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A Bookish Blog

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Never Let Go (Uncommon Justice #1)

My Rating: 5 Stars

Never Let Go was a simply fantastic read. It hooked me early on with a compelling mystery and characters I adored. You can’t help but love Austin & Willow and root for them to solve the case and find their way back to each other. The mystery had several twists and turns that kept the story moving and kept me enthralled. I finished this book in a day because I simply couldn’t put it down, except when you know life interrupted as it tends to do with a 3 and 5 year old. Conclusion was great and I am eagerly anticipating book number #2 with Heath!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Monday, February 25, 2019

Castle On The Rise (A Lost Castle Novel)

My Rating 3.75 Stars
This was a massive story in one book. Three different women, three different eras and rebellion on all fronts. This story packs a wallop, that’s for sure! I enjoyed the dual timelines, the location and the characters. What was hard for me was the grittiness and sadness during the two past timelines. That was hard to read and at least one of the plot points I didn’t care for in the earliest timeline. For me, this book ended up being a bit unexpected in the direction it took. This book isn’t a quick easy read, but for a trip to Ireland and an immersive reading experience, this book fits the bill in spades. I would give this somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars. I am looking forward to the last book in this set this fall!!


I received this book on NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Saturday, February 23, 2019

The Secrets Of Paper And Ink

My Rating: 5 stats
The Secrets of Paper and Ink was incredible! I have all the feels after finishing this lovely Christian Fiction novel. Following the lives of 3 women: one in the 1800's and two in present day all of whom are facing both life and romantic challenges, this story wove a tale that I couldn't put down. The bookish elements of the story THRILLED my bookish loving heart. The characters of Sophia, Ginny and Emily were all superb and the setting for the book is England-who doesn't love that?  It reminded me a little bit of one of my all-time favorite movies "The Holiday," which was a fun bonus!! I can not list all the ways I adored this book. It would make an awesome Hallmark movie. It is simply a charming book that I will read again and it's spot on my keeper shelf is assured. 

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts posted are my own honest review. 



Sunday, February 17, 2019

Corned Beef & Casualties

My Rating: 5 Stars
A short and fun trip back to South Cove with Jill, Jackie and the rest of the crew. Greg has to solve the case after a young woman is murdered during the St. Patrick’s Day festival. Jill meets the victim before she is murdered and of course gets pulled in as always. The clues add up fairly easily and quickly. Not an in depth mystery but still a fun visit to one of my favorite fictional towns and groups of friends. Looking forward to my next visit!

I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts posted are my own.

The Warrior Maiden

My Rating: 5 Stars
Melanie has crafted another winner in this fairy tale retelling of the story of Mulan. The Warrior Maiden is full of romance, humor, and exciting moments that kept me on the edge of my seat while reading this fun story. Mulan exhibits more bravery than I could ever have and it makes for quite a compelling tale. It also sets up Steffan’s story, which releases this December, quite nicely. Can’t wait for my next visit to Hagenheim!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

In The Shadow of Croft Towers

My Rating: 5 Stars
I have been wanting to read this book for MONTHS!! I am thrilled to report it did not disappoint!!! This tale has it all romance, intrigue and mystery, fantastic characters and a perfect setting. There was one scene that cracked me up and reminded me of a scene from one of my favorite movies "American Outlaws," which was awesome! Hard to believe this is a DEBUT novel, it was THAT good! Looking forward to Abigail's next book which releases this summer-it will be a must read for this girl!

Saturday, February 9, 2019

A Return Of Devotion

Daphne Blakemoor was perfectly happy living in her own secluded world for twelve years. She had everything she needed—loved ones, a true home, and time to indulge her imagination. But when ownership of the estate where she works as a housekeeper passes on, and the new marquis has an undeniable connection to her past, everything she's come to rely upon is threatened.

William, Marquis of Chemsford's main goal in life is to be the exact opposite of his father. Starting a new life in the peace and quiet of the country sounds perfect until his housekeeper turns his life upside down.

They've spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, find a new path for the future together?


My Rating: 5 Stars

Few authors can weave a story with as much heart and humor as Kristi Ann Hunter, and this one is one of her best! I have read and adored every book Kristi as written and this one has probably one of the funniest scenes I have ever read. "A Return of Devotion" was a near perfect tale of love, faith and finding your place in the world. Daphne has searched for most of her life for a place to belong, and she thought she'd found it at Haven Manor, until the house's owner shows up and disrupts everything that she has lived for for twelve years. Then her world is further turned on its ear when the Marquis and Daphne develop feelings for one another. The story moves well, with lots of surprises along the way. Daphne and William are fantastic characters and the way they grew throughout the book was one of my favorite elements of the book. All in all, this was another winner for Kristi but I wouldn't expect anything less. She's a favorite author of mine for a reason. Can't wait to read Jess's story later this year!!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts expressed are my own. 





Catch Up


This blog is about to get several new posts as I blog about several books that I have recently read...Once I catch up, I am going to attempt a regular blog schedule for new posts, at least that is the goal!! Soooo many books, soooo little time!!!

Secrets at Cedar Cabin

My Rating: 5 Stars
This was a pretty perfect finale to the Lavender Tides series and easily my favorite suspense book by Colleen(and I have read a significant chunk of her suspense novels). It pulled me in from the first page and it didn’t let go during the entire book. The villain surprised me(and that is HARD to do usually) and there were a few more twists thrown in along the way. The story was superb and the ending was an exciting finale with a bitter snowstorm that made for en exciting element to battle along with the bad guys! I definitely think a reread of this set all at once is in order down the road. Love, love, love Lavender Tides and I am sorry to leave!!!

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

February 5: Give Me All The Books!

I have NEVER seen a book release day like this...



ALL of  these books have a book birthday today. Can you imagine this much book goodness all in one ordinary Tuesday? My to-read now pile(not to be confused with my regular to read pile!) is screaming at me!! Which do I read first? How quickly can I read them all because let's be real...I need top read them all today...right?!?!?! LOL! I am definitely "booked" for a few days!! At least until the next releases later this month hit shelves...it never ends!!(Thank goodness!) Are these lovelies on your to-read pile? Which is at the top? Did I miss any others that released today? 
Let me know!!