Friday Fun - November 4, 2022

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with two different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays and the Friday 56.

This week I have a few books to share with you. 

I'm continuing my reread of Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger in anticipation of the newest book which is being released next week. This past week I read books four and five, and I just started book six. 

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Neverseen

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Lodestar 

                                                                                                                                                                     

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Nightfall

Book Beginnings on Fridays

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

Here is my book beginnings for Keeper of the Lost Cities: Neverseen by Shannon Messenger:

From the Preface:

"Sophie stumbled backward, scrambling closer to her friends as a cage of neon yellow flames erupted all around them. Heat licked across her skin and smoke choked her lungs while the Neverseen moved forward, their black cloaks gone, disguises abandoned."

Another nerve-wracking scene in the preface of this fourth book of the series. And heartbreaking knowing what else is going to happen in this scene.

From Chapter 1:

"'We have to go,' Fitz said, bursting through the doors of Everglen's upstairs guest room. He found Sophie sitting alone on the edge of the giant canopy bed, already dressed in some of her old human clothes."

The book starts off right where the previous book left off. From the last book we know they have to run away, and now we get to find out what is going to happen.

Here is my book beginnings for Keeper of the Lost Cities: Lodestar by Shannon Messenger:

From the Preface:

"This is what they want. The words tumbled through Sophie's mind as she raced up the spiral staircase, counting her steps, trying to guess which door to take."

Not as nerve wracking as the preface from Neverseen, but originally it had me wanting to find out what is going on. Of course during this reread, knowing what was coming, it was just as heartbreaking, or maybe even more so, than Neverseen.

From Chapter 1:

"'This is a security nightmare!' Sandor grumbled, keeping his huge gray hand poised over his enormous black sword. His squeaky voice reminded Sophie more of a talking mouse than a deadly bodyguard."

I was so glad to see they were back at Foxfire, the elven school, and things seemed to be back to "normal" compared to the previous book. And I love when she describes Sandor as a squeaky mouse. I realize so many of the quotes seem so serious, but there are so, so many hilarious scenes in these books. 

And finally, here is my book beginnings for Keeper of the Lost Cities: Nightfall:

From the Preface:

"Sophie stared at the gleaming trail that wound down. And down. And down. Disappearing into the misty shadows far below. The path of ancient silver and gold stones shouldn't exist - and yet it had been there all along."

Definitely intrigued. What new secrets are going to be uncovered in this sixth book of the series. The thing with the prefaces in this series is, the author takes them from scenes further in the book. But for some reason, I forget all about the preface while I'm reading and don't even realize when I've come to the scene.

From Chapter 1:

"''You remember me?' The question slipped from Sophie's lips before she could stop it, and the weighted words seemed to hit the floor of the messy bedroom with a thud. The wide-eyed, trembling girl standing in front of her slowly nodded, and Sophie's heart swelled even as it plummeted into the sour pit of her stomach."

Well, I'm not going to give away who it is that is remembering Sophie, but if you read the previous five books, you will know at the very end of book five, and it was quite the twist. This character plays an interesting, and unexpected role in the sixth book.

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is hosted over at Freda's Voice.

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here are my Friday 56 selections.

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Neverseen by Shannon Messenger:
 

"'I'm here to join the Black Swan.'
The words seemed to dangle, waiting for someone to reach out and grab them."

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Lodestar by Shannon Messenger:

"You found out another one of his identities, didn't you? Keefe guessed.

I did. But I don't think it'd be good to tell you. You already have enough secrets to protect."

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Nightfall by Shannon Messenger:

"Here sister chewed her lip, leaving teeth marks so deep they looked ready to bleed. 'Then I want the whole story-the one you promised you'd tell me earlier. I want to know what you've been doing all this time, and why you have a bodyguard, and why these Neverseen people keep coming after you.'"

Friday Fun - October 28, 2022

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with two different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays and the Friday 56.

This week I have a few books to share with you. 

This is not my first time reading the Keeper of the Lost Cities books by Shannon Messenger. I've read them multiple times. I'm currently rereading them because the newest book is being released in less than two weeks. This past week I read books one, two, and three. 

Keeper of the Lost Cities

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Exile 

                                                                                                                                                                     

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Everblaze

Book Beginnings on Fridays

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

Here is my book beginnings for Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger:

From the Preface:

"Blurry, fractured memories swam through Sophie's mind, but she couldn't piece them together. She tried opening her eyes and found only darkness."

Having read the book multiple times, I know what is going on here, sadly.

And from Chapter 1:

"'Miss Foster!' Mr. Sweeney's nasal voice cut through Sophie's blaring music as he yanked her earbuds out by the cords. 'Have you decided that you're too smart to pay attention to this information?'"

I wasn't sure what to think of Sophie at first, but I am so glad I gave this series a chance. It is one of my favorites now. It helped that the reader learns quite quickly why Sophie was listening to her music instead of paying attention.

Here is my book beginnings for Keeper of the Lost Cities: Exile by Shannon Messenger:

First from the Preface:

"Sophie's hands shook as she lifted the tiny green bottle. One swallow held life and death -- and not just for her." 

Having read the book multiple times, this scene is now very meaningful.

And from Chapter 1:

'"I still can't believe we're tracking Bigfoot,' Sophie whispered as she stared at the giant footprint in the muddy soil. Each massive toe was as wide as her arm, and the print formed a deep, mucky puddle." 

It sounded like she was intrigued and frustrated all at the same time. But knowing what she ends up finding shortly after this makes it all worthwhile.  

And finally, here is my book beginnings for Keeper of the Lost Cities: Everblaze

And from the Preface:

"The mirror slipped from Sophie's hands, landing on the petal-covered carpet with the softest thud." Both sides of the glass survived the crash without cracking. But inside, Sophie shattered."

Again, having read the books multiple times, this was such a devastating revelation in this scene.

From Chapter 1:

"'What are you waiting for?' Keefe shouted over the howling wind and the roaring sea. 'Don't tell be the great Sophie Foster is afraid.'"

I admit, I had to wonder why Sophie was afraid and what these two were up to.

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is hosted over at Freda's Voice.

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here are my Friday 56 selections.

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger:
 

"Alden stopped to stare at her. 'We would never have servants. The gnomes choose to live with us because it's safer in our world. And they help in our gardens because they enjoy it. We're privileged to have them. you'll get your first taste of gnomish produce during lunch, and you're in for quite a treat.'"

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Exile by Shannon Messenger:

"Grady sank into the hug, and an extra second passed before he pulled away, his eyes blinking back tears. He cleared his throat and took her hands. 'Well, then, we'd better get ready.'"

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Everblaze by Shannon Messenger:

"Sophie grinned as she turned to face him, but her lips fell when she noticed Alden wasn't alone--not that Sophie didn't like Councillor Kenric. In fact, the red-haired, wide-smiling Councillor was one of her favorites, and he was always one of the first to take her side."

Friday Fun - October 21, 2022

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with two different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays and the Friday 56.

This week I have two books to share with you. 

I read The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans for one of my monthly challenges. I needed a book set in South America. This is a story of two friends who go to Peru as a part of a humanitarian expedition and they get to not only help out in different areas, but they get to explore different sites as well. While there Christine, whose fiancé called off the wedding a week before the date, meets Paul, who oversees am orphanage and has also left the states after dealing with some life-changing events.

I also read A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin for another of my monthly challenges. I needed a book that takes place during World War II, and I loved some other books I have read by Sarah Sundin, so I thought I would try another series. I absolutely loved this story too.

                                                                                                                                                                     

Book Beginnings on Fridays

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

Here is my book beginnings for The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans:

"Going to the jungle wasn't my idea. Had the thought actually crossed my mind, I would have immediately relegated it to that crowded portion of my brain where things I should do someday but thankfully never will are safely locked away to languish and die."

I will have to agree with this. LOL.

And here is my book beginnings for A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin:

"One whole delicious week together. Allie Miller clung to her best friend's promise and to the train ticket that would deliver it."

Yay, sounds like a highly anticipated adventure.

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is hosted over at Freda's Voice.

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here are my Friday 56 selections.

The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans:
 

"'This is a list of things that you must do before December second. I suggest that you do not put them off. Especially anything concerning your passport.'
'Look, Chris,' Jessica said, 'lists. You love lists.'

'Shut up,' she said."

A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin:

"How did a man who didn't drink, gamble, or chase women have a bad night on the town? 'Do I dare ask what happened?'"

Review of Cross the Line by C.C. Warrens

 

I absolutely, 100% loved this book! I was thrilled to be able to continue Holly's story. The way Imperfect Justice ended, I wasn't sure if C.C. Warrens was planning to continue writing stories about Holly, and Marx, and Jordan, and Jace, and Sam. When I learned that Cross the Line was in the works, I was so excited. I was even more excited to be chosen to be on C.C. Warrens ARC Team, so I could read the book as soon as I could.
Each of these books have been a roller coaster of emotions, and this newest book was not any different. There wasn't as much in the heart breaking, devastation department as some of the other books, but this was definitely a thriller and very suspenseful at times. But the humor was there (especially in the interactions between Holly and Marx, and Holly and Jordan), just like it was in all the other books. I was constantly laughing out loud, causing my family to glance my way in concern. And I highlighted so many hilarious encounters.
But there was definitely a serious side as C.C. Warrens was dealing with the topic of prostitution. But the love of Christ shines through. Holly is Holly, and we see her thinking about others instead of herself, and heading into danger, even when told not to. If you've read the previous books, you know what I mean. And let me say, if you don't like spoilers, make sure to read all the previous books first so you are caught up with the story. And yes, that includes the novellas and the Seeking Justice books.
If you love thrillers, and twists and turns and misdirection, you'll love C.C. Warrens' Holly books, and this one is just as awesome as the rest of the series.
Thanks to the author for the chance to read an advanced reader copy. I was not required to write a favorable review.

Friday Fun - October 14, 2022

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with two different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays and the Friday 56.

This week I have two books to share with you. 

I read Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund last year and have been patiently waiting for the second book to arrive in my library system. I finally decided to ask my other library if they could get it in. I was thrilled when I realized my "Blind Date with a Book" book for October was Come Back to Me, because I realized they had gotten Never Leave Me in as well.

When I went in to grab my "Blind Date with a Book" selection, I also grabbed Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund as well. I've been waiting so long to get to read this. 

Book Beginnings on Fridays

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

Here is my book beginnings for Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund:

"'Your father is in a coma.'
'What did you say?' Marian Creighton fumbled with her phone and almost dropped it. 'I don't think I heard you correctly.'"

Quite the shocking beginning for poor Marian.

And here is my book beginnings for Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund:

"'I'm dying, and we can't change that.' Even though Ellen Creighton spoke as softly and gently as possible, she could do nothing to soften the harshness of the truth."

Sadly, if the reader has read Come Back to Me, they already know this. I won't say any more for fear of giving something away.

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is hosted over at Freda's Voice.

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here are my Friday 56 selections.

Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund:
 

"'So you think the second seed from the Tree of Life ended up in Canterbury?' What was she saying? Did she believe in the seeds now too? Was she going crazy right along with Harrison and her dad?"

Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund:

"She almost didn't recognize his face without his thick glasses. He seemed younger, his cheeks and jaw more defined, his eyes more intense. 'Did you see Marian?' His expression was completely serious, as though seeing dead people was a normal, everyday occurrence."

Review of The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright

 

I absolutely loved this newest book by Jaime Jo Wright. I admit, I was a bit hesitant at first, knowing that spiritualism was going to be a part of the story. But, having read her previous books, I figured the focus would be on the biblical truths, and that trying to communicate with the dead would be frowned upon.

I enjoyed both time lines and learning how they related to each other.

The characters were well developed and I grew to care for them and the struggles they were going through. Perliett lives in 1910 and it is her mother who delves into spiritualism and trying to communicate with the dead. Perliett herself is seen as a “quack” by the local doctor because of her use of home remedies. The book begins with a murder in their small, rural farming community.

In the current timeline we learn that Molly and her husband have just purchased the “murder house” which is related to the murder in 1910. Molly is dealing with depression related to her miscarriages and is experiencing visions related to what she presumes are murders from 1910 along with a murder that happened just down the road.

The author’s typical creepy story with the inclusion of biblical truths was there. I loved the suspense and the twists, and love how the truth is slowly revealed.

Another wonderful book by Jaime Jo Wright!

Friday Fun - October 7, 2022

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with two different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays and the Friday 56.

This week I have one book to share with you. 

I set Laura's Shadow by Allison Pittman aside because I received my ARC of The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright! I'm so excited to be on the Launch Team for this book. It's the first book of Jaime Jo Wright's that I actually own. And I am loving it so far. I'll be sharing my review soon. 

 

Book Beginnings on Fridays

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

Here is my book beginnings for The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright:

"When death came to visit, no one ever prepared tea and cookies. Still Perliett Van Hilton sipped her tea and eyed the good doctor over the rim of the white china cup."

So, who was dead and why was the doctor visiting Perliett?

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is hosted over at Freda's Voice.

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here is my Friday 56 selection.

The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright
 

"Perliett scanned the darkness. The shadows. The cornstalks weaving back and forth in a subtle motion like the thin arms of a skeleton man. She could imagine them reaching for her, straining through the night, until bony fingers wrapped around her, digging into her skin."