This has been a good writing week: two fiction-writing sessions (I’m about to wrap up the story snippet), four book reviews, work on the Chasing Shadows revision, and a bit of brainstorming on the new story that might be for NaNo this year.
Category: book review
Book Review: The Code for Love and Heartbreak, by Jillian Cantor
Title: The Code for Love and Heartbreak
Author: Jillian Cantor
Genre: YA
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Emma Woodhouse is a genius at math, but clueless about people. After all, people are unreliable. They let you down—just like Emma’s sister, Izzy, did this year, when she moved to California for college. But numbers…those you can count on. (No pun intended.)
Emma’s senior year is going to be all about numbers, and seeing how far they can take her. When she and George, her Coding Club co-president, are tasked with brainstorming a new project, The Code for Love is born—a matchmaking app that goes far beyond swiping, using algorithms to calculate compatibility. George disapproves of Emma’s idea, accusing her of meddling in people’s lives. But all the happy new couples at school are proof that the app works. At least at first.
Emma’s code is flawless. So why is it that perfectly matched couples start breaking up, the wrong people keep falling for each other and her own feelings defy any algorithm? Emma thought math could solve everything. But there’s nothing more complex—or unpredictable—than love.
This was an excellent and unique re-telling of Emma! Emma is beyond clueless about people—to the point it’s actually funny to see what she’ll fail to understand next, but she’s so likable and relatable. I felt sorry for her while wanting her to succeed and learn from her mistakes. And George is just so lovable!
The prose flows smoothly here, not getting in the way of the story. Any awkwardness is due to Emma—and maybe Jane—not author intrusion or clunky writing. This was a fun read that did not disgrace Jane Austen.
Jillian Cantor lives in Arizona. The Code for Love and Heartbreak is her newest novel.
(Galley courtesy of Inkyard Press in exchange for an honest review.)
Best Books I Read in September (2020)
In September, I read 28 books, bringing my total for the year to 244 books.
Of those, there were a handful of “meh” books, mostly solid/good books, and a few that were excellent reads!
Like:
A Voice in the Wind, by Francine Rivers. I’m almost positive I read this trilogy years ago, but I’ve basically forgotten it, so it was like a new-to-me read. I love well-done historical, and this was an excellent fiction read set in Rome in the first century.
Anxious People, by Fredrik Backman. I might as well just confess that Backman is now one of my favorite authors. His voice is just so amazing, and I love his characters. This was not what I expected from a bank robbery gone bad, but it was wonderful!
The Silvered Serpents, by Roshani Chokshi. I haven’t actually read the first book in this series, but I had no problems with that. Loved this dark fantasy, full of quirky and well-drawn characters (even the ones that we re jerks).
What I Read in September (2020)
Books Read in September: 28
Books Read for the Year: 244/200
Topical Books/Monthly Goal Books:
Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen (classic). Loved it. Again.
Real Love in an Angry World, by Rick Bezet (spiritual). I think I need to read this again every week, considering the state of the world.
No Place Like Here, by Christina June (TBR). I’ve enjoyed Christina June’s books, and I love how they’re linked.
The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down, by Neta Jackson (TBR).
A Voice in the Wind, by Francine Rivers (TBR). This was a re-read, but I don’t remember it, so it was like the first time reading it again. Wonderful book!
For Review:
The Secret French Recipes of Sophie Valroux, by Samantha Verant. I thoroughly enjoyed this book…and the food descriptions were to-die-for.
All Stirred Up, by Brianne Moore. Another food-related read! I liked this, but many of the characters were obsessed with appearances/social media, and her family basically sucked, but it was still a pleasant read.
Little Bookshop of Murder, by Maggie Blackburn. I enjoy a good cozy mystery and the beach town/book store setting should have been a winner, but I found the main character annoying and whiny, and the secondary characters were enough alike to be confusing.
The Orphan of Cemetery Hill, by Hester Fox. This is another solid read by Fox. A bit creepy and atmospheric and it ended up being an engrossing read.
Chance of a Lifetime, by Jude Deveraux. This was just “meh” to me.
In Case You Missed It, by Lindsey Kelk. I loved the friend group and the mom’s wardrobe malfunctions, but the MC just kept doing stupid stuff and being whiny and annoying.
Anxious People, by Fredrik Backman. I have LOVED everything I’ve read of Backman’s, and this was no exception. As always, his prose is the shining star that had me in stitches.
Broken, by John Rector. This just didn’t work for me. I’m not much for predictable “thrillers” or unlikable characters.
Smash It, by Francina Simone. This is billed as a re-telling of Othello, but…just because the MC is in the school musical of Othello doesn’t make it a re-telling. At all. And the MC was one of the most selfish and self-absorbed characters I’ve ever read, so no.
Don’t Look for Me, by Wendy Walker. This was an interesting thriller. I wasn’t too attached to any of the characters, but it was different enough from the norm that I didn’t get bored.
The Left-Handed Booksellers of London, by Garth Nix. This was a quirky, fun, intriguing read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The Silvered Serpents, by Roshani Chokshi. This was a great read. I probably should have read the first book first, but it was still very enjoyable.
Knight in Paper Armor, by Nicholas Conley. This near-future dystopian was a bit depressing—but believable—and I enjoyed the read.
Misleading a Duke, by A.S. Fenichel. I enjoyed this second book in a series about a group of friends who aren’t the typical socialites in their society. This one has spies, being held captive/hostage, and of course, romance.
A Heartfelt Christmas Promise by Nancy Naigle. This book, thankfully, did not have the typical city-girl-come-to-the-country feel, as the MC wasn’t condescending and better than everyone. Instead, she listened to what people were telling her and tried to do the best thing for the town. I liked this sweet, small-town read.
The Code for Love and Heartbreak, by Jillian Canor (review forthcoming). This was an amusing re-telling of Emma, and man, is Emma bad with people. It made me laugh, but also feel sorry for her. I thought this was a great retelling!
Just Because: (Yes, I’m aware of the theme going on here. It is what it is.)
Apollyon by Tim LeHaye.
Assassins, by Tim LeHaye.
Revelation 1-222 Commentary, by John McArthur.
The Indwelling, by Tim LeHaye.
Desecration, by Tim LeHaye.
Revelation: The Christian’s Ultimate Victory, by John MacArthur.
Left Unfinished:
Daughters of the Wild, by Natalka Burian. I made it about 10%, but this just wasn’t for me.
Book Review: A Heartfelt Christmas Promise, by Nancy Naigle
Title: A Heartfelt Christmas Promise
Author: Nancy Naigle
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Vanessa Larkin was supposed to be spending Christmas in Paris, France on a business trip she hoped to enjoy as a working vacation. Instead, she’s been assigned to Fraser Hills, North Carolina—home of the Best Fruitcake in the USA—to convert her company’s property into warehouse space and shut down Porter’s, the fruitcake factory. Offering retirement packages and selling locals on new job opportunities may not spread holiday cheer, but Vanessa believes she’s helping secure the town’s future.
Mike Marshall’s family founded Porter’s. For decades, the factory served as the lifeblood of the community until his grandfather sold the business to a Chicago corporation. The sale cost the town its independence—and the Marshalls their family ties. A horse farmer, Mike was never involved with his grandfather’s company, but still felt Fraser Hills lost part of its identity. And as a widower raising a teenage daughter, he’s suffered enough losses in one lifetime. News of the factory’s closing means losing another piece of the town’s legacy.
Far from the skyscrapers and rapid pace of the city, Vanessa finds herself enjoying the easygoing rhythms of rural living. With Mike as her guide, she learns to appreciate the simple pleasures found in shared holiday festivities among friends. Fraser Hills is a town she is growing to love—and Mike is someone she is falling in love with. Now all Vanessa needs is a Christmas miracle to give her newfound friends and home a gift they’ll cherish for many New Years to come.
This was a sweet, easy read that made small-town life sound appealing. And I kind of wanted to sample that magical fruitcake!
I liked that Vanessa wasn’t portrayed as a stereotypical uncaring city girl, but as someone truly trying to do her best to help the people and town of Fraser Hills. I thought all the characters were well-done and believable, the setting was realistic and charming, and this was a solid, enjoyable read.
Nancy Naigle lives in North Carolina. A Heartfelt Christmas Miracle is her newest novel.
(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)
Book Review: Misleading a Duke, by A.S. Fenichel
Title: Misleading a Duke
Author: A.S. Fenichel
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Betrothed to a man she has barely met, Lady Faith Landon calls upon her three best friends—the self-proclaimed Wallflowers of West Lane—to help uncover the secrets of her mysterious fiancé. Her suspicions are aroused when she learns that he has recently returned from France. Is he a traitor to his country? The truth is quite the opposite. Nicholas Ellsworth, Duke of Breckenridge, is a secret agent for the English Crown who has just completed a risky mission to infiltrate Napoleon’s spy network.
After his adventures, Nicholas craves the peace and quiet of the country and settling into domestic bliss with his bride. Until he discovers Faith’s deceptive investigation. How can he wed a woman who doesn’t trust him? But a powerful spark has ignited between Nicholas and Faith that could bring about a change of heart. Faith seizes her second chance to prove to Nicholas that they are a true love match but his past catches up with them when three French spies come to exact revenge. Surviving rather than wooing has become the order of the day.
I enjoy reading linked standalones because you get to see bits of “what happened next” for characters that were the focus in another book. Misleading a Duke is one of those, so the reader got to see a bit more of what happened with Poppy and Rhys but having read that first book wasn’t necessary to enjoy this one.
I liked Faith. She’s unconventional, inquisitive, and truly has a good heart. She’s also not afraid to apologize for her mistakes—like spying on her fiancé. Nicholas overacted a bit to Faith’s spying—I mean, he was a spy and lies all the time, who can blame her being curious about the man she’s going to marry—but at least he admits he was out of line. Eventually.
The chemistry between them is solid and both their personalities mesh well to make this a fun, quick read. I’m looking forward to the next book int series!
A.S. Fenichel lives in Missouri. Misleading a Duke is her newest novel.
(Galley courtesy of Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.)
Book Review: Knight in Paper Armor, by Nicholas Conley
Title: Knight in Paper Armor
Author: Nicholas Conley
Genre: Fiction, science fiction
Rating: 4 out of 5
Billy Jakobek has always been different. Born with strange and powerful psychic abilities, he has grown up in the laboratories of Thorne Century, a ruthless megacorporation that economically, socially, and politically dominates American society. Every day, Billy absorbs the emotional energies, dreams, and traumas of everyone he meets—from his grandmother’s memories of the Holocaust, to the terror his sheer existence inflicts upon his captors—and he yearns to break free, so he can use his powers to help others.
Natalia Gonzalez, a rebellious artist and daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, lives in Heaven’s Hole, an industrial town built inside a meteor crater, where the poverty-stricken population struggles to survive the nightmarish working conditions of the local Thorne Century factory. Natalia takes care of her ailing mother, her grandmother, and her two younger brothers, and while she dreams of escape, she knows she cannot leave her family behind.
When Billy is transferred to Heaven’s Hole, his chance encounter with Natalia sends shockwaves rippling across the blighted landscape. The two outsiders are pitted against the all-powerful monopoly, while Billy experiences visions of an otherworldly figure known as the Shape, which prophesizes an apocalyptic future that could decimate the world they know.
I have to say, the setting for Knight in Paper Armor was very disturbing (near-future, urban dystopia), not just because of how it was, but because it seems so easily possible from where we are now. One company dominating and oppressing the world—yep, I could see that—poverty, loss of rights and freedoms, the use of violence and murder to control people and keep them below the poverty level…Sad and depressing, but believable.
Billy was such a sympathetic character: branded as different and raised by a greedy corporation in a lab, his family murdered in front of him, the victim of experiments and used for a weapon. All Billy wants is to have a “normal” life and help people. All Natalia wants is to help her family and to right the wrongs she sees around her every single day. Both these characters are strong and vividly drawn but have their flaws as well.
The author does an excellent job painting an admittedly dark picture, but he also showcases the glimmers of light and hope that can be found even in the dark of times.
Nicholas Conley lives in New Hampshire. Knight in Paper Armor is his newest novel.
(Galley courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Book Review: A Voice in the Wind, by Francine Rivers
Title: A Voice in the Wind
Author: Francine Rivers
Genre: Fiction, Christian, historical
Rating: 5 out of 5
Following the prides and passions of a group of Jews, Romans and Barbarians living at the time of the siege, the narrative is centered on an ill-fated romance between a steadfast slave girl, Hadassah, and Marcus, the brother of her owner and a handsome aristocrat. After surviving the massacre of her family and the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, Hadassah is captured and sold to a well-to-do merchant’s family.
Brought to Rome, she is pressed into service as a personal slave to hedonistic Julia Valerian. Hadassah struggles to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and to treat her masters in a manner in keeping with His teachings, but she is forced to keep her religious identity a secret in order to survive. Confused and alone, she has only her faith to cling to as she tries to subtly bring God into the lives of her captors. Reckless, impulsive, and villainous, Julia tries to undermine Hadassah at every turn. But Julia’s brother, Marcus, is a different sort altogether. Is it possible for a love between Hadassah and Marcus to flourish considering not only their differing stations in life, but also the gap between Hadassah’s unrelenting faith and Marcus’ lack of belief in anything?
Simultaneously, Atretes, a captured soldier from Germania, is forced to become a gladiator. This is the time of Rome’s decline and the decadence of a civilization on the verge of self-destruction serves as a powerful backdrop to the Barbarian’s struggle for survival in the arena.
I think I read the Mark of the Lion books years ago, but as I don’t really remember them, it was like reading this again for the first time. I enjoy historical-fiction, and I’m always on the lookout for well-done Christian fiction. This book is both.
Hadassah is such an inspiration. She considers herself a coward for most of the book, but her strength is astonishing, as is her ability to selflessly serve the Valerian family no matter what. Julia is a horrible person and I didn’t like her—or her manipulative friend—at all. She treats people horribly and then is astonished when they retaliate or walk away from her, and people like that drive me nuts. Marcus was also a frustrating character to read, but he has faint glimmers of redeeming qualities.
I highly recommend this—and I look forward to re-reading the rest of the series!
Francine Rivers is a bestselling and award-winning author.
Book Review: The Silvered Serpents, by Roshani Chokshi
Title: The Silvered Serpents
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4 out of 5
Séverin and his team members might have successfully thwarted the Fallen House, but victory came at a terrible cost — one that still haunts all of them. Desperate to make amends, Séverin pursues a dangerous lead to find a long lost artifact rumored to grant its possessor the power of God.
Their hunt lures them far from Paris, and into the icy heart of Russia where crystalline ice animals stalk forgotten mansions, broken goddesses carry deadly secrets, and a string of unsolved murders makes the crew question whether an ancient myth is a myth after all.
As hidden secrets come to the light and the ghosts of the past catch up to them, the crew will discover new dimensions of themselves. But what they find out may lead them down paths they never imagined.
A tale of love and betrayal as the crew risks their lives for one last job.
I have not read The Gilded Wolves—the first book in this series—but that didn’t prove to be much of a problem, although I think reading that one first would give this one a nice depth. I like this setting and the worldbuilding was great, with the culture nicely developed but not dripping with too many tiny details.
There’s a nice mix of characters here. Séverin was kind of a controlling jerk, although I understand why. Laila was probably my favorite character, but the whole group was well-developed and realistic, and their interactions and conversations were just fun: full of lots of exaggerated drama and sarcasm. This was an excellent read, albeit a bit dark, and I intend to read the first one, then re-read this one before the next book comes out.
Roshani Chokshi is a bestselling author. The Silvered Serpents is her newest novel.
(Galley courtesy of Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review.)
Book Review: The Left-Handed Booksellers of London, by Garth Nix
Title: The Left-Handed Booksellers of London
Author: Garth Nix
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
In a slightly alternate London in 1983, Susan Arkshaw is looking for her father, a man she has never met. Crime boss Frank Thringley might be able to help her, but Susan doesn’t get time to ask Frank any questions before he is turned to dust by the prick of a silver hatpin in the hands of the outrageously attractive Merlin.
Merlin is a young left-handed bookseller (one of the fighting ones), who with the right-handed booksellers (the intellectual ones), are an extended family of magical beings who police the mythic and legendary Old World when it intrudes on the modern world, in addition to running several bookshops.
Susan’s search for her father begins with her mother’s possibly misremembered or misspelt surnames, a reading room ticket, and a silver cigarette case engraved with something that might be a coat of arms.
Merlin has a quest of his own, to find the Old World entity who used ordinary criminals to kill his mother. As he and his sister, the right-handed bookseller Vivien, tread in the path of a botched or covered-up police investigation from years past, they find this quest strangely overlaps with Susan’s. Who or what was her father? Susan, Merlin, and Vivien must find out, as the Old World erupts dangerously into the New.
This was a fun book! Odd—delightfully odd—with great characters. I loved Merlin (and I can’t see him as anything except Johnny Depp in Willie Wonka). There’s a bit of mystery, some overtones of a thriller/murder mystery, and a whole lot of magic and legend in this book, giving it the feel of a fairy tale set in the modern—sort of—world. I definitely recommend reading this!
Garth Nix is from Australia. The Left-Handed Booksellers of London is his newest novel.
(Galley courtesy of HarperCollins Children’s Books/Katherine Tegen Books in exchange for an honest review.)
Tomorrow Is Another Day 