Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Until the Dawn (Until the Dawn, #1)

Until the Dawn was an interesting, refreshing read. It wasn't quite as captivating as some other books I've read, but it was interesting and a good read nonetheless. Sophie is a girl who has gone through some struggles, but still remains a positive, God-believing woman who only wants to help others and feel needed. Quentin, on the other hand, is initially a negative, rude atheist who desperately loves his son and wants to feel loved by his son. However, as time disintegrates for Quentin, his urgency to raise his son ends up being counterproductive and ruining the relationship repeatedly.

It was interesting to watch the two opposite characters interact and slowly change each other for the better. I liked the mystery and history behind the estate which the two attempt to save, as well as the background behind each of the characters. The end was a bit surprising; I'm not sure I saw it coming in the way that it did.

Overall, it was a good book and I would recommend it. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Citrus: Sweet and Savory Sun-Kissed Recipes

I'll be the first to admit that I don't do much cooking, but I can honestly say that despite my inexperience I would feel pretty comfortable attempting the recipes in this book. After a brief introduction, the author shares many great tasting recipes. Each recipe has a list of ingredients, as well as detailed instructions on how to make it. Additionally, each one has a beautiful picture of the end result, which was super helpful to me to see how it is supposed to turn out, as well as tempt me to try it.

I liked that there was a section that went over specific types of certain fruits, such as oranges and apples. That will definitely come in handy for someone not as food-smart--like me. The book gave me lots of new ideas to try out someday, as well as ideas to tweak other recipes I know of.

This is a recipe book that I would recommend to others, as well as use myself. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

The Lost Heiress (Ladies of the Manor, #1)

It's been a while since I really, really liked a book beyond others. I wasn't quite as crazy about it in the first few chapters, as the way in which Brook ended up reuniting with her long lost family was a bit uneventful, but nevertheless was necessary in order to establish the backstory and foundation of Brook's relationship with Justin. The relationship between the two was interesting to read and watch develop throughout the story; Brook's insecurities were realistic given the circumstances.

I loved the plot and descriptions, as well. Not an overload of description, but I was easily able to imagine the places the events unfolding for Brook. The plot was interesting in the twists that it took throughout the story. While it ultimately ended how I hoped it would, there were plenty of plot twists to make me wonder if it would ever end up working out in the end and to keep me guessing about how it would unfold.

Overall, I really liked this story, and would definitely recommend it (I'll probably reread it again sometime in the future as well). I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Love Everlasting (Brides of Seattle, #3)

Love Everlasting is the third and final book in Tracie Peterson’s series Brides of Seattle. Prior to reading this book, I had read the second book in the series, but not the first (I still have yet to read the first). While the second book in the series focuses on Militine’s love life, this third book focuses on that of Abrianna. I wasn’t sure at first if I would like the book, since I wasn’t as interested in Abrianna while I was reading the second book. However, I ended up liking Abrianna in the third book, as it focused more directly on her and her thought process and actions.

A big part of the plot focused on Abrianna’s hesitancies toward marriage. It wasn’t that she didn’t love the man who was pursuing her; instead, she had fears about what would change in the relationship upon marriage. I thought this point was very realistic and relatable to many young women even today. The ways in which she handled it and worked through it, and the way it eventually ended, was realistic, relatable, and offers hope and comfort for women who hold the same hesitancies.

While I wouldn’t say this book is necessarily one of my favorites, I would certainly recommend it to others. It is a good, clean read with many good points and encouragements. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.