Review - Cascade (River of Time #2) by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Title: Cascade

Author: Lisa Bergren

Series: 2nd (Waterfall)

Pages: 399

Published: June 1st 2011 by David C. Cook

ISBN: 9781434764317

Source: Author sent for honest review

 

Description: Mom touched my underdress—a gown made six hundred years before—and her eyes widened as she rubbed the raw silk between thumb and forefinger. She turned and touched Lia’s gown. “Where did you get these clothes?”  Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead.  But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever.

 I Give This ...

 

I decided after my enjoyment of the first book in this series that I couldn't let the other two linger on my kindle for very long.  They called to me.  So I dived into Cascade with high hopes.  I was not disappointed.

This book pretty much starts were the last one ended.  Gabi and Lia are back in their own time period.  But, it doesn't take long for her to long to go back.  There's something about the past that calls to her.  I don't think it's just Marcello.  I think both girls adapted so readily to the ways of the past, that it would probably be extremely hard to come back to the present.  I especially think that enjoyed the difference they made.  They like having knowledge of the future and being seen as the "she-wolves".  I think it was addicting for both of them.  

The events of this book were fast past and interesting.  Poor Gabi never catches a break.  She's become the people's hero and the enemies will go to great lengths to guarantee her demise.   I think Gabi especially forgets what life was like for those living in this time period.  Torture isn't a very common word used in civilized countries nowadays.  But, Gabi learns first hand what that might mean in Florentine.  I loved the dramatic rescue  and I was especially intrigued by the new character introduced throughout this time.  I'm still not sure who's side him might really be on.

I loved the progression of Gabi and Marcello's relationship.  For Marcello, their are no doubts.  But, Gabi seems to have a hard time with what's normal now compared to what's normal then.  I think deep down, she knows she wants to stay.  I just never really understood her hesitation.  I think her sister and her mother could adapt just as easily.  I'm not sure what Gabi think is holding them all to the present day, besides the hope of something else.

I've always loved historical fiction, and time travel seems to mix well with it.  I can's wait to read the last in this series.  And then, I might have to seek out some more historical fiction with time travel!

Review - Absolutely, Positively (Lucy Valentine #3) by Heather Webber

Title: Absolutely, Positively

Author: Heather Webber

Series: 3rd (Truly, Madly; Deeply, Desperately)

Pages: 320

Published: February 1st 2011 by St. Martin's

ISBN: 9780312946159

Source: Personal Copy

Discroption: Exposed” by a Boston Herald reporter, Lucy is suddenly the talk of the town. Long back-story short: Even though the rest of her Valentine ancestors were blessed by Cupid with psychic abilities, Lucy’s only special power lies in her ability to find things. This skill has proven quite a blessing for those who come to her matchmaking agency in search of finding their long-lost loves. Now that Lucy’s secret is out, she has more new clients than she knows what to do with. But soon a certain man of mystery steals Lucy’s spotlight…No, it’s not Sean Donahue, the sexy fireman-turned-private-eye who’s stolen Lucy’s heart. It’s a masked man in a cowboy hat, dubbed “The Lone Ranger,” who’s been throwing handfuls of cash across the Common. Now all of Beantown’s abuzz. Can Lucy unmask the mysterious money man, track down all her clients’ old flames, and turn up the heat on her love life? Absolutely, positively…

I Give This ...

 

 I hate it when I can't think of a good reason when I've let a book I know I will enjoy sitting on my shelf for so long.  Especially when it's a series book that I have enjoyed.  Such is the case with Absolutely, Positively.

Thankfully, I was able to dive right into this book and be reminded about the characters I love.  Lucy is so great when she's faced with the being in love.  It's not something she's comfortable or familiar with.  Her family is cursed after all.  I love that Sean takes it all in stride and seems to know exactly when Lucy needs more and when she doesn't.  Even their animals seem to be so in tune to each other.  You would think that this perfect scenario might get cheesy, but it's doesn't. 

I also really enjoyed the dash of mystery thrown into each story.  Lucy used her abilities to help those around her.  I liked how the two mysteries she solves seem to vastly different.  I also like how each case seems to get equal attention in the book.  Neither is overshadowed by the other.  I feel like it's a perfect balance between light romance and mystery.

The only disappointing part of this book....there isn't another one at this time.  While I think this book ended on a good note, I would like another one.  The characters are still fresh and I think have something more to offer readers.  I hope the author comes back to this series soon! 

 

Review - Perception (Clarity #2) by Kim Harrington

Title: Perception

Author: Kim Harrington

Series: 2nd (Clarity)

Pages: 288

Published:  March 1st 2012 by Scholastic

ISBN:  9780545230537

Source: Around The World Tours

Description:  Everybody knows about Clarity "Clare" Fern. She's the psychic girl in school, the one who can place her hands on something and see hidden visions from the past.  Only Clare would rather not be a celebrity. She prefers hanging back, observing. Her gift is not a game to her.  But then someone starts playing with her head . . . and heart. Messages and gifts from a secret admirer crop up everywhere Clare turns. Could they be from Gabriel, the gorgeous boy who gets Clare's pulse racing? Or from Justin, Clare's hopeful ex-boyfriend who'd do anything to win her back?  One thing is certain. Clare needs to solve this mystery, and soon. Because the messages are becoming sinister, and a girl in town has suddenly disappeared.

 I Give This ...

 

There's something about Clare that will keep me coming back for more.  I love her character.  I find her endearing, charming, and all around great person to read about.

While Clare might not like the spotlight the events of book one have put her under, I actually think it's helped her come out of her shell a little bit.  She seems to know who to trust overall, even though events lead to doubt those around her.  I love that she knows what type of people the popular girls are, but basks in the limelight just a little bit.  I think it helps see what a wonderful person she is.  I'm also very happy to see that she's made some friends outside of Justin and her brother.

I love this new popularity in YA mysteries.  It's always been one of my favorites genres, but something that doesn't get a lot of play in the young adult world.  I like the element of Clare's families abilities.  It's a different twist to the story.  It's not just good old fashioned detective work that gets the mystery solved.  I also enjoyed the Clare likes to help people with the problems to the point that it draws some extremely unwanted attention to herself.  I had it pegged who the culprit was, but I still enjoyed the buildup to get there.

One of my favorites parts of this story was the romance.  I like Justin, but I'm so proud of Clare for being so hesitant when he wants to get back together.  Although, I was surprised to learn the true circumstances on the night he cheated.   I don't think it changed my opinion of him very much though.  Probably because I love Gabriel.   I love that he doesn't push Clare into making a decision.  But, he is sure to tell exactly were she stands and what he wants.   I think Clare needed that push to make a decision.  

Great read and I can't wait for the next one!

Review - The Last Echo (The Body Finder #3) by Kimberly Derting

Title: The Last Echo

Author: Kimberly Derting

Series: 3rd (The Body Finder, Desires of the Dead)

Pages: 358

Published: April 17th 2012 by HarperCollins 

ISBN: 9780062082190

Source: Around The World Tours

 

Description:  Violet kept her morbid ability to sense dead bodies a secret from everyone except her family and her childhood-best-friend-turned-boyfriend, Jay Heaton. That is until forensic psychologist Sara Priest discovered Violet's talent and invited her to use her gift to track down murderers. Now, as she works with an eclectic group of individuals—including mysterious and dangerously attractive Rafe—it's Violet's job to help those who have been murdered by bringing their killers to justice. When Violet discovers the body of a college girl killed by "the girlfriend collector" she is determined to solve the case. But now the serial killer is on the lookout for a new "relationship" and Violet may have caught his eye....

I Give This ...

 

I was really looking forward to this latest installment in this series.  It's filled a little void I've had since I've basically stopped reading adult mysteries/thrillers.  And while this book was a great read overall, there were some elements to the story that bothered me a little bit.

I enjoyed this new group that Violet is working with.  I think she needs to be around people that are like her.  It might help her to better accept her abilities and know how to use them to help those around her.  I was intrigued that we know as little about this group as Violet does.  Everyone of there abilities is different, and some are better at hiding their true capabilities.  I also thought the dynamics of the group was interesting.  Turns out there's some connections there that I did not see coming.

I didn't really enjoy how this new group gets in the way of Violet's relationships.  Her friends know nothing about her ability, so she's constantly lying to her friends.  Jay may know about her abilities, but she can't tell that about what the group does.  I didn't get enough of Jay in this book.  First, because Violet is off working all the time.  The story focuses on that and what it is doing for Violet.  Second, I was really disappointed that the dreaded love triangle was introduced.  Don't get me wrong, I like Rafe.  But, I like Jay and Violet MORE.   Thankfully, I think it was over before it could ever really get started.  It just was a blow to the story.   

While, I found the book was the most predictable of the three, there were enough surprises to keep me on my toes.  I enjoyed the storyline with gang leader (I found him creepier than the serial killer).  Plus, there are some twists at the end that I totally love.  I'm completely looking forward to the next book in the series.

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list. Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

 

One week!!  That's what's left of school before spring break.  I'm so looking forward to it.  I feel like this family has been running non stop since January.  Granted we have to get this week first, and its shaping up to be just a busy as the previous ones.   

Read Last Week:

• Starters by Lissa Price
• Torrent by Lisa Bergren

Currently Reading: 

• Betrayal by Lee Nichols

Up This Week: 

• Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter
• Ravenstoke by Augusta Blythe

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!

 

For Review:   

• Wanted by Heidi Ayarbe

Swapped:  

•  A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix

Review - Asenath by Anna Patricio

Title: Asenath

Author: Anna Patricio

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 224

Published: September 24th 2011 by Imajin Books

ISBN:  9781926997261

Source: Sent for honest review

 

Description: Two Destinies...One Journey of Love.  In a humble fishing village on the shores of the Nile lives Asenath, a fisherman's daughter who has everything she could want. Until her perfect world is shattered.  When a warring jungle tribe ransacks the village and kidnaps her, separating her from her parents, she is forced to live as a slave. And she begins a journey that will culminate in the meeting of a handsome and kind steward named Joseph.   Like her, Joseph was taken away from his home, and it is in him that Asenath comes to find solace…and love. But just as they are beginning to form a bond, Joseph is betrayed by his master’s wife and thrown into prison.  Is Asenath doomed to a lifetime of losing everything and everyone she loves?

I Give This ...

 

I would think your enjoyment of this book might depend on what you expect from your historical fiction.  If you want gossip, intrigue, and scandal this is not it.  If your looking for an overall sweet story about a biblical figure that very little is known, than this is for you.

I must confess, prior to reading this, I don't think I knew that Joseph had a wife.  Since Joseph was such a devote follower of God, I don't see him willingly taking a wife who followed pagan gods.  So, in all reality, I imagine that it might have been love that drew them together.  Knowing nothing about Asenath, and only the basics about Joseph, this story seems entirely plausible.  

I liked that the story included all the basic information about Joseph that I already knew.  But sticking to the facts, it made Asenath seem more plausible.  I enjoyed her background story.  Kidnapped and orphaned at a young age, she was then raised in the temples.  She caught the eye of some nobility, who then decided to adopt her (this was the only part of the story that I found odd).   While she grows up with wealth and prestige, she never gives up her background.  She always helps those who are less fortunate and despises those around her who do nothing.  Maybe that's drew her to Joseph.  They were kindred souls. 

While the story never really feels like it pushing a religious agenda, it's definitely an undertone.  It's almost like there's a divine energy that pushed Asenath and Joseph together.  And maybe there was.   Asenath put up with a lot to be with him, and yet she never gave up on the idea.  She went against her customs to get her wish.

A light read for sure.   It didn't contain many of the elements that make historical fiction intriguing.  But, I found that I enjoyed it.  Plus, it was a fast read!