CARRIED HOME by Heather Manning

Oh. My. Gosh.  This brought me back to Pirates of the Caribbean, one of my favorite movies.  I’m also a fan of sea stories and romance in general, so I just ate this book up. 

The best part of this book to me (other than the characters, who are all engaging) was the imagery.  I could picture everything like a movie.  It sweeps you up into the scene.

Other than the romance, there is plenty of danger and action to keep the story moving.

This is the second book in the series, but I was able to read it and thoroughly enjoy it without having read book 1 first.

LUCID by L. E. Fred

This is a young adult fantasy book that is fresh.  I read a lot of fantasy, and after a while, certain fantasy books blend together.  They feel as if they were all the same story, but with different character names.  LUCID feels totally new. 

Other than the world and adventure, you’ll be rooting for Devon.  He definitely comes of age.  You’ll watch him grow mentally and physically.  I found it cool that the story is told from a boy’s point of view.  Most of the fantasy books I’ve read that are geared toward young adults involve a girl.

Be warned: the book doesn’t really end.  It will leave you wanting the sequel.

DAY MOON by Brett Armstrong

This is the first installment of the series “Tomorrow’s Edge.” 

I don’t normally read sci-fi, although I do enjoy the genre.  This sci-fi dystopian young adult novel blew me away.  It kept me entranced.  (Sometimes sci-fi goes over my head)  This book will appeal to anyone who is looking for an intelligent read about a strong character who is family oriented.  I loved that the book was left to him by his grandfather.  It reminded me of the treasures my grandmother passed down…although nothing like that book.

Something else that stood out to me was how this isn’t your typical dystopian novel.  It hasn’t been done before, so it was refreshing and unique.

The Great Siege by J. N. Tomczak

This book is just as good as the first!  Sometimes the sequel fizzles out, but it isn’t the case here.   My favorite part is the world building.  It feels like a movie.  You can see everything…and feel….and taste even.  It all comes to life.  After reading this, I really sat back thinking about the series.  The world building is definitely what makes it stand out.  (Of course, I also enjoyed more adventures of Aurora!) 

JUNCTION 2020: Book 2: Nightmare Realization by Carol Riggs

This is the type of series that doesn’t just follow one character.  This book is about a different one.  You’ll get to know Tony.  You’ll feel what he feels.  You’ll see what he sees.  I found much of it, like with the gangs, chilling.  It really sucked me in more than book 1.  I really felt that I could connect with Tony more, and that made this book more enjoyable than the first.

Check out this series if you love books where you get to experience a whole new world.

A Crazy, Holy Grace

I received a copy of A CRAZY, HOLY GRACE: THE HEALING POWER OF PAIN AND MEMORY by Frederick Buechner from Zondervan in exchange for an honest review. 

Like with another book of his I read, the prose sucks you in.  It makes his writing easy to read and enjoyable.  The book is small and reminded me of the texts I had to read back in high school and college, boring texts that I had to force myself to endure.  Maybe that’s why I went into this with a bit of trepidation.  I was excited to find it so enjoyable!  Yes, the topic is serious and sad, but by enjoyable I mean that I enjoyed reading the words.  I am still struggling with the loss of my maternal grandmother and this book helped me in a way other things haven’t.  There’s a lot of negativity going on in my life right now and the book gave me hope. 

The Remarkable Ordinary

I received a copy of THE REMARKABLE ORDINARY: HOW TO STOP, LOOK, AND LISTEN TO LIFE by Frederick Buechner from Zondervan in exchange for an honest review. 

The best thing about this book would have to be its prose.  This book isn’t dry at all.  Frederick Buechner writes with mirth and honesty.  I looked forward to sitting down each night for another chapter.  It felt like visiting a new friend.

This book is basically a series of lectures.  They are perfect for reading one a night.  They don’t really correlate, but after finishing the book, I can see the overall reach.