March Reading Wrap Up

March was a good reading month. I went on vacation to the beach (sunshine!) and enjoyed some great reads. I discovered a new to me author that I am hooked on. Starting with….

Fantasy

“Mariel of Redwall” by Brian Jacques is the fourth book in the “Redwall” series. This one’s theme is pirate rats and a motley band of animals. My particular favorite was the squirrel who did the “dodge-and-weave” move. Reminded me of someone I know…. As always, I finished another “Redwall” book satisfied and looking forward to the next.

Mystery

“Never Fall Again” by Lynn H. Blackburn begins a new series for us, the “Gossamer Falls” series. This story has mystery, romance, a sweet caring dog that I adored. For me, the mystery was not much of a surprise, but it was still a fun read.

Link to full review here, https://kymberlibriggs.wordpress.com/2024/03/27/never-fall-again-by-lynn-h-blackburn/

“The Mysterious Affair at Styles” by Agatha Christie was a reread for me. I received it in my March Literary Book Box. Oh, what fun I had! Ms. Christie is a bestselling author even to this day for a reason. To the very end I still was not sure (I had forgotten who the perpetrator was) who to accuse. This is the first Hercule Poirot story and I enjoyed it so much I went out and immediately bought book two.

Fiction

I have discovered Rebecca Yarros contemporary fiction stories. Do I need to say more? I have had “The Last Letter” on my TBR bookcase (yes, bookcase. That will be a topic for another day, lol) and I finally decided to read it. Read it on the beach, bawled, immediately went to Barnes & Noble, dealing with crazy Spring Break traffic, lol, and picked up “Great and Precious Things”. I finished it in a day. So what did I do? What any normal reader would do. We braved the crazy traffic again and went back to Barnes & Noble a second time and I picked up “The Things we Leave Unfinished”. This book did not get left unfinished (Okay, bad attempt at a joke). Needless to say, Rebecca Yarros is on my radar. She writes about tough topics but I love the family dynamics and that her characters talk things through. Due to some content, please check before reading them.

Denise Hunter’s new release, “Love, Unscripted” is a fun Summer read filled with lighthearted moments, a FMC and MMC that work great together, and a cute judgmental cat that you can’t help but adore. I did have one of my least favorite tropes in it, the miscommunication/lack of communication but overall it was enjoyable.

Full review here, https://kymberlibriggs.wordpress.com/2024/03/31/love-unscripted-by-denise-hunter/

All in all I would say my reading went well last month. Did you find any reads that stuck with you? Do any on my list inspire you to pick up a book?

Happy Reading,

Kymberli

“Never Fall Again” by Lynn H. Blackburn

Landry Hutton, along with her daughter Eliza, have found security behind the gates of The Haven, an exclusive resort on the outskirts of Gossamer Falls, North Carolina. She is ready to move them into their own place and so hires Callum Shaw- former Marine turned construction worker. When Landry’s business is destroyed in a mysterious fire, and she and her daughter are the target of danger, Cal steps up to protect them. But how can he do so when he does not know where the threat is coming from?

This is a book labeled as “romantic suspense”. I agree with the romance; the suspense? For me, not so much. Mystery for sure, though. That did not dull my enjoyment, however. I definitely did still enjoy reading this first installment of Ms. Blackburn’s new series and look forward to continuing it. I absolutely adored Maisy, Callum’s dog. She was so sweet and gentle and loyal.

*I received this book free from Revell in exchange for my honest review. What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*

Publication Year– 2024

Pages– 352

Genre– Romantic Suspense, Mystery, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Clean Romance, Contemporary

Parental Guidance– Death of spouse, Car accident, Arson, Mentions of Cancer, Man in a mask with a gun, Mentions of gaslighting, Mentions of physical abuse, Kidnapping, Child abduction

Link to Purchase– https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/542765

“Lady of Disguise” by Melanie Dickerson

In the latest installment of the Dericott Tale series we see ourselves in England, 1388. Louisa has always dreamed of finding the “Giant’s Treasure”- riches her father used to tell her about that are rumored to be hidden on a mountain top in Scotland, and guarded by a fierce monster. When her uncle tried to marry her and her twelve-year-old sister off, Louisa realizes it is time to find that treasure. She disguises herself as a boy and on her journey finds a friend in a knight, Sir Charles. But what will happen when Sir Charles finds out Louisa’s true identity? What will she find at the top of the mountain?

This story…. hmm. Okay, let’s start with the general story idea- finding treasure. I am always up for a treasure hunt. And this story took that idea well. Louisa definitely had a good heart. She wanted to keep her sister safe. She loved Margaret. However (yes, there is a “however”), what I had a hard time with is that this story, a big part of it actually, is tailored to preteens and young adults, was that the uncle is planning to marry off a twelve-year-old girl. Now I know, I know, times were different back then. There was a different take on marriage. But reading about men in their forties and older “leering” at Margaret did indeed turn my stomach. I also did not like that when Louisa left to find the treasure, she left her sister behind. She thought Margaret would be safe “for now”, but there is always that “what if”. This part of the story definitely lowered my reading enjoyment a lot. I am wary now of what future stories Ms. Dickerson will be writing about, as this is the second book in a row that has talked about sensitive topics (see parental guidance below). I am bummed because she has been a favorite of mine. Is this a fad that she will move on from or is this a new direction she is switching too? I guess I will have to wait and see (carefully).

*What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*

Publication Year- 2024

Pages- 304

Genre- Young Adult Fiction, Fairy Tale Retelling

Parental Guidance- Uncle trying to marry off underage girl, mention of deaths, mention of attempted rape

Link to Purchase- https://www.christianbook.com/lady-of-disguise/9780840708670/pd/0708670?product_redirect=1&search_term=lady&Ntt=0708670&item_code=&ps_exit=PRODUCT|legacy&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

“Embers in the London Sky” by Sarah Sundin

1940- The German army is invading the Netherlands. Aleida and her family escape but in the process her son goes missing. Once in London, she desperately searches for Theo, teaming up with BBC correspondent Hugh Collingwood. However, the Germans are dropping bombs on the city and someone walking the streets is murdering. Can Aleida and Hugh stay safe long enough to find her son?

Oh. My. Word. To describe this novel in one word- intense! It is so emotionally-driven. At times I had to stop reading, close the book, and take a long break. Ms. Sundin does not beat around the bush with this one. It is raw and real. When I was reading Hugh’s POV as a BBC correspondent, I felt as if I was really listening to the radio during the war. I could hear his voice, hear the background noises, the commotion and chaos, feel the danger. Aleida’s part of the story was even harder to read, due to the content. Losing your child? I do not want to imagine. This was amazing storytelling in a devastating way. Do I recommend this book? Yes- with caution. It covers possible triggering topics (see my parental guidance list at bottom of review).

*I received this book free from Revell in exchange for my honest review. What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*

Publication Year- 2024

Pages- 400

Genre- Historical Fiction, Romance, Mystery

Parental Guidance- War scenes, spousal abuse, child neglect, child abandonment, bombings, murders, racism, hostage situation, attempted murder, death due to war, shootings

Link to Purchase- https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/542757

“The Foxhole Victory Tour” by Amy Lynn Green

  1943. Maggie McCleod has just been fired from her orchestra job, so when a chance to join the USO variety show appears, she takes it as the fresh start it promises. Catherine Duquette signs on with the USO to leave behind her restrictive life and uncover the disappearance of the pilot who she has been corresponding with. They are joined by an eclectic group of performers and learn that they all have something at stake.

  If I were to compare this book to food it would be like having your most favorite comfort food. I loved the characters and how each had their own unique story to add to the plot. Seeing the war through the eyes of entertainers was a new aspect for me, and I really enjoyed it. It showed a lighter side to those dark days. By the end of the story I was bummed to “see” everyone go. I would be happy with a sequel, *hint hint*.

  *What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*

  Parental Guidance- Bombings, shootings, war scenes

  Publication Year- 2024

  Pages- 377

  Genre- Historical Fiction

  Link to Purchase book- https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/542729

“The Seamstress of Acadie” by Laura Frantz

  1754 is coming to a close and tensions between the French and British on Canada’s Acadian shore are reaching dangerous heights. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family, wishing to remain neutral, are caught in the middle. Summer 1755 arrives and with it British ships. Sylvie encounters a man with a dangerous reputation, yet he warns her of invasion. It is too late. Sylvie is relocated to an unknown life in Virginia. How can she survive in this perilous new world?

  The French, the British, Colonial Williamsburg, apple orchards, Smallpox…. these are just a few things Laura Frantz packs into this sweeping novel, but believe me, it is not overdone. With the rich history and the blend of languages, I learned new things. I had known nothing about the Acadians until I read this book. How heartbreaking their story is. But Ms. Frantz writes it so well. And the relationship between Sylvie and her brother Bleu was so sweet to “watch”. I have visited Williamsburg not too long ago and was able to easily mentally picture the streets and buildings. The love story between Sylvie and William is a slow burn that was tender and added just the right amount of romance. The story sucked me in from the very beginning and did not let me go until the very end. I read the last 360 pages in a day and a half (that has to tell you something). And I cannot ignore the cover design, absolutely beautiful!

*I was not compensated in any monetary way. What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts.*

Publication Year- 2024

402 Pages

Genre- Historical Romance

Link to Purchase- https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/542752

“The Foxhole Victory Tour” Cover Reveal!

Exciting news- Amy Lynn Green is releasing a new book! Ready for the cover? Here we go….

Isn’t that cover so pretty? I am really excited about this release. Amy Lynn Green writes captivating tales of friendship and courage. Be sure to check it out come January 2024.

TBR #1

Hello, fellow readers. How is 2023 treating you? I hope all is going well. I have made my pile of books (well, it’s actually two small piles, lol) that I want to focus on getting read first thing this year. These are a mix of new releases and books in series I have been meaning to finish for a while.

My big reading challenge for the year is “War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy. Do you have a reading challenge? What are you hoping to accomplish this year? I also set my Goodreads challenge. My goal is 60 books read.

What books are you hoping to read this year? I would love to hear about it. Leave a comment and I’ll get back to you asap.

Weekend Readathon Update

Hello, fellow readers. I hope you had a fun and safe weekend. My plan for a reading weekend was successful. I got quite a bit in. So, without further ado….

The first book I read, and was able to finish, was “Present Danger” by Elizabeth Goddard. This is book two in the Rocky Mountain Courage series. I enjoyed it. Cold cases, present-day mystery, action. It definitely kept my interest. I will be posting a full review soon.

I started “Dear Henry, Love Edith” by Becca Kinzer and have read 215 pages out of 359. Oh my word I am having so much fun! This story is making me laugh out loud. I love the interactions between Edith and Henry, and Henry and his physical therapist, Lance. I will do a full review when I finish the book.

How was your weekend? Were you able to get some reading in? I would love to hear what stories you are jumping into. Leave a comment and I will reply asap.

End of Year Readathon

Happy weekend, fellow readers! Can you believe it is the last weekend of 2022 already? My goodness the year has flown right by! I decided spur of the moment to do one more readathon for the year. Since the weekend consists of both 2022 and 2023 it will be a fun way to finish the year and start the new year. My reading goals….

I am a little over 30% in “Present Danger” by Elizabeth Goddard and really enjoying it. After finishing that I have the pre-release of Becca Kinzer’s novel. I am so excited about reading these books and am looking forward to a “Booked Weekend” 🙂

Do you have any reading plans this weekend? What are you reading currently? I would love to hear about it. Leave a comment and I will get back to you asap.