Thursday, May 5, 2016

May I Suggest... Giveaway Hop


http://www.stuckinbooks.com

May I suggest... The Golden Gate Chronicles series by Karen Barnett!

http://amzn.to/1TM1Mjzhttp://amzn.to/1VM6QIdhttp://amzn.to/1XbBrOV

This series of books is set in turn of the century San Fransisco, including the infamous earthquake, its aftermath, and reconstruction. There is a focus on the medical research and advances of the time with unforgettable characters. The third book, Through the Shadows, just released this month!

I will be giving away a hardcover copy of the second book in the series, Beyond the Ashes, which can be read as a stand alone. Enter to win in the Giveaway Tools widget below!

Beyond the Ashes by Karen Barnett

http://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Where better to rebuild and face one's fears than in 1906 San Francisco, a city rising from the ashes? Ruby Marshall, a young widow, is certain she'll discover new purpose assisting her brother Robert with his cancer research, but she doesn't anticipate finding new love. Dr. Gerald Larkspur dreams of filling his empty home with family, but he'd always hoped it would be a wife and children. In the aftermath of the great earthquake, the rooms are overflowing with extended family and friends left homeless by the disaster. When Robert's widowed sister arrives, the close quarters seem close indeed. Ruby and Gerald's fledgling romance is put at risk when Gerald develops symptoms of the very disease they're striving to cure. Together they must ask--is it worth a second chance at love when time might be short?


Monday, May 2, 2016

Review: The Girl Who Heard Demons by Janette Rallison


Heidi Reads... The Girl Who Heard Demons by Janette Rallison

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis


Shy Adelle Hansen hears demons, but she’s determined to make friends at her new high school by keeping her ability secret. When she overhears supernatural voices celebrating the impending death of the school quarterback, Levi Anderson, she knows she has to do something to prevent it. However, the demons aren’t the ones plotting; they’re just celebrating the chaos, and Adelle must contend with earthly forces as well if she wants to preserve Levi’s life. Handsome, popular Levi doesn't appreciate Adelle’s self-appointed role of guardian angel. As Adelle battles to keep him safe, she’ll have to protect her heart, too. Can she do both?


My Review

This book is so different from what I've been reading lately! The young adult perspective was refreshing, and the story is told from both Adelle and Levi's first person POV. The author skillfully portrayed each voice as distinct to their character and didn't make events overlap and get retold again. While the plot device that Adelle is able to hear demons is supernatural, it is based enough in reality that it didn't seem like fantasy or even paranormal. Her gift is one that makes her feel isolated, especially when she received backlash for trying to do good with what she learns. I appreciated that there is a subtle faith element incorporated so there is a underlying feeling of hope, as well as aligning with my own personal beliefs of relying on God while doing as much as we can to help ourselves and follow His will. The dangerous circumstances provide tension and anticipation leading towards the climax, but the interactions between Adelle and Levi are what I really enjoyed while anxiously reading to see what would happen next.

(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Children's Book Week Giveaway Hop!



I absolutely love children's books! Especially those with great illustrations. My daughter loved reading the Judy Moody books because they are chapter books, but also have color illustrations throughout. The story is fun and easy to read with a large and well-spaced font. To celebrate Children's Book Week we are giving away a hardback copy of Judy Moody & Stink: The Big Bad Blackout. Enter in the Giveaway Tools widget below for a chance to win!


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Hold on to your umbrella and stock up on marshmallows — Judy and Stink face wicked weather in their third full-color adventure.

Judy and Stink and the whole Moody family hunker down with beans and batteries, ready to wait out the storm. But along with massive rain and strong winds, Hurricane Elmer throws down ghosts, squirrels, and aliens. Spooky! Just when things couldn’t possibly get any freakier — flicker, flicker, gulp! — the lights go O-U-T out. The Moodys are smack-dab in the middle of a big bad blackout! Grandma Lou proposes musical board games and some good old-fashioned storytelling. Will Hurricane Elmer go down in Moody family history as bad news, a happy memory, or simply an LBS (Long Boring Story)?



Sunday, May 1, 2016

Review: Lost King by H.B. Moore


Heidi Reads... Lost King by H.B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Undercover agent Omar Zagouri has been ordered to Giza. A prominent Egyptologist was murdered, and a priceless artifact—the only complete version of the Book of the Dead—is missing. Omar is still reeling from the recent disappearance of his girlfriend, Mia Golding, but he puts his quest to find her on hold to track down the lost piece of history.

Omar’s mission is not just to locate the sacred book; he must also rescue the two archaeologists kidnapped and forced to translate its hieroglyphics under threat of death. Their kidnapper is determined to discover the text’s rumored explosive revelation: that Moses did not receive the Ten Commandments from God but instead copied them from the Egyptians. Though Omar’s need to find Mia grows more urgent, he must focus on finding the enemy who will stop at nothing to ignite a controversy that will change history, and the world, forever.


My Review

I love the thrilling adventure that an Omar Zagouri book will promise! The story is told from multiple points of view, but the plot flows seamlessly and quickly as the mystery is uncovered. Hatshe's ancient story is fascinating and compelling as she feels the role of Pharaoh should be hers but must helplessly witness it fall to another. She is an admirable character who wants to contribute to her country and serve its people with her interest and skills in military strategy and architecture. There is romance and intrigue in her time and in the modern day story arc, as Omar tries to protect his girlfriend Mia in the middle of a dangerous assignment. We see parts told from the villain's perspective as well as some professors that get caught in the middle of an international scandal. The non-stop action that Omar finds himself in is tempered by flashbacks to Hatshe's royal drama and dilemma. Highly recommend!

(Thank you to Ebooks for Review for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)