Book Reviews

Book Review: In Good Company by Jen Turano

In Good Company
by Jen Turano
Rating: 4.5/5
A Class of Their Own Book 2
Bethany House – Fiction | Historical Fiction

Meet Millie Longfellow, a nanny who grew up in an orphanage in New York. Although she works well with kids, Millie always seems to find trouble and mischief and again finds herself looking for another job. After returning to the employment agency, she bumps into Everett Mulberry, who is searching for yet another nanny for the three children that he recently became a guardian to. She must not lose this job and Everett cannot lose another nanny for the summer. Although the children have scared away all the other nannies, Millie is confident in her abilities to handle the children as the family moves to a house in Newport for the summer season.

When Millie learns from the children about their parents’ suspicious deaths, she requests that Everett look into the matter more carefully. As Millie gets closer to the children, she also gets Everett to take a more invested role in their lives; she starts to see that behind all the snobbery and elitism, Everett is someone who cares for others. Can Everett get over the societal barriers that keep him from following his heart? Can Millie let go of her preconceived notions of 1882’s high society?

Even though I was reading a few other books, I picked this one up and finished reading it in a few hours. That should say all I need to about the book. I have not read the first book in the series, After A Fashion, but I just purchased it on my Kindle after reading this book. The writing was so well done and really entertaining. I was immediately pulled right into the world of 1882’s high society. Millie’s character was so endearing and quirky. The plot had some interesting twists that I didn’t see coming but the story was not dark at all.

I only gave it a rating of 4.5 because I felt it didn’t really address the faith aspect as well as I thought it could have. Other than a note that the cover art didn’t seem period appropriate (felt too modern), I felt the story and characters were well written and thoroughly enjoyable. I recommend this book to anyone interested in a historical romance with spunk and fun.

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

July 2, 2015 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: Siren’s Fury by Mary Weber

Siren’s Fury
by Mary Weber
Rating: 3/5
Book Two of the Storm Siren Trilogy
Thomas Nelson – Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic | General

After saving Faelen from Draewulf, Nym finds herself without her special Elemental powers and finds her love, Eogan, has been possessed by Draewulf. As the new king of Bron, Draewulf (as Eogan) has more influence than Nym is willing to allow. She finds a way to travel with a group of delegates from Faelen to monitor and try to stop Draewulf as he returns to Bron.

When Nym forms an alliance with Lord Myles who promises a way to unlock more power and free Eogan from Draewulf’s power, she opens a door that may require more from her than she could even imagine. Can Nym discover a power that will give her the strength to save the man she loves and prevent Draewulf from gaining more power?

I really enjoyed the first book, Storm Siren, and was excited to read the second in the trilogy since the first book ended on a cliffhanger. Nym is such an interesting character and I really enjoyed the glimpses into her inner thoughts and her journey to finding her powers. As much as I enjoyed the continuing saga, I didn’t feel this book was as gripping as the first. It was good but it wasn’t like I couldn’t put it down.

I still recommend the book to anyone who enjoyed the first in the series and enjoys a good young adult story with fantasy and magic.

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

June 16, 2015 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: In Firefly Valley by Amanda Cabot

In Firefly Valley
by Amanda Cabot
Rating: 4/5
Book 2 in the Texas Crossroads series
Revell – Fiction | Contemporary Fiction

After losing her job, Marisa St. George returns to her hometown of Dupree, Texas, where she has accepted a business manager position at the newly renovated Rainbow’s End resort. The resort is about to have its grand opening, but they already have one mysterious guest, Blake Kendall, a friend of the owner’s.

Blake is in need of some rest and relaxation, since he’s tried everything to get over his writer’s block. His trip to Dupree could be just what he needs to feel inspired again. As a successful author, he’s kept his identity a secret by using a pseudonym. He believes his stories are just entertaining and nothing more; however, Marisa unknowingly hates his books and how his main character glorifies smoking and especially drinking. The attraction between Marisa and Blake is practically electric, but will Blake’s secret drive them apart? Can Marisa learn to forgive and forget the past?

Amanda Cabot really knows how to create characters that I want to root for and get to know. In this second installment in the Texas Crossroads series, I got to reconnect with the characters from the previous book, At Bluebonnet Lake, and find out what’s been happening. I was immediately thrown into this small Texas town with its quirky but lovable characters and nuances. The characters have to deal with real life situations that make them so relatable. She expertly weaves faith throughout the story in a way that makes me want to read more!

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys light, fun, contemporary romances.

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.