Review: Riley Mack and the Other Known Troublemakers

Riley Mack and the Other Known Troublemakers by Chris Grabenstein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The version I am actually reviewing is the Audible Originals one. It is not listed in the editions available. I chose the version I hope matches.

I chose this title as part of the Audible Original program. I debated getting it as I’m not a child. Okay, some who know me might argue that so, I’m way above the age of being considered a child. I was kept entertained the entire time. I can’t wait to share this with my grandchildren. I know they are going to love it! The actors did a great job bringing this book to life. This would be a wonderful title for a road trip.

The grandchildren mentioned are in range from 6 to 12. I think the two older ones are more suited for the book but, being the audiobook version, I believe even the youngest will be kept entertained. The Audible Originals version runs just over 4 hours and has a big cast. I think even the adults in the car will be entertained. It will also provide an opening for talking about bullying. Oh and there are dogs. What child hasn’t asked for a dog at least once?

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Review: The Forgiving Jar

The Forgiving Jar by Wanda E. Brunstetter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. It is the second book in the series. I did not read the first book and was able to follow along. I do, however, wish that I had read them in order. It is what I recommend for best enjoyment. Each book, so far, tells, as the main story, one young girls story. The first book is Michelle’s story with, I’m thinking, Sara’s story coming in. This book is Sara’s story. The next book is Lenore’s. This is very interesting to me as Michelle and Sara were raised English while Lenore was raised Amish. Each young woman is hurting when they find The Prayer Jar, (this story made me want to make a similar type jar). I enjoyed the book very much but felt that the author did not stay true to Sara at the end. Michelle does something that affects Sara’s relationship. When Sara found out, there was no real feel reaction. I took a star away for it because I felt cheated. I don’t want to go completely into things and ruin it for anyone. I’ll let you draw your own opinion. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book and am planning to read both book one and three. There are some other things in the background that have been introduced. I’m hoping the next book picks up the threads. I recommend the book for relaxing, clean romance, reading.
Thank to everyone involved in the giveaway. The opinions expressed are my feelings from reading the book. The review was voluntary and written because I like to review books and other purchases I make.

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Review: Bone Music

Bone Music by Christopher Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought this book was amazing! There were so many interesting plots/subplots that I needed to read it slower than usual but wanted to just keep going! Definitely a book I recommend you try.
I read this on Kindle and, at times, listened to it on Audible. I liked the narrator on this. It was easy going back and forth between the two formats. Go with what works for you.

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Review: The Demon Next Door

The Demon Next Door by Bryan Burrough
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had no idea who this serial killer was when I chose this audiobook. I actually, even with the description, didn’t realize it was true until the narrator read the part of looking him up. I did and was surprised that it wasn’t a fictional horror book. I thought it was interesting that the author went to high school with the killer, and then went back to get the story. It gave a personal touch to the town. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for Brenda with the way the town appeared to embrace and cocoon her attacker. The book gives much to think about in that regard. If you read true crime, this is probably a book that will interest you.
The narrator was okay. His enthusiasm kind of creeped me out at times. Other than that, he did well.

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Review: Dangerous Dreams: A Story of the Lost Colony of Roanoke

Dangerous Dreams: A Story of the Lost Colony of Roanoke by Mike Rhynard
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

Dangerous Dreams started slow for me but was worth it! This book contains a lot of history along with a lot of imagination. I loved the story of Emily and Ishna. I wasn’t so engrossed in Allie. The author did a lot of research to make the book as close to what happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke as possible. I could imagine much of what he wrote as really happening. His descriptions and inclusion of the Lakota language helped bring the book to life. I appreciate him including the Sioux rites, cultures from multiple Native American tribes, the medicine wheel as well as the Viking and Spanish explorations. There is so much that went into this book! While it started slowly for me, once it picked up, it was impossible to put down.
This book does have mature themes and graphic violence. Please keep your feelings about that in mind when you are deciding to read this book. If you are uncertain about it, I suggest you request a sample or borrow it from the library. I believe the book would make a good book club read. The author has book club questions on his website. Reviews are opinions that may differ from yours. I recommend that if you are reading these reviews, which suggests you have an interest, you should read the book. I won this book from Goodreads. I appreciate the generosity of Goodreads and the author. All opinions expressed are from my feelings while reading the book.

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Review: Jar of Hearts

Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It started slow but then picked up and held me engrossed all day. I totally forgot what I had planned to do and just listened. It is explicit and graphic so if that bothers you, pick something else. It was bizarre but I was entertained. There were some twists that I saw coming but others I was surprised. The narrator on this one was awesome. I would definitely listen to other narration by Jennifer LaVoy.

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Review: The Trial of Lizzie Borden

The Trial of Lizzie Borden by Cara Robertson
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

The story was engrossing. I wish I had bought it in print or ebook though. The narration killed it for me. It drove me crazy and distracted me from the book. The story itself is worth reading. Just do yourself a favor and read it in print or ebook. Definitely try the sample first. I plan to get a print copy. I really like the book.

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