REVIEW FOR - THE MELODY LINGERS ON - BY MARY HIGGINS CLARK

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

As the sole assistant to a famous upscale interior designer, Lane Harmon, mother to five-year-old Katie, is accustomed to visiting opulent homes around the tri-state area. A born optimist, Lane finds the glimpse into these gilded worlds fascinating, and loves the reward of exceeding the expectations of their often-demanding owners. When she is called to assist in redecorating a modest townhouse in Bergen County, she knows the job is unusual. Then she learns the home belongs to the wife of a notorious and disgraced financier named Parker Bennett.

Parker Bennett has been missing for two years. He dropped out of sight just before it was discovered that the $5 billion dollars in the fund he had been managing had vanished. Bennett had gone out on his sailboat in the Caribbean. Was it suicide or had he staged his disappearance? The scandal around his name has not died down. His clients and the federal government all want to trace the money and find Bennett if he is still alive.

Lane is surprised to find herself moved by Mrs. Bennett’s calm dignity and apparently sincere belief in her husband’s innocence. Gradually, Lane finds herself drawn to Mark, the Bennetts’ son, who is similarly determined to prove that his father is not guilty. Lane doesn’t know that the closer she gets to the Bennetts, the more she puts her life―and her daughter’s life―in jeopardy. 

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I have a very soft place in my heart for Mary Higgins Clark.  I know I have said this before, but I am saying it again.  I didn't like reading when I was young, and never really got into reading until after I was married.  My friend told me to read one of MHC's books and I got hooked.  I read every single one of them that was out at the time, and continue to do so, and loved it.  

This book didn't disappoint.  I just love reading her books.  I love that there are always so many great characters, and that she jumps from one to the other.  It keeps me on my toes.  This book (in my opinion) had kind of a  "Devil Wears Prada" kind of feel.  hehe.

Glady is a mean, shrewd woman that is also an amazing interior designer.  People pay lots of money to get her to decorate their house.  Lane, her assistant, is a nice sweet girl who is working hard for Glady, but also has made some of her own demands to keep Glady in line.  She has to be done with work at 5:00 every day to be home with her daughter, or she would have to quit.  I love Lane.  She is a kind, savvy business woman herself.  She has learned from the best.

Glady decides to do a home remodel from an old friend probono.  The client was The wife of Parker Bennett, who has been missing for two years.  He went missing after ripping a whole bunch of people off in the financial world.  He was a bad man.  I didn't like him from the moment his name was mentioned.

While Glady takes the job she makes Lane do all the work.  In so doing she gets to know the clients son Mark Bennett.  She is drawn to him, and his charm.  Her daughter even seems to like Mark.  What she doesn't know is that, the Bennetts have a dark past, and the closer she gets to Mark the more danger her life is in.  Lane doesn't believe Mark is involved and fights for his innocence.  

This is when the story gets even more interesting.  It gets even more exciting, and the tension builds.  I love it when a book does that.  I loved every minute of this book.  I finished it the day I got it.  It has been a while between reading and writing this review...but that is because it's Summer and I choose to spend all my time with my kids and off my blog.  I decided since the book still has me thinking about it, it was time to sit down and write the review :).  It was a great book.  If you like MHC you will really like this book.

Source:  I bought this book for myself off Amazon.com.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

   

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Mary Higgins Clark, #1 international and New York Times bestselling author, is the author of 46 books and counting: she’s written thirty-three suspense novels; three collections of short stories; a historical novel, Mount Vernon Love Story; two children’s books, including The Magical Christmas Horse; and a memoir, Kitchen Privileges. She has also written five holiday suspense novels with Carol Higgins Clark and The Cinderella Murder, a new thriller in collaboration with bestselling novelist Alafair Burke.

Clark’s books have sold more than 100 million copies in the United States alone. Her books are beloved around the world and have made her an international bestseller many times over.

BLOG TOUR / REVIEW FOR - THE HAUNTING OF SPRINGETT HALL BY E.B. WHEELER

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Eighteen-year-old Lucy doesn’t know how she became a ghost, but the more she remembers of her life in Victorian England, the more she wants to forget. Her only hope of changing the mistakes of her past is to enlist the help of a servant named Philip—the one living person who can see her. This impossible romance story is filled with delightful period detail and plenty of mystery.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I picked this book up the other night and couldn't put it down.  It was such a fun book to read.  It was an interesting take on haunting :).

Lucy wakes up one evening and cannot remember who she is or why she is where she is.  Her skin seems translucent and she can walk through people.  When she realizes that she is dead, she feels lost.  

She finally runs into a young man named Phillip and realizes that someone can actually see her.  There is more to Phillip than meets the eye.  Together they search for the reason Lucy is stuck in the house and in doing so open up the door for other "spirits" to cause problems in the house.

This was such a great book.  I couldn't put it down.  I had to find out what happened :).  I never thought I would root for a ghost and a human.  hehe.  I love ghost stories, but this was a different take on a ghost story.  Lucy is kind and loving.  Trying to find the reasons she is bound to earth and to the house.  Not many ghosts stories are so sweet.  It had it's intense moments as well!

Secret passage, spells, dangerous dreams, and romance.  Yes, please :).  That is just what you get with this book.  I hope you take the opportunity to read this book.

Source:  I received this book from the author in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

E.B. Wheeler grew up in Georgia and California, where she became fascinated by stories of the places around her. She studied English and history at Brigham Young University and earned an MA and MLA from Utah State University. After several years teaching and writing about history, she decided to pursue her other dream of writing fiction. “The Haunting of Springett Hall” is her first novel. She currently lives in northern Utah with her husband, daughters, various pets, and a garden full of antique roses.

THANKS TO:

Cedar Fort and E.B. Wheeler for the opportunity to read this book :)

BLOG TOUR / REVIEW FOR: THE ASSASSINATION OF JOSEPH SMITH BY RYAN C. JENKINS

About the book:

The Assassination of Joseph Smith is the story of the first president-prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This story begins with Joseph Smith on the plains of northern Missouri in late October 1838. He is thirty-two-years-old and has less than six years to live. This story is written in present-tense form to help the reader feel more engaged with the events and the people who surrounded this distinctive Nineteenth Century figure. There are no fictional characters placed into the story.

The man you will read about in this book is heralded as a prophet by some and held in contempt by others. His name is had for both good and evil. Loyal members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, varied historians, and his most vehement critics, then and now, can at least agree on one thing: Joseph Smith was murdered in cold blood.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

First off, for those who get offended or religious views you should probably stop reading right now.  I loved this book.  I believe I love all books about Joseph Smith.  He is such a great man, and suffered through so many hardships during his life just to bring the gospel to the earth today.

I loved this fact filled tail of the last six years of Joseph Smith's life.  I have read so many things on him, but every time I learn something new.  This book was so heart wrenching at times.  The facts about what was happening at this time in history are horrifying.  I will never understand prejudice.  Why can't people feel free to do the desires of their heart without being persecuted.  It's just so sad.

I love how strong Joseph Smith's faith is during his whole life.  He is such an inspiration to me.  I can only hope that I have the faith that Joseph Smith has.  I don't know if I would have been able to stand strong through all his brutal persecutions.  Not only did he stay strong but he gained more strength and faith from them.

I love how the author has pictures of some of the people he talks about in the book.  It makes it so real to me.  I love how he wrote this fact filled book and made it so interesting.

If you like books on Joseph Smith, then this is a great book to pick up.  His life, and teachings are so precious to me.  I wish he did not have to suffer as he did, but am so thankful he did, so that I could have the gospel in my life today.

Source:  I received this book from the author in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

Thanks to:  Ryan C. Jenkins, and Cedar Fort Publishing for the opportunity to read this great book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

About the author:

Ryan C. Jenkins has been a student of the life and teachings of Joseph Smith for nearly 25 years. After obtaining his Master of Education from Weber State University in 2004, Ryan began writing opinion pieces for Northern Utah newspapers on family, freedom, politics, and religion. He was a blogger on the subject of faith for two years; many of his posts were featured on realclearreligion.org. He was also an associate editor for Great American Documents for Latter-Day Saint Families (2012). Professionally, he has experience in business, public relations, and religious education. He has been teaching and writing for 18 years. Ryan and his wife Melissa have six children. They reside in Columbia, Missouri.

Tour By:

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW FOR AMERICAN WIFE - BY TAYA KYLE

Pic and description taken from amazon.com

DESCRIPTION:

The widow of American Sniper Chris Kyle shares their private journey, a moving and universal chronicle of love and family, service and patriotism, grief and sacrifice, faith and purpose.

How does someone carry on after the death of a hero?

By becoming a hero herself.

Though Chris and Taya Kyle's marriage had its difficult moments, it was always a love story. Together they'd endured military service, a best-selling book, unexpected fame, and a film deal starring a hot Hollywood actor. But just when Taya thought that she and Chris were finally going to live their dream together, her husband was murdered. In the wake of his death, a grieving Taya was left to raise her two young children and handle the many things Chris left behind: the business, the book, the movie, and a myriad of legal issues.

Matching the straightforward, soul-baring style of American Sniper, Taya talks with honesty about the trials and triumphs of her life with and without Chris - the sleepless nights as a military spouse, the exhilaration as her husband was lionized, the quiet moments when family sheltered them from the madness of fame, the joy of discovering her own purpose in harmony with Chris' own legacy. In American Wife she recounts the struggles and looks toward the future, revealing the intimate story of her marriage and the inspirations that have given her strength. She speaks out on the effects of fame, both good and bad, and provides a road map for others faced with difficulties big and small.

American Wife is a startling and affecting portrait of a woman of grit and determination - an example we can all follow to become heroes in our own lives.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I don't even know if I have the words to express how much I loved this book.  I know I cannot write an eloquent review to adequately write down my words about this book either.  It was just WOW.  Awesome.

I thought American Sniper was a great book, but after listening to Taya's side of the story, it makes that book so much more.  More what?  Just more.  Not only is Taya's side of the story emotional, and touching, it's told in her own voice.  I don't even know how she got through the reading of this book without getting emotional.  I am sure she did when the microphones were off, but I think it made this book more powerful hearing it in her own words.

I started listening to this a while ago, and have had to take some breaks because it was too emotional for me at times.  When I started it I was taking my daughter to EFY (a kind of church camp for LDS kids), and I cried all the way there, and all the way back home.

Taya's story is just beautiful.  Heartbreaking, emotional, uplifting, spiritual, and just down right amazing. I was particularly touched and cried like a little girl when she had to sit and tell her children that their dad had died.  They all took it like champs.  I don't know if I could have held it together as much as Taya did.  Her faith, and strength is absolutely beautiful.  

Taya's choice to carry Chris's charities and work after his passing is so touching.  I really do not have to words.  I just don't.  It was beautifully written, and such a touching and inspirational story.

If you have read American Sniper then you should take the time to read Taya's side of what happened and the aftermath of serving in the military.  Chris's useless death is maddening to me.  I don't know if I could have taken it with the grace that Taya did, and you find out her true character in this book.

Source:  I bought this book for myself on audible.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

(**on a side note:  I broke down and watched the movie American Sniper, and I was totally disappointed.  I loved the book so much and the movie didn't seem to do it justice.  BUT that is just my opinion)

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

      

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Taya Kyle founded the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation in honor of her late husband Chris Kyle, legendary U.S. Navy SEAL and author of the bestsellers American Sniper and American Gun. The foundation is devoted to strengthening the marriages of veterans and first responders. An active public speaker, Taya Kyle makes frequent appearances at fund-raisers and other events, inspiring others to find strength and persevere through struggles. She and her two children live in Texas.

Jim DeFelice is the co-author of Chris Kyle’s #1 New York Times bestseller American Sniper. He also is the author of Omar Bradley: General at War, the first in-depth critical biography of America’s last five-star general, and the co-author of the New York Times bestseller Code Name: Johnny Walker: The Extraordinary Story of the Iraqi Who Risked Everything to Fight with the U.S. Navy SEALs. He writes acclaimed military thrillers, including the Rogue Warrior series from Richard Marcinko, founder of SEAL Team 6, and the novels in the Dreamland series with Dale Brown. 

REVIEW - IN THE EYES OF MADNESS - BY MICHAEL PANG

pic and description taken from Goodreads

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A near tragic incident at the hands of his psychotic mother left Declan Peters alone and with so many questions. 

Years later, Declan is determined to find a way to be closer to his mother and takes a job at the institution where she's being held. That fateful decision will be the impetus for a chain of events so terrifying that Declan will question his own grasp on reality. 

What he finds will be more horrifying than anything he's ever experienced and more dangerous than anything he's yet known. In a place, rife with demonic possession and sadistic beings, will Declan finally be able to find the answers he's longed for before its too late or will he succumb to the evil forces that inhabit the institution and all who live there?

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I didn't think this book would grab me from the very beginning but it did.  I am not a fan of the cover, and usually that is what brings me to a book in the first place.  Sometimes I feel if the cover isn't amazing the book might not be either.  I am glad I did not just this book by it's cover.  It was a great book to read.

Declan is a young man, that was almost killed at the age of 7 by his psychotic mother.  Can you even imagine that happening to you?  I cannot.  This poor kid had it rough.  He lived with his awesome aunt and uncle for the rest of his years, and started working at the mental hospital where his mother was living.

Declan from the start seemed like a kid with great potential.  He is faced with some pretty intense situations, and always seems to come out on top.

This story has daemons and nephalim in it.  I LOVE stories like this.  They are just so much fun to read.  There is a "love story" going on in the back ground of the book, that makes it even more fun to read.

When Declan realizes he is able to do things that most humans cannot he finds that there is more to his life than he ever imagined.  It's a fun ride to go on with him.  It's exciting, and interesting.  

There are a lot of references to faith in this book, but I loved it.  How can you go through life with so many things working against you without faith?  I have no idea, and that is what made it more interesting to read about for me.

If you like stories about daemons, daemon hunters, nephalim and other creatures this is a great book to read.  It's exciting, and has a romance to book.  I am anxious to see what the next book will bring.

Source:  I received this book from the author in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

   

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic taken from www.intheeyesofmadness.com 

Project manager by profession but modern Renaissance man by nature, Michael Pang has dabbled in many different areas in his career. From working with steam turbines to eventually switching into the world of IT, his plethora of experience highlights his personality – he’s a person always searching for more knowledge.

Michael was born in Hong Kong in 1983. His family immigrated to San Francisco when he was three and eventually landed in Florida. After graduating from high school, Michael gained his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech. Despite his currently demanding work schedule, Michael is very involved in activities at his local Project Management Institute Chapter where he fulfills his passion for teaching as the Vice President of Education. But, his desire to serve and help others doesn’t end there, he’s an avid Christian and very active in his local church. He loves kids, with two daughters of his own with his lovely wife, and volunteers at children’s church in his ministry.

He speaks fluent Cantonese and Mandarin and in his free time enjoys reading, writing, eating, cooking, playing music, dancing, singing, and watching musicals. One of his mottos is “Everyday that he hasn’t learned something new is a day wasted.”