The Doll Funeral

The Doll Funeral Author: Kate Hamer

Publisher: Meville House

Release Date: August 15, 2017

Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A strange, interesting tale that will leave readers deep in the woods of the story and not wanting to come out.

When Ruby turns thirteen she gets what she has wanted all her life, finding out her parents are not her real mother and father. Ruby makes it her mission to find her real parents and get out from under the abuse she has suffered her entire life. Ruby sets off into the forest with her imaginary friend she calls Shadow boy and finds a group of siblings who have been living alone and welcome her to join them. The longer she spends with them, the more she realizes they need her as much as she needs them and the reasons make it difficult to determine what is real and what is not. Told from Ruby’s time and point of view and also that of her mother when she first became pregnant, The Doll Funeral is a tale that will engage the imagination and leave the reader wondering long after the last page.

This is a book that is very compelling, confusing and entertaining all at the same time. Ruby is a girl that sees much more than most her own age. Ruby has an imaginary friend that helps her along the way with the troubles she goes through. This relationship helps the story along giving the reader much more insight into the mindset of the characters. All the characters in this book go on a very emotional journey and the writing brings the reader along to feel each of the emotions as the character experiences them. Going back and forth between the timeline of Ruby and her mother shows how the actions of one trickles down to affect others. A back and forth timeline can sometimes be a difficult thing to write but Kate Hamer has done an excellent job giving this duel timeline taking the story forward and engaging the reader. There were a few pages throughout that I skimmed through to get back to the story but overall not much was to be missed. This is a story I will recommend to readers that enjoy a thriller with a little bit of the supernatural sprinkled in throughout.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Fault Lines

Fault LInes Author: Thomas Locke

Series: Fault Lines

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: August 1, 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

As riveting as always, Locke throws his series in the opposite direction!

Charlie Hazard is a security specialist and is very good at his job. One day, a young woman named Gabriella Speciale shows up and throws a wrench into his work and his life. After a high-speed chase when they manage to get away from some rouge bikers, Gabriella talks Charlie into becoming a part of a secret psychological experiment which changes Charlie’s perspective on life. There is corporate opposition that is threatened by what breakthroughs might occur by this group and they are out to put an end to the research and to the team. After relocating the lab from Florida to Europe, Charlie must decide how to best protect his team and to find if he can trust Gabriella.

So, this seemed to be more of a prequel to the first two installments. When reading Trial Run, Charlie is already part of the team and here we get to see his first interactions with Gabriella and see how more of this started. It was a little confusing at first, but then it all started falling into place. Granted, I had to go back and reread Trial Run so that I could remember everything that had gone on previously and I’m glad that I did! I had to put everything b ack into perspective with Charlie, Gabriella, Brett, and of course Reese Clawson. She just keeps reappearing like a bad penny.

This series has been really fun to read as it makes me look at the world differently. What if what they are doing is actually true; being able to have a conscious out of body experience and witness what else is happening in the world would be incredible. If you haven’t started this series, I highly recommend starting with this one and then moving onto Trial Run and Flash Point. It will make it seem like one quick story!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Arena

arena Author: Holly Jennings

Series: Arena #1

Publisher: Ace

Release Date: November 1, 2016

Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A unique story that takes a look at the gaming world and what out future of might just look like.

Kali Ling is one of the top gamers and is about to make history as the first female captain in the Virtual Gaming League’s RAGE tournament. RAGE is a competition where the top gamers in the world compete in a fight to the digital death. Millions of people watch the fights and cheer for their favorite players. The game and all its parts may be digital but that doesn’t mean the pain is, every player feels every killing blow. When one of her teammates overdoses, Kali doesn’t know if she has what it takes to lead the team anymore. As a new member is thrust into their mix in the middle of the tournament, the team has to find a way to come together in order to conquer their biggest battle yet.

I have mixed emotions about this book. The story itself was good, a bit predictable at times but enjoyable. The drug usage, foul language and sex was a bit over done. The images put forth by the author really made me picture the story playing out in my mind as I read it. The romances, all of them, felt forced for the most part. By the end a small percentage of the romances felt right and will be interesting to see where they go in the next story. Kali and her team go through a lot in finding the right dynamic and in the end I enjoyed the way they found a way to fully work together as a team. The theme of teamwork throughout was depicted well and something that everyone can take away as a useful lesson.

The ages of the main characters seem to be early twenties, could be a little younger, and so this book could be counted as a YA. If so, I don’t feel comfortable recommending to that target audience with the sex and language. If it is an older audience, I think the book will be a very enjoyable read for those that especially enjoy the gaming world and virtual reality.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

On Love’s Gentle Shore

Loves gentle shore Author: Liz Johnson

Series: Prince Edward Island Dreams #3

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: July 4, 2017

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

You can never escape your past and sometimes you shouldn’t try!

Natalie O’Ryan left home years ago with plans never to return. So, imagine her surprise when her fiancée suggest that they hold their wedding in her hometown in PEI rather than in Nashville. Natalie feels that he is trying to do it for her benefit, so she agrees, mainly because she doesn’t want to argue about it. Soon after returning home, people can’t believe she is back. None more so than her childhood best friend Justin Kane. Natalie and Justin had a pact that they would always leave the island together. The night they were to leave was right after Justin’s father died and he had to stay behind to help his mom with his siblings. Both feel betrayed by the other, Justin because Natalie left and Natalie because Justin never came after her. But when her fiancée has to go back to Nashville unexpectedly and leaves Justin to help Natalie finish planning out the wedding, will they be able to reconcile their differences?

Another story that could only happen at the Red Door Inn. Throughout the book, I had a really good idea of what the final outcome was going to be, but just not sure how it was going to get there. Johnson included a few twists to keep the reader moving through the pages and caused a few surprises along the way. The story centered on personal growth for both Natalie and Justin. Both had to learn to find how to forgive and when they did, they were able to find grace along the way as well. More than just a love story, this book really put people in difficult situations and had plenty of conflict. I couldn’t help feel bad for Justin throughout much of the book. And then when you learn the truth about Natalie, it really makes her back story that much more real.

If you have loved the series this far, you will not be disappointed. If you haven’t started, get to it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

A Crime of Passion Fruit

Crime of passion Author: Ellie Alexander

Series: A Bakeshop Mystery #6

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Release Date: June 27, 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A delectable treat that readers are sure to fall in love with before the end of the first chapter.

In the middle of a major remodel and expansion at Torte, Jules Capshaw is trying not to get caught up in the madness and stress. When her estranged husband contacts her begging for her to come to the cruise ship he works on and take over as a temporary pastry chef, she wonders if it could be just the distraction she needs. She is hesitant to be back in her old life and routine with Carlos but finds it hard to resist the trip. Before she can settle into the ship, she finds a dead body onboard and the trip takes a sour turn. Jules is knee deep in the investigation with a killer on the loose and a mystery to be solved.

I stumbled upon the Bakeshop Mysteries earlier this year and must say I have been pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy them. This is the type of book you can sit by the fire or curl up on the beach to read and just get lost in the story. It is the epitome of a cozy mystery. A Crime of Passion Fruit is another great addition to the series. I loved taking the main characters, Jules, her mom, and the professor to a new setting on board the cruise ship and solving the new mystery. The description of the cruise ship and how working in the kitchen and feeding such a large number of people on a daily basis was done so well I felt I was there, and I have never been on a cruise. At first I was thinking the mystery was going to be hard to follow, being out of their normal setting and so many new characters, but everything fell into place in just the right way and at just the right time. Ellie Alexander has figured out the perfect recipe for a great fun read that is hard to put down and even harder to forget. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good fun mystery that will keep them thinking and even give them a laugh or two at just the right time.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Twelve Days

twelve days Author: Steven Barnes

Publisher: Tor Books

Release Date: June 27, 2017

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

This is a book that is hard to break down into just one or two genres; it dives deep into so many more aspects that will leave readers thinking long after the last page.

When world leaders, criminals and others start dying all around the world mysteriously, everyone starts to panic. A new terrorist group tells of more deaths to come and a suspected apocalypse. One family finds itself in the middle of the chaos. Olympia Dorsey, a journalist from Atlanta, and her two kids are trying to heal after being abandoned by her husband and their father. Hannibal is autistic and Olympia has tried everything she can think of to help her young son. Terry Nicolas lives across the street and has had a relationship with Olympia but nothing ever worked out. He has reunited with his wartime buddies to carry out a risky mission to get justice for a crime against them and also get them set for life if the score is a success. After going to a special session at Hannibal’s care center and witnessing a very unusual speaker and martial artist, Madame Gupta, Olympia sees something change in her son and hopes this is the answer she has been looking for. While all this is going on, the death toll continues to rise and society is on the brink of chaos. Olympia and Terry must decide if the choices they are about to make will be worth the sacrifices.

Twelve Days is a book with a very interesting premise and very entertaining. I found myself lost at a few points for not paying close enough attention and had to go back and reread a few segments. However, the writing is clear as long as the reader pays attention. The way the danger was brought about was very clever and was written well. There is much more to this story than good vs. evil. There is a clear theme of family, forgiveness and even redemption. I liked how Barnes brought multiple aspects together to weave the story in just the right way. There is a lot to be liked about this story and I think there is something for almost any reader to take away. The characters themselves are well developed and the plot gets wrapped up nice at the end. Not a happy ending that is thrown together, but something that actually makes sense for the story and the characters. I recommend this to readers that enjoy a good thriller with a bit of paranormal thrown in.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

A Beautiful Poison

A Beautiful Poisomn Author: Lydia Kang

Publisher: Lake Union

Release Date: August 1, 2017

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Beautifully written historical fiction, yet slightly confusing at times.

Set in Manhattan in 1918, several American soldiers have just returned from World War I and brought home the Spanish influenza with them. As the disease begins its widespread outbreak, Allene recruits her two estranged childhood friends Birdie and Jasper to try and find a cure. But as the disease begins to affect family and friends, it becomes apparent that this may not be stopped until several more have met their fate.

This was a very fast read that was mostly enjoyable. I always enjoy historical fiction and making it a medical thriller added some suspense. But there were times that the storyline was a little bit confusing. There were lots of twist and turns that keep the pages moving, but sometimes didn’t make a lot of sense, especially when I went back to reread how the twist had happened. Even so, the writing is very well done and the characters finally became more likable the closer you get to the end of the book. If you are up for something a little different or enjoy the time period that the book is set in, give it a try.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Egypt’s Sister

Egypts Ssiter Author: Angela Hunt

Series: The Silent Years #1

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: July 4, 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

You’ve heard of Cleopatra, but have you heard of her friend?

Chava is daughter to a Hebrew royal tutor living in Alexandria during the time of Julius Caesar. She has always had the opportunity to spend time at the palace with her friend and princess, Urbi, daughter to Ptolemy. But when he suddenly passes away, Urbi becomes Queen Cleopatra. No one has heard from Yahweh for over 300 years, but one night Chava clearly hears a message that she will be with the Queen on her best day and her last day and will bless her. But Chava finds herself in some unfavorable situations with the Queen that ultimately lead to her imprisonment and sale into slavery. Could she have misheard her mission? Or is there still hope for her and her family?

I love reading Angela Hunt’s historical fiction novels because she pours so much research into her work that it makes it an amazing read. The amount of history that shines through makes it so interesting. I’ve always been fascinated with this time period, so needless to say, I enjoyed the book. However, there are some disturbing sections of the book that represent the way of live in the Roman world during that time that some readers will find difficultly reading. However, Hunt keeps the read clean and enjoyable throughout.

Chava was an interesting character to get to know. She was extremely naïve throughout much of the first portion of the book, but then had to learn life lessons the hard way. Even then, she stayed very optimistic despite being used as a pawn in wealthy men’s wars. She grew and found grace.

I recommend this book to history lovers, especially if you enjoy reading about the life of Cleopatra.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Chasing Secrets

Chasing Secrets Author: Lynette Eason

Series: Elite Guardians #4

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: August 1, 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

The fourth installment in the Elite Guardians series brings the thrills and suspense to a whole new level.

Haley Callaghan has no idea she is part of a twenty-five-year-old cold case from Ireland. She knows there are parts of her past she can’t remember, but has never thought about it too much. As a member of the Elite Guardians bodyguards, Haley has spent the past few years protecting others and now she finds herself the one in need of protection. Detective Steven Rothwell is new in town but he has found an immediate connection to Haley when she finds her life threatened and takes it upon himself to keep her safe. He has no intention to let Haley fight this battle on her own.

The Elite Guardians series is one that fans of Christian suspense have fallen in love with and for good reason. Lynette Eason has found a way to craft a group of characters that are relatable and enjoyable to read about. Haley’s story is very different from the rest; her connection to Ireland and the mystery of her past makes the story an even more intense read. There was no major push with the romantic aspect of the story, instead Eason let the suspense carry the story and the romance fell into place naturally. Haley and her connection to the teen center is one of the aspects of the story that really brought the suspense to a new level for Eason. We get to see the other members of the Elite Guardians as they work together to keep Haley safe and help her with her newest case that turns out to be more complicated with each passing day. Together with her friends and new detective Steven Rothwell, Haley must do everything in her power to stay alive and save those she cares most about. I recommend this book to fans of Lynette Eason and those that enjoy a highly intense suspenseful story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Presidents’ Man

Presidents day Author: Seth Margolis

Publisher: Diversion Publishing

Release Date: February 7, 2017

Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A quick hitting political thriller with one man doing all he can to control the race for president.

Julian Mellow is one of the richest men in the world and has made a few enemies on his way to the top. He has also sacrificed more than he wanted. However, all the money he has amassed isn’t enough to make him happy, so he decides to pick a man and make sure he becomes the next president of the United States. His one goal in getting his pick for president in the white house all ties back to his son being killed in Africa. Mellow wants revenge on those responsible for taking the life of his only son and is willing to stop at nothing to make sure everyone pays the price.

Seth Margolis has taken a political thriller that spans the globe and written a story that is good, but left me feeling a little overwhelmed with the number of characters to follow and the intricate plot line. I liked the story and think Margolis did a great job with keeping the tension up for most of the book, but at times found myself having trouble keeping up with the multitude of characters. I can see the merit of having most of them but felt the story could have been tighter if some could have been tied into others to bring the number of secondary characters down slightly. With all that being said, I enjoyed the way this one man was able to manipulate so many others and the lengths he was willing to go to in order to achieve his goal. This a man driven by pure hate towards those that wronged him and anyone that gets in his way better watch out. I enjoy a good political thriller and am pleased with the way this one turned out and will recommend it to readers that are looking for a good thriller with lots of unexpected twists and turns.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.