More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Whitemeyer || Book Review

MY REVIEW ||

I received More Than Meets the Eye, by Karen Witemeyer, from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. This year I have been in a big reading slump, I guess, so I took forever to finally finish this book. It isn't that it was boring or anything, I've just not been reading. I should have tried harder. 

More Than Meets the Eye is a story of revenge, healing, danger, and love. All the essential, right? *winks* Three orphans who become a family after a terrible tragedy; a mysterious man torn by his past and seeking revenge; and a cheery "fork in the road" that throws careful plans into disarray and puts everyone on a path in the right direction. A path that turns enemies into allies, and breaks down barriers of past pain. 

I wouldn't say I loved this book, but it was a nice story. I guess my ideal type of book is a little different. Maybe the typical Christian historical romance is your favorite though! If you love historical romance with all the sparks, conflict, danger, and happily ever after, this one is for you! :)

* Bethany House Publishers, I apologize for reviewing so late!

LOOK LIKE A BOOK YOU WOULD ENJOY?

The Girl's Guide to Conquering Life: Book Review

Two posts in one day? Yes, because this is my last day to post a review for my Revell review book! xP {which I happen to not be done reading yet....... oops}





MY REVIEW

The Girl's Guide to Conquering Life, by Erica and Jonathan Catherman, is a book of basic how-to's for girls of a broad range of ages. Some tips I might say are "for dummies", others may be lesser known\practiced. My apologies, but I slacked a lot on reading this book, and have not completed it yet, as of writing this review. I'm not a huge non-fiction reader, so perhaps that is why I haven't fond this all-that interesting. But I really should have made a point to read some of it every day. My bad.

The Pros:

This book has some good and helpful how-to's. How to leave a tip, how to apply for a job, how to change a tire, etc. The chapters cover: Guys & Dating, Social Skills & Manners, Work & Ethics, Wealth & Money Management, Health & Beauty, Clothes & Fashion, Sports & Recreation, Cars & Driving, Food & Cooking, and Tools & Fix-it. So there is definitely some great information in here, especially for a lesser-informed girl. I also really like the cover of the book, and the inside illustrations and layout. :)

The Cons:

Like I said, I wasn't super interested. But that's probably just me. :P Another thing I didn't like was the "modern woman" ideas. There is one on how to ask a guy out on a first date. I don't think the girl should ask the guys out. Also the insinuation the authors give that a guy always paying for a date is old-fashioned. Whattt?? I want a guy to be chivalrous. And I want him to pay for the date, open the door for me, and all that because, yes, I'm a girl. The roles of men and women are not the same, people, and for a guy to act a certain way around you because you're a woman does not mean he thinks you are lesser than him, or that you are weak. There may be some men who think this, perhaps, but definitely not all!
I also thought it was weird that they used a Michelle Obama quote in the book?? I just wouldn't use her for advice. ;)


All in all, this could be a good resource for girls who want to know the basic information on how to outwardly do well in life. :) Young and older girls\young women alike could benefit from this book.

Exiles Release Weekend Blitz + Review

Hey guys, today I'm being a part of the Weekend Release Blitz for author Jaye L. Knight's new release, Exiles! Be sure to read about it and enter the giveaway! 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Exiled after their defeat in Samara, the Resistance struggles to find allies in their quest to restore King Balen to his throne and put an end to the emperor’s tyranny. When the crete people refuse to lend their aid, Balen leads a group to Dorland to reason with them and win their support. However, enemies prove to be everywhere, and they find themselves in a fight to keep Dorland from becoming Daican’s latest conquest.

Back in Landale, the arrival of a new enemy forces Trask and Anne to tread more carefully than ever. Tensions are rising, and the enemy is determined to test Anne’s loyalty and root out the location of Trask and the Resistance once and for all. 

Feeling trapped within the walls of Valcré, Prince Daniel must contend with an ever-eroding relationship with his father. As their clashes escalate, the situation becomes potentially life threatening when his loyalty is called into question. His sister seems bent on branding him a traitor and actively seeking to condemn him to the fate of those put to death in their father’s new arena. Daniel is certain his father would never execute his only son and heir but, with other forces at work, it might not be that simple. 

One small misstep could prove fatal for all.

Available now on Amazon!

Add to Goodreads

Haven't discovered the world of Ilyon yet? The first three kindle books are on sale August 11th - 14th! You can find them on Amazon.

MY REVIEW

About a year after the defeat in Samara, a group of members from the Resistance heads out on a journey to gain aid against Daican from neighboring countries. However, their trip takes turns they had not expected, and they find themselves in a desperate situation... the outcome could cost them everything. 

Meanwhile, in Valcre`, Prince Daniel faces challenges as a new believer. But what will happen when life as he knows it is turned upside down?

The anticipated fourth book to the Ilyon Chronicles is here! :) While Exiles may be my least favorite of the series so far, it was, of course, good, and some long awaited and unexpected things happened! We get to explore interesting new places in Ilyon for the first time, watch relationships between characters grow, and be surprised by some of the things that happen! *winks* 

It was nice reading more of Prince Daniel. I know this is random, but I had some serious intuition about something to do with him... *grins* How did I think of it? Don't ask. Just read the book. ;P 

I liked getting to see Micheal more too! And then there's Timothy and Leetra. And Trask and Anne. <3 I might've felt Jace and Kyrin didn't have as much depth in this book as others... maybe they're just much stronger now, but I would like if they struggled more. I'm probably just mean. ;P

So yes, it was another good book! So now... when is book 5 coming??! =D

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Etsy.

GIVEAWAY!

Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed giveaway pack! Prizes include an autographed copy of Exiles, a pewter dragon necklace by treasurecast, and a sword letter opener! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)

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SCHEDULE

Thursday, August 10

·         Book Spotlight at A Pinch of Faith

Friday, August 11

·         Character Interview at Reality Reflected

·         Review at Tricia Mingerink

·         Book Spotlight at She Hearts Fiction

·         Review and Excerpt at Literary Cafe

·         Character Interview and Excerpt at A Day In The Life

·         Author Interview at The World of the Writer

·         Review at WritingAnyone

·         Review and Character Interview at Meagan Davenport

·         Review and Special Post at R535 Blog

·         Review at Leah’s Bookshelf

·         Author Interview and Excerpt at Liv K. Fisher

·         Review, Character Interview, and Excerpt at The Elven Padawan

·         Review and Author Interview at Books and Arrows

·         Review and Author Interview at The Artful Author

·         Review and Character Interview at Red Lettering

·         Review and Author Interview at PageTurners

·         Review and Author Interview at Sutori no Hana

·         Review and Character Interview at Bookends

Saturday, August 12

·         Review and Excerpt at Thriving Hope

·         Book Spotlight at Today, by Bryn

·         Review at Honey Rock Hills

·         Excerpt at Rachel Rossano's Words

·         Excerpt at Tell Tale Book Reviews

·         Excerpt at The Overactive Imagination

·         Review and Author Interview at One Word At A Time

·         Author Interview at Marrok Macintyre

·         Review and Author Interview at Sarah, Plain & Average

·         Review at A Camera and a Dreamer

·         Review and Excerpt at Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections

·         Character Spotlight at God's Peculiar Treasure Rae

·         Review and Author Interview at Sarah Allerding

·         Author Interview and Excerpt at Dreams and Dragons

·         Review and Character Interview at Resting Life

·         Review and Character Interview at The Music of a Story

·         Review and Character Interview at Ruffles and Grace

Sunday, August 13

·         Review at Woman at the Well

·         Review at Lakeside Publications

·         Review at Ember's Reviews

·         Review and Author Interview The Ink Lizard

·         Excerpt at Lianne Taimenlore

·         Book Spotlight at Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens

Monday, August 14

·         Review at Backing Books

Tuesday, August 15

·         Review at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke

Book Review: The Lady and the LionHeart

MY REVIEW

This is the kind of historical that has a magical feel! It was a wonderful story, unique and feeling. Loved it!

Ella is a nurse with a scarring past, living her life with a safe wall around her heart. Then one day an intriguing man from the circus, Charlie Lionheart, bursts into her life, and she is compelled to care for his sick little girl. Thus the two people from vastly different worlds and both baring dark scars and secrets, form a friendship that steadily deepens.

But will Ella be able to rise above the deep darkness of her past? And will she accept Charlie when he reveals his secret- the binding sacrifice he made for one little baby? 

This book was beautiful! It was feeling, and healing. The romance was so lovely. It wasn't instant love, and I like that! I like it to take a while for the two characters to fall in love- to realize that they love the other (or at least for it to feel like it takes long ;P). That makes it more real and more touching. The romance between nurse Ella and lion-taming Charlie... that was a beautiful story. :)

The circus... I have a new view of it. It was really intriguing and magical! The gypsy's, the whole lifestyle. It was so cool. There were lion-tamers, aerialists, flyers, elephants, exotic birds, caravans... and lively dances while the circus traveled to a new town. But there was also some terrible things that went on too. A lady who only cares about money, putting unusual people on display like animals, and I won't tell you everything because it's a spoiler. ;)

Charlie Lionheart. Was. Amazing. <3 Seriously. He was kind of mysterious, and charming. He was tall darker-skinned. *sighs* Gentle and self-controlled. Teasing, so sweet. <333 Him and his top hat. Brave with his lions. Please forgive my fangirling. ;P But yes, he is the guy. I'd definitely join a circus if there was a Charlie Lionheart there. *winks* LOL!

I liked Ella too, and cute little Holland. <3

The end was really lovely! It all worked out beautifully, and it was a book that I would recommend to all those 15+ who love a meaningful historical romance. It's worth the read!

IF YOU'VE READ THIS, WHAT DID YOU THINK? IF NOT, DO YOU WANT TO READ IT NOW? ;) 

Book Review: King

  Hey, I just finished this awesome book! :) It's the last book of The Books of the Infinite series, by R. J. Larson, and it ended quite wonderfully! ;) Now I need to read her Realms of the Infinite series! EEE! I wonder how I'll get them though, since even the kindle edition is pretty expensive? :| Hmm.

  So, read my review and everything, and then read this wonderful, non-magical allegorical fantasy series! =D

ABOUT THE BOOK

  Akabe of Siphra, I have brought your enemies low and lifted you out of the dirt

    Against his wishes and desires, Akabe Garric has been chosen by his people to be king. A warrior at heart, he'd never dreamed of such a swift, unexpected rise to power. Determined to prove his worth to the citizens of Munra and honor his Creator, Akabe undertakes a monumental task: to rebuild the Infinite's Holy House in Siphra.

   Only this I ask: Restore My temple and let Me dwell again among the people.

   Akabe soon discovers that the land he needs is held by the Thaenfalls, known Atea-worshipers, who will give up their claim only if he marries into their line. Though he seeks direction from the Infinite, his pleas are met with silence. Frustrated, Akabe makes an impulsive decision, sweeping his nation into a lethal storm that threatens his plans for the temple. As questions of faith and love become tangled with lies, ancient feuds, and treacherous plots, can Akabe, his mysterious queen and his trusted friends, Ela and Kien Lantec find the Infinite's path, or will they fail as so many others before? 

   Will your faith hold strong when I am silent? Child, can you be My king?

  

MY REVIEW

   Oh my, what a GREAT ENDING! My brother bought me Judge and King for my birthday, so now I got to read the last in the Book of the Infinite series. It was a great end, another fantastic book by R. J. Larson! Now I HAVE to read her other books!

   Despite being a reluctant king, Akabe of Siphra strives to do something honorable: rebuild the Infinite's temple. But when his plans are disrupted by Ateans, Akabe makes a rash decision without getting the Infinite's approval. This leads to one catastrophe after another, threatening the lives of himself, his new queen, Kien, Ela, and many of his people. Will his actions make him a failure king so soon after being annointed?

   Like the previous books, King was full of more dangerous adventures. We get to know Akabe better, as well as Caitria, a new character. I quite liked her. :) Our dearest Kien and Ela are still main characters, which is a must. ;) The four get into some very dangerous stuff, I tell you! Confrontations with assasins, and Bel-Tygeon, along with fights and lethal wounds- oh, poison too! :P

   There was more elements of romance in King, than in the other books. Kien and Ela's relationship... continues, and there are also some new couples. It's just a little more of a mature theme than in the other books. The epilogue of the book was soo happy! You'll see! :D 

   There was violence and blood, as in the other books. Maybe more in King? There was quite a lot of death, but nothing I couldn't handle though. :P Only be worried about it if you're REALLY sensitive to that kind of stuff. 
   Also, Bel-Tygeon, an immoral king who says he's a god, has lots of ladies, and he isn't married to any of them. 

   King also has little bits of humor (what book couldn't with our Kien and Scythe? ;D), which is the BEST. :) 

   Thus, my review! I hope it prompted you to give these books a try! They're really good, you know! ;)

Recommended to: Non-magical-(besides the Infinite's power, which isn't magic) allegorical- fantasy- lovers, adventure-lovers, and those who enjoy meaningful, clean romances. :) Ages, tentatively, 15+ 

MY REVIEW OF PROPHET

  Aaand I haven't even reviewed the second book, Judge, on Goodreads! :P Seriously! I think I may have written up a review on paper, though- I'll have to dig around and find that! In the meantime, I'll tell you that Judge was also a great book! Kien! <3 :P This cover is probably my favorite! The sword on his back, the cloak... ahh. :)

  Until next time, people! *salutes*

Samara's Peril Blog Tour and Review!

  Today I am a part of the Samara's Peril Blog Tour! It is now available! :D I got to read the book in advance, so you can read my review on this post. ;)

  You have probably heard of the Ilyon Chronicles on my blog if you've been around often- they're one of my favorite series. :) If you'd like to see my reviews of the other books, Resistance, The King's Scrolls, and Half-Blood, visit my Book Reviews page. 

 Anyhow, enjoy the tour and don't forget to enter the giveaway! :) (or maybe you shouldn't enter, because I WANT TO WIN!! :P Haha!)

About the Book

When news arrives that Emperor Daican has been in contact with his chief war strategist, it signals potential doom for the country of Samara. Determined to intervene, the resistance in Landale, headed by Lady Anne, embark on a covert mission in hopes of unearthing further information. However, a shocking discovery leads to complications no one could have foreseen.

Armed with their newfound knowledge, they set out for Samara to warn the king. War is inevitable, and they must face two desperate battles—one on the walls of Samara’s great stronghold, and the other on the battlefield of Jace’s heart, where victory might only be achievable through great sacrifice.

Available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iBooks!

Add to Goodreads

Haven’t discovered the world of Ilyon yet? Find out more at the official Ilyon Chronicles website!

About the Author

Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Etsy.



My Review
(spoilers in light purple in small font)

As spring unfolds in Arcacia, so do the Emperor's plans in expanding his empire. His sights are on Samara, a country long dedicated to Elom. Thus, the Resistence group in Landale sets out on a new mission- this time to fight to keep the emperor from conquering Samara. There is danger everywhere, and they risk their lives at every turn.

Meanwhile, Jace sinks deeper and deeper into despair, unable to overcome his doubts and his past. 

Shocking discoveries are made... battle unfolds... love and healing are found.

At last I got to read book three of the Ilyon Chronicles, Samara's Peril! The book was wonderful, just as the other two are! :)

Some changes are made in the characters. I think this is kind of a turning point in the series. You'll see what I mean when you read it. Jace changed the most. Ah, I kind of cried a lot during the first part of the book. Like the part when Jace goes to get his birthday present for Kyrin, and then he ends up accidently causing that drunk old man to die. It was so sad! Poor Jace! I don't cry much in books... maybe it was partly because of my mood. XD I don't know. But yea, Jace. He has a lot of pain in this book, but also a lot of GOOD! Just read it! ;)

And of course we have all the other characters. They don't seem to change so much... its mostly Jace. We get to see a bit more of Anne, so that was nice. But when are her and Trask going to get married?? Maybe in book four... ;) There are new characters too. Like Jace's family! :D I actually saw it coming... somehow. I wasn't for sure, but I had my suspicions. ;) Some are good, some are villains.

  Jayrin!! Aw, this relationship really progresses in Samara's Peril. Like this one part... The kiss was adorable! This couple is so cute!! And Kyrin is just shocked, and then all giddy. It was just so cute. I loved when everyone was wondering what was up, and Kyrin blushes and Jace is just grinning. Awww! Allll the cuteness!  <3 :D

  I hope the next book has more of Leetra. She's a really interesting character despite her hardness. And Timothy... I really like him too. :)

 There is war, of course. The dragon combat was kind of cool. :) There is dangerous missions for information. There was death, and near deaths. There was also healing, as I've said- in more than one way. :) 

 So yes, Samara's Peril was a great book! (Of course!) Now I need book four!! Oh dear, I'm going to have a long wait!

I recommend Samara's Peril to... maybe thirteen\fourteen and up? It would depend on the person. This book is has a more mature theme than the others. There is battle and violence, but it isn't real graphic. There are men who would (or do) hurt women, you know, but it is talked about in a discreet way.

Otherwise, if you like Christian fantasy, adventure, dragons, or awesome characters *winks*, read the Ilyon Chronicles!!    

Giveaway

Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed giveaway pack! Prizes include an autographed copy of Samara’s Peril, a John 3:16 necklace by FaithWearDesigns, and a green wire dragon bookmark by Wirelings! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)


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Schedule

Friday, May 13

• Tour Introduction at Jaye L. Knight
• Review at Pencils Can Change the World
• Book Spotlight at Fictionally
• Review and Author Interview at Written Rest
• Review at However Improbable
• Review at Meagan Davenport
• Review and Excerpt at Gabrielle-Soli Deo Gloria

Saturday, May 14

• 
  
• Author Interview and Excerpt at And Then There Were Three
• Review and Author Interview at Lakeside Publications
• Review and Author Interview at Reviews by Soleil
• Review and Author Interview at Red Lettering
• Author Interview at alivemasterpiece
• Review at Sutori no Hana
• Book Spotlight at Fishing For Ideas

Sunday, May 15

• Review and Excerpt at Melody Jackson, Author
• Book Spotlight at God's Peculiar Treasure Rae
• Review at The World Of The Writer
• Review and Author Interview at Running In His Reign
• Review and Excerpt at Inklings and Notions
• Review at My Bookcase and I

Monday, May 16

• Review at Reality Calling
• Review at Backing Books
• Review and Excerpt at Haddie's Haven
• Book Spotlight and Excerpt at Rachel Rossano's Words
• Review and Excerpt at Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections
• Review and Author Interview at A Heart Redeemed

Tuesday, May 17

• Review and Author Interview at Reading Anyone
• Review and Author Interview at Honey Rock Hills
• Author Interview at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
• Review at Shire Reviews
• Review and Author Interview at 26CountlessPossibilities
• Excerpt at The Overactive Imagination

Wednesday, May 18

• Review and Excerpt at Thriving Hope
• Book Spotlight at The Destiny of One
• Book Spotlight at Letters from Annie Douglass Lima
• Book Spotlight at The Writer's Window
• Review at To Be A Person
• Author Interview at Leah's Bookshelf

Thursday, May 19

• Review at A Writer's Heart
• Review and Author Interview at Scattered Journal Pages
• Review and Excerpt at Elvish Pens, Fantastical Writings
• Review and Author Interview at Tricia Mingerink
• Review and Author Interview at The Book Hound
• Review at O. Scarlett! Reviews
• Author Interview at Knitted By God's Plan

Friday, May 20

• 
  
• Book Spotlight at ♦ A Sapphire Chamber ♦
• Review at Leah's Bookshelf
• Review at Looking Through My Lens
• Review and Author Interview at Zerina Blossom's Books
• Review and Author Interview at The Warrior and the Writer
• Review and Author Interview at Thoughts of Anna S. Brie

Saturday, May 21

Tour Conclusion at Jaye L. Knight