#romance

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

Book Review: Tried & True by Mary Connealy

Tried & True
by Mary Connealy
Rating: 4/5
Book 1 of Wild at Heart Series
Bethany House – Fiction/Historical

Meet Kylie Wilde. She is done dressing like a boy. She served during the war and is ready to go back east to civilization after she fulfills her promise to homestead and sell her land to Pa. She doesn’t have a problem with other people helping to take care of her, unlike her two older sisters who still dress as men. However, when the local land agent, Aaron Masterson, arrives to make sure everything concerning the homestead is all legal, her secret comes out. Although she is attracted to the handsome Mr. Masterson, can she trust him to keep her secret? Will he even care? Aaron also served in the war and cannot imagine how a woman did the same, but she is still trying to defraud the government. How can he ignore both in good conscience? When problems arise concerning Kylie’s homestead claim, can Aaron convince her to stay? Can they discover who is stirring up trouble for Kylie and for Aaron?

This story is just too adorable in my opinion. I really enjoyed reading about the characters and I cannot wait to read more. The premise is so interesting from a female’s viewpoint of surviving the war. I admire the courage that these women went through to serve their country. The interactions between Kylie and Aaron and her sisters are quite hilarious and endearing. I look forward to reading more about the characters in the next books in the series. I’ve read some of Connealy’s books before and was not disappointed. I am definitely a fan. Her writing is fresh and light. Kylie’s character development was realistic and touching. Aaron’s character development was liberating and inspiring.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a thread of humor.

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

October 5, 2014 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden

With Every Breath
by Elizabeth Camden
Rating: 4/5
Bethany House – Fiction/Historical

After Trevor McDonough beats her in a competition to get a college scholarship, Kate Livingston spends years working her way up the ranks in the government in D.C. to help support her family’s boarding house. When she’s offered a job working with a research doctor from Harvard, she jumps at the chance until she realizes who the doctor is. For some reason, Trevor has changed his last name and offered her a job as his assistant. Trevor is trying to find a cure for tuberculosis and needs her help.

When Kate agrees to their partnership, she tries to discover why Trevor is the way he is, why he changed his last name, and what secrets he’s keeping. Along the way, Kate develops feelings for Trevor despite her loyalty to her late husband and high school sweetheart. Has Kate fallen in love with a man she barely knows? Can Trevor find a cure for tuberculosis before he loses everything? Will his past mistakes put Kate in danger?

I don’t believe I’ve ever read a book by Elizabeth Camden, but I definitely enjoyed her writing style. Her writing transported me into the late 19th century and painted a picture of what life was like for a woman like Kate. I honestly wasn’t too interested in the first 1/3 of the book, but I kept reading hoping the story got better and it did. As someone who majored in biology and is on her way to medical school, I was really interested in the history of tuberculosis and its treatment. I really appreciated all of the research that went into the book. Everything was fairly believable. The characters were well developed and relatable for the most part.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction.

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