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

February Wrap Up

Well, better late than never, I guess? March madness got me good this year but for different reasons. Between homeschooling, deaths in the family in the last month and a half, and a much-needed getaway to the beach, I completely forgot to do my February wrap up. It only just dawned on me this weekend! So, without further ado….

Childrens Books

Have you heard of Disney’s Bluey? Little One and I are BIG fans!

Middle Grade Books

I will never outgrow American Girl, and I am happy to pass on their stories to Little One. We read this together as part of ELA and history and we both enjoyed it so much. We will be continuing Maryellen’s series. This is set in the 1950’s in Florida, has an adorable dog, Scooter, and a take charge kind of girl. Sometimes it works to Maryellen’s advantage, and sometimes…. well, things happen, lol.

Young Adult Books

This is a fairytale retelling of “Little Red Riding Hood” and filled with secrets and discovering who each person really is.

For a full review visit https://kymberlibriggs.wordpress.com/2024/02/19/cloak-of-scarlet-by-melanie-dickerson/

This story was my first one-star rating for Ms. Dickerson and a big disappointment to me. The biggest reason being that there is a twelve-year-old girl in the story that the uncle is trying to marry off. Now, I know times were different centuries ago. But to read about men in their forties “leering” at a twelve-year-old? No, thank you.

Full review found here https://kymberlibriggs.wordpress.com/2024/02/26/lady-of-disguise-by-melanie-dickerson/

Fiction Books

This story was intense, emotionally-driven, and had me staying up way past my bedtime! This is an non-stop action story of war, a mother fighting for her child, a murderer on the streets, love. This book has it all.

Link to full in-depth review, https://kymberlibriggs.wordpress.com/2024/02/11/embers-in-the-london-sky-by-sarah-sundin/

A 158 page novella of the “Bradford Sisters” series, this is the story about their dad. It packs a lot into such a “small space”. There is a character that, boy I did not like, but that was meant to be on purpose I think, so in that case, well done, Ms. Wade. I did not love the story but it was entertaining. I definitely recommend it for more grown up audience as it covers some sensitive topics.

For a full review on that click on link here https://kymberlibriggs.wordpress.com/2024/03/22/then-came-you-by-becky-wade/

How did your February go? Did you discover any new favorites? I would say out of all of these, my favorites were “Maryellen: The One and Only”, and “Embers in the London Sky”.

Happy Reading,

Kymberli

“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 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

“Double Take” by Lynette Eason

  Lainie Jackson, a Physician Assistant, wakes up one night to her ex holding a gun to her head. She gets away but in the process she kills him. Eighteen months later, Lainie begins seeing her ex who is trying to finish the job he started months ago. How can this be happening? Detective James Cross helps Lainie figure out what exactly is going on, all while trying to stay one step ahead of the danger.

  This is Book One in Ms. Eason’s new series, “Lake City Heroes”. It is set in North Carolina in an area easy to imagine. What I liked about the story- The opening scene. It is classic Lynette Eason action right off the bat. I also enjoyed the lake house setting and family gathering. I wish we could have seen more of that. The overall story, however? I have to say I was disappointed. Ms. Eason has become a favorite author of mine over time because of her writing style, the stories, honestly, for everything. This book, though, felt lacking. The action and suspense I have come to expect were not there and the story fell short for me. When the mystery was solved there was no “Wow” factor. Something I really missed.

  *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

298 Pages

Genre-Mystery, Romantic Suspense

Link to Purchase- https://www.christianbook.com/double-take-softcover-1/9780800741198/pd/741196?product_redirect=1&search_term=double&Ntt=741196&item_code=&ps_exit=PRODUCT|legacy&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

 

Book Stats of 2023- Books I DNF’d

Hi everyone,

Can you believe we are into December already? I hope you are enjoying your month. How has your reading year gone? Did you have goals? Every year for some years now I have participated in the Goodreads reading challenge. I like that you can set your own goal. This year mine was to read 60 books. So far I have read 64. I am currently reading “Mansfield Park” by Jane Austen and it will probably take me the rest of the year into January to complete, but I read books for homeschooling a young one so I am sure a few more books will be added to the list before the year is done.

In regards to books I did not finish, or DNF’d, and will not be going back to, there were a few this year. December was a big miss in reading until I started “Mansfield Park” a few days ago. But without further ado, here are the DNF’s….

Jacci Reed is five years old when a man attempts to kidnap her. During the confrontation her mother is badly wounded and they go aboard the Kingston Floating Palace where Jacci’s grandfather works. Years later, Jacci is an actress aboard that same showboat but the memory of that fateful night still stays with her. When someone tries to kill Jacci, answers need to be made.

I ended up lasting 110 pages before letting it go. The pet peeve of mine was the 100-paged drawn-out death of Jacci’s mother. This was also the third book by the author I have tried and I think it is safe to say the author and I are not a match.

This is based on a true story about a woman and her children who take care of zoo animals, particularly a baby elephant, during WW2. The story sounded fascinating, until I read a part about having to “destroy” zoo animals. I couldn’t continue. I understand that a lot of things happened during the war, but it doesn’t mean I always have to read about them. This was my choice to not read about it.

I read Book one and enjoyed it fairly enough. But each book progressively got fewer ratings from me. By the middle of Book two I was kind of skimming and I didn’t finished this third book. There really isn’t anything “wrong” with the series. It is just a case of Natalie Walters and I don’t blend well. “It’s not you, it’s me.”

“A Wild Winter Swan” by Gregory Maguire was on my most anticipated list of the year. I was really looking forward to this. The cover is stunning (take a look behind the book wrap..). As you may already know, fairy tale retellings are one of my favorite things to read. And this book sounded like it was right up my alley. 1960’s NYC, a girl who finds a boy with a swan arm? Yes, please! Reading half of the book and the swan boy still has not shown up, and all we have read about is the girl’s family apartment leaking and her being expelled from school? I ended up quitting on this one. It was also my most disappointed read of the year as well.

A story about two sisters on a treasure hunt three millenia in the making? Sign me up! Swearing right in the beginning? No, thank you. There is a reason I pick up clean fiction/Christian fiction, because I do not expect to find things such as swearing in them. It was a hard pass for me.

What about you, did any books disappoint you this year? Did you have to put any down as DNF’s? It happens. I have learned there are so many books in the world that it is not worth my time trying to read a book I am not enjoying. And remember, just because these books did not work for me, does not mean they may not work for you. Books are like food, you never know if you may like it until you try it.

Happy Reading,

Kymberli

“The Warsaw Sisters” by Amanda Barratt

On an August day in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dabrowska watch their father head off to war against the threat of German invasion. The next day, bombs fall on Warsaw. Antonina joins a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Helena is drawn to Poland’s secret army. The secrets both are forced to keep, however, threaten to tear the sisters apart.

This book should come with a warning. An emotional warning. I have read more WW2 novels than I could begin to count and this one is by far the best one I have read. The emotions in this story are real and raw. I caught myself holding my breath throughout the reading. I had to cover the pages with my hand so my eyes would not skip ahead. This story is so emotionally and character driven. The people felt so real! As soon as I began reading the book I felt like I was right there in Warsaw with Antonina and Helena. This is not a book for the faint of heart, Ms. Barrett does not sugar-coat events of the war. But if you enjoy history and family sagas, I cannot recommend this book enough!

*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.*

Parental Guidance- War, Bombings, Shootings, Death, One Behind-Closed-Door Scene, Concentration Camps, Intense Images

“Shadows at Dusk” by Elizabeth Goddard

Detective Trevor West desperately wants to know what happened to his sister who disappeared in Alaska over a year ago. He hires experienced bush pilot Carrie James, hoping she can help him. She, however, has her own agenda- She will help Trevor find his sister if he helps her track down her friend’s killer.

I am becoming a fan of mysteries set in Alaska. There is something raw and edgy about the setting that draws me in. Ms. Goddard does this very well, I think. There are locations with no communication to the “outside world”, the unpredictable weather patterns, and, of course, the story itself. A mystery that kept me engaged until the very end. I am looking forward to Book Three.

*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.*

“Into the Fire” by Irene Hannon

Former smokejumper, now arson investigater, Bri Tucker knows her way around fires. When mysterious blazes start leaving a trail and taking lives, Bri has more questions than answers. She teams up with ATF agent Marc Davis to solve the puzzle and uncover the truth, before more harm is done.

It has been a long time since I have read an Irene Hannon story and I was excited to give her another try. The story caught me right away. I was pulled into the mystery, actually there are two. What I was not a fan of was two things. One, the author names the arsonist relatively early on. As a reader, I didn’t get the surprise factor of who was behind it. Also, I was not thrilled of the fact that the author uses a medical diagnosis (only mentioned once) as the reason behind the acts. It felt like an excuse for the person’s actions and I was not okay with it.

Did this overall experience leave me with a bad taste for all books from Ms. Hannon? No. In fact, I do plan to try book two in the “Undaunted Courage” series. I just hope Ms. Hannon uses a little more discretion.

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

Parental Guidance- Murder, Arson, Mentions of child abuse