June 30, 2017
The Garden 2: The Garden Path
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Again, I really wanted to like this series, and it is enjoyable, but it didn't draw me into the story like I'd hoped. PTSD makes an appearance again, which seemed overkill after all the focus on it in The Dickens Inn, which I just finished before this set. Good things happen overall, but it's at a very slow pace and very conveniently timed for what the family needs to do in the long run. Happy for them at the end of the book, but not something that would likely interest me in re-reading down the road.
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The Garden 1: The Wishing Garden
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This was a very slow moving story, heavy on secrets, gang references, bigotry, emotional abuse and trials (both literal and figurative). Enjoyable overall, but not very high ranking on that scale. There are a lot of loose ends left, though hopefully the trouble with the law is over. I guess the next book will tell if the story was worth continuing.
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June 26, 2017
The Dickens Inn 4: Tranquil Light
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A fast read that was mostly enjoyable. Not as heavy on rehashing previous events as the last book was. There was a lot of emotional baggage, resurgence of depression, and a lot of potentially bad situations. Of course, like all of Stansfield's books, the book ends on a high note. There is one book left for the series, so we'll see what drama remains for this family and their friends.
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The Dickens Inn 5: Every Graceful Fancy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
There are several parallels in this book to By Love & Grace, one of the books I read early on after discovering this author and a long time favorite of mine. While Jackson has the track record with emotional difficulties here, this time Chas is quietly struggling in the background while the focus of the story is on Kate and Mick. Kate's family are real pieces of work as is "Polo Boy." Makes everything else that much more poignant. Chas' parallels and emotional struggle seem to fall into the background and are forgotten most of the time, only to come back up at the very end just to find her own answers. Sort of sad to see her become an afterthought when the entire series is in her home and never would have started without her and the guidance she's given Jackson.
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The Dickens Inn 2: A Far, Far Better Place
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book focused a lot on Jackson and his PTSD. There is still plenty going on with both their immediate and extended family. While Jackson's most positive changes happened in the first book, his behavior and habits took a major backslide in this book before his big revelation. With that now firmly in place, it will be interesting to see what new challenges they face in the following books.
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The Dickens Inn 3: A Loving Heart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
There is a lot going on in this book. As a result it can sometimes feel like some things happen too quickly, while others are either glossed over without enough attention/information or drag on/end up being repeated. Events in the previous books, especially the first one, are brought up repeatedly. There are also some minor contradictions here and there, like when Tarasov "checked out" but was actually just exploring the town and returned later that day, never having actually checked out or removed any of his belongings that a traveler would not leave behind. Once again, there are many positive things happening for their family, though not without challenges. At the end of the day, it's an enjoyable feel good type of story. Just didn't have me completely enthralled or invested in the events.
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June 21, 2017
Psy-Changeling 16: Silver Silence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book of the second phase of the Psy-Changeling series, meaning it directly follows the original series but is considered the first of the Psy-Changeling Trinity. It follows the format of the first series, focusing on a specific pairing while tying in the overall story and seeing other familiar characters along the way. As the title might indicate, Silver Mercant is the focus of this book, with Valentin, the bear alpha, being her mate. We also see a lot of Edna Mercant, Silver's grandmother, with Kaleb making frequent appearances and open communication involving the Council, Es, changelings (including Lucas, though not specifically any of the wolves), and Bo with the Alliance. Trinity, as also signified by the change in the series title, is a big focus of this next segment. The Consortium and HAPMA are causing all sorts of casualties, keeping the EmNet, and Trinity, on their toes. It would appear that overall, they are doing an excellent job of integrating and working together. There is obviously a lot yet to do as the three races, while curious, mostly stick to their own outside of business ventures and emergencies, but those lines are slowly blurring. Silver does an excellent job coordinating efforts with EmNet, and that will be an ever bigger highlight (I expect) with her now bringing in changelings and humans so all races are a part of the relief efforts. Arwen is another surprise from the Mercant line, and though we don't see much of him, he's easily likable and could be a future focus given it's apparent another bear sights set on him. Overall, this was another enjoyable addition to the series that I kept wanting to get back to no matter how tired I was at the end of the day.
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June 17, 2017
The Dickens Inn 1: The Best of Times
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I ended up staying up way too late finishing this book a little past midnight. Chas and Jackson have a very intense and fast relationship. It is refreshing to see a character taking their time learning about the gospel, and the ecclesiastical leaders being completely supportive of this, even once marriage is officially on the table. I can't help but think back to the mixed commentary my husband and I received when he was investigating and we were engaged. Chas has a very firm grip on what is okay and not okay when it comes to her charity and service, which is truly a view I wish more shared. Overall, this is a very active and engaging story that is easy to read. Makes me look forward to reading the rest of the series more.
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June 16, 2017
Hidden Legacy 3: Wildfire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I managed to snag an ARC on Edelweiss.
Rogan's ex-fiance takes a star role in this sequel and tries to steal Rogan along for the ride. Sometimes it looks like she might be winning to until something happens that bring Rogan and Nevada back together. Rynda gets put in her place by several different people along the way.
Nevada learns more about her family history and their range of powers, largely straight from her grandmother's mouth. Tremaine really is a piece of work, and not of the best kind. She does appear to genuinely want to keep Nevada and her family alive at least, which is something that can't be said for the rest of this conspiracy act.
House Baylor has plenty of hurdles in this book, and lots of people breaking the rules while they're in the process of establishing their House still. Interesting that only Tramaine is really sought after in that effect before the trials. As usual, Nevada listens to advice from many different sources, and ultimately makes her own decisions, even shocking Rogan along the way.
Currently there is no news of future books in this series, but I really can't help but hope there are more. A lot has happened in these three books, and while it looks like some things are reaching a natural conclusion (Rogan and Nevada's relationship for one assuming they manage to survive that long), there are a lot of loose ends left. The conspiracy, while taking a big hit in this book, is not finished. House Baylor is not yet set up entirely. The wedding is likely to be a piece of work knowing Rogan and Nevada alone. Tremaine is caged, but also apparently still in the loop, which means she's not entirely out of the picture either. Then there's that favor Nevada promised the Keeper... that could be potentially dangerous. We've explored a lot of different powers in the Houses as Nevada learns the ropes, but are still only starting to glimpse the real extent of her family's abilities. So many options still left to explore, and such a fun world/relationship to keep diving back into.
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June 15, 2017
Come Sundown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It's been a long time since I read a Nora Roberts book under that pen name. Mostly I read her J.D. Robb books these days. The writing flows very smoothly, and also being an equestrian, I found myself loving the ranch/resort life and falling into the rhythm very easily. The characters are strong and capable, even when they are a little crazy. Easy always seemed a little off, but not in the way it ended. Actually made me more sad for him, and hopeful that with that strong family rallying around him, maybe he can be saved. Roberts writing still draws me in and is enjoyable from start to end.
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June 12, 2017
Hidden Legacy 2: White Hot
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This series keeps flying from one thing to the next, so there's never a dull moment. Nevada thinks Rogan is done with her, but ends up for a shock on that score when her next case throws them right back in the thick of things. We also get more on Nevada's background, including a revelation on why she's so powerful despite no real training. With Nevada's grandmother added to the mix, she's got some hard and fast decisions to make if she wants to keep her family safe. Somehow doubt Rogan's statement on things ending once she establishes a House is going to stay in place for long. These two are so drawn to each other, it's obvious something has to work out or they'll tear the world down around them (in Rogan's case that might be literally). The ferret escape and "stuck in a Disney movie" references had me laughing out loud, so it's not all pure action or sexual tension from Rogan chasing Nevada (though it's sometimes hard to tell who is exactly chasing whom). Of course now the bad part is waiting for the next book. Thankfully, the current release date is projected for next month, so that's not as bad as some waits for good series can be.
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June 11, 2017
5-Minute Stories: Palace Pets
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a book that we used as a bedtime book, since the 5 minute stories are ideal length. Each pet featured has two stories and correlates to a different princess (Ariel, Mulan, Belle, etc). The first story is how the pet met their princess. The second story is some bit of fun or mischief the pet gets into with their princess and/or other pets. This would be a very easy series to have multiple books and stories on as there are several pets per princess. Would be a cute add-on to the Palace Pets/Whisker Haven series.
Stories included are:
1. A Prancing Puppy for Cinderella
2. The Garden Party
3. A Bashful Bunny for Snow White
4. The Big Rescue
5. A Perfect Pony for Tiana
6. The Missing Musician
7. A Curious Kitten for Ariel
8. The Ocean Voyage
9. A Playful Panda for Mulan
10. The Great Market Chase
11. A Performing Puppy for Belle
12. The Shortcut
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June 10, 2017
Pokémon 6: Jirachi Wish Maker
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This is the first of the Advanced Generation (series 2) movies. It also marks where they started making actual titles that fit the movies as a description instead of relegating the interesting titles to subtitle status. Brock is still traveling with Ash, but Misty has been replaced by May and Max. Max gets them in more trouble as he's drawn to yet another Legendary Pokémon. The team is on a deadline to save Jirachi before the comet is gone and/or Butler can use him in his science experiment for Team Magma.
Pokémon 4: 4Ever [Celebi: Voice of the Foest]
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Celebi is cute, but proves to be yet another Legendary someone is hunting. Conveniently, Sammy ends up being a very familiar friend, despite the time hopping he does with Celebi. Of course Ash has to end up right in the thick of things with Team Rocket on the outskirts.
Pokémon 3: The Movie [Spell of the Unown]
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Yet another batch of Legendary "unown" Pokémon make an appearance, kidnapping Ash's mother and running out the town. Ash and his friends have to navigate Molly's dream world if they want to save everyone. It isn't always clear which parts are dream and which are reality. Entei is interesting despite being way too powerful and rather misguided.
Pokémon 1: The First Movie [Mewtwo Strikes Back]
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
The original Pokémon movie from when I was a kid. Our kids have been asking to watch them since they started playing Pokémon Go with family. Mewtwo proves that science is not always better even if statistics say otherwise. Thankfully, Ash and his friends get their miracle, even if none of them remember it in the end. Seems a waste, but easier than dragging Mew and/or Mewtwo back out for all the following movies.
Pokémon 2: The Movie 2000 [The Power of One]
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
Someone always wants some rare/legendary Pokémon, and it always ends up leading to trouble. Honestly, this one largely gets a slight rating bump because I do like the legendary birds and their story. Not very original when it came to their title though. Team Rocket has always had a rather ambiguous role in the movies despite being the "bad guys." They prove this further as they actively seek to help Ash and "be heroes" for a change.
Dark Artifices 2: Lord of Shadows
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Well, that fell apart rather quickly. Kieran has been an unexpected highlight in this installment. Annabelle is a wild card that may have just destroyed everything they were working for, and then some. Then what is going on with Magnus and his magic? Kit also starts growing into his role. Hopefully it will be a very good thing he's so close to the twins with this ending, though nothing will stop the next part from being painful for any of the key players this round. We do briefly see Jace and Clary at the start, and hear references to them frequently. Clary's dream is yet another dark spot on the horizon. Zara, Manuel and Samantha make it very easy to hate them. I'm sure the same could be said for the rest of the Cohort, but we don't see most of them often enough to single them out. Overall, it was very easy to fall back into this world. Likely also helped by the TV series just starting back up again, too.
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June 9, 2017
The Glittering Court 1: The Glittering Court
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Adelaide is interesting, as is her story with Cedric, however the entire premise of this book is irritating. These girls are literally putting themselves on display and trying to sell themselves off like cattle (it's even described this way in the book). High disturbing. Then there's all the backstabbing interaction within the houses. Clara is especially vicious. Tamrin might have been if Adelaide hadn't befriended her so early and then she had the entire experience with the shipwreck to mellow her back out after their falling out. Mira is still a mystery, though I suppose with two more books planned in the series, there is time for all the other girls yet. Curious if Grandmama will make another appearance since Adelaide's secret was blown rather spectacularly and she was obviously still searching. Glad she didn't get stuck in some marriage she didn't want, but it seems like most of these girls are all settling regardless. That doesn't even touch on Warren and his mother. Those two are horrible in an entirely different way, and I wasn't sad at all to see it all unravel on them. I'll probably read the next book just because I hate not knowing how something ends unless it's just truly horrible beyond stomaching, but it won't likely be high on my to-read list priorities.
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June 8, 2017
Palace Pets: Snuggle Buddies
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
My daughter loved this book, but she loves Palace Pets and is only in preschool, so learning to read books are ideal to her. This book has very brief description for each page, but doesn't really tell a story overall. Actually, these pet's full stories can be found in the Palace Pets 5-Minute Stories collection, which we're currently reading. Personally, I prefer having the entire story, even if it's a short story. I can see my daughter at least enjoying this one while she's still learning to read. After that, it'll probably get put aside fairy quickly while the 5-Minute Stories will stick around longer.
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