Mardan's Mark by Kathrese McKee book review

Mardan's Mark (Mardan's Mark #1)

by Kathrese McKee (Goodreads Author)

4.49  ·  Rating Details  ·  41 Ratings  ·  27 Reviews

Death is not their deepest fear.

Abducted by pirates and taken behind enemy lines across the Great Gulf, Princess Srilani is determined to save her sisters and younger brother, the crown prince, from captivity.

She convinces their caretaker, Aldan, and his brother slaves to share the perilous journey home. This ragtag group of unlikely heroes sets out on a quest — pursued by cutthroat pirates, merciless priests, and marauding soldiers — to return the heir to his kingdom before war breaks out.

In this epic adventure fantasy, Srilani and Aldan risk everything to save a prince and a nation, discovering along the way that death is not their deepest fear.

Mardan’s Mark is the award-winning first book in the Mardan’s Mark series.



My Review: 7.5/10

This book was great. It was recommended to me by the author's assistant based on other books I'd enjoyed (namely, Patrick Carr's novels) and I'm so glad!

This is an epic fantasy story with strong religious themes modeled after Christianity.

I liked that obstacles were met with almost immediately. Enemies were not built up as larger than life, looming like an oppressive evil presence hunting them to the ends of the earth, like some other books. This was good for keeping my stress levels down without killing off the suspense; their goals were larger than individual threats and I felt like that was more realistic.

Bearing in mind that this is fantasy, the way Christianity and God were portrayed didn't bother me. I didn't feel like anything was too off the mark. And I feel like some of the situations in the book are good for discussion.

The relationships were obvious from the get go, but I'm okay with that. And some of the surprise plot points were clear from the beginning as well, but that's alright too. I don't need to be taken by surprise to enjoy a story.

The things I didn't like were minor. I didn't think the royal children were as wise as they were built up to be. For example, choosing fake names from the get-go was a great idea. They should have kept up that pretense for the entire novel, if you ask me. They should have guarded their secrets, their identities, their skills a lot more carefully. I felt like they were way too trusting, almost begging to confide in others. And some of their problems were resolved too easily for me to find it entirely believeable.

On the whole, though, this was a great read. I highly recommend it, especially to those who like epic adventure stories about a lost heir fighting to reclaim their throne and unite warring kingdoms. 

Inhuman (Fetch #1) by Kat Falls book review

Inhuman (Fetch #1)

by Kat Falls (Goodreads Author)

  

In a world ravaged by mutation, a teenage girl must travel into the forbidden Savage Zone to recover lost artifacts or her father’s life is forfeit.

America has been ravaged by a war that has left the eastern half of the country riddled with mutation. Many of the people there exhibit varying degrees of animal traits. Even the plantlife has gone feral.

Crossing from west to east is supposed to be forbidden, but sometimes it’s necessary. Some enter the Savage Zone to provide humanitarian relief. Sixteen-year-old Lane’s father goes there to retrieve lost artifacts—he is a Fetch. It’s a dangerous life, but rewarding—until he’s caught.

Desperate to save her father, Lane agrees to complete his latest job. That means leaving behind her life of comfort and risking life and limb—and her very DNA—in the Savage Zone. But she’s not alone. In order to complete her objective, Lane strikes a deal with handsome, roguish Rafe. In exchange for his help as a guide, Lane is supposed to sneak him back west. But though Rafe doesn’t exhibit any signs of “manimal” mutation, he’s hardly civilized . . . and he may not be trustworthy.


My Review: 4/10
 

This was a poor man's Hunger Games with heavy influences from Divergent, but not really worthy to be mentioned in the same sentence of either.

This book is seriously twisted (bestiality casually referenced for example) and gruesome. What's worse is that it's told from the perspective of a hormone-overloaded, immature, gullible 16 year old girl with a self-righteous God complex who, of course, is so gorgeous that she immediately finds herself at the center of a love triangle. Ugh, if I had to read her stamping her foot and retorting, "I am not!" one more time... I might have gone 'feral' myself. Anything Lane succeeds at is purely by accident.

The plot and it's twists were so predictable, they could be seen from miles away- every last one of them.

It is a bit of a page turner, after a while. It seriously took me years to move past the first couple of chapters because they just didn't draw me in. And Lane was already annoying and naive to me. But after that, I couldn't put it down until about half way through, when it abruptly got a lot more violent and a lot more trite and I had trouble slogging through it again, until about the last 20% when I gave up and skimmed.

I gave it two stars because it was a fairly original idea for a dystopian, as far as I know. But I can't honestly say I'd recommend it to anyone.

Hearts Made Whole (Beacons of Hope #2) book review

Hearts Made Whole (Beacons of Hope #2)

by Jody Hedlund (Goodreads Author)

  

After her father’s death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren’t supposed to have such roles, so it’s only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper–even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.

Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He’s secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation--the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He’s not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who’s angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he's unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Caroline feels drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope…and possibly love?


My Review: 6/10

I had mixed feelings about this book: disliked about 90% of in increasing amounts and then really loved the last 10%. Or maybe just the epilogue. Usually that would not be enough to sway a 6 star out of me, but that's how strong it was. And it was a message that I felt really needed to be told.

It seemed to me that marriage would be such an easy and obvious solution, that they were going against nature for it to not occur to them and then for them to protest against it. I didn't buy it.

I was annoyed that once again, the characters were "too pretty" and "strikingly handsome despite being dirty." Please.

*slight spoilers*

The drama with Arnie was obvious from the get go, thanks to some not-so-subtle mentions of flashes of anger in his eyes and other things. And even if that weren't the case, why would you EVER consider yoking yourself to that family, knowing what his father was? It just didn't make any sense.

But more than anything, I was disgusted by Tessa. I hated the cattiness and the blatant fighting over a man (stranger). I didn't grow up with a sister, so maybe that kind of thing was actually common, but it just seemed like such a waste, especially when they were now the adults, the parents, to their younger siblings. Desperate times should have solidified their partnership. And how Tessa didn't see the flaw in her own plan was beyond me. The only thing that will make me feel any better is if her story is told next and we get to see her change.

I didn't like the violence/extreme circumstances, which were just too melodramatic for my tastes.

But the redeeming part was the end. I won't give it away, but as much as I didn't like this book, it's worth reading, I think, for the message on priorities, God's power, and relationship with Him.

With This Ring? book review

With This Ring?: A Novella Collection of Proposals Gone Awry

by Karen Witemeyer (Goodreads Author), Mary Connealy (Goodreads Author), Regina Jennings (Goodreads Author), Melissa Jagears (Goodreads Author)

  

Humorous Historical Romance Novella
Collection Offers Love and Laughs

Four top historical romance novelists team up in this new collection to offer stories of love and romance with a twist of humor. In Karen Witemeyer's "The Husband Maneuver," Marietta Hawkins decides to grab the reins when the ranch foreman she loves seems to be leaving forever. Regina Jennings offers "Her Dearly Unintended," where friends stranded by a rising river pretend to be newlyweds when a dangerous stranger arrives.

Mary Connealy's "Runaway Bride" finds a Texas ranger getting more than he expected when he rescues a young woman fleeing a dangerous arranged marriage. And Melissa Jagears' "Engaging the Competition" finds a young woman forced to assist the man she's often sparred with after an accident leaves him helpless. Each tale is a fun blend of history and romance that will delight readers.



My Review: 9/10

I usually love Bethany House's book covers but was not a fan of this one. Every quick glance reminds me of Austin Powers. I realize it's the index finger and not the pinkie, but it's blurry and at a quick glance... combined with the pursed duck lips... ugh. But cover aside, loved this book and I really hope this novella collection becomes an annual thing.

I enjoyed the short story about Dead Eye Dan and Marietta. The conflict between them was original and I admired Etta's determined honesty and, well, her determination in general. It was nice to read about a female lead who (kind of relentlessly) pursued what she wanted rather than one who pined, but practiced self denial so regularly that by the time interest came her way she was bewildered by it.

I'm a big fan of Ms. Jennings' work, so naturally I loved her story as well, though it was a little weird for me to be reading about Josiah. I swear he was just a youngster playing pranks! Katie Ellen was a unique character. Her control issues and the thought processes behind them were very interesting. I loved their exchanges, so much sass! When I wasn't smiling stupidly to myself at how they cared for each other, I was laughing. But that's always the way with Ms. Jennings books. Even after the explanations, I still found their guest more than a tad disturbing, but then again, one of things I love so much about Ms. Jennings' stories is that her people are not black-or-white, good-or-evil. Being a little weird doesn't make you a bad person. And being likeable doesn't mean you're without flaws. Her characters are always so realistic and relatable because she embraces this. I hope we get a story for Josiah's little sister, too!

I have only read a couple of  Ms. Connealy's books but I had gotten the impression that her style was more over the top humor, which isn't really my thing. So I was really surprised by the tone of this story, which was very tense. While I really enjoyed the story, I kind of wish it had been a full length novel, so that Carrie and her brother, Isaac's, relationship could have been more flushed out; their family dynamic really intrigued me. There were a TON of characters, and I got the impression that the reader was supposed to appreciate the small bits of information tossed out here and there, as if they were updates on couples from other stories. It was a little confusing for someone not familiar with the previous stories.

I had hope for Ms. Jagears' story for a while, but Harrison and Charlie just did not suit if you ask me. I really did not like her. Harrison was right in everything he said about her. She was mean, thoughtless, unfaithful, a sore loser... I could go on and on. And by the end of the story, I didn't really like Harrison much either. She was engaged, so he had no business touching her or kissing her. He really was only set up as the hero because he was handsome and intelligent and liked her (for some reason), while her fiance was described as unattractive, slow, and primarily interested in her property. Yet, of the three of them, August was the only one who valued fidelity ("August won't marry a two-timer"). I would have much rather read his story- the one about the plain but strong man who wasn't academically minded, but wasn't stupid, who was a hardworker, steady and faithful, who was rarely emotional and wasn't really romantic, but believed in companionship and who, coming from a family of 20, wanted a small family of his own, separate from their demands and reputation, who had been cheated on and left by a woman just using him and was perhaps even more guarded than before as a result. Maybe he's a little rougher around the edges. Maybe he's the kind of guy who goes along with the crowd and has been a bully by association and needs to learn how to compromise and sacrifice and communicate in non aggressive ways. Or maybe he's all business and needs to slowly be coaxed into letting his guard down. The possibilities are endless and infinitely more appealing to me.
 

The Midwife's Choice (At Home in Trinity #2) by Delia Parr book review

The Midwife's Choice (At Home in Trinity #2)

by Delia Parr

 

A Winning Combination of
Small-Town History and Sweet Romance

Martha Cade is a midwife in the town of Trinity in 1830s Pennsylvania. In a time when the traditional ways of medicine are constantly being questioned by new doctors fresh from medical school, Martha tries to balance her life's calling with the demands of her family. Recently reunited with her estranged seventeen-year-old daughter, Martha finds herself torn between guiding her child and allowing her to be an adult. And the town of Trinity itself is fraught with secrets: as a midwife, Martha knows which families are troubled, which wives are unhappy, and which husbands have crossed the line from discipline to abuse...

As Martha struggles with the conflicts of being a mother, a midwife, and a woman, she learns the greatest lessons of all--that hope can shine even in the darkest hours, and that faith has a way of making the impossible possible.



My Review: 9/10

This sequel was every bit as lovely and thought provoking as the first book.
Martha has learned some hard lessons but when the time finally comes to put them to practice, it is very easy to slip into old habits and beliefs.

I loved that the lessons Martha learns in this book- humility, faith, judgment of character, trust in God's plans and provision, letting go, and embracing change, just to name a few- came about naturally, some in a rush and some over time. I particularly loved the way she realized that some of her burden hadn't been necessary and that she should have opened up to others, sharing her load with them; that her pride and independece wasn't worth the people and relationships she'd had to sacrifice, like with her children and love.

I was just as invested in each of the side stories and loved the clever resolutions at the end.

I have no complaints with the story; I gave it a 9 out of my personal taste. I would recommend it to fans of Lawana Blackwell's Gresham chronicles. It's not to the same tone or style, but I did notice a similar flavor.

 I can't wait for the third book!

Lord Fenton's Folly (A Proper Romance #2) book review

Lord Fenton's Folly (A Proper Romance #2)

by Josi S. Kilpack (Goodreads Author)

Lord Fenton is a gambler, a dandy, and a flirt—and he must marry or else he will be disinherited, stripped of his wealth and his position. He chooses Alice Stanbridge for two simple reasons: he once knew her as a young girl, and she is the least objectionable option available to him.

However, Alice has harbored feelings for Fenton since their first meeting ten years ago, and she believes his proposal is real. When she discovers it is not, she is embarrassed and hurt. However, a match with the most-eligible bachelor in London would secure not only her future but that of her family as well.

Determined to protect herself from making a fool of herself a second time, Alice matches Lord Fenton wit for wit and insult for insult as they move toward a marriage of convenience that is anything but a happy union. Only when faced with family secrets that have shaped Fenton’s life does he let down his guard enough to find room in his heart for Alice. But can Alice risk her heart a second time?


My Review: 9.5/10

I had been highly anticipating this book after absolutely loving the previous book, A Heart Revealed. I devoured it and admit that I was very disappointed. I procrastinated writing a review because I couldn't reconcile my dashed hopes, high respect for the author, and strong dislike of the book. I waited and waited, and as the weeks and months passed, decided I would reread the book, taking notes and writing an unemotional critical review. Well several months later I finally had the time do so and now I cannot even remember what was so off-putting the first time I read it!

To my surprise, I LOVED this book. My favorite thing about Ms. Kilpack's style is her characterization. Very rarely do I come across characters as honest and real as hers. I loved Alice. I loved her innocence, her openness, and her strength. I loved that she was flawed- prideful, humbled, and constantly warring with her need to protect herself versus her need to let her guard down in hopes of beginning a real relationship with her husband. I loved that she rarely played the victim or felt sorry for herself. I loved that she knew when she was wrong in the moment, and was human enough to stay the wrong course... and that she knew how to apologize. I loved Fenton too. He irritated and provoked me, just like Alice. I liked that he messed up and was caught in it sometimes. He was so very well layered, deep and intricate, that I understood and sympathized with Alice's predicament.

*spoliers*

In my first reading, I was probably irritated by another marriage-in-name only set up, however, I have to excuse that as this may have been the ONE situation where I could understand and believe it. Because really, the only thing I thought could have been improved upon was Fenton's reaction to the disinheritance and subsequent change of heart. Given his contempt of his father, I couldn't see him snapping to attention and wanting to prove himself as readily as he did. I needed to see more of his thought process that led him to that point in order to accept it myself. But that was the only thing. The rest of the interactions between father and son were very believable and complicated and real.

On the whole, this book was so well crafted, the relationships so natural and relatable, the messages of vulnerability, healing, and forgiveness so well applied that I highly recommend it.

The Shock of Night (The Darkwater Saga #1) book review

The Shock of Night (The Darkwater Saga #1)

by Patrick W. Carr (Goodreads Author)

 

When one man is brutally murdered and the priest he works for mortally wounded on the streets of Bunard, Willet Dura is called to investigate. Yet the clues to the crime lead to contradictions and questions without answers. As Willet begins to question the dying priest, the man pulls Willet close and screams in a foreign tongue. Then he dies without another word.

Willet returns to the city, no closer to answers than before, but his senses are skewed. People he touches appear to have a subtle shift, a twist seen at the edge of his vision, and it's as though he can see their deepest thoughts. In a world divided between haves and have-nots, gifted and common, Willet soon learns he's been passed the rarest gift of all: a gift that's not supposed to exist.

Now Willet must pursue the murderer still on the loose in Bunard even as he's pulled into a much more dangerous and epic conflict that threatens not only his city, but his entire world--a conflict that will force him to come to terms with his own tortured past if he wants to survive.


My Review: 8.5/10

This was a great read! At about 10% in, I couldn't put it down and subsequently shirked all duties (and sleep) for the next day and a half.

It's not for the faint of heart- there is a lot of bloodshed and violence that is described almost casually. There is war in the past and war in the present and looks like war in the future, so if you're sensitive to the realities and casualties of such, this may not be the book for you.

Usually I am in that category myself, but as I was familiar with Mr. Carr's works, I knew what to expect. Speaking of which, if you've read his previous series (The Staff and the Sword) you'll notice some similarities in set up and plot points; a super secret organization charged with keeping the good in the world and fighting evil, corruption within, etc. Yet it is definitely still its own story, and even better in some ways.

I am eagerly anticipating the next book in the series! 

The Painter's Daughter book review

The Painter's Daughter

by Julie Klassen (Goodreads Author)

 

Sophie Dupont, daughter of a portrait painter, assists her father in his studio, keeping her own artwork out of sight. She often walks the cliffside path along the north Devon coast, popular with artists and poets. It's where she met the handsome Wesley Overtree, the first man to tell her she's beautiful.

Captain Stephen Overtree is accustomed to taking on his brother's neglected duties. Home on leave, he's sent to find Wesley. Knowing his brother rented a cottage from a fellow painter, he travels to Devonshire and meets Miss Dupont, the painter's daughter. He's startled to recognize her from a miniature portrait he carries with him--one of Wesley's discarded works. But his happiness plummets when he realizes Wesley has left her with child and sailed away to Italy in search of a new muse.

Wanting to do something worthwhile with his life, Stephen proposes to Sophie. He does not offer love, or even a future together, but he can save her from scandal. If he dies in battle, as he believes he will, she'll be a respectable widow with the protection of his family.

Desperate for a way to escape her predicament, Sophie agrees to marry a stranger and travel to his family's estate. But at Overtree Hall, her problems are just beginning. Will she regret marrying Captain Overtree when a repentant Wesley returns? Or will she find herself torn between the father of her child and her growing affection for the husband she barely knows?

My Review: 7/10

Generally, with historical romance, you know the ending before you begin, so I like marriage of convenience stories because we’ve officially gotten that out of the way; the author doesn’t have to waste time trying to build suspense that, let’s face it, I almost never buy into. I also like the fact that the story doesn’t revolve around a courtship, but rather, challenges within a marriage, all the while dealing with getting to know each other, which if you have a healthy marriage, shouldn’t ever really stop, in my humble opinion.

If you don’t mind the clichés (i.e. cads who try to force themselves on innocent women and the knights in shining armor who come to their rescue, etc. Really, I have to wonder if this was as prevalent as it seems, based on how often it’s a plot line in these books), and fake marriage-of-convenience  plot lines (see below), it’s not bad. I know many of us don’t read these books for the unique story, but for the warm and fuzzy feeling, and if that’s you, you will enjoy this book.

As for me, I did enjoy it; it didn’t promise to be more than it was. I just read so many of these kind of stories that are so similar and I am impacted by missed opportunities as much as what I’m reading. I was a little frustrated that Wesley’s behavior didn’t sicken Sophie more, especially after receiving the first letter about Stephen. That should have been enough to disillusion her about him, if nothing else did the trick. I was disappointed in her there. I really liked Stephen’s character and the way he spoke his mind. Often, I felt like Sophie didn't deserve him or even appreciate him. The details about painting and some of the characters’ side stories were a little too involved for me and broke up the flow, so that I found myself skimming here and there.

I felt like the opportunity for unique struggles and elements are kind of lost if it’s immediately proclaimed a “marriage in name only.” I’m not saying I want details, but let’s be real. If you had a marriage of convenience at that time, I feel pretty confident in asserting that it would almost never be in name only. I would like to read about the challenges that women at that time faced- the emotional aspect and how the relationship developed as a result. I think this can be done tastefully, yet it’s so rarely attempted. Instead we get a regular courtship of the time with a bit of modern challenge- they live in the same house. It’s a little worn. It’s like the authors think that sex within marriage shouldn’t be in a Christian book, or that it is the ultimate culmination of the relationship, so either way, it doesn’t happen until the end. Every woman knows that’s just one aspect of a great relationship.

Given that I spend so much time hovering in Christian historical fiction, I have to say that I’m tired of reading about love stories that revolve around modern (and faulty, I believe) ideas of love and marriage, such as marrying only for love and that love/your feelings are something you have no control over. Those ideas are just not Biblical. Take me back to a time when people married for any number of reasons and relied on God to grow love and friendship there. When marriages lasted because people had to work through things rather than chase their own elusive happiness.

Fans of this author and genre will happily gobble this up. And I will keep hoping that an author will read my review and accept my challenge: give me a character who enters into a realistic relationship from that time period. None of this “in name only” nonsense. Let me see how she struggles with giving herself to her husband while having not fully given her heart. How does that work? How does she deal with the limitations and expectations of women’s roles back then? And how does love come into play? What is the dynamic of having children with someone she maybe respects but isn’t sure she loves yet. Does that change things? I’d imagine so. When does she grow to love him? Why ? How? That’s the story I want to read.

Fire and Ice (Wild at Heart #3) book review

Fire and Ice (Wild at Heart #3)

by Mary Connealy (Goodreads Author)

 

Bailey Wilde is one of the best new ranchers in the West. She's been living disguised as a man for a while, but when Gage Coulter comes to drive her off her homestead, he quickly realizes he's dealing with a woman--a very tough, very intriguing woman at that.

Gage is an honest man, but he didn't make his fortune being weak. He won't break the law, but he'll push as hard as he can within it. Five thousand acres of his best range land is lost to him because Bailey's homestead is located right across the only suitable entrance to a canyon full of lush grass. Gage has to regain access to his land--and he's got to go through Bailey to do it.

Spending a winter alone has a way of making a person crave some human contact. In a moment of weakness, Bailey agrees to a wild plan Gage concocts. Can these two independent, life-toughened homesteaders loosen up enough to earn each other's respect--and maybe find love in
the process?


My Review: 7/10

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I didn't read any of the others in the series, so I can say it works well as a stand alone novel. I've only read one other book by this author before and it was years ago. I didn't like it because the humor and tone was way too outlandish for my taste. Maybe that was just the one book, or her writing style has evolved, but this book's humor was much more tongue in cheek, and a little more subtle, leaving me frequently laughing out loud.

I loved that the catalyst to the relationship (and openly admitted at that) was an overbearing mother.

*Spoilers*

I didn't think regularly attempted murder was necessary as a plotline. I think a live in mother in law during an arranged marriage of less than 24 hours would have been enough drama on its own.

And I didn't understand why Bailey, who seemed to hold herself to some moral standards, thought she was in the right to steal someone else's land? Yes she was clever to buy up the only access to the canyon, but that didn't make the canyon hers. And he was there first! How did she have a leg to stand on, shooting at and threatening Gage when he tried to talk to her about it? If I were him, I would have had the sherriff charge her/arrest her for trespassing on MY land.

If you're already a fan of this author, you'll love this book. If her former work wasn't your cup of tea, this might be the book to change your mind.

Bathsheba: Reluctant Beauty (Dangerous Beauty #2) book review

Bathsheba: Reluctant Beauty (Dangerous Beauty #2)

by Angela Elwell Hunt (Goodreads Author)

 

After sending his army to besiege another king's capital, King David forces himself on Bathsheba, a loyal soldier's wife. When her resulting pregnancy forces the king to murder her husband and add her to his harem, Bathsheba struggles to protect her son while dealing with the effects of a dark prophecy and deadly curse on the king's household.

Combining historical facts with detailed fiction, Angela Hunt paints a realistic portrait of the beautiful woman who struggled to survive the dire results of divine judgment on a king with a divided heart.


My Review: 1/10

Full disclosure: I only made it about 10% of the way through and I knew at Chapter 2 that this would not be the book for me.

Painting Nathan, of all people, the prophet who confronts and convicts David about his sin with Bathsheba, as a man who lusts after her himself, always "painting her face over his wife's" when they are intimate was enough to make me sick.

Nathan was human, so obviously he sinned. And given that the Bible describes Bathsheba as being desirable in appearance, it is possible that he had a natural physical response to her. But what is described in the opening chapters is not a passing, knee-jerk response, but a deliberate passion that is grown over DECADES by him, the imaginings of which are still privately indulged in after they are both married.

I don't know what the author was trying to do here. Possibly send the message that no one, not even a messenger of God, was immune to her appeal. But I thought it took a lot of nerve and left me nauseated. This had no Biblical basis that I know of or could find. And if that's just the beginning... I don't think I could stomach the way she portrays history that is bad enough as it is.