Dance For A Dead Princess
What did you like about the main character - Taylor is an easy character to like. Despite her flaws, a reader is easily captivated by her physical appearance and her inquisitive nature. I liked that she never gave up even if it meant she had to face the truth which was not necessarily nice. Cover - Although I am not a fan of dark coloured covers, I really liked the cover for Deborah Hawkins' book. At a glance, I could already tell that the story would be filled with secrets and lost love. If I came across the book in a store, I would definitely pick it up.
Content (overall theme, idea and setting) - The idea and plot were original and good. The Abbey was the ideal setting and worked with the way the two main characters became entangled with each other.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
For Gods and For Men (Lifeblood Saga, #1)
Did you find that the cover and title represented what the story was really about? It fit the time period and was simple enough for this reader to understand the connection. But would I pick up the book if I saw it in a bookstore? Probably not. What did you think of the story structure? Because there were multiple time-lines and multiple characters, the author should have included an introductory chart to who was what and when. It was a good story but sometimes got too confusing for me.
Which secondary character resonated most with you and why? Marcus' wife, she was forced to marry Marcus and neither of them was happy. This created another angle of the story and it was easy to participate in this part of the book as we've all had difficult relationships at some point of our lives.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
Gabriela and The Widow
Who were the characters in the story. Gabriela was wery tall and thin. She had long dark hair, and was Mexican. She had suffered great loss when her entire village and family is killed. She was 17, when La Viuda died and this is when her life's hardships seem to end or do they? This is a must read for anyone who wants a book that touches your soul. La Viuda was 92. She had long gray hair, very rich but she was also very feeble and forgetful. Then there was Naldo. He was a mean man who ran the toad shop and made Gabriela have sex with him. Leah was La Viuda's daughter who was dying with cancer.
What I didn't like – The terrible way Gabriela was treated. It wasn't just the forced sex that bothered me. The subtle, sometimes direct hints that so many people thought Gabriela was not good enough to be in the same room with them.
Top 3 things I liked about the whole book – This is an author who has unbelievable storytelling skills. The story was a fast read, entertaining and magical. The way he explored the relationship between these two women and shared it with the reader was fascinating. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
The Titan Drowns
What did you think of the pacing? Some parts felt slow, while others were a breeze. It wasn't consistent but it doesn't distract the reader from the overall plot, theme or main characters. Each scene is able to carry through to the next one and this is important for me in any book. Share a quote from the book. "The silent condemnation of the straight back woman standing at the window only served to intensify the atmosphere." Glover uses many different descriptions like this and it is one the reasons why I liked the book very much.
Share a favorite scene from the book. When Lizzie is fired by Mrs Peabody. Deep down she and the reader knows this is not how it is supposed to be. But loyalty to the one you love outweighs common sense or so it does in this scene and it was powerful.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
The Hunter's Son (JC Mather, #1)
Consider the ending. Did you expect it or were you surprised? I was definitely surprised and I wasn't the only book club member who felt this way.Is the story plot or character driven? Definitely, plot driven. JC grows and changes with the incidences that occur around him.
Is the plot well-developed? Yes, the plot was well written and believable.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
What were the main relationships explored in this book? Serafina - Rosa / Serafina - Baron / Geraldo - Naldo - GenoveffaWhat did you think of the ending? The ending was perfect and left this reader with a new appreciation for mysteries.
Tell in your own words how the setting of the story made it more interesting. The idea of an old mysterious mansion with a baron and tons of servants made the story very interesting and gave it a slight "Downton Abbey" feel.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
How You Leave Texas
Did the book description relate to the story? The description was accurate and I'm really glad the author prepared readers for four different short stories. List the characters and describe them. Camille - 40 yrs old. House wife. Slender build, waist length hair.
Walker - Cheater, married to Camille for 15 yrs. Tan and muscular, lawyer.
Nicky - Young and slender. She waited tables in a small coffee house. She was studying to become a actress. She had a affair with Zach.
Zach - Director, playboy. Slender, gorgeous and tan.
Did you like the way the story ended? The book had a satisfying ending. Dan could be Nicky's future.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
The Kings of Charleston (Volume 1)
Summarize the book without giving away the ending. The book was about a teenage girl forced into a life of secrets. It was full of lies and deceit.Have you ever experienced anything similar to the action of this novel? Just normal teenager issues. At first when you start to read this book you think that's all the book is going to be about but then as the story gets deeper, you start to see that she is not exxagerating and something is really wrong.
What would the main character be likely to do if s/he visited? She would talk endlessly about her horses.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
The Beckoning of Beautiful Things (The Beckoning Series)
What are your concerns about this book? That the author is not going to make this a series of books. I would love to read more maybe have Marissa’s sisters learn they have powers or her niece receive her powers early. Something I hope the author has something working out for more with these characters.Was the story credible? Yes, everything felt real. Yes, I believe there are people with powers similar to Marissa, Jason, and Daniel.
Did you like the way the story ended? I loved the ending. It wrapped everything up nicely with all characters.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
The Book of Paul
What did you think was the most interesting part of the book? When the brothers found out about each other. It explained the connection to Paul.List the places mentioned in the book. East Village, New York, Central Park, Boston, Harvard, Rockefeller Center, Golden Gate Bridge, San Fransisco, California, Disney World, Germany, The Plaza, Manhattan, St. Marks Tattoo Parlor.
Did you find that the cover and title represented what the story was really about? Yes, the whole book was based on the evil doings of Paul.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Be Good
Formatting / Appearance. The book was formatted and appeared to work great with my Kindle. Did not find any problems.What did you think of the ending? Ending was perfect for the story.
If you were to talk with the author, what would you want to know? Is any of the story from real life? As dysfunctional as Anna seemed, she was like a lot of young people trying to find meaning in their lives.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Too Many Secrets (Cleo Sims Mystery #3)
What are some of the major themes of this book? Murder, mystery, greedShare a quote or two from the book. Pablo finally realizes that a relationship is not just about taking it is about giving also.
"Cleo, I can't imagine the rest of my life without you by my side. Will you please marry me? I want to live here with you in your grandparents' house and raise our baby together."
Which character could you relate to best? Cleo, she just wanted to help people. Always empathetic about helping the truth come out.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Refuge
Cover. The cover was great. Very mysterious, intriguing. Begged to be read.How does the setting figure into the book? The setting was very important. It is a totally different life style. So dangerous, so poverty stricken. All the people with arms and legs missing. Children with missing limbs. So very sad, I could see it all clearly.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? Yes, Charlie was a very likable character. He was down to earth and charismatic.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Semmant
Did you like the way the story ended? Why or why not?
Guess the story ended where it needed to and the story was well-developed enough so all questions were answered.
Who do you think the author intended to read this book and why?
I think it was written for everyone. It wasn't directed towards a particular age group. But it was too sexually graphic for teens.
If you could only save one character from the book in the event of a disaster, which one would it be and why?
I would save Anna. There was a lot I about her. Very worldly, very much a lady.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
The Shadow of the Unicorn: The Legacy (The Shadow of the Unicorn Series)
Why would you recommend or not recommend this book? I recommend this book to children 9-12 years of age. I believe they will most enjoy the book.What are some of the book's themes? Greed. Ishmael is so consumed with greed he does not know the difference in right/wrong.
What I didn't like. Really did not find anything I did not like. de Montigny wrote a book that any young tween would enjoy.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Greedy for Life: A Memoir on Aging with Gratitude
What is the time period in which the book happens?I think it had to be from long ago. Today times have changed. People have lost a lot of their traditions. There is little time for tradition as everybody is in a hurry.
What problems does one of the characters have, and how does he or she solve it?
Nana and grandpa struggled very hard to make a living. But they also helped a neighbor with mortgage payments. They gave in order to receive.
Where did the story take place?
The book is written while Lori is in her 50's. But the story runs over a hundred years.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.