A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 90

The Gap of Time by Jeanette Winterson

The Gap of Time is Jeanette Winterson's take on the Shakespearean story, The Winter's Tale.   I've never been heavy into Shakespeare, but I purchased the Barnes and Noble The Complete Works of William Shakespeare for casual reading.  I've thumbed through a page or two from time to time, loving the work till I hit an incomprehensible paragraph or so.  Thankfully, that did not stop me from enjoying this book.

The Gap of Time is the story of a powerful, wealthy man, (Leo) and his belief of his wife's (Mimi) infidelity, as well as the illegitimacy of her daughter, Perdita.  His jealous rage brings him to send away the daughter, and cause the tumultuous end of his marriage and family.  

Predita lives a happy life with Shep, the teller of the story.  The POV's change yet doesn't harm the flow of the story at all.  You either feel like a good friend is telling you a tale, or you're trapped, riding the tempest of a mad man.  

I endured Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet back in high school and I remember a deep sense of exertion.  I was so grateful for Winterson's modern-day version.  The Gap of Time told of jealousy, unrighteous revenge, forgiveness and mental instability.  Dark undertones are enunciated with Leo's heavy monologues that time-chucked me right back to those uncomfortable plastic and metal school seats of school, writhing from confusion and boredom, but tolerable.  I'm honestly happy I stayed with the story.  

I gave the book 4/5 specs instead of five because the book had moments where there was pondering of the universe and other such trivialities that made me want to toss the book.  I didn't and managed my way through- and found it worth the journey.  I hope you try this book out and see if you share the same thoughts.  Send me a message or leave a comment!  I'd love it.
Have a great day and an even greater book!  

Enchanted: The Summer Solstice (book 1) by K. K. Allen

     I was gifted with the Instagram friendship of Ms. K. K. Allen a short while ago and I regret nothing.  She's the sweetest and very talented.  Her series, The Summer Solstice is sure to gain many followers and the book...

​     Number one, the cover is lovely.  All the pieces come together- the mirror, Kat gazing at her alluring and beautiful reflection, like most YA characters.  

Baad Dog by Sal Conte

     Now how in the world could an adorable face like this be malevolent?  How could she be menacing and considered, bad?  Well you don't know Queenie- the ambrosial family pet.  There's something about her, other than being perfect, a quick learner and great with kids.  Something... sinister.

     This quick read, Baad Dog by Sal Conte is part of the Kiss Off Book Tour is now a book added to my fav's list.  This story was so good- it was a hilarous thriller.  The beginning, seeing in my mind's eye, this adorable pooch sitting on the chest of a man she'd maimed, made me think to myself, "This is gonna be good!"  And I was not let down.

     Baad Dog is about a family- well honestly, it's about a man who wanted a dog, but pretended the pooch was for the family.  Yeah, that's the truth.  But his children are both under ten and his wife isn't a pet person, so he does the next best thing... he get's a ...NO SPOILERS!  You're gonna have to read this one on your own if you want to find out what it's all about.  I can tell you this, you will love it!  I know I did!  "Cause this one's a good one. Oh yes you are!" 

Outpost: A Short Horror Story by Joe Hart

     There are times when there is no rhyme or reason to a horror story.  It just is.  Outpost, by Joe Hart , is about two brothers and a guy friend with his son on a fishing trip in the Canadian wilderness.  It's a trip that ends in terror.

     Sometimes you don't need a monster chase you.  Sometimes it's the hidden that can terrify you more than anything else.  This story does that.  I don't want to say too much but I can tell you that when Kyle has the notion that something's coming for him, his brother, his brother's friend and son, he is right.  And what it is is unknown!  Description is on point and it's a heck of a short!

     Right now, I believe Outpost is free on Amazon.  Check it out because I'm telling you, it's a fast, intriguing read that will have you shaking your head like, "Dang..."
Off to another book! 

Ti and the Magical Key: How It All Began by Dana Popov

     Ti and the Magical Key: How It All Began by Dana Popov is a wonderful children's book.  Filled with vibrant colors, depicting ancient, Mayan history.

     The story is about an ancient diety, Kukulkan and his return.  In order to rule to his liking, he needs a special key that's been hidden.  Using the assistance of Ixchel, he does his best to obtain the key, that will give him the power he needs.  Sadly, the key is in the hands of a boy named Ti- who has no clue.  

     Ti, along with his family and a friendly turtle named Nuuk Ha, he discovers how he's pivotal to saving his life and his culture.

     I enjoyed this tale, finding myself mesmerized with the illustrations  The story is kind and easy for children to read or have read to.  It needs just a bit of grammatical tweeking, but a story to cherish.  Check out the story of Ti, available on Amazon.com.​

The Splendor of Ordinary Days by Jeff High

     So excited to be a part of another book tour; this one belonging to Jeff High and his book The Splendor of Ordinary Days.  This book is amazing, with it's puzzle-like book cover (and you know how much I'm a sucker for covers!), colorful characters and strong storyline!

     The story's mostly about Luke Bradford, the implanted, town doctor, but every character carries arresting quality to the town of Watervalley, TN.  It's an up-to-date version of Mayberry, with each person displaying that 'thing' that makes them unique, vibrant and unbelievably enjoyable!  The town is makes a book like this, and Jeff High so successful.

     Normally, I'm one of those gals where, if there's not a lot of action, I'm lost in the book.  The Splendor of Ordinary Days doesn't do that to you.  I found myself engrossed in each flourishing or debilitating quality- even Rhett, the dog!  The development is so on point, you can't do anything but love them all, even crass and obstinate Luthor. 

     I am so happy I chose this book and the book tour.  The Splendor of Ordinary Days is more than a good read, it's finding a piece of Watervalley for yourself and moving right on in!  Don't believe me?  Just click on the link in the first paragraph, then read the books!  On to the next novel! 

Rai Turner: Autobiography of an Adult Entertainer by Timia J. williams

     I've never been a happy biography or autobiography reader, but if it's fiction, I'm all over it.  Depending on how it's written.  This book did not fail to keep me entertained, for lack of a better word.

     It's the story of Rai and her life.  She tells from her drama-filled entrance into the world to her finally getting where she wanted, even sitting on stage with the famous Steve Harvey!

     There's a raw honesty to this book, giving you the reality of carrying Hollywood Dreams and more.  I genuinely related to some of Rai's experiences, both positive  and negative.

      Timia J. Williams, the author was able to take a story and make it true-to-life fiction.  I even found  appreciation in the pool incident.  Because it was a period of recollecting so it didn't need any more information than what was given.  I found that refreshing.

     The characters were developed  within the story and conversations came off the way you'd hear them on the streets and adult industry.  I found myself immersed and thoroughly enjoyed the story.

     I only found one thing that kept this story from being a 5-spec rating.  The tale needed to go through editing again.  They weren't distracting though, making this an entertaining read. 

On to the next read!

Raspberries and Vinegar by Valerie Comer

     I used to read romance novels, adult and YA alike when I was in my early to mid-teens.  It wasn't until I'd reached fifteen that I found sci-fi and horror a great fascination.  Honestly, this is my second romance of 2015 but my first, ever Christian romance novel.  and I loved it!

     Raspberries and Vinegar is about Jo and her two girlfriends who want to return to a natural, spiritual lifestyle.  Jo loves the country and carries strong environmental beliefs due to her knowing God would want her to appreciate all He's given.  All she's wanted with said life was a man who felt the same way. 

     Zach is tired of the country living, caring for bovine with a heart that yearns to be a vet in the city.  He's also looking for an opportunity to leave his broken heart behind but there's something in Jo Shaw that makes his heart hitch every time he sees her.

     When Jo and the girls purchase land from the Nemesek's, Zach's parents, they think they're devoted to one another and lives with God as their only man.  But when Jo falls for Hot and Handsome Zach, she fights against her heart strings for the want of a possible husband.  Zach also fights but the feistiness and beauty of the short, brown-eyed nature lover won't leave him be.

     This book has an incredible story!  It's not just about Zach and Jo resisting, doubting and falling for each other.  There are crazy situations (and people), a dog who doesn't mind and seriousness that keeps a Christian theme without forcing faith on the reader.  The tone is light and airy, just enough to get you to remember there's a plan, a God-driven purpose for everything.  I don't think non-Christians will feel weighed down by it this book at all.  It's a terrific story with the perfect merger of romance, faith and comic relief.  Check it out!
Have a great day and even better book! 

Baad Dog Giveaway!

Would you like to win one of 5 FREE ebooks?  You could win a copy of Sal Conte's Baad Dog.  I read this story and it's amazing! (My book review posts on the 22nd).  Enter- you could be the winner!  Giveaway ends Nov. 1st.a Rafflecopter giveaway Cujo has got nothing on this cute fuzzy faced little mongrel… or should I say fuzzy faced little killer?

Aviva Bel'Harold's Blood Matters

     Here's a galley that blew my mind.  Blood Matters is the story of young Brittany, who is caught up in a series of tragedies.  First, her mother has an affair, deserting her  and her father.  Her dad then takes up with Ella, a girlfriend half his age, one whom Brittany loathes.  Because of  Ella, Brittany’s beloved pet Mittens was vanquished from the home to a backyard fort.  It's in the fort that Brittany discovers the body of her best friend Emily.  Cause of death: suicide.

     Brittany, inconsolable to everyone, finds Emily reaching out to her... form the grave.  Emily attempts to give an urgent message, one that could possibly save her friend, but Brittany turns a deaf ear.  On a ghost!  Now she finds herself in a situation where she can either injure others, or like Emily, injure herself.

     Blood Matters carried an original concept, one like no other.  The story was well written, however, there were places where more detail was warranted: especially where Emily’s friend Colby was concerned.  What happened to him?  In the story, something major happens but there isn't any follow up.     Honestly, it leaves one to wonder if there will be a sequel or if the ending should have been adjusted to include more on him.  It was such an interesting ebook that if there was another, I'd read it.  The story will capture you.  Check out Blood Matters.  

Time for another book!