Garden of Madness

Think you know the story of Nebuchadnezzar and his madness?

That sounded terribly cheesy.

I saw "Garden of Madness" up for review on Thomas Nelson's Book Sneeze review program, and I felt drawn to it. So, I signed up to review it, not even knowing what gem I had asked for.
I begin reading it, and was drawn into this Babylonian world so familiar to the biblical and historical one I was familiar with, and yet so new, fresh, and dark.
I couldn't put it down, I flew through it, and I didn't even bother to say, "just one more chapter", as I knew that would never come to be.
And I finished it in a matter of hours. All 337 pages of it. Done. I think I might have broken a new personal record, or at least scored close to my Phantom of the Opera record (started and finished POTO in one night).

So, here is my review of this book that is as dazzling and confusing as the land it is set in.

Publisher Description: 

The Untold Story of King Nebuchadnezzar’s Daughter.
For seven years the Babylonian princess Tiamat has waited for the mad king Nebuchadnezzar to return to his family and to his kingdom. Driven from his throne to live as a beast, he prowls his luxurious Hanging Gardens, secreted away from the world.
Since her treaty marriage at a young age, Tia has lived an indulgent palace life. But when her husband dies and a nobleman is found murdered in the palace, Tia must discover who is responsible for the macabre death, even if her own newfound freedom is threatened.
As the queen plans to wed Tia to yet another prince, the powerful mage Shadir plots to expose the family’s secret and set his own man on the throne. Tia enlists the help of a reluctant Jewish captive, her late husband’s brother Pedaiah, who challenges her notions of the gods even as he opens her heart to both truth and love.
In a time when few gave their hearts to Yahweh, one woman must decide if she is willing to risk everything—her possessions, her gods, and her very life—for the Israelite’s one God. Madness, sorcery and sinister plots mingle like an alchemist’s deadly potion, and Tia must dare to risk all – to save the kingdom, and to save herself.

:info to know:

Author: Tracy L. Higley

My recommended age: 13+

Their recommended age: NA

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Number of Pages: 337

 

Characters:

The cast in this novel....are stunning. Honestly so. So well crafted and third dimensional. I believe the greatest example would be Queen Amytis. While she is a true life person, she was brought to so much life. And it was done stunningly. When the book starts out, we see her as a stern, unfair, and, yes, cruel mother who seems to hate her daughter (Tiamat, the main character) for no apparent reason than she just does.
But as the story progresses, we see Amytis for who she truly is, a woman who is falling apart, but must hold a throne together without the support of a King and husband.
And of course, her chilliness towards Tiamat is well explained, though, to divulge such facts now would be breaking the River Song code of "spoilers!"
Queen Amytis is only one, from Amel-Marduk, Tiamat, Pedaiah, Shadir, Daniel (of course Daniel was included! In fact, through this read, I've grown to truly desire to meet Daniel. What an amazing man he was. I think he is the sort of fellow I could confine in without being scolded, just kindly directed) and Nebuchadnezzar. His character was made so much more clearer. It was...amazing.

Plot:

I remained at the end of my seat the whole time. Actually, I was laying on my bed, but, lets just say the seat is proverbial.
So, I remained gripping the sides of my proverbial chair, and thinking to myself, "there is no way this can turn out happy for everyone. There is no way Tiamat can fix this".
And you know what? I was right.
It came shockingly, like, a bucket of cold water I should have expected.
None of us can fix messes in this world. None of us can right wrongs.
At least, not alone.
But everything does turn out good for everyone in the end. (Expect for Shadir, but do I look like I care about him?).
But not my Tia's hand, nor by Daniel's, or any extremely awesome Jewish guy who I adored before Tia thought it cool. *hipster glasses*.
But by Yahweh's. things were an awful mess until she reached out to him, and begged for him to "take the wheel" as Carrie Underwood says.
That ice bucket of water reminded me of how often I do the same thing, I try to take control, to work things out all on my own, when Yahweh yearns to take it from my shoulder so he can deal with it.

Writing Style:

Her writing style is like a pen of blood. Each character, place, event or description that I came across made Babylon so much more REAL.
I know, for me, it's easy to read the bible, and yet hard to picture all these people as REAL PEOPLE.
"Garden of Madness" brought all these places and people to life. It solidified their existence in my head.

Ending:

Well, I guess this is where I should have put that grande speech up in "plot".
The ending was incredibly sweet, alright? As it came to nearing a close, I kept looking at the amount of pages I had left, and thinking, "how? How will everything get sorted out?"
But it did. And it was so sweet, and delightful.

World Building:

Do you ever look at places you've never been, and suddenly it just HITS you, these are REAL places. People live here, were born here, died here. Cats ran wild in the alleys behind the grandeur.
That's how I felt with this book.
Babylon and it's Hanging Gardens is suddenly such a real place.

Language:

None

Drugs and Drink:

Tia is drugged by an unnamed Villain (did it really take you so long to uncover who? XD) to make her believe she was inheriting her Father's madness. There is actually more to it, but "Spoilers!"

One of Tia's suitors is drunk once.

Wine is drank like water, but that was custom in those times.

Romance and Sexual content:

Tia was married for seven years to Pedaiah'a older (pompous) brother. There are a few mentions of "being summoned to her husband's chambers" but there is nothing in detail, and the novel opens with her husband's death.
A few other similar remarks are made, but there are never any actual happenings. It's enough to be a 13+ read, but not enough to warrant caution.

Violence:

Well, yeah. There is violence. It isn't gory, more of just vaguely mentioned.
If there ever was a event where government was being overthrown and it wasn't bloody, do enlighten me, as I don't know of one.

Rating:

I've hooted, hounded, raved and awed over the beauty of this book. And even the finale author note at the back at the book was amazing. It was so...uplifting.
I was nervous while going into this read, due to my last retelling of a biblical account from Thomas Nelson (wasn't so hot...actually, it was hot. Very hot. Hot and sensual. It wasn't so great. There. Much better wording).
But, I was pleasantly surprised, and I'm regretting getting this book in ebook format. I do believe I need it on my bookshelf promptly.
So, my rating?

It's a retelling of that mysterious time period when Nebuchadnezzar went through his humbling madness. It painted a picture of how the kingdom was kept safe by attackers or enemies within the palace.
But it's more it's a novel about searching and finding truth, be it pleasant or painful.
It's about pride, and learning to humble yourself before God.
It's about the complicated relationships within families, the ties, the bonds and strengths that hold us together.
And it's about trusting your well being, your very life, into God's hand; letting Him shelter you and yours beneath his wings, and giving the fight, whatever it is, into his capable hands.

And even with all that, I feel I haven't praised this book enough.

Dragon Rose

:My random thoughts:

 

A friend sent me a facebook message suggesting Christine Pope's books, Dragon Rose to be specific, to me.  She said it seemed like something I'd like to read.  She said it was a romance, and I instantly thought, "uh, no".  You see, I love romances, I love the butterflies, I love the way the hero is described, I love the feels, but its easier to find a purple camel than a clean romance.  Most of the time I end up just getting grossed out and vowing to never read another one.  But Sarah assured me it was clean, and focused more on emotions than physical love.  Which snagged my attention, this sounded promising. 
I checked it out on Amazon, and the synopsis had me hooked. Dragon? Beauty and the Beast esque? oh yes.  So I bought it in a sudden act of rush, and to give you a tiny secret, it's rare I buy books.  If I can't find them on paperbackswap, or my library's database, than I don't get it.  But I bought this kindle e book, (and I'm currently feeling proud of myself for supporting a little known author).  And. I. Loved. It.
Finished it within two hours. And reread the ending this morning because I loved it so much, re read it twice, actually.  It was so beautiful.  And, it had cloaks and hoods. (If you follow my personal blog, you will doubtless remember my "CLOOOOOOAAAAKKKSSS ANNNNDDDD HHOOOOODSSSS" episode...). I loved Theran. He was so beautiful a person.  Actually, he is my model man. Well, almost...But you get the point.  Something I really loved was how they were married through the whole book.  You see, it repulses me when romance books have pre-marriage sex more than anything else. It irks me, and grates on every fiber of myself.  But they were married, their love, their emotions, it was perfectly fine. And I loved that. It allowed me to not feel guilty over loving their love. And it was clean. There was only one sentence that spoke of the special love between Husband and Wife, and it was so very vague, I only know what it meant because I'm a big girl who wishes she was still a naive little girl. (sidetracked I was just...). Anyway. I leave you to the bare bones of the review:

:Publisher's Description:

 

The shadow of the cursed Dragon Lord has hung over the town of Lirinsholme for centuries, and no one ever knows when the Dragon will claim his next doomed Bride. Rhianne Menyon has dreams of being a painter, but her world changes forever when a single moment of sacrifice brings her to Black's Keep as the Dragon's latest Bride. As she attempts to adjust to her new life -- and to know something of the monster who is now her husband -- she begins to see that the curse is far crueler than she first believed. Unraveling the mystery of what happened to the Dragon's Brides is only the beginning...

:info to know:

Author: Christine Pope

My recommended age: 13+

Their recommended age: NA

Publisher: Dark Valentine Press

Number of Pages: 276

Characters: 

Rhianne was a spunky girl, and I immediately loved her.   She actually reminded me of another wonderful friend I am blessed with...

moving on.

She was fun, and easily to relate to.

But she was nowhere near my favorite character. 

That goes to Theran.  From the moment he entered the room where their wedding was being held, as soon as it was made clear he wore a hooded cloak to cover his monstrous form, my heart spazzed and did THIS. as before said, he is almost my model man, and I just couldn't hold all my feels inside.  I spent many happy sighs, and clutching-the-kindle-to-my-hearts over this man.  

But, all in all, they are normal Romance characters.  Sure, Theran has his own little quirk, and, as a writer myself, it is much easier to make unique male characters than female ones.  But as far as romances go, it is really hard to make characters who are solely unique. Theran had that beautiful "rich and soft voice" that it seems every romance character has. Honestly, I wouldn't like a hero who has a "nasally and whinny" voice much..so I'm not going to gripe. What I especially loved was the tinkering Inventor that Ms. Pope threw into his character.  I haven't seen that done before in a Medieval fantasy, nor a romance.  It added it's own special touch.

 

Plot:

Well, if the fact that I finished it in 2 hours isn't proof enough, it is so very addictive. I kept thinking, "One more chapter and I'll go cook dinner" but I simply couldn't end there, I had to know what was next.  Nowhere did it get slow, and her foreshadowing was delightful, and I just couldn't put it down. 

Writing Style:

It was delightfully easy, and yet had hidden gems.  And, something special stuck out to me was her description of the book of magic Theran let Rhianne borrow.  It was so vivid, I almost wonder if Mrs. Pope held the very book in her hands to describe.  On a whole, her descriptions were left vague, leaving the reader to fill in the blank spots, while still giving us enough to not turn everything entirely wrong in our heads.  The way she described Rhianne's depression felt so close, and real, the way you were inside Rhianne's head, and felt her the pain as Theran seemed to reject her, as she wished to die, you felt the love for her painted man right alongside her.

Honestly, it was lovely. 

Ending: 

I've read the ending three times. And I rarely reread things. 

World Building: 

It was stunning.  Since World Building is a weakness of mine, I always marvel at how well published Authors do it.  I could almost close my eyes, and see everything.  The places that Rhianne remarked on made me just yearn to mount a steed, and explore the land where Men may become Dragons.

  Language: 

One use of chit.

 

Drugs and Drink:  

Wine is drank at every meal, and I do believe Rhianne gets a little light headed once, but there is never any drunkenness.

 

Romance and sexual content:  

It's a romance, but a sweet one.  And there was absouletly nothing to make me hesitate to proclaim my love for it.  I closed the book with a happy sigh, instead of a wide eyed, "I didn't need to know that".  As I said, there was one sentence that spoke of intimacy, but it was perfectly vague, and since I doubt -13 YOs should be reading romances anyway, it is all well.

Violence: 

None.

 

 

Ratings

I'm always tougher on Romances, since I have high standards for them.  I hold them above a list of virtues that it seems they will never accomplish.

But Dragon Rose did.

It has made it into The League of Ashley's Favorite Books, which is shared by Lord Of the Rings, Phantom of the Opera, and Sherlock Holmes. 

Every second of the two hours I spent reading it, I enjoyed, and it sent me into such throes of angst that I felt I shall never recover from the acute feels. 

Ms. Pope really should have more fame.  "More Fame" as in, I'd gladly replace Stephanie Meyers with her.  I'd watch a movie of Dragon Rose over and over and over again.

So is it any surprise that I award it the most high honour of: 

5 lovely, delightful stars made from dictionary paper because those are the best.

I highly, HIGHLY reccomded this book to everyone. Everyone over 13. Everyone over 13 who are girls. Everyone over 13 who loves a sweet romance where you want to marry the Hero and OHIMIGOSH I CAN'T EVEN HE IS ADORABLE.

basically.

More about Dragon Rose and Christine Pope:

Her Website//Her Blog//Her Twitter//Dragon Rose Amazon page 

(paperback is 9.99 W/O shipping, and kindle version is 3.99 and doesn't require shipping).

I'd also give you her NaNoWriMo profile page...but that might seem just a bit like a creeper...so I won't. ;)

Do you read Romance?

Manuscript for Murder

:My random thoughts:

 

How would you react if each time you wrote a murder, it was recreated in real life?

I was pulled in immediately by Mrs. Havig's newest novel. First off, because of the main character, Alexa Hartfield. As soon as we 'met' on the electronic pages on my kindle reader, I knew, as Anne Shirley would put it, I had found a kindred soul. Or a member of the race of Joseph.  And second, the simply chilling storyline that follows like a charming little sister to the famed Agatha Christie.  Of course, Joe made for a darling addition, and the fact that Mrs. Havig's writing can't help but be sweet and hilarious also helped.

:Publisher's Description:

Alexa Hartfield. Author, local celebrity, fashion connoisseur. She chose Fairbury for its close proximity to Rockland, its small town atmosphere, and its low crime rate.

Then someone made her life a literary cliché. A mysterious accident with a light bulb sparked an interesting idea for her latest novel—and for Fairbury’s new serial killer. The first replication infuriated her. The second left an even worse taste in her mouth. The third blasted more than her self-confidence, and the fourth beat her down so far she’s considering giving up writing completely.

Who is killing Fairbury’s citizens, and furthermore, why and how are they using her novels to do it?

:info to know:

Author: Chautona Havig

My recommended age: 13+

Their recommended age: NA

Publisher: Create Space

Number of Pages: 288

Characters:
As said, I hit it right off with Alexa the moment she mentioned wearing a retro outfit. I'm a huge fan of vinatage and retro garb, and to find a lady that boldly wears what she likes without a regard of whether it is in fashion or not, and her inspiring life motto to not wait around for your favorite Era's fashion to come back into style before you wear it.  The moment I read Alexa declare that, my heart did jumping jack's and cried happy tears while whispering, "Oh yes!". 

And Joe. I fell right in love with him, hook and line, and, oh yeah, sinker too. In fact, I think I might've ditched for my Prince on a white Steed, can I have a cute small town Police Offer with darling curls and a winning personality? ?

 

Plot:

So many words to describe it, so few space. I'll just say, it had me quite caught up, and I simply couldn't put it down.  I have been humming old songs, and right now, I'll listening to Ella Fitzgerald's 'I Love Paris' because it just fits the book, and the reviewing of it. A whimsical murder, if that's even possible. It kept you thinking, and in the end, in true Agatha Christie fashion, you had to laugh at yourself because you never saw that coming. 

Writing Style:

As said it once, twice, and I say it thrice, I love Chautona Havig's writing style. I love everything about it, how she slips meaningful tidbits down, and douses you with humor.  But, there was a slight difference in 'Manuscript For Murder'. I don't even know how to say it without sounding vile or unprincipled, but it was much more, charming. Albeit a murder mystery, I was lured by the delightful charm of everything except the deaths. It was whimsical, and beautiful, while still holding that feel every mystery book should have.

And, to note, I did notice a few typos and repeated sentences, but I think Mrs. Havig noticed those as well due to a post she made on her Facebook.

 

Ending: 

Please tell me there will be more to the Hartfield Mysteries. I could not bear should this be the end of our company with the Lady of Written Murder (Alexa) and The Knight in Police Man armor (Joe).  So many loose strings were left untied. Like...ya know...a big knot that Alexa and Joe need to tie....

 

World Building: 

Fairbury to Rockwell, Chautona Havig has made a home for us in her novels. Each time I pick up her novels, I feel like dropping my luggage, signing into a sweet inn, perhaps Aunt Charity's boarding house, having a cup of tea or coffee with whoever will have me, and just staying for awhile.

  Language: 

It's mentioned that Joe curses from time to time, but its never said what he says, so its clean and clear.

 

Drugs and Drink:  

Does an account of poisoning count? That was badly phrased....

 

Romance and sexual content:  

There was a sweet love triangle between Joe and Alexa, to Alexa and Darrin.  (I'm a stout Joe/Alexa shipper...Don't you dare make any more moves, Darrin).  And then, gah, I don't want to give anything away...there was an event in Alexa's past life (AKA: Teenage years) that didn't end up how she planned, and it resulted in...another life. 

 

Violence: 

......It's a murder mystery. If you have problems with that (Ya know...if you are like SOME people who are in this novel...) it's best to just stay away.

 

 

Ratings

I cannot rate it anything less then a five star while still having a guilt free conscience.

It was charming, mystericle (I just made that word up. It's copyrighted now. yup yup), and it possessed the same charm that graces past eras. Alexa added a delightful touch, and I think any other character would have greatly changed the way the novel felt.  

I extend a great sound of thanks to Mrs. Havig for letting me review her supercalfragilisticexpialidocious novel. 

Everard (Book 2 of The Not So Fairy Tales)

 

:My random thoughts:

When a book starts off with, "Once upon a long long time ago, in a land impossibly far away". It's hard to read that, and not cozy down, knowing you are in for an incredible read.

Everard is one of the strangest, Wittiest, Most unique (Unique doesn't have it's own -est?), and whimsical fantasy novels I've ever read. From Sassy's sweetly sour sarcasm, to the Author's quirky narrating, I was kept in stitches. While reading, it wasn't uncommon for me to snort with laughter, or to huff with Sassy when Everard really was being SUCH a man (if I was a fire breathing reptile, I'd blast smoke through my nostrils too. But I'm not, so I can't).

When my siblings would come up, and ask what I was reading, the best explanation my preoccupied brain could think to say, was, "An awkward prince". Which isn't very bright, but when your mind is in a land impossibly far away, you can say such things like that.

Everard is, indeed, an awkward Prince. He might not be tripping all over his feet, and he might not be spilling mugs each time he turns around, he bumbles all the same. However, while he might be a plain out awkward goose in the beginning, at the end, he is more, adorably awkward. Oh, yeah, without a doubt, Everard turns out simply adorable. 

 

:Publisher's Description:

A Prince, a friend, and a lizard walk into a trap…

Everard of Havilund—fierce warrior, brave soldier, loyal friend, heir to the throne, and painfully shy.
The war is over! Or is it? After four long years fighting in a war that has spanned a millennium, Everard is finally going home. He has faced everything he fears most—he thinks. Alas, trouble is brewing in the little hamlet of Hidden Hollow and he has only himself to blame.
Follow Everard as he tries to slay the Dragon of Ironia, face the Giant of the Tripp Mountains, bring the Enchantress of Enervatia to justice… just for starters.
Will he succeed? Will he overcome his personal demons that threaten all he is working for?
Find out in this second installment of the Not-So-Fairy Tales.

:info to know:

Author: Chautona Havig

My recommended age: Any age

Their recommended age: NA

Publisher: Create Space

Number of Pages: 284

Characters:
Everard was interesting. Rarely in the literary world do you meet a bloke like him. I admired him for his strong sense of duty, it was refreshing, but overwhelming too. At some points, I'll admit, I just wondered why he even tried, but, in the end, everything had turned out for the best. He had learned lessons, and faced his fears. Proved himself, if you will.
Roana I think is a wonderful example for girls and woman of all ages. The way she calmly faced the future, how she tried her best to please everyone, and dealt sweetly with her Father. Yet, wasn't too timid to stand against him when he did wrongs, and was willing to not accept the Prince's offer. That takes some amazing bravery people, to say "No" to a Prince's offer of marriage.
 

Plot:

The plot was...quick, but also slow at times. There were instances when I just wanted Everard's tasks to end, it seemed a bit monotonous while he was searching for the 'Giant'. But after Bernar's plot was uncovered, it picked back up again.

Writing Style:

  I adore Mrs. Havig's writing style, but this book's in particular, is one of my favorites. It was quirky, and hilarious. Each time the Narrator would break off to explain things, I had to smile at the witty way those normal (or not so normal) things were explained.

Ending: 

The ending summed things up nicely. It finished well. From Everard becoming 100% adorable and loosing some of that stifling shyness of his, Roana living pretty much happily ever after (her father was convicted of treason, we can't say her life was always happy. Plus, that's a sugary Disney lie. I'm sure even Cinderella had to deal with her Step Mother and sisters again) and even a happy ending for Gilander.

 

World Building: 

The world building demands a "Bravo Brava". World building is certainly a fine point for Mrs. Havig.

  Language: None.

 

Drugs and Drink:  Ale and mead was drunk, but it's the Middle Ages. Everyone drank the stuff. There was no drunks, however. So, you can rest easy on that.

 

Romance and sexual content:  

The fact that the hero and heroine of 'Everard' didn't meet, fall head over heels in love, and decide to marry on the spot is a wonderful sight. I'm sure you can understand when I say that the Disney style romance can get annoying. It was a fantasy romance, without any romance. It wasn't about the head over heels love, but the slow and steady love that endures.

Violence: 

Violence? Everard goes to slay a dragon, a giant, gets attacked twice (the first time only resulting in a minor head injury, and the second leaving Everard more then half dead) and then Everard had to duel an untrustworthy, to say the least, Knight. Which resulted in having to kill him.  But it was never gory. And, I liked how Everard was sensitive enough to One) Make sure Roana didn't see Martel be killed, and Two) he mourned Martel's death.  How rare is that? Very rare. But, I've over used the word in this post, refreshing.

 

 

Ratings

 I loved this read. It was refreshing, fun, and just all around clean.   It was simple enough that even a 5 year old would like to hear it read out loud, but entertaining enough to keep this 16 year old engrossed.  Also, so few fantasies include Christ. From 'Great Spirits' to Aslan, there is normally a look alike, but never the true thing. 'Everard' did. And I loved it. I never realized how more a Fantasy can be when you include God. 

 

Without a shadow of a doubt, or a shadow of decision, or a shadow of remorse, or a shadow of anything, I give this book a whole, hearty, and applauded  

 

I want to thank Mrs. Chautona Havig for letting me review 'Everard'.  I also wish to thank her for writing such a worthwhile book...or, should I be congratulating? Either way, thank you, Mrs. Havig, and bravo, brava!

 

Cloaked in Secrets

:My random thoughts:As said in the last review of Mrs. Havig's novel, 'Thirty Days Hath', I kinda made the point that I absolutely love her and her works.  The first book of The Annals of Wynnwood Series was the first novel I read by that wonderful lady, and it has taken me this long to get my hands on book 2, and I'm still groping for book 3. But, to my point, 'Cloaked in Secrets' was worth the wait. By far. It is, again, a master piece.  Dove continues her endear herself to me, and the developments that were hinted upon in the first book were expanded, but not finished, in CIS.  The unicorns were indeed interesting, and I love how Phillip and Dove's relationship was tested, I feel as if it is surely groundwork for the reveal of who Dove is in book 3.

:Publisher's Description:

Searching for the elusive unicorns of Wynnewood’s forests sends Philip and Dove on an adventure that threatens more than the freedom of the beautiful creatures.  What lurks within the depths of the Sceadu?  Will their quest to satisfy Lord Morgan’s desire to own a unicorn cost Dove everything— even her life?

:info to know:

Author: Chautona Havig

My recommended age: 10+

Their recommended age: NA

Publisher: Create Space

Number of Pages: 300

Characters: Dove drives me crazy in a good way. I keep grasping at any hint of who/what she is, and battering it back and forth with my siblings. (We went from Albino to Klingon in a matter of minutes. yeah. Klingon, lol).  Phillip is such a sweet boy, so many times, I just want to ruffle his hair, and hug him.  And then Bertha. How do I put Bertha? She annoys me, then amuses me. She makes me angry, then happy. That woman is a tricky puzzle.
 

Plot:

It was very good.  I liked the new additions, and the old following ups.  The Unicorns were exceptional interesting, at first, I was sure they'd get one, and then I wasn't so sure, and then I was. I know, that sounds complicated, but its the truth.

Writing Style:
I'm just going to quote what I said in my review of Thirty Days Hath:

"Perfect.  She writes with detail, while still leaving a lot for the reader to imagine.  Her humor seems to fit my idea of humor, and the characters are just so individual and lovely"

Cover:

I simply adore whoever did the Annals' cover art. Bravo, brava to them.

Ending: It satisfied me, while still making me hungry for more. I do indeed need the third book. and fast.

World Building: It was good to visit Wynnwood, Sceadu, the caves, Bertha's hut, Lord Morgan's castle, and the town again. When you read it, you become endeared to this fictional place in Britain. It becomes like a recluse where things are simpler, yet not perfect.

  Language: None.

Drugs and Drink:  I think there was a scene where Dove meets certain...people (Can't give away spoilers) and there is a dance where I think it was that the drink had run freely, and everyone was very happy. It resulted in a mishap for Dove, as she got to carefree in how she danced, and her hood fell back. And that sobered everybody pretty quickly...

Romance and sexual content: none.

Violence: There is a battle between those certain people mentioned above. But that's it, and its not graphic.

Ratings

I honestly don't think it is in me to give this book any more then a:

For more about Chautona, go to her website, 'Just the Write escape".

She has a page up for 'The Annals of Wynnwood' and you can look around at her other published works, and works in progress. 

(And there is a book trailer...I'm a sucker for book trailers. ^.^)

Thirty Days Hath

:My random thoughts:
I'm a pretty big fan of Mrs. Havig's. I try to read every book of hers that I get my hands on.  90% of my kindle ebooks are hers, and some of my favorite novels have her name on the cover. So, this review will probably be all positive....

:Publisher's Description:

 

Blind dates are for wimps!

 At least, that’s what Adric Garrison thinks.

Can you blame him? Thanks to his sister and brother-in-law, Adric is about to embark on a year of month-long, chaperoned, blind dates.  awkward.
He didn’t ask for it. But Adric still finds himself living what seems more like a bad TV reality show than a new life in Fairbury.
Once an ordinary (if prematurely gray and vertically challenged) guy, Adric is now Fairbury’s newest “most eligible bachelor,” and dreams of permanent bachelorhood loom on the horizon. Will he call it quits before the year is out, or will one of his “girls of the month” change his mind?

:info to know:

Author: Chautona Havig

My recommended age: 13+

Their recommended age:12+

Publisher: Create Space

Number of Pages: 334

Characters: As always, her characters were quirky, fresh, and unique. Starting it, I was wondering how she could write 12 different woman without mingling the personalities.  But, she pulled it off without a hitch!  Each Lady had her own quirks, faults, and high points (Some were just more faulty then others...).   And Adric, of course, was fantastic.  I did love the relationship between Adric and his sister, his brother in law, and his nephews. It was sweet.  

Plot:

I finished this book in a day.  I just couldn't put it down. As each chapter told a month of the year for Adric, and his Lady of the month, I was pulled into the book, and just couldn't put it down.  Very fast, and enjoyable.

 

Writing Style:

Perfect.  She writes with detail, while still leaving a lot for the reader to imagine.  Her humor seems to fit my idea of humor, and the characters are just so individual and lovely. Or unlovely. Some of Thirty Days Hath's characters weren't very lovely....

 

Cover:

I had a ebook of this, so I didn't get to see the cover that well, but I still like it. ^.^

 

Ending: She finished it well, while still leaving room for a sequal.

 

World Building: I really like this about Mrs. Havig's books. Most of her novels are staged in the same fictional town.  So I got to hear from Willow and Chad and the rest of her Rockland characters.  It has a sense of familiarity to it.  In a way, when you pick up one of her books, you feel like you are going to your second home.

  Language: None.

 

Drugs and Drink:  aside from much coffee, none. ^.^

 

Romance and sexual content: The whole book is a christian romance.  It's about blind dates, and going out on a limb to find your soul partner. But, it was clean.  There was no sexual intercourse (YAY!!!!!) and I can't remember any kissing. Hugs, yeah. 

 

Violence:None.

 

Ratings

 

Do you really need me to say I give this book a whole hearted: 

  

For more about Chautona, go to her website, 'Just the Write escape".

She has a page up for 'Thirty Days Hath' and you can look around at her other published works, and works in progress.

Take a Bow

:My random thoughts:
I was attracted by the performance theme of this novel.  Since I would one day like to go into stage acting myself, it stood out to me.  I was impressed with the book, and some of it hit cords inside of me, but on the whole it lacked 'stuff'. It was fun, entertaining, but there really wasn't any material that would make it turn into a classic, or best seller.

:Publisher's Description:

Emme, Sophie, Ethan, and Carter are seniors at a performing arts school, getting ready for their Senior Showcase recital, where the pressure is on to appeal to colleges, dance academies, and professionals in show business. For Sophie, a singer, it's been great to be friends with Emme, who composes songs for her, and to date Carter, soap opera heartthrob who gets plenty of press coverage. Emme and Ethan have been in a band together through all four years of school, but wonder if they could be more than just friends and  bane mates. Carter has been acting since he was a baby, and isn't sure how to admit that he'd rather paint than perform. The Senior Showcase is going to make or break each of the four, in a funny, touching, spectacular finale that only Elizabeth Eulberg could perform.

:info to know:

Author: Elizabeth Eulberg

My recommended age: 12+

Their recommended age:12+

Publisher: Bantam

Number of Pages: 288

Characters: I didn't get particularly attached to any of them outside of Emme. Me and her have a lot alike.  We both like to help people, and both bite off more then we can chew when assisting others.  But outside of that, none really struck me as, "Wow, these are awesome people". 

Plot:

It was slow, to say the least.  There really wasn't a climax.  Most of the trials were internal, and there really wasn't a Villain to work around.  Rather, it was just a story of how the last bit of their school year went. 

 

Writing Style:

I might not have really loved the book, but Ms. Eulburg has a very good writing style.  It was clear, and easy to read without feeling childish.  This book felt very different then normal Teen flicks.

 

Cover:

So so. Nothing spectacular, or overly pitiful.

 

Ending: It was just the end. No battle was won, no case was solved, no journey finished. Just the end, Emme and Ethan get together (As I expected, I mean, come on. It was obvious they would). Carter leaves the entertainment genre to pursue his dream, and Sophie is becomes the next star-terror. The end.

 

World Building: It gave you a good, I thought, taste of a drama school.

  Language: None.

Drugs and Drink:  Ethan has a drinking problem that nearly ruined his career, and all he held dear.

Romance and sexual content:  Ethan gets and dumps girls like crazy, Carter and Sophie have a rocky relationship, and Ethan and Emme become a pair in the end, a kissing scene or two. But nothing objectionable that I can remember.

 

Violence: I can't remember any....

 

Ratings

It wasn't stellar star-tastic. But it wasn't terrible either.  I think I can sum it up best by saying it was just 'there'.  Its the type of book you read once, don't get attached to, put up on your shelf, and forget about.  

I feel I have to give it a:

It's not terrible enough for a 2, but not good enough for a 4.  I liked it, but didn't love it.  And, I'll probably forget about it in a year.