Month: April 2015

The Hour of Parade by Alan Bray

Review - Submitted

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.  A B.R.A.G. MEDALLION HONOREE

The Hour of Parade is a timeless novel written during a historical moment that is often romanticized. The love and connection between the characters is captivating and intriguing.  The relationships between Alexi Ruzhensky and Marianne; Valsin and Anne Marie; and finally Ruzhensky and Valsin are well written, growing each character fully.  While the plot is not action packed, it is packed with emotional truths that will make the reader gasp at times. Richly detailed, the novel is painfully accurate.  For example the plight of women during the 1800 and early 1900’s where they were forced to depend upon a man for protection and were little more than tools for men’s pleasure – devastatingly accurate.

“She needs your protection then.  Without you, she’d be in real trouble.  … She depends on me, and without my protection, the city will destroy her.”

Ruzhensky must decide whether to follow his father’s wishes for blind vengeance or his own morals and find the truth of the situation out for himself before taking action.  Building a friendship with Valsin, his father’s enemy, reveals truths not only about the situation but also about himself and his actions.  Seeing Valsin as himself, he begins the journey of self-discovery.

“It’s true, my brother was the cadet you fought in a single combat at Wischau.  They said you’d murdered him, and I …I didn’t know you.”

Ruzhensky, is also haunted by a past romance, and is seeking a relationship using Julie, written by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, as his model for a lover.  Stymied by fate and a call to arms, Ruzhensky is faced with a devastating truth.

This is a book that many would enjoy, male and female, as it explores relationships in a voice that speaks to both genders honestly and truthfully.  It is a story that reveals truths that are emotional and accurate. While it is not action packed, it is grounded in war and military as well as the life of soldiers and their women during Bonaparte’s time.   You will not be able to leave this book alone once you finish reading it, it will come back to you in moments of reflection.

WordsAPlenty rates this book with a 5 star review.

To purchase The Hour of Parade by Alan Bray go to http://www.amazon.com/Hour-Parade-Alan-Bray/dp/1490463224/

 

 

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Fly the Storm by James Stevenson

Review - Submitted

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.  A B.R.A.G. MEDALLION HONOREE

A pacifist by heart, Blanche Longhurst aids Britain by delivering Spitfires from “Point A to Point B” during the war.  However, one fateful trip to “Point B” and to see her fiancé, she finds herself behind enemy lines in France.   In order to survive she must become embroiled in espionage.  A beautiful woman, she finds herself in the middle of the French Resistance aiding stranded and wounded airmen to heal and return home to England as well as having to learning secrets from the Luftwaffe.

The French Resistance Cell led by Madame Cazalet and Dadan, beautiful Blanche (now a French nurse named Lucette) manages to attract the attention of several top-ranking members of the Luftwaffe.

Blanche is not the only one struggling with her life, Otto is as well:  “Lowering his voice he said, ‘Victory means the extermination of all who don’t fit the plan – Jews, gypsies, homosexuals.  Sometimes I wish I were back in Oxford.”

Among her complications are her missing and presumed dead fiancé; Eric, a wounded soldier; and Otto a high ranking pilot of the Luftwaffe.   Blanche wants to confirm her fiancé is alive and steal the documentation for the German plane – Butcher Bird.  All goes smoothly until she has to make a decision between her wants and desires and England.  Her decisions leave Blanche destined to relive this night’s activities in her nightmares and every single day she breathes.  Eleven years later Blanche is on another fateful journey to conquer her fears and put some of her demons to rest.

This was not a slow moving book but rather one that is action-packed with espionage and romance. This is an excellent example of historic fiction.  With each twist, Stevenson surprises and successfully ties up each piece of the story at the end.  His character development is such that the reader will begin to find themselves lost in the story, feeling the pain and gaiety of each.  One might even find themselves rooting for the German pilot and his friends.  Stevenson knows how to play on reader’s heart strings and makes one evaluate how war affects everyone.

WordsAPlenty gives this book a 5 star review.   We expect more exciting reads from Mr. Stevenson.

To purchase this book go to http://www.amazon.com/Fly-Storm-James-Stevenson-ebook/dp/B004XRC4ZA/

 

 

 

 

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Thane: Everknot Duet (Book 1) by Travis Daniel Bow

Review - Submitted

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.  A B.R.A.G. MEDALLION HONOREE

A beautiful day set aside for fun and excitement, two brothers – Robert and Timothy head off to the local village to enjoy the festivities.  Darkness prevails and the two brothers find themselves captives of the Huctan army; the killers of all things Botan.

With the assistance of a young girl, both brothers are determined to escape and return home.  However, they go from being prisoners of the Huctan army to being prisoners of a rebel group created to protect Botan and all things Botan.  Joining the group of rebels, the two brothers are faced with whom to trust and where their allegiance lies. Unknown to them, they have just joined a group built on lies and deception.  Sworn to protect Botan these boys are trained to become a Thane by learning to manipulate, deceive and move with stealth and deadly force all to protect Botan.  They are faced with life and death decisions with each mission they venture on.

“I swore, then,” he said, that the Huctans would never break me the way they broke Fenae.  That I would never so much as cry because of them.  That I would hurt them, if I could, but they would never hurt me.”

The lies and deceptions come full circle when the boys are yet again separated and faced with the treacherous Huctans.

“Something in Haberd had suspected from the moment the council meeting was called.  Maybe it was the convenient way that someone forgot to notify him of the meeting, or the twinkle of surprise in Verinald’s eyes when Haberd arrived.” 

Can the brothers come together once again and save those that are depending on them?  Can they save Botan?

Travis Daniel Bow has created an engaging and fast moving action packed adventure.  Bow’s writing style encourages the reader to naturally build a connection with the two brothers and rebels, rooting for the defeat of the Huctan Army and their deceivers.    The plot development is clear and concise; a well-crafted tale that is believable in its details and development.  Character development is perfect as readers can visualize each character in their entirety.  Rich in details and vivid descriptions, this book is a must read for young adults and old.  Where some struggle with ending a book leaving some mystery, Bow has no difficulty with this.  The book ended with passion and a feeling of hope.

WordsAPlenty gives this book a 5 star review.

To purchase this book go to http://www.amazon.com/Thane-Everknot-Duet-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00KNZGDFI

 

 

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Click Date Repeat by K. Farnham

Review - Submitted

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.  A B.R.A.G. MEDALLION HONOREE

Failed relationships and a busy schedule, Chloe Thompson has tried the old fashioned ways of meeting possible suitors.  Now she has decided to take the hunt to the internet and try online dating.  Along the way she encounters a variety of men.

“Scott is pounding one end of his straw onto the table, trying to get the other end to pop out of the wrapper.  Instead, the straw bends sideways. He tries two more times without luck.  Ahhhhh. I want to rip the straw from his hand and remove the wrapper for him, but …”

From this first date, a host of other men come into her life via the computer – Packer Fan Patrick, Frank, Drew, Paul just to name a few. While some might be interesting to get to know more, Chloe isn’t sure what she’s looking for in a companion.  And she has to deal with at least one failed relationship making a return. Finally, having had enough of online dating, she cancels her account with Yahoo Personals – it’s just fortunate for her that Yahoo Personals didn’t get the message.

A light fun read with moments that have you laughing out loud.  The story is quick and in constant motion, never a dull moment! Vivid descriptions enable the reader to visualize the characters and disastrous situations.  Writing style is clear and rich in descriptions and words.  The characters are fully developed enabling readers to connect with them and visualize them completely.  The story line flows smoothly.

WordsAPlenty gives this book a 5 star review!

To purchase this book:  http://www.amazon.com/Click-Date-Repeat-K-Farnham-ebook/dp/B00MXSLAJC

 

 

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Destiny (Absent Shadows Trilogy Book 1) by S M Spencer

Review - Submitted

Destiny: Absent Shadows Trilogy: Book One

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.  A B.R.A.G. MEDALLION HONOREE

Lili McIntyre takes a mid-winter vacation to stay with her family in Melbourne, Australia.  Lili is hoping to discover herself, define her life goals and find inspiration on her journey of discovery. It is in Melbourne that Lili meets Sam, a young, strong, brooding dark-haired male whom she instantly takes a strong liking.

Then the paranormal step in and brings with it danger and possible death.  Lili and Sam must together with their friends fight the others who are intent upon destroying the world or at the very least create irreparable havoc and chaos.  In the midst of all this, Lili finds her soulmate.

“I stepped back, wiped my face, and put on a brave smile.  I stood there, perfectly still, wanting to capture this moment in my memory so I could recall it over and over – to last me until I returned. … us being together was right – that it was my destiny, and nothing could keep us apart.”

A strong well written book.  Based on the strength of the characters and well developed plot, the book is very appealing to young adults and adults.  Destiny is light reading with a plot and characters that will captivate and engross you.  You will not want to put the book down as Ms. Spencer provides twists and moments that will send chills up and down your spine.

Ms. Spencer has a knack for writing in a captivating style by providing vivid and rich details that the reader has no recourse but to become engrossed in the book.  It is an excellent book and one I can see will gain in popularity with young audiences and those who love romance.

Attention to detail is one of Ms. Spencer’s strong points – there were no grammatical errors or typos.  The story flowed smoothly.

WordsAPlenty highly recommends this book and gives it a 5 star rating.

To purchase this book go to http://www.amazon.com/Destiny-Absent-Shadows-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B00O6WL9IA

 

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