Feb 9, 2024 | Editorial reviews, Fantasy, International Review of Books, Romance
Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
Rabbie arched an eyebrow arched an eyebrow in surprise and chuckled. “Och, aye? Now that is something we should go see about, wouldna ye say, Andy? I’m nigh on famished.” To understand why this is such a great line and a laugh out loud moment you would have to read the book!
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General Summary for Context:
This is a book that mixes genres, Romance, Historical, Time Travel, Comedy, and Fantasy. There are some laugh-out-loud moments that I really enjoyed. It is what I would call a tongue-in-cheek kind of novel for people who enjoy books that don’t take themselves too seriously; for example, it is much more a romantic romp through the Highlands than an educational historical novel.
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Concise Review:
Embrace the Lace by Shannon MacLeod was a pure delight from beginning to end. I couldn’t put it down and was caught up in the magical romance from the very first page.
You might think that mixing Historical Romance, Time Travel, and Fantasy was a recipe for disaster… and you would definitely be wrong! It shouldn’t work but it does. Laird Andrew MacIver lives in Scotland, the year is 1659. After the deaths of his parents and his young wife, Andrew has had a year of mourning and now, for the sake of his clan, must choose a new wife. His uncle Alasdair is plotting Andrew’s downfall and moves in the shadows to bring disaster to Andrew and his loyal men. Thankfully, help is at hand with one of the most interesting characters in the book—a Brownie called Brown Tom. With a little magical interference, a potential partner for the clan leader is pulled through the faerie pond. Enter Evangeline (Van for short) Darling, all the way from present-day America! The three-foot mischievous Brown Tom dons the personality of a fairy godmother, but instead of sending Van to the ball, he dresses her as a warrior and sends her to battle!
The romance between Andrew and Van is intense and their banter is a sheer delight. There are several real laugh-out-loud moments as well as plenty of chuckle moments. But they are not the only interesting characters; the author has given everyone a unique personality that brings them to life. It is a fabulous romantic comedy—oops another genre! Don’t worry they all work perfectly well together for us readers who love both passion and a light-hearted historical romance. With swaggering men and simpering lasses, and one kick-ass heroine, this is an unputdownable read. I love the author’s tongue-in-cheek take and highly recommend this to people who love pure escapism.
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General thoughts on the Novel:
Enjoyable historical romance. I would definitely read something by this author again.
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Dec 24, 2018 | Editors' Blog, International Review of Books
The Broken Branches by Becky Villareal
Broken Branches, though short, is a gut-wrenching family drama that hits you deep in your core and finds a place to live in your heart. After the death of her grandmother, Sara sets out to find out who her father is. All anyone would ever tell her was that he was dead and to leave it alone.
When the web of truth starts to unravel around her, Sara finds herself hanging from a thread and questioning everything she ever thought she knew about herself.
The characters feel like family and the story was well developed, although it did end rather abruptly.
– 4* review
BooksGoSocial
Dec 24, 2018 | Editors' Blog, International Review of Books
The Lazy Gardener's Guide to Easy Fruits and Berries by Trey Watson
Stunning color photographs add just the right touch of artistic value to this practical guide book to easy fruits and berries that every gardener should know about. Each of the 12 plants highlighted is given due consideration including a simple recipe to make the most of your harvest. I found the explanations to be both instructive and entertaining.
– 5* review
BooksGoSocial
Dec 24, 2018 | Editors' Blog, International Review of Books
Pink Tootsie: Portrait of a Drug Addict by T.M. Raskin
T.M. drags you into her sordid world of drugs, alcohol, and sex addictions, and doesn’t let go! This story, for me, was painful to read about her abusive childhood and downward spiral into the depths of despair. The ending leaves the reader wondering about the author’s current life and sobriety status.
– 3* review
BooksGoSocial
Dec 24, 2018 | Editors' Blog, International Review of Books
Fiends of the Hub by J.S Carter Gilson
Fiends of the Hub is a fast-paced, vampire horror novel that reads a lot like a 1980's “campy” horror flick–IN ALL THE RIGHT WAYS! It is full of great one-liners and laugh out loud moments, complete with a little gore.
It was difficult to form any emotional link to the characters, partly because there were so many different POV's, but the action pulled the story forward at a nice pace which provided a comfortable balance to the missing reader/character link.
– 4* review
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Dec 18, 2018 | Editors' Blog, International Review of Books
Channeling the Mothership, Messages from the Universe by Jerry McDaniel
Strap yourself in for the ride of your life on the Mothership! Leave behind all preconceived notions of how you thought your life should be lived and be prepared to take notes along the journey. Jerry challenges and encourages us to love ourselves as we love others, live our dreams and help others to realize their own dreams and follow their passions.
– 5* review
Everyday Enchantments by Maria DeBlassie
Everyday Enchantments is full of delightful slices of life in the southwest. Everything is worthy of wonder and contemplation, from a double yoked egg and chorizo breakfast to a well-worn book recently redisocovered. Each and every reflection contained in this book is best savored curled up by the fire under grandma’s knitted quilt, one memory at a time.
– 5* review
