“What could be his malady, do you think?” “Call it the ailment of modernism.” -Forever Lovely
A classic story with a twist of time-travel.
I am not a big fan of time-travel or classics, and this book seemed to combine both. Therefore, I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy Forever Lovely, but I love to give new books a chance. I’m delighted to say this book was not only poetically written but humorous and adventurous. I’ve never read Jane Austen, but Forever Lovely contains similar themes, as mentioned throughout the story. Linore did an excellent job combining modern and historical, not only in world-building but also in dialogue.
Briefing When Miss Margaret Andrews travels to the future to find her missing sister, she never expected to find true love. In 1819 England, Margaret is a bluestocking with dreams of becoming an inventress, but when the Tallit, a magical time-travel shawl, goes awry she finds herself stranded in 21st Century Manhattan. At a Jane Austen conference, she meets Stewart Russell, a grad student studying early British female writers. Stewart is immediately taken with Margaret and her effortless use of the speech and manners of Jane’s day–until she claims to be FROM Jane’s day! Worse, due to a mix-up, he is a wanted man and the clock is ticking. Margaret must find a way to get them both back to 1819–before the unthinkable happens. If you enjoyed the time-travel romance of Outlander, then you’ll love Margaret and Stewart’s story in Forever Lovely.
First Impression 4/5 Chapter one started right in the action, which I loved, with the characters trapped in the 21st Century. Immediately, it was evident how much research and precision was put into creating the differences in each time period. The author did a wonderful job keeping true to the historical and modern-day aspects.
Character Development 4.5/5 This book, I would say, is straight to the point and doesn’t leave much room for character growth, but each character is unique and interesting. Margaret probably changed the most in this book–finally becoming comfortable in her skin instead of always thinking less of herself. Her sister also transformed, though we see more of her “new self” than her old, bitter character, which is only mentioned in memory.
World-Building 5/5 The setting in this story was phenomenal. It went back and forth between the 21st Century and the early 1800s. I felt transported into each period at every turn. Everything was so vivid and delightful to read. The characters reflected the different periods wonderfully in their dialect, mannerisms, and tendencies. We also have the unique idea of a time-travel shawl, a hidden gem I never knew I wanted to find. It added a thrilling element to the plot and left room for endless questions and twists.
Emotions 3.5/5 Forever Lovely didn’t make me feel much apart from laughter and joy. There were a few precarious moments that would make one teary-eyed, but other than that, emotions weren’t a significant factor in this story, not that there were zero feelings. I’m not sure if it was because of the writing style, or perhaps the quick pace, or maybe just me being unable to connect to the emotions themselves. Whatever it was, something kept me from emotionally diving into this book. But I had no problem with this since the plot was fascinating enough!
Style 2.5/5 I don’t think I’ll ever like omniscient POVs. It makes things too difficult to follow, and I never know whose perspective I’m reading from. Although, I suppose it’d be EVERYONE’S. However, I read this book from start to finish, and it wasn’t unbearable, considering it was a combination of things I don’t particularly search for in a book. The humor, faith, and mystery kept me turning the page. Though the readability, perspectives, and story structure placed many ruts in the flow, it was still unlike anything I’ve read, and I enjoyed it to the end.
Cleanliness 5/5 For a Christian-categorized book, it was essentially clean. There were many kissing scenes and mild implications, but nothing more than sweet romance. Some violence takes place, and murder is mentioned, though the details are vague and slight. Forever Lovely is perfect for all ages, but I believe an older age group would be more inclined to pick it up since there are more classical elements than modern.
Conclusion 5/5 This book ended wonderfully. We see some more character growth and story completion. I adored how things concluded. It left room for imagination, knowing the characters still had their whole lives to live. I love when books end this way, as if the story continues even if the pages don’t.
Final Rating: 4 stars
Recommended Age Group: all age groups
!Trigger Warnings! Mild violence
Genres: historical, romance, time-travel, regency
Thank you, Linore, for contacting me via my blog and sharing your book with me! I enjoyed stepping out of my usual reading genres into something new. You provided a delightful adventure, and I’m grateful to have experienced it.
Follow the author on Instagram: @linoreburkard
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; all your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 ESV
“The knowledge that we belong to each other comes over me so strongly tears come to my eyes.” -Eternal, Everywhere, With You
This book was a mysteriously humorous and delightful story that exceeded my expectations. I wasn’t sure what was happening half the time, but I loved it!
Briefing An ordinary town. A group of friends on the fringe. A house full of extraordinary secrets. High School grads Dovie and Silas begin their summer with a shortcut and a wish. But what happens before they arrive home turns their world upside down. That same night, a stranger shows up at Dovie’s summer home, adding more questions to the mix. Supplied with a few peculiar clues to piece together, they quickly learn one very important thing: never wish upon a falling star. Travel through time, suspicion and romance, as Dovie and Silas discover what lies beneath their own identities, and in the very dust of the earth.
First Impression 5/5 From the first scene, we get a glimpse of the characters through Dovie’s eyes, and instantly, I fell in love with them. The beautiful imagery and creative narrative shrouded in mystery could not be resisted. Dovie was immediately relatable, and I loved seeing everything from her perspective. Not only this, but a dozen questions flooded my head after chapter one, and they only accumulated as I read on. Then suddenly, I finished the book! Sherry did a fantastic job of making the reader want to read for answers and the adventurous journey.
Character Development 4/5 These characters were real and hilarious, regardless of them being caught up in a tangling web of time. Through this story’s ominous demeanor, a joke never failed to arise, and I could not contain my laughter. I wasn’t expecting to laugh as much as I did, but this book brought joy in various ways. The author did a stunning job with the deep relationships and friendships. The co-op is now one of my favorite family dynamics. One could easily see how much these characters loved one another. It was interesting to read about them solving the mysteries of time together and growing even closer as a family. We also see the very essence that makes up a person and how no child of God is ever ordinary, but extraordinary through Him. I adored the way humans were compared to dust and how light lives within all of us.
World-Building 4/5 With the concept of this book centered heavily on time travel, there were vast opportunities for new and unusual settings. Everything was so vibrant in this world Sherry created and easy to picture. The unique imagery brought life to the story in a new way, and I loved it. As an avid fantasy reader, I’m delighted this book had me on the edge of my seat with its marvelous world-building. I will say I got lost a few times in the geographical aspects of the setting, not knowing where or when one person was–which may be intentional. The book is categorized under “fantasy,” which could refer to various things. I detected a more urban fantasy setting; however, there was never a specific time and place mentioned, apart from when the characters traveled to different periods. I assumed they were in a more modern time, considering the technology and mentions of everyday activities. It was difficult in this sense to fully connect to what I was reading, but not too much of an upset in flow. With the constant going back and forth and traveling to new places, the setting seemed, at times, all over the place, which confused me. But it was poetic in a way, and there was a uniqueness to this story that I’ve never encountered before.
Emotion 4/5 I found this book not connected to emotions in a way that made me cry but instead enthralled me with its suspense, thrill, and mystery. The romantic aspects were sweet and subtle, and the humor balanced all the chilling encounters out. Other than the above, I didn’t connect much emotionally to this story. I will admit I teared up near the end, and I fumed at some other scenes, but this book ran more on imagination and mystery, which was perfect for the story that needed to be told. It had more to it than “feelings.” This book was light, entwined with a beautiful plot, and sealed with truth.
Style 3.5/5 There were a few questionable grammar errors and typos that somewhat disrupted the flow, but not to the point where I was deterred from reading. Apart from slight confusion, it was hard to stop reading this book. Near the end, I became a bit frustrated because it felt like the story came full circle, only to loop around once more. However, the way Sherry writes reminds me of the poetic books of the Bible: mysterious, astounding, with underlying layers of light and truth. The mystery and intrigue were kept up to the end, which gave me no choice but to finish the book or otherwise suffer from a lack of answered questions. I loved the Biblical truths woven between the lines, such as fallen stars and our essence being of dust and light. This book was one of the most unique ways I’ve seen Biblical elements portrayed.
Cleanliness 4.5/5 There were only a few insinuations, whether sexual or other, but they were very vague. I will say various “handsy” scenes occurred, but nothing ever escalated above this. Eternal, Everywhere, With You has “Christian” and “fantasy” as its main genres, so there was nothing that made this book overly secular or inappropriate. The romance was little to none, and there was no profanity. The only thing, however, that may trigger some readers are the implications of abuse and domestic violence.
Conclusion 4.5/5 This book was a mind-boggling, fantastical journey that was impossible to predict. Each page was woven with a pleasant narrative and doused in vibrant light and suspense. The mystery held firm to the very end, and when one question was answered, another fell right into place, trapping me in an inevitable “binge-read.” As the story came to a close and things fell into place, my eyes were opened to the hidden meanings between the lines. When the questions were answered, it was evident that this book held far more meaning than I had first believed. I have never read anything like this. It was completely unexpected and entirely original. The ending itself was thrilling and could not be read fast enough. Although I feel as though I still have some questions left unanswered, perhaps that’s okay. Eternal, Everywhere, With You picks at the deepest parts of the mind and prompts one to think about that which is above.
Thank you, Book Sirens, for this copy of Eternal, Everywhere, With You. This is an honest review and entirely voluntary.
“By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”Genesis 3:19 ESV
“I love you. I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to say it, but I’ve loved you for a while now.”
“Little did I know that I had just met the person who would change the world for us.”
“It’s what you choose to do now that will define who you become.”
Oh my gosh, I’d quote the entire series if I could.
I don’t usually write reviews on book series because that’s a lot of ground to cover. Alas, I felt The Hollis Timewire Series deserved a review of its own because (1) Danielle Harrington is an independent author, and I want to assist my fellow Indies in any way, and (2) this series was truly remarkable and more people need to know about it. I am so honored to have been a part of the beta reading team for this series. A huge thank you to Danielle for providing a copy of The Empowered Ones, as well as the other three books in this series!
>No Spoilers<
Briefing She was raised to be the perfect society member in a world where emotion was eradicated. She was raised to hate the Diseased Ones. They were murderers and monsters, after all, weren’t they? She couldn’t possibly be one of them, could she? Hollis Timewire has her entire world flipped on its head when her perception of the government is threatened by those deemed dangerous. When she finds herself at the mercy of an unknown power right at her fingertips, Hollis must determine which side to take and which truth to believe. As she pursues truth and justice, Hollis creates friendships she never thought possible, experiences emotions ruled to be foolish, and discovers the world was never what she believed it was. But one thing is for certain: the truth will always win in the end. The question is, will she live long enough to see this truth finally revealed for all to witness?
First Impression 5/5 I had no idea what to expect with this series. I didn’t know what it was about. I didn’t even know the genre. NOTHING. And when I tell you I was pleasantly surprised with the creativity and storytelling in these books, that is an understatement. Book 1, The Diseased Ones, was a brilliant introduction to this heart-wrenching and suspenseful story. It was fast-paced, actionable, and unpredictable right from the very beginning.
The Unseen Ones, book 2, was filled with even more plot twists and frustrating scenarios, and these twists were continuously elevated in books 3 and 4. The overall concept of The Hollis Timewire Series was infinitely unpredictable and clever. It reminded me of the Divergent Series by Veronica Roth, yet wonderfully original. The powers Danielle created, the character qualities and conflicts, were so imaginative and nothing like I’ve ever read. Although we see some classic powers, like fire, speed, and flight, even these were made with originality through the lovable characters Danielle created. Out of all these incredible powers, the main character, Hollis, had one of the most unique abilities that never failed to manifest conflict–both with others and within herself as she wrestled with her mentality and the lingering darkness beneath her skin. To find out what her power is, you’ll have to read this series for yourself.
As for the action, it was astounding, which is to be expected with so many strange powers and the unusual environment, although this series exceeded my expectations in every way. The action was constantly upped in each book, with heart-pounding, near-death experiences and plot twists that had me literally sobbing.
Character Development 5/5 The character arcs in this series were some of the best I’ve ever read; they’re right up there with Caraval, The Maze Runner, Throne of Glass, and other fantastic characters that make their stories come alive. First and foremost, we have our main character, Hollis. She went through so many hardships, but these trials transformed her from a brainwashed and untrusting girl into a leader filled with compassion and a desire to bring justice to those who had been wronged. She truly grew into such a powerful and fierce fighter, and it was a beautiful thing to read. Then we have Ashton, once a horrible and unlikable character, completely changed into a hero with a fiery determination to fight for the good of the world. I hated him in book 1, but after reading TEO, he is now a favorite character. Many authors can make a reader love the antagonist, but few can transform an antagonist into a heroic companion. But it doesn’t end with Hollis and Ashton. Each character, whether critical to the plot or supportive of it, all had a depth to them that made them so real I often forgot I was reading a fictional story.
If I listed all the characters I loved, Keith, Maddy, and Jonah, to name a few, along with the depth they individually gave to the story, this review would have to be turned into a book. The realistic qualities, flaws, and overall growth of each character brought life to the story in a whole new way. And let’s not forget the unique powers of the Diseased Ones, which added a magical feel to the narrative. Like being able to put emotion into food, placing a thought in a person’s mind and having them think it’s their own, or being able to replicate another’s power. The possibilities were endless, as were the plot twists. But the best part about these powers was that they didn’t define who the characters were. What defined them was their actions and what they chose to do with that power to better the world and achieve freedom. What defined them was their hearts and how they loved one another (except for the villains, of course).
Along with the lovable characters, we have the deeply hated ones. I honestly did not know I could hate an antagonist as much as I hated Arthur Evandrum. Danielle formulated superb conflicting characters, and there was never a dull moment. They were vicious and horrifying and never failed to provide utter shocking twists to the story. The villains in this series were some of the best representations of evil I’ve ever encountered.
World-Building 5/5 In many fantasy and dystopian settings, the world descriptions can sometimes become too much. However, the world Danielle created was as natural to me as Earth and yet so very different. Every detail, big and small, poured out of the pages and into my mind to create a vibrant, fear-filled, emotional, and broken but hopeful world. The setting itself was effortless to imagine, with the twisted society and corrupt government, as well as the fractured state of Earth as we know it. It was inevitable that I’d get lost in the physical and worldly details of this story. The setting blended perfectly with the characters and plot.
Emotions 5/5 *releases enormous sigh* From the start of this series, there’s an emphasis on the importance of emotions. They are, frankly, portrayed in such a stunning way. In this new society Danielle developed, emotions were outlawed and considered foolish–a perfect foundation to illuminate the power and influence of emotions, as well as their importance. There’s a reason why we feel, and it should never be suppressed but exposed and confronted, yet also embraced. This series showed the dangers of what would happen should emotion overcome a person, and the beauty of these emotions if they were guided by love and compassion. This series was a perilous rollercoaster of emotions, starting with excitement and anticipation, spiraling to frustration and sadness, then twisting toward anger and pain, and soon coming to the peak of absolute sorrow and grief that had me choking on my own tears. It’s been a while since a book impacted me so powerfully. This series made me feel in a way not many books have. It’s relatively easy to make me cry, but it can be difficult to get me to sob uncontrollably. Danielle accomplished all of the above.
Style 5/5 I will say the pace was a bit too fast for me at the start of The Diseased Ones, particularly where the romance was concerned, but it was still well-balanced and fitting for the dystopian setting and the story itself. The way things begin, fast and diving right into the action and suspense, was the perfect strategy for getting a reader caught up in the plot and wanting more to the point where one could not put the book down (until Danielle slashed our hearts in two and we could no longer read with our eyes blurred with tears. *sighs* You’re still one of my favorite authors though, Danielle). There was a lovely consistency with the pace throughout the entire series. I never felt like Danielle’s writing shifted in style or direction. Each book held a new element of surprise and profound twists and turns that had my heart racing and fists clenching.
Cleanliness 4/5 This young adult dystopian was refreshingly clean. The reason I rated the cleanliness 4/5 is because of small details that don’t produce a huge negative impact but are there all the same. There’s minor profanity throughout the series, but nothing like most YA books these days (the cursing isn’t frequent or profuse and only used sporadically; however, there is one F-word near the end of The Empowered Ones). As for the romance…
*extreme squeal of overwhelming and utter delight*
…It was lovable and enjoyable in every way. The romantic relationships between characters were kept clean and steady, free of explicit and sexual insinuations. Instead of the characters focusing on the physical and sexual activities of a romantic relationship, they focused more on their love for each other as individuals and who they made one another when they were together. It was beautiful to read about relationships based on the foundational and lifelong details that make those romantic connections unbreakable.
The level of gore in this series isn’t too overwhelming, but with the action and battles that take place, blood and brutality aren’t out of the question. As one who isn’t a fan of violence or disturbing details, I’m here to tell you it wasn’t unbearable, but it was also very intense at times. It was thrill and heartbreak rolled into one emotion-infused story. There is much death, grief, and portrayal of anxiety and panic attacks, as well as a few scenes depicting torture. The way Danielle tackled these heavy and intense topics threw an entirely new realness to the story. Though it was painful and difficult to read at some points, it was powerful.
Conclusion 5/5 I have nothing bad to say about this series, except maybe: “WHY HAVE YOU DESTROYED ME EMOTIONALLY?!” But, in all honesty, I would read this series again. It was an adventure I wasn’t expecting to take, and I am so grateful to have found it. To describe this series more simply, I’d use these words: betrayal, love, found family, thrilling, emotional, grief, hope, and breathtaking. The conclusion to this series alone was one of the best finales I have ever read. It was incredible–and heartbreaking in every way–and could not have been better articulated in emotion and action. If you love dystopian, clean romance, action, and adventure, look no further. This series will take you on a transformative and emotional journey.
Follow the author on Instagram: @djharringtonwriter Follow Acorn Publishing on Instagram: @acornpublishing
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
“The cross is where we see the proof of God’s love for us. Jesus’ death on the cross is really convincing evidence that God is for us, not against us—that He loves us deeply—even when our circumstances appear to contradict that.” -My Refuge
My Refuge is a beautiful example of how God is with us in all circumstances. It also revealed the importance of good friendships and how we should surround ourselves with reliable people to hold us accountable as we pursue a relationship with Christ.
4.5/5 Stars
(SPOILER-FREE ZONE)
(Briefing) Four stories. Four girls. All pursued by hope. Eden, a young musician suddenly hospitalized with heart failure, awaits the day when she can lead a normal life. Will she overcome the anger and confusion inside of her as she waits for a heart transplant? Zahra, an aspiring engineer trapped in a refugee camp, desperately tries to further her education with limited resources. Will she finally find something that no one can take away from her? Mei, a girl experiencing the effects of quarantine, battles the onslaught of insecurities and self-worth as she finds ways to impact the world from the safety of her home. Will she learn to see herself the way God does? Katya, a victim of war, longs to be reunited with her mom while waiting beneath the protection of a bomb shelter. Will she overcome her growing fear and anxiety as a war rages above her?
(First Impression 4/5) The story begins with Eden, a girl hospitalized with heart problems. Her anger and frustrations, as well as sorrow for her predicament, leaped out of the pages. Tears were brought to my eyes as Eden watched the days go by from the hospital window and saw her friends living the life she once lived on social media. What a drastic change to happen in a young girl’s life, yet a beautiful opportunity for God to reveal His glory. Ashley introduced Eden and her story with precision, filling me with anticipation for the next three stories to come.
(Character Development 5/5) All four girls were vastly different, just like the storylines. They grew in so many ways, from fear to hope, despair to joy, insecurity to confidence, from feeling trapped to being free. Eden, Zahra, Mei, and Katya transformed and took flight. Yet, I know there’s so much growth left to come, and I cannot wait to continue walking alongside these girls on their journeys through life and as they are brought closer to Christ.
(World-Building 5/5) The circumstantial world-building was exquisite. I say “circumstantial” because of the four unique concepts brought to life. Each story focused on an important issue that inspired and brought forth the floodgates of tears. The imagery and settings were easy to fall into. Ashley made each story powerful and impactful in their own way. We see Eden struggling with anger, Zahra with desperation for more, Mei with self-worth, and Katya with anxiety. Though their lives and circumstances differ, each girl is brought closer to Jesus. I thought this was a lovely concept. No matter the difficulties worldwide, God offers hope to all.
(Emotions 5/5) There was a point when I was reading this book in public, and let me say it was a challenge to keep the tears from falling. Many heavy and sorrowful topics were tackled in My Refuge, ones that teenagers, girls specifically, battle with daily. This world needs more books like this; the younger generation needs books like this. Ashley did a phenomenal job reaching out to young girls and touching on issues I’m sure many are familiar with. I believe even adults would be able to relate and feel inspired by this book. My Refuge is a tear-jerker and will make your heart ache, but it will also bring a smile to your face to see how God is faithful no matter the situation.
(Style 4/5) My Refuge was written well, with plots and emotional situations that were easy to get lost in. The only issue I had was with the two POVs that would clash from time to time. It changed from third to first person, enabling the characters to share their thoughts instead of being referred to in third person. I loved reading what they were thinking, but the clarity was a bit fuzzy and didn’t separate the two POVs all the time, apart from a few thoughts being in the classic italics. Even so, I barely noticed this because the story was so intriguing and held my attention in a firm grasp. I’m only mentioning this because it did cause a bit of confusion. Other than the POVs, this book was excellent, and I quickly absorbed the captivating points Ashley aimed to get across.
(Cleanliness 5/5) This book was almost entirely clean, apart from a brief indication of inappropriate photos. These photos, however, were not detailed at all. War is mentioned, as well as some dramatic scenes that may be sensitive to some readers, but still PG. Ashley tackles anxiety, despair, and loneliness in the most lovely way. My Refuge is undoubtedly the perfect atmosphere for the age group it’s geared towards.
(Conclusion 4/5) I didn’t think I’d cry as much as I did while reading My Refuge. The best word to describe this book is powerful. Ashley excelled at handling daunting and challenging situations, and she did a wonderful job of keeping each story intriguing. I’m a little bummed with how it ended because there’s still so much left to be told of all four stories. However, I saw the mention of a possible second book in the future, so I’m thrilled about that. I was sad when it ended because I didn’t want to stop reading. My Refuge was an incredible read and makes you think about other people’s sufferings and how even the most minor acts of kindness and compassion can make a huge difference. We may not always see this difference, but God certainly does, and I believe He uses our small acts of love to further His kingdom in so many ways. I highly recommend this book to everyone, but especially teenagers and young adults.
Genres: fiction, Christian, young adult, contemporary
!Trigger Warnings! War, violence, emotional, anxiety, despair, loneliness, mentions of inappropriate content online
Thank you, Ashley, for sharing a copy of your book with me. I feel so blessed to have been able to read and review your book. It will no doubt impact the lives of the teenage girls you are aiming to reach. I will look forward to reading your next book!
Follow Ashley on Instagram!: @ashleyalsalibywrites
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
“What was living life without giving part of it to another?”
“Hope can conquer more than any army can.”-Children of the Forgotten
We have two quotes today because I couldn’t choose just one.
What a magnificent story of faith, hope, courage, and perseverance. Children of the Forgotten excelled past my expectations. It no doubt lived up to the Christian, post-apocalyptic genres!
4/5 Stars
(Spoiler-Free Zone)
(Briefing) In a post-apocalyptic world, most people by the age thirty have succumbed to the Sickness, a mysterious illness. But the Sickness is not the only enemy for Collin Mann’s city. Hordes of deranged killers live in the hills around it. With few trained protectors, the future of the little city looks bleak. Collin, fifteen years old, buries those the Sickness consumes. Slight and awkward, he shuns warrior training, avoiding the example of his big brother and guardian. When killers attack at the watering hole, he’s called to step forward and defend. Instead, he freezes. He’s ashamed. His people need him to fight. But can he do it? Or would a clumsy person like himself make any difference in the battle of existence?
(First Impression 4/5) Charles did a great job introducing this dystopian world in the first couple of chapters. A few battles took place that were action-packed and thrilling to read. The descriptions of these fights and the actions taken by the knights were wonderfully detailed and believable. The beginning was a little slow, but it intrigued me. From the first line, it was evident how hopeless the people were. I instantly loved the somewhat medieval vibes. Post-apocalyptic stories that revert to older traditions and societies are always interesting to read.
(Character Development 5/5) I loved these characters. Each one had a story to tell, and they all performed and added to the plot perfectly. The growth was unmistakable, especially with Collin: from being a boy who hid from conflict, soon becoming a man who stood for justice. So many characters faced various horrors and trials, and the depth of their wounds made them so real. It was beautiful to see people grow stronger from their pain, yet heartbreaking when others became forever changed by the horrific things that happened to them. Whether it was the main character, side characters, or antagonists, each person was written with a personified structure and personality. It was inspiring to see the reason for the conflicts and how each difficulty prepared the characters and aided them in future battles. The setting of the world no doubt added a layer of complexity to each character, and it had me wondering about the hundreds of stories untold in this book. Another favorite character was Felicia. Reading about her finding confidence more so in her Creator than herself was a beautiful thing. Then we have Ty, the perfect comedy relief, and much more: a loyal friend, a beloved protector, and a fierce warrior. With jokes ;). I did confuse Arik and Ethan a few times, as their personalities and character traits were similar, along with their luscious hair. But other than that, the character development was phenomenal.
(World-Building 4/5) There was beautiful imagery within this society and broken world. It was effortless to imagine the small city consumed with fear, the mystery of what awaited them past the mountains, and the vast cultural changes. I loved the return of swords and arrows as the regular weapons, and the farmers, villagers, knights, etc. Even the history and backstories explaining the world’s destructive state, the Sickness, and barbaric criminals threatening all who lived nearby made Children of the Forgotten a thrilling and intriguing read. Charles created a fantastic new society and economy from the fallen world.
(Emotions 5/5) The loss of hope and peace was the perfect foundation for strong emotions. The concept of faith, God, and the Bible being banned, yet not wholly forgotten, introduced powerful moments of change. There was heartbreak, grief, potent fear, sadness, brokenness, and yet…an underlying hope. I loved the many moments of God’s power being revealed, the truth of Him never leaving us, and an undeniable hope and perseverance that flooded the pages. Charles created such realistic fear and hopelessness. Looking at today’s society, the downfall of humanity in this story and the overall darkness wasn’t hard to imagine. I cried, laughed, and hoped with these people.
(Style 4/5) I enjoyed the way Charles wrote. The plot itself was a bit drawn out, and it took me a chapter or two to fully immerse myself, but Children of the Forgotten was a remarkable adventure. I could not stop reading. It was also multiple point-of-view, which I think Charles performed wonderfully. The POV created the perfect amount of suspense and clarity, being able to read from all different angles. The inclusion of Biblical principles was incredible. Every time that sprinkling of Christianity came up, I’d jump in excitement. It was subtle initially and then grew, just like one’s relationship with the Lord—a constant journey of growth and obedience. The Christian aspects weren’t preachy—not that I have issues with “preachy”—as in, they weren’t forced but flowed naturally with the plot. This isn’t easy to do, not only because of today’s culture but also in the post-apocalyptic setting the author chose. Charles did a lovely job inserting Scripture and breathtaking moments at just the right time.
(Cleanliness 4/5) With Children of the Forgotten being a Christian read, cleanliness wasn’t much of an issue. Little romance was included, but not entirely out of the picture. It was sweet and more subtle. I actually enjoyed there being little romance, which isn’t always the case. Sometimes…I finish a book partly because I just want to see my ship sail. But in this story, I read literally for the plot! *applause* There was a big issue with sexual harassment that appeared in written scenes—mostly foreshadowing and not highly detailed—and mentions or insinuations. With the state of the world and the new society, an unfortunate normalcy to sexual harassment was created, along with violence and gore. It was heartbreaking and frustrating. The many battles were filled with brutal actions, and when added to the Sickness, death was common. A short scene hinting at suicide does come up, but nothing too severe, though tragic all the same. Ritualistic practices were included—inevitably so with all those whacko killers on the loose—but nothing obtrusive and more so near the end. In light of all this, however, God’s presence and power shone through the darkness.
(Conclusion 5/5) I am amazed I haven’t gone broke from all the books I’ve purchased this year, and now, I must buy the second book in this series because of the ending. It couldn’t have concluded in a better way, my goodness. I didn’t sob as I thought I would but was more in shock and freakin excited to buy the next book. There was great resolve, breathtaking battles my eyes could not keep up with, and powerful moments where God proved time and time again that He was always there. And He always is. Nevertheless, there are still many unanswered questions that I must know the answers to! Children of the Forgotten was an inspiring story and better than I anticipated. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy reads that are Christian, dystopian, apocalyptic, action-packed, adventuresome, and filled with epic battles.
Thank you to Book Sirens for this free copy of Children of the Forgotten. This review is in my honest opinion and voluntary. (Follow Book Sirens on Instagram: @booksirens & @booksirens_crew)
“I would only regret not starting forever with you as soon as possible.” ~Positively, Penelope
I cry. No, truly, I did cry.
Dear humans, the lovely quote from above is only one of many. I was given an ARC of this book to borrow and, sadly, could not annotate (though, now I have an excuse to buy another book *cue evil laughter*). Positively, Penelope by Pepper Basham releases today, August 1st, 2023!
5/5 Stars
(Spoiler-Free Zone)
~Review~
(Briefing) Castles, delicious pastries, irreplaceable history, unexpected love, and…sea monsters? Penelope runs on positivity, movie references, and theater, all of which must come in one total package. Her love for fairytales and magical places becomes a reality when she takes on an internship in Skymar, an island full of wonder and history. As she begins to rebuild the once magnificent Darling theater, someone awaits behind the scenes, plotting to stop any success of reformation. Amid all the chaos and magic, Penelope finds herself falling in love, a plot twist not even she saw coming. With her heart in two different places, she is faced with choices promising to tear it apart. But, like in any movie she has ever seen, love stretches beyond distance, no matter how many sea monsters she has to battle to achieve a happily ever after.
(First Impression 3/5) I loved this story SO MUCH, but the beginning started a bit strange. Pepper wrote the first hundred pages through the perspective of emails and text messages. It wasn’t poorly written, just a bit unrealistic at times, though Penelope was a great storyteller. I adored her from the first page and all her positive, fairytale-ness. I strive to be as positive as she is and as hilarious. Her humor carried the story, let me tell you.
(Character Development 5/5) Penelope’s character structure was beautiful and so unique because, as Penelope said so herself, there aren’t many stories with positive protagonists, at least not like her. Her character was refreshing. I loved Matthias. OMG. I- where are these types of men in the real world? Hello? (no offense intended towards the possible real-world men reading this, though that is highly doubtful). Also, is Skymar a real place? Because I swear, I’d travel there just to meet a Matthias of my own. Pepper wrote the supporting characters wonderfully, too, from adorable Iris to Grandpa Grey and Penelope’s hilarious siblings. Luke has got to be the definition of “best brother ever,” and Izzy is such a sweet and supportive sister. Pepper did an excellent job with the characters. They were genuine, intricate, and lovable. They completed the story into something delightful.
(World-Building 5/5) *Satisfied sigh.* What a lovely place Skymar is. This little island of history, deep community values, castles, scenic views, and vintage architecture made the story all the more entertaining. Penelope was me whenever she went on one of her many expeditions venturing out into the town. Skymar was the perfect place to spread some positivity. I love small towns with hidden gems and natural beauty. Oh! And let’s not forget those sea monsters. I, of course, didn’t love them as much as the castles, but they are part of Skymar too.
(Emotions 5/5) Whenever characters have to say goodbye, it rips my heart apart. This story was relatable in that distance between family and loved ones hurts. The grief and tangible sadness of being so far away from those you love is a pain sometimes too difficult to describe. But Pepper did an incredible job at expressing such emotions through this story. I loved the family concept and the love all the characters had for one another. Pepper conveyed the importance of authentic love and trustworthy relationships exquisitely (I’ve always wanted to use that word). It warmed my heart, even though it also made me shed a few thousand tears.
(Style 4.5/5) If I were to rate Pepper’s writing style based on page one, I’d give it a 4/5. After page one hundred, I’d rate it a 2/5. But the last half of the book brought the rating to a 5/5, which rounded up—by my unreliable calculations—to a 4.5/5 (anyone else lost, or just me?). As I mentioned earlier in the review, Pepper wrote the first 100 pages from the perspective of emails and text messages, which honestly wasn’t much of a problem; it was an eccentric and intriguing POV. But when the perspective shifted into a regular third-person POV, I was caught off guard. My attention was almost lost and I found myself debating whether to finish Positively, Penelope or not. I wondered if it’d be worth the read. But, you guys, OH MY GOODNESS. I am so glad I finished this book. Positively, Penelope is now one of my favorite reads, and Pepper Basham is one of my favorite authors! Though Pepper’s perspective and style choice were unique and a bit unusual, it was perfect for the story she needed to tell. I do think this book would’ve been even better if Pepper introduced the POV change sooner in the story, but in a way, it made the book what it was, and I ended up LOVING IT.
(Cleanliness 5/5) Positively, Penelope is classified as a Christian romance, and wonderfully clean. The romantic aspects contained just a smidge of kissing, though it was more passionate than what I’d recommend to, let’s say, a ten-year-old. It was a sweet romance that left me feeling warm and fuzzy. I do wish there were more Christian principles included, not to say there were zero. But they were minuscule enough to where the book could almost pass for a regular clean romance. I did see how Penelope’s positivity correlated with her relationship with God. There isn’t any profanity, as to be expected, and no violence unless you count Penelope using her Super Ultra Hairspray as a self-defense mechanism. There are a few emotional triggers, such as divorce, broken relationships, grief, the death of a loved one, and overall heartache.
(Conclusion 5/5) *Cue the sobbing* Positively, Penelope was a delightful adventure and one I highly recommend. It was heartwarming, funny, sweet, thrilling, and left me smiling more than once. I loved the theatrics and creativity, especially the onslaught of movie, book, and musical references. Not only did this add depth to the story, but the characters as well. I’m not a massive fan of romantic comedies, especially cheesy and predictable ones, but I loved Positively, Penelope. I laughed and cried so much. It was honestly one of the funniest and most heartwarming stories I’ve read in a long time. Positively, Penelope concluded in the most perfect way, with lots of tears and the healing of old wounds. I look forward to reading more of Pepper Basham’s books, especially after reading this one.
I love an entertaining fantasy story with a Biblical foundation, and Heartmender by far gave me that!
~Review~
(SPOILER FREE)
4/5 Stars
(Briefing) While the Land of Barracks sees trading human hearts as a means to “success” and “fulfillment,” Adelaide Tyde sees but an enemy who stole her brother. After years of despising Heart Reign, when the time comes for Addie to trade her own heart, she finds herself caught between various choices, life-threatening battles, and a spiderweb of lies and deceit. But amongst all the darkness and heartbreak, there is a light beside her every step of the way. As Addie searches for her lost brother while fighting through the Seven Choices, she learns there is so much more to life than being afraid. Alas, when all seems right, evil and darkness leap at the opportunity to thwart any noble cause.
(First Impression 4/5) In the beginning, I was unsure if I would like this book. Heartmender is a strange concept, but also so creative and entertaining. After a few pages, I was instantly teleported into the wondrous world of Heartmender. Each scene and chapter was unexpected, filled with suspense and adventure. One of the most unpredictable books I’ve read in a long time, and it was great!
(Character Development 5/5) Addie excelled far past her characteristics from page one, and although she stuck to her original structure, she also transformed into a powerful, fearless young woman. She defeated her fears and grew stronger with each chapter. Her journey was amazing. I loved to see her overcome her faults and come out like the warrior she is. The other characters were lovely, too, like Claire and Eman, even the antagonistic characters were well written—evil and frustrating, yes, but realistic; they brought the story to life and made the reading journey wonderful.
(World-Building 4/5) The setting for Heartmender is very complex and imaginative. Though I found myself a little confused at times, it didn’t compare to the fantastical journey Burton brought me through as Addie conquered the Seven Choices. The symbolism of life and the Biblical aspects in Heartmender were some of the best I’ve read so far and my favorite details from the book. It was easy to see how this story related to real life—the battles of temptations and how light never fails to overcome darkness. While putting a magical twist into Heartmender, Burton kept the most critical aspects illuminated beneath an adventurous journey. Not every author can create an entertaining story while retaining morality and Biblical attributes!
(Emotions 5/5) I may have cried a few times, and if you ever read this book, you will know why. Emotions are a big part of Heartmender and are very well interpreted. Addie truly does have so much love to give, while also battling with the emotional strains life throws at her. It was beautiful to witness her overcoming doubt, loneliness, anger, greed, lust, and so much more. Heartmender is undoubtedly an intense and emotional journey.
(Style 4/5) I found Burton’s style easy to read, apart from a few mistakes/typos. I read through this book easily and often forgot I was reading a book at all, which is how you know it’s good!
(Cleanliness 4/5) As mentioned above, this book deals with many emotions, including lust. For the most part, Heartmender is a clean read, but one scene does portray a struggle with lust, which provides a steamy situation between Addie and a-person-I-shall-not-name. There is also a good amount of violence. Fortunately, it is a Christian book, and the things above, I believe, are necessary ways of bringing to light just how tempting and dangerous life can sometimes be. It also shows just how involved our God is. He is always there, reminding us we are never alone—a sword for a battle, a lantern in the dark, a friend and protector.
(Conclusion 4/5) I can’t wait to read Heartbreaker. The ending of Heartmender had me smiling in excitement and beautifully concluded the story. I look forward to reading the next book in Addie’s story!
“But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” James 2:18-19 ESV
“I wasn’t aware that words could hold so much. I didn’t know a sentence could be so full.” ~Where The Crawdads Sing
This book was a poetic masterpiece. The way Delia writes is beautiful and so unique. She is a painter of words, and a vibrant storyteller.
~Review~
(SPOILER FREE)
3.5/5 Stars
(Briefing) Kya, also known as the Marsh Girl, has lived her whole life trapped in the marsh in Barkley Cove, North Carolina. But it’s far from a cage. After being abandoned by her family as a child, Kya is thrust into raising herself and soon becomes an expert in many things, but especially the marsh. Her life goes on in the same rhythm for many years, until one day she meets a boy. Love is a new concept and something she never knew possible. But there’s more than love she has yet to discover. Being an outcast, Kya never desires to indulge in the frivolity of the village a few miles from the marsh. However, when she’s suddenly accused of murder, the life she had so carefully cultivated hangs in the balance, and the final verdict will determine whether or not she can go home to the gulls, live a life behind bars, or the worst of them all: death by another’s hand.
(First Impression 5/5) After the first few sentences, I immediately saw how beautiful of a writer Delia is. The storyline was clear from the beginning and kept me reading for more. I’ve already said this, but it’s because it’s the best way to describe Where The Crawdads Sing: poetic, lyrical. A beautiful song about a girl who was abandoned, talentless, and lacking understanding, soon growing into a woman of knowledge, creativity, and fierce love for her home.
(Character Development 5/5) Kya by far surpassed her old childhood self as she grew in knowledge, understanding, wisdom, and creativity. From being illiterate and secluded to a marsh like a wild animal to painting images and writing accurate, factual books to change the world. Although the choices she made as a young adult were frustrating, and I often became annoyed whenever she fell into an obvious trap, I also think the circumstances Kya grew up in made it understandable why she would be naive.
(World-Building 5/5) The world-building in this book exuded more beauty than any of the other aspects. Each word, each sentence, each paragraph, each page, was woven like a piece of poetry that flowed like the tide of the marsh. The beautiful images of the marsh and nature scenes described in this book were stark in my mind like I was looking at it all in person. Delia’s eccentric way of describing things and the analogies she chose made this book unique and lovely to read.
(Emotions 4/5) There were many points in this story that tears would fall from my face. Where The Crawdads Sing is unmistakably an emotional piece of work, filled with heartbreak, abandonment, fear, love, grief, loneliness, and so much more. Kya’s life is one not many can imagine, and it makes my heart ache just to think about it. Her childhood ended so suddenly and her life was full of hardships. But the joy I had when she achieved her goals and made a name for herself brought to light that there is always a reason for trials in this life.
(Style 5/5) The perspective of this book—the third person omniscient—made me nervous in the beginning. It’s tricky, writing in such a way, and I have a hard time indulging in stories like those. However, Where the Crawdads Sing was worded to near perfection. The only part I had a hard time understanding was the dialect, as it was unique to reflect the setting of where the characters were. The people of North Carolina had a unique accent that I’m not sure is entirely accurate. It wasn’t something I minded much, but it made some sentences jumble together.
(Cleanliness 2/5) The first half of Where The Crawdads Sing isn’t too bad, apart from swearing. But after Kya turned 15 it seemed to be all about sexual desires, reproduction, heated romantic moments, and lust. There is one sex scene that doesn’t last very long, but the last half of the book had many scenes that got so heated to the point where it almost reaches that level. There’s a lot of removal of clothing, touching, and lustful thoughts. The details of the physical aspects of the romance seemed to never end (and I didn’t even full on read it but skimmed. So you can imagine how profuse it was, or perhaps don’t imagine…). I wrote down the pages for each sexual scene at the end of this blog in case any of you plan on reading this book but wish to steer clear of the spice. Those scenes do kind of just jump out of nowhere in the beginning, so you have been warned. Profanity was used, but not too drastically, and violence isn’t out of the picture either, as it is a murder mystery. There is also an attempt at rape/sexual assault.
(Conclusion 3/5) I started out adoring this story and the elegant writing style, but my attention and adornment were lost amid the secular aspects (hence why I gave the book 3.5 stars). The ending wasn’t a favorite. It was a bit of a drag, frustrating, and tiresome, though it did make my heart pound to finally reach the end. I have a mixture of feelings about this book, and the ending no doubt stirred them all the more. I was utterly shocked and had to take a few minutes to think it all over. So, to end this review, I must say Where The Crawdads Sing was a beautiful story, but also filled with many unnecessary and awkward sexual scenes, foul language, and plot twists I was not expecting (well, obviously. That’s, of course, the whole point of a plot twist). This book didn’t exactly meet my expectations nor did it fall below them. It was a story I will remember, but one I don’t believe I’ll read again.
Genres: fiction, murder mystery, romance, young adult, new adult
!TRIGGER WARNING! Death, murder, attempted rape, sexual abuse, sex, abuse, child abuse, language, sexual insinuations, emotional
Sexy scenes: page 133, 134, 161, 184, 185
Sex scene: 193-194
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made in perfect love.“ 1 John 4:18 NIV
The idea and storyline of the Red Queen is genius. It was a slow start, BUT THEN I kept going, and the longing to keep reading hit me hard in the face. But don’t worry, nothing’s broken yet.
~Review~
(SPOILER FREE)
4/5 Stars
(Briefing) In a world where humans are separated by the color of their blood, Red and Silver, there’s one girl who isn’t one or the other, but both. Mare Borrow has only ever known life as a Red until, suddenly, she’s watching that life from the window of the Silver Palace. After discovering she’s neither Red nor Silver, Mare is thrown into the world of Silvers, forced to learn the court rules, how to be the perfect lady, and to keep in the shadows of her superiors. Through the various training she partakes in, she discovers more about herself than she ever dreamed possible, all the while still wondering what her heart wants as it fights between the two Silver princes. Along the path of her precarious life to finding a place where she belongs, Mare falls into a plot twist no one saw coming. A twist she may never escape from.
(First Impression 4/5) I immediately loved the whole concept of red and silver blood. That’s such a neat idea and creates so many unexpected twists and turns. Again, the beginning was slow, and it took me a few chapters to soak in all the details. Then, I was thrust into a world of war and hardship, love and fear. Betrayal and vengeance. “Anyone can betray anyone.” *laughs mischievously*
(Character Development 5/5) WOW. Okay. I say this a lot, but Mare and Cal, Maven… They all grow and change so much. Skyrocketing growth. There is so much complexity built into each character, and you can’t help but try to guess what they’ll do next, only for them to do the exact opposite, leaving you wondering how you can possibly wait to read the next chapter.
(World-Building 4/5) Both the world of Reds and the world of Silvers are tied together with beautiful imagery perfectly fitting for the story. It’s somewhat dystopian with the technology and advancements in science, yet fantastical and mysterious with all the unique abilities the characters have. I do wish there were a map attached to the book, for the world Victoria created is so vast I found myself getting lost in the beauty of it. (I’m awful with directions.)
(Emotions 4/5) I’m sure I cry from every book I read. I did with this one as well. Mare has such a sweet relationship with her family and her friends. It’s hard not to cry when a cloud of difficulty befalls them all. The ending certainly twisted my emotions, squeezing until I gasped in outrage.
(Style 4/5) Victoria’s way of writing is lovely. She drops just the right amount of information at the perfect moments. The words link together as they were made to. Though, again, I found it hard at times to be transported into the setting, but eventually I drowned in my imagination.
(Cleanliness 4/5) Red Queen was surprisingly one of the cleanest YA books I’ve read in a long time concerning romance. There is kissing, but it doesn’t go any farther than that. The violence takes the stars of cleanliness down, for it is on the darker side of the scale. Language isn’t too crude.
(Conclusion 5/5) If the ending of the first book in a series doesn’t make you buy the next book, I’m not sure what went wrong. Red Queen ended in a way no one saw coming. A cliffhanger I almost fell off of. Perfectly suspenseful and dramatic.
!TRIGGER WARNING! Violence, gore, enslavement, death
“The Son of Man goes as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”Matthew 26:24 ESV
Julia Rose Books 