Broken Legacy by Colleen Connally
Did the plot pull you in or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the book? The plot was easy to fall in love with and the characters were unique. As each character sweeps in, you are able to relate with what they are saying and their actions. I did not feel forced to read the book, this is a good book I recommend. How realistic was the characterisation? The actions of the characters were sometimes plausible and sometimes too dramatic. I also felt that the extreme differences of the two main characters were questionable. Lord Lenister is devious and wants Eloise for his benefit. Lady Eloise who seems well versed about so many things and yet naive when it comes Lord Lenister. Did you feel you were experiencing the time and place in which the book was set? Yes and no. When the scene consisted of only the main characters, it was easy to experience what they were going through. When the scene involved a different setting such as a place or scenic background, it felt as if the author rushed through these and it was hard to experience the place the characters were at. 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
Review: Return of the Outlaw by C.M. Curtis
What were the main relationships explored in this book? One man goes against the people who are intent on destroying him so they are multiple relationships like family, friend and enemy that are explored. The key question in the book is how much would it take to break Havens? Physically, mentally and emotionally, he is pulled apart in every way possible and Curtis does an excellent job at keeping the reader in suspense on how far Havens will go and how much he’ll have to endure. What I liked about the book … The book was well-written, its language elegant, the story flowed and the main character is strong. Their situations are believable and have enough impact on the reader that you won’t quickly forget about these characters. Favourite character(s) … Jeff Havens, who else? He was the combination of Gary Cooper (High Noon), Clint Eastwood and Cary Grant. I’m not sure if it was entirely necessary that he had to endure so much but it is through these incidences you are able to see how driven he is at setting things right. 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.
Review: The Barber's Conundrum and Other Stories by John Hartnett
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? The book is broken up into 38 chapters so there isn’t a defined introduction or conclusion. This reader would have liked for the book to be a little shorter or split into parts. This way if someone is looking for a longer read, they can buy all the parts and if someone is looking for a smaller dose, they can buy one part. Why would you recommend or not recommend this book? I would recommend it for the first 10 chapters. After that it tends to drag a little bit. The humour is still very much felt but the tone of “I want this, I want that and I know everything” does not change and it sometimes feels a bit selfish. If you are looking for a light read you do not want to read in one sitting, then this is the book for you. Did the book description relate to the story? The description was spot on and you immediately know you’re going to have lots of fun. Anyone who has had to stay up finishing a child’s school project can relate to this book. Hopefully there’s a second 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 Little Boy Who Was Precious by Reagan Chesnut
What were the main themes of the book? Being away from a loved one isn’t easy, especially when you are a little one. This book is about a little boy whose parents need to make an overseas trip and he stays with his grandparents. Everything about this book is flawless and the illustrations are superb. Describe your favourite scene. When the little boy arrives at his grandparents' house and he “threw himself into her arms and stuff a cookie into his mouth.” This is a memory we can all relate to no matter how old we are.The warmth of a grandparents' home is reassuring even in the most confusing of times. Were you able to connect with the main character and why? Separation anxiety is something we’ve all had to deal with. As much as young children are fearful of being abandoned, parents worry about being apart from their little ones too. This is a good book for parents to explore the topic with their younger children. 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 Little Boy, Who Was Precious
What were the main themes of the book? Being away from a loved one isn’t easy, especially when you are a little one. This book is about a little boy whose parents need to make an overseas trip and he stays with his grandparents. Everything about this book is flawless and the illustrations are superb. Describe your favourite scene. When the little boy arrives at his grandparents' house and he “threw himself into her arms and stuff a cookie into his mouth.” This is a memory we can all relate to no matter how old we are.The warmth of a grandparents' home is reassuring even in the most confusing of times.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? Separation anxiety is something we’ve all had to deal with. As much as young children are fearful of being abandoned, parents worry about being apart from their little ones too. This is a good book for parents to explore the topic with their younger children.
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 Lies Inside (Blood Bound, #1)
Did the plot pull you in or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the book? I was pulled in right from the beginning. The development of the characters keeps you wanting more and you won't be satisfied until you read the last page and by then you're just drooling for the second book. How realistic was the characterization? Dialogue and character responses were plausible. My favourite character was Kendrick who seemed to play the part of mystery man although he did come across as a selfish in some parts.
Did you feel you were experiencing the time and place in which the book was set? The settings were not complicated for this book so readers can easily comprehend time, place and situation. The story was enjoyable and I really did feel as if all events were unfolding right in front of me.
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.
Boundless
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? The conclusion. The introduction was a little slow moving but the ending, wow. It was surprising, eventful and made everything about this book worthwhile. Why would you recommend or not recommend this book? If you like books by James Frey or Olivia Goldsmith, you will definitely enjoy this book by Brad Cotton. The story is focused on human interactions and some parts were absolutely touching.
Did the book description relate to the story? It did but I think readers would also be interested in a brief introduction of each main character with a hint at how they eventually become connected or how serious their relationship becomes.
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.
Colorado Mandala
Did the plot pull you in or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the book? It pulled me in right away. This book was a touching reminder of the unseen sacrifices that members of the military and their families make so people like us can stay free. How realistic was the characterization? The characters were realistic and their actions were plausible. Each character is simple but complex because of the secrets they each have and there's the different types of love we see Heffron express through his characters. My message to the author - please don't stop writing, you are beyond talented and it was an honour to read your work.
Did you feel you were experiencing the time and place in which the book was set? The setting was Pike's Peak. It painted a beautiful snowy, romantic setting and I could feel the beauty and magic of this setting.
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.
Duty: a novel of Rhynan
Did the plot pull you in or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the book? Every section of this book was interesting and the characters were all unique in their own way (good and bad) so I was definitely pulled in from the very beginning of the story. Did the actions of the characters seem plausible? Some parts were a bit far fetched or for the want of a better word, confusing. Overall, the characters and their actions were a good with the setting and background; and the story was well written.
Did you feel you were experiencing the time and place in which the book was set? No question about this. With every new adventure Tomas and Brielle had, the author made sure to pull this reader in and I willingly followed because I couldn't wait to see what happened next.
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.
Intoxicated
Did the plot pull you in or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the book? I loved most parts of the book. But some sections felt as it the author was going round and round so she could achieve a specific word count. How realistic was the characterization? Lauren was realistic in some areas and I liked this. But some of her actions made no sense at all. She sometimes came across as shallow and almost desperate to make her current situation work for her.
How does the setting figure into the book? The setting came to life for me because the city is about 50 miles from where I grew up. The author did her best to present an interesting setting but it sometimes felt as if the surroundings lacked details and readers were not pulled in.
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.
Finding Claire Fletcher
Favourite scene... When Claire found Alison in the cellar. For this reader, it was at this moment when it finally sinks in that the scars these victims face can never really heal. Kudos to Lisa Regan for projecting a world of emotions so many do not realise exists. Favourite quotes... The dialogue in this book was absolutely great. There was just enough emotion and never too much drama that you would think, no people don't talk like that. My favourite quotes were - "Let's toast to being found." - "Are you any good ?" - "So what your saying is you're a fuck up ?"
Did the plot pull you in or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the book? The book pulled me in from the very beginning . Lisa is an exceptional writer who I hope will keep sharing her work with the world.
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.
Open Door (The Legacy, #1)
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? I loved the pace of the introduction and Christine Locke's writing provided an excellent introduction to Carin and the darkness that surrounded her family, although she herself does not realise this until much later. Favourite scene … When she goes up to the attic and realises that everything is different. That scene gave me goosebumps. As she looks for a way out, you quickly realise that everything about Mallace Estate is not as it appears to be.
Did the book description relate to the story? The description was accurate and provides a decent introduction to Carin's story. I must say this a good book for teenagers as well as adults and one I definitely recommend.
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.
Chasing the Lost
What did you think of the writing style? This is the first book I have read by this author and definitely not the last. Despite the guns, action and chasing, the overall tone is consistent and does not bore you with military jargon. How do you define the central theme in this story. The main character is conflicted. At first, the conflict is only internal but as the story progresses, external conflicts are added in the form of obstacles of finding the jogger's son.
What did you think of the ending? After anticipating every possible ending, I still got it wrong. I actually re-read the book to make sure I hadn't missed any signs but truly, there were none. The plot was pure genius.
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.
Dear Adam
What were the main themes of the book? Online relationship, love, secrets and honesty. Eden receives a tweet from a random person and steps into the unknown by starting an online relationship with Adam. While she is the kind of person who bares all, he is secretive and even when they Skype, she does not see him. What kind of conflicts were in the story? I think the most important conflict with both characters was external. Eden felt something was lacking in her life and Adam was able to fill this. In their own way, both of them were concerned what the other thought and this was sometimes touching and sometimes a frustrating experience for the reader.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? I was able to connect with Eden. Her messages were filled with longing and despite her bare all approach, Adam was slow in revealing the essential bits of him. It was easier to relate her sense of wanting someone to talk to.
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.
Dance For A Dead Princess
What were the main themes of the book? A story of love, lies, murder, betrayal and secrets. I liked that the author did a pretty good at executing all of these themes. I was a bit skeptical on the use of the Princess of Wales but in the end I liked the way the author connected the main themes and plot to historical incidences and real people.Describe 2 different settings or locations. The library (this was my favourite) - All dark mahogany wood with shelves from the floor to the ceiling. Two large mahogany desks with white sofas on each side. It was a beautiful warm room. The Abbey was a beautiful castle with long stair cases & huge rooms. The castle was very old with lots of secrets.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? Yes, I liked Taylor a lot and she was able to keep the story interesting. However, there were parts when I felt she was far too naive and that there wasn't anything new to discover about her.
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.
I, Walter
Overall thoughts about the book? The plot makes sense and can draw a reader's interest. 200 plus pages may seem like a lot but the writer provides a charming angle that makes the story enjoyable and one I will recommend to fans of historical fiction or romance. What did you think about the dialogue? Speech sounded natural and it suited the personality of each character. This reader felt all the emotion Walter wanted to share - his fears, his need to succeed and his dreams of the legacy he was leaving behind.
What did you think of the story structure? Story structure was cohesive and did not jump around as historical fiction books do. The writer took his time to merge past, present and future, by the time you get to the end, you are delighted with everything about this story.
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.