Book Review JANE by April Linder

Okay, some of you may know I am a HUGE Jane Eyre fan!!!  It's not only a Bronte Classic, but one of my favorite books!  How I missed discovering this little gem of a book until now is beyond me, because Jane by April Linder is an absolutely fabulous modern version of Jane Eyre.  Romance fans and Jane Eyre fans, let me say you seriously won't be able to put this book down.  The author captivates your attention using her own well written original version of the classic love story.

Jane Moore is a homely girl, who grew up with parents and siblings who mainly treated her as the outcast of the family.  When she is forced to drop out of college after the death of her parents and find a job.  Jane decides to sign up with a nanny agency.  Because Jane is so plain, the agency finds her perfect for the nanny position at the Thornfield Park estate, also home to the world-famous rock star Nico Rathburn.

Nico, a bit older has had a rockstar life which included lots of money, drugs and romances.  Many romances in fact, one of which resulted in a daughter.  He's never had to hold back from anything, he's had everything he ever wanted and more and now he's about to launch a massive comeback tour.

Now for any of you Jane Eyre fans you pretty much know what happens next.  Thornfield is filled with secrets, and a budding romance between Jane and Nico.  But Linder does this in a way, that you still feel the classic shine through, but a new version with differences that keep the reader turning pages and wanting more and more.

What you can expect with this book, is a retelling of a favorite classic.  But unlike the original, you don't have to start with her childhood and life before she meets the famous Nico.  Instead you as a reader get to jump right into Jane's move to Thornfield and watch the romance and story unfold from the beginning of the book.  It's also considerably more fast paced than the original.   However, don't worry you will still have plenty of character building for Jane and still gain the understanding of her pre-Thornfiled life.  You'll find yourself wanting, and smiling and being totally in love with this absolutely irresistible romance between Jane and Nico.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves the original Bronte Classic, as well as any reader who enjoys throwing them self into a fabulous romance.  The only downside to this book was the language, I don't particularly like reading books that drop the "F" bomb often throughout.  This one does quite a bit, with the Nico character.  I understand why the writer did it, she likely felt that is how a rockstar would talk and she helped use the language to build the character of who he is.  Personally I think she could have established this without it, but that is just me.  So if that sort of thing bothers you, you may not enjoy this read as much.
If you are like me, don't particularly like bad language in a book, but you read instead of listen to a book, you can do as I did and just skim over those parts and not let it ruin the rest of the fabulously romantic story!

Disclaimer:  I was not asked to review this book.  All thoughts, opinions and pictures above are my own.

Book Review of BEAUTIFUL CREATURES by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

I did something they say never do, watch the movie before I reading the book.  After watching the movie, which I actually liked.  I just had to read the book.  Mainly because of the cliffhanger in the movie.  I am really glad I saw the movie, because if I hadn't I might not have picked up this book!

Originally I expected the movie to be pretty close to the book, and I almost thought about skipping Beautiful Creatures, and jumping straight to Beautiful Darkness.  Thank goodness sense came to me and I decided to read Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl first!  The book and the movie are so different.

I absolutely love the South!  I love the way the people in the South talk, their antebellum or plantation homes and sweet country life. I love learning about the Civil War, and visiting places that have Civil War significance.  So I guess it was a given that I was going to absolutely love this book, because this book is stocked full of both of these fabulosities.

Ethan Wate has lived in Gatlin County his entire life, as did his parents and their parents and so on.  Nothing changes in Gatlin and he hates that.  He can't wait until he turns eighteen and can move away.  The problem is, he still has two more years to go.  The only thing new about Ethan's life, is the fact that he's been having these weird dreams of a beautiful girl that he has never met.

Life seems like it will always be the same, that was until Lena Duchannes moved into town.  Lena moves in with her uncle into one of the oldest plantations in Gatlin.  Which also happens to be the uncle no one in town will speak of, and the towns southern hospitality has never been extended to.
Lena wants a normal life, to be a normal fifteen year old in high school.   She has high hopes of the new move and new possibilities it could bring to her life.  However, the kids in Gatlin decide differently, immediately putting a target on her back.  Weird and creepy is the name of that target.
Then she meets Ethan, and an immediate connection between the two grows.  Especially since he realizes Lena is the girl of his dreams, literally.

Finally things in Gatlin start to change, and Ethan has a connection to a girl who is filled with surprises and deep old family secrets.  Their paths collide and friendships begin, as Lena's countdown to what she assumes will be the end of life as she knows it ticks down.

This is a fast paced book, and I absolutely loved it SOOOO much more than the movie!  In this Gothic story Beautiful Creatures is fast paced as Ethan and Lena try to uncover curses, black and white magic and avoid death at the same time.  I've already got the sequel on hold at the library because I can't wait to read what happens next!  This is a bit longer book at 563 pages, but even at that I still read this in two days.  It was hard to put down, captivating my attention bringing me into the roots of the south with a vivid and highly imaginary story line.
This is a YA, but any age would enjoy this!  I can't wait to read what happens next!!!

Book Review DEAD RIVER By Cyn Balog

I saw this book on one of the Librarian recommended shelves.  I don't normally pick these up, as I have found my opinion is widely different than most Librarians.  (I think I have better taste:)
But since I was heading out of town to go up camping, I wanted a possibly creepy outdoorsy thriller type book, and this was the one I picked up.  Lets just say, for once the Librarian recommendation was correct, Dead River by Cyn Balog was a great paranormal thriller.

I read this book up in the mountains, surrounded by the pines and up against a much smaller river than the one mentioned in the book.  Perfect setting, for a keep me guessing thriller!!!

Kiandra lived on the Delaware river in her youth.  That was until at the age of seven when she watched her mom commit suicide by walking straight into the river to drown.  This would mess most kids up, but she had a loving father who picked up and moved them far away from any body of water, and most importantly kept Kiandra far from any river and river memories.

However, Kiandra has grown up now, with a boyfriend named Justin and a best friend Angela who talk her into taking a weekend trip up to the Dead River to stay at Angela's family cabin.  The only problem Kiandra thinks she has is the fact that she had to lie to her father and tell him she was going hiking in a state park instead.  That is where she went wrong, she has many, many other problems!

Things start going a little weird for Kiandra the first night when her friends talk her into camping outside instead of in the cabin.  Ghost stories for Kiandra become far more vivid than just an imaginary story.  But it isn't until the next day when they hop on the rafts to take a day white water river rafting trip that things get really weird for her.

Flipped out of the raft, Kiandra fights for her life, but is saved by someone lets just say not really of this world.  It's then she starts to realize, her life is not at all as she has been told.  Kiandra is told to leave the Dead River and never come back, if she doesn't she may not survive.
After a miraculous saving that her friends can't even believe after they thought she was lost and possibly even dead, she decides she may have imagined it all and decides to stay.

I hate to say anything more, because that is when things start getting really creepy, and I seriously don't want to accidentally ruin the ending and suspense for anyone who wants to read this.  But lets just say, this is a great little paranormal thriller and I highly recommend this to anyone 14 and up!  Oh, and I highly recommend reading this book at night up in the mountains near a river, adults will love it too!!!

Disclaimer: I was not asked to read or review this book.  All thoughts, opinions and pictures are my own.

Book Review Critical Pursuit By Janice Cantore

Critical Pursuit is a book you will not be able to put down! Janice Cantore weaves a perfectly suspense filled novel. With appealing characters in a fast paced story line, that intrigues you more and more with every page. If you're like me, you'll likely devour this in one sitting.

Six year old Brinna Caruso was abducted, tied up and left for dead by her abductor. After her rescue she has had one thing on her mind, become a police officer and help rescue other abducted children. She made that dream come true, now Officer Brinna and her K-9 rescue dog are the ones to call whenever a child goes missing.

Detective Jack O'Rilley lost his wife due to the careless acts of a drunk driver. Unable to move on, or cope with life and bent on revenge. Jack decides to step out of the homicide department and back into patrol. He is then assigned to be Brinna's partner for a short while.

Brinna hasn't had a human partner in a long while, and would rather stick with her K-9, but forced into the new patrol with Jack she has no choice but to rely on her new partner. Especially since a child killer surfaces shortly after they become partners, and this killer has the same MO as the deceased criminal who abducted Brinna when she was six. After discovering the death of one child and the recent abduction of another. The two must put aside their differences and put trust in each other as they embark on a race against time to save the next little girl who's been taken by the twisted child abductor.

Critical Pursuit may be a suspense thriller, but is also a story about coming to terms with forgiveness, trusting your instincts and having faith. I absolutely loved Critical Persuit. This being my first Janice Cantore novel I wasn't sure what to expect, but she has me hooked on her writing. Cantore is a retired police officer and I believe that is why her storytelling is so amazingly realistic and engaging! She knows exactly how to craft a fast paced book that keeps the readers hooked wanting more and more. I highly recommend Critical Pursuit to anyone ages 14 and up.

AUTHOR WEBSITE

Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book by Tynsdale House Publishers for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, all thoughts and opinions above are my own.

Book Review FAKING GRACE by Tamara Leigh

I absolutely loved Faking Grace by Tamara Leigh!  This book is a cute romantic comedy, which literally has you laughing out loud at times.  Leigh did a fabulous job creating a unique and fun story line with likable fun characters.  You'll have a hard time putting this one down!

Maizy Grace Steward works as a part time reporter with dreams of becoming an investigative journalist.  She's had a rocky past, and realizes that she needs to take on a second job for a while to help pay the bills.  Maizy decides to apply for a job with Steeple Side Christian Resources, who is known for only hiring Christians.  However, Maizy goes hilariously over board using the Dumb Blonds Guide to Christianity as her guide to dress her self up and present herself as a devote Christian.

Maizy, who now goes by her middle name Grace (because to her it sounds more Christian like.)  Is thrilled to land the job during the first interview, but she wasn't thrilled with having to work with Jack Prentiss. Whom seems to have a theory she is a fraud.
Additionally, if her problems with Jack and keeping her lies straight isn't enough, she is given another log on that fire.   She is finally offered the job of her dreams.  But only if she is willing to stay at Steeple Side and work undercover for a Nashville newspaper to expose all of the skeleton's in Steeple Side's close.  

This book keeps you laughing with all of the crazy acts that Maizy does as she to keep her secret under wraps.  At the same time trying to decide if she should write the article that will trash Steeple Side and hurt all of her new friends or loose her dream career.  You get a healthy dose of a romantic comedy as Maizy tries to keep herself from falling for the good looking Jack Prentiss.  Faking Grace is an absolutely great read and you'll love every page!  I highly recommend this one to anyone ages 14 and up who loves comedy and adult fiction.

AUTHORS WEBSITE

READ CHAPTER ONE OF FAKING GRACE

MORE INFORMATION

I'd love it if you'd take a minute and Rank my Review

(Note - You'll get an email from Blogging for Books that you just have to click on the link so they can verify your an actual person:) Thanks!!!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  I was not required to write a positive review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review FRAMED by Clair M. Poulson

This is an author who has written over sixteen novels and I have read and loved every single one of them.  Not to mention I own almost all of them as well.  When I picked up Framed by Clair M. Poulson I already knew I was in for a great story.  I believe because this author was once a Sheriff and then a Judge this is the reason his novels always have a tendency to grab the reader and keep them entertained and guessing throughout the entire book.

Adriana Chambers pulls over to use her tire changing skills to help a stranded motorist in her neighborhood who looked like they needed some help.  The only problem is, her good deed turns into much more than she bargained for and she soon discovers she is the only witness of the man Jerzy Grabowski that morning.  Which wouldn't mean much, except that same man shortly thereafter was pulled over and brought in and charged with murder.  Murder of one of her own neighbors nearby where she changed the tire.
There is one big problem with Jerzy's arrest, he's innocent.  The other problem, Adriana's the only one who believes he's didn't do it.

Brad Osborn is the detective assigned to the case.  He falls immediately for the beautiful Adriana when he took her witness statement.  The best part is, it appears she might return the feelings.  When she walks out the door Brad wonders if he'll ever see her again, that question is quickly answered when Adriana's thrown into a tangled web of conspiracy's and mob dealings that may or may not be related to her estranged father.  Adriana's curiosity gets to her, and she begins to investigate and find out for her own what is going on.  She stands true to her feelings that Jerzy is innocent.  The only problem is, the more she digs the more danger she is in, and her life may be at stake.

Framed is fast paced and filled with the perfect amount of suspense to keep you guessing up till the end.  I really enjoyed this book.  The only thing I didn't like was Adriana's character flipped just a little in my opinion through the book.  She starts out this strong independent girl who pulls over to change a mans tire.  But I found a few times later on in the book that the character lost her strength a little and I would have rather seen her remain strong, sufficient and more independent and less needy throughout.  But that may just be me.  I love a great and strong female character in a book.  But others may not always agree and I assume trials like in the book could break any strong female character.

That aside, this is a fabulous read, and it won't disappoint!  This book is a clean read, with Christian LDS standards throughout.  So you won't have to worry about bad language, which for me too much bad language in a book can be a total turn off!  I recommend this book to adults of any age, who love suspense, mystery and crime drama.

Disclaimer: I was not asked by the author or publisher to read/review this book.  All thoughts, opinions and pictures are my own.

Book Review ASHES ON THE WAVES by Mary Lindsey

This was the second book of Mary Lindsey's I have read, and I loved her first Shattered Souls.  Ashes on the Waves was just as great, and possibly I even liked it more than her first novel.  I loved this book and found it to be a refreshingly wonderful writing.  Lindsey brings mythical characters to life and mixes them with modern day time.  This isn't a sequel to her first book, but a book on it's own.

Liam MacGregor has been stuck in the poor village of Dochas his entire life.  Labeled from birth as a demon and never accepted or treated fairly by anyone in town.  Liam's had nothing go right with him his entire life.  That was until Annabel Leighton arrived and threw his sad world into more than he could have ever hoped.

Annabel, a rich socialite who's parents sent her to live at one of their properties on the island to keep her out of trouble.  She dreaded being there, and had no intention of staying any longer than she could talk her father into sending her back to the big city.

However, fate had something else in store for Annabel, and she meets Liam and realizes she is quickly falling in love with him.  She soon discovers she has been sent to an island inhabited by mythical Otherworlders who exist both on land and by sea.  A wager has been made by the Otherworlders to test the couples faith and love they are put through trial after trial.  The only problem is, the wager doesn't just stay with the Otherworlders, it may cost them everything as well as destroy their love

This is a fast paced novel based on Edgar Allan Poe's poem "Annabel Lee"  Ashes on the Waves takes you on a fabulous reading adventure.
If you enjoy a Young Adult read, that is a little dark and a tad Gothic with a twisted love story, then you'll love Ashes on the Waves!  This is one of those reads, that may be YA, but it was clearly written in my opinion with adults in mind.  It's extremely hard to put down.  In fact, I read it cover to cover and couldn't put it down because I had to find out how it ended.  (Yes it made for a very late night!  But it was worth it!!!)

Disclaimer: I was not asked to review this novel, all thoughts, opinions and pictures above are my own.