Table for Two: A Review

Goodreads:

Being a legal secretary is not exactly Jana Barrowman’s dream job, so when recently widowed Alex Steadman contacts her about the résumé she sent in more than a year ago with a job offer for a creative consultant position, she puts some serious thought into accepting it.The problem is, if she takes the new job, she will have to move to another state and leave her mom and dad behind. But when Jana determines that the move can help her get away from Brad—the overly adoring man in her life who she really doesn’t have any feelings for—she decides to go.

When Jana arrives for her new adventure, both Alex and his young daughter, Elise, are easily enamored with her—as is Jeff, the ward member who becomes Jana’s first date in her new town. However, Jana is not so sure about her feelings for any of them. And as she works side by side with Alex to transform a shabby house into a charming boutique, it becomes clear to her that Alex wants more than a friendship. Though Jana resists, she knows she has to work out her confusion before she loses everything that is becoming so dear to her. Will she be able to come to terms with the fact that Alex’s deceased wife, Vanessa, will always be a big part of his life, as well as Alex’s and her differing religious convictions and so many other complications that might not fit at a table for two?

My Review:

What you must understand is that this is an LDS, VERY cheesy, but very WONDERFUL love story.

Jana has been hired to help repair a craft shop for Alex’s dead wife. The decision is hard, but eventually she leaves her family and moves states away to take the job.

And let me say, I want to marry someone like Alex. He is so kind, so good to his daughter, Elise. Although he's a local celebrity, he is genuine and cares for others. He loves deeply with his whole heart and is so protective. *swoon*

Can I please marry an Alex Steadman?

Anyways, Jana is hesitant to fall in love with him because he is not a member of the church. Yet, she begins to discover her attraction to him undeniable.

And I love how patient Alex is. How understanding he is. And how receptive he is to listening to her speak about the gospel.

This was such a beautiful love story about a man coming to find God and a girl coming to learn that life will never be what you expect it to be. Seriously, I could re-read this book a million times and never tire of it.

5 out of 5!

The Merciless II: The Exorcism of Sofia Flores: A Review (The Merciless #2)

Goodreads:

Sofia is still processing the horrific truth of what happened when she and three friends performed an exorcism that spiraled horribly out of control. Ever since that night, Sofia has been haunted by bloody and demonic visions. Her therapist says they’re all in her head, but to Sofia they feel chillingly real. She just wants to get out of town, start fresh someplace else . . . until her mother dies suddenly, and Sofia gets her wish.

Sofia is sent to St. Mary’s, a creepy Catholic boarding school in Mississippi. There, seemingly everyone is doing penance for something, most of all the mysterious Jude, for whom Sofia can’t help feeling an unshakeable attraction. But when Sofia and Jude confide in each other about their pasts, something flips in him. He becomes convinced that Sofia is possessed by the devil. . . . Is an exorcism the only way to save her eternal soul?

Readers won’t be able to look away from this terrifying read full of twists and turns that will leave them wondering, Is there evil in all of us?

My Review:

Shudder. This book wasn't as fast paced as the first, but it was certainly creepy and a bit terrifying.

Sofia’s mom is dead and now she is sent to a Catholic boarding school where things aren't running like they probably should be. Her roommates are kind, but strange and awful things keep happening to them. And then there's Jude.

I didn't like him from the beginning. And I didn't like how fast Sofia fell for him, because duh, there was obviously something wrong about him.

But then again, Sofia is very stupid and very weak minded. Why I keep reading is because of the compelling story. Like, this crap is happening to Sofia not because she's stupid, but because someone is literally hell bent on turning her evil.

The end was very chilling and I'm kind of worried about what the next book will bring.

3.5 out of 5!

The Scourge of Muirwood: A Review (Legends of Muirwood #3)

Goodreads:

The Scourge of Muirwood is the final installment of the Muirwood Trilogy.

Upon discovering she is the lost heir of Pry-Ree, Lia is forced to leave the protection of Muirwood once again. She embarks upon a perilous journey across the kingdom where she avoids capture and begs passage on a ship bound to Dahomey. Lia's safety is in further jeopardy when she finally reaches Dochte Abbey and learns the hetaera have taken control. Lia must gather all her strength and muster the courage to defeat them, for if she fails, the consequence would be a world in ruin and the shattered lives of those she loves.

My Review:

Lia is now faced in a world overtaken by the evil hetaera--an evil group of women bent on destroying the world and the Medium. Lia must resist the call of their evil persuasions. Again, Colven has been separated from Lia, having to protect the fake heir of Pry-Ree. It kills me that Lia is forced to keep quiet about the truth... if only Colven knew the truth...

What's worst of all is everything and everyone is depending on Lia. The Aldermaston has helped Lia as much as he can and again, she is on her own. Her power in the Medium is stronger than ever, though.

This was a fantastic ending to a wonderful series. Although I wouldn't say it was exactly happy, it was perfect. This will series has made it to my mental list of favorites--which is a hard thing to do, mind you.

Again, another clean, awesome fantasy by Jeff Wheeler.

5 out of 5!

Dating Never Works... until It Does: 100 Lessons from 1,000 Dates

Goodreads:

Tired of mixed messages, confusing signals, and of playing the dating game? Dating expert Zack Oates has experienced it all in this comical guide that will keep you happy and laughing. Perfect for audiences in dating situations of all kinds, these encouraging steps will help you find your celestial mate.

My Review:

Oh my goodness. This was perhaps the funniest dating book I have ever read. Granted, it's the only dating book I've read, but hehe. Zack Oates knows how to get a point across while being hilarious too—which helps me remember the lessons he taught better.

This book has some great advice. It's nice to know how you're not wrong or crazy in certain situations and how we all can improve in the lovely world of dating.

This really was a well done book.

5 out of 5!

The Scorpio Races: A Review

Goodreads:

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

 

My Review:

Puck Connolly is a strong-willed, hard-working, and honest girl. She stands for what she believes in and no matter who laughs or jeers at her, she will do what's right. After she and her two brothers have been orphaned by the infamous water horses, she Gabe and Finn work their butts off to keep their home.

Only…her older brother Gabe is the biggest jerk-wad on the planet and decides—without telling them—that he's going to leave the island. So, scared out of her mind, Puck joins the races to try and convince him to stay...and to make enough money to save her and Finn.

Sean is a five time champion of the Scorpio Races with his water horse, Korr. He's back in the Races and very intrigued by Puck’s entrance.

Together Sean and Puck prepare for what seems like the hardest race of their lives. Puck has to deal with a loser brother and take care of her younger. Sean has to decide what kind of man he is and what he will do with his future.

This was a beautiful book about hard decisions and growing up. I admire Sean and Puck’s strength.

4 out of 5!

The Blight of Muirwood: A Review (Legends of Muirwood #2)

Goodreads:

Rising from her humble beginnings as a lost orphan, Lia is summoned to be Muirwood Abbey’s protector and special guardian for Ellowyn Demont, the lost heir of the fallen kingdom of Pry-Ree. After the death of the ruthless king at the battle of Winterrowd, the great Aldermaston and Abbey leader calls on Lia to use her mystical talents to save Muirwood from two new threats—a vengeful queen accusing the Abbey of her husband’s death and a deadly plague threatening to destroy the land.

Amidst the turmoil, a battle ensues, and soon Lia learns the world’s magic has begun to falter. As a blanket of dread envelops the Abbey, hopes are tested, and Lia will be forced to come to terms with a secret that will change her life forever.

My Review:

Lia is now 15 and has been appointed the Hunter for the Abbey. I must admit, I was surprised at how good she was at it. She didn't rely on her power with the Medium as she trained, but rather she focused on building her physical strength and endurance.

And then when Colven comes back. Gah. I learned to love him from the first book but man, he just made me angry in this one. He couldn't admit his love for Lia because she wasn't a Maston like him, and he could only marry a Maston. So heaven forbid he reject her in a nice way, but no...

He should have had more faith in Lia.

But in this novel, Lia is forced to rely mostly on herself. She grows so much, it's incredible to see the change from the Lia of the first book to the Lia at the end of this one.

Again, such a good, wholesome, clean read. The fantasy world was so vivid, I wish I could visit.

4.5 out of 5!

The Wretched of Muirwood: A Review (Legends of Muirwood #1)

Goodreads:

In the ancient and mystical land of Muirwood, Lia has known only a life of servitude. Labeled a “wretched,” an outcast unwanted and unworthy of respect, Lia is forbidden to realize her dream to read or write.

All but doomed, her days are spent toiling away as a kitchen slave under the charge of the Aldermaston, the Abbey’s watchful overseer. But when an injured squire named Colvin is abandoned at the kitchen’s doorstep, an opportunity arises.

The nefarious Sheriff Almaguer soon starts a manhunt for Colvin, and Lia conspires to hide Colvin and change her fate. In the midst of a land torn by a treacherous war between a ruthless king and a rebel army, Lia finds herself on an ominous journey that will push her to wonder if her own hidden magic is enough to set things right.

At once captivating, mysterious, and magic-infused, The Wretched of Muirwood takes the classic fantasy adventure and paints it with a story instantly epic, and yet, all its own.

My Review:

This fantasy adventure was such a wonderful breath of fresh air. Not only did Lia and Colven’s story keep me up late at night, but it was so clean. There wasn't any language or dirty scenes. It has been a while since I've read such a good, wholesome book. Jeff Wheeler reminded me how you can write a good story without foul words or dirty sex scenes.

Now, for this story, Lia is about 13 years old and Colven about 17. So I appreciate that even though Lia had a crush on Colven, nothing happened beyond friendship. Because she's 13!

What I also loved was the world building. I walked beside Lia and her friends, I was there in battle with them, there when she discovered how to have more control over the medium, and there through her pain of being a wretched.

Lia is so good. Despite the lot she's been given in life, she loves with her whole heart and always strives to do what's right.

I also love the Aldermaston. Although I hated him at first, I learned just how an amazing mentor he is.

4 out of 5!