Review: Misfits and Bandits by Pete Leriget

Misfits and Bandits by Pete Leriget
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just love this little series. Bandit and Uncle Drake are the best of what all animals should be. In this installment the boys you meet a pair of misfits who learn a lesson, a person who deals with a sensitive subject with love and grace, someone tries to pull the wool over someone's eyes, and loses the battle, and finally the highlight of the book, a story including farts. I'm sorry, there's not a bad book that includes a fart.

Mr. Lerigét, I look forward to more books in the future!


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************ I received this product for free/at a discount in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own. Most books are donated to the local library for circulation, or donation to the Friends of the Library.

Review: The 8-Hour Sleep Paradox by Mark Burhenne

The 8-Hour Sleep Paradox: How We Are Sleeping Our Way to Fatigue, Disease and Unhappiness by Mark Burhenne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I had the hardest time reading this book. Although the book has information about sleep disorders and how they affect our lives it was quite difficult to read. The footnotes were placed at the end of each page instead of at the end of the book in an appendix. It disrupted the flow of the book and made the book look choppy and disjointed. I appreciate the information that was given to me about the topics covered but I would not read it again and would not recommend it to family or friends.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Waking Gods by Sylvain Neuvel

Waking Gods by Sylvain Neuvel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

SPOILER ALERTS

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After reading the epilogue from the first book I was shocked and couldn't wait until the second book came out. I enjoyed this book and the format that it came in (the same as the first). The interviews were interesting and made it more intimate. I wasn't expecting the "unknown" person to die in the book, nor for Allysa (I think that's spelt correctly) to have engineered the child! I was like WTF, really!? And the very end of the book, the epilogue again, made me want to read book three. Now I have to wait until 2018 for the next book and I'm quite sad about that. I guess we'll have to see what Mr Neuvel has in store for us next. I wonder if this is a trilogy or has more books to come.

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Review: The Circle by Dave Eggers

The Circle by Dave Eggers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I was weirded out by the possibility of the tech that this book suggested, but could see how people would spend time and effort working towards it and also back it thinking it was a good thing. It was so "off" in my mind that I ran it by my friend and my boyfriend and one thought it was as creepy as I did and the other thought the tech would be a good idea. So it was a wash on what people would think.

I watched the movie and the book and the movie have totally different endings. If anyone has read/watched this and thinks differently, please let me know. Maybe I misheard or watched them and need to clarify things in my brain.

I would read the book again if I had nothing left to read but I can say I wouldn't watch the movie again. So that makes for a good thing, the book is always better than the movie.

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Review: Arrow: Oliver Queen's Dossier by Nick Aires

Title: Arrow: Oliver Queen's Dossier 

Author: Nick Aires

Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:

Arrow - Oliver Queen's Dossier collates the intelligence Oliver Queen has uncovered on nefarious business dealings and criminal activity in Starling City, with "top secret" records on his alter-ego Arrow since his return from Lian Yu. Includes hard copy duplicates of confidential government and business documents acquired by Oliver and Felicity Smoak, top secret schematics for Arrow's weaponry, and Queen family records.

Arrow is based on the DC Comics character Green Arrow. The series follows billionaire playboy Oliver Queen, portrayed by Stephen Amell (Private Practice, Heartland), who, after five years of being stranded on a hostile island, returns home to fight crime and corruption as a secret vigilante whose weapon of choice is a bow and arrow.

Review:
I've spent more time than I should deciding exactly which rating I was going to give this. I couldn't put a 3.5 so I had to go with a 3. Here are the reasons.

Pros:

• Has a great new book cover, it's not paper and definitely not leather, but a faux leather typed cover. It gives you an idea that something good should be inside.
• A lot of thought was given to the things that would be included in the book itself.

Cons:

• Once you take off the dust cover (if you could call it that) you can't tell what it is. I'm sure that there's a reason they did it, maybe to hold the air of mystery.
• (same as above) There's a lot of thought given to the things that would be included in the book. Even though they thought through the things in the book you can't read them, you can't get an exacting feel for the things that are in there. So there are newspaper articles and photos and sticky notes. When they are all laid on top of each other in layers, 2D, you can't get a real feel for what is there. It would have been nice to have a little bit of information written up on each of the characters/events/topics that were in the book.

With those being said, I had to give this a 3-star rating and I hate it because I went into it with such high hopes.

************ I received this product for free/at a discount in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own. Most books are donated to the local library for circulation, or donation to the Friends of the Library.

Review: A Day at the Beach by Jedd and Todd Hafer

Title: A Day at the Beach

Author: Jedd and Todd Hafer

Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:

Do you yearn for a day at the beach where your mind and soul can wander away from life’s troubles? Do you gaze up at the sun or the nighttime stars and wonder if God is really on your side? Do you long to hear his quiet voice in the roll of a gentle wave? In A Day at the Beach, brothers Todd and Jedd Hafer don’t have the answers to all of life’s troubles, but they’ll help you see that the God who built the universe also wants to help you build a great life. Let these encouraging words bring a ray of warm sunshine to your doorstep as Todd and Jedd offer their joy-filled perspectives on life and faith. So take a deep breath, unplug from life’s daily grind, and follow the call of your heart to Jesus, the ultimate source of life.

Review:

This a beautiful non-dated devotional book. It's light and airy with a great message from the authors. It does remind you of a special day at the beach with your loved ones because the brothers make you feel like you are a part of the family as they bring you along with their thoughts on God and his loving message.

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I received this product for free/at a discount in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own. Most books are donated to the local library for circulation, or donation to the Friends of the Library.

Review: Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel

Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A friend of mine recommended this book to me on Goodreads. With all of the books that are sent to me to add to my TBR pile, this sounded like one that I'd really like.

I was glad to see that the book was written in interview and reports from the members of the team. It made things flow so much more quickly. I will admit though that there were parts of the time that I was wondering if things would move along a little more quickly, but then it would pick right up for me. I will say that when you get to the end of the book you're going to be like, "WTF!" and you'll have to get the next book. I'm waiting to get it from the library now.

Take the chance on this book if you like sci-fi books with a little bit of a twist to it. I found it to be less of a thinking man's book, and more like a lighter and slightly "fluffier" version. I've read that Sony Pictures has bought the rights to the movie, so you never know how that will work out and if they are going to flesh out the story a little bit.

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Review: Spaceman by Mike Massimino

Spaceman: An Astronaut's Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe by Mike Massimino
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has been the best 10 hours 57 minutes I have spent all year. Most of this I listened to while walking and Mike made me forget that I was exercising, thank God, and made me want to stay out for just another 5 minutes.

Having heard his words of struggle and triumph helped me to understand that I can be encouraged and I can encourage my children and grandchildren to push through any possible struggle to head toward a dream that they may have.

I would be so honored to meet this man and to hug him for all he's accomplished, the dreams he's helped push along and the encouragement he's imparted.

I'm so glad that the author read this book, it made it far more real to me than having someone else read it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mike Massimino served as a NASA Astronaut from 1996 until 2014 and flew in space twice: STS-109 on space shuttle Columbia in March 2002 and STS-125 on space shuttle Atlantis in May 2009 – the final two Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions.  Mike became the first human to tweet from space, was the last human to work inside of Hubble, and set a team record with his crewmates for the most cumulative spacewalking time in a single space shuttle mission.  

Mike has a recurring role as himself on The Big Bang Theory; appears regularly on late night talk shows, news programs, and documentaries; and is a much sought after inspirational speaker.  He received his BS from the Columbia University School of Engineering, and his two MS’s and Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).  He currently lives in New York City where he is an engineering professor at Columbia and an advisor at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum.

Review: Anything But Love by Abigail Strom

Anything But Love by Abigail Strom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sweet and sexy

Jessica and Ben have known each other their entire lives. When Jessica gets a little bit older they grow apart and Ben barely recognizes who she is.

Later in life Jessica is getting ready to get married and Ben goes to the wedding at his mother's request. When the wedding doesn't work out Ben helps Jessica find out who she is and what she really wants in life.

I found this book to be absolutely endearing and full of hot steamy wonderful sex. I was not expecting this book to be as wonderful as it was. And with audible narration it became one of my favorite go-to things for when I took a walk. I'm so glad that I was able to find this book and read the wonderful words that this author had to prepare for me.

I definitely look forward to reading more things by this author.


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Review: Tiger Lily by Wende Dikec

Tiger Lily by Wende Dikec
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I will admit that the synopsis of this book sounded a little silly, but once I got into the book it made sense and just made me fall in love with the book.

Lily is a "goody-two-shoes" in the uber sense. She is one of the popular crowd, and even dying doesn't fix it ... until she sees ghosts and needs help. She finds it in the most unlikely of places. And with that help, she opens up her life and her mind to things she never thought possible. Ghosts and spirits follow her around and make her life more confusing than it was before, is she crazy or did dying open up things that she's not ready for?

I'm a bit of a softy, but you need a little pack of tissues at the end of this book. Just when you think everything is wonderful, it's not and tears stream down your face.

Wende Dikec is a talented author with a talent for words, and the gift of storytelling. I can't wait to read more by her. Thank you for the ride - I can't wait to do it again.

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Review: Saying Goodbye: Part Two by Abigail Drake

Saying Goodbye, Part Two by Abigail Drake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I binge read this book in two hours. My boyfriend and I headed down to go horseback riding and normally when we are on a long trip he and I will chat and catch up on "us" time. But when I got the book in the mail I had to stop everything and read. And I'm so glad that I did.

There were several times that I was crying so much that my boyfriend asked me if I was OK. After a while, he just handed me a tissue and kept driving. It's not often that a book will drive me to tears, and when it does, it's a rare treasure.

Samantha learns life lessons from an unexpected person, gets forgiveness for something that she desperately needs, and finds love in unexpected places. This book is a rare treat and was better than the first, even if I didn't think it possible.

Ms. Drake - you've done it again and I can't wait to read more of your work.

~This book was read with pleasure in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews I received this product for free/at a discount in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own. Most books are donated to the local library for circulation, or donation to the Friends of the Library.

Review: I Love Your Cupcakes by Olga Núñez Miret

I Love Your Cupcakes by Olga Núñez Miret
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This isn't a book you're going to have to hang onto the edge of your seats for, but it's a delightful little story nonetheless. There were a few parts that read a little awkwardly, but not so much so that you wouldn't be able to enjoy the book. Kudos for the depth of characters and giving each their own unique types.

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Saying Goodbye, Part One by Abigail Drake

Saying Goodbye, Part One by Abigail Drake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Just WOW!

Once I picked this book up I couldn't put it down. Abigail Drake writes characters that will make you love, hate, adore, abhor, and send you right into their lives. You'll never be the same after reading this. DO NOT pick this book up if you want a book that's going to end in a pretty package. You will be left hanging and I hope that Part Two is going to pick up where Part One left off, because I'm invested now, and I don't want to let go.

Samantha really wants a good time before she heads off to Japan for the semester, but what she thought would be a fling ended up being more than that. Deep DARK secrets may break her, but she really finds her strength in places she didn't know she had.

Dylan is in LOVE with Samantha, he's so in love he's a little controlling. Will this relationship work, especially with Samantha leaving for Japan so soon? Will his secrets haunt them, or will they bring them together?

Such a great book with a storyline that grips your heart like a vice and won't let go until the very end. As you finish the book you start to miss the characters the second you put the book down.

Highly addictive, wonderfully written. Way to go Ms. Drake. Kudos!

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Review: Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo

Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My local librarian recommended this to me. I really like Amish books, but this was less Amish and more murder mystery.

Kate is the police chief in her local hometown. When a murder hits on her watch she thought the person who committed the crime was dead. When she finally figured it out who was committing the murder will she nab him/her or will they get the best of her?

I loved the face paced nature of this book. It starts off grabbing my attention, and never let it go. There were some spikes in the storyline, but it always went back to the fast pace the book offered up.

The only part of the book that I didn't like was the fact that several times in the same chapter the POV would change. I'm a proponent of changing POV from chapter to chapter to lessen the chance of confusion with the reader.

I look forward to reading more by this author.

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Review: With Love From the Inside by Angela Pisel

With Love from the Inside by Angela Pisel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hiding from your past is never a good thing. But when you've done it for as long as Sophie has, you get good at it. When life catches up with you and you are faced with choosing your past or your present, which will you choose?

I loved the way that this book had two narrators, one for the mother and one for the daughter. They both lent a great deal to the book. I enjoyed watching Sophie grow into the knowledge that you can only hide for so long until you have to make a choice between what's good and what's right. Can she have both of them?

Grace's only mistake was time. Time to get the right information into the right hands. Was she able to do it? Could her daughter, who she hasn't seen in many years, help in any way? Only time will tell, but does she have it?

A true tale of love, loss, and renewal. Ms. Pisel did a great job writing this book and I can't wait to read more from this author.

Bring tissues.

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Review: Saving Jason by Michael Sears

Saving Jason by Michael Sears
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Wow, it's taken me a very long time to finish the book. Thanks to Goodreads I'm able to tell you that the book didn't really take off until about 35% of the way through the book. I enjoyed the premise of the book, but I just feel that there was too much of a build up to the big parts and a slam down into the dark abyss afterward. Then you're back at the same pace until the book is finally concluded with a very quickly laid out plot to bring down the bad guys that I didn't quite grasp.

I was very impressed with Mr. Sears' understanding of an autistic young boy. It had to have been derived from a personal understanding. Bravo Mr. Sears, Bravo.

Based on the experience with this book from Mr. Sears, I fear I would not try to read another one of his books.

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************ I received this product for free/at a discount in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own. Most books are donated to the local library for circulation, or donation to the Friends of the Library.

Review: Beyond Suffering Bible

Beyond Suffering Bible-NLT: Where Struggles Seem Endless, God's Hope Is Infinite by Joni and Friends Inc.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I've spent most of my adult life suffering in one way or another. Whether it be emotional, or physical pain, it didn't matter. And it hasn't been any easier the past 10-12 years. I've been really ticked off at God and what he "did" to me. Because what Daddy (what one of his names (Abba) means) would allow such pain and suffering to exist in the world. Especially while there are those that are good. Truly "bad" (subjective to each person) people seem to live long lives and they don't seem to deserve it. So why? Why would God allow it? This bible helps to put pain and suffering into perspective so you can understand the love that God has for us and that he really doesn't want you to suffer. I still have questions for God, things I don't understand, but that's where faith comes into play. Hopefully, this bible will help me to understand and gain a little more faith with each and every read.

I enjoyed the Connection Points, beginning of chapter intros that show how suffering and disabilities are focused on, and devotionals that are peppered through the pages. I'm glad that I was given the chance to review this bible. Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for giving me the opportunity.

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Review: The adventures of Blitz and Uncle Drake - The Beginning

The Adventures of Blitz and Uncle Drake by Peter S Leriget
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an adorable book. Blitz and Pete were a team. They didn't know that they could have a friend like Uncle Drake. Uncle Drake had a rough life, and Pete took him in and showed him what a real family could be. Blitz now had a friend to look up to.

Mr. Leriget has brought us a tale of friendship, heroism, hope and trust. This story was such a delight. I was sad to see the book end, and can't wait for the next book to come out.

My only complaint with the book is the fact that the language was a little juvenile, even for a children's book. I think the author may have underestimated the intelligence of the children that will read this tale. But that issue is only slight in comparison to the tale that was told.

Kudos Mr. Leriget, kudos.

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************ I received this product for free/at a discount in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own. Most books are donated to the local library for circulation, or donation to the Friends of the Library.

Review: That Which Does NOT Destroy Me by Daria Wagoner

Title: That Which Does NOT Destroy Me

Author: Daria Wagoner

Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:

None given

Review:

That Which Does Not Destroy Me by Daria J Wagoner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

If I could have rated this book a three and a half I would have. Not that the book was bad, but I felt there needed to be a let down (or a bring up) from the horrors that this poor woman has been through.

I also think that this book should come with a trigger warning when sold.

I love the fact that this author was able to put down into words all that she has been through in life. I can only imagine the heartbreak she had to go through to relive it. I applauded her for surviving the life she lived and living a better life after.

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************ I received this product for free/at a discount in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own. Most books are donated to the local library for circulation, or donation to the Friends of the Library.

Review: The Moonlight Prince (Vampire Girl #4) by Karpov Kinrade

Title: The Moonlight Prince (Vampire Girl #4)

Author: Karpov Kinrade

Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:

I was an ordinary girl, living an ordinary life, until I sold my soul to save my mother.

Review:

Moonlight Prince by Karpov Kinrade
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A beautiful book with well thought out characters. I feel that this book was rushed to the finish line too quickly. There was so much more that could have been revealed in this series considering how many brothers there were to work with. As for a finale to a series...I wasn't overly thrilled. There were so many questions I felt could have been answered. I hate to give the rating that I have because I know how wonderful the other three books were, but I feel I have no other choice. I would not in any way dissuade a reader from reading this book if there other three had been read, just know that the premise is not as solid as the previous books.

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************ I received this product for free/at a discount in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own. Most books are donated to the local library for circulation, or donation to the Friends of the Library.

Review: The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness

The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a delight for this last book in the All Souls Trilogy. Just when you think that the characters can't possibly grow any further, and there isn't any more that can be done Ms. Harkness pulls out a twist that can't be denied. I love how Diana is unable to live without Matthew and vice versa, not for the same reasons, but because they both are a type of medicine for each other. The Bishop-Clairmont family grows by leaps and bounds in this book with happy reunions and not so happy ones. But in the end most of the people who deserve to have it "stuck to them" get what they deserve. I feel though that there is a loose end hanging with one of the bad guys and that this trilogy could have become more of a series instead. Thank you, Deborah Harkness, for giving me the best books of 2016, and so far the best book of 2017. I hope that your endeavors are not finished, you are far too talented.

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************ I borrowed this book from the North Country Library System. Thank you to the Blind and Disabled program for all that you do.