#netgalley

Book Review: Nameless Queen by Rebecca McLaughlin

Nameless Queen
by Rebecca McLaughlin
Release date: January 7, 2019
Rating: 3.5/5

Let’s just say that I wanted this book to knock it out of the park but unfortunately, it did not deliver what I was hoping for. The book is still good and I loved the world-building and the characters; however, it just didn’t capture my attention and imagination as much as I hoped it would.

Choosing to call herself Coin, a young girl finds herself fighting to survive on the streets of Seriden, a city of Royals, Legals, and the Nameless. With the death of King Fallow, the tattoo of the next ruler reveals itself on Coin’s arm. How could the king name his successor without a name? Confusion and outrage follow these events as Coin temporarily ascends the throne as the Nameless Queen until she can be challenged during the Assassin’s festival. Does Coin even want to be queen? Could she actually make a difference? What about the magic powers that come with the royal tattoo? Can she learn to control them? Can she save the only person she cares about as a temporary queen?

This story had so much promise and I did enjoy it, but something seemed off. The characters are fun and unique. The world McLaughlin has created is interesting but the history of Seriden and magic probably could have been laid out more clearly. There were consequences for actions but not quite as satisfying as I’d like.

This story is not a romance; it is more fantasy adventure with some mystery. This story is also a standalone novel. I would still recommend this story for younger readers, especially those who deal with insecurities. If you like books with strong heroines, I’d also recommend this book.

My thanks to the author and NetGalley for an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

December 31, 2019 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: The Bake Shop by Amy Clipston

The Bake Shop
by Amy Clipston
Book 1 in the Amish Marketplace series
Zondervan – Release: November 5, 2019
Rating: 4/5

This sweet story kept me reading to the end – lost some sleep over having to find out what happened next. This beautiful story was just what I needed. I laughed and cried over the characters. I wanted to try all the baked goods.

Christiana is an obedient daughter who loves to bake and sell her delicious pies, cookies and other treats. She currently sells her baked goods from a stand in front of her home but when a booth opens up at the marketplace where her cousins work, she’s quick to ask her father’s permission. He is reluctant but grants the request. Her father is extremely wary of his daughters being around Englishers and their electricity.

Jeffrey has a booth right next to Christiana where he sells handmade wood and leather items. His first meeting with Christiana is not ideal but they start to form a friendship and Christiana gets Jeffrey to open up about his life and the sadness she sees in his eyes. Will Christiana be able to find her place as a businesswoman and daughter and friend? Will Jeffrey be able to let go of the past and regain his self-worth?

There’s just something about Amy Clipston’s writing that is contagious and draws the reader in. I really enjoyed reading this quirky love story with both fun and serious themes. The characters were fun to get to know and I look forward to reading more in this series.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

October 29, 2019 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep Book Cover

The Noble Guardian
by Michelle Griep
Book 3 in the Bow Street Runners Trilogy
Rating: 4.5/5

Abigail Gilbert is finally free! She is leaving her family who hates her and is going to meet her beloved fiancé and live happily ever after with someone who actually wants to be with her. However, highwaymen run rampant on her journey and threaten her life.

Captain Samuel Thatcher is in charge of keeping the roads safe from highwaymen and steps in to save Abby’s life. The captain is close to retiring but begrudgingly agrees to escort Ms. Gilbert to her destination in exchange for money from her fiancé for her safety.

Unfortunately, this harrying journey is more than either expected. Together they must find a way to coexist and not kill each other as they face many trials and heated discussions.

This fast-paced story is everything you’d want and more. I didn’t quite know what to expect when I started reading this story but I knew it would be good because of Michelle Griep’s ability to weave a fun and provocative tale. When I first started to read, I wasn’t aware it was part of a trilogy. It can definitely be read as a standalone book. After realizing it was part of a trilogy, I found that I had read the previous books but didn’t realize it because that first book was from back in 2015. I will have to revisit those other two books in the series to jog my memory but that isn’t necessary to appreciate the wonders of Griep’s gripping action. The characters are lovely and you feel their tension and conflict. Very well written and highly recommended.

My thanks to Barbour Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

EDIT: Buy this book here!