Category: Reviews



Protector (Flawed, #3)Protector by Becca J. Campbell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lucky is the person that gets to read the Flawed series. Even luckier if you can read the books quickly one right after another. I don’t put this on the author. Becca J. Campbell who is an accomplished writer. I love her stories very much. But my brain keeps getting lost as to what the characters were doing before and I seem to need more background to bring it all together in my head.

As usual, Ms. Campbell had me, even if I couldn’t quite remember the past adventures. Her characters are compelling, yet flawed. And you are even allowed inside the antagonist’s head through his point of view. It doesn’t make you like him any better, but it makes him seem more real and less ‘bad guy’.

Each of the main characters have talents that are puzzling yet seem to have uses in the almost real world that they are a part of. The world seems to be our ‘real’ world yet somehow these gifted few are living among us.

This book was given to me by the author for an honest review. It was an ARC and so I didn’t expect perfection. Yet, it was well done and maybe in the finished copy it will have fixed the minor issue, for me, of a history of the characters of past books. Maybe even a quick cast of characters with a reference of which book what happened in, without giving too much away, that is. All in all, I was pleased with the book and quickly bought the book I was missing in my collection: Pulled. I look forward to reading it and maybe it will fill in the holes for me. I highly recommend this series to fantasy fans everywhere.

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Sweet Carolina GirlsSweet Carolina Girls by R.E. Bradshaw

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My review is from a first edition, I think, because I can’t seem to find mine on Amazon. So I am posting this on the second edition pages.

Although I finished reading this one a couple days ago, it is still fresh in my mind. Yes, I am late in reviewing. But as I said in the review just before this (Before It Stains) life has had me busy with this project and that. Today I am ignoring those projects to try and catch up on my reviews.

Funny having read Before It Stains before this book. It might work out better in reverse. This story shows how the wrong attitude for a break-up can spoil everyone’s point of view. So I recommend you read this one first. Even if these are not the same characters. And maybe because I have the earlier edition, I think I can see how Decky’s writing has improved.

I have to admit that I get sick and tired of perfect characters in books. It is not just a R.E. Bradshaw thing that the main characters are always slim and beautiful with the perfect shoes and hairdos. But beyond that, the traits of the characters are realistic enough. The situations keep the story feeling real while most make it seem–a story. So I have to admit this wasn’t my favorite book by this author. Still, I think I will remember it as one more cautionary tale.

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Before It StainsBefore It Stains by R.E. Bradshaw

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow! am I behind! I finished this book and Sweet Carolina Girls a few days ago and am onto my next books. So sorry to not review this sooner. More sorry to me than you. Because NOW I have to think back to this book and my experiences with it. I blame: Christmas, Snow, sewing projects, crocheting projects, etc., etc.

Luckily this book had some memorable moments for me. I can remember ordering it so long ago (a year?) because I have read other books by ‘Decky’ (R.E. Bradshaw, author). They were mystery/thrillers that just happened to have lesbian main characters. So look at the cover. Before It Stains? Yep, I thought it was about blood on one’s hands, even though the picture shows wine with the wine glass. I don’t like murder mysteries or thrillers because I read these books at bedtime. Well. lucky me! This wasn’t one of those!

Instead, this is about what can go wrong in any relationship. In this case, the main characters are lesbian. But this scenario would go with any romantic relationship. It is a cautionary tale to keep us all loving and forgiving of those we love. I don’t think that counts as a spoiler. I think it helps others who might not have read books about lesbians or gays to be open to expanding their reading horizons.

I love how Decky writes, regardless of who she writes about or the genre the book is in. Her characters are real people in real places, at least, they feel that way. It takes a talent to pull that off. Ms. Bradshaw is that talented!

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Scavengers (Lesbian Adventure Club, #1)Scavengers by Rosalyn Wraight

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I don’t read paper books much any more as the font is too small and the lines too close together for my eyes to stay on track. But in small bits I try to get through the tree books I do have. So, though this book is only 90 so pages long, it took me forever to read it. Even so, it kept my interest.

The story is about a group of lesbian couples who get together to go on a scavenger hunt set up by the older couple of the group. That sounds boring, But Ms. Rosalyn Wraight’s writing is so entertaining and the story is very cohesive. There isn’t any erotica but rather it is about the characters and their significant others and how life’s challenges are met by each, not just the game but where the characters are in their lives and how they react to aspects of the game as they do to life. Gee, I’m not doing this justice.

It doesn’t matter if you are straight or any of the rest of the lbgt alphabet, this story is worth the read. Rosalyn know how to write in clever, poetic ways that work in this cute story. Try it, you might like it, too! By the way, the first book is only $.99 and the rest of the series is $2.99 each. I can’t wait to read more of them. Those are the Kindle prices I will go buy with from now on. 😉

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Once Darkness Falls (Preternatural Affairs, #7)Once Darkness Falls by S.M. Reine

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow! Guess who moved out of Reno just in time!!!! This may my most favorite thing that Sara Reine does, she shakes up a city, and at times totally ruins it! Reno and its surrounding areas are toast! Don’t worry. It’s all fiction. But it is fun to see landmarks and downtown areas in the novels I read. “I’ve been there!” and other feelings of déjà vu happen throughout Ms. Reine’s books whether it is Los Angeles or other well know cities. I like that!

While S.M. Reine is one of my favorite authors, the stories about César are not my favorites. They are okay and full of good humor among the nail-biting tensions that this character has to deal with. Even so, I read these stories to stay in the overall series. Sara often brings in characters from other parts of the series-es(?)

I think that Ms. Reine makes plausible male main characters. Much better than the male authors do with writing females, in my opinion. But then, I’m not male so how could I tell for sure?

In this book, we get to see Elise once more. Other names of others in other parts of the overall series show up.

This is book 7 and though it doesn’t end in a cliff-hanger (there is a moment of quiet) I can’t wait to see what is coming up next for Reno and César.

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How To Crochet Vol. I. A Complete Beginners Guide with Step by Step instructions with Pictures!: Learn the Basics from Hook Selection , Yarn type and the Different Patterns. Become an ExpertHow To Crochet Vol. I. A Complete Beginners Guide with Step by Step instructions with Pictures!: Learn the Basics from Hook Selection , Yarn type and the Different Patterns. Become an Expert by Beatrice Crimbleton

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I pick up a lot of books on crocheting and other arts and crafts. Mostly I am looking for my next project. Even instructional books, like this one, have some cool patterns I might not have seen elsewhere. But, alas! This book doesn’t do it for me.

Yes, the instructions are written fairly well. I mean the language is easy to understand. But the font is greyed out in a lot of places where I couldn’t read it without getting a headache. Thank goodness, and a few aunts, I know how to crochet already and I didn’t have to start with this book.

And though this is illustrated, there just are not enough, nor accurate pictures to help a novice. And I found no new ideas for my own collection of patterns. Sigh!

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Good OmensGood Omens by Terry Pratchett

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Okay. This was fun. I love the dark, tongue-in-cheek humor throughout this book. I loved trying to find where Pratchett left off and Gaiman takes over. BUT as much as I love the British sense of humor, I found I often fell asleep while reading this book. Could be just me… or Winter doldrums taking over. But my favorite parts of the book were where the authors talked about each other and the writing of the book. I know if I had tried to read it without the Audible version going on with the reading I would have not finished reading it. Martin Jarvis (Narrator) kept the story alive for me. I loved how he could move from character to character seamlessly, and at one part I think that must have been quite the feat! When two voices inhabited one body it had to be difficult to keep the people straight. But he carried through and had me laughing out loud at times.

I have a problem. When male narrators read for the female character, it always sounds strange. It makes the female sound even funnier than I think the author might have wanted. When female narrators read for the male character, it sounds more realistic, like an adolescent boy. I don’t know what the male narrator can do to make up for that to make it work, but I thought I’d mention it to see if it bothers other listeners.

I have read tons of Terry Pratchett and love his writing and imagination. Rest in Peace sweet man. I’ve not read so much of Neil Gaiman, but each book I’ve read of his makes me want to read more. Neither author needs my approval with their huge fan base so I don’t feel bad giving this book less than 5 stars. BUT I must for the dull parts where I nearly feel asleep while reading. I just remember thinking that they needed to get on with the apocalypse already. Seems awful to wish that even for a humorous book like this.

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Schizoaffective Disorder: Your Quick Guide to Understanding Schizoaffective Disorder (psychotic disorders)Schizoaffective Disorder: Your Quick Guide to Understanding Schizoaffective Disorder by Elena Patrick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My recent research into all things schizophrenia led me to this great little guide. I found it concise and very understandable. I think it would be a good starter for those who have had the diagnosis or those, like me, who know someone and want to have a little knowledge about what my loved one is going through.

This book even goes into the medications that are most often prescribed and how it might affect the patient.

My only question I’m left with as I just couldn’t get it straight in my head, what is the difference between schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia, or if they are one and the same.

I was lucky to pick this up for free, but it is now $3.97. I think it would be worth it for the patient, their loved ones or a study guide for those studying the mental health disorders.

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Hope's Journey to Recovery from Schizophrenia.Hope’s Journey to Recovery from Schizophrenia. by Stacey Nyongesa

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I recently found out that a good friend of mine has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and seems to be getting worse. With little knowledge of this disorder, I didn’t feel I could be of much help. But meanwhile, I am willing to read what I can so that should the day arise, I might have some knowledge to speak with.

This was a good book to start with. Though the author is in Nairobi Kenya, her story reflects what it must be like for anyone anywhere with this mental issue hanging over them.

I must admit that a decade ago I had a breakdown and was diagnosed with depression. The doctor was very strong about my getting disability insurance and so sent me to his personal lawyer to get that started. Since then I have had a unique drive to learn more about the brain and it’s disorders. I’ve taken psychology classes and try to read a lot. Of course, the disorder I have read most about is depression and its close relative the bipolar diagnosis.

Thank you, Stacey Nyongesa for sharing your story. May you continue in good health.

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Christmas Crochet: 23 Amazing Christmas Crochet Gifts That Will Please Your Friends And Family: (Crochet patterns, Crochet books, Crochet for beginners, ... beginner's guide, step-by-step projects)Christmas Crochet: 23 Amazing Christmas Crochet Gifts That Will Please Your Friends And Family: by Adrienne Scott

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

It’s Christmas time. Time to start working on projects for friends family and, yes, for me. So I am downloading lots of crochet books to look at and decide if it would be worth the while to make the project before me. I would never find myself in a position to make a project without seeing what the final result should look like. Sure, I can read a pattern and follow it. But I don’t have the time, money or yarn to experiment. Even if I did, I wouldn’t with all the wonderful books, with pictures, out there to peruse.

No, I didn’t read every word in this book. But I leafed through the whole thing in hopes of finding the pictures later on. Sure the author is giving away a bonus book at the end but those are ‘diys’ and not necessarily crochet patterns. I ordered one but can’t say if it will be any better than this one.

Meanwhile, though this has an enticing cover, don’t bother unless you want to experiment.

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