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The Wandering Isles: A Crown of Stones Novella (The Crown of Stones Novella Series Book 1) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Jana Lewis

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The Wandering Isles (The Crown of Stones)The Wandering Isles by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this novel, following Ian and Jarryd as they continue on their journey together. I don’t want to give away too much of the storyline, but I like how the story dives into the affects our past makes on our future. Especially when surviving so much, decisions made and the things we have done are never far from our thoughts. Some haunt us forever. Ian and Jarryd have a special bond that tightens their relationship even more and works to help them help each other, while dealing with their own demons. Great read – now on to the next one!

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House of Arsceneaux (Servants of Morrigan: Immortal Creatures) by Caterina Novelliere – Review by Jana Lewis

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House of ArsceneauxHouse of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this to be a wonderfully creative story. Not only do we get a vampire story, but we get various historical periods and even other legends/myths. [Trying not to give anything away – you just have to read it!] I enjoy the complicated situations the author created to initiate meetings between the main characters, as well as the supporting characters. Their stubbornness, sassiness and sibling torment made the story seem natural. I thoroughly enjoyed the ups and downs and would recommend it to anyone who likes paranormal romance novels.

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With Fire and Sword (Thunder On The Moor Book 4) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jana Lewis

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With Fire and Sword (Thunder on the Moor, #4)With Fire and Sword by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this 4th book in the series. The twists and turns kept going, along with the complexities of figuring out time travel and how it affects the future, as well as making changes that could literally destroy a family, affecting multiple generations – it’s a lot to wrap your head around and the author does it very well! I have enjoyed following Will and Maggie and the families they have created, whether blood or not, and working their way through the trials and tribulations of the time. Great series and great author!

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How To Write A Historical Novel And Love It by TL Clark – Review by Jana Lewis

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How To Write A Historical Novel And Love ItHow To Write A Historical Novel And Love It by T.L. Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As someone who wishes to write historical fiction, I learned a lot about how to approach the research. The historical tidbits provided were interesting and I like the way the author highlights the little details, which can be important. The laid-back tone helped the information flow easily and seemed more like a conversation with the author than reading a book. Getting the information right when writing a historical fiction story has a great impact on gaining or losing a reader’s confidence and should be taken seriously. And doing the research correctly can bring a story to life. I can’t wait to put the tips into practice!

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What I Wish I’d Known: For Writers by H.D. Thomson – Review by Jana Lewis

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What I Wish I'd Known: For Writers: 100 Authors Reveal What They Wish They'd Told Their Younger SelvesWhat I Wish I’d Known: For Writers: 100 Authors Reveal What They Wish They’d Told Their Younger Selves by H. D. Thomson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While much of the advice given by various authors was the same or similar, one thing that really stood out was their encouragement to not give up and go with your gut. I had not heard of most of the authors but still found them inspiring and have added several to my TBR list. As someone who enjoys writing myself, I found it inspiring and motivational. Each person went through their own trials and tribulations and proved that you can persevere if you put the work into it. HIGHLY recommended for anyone considering writing your own books.

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Operation Blackbird (Brass Compass Series Book 2) by Ellen Butler – Review by Jana Lewis

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Operation BlackbirdOperation Blackbird by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Though not one who typically gets into Cold War-era stories, I found this one to be wonderful. It is full of twists and turns, tension, unknown as to who can be trusted and who people really are. I found the characters realistic and the pacing was spot-on. I enjoyed the connection to The Brass Compass, but am glad that the author selected another character to focus on, and that she still connected the two novels together. It is a good way to show how lives diverge when the immediate need for spy services is not as critical. The times and the work were dangerous and the author did a great job of expressing that. If you like historical fiction, spy stories, strong-willed heroines, but still want it to feel real, this is your book!

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Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Byrd Nash – Review by Jana Lewis

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Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #2)Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. I haven’t read the first one so I did feel like I was missing out on a little bit of the backstory, but it didn’t hinder the story at all. The characters were well developed and there was enough going on to add to the list of suspects in the mystery. I did not have it figured out until the culprit was revealed and was surprised. I enjoyed the spunkiness of Elizabeth and also like her commitment to her independence, especially in that era. I also like that her ability to see and communicate with ghosts wasn’t the only way she could solve a crime. It was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the next one (and the first one!). The pacing was good and I really didn’t feel that it bogged down anywhere. I really enjoyed it!

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Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Jana Lewis

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Murder on oak streetMurder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery and how everything intertwines. I suspected the culprit, but did not have the whole thing figured out, so it was a great surprise to connect everything together. The author does a great job in developing each character and keeping them true to their nature, which was great. The antagonists are also well developed and realistic. I could picture each character, along with the various locations clearly and it was enjoyable to follow them along on the journey. I couldn’t put the book down until it was done! Now I want more!

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Soliloquy by Janet Fogg – Review by Jana Lewis

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SoliloquySoliloquy by Janet Fogg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book grabbed me from the very beginning. I have been a WWII buff for a while now and always enjoy a different turn on every story from that time. This is completely unique! I really love the magic and mysticism that encircles the little statues, and their unique capabilities. I could feel a sense of the danger surrounding the characters, and really enjoyed the descriptions of how music is more than just notes on a piano, but have a life of their own and can make a person feel ways they don’t naturally feel – the passion and freedom that can come from it. I could not guess where the story was going to go and was hooked the entire time. Truly a great read – and I will probably read it again and again!

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Borrowed Time by Lane Cohen – Review by Jana Lewis

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Borrowed TimeBorrowed Time by Lane Cohen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I selected this book because of the cover, which is probably one of the most amazing covers I’ve seen. I was also intrigued because it takes place near my home town, so several of the places mentioned were familiar to me, which was exciting as a reader. I found the science behind the attempts to travel through time interesting – more realistic than other instances of it in old movies, etc., though I will not pretend to understand it all! The threat of changing history and ruining the future is always a concern, but realizing it would change in a different path (kind of like a parallel universe, I guess you could say) seems to make it easier to live with oneself knowing you are making drastic changes to the future. Sam’s intent to change history to save his heritage is easy to understand. How amazing it would be to live a life as if you had made a different decision, without actually changing your existing life. Or does it?

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Nightfall in Deptford (Crescent Moon Chronicles Book 4) by L.E. Towne – Review by Jana Lewis

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Nightfall in Deptford (Crescent Moon Chronicles #4)Nightfall in Deptford by L.E. Towne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting and enjoyable novel. I like the combination of fantasy elements with real-life historical characters. It was easy to follow even though it involves time travel to Elizabethan England. I am familiar with Christopher Marlowe, but mostly in name so I find it interesting to know him from this aspect.. The descriptions were clear and the elements of danger at every turn were realistic. I do wish I had read the other three books (not realizing this was book 4) as I feel it would more fully explain the relationship between characters and their backgrounds in general, but the summaries provided throughout the story are enough to keep me hooked to this one!

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones Book 2) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Jana Lewis

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Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones, #2)Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great follow-up to Crown of Stones: Magic Price, for sure! Beginning a few years after the first book ends starts with Ian in prison with no memories. The twists and turns going throughout the story as Ian tries to finish work from the first book and regain his memory are paced really well. They make the book unpredictable but still enjoyable. Little bits of history, compassion, friendship, battles, and sneaking around keep the story moving forward. And, for those interested, some pretty intense sex scenes, as well. I look forward to reading the next one!

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In Plain Sight (Logan McKenna Mystery Series Book 8) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Jana Lewis

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In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very interesting mystery and one I enjoyed. I had a suspicion of who did it, but did not put the clues together until the end. The setting was very intriguing and, having a raptor center near my home town, I was delighted to have such a unique atmosphere. I enjoyed the little bits of motive that applied to multiple people and they were slowly chipped away until the actual one was revealed. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes mysteries and look forward to reading more by this author. I also like the Pacific NW setting, somewhere that is on my list of places to visit!

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The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Jana Lewis

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The Letter CarrierThe Letter Carrier by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! It reminded me a lot of The Nightingale and exposed me to more knowledge of what life was like in France during WWII. I like that this viewpoint was from a young girl and everything was from her perspective. Many of us do not realize the dangers the conquered people endured during that time. Michelle, the main character, shared her story through the eyes of someone very young and not fully aware of what was going on (in the beginning). She was forced to grow up quickly and take on a lot of responsibility in a very dangerous time. I also like how we get little glimpses of young crushes and the turmoil a young girl would go through when the person you have a crush on is in places unknown. I did not realize until the end that this was based on a real woman and her family, which makes it all the more precious to be part of.

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Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Jana Lewis

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Murder in the Lightning RoomMurder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was really good! It kept me entertained and I love how the author wraps the mystery around Nikola Tesla and his research, making connections with the competition with Edison. It helps drive in the setting and adds tension to the mystery, as well. The characters seemed lifelike and nothing seemed over-the-top in terms of appropriate behavior for the time. I had an inkling of who the culprit was part way through but did not have all of the pieces put together before it was revealed. I really enjoyed how all of the pieces fell into place.

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The Cave of Rúin Ársa (The Cross of Ciaran Book 3) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jana Lewis

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The Cave of Ruin Arsa (The Cross of Ciaran Book 3)The Cave of Ruin Arsa by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a great addition to the series! Plenty of suspense, mystery, hidden identities, and a bit of sensualness thrown in! With the focus on family, old and new, the stakes are higher now that Ciarán and Caitlin have children, reopening old wounds from Ciarán’s past. The power of the goddess is shown to those who know what is going on, but the group of people who know about Ciarán and Aodhán is growing and that can be dangerous. I enjoy reading about the strong bond between Ciarán and Aodhán and, just when I thought we were done with them, there will be more! I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one!

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Ancient Reflections: A Mythic Trilogy by Tamara Agha-Jaffar – Review by Jana Lewis

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Ancient Reflections: A Mythic TrilogyAncient Reflections: A Mythic Trilogy by Tamara Agha-Jaffar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was truly fascinating. I am not one who has been overly excited about Greek mythology but these stories were so entertaining and enjoyable. I found The Pomegranate and the Maiden truly enjoyable, especially as a mother. I understood Persephone’s desire to get away from her mother, but I truly empathize with Demeter, as a mother that wants to protect her daughter from the ways of the world, and is unable to do it. The connections made to our life on earth were interesting and played well – including the changing of the seasons and how women are in a subservient position to men – but still fighting back in whatever ways are needed. Truly enjoyable read – highly recommended!

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Blood & Ravens (The Casket Girls Series Book 1) by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Jana Lewis

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Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance (The Casket Girls Book 1)Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great new take on a vampire novel. I enjoyed how the traditional storyline is referenced, but a new twist is added to include some Greek mythology as side characters. The main character, Greer, is strong and defiant, even when torn out of her comfortable surroundings and sent to live in antebellum New Orleans. Theron is her “dark knight” and is the connection to the Greek storyline and potential love interest. I would love for the pace to slow down a bit and get to know the characters a little better, but this is a great start! The setup for the series is great and I look forward to reading the next one!

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Nite Fire: Slash & Burn (Book 4) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Jana Lewis

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Slash & Burn (Nite Fire, #4)Slash & Burn by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a new spin on the story and was really interesting. I liked how survival of a species was incorporated into the mystery, along with a disease that was spreading and killing everything. There were new species of characters introduced that I do not remember before and it made the story more suspenseful. There were a lot of twists and turns that I didn’t expect and it made for an engaging story. I look forward to the next one! Nite is, as always, a wonderful BA and shows how everyone has imperfections. A twist in her character arc was interesting and leaves things open to new possibilities.

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Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Jana Lewis

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Divine VintageDivine Vintage by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a unique mystery that spans two centuries. I liked that the storyline connected the two time periods [I won’t go into detail so I don’t spoil anything – you’ll just have to read it!] in a different way. Tess is a spunky character with a special ability and uses her passion for old fashions to open a special vintage clothing store in a small town. The visions she sees through the material tell the story of the people who wore them, helping her to solve a mystery of a long-disputed murder-suicide. Tension and romance round out the story and make it an enjoyable read!

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Jana Lewis

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Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The title of this book caught my interest and I have to say, I am happy it did. I am not into Tarot cards, putting crystals around my house, or other such rituals, but I thoroughly enjoyed the content of this book. As an introvert who is working to make my life something that makes me happy, I really enjoyed what the author had to say. It was a peaceful read and helped me start dreaming of things that I want in my life. I also like the layout the author used of addressing a topic and then discussing what she had to unlearn in order to make life better for her – societal restrictions or beliefs that we feel we need to follow but might not necessarily be right for us. Overall, it was a really good read. I have a relative in mind that I think could benefit from it, as well!

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