Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 195

Three Mages and Dark Arts by Annette Mari

Three Mages and a Margarita & Dark Arts and a Daiquiri
Annette Marie
(The Guild Codex: Spellbound, #1)
Published by: Dark Owl Fantasy Inc.
Publication date: September 14th 2018
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy

Broke, almost homeless, and recently fired. Those are my official reasons for answering a wanted ad for a skeevy-looking bartender gig.It went downhill the moment they asked me to do a trial shift instead of an interview—to see if I’d mesh with their “special” clientele. I think that part went great. Their customers were complete dickheads, and I was an asshole right back. That’s the definition of fitting in, right?I expected to get thrown out on my ass. Instead, they…offered me the job?It turns out this place isn’t a bar. It’s a guild. And the three cocky guys I drenched with a margarita during my trial? Yeah, they were mages. Either I’m exactly the kind of takes-no-shit bartender this guild needs, or there’s a good reason no one else wants to work here.So what’s a broke girl to do? Take the job, of course—with a pay raiseNote: The three mages are definitely sexy, but this series isn’t a reverse harem. It’s 100% fun, sassy, fast- paced urban fantasy.

Dark Arts and a Daiquiri
Annette Marie
(The Guild Codex: Spellbound, #2)
Published by: Dark Owl Fantasy Inc.
Publication date: November 16th 2018
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy

When I found myself facing down the scariest black-magic felon in the city, practically daring him to abduct me, I had to wonder exactly how I ended up here.It all started when I accidentally landed a job as a bartender—but not at a bar. At a guild, populated by mages, sorcerers, alchemists, witches, and psychics. Good thing this lame-o human is adaptable, right?Then my favorite guild members—three sexy, powerful, and intermittently charming mages—asked for my help. Did they want access to my encyclopedic knowledge of cocktails? Oh no. They wanted to wrap me up in a pretty ribbon and plunk me in the crosshairs of a murderous rogue to lure him out of hiding.So that’s what we did. And that’s why I’m here. About to be kidnapped. Oh, and our grand plan for safely capturing said murderous rogue? Yeah, that completely fell apart about two minutes ago.Why did I agree to this again?

Add to Goodreads / For more information visit annettemarie.ca/guildcodex

Author Bio:
Annette Marie is the author of Amazon best-selling YA urban fantasy series Steel & Stone, its prequel trilogy Spell Weaver, and romantic fantasy trilogy Red Winter. Her first love is fantasy, but fast-paced adventures and tantalizing forbidden romances are her guilty pleasures. She lives in the frozen winter wasteland of Alberta, Canada (okay, it's not quite that bad) with her comparatively sensible husband and their furry minion of darkness—sorry, cat— Caesar. When not writing, she can be found elbow-deep in one art project or another while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Is it a Tale or a Truth? | Star-Touched Stories by Roshani Chokshi

Title: Star Touched StoriesBy: Roshani ChokshiGenre: FantasyPages: 304Release Date: August 7th, 2018Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Summary from Goodreads: Three lush and adventurous stories in the Star-Touched world.
Death and Night

He was Lord of Death, cursed never to love. She was Night incarnate, destined to stay alone. After a chance meeting, they wonder if, perhaps, they could be meant for more. But danger crouches in their paths, and the choices they make will set them on a journey that will span lifetimes. 

Poison and Gold

Now that her wish for a choice has come true, Aasha struggles to control her powers. But when an opportunity to help Queen Gauri and King Vikram's new reign presents itself, she is thrown into the path of the fearsome yet enchanting Spy Mistress. To help her friends, Aasha will have to battle her insecurities and perhaps, along the way, find love. 

Rose and Sword

There is a tale whispered in the dark of the Empire of Bharat-Jain. A tale of a bride who loses her bridegroom on the eve of her wedding. But is it a tale or a truth?
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Review: Other than the fact that I can never remember the name of this author, I loved this book. It's a collection of three stories, all set in the world the author has built. They all tie together and create a wonderful mystery about them. Are they a tale or truth? My favorite was the first story Death and Night. I might read that one again, just because it was so good.
Read it... And read the first two... And then read them again...
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

July 2018 Wrap Up

I read some really great books in July. I'm excited to share them with you.There was a broad range of genres, some that I never thought I would love but did. Some that I thought I would love, but didn't, and some that kinda floated somewhere in the middle. Check out these awesome reads from July.

 The curious incident of the dog in the night-time - Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the color yellow.
Although gifted with a superbly logical brain, for fifteen-year-old Christopher everyday interactions and admonishments have little meaning. He lives on patterns, rules, and a diagram kept in his pocket. Then one day, a neighbor's dog, Wellington, is killed and his carefully constructive universe is threatened. Christopher sets out to solve the murder in the style of his favourite (logical) detective, Sherlock Holmes. What follows makes for a novel that is funny, poignant and fascinating in its portrayal of a person whose curse and blessing are a mind that perceives the world entirely literally.





Orange is the new black - With a career, a boyfriend, and a loving family, Piper Kerman barely resembles the reckless young woman who delivered a suitcase of drug money ten years before. 

But that past has caught up with her. 

Convicted and sentenced to fifteen months at the infamous federal correctional facility in Danbury, Connecticut, the well-heeled Smith College alumna is now inmate #11187–424 — one of the millions of people who disappear “down the rabbit hole” of the American penal system. 

From her first strip search to her final release, Kerman learns to navigate this strange world with its strictly enforced codes of behavior and arbitrary rules. She meets women from all walks of life, who surprise her with small tokens of generosity, hard words of wisdom, and simple acts of acceptance. 

Heartbreaking, hilarious, and at times enraging, Kerman’s story offers a rare look into the lives of women in prison—why it is we lock so many away and what happens to them when they’re there.
The silver linings playbook - Meet Pat. Pat has a theory: his life is a movie produced by God. And his God-given mission is to become physically fit and emotionally literate, whereupon God will ensure a happy ending for him—the return of his estranged wife, Nikki. (It might not come as a surprise to learn that Pat has spent time in a mental health facility.) The problem is, Pat's now home, and everything feels off. No one will talk to him about Nikki; his beloved Philadelphia Eagles keep losing; he's being pursued by the deeply odd Tiffany; his new therapist seems to recommend adultery as a form of therapy. Plus, he's being hunted by Kenny G!

In this enchanting novel, Matthew Quick takes us inside Pat's mind, showing us the world from his distorted yet endearing perspective. As the award-winning novelist Justin Cronin put it: "Tender, soulful, hilarious, and true, The Silver Linings Playbookis a wonderful debut."




You - When a beautiful, aspiring writer strides into the East Village bookstore where Joe Goldberg works, he does what anyone would do: he Googles the name on her credit card.

There is only one Guinevere Beck in New York City. She has a public Facebook account and Tweets incessantly, telling Joe everything he needs to know: she is simply Beck to her friends, she went to Brown University, she lives on Bank Street, and she’ll be at a bar in Brooklyn tonight—the perfect place for a “chance” meeting.

As Joe invisibly and obsessively takes control of Beck’s life, he orchestrates a series of events to ensure Beck finds herself in his waiting arms. Moving from stalker to boyfriend, Joe transforms himself into Beck’s perfect man, all while quietly removing the obstacles that stand in their way—even if it means murder.





Everless - In the kingdom of Sempera, time is currency—extracted from blood, bound to iron, and consumed to add time to one’s own lifespan. The rich aristocracy, like the Gerlings, tax the poor to the hilt, extending their own lives by centuries.

No one resents the Gerlings more than Jules Ember. A decade ago, she and her father were servants at Everless, the Gerlings’ palatial estate, until a fateful accident forced them to flee in the dead of night. When Jules discovers that her father is dying, she knows that she must return to Everless to earn more time for him before she loses him forever.

But going back to Everless brings more danger—and temptation—than Jules could have ever imagined. Soon she’s caught in a tangle of violent secrets and finds her heart torn between two people she thought she’d never see again. Her decisions have the power to change her fate—and the fate of time itself.



Unfiltered - In this groundbreaking debut essay collection, featuring never-before-seen photos, actress Lily Collins—star of Mortal Instruments and the upcoming Rules Don’t Apply—is opening a poignant, honest conversation about the things young women struggle with: body image, self-confidence, relationships, family, dating, and so much more.

For the first time ever, Lily shares her life and her own deepest secrets, underlining that every single one of us experiences pain and heartbreak. We all understand what it’s like to live in the light and in the dark. For Lily, it’s about making it through to the other side, where you love what you see in the mirror and where you embrace yourself just as you are. She's learned that all it takes is one person standing up and saying something for everyone else to realize they’re not alone.

By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, Lily’s honest voice will inspire you to be who you are and say what you feel. It’s time to claim your voice! It’s time to live your life unfiltered.


 The Rest

 
 

What I'm Reading This Week | #WeeklyMenu Week #260

Happy Tuesday! Hahaha, just kidding, its Monday. I sound like a broken record. Aren't you tired of hearing me talk about Mondays? I know I am. We can't get around it, so lets embrace it. The kids will be going back to school next month, we are going on our epic road trip to see the redwoods. Its going to be a great August.

This weeks book is going to be The Princes Bride by William Goldman. I've been dying to read it. Love the movie. Why wouldn't I love the book? Its a classic and begs to have its pages turned. 500 pages of greatness. It might take me a while, but I'm down. Are you?

Its been too hot to write lately, plus the bees are really out in force and bothering me at my lunch table in the shade. Can't get much done when I'm swatting bees from my face. One of these days they are going to sting me and I will have wished I would have moved sooner. That is why I'm eating inside or in my car. I promise I will get back to the manuscript soon, but I'm taking a small hiatus.

Now, on to what you really cam for, this weeks menu. Enjoy!

Monday- Pork Meatballs
Tuesday- Pork and Poblano Tacos
Wednesday- Creamy Dill Chicken
Thursday- Ravioli and Shrimp
Friday- Hawaiian Chicken Poke Bowl  
Saturday- Grilled Cheddar Burger
Sunday- Leftovers Night

Even if it means murder | You by Caroline Kepnes

Title: YouBy: Caroline KepnesGenre: ThrillerPages: 424Release Date: September 30th, 2014 Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books 
Summary from Goodreads: When a beautiful, aspiring writer strides into the East Village bookstore where Joe Goldberg works, he does what anyone would do: he Googles the name on her credit card.
There is only one Guinevere Beck in New York City. She has a public Facebook account and Tweets incessantly, telling Joe everything he needs to know: she is simply Beck to her friends, she went to Brown University, she lives on Bank Street, and she’ll be at a bar in Brooklyn tonight—the perfect place for a “chance” meeting.

As Joe invisibly and obsessively takes control of Beck’s life, he orchestrates a series of events to ensure Beck finds herself in his waiting arms. Moving from stalker to boyfriend, Joe transforms himself into Beck’s perfect man, all while quietly removing the obstacles that stand in their way—even if it means murder.
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Review: Here is the review you have been waiting for. I promised it to you and you will not be disappointed. This book was crazy! I mean CRAZY! the whole story is told from the point of view of the stalker. The way he thinks and acts. How he truly thinks he is doing the right thing. It is creepy and sooooo good. Even the ending will blow your mind. 
I would recommend this book as a great summer read if you want to feel crazy.
  

What price would you pay for freedom? | Bright Ruin by Vic James

Title: Bright RuinBy: Vic JamesGenre: Dystopian / Urban FantasyPages: 416Release Date: October 9th, 2018Publisher: Del Rey
Summary from Goodreads: As the dystopian trilogy that began with Gilded Cage and Tarnished City concludes, the people of Britain rise up against their magically gifted masters. They must break the system—or be broken.
MAGIC RUINS. WE RISE.

The rules are simple, the system cruel: the lower classes must give ten years in service to Britain’s powerfully gifted rulers. With one uprising crushed by the glittering elite, commoners and aristocrats alike now take sides for a final confrontation.

At the center of it all are two ordinary siblings: Abi Hadley and her brother, Luke. Each has reason to hate the ruling Jardine family. Abi was once their servant—and now seeks revenge for a terrible wrong. Luke was imprisoned on their whim—but his only hope may be an alliance with the youngest and most powerful of the clan, the cold and inscrutable Silyen Jardine.

Staking everything to end a bright and shining tyranny, Abi, Luke, and Silyen find themselves bound by a single destiny. Their actions will change their fates—and change everything. But at a cost almost too terrible to contemplate.

What price would you pay for freedom?
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Review: I have to tell you, I was a little disappointing with this book. The first two books in the series were great. Lots of action, magic and intrigue, but this one felt more like a mystery/treasure hunt. Not what I'm used to with Vic James. It wasn't bad, don't get me wrong, just not what I wanted in this series. 
Take that for what it is, and go out and read this awesome book when it comes out.  
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

Never Fear Death | The Raging Ones by Krista & Becca Ritchie

 Title: The Raging OnesBy: Krista & Becca RitchieGenre: Urban FantasyPages: 352Release Date: August 14th, 2018Publisher: Wednesday Books
Summary from Goodreads: In a freezing world, where everyone knows the day they will die, three teens break all odds.
Franny Bluecastle, a tough city teen, dreams of dying in opulence, to see wealth she’s never known. Like the entire world, she believes it’s impossible to dodge a deathday.

Until the day she does.

Court Icecastle knows wealth. He also knows pain. Spending five years in Vorkter Prison, a fortress of ice and suffering, he dreams of life beyond the people that haunt him and the world that imprisoned him.

Mykal Kickfall fights for those he loves. The rugged Hinterlander shares a frustrating yet unbreakable connection with Court—which only grows more lawless and chaotic as their senses and emotions connect with Franny.

With the threat of people learning they’ve dodged their deathdays, they must flee their planet to survive. But to do so, all three will have to hide their shared bond as they vie for a highly sought after spot in the newest mission to space. Against thousands of people far smarter, who’ll live longer, and never fear death the way that they do.

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Review: This was a refreshing new read. It was nice to finally come across a new book with a new story to tell. So often we find that unheard of books copy the greats. Its faltering, but I want to read something new.

You dive right into a world where people know their death day and they aren't afraid of it. The story takes a turn when Franny lives through her death day and is thrown into a new word of uncertainty. When will she die? There is no way to tell.

The only complaint I have is that the story felt like it was actually two stories in one. You have the first part of the story where the characters live passed their death day and it something taboo and they have to hide. Then there is the part of the story where they are trying out for a mission to space.

Either way, it was a good original read and I was enthralled the whole story. 
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

The Effects of our Actions | Sold On A Monday By Kristina McMorris

Title: Sold on a MondayBy: Kristina McMorrisGenre: Historical FictionPages: 352Release Date: August 28th, 2018Publisher:  Sourcebooks Landmark
Summary from Goodreads: From New York Times bestselling author Kristina McMorris comes another unforgettable novel inspired by a stunning piece of history.
2 CHILDREN FOR SALE

The scrawled sign, peddling young siblings on a farmhouse porch, captures the desperation sweeping the country in 1931. It’s an era of breadlines, bank runs, and impossible choices. 

For struggling reporter Ellis Reed, the gut-wrenching scene evokes memories of his family’s dark past. He snaps a photograph of the children, not meant for publication. But when the image leads to his big break, the consequences are devastating in ways he never imagined.

Haunted by secrets of her own, secretary Lillian Palmer sees more in the picture than a good story and is soon drawn into the fray. Together, the two set out to right a wrongdoing and mend a fractured family, at the risk of everything they value. 

Inspired by an actual newspaper photo that stunned readers across the nation, this touching novel explores the tale within the frame and behind the lens—a journey of ambition, love, and the far-reaching effects of our actions. 

* * * * * * * * * *

“A vivid and original story... McMorris brilliantly chronicles the way in which a moment's fateful choice can result in a lifetime of harrowing consequences. A masterpiece that poignantly echoes universal themes of loss and redemption, Sold on a Monday is both heartfelt and heartbreaking." 

—Pam Jenoff, 
New York Times bestselling author of The Orphan's Tale
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Review: Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and to know that this book has some basis in reality, is truly heart wrenching. It starts with a photo, one that has been seen millions of times over the years. This story was so wonderfully written that I had a heard time putting it down. Amidst the great depression, parents did what they could to feed their families, even selling them so they could live. The book dives deeper into the lives of these people and the people around them. 
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

What I'm Reading This Week | #WeeklyMenu Week #259

Guess what?... It's Monday... Again... I feel like we are always here. It's always Monday and you are always reading my blog. Of course, you are. This is the day we lay out everything for the week. Monday!

Its been a really hot week, but a good one. My husband is doing great at his new job. He transferred stores to one that it way closer to home. He was driving an hour to and hour and a half each way, now its an eight minute drive across the Oregon City bridge. Big difference. The boys love having him at home and so do I. It's amazing.

This week I'm planning on reading The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken. My sister keeps raving about this book and now they are making a movie out of it, so it must be special. I will read it and report back to you. Let me know your thoughts on this book in the comments bellow.

Last weeks book You by Caroline Kepnes was crazy good. It was creepy and written from the stalkers point of view. It was unlike anything I have ever read. A total must for anyone with a twisted mind like me.

Anyway, on to this weeks menu. Enjoy!


Monday- Presto Pesto Panko Chicken
Tuesday- French Onion Burgers
Wednesday- Maple-Glazed Pork Chops
Thursday- Balsamic Fig Chicken

Friday- Pork Meatballs
Saturday- Fun Day Fajita Bar
Sunday- Leftovers Night

The curious incident of the dog in the night-time By Mark Haddon

Title: The curious incident of the dog in the night-timeBy: Mark HaddonGenre: Contemporary FictionPages: 226Release Date: May 18th, 2004Publisher: Vintage
Summary from Goodreads: Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the color yellow.
Although gifted with a superbly logical brain, for fifteen-year-old Christopher everyday interactions and admonishments have little meaning. He lives on patterns, rules, and a diagram kept in his pocket. Then one day, a neighbor's dog, Wellington, is killed and his carefully constructive universe is threatened. Christopher sets out to solve the murder in the style of his favorite (logical) detective, Sherlock Holmes. What follows makes for a novel that is funny, poignant and fascinating in its portrayal of a person whose curse and blessing are a mind that perceives the world entirely literally.
Add on Goodreads

Review: I went into this book not realizing that the main charterer, the one who is telling the story, is autistic. It made me love the book that much more. We follow Christopher as he tries to navigate a world made for people who think differently than he does. Wellington the dog is killed and it spins Christopher's world into a whirlwind of emotions and thrilling adventures. I loved this book, and not just because I am the mother of an autistic son, but because the author was really able to convey the difficulties an autistic child faces while giving the reader an amazing story to sink into.