You know when Allison Pataki releases a historical fiction novel there have been years of extensive research put into it. I loved “The Accidental Empress”, “Sisi: Empress on Her Own”, “The Traitor‘s Wife” (my favorite), and “Where the Light Falls”. But I didn't find Desiree Clary's story very interesting. I saw her more as a follower than a leader.

This story is an unflinching look at how eating disorders can destroy lives, families, and relationships. I was totally invested in the lives of Dani and Jess.

Okay, that last giveaway was fun. So let's keep the momentum going with Giveaway #3. It will run Feb 16 - 22. US addresses only. Must be a member of Reading is My Passion. Go to http://bit.ly/ReadingisMyPassion

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Giveaway!! You will receive the five books shown here. Giveaway runs from Feb 11 - 16. US addresses only. Must be a member of Reading is My Passion. (If you have trouble accessing the form, just DM me your email address and I will add it.) Go to http://bit.ly/ReadingisMyPassion

I was excited to read Pinborough‘s newest book DEAD TO HER. I think her book BEHIND HER EYES was one of the most under-rated books of 2017. I didn‘t care for her next book CROSS HER HEART but was eager to try again. Unfortunately, I was not thrilled with this one either.

The first half of the book was gripping as the suspense grew. The writing is good, but, in my opinion, the story went on too long with little payback to the reader.

I highly recommend this fun, heartfelt series. I look forward (hopefully) to more in this series.

I struggled a bit with this story, trying to keep the three timelines straight. There were a lot of characters to keep track out. As a result, I never felt a connection to any of the characters, except perhaps a bit with Abigail because of the horrors she encountered & her role throughout the rest of the story. This book is a blend of historical fiction and the supernatural, which makes perfect sense with the Haiti & New Orleans settings.

I am completely hooked! I anxiously await the release of each new book in this fun, heartwarming series. Mitzy Moon is a totally lovable character.

These are quick, fun reads. Great for a relaxing weekend read. Ready for book #5! Can‘t wait to read more of the growing relationships in Pin Cherry Harbor.

I LOVED this book! A bit of history, art restoration, second chances, mental illness, racism, romance, friendship – if you are a fan of any of these topics, you need to read this book. The rich descriptions placed me right there in the story.

When I finished this book, I had this uncomfortable feeling of wishing I had never read it. As I read about Martin Thomas‘ slow descent into madness, I had no hint of what was to come. As the story is told from his perspective, I found the calm and twisted conclusion chilling.

I enjoyed the portions about the history of the Hope Diamond and the curse associated with it. But the portions dealing with the injustices to women journalists bogged the story down, especially within the first few chapters of the book. I could not establish an emotional connection with Vera and ended up skimming much of the book, especially in the first half.

Superbly researched & written book about the brave young women who were eager to serve their country during World War II by ferrying new aircraft from the factories to the military pick-up point. Even though most of the women pilots were better qualified than the male pilots they were not recognized for their service to their country and designated as veterans until November 1977.

It was good but lacked depth. I loved the strong female friendships.

It was a difficult read for me. I ached for the animals who were at the mercy of humans & were fortunate to have Abu Laith fight for them. I ached for the humans whose lives would never be normal again, people at the mercy of power-hungry, crazy people who hid under the cover of religious fanatics.

I really enjoyed this travelogue/memoir of Ollivier‘s journey from the eastern border of Turkey through Iran and Turkmenistan, into Uzbekistan. I love this region of the world so was enthralled with his descriptions of the scenery. But my favorite portions of the book were his interactions with the people.

This was a difficult book to read as teen girls had to endure such horrible conditions beyond their control.

Not one of my favorite books. Perhaps I just wasn‘t ready for a downer at the beginning of the new year.

Need a feel-good book? Try this one. As I read this lovely story, I could easily envision it as a Tyler Perry movie. “Lean on Me” is about family love and tackles the difficult topic of being a caregiver.

This book is action-packed and sure to keep you up past your bedtime, muttering the mantra “Just one more chapter, just one more.” You are kept guessing to the very end.

This is definitely a book for gamers, and I am not one. I had difficulty with the video game references and software coding. But bottom line – the good writing quality won out.

Fast paced, suspenseful. I was kept guessing what would happen to each of the five friends, all misfits, who called themselves The Vindicators.

Thank you to St. Martin‘s Press for the advance galley. Opinions expressed here are my own.

I am still mulling over the events in this book after finishing a day ago. Definitely a page-turner that kept me on the edge of my seat.

I absolutely loved this book. The story is told as Jackie might have told it and covers the time of her meeting Jack to the dedication of Jack‘s presidential library.

This book will soon become the favorite book of grandchildren everywhere. I could not quit smiling as I turned each page. Told in simple words with darling illustrations grandpas take center stage. (Psst…Grandmas, don‘t feel left out. There is also a “It‘s Good a Have a Grandma” which is just as darling.)

I love the diversity in the families portrayed so all children can relate.

Action-filled with numerous twists and turns. Suspenseful. As the criminals bungle their way through, you are left you wondering who is double crossing whom. Just how far will people go for revenge? A quick, intense read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the shocking ending.

With each new book in this series my love for the residents Pin Cherry Harbor grows. Mitzy Moon is spunky and sassy, but also very vulnerable. She “wears her heart on her sleeve. She has “gifts” that are slowly being discovered and nurtured by her Ghost-Ma and alchemist attorney Silas. I look forward to Book #4 and highly recommend this series to those who enjoy a light mystery with lots of heart and humor.

This is a story of family, friendships, forgiveness, and finding yourself.

I really like Bratt‘s style of writing. It was an easy read, no alternating perspectives, no dual timeline. Just a simple read. Characters you can‘t help but love. Romance and a bit of mystery.

I have an awesome giveaway of a Once Upon a Book Club box containing THE NIGHT OLIVIA FELL by Christina McDonald. The box includes the book, an autographed book plate & 4 gifts to open at designated pages. Nov 24-30. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ReadingisMyPassion/announcements/

Totally delightful! Lots of magic. Great female friendships. (I am a sucker for those.) A welcome escape from heavier readings. A joy of a book.

Aislin, Poppy, and Twinket are adorable characters. I enjoyed getting lost in their world for a short time. A world of fairies, nymphs, sprites, ogres, and dolls that walk and talk. I couldn‘t quite figure out what a pedrasi was but I didn‘t really care. I enjoyed it anyway.

“History is public. Memory is private.” While Ms. Foer‘s parents chose to keep their memories private, fortunately for us she chose to share the memories she uncovered and to keep these stories alive.

Read my full review at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ReadingisMyPassion

Fast paced. Suspenseful. Great twists & turns. Manipulation. Alternating POVs well written so I had no problem with the shifts. I was really enjoying it until the ending. The VERY abrupt ending. It felt like being in a speeding car that suddenly slams into a brick wall. I am not sure a novella can properly carry off a psychological thriller. The limited page count prevented the story from completely playing out.

I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of the landscape. However, I was completely left cold by the aggressiveness of Jake. I did not like that it was okay for him to grope Abby. I also did not like that even though she protested she let him grope her. This just ruined the entire book for me.

Sajjad Sattari has written a unique book on the importance of personal hygiene in children‘s lives. It also helps them understand the negative consequences of being lazy.

Easy to understand and beautifully illustrated this is a book that will delight children. It is probably best suited as a book to be read to children as each page has a high word count. Fun and educational.

Mitzy Moon and all the characters you fell in love with in the first book are back. While Mitzy appears tough on the outside, inside she is sweet and generous. But dead bodies sure seem to find her. This time she is out on a walk with Pyewacket when she stumbles across a body that turns out to be Odell‘s brother. With each book Mitzy, under the tutelage of her attorney Silas, becomes more aware of her paranormal gifts and how to control them.

This beautifully written novel of the horrendous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911 is Friedman‘s debut in historical fiction. I certainly hope she will write more books in this genre.

See my full review at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ReadingisMyPassion/

This is a heartbreaking, yet heartwarming and oftentimes humorous story.
Read my full review at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ReadingisMyPassion/

This graphic novel was a delightful read – informative, served up with a side of humor. If you have wondered what dating is like in the Muslim world this book is for you. The illustrations throughout the book are really cute.

Terrifying – suspenseful – chilling – The story drew me in and before I knew it I couldn‘t put it down. The plan for achieving Armageddon is far too plausible for comfort. It kept me on the edge of my seat. A real page-turner.

Marco Rafalà paints a masterpiece with words.
This multi-generational story is artfully woven through with the background of the families and descriptions of the Sicilian landscape, the traditional foods and rich culture, and old-world religion. I highly recommend this book and suspect the characters will linger in your memories for some time.

Fun. Delightful. Charming. Lots of great one-liners. This is the first book in a new series and I am hooked already.

Jan Moran never fails to delight me. I know when I pick up one of her books I am about to take a journey with some intelligent, strong, very likeable women. The friendships and family bonds in her books are something I look forward to.

The Nocturnals books are part of the Grow & Read Early Reader Program published by Fabled Films Press. “The Tasty Treat” focuses on the themes of friendship, sharing, and problem solving.

The Nocturnals books are part of the Grow & Read Early Reader Program published by Fabled Films Press. “The Kooky Kinkajou” focuses on the themes of friendship, imagination, and accepting new ideas.

O-M-G!! Patricia V. Davis pulled out all the stops for this book. It is AMAZING!!! PHENOMENAL!!!

Beautiful descriptions of Ireland but I didn‘t buy the love story. Read my full review at Facebook.com/groups/ReadingisMyPassion.

The first and second parts of the book were intense. With compassion and empathy Milligan expertly spelled out the impact the mother had upon her son and the consequences of religious fanaticism. The third part of the book left me wanting so much more.

A hauntingly realistic story relevant to today‘s social environment. I highly recommend it.

The book is extremely well written – but, it just did not grab me. With each chapter changing to a different character I could not find that connection with any one of them that I need to really enjoy a book. I am also not overly interested in this period of history. I was hoping the book would generate an interest within me but it did not.

I have been a fan of Naomi Ragen‘s books for many years. I loved all of her earlier books, until around 2010. The three books after that date I did not care for. But I still am a fan and am thrilled to report that I LOVED “An Unorthodox Match”. This is a beautiful story of faith, love, forgiveness, second chances, and acceptance.

Terrorism, antiquities, power, goddesses, brutality, corruption, revenge…survival is uncertain. I found myself holding my breath, awaiting the outcome.

This book is adorable in every way. The story was cute. The illustrations beautiful. Winston is the cutest little boy. Mac the dog is charming. My favorite was the beautiful cat who sat quietly on several of the pages. This book needs to be in every child‘s hands.

I do not think I have the words to truly express what an extraordinary book this is. I enjoyed THE TATOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ so, of course, wanted to know Cilka‘s story. However, this book can easily be read without first reading THE TATOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ. I was totally enthralled and found it extremely difficult to put the book down. This is a story I will not forget.