#fiction

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.

May 22, 2015 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: Anna’s Crossing by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Anna’s Crossing
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Rating: 4/5
An Amish Beginnings Novel #1
Revell – Fiction | Historical Romance

As an Amish community sets off for the New World in 1737 to find a place free from religious persecution, Anna König has to go along because she is the only one who knows English. She has heard all of the horror stories surrounding voyages across the Atlantic, along with the challenges in the New World. She is set on returning home if she survives.

The Charming Nancy‘s ship’s carpenter, Bairn, is weary to be taking on more passengers made up of “Peculiars”. He would much rather have more cargo than passengers overloading his ship. Although he’s built bunks in the lower deck for their guests, he is convinced that something bad will happen on the voyage.

When Bairn and Anna meet, he can’t stop thinking about her. She is different and mesmerizing. She is all wrong for him and his lifestyle, but he can’t stop finding ways to interact with her. Even after he is warned to stop associating with her, he can’t seem to help himself especially when Anna starts seeking him out. Will Bairn be able to help Anna when she needs it most? Can Anna help Bairn find his faith? Will the ship make it safely to the New World? What surprises await Bairn and Anna as they fall in love?

I’ve only read one other book by the author, but I really enjoyed reading about Anna and her journey. I was not familiar with the struggles that the Amish went through when they immigrated to the New World, but I was impressed with all the author researched in order to write such great historical fiction. There’s a special place in my heart for Amish fiction and I really liked the intricate story. Her characters are so endearing and I absolutely adored the different relationships in the story.

I recommend this book for any fans of Amish romance and historical fiction.

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