RIDING SHOTGUN: AND OTHER AMERICAN CRUELTIES by Andy Rausch

This was a little different than what I normally read.  Instead of one long story, this was a series of novellas, all quite unusual and centered around the theme of crime.  The novellas are all fast-paced and exciting.  I liked that they were novellas.  It gave me just enough to read before bed without making myself too tired in the morning!

My favorite of the bunch is “$crilla.”  It had me laughing aloud and my husband had to ask me what was so funny.

The other stories are equally good.  My second favorite would have to be “Easy-Peezy” because its historical fiction and I have a thing for that genre. 

“Riding Shtogun” was good too, but it didn’t hold my attention the way the others did.  I give those 5 stars, and this one a three.

Overall, I recommend this collection to anyone looking for something quite different and entertaining.

THE SUMMER THE WORLD ENDED by Matt Cox

This is a young adult post-apocalyptic book with a twist ending that will blow you away.  If you’re looking for something unique in the genre, check out this book.

I felt for Riley.  Her mom dies and she’s stuck with a dad she doesn’t know.  The descriptions of her emotions were spot-on, but my favorite descriptions are the ones of her dad.  He is so well detailed!

I liked that Riley is self-conscious about her weight.  I felt for her and knew exactly what she was talking about.  People have always accused me of having an eating disorder and making fun of my weight.  I thought giving her that characteristic was an awesome attribute.

This is a portrayal of a girl who is uprooted and forced into a new world.  It shows how she adapts and grows stronger.

A Song of Home

I received a copy of A SONG OF HOME by Susie Finkbeiner from Kregel in exchange for an honest review.  It is the third book in the series about Pearl Spence and the tagline states it a novel of the swing era.

I am deeply in love with this series, the first book especially.  It will often go through my mind.  I refelect on Pearl’s journey whenever I’m struggling.  With the series meaning so much to me, I worried that this book wouldn’t live up to my expectations.  Book 2 for me was good, but it fizzled out when it came to the mom.

I’m happy to announce this story is just as heartwarming as the first two books, and it has a wonderful amount of historical details to place in 1935 with Pearl.  More than being a period drama, though, it is the emotional story of a girl growing up in a broken family and going through normal preteen girl issues.

I have to say that the Mama in this book and book 2 didn’t match what I thought of mama in book 1, and that’s the only thing to put a downer on this series for me.

I recommend this book to teens and adults.  Although Pearl is 11, I don’t see it being appropriate for a child.  There is a lot of tough, adult topics and emotional heartache.  It is, however, a clean book.

Faithful Finance

I received a copy of FIATHFUL FINANCE by Emily G. Stroud from Zondervan in exchange for an honest review.  The tagline is: 10 SECRETS TO MOVE FROM FEARFUL INSECURITY TO CONFIDENT CONTROL. 

I found this enlightening and it really spoke to me.  Right now, my husband and I are both out of work.  We have a baby and bills, and there are times that the finances are getting to be too stressful for me.  I especially liked the section on monthly budgets.  My husband struggles with that and I am hoping reading this will help.

People often talk about how important finances are, but they don’t always break it down.  This definitely breaks it down in a readable way that makes sense.  It might look like a textbook, but it doesn’t read like one.  This is perfect for those who know nothing about finance (like me) or for those wanting to think about finance in more depth.

ESCAPE FROM SAMSARA by Nicky Blue

Okay, this book is HILARIOUS.  If you’re looking for some humor and a fast read, definitely pick this up.  I read it in one night.  Quite a few times I laughed out loud and my husband had to ask me what was going on.

It does have some “guy” humor, but as a girl, I could still enjoy it.  I was glancing over the other reviews and saw that one mentioned it should be a comic strip.  I couldn’t agree more!

BLEED THROUGH by Adriana Arrington

This is such a chillingly good book.  You really get inside of Liam’s mind.  I’ve read other books where the main character suffers from a mental illness, and they were no where’s near this in-depth.  At times I almost felt like Liam.  I know many people who struggle with mental illness, and I know that they suffer from the stigma society has placed on them.  This story is refreshing in the way that it shows Liam not as a “villain,” but as someone pure and honest who must struggle with the workings of his own mind.

There is more to the story, of course.  It is quite suspenseful and one of the best thrillers I’ve read.

HAPPILY EVER AFTERS by Rachel Magee

This is an adorable, clean romance.  The chemistry between Lainey and Carter is enough to have you giggle and coo, without any smut.  Sometimes romance novels are too slow; this one has the perfect amount of characterization, buildup of setting, and adventure.  There wasn’t a dull moment and I got to know the characters well.

I loved the imagery for the beach.  It made me want to go back to the ocean.

An excellent read if you are looking for a fast-paced wholesome romance.

THE OTHER LAMB by Katie Young

Talk about creepy good!  This is an original take on vampires, and it adds in angels, which is something new for me with this genre. 

I especially liked that this novel explores different point of views.  That always enhances the experience for me.  You get to explore the story on a fuller stage. 

If you’re looking for something truly original or if you’re in the mood for some imaginative vampires, check out THE OTHER LAMB.  

THE EXXTINCTION: THE ONLY HOPE FOR MAN IS A WOMAN by J. A. Antonio

In one word, this book is exciting!  I didn’t expect so much action.  There is barely a breather, but it doesn’t leave you feeling drained.  The writing is smooth and in some place, it had a fairy tale feel, which only added to the story’s overall appeal. 

If you’re looking for some imaginative dystopian that is out of the ordinary, check out THE EXXTINCTION.

Is “epic dystopian” a thing?  I know epic fantasy is and dystopian.  If it wasn’t a genre before, this book should make it a thing.

Note: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

HERE BY DRAGONS by Kadee Carder

I was excited to read this, because so far I’ve enjoyed all of Kadee’s other books.  They are filled with action, adventure, and the best part is that they are clean.

This book is Tucker’s story.  You don’t need to have read the other books to enjoy this one, but it will enhance the experience.  I’d liked Tucker, but never felt too connected with him.  This changed that.  He might be my new favorite from the series!

ANDI TO THE RESCUE

I received a copy of ANDI TO THE RESCUE by Susan K. Marlow from Kregel in exchange for an honest review.  This is the fourth installment in the series “Circle C Beginnings.”

This is another stellar contribution to the Andi universe.  This reminded me a little of an American Girls drama and an episode of “Little House on the Prairie.”  ANDI TO THE RESCUE has got to be my favorite book of this series so far.  It had a lot more danger than the other books, but it is a still a clean romance, with plenty of tender moments.  It goes to show that even a child can be brave and do the seemingly impossible.  The added historical facts at the end are just a bonus.

Andi Lassos Trouble

I received a copy of ANDI LASSOS TROUBLE by Susan K. Marlow from Kregel in exchange for an honest review.  This is the third installment in the series “Circle C Beginnings.”

I loved the previous books in this series and the other series about Andi.  I enjoyed this one just as much.  It is a book that teaches kids about hard work, ranch life, history, and how to be a good person even if you don’t always feel like a good person.  In one word, I would describe the book as “sweet.”  A parent can feel good about giving it to their child to read.

Growing up, I watched a lot of westerns with my mom.  This book reminded me of those.  The theme for this one in the series is “rodeo.”  You can learn about what rodeos were like back then, and there is an informational chapter included at the end.

The Pirate Princess

THE PIRATE PRINCESS
by K. R. Martin

Sometimes, to become a princess…

Raised to marry a king, Renee’s greatest desire is to be a true queen. So, while other girls learned the art of embroidery, Renee perfected her skills with a sword. She was prepared to earn the respect of her future husband, but a chance encounter with a handsome stranger awakens her heart to the possibility of love.

… a girl must become a pirate.

When tragedy strikes, Renee flees, right onto a pirate ship! Surprising herself, she offers to join their crew. Happy to finally put her swordsmanship to use, she fights injustice on the seas, but when her kingdom is threatened, can she give up the safety and happiness for an uncertain future? Or can she finally become the leader, the princess, her people need?

But it here: https://www.amazon.com/Pirate-Princess-Sovereigns-Seas-Book-ebook/dp/B077P9PS6S/ref=pd_ybh_a_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=WVQ7D9RXZC0CT9ZMEMEN

K. R. (Karen) Martin has always loved stories, whether reading or writing them. Her passion for stories led her to a BA in History with a minor in English. She’s unapologetically a princess at heart, even if she loves a good rapier as much as a formal gown. Deeply romantic, she loves that she gets to live with her own prince charming, and her best friend, in Texas along with their cat and two children.

Connect with K. R. Martin:

http://espanrose.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/krmartinauthor

https://twitter.com/espanrose

https://www.amazon.com/KR-Martin/e/B077WLFFJ2/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

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