☆📚~A Magickal Book-Blog Featuring A Free-Spirited & Custom Made Bibliophile ~🔮
Hey lovelies! I had a restless night so figured it was time to catch up on some reviews of books that I have read here and there over the last couple months! Also there release dates are coming soon so figured it was the time to post!
All four of these books involve books in some sort of way or fashion. If you are a bibliophile you know how it is when you see a book that mentions ‘book’ or has a premise with a book worm! I just can’t help myself from wanting to read them all! Well anywho, let’s get down to business!😉
I want to thank NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate this opportunity and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Title: By the Book
Author: Julia Sonneborn
Rating: 5 Stars
Synopsis: An English professor struggling for tenure discovers that her ex-fiancé has just become the president of her college—and her new boss—in this whip-smart modern retelling of Jane Austen’s classic Persuasion.
Anne Corey is about to get schooled.
An English professor in California, she’s determined to score a position on the coveted tenure track at her college. All she’s got to do is get a book deal, snag a promotion, and boom! She’s in. But then Adam Martinez—her first love and ex-fiancé—shows up as the college’s new president.
Anne should be able to keep herself distracted. After all, she’s got a book to write, an aging father to take care of, and a new romance developing with the college’s insanely hot writer-in-residence. But no matter where she turns, there’s Adam, as smart and sexy as ever. As the school year advances and her long-buried feelings begin to resurface, Anne begins to wonder whether she just might get a second chance at love.
Funny, smart, and full of heart, this modern ode to Jane Austen’s classic explores what happens when we run into the demons of our past…and when they turn out not to be so bad, after all.
Review: I LOVED this loosely based modern take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion. This was a sweet and fun second chance novel that made me smile. I really liked the characters especially gay best friend and side kick, Larry! This story even gave me a happy tear at the ending! I recommend this book for anyone who likes a great women’s lit novel and second chance romance!
Title: Claws for Concern
Author: Miranda James
Rating: 4 Stars
Synopsis: Charlie Harris and his Maine Coon cat, Diesel, are embroiled in a new mystery when a cold case suddenly heats up in the latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.
Charlie Harris has been enjoying some peace and quiet with his new grandson when a mysterious man with a connection to an unsolved murder starts visiting the library…
Review: This book was a cozy treat and highly enjoyable. I LOVED Charlie and Diesel and their bond. I am a crazy cat lady so love books featuring cats! When I saw this cover I fell in LOVE! Cats and Books!!! Well silly me, I didn’t pay attention to the fact it was the 9th installment so I felt I missed out a tad. This book can still be read as a standalone and was a fun mystery! I always love a mystery with a cold case so was pleased with this title and definitely will be checking out the previous books in this series!
Synopsis:Why did Hitler chose not to invade England when he had the chance?
Europe, 1940: It’s late summer and Belgium has been overrun by the German army. Posing as a friar, a British operative talks his way into the monastery at Villers-devant-Orval just before Nazi art thieves plan to sweep through the area and whisk everything of value back to Berlin. But the ersatz man of the cloth is no thief. Instead, that night he adds an old leather Bible to the monastery’s library and then escapes.
London, 2017: A construction worker operating a backhoe makes a grisly discovery—a skeletal arm-bone with a rusty handcuff attached to the wrist. Was this the site, as a BBC newsreader speculates, of “a long-forgotten prison, uncharted on any map?” One viewer knows better: it’s all that remains of a courier who died in a V-2 rocket attack. The woman who will put these two disparate events together—and understand the looming tragedy she must hurry to prevent—is Russian historian and former Soviet chess champion Larissa Mendelovg Klimt, “Lara the Bookworm,” to her friends. She’s also experiencing some woeful marital troubles.
In the course of this riveting thriller, Lara will learn the significance of six musty Dictaphone cylinders recorded after D-Day by Noel Coward—actor, playwright and, secretly, a British agent reporting directly to Winston Churchill. She will understand precisely why that leather Bible, scooped up by the Nazis and deposited on the desk of Adolf Hitler days before he planned to attack Britain, played such a pivotal role in turning his guns to the East. And she will discover the new secret pact negotiated by the nefarious Russian president and his newly elected American counterpart—maverick and dealmaker—and the evil it portends.
Oh, and she’ll reconcile with her husband.
Review: I liked this book! This book definitely made me think about things with history and our current political situation but this was not what I expected. I enjoyed how this story mixes things up and ties WW2 with the current Russia/Trump situation. The main issue I had was that this book was so slowwwww….especially the first half. I mean this novel was unique and I love something out there! This story brings to the table a mix of historical figures like The Kennedys and Nostradamus and throws it in with WW2. If it wasn’t slow, I’m sure I would have loved this book but for now I am settling for an overall, ‘I liked this book but don’t know if I would read it again.’
Title: Check Me Out
Author: Becca Wilhite
Rating: 1 Star
Greta loves her job as assistant librarian. She loves her best friend, Will, the high school civics teacher and debate coach. She even loves her mother despite her obvious disappointment that Greta is still single.
Then she meets Mac in the poetry section of the library, and she is smitten. Mac is heart-stoppingly gorgeous and showers her with affection, poetic text messages, and free hot chocolate at the local café where he works. The only problem is that he seems to be a different person in his texts than in his face-to-face conversation.
When the Franklin Library is threatened with closure, Greta leaps into action. She arranges for a “battle of the bands” book jam, hosts a book signing by a famous author, and finally, stages a protest that raises more than a few eyebrows.
Through it all, she slowly realizes that it is Will, not Mac, who she turns to for support and encouragement. Mac has the looks; Will has the heart. How can she choose between them?
Check Me Out is a contemporary romance–with just a hint of Cyrano de Bergerac–that reminds us that it is what’s on the inside that matters most.
Review: Damn, do I ever hate writing negative reviews especially a 1 Starred review! It sort of sucks something out of me and brings positive Dani down…😓
I appreciate that the publishers allowed me to review this book but it was not for me at ALL! I loved the cover and the concept but I will get straight to the point of what killed this story for me.
The main character and the story drove me insane with her shallowness! It seemed every moment that it was possible that she couldn’t get over how “big” aka overweight someone was! It was ridiculous that this was made in too such a big of a deal. As a woman who has struggled with weight problems because of health issues it made me very uncomfortable to read this book.
I’m not going to leave on that note! I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend and know I love your faces! Have fun and do whatever the hell you want to do!
Over and out! Xoxo
Nice reviews
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the ‘ZZ Top’ guy dancing with the animal that looks like a Wombat, and the wiggling cat is good too.
But mainly, I wish I was standing at the bottom of the ladder the girl is climbing on, and looking up…
The images are so good, I completely forgot the books! 🙂 X
Best wishes, Pete. x
LikeLiked by 3 people
Pete!!! lol.
LikeLiked by 4 people
I like to be naughty on this site, FR. Can’t very well do that on my blog, after all. x
LikeLiked by 3 people
You’re always welcome to be naughty here Pete!😍 Anything goes! LOL 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always feel ‘free’ on your blog, Dani! x
LikeLiked by 1 person
That makes me super excited!!!! Yay!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahahahaha!😂😂😂 You are freaking hilarious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re incorrigible Pete!🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s so hilarious!!!! bahahahahaha!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dani’s blog allows me to express the ‘Cheeky Pete”side of me! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hehehe! I always want you to be yourself on my blog, Pete! Whatever side that may be!😗😄
LikeLike
Pete…..the first comment I pretty much read on a post today….and I know already this is probably going to be the funniest for today 😂😂😂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Glad you liked it! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
😂😂😂😂
LikeLike
😂😂😂 He is hilarious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish the wiggly chap and cat would finally pounce on each other! 😀 I really want to read The Bookworm, that sounds right up my street, I don’t mind slow, usually means there’s things to think about.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a book you would like Fraggle!😍 It definitely made you think, that’s for sure! I love the wiggly chap and kitty!😂😂😂 They are just too funny!😂😂😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
By the Book sounds really good and Claws for Concern.
I feel your pain on the one star review. Painful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for showing me some Love!😘 They were good!😍 One and two starred reviews kill me to write!😭 Ugh it eats away at my soul but at the same time, I had to endure hours of reading it!😭
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol. Exactly! Gotta say what ya gotta say.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly!😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your usage of gifs is second to none as is your skill at reviewing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Vinnie!😘 You are so sweet and awesome! Thanks for stopping by!😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is always a pleasure to stop by your magnificent blog, Dani. Can’t tell you how much I love it.
LikeLike
I love your blog too Vinnie!!!! You rock!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You flatter me so, Dani.
LikeLike
Books that talk about books are akways great 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally agree😍😍😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha I love all the gifs in this post xD
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Kay!😍😄 I’m glad you enjoyed them!😍
LikeLike
Yikes! A 1 Star Dani? I don’t think I remember you doing that before. I’ll certainly steer clear of that one. And great gifs btw!😁🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know right?!?! I hate doing negative reviews and when it’s a 1 Star from me, it kills me!!! ugh! I’m so glad you liked the GIFs though! YAY! xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Giving poor reviews makes me very cranky.😒
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same here, Kim!!! Grrrrr.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow….a 1 star review. I’m trying to remember if I ever saw that on a review by you, but it’s been a long while…that’s for sure. Still…you made a fun post out of it..and those gifs😂😂😂 And then of course there was Pete’s comment lol 😂😂😂😂 You have a great weekend too sweety 😘😘 I have to work today so my weekend starts tomorrow…ughhhh 🙈🙈 But it’s okay 😊😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought I responded back!!! Darn WordPress! Yeah one star is so unlike me but just couldn’t like it at all!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww…no worries at al Dani 😘😘 WordPress keeps doing really annoying things at times. But yeah it was unusual, but sometimes it’s also fun to review something that you just don’t like 😊😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s been very annoying for me lately! I have missed so many comments! Grrr! But yeah it can be fun to rant but all the time it takes you to read the book that you don’t like puts you in a bad enough mood already! It’s an eARC so we are expected mostly too read it and review No matter what!😒😒😒
LikeLike
It’s okay Dani, really no worries 😘😘❤️❤️ WordPress can definitely be very, very annoying at times…ughhhh.
Ah okay I understand that. Well…luckily most of the books that you have lately been reading are pretty cool. And I am very happy for that. 😘😘❤️❤️
LikeLike
Yes, I have definitely been lucky with books lately!😍 Yay for BOOKS!😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
😘😘😘 Yay for books indeed! Can’t wait to start on book theme month in April ❤️❤️😘😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds awesome! Yay for book theme April!😍 I can’t wait to read your reviews.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope to finally get to read a couple of cool titles! Looking forward to it, and writing the reviews of course 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s what’s up!😘 I know it can be difficult with life and all. I have got to the point that reviews have lost a little bit of there fun. I guess I am just being hard on myself so I rush through.😢 But I’m working on it!😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, the thing with reviews is that comecame easier to write than others I guess. I always try to make them fun myself, but I’m nowhere near as skilled as you are on that department. Your reviews are always such a joy to read. I love them 😘❤️ So…really no need to be hard on yourself for that 😊😊
LikeLike
4 books I didn’t actually have, didn’t think that ever happens. LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
That never happens! We always end up with mostly the same!😱😱😱
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha I know, I thought wow I must have been napping or something when Dani found these.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL well they weren’t the best lot so you lucked out mostly. hehehe
LikeLiked by 1 person
I saw your 1 star and had that thought, it’s rare to see so low from you. Heck even I don’t visit the 1s very often and try to find a little positive in them all. 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: Sunshine Blogger Award (2) – The Cozy Pages
Awww thanks so much!😁😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely reviews! Unfortunate the one didn’t work out so well. I think it’d tee me off to read. I have weight issues due to medical conditions and get rather angry when people assume it’s all a matter of ‘willpower’. Ugh.
Love the wiggling kitty. 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much and EXACTLY!!!😒😒 I’m glad you enjoyed the gif!
LikeLike
Hi!
So many reviews on one post! hahah So sad you didn’t like Check me out but you read some other great books so don’t be sad for your positive side!
The one that caught my eye is the bookworm so I’m adding it to my TBR. Thank for the reviews!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!😍 The Bookworm was enjoyable just a tad slow for my liking but I may be impatient! Lol. Thanks so much for stopping by and checking me out!😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting topic😍😍😍😍Thankyou Dani for an insightful blog❤️
LikeLike
Wow, nice job. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!😄📚
LikeLike
Nice review! I enjoyed how detailed it was. I will check out the books as well 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Sante! I appreciate you stopping by!😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
These reviews were great! I especaily liked the reveiw of By the Book. I love the book persuasion and love modern adapatations but I have never heard of this wone. Thanks!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!!!!😍 By the Book was fantastic!😍 I appreciate you stopping by on my page!😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: 4 Quick Reviews of Books That Involve Books — Touch My Spine Book Reviews – Attention-grabbing Beliefs
Great reviews! You always find so many books that involve BOOKS! I am obsessed with anything with book, library or librarians in the name. Lol! … My list is getting pretty long!
LikeLike
Pingback: 4 Quick Reviews of Books That Involve Books — Touch My Spine Book Reviews – Compelling Points
Great reviews, will definitely gives these bools a read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!!!❤📚❤ Awesome Sauce!😁📚😚
LikeLike