Book Review: Come Home to Me by Peggy L. Henderson

Come Home to Me by Peggy L. Henderson is the first book in the Second Chances Time Travel Romance series. Jake Owens has left his family's ranch in search of a new life. However, the woman he ran off with has left him accused of murder with no memory of what really happened. An encounter with a strange gentleman in a prison interview room includes an offer for a second chance, leading a group of pioneers west. Rachel Parker is a woman heading west towards Oregon with her family, which includes three young boys.  She never imagined that taking care of her family while traveling across the country would include the complication of the unusual scout, Jake, and the attraction they share.

Come Home to Me was a well crafted story, with an interesting idea. Jake is a good man that has made some bad choices. His second chance to find the right path for him leads him on a journey he could never have imagined. He is particularly well equipped to face the challenges of leading a wagon train west, but ill equipped to face his attraction and falling in love. Rachel is a woman that loves her family, and has given up everything to help hers find a better life. They both have internal challenges, societal challenges, and relationship issues to deal with as soon as they admit their attraction for each other. Even when you think you know the path the story will take, there are a couple good twists along the way.

I recommend Come Home to Me to romance readers that enjoyed Henderson's Yellowstone series, as well as readers that are looking for a quick read that will take them to a different place and time. I am interested to see where this series might go, as I enjoyed the story, but think it will be something I borrow rather than buy.

Book Review: Lightmasters: Number 13 by M.G. Wells

Lightmasters: Number 13 by M.G. Wells is a fantasy novel for the middle grade set. Jessica is an orphan, set to live with her odd grandparents. Upstate New York is not where she wants to be, and the oddness of her grandparents and bullying at school does not help matters at all. On her thirteenth birthday Jessica is swept away on an amazing adventure. She is lucky number thirteen to a group called the Lightmasters, and her ability to conquer her own fear and anger is key to destroy an evil creature bent on taking over the world.

Lightmasters: Number 13 is a fast paced adventure which does not allow taking a break. The world and character development takes place at a break neck speed, keeping the focus firmly on the book. Jessica's own confusion about life, dealing with the loss of her parents, and struggling to continue on are all tied into the adventure.  Her spunk and intelligence keep Jessica going, and the story interesting. There were moments where it felt like Jessica dragged me down into the rabbit hole with her, and others where to intense world building made me question the reality I hold as my own. It is not too far fetched in the current climate that we are devolving into creatures more based on fear and hate than compassion and joy. Power hunger lizard men leading the charge does not seem quite as disturbing as what humans are doing to each other of their own free will.

I recommend Lightmasters: Number 13 to readers around eight years old and up, including young adults. just about everyone can relate with Jessica's desire for 'more', to feel like she is truly accepted and a part of something important. Readers that enjoy fantasy, coming or age tales, lightning fast adventure, and surprises will enjoy this book.

Book Review: Because of You by Jessica Scott

Because of You by Jessica Scott is a contemporary military romance book that just might hit close to home for many readers. Jen St. James is a nurse in a military town. Jen is also a cancer survivor, having faced chemotherapy and a mastectomy. Her best friend Laura's husband seems to be constantly deployed and drags Jen with her to the bar, where the men are getting set to be deployed again. Shane Garrison is hoping to keep all his men out of trouble that night, and to keep them safe once they hit Baghdad. One kiss and both their lives are changed, starting to break down barriers. When Shane is injured and sent home for care, the two have to face their own issues and decide if love is more important than their pasts or being independent.

Because of You does something I rarely see, accurately portrays what it is like to be deployed, what it is like o be waiting for a loved one that is overseas, and the physical and emotional wounds our soldiers have to face before and after duty. It might feel too close to home for some to read, either because of the military ties or the cancer, but the story is so perfectly told that it needs to be read. The emotional issues tied to Jen's cancer, family problems, war wounds, loss, and so much more are deal with in a very realistic manner but with an underlying feeling of hope and understanding. Too many military related books gloss over what really happens after our troops return home, and how it feels to be a parent and waiting for your spouse to come home.

The romance between Jen and Shane is a slow burn, there is no sudden moment of 'perfect love'. Rather, they are real people with real issues that need to develop trust and work on their relationship rather than having it fall into place with no effort. The surrounding characters and plot make this even more than a deep love story, there is suspense and a bigger story that I can not wait to see develop in later books of the Coming Home series. Frankly, when I reached the end of the book I desperately wanted to know more of Laura and Trent's story, and am greatly relieved to see that I can read their book in 2013.

I highly recommend Because of You to readers that like romance with real conflict and emotion beyond the expected story. I was drawn into the character's lives almost immediately and had to take some time before diving into my next read, because I was still thinking too much about the story. This is a deep and captivating read worth every moment, even as I stayed up far too late to finish it.

Early Book Review: Monster in My Closet by R.L. Naquin

Monster in My Closet by R.L. Naquinis an urban fantasy e-book set for release on July 30 2012. Zoey is a successful woman who had stopped believing in monsters when she was a child. That does not mean that the monsters have stopped believing in her. One morning Zoey wakes up to the smell of coffee in her kitchen, and hopes that it is her best friend and business partner Sara. however, she prepares for the worst. The last thing she expected to find was the closet monster from her childhood, Maurice, sipping coffee and baking muffins. Apparently her mother had been known as a helper, willing to aid people of all kinds. Zoey's empathic gift and good nature makes her a helper too, which seems to spiral out of control and attract the notice of an incubus. Now Zoey has a full house of supernatural creatures, is coming to grips with her abilities, a business and partner to keep afloat, and needs to face the danger the incubus poses to everyone Zoey has emotional connections to. Then there is the hunky paramedic that keeps popping up and the needy ex-husband that will not leave Zoey alone. Zoey has a lot on her plate, and she just hopes to keep everyone else safe even if it means sacrificing herself.

Monster in My Closet is the author's debut novel, but you cannot tell in the reading. Zoey is a character with flaws, but a warm heart. She enjoys helping others and handles the revelations about herself and the world around her with pluck. Her best friend Sara is her foil; being steady, practical, and in control of her emotions. The other characters, supernatural or not, were all well written and quirky. Maurice, Andrew, Riley, the brides that Zoey works with and even Brad and Sebastian have some depth to them. I really enjoyed the introduction to the 'hidden', or paranormal, world to Zoey and how she handles everything. My only moments of irk came in the fact that no one recognized why Sara was ill, when some of the characters were well versed in the paranormal. I called it as soon as she came into the office tired, late, and less than perfectly quaffed. Zoey I can understand missing the obvious, but Andrew and Maurice should have understood.

The cover of Monster in My Closet labels it as a Monster Haven book, which leads me to believe there will be more books featuring Zoey, Maurice, and the rest. I hope this is the case. While the book was not perfect, it was one that I looked forward to getting back to, and stalled in putting down for little things like cooking dinner. I recommend this book to readers that like paranormal romance and urban fantasy with humor and a different flavor than what you might have read before. It felt like the fun style of blending urban fantasy, romance, and quirky characters that I associate with authors like Lyndsay Sands, Kimberly Raye, Candace Havens, Dakota Cassidy, or Michele Bardsley. So if you enjoy the work of those authors, you should give Monster in My Closet and author R.L. Naquinis a try.

Book Review: Dark Side of the Moon by Ahmad Taylor

Dark Side of the Moon by Ahmad Taylor is a suspenseful novel packed with action, deception, and a search for answers. Government Agent Derrick Thomas finds a message from his father, a fellow agent, seeking an information drop. However, as Derrick tries to deliver the message a mission goes south and his father has been transferred along with his sister. Derrick is on the hunt for his family, and the truth. Death follows in Derrick's wake as his hunt spirals out of control and everything comes into question.

Dark Side of the Moon sets the mood quickly; with disturbing dreams and a suspicion that not all is as it seems. The story jumps the timeline and voices a few times, giving a bit more detail and depth to the story and characters, although some readers might find this style distracting or confusing. I will also admit to having suspected some of the final twist along the way, but that did not lessen my enjoyment of the journey. There were a few significant surprises along the way, and many questions that I still want answered. I feel like readers are left craving more in order to strengthen the mystery of Derrick's current state and future. For instance, I would love to know what happened with Derrick's mother. Could she have been part of a larger plot, dream fodder, victim to violence, or something else completely. The questions left unanswered have stuck with me and deepened my appreciation for the story.

Dark Side of the Moon is a solid, suspenseful read that will appeal to those that enjoy action packed mystery. Readers that enjoy novels heavy on spies, government conspiracies, moral quandaries, and scientific possibilities will find themselves deep in Derrick's world as soon as they start reading.

Book Review: Deception of the Magician by A.L. Tyler

Deception of the Magician by A.L. Tyler is the second book in the Waldgrave trilogy. I highly suggest reading the first book, Arrival of the Traveler, before delving into the second so that you can fully understand the dynamics of the social conflicts and between the characters. Lena Collins is struggling to forge and maintain relationships. Not only with her uncle and the human born servants who she feels a kinship with, but also her best friend Hesper and the exasperating Griffin. She is also trying to gain the trust and respect of the Council and just trying to keep up with the secrets and conspiracies that seem to rise around her. A search for the artifact that seems to separate the Silenti most is Lena's solution to gain her own freedom, and to put an end to the fighting. However, nothing is as simple as it seems. Just when Lena thinks she has the perfect solution, she discovers that her actions could be causing more danger and harm than staying home. Everyone and everything is at risk, and no one can be trusted. 

After reading Arrival of the Traveler, I was eager to read Deception of the Magician. I am thrilled to say that I was not disappointed. Often times the second book in a trilogy feels more like a place holder, or time to figure out plot problems before a conclusion is reached. Deception of the Magician avoided that trap, and was even more intense than the first book. There were gunshots, deep dark secrets revealed, and unexpected answers. The character development and interplay ramped up even more than in the first book, and while some questions were answered those answers raised new, even more complicated questions. There was a satisfying ending which gave readers a conclusion, but also a need to read the next book. I am even more excited now to read the third book in the series, however I dread it at the same time because I am not sure I want the story to end. 

I highly recommend Deception of the Magician to readers that read and enjoyed Arrival of the Traveler. If you have not done so yet, I suggest reading it now. This series will appeal to fans of young adult books, fantasy, coming of age, mysteries, and character driven plots that are well written. I have high hopes that the third book and conclusion of the series, Secrets of the Guardian, will continue the trend of high quality and intriguing reads.

Book Review: The Peacemaker by Chelley Kitzmiller

The Peacemaker by Chelley Kitzmiller is the first book in the Warriors of the Wind series. is a historical romance set after the civil war, while the Native American population and the new settlers were at in their own war. Independence Taylor is the daughter of a military officer. She has defied his orders and come to the Arizona Territory to take care of him, even though he seems to blame her for the deaths of her mother and brother. En route, her group is attacked, and they are rescued by Shatto, a warrior who has often helped the military base nearby. Indy's father is less than thrilled by her arrival and the current state of affairs. The military men under his command have no faith in him, since he relies on military teaching that do not apply to warfare with the Native American tribes. Soon her father must compromise, and Indy discovers that the mysterious Shatto is really Major Jim Garrity, who narrowly missed being hung for a crime he did not commit. The ongoing danger and the attraction between Indy and Jim keep rising throughout the book, moving them all towards peace or utter chaos.

The Peacemaker does a good job of imparting some information about the beliefs of the Apache people, describing the divided loyalties of its characters, and building the characters in a realistic way. The lifestyle and attitudes of the military base seemed very accurate and realistic, as did the danger of the time. However, there were definite moments that made the book feel like it was trying to be christian fiction, and others when the mystic power of the wind came to surround Jim. I also felt like some sort of explanation or final conflict with Indy's father was lacking, it felt like I was cheated out of some resolution there. The same goes for Jim's military complications, it seemed a little too easily wrapped up, but there were some difficulties on the horizon. I think my favorite bit of the book was the romance that is begun between secondary characters.

The Peacemaker was not a bad book, but I do not think I will be recommending it to many people either. I think 'meh' or 'okay' might be the best words to describe it. It was fine for a day's reading to break up the more intense books I have been reading lately, but it did not leave me feeling satisfied or eager to discuss the book either. If you have nothing to read and are looking for something to fill the gap, then feel free to read. However, if your top be read pile is as large as mine, I say skip to the next book.

Short Story Review: Pigsong by Frank Delaney

Pigsong is part of a series of short stories titled Storytellers by Frank Delaney. These short stories might have started as an introducing to Delaney's latest novel The Last Storyteller, but Pigsong is a great story in its own right. Like the other short stories in the collection, Pigsong echos the cadence and feel of the traveling storyteller entertaining in exchange for food and shelter. In Pigsong the storyteller gives readers a story about the magic of hope and justice. An evil couple provides labor for their farm by stealing unsuspecting individuals and keeping them as slaves. One such slave is put to work watching over the pigs. However, pigs are not the dirty, ignoble creatures they are often labeled to be. The pigs can hum, and one can even sing. The rhyming words of the pig led to freedom and one young man's journey to help those in despair. 

Pigsong is a charming story, with a unique feel that honors the oral tradition of storytelling. While the story itself is short, the reach is grand. Could a singing pig, one that sings in charmingly simple rhymes, inspire one frightened young man to free an army of slaves? Could imagination have truly inspired an oppressed community or culture to listen for the hidden songs that could guide them to independence? Would you be able to hear the song, and would you heed it?  

Pigsong, and the rest of the short story series, is available in e-book format. Delaney plans to continue releasing one story a month through the end of 2012. Each is accessible, entertaining, and thought-provoking for readers of all ages. In fact, I think I am keeping Pigsong on my iPod touch a little long to use for some bedtime reading with my children. I think my daughter would love the cadence, but it might give her too many ideas about raising up against the oppression of bedtime. 

I recommend Pigsong to readers that enjoy short stories, mythology, legends, and the oral tradition. I am ready to go back and read the other short stories in the Storyteller series that have already been released, and to keep on reading the series.