Dear Adam by Ava Zavora
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Does the overall plot come across clearly? I really want to say yes, but for every time the story was entertaining, the plot took some discovery. For chapters and chapters, the two characters seem to be jabbering away with no purpose to the point you do forget what you're actually reading.
Favourite scene …. When they talk about sank / wanker. It was funny and made a jab at the common differences people notice in the Queen's English. On this note, it must be pointed out that Eden rarely comes across as being her age. Both characters sounded more like teenagers.
Favourite quote … "I do have plans for a night of debauchery and phone sex. But I can cancel those arrangements and talk to you instead." For every moment, you think you are everything, this is a quote to remind you that it takes two to tango. Really liked this conversation between Adam and Eden.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
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Review: Dear Adam by Ava Zavora
Friday, October 25, 2013
Review: Open Door (The Legacy, #1) by Christine Locke
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Open Door by Christine Locke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Do you find the characters convincing? The lead character is compelling and the discoveries she makes about Mallace Estate tell the tale of a family with many secrets. Not at all uncommon. For some reason, I felt there was a sense of disconnect between the characters. Maybe this will be explained in the second book so we'll have to wait and see.
Does the plot come across clearly? It does towards the end but it takes a long time getting there. Readers aren't able to map out plot until halfway through the book and I think there are still some subplots that aren't resolved.
Would you recommend this book? For the writing style and idea, I would recommend the book. For the structure, I am not so sure. Things that could have been answered in this book are left out and I am not sure if this was the best thing to do.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
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Review: I, Walter by Mike Hartner
Sunday, August 18, 2013
I, Walter by Mike Hartner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What are some of the book's themes? Romance, family, mystery and adventure. Walter is a square peg in a round hole and doesn't seem to fit in. When his brother suddenly leaves, he does his best to provide for his family but realises he wants more and so he leaves too which is when the sea voyage starts.
Did the book end the way you expected? A little bit but a lot of it took me by surprise. I liked that the epilogue answers as much as possible while giving the reader a hint about what is coming in the next book.
What did you like about the whole book? The description of each scene and character was breathtaking. The author, Hartner, pulls you in page by page and it comes to a point you dare not breathe because you are uncertain of what is going to happen next.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
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Review: Serving Time by Nadine Ducca
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Serving Time by Nadine Ducca
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
What I didn't like. Certain sections of this book were very high-strung. It was as if the characters were so emotionally caught up with themselves, they couldn't see anything else. What this means for the reader is that you get caught in a loop. You go round and round and round over a single issue when it could have easily been resolved with a single paragraph.
Did you find that the cover and title represented what the story was really about? It did. Most book club members felt that the focus of the story was Tristan and his brother. For me, the focus was Time. Hence, the title and cover are centred on this character. And note also the word "serving". Don't we all squeeze and pull our schedules, trying to serve time on a daily basis?
What did you think of the story structure? The story structure was effective for this book. It covers science fiction and fantasy from a different perspective and it was interesting to note that for a science fiction story, there was so much focus on emotions, feelings and sentimentality.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
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White Chalk by Pavarti K. Tyler
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
White Chalk by Pavarti K. TylerMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
What alternative title would you choose for this book? None. The title was perfect the way it is because it reflects Chelle's innocence.
Share a quote or two from the book. "My cigarette tasted familiar and safe. Funny that death should have a calming effect." and "I was a sieve, made up of nothing by leaky holes. I didn't have the strength to hold myself together."
Share a favorite scene from the book. When Chelle calls her drunk father to pick her up. I think this was when this book meant so much to me. If a teenager has to ask a parent, "can you drive?", you know how bad her life is.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
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Review: How You Leave Texas by Alana Cash
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
How You Leave Texas by Alana Cash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Did anyone in the book do something you did not like? Walker - He was a jerk. He cheated on his wife and defrauded her and her parents.
Top 3 things I liked about the main character. Camille was a strong woman. She didn't let her philandering husband beat her down. She got the last laugh.
Did the plot pull you in or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the book? The plot totally pulled me in. It was a good read, perfect way to start the summer.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
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Review: The Book of Paul by Richard Long
Thursday, July 11, 2013
The Book of Paul by Richard Long
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What have you read that is similar to this book? I have read a few in the past but none as well written as this one with such a fresh writing voice.
Was the story credible? Yes everything seemed read and credible. I know people will say this is not true, but I am sure there is evil like Paul in this world. I felt the author got everything right.
Would you recommend it? I would only recommend this to people who like Terry Goodnight or similar. Dark fantasy is not a genre for everyone.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
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Review: The Mountain City Bronzes by Madeleine McLaughlin
Sunday, June 9, 2013
The Mountain City Bronzes by Madeleine McLaughlin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What did you think of the story structure? The past was revealed in one short setting. Perfect for this story.
What did you think of the ending? The ending was a just punishment and fell into place with the rest of the story.
Is the plot well-developed? Yes, plot is well developed and I can almost see this happening in the sad world we live in.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
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Review: Spare Change by Bette Lee Crosby
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Spare Change by Bette Lee Crosby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What were the main relationships explored in this book? Olivia and Charlie; Olivia and Ethan; Ethan and his parents
Who in this book would you most like to meet? I would love to meet Olivia and Ethan.
Is the title a good one or a poor one and why? Title was perfect for this story. So many people thought/treated Ethan like a disposable item.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
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Review: Too Many Secrets (Cleo Sims Mystery #3) by Lynn Osterkamp
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Too Many Secrets by Lynn Osterkamp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Describe 2 different settings or locations. Cleo in a public bathroom being sick. On her way to meet a backer for her business.
Cleo remembering when Pablo took her to a fancy restaurant in Boulder after graduation.
What are some of the book's themes? Murder & mystery. The author takes readers on a mystery that they won't forget anytime soon.
If you could rewrite the ending, would you? I would not rewrite anything about this book.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
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Review: Some Are Sicker Than Others by Andrew Seaward
Friday, April 26, 2013
Some Are Sicker Than Others by Andrew Seaward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Tell in your own words how the setting of the story made it more interesting.
The settings were gross and nasty, depressing as a book sad when you know it happens in real life.
How did you feel about the main character?
He was sick and beyond help.
What was the problem in the book, and how was it solved?
Addiction was the problem and it wasn't solved.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
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Review: Barbed-Wire Butterflies by Jessica Kristie
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Barbed-Wire Butterflies by Jessica Kristie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you could only save one character from the book in the event of a disaster, which one would it be and why?
It would have to be Elani. This sweet innocent girl has been through so much. She deserves safety, happiness and stability.
Is the title a good one or a poor one and why?
The title fit the story and I especially liked the use of “barbed wire”.
Did you find this book a quick read? Why or why not?
The entire book was interesting. Not a single page was boring.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
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Review: Here Among Us by Maggie Harryman
Here Among Us by Maggie Harryman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
How did the main character feel during the book? Flynn was very depressed. Short fuse, lots of drinking, and unemployed.
Tell in your own words how the setting of the story made it more interesting. Liked the idea of a family owned business and the way the author developed it from that one place.
Did this book remind you of anything that has happened to you? My sister and I have never gotten along and probably, never will. But, I would be there, if she needed me.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
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Review: Primal by D.A. Serra
Monday, April 22, 2013
Primal by D.A. Serra
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What lesson did you learn from the story? As humans we will do whatever it takes to survive
Describe the main character. We are strong willed, smart, dedicated, driven and both trust our intuition.
List the characters and describe them. Alison - Wife and mother. She was a middle school teacher. She was quiet and timid, till she wasn't.
Hank - Husband and father. He owned a business called Pump Up The Volume and he had two business partners.
Jimmy - Was their 9 year old son.
Ben - In prison on death row. Cruel and heartless. Ran over a 3 year old and shot a girl in the face.
Theo - Slightly retarded mute. Killed his mother by smothering her on her 80th birthday.
Kent - 49. Been in prison and talked to a shrink. Gravel - 50 years old. Was in charge, while Ben was in prison. Enjoyed killing people.
Detective Thomas - The cop that came to the scene both times. Protected Alison in the garage.
Did this book remind you of anything that has happened to you? Thankfully never had anything like this happen to me. The author has fantastic writing skills that make you feel everything the characters are going through.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
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Review: Refuge by NS Osborne
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Refuge by N.G. Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What do you think is the climax of the book and why. When Nora had to marry the Prince. My heart dropped, when this event actually took place. So sad.
What are some of the major themes of this book? Love, massacre and treachery.
What did you think of the style of the writer? The style was good. Good detail, but never bored me.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
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Deadly Memories by S.D. O’Donnell
Deadly Memories by S.D. O'Donnell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Share a favorite scene from the book. When Saul saved Jayne the second time.
What did you think of the cover? Loved it, felt perfect for the story
Do you feel as if your views on a subject have changed by reading this text? No
Consider the main character: what does he or she believe in? He is inquisitive, he is frustrated and angry. He has an unsolved case that haunts him. He is driven for answers.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
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Daimones by Massimo Marino
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Daimones by Massimo Marino
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Which characters do you particularly admire or dislike? I would definitely pick Dan. He did everything in his power to make sure his family stayed safe.
Do you find the characters convincing? Although the situation is not real, I think the story reflects the drastic measures one would take to save his family.
Make a list of facts you learned from the story Dan worked at a place called CERN and he was fired. He was a physicist. Joe and Beth died in their beds. Thousands of winged black birds fell out of the sky. Twelve thousand penguins were found dead on a remote island in Chile. The family lived in Geneva.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
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Review: A Tale of the Other Kind by Leandi Cameron
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
A Tale of the Other Kind by Leandi Cameron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What alternative title would you choose for this book? The book club members and I personally could not come up with a title that fit and explained the book.
Did you like the way the book ended? Personally no, but it fit the story. Really hope the second book comes quickly. After reading such a good piece, can't believe we have to wait so long to find out more.
What did you like about it? Kai being a shape shifter. I have always loved reading shape shifting books. It opens your mind in ways you do not expect and this book definitely worked for me.
Who was your favorite character? Astrid was my favorite. She said, what she thought, regardless of what anyone else might think.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
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Review: The Italian Connection 1 (Dojo Boys, #4) by Alex A. Akira
Saturday, March 2, 2013
The Italian Connection 1 by Alex A. Akira
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Did you learn something new from the book? Gave me new ideas I would like to try.
What alternative title would you choose for this book? That One Special Night.
What did you like most about the book? The way the author did not leave nothing to imagine. Everything was explained in detailed. Loved this.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
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Murder on the First Day of Christmas by Billie Thomas
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Murder on the First Day of Christmas by Billie Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
How realistic was the characterization? All characters felt real while reading. Their actions felt like something from life.
How does the setting figure into the book? Most of the settings felt real, as though I was watching television and not reading the book. While reading I thought I might have moved to someplace warm.
What are some of the book's themes? Whodunit/mystery was the main theme. Without this, the story would have been a very boring read.
Did the book end the way you expected? Yes, the mystery was solved and everyone figured out the culprit.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
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