Review: This Dying World: The End Begins

This Dying World: The End Begins by James D. Dean
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an intense read. I moved to Alaska from Chicago so I was really interested in the fact that the story starts in Chicago and continues through areas I know. My problem was that while I was pulled into the story I kept going, "oh my gosh, my family is still there". Haha.

This story is mainly about Dan and his family getting to his brothers farm. We are along for a pretty scary ride. I liked most of the characters. I really loved how Dan and Abby loved each other: the fights, the defenses of each other, the sarcastic banter, the care, concern and the way they relied on each other. It was beautiful and realistic. We meet some scary people along the way and they weren't dead. I think that is pretty realistic whenever an area of the world is in a crisis. One of the things I was really impressed with was the author being willing to explore the psychological/moral changes of main characters. I have seen it in other books but not as fully developed, in many of them, as I saw here.

I read a lot of zbooks and I think it is difficult to come up with fresh ideas while remaining true to the genre. There has been an explosion of zbooks in the past few years. The author, however, did come up with a few things that I hadn't read already. I'm really happy that the next book in this series is available. I have it on the list for upcoming book purchases.

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Review: A Stranger in the House

A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my gosh! I loved this book! Even when I thought I knew where the twists were going, I did not want to put it down. The end dropped my jaw.

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Review: Christmas Stray

Christmas Stray by Rachelle Ayala
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness! Be sure to have a box of Kleenex handy...maybe two boxes. This story started me out crying and had me crying, happy tears, at the end. What a beautiful story!

Juliet and Gabe are married but things have not been well for them since they lost their son.They go away for a Christmas that Juliet can't bear to celebrate. At the cabin they find a child and a dog that change their lives.

I don't want to give away the entire story so I am being vague. This is a beautiful Christmas story of heartbreak, grief, healing and hope that makes it heartwarming.

I listened to this on Audible. I really loved Kate Marcin as the narrator. I loved her as Patrick and was so pleasantly surprised by her singing voice. I wish she could have sang an entire Christmas Carol.

It is a Christmas story you definitely want to have for winding down on a cold December day.If you are like me and enjoy Christmas anytime of the year, this is a book that will bring you the magic of Christmas, regardless of the time of the year.

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Review: Pumpkintown Perils Volume 3: Journey into Jagged Wood

Pumpkintown Perils Volume 3: Journey into Jagged Wood by Aubrey Law
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoy this series! It is a guaranteed laugh out loud read. Witch Wanda, her cat Jinxy and her sisters, Alice and Amber are back. They have teamed up with Leprechaun Sam and the gnomes to find a giant and a werewolf, one of whom is their father, (is this a good or bad thing? Is everyone on the same side?). As always when this crazy cast of characters get together there are outlandishly zany things happening, along with some dangerous, possibly deadly, things. Readers of this book, (series), should expect anything to pop up. The stories remind me of Lewis Carroll. You open the book and are instantly transported to a fantasy land where you are kept off balanced and are rarely certain who is really on your side. You may not survive but you will definitely enjoy the ride.
If you are looking for manic craziness and a fast read this book is probably a good fit for you. It does contain sexual references and adult language, for those who want that information. Things do wrap up nicely but with the opening for further adventures, (thank you!), to look forward to.

*I normally would have finished this book in a day, or at most over a weekend. However, I had some medical issues going on then Harvey hit. With family in Houston my concern and attention was focused there. Happily my family is fine, including Baby Jax who was born during the worst of the flooding. I ended up stopping and starting several times then just re-reading it. I would like to thank the author who provided an ecopy of this book for review purposes.*

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Review: Taking Charge of Cancer: What You Need to Know to Get the Best Treatment

Taking Charge of Cancer: What You Need to Know to Get the Best Treatment by David Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a must have if you, or a loved one, have been diagnosed, (or there is a possibility of it), with cancer. The language used was easy to understand with the author taking pains to explain new terms and medical terms. The author walks you through everything from the first visit where you find out the diagnosis to the end of treatment and beyond. He writes about clinical trials and myths. Honestly, I was amazed by how much I learned. I am not a person who usually writes in books but this one is highlighted, written in and even has sticky notes on some pages! It may become one of the most useful books you own. Being told you have cancer is one the most devastating things you may hear. It can leave you reeling with a variety of emotions. Taking Charge of Cancer gives you the feeling of power and hope. You will know what questions to ask, what steps to take and be able to make decisions based on knowledge instead of panic. As cancer is so prevalent in today's world, I would recommend this book be in every home. The more you know, the earlier in treatment, the better your chances are.
A huge thank to Goodreads for offering this book in one of their giveaways! I'm so grateful I won it. It has been hugely helpful for me.

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Review: Noelle: A Sweet American Historical Romance

Noelle: A Sweet American Historical Romance by Josephine Blake
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

Noelle is my first book by author Josephine Blake. This book is part of the series, The Brittler Sisters. It is the fifth book but I was able to enjoy it as a stand alone. There are references to the prior books, especially Dianna, book one. The references only made me curious about that book.

Noelle is the youngest sister in a well off family. She is a very likable character. She dreams of finding a man she loves, one who her parents approve of. I'm not certain I like her mother yet. I think she has dealt with a lot during the series. I will hold my judgement on her until I have read the other books. Most of the other characters are likable. There is a twist that I didn't see coming that was very interesting.

This is a clean story. I would have no problem sharing it with pre-teens and up.

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Review: Summer Love Puppy

Summer Love Puppy by Rachelle Ayala
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another awesome book in the Have a Hart Series by Rachelle Ayala. This book tells the story of Linx and Grady. It is a bit darker then the other books in the series. Every family has some darkness. Reading it reminded me of the saying, if the eyes shed no tears, the heart would have no rainbows. Linx never had an easy life. Grady did but, even in the best families, things go wrong. I think Grady proves that every child is different and that it is not only our home that shapes us as people. This is a roller coaster story. It will have you feeling so many emotions. Most likely you will go through parts where you like them, you don't like them but then you love them.
I enjoyed reading Linx and Grady's story, which holds a bit of mystery in it. I hope you pick it up and enjoy it too! The Have A Hart Series is clean romance.

Thank you to the author for providing an advanced review copy. The final book may have slight differences.

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