Does anyone else out there love murder mysteries? I eat them up. Especially when they include a twist of romance. "Brooklyn on Fire", by Lawrence H. Levy, just happens to be one of those books. Mary Handley is a female detective working privately out of the back office of a book store. Set in 1890, where female worker's were generally limited to clerical occupations, Mary is determined to fully support herself through her detective work.
Mary's first task is to look into a 20-year old murder that involves some of Brooklyn's elite. This case leads to two more murders and becomes very personal for Mary. She becomes mixed up in a web involving some of the most powerful and dangerous people in New York. While she digs into the case, someone else is trying to dig his way into her heart.
"Brooklyn on Fire" mixes together mystery, romance, and historical fiction. Lawrence H. Levy takes the reader on an adventure with loads of unexpected twists and turns. The storyline is captivating and the characters really come to life. The only downfall is the language and some sexual scenes that are included. The pros of this book definitely do not outweigh the cons, so I would have to recommend that you do not read this book. 3 out of 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from "Blogging for Books" for this review. You can get your hands on a copy by clicking here. Or learn more about the author by clicking here.
"The Reflections of Queen Snow White", by David Meredith, takes the traditional story of Snow White and adds on to it. Queen Snow White is now a grown woman with a daughter of her own about to get married. Prince Charming passed away and year ago and the queen is still mourning his loss, which means she has shut off the world, including her daughter. In a moment of desperation she goes to the one place in the castle that has been completely abandoned - the evil queen's tower.
Once she's there she finds a magic mirror that reflects images and memories of her past. The mirror helps her remember and face things that ultimately help her find herself again. She goes through the ugliest and best moments of her life through the reflections of the magic mirror. The reader gets to know a different version of Snow White through this book. Her past with the Evil Queen is dark and ugly and her life with Prince Charming is not as completely 'happily ever after' as we believe.
Although this is based off a children's story, this book is definitely not meant for kids. The author describes in detail the types of beatings and punishments that Snow White endured at the hands of the Evil Queen. Then goes on to describe, in detail, her wedding night with Prince Charming and some intimate moments after that. The story line is interesting and, like I said, the reader gets to know a different version of Snow White. The overall feel of the book was a little too dark for my taste and if you are looking for a clean read, then this is not the book for you. Otherwise, you can get your copy on Amazon now and take it with you on your next family vacation this summer. 3 out of 5 stars. I receive a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Check it out and let me know what you think!
"The Mapmaker's Children", by Sarah McCoy, is a beautifully written story that ties together characters from modern Washington, D.C. and their predecessors in 19th century New York. Sarah Brown is the daughter of a slave abolitionist. She believes in her fathers cause and she decides to offer her artistic abilities to help the underground movement. She learns that courage, bravery, and love are what she needs most in life and she lives hers to the fullest.
A little over a century later, Eden's life is crumbling as she experiences another failed attempt at starting a family. Her marriage is struggling and she has lost her purpose for living. By uncanny coincidence, she discovers a doll in her cellar left by a little girl on the run long ago. This doll holds the secrets to unraveling history from the days of the Underground Railroad, and also helps bring happiness and fulfillment back into Eden's life.
Sarah McCoy beautifully intertwines these two stories. The storyline simply flows as we go back and forth between reading about Sarah and reading about Eden. This story shows the strength of women and what a difference they can make. It defines bravery, family, courage and love. It is a beautifully written story, with wonderful morals tied in. It's fun, clean, and inspiring. 4 out of 5 stars. I would recommend this to readers of all ages. Check it out and let me know what you think!
I received a copy of "The Mapmaker's Children" from Blogging for Books. You can get your copy here. And learn more about the author here.
I was so excited to try something new this time around. I had so much to say about the "Throne of Glass" series, by Sarah J. Maas, that I decided to do a video to tell you all about it. So I got my room all set up, I had to set my laptop on a stack of books on a stool so I could get the lighting just right, and then....my video won't load. :( Turns out I had too much to say about this series and my video was longer than Blogger lets you post. SO, after almost a week of trying to get that video on here, I am going to just write my review instead. (Add pregnancy brain to the equation and it's no wonder it has been so long since my last post).
The "Throne of Glass" series is currently comprised of 4 books, with the fifth one being released this fall. The first book, "Throne of Glass", is about a young girl in one of the worst prisons imaginable. One day she gets an irresistible offer to be taken out of the prison and become a competitor in a tournament to become the kings champion. Because she also happens to be the most famous assassin around. Celaena, has to fight some of the most ruthless men in the kingdom to win her freedom. All while trying to figure out what evil is lurking in the castle and claiming lives of unsuspecting victims.
The next three books are as follows: "Crown of Midnight", "Heir of Fire", and "Queen of Shadows". Once Celaena gains her freedom she is thrown into situations that involve way more emotions than she has let herself feel in years. She finds friends in unlikely places and discovers new relationships. An irreversible tragedy occurs that turns Celaena's life upside down and suddenly friends become enemies and she has to travel to a different land. She meets someone (my favorite character) that helps her realize her true potential and guides her on her journey to fulfilling her destiny.
These books are full of rich characters, an interactive storyline, and twists and turns that will keep you guessing. There are assassins, princes, witches, demons, Fae warriors, and so much more. The setting of the story is unique as well. Sarah created an entire world where there is a mixture of old-fashioned, modern, and fairy-tale. You will live, eat, and breath these books. It satisfied my need for action, comedy, thrill, and of course, romance. This is on my top 3 favorite series list, and it will earn it's spot on your list too. High school age and older is who I would recommend reads this. 5 out of 5 stars. Check this out and please take the time to let me know what you think. I'm dying to know!
Disclaimer: I tried to keep this review as "spoiler proof" as possible. Each of the titles of the books will lead you to a more in depth description if you would like. :)
Mary's first task is to look into a 20-year old murder that involves some of Brooklyn's elite. This case leads to two more murders and becomes very personal for Mary. She becomes mixed up in a web involving some of the most powerful and dangerous people in New York. While she digs into the case, someone else is trying to dig his way into her heart. 
