Monday, March 31, 2014

Asylum (Birch Harbor #1) by Kristen Selleck


Release Date: October 27, 2011
Publisher: Brother Maynard Publications
Series: Birch Harbor series

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Chloe Adams wanted a place to start her life over. After dealing with a less than ideal life at home and school, she picked a college in a little town called Birch Harbor, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. With no one from her past around, Chloe began to find a place for herself among the other college freshman and became best friends with her dorm roommate. It didn't matter much that the college was once intended to be used as an insane asylum.

Then strange things began happening on her dorm floor. Flickering lights, whispers in the night and strange writings were enough to scare the most practical person. But for Chloe, each instance had a particular meaning - a reminder that she can't outrun her past. Will she flee from Birch Harbor, the only place she felt safe? Will she stand and fight against those wanting to drive her mad?


Review:
I bought this book for my Kindle when I was playing around at Amazon one day. I was intrigued by the synopsis of the book because I wondered exactly what would happen if a woman, formerly of a mental hospital, were to begin classes in a building slated to be a mental hospital. If you tossed a bit of romance, freshman year of college and liberal amounts of paranormal activity, you'd have this book in a nutshell. But that wasn't all the book had to offer, as I found out the further I read.

Part of me identified with Chloe. No, it wasn't the certifiable part either. I was a shy, bookish type of girl in school that found it difficult to make friends. On that level, I related to her very well. Of course, other characters filled the stereotypical cast found at many colleges nowadays including the go-to party girl, the uber jocks, and even the one weird professor that nearly everyone misunderstands. They each brought their individual elements to the book and their interactions kept the story moving forward.

It did take a few chapters for the book to find its footing. I was happy that the pacing of the book slipped into a steady rhythm. I would have devoured this book in a day or two if I had no other obligations to attend to. I still found it to be a fairly quick read that ended with a good resolution. There were some doors left open for the next offering in the series but I felt that there were enough answers to keep me satisfied for the time being.

There were only a few issues that kept me from completely enjoying the book. Within the first few chapters of the book, I came across several grammar mistakes such as using commas in place of periods or not capitalizing the first word of a sentence. While I understand that some of these issues can be explained by their being used within dialogue, it was confusing for me to read four or five sentences connected by commas. It made that part of the conversation seemed rushed, almost like Six, the best friend from Blossom, was trying to speak for the character instead.

Overall, I liked the story and the place where it lead the characters. The idea was a great one for many other stories to come. In my honest opinion, if this book were to have a thorough editing, it would be a much bigger hit. In the end, it was a great way to pass the time. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good ghost story mixed with a bit of adventure and possibly reliving that dreaded freshman year of college!

Asylum (Birch Harbor #1) by Kristen Selleck is available at several online retailers in either paperback or Kindle form. You can get a copy from Amazon by clicking the link provided below. 
Asylum (Birch Harbor #1) by Kristen Selleck

Friday, March 28, 2014

The Deepest Secret by Carla Buckley


Release Date: February 4, 2014
Publisher: Bantam

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Everyone has a secret. Some are darker than others. Eve Lattimore rarely gave any thought to how well she knew her children. They were her life - especially after her son was diagnosed with a rare disease. Each day was a battle between keeping him alive and allowing him to live a normal life.

Then everything changed. A young girl, one of her son's only friends, went missing. As the search for her continued, secrets began working their way to the surface. It became apparent that the idyllic life everyone knew wasn't very idyllic after all. Will Eve be able to protect her children from the fallout? Will anyone's life be the same?

Review:
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. In the beginning the reader was given the layout of the neighborhood, showing who lived in which house and some of the residents quirks were offered. The novel largely revolved around the Lattimore family, Eve and David as well as their two children, Melissa and Tyler, and the way they dealt with Tyler's disease. He was diagnosed with XP, or Xeroderma pigmentosum, a rare disease where the person has a severe sensitivity to ultraviolet light.

Besides the Lattimore, several neighbors were introduced as the story progressed. Many were long time residents of the little cul-de-sac and everyone felt they knew the other quite well. This assumption became the basis for a whole host of problems and kept me turning the pages. Because the neighbors interacted with one another so closely, the story had more depth and layers than I anticipated. While I expected some dreadful revelations, there were a bunch of moments when I was really didn't want to turn the page. I didn't want to know if my guesses were correct or not, but I felt compelled to know the entire story.

I found the beginning of the story a little slow, but it picked up within a few chapters. I should say sub-chapters as the book was divided into days, noting the sunrise, sunset and other astrological information, and then into chapters denoting which character was the main focus of the pages that follow. Once the devastating events began, tough decisions and irrational fears came crawling out of the woodwork. With so many possible perpetrators to so many crimes, large and small, it's hard to see the world in black and white terms of right and wrong.

Overall, this story captivated me and really left me wondering what I would have done in each of the scenarios presented. It was easy to slip into any of the characters and see their point-of-view because the author was able to make them realistic and empathizing with them was easy. Heart-breaking as much of the story was, I still enjoyed how well the author explored the darkest secrets that a neighbor, a wife or husband, a brother or sister, or a stranger held and how it affected the bigger picture. If you're looking for a completely engrossing and soul-grabbing type of story, this is the one I would recommend. You will have trouble putting it down once you start.

The Deepest Secret by Carla Buckley is now available at many retailers including those online. It can be purchased in harcover, Kindle and audio-book. Click the link below to get a copy from Amazon.
The Deepest Secret by Carla Buckley

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Currently Reading

Another week done!

Not nearly enough time for me to spend reading this past week. So many projects going on at one time, I've been spreading myself thin between all of them. I am hopeful to get one or two completed soon to focus more attention on the books. There's a void that only books can fill. I must have them!

The community project for the Brown-Brooks Project this year involves making various granny squares and putting them together as afghans. These afghans will then be distributed to the residents of a local nursing home. It's a way to show them that someone out there still thinks of them and loves them. Many residents have family and friends who visit them, but too many don't. That saddens me. A group of volunteers around the country and myself have been stitching away to get as many squares as possible before the end of October 2014. Our goal is 500 squares, but we'd love to surpass that. If you're interested in helping, please leave a comment below or send an email to kaybrooks1977@gmail.com for more information.


Looking to work on these books:
The Saeshell Book of Time, Part 1: The Death of Innocents (Children of Sophista #1) by Rusty Biesele
Fire-Heart (Tales of Alterra, The World That Is #2) by C.S. Marks
The Reaver: The Sundering, Book IV by Richard Lee Byers
Jackfish Reborn by Rejean Giguere
Fractal Standard Time (Chronopticus Chronicles #1) by Michael Galloway 



Gone from the pile:
None.

Now, time to get busy and get back to these books. I miss them. How long can you stand to go without reading something? Let me know below!

Until next time,
Kay B

Monday, March 24, 2014

The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson


Release Date: February 11, 2014
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
After her father is killed during a coup in their homeland, teenage Laila arrives in the United States alongside her mother and brother. Once thought of as royalty, they each face their own difficulties in this new life. It's a life full of glaring contradictions from what they've always known, making it harder for Laila to adjust to the people around her.

As she begins to form a life in this new world, old partnerships from the homeland threaten to tear everything away from her. Ordinary events in an American teen's life prove overwhelming for someone dealing with all that Laila carries. She must do something to alleviate the torment within. But what can she do when lies and secrets surround her? Which life does she long for the most?

Review:
I began this book after receiving an invitation from NetGalley. I was definitely intrigued by the premise and thought I had a clear picture in mind of how the story was going to unfold. When I began reading the book, what I pictured was far from what the pages actually held. Told through Laila's point-of-view, the story was presented in a journal-like fashion and often recounted her thoughts, feelings and accusations as well as experiences both in her homeland and here in the United States after being rescued.

Along with Laila, a small cast of characters helped the events play out and many were beyond her control. Her mother and brother were central to her world, before and after the move, and often became points of contention as she tried to find her place within American society. Once the culture shock wore off, the dark truth behind the family's move became apparent. I really felt for Laila as she tried to find a place in school until it began to overwhelm her as well. By the middle of the book, even those who warmed to her in the beginning backed away from her. Of course, people from her homeland, also transplanted here by the disruptions, wanted more than her family could give. They also became a place of hurt and despair for her.

The author did a great job of looking at life through a young woman's eyes and allowing us to see what it might be like for someone new to this land. It wasn't hard to empathize with them as they became bombarded by many of the things we find common here. I'd never thought of something as simple as a school assignment or a football game as possibly being a trigger for bad memories. It was really eye-opening to experience it through the author's descriptions of events happening both around and inside Laila.

I found the book to be a quick read with short chapters that were very much to the point. The story is broken into three parts. The first part was slow to build but maintained a steady pace into the second and most of the third part. I thought the tension was high during the first part of the book but it too increased as events came to a head. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the author deftly revealed secrets that I, through Laila, wasn't privy to which changed the course of the ending. Sometimes I like being wrong about endings and this was one of them.

Overall, the book was a good read that has a good message that I hope young people will discover. It's not a watered-down teenage book about political intrigue or high school, but it does include those things and forces a person to the other side of something from which they may have been hiding. If you're looking for a well-written political drama featuring a teen too smart for her own good, then this is the book for you.

The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson is now available at many retailers. It can be purchased in a variety of formats including hardcover, Kindle or audio-book. You can click the link below to get a your copy from Amazon.
The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson

Friday, March 21, 2014

The Godborn: The Sundering, Book II by Paul S. Kemp


Release Date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Series: The Sundering

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
When Vasen Cale was born, his appearance set him apart from the others who served in the Abbey of the Rose. His father's shadow legacy apparent in his skin, his eyes and the swirling, unsettling shadows which marked him. But his faith in the Dawnfather, the God of Light, was equally matched within his soul, making him a walking contradiction.

As Vasen attempted to find his place in the world, plans and schemes from gods and men alike rippled throughout the plains. For many, he was the key to correcting a grievous wrong that was committed centuries before his birth. But others wanted him in order to end the world of Toril forever. Will he learn the secrets of both his light and dark half? Which warring faction will count him among their number?

Review:
Another book I requested from NetGalley, The Godborn was the second in a series of six fulfilling the telling of The Sundering within the Forgotten Realms. As with the first book I reviewed, the book was very much a stand-alone story but tied very nicely into the events that were started earlier. In my opinion, the author did a wonderful job of making the novel his own while maintaining the overall story arc of the series thus far.

This was one of those novels where the action began on the first page and didn't let up until the very last word. A child, born of shadow and light, has an impossible task set for him. A world, ravaged by dark forces, was witness to another a piece of the puzzle that was the Sundering. It all created an engaging and action-packed novel that I couldn't stop reading. Each of the players within this novel were so realistically crafted that it was easy to close my eyes and picture them as the events unfolded. That's not an easy task when devils and other ungodly creatures were focal points in the story. Still, the strange group of companions which faced down one of the lords of Hell itself were well written and fleshed out, complete with their own unique abilities.

Many of the fight scenes were concise, flowing well from one movement to another. Seamlessly written, I had no trouble following along as I sometimes do. By the middle of the book, so much blood was shed and I was emotionally invested in the characters and their need for vengeance. It became clear that the events of the first two books of the series were going to have a big impact on the world by the end of the sixth book. But the action wasn't the only thing I appreciated. The author's descriptions of the landscapes brought a clear picture of them to mind. Even places which were shrouded in darkness retained a sense of vibrancy that rose from the page through the author's words.

I truly enjoyed this book, perhaps a bit more than the first one. With all the above elements combined, the book was a really good, quick read. I'm hoping to see the characters in the future books, but that remains to be seen. The Sundering series was to breathe new life into the Forgotten Realms. With the first two books, I believe there's definite signs of life. I can't wait to read the others. If you were a fan of the Forgotten Realms or simply enjoy a good fantasy/adventure tale, this book is the right one for you.

The Godborn: The Sundering, Book II by Paul S. Kemp is currently available at various retailers. It can be purchased in hardcover, paperback or Kindle versions. You can click the link below to buy a copy from Amazon.
The Godborn: The Sundering, Book II by Paul S. Kemp

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Currently Reading

I'm so very happy to see warmer days in the forecasts for our area. Even if we have to endure cold nights for a little while longer, it's still a good thing for a few reasons. Once the warmth sticks around, I'll be ab le to move better and can get more things accomplished. My to-do lists multiplied in the last couple of weeks. I am determined to knock a few things off as soon as I'm able.

There is still a flu-ish bug being passed around at work. It's found a way to my home a time or two. No matter how much Lysol I use, the bug wants to stick around. Feeling puny makes for slow reading and crafting. Hope remains alive, however, so I'm counting on it to get me back on track as far as my reading goal.


Here's the top of the TBR pile this week:
The Saeshell Book of Time, Part 1: The Death of Innocents (Children of Sophista #1) by Rusty Biesele
Fire-Heart (Tales of Alterra, The World That Is #2) by C.S. Marks
The Reaver: The Sundering, Book IV by Richard Lee Byers
Fractal Standard Time (Chronopticus Chronicles #1) by Michael Galloway


Books finished this week:
Cold Mourning: A Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery by Brenda Chapman
Doctor Sleep (The Shining #2) by Stephen King


May is fast approaching. It will be the one year anniversary of my book blog! I can't believe it's been nearly a year already. I do have a couple of plans in the works for a couple of contests so be sure to keep watching!

Until next time,
Kay B

Monday, March 17, 2014

Marysvale by Jared Southwick


Release Date: September 23, 2010
Publisher: Two Roads
Series: Marysvale Series

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
John Casey moved from town to town for as long as he could remember. Because he possessed a special gift, he found himself in more awkward positions than he cared to count. As he fled from certain death in Syre, he stumbled across a deadly secret hidden in the dark forest to the north.

That wasn't the only secret he discovered when he arrived at a small cabin situated on a lake's shore. The woman who lived there revealed some of the answers to questions about his childhood, thus setting him on a quest to discover the rest when he made his way to Marysvale. Would he survive the journey to a town where no one dared to question authority and walls were built to keep people in rather than danger out? Could he justify protecting himself while others suffered at the hands of beasts?

Review:
This book was a strange and interesting read because it was set in a period akin to Colonial times here in the United States and included the paranormal. It was an eclectic mix that the author was able to blend. I really enjoyed the strange quality of the story, both in terms of John, the main character's, unusual abilities and the weird, otherworldly beasts that lingered in the dark forest. Toss in a tyrannical governor and you have an action-packed story that kept the pages turning.

From the beginning it was clear that John's special talents were both a blessing and curse for him. While it allowed him to evade trouble, his gift also made it difficult for him to turn away from situations that went against his own moral code. This combined with accusations of witchcraft often sent him from town to town. It was during this moment the pace of the book quickened and maintained a steady course. Along his journey, John's true character and memories threatened him as well as those who crossed his path. There was more to the story and I could feel his frustration at discovering the truths at a slower than desired pace.

I enjoyed the introduction of the mythical beings, the Brean, who lived within the forest. At times their presence in the story was unnerving and terrifying, which is what they were meant to be. The evil of the Brean augmented the evil of man within the story. Both made it possible for the people of Marysvale to become prisoners within their own city. The slow progression of freedoms lost became an essential part of John's past as well as the overall story. I was struck by how relevant the topic could be when applied to some of the events happening in this time period. I believe this was what the author was going for and if so, it hit the mark completely.

Overall, the book was a good read. It had a lot of action, pasts being revealed and just a hint of possible romance mixed with some lighter moments. The only thing troubling me about the book was portions of the dialogue didn't seem to fit the setting of the book. From the descriptions of everyday life, tools and clothing, it seemed the book was set in a time before many modern advances. People used muskets and swords, primarily rode horses for transport and wore clothing similar to those in Colonial times. Yet, there were moments when speaking that the characters used words that made them appear to be from more modern times. It was a little confusing but the overall plot and action were sufficient enough to keep me reading. If you enjoy something a bit out of the ordinary, then this is the book for you!

Marysvale by Jared Southwick is available at online retailers in either hardcover or Kindle forms. By clicking the link below, you can purchase a copy from Amazon.
Marysvale by Jared Southwick

Friday, March 14, 2014

The Weight of Blood: A Novel by Laura McHugh


Release Date: March 11, 2014
Publisher: Spiegel & Grau

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
In a small town surrounded by thick woods and tall mountain like Henbane, secrets ran as deep as tree roots and more deadly than the plant that shares its name. Lucy Dane's family has always been a part of Henbane and its secrets. Her father and the men before him were gravediggers for the town long before modern funeral homes were common.

When Lucy's childhood friend went missing and later found murdered, she made it her mission to find out the truth behind her friend's last days - and those of her mother who went missing shortly after Lucy's birth. Weaving together the threads of both cases, the truth pushed to the surface like a flower in springs. Revelations can free a person or burden the soul. The more she discovered, the more Lucy began questioning everything she'd ever been told. Will she figure it out before it's too late? Will she be able to bear the cost?


Review:
Requesting this book through NetGalley was an excellent choice and I'm very glad that I was approved.The novel covered parallel plots, interweaving them at a number of points and bringing the book to a different level than if it were a simple straight shot through the story. It was a little strange in the beginning but I quickly adjusted to the multiple points-of-view. Each chapter began with the name of the person so it became easier as the story went along.

Speaking of characters, there were a lot of them to meet throughout the story, but a small number became the core group which affected both the past and present. It was interesting to me because I was able to see how the decisions a person made nearly two decades earlier came back to either hinder or help them. And as for secrets, I don't think one person in that town was free of secrets. The interconnected lives of small town folk were accurately portrayed in many areas and impacted the story at nearly every turn. Someone knew something about someone, often using that secret to his or her advantage.

That dimension of the story put a lot of the characters into a grey area. They weren't bad people but they weren't exactly good either. So the story wasn't a good versus bad type at all. Each and every person did something that would be considered bad to some degree. From lying and stealing to murder and rape, the deeds ran the gamut and left the reader with the responsibility of deciding who could be trusted and who to avoid at all costs. I must admit that as I neared the end of the book, I dreaded Lucy finding any of the answers she wanted. With the dual timelines, I knew some of the answers before she did and as the events of the book reached their climax, I felt really bad for the girl who simply wanted the truth.

Pacing was steady and solid from the very beginning. By the time I reached the end of one chapter, I wanted to keep moving on to find the next surprise or secret. There were a few points in the book where I cringed at what was taking place. I knew it was going to happen but I still didn't want it to. The only thing that really bothered me was not all of the answers were revealed at the end. Perhaps because that's much like the way life works. We don't always get all the answers. But I still wanted to know!

Overall, I thought the book to be an excellent one. Despite the lingering, unanswered questions, there were a lot of events that brought out a range of emotions. The author's descriptions of the town, its atmosphere and its people allowed the story to become real in my mind as I read it. I would definitely recommend this book if you enjoy glimpses of the darker side of life mixed with a down-home feel. Just don't forget your secrets.

The Weight of Blood: A Novel by Laura McHugh is currently available at many online retailers. It can be purchased from Amazon in either hardcover or Kindle format. You can pick up your copy by clicking the link below.
The Weight of Blood: A Novel by Laura McHugh

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Currently Reading

Although I'm still behind on a number of things, I'm happy to report that I've made some progress. I feel better, both in health and with finishing a couple of books. I still need to finish reading a couple more in order to be on track with my reading goal, according to the tracker at Goodreads, but I have no doubt that I'll get there.

There's also been progress in my community project and secret projects as well. I'm trying very hard to be happy with the small steps and not frustrated at what is left to finish. My impatience tends to get me into trouble. It's only taken me forever to figure that out for myself. Now, it's time to cross a few more of these books off my TBR pile. We won't talk about the new ones added recently either.


On top of the TBR pile this week:
The Saeshell Book of Time, Part 1: The Death of Innocents (Children of Sophista #1) by Rusty Biesele
Doctor Sleep (The Shining #2) by Stephen King
Fire-Heart (Tales of Alterra, The World That Is #2) by C.S. Marks
Cold Mourning: A Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery by Brenda Chapman


Finished these titles:
The Adversary: The Sundering, Book III by Erin M. Evans
One of Us by Tawni O'Dell


Spring is definitely here. The weather is now warm one moment before shifting back to wintery goodness. It's the perfect time to sneak in more reading. What are you looking forward to this season?

Until next time,
Kay B

Monday, March 10, 2014

Joe Victim: A Thriller by Paul Cleave


Release Date: September 3, 2013
Publisher: Atria Books

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Joe Middleton had the best weekend until he went home to feed his fish. Then his life took a horrible turn. First, he was shot. Then people began accusing him of murders he knew nothing about. Once he landed in jail, his troubles continued as both people inside and outside wanted him dead.

Along the way, former detective, Carl Schroder, made it his mission to make sure Joe never leave jail unless it was in a body bag. No longer working for the force, he found work with a local television show, The Cleaner. A way to merely pay the bills, the job brought him full circle to cross paths with Joe once more.

Review:
I bought this book shortly after reading Cemetery Lake. At the time, I didn't know there were a few books to read before this one. Even though each of the author's books are interconnected, they each stand alone in a brilliant way. Events from the previous books are given throughout the current one but it's only enough to explain something and wet your appetite for the previous titles. I really wish I could own all of them to read them in order. One day I will but for now, I'm glad I read Joe Victim.

Many of the characters are ones that were introduced throughout the other books and yet, they're given a sort of second introduction as they come into play. Previous crimes were referenced and explained when necessary. Even without reading the other books, there was plenty of murder, mayhem, emotion and vengeance in this book to satisfy any and all thriller/mystery needs. I truly loved how every one of the characters were human. They were both parts good and evil - though some were more evil than good. It made them seem real, almost making the book seem like a tv show or movie instead of a book.

The action started out strong and almost kept steady throughout the entire book. I felt there were a few places were the pacing lulled and for me, it was understandable given what was occurring in that particular part of the book. Since the book was written from the point-of-view of several characters, I was privy to information that some of the other characters weren't. Many times I wanted to shake some sense in a few, smack a couple of others and shield some when necessary. Of course, that's a sign of a good book - when the reader becomes invested within a book to the point that they experience the highs and lows alongside the character.

A lot answers were weaved throughout the story. Some were hidden and I had to go back in order to find them. Many were thrown at me with little time to absorb them before the next turn of events. It was definitely a book filled with highs and lows. I was shocked to find a few things out and felt happy at others. Just when I thought I knew how it was going to end, a last minute curve ball knocked everything out of place. I don't know if this is the end of Joe and Christchurch, but oh man, I can't wait for the next book to find out! If you're looking for a thrill ride of a crime spree mixed with a bit of love and darkness, check this book (or any of Cleave's books) out.

Joe Victim: A Thriller by Paul Cleave is currently available in both Kindle and paperback formats. To purchase a copy from Amazon, please click the link provided below.
Joe Victime: A Thriller by Paul Cleave


Sunday, March 9, 2014

March's Hopes and Dreams

March, already?

I knew February was a short month, but it felt a whole lot shorter. I can't believe we're at the second week of March already. All the young ones out there, take heed! Time speeds up when you get older. Enjoy it while you can.

I suppose the observation of Daylight Savings Time helped to make the first week of March seem as short. Now, the challenge will be to adjust to the time change and beat back all these stupid illnesses that keep knocking me off my path. I'll spare you all the details. Let's just say, I haven't felt well since the middle of February and have been thankful for all the extra reading, reviewing and crocheting I did in January.

But now, I am slowly working my way back to where I was. There's a lot of neat books coming up in my TBR pile. Doctor Sleep by Stephen King, Fire-Heart by C.S. Marks and so many more. With the one year anniversary of my blog coming in May, I've got a few surprises that I'm looking forward to finalizing. It's going to be a great couple of months!

Since spring is in the air here, I hope everyone is taking advantage of good weather and having a great Sunday. May the rest of your week be a pleasant one and filled with wordy escapes. What are you looking forward to as the weather changes?

Until next time,
Kay B

Friday, March 7, 2014

Everybody's Got a Story (Toronto #12) by Heather Wardell


Release Date: July 4, 2013
Publisher: Heather Wardell
Series: Toronto Series

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
For two years, Alexa battled the stigma of being a victim after she was confined and brutally assualted over a thirty-six hour period by her boyfriend, Christophe. She held strong during the trial, but the weight of the memories grew too strong. With the help of her boss, Alexa took a chance for a new life in Toronto and began the process of reclaiming her life one step at a time.

But she soon found herself facing down the very thoughts from which she ran. Everywhere she turned, something brought a newer dimension to the hurt and terror she felt. With few places to turn, she was able to find one source of strength, but can she really trust again? Can she ever love again?


Review:
I requested this title from NetGalley for two reasons. One, the premise of the story really hooked me from the description provided. Two, it involved someone who loved books almost as much as I do. What I thought was going to be a run-of-the-mill type of inspirational, overcoming type of story turned out to be so much more. This was my first time reading a book in this series or by the author, something I am going to rectify quickly.

The moment I read the first word, I knew that I was in the thick of it and would only know as much as Alexa, the main character would allow me to know. In complete contrast to how she felt throughout the story, she delivered the facts, feelings, reactions and more in her own time. Once you combine this with the trauma she suffered at the hands of someone who professed to love her to death (and it nearly was), the growth the character underwent was that much more spectacular, in my opinion. I can't really say that there was the usual slow build in pacing with this story because it started right out of the gate and kept the pace it set until the end. Yes, there were quite a few twists and points at which I actually felt for the characters. These kept the story moving instead of weighing it down.

Alexa wasn't the only character that I was rooting for by the end of the book. Some of her coworkers, new friends and even family were written well. Many of their reactions and personalities seemed so real that I could pick out people from my own life that reminded me of them. There were a few that grated on my nerves and I know they were meant to be that way. I still wanted to reach through the page, smack some sense into them, and maybe get a different outcome by the last word. It was the sincerity and honesty from the characters that put this novel on another level for me.

I was surprised to see that this book was a part of a series. I've said before that jumping into the middle of a series wasn't always pleasant because the reader can feel out of place without knowing what went on before. This novel stood on its own pages from the very beginning. I must admit that I'm now curious to know how the other books play into a series around the city of Toronto.

Overall, this novel really moved me from one emotion to the other. I was wondering a lot of the same things Alexa was over the course of the book. There wasn't a realistic way to get all of the answers but I was happy to see her get many by the end. Although the book had a growth/feel-good type of energy to it, there were also a number of educational moments that I applaud the author for writing. It was written many times that people only have as much power over us as we let them have. To witness someone, even a fictional character, regaining that power and making decisions was really awe-inspiring. If you're looking for a book that takes you from one side to the other of the emotional scale with everything in between, then this is the book for you.

Everybody's Got a Story (Toronto #12) by Heather Wardell is available at a number of retailers as well as online. It can be purchased in either paperback or Kindle forms. You can pick up a copy from Amazon by clicking the link below.
Everybody's Got a Story (Toronto #12) by Heather Wardell

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Currently Reading

In order to catch up on all the long-suffering projects I have lined up, I had to forgo reading the last seven days. Okay, I didn't give it up entirely. I was able to sneak in a few chapters here and there.  Overall, the progress wasn't at my usual rate. I feel really bad that I haven't finish a few of these books already.

Little time for reading also meant little time for writing. Though most of my great ideas (or what I think of them at the time) come in the middle of the night, my medications have kept my late night writing rambles to a minimum. I am hopeful this will change as I get better.


Up next on the TBR pile;
The Saeshell Book of Time, Part 1: The Death of Innocents (Children of Sophista #1) by Rusty Biesele
Doctor Sleep (The Shining #2) by Stephen King
The Adversary: The Sundering, Book III by Erin M. Evans


Finished these this week;
None.


Does it bother you when you aren't able to read as much as you'd like? Please let me know I'm not the only one in the comments below. Have a wonderful week!

Until next time,
Kay B

Monday, March 3, 2014

The Law of Second Chances (Jack Tobin #2) by James Sheehan


Release Date: September 10, 2013
Publisher: Center Street
Series: Jack Tobin Series

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Jack Tobin finds himself between a rock and a hard place when he agrees to represent Henry Wilson, an inmate nearing his execution. Juggling the workload of being a lawyer and worrying about his increasingly sick wife, Jack does what he does best. He puts his head down and plows through the work, emotions and obstacles.

As Jack works through his own trials, Benny Avrile awaits his own fate after being arrested for the death of a wealthy man with too many connections. Somehow his path intersects Jack's and everyone involved finds danger in every shadow. Will Jack be able to do his job or will he become the next victim?

Review:
I received an advanced copy of this book through a free giveaway at Goodreads. I don't usually enter giveaways for books in a series without having read the first one, but this story was able to stand alone while incorporating events from the first book in the series. Once I began reading, I realized that the story was more involved than the simple description led me to believe. There were many layers to this story, thus the book contained two parts.

Three distinct threads of the story presented themselves in the first part of the book. They centered around Jack in present-day Florida, Benny in present-day New York and Jack's childhood in 1970s New York. It was during this part of the book that events in the first book of the Jack Tobin series were revealed. Even with a large cast of characters, I felt that the author did a good job at providing each one his or her own voice and personality that resonated throughout the story.

Part two of the book was the point in which the threads came together and the pace of the story picked up as danger lurked around each corner for Jack, Henry and others involved with Benny's case. As they continued to delve deeper into the unknown leads, it became clear that another party was all too happy to let Benny become the fall guy. I liked that each person on Jack's team had a number of strengths and weaknesses that were balanced among the group. There were quite a few points in the book where I caught myself forgetting this was a work of fiction.

Overall, the action, adventure, loss and even a bit of romance all added up to a really good read. A seasoned reader of crime or legal thrillers might foresee some of the twists and turns, but I think there were some that would still surprise them. I grew to like Jack and Henry more than I anticipated and hope there will be more adventures for them in the future. If you are a fan of John Grisham or simply love the world of high-stakes legal dramas mixed with a few tugs at your heartstrings, I recommend you check this series out for yourself.

The Law of Second Chances (Jack Tobin #2) by James Sheehan is currently available at many retailers in paperback form. It can be purchased from Amazon by clicking the link below.
The Law of Second Chances (Jack Tobin #2) by James Sheehan