Ramblings

Yay!  I am starting to get back on track again.  Managed to do a weekly post two weeks in a row.

• Recently ran across a neat little podcast called Anytime, USA.  It's a great podcast where the hosts will randomly select a small town and then tell us the history of that town along with what makes it unique.  There's not a lot of episodes yet so now is a great time to subscribe.  
• I really hate passive aggressive people.  Seriously folks if you have an issue just get it out so perhaps it can be resolved.  Dealing with one of those in the RHS chapter that I belong too and it really gives me insight on why she has been asked to leave three chapters already.
• Now I know that we have some strange laws here in the US but we don't try to regulate who you are in your next life. Apparently in China, you have to have government permission to reincarnate.  I know that China is known for it's bureaucracy but that is insane.
• There is a lot of talk about Charlottesville this week.  Now I am far from an expert but my feelings is that we need to crush out any Nazi leanings.  I have had personal experience with Neo Nazis in that when I was younger, one tried to strangle me because I didn't then or now have any issue with a person's sexuality.  I had let a guy crash on my couch for a few days and apparently he had a lot of issues with my outlook.  Since that day, I have been very against anyone that tries to force anyone into a mold and Nazis do just that.
  

Book Review: The Goddesses

The Descendants meets Single White Female in this captivating novel about a woman who moves her family to Hawaii, only to find herself wrapped up in a dangerous friendship, from the celebrated author of We Could Be Beautiful.

When Nancy and her family arrive in Kona, Hawaii, they are desperate for a fresh start. Nancy's husband has cheated on her; they sleep in separate bedrooms and their twin sons have been acting out, setting off illegal fireworks. But Hawaii is paradise: they plant an orange tree in the yard; they share a bed once again and Nancy resolves to make a happy life for herself. She starts taking a yoga class and there she meets Ana, the charismatic teacher. Ana has short, black hair, a warm smile, and a hard-won wisdom that resonates deeply within Nancy. They are soon spending all their time together, sharing dinners, relaxing in Ana's hot tub, driving around Kona in the cute little car Ana helps Nancy buy. As Nancy grows closer and closer to Ana skipping family dinners and leaving the twins to their own devices she feels a happiness and understanding unlike anything she's ever experienced, and she knows that she will do anything Ana asks of her.

* * * * *

I had high hopes for this book as I do really enjoy psychological thrillers however this book never managed to catch and hold my interest.  It was well written but I found that the characters themselves lacked the depth needed for me to invest in.  

Like I said, this book is well written with no grammar or editing mistakes so others might really enjoy it.  It just wasn't for me because I have found that I really need to care what happens to a character for there to be any build up of tension.  If any of my readers pick up THE GODDESSES and feel different about the book, drop me a line.  I would love to discuss it. 

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.  All opinions expressed within are my own.

Book Review: A Merciful Truth

Raised by a family of survivalists, FBI agent Mercy Kilpatrick can take on any challenge—even the hostile reception to her homecoming. But she’s not the only one causing chaos in the rural community of Eagle’s Nest, Oregon. At first believed to be teenage pranks, a series of fires takes a deadly turn with the murder of two sheriff’s deputies. Now, along with Police Chief Truman Daly, Mercy is on the hunt for an arsonist turned killer.

Still shunned by her family and members of the community, Mercy must keep her ear close to the ground to pick up any leads. And it’s not long before she hears rumors of the area’s growing antigovernment militia movement. If the arsonist is among their ranks, Mercy is determined to smoke the culprit out. But when her investigation uncovers a shocking secret, will this hunt for a madman turn into her own trial by fire?

/* * * * *

I have said it before and I will save it again, I love Mercy!  She is such a unique character with her prepper background and her current profession of working for the FBI.  She is guarded in her emotions due to issues with her family when she was much younger.  For more information about her background, I highly recommend reading the first book in this series, A Merciful Death. 

In A MERCIFUL TRUTH, both Mercy and Truman have to face some demons from their past to solve this case.  We also get the opportunity to watch their relationship develop further.  I also really enjoyed getting to know Mercy's niece Kaylie who she is raising since her brother was killed.  

Along with the great characters, Ms. Elliot does a wonderful job of racheting up the tension to where you will be sitting on the edge of your seat.  The dialogue is witty and sometimes rather amusing for that much needed breather.  There is no explicit sex but there is violence so be forewarned if that is one of your triggers.

This series just keeps getting better and I do recommend it to any of my readers who enjoy thrillers or crime dramas.  Heck I recommend this author as I have enjoyed all of her books that I have had the chance to read.  To keep up with her books, here is a listing broken down by series.  

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.  All opinions expressed within are my own.