book review

Priceless – Luke & Joel Smallbone

AngelaLeave a comment

What a fantastic story! It is a quick read, and I could have finished it easily in a day. If I wasn’t trying to move, homeschooling, and working, that is.

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I did not get to see the movie while it was in limited theaters, but I will be purchasing it on Valentine’s Day when it is released to DVD.

If you have daughters, sisters, nieces, or any young woman in your life that is important to you; this is a must read. I became familiar with For King & Country because I only listen to Christian music in my vehicle. Although I cannot control what my girls listen to when I cannot monitor cell phones, computer access, I refuse to listen to the crap on the radio that is degrading while they are with me.

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Now I don’t care what my 2 youngest girls may try to say; we had an amazing time at this concert and rocked it out! Yes; Christian music rocks. We had perfect seats, and literally had the band right behind us at one point.

Priceless the song, and Priceless the story are amazing, and whether you are an agnostic, Christian, Atheist; it does not matter. This message is universal. Seeing them Live? That was Priceless!

 

Gingerbread Cookie Murder – Joanne Fluke

Angela1 Comment

Another great series I love; and this one includes recipes!

Okay; I have not tried the recipes, but they sound amazing! I have my staple of Christmas goodies I make every year, but I really need to hop outside of that small, boring box!

So, for the good stuff. A Christmas story full of murder and mayhem. What more could you ask for?

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Hannah Swenson seems to be the most unlucky person you could ever meet. Unlucky at work, unlucky at love, and very lucky at finding murdered people. But, she has more than one suitor at any given time, so really; how unlucky is she?

This story has multiple murders, and multiple suspects. What more could one ask for on a negative-zero-wind-chill day?

Sorry; that is just my Michigan-me talking 🙂

While Hanna tries to run her cookie store, everyone else tries to run her life.

Have you read it? Do you love it as much as I do? Let me know! And if you ever tried the recipes, I have got to know what you thought!

Murder on the Half Shelf -Lorna Barrett

Angela1 Comment

Out of all the books I have read in this series so far, this one has been my favorite! I know some people do not like reading a series about a small town person who always seems to find the murdered body, but I really like these stories.

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The characters are familiar, and you are a part of the small community. Stoneham, New Hampshire in this case. A small tourist town that has made its mark with various bookstores that the vacationers love.

Case in point: one Tricia Miles, owner of the “Haven’t Got a Clue” mystery book bookstore. Her sister Angelica is close by, running her own cookbook bookstore, as well as a lunchtime diner. You can really relate to these characters, and will definitely find your favorite town character to love or hate.

Unfortunately for Tricia, a long lost lover, aka faked-his-own-death-20-years-ago, is back in town. His wife is murdered, and that leaves only two main suspects.

I prefer to not divulge too much in my reviews,  but I definitely want to hear from anyone who has read these stories as well! I will be more detailed in future reviews of this series, but do not want to be the one who posts the spoilers.

Did you love them, or hate them?

 

When I am Not Reading or Editing…

Angela10 Comments

…or raising girls, or working, or homeschooling, or making bookish gifts for my Etsy store, or trying to squeeze in time with my amazing boyfriend, or going to college… I take pictures! I love nothing more than getting in my car before the sun rises, and getting pictures. I love nature, flowers, plants, wildlife, and macro pictures are my favorite!

But Autumn in West Michigan is definitely my favorite time of year!

Gale’s Pond, Shelby, Michigan, 2017
Gale’s Pond, Shelby, Michigan, 2017
Gale’s Pond, Shelby, Michigan, 2017
McGraft Park, 2016

What Are Your Halloween Reads?

Angela3 Comments

I love my classics: Sleepy Hollow, Pet Cemetery, Dr. Sleep, and oh so many more scary Halloween stories. But the stuff you find now is all children’s books.

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Wait….What???

No one is writing sitting-on-the-edge-of-your-bed-with-every-light-on-in-the-house stories?

It seems not, my friends.

What have you read that has completely kept you awake? Blown your mind? Made you change religions?

Okay; all joking aside. I can no longer watch scary movies, but I will always pick up a scary book.

Edgar Allen Poe? You can never go wrong. Halloween is a great time to pick up Sherlock Holmes if you never have before.

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I would love to know what you are reading that keeps you up at night. That way I can stay up too!

Darkly the Thunder – William W. Johnstone

AngelaLeave a comment

This is not a book I read before, and it has a published date of 1990. I am very surprised I never read it, as I graduated in 1990, and I spent my middle school and high school years reading everything he published.

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Anyhow….It was a great story, along the same lines as all of Mr. Johnstone’s Horror genre.

A little bit of supernatural, a lot of hometown-feel-good-connections. A whole lot of creepy things going on; blood and gore included.

People acting strangely, hearing thunder that shouldn’t be rumbling. The Fury, as it came to be known, was an evil presence that was controlling a town. But several deceased persons were fighting the fury on the other side. Sand and Morg and Joey. Howie is young, but he knows his stuff, and finds ways for them to communicate with Sand. His sister Angel is a strong force as well. Their parents are done for, as is most of the town.

One thing I loved the most about Mr. Johnstone’s stories is that young kids always played a major role. They were not dismissed for their age; but respected for their abilities. (Maybe I got pushed down one too many times for being who I was???)

I enjoyed the book, but it is not one I would read again. It was definitely worth my time, and I do not just say that because I had a personal communication with the author 🙂

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I could never express how much I miss this man!

 

What are your favorite horror stories that still keep you awake at night? I will be reviewing mine very soon!

Them – William W. Johnstone

Angela4 Comments

This has to be one of the very few books of Mr. Johnstone’s that I did not read growing up. I enjoyed it as much now as I would have 25 years ago.

It is classic old-school horror…no cell phones, computers in the house, or text messaging.

You have one town that has three geniuses who have had their fill of being beat up and bullied. Unfortunately; one of them has really went off their rocker. So when Cag, from another advanced planet, shows up, he is putty in his hands.

Cag did not realize the level of incompetence he would encounter on Earth, and possibly too late, he realizes he cannot destroy everyone.

Sorry folks; you know I do not give out spoilers. But I have to say; reading this story put me right back in my family room chair at 13 years old reading a story in a day (to listen to my Mom bitch because she just bought the book 4 hours before!), and not letting up until I got to the last page.

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William W. Johnstone will forever be my favorite author ever, and if you just need to get away for a day as Autumn embraces us…. find his books!

You can find this story here: Them – William W. Johnstone

My favorite story ever? Rockinghorse! Soon to be released. Stay tuned! I have this exact book front and center in my shelf. Well; one of my four shelves…

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Finally! My Etsy Store

Angela5 Comments

I have many things to add, and many projects in the works. But with the help of a WordPress technician, my store finally shows up! Top of my page, click on “store”.

I am currently working on some amazing pine book boxes, painting book covers, and spines, of some classic novels.  I am also painting book covers on canvas, 11×14 to start, until I get a good idea of what everyone is interested in buying.

I am homeschooling a 10th grader, have another going to public school in 7th grade, and another MBA class starting for me on September 22. I am editing a fantastic book that I cannot wait to introduce to the masses, and still reading for enjoyment to post some book reviews.  Oh, and I work about 45-50 hours a week; did I forget to mention that?

I have the most understanding boyfriend ever, because my life is just crazy busy, and he accepts it! I am looking forward to Autumn, the most awesome time of the year! I will be holding a raffle for a couple of book bags with a great Halloween story, mug, hot cocoa or tea, and a smelly pumpkin type candle. Stay tuned!

Thank you for your support, your kind words, and your amazing stories!

 

Yesterday’s Tomorrow – GW Pomichter & William DuPree

Angela6 Comments

A fast-paced political thriller, this story is timely in that you will see many familiar names in the political environment where the story takes place.

After the deadliest terror attack on American soil, the entire East Coast is in blackout condition. While residents cope and adjust to their new way of life, their family members, who belong to the military, are working on both a solution, and catching those responsible.

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Life is very different when you can’t start your vehicle, use a cell phone, or even turn on a kitchen light.

This story contains several phrases and acronyms that are common in military life. Each is explained the first time it is used, so it makes the reading smooth-going. Those with military experience will especially like this story, in my opinion.

As is my general rule (unless if the story is horrible, and I will let you know it!), I avoid spoilers as much as I can. What I can tell you, is that you quickly become vested in the survival of these families, neighbors, and friends that create a well-rounded story. This is an easy read, with plenty of action and suspense.

To Learn more about Mr. Pomichter, follow the link: G.W. Pomichter