Dance for A Dead Princess by Deborah Hawkins
What is the time period in which the book happens? I understand that the timeline of the story starts from somewhere in late April 2010. This is more than a decade after the death of the Princess of Wales. While none of us question the drama element of including a prominent real-life figure in a fiction story, the way she was portrayed did raise some interesting discussions at the book club. If you are a fan of the Royal family or of the late Princess, you may want to take this story with a pinch of salt.
What was the problem in the book, and how was it solved? Nicholas was initially implicated in the deaths at Burnham Abbey. More than one secret is finally revealed which surprises the main characters and the reader. I do applaud the Hawkins for the way she introduced each surprise element in the story. It made my heart skip a beat for sure.
Did anyone in the book do something you did not like? *spoiler alert* Betty was someone I wanted to shake and ask what she was thinking especially when I found out she was the one behind Lucy’s drug addiction and a murder. The portrayal of Betty was accurate and chilling at the same time.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
A 3rd Time to Die by George Bernstein
What are some of the book’s themes? Romance, history and reincarnation. This story is so well-written that anyone who picks it up will be impressed with the Bernstein’s writing style and research. Every detail in this book has been researched and polished so the characters and their respective situations are believable and gripping. Did the book end the way you expected? The combination of different centuries and the hint of paranormal will play mind tricks with you and you’ll guess so many different endings. One of the endings I guessed did come to pass and I cannot recommend this book enough for the way it is written. What I liked about the whole book – This book is fun, emotional, heart warming and you won’t want to put it down until you get to the last page. Despite the different lives the main characters lead there is no awkward jumping so the reader stays entertained and intrigued. Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
For Gods and For Men (Lifeblood Saga, #1)
What motivates a given character’s actions? Marcus thinks if he is immortal, he will finally have power. The only drive for him was to marry a woman, whom he thought would help him get into political office. This part of the story unfolded interestingly, be careful what you wish for. Which characters do you particularly admire or dislike? I think there are far too many characters for one book / story. It got to a point that no matter how interesting and enjoyable the writing was, this reader lost track or lost interest when yet another new character was introduced.
Do you find the characters convincing? Some of the characters were compelling enough and believable. I read the book because of them. But they were also some characters where you had to keep rereading their involvement so you would be sure if you understood their role.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
The Call of Agon: Book One of The Children of Telm
What were the main themes of the book? Demons, murder, revenge and betrayal. Everything about this book was well executed. The author has a writing style that is very poetic and despite the scenes depicting evil, you don't quite feel that way. Describe 2 different settings or locations. The hall way was dark and damp, like a tomb. Brick walls were dusty & smelled like mold. They were covered with moss and fissures. Then, there was the monastery which was cold, dark and drafty. It was very large with big open rooms. A lot of the locations in the book had a dark feel to it in contrast with the colourful characters that the author brought to life.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? It was hard to pick a single character as I found every single character to be memorable. However, I did find that their names seemed confusing at some points.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
The Sin of Forgiveness
Things I liked and didn't like about the book? I liked most of his views. He based it all on scripture. He was old school. Some of it was a bit hard to follow.Did description relate to story? The description fit the book.
Recommend book and why? I would recommend this book. He answered some questions that I've always wondered about.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Tainted Love: The Faith McKenzie Story
Main relationships. Faith - Cal in an abusive relationship.
3 things I liked about book? I liked that it moved fast. Liked the love Faith felt for her family. Liked that it was realistic. Didn't like the abuse. Didn't like how long she stayed with him. Hated that she got killed.
3 things I like about main character? She was loving, compassionate, she fought to keep her little brother with them.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Redwood Violet
What are your concerns about this book? The interview Det. Avery has with suspect Johansen is not accurate. Criminals are not going to break that easily to describe how they committed the crime. Still do not understand why he did not have a lawyer present during this.What lesson did you learn from the story? No lesson, just reminded me how sick some people are. To kidnap someone and then to assault them. Makes me question the sanity of humans.
What was the problem in the book, and how was it solved? Problem: who kidnapped Katie and why do they want to haunt her now. This was not solved. Readers are left with “The End” with nothing being answered.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Covert Dreams
What was the author's purpose or purposes in writing this book? To write a bestselling book and he definitely succeeded. It was suspenseful and intriguing.List the characters and describe them. BJ - Worked for a ad agency. He had the same dream every night. He had been married to Gina for 10 years.
Stan - Was a professor and was to teach in Saudi Arabia. He was married to Valerie. His son Jimmy had died.
Linda - Had been kidnapped. The experiments had started on her. Her brain had been altered some.
What I didn't like. Found no issue with any of it. My book club members and I liked this book very much.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Some Are Sicker Than Others
If you were in a problem situation like one in the book, how would you have acted? Be sure to tell what the situation is.I wouldn't be in a situation like this. Although, I think some people don’t end up in situations like this out of choice.
Tell in your own words the beginning of the book
Monte and Vicky are at a AA meeting. Monte is going to propose to Vicky after his 1 year speech.
Where did the story take place?
Colorado
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Too Many Secrets (Cleo Sims Mystery #3)
What did you think was the most interesting part of the book? All the clues Tyler keeps giving Cleo. What was the problem in the book, and how was it solved? Trying to figure out where Sabrina was at. Was she on a holiday with a guy? Was she lost in the wilderness? Was she dead? Cleo, Gayle and Paige figure out what happened
Did you like the way the story ended? Why or why not? Yes, everything wrapped up nicely. Looking forward to reading other Cleo Sims mystery books.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Refuge
Would you recommend this book? I would recommend this book. It was educational and it really paints a vivid picture. What major emotion did the story evoke in you as a reader? Sadness for lost love.
What are your concerns about this book? The book is a little slow getting out of the gate. Hope people won't lose interest, before the good part kicks in.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Semmant
Is the plot well-developed? Is it believable?The plot is believable. And the story was well-written so it captured my attention and I couldn't wait to finish the book.
Do any characters grow or change during the course of the novel?
In the end, I guess Bogdan realized his fate and came to accept it.
Who in this book would you most like to meet?
Think I would like to meet Lidia. Although she was a secondary character she played a key role in moving the story forward.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
The Italian Connection 1 (Dojo Boys, #4)
Did you find this book a quick read? Very quick read and hard to put down once started.
Was the book different from what you expected? I knew this was a m/m romance, but I did not expect the beautiful emotions portrayed by the author.
What kind of book is this? List three evidences of this. Fiction romance – two people find each other and realize they are soulmates. A thief robs someone and no police report is filed.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Lessons from the Lemonade Stand: A Common Sense Primer on Investing
Is the evidence convincing? All points spoken about are convincing and real. I believe the author is an authority. He is a university professor.What kind of language does the author use? Is it objective and dispassionate? Refreshing to know the author took time to make sure the average reader could understand everything about his book.
Does the author—or can you—draw implications for the future? Author did not draw any implications. He was just offering his advice on investments. Sound advice that allows people to have a better understanding on how to invest.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Amidst Traffic
What were the main themes of the book? I am still trying to figure this book out. Yes it was a collection of short stories and they each had meaning. Several of the stories went along with each other. Everyone comes away with a different meaning I books. My thoughts on this book is everything is never as it seems. What I didn't like. The double spacing. Felt this was unnecessary.
Did the book description relate to the story? The description did not state something on each story and related to a few stories in the book.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Sex and Death in the American Novel
What did you think of the main character? I loved how Vivianna did not allow what others thought to dictate her life. Name your favorite thing overall about the book. Vivianna placing Olivetti on her desk. I didn't quite care for the scene when Vivianna burning her father’s letters. Several book club members and I have not figured out why she burned these.
What are the most revealing scenes? Vivianne, Jasper and Alejandro during a very intimate setting in her apartment.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.