Where one goes - B.N. Toler

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What happens when the very thing ruining your life ends up saving it? I was never one to believe in spirits—until six years ago, when a bone-chilling accident changed my life…forever. My name is Charlotte, but most people call me Char…and I have a special gift. 

I talk to the dead. 

This was beautifully written and a wonderful listen. I got this book as part of Audible's romance package, there are some really good gems hidden in those stacks. It is narrated by Cris Dukehart and Corey M. Snow and the pair make for a wonderful experience.

I chose this book solely for its cover and was a little surprised when the book turned out to be about a girl who could speak to the dead, at first I did want to stop it, but the story just pulled me in and I was so glad I decided to continue. 

“Would you dance with me tonight if you could?”

His brows rise, surprised by my question. Standing, he looks down at me, his expression serious. “Every fucking song.”

Charlotte was a well written lovable character, and the struggles she faces became so real to me that I felt her despair, the pressure of having to save George but in doing so, she needs to let go of Ike. 

The book did get me choked up a couple of times, really a very touching story. 

Mansfield Park - Jane Austen

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Adopted into the household of her uncle, Sir Thomas Bertram, Fanny Price grows up a meek outsider among her cousins in the unaccustomed elegance of Mansfield Park. Soon after Sir Thomas absents himself on estate business in Antigua (the family's investment in slavery and sugar is considered in the Introduction in a new, post-colonial light), Mary Crawford and her brother Henry arrive at Mansfield, bringing with them London glamour, and the seductive taste for flirtation and theatre that precipitates a crisis.

As with all Austen books, you will probably find it hard to not compare it to Pride and Prejudice, this was a let down for me as I was expecting so much. It was a struggle to connect with the characters, and this only happened when I was about halfway through the book. Unlike Pride and Prejudice, the love interest felt forced to me. 

While most of the characters only pursue wealth and status, up to a point where it was quite comical, Fanny Price was a breath of fresh air, she was a little indifferent regarding this, and this actually captured the difference between her and the other characters. 

There were parts where it did drag a little, but it could have been that my heart was just not into the book at the time. I will, of course, re-visit this book in years to come and who knows, by that time it will ring a different tune to me. 

Letter from Home Series - Maryann Jordan

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Don't you just love it when you find a new troupe? That one storyline that makes your heart beat faster, and makes you go through countless pages on Amazon trying to find your next fix. My latest favourite is letters to soldiers, yes, you will see a lot of these types of books on the blog for a while. So I thought it best to combine the first series in one post. 

The first book in this series is called Class of Love,

When Letters From Home make all the difference. Ethan Miller, an Army Apache Helicopter mechanic, was on tour in Afghanistan, biding his time as he worked hard and played hard. Brooke Thompson, a fourth-grade teacher, was leading her class in a project to write to a soldier. 

Through the letters and gifts, Ethan grew to care for the group of children…and their teacher.

What more do you need? This story is so wholesome, with a handsome hero who will steal your heart. This is a sweet story about a teacher, who as a class project asks children to write to a soldier, the children ask the soldier questions, and he answers them. Through their interactions they get to know one another, our main characters then also start falling for each other through their writing. It is a quick read and makes you crave more, which is a good thing because there is more. This was my favourite book in the series.

The second book in the series is Freedom of Love,

Brody Molina, an Army medic on tour in Afghanistan, saved lives every day but preferred to spend his downtime with a good book. Molly Thurston, working in a library, sent boxes to books to soldiers overseas. Slipping a note into one, she wondered who would write back. Finding each other through a love of books, the friends continue to write, but Molly, with a secret to hide, is afraid of her growing attraction. 

When the secret is revealed, will the love between two pen pals overcome all obstacles? 

This has a sweet story, that is full of hope and redemption for our main character. Romance stories where the characters fall in love through letters written to each other really makes me very happy. There were some plot holes that did niggle a little in the back of my mind, but it was still very satisfying. 

The last book in this series is Bond of Love,

Ben Fowler, an Army mechanic on tour in Afghanistan, loved listening to his squad member read letters from his sister. Alicia Newton’s letters to her twin brother kept them as close as ever. When tragedy strikes, she relies on his friend, Ben, to fill the void. As Ben and Alicia help each other with shared grief, they grow closer. But as Ben’s job is still dangerous, Alicia wonders if she can risk her heart again. 

Can two broken hearts find healing in each other? 

This was my second favourite in the series, a beautiful story of friends to lovers which is probably one of my favourite types of books. This book made me cry and laugh. It really has a special place in my heart.

I think what made this series special was the fact that if you felt like it, you could read each book as a stand alone book, or in different orders. Truly a great read when you find a new troupe. 

The Wall of Winnipeg and me - Mariana Zapata

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There is nothing in the world that will make up for a slow simmering romance book, something that will take you on a ride along a coastal road, making you crave more and satisfying everything you didn't know you needed at that moment. 

While on holiday in July, I felt the need for some soppy love stories, stories where I wouldn't need to think, this was exactly what the doctor ordered. 

Vanessa Mazur knows she's doing the right thing. She shouldn't feel bad for quitting. Being an assistant/housekeeper/fairy godmother to the top defensive end in the National Football Organization was always supposed to be temporary. She has plans and none of them includes washing extra-large underwear longer than necessary.

But when Aiden Graves shows up at her door wanting her to come back, she's beyond shocked.

For two years, the man known as The Wall of Winnipeg couldn't find it in him to tell her good morning or congratulate her on her birthday. Now? He's asking for the unthinkable.

What do you say to the man who is used to getting everything he wants?

Even though this is classed as a slow burn romance, I flew through it, the story was fast-paced. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Callie Dalton and she was the perfect choice for it. I always appreciate when narrators don't give silly voices to the opposite sex narrations. 

"Home is where you are. I would go anywhere for you if you wanted me there"

The Masterpiece - Francine Rivers

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You see that one of your favourite Christian authors has a new book, in a normal world you would say the plot is simple, boy meets girl, they fall in love and life happily ever after. But then you remember this is Francine Rivers and that you are in for the rollercoaster ride of your life.

I listened to the audiobook of this book narrated by Susan Bennett, who I think was a great choice for this book, she really brought a different dimension to the book and made a lasting impression on me.

A successful LA artist, Roman Velasco appears to have everything he could possibly want--money, women, fame. Only Grace Moore, his reluctant, newly hired personal assistant, knows how little he truly has. The demons of Roman's past seem to echo through the halls of his empty mansion and out across his breathtaking Topanga Canyon view. But Grace doesn't know how her boss secretly wrestles with those demons: by tagging buildings as the Bird, a notorious but unidentified graffiti artist--an alter ego that could destroy his career and land him in prison.

Like Roman, Grace is wrestling with ghosts and secrets of her own. After a disastrous marriage threw her life completely off course, she vowed never to let love steal her dreams again. But as she gets to know the enigmatic man behind the reputation, it's as if the jagged pieces of both of their pasts slowly begin to fit together . . . until something so unexpected happens that it changes the course of their relationship--and both their lives--forever

This was probably one of my favourite books by Francine Rivers, only Redeeming Love will hold a bigger place in my heart. It's one of those stories that stays with you even months after you have read it. It is action packed and has enough added characters to make a well-rounded novel.

As always Rivers knows how to write beautiful stories for her characters, stories that you as a reader can relate to, that can show you a glimmer of hope at the end of your tunnel and teaches you a lesson along with her characters. With Rivers, you can be guaranteed that you will be completely satisfied after she has send you on an emotional rollercoaster.

Sticky Fingers 3 - JT Lawrence

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JT Lawrence is back with more short stories that are creepier than ever.

You won't be able to get these deliciously twisted tales out of your head...

Grab them while they're hot and sticky.

There is no use denying this, I am a huge Lawrence fan, I have read almost all of her published works, and I can't see this changing anytime soon. This is another well-written collection of short stories. Each story was gripping, and I will always praise Lawrence for her writing.

The collection consists of 12 riveting short stories, some leaving the hairs on the back of your neck standing, others leaving you gasping for air from laughing, all of them keeping you engrossed and hoping there will be more. 

From this collection my favourites were definitely The Shelter, Would you take the noose around your neck if it meant saving everyone you knew? The Children in the Walls, The storm tried to keep her out; she should have listened. And Fenrir, A Viking is called to fulfil his bloody destiny despite his desire to stay home with his love. There is also an old favourite who makes a return in this collection. 

Reviews for the previous books can be found HERE and HERE

You can get your copy here

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

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As we all know, there are many books about the Holocaust out there, what made this one different?

The author truly knew how to put the true story of Lale Sokolov in such a way that will haunt you, this book made my heart race, I was rooting for Lale, I wanted, no I needed him to survive, I wanted to see him and Gita overcome all the odds. This book kept me up until 1 in the morning, it was beautifully written and so descriptive, I could see everything in my mind's eye. 

It is one thing to know that even in these horrible circumstances, love and hope can overcome anything and a whole different thing to read how this was the case for these people.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz is based on the true story of Lale and Gita Sokolov, two Slovakian Jews who survived Auschwitz and eventually made their home in Australia. In that terrible place, Lale was given the job of tattooing the prisoners marked for survival - literally scratching numbers into his fellow victims' arms in indelible ink to create what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust. Lale used the infinitesimal freedom of movement that this position awarded him to exchange jewels and money taken from murdered Jews for food to keep others alive. If he had been caught, he would have been killed; many owed him their survival.

"To save one is to save the world." 

There will be a lot of people who will tell you that you don't need to read another book about the Holocaust, I don't agree with this. We need to keep reading books like this, books that will show us that this is something that did happen, this is something that can happen again, and if we just sweep it under the rug and try to forget about it, we are contributing to the problem. 

Books like these show the resilience of how humans can work together and overcome anything in their path. Lale was one of these people who made the best out of a bad experience, who saw a way of helping people while doing something that will have survivors look back on it for years to come. 

Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte

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We as friends decided this year to try our hands at some classic reads, and of course, this came up. and how happy am I that I finally read this? Sure you can watch the adaptions, but they definitely don't do this any justice. 

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Thandie Newton and she brought it to life, I loved the accents and the pace she set for the book. 

To me the surprise was that even though this book was written in the 1800s, Jane still felt relevant, I could still relate to her. To me, she is a well-rounded character, who although she experienced so much she still held her head high and made the best of a bad situation. Mr. Rochester was the kind of character that you would either hate or love, I just happen to really like him a lot. 

Sure if you want a love story, you might feel a little disappointed, but to read how a young woman became a strong independent woman who stood up for herself, who didn't lie down when the world was against her, then this is definitely the story for you. 

A Life made of Lava – Lissa Del

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Looking for characters that are instantly likeable? This book is for you. 

A story that will draw you in from the very beginning? This book is for you. 

One that will make you face your worse fears? Jip, you guessed it, this one is for you.

Evie Danvers has three beautiful, if slightly out of control, children; a stray cat named Dr. Moxley and a best friend who drinks unapologetically at 9 a.m. Evie also has stage four bone cancer and a gallows sense of humour that drives her husband, Nick, demented.

I adored Evie’s sense of humour, from making jokes about her own demise to pranking her mother-in-law. Evie hires a nanny, who she ensures will be perfect for the family, especially after she is gone.

As always Lissa Del knows how to spin a story in such a way that it draws you in from the first page, right through to the last, this one is no exception. You are guaranteed to laugh and cry with the characters. 

It is beautifully written and when dealing with a difficult subject such as cancer, I think the author did a wonderful job. 

A special mention also to this cover that is beautiful and just grabs your attention immediately

Sticky Fingers 2: Another 12 Short Stories – JT Lawrence

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I thoroughly enjoyed the first collection of short stories, craving more the whole time. When I heard that there is a new collection I placed my order and kept willing Lawrence to finish quickly. 

I was not disappointed.

It is fully loaded with stories that are beautifully written and even some that left me thirsting for a full novel.

There is a little of everything, stories that will creep you out, that will make you laugh and even some that will make you doubt your reality.

Of course, no reader can say that when reading these collections, that they can’t pick a favourite. There are some of these stories that will stay with me and I will reread them. 

If you read the previous collection of short stories there is even an old favourite that will make a reappearance and leave you with a stitch in your side from laughing.  

84, Charing Cross Road – Helene Hanff

♥♥♥♥ Those who know me well, know that I love letters, and was introduced to the magic that is books published telling stories through letters.  This charming classic love story, first published in 1970, brings together twenty years of correspondence between Helene Hanff, at the time, a freelance writer living in New York City, and a used-book dealer in London at 84, Charing Cross Road. Through the years, though never meeting and separated both geographically and culturally, they share a winsome, sentimental friendship based on their common love for books. Their relationship, captured so acutely in these letters, is one that has touched the hearts of thousands of readers around the world This does not disappoint, you get to know the people through their correspondence with each other. It started off as a woman, Helene Hanff, buying books from a bookshop in London, gradually you get to know all the people who work in the shop and she tells more about her life as a writer in New York. This is a great compilation of letters and I’m glad I also got the audiobook. That was narrated by Juliet Stevenson and John Nettles. The two narrators brought a different dimension to these letters, they blew life back into them

Bridge to Haven - Francine Rivers

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What can you say, it’s a Francine Rivers book. As expected the characters go through hell, to come together in perfect unison. Rivers has a way of describing situations that pull you in and make you fall in love with the characters. 

To those who matter in 1950s Hollywood, Lena Scott is the hottest rising star to hit the silver screen since Marilyn Monroe. Few know her real name is Abra. Even fewer know the price she’s paid to finally feel like she’s somebody. To Pastor Ezekiel Freeman, Abra will always be the little girl who stole his heart the night he found her, a wailing newborn abandoned under a bridge on the outskirts of Haven.

The characters are well written, with personal growth throughout the book. Abra and Joshua are some of those characters that crawl into your heart and stays with you long after you have closed the book.

I even love it when an author can write the “bad guy” in such a way that when he is a part of the story it makes your hackles rise.

The cover design is also gorgeous and I bought it before I even looked at the summary at the back

In perfect Francine Rivers style, knows how to take a Bible story and turn it into this perfectly recreated scenario that both makes you look at it in a different light and also teaches you a valuable lesson. 

Big Little Lies - Liane Moriarty

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It’s been a while since a book has knocked me out of the field. What a remarkable book.

I read this book with friends, and let me tell you I wish I read it sooner. We were enthralled from the first page right through to the end, speculating late into the night, coming up with theories, getting frustrated but enjoying every single minute of it.

It does read a little like Australian desperate housewives but do you know what, I loved it. The characters crept into my heart, I wanted to fight for Celeste, I wanted to shake Jane out of her funk, and Madeline was probably my favourite, although I think that in real life she would’ve irritated me.

The plot had me guessing until the big reveal, it was frustrating but at the same time, I couldn’t put the book down, and that is what a great book is to me, I want to be so engrossed in a book that I forget about my life and what I have to actually be doing otherwise. Personally, I appreciate the way the author handled the big issues in this book, tackling domestic abuse, divorce and it’s aftermath and many more.

When an author can write characters like this, that crawls into your life you can’t help falling in love. I can’t wait to read more by Liane Moriarty.

Suddenly Royal - Nichole Chase

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This book is definitely for people who loved the Princess Diaries, but of course with the little twist of being for grownups – YES that’s right, get ready for some steamy scenes.

Samantha Rousseau is used to getting her hands dirty. Working toward a master’s degree in wildlife biology while helping take care of her sick father, she has no time for celebrity gossip, designer clothes or lazy vacations. So when a duchess from the small country of Lilaria invites her to dinner, Samantha assumes it’s to discuss a donation to the program. The truth will change the course of her life in ways she never dreamed.

The writing is beautiful and draws you in from the opening sentence. The characters also had a way of crawling into my heart and making me want to get to know them better. It made me laugh and cry and that to me is the signs of a good book. Can’t wait to get my hands on the next in the series.  

It was a very enjoyable read/listen, I had the audiobook that I got on Audible and when I couldn’t listen I read the ebook. The narrator did different voices and accents for the characters that added to the experience.

Sticky Fingers - J.T. Lawrence (AUDIOBOOK)

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When Janita announced that she was releasing an audiobook of this one, I knew I had to get a copy. Luckilly I had some credits saved on Audible and could get it as soon as it was released. 

The Bianca Flanders is an asset to this book, I enjoyed her voice and it definitely brought out the best in each of the stories. 

I already reviewed the book, it can be found here

The book contains the following stories with a short review of each:

Escape follows as suicidal baby, the determination was palpable, and the ending, what a twist.

She did it, a battered woman is found in a pool of her dead husband’s blood, with a detective that didn’t quite trust his gut feeling.

Bridge Gate a series of letters between a young girl and her estranged father. I love these kinds of stories that is written in the form of letters. This one is one that I would love a full novel.

The Itch an itch that just won’t go away, such an intense story that drew me in.

The unsuspecting gold digger a woman finds herself engaged to an extremely wealthy man, this one knocked me out of the park, another one I wouldn’t mind reading more, and that end, what a shock!

Something Borrowed The broken hearted bride. This story had me grabbing tissues.

Pigeon Pair Pigeon’s so many pigeon’s, such a cute start and then the end, damn pigeons.

Grey Magic if you would like a story about a modern witch, and you like this short story, there is a full novel now available, with a second one on its way.

The Little Pink Book A midwife with a twist, couldn’t help but picture Call the Midwife in my head, but the end was definitely not what I expected. This one will stay with me for a while.

Travelling slacks a holiday review gone bad, giggle inducing. Such a wonderful story, in the form of reviews on a website.

Sticky Fingers A kleptomaniac telling her story, how she got started, you will laugh, gasp, and shake your head in disbelieve.

Off the Hinge Such a sad story and definitely a great way to end this wonderful collection. 

Without Merit - Colleen Hoover

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There is no doubt about it, Colleen Hoover is one of my favourite authors. She is a brilliant writer and can get a message across in a way that most authors can’t. This book’s cover had me hooked from the reveal, I knew I had to get a copy ASAP and then once I did for some reason I put off reading it.

The book centres around the Voss family, they are definitely not your average American family. The once cancer-stricken mother lives in the basement, the father married to the mother’s former nurse, the little half-brother isn’t allowed to do or eat anything fun, and the eldest siblings are irritatingly perfect. Then, there’s Merit.

Merit Voss collects trophies she hasn’t earned and secrets her family forces her to keep.

It was definitely a page-turner, with all the secrets that were revealed and then, of course, Merit’s own revelation. This wasn’t your average Colleen Hoover book that revolved around the romantic relationship aspect, but more about the family dynamic and how families work through their own issues.

The characters where interesting, each one getting their moment to shine, my only complaint would be that the book ended so abruptly with a lot of the story not being done (if this is the first book in the series, I will change this part of the review). I would really like to know how the story ends for them.

Other than that, it was an enjoyable read.