Articles

Aug 05 2015

Book Review: Racing the Sun (Where Sea Meets Sky, #2) by Karina Halle

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

racing-the-sun-9781476796444_hr 

RACING THE SUN
Karina Halle
On Sale July 28th!

 

From the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of Where Sea Meets Sky comes a new adult novel about a young woman who becomes a nanny in Capri and falls for her charges’ bad-boy brother.
When I’m traveling, I feel like the secret to my life, to myself, to really becoming, is one step ahead. It’s in thenext destination, the next town I get lost in, the next stranger I talk to. It’s always next but never here . . . 
After six months of backpacking and soul-searching across the world, Amber MacLean is flat broke. There are worse places for a twentysomething to be stuck than the Amalfi Coast, but the only way she can earn enough money for a plane ticket home to California is to teach English to two of the brattiest children she has ever met.
It doesn’t help that the children are under the care of their brooding older brother, ex-motorcycle racer Desiderio Larosa. Darkly handsome and oh-so-mysterious, the young master of the crumbling villa tests Amber’s patience and will at every turn—not to mention her hormones.
When her position turns into a full-time nanny gig, Amber grows dangerously closer to the enigmatic recluse. But can she give up the certainty of home for someone whose closely guarded heart feels a world apart from her own?

 

62435-addtogoodreads

 

Book Review

 

*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

 

Wow, Racing the Sun is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. I fell in love and I fell hard. I was hooked from the very first page and I didn’t even realize how quickly I went through the book until I glanced at my kindle and realized I was 91% in. I still have no idea how that happened. I mean I dove in hard and nothing else around me existed, but a part of me still grew sad knowing the story was so close to the end. I loved every complicated bit of this story. The romance is that once in a lifetime love that leaves you swooning and hoping for a HEA. I felt every heartbreak and every joy. The accomplishments each character experience make you connect with them in a unique way and you begin to feel as though you are experiencing their growth with them. Karina Halle’s expressive writing draws you in and brings this story to life in a way that made it so real, it was heartbreaking at times, alluring and it will definitely leave you with a bit of wanderlust.

 

The story is beautiful and there are so many different layers. It is a love story where you begin to fall in love with not only the romantic aspect of the story, but also with each characters growth, the travelers discoveries, their woes, but every complication creates a perfect story that leaves you in awe. I felt every word and the descriptive elements made me feel as though I was in a foreign city experiencing every new revelation with them. I sat and read and could feel and see clearly even the tiniest of details.

 

Racing the Sun tells the story of Amber MacLean who finds herself broke after months of travel. She secures a job as an English tutor for two children, but the families complicated story leaves her wondering if she’s cut out for the job. Amber buckles down and rises to the challenge, but when she begins to take on more responsibility and finds herself growing fonder of the brooding older brother Derio, things get beyond complicated. She’s falling, but Amber’s heart is not the only one that remains guarded. Their time together draws them closer allowing each of them to slowly open up, but will the past haunt them or will this be nothing more than another stop on Amber’s world tour?

 

Beautifully romantic, exotic and complex Racing the Sun will leave your heart racing and keep you utterly mesmerized. You’ll fall hard for Derio, Amber will amaze you and you’ll love every minute of it. I’m already counting down the days until Karina Halle’s next release! 5+ exceptional stars for an extraordinary book! This is a must read!

Happy Reading Lovelies xo 

47664_RacingtheSun_QuoteCards_D_for bloggers

RACING THE SUN by Karina Halle

Atria Books | July 28, 2015 | Paperback ISBN 9781476796444, $15 | eBook ISBN 9781476796482, $7.99 | 384 pages

 

Learn more at S&S.com

 

Get Your Copy!

Amazon Kindle   |   Barnes & Noble   |   Blio   |   Books-a-Million   |   GooglePlay   |   iBooks   |   Kobo

 

 

478998897_hr

ABOUT KARINA HALLE

Karina Halle is the New York Times bestselling author of Where Sea Meets Sky, The Pact, Love in English, and other wild and romantic reads. A former travel writer and music journalist, she lives on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband and her rescue pup, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails, and devours a lot of books.

 

Find Karina Online
Twitter   |   Instagram   |   Facebook   |   Website

 

 

GIVEAWAY – Enter to Win!
Atria Indie Authors and Karina Halle are giving away: 
(1) grand prize of a $50 AMEX Gift Card + 1 signed copy of RACING THE SUN and 1 copy of WHERE SEA MEETS SKY….PLUS: (6) Runner Up Prizes of 1 signed copy of RACING THE SUN.
Enter to win at: http://gvwy.io/ok5i5nc

 

47664_RacingtheSun_QuoteCards_A_for bloggers

 

Feb 01 2014

February BOTM

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

8165Y22bNlL

“Repressive societies always seemed to understand the danger of ‘wrong’ ideas.”
― Octavia E. Butler, Kindred

In honor of Black History month my February pick is Kindred by Octavia Butler. It is an amazing book that I read many years ago. It is powerful in its message and likely one of the most profound books I’ve read to date. I believe everyone can benefit from reading a book like this. 

February Book of the Month Synopsis 

Dana, a modern black woman, is celebrating her twenty-sixth birthday with her new husband when she is snatched abruptly from her home in California and transported to the antebellum South. Rufus, the white son of a plantation owner, is drowning, and Dana has been summoned to save him. Dana is drawn back repeatedly through time to the slave quarters, and each time the stay grows longer, more arduous, and more dangerous until it is uncertain whether or not Dana’s life will end, long before it has a chance to begin.

62435-addtogoodreads

 

About Octavia Butler 

Octavia Estelle Butler was an American science fiction writer, one of the best-known among the few African-American women in the field. She won both Hugo and Nebula awards. In 1995, she became the first science fiction writer to receive the MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Grant.  
Website  |  Goodreads   
Nov 06 2013

Impossibly Love Book Review & Giveaway

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

impossiblyloveEbook

Synopsis

All Moya Douglas wants to do is study hard, maintain her scholarship, and make her mother proud while attending college. She doesn’t have time for a boyfriend or going on dates arranged by her best friend. Moya doesn’t believe in love. And she has no intention of ever finding it. 

Branden McCarthy is determined to change her views.
A selfless romantic who’s had his heart broken in the past, Branden is fascinated with Moya’s personality and hopes to develop something real with her—a connection so strong it’ll open her heart. But just when things start to work between the two, Branden’s secret threatens to get in the way.

Will Moya finally do the impossible and give love a chance with Branden, or will fear keep them apart?

add-to-goodreads-button3

Review

Just in case I haven’t mentioned it before…I adore this book cover…and the book! 

Where do I begin? This book is something I read and felt as though I knew the characters personally. It is a sweet and well nurtured romance, but it is definitely more clean than most new adult romances. However, this does not take away from the story. It focuses more on the emotional side of a romance than the sexual and I really enjoyed the book just the same.

Initially, you will feel that Moya is a really angry person, but you don’t know exactly why. Her experiences and disappointments have left her bitter and unwilling to attempt dating. She’s headstrong, beautiful and unwilling to commit to anyone. She’s decided it’s best to stay away for any and all men. She pushes away anyone that tries to get close to her and refuses to date…until Branden.

Branden is completely taken by Moya and he doesn’t know why. He feels a sort of pull to her and wants more than anything for her to open up to him. He tries to gain her attention and refuses to give up until she agrees to a date. Moya fights her growing feelings for him, but eventually he wears her down and she begins to show bits and pieces of a kinder, gentler Moya. The real Moya who has been hurt and is looking for someone who won’t leave. I loved that things weren’t simple for these two. Branden stole my heart. The problem is…Branden has a secret, one that could hurt an already deeply scarred Moya. He’s determined never to hurt her, but he cares so deeply for her it’s tearing him apart. He’s unsure if exposing his secret will ruin everything they’ve tried to build. Slowly he finds the hardest decision he may ever make is having to let her go. How can he keep her in his life when he isn’t sure what direction his will take? 

The best part of this read is watching these two fall…and hard. I loved that we got dual perspectives. It’s always nice to get a glimpse into the minds of multiple characters. These two went through a lot and the book leaves you rooting for their happy ever after. 

I have to say one of my favorite characters in the book aside from Moya and Branden is Nessa, Moya’s best friend. She is one of those characters that everyone can laugh at and say I have a friend just like her. She made some moments pretty funny, but she also upset me a few time in the book, BUT you can tell she truly loves Moya and just wants her to be happy. This book takes not only Moya, but also Branden, on a journey of love and self awareness/discovery. I really loved reading their story and I can’t wait for more! 

I found this to be a quick read for me. The book left me completely satisfied, but the teaser for book two left my jaw open. Shane, you left me hanging!  I am eager to get my hands on book two.  I was happy to both beta read and tour this book it is a great read and I can’t wait for part two of Branden and Moya’s story! I highly recommend this read to all my New Adult/romance fans. 

*This book was provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

Buy Impossibly Love Now

buylinkamazon

 

About the writer:
Shane Morgan’s love for writing started the moment she picked up a Nancy Drew book. At a young age, she began writing short stories, delving into a variety of genres: from comedy and drama, to horror and contemporary romance. Shane’s quite intrigued by the otherworldly or things otherwise deemed “impossible.” Well, in her opinion, people never really grow up, do they?

WordPress  |  Goodreads 

 

Rafflecopter Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Sep 04 2013

A Missing Peace Blog Tour, Review/Favorite Quotes & Giveaway

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 2 Comments

0913 Missing Peace_500

Synopsis 

A turbulent, emotionally charged YA novel that breaks down barriers and challenges the status quo…
Angry, seventeen-year-old Iraqi war refugee Mirriam Yohanna hates her new life in Killeen, Texas, where the main attraction is a military base, populated with spoiled army brats like Caleb Miller.
Caleb has much to be angry about too, including Mirriam who turns him down flat in front of everyone. Eager for retribution, Caleb agrees to a dare that will see him take Mirriam to the prom and regain his pride.
But their relationship soon moves beyond high school antics. Mirriam and Caleb are bound together by more than location, and as they are forced to work closely together on a school assignment, they start to uncover an explosive story that has the potential to ruin lives — and both of their futures. One single truth changes everything and strengthens their bond.
When Mirriam’s family discovers their relationship, they decide it’s time to arrange her marriage to a proper Iraqi man. Caleb must convince Mirriam that he is in it for forever — or risk losing her for good. 

62435-addtogoodreads

Review
This was one of the best books I’ve read all summer in fact I think it may be one of the best books I’ve read this year. This book is considered Young Adult but I feel it caters to anyone who is politically minded, interested in current events or someone who generally enjoys a forbidden romance. I highly recommend this book to all readers. 


The truest statement I’ve ever read in a synopsis –
“A turbulent, emotionally charged YA novel that breaks down barriers and challenges the status quo…”
That description absolutely nails this book!
Let’s start with my own summary
Mirriam Yohanna an Iraqi refugee comes to Killeen, TX – a military town. Mirriam harbors more baggage than the average American teenager. She intends to keep to herself until graduation when she can leave this town behind and all the small-minded people who live in it. That is her plan, until she meets Caleb Miller. Caleb is an All-American teenage dream. He’s a football player and everyone loves him. He’s also an army brat…in Mirriam’s opinion. They have a few run-ins that first day of school, but it isn’t until Caleb’s buddies set a bet, one that Caleb willingly agrees to take on. His goal is to get her to go to prom with him but only to recover from her blowing him off in front of his friends.
Lucky for him Mirriam walks into his Government class. He volunteers to partner up with Mirriam in order to get closer to her. The class begins and Mirriam silently listens on as her teacher speaks of Iraq in a manner that Mirriam disagrees with. She can’t stand the propaganda and speaks up causing an all out debate to ensue, leaving both Mirriam and Caleb arguing over who is right and who is wrong concerning the war. Caleb admits he lost his dad in Iraq and Mirriam tells the story of her father dying at the hands of an American solider. Each carry the weight of losing a beloved parent neither knowing just how much they have in common.
Why did I love this book? 
The short, easy answer is: it’s a great book. It was well written with an excellent storyline and two lovable protagonists! The political aspect intrigued me and it basically challenged the way many people think about politics, government and war. I loved that! I am a junkie when it comes to politics and government so that aspect of the story stuck with me the most. The book is romantic but it covers a wide range of serious topics, the story just fell together beautifully for me. 
Beth Fred really creates a powerful tale of two young people who are on a quest for truth and justice! Ha! That sounds like I’m discussing a comic book hero but in all seriousness this book evoked a strong sense of the human spirit overall. The ability for us to look past our differences, to coexist, even love. I felt that I personally could relate to this story so I think that also played a huge part of why I loved it so much.
I wouldn’t mind a sequel…K, thanks Beth haha 😉
Favorite Quotes  
I tried to choose a few of my favorite quotes that wouldn’t give too much of the storyline away. I feel this is a book everyone needs to read and interpret in their own way and I felt it was important to keep certain aspects of this review spoiler free.

“We’re there to keep terrorists from doing things like that.”
A single tear rolled down my face. In spite of this, I let out a laugh. “Except, he was shot by an American soldier.” Caleb’s mouth gaped. He rocked back in his chair and didn’t say anything else.”

 

“Sure, friends,” I said, “but it’s probably a good idea to do something that doesn’t require us to talk much.”
“Why would you say that?”
“Caleb, I call what the U.S. did to us an ‘invasion’. You call it ‘aid’, and I don’t think either one of us are changing our minds anytime soon.” 
He nodded, both defiant and sympathetic in a single motion.” 

 

“Won’t happen.”
“Try me.” 
Instead of looking for a reply, I took a huge chance. The kind of risk you could easily regret. I leaned down and pressed my lips to hers. It didn’t take long to force her lips open. She clasped one hand around each of my arms and squeezed tightly. She was kissing back. It was perfect.”

 

“She stepped out the door then turned back, grabbed my face and kissed me with an urgency she hadn’t before. 
I held onto her and pressed her body to mine until I realized she had no plans of breaking this. When her body started to curl around mine, I pulled away. “It’s going to be okay. I promise, M. I meant what I said. I won’t let anyone take you from me.” 

I could go on and on but I seriously want you all to go out and get this book. It’s worth the read!
Purchase A Missing Peace for Kindle  |  Nook  |  Paperback

 

Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

bethfred

About the Author
Meet Beth Fred! A full time ELF keeper and part time writer/blogger/writing instructor. Beth likes her tea hot, her romance sweet, and her guys chivalrous. Real men hold open doors, refer to you as ma’am, make promises they keep, and aren’t afraid to profess their undying love. It’s not breakfast if there aren’t carbs (at least, not in the South). Fajitas, carnitas, and churros are just a few of Beth’s favorite things. Bet you can’t guess where she’s from.   

Blog  |  Twitter  |  Facebook

 

Aug 11 2013

The Kitchen House Book Review

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

6837103

Synopsis

When a white servant girl violates the order of plantation society, she unleashes a tragedy that exposes the worst and best in the people she has come to call her family. Orphaned while onboard ship from Ireland, seven-year-old Lavinia arrives on the steps of a tobacco plantation where she is to live and work with the slaves of the kitchen house. Under the care of Belle, the master’s illegitimate daughter, Lavinia becomes deeply bonded to her adopted family, though she is set apart from them by her white skin.

Eventually, Lavinia is accepted into the world of the big house, where the master is absent and the mistress battles opium addiction. Lavinia finds herself perilously straddling two very different worlds. When she is forced to make a choice, loyalties are brought into question, dangerous truths are laid bare, and lives are put at risk.

add-to-goodreads-button3

My Thoughts

I read this book a few months ago and I loved it. It is  a truly timeless masterpiece. The stories of Belle and Lavinia are reminiscent of Alice Walker’s The Color Purple. Deeply moving and intense.

This was an extremely powerful book. If you’re looking for historical accuracy reign in those claws, this is a novel, and while there are many accurate details concerning slavery and indentured servitude, don’t over analyze this book. I read a few reviews that bashed the book based on its so called historical accuracy. Let’s remember, this is a work of fiction, not a history book. With that said, it is an excellent work of fiction, especially for a debut novel.

The Kitchen House does a magnificent job of exploring families and what family truly means. The story is told from both Belle, a slave, and Lavinia, an Irish indentured servant’s POV. Belle becomes “the mother figure” to Lavinia after she is brought to the plantation. It is mostly told through the naive eyes of Lavinia who doesn’t even realize who she is. She doesn’t fully comprehend slavery nor her position in this society. In fact, she doesn’t recall many moments of her youth prior to her arrival on the plantation.  With her arrival they become an unconventional family. The slaves bring Lavinia into their fold and nurture and love her as their own but Belle keeps her at an arms length still hesitant to love and care for her.

Belle, the beloved but illegitimate daughter of the Captain (The Slave Master/Plantation Owner), is in charge of the Kitchen House. The relationship between Belle and the Captain, which unbeknownst to his own wife is one of a father and daughter, but gives her cause to speculate an affair. Her father loves her fiercely and it is obvious in all his actions but his lack of communication with his wife and family regarding his close relationship with Belle is a secret that causes a domino effect for years to come.

And yes, this book does have a few romantic trysts but the story is also laced with some pretty heavy situations that may make your stomach turn.

I would’ve loved to read this book from a few different character perspectives but Belle and Lavinia were an integral part of this family and their stories were meant to be told. This is a great read. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction or cultural pieces. I rated this book 4/5 stars.

Purchase The Kitchen House for Kindle  |  Paperback
Author Links
Website  |  Goodreads  |  Facebook (The Kitchen House Fan Page)
 
Jul 24 2013

A Missing Peace Cover Reveal & Giveaway

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 4 Comments

0913 Missing Peace_500

Publisher: Escape Publishing

Synopsis:
A turbulent, emotionally charged YA novel that breaks down barriers and challenges the status quo…

Angry, seventeen-year-old Iraqi war refugee Mirriam Yohanna hates her new life in Killeen, Texas, where the main attraction is a military base, populated with spoiled army brats like Caleb Miller.

Caleb has much to be angry about too, including Mirriam who turns him down flat in front of everyone. Eager for retribution, Caleb agrees to a dare that will see him take Mirriam to the prom and regain his pride.

But their relationship soon moves beyond high school antics. Mirriam and Caleb are bound together by more than location, and as they are forced to work closely together on a school assignment, they start to uncover an explosive story that has the potential to ruin lives — and both of their futures. One single truth changes everything and strengthens their bond.

When Mirriam’s family discovers their relationship, they decide it’s time to arrange her marriage to a proper Iraqi man. Caleb must convince Mirriam that he is in it for forever — or risk losing her for good.

goodreads-badge-add-38px11_zps1ae6e47f

A Missing Peace is slated for release September 1, 2013

Giveaway:

ENTER HERE

About the Author

Meet Beth Fred! A full time ELF keeper and part time writer/blogger/writing instructor. Beth likes her tea hot, her romance sweet, and her guys chivalrous. Real men hold open doors, refer to you as ma’am, make promises they keep, and aren’t afraid to profess their undying love. It’s not breakfast if there aren’t carbs (at least, not in the South). Fajitas, carnitas, and churros are just a few of Beth’s favorite things. Bet you can’t guess where she’s from.

Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook

Itching For Books
Jul 08 2013

Girl in Translation Book Review

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

7362158

Synopsis
Introducing a fresh, exciting Chinese-American voice, an inspiring debut about an immigrant girl forced to choose between two worlds and two futures.
When Kimberly Chang and her mother emigrate from Hong Kong to Brooklyn squalor, she quickly begins a secret double life: exceptional schoolgirl during the day, Chinatown sweatshop worker in the evenings. Disguising the more difficult truths of her life like the staggering degree of her poverty, the weight of her family’s future resting on her shoulders, or her secret love for a factory boy who shares none of her talent or ambition. Kimberly learns to constantly translate not just her language but herself back and forth between the worlds she straddles.
Through Kimberly’s story, author Jean Kwok, who also emigrated from Hong Kong as a young girl, brings to the page the lives of countless immigrants who are caught between the pressure to succeed in America, their duty to their family, and their own personal desires, exposing a world that we rarely hear about. 
Written in an indelible voice that dramatizes the tensions of an immigrant girl growing up between two cultures, surrounded by a language and world only half understood, Girl in Translation is an unforgettable and classic novel of an American immigrant-a moving tale of hardship and triumph, heartbreak and love, and all that gets lost in translation.
62435-addtogoodreads
Review
I read this book a couple of months ago and I really loved it but then I was left in a state of distress. An ending to a fantastic novel that fails to meet my expectations usually ruins an entire book for me, but this book was so well written and moving that I still can’t help but rate it high on my list. While I was disappointed with the ending the book deserves notable mention as a good read. I just felt a little warning was needed especially to those who are easily disappointed by less than stellar endings.

 

The story documents the life and times of a Chinese immigrant girl Kimberly Chang and her mother who are thrust into a new life in America, namely New York City. Their lives are rough from the start. I rooted for their success throughout the book, but how far would you go to escape poverty? How much would you be willing to sacrifice?
Kimberly was an extremely selfless person who considered the future of not only herself but those who would be affected by her choices. She grew up quickly and became the one her mother depended on due to the language barrier. This explores her struggles, her accomplishments, her decisions and the outcome. Her selflessness was noble but at what cost?

 

This book is a quick read and really explores the difficulties the protagonist Kimberly and her mother face adjusting to a new culture and country. I was all in, until the last few pages and not because there wasn’t a happy ending or it wasn’t necessarily a love story but it really was anticlimactic. I was disappointed, to say the least, but I really thought over how affected I was by the story as a whole and in retrospect, it was well written.

 

Jean Kwok paints a vivid picture of life as an Asian American immigrant. She adequately describes the struggles many immigrants face entering a new country and essentially a new way of life. It shows not only the American experience but the struggle to achieve the American dream. This book is definitely worth a read but I’m giving you fair warning you may or may not love the ending. I’d love to know your thoughts on this book so comment, email, tweet, facebook, smoke signal, whatever  ℓσℓ

buylinkamazon

 

%d bloggers like this: