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Review: The Last One by Alexandra Oliva
Title: The Last One Author: Alexandra Olivia 26 Genre: suspense Publisher: Ballantine Books Reality TV shows. We have all seen them. All of us at least understand the premise. People sign up to compete in some manner for fame, glory, and usually some sort of monetary reward. Usually the competition involves harsh physical conditions, though sometimes, it can also include embarrassment and a variety of demeaning tasks. Also, none of these programs really encourage teamwork. So when there’s a book’s premise revolving around a reality show, the audience is pretty sure to understand the setting. In this book, a young woman that the…
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Review: Sense and Sensibility by Sarah Price
Title: Sense and Sensibility Author: Sarah Price Genre: Amish Publisher: Realms Date: March 1, 2016 Eleanor, Maggie and Mary Ann are still reeling from the sudden loss of their father when they discover that their home is about to convert into their brother’s hands. He promised his father that he would care for his sisters and step-mother, but his wife isn’t a big fan of the idea. Her thoughts on ‘caring’ vary quite differently from what most would consider it. As a result, the little family finds themselves in very unhappy and miserable circumstances. They know that they must change their situation and moving to another farm seems like a…
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Book Review: Since She Went Away by David Bell
Title: Since She Went Away Author: David Bell Genre: thriller Publisher: Penguin Date: June 21, 2016 Jenna Barton has had a rough time of it lately. A few months ago, her best friend, Celia, disappeared. If that wasn’t bad enough, Celia was on her way to meet Jenna when she went missing. This puts single mom Jenna and her son directly into the spotlight. Reporters, social media, activists, rumors, speculation – it’s all a part of her life now. It’s caused Jenna to spiral into a weird guilt situation where she spends her time constantly searching for Celia or any lead she can find. Messageboards have become an odd…
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Book Review: Ben Hur by Carol Wallace
Title: Ben Hur Author: Carol Wallace Genre: Historical Publisher: Tyndale Date: July 19, 2016 Ben Hur. The very title of this book evokes immediate response in generations of people. Most instantly have horses, chariots and roman gladiators in mind. Some picture Charlton Heston. Some might even have a bit of a stab of guilt because they haven’t read the book or watched the film. I fell into that latter category until recently. Judah Ben-Hur is a Jewish nobleman. He’s always only known comfort, luxury, and preferential treatment. Though he treats others well, his best friend, Messala, comes to resent him. Unaware of his friend’s anger, Judah still treats his friend…
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Review: Curio by Evangeline Denmark
Title: Curio Author: Evangeline Denmark Genre: Steampunk, fiction, fantasy Publisher: Blink Date: January 5, 2016 Grey Haward is nothing spectacular. She lives every day just like everyone else around her. She avoids the Chemists. She takes her potion. She does what she’s told. It’s all pretty boring. But there are just enough odd little flags here and there to let her know that her life is different. Her grandfather’s Curio shop has a cabinet that she never opens or cleans. It doesn’t seem out of sorts but the fact that it’s very specifically avoided and pointedly ignored gives her a hint there may be something different. One night, on the…
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Review: Within the Veil by Brandy Vallance
Title: Within the Veil Author: Brandy Vallance Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Lyrical Vine Press Date: June 28, 2016 Feya Broon has a really difficult life. The oldest of a group of siblings, her mother died leaving her alone with her father. He, unfortunately, isn’t the best parenting role model. More often than not, Feya has to parent him. It’s when they are unable to pay a window tax that everything finally breaks. Watching the bricks stack up to make a covering over the only light in their little hovel of a home seems to be the straw that breaks the proverbial camel’s back. When the money she’s tucked away disappears, Feya…