June Reads

 

Happy Summer, Y'all! 

I may be a week or so late, but here's a rundown on the books I read in June: 

• The Huntress by Kate Huntress 
• 4 Stars 
• Intense, fascinating, and more than a bit stressful, I couldn't put this one down!! For those who typically read Christian Fiction, be aware that there's a homosexual relationship that plays a large role in the overall plot.  
• Devolution by Max Brooks 
• 4 Stars 
• The Hubby and I listened to this one during the first few legs of our "Great American Road Trip" (pictures of that adventures are forthcoming...).  Though there's some rough language and graphic gore, it was an enjoyable change of pace.  Volcanic eruptions and sasquatch massacres?  I was entertained.  
• Flight of Dreams by Ariel Lawhon 
• 4 Stars 
• Lawhon chronicles the final flight of the Hindenburg from multiple perspectives in this thoroughly interesting historical-fiction novel.  I'll definitely be reading more by her in the future. 
• The Rose Code by Kate Quinn 
• 5 Stars 
• While a bit less intense than Quinn's previous two WWII novels, I adored this new release that tells the story of three female code breakers stationed in England during the war.  
• The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner 
• 3 Stars 
• I've heard rave reviews of this novel from several sources, but I just didn't love it.  The overall story was interesting, but the writing seemed choppy, the end was unsatisfying, and I personally disagreed with some of the themes woven through the narrative.  Ignore the hype and skip this one; there are better books out there.  
• Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon 
• 4 Stars 
• Hannon's novels are essentially book versions of Hallmark movies, and I'm fine with that.  Check out my full Netgalley review here.  
• Red Rising by Pierce Brown 
• 4 Stars 
• This audiobook kept the Hubby busy for the remainder of our road trip... and it's LONG.  While I did enjoy the blend of fantasy, science fiction, and post-apocalyptic adventure, I'm not sure I'll get around to reading more of the series.  We'll see. 
• Castle of Refuge by Melanie Dickerson 
• 3 Stars 
• Why do I keep agreeing to review Dickerson's medieval fairytale retellings despite my well-documented complaints with the writing and characters?  Who knows, but I do.  
• Full review here.  
• There, There by Tommy Orange 
• 2 Stars 
• This was our Book Club choice for the month, and I was not a fan.  The premise had potential: telling the stories of urban, indigenous people whose stories all connect.  The problem, however, was that Orange failed to create characters I actually cared about-- only one was even remotely likable.  To make matters worse, Orange tried to tell too many stories utilizing too many narrative techniques.  The result was a confusing mess. 
• Round Up by Rebecca Connolly 
• 3 Stars 
• Y'all know that Connolly is one of my go-to favorites for clean, romance novels... but I didn't like this one.  Skip it.  
• Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi 
• 5 Stars 
• I absolutely this devoured this YA blend of fantasy and West African mythology.  I'll be purchasing this one for my classroom for sure.  
• Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi 
• 3 Stars 
• Perhaps this is just another example of the 2nd book slump in a trilogy, but this installment of the Legacy of Orisha series lacked the magic of the first.  I'll reserve final judgment for the release of the final book. 

Blackberry Beach

In this newest installment of Irene Hannon's Hope Harbor series, readers meet actress Katherine Parker and coffee shop owner Zach Garrett.  Katherine has retreated to the quaint town of Hope Harbor, Oregon to escape the limelight and paparazzi after the unexpected death of a co-star.  Despite the news that she's been offered a starring role in an A-List movie, however, Kate begins to question whether a fast-paced life in Hollywood is really where she belongs.  Having left a lucrative career behind after the death of his brother, Zach has finally found peace running a coffee shop in Hope Harbor.  When he meets his mysterious new neighbor on their shared beech, sparks immediately fly.  Will he have the courage to give his heart to a woman who might return to her old life at any minute?  Will Kate manage to figure out what she wants in life?  Would Zach potentially be a part of that equation? 

As per my expectations going in, Blackberry Beach reads like a classic Hallmark movie.  Zach was perfectly swoon worthy as the small-town hunk, and Katherine was both relatable and likable.  Having read several of Hannon's other Hope Harbor novels, I also enjoyed getting to check in on some of my favorite characters.  This particular story, however, does stand on its own for those unfamiliar with Hope Harbor, Oregon.  (Just a note: if you're looking for my favorite of the series, start with Sandpiper Cove!)  Was the plot predictable?  Yes.  Don't expect many twists, turns, or surprises, and instead just enjoy the sugary sweetness of a clean, contemporary love story.  

I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

Castle of Refuge

Castle of Refuge, the 2nd installment in Dickerson's newest series, tells the medieval love story of Audrey and Edwin.  Audrey, the daughter of a viscount, flees her childhood home to escape her abusive sister and impending marriage to a man she does not love and finds herself at Dericott castle. The Lord of said castle, Edwin, is quickly intrigued by his mysterious and well-educated servant.  Soon, the man whom her father intended Audrey to marry appears in Dericott looking for her, and the young couple must make important deacons regarding their futures.  Can either of them learn trust another's love despite the emotional and physical scars from their pasts?  

While Dickerson bills this as a retelling of "The Ugly Duckling," I didn't quite see the parallel.  Despite this, and the fact that I had not read the first novel of this Dericott series, I enjoyed the story as much as I ever enjoy Dickerson's work.  It was predictable, slightly shallow, and heavy-handed with the obvious character development, but an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon if you don't have to have to think too hard.  If you've liked her many other medieval fairy tale retellings, you'll enjoy this one.  

I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.