Book Review: The Family Bones

The Family Bones
By Kimberly Raiser

See the video for the book HERE

Description:

Will they stay? Will they survive? The Weavers have inherited family property in Astral, Pennsylvania, a town so small that Mrs. Weaver can find no mention of it on the Internet, save for a tiny spot on Google Earth. Hoping for a simpler, small-town existence for their young family, Steven and Tara eagerly head to Astral to see what they hope will be their dream house. As they explore their potential new home, the Weavers begin to discover secret passageways, secret rooms, and long buried family truths; some difficult truths are revealed and no longer kept in the far reaches of the closet. There are reasons for everything, and sometimes the explanations are so simple. But sometimes, simple can also be horrifying.

Review:

Filled with twist and turns, this debut novel by Kimberly Raiser is an "under the covers with a flashlight" story that will have you up all night to finish.

I really enjoyed this book!! The story and characters develop well in a relatively short book (174 pages.) The level of suspense changes through out the book to make you think you know where the story is headed, but then surprises you when it goes to a level of mystery you didn’t expect. It reminded me of the old TV shows “Outer Limits’ or “Twilight Zone” where you’re taken to a situation and allowed to observe what happens. Ms. Raiser mixes family, abduction, tunnels, paranormal and old family history to create a story that will make you continue to think about it even after you finish reading. The story isn’t overly scary or violent for a ‘thriller’ book, so kids of all ages would enjoy this book.

This "paranormal mystery thriller" will take hold of you from the first page and keeps you mesmerized until the very last page.

4/5 stars

Thank you to Delvling Press and Kimberly Raiser for sending me this book!!

Early Bird Blog Tour: "Galway Bay"

Galway Bay
By Mary Pat Kelly

Description from Hatchette Books:

Here at last is one Irish family's epic journey, capturing the tragedy and triumph of the Irish-American experience. In a rousing tale that echoes the myths and legends of Ireland herself, young Honora Keeley and Michael Kelly wed and start a family, inhabiting a hidden Ireland where fishermen and tenant farmers find solace in their ancient faith, songs, stories, and communal celebrations. Selling both their catch--and their crops--to survive, these people subsist on the potato crop--their only staple food. But when blight destroys the potatoes three times in four years, a callous government and uncaring landlords turn a natural disaster into The Great Starvation that will kill one million. Honora and Michael vow their children will live. The family joins two million other Irish refugees in one of the greatest rescues in human history: the Irish Emigration to America. Danger and hardship await them there. Honora and her unconventional sister Maire watch their seven sons as they transform Chicago from a frontier town to the "City of the Century", fight the Civil War, and enlist in the cause of Ireland's freedom. The Kelly clan is victorious. This heroic story sheds brilliant light on the ancestors of today's 44 million Irish Americans.

View a letter from the author, Mary Pat Kelly.... here

Listen to the interview of the author on Blog Talk Radio... here


Some of the participants in Early Bird Blog tour:

http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/
http://bermudaonion.wordpress.com
http://luanne-abookwormsworld.blogspot.com/
http://thetometraveller.blogspot.com/
http://cafeofdreams.blogspot.com/
http://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com/
http://wendisbookcorner.blogspot.com

Review:
I haven't finished the book yet, but I guess that will teach me to read two huge books in a row. When I have it finished, I promise a book review on it. I've heard only good things about the book, so please..pick up a copy and give it a read. Stop by the other blogs and read their reviews!! The history the book covers and how so many families were affected by the famine is eye opening.

Thank you to Miriam, Hatchette Books and Early Bird Blog Tours!!

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Book Review: Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One

Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One (Mr & Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy)

Synopsis:
It's Darcy and Elizabeth's wedding day, and the journey is just beginning as Jane Austen's beloved Pride and Prejudice characters embark on the greatest adventure of all: marriage and a life together filled with surprising passions, tender self-discovery, and the simple joys of every day.
As their love story unfolds in this most romantic of Jane Austen sequels, Darcy and Elizabeth reveal to each other how their relationship blossomed. From misunderstanding to perfect understanding, and harmony, theirs is a marriage filled with romance, sensuality and the beauty of a deep, abiding love.


Review:
Sharon Lathan has created an amazing book about consuming love between 2 people that anyone would love to have with that speical someone. The majority of the story actually happens in their bedchambers. The banter between Darcy and Elizabeth behind closed doors is intimate and erotic, which amazed me knowing how 'stiff' they are when out in public (due of course to the 'proper' rules they must follow.) I enjoyed these parts, but talking about how wonderful each of them were was overdone and I found myself skimming through some passages to find more of the story. 'Two Shall Become One" kept my attention with the writings descriptive details of the surroundings that Elizabeth and Darcy would be in. I felt as though I was there with them, peeking in through a window. The ending seemed a bit rushed with a number of things happening, but overall the book was enjoyable.
I can't compare this to the Jane Austen book, unfortunetly, because I have not read it (hopefully, one of these days I will.) I have watched the movie version of "Pride and Prejudice" (which I loved) and I will say the book was a good version of a sequel to it. I wouldn't recommend this for everyone (because of the amount of intimacy might be too much for some), but I enjoyed it enough to say that it will bring smiles and laughs to your day as you read through the life of Darcy and Elizabeth.

3.5/5 stars

Book Review: The Edge of Light

The Edge of Light (At Home in Beldon Grove, Book 1)

Synopsis:

It is the summer of 1838 in St. Lawrenceville, Missouri, and Molly McGarvie's life is about to change forever. When her beloved Samuel succumbs to cholera, Molly is heartbroken but resolves to take care of herself and her children.

When Samuel's unscrupulous brother takes over the family business and leaves Molly to fend for herself, she knows she must head out on her own. It is a dangerous journey, and along the way she must face the loss of another family member. Somehow she must find a way to make a living, restore her family, and fend off some overeager suitors.

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Review:
Ann Shorey's debut novel will grip and tug at your emotions from beginnning to end. The story is true to the time period, where many women found themselves widows with children and having no where to go. Molly has a choice to marry someone she may not really love, but can give her security or follow her heart and forgive a doctor that brought her heartache. The struggle she has managing children, work and her own social life is reflective of how women today have to find that balance in their lives too. It just amazes me how much 'life' hasn't changed that much in all these years.
The writing is strong and easy to read, which makes reading the book go very fast! I was done way too soon! This is the first book in the series "At Home in Beldon Grove" that Ann Shorey will be writing. I can' wait to read the next one. If you are looking for a book that shows how determination and strong-will can pull you through almost anything, this is the book you show read!

Thank you to Ann Shorey for the book and the opportunity to read and review her new book!! I love historical fiction!

Rating: 4/5

Book Review: "No Place for a Lady"

No Place for a Lady (Heart of the West Series, Book 1)

After the death of her father, Crystal finds herself heading to Colorado in June 1892 to visit her aunt's cattle ranch. Being raised a proper southern belle, the wild country is a whole new life that she is willing to learn to live in to help her forget her troubles. The cowhands enjoy having a pretty lady around, but one in particular isn't sure if Crystal will survive living on a ranch. Luke has his doubts tested when tragedy hits the ranch and everyone must pull together to get the cattle to market, including Crystal. Greedy neighbors, mixed emotions, romance and figuring out where she belongs, all come to a climax in Crystal's decision to stay or head back to Georgia.

"No Place for a Lady" is a romantic and thrilling story about the will of a woman to move forward to a new life and new place to call home. The interplay of the characters Crystal and Luke seem so real and emotional that you find yourself wanting to be able to tell the characters how each feels about the other! The author Maggie Brendan's story is a roller coaster of a ride. Just when you think everything is going to work out, she brings in another twist. It's not over done with too many storylines, but it all comes together in what I thought was a surprising ending.

This book had me hooked from the beginning. What could be better? The story had many of my favorite themes. Colorado, the west, strong woman, wholesome values and of course romance!! For a first book, Maggie Brendan has a remarkable book that many readers will just love. So, go buy a copy...sit back..relax..and enjoy a book that will make you smile as you read!

4.5/5 stars

Book Carnival Giveaway - Winner!!!

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!

1933wel

Congratulations!!

I will be sending the winner an email to get your information.. I want to thank everyone for stopping by my blog and entering the contest. I hope you all stop by again for more giveaways and to read my book reviews!!

Thanks!!

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Book Giveaway Carnival ...has begun!!

( This is a sticky post that will stay on top. NEWER posts are down below!!)

Let the contests begin!!! Jump on over to Bookroomreviews and get all of Tracy's details about the carnival of blogs giving away book related items in contests. All you have to do is click on the links to go to each of the blogs. Take the time to check out other blogs...you will be amazed at how awesome they are!!!There is over 100 contests already listed!! BUT FIRST!! Enter MY contest!!





Teen brothers Hayden and Ewan Barlow are forced to adjust to a depressing new life when tragedy strikes their home. Then a secret viking runestone opens the door to a world in peril, and they discover a crisis larger than their own pain.

In the Hidden Lands of Karac Tor, names are stolen from the young and darkness spreads. Haydn and Ewan become targets of war, forcing them to make a reluctant choice: join the battle of risk losing each other and their home forever....

This is the first book of the series "Legends of Karac Tor". A young adult, fantasy that has gotten many good reviews.


Contest:

The contest is for an author SIGNED copy of the book "The Book of Names" !!!

1. Just leave a comment saying you want to be entered.

2. This is for U.S. or Canada mailing only.

3. Please leave your email address if you don't sign in with you blog..so I can locate you to let you know you win.

4. You have until Sunday March 8th at 11:59pm CT. to enter!!

5. Winner will be announced on Monday March 9th.

GOOD LUCK!!!

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Book Review: Asking for Murder

One of the best genres written these days are murder mysteries. Roberta Isleib, author of “Asking for Murder,” writes a gripping story of who-dun-it that makes you ponder all the twists and turns of the mystery. This book is the third book of the “An Advice Column Mystery” series that Isleib has written, but the first of hers for me to read. She writes in what I call simple talk. No big words, no complex thoughts or hard to understand plots that could make the story drag. I look forward to reading more of her books.

The series main character is Dr. Rebecca Butterman who finds her friend Annabelle, a fellow therapist, badly beaten and near death. Rebecca wants to help find answers to who wanted to cause her friend harm, but no one wants her nosing around. From strange patients to an estranged sister, the suspect list begins to grow. A clue to solving the crime may lie in the sand play therapy that Annabelle uses in her sessions with clients. It is up to Dr. Butterman to get in to the sand and see what suspects she can find to help her friend before it’s too late!

I love these women, amateur-sleuth type books that make you want to get in to the book and be a sleuth too! The plot is very simple and easy to follow, but it leaves you wondering ‘who’ the actual attacker is until the very end. Rebecca is a strong and intelligent woman who doesn’t quite have her life ‘all together.” I think that is why we love her so much, she is one of us. The few advice columns that are put in throughout the book, really don’t add to the story, but do give you a bit of insight into Rebecca’s state of mind as she responds to the questions.

If the first two books of the series are like this one, I can’t wait to read them. Having not read the other books, I had no problem jumping in to the storyline without knowing the characters background. So, if you’re looking for a cozy mystery to cuddle up with after a hard day, I would recommend “Asking for Murder.”

4/5 stars

Book received from and reviewed for RebeccaReads...
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