages her final battle against a terrifying conspiracy–for vengeance, for justice, and for humanity’s freedom.

Groundbreaking, wholly involving, eerily prescient and terrifyingly topical, Dean Koontz’s Jane Hawk series sets a new standard for contemporary thrillers. Since her sensational debut in The Silent Corner, readers have been riveted by Jane Hawk’s resolute quest to take down the influential architects of an accelerating operation to control every level of society via an army of mind-altered citizens. At first, only Jane stood against the “Arcadian” conspirators, but slowly others have emerged to stand with her, even as there are troubling signs that the “adjusted” people are beginning to spin viciously out of control. Now, in the thrilling, climactic showdown that will decide America’s future, Jane will require all her resources–and more–as she confronts those at the malevolent, impregnable center of power.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts In the beginning part of the book I thought “same old, same old”. There seemed to be a lot of the same from the other four books in the series. But then I realized it was the last in the series and it made a bit more sense.

The series ended really well. Koontz has a certain way of writing that you either like or don’t. And I am one that fits into the like. There have been books that I haven’t liked, just as with any author, but I felt that Koontz came back to himself in this series.

It was a pleasure reading it and I can’t wait for the next series to begin.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

May 14, 2019May 13, 2019

Kimberly reviews Forever and Ever, Amen by Randy Travis

TITLE: Forever and Ever, Amen
CHARACTERS: Randy Travis
AUTHOR: Randy Travis
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/14/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The long-awaited, deeply personal story of one of American music’s greatest icons, a remarkable tale of the utmost heights of fame and success, the deepest lows of life’s sorrows, and a miraculous return from the brink of death—told as only Randy Travis can.

Beloved around the world, Randy Travis has sold more than 25 million albums in both country and gospel and is considered one of the finest performers of his generation, admired by superstars across the musical landscape, from Garth Brooks to Mick Jagger.

From a working-class background in North Carolina to a job as a cook and club singer in Nashville to his “overnight success” with his smash 1986 album Storms of Life–which launched the neotraditional movement in country music–Randy’s first three decades are a true rags-to-riches story.

But in 2009, this seemingly charmed life began a downward spiral. His marriage dissolved, he discovered that his finances had unraveled, and his struggles with anger led to alcohol abuse, public embarrassment, and even police arrest in 2012.

Then, just as he was putting his life back together, Randy suffered a devastating viral cardiomyopathy that led to a massive stroke which he was not expected to survive. Yet he not only survived but also learned to walk again and in 2016 accepted his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame by singing the hymn that explains his life today: “Amazing Grace.”

Filled with never-before-told stories, Forever and Ever, Amen is a riveting tale of unfathomable success, great joy, deep pain, and redemption that can come only from above.

REVIEW:
I have been a fan of Randy Travis since the 80’s when he turned country music back to what it once was.

Randy Travis gave us back that Hank Williams, Sr. feel and country music changed into the 90’s and even now.

I enjoyed reading his story. Many things I already knew but hearing it first hand seemed different. And I enjoyed the stories that I had never heard. It gave me a new perspective on the legend.

Any fan of country music and especially Randy Travis should pick up this story. It will be a great read for any fan.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

May 9, 2019May 5, 2019

Kimberly reviews Do You Know Your Mom’s Story? by Glenna Mageau

TITLE: Do You Know Your Mom’s Story?
AUTHOR: Glenna Mageau
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/01/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What do you really know about your Mom?

Do you know what her hopes, dreams and desires were? Did she live them?

Your mom is so much more than the woman who raised you. She grew up in a time very different from yours—there were different beliefs, habits, and ways of doing things. Your mom has seen a lot in her life, getting to hear her journey will help you to understand her in a whole new light. Now is the time get to know her and to document her life. The only way to find out about your mom’s story is to ask… because one day she won’t be there anymore.

When we reach old age we should know our lives mattered, that we mattered, that we are loved, happy and feel connected.
This book offers a way to start conversations between you and your mom—in particular, elderly mothers. It is a guide which provides questions to ask, as well as how and when to ask them. Use this as a way to grow, heal and/or mend the relationship between mom and child; preserve this woman’s journey through life and in particular her role as Mom. Her story is her legacy to you.

REVIEW:
I know this is not the normal book that B-n-K reviews but as I turn 50 I begin thinking of my life and if my son knows all my stories. Or at least the ones I want him to know. 🙂

So I picked up this book to start a journal for him. I plan on starting on my 50th birthday and since it has 365 questions it will bring me right to my 51st!

I really enjoyed reading over this book. What I enjoyed most was some of the questions were a bit out of the blue. I have a few books that fall into this subject and while some of the questions are across the board I really liked that some are different and unique.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

May 6, 2019May 5, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Last At-Bat of Shoeless Joe by Granville Wyche Burgess

TITLE: The Last At-Bat of Shoeless Joe
CHARACTERS: Shoeless Joe Jackson
AUTHOR: Granville Wyche Burgess
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/01/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
1951. Greenville, South Carolina.

Jimmy Roberts is the best hitter in this little mill town, and maybe in the whole Textile Baseball League.

He’s got major league potential, and then some.

But to get there, he’ll need a miracle. Or maybe the help of a local drunk and liquor store owner … who just happens to go by the name of “Shoeless Joe.”

“Granville Wyche Burgess is such an amazing talent.” — Patzi Gil, nationally syndicated radio host, Joy on Paper

“In Granville Wyche Burgess’ new novel, Shoeless Joe Jackson of Black Sox fame comes alive in a most ingenious way. He becomes involved in a struggle between good and evil, and in the end you root for him to become the hero he might have become had dark forces not ended his baseball career. If you love baseball, you’ll love this book. If you love books with satisfying endings, you’ll give Joe (and Granville) a standing ovation.” — Peter Golenbock, New York Times bestselling author of Dynasty, The Bronx Zoo (with Sparkly Lyle), Number 1 (with Billy Martin) and Idiot (with Johnny Damon)

“Joseph Jefferson ‘Shoeless Joe’ Jackson passed away in December 1951, three decades after he was laid low by the Black Sox scandal. But the mystique of Shoeless Joe has never left us…. [H]e is now the subject of a remarkable new novel by Granville Wyche Burgess. With a grand slam plot wrapped in lyrical and whimsical prose, Burgess gives us the grit and glory of old time baseball, poignantly reviving the spirit of a fallen hero.” — Raymond Arsenault, author of Freedom Riders, The Sound of Freedom, and Arthur Ashe, A Life

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I had never heard of Shoeless Joe until I watched Field Of Dreams. Whether it was his story or Ray Liotta I will never know but I became a fan of Joe Jackson that very day. Then of course I went and watched Eight Men Out (which had come out before Field Of Dreams) and thought I knew the story. But now I have a different take on what happened.

Some of this is fact and some fiction. Sort of like the Titanic movie. The part of the ship and its passengers were real except Rose and Jack. Will the story of Joe Jackson seems to be real while the story of Jimmy Rogers is fiction.

Jimmy’s story is really good but the parts of Shoeless Joe was what kept me wanting to read this book. Wonderfully written and engrossing. Hope someone sees it and makes it into a movie (hint hint).

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

May 2, 2019April 28, 2019

Kimberly reviews Hide And Seek by Mary Burton

TITLE: Hide and Seek
SERIES #: Criminal Profiler #1
CHARACTERS: Macy & Mike
AUTHOR: Mary Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/23/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s hunting. He’s watching.
Special Agent Macy Crow is a survivor. After a vicious hit-and-run nearly kills her, she gets right back to work, and now she’s gunning for a spot on the FBI’s elite profiling team. As an audition, she offers to investigate the recently discovered bones of Tobi Turner, a high school girl who disappeared fifteen years ago.
While investigating with local sheriff Mike Nevada, a former colleague and onetime lover, Macy discovers a link between Tobi’s case and several others that occurred around the same time as her disappearance. As Macy interviews victims and examines old cases, she uncovers a sinister picture of a stalker who graduated to sexual assault—and then murder.
Macy and Nevada race to put this monster behind bars before he can come out of hiding. But the murderer’s had years to hone his skills, and soon Macy herself becomes a target. She’s no stranger to pain and terror, but will Macy’s first profiling case be her last?

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Another great story from Burton. This is a new series from Burton so if you have not read any of her books yet this is a great one to start with.

Mike and Macy have a budding romance. Actually I should say a second chance at love. Having known each other before they kind of jump into the romance but it really is written well.

The suspense pretty much starts from page one. Tobi went missing 15 years ago but the remains are just discovered. The suspense kept me guessing. I had an idea but every time I thought I had it something changed my mind.

As I said… Another great story from Mary Burton!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

April 30, 2019April 28, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Invited by Jennifer McMahon

TITLE: The Invited
CHARACTERS: Helen & Nate
AUTHOR: Jennifer McMahon
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/30/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A chilling ghost story with a twist: the New York Times best-selling author of THE WINTER PEOPLE, returns to the woods of Vermont to tell the story of a husband and wife who don’t simply move into a haunted house, they start building one from scratch, without knowing it, until it’s too late…

In a quest for a simpler life, Helen and Nate abandon the comforts of suburbia and teaching jobs to take up residence on forty-four acres of rural land where they will begin the ultimate, aspirational do-it-yourself project: building the house of their dreams. When they discover that this charming property has a dark and violent past, Helen, a former history teacher, becomes consumed by the legend of Hattie Breckenridge, a woman who lived and died there a century ago. As Helen starts carefully sourcing decorative building materials for her home – wooden beams, mantles, historic bricks — she starts to unearth, and literally conjure, the tragic lives of Hattie’s descendants, three generations of “Breckenridge women,” each of whom died amidst suspicion, and who seem to still be seeking something precious and elusive in the present day.

REVIEW:
This story is a little bit of everything when it comes to ghost story. There is a bit of mystery, a bit of suspense, a bit of old world and a bit of witchcraft.

I found this to be a quick read and one I really enjoyed. The ghost story of Hattie is interesting but it switches back and forth between old and current day and I enjoyed the mystery of the haunted land and the mystery of Olive’s missing mom.

The thing I didn’t really get is how someone builds a haunted house. Yes on haunted land but it seems the house becomes haunted too. Maybe I read too much into that, I am not sure.

But I think if you give the story a couple of chapters to catch your attention it really will. And it will keep your attention until the end.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

April 18, 2019April 13, 2019

Kimberly reviews Missing Daughter by Rick Mofina

TITLE: Missing Daughter
CHARACTERS: Karen & Ryan Lane
AUTHOR: Rick Mofina
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/19/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Families with nothing to hide don’t have so many secrets

Life can change in an instant. For Ryan and Karen Lane, it happens on the morning they discover their twelve-year-old daughter’s window open, their beloved Maddie missing from her bed.

Police investigate. Suspicions swirl. A teenage boy admits he was outside her bedroom window the night she disappeared. A halfway house for convicts recently opened in the neighborhood. The Lane family is thrown into turmoil, then detectives turn their sights on them.

No one is ruled out. Not Karen, with her tragic past, who argued with her daughter. Not Ryan, with his violent streak. Not Maddie’s thirteen-year-old brother, Tyler, who heard voices in her room the night she vanished.

Days, weeks, months, then agonizing years go by without answers, the Lanes fearing that Maddie is gone forever…until a stunning twist shocks everyone, plunging the family deeper into a world of buried secrets whose revelations threaten the very foundation of their lives.

REVIEW:
I really enjoy reading Rick Mofina’s books. I have been a fan for a while. I also enjoyed this story as well. The writing was a bit different for Mofina but it was interesting. The book is very long but the read is pretty quick. Some sections go slower than others but mostly it is an easy read.

There are two sections to the book which have a huge time lapse of about 4 years. That was a bit surprising but to be honest I enjoyed the second sections more than the first. It seemed to go by quicker and it made figuring out the “who-dun-it” easier for me.

If you are a fan of suspense then this is a great book to pick up.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

April 16, 2019April 13, 2019

Kimberly reviews Darkness Returns by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Darkness Returns
SERIES #: Guardians Of Eternity #13
CHARACTERS: Chiron & Lilah
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/16/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
More powerful than ever, the Guardians of Eternity are facing their greatest challenge yet: a war within their ranks. Their future is in the hands of one rebel vampire, who must choose between loyalty and love . . .

Blessed with an even more compelling allure than most vampires, Chiron has made a fortune in the human world, creating an empire of resorts and casinos. Since the betrayal and imprisonment of his master, he has existed outside the order of the Guardians, trusting no one. But now, the new vampire king has given him a peace offering: a scroll that could free his master. Following the relic’s magic leads him to a demon hotel deep in the Everglades, a lush paradise owned by a mysterious and
mesmerizing woman . . .

As far as Lilah knows, she’s lived her entire life within the confines of her enchanted estate. Memories of her own past are elusive and cloaked in shadows. Even Chiron can’t figure out exactly what she is, and if her intoxicating beauty is his destiny or an illusion drawing him ever closer to his demise—or perhaps to an even more tormenting choice, between his master and his mate . . .

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Oh Alexandra how I love your writing! And your characters!

Chiron is a vampire who is looking for his master and Lilah has lived her entire life hidden away and which Chiron walks into her life she finds herself mesmerized. And aren’t we always mesmerized by Alexandra’s characters too?

Oh the romance (and sex) is delicious in this book, as with all of Alexandra’s stories. And which is my favorite character? Levet! But of course!

This is lucky #13 in the series and lucky for us we get to read it! But I suggest reading the series first… And why wouldn’t you want to since Alexandra is one of the best in the paranormal romance field.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

April 15, 2019April 13, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Forbidden Door by Dean Koontz

TITLE: The Forbidden Door
SERIES #: Jane Hawk #4
CHARACTERS: Jane Hawk
AUTHOR: Dean Koontz
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/11/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When this relentless rogue FBI agent comes knocking, her adversaries will have to answer—with their lives—in the latest thrilling Jane Hawk novel by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Corner.
“We’re rewriting the play, and the play is this country, the world, the future. We break Jane’s heart, we’ll also break her will.”
She was one of the FBI’s top agents until she became the nation’s most-wanted fugitive. Now Jane Hawk may be all that stands between a free nation and its enslavement by a powerful secret society’s terrifying mind-control technology. She couldn’t save her husband, or the others whose lives have been destroyed, but equipped with superior tactical and survival skills—and the fury born of a broken heart and a hunger for justice—Jane has struck major blows against the insidious cabal.
But Jane’s enemies are about to hit back hard. If their best operatives can’t outrun her, they mean to bring her running to them, using her five-year-old son as bait. Jane knows there’s no underestimating their capabilities, but she must battle her way back across the country to the remote shelter where her boy is safely hidden . . . for now.
As she moves resolutely forward, new threats begin to emerge: a growing number of brain-altered victims driven hopelessly, violently insane. With the madness spreading like a virus, the war between Jane and her enemies will become a fight for all their lives—against the lethal terror unleashed from behind the forbidden door.

REVIEW:
This is the fourth in the series and I really believe Koontz is back to the way he used to write.

Let me first say that you really need to read these in order. Yeah I guess you could read them out of order but I believe you will lose a bit of who Jane Hawk is.

The story is fast paced and makes you want to read it in one sitting. The suspense is infectious and heart pounding.

Koontz at his best… again.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

April 8, 2019April 7, 2019

Kimberly reviews Dark Sentinel by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Dark Sentinel
SERIES #: Dark #28
CHARACTERS: Lorraine & Andor
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/04/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In an explosive novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan, a human woman ignites the desire of her Carpathian lifemate–and of an ancient vampire with a score to settle.

After the devastating loss of her entire family, Lorraine Peters heads to the woods searching for peace of mind and anything to quell the anger in her soul. Instead, she stumbles upon a scene of horrific violence, as one man lies helpless in the face of three attackers.

Andor Katona’s existence has been a harsh one, living for centuries as a monk in the Carpathian Mountains. Unable to find his lifemate, he almost welcomes his release from a colorless and unfeeling world at the hands of the vampire hunters who have mistaken him for their prey. That is, until a whirling ball of fury bursts onto the scene, determined to save him.

In one glimpse, in one breath, Andor recognizes Lorraine as his lifemate, but it will take more than their telepathic connection to convince her of their immortal bond. Lorraine is a lethal combination of cunning and courage. So much so that she captures the attention of a master vampire, one who has already lost what was once irreplaceable to him. One who will strike with deadly precision at Andor and his ancient Carpathian comrades in a war to end all wars. . .

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts It is hard to believe that after 27 stories Feehan can come up with something new and different to write about and yet she does in this story. And then some!

Feehan is one of the queens of paranormal in my opinion. She easily draws you into each character and their story.

Who doesn’t enjoy a good vampire story? Well if it is not your genre of choice turn away now but if it is then pick up this series. I want to say these stories are not a stand alone. They really need to be read in order to understand exactly who and what is going on.

This is just another great story in this great series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

March 29, 2019March 24, 2019

Kimberly reviews Waiting For You by Claudia Connor

TITLE: Waiting For You
SERIES #: The McKinney Brothers #5
CHARACTERS: Nora & Zach
AUTHOR: Claudia Connor
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/15/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When ER nurse Nora Sellers is hurt in a hospital scuffle, firefighter Zach Walker blames himself. Blaming himself is nothing new. He’s been blaming himself for years for the trauma his baby sister endured as a teenager. Though with his happy–go–lucky attitude no one would know it. He’s good at his job, he’s a good brother, and a good friend, but Zach decided long ago he wasn’t husband and father material.

Even so, when Zach learns Nora is a single mother with a house that needs his help, he can’t walk away. After a few days with Nora and her ten month old son, he knows he doesn’t want to.

But Nora’s wary. She learned at a young age that the only person she can count on is herself. Now with a baby, a job, and a fixer–upper house, the last thing Nora wants is a sexy firefighter, making her heart flutter. But Zach is more than what he seems, and the more she gets to know him the harder he is to resist.

She’s been brave all her life. Can she be brave one more time and take a chance of a lifetime with her heart?

REVIEW:
Oh Claudia does it again! Claudia is easily in my top dozen favorite authors and probably in my top three for contemporary romance. When she set her heart to a story you can read every drop of love she puts into it. Zach and Nora’s story is no different.

I love the way Claudia writes single parent stories mainly because of the love that the children bring to her books. And Will just is adorable. You can imagine this sweet 10 month old right in your living room.

Claudia never disappoints. When I fell in love with Matt in Worth The Fall I knew I would love every one of the men Claudia introduces us to and I haven’t been wrong yet.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.