Brandy

Simply an excellent read! Unique & Fun

Revisado: 03-24-16

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This book is refreshingly unique. Reading this story was like sitting on the front porch with neighbors on a sunny afternoon reminiscing of a beloved friend no longer with us. The story starts out with a cantankerous old man who doesn't know what to do with himself since he lost is wife and his job. He soon gets new neighbors whose persistence, incompetence and neediness slowly gives the old man something to occupy his time. The old man's journey forces him to meet new folks and allow them into his life and although he remains tough and testy on the outside, his actions begin to prove his has softened on the inside.

This book was a fast, light and joyful read and I recommend it for everyone.

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Historical Fiction at its finest!

Revisado: 11-10-15

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Quite lengthy but the character and historical details make the story realistic. The author does a fantastic job of making you feel like you know the characters and gets you emotional involved in their triumphs and hardships.

The story takes place during World World II and follows the journey of several people as they struggle to survive during this hard time in Nazi Germany. Some details are heartbreakingly gruesome and some scenes are graphic but the non-American perspective of the war is just as interesting, educational and tragic.

There is simply too much that occurs in this book to give an adequate synopsis but the story picks up well from the first book in the series, Fall of Giants and I am anxiously ready to start the last book in the century series, Edge of Eternity.

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Deep truth threaded with Chaos

Revisado: 09-09-15

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Well, this book certainly isn't no 'To Kill a Mockingbird' but still had some deep truth threaded throughout. I struggled to grasp an actual plot in this book but enjoyed the childhood flashbacks that Jean Louise (Scout) often had. I guess to sum up this book, it is a story about growing up and realizing who folks really are, facing old truths in a new light and realizing home truly is where the heart is. This story is definitely not a stand alone and I highly recommend reading To Kill a Mockingbird first in order to make heads or tales of what Scout is experiencing as an adult.

I recommend this book for ages 16+ do to some graphic language.

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Enchanting & Entertaining!

Revisado: 09-09-15

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This book has a little bit of everything! Historical fiction, mystery, conspiracy, legacy, triumph, mythical hints and just a dash of romance. The story begins with a tragic tale of sorrow experienced by one woman. It isn't even obvious how this introduction fits in until much later in the story. The book then moves on to a tale of a different woman living what seemed like a fairy tale life until a family quarrel leads her, along with her husband and his friend, across the world in search of a mythical monster in efforts to clear the family name. Unexpected events occur and she realizes things are not what they seem. The story moves through tough times in a foreign land during World War II and the ending goes beyond a cheesy happily ever after, to an ending filled with bliss and heroism.

I recommend this book for adults only due to language and slight sexual content.

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Simply wonderful!

Revisado: 08-07-15

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I appreciate a light-hearted, easy-going story. I appreciate a story that holds my attention and keeps me interested without trying to use sinful behavior or unbelievable nonsense to do so. I appreciate books in a series that use the same characters and setting making you feel as though you have come home to friends and family when you turn the pages. This book has it all.

I highly recommend the entire "At Home in Mitford" series. The books follow a simple preacher man as he does his best to do God's will. The fun characters, southern sayings, tasty foods and quirky adventures make for an enjoyable read and a purpose to help others and follow Christ.

I recommend this book and the series for all ages.

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Twisted and Imaginative

Revisado: 06-22-15

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What a peculiar and somewhat dark interpretation of a childhood classic. The author takes the beloved story of The Wizard of Oz and retells the story from the viewpoint of Elphaba, more commonly known as The Wicked Witch of the West. The story starts with the infancy and childhood of the strange green child, which hints these are the twisted roots that result in the internal turmoil that makes stubborn outcast who she is in later years. The journey continues on to a college setting where Elphaba discovers her purpose and encounters unfortunate circumstances. With hints of religious differences and political agendas, the author certainly turns this story to a magical land of make believe intended for adult interests.

I recommend this book for adults only due to sexual content and implications.

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Real love isn't easy!

Revisado: 05-12-15

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I don't normally like to read a book after I have already seen the movie version, but the movie was so good that I figured the book must be amazing. The book was indeed very good and I was surprised how much the book and the movie are alike. Typically, movies leave out so much detail but I think the movie portrayal of this novel was spot on. I was surprised to discover that this was the author's first published novel as he has so many now and all of them seem to be adapted to film. No need to describe what the novel is about as it is a popular work, but I will say that this is one Nicholas Sparks book that does a great job describing deep, true love without a heavy dose of cheese and cliché.

I recommend this book for ages 16+.

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An amazing story of forgiveness!

Revisado: 05-06-15

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I cannot remember why I downloaded this audiobook as it not of my normal genres but I am glad I did. I am in disbelief at what a determined human being can endure and in disgust and completely shocked in regards to what some people can impose on others. You read and study about wars in school but you never learn about the true journey and unbelievable encounters of our soldiers. This book follows the life story of Olympian and WWII soldier, Louis Zamperini from his childhood clear through his very old age. We follow Zamperini through his years as a soldier including his crash and astonishing survival on an inflated raft through the Pacific. We get to encounter the moments of his capture by the Japanese and his outlandish days in the POW camps. We get a glimpse of the physical, mental and emotional tortures he suffered and the glorious redemption of Christ's forgiveness years later when he was facing the moment of truly losing it all.

I am not much into war stories but other than the detailed snippets of battles and such in the beginning, this book had me enthralled until the end. Truly eye opening and at times, heart wrenching.

I highly recommend this book for Junior High and up. Hoping someday this book will become a reading requirement in our school systems so our youth can gain a more real life understanding of war and its affects on our soldiers.

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Cliche' but Interesting

Revisado: 04-02-15

Would you try another book from Erica Spindler and/or Tavia Gilbert?

Took me a while to get into this story as the beginning was just too convenient for me; guy and girl (Logan & Bailey) both randomly meet while on this lavish vacation to escape their realities and fall hopelessly in love. They foolishly marry and move back to Logan's old and large family farm that is tainted with blood and family secrets. The honeymoon ends quickly when Logan returns to his real life responsibilities and leaves his wife alone to uncover mystery after mystery about the family and close friends. There is the cliché bad southern cop out to destroy the cute, rich farm boy who has it all, and you will read a variation of the expression, 'She let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding,' at least three times. Despite the cliché tid bits and overly trusting wife....seriously; who trusts a man she just met when the town is accusing him of murder and all signs confirm....the story is interesting has you suspecting several characters of the accused crimes before revealing the true villain. A decent read for those who are interested in crime stories with a slight romantic trail.

I recommend this book for adults only due to the slight sexual content.

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An encouraging story of forgiveness, perseverance

Revisado: 03-23-15

What did you love best about Redeeming Love?

I downloaded the audio version of this book simply because I had added it to my Goodreads 'Want to Read' list at some point. When I started listening to this story, I really had no idea what it was about; however, I was instantly hooked. This is truly a captivating tale for those who enjoy Historical Fiction and Christian Fiction as this story marries both genres blissfully.

The story begins with a child and her broken upbringing that quickly lands her on a path of survival through prostitution during the gold rush era in California. The author does an outstanding job at exploring the pain, desperation and separation of emotion girls like this endure when sold into this disgusting trade. By divine intervention, this particular girl, Angel, encounters a man of strong faith and endurance, Michael. Michael is a Godly man who trusts in the Lord completely and pushed forward with God's plan despite the heartache and resistance he encountered. Following Michael's tale makes you examine your own heart and motives in the choices we are faced with daily. After many, many trials, Michael finally wins Angel's heart, but that is only where the story begins. Angel is accustomed to being a soiled and tarnished woman and does not feel worthy of this man who will not leave her alone. Angel and Michael's journey is relatable today as we often cannot hear that still small voice over our own wants and desires. Michael exhibits biblical love in so many ways, that you can't help but grow a little by reading this amazing story. I highly recommend this book!

Recommended for adult readers due to slight sexual content and implied graphic nature.

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