Mir Maid (Tomes of the Lost #1)

I don't normally read sci-fi so I was hesitant to dive in to this book. Once I started reading, I found myself wading through terms, places, and beings I didn't understand, but it didn't matter. I was quickly drawn into the hopelessness, defiance, and loss. Just when I thought I had a handle on the story, it suddenly took a left turn. It kept me on the edge of my seat, guessing what will happen next.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves or is interested in sci-fi. I would also recommend it to other people like me who are science fiction rookies that are willing to give it a try; they may just be pleasantly surprised.

*This book was given to me by the author for an honest review.

Bad Magic (Bad #1)

Bad Magic is an entertaining book with twists I didn't see coming. Poor Clay seems like a good kid from a dysfunctional family that can't seem to get a break. His sense of adventure keeps the book quite engaging. Almost from the beginning we're caught up in the mystery of what is going on and how something just happened.

If you enjoy a good read, yes even a children's book, you should really check this out.

A Brush of Wings (Angels Walking #3)

A Brush of Wings is a wonderful reminder that we're not in this battlefield of life alone. All those near misses and little reminders may not be simply a coincidence. I love Karen's description of the hissing dark side and praying angles who intercede on our behalf. I believe the only thing that could have made this story better, is if I had read the first two novels in the series. At different times I felt like I was missing the back story. 

I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves Karen Kingsbury novels, needs a reminder that angles war for us, or anyone who just wants to read a great novel.

*This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.

The Atonement

The Atonement is a beautiful story about love, forgiveness, and redemption. It reads, in my opinion, like it's a sequel. As you read through the novel, the back story slowly unfolds.

I found myself greatly sympathizing with Lucy as she reveals her past and struggles with her present and future. On certain issues, I've been in her shoes and how she can function while keeping it all bottled up is beyond me. Perhaps her packed schedule is evidence that bottling up your past isn't healthy.

One thing that really stuck out to me is the notion that what we've done is to bad for God to forgive, either by will or ability. I guess when fretting over our problems we forget that the God who put the earth just close enough to the sun for us to be warm and just far enough away to not burn us to a crisp, can surely forgive us our past.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves Amish fiction or if you've ever dealt with loss.

*This novel was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.

Bad Luck

I'm always on the lookout for a great series for my daughter so I jumped at the chance to read Bad Luck. I was no disappointed. I kept reminding myself the book is for kids, yet I really enjoyed it. I started telling my nine year old the story and she was quickly hooked and asking to read the novel. Bad Luck is a great mix of mystery, adventure, and best of all (for my daughter anyway) a dragon.

I highly suggest this book to all the young readers who enjoy adventure and perhaps the older readers who enjoy a good read.

*The novel was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.

The Restoration

The Restoration is a wonderful continuation of the Prairie State Friends series. This is one of the few series that I've read that truly continues where it left off with all the characters. Yet, if you haven't read the first two books the novel reads smoothly and complete.

I love how we can learn the rest of Leah's story, find out what happens to Priscilla, and finally get closure for Elaine. Of course Wanda couldn't just tell us the next chapter in our main characters lives and move on. She throws in some twists, turns, and closure.

I enjoyed reading this novel and would recommend it to anyone who loves Amish fiction.

*This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.

The English Son (The Amish Millionaire #1)

After reading the Discovery series I had high hopes for this first book in The Amish Millionaire series. Did it meet my expectations? Yes and no. It gave some good bones to build on for the next five books, it has a great ending (no peaking, you must start on page one), and it did a good job of setting up the story. I know most of the distaste for the novel is simply because it's the introduction. We meet all the main characters and start to learn the difficulties of their relationships and suddenly we're on pause until the next book.

Even though this is an entry book where everything is building and not even close to being settled, Wanda does give us some good lessons. We can learn a good lesson on parenting from Eustace. He shows wisdom in how he handled a difficult situation with Joel. Without giving away the story, we can learn about the importance of honesty and being slow to make assumptions.

Overall, I enjoyed the book because I know it's setting the foundation for something greater.

*This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.