One Year Ago in Spain by Evelyn Skye

Check out this book on Goodreads: One Year Ago in Spain https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201102261-one-year-ago-in-spain

First off, thank you to Netgalley, Evelyn Skye, and Random House Publishing group- Ballantine for an advanced reader copy of this book!

I read Evelyn Skye’s first duology a couple years ago. It was a young adult fantasy set in Russia, The Crown’s Game. I really enjoyed it so when I realized she was coming out with this romantic comedy, I wanted to check it out!

I did really enjoy this story! I dropped the rating down to four stars, however, as there was a LOT of cursing. And also some spice, although it did not go into super detail.

The story itself is about a girl, Claire, and her boyfriend, Matias. He is in a terrible accident, and she must try to help him by convincing his soul to go back into his body. All while she’s staying in Madrid, Spain, where he grew up.

While I personally don’t believe in astral projection, or souls leaving the body to wander the earth, this was still a really well done story. The characters both developed throughout the story, remembering why they fell for each other in the first place. Both were also willing to get out of their comfort zone which is so important in any relationship.

I also appreciated how the author would use Spanish, but then give some translation in the text for those of us who cannot speak it fluently. I’ve seen this done well and I’ve seen it done awkwardly, she did a great job at making it flow with the writing.

The other thing I really appreciated was getting to go on a tour of Madrid with Claire. Hearing about the different sights and activities was really cool. I love learning about different cultures, and while there wasn’t a ton of that in this book, it is still something I appreciate.

AfterLife: There Will Be Trouble by E. Vince

Check out this book on Goodreads: AfterLife: There Will Be Trouble  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201909849-afterlife

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Afterlife by E. Vince started out with a preface that made me extremely hopeful for this book. He explained in the preface that the story to follow was written to show what might happen after death; specifically in a place called Paradise. This is meant to give an idea of what Heaven might be like, without risking blasphemy by misrepresentation.

As I began to read the book, however, I became extremely discouraged. The very first page had multiple curse words that could have been hinted at. Also, the writing felt very disjointed and bland. I couldn’t connect with the characters in a real way because of this.

The story follows a family as the mother/wife dies due to a heart condition she can’t help. We follow her up to Paradise and also get to see what happens to her family on Earth afterwards. To be honest, it’s just horrible. I had so much anxiety reading about her family; especially because I know people from families similar to that.

The hardest thing for me, though, was the few times that the Scriptures were twisted/changed to mean something different. It only happened twice to my recollection, but they were big things involving salvation. (I day all of this as someone who has been studying the Bible since a very young age).

The first comment that was Scripturely inaccurate was that all Jews, no matter of their belief in Jesus, would automatically go to Heaven. The Bible is very clear that it is only through our belief in Jesus that we go to Heaven. “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” Romans 10:12-13 ESV.

The second comment of Scriptural inaccuracy was that someone else’s faith can save you. The specific story used was the parable of the paralytic and the four people who carried him to Jesus. While their faith is what brought him to Jesus, it is not what saved the man. In Mark 5:2, it says that He spoke to all of them, not just the men.

Other than that, I did really appreciate that spiritual warfare was addressed. Too many times we don’t talk about one of the biggest battles going on daily in our world. I also liked how the author painted Paradise. Everyone praised God through everything and they got to worship God doing the things they enjoyed on Earth.

Overall, the story had good bones and a good purpose. With a lot of editing and some corrections on Scripture representation, it could be a really powerful book.

King of Fools by Amanda Foody

Check out this book on Goodreads: King of Fools https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37545571-king-of-fools

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I read the first book in the Shadow Game trilogy, Ace of Spades, years ago. And, to be honest, I didn’t remember any of it other than that I enjoyed it. Usually, once I get into a sequel, I can start putting pieces back together and remember, at least, the main plot points. I still don’t remember anything after reading this entire second book. I’m not exactly sure what that means other than that the plot points of the first book were a little too easy to forget.

I know someone is going to tell me it is a sequel and that it’s not the author’s fault I didn’t read the second book right away. However, sometimes it takes a long time for a reader to acquire a second book. Because of this, I personally think authors should write in a way that will keep the story going for years.

King of Fools was still a good book on it’s own. Had there been more explanation of characters and backgrounds, I don’t believe there would have been as much of a struggle for me to enjoy it. The characters all had good, strong personalities and lots of growth. Also, their relationship dynamics were interesting and thought provoking.

The story itself follows the main characters as they embark on the journey of becoming the top crime lords so they can “take back” their city. We follow them as they scheme and try not to die. I don’t want to dive more into the story since it is a sequel.

As far as genre, I’d call it a YA Fantasy. I believe there is some cursing, but I can’t recall for sure. And there are some lead-ups to sex scenes, but no actual description of the acts themselves. There also are some lgbtq+ characters in the book.

As far as recommendation, I guess I honestly don’t know. I have other fantasy books I’d recommend first, but this series isn’t necessarily a bad one. It’s just kind of in the middle for me. If you like books with card dealers and underground, shady deals, then these would probably be very interesting to you! I, personally, won’t be finishing the series though.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie

Check out this book on Goodreads: The Mysterious Affair at Styles https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52843028-the-mysterious-affair-at-styles

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I have fallen in love with Hercule Poirot and Agatha Christie. All of her books have been amazing, but I’m especially in love with this witty and peculiar character. He never ceases to surprise me with his observations and conclusions. And I’m always left guessing until the very end.

If you’ve never read anything with Hercule Poirot, I will attempt to describe him. He is extremely intelligent, witty, good humored and just an all around stand up detective, or former detective technically. One of the things that makes him so excellent at his job is his extreme attention to detail. Also, nobody is deemed truly innocent by him until he knows the entire story.

However, he questions in a way that gives them the benefit of the doubt while, in his mind, he is constantly looking for anything that doesn’t add up. They always seem to enjoy his presence, even the killer themselves as they tend to think they’re free and clear up until the truth is finally revealed. And, honestly, I just love his quirkiness.

As far as the rest of the writing, Agatha Christie did an amazing job at building suspense and keeping you guessing until the very end. Also, the writing itself is beautiful. She writes in a way that anybody can understand while also keeping your brain engaged the entire time. You also develop an attachment to the characters and find yourself rooting for who you want to be innocent.

Another thing I’ve noticed, is there is almost always a character that nobody likes, but who also ends up being innocent. Very much the “red herring” of the story.

Her books are also clean of cursing and sex scenes. However, I would still recommend them for older kids and up as there is a lot of death and many times it is described. And, if you didn’t catch it from the review, this would be qualified as a mystery/thriller.

The Great Migration: Book One of the S’orne Saga

Check out this book on Goodreads: The Great Migration: Book One of the S’orne Saga https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58999287-the-great-migration

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I really enjoyed this book! Steve Ramirez did an amazing job at bringing the reader into the story and helping us to fully understand what was going on.

The story follows different people and where they are as a group of people, the S’orne, infiltrate their cities. We get to see how they all tie together in the end in a very interesting and powerful way. I loved that there was romance, action, thrill, and some comic relief. Definitely a well-rounded book.

My biggest complaint would be the excessive amount of cursing. That is obviously a personal preference, but it is one of the main reasons I did not give the book a five star rating. My other reasoning is because I feel like Ramirez used too many bigger words that could really confuse someone if they were not an avid reader. Even I struggled and I’ve been reading since a very young age.

As far as things I enjoyed, there were quite a few. First off, he did an amazing job at putting you on the edge of your seat. During the action scenes, I remember holding my breath waiting to see what was going to happen. And I was genuinely shocked with some of the outcomes. (I appreciate when an author doesn’t keep the main characters “safe”). I also loved how Ramirez made the characters real people. They actually struggled with whether or not to be the hero or just save themselves. Another big thing is that there were no sex scenes. I can’t stand reading books that go into detail about something that should be private. There was kissing and strong hints about what else was going on, but that was it.

I would classify this as an adult level fantasy novel. I definitely recommend giving this book a chance!

Children of Dune by Frank Herbert

Check out this book on Goodreads: Children of Dune https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44492286-children-of-dune

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I really do love these books. I’m not sure what draws me in so much, but I can never put them down.

If you’ve never read a Dune book, the best way to describe them is a giant puzzle with a ton of pieces that don’t seem to match. Yet, in the end, we always end up with a story that flows together. It’s honestly amazing how Frank Herbert was able to do this so well.

This specific book follows the children of muad’dib and their journeys as they try to unravel the mystery around them.

As far as genre, Sci-fi is defined highest on the list. I’d recommend for adults as there are some very mature concepts, however, I don’t recall any inappropriate scenes. There is, as mentioned above, quite a bit of mystery, some dabbles of romance, and hints of comedy here and there.

If you like Sci-fi, I highly recommend this series!

The Casquette Girls by Alys Arden

Check out this book on Goodreads: The Casquette Girls https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25917801-the-casquette-girls

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I’m extremely confused about this book. It had some great bones and ideas for a story, I just don’t feel like they were executed all that well.

The very beginning felt very contemporary in nature. I’m not a huge contemporary fan, but do like them if we really get into the heart and mind of the characters. I don’t feel like the author fully dove into the main characters mind.

I also struggled because the main character was either 15 or 16 but was dealing with some very adult things. It just felt wrong to me. I had to constantly remind myself that I was reading about a teenager.

The story ends up being a fantasy with magic and creatures based off of New Orleans folklore. I LOVE reading books with folklore in them, so I did really enjoy these parts of the story.

As far as content, there is some romance, mostly just kissing, and then some cursing. There is quite a bit of mentions about alcohol (it is set in New Orleans after all) as well.

I, personally, wasn’t a huge fan of the book. However, I wouldn’t say you should never read it if it doesn’t intrigue you.

A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62816044-a-curse-for-true-love

What an absolutely amazing ending to an absolutely enthralling book series! I love all of Stephanie Garbers books so much! She does such an amazing job at bringing the magic to life while also giving all of the characters so much depth. You genuinely feel for all of them deeply.

I also love how she has aspects of romance, action, fantasy, and puzzles to try and figure out.

I can’t say much more without spoiling the first books in the series, but it’s definitely one I recommend!!! Genre would fall under YA Fantasy.

Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44492285-dune-messiah?from_search=true&from_srp=pmgW0PfuHF&qid=1

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I really enjoy these books! I don’t completely know why to be honest, but the story is just so intriguing to me. I love the interactions between characters and how you never know 100% what’s going to happen in the end.

I can’t say too much since this is the second book, but if you like science fiction at all I’d definitely give these a chance!

I don’t recall any cursing (I may be wrong) and definitely no sex scenes.

Emma by Jane Austen

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6969.Emma?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=kAPbNCPnsC&rank=1

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This is my third Jane Austen book and I have decided I am not a fan. Her writing is really good, but the subject matter is just too unrelatable for me.

Every book of hers that I have read is filled with spoiled, gossiping, matchmakers. Also, the focus is solely on finding a person to marry. Everything the women do is with the purpose of making themselves more appealing so they can find a “good match.”

I know this was the norm for this time period, at least for Jane Austen, but I just can’t relate to it at all. I also don’t wish for that kind of life. I enjoy raising my own children and not having a governess do it for me. I enjoy helping my husband run our small business. I enjoy pursuing my own hobbies instead of what society might say is right or wrong.

Maybe I’m in the minority here, but I just don’t find her books nearly as beautiful as I find books like Little Women.

For those who’ve never read her books, they are classic romances with tidbits of humor. They are very whimsical. And, of course, they are clean of any cursing or sex scenes as they are set back when that was unheard of.