Inside the Wong Mind

Book Review: A July Bride by Beth Wiseman

A July Bride
By Beth Wiseman
Rating: 3/5
A Year of Weddings Series
Zondervan – Fiction/Romance

Alyssa Pennington was ready for her life to change forever — she was marrying the man of her dreams, Brendan Meyers. This would be the perfect day, but when Brendan leaves her at the altar, everything falls apart.

After returning every wedding gift and trying to figure out what happened to make Brendan bolt, Alyssa is done with their relationship. However, it is difficult since Brendan won’t stop sending flowers and gifts to woo her back. She doesn’t trust her “runaway groom” to be what she needs in a life partner. She can’t forgive what he did to her on their wedding day.

When Alyssa starts dating another guy, will Brendan bow out gracefully? Or will he continue to pursue his soulmate? Can Alyssa learn to forgive and trust her instincts? Will there be a happily ever after?

I enjoyed this novella from Beth Wiseman; however, I did not feel it was developed as much as it should have. Though the story was character driven, I never really liked or grew attached to the main characters. The book is a great fun and a light read but it still felt lacking in something.

I would still recommend the story for anyone who needs a fun and light read (especially on an airplane).

I received this book for free from NetGalley but was not required to give a positive review.

November 6, 2014 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: A Promise to Protect by Patricia Bradley

A Promise to Protect
by Patricia Bradley
Rating: 4/5
Book 2 of the Logan Point Series
Revell – Fiction/Suspense/Romance

Still reeling from their romance ten years ago, Sheriff Ben Logan is tasked with protecting the one that got away. When Leigh Somerall’s brother is murdered, Ben has only one task – to protect Leigh and her son. Whoever was after her brother has now turned to Leigh. Can Ben find out what the killer wants before Leigh and her son get hurt? Although she’s been warned about the danger, Leigh is scared that Ben will find out her secret and tries to avoid him as much as possible. Can Leigh keep her secret from Ben?

Although this book is part of a series, I did not have a problem following the characters. This story is definitely a stand-alone read if you haven’t read the first book. The characters were incredibly endearing and I rushed through to finish reading what happened to them. The pacing was great and the story was fairly realistic. I kept trying to guess whodunit and it was fun figuring out what happened. I loved reading about Leigh’s relationship with her son; there’s nothing like a mother’s love.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a good mystery suspense with some romance.

I received this book for free from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for a review.

October 22, 2014 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: Thunder by Bonnie S. Calhoun

Thunder
by Bonnie S. Calhoun
Rating: 5/5
Book 1 of The Stone Braide Chronicles
Revell – Fiction/Suspense/Young Adult

Selah Rishon Chavez lives in a post-apocalyptic America where only remnants of civilization remain after the Time of Sorrows tainted the land with radiation. The day before her 18th Born Remembrance, she goes against her parents’ wishes and goes hunting for a Lander, an alien-like humanoid who is worth a bounty if their distinctive mark remains on their skin after they arrive on their land. As she tries to subdue one, her older brothers take over and steal her prize. The next morning when she wakes up, she finds the Lander mark on herself and confronts her mother. Her mother shares the truth with her and tells her to flee for fear that her father and brothers will kill her. Selah is not who she thought she was. Her father is not who she thought he was. As she tries to make plans to escape and disappear, she realizes that the only one who can help her is Bodhi Locke, the Lander her brothers have taken captive to sell. Can she trust Bodhi with her secret and her life? Will he be able to explain what she is? Will she ever feel like she belongs?

After reading the free pre-quell, Tremors, I was hooked. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything from this author, but I’m a sucker for all the YA post-apocalyptic reads. I could not put the book down. I was so caught up in the world that Calhoun created and had to know what happened next. I haven’t had that in a book in a while. It’s an easy read that’s clean and exciting and fun. I loved the characters and cannot wait to get to know them even more. I am now a huge fan and can’t believe I have to wait so long till the next book in the series comes out. I might just have to reread the story again; it’s that good.

Do yourself a favor and read this book if you want some reading that’s entertaining and just plain fun.

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

The pre-quel, Tremors, is free on Kindle now.

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October 7, 2014 by Kim Book Reviews