Dance for a Dead Princess by Deborah Hawkins - Review
Dance for A Dead Princess by Deborah Hawkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What did you think about the setting of the book? Burnham was the perfect place for a story like this. Its dark past and current suspicious circumstances provide readers with twists and turns that keep you guessing about the outcome for the characters. This was a wonderful book filled with harrowing experiences and exciting surprises.
Who were the characters that stood out in the book? (may include spoiler) Nicholas Carey was the Duke Of Burham. and the second richest man in England. His wife fell and died at Burnham abbey. He also had a ward named Lucy who was in a boarding school but was expelled. Because of his previous experiences at Burnham, he wanted to sell the place. Taylor was a law partner and she was overseeing the sale of Burnham which is when things get really interesting. There was a secret tape made by Princess Diana before her death and in a last minute attempt to keep more secrets from surfacing, Betty was going to kill the Nicholas & Taylor
What was the mystery was and how it was solved? The mystery was the history of two women’s deaths. There were journals which told the real story but these were not discovered until Burnham was being sold and then it is revelation after revelation. Highly recommended.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
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Boundless
Did the plot pull you in or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the book? The plot wasn't as strong the two central characters, Ray and Duncan. It was their actions and words that pulled me into the book and no, I definitely did not feel forced to read the book. How realistic was the characterization? Not everyone has the luxury to drop and run off on a road trip without knowing where they are going to end up so this part wasn't really realistic. However, where the two central characters are concerned, I felt that the road trip wasn't about ending somewhere but more importantly it was for the two guys to learn the strength of their relationship and become aware of their abilities without depending on each other.
Did you feel you were experiencing the time and place in which the book was set? Yes, and in addition to being able to experience the settings the author was referring to, the novel was a meaningful read which will definitely have a lasting impact on me.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
Family Magic: 1
What did you think of the ending? Most series rush to an ending where you'll have to reread at least some of the book to make sure you got the open ending right. This book was different. The ending was good and although it was open ended in some ways, leaving room for the next book, most characters and issues were concluded without any questions. What did you think of the story structure? Some parts of the story dragged for me. Even as the emotions and settings changed, it took me till at least quarter of the book to be drawn into the story. I would love to know what inspired the idea of Sassafras.
Is the overall POV consistent? I've read quite a few YA books that switch POV and then forget to switch them back so it becomes confusing and leaves the reader clueless. Patti Larsen did an excellent job making sure her characters' voices were not overshadowed by hers.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
Dear Adam
What were the main relationships explored in this book? Everything about this book reminded me about the MTV show, Catfish. Do you really know who you are talking to? The book explores the notion of meeting an unknown person online and then developing a strong emotional relationship with this person. How much of it is true, is a different story. What I liked about the book … Zavora's writing style is light and entertaining. Many sections of the book was as if the reader is spying on two people falling in love. Fascinating for some, prying for others. This book will leave you with mixed feelings.
Favorite character(s) … I preferred Adam to Eden. He was more cautious about what he wanted her to know. He opened up in parts while she was an open book from the beginning and makes you lose interest, a little bit.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
Tainted Waters
Consider the ending. Did you expect it or were you surprised? To me, it was a surprise ending. The author used the characters to prevent you from figuring out the ending. Very crafty and I liked it. Is the plot well-developed?
The plot is well developed and believable. The characters felt like old friends who were relating an incident that had happened to them.
Who in this book would you most like to meet?
Keegan. I liked him more than I liked Sam. He seemed to be the stronger one who was more focused on what they were doing and the answer they were seeking.
Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
White Chalk
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? The introduction. Pavarti Tyler offers hints about how bad Chelle's life is and nothing prepares you for what is to come so when it does hit you, it breaks open like a dam, and this reader was sitting thinking, oh wow.Why would you recommend or not recommend this book? I will definitely recommend this book and it is extremely well presented but some people also get offended easily. So if you are one of those who are sensitive about "how things are SUPPOSED to be" then this book isn't for you. But if you want a slice of truth with a lot of raw emotions and a book that will make you think, this is one of the best books I've read in 2013.
Did the book description relate to the story? Yes, it doesn't prepare you for the surprises in the story but of course that is the author's intention.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Gabriela and The Widow
Describe 2 different settings or locations. Lots of bodies laying on the ground. Rotted flesh, still attached to the bones. Rancid smell of rotting flesh. The toad shop - Giant toad skins hanging on the wall. Still bloody with a small like infection from a deep wound. Purses were made from the toads, with eyes still intact.
What I liked. I liked the entire book. The prose was captivating and the way it floated in and out with a little Spanish, it made me think of Penelope Cruz playing Gabby.
What kind of book is this? Fiction - Gabby became LaViuda. All the visions Gabby got from LaViuda. The toad shop. It is also a very emotional read filled with revenge, sadness, myth and legend.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Evergreen (A Serial Killer Thriller)
Book end like expected? Didn't expect the ending at all. I must admit the entire build up from start to end was a thrilling ride. List of facts? 8 children and 1 adult were murdered. Patrick's father was poisoned, then murdered.
Patrick's mom was the murderer. Seamus helped the killer. Evergreen was the name of the community.
Patrick's mom was forced to leave. Patrick was raised by Aiden. Aiden killed Patrick's father. The Aherns burnt Evergreen to the ground, because they killed his son.
Did you find any flaws in the book? Yes, it ended and I do not have another book this chilling to replace it with to read.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
The Kings of Charleston (Volume 1)
Did this book remind you of anything that has happened to you? Not really, other than being young and having grow up pains.What did you enjoy about this book? I enjoyed this read a lot. It had mystery and kept me guessing. The characters were easy to follow.
What major emotion did the story evoke in you as a reader? It was spooky, wondering what in the world was going on in Charleston.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
The Beckoning of Beautiful Things (The Beckoning Series)
Cover. At first, looking at the cover, I thought I would be reading an erotic romance book. It is sensual and erotic especially with the jewellery on the female. After reading part of the book I realized that the cover is showing how the gems play an important part in the story.Why would you recommend or not recommend this book? I would recommend to readers who enjoy the paranormal with some romantic suspense.
Describe 2 different settings or locations. Marissa going into work and seeing Betty dressed like someone special is coming to the office. After talking with Betty she learns that Buddy (Betty’s dog) has passed and is lying in state.
Jason trying to sneak into Marissa’s house after Daniel and her placed a protection spell. I laughed so hard while reading this. I can just picture him running up to an invisible wall and slamming to a fully stop. While not realizing what is stopping him.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
The Book of Paul
What were the main relationships explored in this book? Martin - Rose - Paul -William - Michael - Striker. Of course, Paul was the central person in all of these relationships. Which characters do you particularly admire or dislike? I like Martin and Rose. Paul was despicable and sometimes it was painful to read about the things he did to others.
Did anyone in the book do something you did not like? Why? Paul did terrible things to the brothers. He was a rapist, murderer and a kidnapper. He was evil and I cannot imagine how the author was inspired to write about such a character.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Some Are Sicker Than Others
What lesson did you learn from the story?No particular lesson, I never had a desire to tried drugs.
What part would you change in the story, and why?
I wouldn't change any of it, as painful as the book seemed I think the sadness was necessary so people can understand what the situation is like for some addicts.
Consider the main character: what does he or she believe in? What is he or she willing to fight for?
He fights for nothing, but death.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
The Italian Connection 1 (Dojo Boys, #4)
Which characters do you particularly admire or dislike? Tanaka, he was on a mission to save the world. What is the time period in which the book happens? The author does not provide a year but with talk of air planes, computers, cellphones, etc… readers will assume this book is set in modern times.
Where did the story take place? A short part of the story is in Italy and Japan but the main story is in Danbury, Connecticut.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Zoo Academy Special Edition (Vol. 1-3): History, Science & Art Lessons
What did you enjoy about this book? This was a fun educational value for any kids. Kids need something fun to read and it helps to make learning fun. This book provides each. What did the title have to do with the book? Title: Zoo Academy – kids get to go to a special zoo and talk to animals. These animals are required to pass a test before they are allowed to stay at the zoo.
What have you read that is similar to this book? It has been several years but my daughter and I read several School Zone books.
What major emotion did the story evoke in you as a reader? Fun, made me remember how much fun it is to learn something new.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Refuge
If you could only save one character from the book, which one would it be and why? Charlie - He was a good man, that worked hard to make a difference.What lesson did you learn from the story? I would have done my best to teach them how to survive. Made sure each one of them knew how to find a mine and how to deactivate it.
Do you find the characters convincing? Are they believable? Compelling All characters are believable.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Cruxim: You Are Never Alone (Paranormal Fallen Angels) (Volume 1)
Content (overall theme, idea and setting). Liked the idea. It was well thought out.What did you think of the story structure? The book had to be told in chunks because the characters were so very old. So it jumped back in time to give important facts about each character. They had very colorful backgrounds that had to be described.
At the end of the book, do you feel hope for the characters? The only one really left is Adedeo. I do have hope for him, because he did find a mate. Which was a neat beginning for him sense he had lost everyone.
Is the plot well-developed? The plot is well developed and believable. I enjoyed reading this book.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.