Curse Breaker: Enchanted Book Review

Curse Breaker: Enchanted Book Review

Genre: Fantasy

Plot: Boy with special powers is trying to live his life, help his brother, and keep a secret protected, but he works for a powerful man and an odd group of people.  The people who he works for care about him and want to keep him safe from bad people, but they've broken his trust and can't get him to talk to them.  Something bad happened in the land, and magic has called to the boy, now the ghosts from that incident are also asking for the boy to help them, their only issue is that they can't talk to him.  Can he solve the mystery before he runs out of time?  Can he solve the mystery, keep his secret, and help his brother into collage?  The boy has a really rough life, with too many people asking too much of him, but can he endure and come out conqueror in the end?

Sexual Content update: Though I put that there is some sexual content let tell you what I mean.  There are no sex scenes, which is great for me, because I'm not a fan of those.  However the main character is drawn into sexual thoughts about a beautiful woman.

My Opinion:  Let me start by saying I'm not normally a sci/fi book lover.  It has to be the right type of fantasy book or right type of scientific book for me to want to read it, and then enjoy reading it.  I'm more of a historical fiction, Christian, hallmark happy story type reader.  So when I say that I like a fantasy book, that is big for me.  Now for the cliche' I really did enjoy this book, I was constantly finding ways to sneak in and read it during my days over the Christmas/ New Year's holidays.  One of the reasons I really enjoyed reading is because there was a wonderfully well planned history of where Sarn (the main character) lived, his back story, and why things were the way they were.  However, this backstory was interwoven into every aspect and chapter, so you don't get the whole picture until the end, just puzzle pieces throughout the book.  Melinda's characterization is very much in the same level as Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter.  You get to know each Ranger who works with Sarn, their individual quirks, ticks, and cares on thejob.  Sarn's world is divided into when he's on the job and when he's off the job, so when the author mixes the two into one, she is very successful!  The ghosts mentioned in the plot summary are my favorite characters of the whole story, they frustrate me, I like them, feel sorry for them, and wish I had power to help them communicate with Sarn while I was reading.  When an author captures your own imagination and sucks you into the story as a character, you know they are very talented, and have worked hard at their skills.  My only issue with the book, that kept me from giving it a 5 star rating, is that Sarn is a really rough life, too rough to be realistic in my opinion.  I feel like there was so much bad happening to him that when something good did happen, it was glossed over just a little bit.  Much like Harry Potter, my issue is the same; so much bad happened to Harry too, but he had those periods of regular life too, just not enough to make it realistic.  I would have liked to see more good, or at least longer periods of time between each trial that happened to Sarn for my own personal reasons.

Interesting Details: This book review is from the ebook version.  It is totally worth getting, because you can read it so much faster, and anywhere you go, easier than carrying a book around.  I used the Amazon Kindle Unlimited app on my phone to read this ebook version.  It was perfect.  It automatically kept my book mark whenever I stopped.  It also let me know how far along I was in each chapter and in the book as a whole, so that I knew how fast I was reading.  The auther Melinda Kucsera has an amazing imagination.  The way this novel is detailed it can compete with Lord of the Rings and even Harry Potter in the way that as you read this book comes to life.  You are thrown into the book as a character shadowing the main character, but are able to float around watching those whom the main character Sarn interacts with.

To comply with the Federal Trade Commission's regulations, I must mention as part of every review; that the publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of the book, through Amazon, in exchange for an honest non biased review. There are no affiliate links, nor payments made for this review.  I have posted a review on Amazon as well.

Book Review: Renaissance Man

Details: The third and final book in the series of Blaze of Glory.  Will Tea and Jaden be able to stay together despite family issues?  Can a brother and sister learn to lead different lives, despite being so close as twins?  What will happen with Hades the horse from Hell who has an amazing connection with Tea?

Disclaimer: I received a this book as a free gift in exchange for an honest, non biased review.  I only recommend products that I have personally tested, tried, and reviewed and deemed good.

My Review:  First off, I want to say thank you very much to M Garzen, for allowing me to review each book in this series.  Its been an honor on my behalf.  I love this series!  The author really knows how to captivate readers with each of these books.  Once again, there were many surprises that I didn't expect, but which enhanced and enriched the book.  I found that in this book the characters and their lives were very real, their issues, their love, their trials, and everything.  There were times when I was ready to just give up because I couldn't stand Tea's stupidity, and lack of caring for her family and for Jaden.  But pushing through my issues with her, and Dec I was able to finish this book, and enjoy it when everything was said and done.  What a great book, of uplifting family, hard work, trials and faith (without any religion).  This is a great series for anyone who loves teen love, horses, and realistic family book series.  I recommend this young adult book for teens, on this chargrin, I don't approve of nor does any of Mom's Thumb, and Mom's Thumb Reviews team approve of sexual behavior outside of marriage.  So despite these books being amazing, I don't like all the sexual and intimacy between Tea and Jaden since they're not married.  You can buy the whole series on amazon.

Pros: amazing talent, great plot, great characterization

Cons: sexual behavior between unmarried (youth/college students)

My Rating: Thumbs Up

Wind Chime Point

Details: Wind Chime Point by Sherryl Woods.  An Ocean Breeze novel.  New York Times bestselling author.  "When life gets complicated, Woods, proves family and love can make all the difference."
Story is about a Southern born and raised career woman who finds herself in a pickle, out of a job, pregnant, and looking for a plan.  As she searched for her plan for her life now, she retreats to the loving open arms of her family who live on the North Carolina coast.  As she begins a new life, the last thing she wants is a man, and to love again.  So when Wade Johnson fell for Gabi he's finding that his knight in shining armor isn't what she needs or wants.  Can he get her to stay on the coast, and be in his life long enough for love to blossom? With the help of wind chimes, and a summer breeze, it just might happen.

My Review:  I bought this book while traveling with my husband for work.  While the kids and I and their Uncle were sight seeing, during the time my hubby was working, I found the need to have something in my hands to read as my kids constantly had my kindle, and phone, leaving me bored.  So to keep myself busy, while driving from NC-PA-OH-NY, I found this wonderful book.  Now, I am from North Carolina and very biased on its beautiful shores and coast.  So naturally I'm intrigued with a book about my now home.  Let me just say, NC coast isn't in the same class of beach as Florida or Gulf beaches, but to each their own, because I'm a beach person and will take anything over nothing.  I plan on having a beach house at some point in my life, so reading about a family business and a family who lives in a touristy NC beach, man that would be the best life ever in my mind.  Having family close enough to get to know cousins, Aunts and Uncles, Grandparents, Grandchildren, yes doesn't that sound like Heaven?

This book has it all.  I love Wood's writing style, her characters, the plot, and the background setting of course.  This is a dysfunctional family who finds that family and love is the only constant and the only thing that really matters.  I love reading stories about sisters, because their relationships are so foreign to me as an only girl in a family of boys.  But they don't seem any different than brother relationships.

Pros: great book to read, even though this is a middle book in a series the way it was written you wouldn't have even known.

Cons: when I bought it I didn't know there was a series and this isn't the first.

My Rating Thumbs up!

Great Kids Book to Dispel Bedtime Fears

Details:  Monster's Guide to Bedtime, by Henry and Aldyth's Son, is a children's book which relays the author's own fear of the dark, at bedtime when he was younger.  He discovered there are certain rules about monsters that will make bedtime less fearful.  Once these rules are mastered one will be able to sleep knowing how to handle such monsters, bears and tigers.  Adults will enjoy his humor.  The kids will like the twist at the end.

My Book Review:  Monster's Guide to Bedtime has a great introduction to why this book was written.  It then begins with terms that are necessary to understand.  Some are quite funny.  From there, the book goes into the Rules of the various monsters.  Tigers have certain rules they have to obey.  Did you know that?  For instance, Tigers can only live under your bed.  Bears have a different set of rules they need to abide by. Bears only have power in the dark.  Once the lights are turned on, the bears disappear.  And of course, there are random monsters which also have to obey specific rules at night.  Not only that, but random monsters like anything that is your favorite.  Don't worry though.  All rules are spelled right out, and there will be no confusion afterwards.  You just might want to read and re-read this book several times to make sure you don't forget the rules.

A Random Monster hiding under a chair
#monstersguidetobedtime

Help dispel the fears your child may have about Bedtime Monsters and get your copy of the Monster's Guide to Bedtime for your child.  This book will make a wonderful Christmas gift.

Pros:  This book shed much light on how to deal with various monsters, tigers and bears at night.  Wish this book was around when my kids were little.  Hopefully my grandkids will like this book as much as I did.
Especially loved the ending.


My Rating:  A Big Thumbs UP!!!

Hallows Haven book review

Details: Hallows Haven is a book of Magick.  Gwen is a teenager, who loves her friends and loves her life.  Raised by her Grandparents she's experienced more than her fair share of death, in her life.  Her Mother and Grandfather have both passed on, leaving her with her over protective Grandmother.  But as much as her life is great during the day, night time is a completely different story.  Gwen has nightmares, but its not really multiple nightmares, as its actually the same nightmare repeating itself.  There is nothing wrong with nightmares, until you wake up with dirt and hair in your hands that came from your nightmare.  What is going on with Gwen?  Who can she talk to?  What will she say?  She can't feel more like a freak until her Grandmother rescues her from a day-mare at school.  What doesn't Gwen know about herself and her family?

My Review: OMG!  I love this book, its like a female version of Harry Potter, but almost better.  The way the author paints her details, and background information of her characters, cities, and her plot captures you, reels you in, and only tosses you back into reality when the book ends.  Get your favorite cup of drink, snack, and snugglie, and get ready for the long spell because you are going to be bewitched into a trance until you finish this book.  I MUST read the rest of this series as they come out.  I am so hooked to this!  It is amazingly well done.  You must watch the video clip, because that's really the hook to this fishing match.  And it is a very tasty bait that you will want to get.


Pros: amazing!

Cons: when does the next book come out?  The ending is driving me up the wall, I need to know what happens next.

Disclaimer: I recieved a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.  I only recommend products that I have personally tested or read, and I only recommend products that get a thumbs up.

                                                                                               My Rating 

Finding Monsters

Details: Finding Monsters YA book by Liss Thomas.  Missy has been sick with cancer since she was young.  Now that she is dying, she is thinking more about how good her life has been, trying to drown out the voice that keeps telling her what she has missed out on.  What if just this once, since she doesn't have much longer to live, she gives into this voice, and listens.  What if that voice belongs to something living. What if that voice is non other than the monster under her bed.  What if monsters are real, and you just keep finding more and more.

My Review:  I love reading great books, YA, included, because they are usually more fun, more light, and the creative powers it takes to entertain a teenager, is a lot more than what it takes to entertain an adult or child.  But that's just my option, from my own experience growing up reading non stop.  Liss Thomas wrote this book very well.  In fact, after I finished I was reading some of the notes, and she says when she first wrote this, that it was intended to be a short story series.  That really made me excited because I really want to write a short story series for younger children.  But then I continued reading her notes and she was told by a great agent that there just isn't any interest in short story series. Which was a big bummer, but if she can turn a short story series into a great novel, then there's hope for me too.

Finding Monsters is an amazing book.  I love the details.  When it comes to my personal opinion, details count big time.  I want to see each character, and feel their emotions.  A reader should be so sucked into the book that they feel like they surface just to get air, food, and go to the bathroom before diving back under for more.  This isn't at all what I expected to read, it was better.  Just from the title I knew it meant monsters under beds.  So the twist put on that was unexpected, beautiful, and exciting.  I'm so excited for the next part of this book, its going to bug me until Liss is finished with it.

Pros: great story line, great characterization, amazing details.  I love the lesson of what was once weak, is now strong.  I love the lesson of Cancer can't get me down!

Cons: none

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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Fun Children's Book on Bullying

My Book Review

Hugo The Happy Starfish, The Last Bully by Suzy Liebermann.  Printed in 7 different languages. Hugo is a little starfish and so it's not surprising that in this story he comes across several bigger fish in the ocean.  Sadly, they are bigger fish with the wrong attitudes - they are bullies!  After seeing his friend getting bullied, Hugo decides enough is enough.  He forms the ABC Club, and teaches the bullies a valuable lesson about respect.  Happiness Begins with Respect.

Review:  Using a Starfish as the main character in this series is fun and exciting.  Something kids have liked over the years.  I was pleasantly surprised how this book focused on learning about Respect as a way to fight against bullying.  I just don't think that in real life this would actually work in every situation.

I can think of someone right now who has been bullied because he is smaller and different than others.  Despite the fact that he never went looking for trouble, didn't want to be associated with those that bullied him, he was never disrespectful to the group who bullied him.  He tried to be nice whenever they were around, but instead he got beat up very bad.  There would be no way this kid could have ever said the comments as written in the book, "RESPECT! Don't bully! What goes around comes around and there's always a bigger fish in the ocean!"  That statement is great, but doesn't apply in all situations.  However, each situation is different, and hopefully this will work for just about everyone.

Bullying is an issue that is growing continuously.  There are classes being offered constantly where I live for educators, parents & families, employers, employees, etc.  It is nice to be able to have many ways at combating this issue, and the earlier it can be prevented the better.

This is wonderfully written for younger children, and if we can instill within them that Respect is what is so important, respect for yourself and respect for others, we will have a great generation of youth.

For more information about Suzy Liebermann, and Hugo the Starfish, as well as games and other fun activites, etc. click here.

You can get your copy of the book here.

Pros:  Cute children's book with Hugo the Starfish and the underwater creatures to teach various Character Development principles.  This is a great confidence building book for younger children.

Cons:  Even though bullying is rampant and there are many ways to address it.  Suzy Liebermann presents one way of doing so.  Would be great if she could present other options that are successful ways to address bullying.

My Rating:  Thumbs UP!  Nicely written.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Hym and Hur by Phillip Frey

Details: Hym and Hur are not of this world.  They are immortal
and have special powers only humans dream of.  Hym loves pranks, and Hur loves doing good deeds.  But they both love creating happiness in others, for others.  When this amazing couple combines their prankster practices, and their good deed practices trouble usually is right around the corner.  And in this short story trouble starts with D, as in Death, the trickster of all tricksters.  Can Hym and Hur cancel all the bad that Death wants them to do, without hurting more people?  Genre: fantasy, and comedy.

My Review:  This is a great little short story.  Hym and Hur are really cute.  Death is well, just as anyone would expect Death to be.  I love how sensitive, almost naive and innocent Hur is.  Hym is more of a mystery than I would like him to be, but we do learn how much Hur means to him.  Even though, what I read was really good, I almost feel like there needs to be at least 2 more chapters.  I was surprised when the book ended, and where it ended.  I felt like the plot wasn't completed.  Closure wasn't even there.  If there was another chapter at the beginning of the book, and another chapter either in the middle or towards the end, then this would be a much better book.  I really wanted to see more trouble from Death in that the main male character would be doing more than what he did.  ( I don't want to spoil the book, so this sounds vague.)  Seeing Hym and Hur working more together on getting the main characters (both the man and woman) to work together, or perhaps doing something else, that is where I was left without closure.  The woman didn't do anything to express her love or admiration for the man, but he gave everything to her.  I know that many relationships are like that in real life, but I felt like there needed to be something more in this story, because of how Hym and Hur are, and how they work.

Pros: great writing skills, the plot is cool, I really like the details that we are given about the characters.

Cons: I'm left without closure and many questions.  I felt like there needed to be a bit more written before the story ended.

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

My Rating: thumbs up for great writing, thumbs down for lack of closure

Vocabulary ebook

Details: Instant Learning Series: Vocabulary Make Easy by Pat Wyman.  Learn new words in Half the time! A+ word memory.  Tips and tricks, and advice from experts on how to have, learn and benefit from a great vocabulary.  Geared for any age to learn from, though for children adults/ parents/ teachers will have to  do the reading and teaching from this book. Free Kindle ebook.

My Review:  I got this from my home school group, thinking it would give great advice on teaching children how to have better vocabulary.  I thought that it would help me, as a teacher and parent, to teach vocabulary, reading, spelling and writing to better my children's knowledge in their school subjects.  It took about 10 minutes to go through, I didn't really feel like I gained anything from it at all in fact.  I'm glad it was free, because if I had paid for it, that was a total waste.  I felt like this book was written but not in an organized manner, and without an editor because I really didn't know what I was reading about.

If  you would like to check it out, do so here.


Pros: it was free

Cons: it wasn't a good book, it didn't help

                                                                                               My Rating 

Hidden Under Her Heart

Details: Maryanne is working at making something of herself and her life by not having sex anymore. She's sick of getting tricked, and run over by man pigs, while trying to make her father proud of her, finally. Lucas Knight is focused on winning the Ironman Triathlon, is distancing himself from church, and trying to over come the racial issues his parents have. When Maryanne and Lucas collide, its not just for fun and games, but soon becomes a life threatening for Maryanne, career threatening for Lucas. Can they find out who is framing Lucas and who raped Maryanne at the church youth activity at the Preacher's home.

My Review: I just love Rachelle Ayala's books! Each one makes you fall in love with the characters, you become a character in her book. You live the adventure, the romance, the thrill, the mystery. Putting the book down is literally impossible until you've finished it, because it becomes your life. You must find the bad guy, must save those in trouble, and bring those who should be together, together for their love and happiness. I highly recommend reading this book, but all of her books are great!  Her characters are always very real.  Barry is quiet a person in this novel.  Details are very important to Rachelle.

Pros: amazing novel, one of my favorite

Cons: none

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

                                                                  My Rating:

Crime and Passion

Details: Crime and Passion by Chantel Rhondeau.  Starting a new life is never easy, but always a fun challenge, making new friends, being bombarded by guys wanting to date you, whom you're not interested in.  But when being the new girl in town isn't enough, why not find a dead body on the beach while working.  And find your life turn upside down because of the murder case you're now the key witness to. Madeline is that person.  Leaving behind a horrible love life, that ended when she caught her soon to be husband in bed with her maid of honor.  Now living in a new town, new state, and living in her dream beach house, getting a new life is coming at a price, and if the police don't catch the murderer, will everything Madeline loves die? Will everything Madeline wants to get away from come back to haunt her?  Can she learn to trust, learn to love, and truly be loved again?  Or will she end up with nothing once again?

My Review:  Chantel Rhondeau is a great author.  Mixing crime with passion, love, romance, mystery works well with her style of writing.  Each time you have an idea of what will happen next, you look at how many more pages left, and think "Well, what else does she have in store for us?"  Each character is painted in perfect detail.  You can see each face, each person's personality, and by the time each character has been completed you can see their thoughts.   Its really quiet intriguing.  There is mild language, and a few love scenes towards the middle and end.  Chantel Rhondeau covers topics like: insecurities, self worth, proper manners between girl and boy friends, brain washing, mental break downs, and abuse and foster care.

Pros: well written, great fleshing of the characters, successful plot twists

Cons: none

                                                       My Rating 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Prized Your Journey as His Daughter

Details: Prized! Your Journey as His Daughter by Noelle Toscano.  Life in today's world can be hard, worrisome, frustrating, saddening, happy, joyful, confusing, and dark.  Noelle offers great advice for young girls and teenagers on how to find the light of God in a world full of evil, sadness, darkness, and anger.  She sheds light on those awkward years called the growing up stage of life where you are tossed about on the waves of everyone around you trying to influence, lead, guide, and control you.

My Review:  I have read many books like this and have never found one that actually speaks to me and what I personally went through as a teenager.  But Noelle Toscano does an excellent job!  I'm glad, as a grown woman to find a book that speaks truth, shares embarrassments, confusion, anger, sadness, love, and learning in such a way that I firmly believe does and will speak to every young girl and every young woman.  Her writing style isn't spectacular, she isn't well known, but God has given her a talent and the ability to speak to us females in a way that we understand, want to learn more from, and are grateful she wrote about her life so we can be better.  She is a great Christian writer in my view.  I personally recommend all parents get this book for themselves, to better understand what their daughters are going through.  But to also get this book for their daughters so they have someone to relate to, and be able to cope better with the challenges and struggles of tween and teenage life.  This is also great for anyone who teaches, leads, or guides teenage girls.  With all the scriptural references from the Bible, it really is great for any religious group too.

Pros: great book all around, speaks to everyone

Cons: none

                                                                                              My Rating I got this book for free to read, and review from BookCrash!

Terra Vonnel and the Skulls of Aries

Details: The fearful sea Vixen Terra Vonnel is on a mission to steal the skulls of Aries.  She must fight Vampires, Death, and deal with pirates, and Dead Souls.  Magic, enchantments, curses, and glowing swords  brings about a thriller fantasy short story.

My Reviews:  I'm not a big fan of 3rd person narrative stories, but in the case of Terra Vonnel and the Skulls of Aries, this works great!  You get all the details and the story, the fear within the mind and soul of the characters.  You feel like you're a part of the pirate crew, without feeling like the danger is upon you.  I like the way this author spins a tale.  The characters in this book aren't as realistic as other stories I've read from this author.  But for a quick read (literally half an hour for anyone), this works.  If the author wishes to continue working on this story, I would highly suggest filling out the characters better.  I would have liked to know the Pirate Vampire Dragos better.  I would like to see more imagery as well.  Over all, it was good, just not great.

Pros: interesting twist of pirates, vampires, and magic

Cons: needs better imagery, and more details with each character

                                                                        My Rating: Thumbs up and down.  Up for the plot, down for the characters.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Haven: A Stranger Magic

Details: The Dalcome family is the normal average family, brother and sister are always fighting each other, single Mother works so much and so hard to give her children what they need and some of what they want.  The son is so average that no one knows him, sees him.  The daughter has a short fuse on her temper, and when she blows abnormal things happen.  Who is the stranger that the son is stalking, and why can the daughter do things that seem like magic?

My Review:  I haven't read short stories in a long time, so to get a group of short stories to read, has been a pleasant change.  The author is talented, because the story line is easy to follow, the characters are from everyone's reality, the magic isn't corny but well written.  To compare this short story, I would have to say that the magic is a mix between Harry Potter and the Spiderwick Chronicles.  The lives of the characters are a mix between Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Harry Potter, and Narnia series.  I wasn't sure what to expect, and though the short story leaves you hanging.  Meaning that I can't wait to see where this goes.

Pros: great fantasy short story

Cons: none

                                                                                       My Rating 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

House on Plunkett Street

Details: Phoebe has always been a wall flower.  Her mom was a wall flower, who faded away into a drunkard.  Having tons of older brothers, and a father who were all into every sport known to man, Phoebe didn't fit into her family.  After living a life of being lost among the flow of nothing, its time for a change, and 3 ghosts decide to set her on the straight and narrow.  Will Phoebe find her way?  Will she find love?  Will unexpected tragedy lead to wall flower safety, or will Phoebe find the courage to live life to the fullest?

My Review: I love reading!  I love getting books from authors directly!  I love getting signed books!  My two favorite book shelves are my Signed books, and my Saved books (very old books that I find, rescue, and keep special).  I am happy to say that House on Plunkett Street came to me at the right time in my life.  Things are pretty crazy for me and my family, and the author's message "Live life to the Fullest!" is what I really needed to read, hear, and understand by reading this book right now.  This is very well written, the plot has you intrigued the whole time, wanting to learn more about Phoebe, wanting to learn more about each ghost-ett who comes to visit her.  I love the characters, they all come to life.  Polly and Pam are my favorite characters.  They are so real, so full of energy, and excitement.  This is the perfect pick me up novel.  The perfect, help me without preaching to me book.  The perfect examples of how to live life to the fullest!  And its not like the Christmas story Scrooge. You learn about some of the important history from an era that is almost forgotten in today's society.  You learn about women who knew what being a "real woman" really meant, and how so much has changed.  Chapter four is my favorite chapter, with great advice from ghost number one, she will be nameless in my review because she is very important to the ending of the story.

Pros: great plot, amazingly real and honest characters, I love the lessons and the history

Cons: none

                                                               My Rating  

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Broken Build ebook

Details:  Jenn Jones has a new face, newly toned body, new job, a degree from a very nice school, and now works for the hottest start up company in Silicone Valley.  All her newness doesn't make up for her deep dark secret, especially when her past catches up to her present, and threatens to end her future and life.  Can she out smart the man who is black mailing her, the man who knows her secret?  Can she earn the trust of those most important to help her not die, and not ruin her job?

Content advisory: language and sexual content

My Review:  This is my second book that Rachelle has given me the privileged to read and review.   I love her way of writing, it is fully captivating, emotionally charged, and this book specifically has surprising twists to the plot.  What you thought was the case changes with each new chapter you read.  And in the end, closure is found, and the plot, the author, the story lessons have changed your life for the better.  It took me 3 days to read this, by reading in my spare time while being a full time Mom, and Home School teacher.  I was able to read this on my Kindle Fire, but there are many different options for reading this book, including through Smashwords.com.  This was a great novel.  Adding this to my favorites will allow me to read this again and again, because its so good!  I give my full recommendation for this book.  I look forwards to more talent from Rachelle Ayala.

Pros: well written, keeps you enchanted and engrossed, surprising twists

Cons: none

                                                                                      My Rating

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Life of Pi movie

Details: A 2012 American movie based on the book by Yann Martel published in 2001.  Can a boy with a very amazing name change his fate, change his name and get the respect he needs to stand up to the bullies in his schools?  When a 16 year old boy survives a terrible ship wreck that killed his family, he gets lucky and gets a life boat, but his companions aren't normal sailors.  Can a boy, zebra, tiger, hyena, and orangutan get along in the same life boat? The story of a Hindu boy who comes to know God through his many adventures, lessons, trials, and journeys.  Wanting to understand the ending better, here is a great website you can check out.

My Review: I read this book in college years ago.  I don't remember anything about the book just that it was confusing.  Our whole class was confused.  We all read it to figure out what a tiger, a boy had to do with God.  So when the movie came out it was pulling teeth from me to watch it. 
Watching the movie I was pleasantly surprised.  It was sad, funny, enlightening.  How many times will God call a man.  How many times will God listen and watch us. 
"What story do you prefer?"
"The one with the tiger."
"Thank you. "
"It is the better story."
"And so it is with God."

Pros: great images, lessons, heart

Cons: now I need to read the book

                                                                                            My Rating

Michal's Window

Michal's Window Book Review:  Rachelle Ayala has taken a popular biblical story, intermingled fictitious characters and using her imaginative story telling skills, weaves a wonderful story of life.   Her intricate details brings out what it would have been like to live back in King Saul's time, when a young shepherd boy meets the youngest daughter of King Saul, Michal.  David falls in love immediately, and Michal fancies David as well. From here, the author delves into their lives and does an amazing job at telling this wonderful love story that is full of passion, love, hate, deceit, betrayal, duty, and much more.

Review:  The title of this book caught my attention.  I've read the Old Testament, but had forgotten about David's first wife Michal.  I had no idea when I started this book, that it would be difficult to stop reading it until I had finished.  I was captivated from the beginning.  The author has a way of making the reading exciting, up-to-date, yet able to draw you in to the time period this took place.

The farther along in the book I read the more drawn into the characters and plot I became.  I've read a few books before where the authors tie in fictional and non-fictional characters and create a marvelous story that is easier for me to enjoy.  Rachelle Ayala has done the same with Michal's Window.

Pros:  A very good read that allows one to full the full gambit of emotions.  One is easily drawn into the story early on, and never a time when you wonder when the action is going to take place.

Cons: If you prefer not to read sexual content in a book, you may want to stay away from this book.  I didn't feel the author was as explicit as I expected, but she could have cut out a lot of what she put into the book, and it still would have been a great book.

Others may feel she didn't stay true to the biblical account of David's life, but this a fictional book after all, and one I enjoyed reading very much.  

My rating: Thumbs up 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.