The History Major by Michael Phillip Cash

A Brief Summary:
Waking up and knowing something is wrong is how Amanda started her freshman year. She woke up after a night out with friends, and a terrible fight with her boyfriend. Now she has her first class... history.
My Review:
I really enjoyed this book. While it's not Michael's typical story its really good. It has his signature world building, and complex characters all in a neat little package.

I loved the way different little bits of history was weaved into the story. With the idea that we must learn history so we don't repeat our mistakes.

I also really liked the twist that came at the end (no I'm not going to spoil it for you).

I received this book in exchange for my free and honest review.

Witches Protection Program by Michael Phillip Cash

A Brief Summary:
Witches are real, and it's the job of a Witches Protection Unit to protect the Divinas, the good ones, from the Willas, the not so good ones. When Wes Rockville is reassigned to this unit he has a hard time accepting his new reality. But he has no time to get adjusted there's too much at stake, a diabolical plan has been discovered and it's up to Alistair and Wes to put an end to it.
My Review:

I really loved this story. Our hero Wes is a dyslexic, disgraced cop on his last change, this makes him extremely relateable. A man that has his own issues that he's tried really hard to overcome. Then you have Alistair his new partner, a seasoned veteran of the Witches Protection Unit, who seems to have a personal issue with a Miss Bernadette Pendragon. Add in her niece Morgan who loves her aunt but wants her independence and you round out our merry band.

The books story line flows beautifully, with wonderful character and world development. I also enjoyed the brief history and the two types of witches, and the weapons used to handle the ones who go rogue.

I hope this develops into a series, I'd love to learn more about the unit. Maybe a prequel featuring Alistair?

I received this book in exchange for my free and honest review.

The Mage's Servant by Phillip B. Dillon

A Brief Summary:
Willem never wanted to be a hero, however, when Gothar brutally murders his master he has to take up the hero's mantel. With the help of Ryder a young thief, and an ancient hero who has long been thought dead, he has to stop Gothar and his legion of demons. Or you know die trying.

My Review:

I was wondering Imgur the other day and discovered the author was giving this book away for free. Being the type of person who can't turn down a free book I grabbed a copy, and I'm glad I did.

The characters are clever and well written, the way magic worked had a clever new twist, and the story was well written.

I loved Willem. He is so sweet, and has a big heart. Also he has a natural talent for magic and he and Ryder make a great team.

All in all great book, good for middle school readers to adults. It's a quick read and is well paced.

I received this book in exchange for my free and honest review.

If You Were Me and Lived In... China by Carole P. Roman

A Brief Summary:
Open this book to take a journey to China. While you're there you'll learn about the history, the food, the culture and much more.

My Review:
An incredible way for children to catch a glimpse into another country. A book that would be fun as a read together or a solo read. It contains all sorts of information designed to spark a child's imagination. Along with a helpful pronunciation tips to help keep kids from getting frustrated. I'm definitely going to give this book to my sister (a second grade teacher) for her class, I'm sure they will love it.

I received this book from the publishing company in exchange for my free and honest review.

The Long Paw of The Law by Laurie Anne Marie

A Brief Summary:
The aftermath of a breakup is always hard to deal with, but when your boss is murdered and the police have the wrong man in custody your priority's have a tendency of switching. Ashley is just a cook, but when life turns on it's head she decides to step out of her comfort zone and solve the case. Will she be able to do it, read and find out.


My Review:
This book was adorable, just what you want from a cozy mystery. Ashley is a very likable protagonist, if a tad bit obsessed with her weight. Then again who trusts a skinny cook?

I really enjoyed how she worked with the police instead of going off and doing completely her own things, it makes it more realistic to me. She's still terrible at listening to direct orders from the detective getting her into all sorts of sticky situations.

As far as the characters when I loved Ashley's parents, doting and worrying over their only daughter. They added a lot of humor to the story. Also I really liked Ashley's friend Sean. I look forward to seeing that relationship develop in books to come.

All in all a sweet easy to read mystery. It sets up the world well enough that I'm inclined to want to read the next books in the series.

I received this book courtesy of the author in exchange for my free and honest review.

Silence by Stacey R. Campbell

A Brief Summary:
Silence follows Blakely Henry as she tries to find her birth-father, something that most kids who are adopted try to do at one point or another in their lives. Blakely has a slight advantage over most, she's a queen so strings can be pulled and information can be found much quicker. Will this adventure end well, you're just going to have to read and see.

My Review:
This is a great short story. Seeing as it's a novella it's a very fast read, and in my opinion a very sweet one. It's set the summer after the events of Whisper, and brings back Blakely the protagonist of Hush.

Silence answers the question of what happened to Blakely's father. We knew he had been banished from Tamura when Blakely was conceived, but nothing more. So it was nice to learn a bit about where she came from.

I really enjoyed getting to read about Blakely again to see how she's changed from the first book. Also getting to see her interact with her family was a treat that wasn't really in the other books.

I received this book from the author in exchange for my free and honest review.

By The River by Jae Carvel

A Brief Summary:
From a city girl, to a ranchers wife Sarah Ann's life has drastically change. Follow her and her family through the new challenges and adventures that they face.

My Review:

I love how the characters in this book come alive. You really get to know Sarah Ann. Why she is as stern as she is, why she has her priority's and things like that. You also get to know some of her kids, and a bit about Thomas.

The author also gives a rich and vivid environment. She includes so many details

My only complaint is I wish that the time jumps were either more smooth or made more obvious with a heading. It got a tiny bit confusing trying to figure out when somethings were happening. Other then that I loved this book.

I received this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.

The Soul Keeper series box set by L.A. Starkey

A Brief Summary:
Two soul mates, one prophecy, and a whole lot of complications. Join Marcus and Nick as they try and understand the prophecy binding them and how to deal with sharing a soul mate. As Sam tries to understand the craziness of the world she's been thrown into.

My Review: 
I absolutely loved this series. It's fast paced with characters that you fall in love with. Sam is an incredibly strong willed girl who takes everything that happens pretty well. Only one major freak out in the entire series and you cant really blame her for it considering the circumstances.

Nick and Marcus are two sides of the same coin. I favored Nick, but I also really liked Marcus. They compliment each other extraordinarily well.

Also you get another perspective on most of the Greek Pantheon of Gods. Personally I loved how Hades was portrayed. I'd love to know more about him. Some of the Greek mythos was reworked but I really enjoyed it and it truly added to the story.

The first two books end in major emotionally charged cliffhangers so having the full box set is incredibly convenient.

This is a series that is defiantly worth a read! Don't forget to check out my last post to get in on a giveaway for the box set!!!! Click here to get in on this amazing opportunity!

Embrace by Cherie Colyer

A Brief Summary: Life changes, and life moves on. To Madison so far change has meant the loss of her mother, and her long term boyfriend moving away. Now her life is about to change again, hopefully for the better. When she meets Isaac sparks fly, and nothing will ever be the same again.

My Review:
A quick simple read with a paranormal twist. Filled with twist and turns to keep you guessing. All of the characters are well developed and diverse. Isaac is the new guy with a secret, Madison is your average heroine with some not so average powers, and Kaylee the best friend that has something strange happening to her.

I really liked the characters, and how realistically they're portrayed.  From freaking out over developing powers, to the way everyone blames drugs if someone is acting off. She has really captured how people act, while giving it a magical twist.

I look forward to the next book in the series and I hope it will just keep getting better.

I received this book from the author in exchange for my free and honest review.