The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is so relatable. I really had a very personal connection to this series. I had everything I could think of then lost due to circumstances. Marcy lost it because of her anger and pride in not wanting to get help. Possible trigger warning for some people.
The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a very intense trilogy. Marcy is increasingly shown to us to be an unreliable narrator, in that we aren’t sure that what she is perceiving (and what she is narrating) is actually happening. She is troubled by haunting dreams, has extensive confusion, and has trouble telling the difference between reality and her dreamworld. Both Brad and Liam seem very suspect, with high emotion and controlling mentalities. The style of writing also conveys a wonky mental state. Even when a conversation is happening between Marcy and one of the men, it has a quality of recounting a memory; it doesn’t read like the event is quite happening in real time. While I can see how using that voice feeds into the depiction of her skewed world, personally I found it difficult to wrap my head around, and a bit unsettling to read. This is a very unique and emotionally intense set of books with an intriguing framework.
Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Charlotte Claybrooke is a woman with a career as a life coach, but she feels like she is drowning in the all consuming grief resulting from a tragedy ten years in her past which she still has not gotten over, she feels like an imposter in her own life and that the lies she feeds to those around her and those who look to her for advice and counsel are starting to pile up around her and all she wants to do is escape, so she fills in the forms and packs, ready to go on an adventure with the Dire’s Club. Jimmy Dire is the founder of the Dire’s Club, it is a place where the terminally ill and dying can have a last adventure before their light leaves the world, it is a passion and Jimmy knows it is also the right thing to do, it is something that can make the biggest difference to someone and help them to remember that they are more than just a diagnosis, but like all things it is expensive.
As he is preparing for his latest group of Diers, he pushes all that to the back of his mind and greets the group after his assistant has introduced him and let them all get settled, it is a mixed bag of an ageing Rockstar, a young genius, an older mother figure, an actress and telenovela star and last to arrive is Charlotte, the group generate mixed feelings in Jimmy, but all he sees are five people ready for the last big adventure in their lives. They have all chosen their last wish and he has created an itinerary which will take them on a three week tour round the world to accomplish it, as the group gets to know each other and the last of the paperwork is filled in and filed, they are all sent to get some rest before the first adventure starts. There is a mix of excitement, trepidation, worry and happiness as the travellers support each other and band together as they share the experiences organised for them, it is in the midst of this that things take an unexpected turn and they all have to band together to solve a problem, that is until tragedy strikes and the foundations they have built together start to crumble and fall apart.
A few days later, one of the group lands themselves in hot water and despite best efforts, things take another turn for the worse and it looks like there is only way that this can end and the Diers have to try and band together again to help, but can they all get past their differences and help, or will lies and fraud rip them further apart? This is an emotional rollercoaster which will whisk you away on a beautiful adventure and keeps you absorbed in the story and feeling everything the characters are feeling, all while making you ask yourself all the hard questions which occur to you while reading.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Surprising story! It wasn’t what I expected at all. Sure there is sadness but there is overwhelming honesty, joy and relief. The story flowed along as I became entangled in these strangers lives. The characters are all easy to enjoy. Did I have a favorite? Probably Levi. He seems so happy go lucky and the friendship he and Charlotte grew was undeniable. Lourdes came in a close second. She is an honest woman with incredible strength.
The friendships this group made are probably the most joyful and honest since their diagnosis. This is a thought provoking and heartfelt story. I am thankful the author wrote this interesting take on life and death.
Written in the Stars by Angela Christina Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Written In The Stars was a great read! I actually forgotten I had read the first book in this series, and when I started reading this one all the same emotions came back. This was the best emotional story I have read in a while. I laughed, I cried, I got mad, this book had me enthralled with everything from beginning to end. If you enjoy an emotional read with all the feelings this is definitely the book for you. I can’t wait to read the next installment!
The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you have never read anything by Linda Burson, do yourself a favor and start with this boxed set. I can promise you, you will not even be finished with book one (Rage) before you are craving more of this series. This book series has a little bit of everything and stirs up just about every human emotion. Some characters are lovable, some you love to hate but the coolest part is seeing the evolvement as the series progresses. I have lost track of how many times the characters frustrated me beyond belief. What blows my mind the most about this series is that each book is even better than the last. I can’t stress enough how much I recommend this series, or Linda Burson’s writing in general.
The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
These was a great boxset. I really enjoyed all these books and how they are a progression following our main character Marcy.
Book one is Rage. This was a whirlwind story following Marcy as she deals with the uncontrollable rage she suffers with the world. Why does she feel this way? What has turned her into this angry person? With her rage overtaking her life and her risking losing her friends and her boyfriend she knows she needs to get help. Through her rage she comes to the attention of Liam. Liam sees something in Marcy and believes she is what he needs for his mission to get revenge on his families killers. This connection between them takes them on a journey neither expect.
Book 2 is Confusion. This is the perfect title for this book as Marcy is in a constant state of confusion over who she should be with. So she had relationships with both Brad and Liam. Both men love her in different ways but how long will they be willing to share her. And when that time comes can she choose between them.
Add to this the secrets and revelations that keep showing up about Marcy’s past. She knows if she shares her past she can start to heal. But she is unsure whether or not to do that.
Brad and Liam both have their own problems and confusion as well with keeps this story gripping and keeps the reader turning pages.
Book 3 is Agony and Ecstay. This book follows on from book 2 pretty much straight away which means the story flows seamlessly.
We are back with Marcy. Still torn between Bard and Liam, she is now engaged to Liam. However she can’t deny her feelings for Brad. When will the crunch time come for her to make a decision once and for all about who she will be with. I can’t really say much without giving the story away. What I will say is that the truth behind Marcys nightmares comes to light, revenge is finally met and secrets are revealed which could blow Liam and Marcy’s relationshop apart and send her running back to Brad.
This book set has been an enjoyable journey from the start and I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series to fully complete the journey.
The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This box set includes the first three books from this series (which at the time of this review, the series has thirteen books total).
An important thing you have to know going into this is that our subconscious mind operates behind the scenes 24/7 and exerts influence over every aspect of our daily life. When you read these books with that understanding, you can truly grasp what is happening with Marcy.
From the context of understanding how our brain influences us without us consciously being aware of it, you can see how behavior is actually communication. I think this is the key concept in getting the most out of these stories.
I enjoyed reading these books. They evoke a lot of emotional response and worm their way into your head so you find yourself thinking about them even when you’re not reading.
Written in the Stars by Angela Christina Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Betty was seventeen alone and pregnant but the only thing that kept me going was my love for Charlie, until that faded and then I was alone the only thing I could do was give my baby the life I could not give her.
Marlena has grown up with two loving parents until one day when she discovered she can not help her father the whole devastating truth is unveiled and she then makes it her mission to find her biological mother.
This story broke my heart, the pure emotion that this book evokes and portrays is heart warming and heart shattering in pages of each other. The story is basically two halves and with that the is tragedy and heartache but love and compassion to each of the main characters.
This is the second book I have read by this author and they are always written with such empathy and draws you into the story with each word, they are well written and the story offers a great hours of reading. I can’t wait to read more.
Reviewed by Angela Shirley
Written in the Stars by Angela Christina Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Written In The Stars is the second book in the Mother’s And Daughters collection by Angela Christina Archer. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the first book of the series, this can be read as a stand-alone story.
This story will take you on an absolute rollercoaster of emotions! This is a heartfelt story of adoption and the emotions that run from all different sides.
The story starts in the 1950s and shows what life was like for some then, and how little control some young women had regarding their decisions and lives. I literally cried my eyes out for Betty. The author tells this story brilliantly, her writing style is fantastic and as the reader, you feel every single emotion. This is my first time reading anything by this author, but I can’t wait to go and read more now.
The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
THE MARCY SERIES BOXSET: BOOKS 1-3 by Linda J. Burson
4 of 5 Stars
These are the first three novels in this series by Linda J. Burson. The series tells us the story of Marcy Jenson. Marcy is a young, independent entrepreneur. Marcy opened her own bakery about 2.5 years ago. Marcy thought she was living the good life. She was in a steady relationship with Brad, the man she knew she was going to marry. The bakery was doing well, so well she needed to add additional help. The only issue was that Marcy started to have uncontrollable rage. All of her friends were concerned. One night, Marcy stopped at a random gas station to get gas on her way home. This fuel stop changed the course of Marcy’s life. After, a stranger came into Marcy’s life. Liam is tall, strong, handsome and dangerous. Was he truly a stranger? Was he dangerous for Marcy? Can this stranger help Marcy with her rage?
In Rage, we get to know each of the characters and start to understand all their reasons for feeling the rage burning inside of them.
In Confusion, Marcy, Brad and Liam are thrown as the emotional toll of dealing with their rage bubbles to the surface.
In Agony and Ecstasy, life for Marcy, Liam and Brad has appeared to smooth out. Happiness appears just around the corner. But, we all know that there can be anything around that corner, especially dark shadows of the past.
I found myself talking out loud to the characters, telling them to stop, breathe, think about what they were doing. I questioned their choices. I rooted for their victories. I cried with them. I was pulled into Marcy’s world deeper and deeper with every page. My emotions ran so deeply that I had to put my phone down and walk away a couple of times. I thought I could walk away from Marcy, Liam and Brad but I was drawn back to them time and time again. This is a series that I have to finish.
The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This series was a great read. You have to make sure you read it in order to get the complete understanding of it all.
Rage is book 1
Confusion is book 2
Agony and Ecstasy is book 3
Each book gives its only personal feel story wise and Marcy herself is easy to understand and identify with in a sense. You will feel a great deal of emotions as you read thru each book, but and you root for Marcy to find her way, but the deeper you drive you have to wonder where things will lead. I highly recommend these books, and can say Linda Burson is an author I will gladly explore again.
Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard. This was one of the most unusual stories I’ve read. Its so moving and emotional but brings a whole new light on death. Its the whole premise of having one last adventure before you die. This book takes you on a ride with a group of people going on the last adventure they will ever have. This tale will make you think about how you would want to spend your last days and who you want to spend it with. Its a story of adventure, death, friendship and making memories. On a subject that could be very morbid and sad its not at all. It will make you cry in some place and make you emotional in others but it brings a new focus to death and one that’s not all doom and gloom. This book really made me think about my life and death and made me reflect on some choices I have made and some I will make in the future! The motto I took away was to live life to the fullest and make memories!
Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Once again, I found myself reading a book by a new author and was not disappointed. Although I cried. A lot! And not because it is a sad book although it does tackle a lot of sad issues. But more so because I also started thinking about the life I would want to live if knowing I was faced with only a short amount of time to live. As in, my own bucket list and what I could accomplish without ever looking back on life and regretting it. It made me think about how I could live my life and be happy knowing I had a terminal illness. And what I found was that just as these characters learned to do, I learned to celebrate my own life journey and be happy with who and what I was and have. I highly recommend that everyone read this book because it will make you think and wish that there was such an adventure around us.
Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard
5-stars
This is an absolute must read! Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard is one of my new favorites! It’s at the top of my list for this year!
I was so captivated by this storyline as it had me questioning everything, not in a dramatic mysterious way but more in a re-evaluating my life way. The concept behind Dire’s Club really intrigued me, how come we wait until the last possible moment to do the things in life we desperately want to do? This storyline puts everything into perspective and I’m so grateful that I read this book!
If you are looking for a one of a kind read look no further this is the book for you! This is a book that should be read by all!!
Written in the Stars by Angela Christina Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Written in the Stars (Mothers and Daughters Collection) by Angela Christina Archer
Written in the Stars is a wonderfully written story about adoption and finding who your birth parents are. This is a story that will literally take you on a emotional rollercoaster ride like no other. I cried and at times flat out ugly cried, my heart absolutely broke and at times it warmed my heart I can relate to this from a family member of someone who adopted and it was hoop after hoop and it took a toll but totally worth it in the end. My brother and sister in law adopted three beautiful children that were all siblings. Grab a box of kleenex and be prepared to experience every emotion possible with this must read book. I found myself lost in the pages and stayed up way to late because I had to know what was going to happen next. I can’t wait for the next book to come out. If you haven’t already started this series go grab the first book as its just as good as this one.
The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This trilogy is one of the most addictive and suspenseful drama’s I have ever read. The three book in the series is Rage, Confusion and Agony and Ecstasy. Linda Burson delivers a crafty and superbly written mystery that I was powerless to part from. You become instantly immersed in the characters and their lives and your life will be more content and fulfilled having read them.
Rage is book 1 in the Marcy Series written by Linda Burson. Rage is the first book by this author that I have read. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality and free flowing drama that made up this story.
Marcy was a complex character in many ways, but very simple in others. She also was dramatically erratic. That just made her more endearing. I did not warm to the love of her life quickly or completely. I think he has something he is hiding. Liam is a total different matter entirely. He was a puzzle just busting to be solved. There were many ups and downs throughout, and I lost my way a little, but overall it was a mighty fine read. The story flowed reasonably well, with intrigue, mystery and lots of action. This book was very active and the characters were a delight to get to know.
Linda Burson penned an entertaining and fast paced story, with suspense aplenty. A thoroughly splendid story which will leave a reader hungry for more from this author.
The tantalising trio are back in Confusion, book 2 in the Karcy series by Linda Burson. I sank into this story as I was intrigued by these characters and wondered what this author had in store for us readers this time.
Marcy, Brad and Liam led me on quite the mission, with ke having no idea of the outcome of Confusion. Marcy was her usual endearing self, Liam just got more attractive and sensual. But Brad annoyed me no end. His character was needed to spice up the drama, but he just appeals to me less and less. I will always have ky heart set on Marcy and Liam together as a couple, and Brad just cramps that style.
Linda Burson added so much to this series with slightly loony characters and the twisty, thrilling mystery to each chapter kept me entertained for hours. I cannot wait for number three.
This melodramatic tale that entwines three exceptional characters comes to a stunning conclusion in Agony and Ecstasy. The quality in which Linda Burson has written this mesmerizing series is captivating and never lacks intensity. This high energy reading experience will be hard to beat.
For Marcy, Liam and Brad, the rollercoaster that is life seems to be on a continuous loop, with no hint of it ever calming down. There were a lot of nail biting moments, and a lot of tears shed. A thoroughly absorbing escape from reality that left quite a profound impression.
This book and series is truly a fabulous read, and one I can highly praise. 4 stars.
Written in the Stars by Angela Christina Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Written in the Stars (Mothers and Daughters Collection) by Angela Christina Archer. I loved this book. Its the story of 17 year old Betty Hamilton who has gotten pregnant out of wedlock in the 1950’s which is taboo. She was dropped off at Dartmouth Home for Wayward Girls all alone with nothing to her name but her baby. Once the baby is born she is taken away from Betty and given to a family to be adopted in a closed adoption and Betty is sent home with nothing. Years later Marlena is a young girl whose father is really sick and Marlena thinks she can help him. When she realizes she can’t she is also told she was adopted. Marlena is heartbroken and feels like she has been lied to all these years. Marlena sets out to find her adoptive mom and finds out lots of secrets along the way. Will she find her adoptive mom before its too late or will Betty die never knowing the child she loved and gave birth too? Read Written in the Stars to find out!
The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Meet Marcy, young, running her own bakery, and with a terrible temper she can’t control. Dating Brad, who she has been with for two and a half years, Marcy expects to spend forever with him. But when she meets a mysterious stranger, and things with Brad fall apart, Marcy and Liam start to explore their relationship. Getting mixed up in Liam’s plot for revenge, Marcy finds herself on a path she never imagined.
These stories are good. I enjoyed the characters, especially Liam. However, there was a lot of times I felt the story moved at too slow of a pace and scenes that could have been shortened or removed altogether. Marcy is very wishy washy in her relationships, and her thoughts are all over the place. The conversations between characters were not realistic, as no one really talks like they do in these stories, which made some of it seem forced.
The Marcy Series has a good premise, and I would recommend reading it. The action scenes are fantastic and I kept reading to find out what happened with Liam’s revenge plot. 3/5 stars.
Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I picked up this book, with an idea of my head of what the book would flow through with and the main concept of the book, and I will admit, in a good way, I could not be more wrong! This wonderful novel brought so much different levels of emotions as well as connections, it was such a moving as well as touching book, I never read anything like it before, and I am so happy I got to read this!
The book and its contents with the characters was beyond beautiful. It was like watching a sunset on a nice beach with a breeze, knowing that could be your last sunset you ever see perhaps. You take it all in for what it is, and defiantly for what it is worth! That is what these characters were to me All were different in their own special way. They were none of the same except for one reason only, and that was that they were t be gone soon enough due to a illness that was terminal.
Dire’s Club itself gave them all one final request to live out. No matter how big or extreme it was going to happen for each of them. I thought that was really remarkable. I bonded so much with these characters, I laughed with them, I smiled with them, and I certainly cried with them. Reading of their hopes, what they wished would happen, and defiantly their fears, really moved me. It was hard at scenes to take in what certain ones said, so much pain in love in their words, you felt everything! I just wanted to reach into the book at a few parts and hug them and give them comfort in the best way that I know.
The book gave me some new views on life to defiantly think about. Death perhaps isn’t the end of all we know, perhaps its a different path for us all. That’s my opinion I have taken back from this book. It taught me death does not have to be scary, just accepted. As well, never stop trying to live your life, we are here for a short time, lets make the most of it! The story was beautiful I cried a lot with this novel, no regrets!
The author has a special way with words and wrote this wonderful story. I really fell deep into my emotions with this one. It touched my soul and heart in ways that can never be truly expressed. It was amazing and perfect in every way. I defiantly will b telling everyone to read it. Don’t wait to read it, read it now, it really will give you a different prescriptive to think about, and wonder about as well. Its touching in more ways than one. I really had a good experience reading this book, and I wish I got to read this book sooner. It is one not to be missed. Truly recommend with all of my heart and soul for you to read this!
Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an unusual story. At the same time it’s fascinating. If I was in the position of this diers, I would more than likely do an adventure as well. I was intrigued reading this book. I loved that Jimmy can make people’s dream a reality.
Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was intrigued by the synopsis of the book and captivated by the stunning cover. And once I dove in – wow. I’m pretty much at a loss for words. If you are looking for a deep storyline filled with emotion, this is your book. The relationships and personalities discovered throughout were just enthralling. I can’t wait to read this book again.
Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
View all my reviews
The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Marcy Series box set is a great set of books to read. I really enjoyed them and would definitely recommend them to other readers. The set contains books 1-3 in the series – Rage, Confusion and Agony &Ecstasy. I really enjoyed the authors writing, it was very engaging and there were some great twists and turns along the way.
I really like Marcy she is such a great character to read about. She is quite a complex character that you really do have to get to know and understand. There was so much going on for her and she has some real heart-breaking decisions to make. I think by the end of this book I really felt like I knew Marcy well.
The authors writing definitely developed as the stories progressed and I am really looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a box set you must read if you like action, suspense and/or thrillers. I don’t think I have read anything that has kept me on the edge-of-my-seat from page 1 and not let go until the end. Marcy deals with some emotional issues that are causing big issues in her life. She has an unintentional love triangle going on and memories popping up. The feelings are big. The men are direct opposites of each other. I feel she would have been better off with one. The books are meant to be read in order. As the action builds, Marcy does find her strength and confidence to rebuild her life and get back on her feet. She learns she has friends. Power packed and full of twists, the author has put together a plot that is like dynamite waiting to blow and it just takes you along to the very end. I would give this a 10 star rating if I could. Highly recommend!
Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was amazingly beautiful. The way it handles a sensitive topic was great. The characters are written so great that it makes you fall in love with them. I felt a real connection to this book. I couldn’t put it down. This was one of the realest books I’ve read in a long time.
Written in the Stars by Angela Christina Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book hooked me right from the start! What a different era meant for pregnant women who hadn’t met society’s rules! Even when it flashed forward to 1980, the world was still so different to today – smoking right outside a hospital room?!! Angela Christina Archer had me formulating theories and turning the pages to find out what would happen next and if my guesses were correct! Looking forward to reading more from this fabulous author!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In this book, Kimberly Packard has you look at death in a unique way. She has pulled in me from the very first page until the last page. In this story, the dying goes to a travel agency that gives them one last adventure. The adventure frees the dying from feeling guilty because they are dying. We meet Charlotte Claybrooke. She is a life coach who assists people with their guilt. She sets out on a journey to find life among the dying. Then there is Jimmy Dire, He is the man who gives the terminally ill their last adventure. He is a shady man. He has a problem with lying and his bills were adding up. Something has happened to his last adventure. Will his last group of adventurers gets what they paid for or will they stay together or will they be ripped apart? How’s Charlotte’s journey and where does it lead to? I highly recommend this book for a great journey.
Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well where to start with this book. This book has had me in tears of sadness and tears of joy. It is a moving story about a group of people who are brought together because they are dying and are living their one final wish. The characters range from old to young and they each have a story to tell.
One of the characters Charlotte isn’t dying at least not from a illness like the rest of them. Charlotte has an illness that is not talked about much and often goes unseen behind smiles and great acting. After losing the love of her life Charlotte has suffered with depression and has found no way to get herself out of its grips.
This story is really eye opening in the sense that although it is a story about people who are dying it is also a story about life and how you should live everyday like your last so when your time comes you have no regrets.
Every person including the man running the show Jimmy Dire, all have secrets that get reveled throughout this story. Its definately a book you won’t be able to put down as you take these journeys with each character.
Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my book by this author, and I was blown away! Given the subject matter it should be a sad book, but it’s sort of uplifting and thoughtful. Definitely makes you reflect on your own outlook on life. It was extremely well written. All of the characters were very multi dimensional and authentic. I would absolutely recommend this book, even if it’s not your typical genre!
The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Marcy Series Boxset is the first three books in the series. Linda J Burson does an amazing job of grabbing my attention and holding throughout the series. Her attention to detail paints a beautiful picture in my mind’s eye. She introduces Marcy, Brad, and Liam in book one Rage. Marcy is living the American Dream, her own house, and business. She has some issues and she is working through them. I love how much Marcy grows through the series. I highly recommend this box set to follow Marcy and her relationships.
