A Dangerous Legacy

I really liked A Dangerous Legacy, although that may admittedly be because the male main character, Colin Bechwith, in this book was British, so every time I read from his point of view I had a British accent going in my head. Haha! I really did like Colin, though. Not only was he entertaining, but he had an interesting background and wasn't quite what the female main character, Lucy Drake, thought. Plus his personal struggles made him a much more realistic (not perfect) character.

Lucy Drake, on the other hand, is an American who works in the same building as Colin, although for a rival telegraph company. Her family feud with her uncle draws Colin into her family affairs. The one thing that did frustrate me a little was that Colin was obviously after a rich wife in America--he blatantly admits to it, even after he and Lucy clearly have a thing.

I received this book from the publisher for free; I was not required to write a review, nor a positive one.

A Love So True (Teaville Moral Society, #2)

A Love So True was good, but not particularly my favorite. I had previously read the first book in the series, and I think I preferred the first book to the second. Not that the second was by any means bad, I just personally didn't find it quite as interesting.

This book continues the series in Teaville, where Evelyn Wisely seeks to help both orphans and their mothers, many of whom are stuck in a life of prostitution. Her efforts leads here to cross paths with David Kingsman, who has his own problems with his father's business. I did like that it wasn't just about the orphans, but also about the mothers. What did drive me a lil crazy was Evelyn's secret reason for resisting David's attempted relationship with her. Personally, I thought she should have just told him instead of holding back all the way to the end of the book. But that's just me.

Overall, it was a good story, just not my favorite in the series. I received this book from the publisher for free; I was not required to write a review, nor a positive one.

Delilah: Treacherous Beauty (Dangerous Beauty, #3)

I really wasn't sure what the expect when I began reading this, but it was a surprisingly good take on the biblical story of Samson and Delilah. I was glad that it did not twist the actual biblical account, but only speculated on what may have potentially gone on in the details which are not stated in the biblical narrative.

For example, the first chunk of the book is focuses largely on the events which broke Delilah and brought her to a place where she met Samson, and eventually needed him, fell in love, and betrayed him. It was interesting to see Hunt's take on what may have motivated Delilah to betray her lover--I also appreciated that in this fictional take of the true story, Delilah is shown to actually love Samson, rather than solely manipulating him purely for money. Rather, her love for her son and her need for vengeance are what bring her to the point of making the decision to betray him.

I thought Hunt did well with her take on the potential details which may have surrounded the story, and what may have motivated Delilah to do as she did. I would recommend this book in the future. 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.

A Heart Most Certain (Teaville Moral Society, #1)

It's been a while since I've been this emotionally invested in a book. A Heart Most Certain was an awesome novel centering around Lydia King, a morally upright woman who at first does not realize she is not helping the poor or morally astray nearly as much as she thinks she is through the activities of the town's church moral society. Co-starring the novel is Nicholas Lowe, who at first glance appears arrogant and self righteous, as well as incredibly stingy and unwilling to give to "worthy" causes.

First off, I really loved the name Nicholas. I don't know why, I just did. I guess I don't see that name very often in books, and it's an attractive name. Okay, I really just loved his whole character. Although he ended up turning out better than Lydia first thought when she met him, he still had character flaws and made mistakes, which made him realistic. Plus, they both had to work for their happy ending.

I would certainly recommend this book, and will likely read it again in the future. 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 Little Paris Bookshop

I was kind of clashed on my opinion of this book. On the one hand, it focuses on a man who had a relationship (including sexual) with a woman who was married. While it was stated on numerous occasions that Perdu knew that the relationship should not have existed at all, I didn't feel that the book really ever condemned it or significantly resolved the wrong that had been done.

Outside of the morally wrong relationship between Perdu and his married lover, I thought the book was well written. Each character--even the secondary or briefly mentioned--was well rounded and had a story all their own. The focus of the plot, it seemed to me, was on Perdu and his journey though grief when he realizes 21 years too late that his lover did not abandon him at all, but rather died with the entire story untold to him merely because he refused to read her parting letter.

It's a sad story, but not the kind that makes you cry--more like the kind that makes you feel super mellow and maybe a bit depressed. And rather frustrated over the amount of sex involved in the story. If I were to recommend this book, it would most certainly be to adults due to the relationship dynamics. 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.

Back in the Saddle (Double S Ranch, #1)

This book was an interesting read for me. When I first picked it up I knew that I had not read many western's or western set books; it was only when I finished it and began my process of reviewing it that I realized I actually had never read one which was actually labeled as western. So really, I do not have much experience with westerns on which to base this review. However, despite my lack of exposure, I still really liked this book.

As far as plots go, I felt that this one was original and intriguing. I had no problem reading through it in a few days, and definitely enjoyed it. I really liked the characters. They felt very real, more real than in most books. My one negative thought on the characters was that at the very beginning, there was one section in which Noah did not sound as young as he was supposed to be. Other than that, all the characters were great and interesting, each with their own twists and backgrounds. 

Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others. 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.

A Worthy Heart (Courage to Dream, #2)

A Worthy Heart was one book that was so much better than I had expected it to be. Okay, maybe that sounds incredibly cynical of me, but I'll be the first to admit that I pick books based on their covers. I know, it's a terrible practice, but I'm attracted to pretty/interesting covers. I try not to let my eyes decide whether to give a book a shot...but it happens anyway. Anyway, I'm getting off-topic.

I really did like the cover of the book, which led me to give it a shot. However, I was initially a little hesitant for some unknown reason. I think I was just expecting it to be very similar to many of the other books that I have already read (you know how sometimes they all start sounding the same?). Despite this, the book was quite original and very well written. I loved the tension in the book between characters, and the very real insecurities and emotions going on between the main characters. I also liked the risks the author took in what happened to my favorite character (I won't spoil it by going into details). Honestly, some authors are just scared to put the favorite character on the line, but this wasn't the case with this one. Which only made me love it more.

Overall, it was a fantastic story with very real characters and circumstances. Definitely recommended! 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.

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.

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.

Book Review: Mockingjay (Hunger Games, #3)

Mockingjay is the final book of the Hunger Games trilogy. While the final book in some series can be a letdown, I felt that Mockingjay maintained and continued to increase the tension laid in the first two books. The plot continued to twist and take many unexpected turns as it continued and finally concluded the series.

I liked continued conflict in Katniss, which stayed right up until the last page. Throughout the whole series, I felt that Katniss was a relatable character who struggled with more than simplistic romance issues. Rather, she struggled through knowing and understanding the difference between right and wrong, discovering who she was, putting the pieces together on a situation that felt as if it could have been real for any of us, and so much more. While I'm a bit disgruntled at her final decision considering the love triangle between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale, I at least appreciated that she had a logical reason for making the decision that she eventually did.

Overall I thought it was a well written, well laid out plot. It was a bit more violent at times than I would have liked, but it also consisted of a war. I would recommend it to an older audience, due to the violence, and more intricate themes. I bought this book, and therefore was not asked nor required to write a review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Book Review: Catching Fire (Hunger Games, #2)

Catching Fire was a great addition to the Hunger Games series. The book begins with Katniss and Peeta going through the victory tour, only to fail to accomplish anything that could possibly continue to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. The top it off, the two receive news which rocks both their worlds far more than either could ever imagine.

I really like the point of view the book takes--going right into Katniss' head and telling the story as she sees it. It's so easy to get into the story when you feel like you're right there living with her. I liked that this way of relating the story allowed the reader to gather pieces of the puzzle and put some together, but still end up just as confused as Katniss, or whatever other emotion she was experiencing at any given scene.

While the violence continues in the book, I do believe Collins does a remarkable job in relating what can happen when people become callous to violence. I would recommend the book and the series to young adults and adults. I bought this book, and therefore was not asked nor required to write a review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Book Review: The Long Patrol (Redwall, Book 10)

The Long Patrol was yet another fantastic installment of the Redwall series. While it wasn't my favorite in the series, the book held my attention and kept me reading, and I greatly enjoyed it. In The Long Patrol, the plot centers around the adventures of a young hare named Tammo, who aspires to be a part of the famous Long Patrol of Salamantron. The events accumulate into a devastating battle against Damug, the leader of the vermin band known as the Rapscallions.

This tale is full of colorful and memorable characters. I love the different dialects among the species of animals, ranging from hare to mole, to squirrel and mouse. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone, as well as the rest of the Redwall series. I bought this book, and therefore was not asked nor required to write a review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Book Review: From the Start

This book was so stinking cute. From the Start is definitely on my favorites list as of now. Melissa Tagg wove a fantastic, unique plot filled with three dimensional characters. I liked that Colton, one of the two main characters, was a former football player (even though I know nothing of football...) dealing with a lot of life changes, as well as ghosts of the past.

The other main character, Kate, was the one I think I identified with the most, which made me like her more. The interest the two developed for each other was cute, realistic, and identifiable. But it still ended well, which I appreciated. :-) This is the first book of Tagg's which I have read; I definitely plan on keeping an eye out for more of her books!

I would definitely recommend this book. The cute romance weaved in with real life problems turned into a terrific blend which I enjoyed immensely. 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.

Book Review: The Patmos Deception

I had a particular interest in reading this book, primarily because the location of it is set on the Greek island of Patmos, which I have had the pleasure of visiting myself a few years ago. Naturally, then, I was really interested in checking it out. The setting portrayed the book just as I remembered Patmos from my own experience--relaxed and beautiful, and quiet in the off season (which was the same time I was there). Additionally, the book mentioned particular sites on the island that I had visited, which was really cool. 

The story had an intriguing plot, and kept me interested throughout it. The last book I had read that was similar in genre and type leaned more heavily on the suspense than the Patmos Deception did. The suspense in this book wasn't quite as exhilarating, but rather lingered in the background more, sort of like a weight behind the scenes. The characters were interesting and multi-dimensional, although I don't think I had a favorite. The ending had a cliffhanger that didn't catch me as much, but drove my roommate, who also read the book, absolutely crazy.

Overall, I think the Patmos Deception was a well written novel with an interesting setting and premise. While it may not be on my top five books to recommend, I would still 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.

With Every Breath

Title: With Every Breath
Author: Elizabeth Camden
Labels: Fiction | Historical Fiction
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: August 5, 2014
Recommended To: Adult, YA
Contains: Clean

Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle
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Blurb From Goodreads: In the shadow of the nation's capital, Kate Livingston holds a respectable position as a government statistician when she encounters a rival from her past, the insufferable Trevor McDonough. A Harvard-trained physician, Trevor never showed the tiniest flicker of interest in Kate, and she's bewildered at the way he suddenly seeks her out. Surprising even herself, Kate agrees to Trevor's entirely unexpected and risky proposal to work side-by-side with him in his quest to rid the world of tuberculosis, a contagious and deadly disease.
          As Kate begins to unlock the mysteries of Trevor's past, she realizes there is much more to him than she could have imagined. His hidden depths may fascinate her, but his most closely guarded secrets and a shadowy enemy lurking in the background carry a serious threat to their future. When the truth of the past comes out, threatening to destroy everything they hold dear, how will Trevor and Kate ever overcome all that stands in their way?
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I ended up really liking this book, despite my initial hesitation due to the fact that I wasn't crazy about the cover. Yes, I am one of those obnoxious people who have it ingrained it in them to judge books by their covers. My apologies. Anyway, I gave it a chance and was rewarded with a great story.

Normally I talk more about the plot and romance and stuff like that, but for this book I was to talk more about the characters. The characters impressed me the most because they were very well rounded and fleshed out, and were very interesting and real--and that's a hard combination to come by. I loved that Kate had a strong motivating factor based on her fears, which is easy to relate to for most people. But her motivations and persona wasn't just around Trevor, but rather carried over into her relationship with her brother and family, as well as other characters in the story. As for Trevor, I liked him for essentially the same reason. His own motivating factor drove him to be the person he was, and carried across the board in his life. It just all struck me as something that was very real in everyone's life. Not only were they motivated by individual things, but they were eventually able to overcome and change those motivations with work.

The entire story and characters carried a great relatable story and inspiration. Definitely recommended. 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 Castaways

Title: The Castaways
Author: Elin Hilderbrand
Labels: Fiction
Publisher: Back Bay Books
Publication Date: June 8, 2010
Recommended To: Not Recommended
Contains: Sexual Affairs and Profanity

Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle
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Blurb From Goodreads: Greg and Tess MacAvoy are one of four prominent Nantucket couples who count each other as best friends. As pillars of their close-knit community, the MacAvoys, Kapenashes, Drakes, and Wheelers are important to their friends and neighbors, and especially to each other. But just before the beginning of another idyllic summer, Greg and Tess are killed when their boat capsizes during an anniversary sail. As the warm weather approaches and the island mourns their loss, nothing can prepare the MacAvoy's closest friends for what will be revealed. Once again, Hilderbrand masterfully weaves an intense tale of love and loyalty set against the backdrop of endless summer island life.
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I only made it about a fourth of the way through this book before I decided I wasn't interested in finishing it. Initially, I had picked this book up because it looked interesting and sounded like a different and unique plot. The plot centers around a group of friends--all married--and the after affects of the death of one of the couples. Since the couple died alone at sea during a short anniversary trip, no one knows exactly what happened, although one or two of the friends begin to have suspicions that it wasn't an innocent accident.

I'm not going to really sugar coat this--and if others don't agree, that's fine, they are welcome to their opinions, as I am to mine. I stopped reading this book because *spoiler alert* at least two people in the group of friends were revealed to be having affairs with other people in the group, and because of the profanity. People were kissing other peoples wives/husbands or worse, and secrets were being revealed that showed the lack of honor for faithfulness in marriage. The whole thing ended up being something I didn't want to fill my head with, and so I put the book down for good.

I would not recommend this book, despite it's initial appeal. I bought this book, and therefore was not asked nor required to write a review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

The Blue Bistro

Title: The Blue Bistro
Author: Elin Hilderbrand
Labels: Fiction | Contemporary
Publisher: St. Martins Griffin
Publication Date: June 3, 2014
Recommended To: Not Recommended
Contains: Profanity

Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle
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Blurb From Goodreads: Adrienne Dealey has spent the past six years working for hotels in exotic resort towns. This summer she has decided to make Nantucket home. Left flat broke by her ex-boyfriend, she’s desperate to earn some fast money. When the desirable Thatcher Smith, owner of Nantucket's hottest restaurant, is the only one to offer her a job, she wonders if she can get by with no restaurant experience. Thatcher gives Adrienne a crash course in the business...and they share an instant attraction.
          But there’s a mystery about their situation: what is it about Fiona, the Blue Bistro's chef, that captures Thatcher's attention again and again? And why does such a successful restaurant seem to be in its final season before closing its doors for good? Despite her uncertainty, Adrienne must decide whether to open her heart for the first time, or move on, as she always does.
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This isn't going to be a very long review, because I only read the first 100 pages (give or take) before deciding I didn't want to finished it. Hold on, lemme rephrase that: I wanted to finish it, but I decided I shouldn't finish it. I wanted to finish it because the plot itself was interesting. Adrienne is a woman who, after a disastrous event, heads to Nantucket with a plan to start fresh. Part of this fresh start includes finding a job and paying back a loan from her father and she finds this job at a restaurant--an occupation far from her expertise. The characters were fleshed out and well rounded--the whole story (at least the part I read) was very well written.

However, I decided I couldn't finish it because of the profanity used. It wasn't so frequent as to be on every page--they were actually dispersed, and often several clean pages would go by before another profanity was mentioned. However, I personally would prefer not to read--not even quickly skim over or have to skip over--f-bombs and b-bombs and other bombs of the sort. I realize not everyone will agree with my view on profanity, but I personally would rather not read materiel that puts it into my head.

Because I believe profanity is wrong and should not be read, said, or dwelt upon, I cannot recommend The Blue Bistro. I bought this book, and therefore was not asked nor required to write a review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

The Hunger Games (Hunger Games, #1)

Title: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Labels: Fiction | Fantasy
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication Date: July 3, 2010
Recommended To: Adult
Contains: Minor references and a good bit of violence

Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle
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Blurb From Goodreads: In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, the shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
          Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before--and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
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I was very curious to read this book, since I finally watched the entirety of the movie. I'm well aware that when book are turned into movies, the movie always loses something in the transaction. While the movie wasn't a huge deal for me, I was interested to see how far the movie strayed from the book and what the book had to offer that the movie lacked. As it turns out, I think the book is better than the movie, although the movie does do a pretty good job of portraying the main story.

Probably what I loved most about the book was Katniss' point of view and thinking process. Since it was exclusively from her point, the reader could only know facts which Katniss herself knew. While it at times it was possible to understand other characters' ulterior motives and plans, it was interesting to see how Katniss put the pieces together herself. I liked the reality that while the "romance" between her and Peeta is what ultimately saves both of them, she had a hard time separating what was her own true feelings and setting them aside from the act. Her confusion over her own thoughts and feelings were easy to relate to and made her a stronger character in the long run.

I know there are some pretty strong viewpoints on this book--some people things its over the top great, while others are crazy against it due to the violence. I think Collins did a good job of using the scenario in order to portray her real point--we, as humans, are quickly becoming desensitized the the violence in the world, and to some degree and turning to a point where it's used for enjoyment (ex., violence based movies). The point of the book was to bring awareness to this fact through an extremely exaggerated scenario--and I think it worked. I would recommend this book to an audience who will understand the agenda of the book and keep it in mind. I bought this book, and therefore was not asked nor required to write a review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Meant to be Mine

Title: Meant to be Mine
Author: Becky Wade
Labels: Fiction | Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: May 6, 2014
Recommended To: Women, Adult
Contains: Mild references and adult situations

Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle
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Blurb From Goodreads: Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school--irresistible. When their paths cross again after college--still irresistible. This time, though, Ty feels exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel. The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia's ready to be Ty's wife, but Ty's not ready to be anybody's husband. As a professional bull rider, he lives on the road and can't bring himself to settle down.
Five and a half years pass. Celia's buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty's achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the face of the one woman he couldn't forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had. How much will Ty sacrifice to make Celia's dreams come true, to win her trust, and to prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?
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Meant to be Mine is a book which follows the reconnected relationship of bull-riding Ty Porter and baker Celia Park Porter, and their daughter, Addie. After the two spontaneously married in a whirlwind romance, the unthinkable is revealed on the morning after their wedding. The two part ways, expecting to never see each other again. Five and a half years pass before the two cross paths again, only for Ty to discover he has a child and for Celia to discover that her unforgiving, distrusting, and angry feelings toward Ty have not changed.

I can honestly say I have never read a book that had anywhere near the same plot line of this book. This is the absolute most unique romance I have ever read to date. Each of the characters were extremely well developed and had interesting and developing stories and personalities. I loved watching Ty and Celia's budding romance unfold, all the way to the last page.

This is an incredible story of regaining love, trust, and extending forgiveness, as well as second chances. I would recommend it in a heartbeat! 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.

A Broken Kind of Beautiful Review

Title: A Broken Kind of Beautiful
Author: Katie Ganshert
Labels: Fiction | Christian | Romance
Publisher: Waterbrook Multnomah
Publication Date: April 15, 2014
Recommended To: YA, Women, Adult
Contains: Mild mature topics/references

Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle
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Blurb From Goodreads: Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four-year-old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she's learned a sacred truth -- appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows -- so when it starts to unravel, she'll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother's bridal wear line -- an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white.
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This is quite possibly my new favorite book. Ganshert's latest book reminds me very much of her first book, Wildflowers from Winter, in that the emotion was very raw--which I liked. The entire plot had me engaged and hooked from the beginning, and kept me flipping pages far later in the night than I should have been reading, and hurrying through homework just so that I could read more.

I stinking loved the story line. I thought it was very original, and although it was a romance, it had more to it than just the romance plot line. The characters--all of them--each had their unique struggles and reasons for why they did the things they did. I was especially interested in Davis' background. Early on in the story I had a rough guess as to what was his "demon of the past," but I never could really figure it out completely, therefore drawing me in further to unravel it--and it surprised me, it wasn't quite what I had expected it to be. The main character, Ivy, I loved--she had such a real and emotional background, and I loved reading more about her.

Overall, this is now one of my favorite books by a long shot. I would recommend it in a heartbeat! Katie Ganshert has proven herself to be an awesome writer, and is definitely one of my favorites.  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.