Cynthia Marcano's Blog, page 9

Review: Plots and Pans by Kelly Eilleen Hake

Plots and Pans
Author - Kelly Eileen Hake
Time It Took for to Read - 3 Days
Rating - 4 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: YessirOrder dictates Tucker Carmichael���s life--his orders. On a cattle drive, a moment���s hesitation can mean the difference between life and death. The Chisholm Trail is dirty, dangerous, and no place for dainty ladies. That's just part of why he loves it.

Jessalyn Culpepper's life is perfectly ordered--by men. By her father's mandate, she was booted from their beloved ranch for lady lessons abraod. Now Jessalyn has returned home, determined to show them all that a woman can manage everything from cooking to cattle--whether they like it or not!


What I Loved...I am in a Cowgirl state of mind! The two women of this novel are a hoot and I enjoyed reading from both of their points of view. The heroine, Jessalyn, is as determined as a young lady ought to be when she in looking to get into something. I love romance and comedy, but the cowgirl is icing on the cake.

What I Liked...I was pleasantly surprised with the story line of Desta. This was my first Christian Fiction Romance (that I can remember anyway) that included a former slave so significantly in the plot. Let me be clear that the book isn't about slavery. It includes a former slave that now lives free. The heavy topic of slavery doesn't weigh the book down. It is still a very enjoyable read with a different twist. I liked the character of Desta a lot.

POSSIBLE SPOILER...
I couldn't help but picture the late actor, Michael Clarke Duncan, whenever I read about Ralph Runkle. Big and Sweet, unless you messed with Desta...lol.

Other...My followers know that I am addicted to swoon, swoon and more swoon. Plots and Pans missed an opportunity to have me singing it's praises forevermore. It had everything I love in a book except not enough swoon worthy moments. Their was swoon at the end, but I felt it had to be squeezed in for the happy ending.

I prefer a romance comedy have swoon, trouble, more swoon, more trouble, swoon and then happy ending! I wonder if that's too much to ask?

My only other issue was Jessalyn's walk with her faith. It felt rushed to wrap up the story and insincere.

All in all it was a good read and I do recommend it.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.

Review: Winter's Past by Mary E. Hanks

Winter's Past
Author - Mary E. Hanks
Time It Took for to Read - 3 Days
Rating - 4 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: YesWinter didn't plan on seeing Ty Williams ever again. But when she speaks at a conference in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, a city she's avoided for ten years, and Ty shows up, she must face two things. Her past. And the fact she hasn't forgiven him. Only now, he's humble, broken, genuinely sorry, and, much to her displeasure, still wildly handsome! Can she forgive him? Can she let God heal her heart and have His way in her life?
What I Loved...The subject matter of Winter's Past is very personal to me. Having worked in Marriage & Restoration Ministries for several years, I am an advocate of reconciliation. The subject of divorce and a failed marriage was approached with grit and reality. I appreciated Mary not sugar coating the emotions associated with such a delicate situation. It made Winter's Past a more dramatic book. Well more than I am used to. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the change.

What I Liked...The emotional rollercoaster of this book was awesome. Somehow, Mary managed to get me as emotionally involved as the characters. Good job Mary!

I felt happy, sad, angry, betrayed, uneasy, loved just to name a few....it is wild!

Other...Winter's Past started out slow for me, but I must admit that I like to get right to the good stuff. I am a very impatient reader. However the slow beginning was necessary to an extent.

POSSIBLE SPOILER
I think I would have been satisfied with the beginning if Mary would have started with Winter finding Ty cheating. I know she relives it later on in the book, which was good too. However, maybe the beginning chapter could have been from Ty's POV, getting caught cheating. Just an idea...like I said, I like getting to the good stuff. I think I would have gotten through the book faster with a drama filled start . END OF POSSIBLE SPOILER

Once the book gets rolling, its pretty good and I finished it quickly. By the end I felt wrapped up in the lives of the characters as if I were there. Mary did a great reeling me in emotionally.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author, Mary E Hanks. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.

Review: Here To Stay by Melissa Tagg

Here To Stay
Author - Melissa Tagg
Time It Took for to Read - 2 Days
Rating - 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend:YesBlake Hunziker has played nomad for five years and landed in his fair share of trouble too. But now he's finally returning to his hometown--the Lake Michigan tourist town of Whisper Shore.

Autumn Kingsley, inn owner and experienced organizer of the Christmas festival, has always dreamed of traveling the world. Their families have a long history of not getting along, but when Blake comes to Autumn for help with the festival, she actually agrees...in exchange for his help with the repairs to her inn. They may have struck a simple deal, but complications are quick to pile on when the guy who's had enough of running away and the woman who can't wait to leave join forces.

What I Loved...Blake & Autumn have wonderful chemistry. It isn't forced and I found myself rooting for both of them. I fell in love with the Inn and want to visit their cute town.

What I Liked...Harry is a totally adorable character and he is a great addition to the story. He added another flavor to the story. I am all about the swoon complimented with the funny.

Harry helped keep the book going with the comedy. I also liked the down syndrome character Lucy.

Other...
The cover of this book didn't attract me to it right away and I can't pinpoint why. I read it anyway and I truly cannot judge a book by its cover. I am happy I took a chance on it. I did want to say that after having read the book, the cover should have had snow not leaves. Other than that it suits the book well.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.

ACReview: In The Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar

In The Field of Grace
Author - Tessa Afshar
Time It Took for to Read - 1 Day
Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend to My Students & Friends:Yes!Two women. Alone. With no provision. Can a woman who has lost everything, except her beloved mother, find hope in a foreign land?

What I Loved...Beautifully written!! Although I already knew this story, Tessa's writing told the story in such a beautiful way it felt as if I read the Book of Ruth for the first time. I felt as if I were right there experiencing it with the characters. Simply lovely! I would read anything she writes. She is very talented.

What I Liked...The feelings that she conveys of each character as their story is being told was so perfect. Although these emotions aren't conveyed in the bible's telling, but the up and down emotions Tessa describes for each character is so genuine. I went back and reread the Book of Ruth after finishing this novel and I felt more connected to it. I KNOW that this is a work of fiction and Tessa's imagination but she made these biblical heroes come alive in a way I have never thought of.

Other...In The Field of Grace is a work of fiction and should never replace the bible's version. However I thoroughly enjoyed this book that I can best describe it as simple lovely. I recommend reading the Book of Ruth in bible FIRST before reading this novel, it will help you appreciate both much more.

The cover is absolutely stunning and a perfect fit.
This is a must have book! One of my Top 3 Faves this year!


Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Books That Will Be In My Beach Bag This Summer

June 3: Top Ten Books That Should Be In Your Beach Bag or Ten Books That Will Be In My Beach Bag This Summer...in no particular order

Review: Worth The Wait by Laura Jackson

Worth The Wait
Author - Laura Jackson
220 pages
Time It Took for to Read - 2 Days
Rating - 3 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend to My Students:YesEllie Lansing has a picture-perfect life with a close-knit family and the perfect boyfriend. But her world is suddenly knocked off center when her drool-worthy boyfriend cheats, and her always-has-it-together mother is diagnosed with cancer. Ellie doesn���t get it. She always does the right thing���doesn���t God owe her a happy life? Through her heartache, Ellie learns that sometimes what seems like the end is really just the beginning and that what God has for us is always worth the wait.
What I Loved...There was lots of Godly dialogue and relevant scripture throughout the book.

What I Liked...Laura did a good job incorporating realistic teen issues...dating, parties, alcohol, raging hormones, gossip and emotional roller coasters. Teens are so overdramatic! Other...This book, like no other, had me really thinking about my review. Usually when writing a review I already know what I am going to write about. The likes and dislikes just stick out in my head.
Worth The Wait is a bit of a paradox for me. I want to like it, I don't dislike it but I can't describe anything I liked or even disliked for that matter. So you can see why this review is a bit difficult.
Well actually, there was one dislike that I need to mention. The ending! It just didn't work for me. I felt like so many things were left unresolved without a clue as to if there would be another book to continue the story. I like closure or at least the hint of something more to come. I don't mind being teased for another book, as long as it is clear that there will be, in fact, another book.
One other thing that probably made me not love the book, was the absence of humor. Its a personal preference of mine. I expect it in a YA Romance. Teens are fun and humor should be incorporated even if just a little.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.

Review: Meant To Be Mine by Becky Wade

Meant To Be Mine
Author - Becky Wade
Time It Took for Read - 1 Day
Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars 
Would I Recommend: YesTy Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school--irresistible. When their paths cross again after college--still irresistible. This time, though, Ty feels exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel. Then reality ensues!
What I Loved...Ty Porter, Ty Porter and Ty Porter. Becky did an awesome job with his character. He turned out to be one of my fave heroes of any book.

I am swoon fan, as I am sure most of us are and this book doesn't disappoint. Get your awwws ready.

Bo (Undeniably Yours) makes an appearance...Yay!

This is my favorite book of the year so far.

What I Liked...To be honest I can't think of anything I didn't like. I know that is a bold statement and even a broad one but I would end up telling the whole story if I had to tell you everything I did like.

I will say that the characters are well written and I felt like I knew them personally. I was still thinking about them a few days after I finished the book. I was really sad when I finished the book. I felt really invested in their stories. I am hoping that they make an appearance in book 3.

Other...Bull riding is a major theme throughout this book and I don't know a lick about bull riding. BUT I was very pleased that my lack of bull riding knowledge didn't take away from the book. She wrote in such a way that even non bull riding fans can go along on the journey and still feel connected. I have read books with horse riding as a theme and throughout the books terms that were unknown to me clouded my imagination because I had no idea what the author was talking about. I could have looked it up, but I didn't. I want to read a book and get lost in the romance and story and not in the terminology. 
I am very happy to say that Becky didn't bogg down the story with bull riding terminology (not without explaining) and I followed along very easily with the bull riding scenes. It made me love Ty Porter even more!
And for all of the Undeniably Yours fans, I have a confession. I like Ty more than Bo. Yes its possible!

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.

Back At It!

Hello out there! I am so happy to be back. After my laptop crashed and burned, I took it as a sign to take a vacation from...well everything!

Vacation did me good! God blessed me with a wonderful surprise pregnancy and I relished in it. Classified as a high risk pregnancy, I was grateful that the Lord has sent me on a path of relaxation before I knew I needed it. He is just so good and loving that way!

My miracle baby girl is now one month old and all settled into this crazy world. I am excited to get back rolling into the world of reading.  While I have gotten back into the thick of it, I am not just getting back into blogging.

I have done very short reviews on Amazon and Goodreads and will begin posting my review here again.

If you haven't already noticed or maybe you have just forgotten, my blog has changed. Growing invokes change and I am no different. While, I used to focus on Christian YA and General YA, I have decided to change that direction to Christian Romance.  I still read and review YA, but my reviews will now focus on where I am a more passionate and dedicated reader...Christian Romance/Historical Fiction (Romance). In honor of that change, I have updated the look of my blog and changed its title. I hope you all like and approve.

So here's to starting anew!

Stay tuned!

P.S. Meet Camryn Alivia

Purple Moon Blog Tour and Giveaway

Purple Moon
Author - Tessa Emily Hall
350 pages
Time It Took for to Read - 3 Days
Rating - 4.0 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend to My Students: YesSelena's life isn't turning out to be the fairy tale she imagined as a kid. 

That hope seemed to vanish long ago when her dad kicked her and her mom out of the house. This summer might finally hold the chance of a new beginning for Selena ... but having to live with her snobby cousin in Lake Lure, NC while waiting for her mom to get out of rehab wasn't how Selena was planning on spending her summer. She soon begins to wonder why she committed to give up her "bad habits" for this.

Things don't seem too bad, though. Especially when Selena gains the attention of the cute neighbor next door. But when her best friend back home in Brooklyn desperately needs her, a secret that's been hidden from Selena for years is revealed, and when she becomes a target for one of her cousin's nasty pranks, she finds herself having to face the scars from her past and the memories that come along with them. Will she follow her mom's example in running away, or trust that God still has a fairy tale life written just for her?
Character Sketches





 Character Sketch Contest
Join the fun! Enter the Character Sketch Contest for “Purple Moon” for your chance to win prizes, including an autographed copy of “Purple Moon”.
Contest Details: Everyone who participates in this contest automatically receives three extra entries for the “Purple Moon” Prize Pack (however, you cannot win the prize pack if you are placed in the contest). Everyone who wants to participate must follow the rules (below) and create a Pinterest board of 5 actors/actresses whom you think should play the above characters if “Purple Moon” were to become a movie.
Contest Rules:            You must create a board on Pinterest and title it “Purple Moon: Character Cast Contest”.            You must re-pin the above photo from my Pinterest by clicking here(this is how I will know if you’re participating in the contest).         If you are NOT on Pinterest, simply send me a list of the actors/actresses by email (christiswrite [at] gmail [dot] com).           Once you’ve created your Pinterest board, repin a picture of 5 actors/actresses whom you think could play the above roles. Be sure to include the names of the actors/actresses underneath the pictures, as well as which role they could be casted as.         The deadline is October 24th and the winners will be announced the following day at Inspiring Daring.

Prizes:
1stplace: Free autographed copy of “Purple Moon” + PM bookmark + your choice of a PM mug or sketchbook
2nd place: Free autographed Kindle version of “Purple Moon” via AuthorGraph

 About The Author Tessa Emily Hall is a 19-year-old author of Purple Moon, her YA Christian fiction novel to be published September 2013 by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She is also the editor over the faith department for Temperance Magazine, a column writer for Whole Magazine, a contributing writer for More To Be, as well as the PR for God of Moses Entertainment. Other than writing, Tessa enjoys acting, music, Starbucks, and her Teacup Shih Tzu—who is named Brewer after a character in her book, as well as her love for coffee.
Website:  www.tessaemilyhall.com
Blog: www.christiswrite.blogspot.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tessaemily
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tessa.h16
Purple Moon Giveaway“Purple Moon” Prize Pack! Two people will receive the below prizes--however, I will also be giving away one more prize pack (as well as two signed copies of my book) at my virtual launch party on Sept. 24th. RSVP by clicking here! a Rafflecopter giveaway
 Purple Moon Blog Tour Stops
Wednesday, September 18th: Purple Moon Blog Tour Launch: The Story Behind the Story: Christ is Write Thursday, September 19th: 5 Facts about Purple Moon: Kim VandelFriday, September 20th: Character Sketches + Character Cast Contest: Who YA Reading?Monday, September 23rd: Behind the Scenes: Why I Chose Lake Lure: Words to Dreams Tuesday, September 24th: Release Day! Selena’s Diary Entry + Creative Photo Contest: Writing for Young AdultsWednesday, September 25th: Austin’s Diary Entry: Amy’s Book BlogThursday, September 26th: Q & A: Notebook Sisters Friday, September 27th: Purple Moon Playlist: Ashley Carr  Monday, September 30th: Purple Moon Excerpt: Wooden Swings: Heather Brice   Tuesday, October 1st: Dealing With Anxiety—The Spiritual IV: The Destiny of One  Wednesday, October 2nd: Q & A: Saved by GraceThursday, October 3rd: Behind the Scenes: Name Meanings: Labor Not In VainFriday, October 4th: Is It Okay To Be An Introvert?: Alex Inks It  Monday, October 7th: Story Behind the Cover Art: Candy Apple Books Tuesday, October 8th: Purple Moon Excerpt: Cherishing the Sunrise: Author Casey Bond Wednesday, October 9th: Q & A: Writing While the Rice Boils
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author. The opinion of this book is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.

Blog Tour: Daughter of Light by Morgan Busse

Daughter of Light
Author - Morgan Busse
450 pages
Time It Took for to Read - 3 Days
Rating - 4.25 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend to My Students:Yes
What if with one touch you could see inside the soul?
Rowen Mar finds a strange mark on her hand, and she is banished from her village as a witch. She covers the mark with a leather glove and seeks sanctuary in the White City. She lives in fear that if she touches another person, the power inside her will trigger again, a terrifying power that allows her to see the darkness inside the human heart . . .

But the mark is a summons, and those called cannot hide forever. For the salvation of her people lies within her hand.


What if with one touch you could see inside the soul?
Rowen Mar finds a strange mark on her hand, and she is banished from her village as a witch. She covers the mark with a leather glove and seeks sanctuary in the White City. She lives in fear that if she touches another person, the power inside her will trigger again, a terrifying power that allows her to see the darkness inside the human heart . . .
But the mark is a summons, and those called cannot hide forever. For the salvation of her people lies within her hand.
- See more at: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/novel-t...What I Loved...Caleb Tala - I can't put my finger on why I love the assassin. Its quite morbid but I would get super excited when I read the chapters from his POV.  Let me clear...I don't like the assassinations, but I love the character.

The forbidden love story between Rowen and Lore and the next possible love story between two others characters. I am super excited about that possible love story, but I am getting ahead of myself...lol.

What I Liked...The book was full of mystery and "I wonder what will happen next" moments that I really liked. I love suspense.

I like the different POVs from chapter and chapter. It was wonderful to read the POV of the different characters of the same event. I think this was crucial in getting us to also understand The Word's POV.

Other...As you may all know, I am a stickler for book covers. I am just one of those type of readers and this book's cover did not do it for me. This book is a really really good book and I probably wouldn't buy based off of the cover alone and that would have been a great loss for me as a reader. I am sooo looking forward to the next book no matter the cover.

 When I first started reading this book, I found myself trying to make logic of it using my traditional Christian views and quickly realized that I was diminishing the book's storyline and then allowed the author to just lead the story. I enjoyed it much more once I let go off my close minded thinking and allowed my mind to just take in what I was reading.

Morgan Busse did a great job with this book and I think I am going to enjoy what is to come even more, although I don't know how...lol. Yes I do...more Caleb Tala!




 Please take the time to read reviews from the other blog tour participants!ADD Librarian • Blooming with Books • Colorimetry • CTF Devourer • Jill Williamson • Katie McCurdy • The Librarian’s Bookshelf • The Ramblings of a Young Author • Shadow Writer World • A Simple Life, Really?! • Who YA Reading? • Worthy2Read

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author through Team Novel Group. The opinion of this book is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.