Colorado Mandala by Brian Heffron
Content (overall theme, idea and setting) - The themes, ideas and plot were revealing. However, I found Sarah’s connection to Paul and Michael a little farfetched. The whole concept of you can do anything to me and I’ll still be your friend didn’t really work throughout the book. What I liked - As impossible as it seemed, I liked the strength that came from Paul’s character. He was a true friend who never gave up on their friendship. As the story unfolds, his character presents a twist to the story which reveals Michael’s secret. What I didn't like – Michael was very abusive and the secret he thought he was keeping was an eye-opener and will definitely be a surprise for any reader. I did a learn a lot about post traumatic stress his character growth or lack of it wasn’t always easy to emphatize with. 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.
Finding Claire Fletcher
If you were to talk with the author, what would you want to know? I would like to know, what else she has written? I understand she has one other existing book but I would like to know if there were other books in the pipeline and if she is ever going to write about another heroine like Claire. Consider the ending. Did you expect it or were you surprised? Lisa is a talented writer and the ending although a surprise, took some technical expertise to pull off. It was so seamless, the reader doesn't feel as if the ending was forced.
Is the story plot or character driven? Both were equally strong. Every single character was perfectly developed and the emotional roller coaster Lisa starts for the reader is bound to make anyone grateful for the lives they lead without having to deal with situations like Claire's.
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.
Gabriela and The Widow
What were the main relationships explored in this book? Gabriela and Nando's relationship was interesting in so many ways. It wasn't a good relationship and it reflected the worst side of a human being but the way Remick uses this relationship to introduce and maintain the toads in the story, wow. The female relationships - Gabriela and Liah / Gabriela & La Viuda - were less hurting, a bit more complicated but were also filled with emotions and lessons that would make you think of the women in your life. Are the characters rich and developed? When you read some books, you start to think about it should be like this or this character should have done that. This is one of the few books you won't be doing that. The characters are that good.
What is the time period in which the book happens? Doesn't give an exact time but it starts when Gabriela is 14. Despite the symbolism and somewhat ceremonius lives of Gabriela and La Viuda, this is a compelling story that must be read by anyone who likes drama.
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.
Tainted Waters
If you could only save one character from the book in the event of a disaster, which one would it be and why? My heart went out to Keegan. He finally knew all the secrets about his family and with this, he had found his roots and had a stronger sense of belonging. Is the title a good one or a poor one and why? For this reader, the title is suited for the book. Everyone was killed because of the lake property. In other words, the waters were also tainted with blood.
Did you like the way the story ended? The story was finished. All secrets were exposed. Drug dealers were busted so I do not have any complaints. Thom is a fantastic writers and I really want to read other books by her.
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.
The Hunter's Son (JC Mather, #1)
What were the main themes of the book? Love, fear, witches, slayers, murder, secret society. The author did a pretty good job at producing an entertaining read. Describe 2 different settings or locations. James was tied to a metal table. Blood every where. Drain underneath the table for when the killing occurs. James cut, bruised & had many broken bones. Chuck's shop - Dirty, cob webs, mold. Gun shop in back .
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? Yes, I felt sorry for JC. He was so lonely, so sad.
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.
What is the time period in which the book happens? 1870 so this book was a delight to read and any fan of historical fiction will absolutely love it. What have you read that is similar to this book? Agatha Christie books, specifically the Marple series or even the Father Brown mysteries.
Top 3 things I liked about the setting in this book. The mansion was huge. Lot's of secret rooms and the beautiful gardens that gave me some ideas for my own garden.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
The Granite Key: Arkana Archaeology Thriller Mysteries #1
Favorite character, what they believe in? Cassie, and she just wants the truth about her sister's death and her ability to see things. Hope in the end? I feel hope that everything will be finished when the author writes a second book. This time around the ending wasn't exactly an ending.
Concerns about book? The open ending, feel readers will not understand everything or leave bad reviews because of the way it ended.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Spare Change
What major emotion did the story evoke in you as a reader? Optimism for the future.Did you like the way the story ended? Totally loved the ending. So glad to know how Ethan turned out and have a glimpse into his later life.
Top 3 things I liked about the main character. Olivia – strong, independent, knew how to enjoy life
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
1
Evergreen (A Serial Killer Thriller)
Different time and place? It would have made a huge difference if everything wasn't contained in this community.3 things I like about main character? Patrick was the head of the entire community. He tried to do, what was right. He tried to understand what his mother did
Describe two different settings or locations. When Suzie was hung naked on the gate posts. Patrick in the basement, where he met the killer face to face. Both scenes came as a shock to me.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
The Kings of Charleston (Volume 1)
What did you think was the most interesting part of the book? When the truth about the move came out. Why Casper had to be the one to join Kythera. Why she had no choice in the matter. Why her father made the business deal with Tyler. These were the things that kept the story going for me. What is the time period in which the book happens? Only the month is clearly mentioned and I think the book would work in any time period.
What did you think of the style of the writer? I liked the writer and her style. She told just enough detail without rambling or boring me.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
The Book of Paul
How did the main character feel during the book? I felt like Martin was confused as to why everything was happening. He wanted clarity and yet allowed himself to be pushed around. What did you enjoy about this book? I enjoyed the dark topics. This book had many twists and turns and the humor was a great touch.
What motivates a given character’s actions? Love motivates Martin to try to do the right thing. He does the best he can, given the terrible way he was brought up.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Redwood Violet
What I liked. I love a good mystery and this book was definitely a good read. Top 3 things I liked about the whole book. I love the story, The author’s clean, distinctive writing style and of course, the book setting on the west coast
Favourite quote … The first time Spencer is showing how much he is unconcerned with Katie
“You think you may have been kidnapped as a child?” His doubt was obvious. “Don’t you think you’d remember something like that or at least that your parents would have said something to you?”
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Some Are Sicker Than Others
What problems does one of the characters have, and how does he or she solve it?They are all addicts. They feed their addiction.
Favourite character(s) …
Robbie was the closest to a favorite.
Consider the ending. Did you expect it or were you surprised?
Somewhat surprised.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Be Good
What did you like about it? That Anna learned her life is not in a bottle or jumping from bed to bed.Have you ever experienced anything similar to the action of this novel? I have experienced the hurt that Brett caused Anna.
What part would you change in the story, and why? I would add Jake as showing more concern for Anna. He is her brother. Family should be concerned for each other.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Zoo Academy Special Edition (Vol. 1-3): History, Science & Art Lessons
What did you think of the cover? The cover was perfect, shows adults that this is something for kids to help them learn. Then looking at it from a kids perspective it shows fun. What did you like about it? I really loved the little quiz at the end of each chapter. Helps kids to remember the knowledge they learning while reading.
What are your concerns about this book? The book is only available in digital format. Would love to see this in print.
What part would you change in the story, and why? I would not change anything. So much information provided in a fun way for kids.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Our Little Secrets: 1 (Montana Romance)
Favourite location / setting… Michael, Charlie, Phineas, Delilah, and Ms. Helen, having dinner with Michael’s father at Phineas house.Did anyone in the book do something you did not like? Why? Was not fond of Phineas being roughed up. I understand this book is fiction and not real, but does not mean I have to like a character being harmed because of their sexual preference.
Compare two of the characters in this book. Charlie – friendly, likeable, easy going; Ms. Helen – a con artist (need I say more?)
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.