Book Reviews

Review: A Small Fortune

August 14, 2012

A Small Fortune by Audrey Braun My rating: 4 of 5 stars Gilion Williams leaves her daughter, Celia, a family legacy. But at the time of Gilion’s death, Celia doesn’t pay much attention to the paperwork and the legacy goes unnoticed for years. But someone notices. And they will do anything to get their hands on it. An impromptu vacation to Mexico proves to be just the first step in an unexpected and dangerous scheme. Celia’s only hope is to figure out her tormentor’s plan and discover who she can…

Review: The Second Virgin Birth

February 9, 2012

By Karen

The Second Virgin Birth by Tommy Taylor My rating: 5 of 5 stars The Second Virgin Birth was unique. The premise of a virgin giving birth to another Jesus Christ through the magic of science is controversial and intriguing. A variety of characters, including a Pope determined to make sure Christ is never born again, make for a complex story. There are many obstacles, some not fully realized (i.e. too little time spent on them), and a host of personal agendas that take place as events unfold. Some of the…

Review: V is for Vengeance

January 26, 2012

By Karen

V is for Vengeance by Sue Grafton My rating: 5 of 5 stars There’s nothing I enjoy more (okay, a few things, but this isn’t the place for that kind of talk) than a Kinsey Millhone mystery/crime/romance. This one had everything. Kinsey is hired by a widower to look into the alleged suicide of his fiancé who was recently arrested for shoplifting when Kinsey caught her stuffing a lace teddy and two pair of silk pajamas in her bag at Nordstrom’s. What Kinsey uncovers about the woman’s past leads her…

Review: Mercury Rises

November 5, 2011

By Karen

Mercury Rises by Robert Kroese My rating: 5 of 5 stars A sequel to the hilarious Mercury Falls, Mercury Rises gives readers a insightful backstory on Mercury and his relationship to Tiamat who vows to make Lucifer’s rebellion look like a toddler tantrum. I can see satan kicking and screaming now. And who would have guessed the ark had a name? Noah makes a wonderful appearance with his big boat and been-cooped-up-too-long family and we learn what really happened to certain mystical creatures. The apocalypse looms large yet again and…

Review: The Deception of the Emerald Ring

October 23, 2011

By Karen

Review: The Deception of the Emerald Ring

The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig My rating: 5 of 5 stars Who doesn’t enjoy a little deception? The third book in the Pink Carnation series was wonderfully entertaining. The Emerald Ring introduces readers to more characters in the spy world of the 19th century. Letty Alsworthy joins the story in a fun twist on “wrong girl, right time.” Geoff Pinchingdale is the hero of this spy tale. Once in league with the Purple Gentian, he lacks the swagger of the aforementioned and the sardonic humor of…

Review: Alexander Death

October 23, 2011

By Karen

Alexander Death by J.L. Bryan My rating: 5 of 5 stars The final installment in the Pox series is pure torment. You can’t stop yourself from turning the pages as fast as possible, but you fear the end as if Tommy has you by the shoulder. It’s like being shoved back and forth between Tommy and Ashley: “I love it so much.” *crazy grin* “I’m near the end!” *scream* “I can’t stop reading, it’s so good.” *maniacal giggle* “The end is close!” *scream* Jenny meets Alexander Death (although they’ve met…

Review: Tommy Nightmare

September 30, 2011

By Karen

Tommy Nightmare by J.L. Bryan My rating: 5 of 5 stars The Pox thickens… The second installment in the Jenny Pox series, Tommy Nightmare, is a wonderful dream come true. More Jenny, more Seth and more fantastic characters with unexpected powers. This book picks up where Jenny Pox left off and as things return to normal (sort of) in Fallen Oak after the apoxalypse, new friends and enemies emerge. But how do you tell them apart? I don’t know! That’s what’s great about this series. Just when I think I…

Review: Jenny Pox

September 16, 2011

By Karen

Jenny Pox by J.L. Bryan My rating: 5 of 5 stars I’m totally infected with Jenny Pox. I began this book by reading the first chapter as an excerpt at the end of another book. I was so totally enamored of the lead character, Jenny, that I immediately purchased a copy to continue the story. That’s talent right there – grabbing my full attention so easily. I probably would have read the entire book in one sitting if I hadn’t needed to work. Poor Jenny is plagued – in more…

Review: Until Death

September 14, 2011

By Karen

Until Death by Karen Woodward My rating: 4 of 5 stars Until Death requires a little effort at first, but there’s a big payoff at the end. The beginning (the effort portion) was slow and for several chapters I had a hard time focusing because my head kept screaming, “Come on… get to it a’ready!” There’s nothing wrong with that, per se, as a slow build can be quite titillating. But I’m afraid readers might give up too soon. My advice – keep going until the going gets really good…

Review: The Preacher’s Bride

September 3, 2011

By Karen

The Preacher’s Bride by Jody Hedlund My rating: 5 of 5 stars I’ve read, and enjoyed, historical romance before. But, this is the first one I’ve encountered based on the Puritan way of life. I normally go for a good mystery or a crime drama with offbeat humor. Lately I’ve been indulging in young-adult paranormal. I’m also a big sic-fi fan and I throw in the occasional classic now and then. So, it would stand to reason that I might hold a small fear of this book turning out to…

Review: Mockingjay

August 21, 2011

By Karen

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins My rating: 5 of 5 stars An explosive wrap-up to a very enthralling trilogy. I was drawn in from page one. I can’t say enough good things about the Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay. Suzanne Collins must have a love affair with the keyboard because she produces some mighty brilliant text. I consider The Hunger Games a must read. And read again. I’m looking forward to the movie. I really hope they do a good job of it. Mockingjay went a new direction from the…

Review: Catching Fire

August 2, 2011

By Karen

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins My rating: 5 of 5 stars How can you take two main characters and put them through similar traumas and not let it get dull? I have no idea, but apparently Ms. Collins is the one to ask? Catching Fire continues the Hunger Games saga in new, breathtaking and riot-inducing ways. The characters get more complex and intertwined as we’re introduced to new elements in this twisty and elaborately-woven story of power-greedy big brother and the inextinguishable spirit of humankind. Wow – I can’t wait…

Review: The Hunger Games

July 30, 2011

By Karen

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins My rating: 5 of 5 stars I can’t say much here, except WOW! Read this book. It’s wonderful regardless of your preferred genre. On the technical side: I love the fluid use of present tense and first person. I’ve read few books that do that as brilliantly. On the artistic side: The characters are beautifully created and brought to full-blooded, realistic life. The inner workings of Katniss are presented in such a way that anyone can see themselves as her, facing the unspeakable, staring…