Book Review # 11: Rules of Murder by Julianna Deering

Disclaimer: No, this book is not a guideline on how to get away with murder!

Rules of Murder, Drew Farthering Series #1 by Julianna Deering

This week I'm going to be reviewing a book that I am half way finished with. I find it appropriate for this type of book in particular because I won't be able to give away all the mystery and intrigue in my review, plus the most important element: WHO DID IT?

There are a few components that set this book apart from other books I mostly read of Christian genre. One, it's told from Drew Farthering's - who is a male - perspective (not in first person), but the author focuses in on Drew's character mostly for the reader. Two, it has murder (actually quite a lot of it to be honest), and three romance is not the most important selling point for this book.

I think if you like the show Castle on ABC you will like this book. Actually,  I imagine Drew as Castle, but that's just my personal take. By the end of chapter four there are already two deaths, and before the reader gets to chapter 10 Drew uncovers a shocking discover about himself. This book has it all.

Drew loves a good mystery, and when he finds it on the grounds of his estate he with the help of his best friend Nick Dennison, an avid mystery reader, and Madeline Parker, a whip-smart American staying as a quest, embark on an adventure to try and solve the mystery using the methods of their favorite novels.

Now the game has began and the trio have to fight to remain one step ahead of the killer, while overall deciding how far to take this game.

I give this book a four bookshelves out of five as of now and it will probably stay that way once I finish! Looking forward to finishing this novel and seeing what else Deering has in store for her readers!

[Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."]

Links to get a Copy: 

Amazon 

ChristianBook 

Barnes and Noble  

For His Kingdom, 

Taylor Reid 

Rubies and Gold

It's a great summer to be a kindle owner! Amazon has had a summer blow-out sale which I have taken full advantage of! *wink wink*

I found a fantastic new author who is simply splendid! Her name is Tessa Afshar and her books had me hooked for days! I was blown away by her talent, characters, plot line and also her real life story! Tessa Afshar hit a high note and it was a beautiful symphony to my ears. 

Her first book Harvest of Rubies (Harvest #1) is was currently FREE on Amazon. How can anyone argue with that? FREE MY FELLOW READERS! Who knows for how long? I personally would have paid 9.99 (the typical kindle reader book price) for this book. Afshar is reaching a multitude of people by making this free and for that she is spreading the word and also a insight to the Jewish faith in Greece before the birth of Christ. I admire Afshar for doing that, and I am so grateful to her because as a penny pinching college student a FREE book that is off the chain amazing makes me want to cry tears of joy.

The book surrounds around the prophet Nehemiah's cousin- who can speak numerous languages, keep complex accounts, write on rolls of parchment and tablets of clay and solve great mysteries. There is only one problem: she is a woman.

After experiencing the death of her mother in her early childhood years and her father's emotional distance Sarah has come to two conclusions: that God does not care about her, and that her accomplishments are the measure of her worth - the measure of her self.

In my own life I have battled with the same thought. Believing that what I am able to do physically counts for my being when in truth that is polar opposite to what God has in mind. I like books that have an approachable and relateable topic that the main character goes through. It's really nice to see how authors use this for their character's development throughout the rest of the novel. 

Sarah, becomes a talented scribe and thanks to her connection to her cousin Nehemiah is put at the center of the Persian court. She spends countless hours of her life there, rubbing elbows with royalty, and solving intrigues for the Queen. Sarah gives all of herself to this job and it causes her stress and ailment which I for one can relate too! It almost seems fit (ironically of course) that it isn't failure but success that causes Sarah to lose her only source of external validation.  

The Queen releases Sarah from her job as scribe to her husband's cousin, Darius, as his wife. Through this marriage Sarah begins to learn that she has something of worth to offer beyond her ability with languages and sums and her very being proves to be a blessing to her husband who likes to think the worst of Sarah.


Sarah and Darius' story just beings in Harvest of Rubies ($1.99) and is continued in Harvest of Gold.  
 

This book is on sale for $2.99 on kindle and I seriously suggest you buy this as well when you get the first one for free. Paying under five dollars for two well written books is a great deal if you ask me! 

This book takes off where the first one stopped, Sarah and Darius are working through the marriage they were made to have. Sarah has started to take on the role of being a wife of a Persian aristocrat and by spending more time with her husband she has come to love him. Sarah has wealth, honor, and power, but receiving her husband's love seems unattainable.   

In this sequel, the author gives her readers a glimpse into how Darius became who he is. His mother was an Israelite, and his father sent him away when he was seven for training (as did every Persian father). Darius throughout the book struggles with the idea if Sarah was the right choice, and her involvement with her cousin Nehemiah - who wants to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem - makes it more difficult for Darius. 

The couple are ordered to assist Nehemiah, thus, the journey to the homeland of his mother's people begins. The journey is filled with danger, conflict, and surprising memories that the couple need to work together and with God to overcome. The ultimate question is will all that Darius experiences with Sarah and by himself help him see the hand of God at work in his life- and even in his marriage?

Overall, this book was great. Full of heartbreak, healing and eye opening. I'm not entirely sure but I'm betting that Afshar is not through with Sarah and Darius and a few other characters that seem to still have some stories that need to be told.

For His Kingdom,
Taylor Reid 

Book Review #10: Dragonwitch by Anne E. Stengl

 

It was surreal when I finally received this book. Mainly, because this is the the tenth book that Bethany House Publishers has sent to me for a review. Tenth book! This book proved to be bittersweet in the end though because it turned out to be one of the most challenging books I have ever received. 

This is why I haven't been blogging as routinely because this book was a constant battle for me to read. Which was really bizarre.

Dragonwitch by Anne Elisabeth Stengl is a novel that fans of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy would enjoy. This novel is the fifth of Stengl's Tales of Goldstone Wood Saga.

I previously have read the first of this saga, but not the other three. This novel in itself is set apart from novels associated with current Christian fiction. It's full of fantasy, intricate myths and plot. I want to stress that there is a lot to this book. So much in fact that for me the first couple of chapters left a burden to re-read and re-read so I wouldn't be lost throughout the entire rest of the story. I really wanted to give this book the attention it deserved. 

Sadly, this is not one of my favorites. I really really wanted to enjoy this book but it just didn't work. There almost seemed to be so much going on that I couldn't keep up. It may be due to my lack of a laid back summer so maybe one day in the future I can return to these characters and appreciate them the way they deserve to be. Still, nonetheless, I want to be honest and say that this book just didn't fit the bill for my liking.

Rating: 3 out of 5 bookshelves

If you are a fan of Tolkien I suggest picking it up, if you are not so much a fan (like me) it might be a little harder to read through for enjoyment. Or if you also are looking to challenge yourself in reading new types of Christian fiction I think this would be a good place to start as well. You should probably start with book 1 and go from there. :)

[Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."]

Link to purchase: 

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

For His Kingdom, 

Taylor Reid

Riding along with the dog days

Ah, finally summer school is over~ Let my real summer commence~

Today, is first day of what is known as the dog days of summer. I napped in celebration.

My finals are done which woohoo I passed with good grades! Yippee~! Now, I have about 5 weeks of reading, working, rehearsals for the amazing musical I am in and running until college starts up again, and then the application transfer process will begin. Life is going good. [So far, by the way that was a long sentence -.- ]

It's Thursday which is my usual Cup of Tea segment. I'm currently reading Dragonwitch by Anne Elisabeth Stengl and already it's getting good! Can't wait to really get into it and share with you my thoughts. 

On with my 7th Cup of Tea~ *sings in sing-song voice* Nanananannannanananaaaaa!!!!!

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen 

Sarah Dessen is one of those authors that knows her audience well. I read this book when I was a junior in high school. I remember deliberately not doing my homework so I could finish reading. I even got this book from the school library when I was on a ban from the local library for fees ^_^' which I paid!!

This is a little older book which to be honest I am so surprised hasn't been made into a movie yet! It was published in the summer of 2009 in the US and I know it's popular because it's one of her books that is always on shelves when I stalk over to the book section of every store I visit.

The book centers around Auden, who ever since her parents' divorce, can't remember the last time she slept a full night. She embarks on spending a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in a quaint little beach town where they live. 

From what I remember when reading this I really liked Auden. She wasn't brooding but she was a little off when it came to having developed relationships with other people, and it was these little pieces of her that made her likable. Throughout the story, she acquires a job at a clothing boutique where she is introduced to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, and their crushes.

Auden was the girl that missed out on all of that because she was too busy being the perfect daughter for her mother. I related a lot to Auden at that time in my life because I was working a 4-9 job 4 days a week and by being busy as trying to be the "perfect daughter" time flies by and reality hits you hard. Auden ultimately goes head on with this in her life and I loved that about her!

Then enter in Eli, an intriguing handsome loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes Auden's guide to the nocturnal world of the town. I loved this connection that Eli and Auden had. In this world sleep is a present especially if you're haunted by your past or impeding future. Eli and Auden became a shoulder to lean on for each other. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience a carefree teenage life; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.

Dessen explores the hearts of two lonely people learning to connect to the world around them. I really enjoyed just about everything about this book. The supporting characters were just as meaningful and the turn around for Auden and Eli was inspiring.

This is a book showing new beginnings are possible. Breathtaking and exhilarating!

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 bookshelves 

Along for the Ride has to be my favorite Sarah Dessen novel. What is your favorite Dessen novel fellow readers? I am curious ; )

For His Kingdom,
Taylor Reid

My 6th Cup of Tea and the Name of the Flavor is Dumb

A few days ago I looked at my bookcase wondering if I should start a new book since I just finished one. I have a problem. I finish a book and I have books I haven't read yet, but I go searching for more books. What is WRONG WITH ME? I would like to defend myself and say sometimes authors have daily deals and it is only a deal for ONE DAY! ONE DAY! I have gotten some seriously rad deals that knocks my socks into the next week, so I guess in a way my problem is a solution to my wallet. ;)

I'm in a crunch for time this week too. Give me a "F" Give me an "I" Give me a "N" Give me an "A" Give me an "L" Give me an "S" WHAT DOES THAT SPELL? FINALS! I loath finals and I love finals. Finals promise hardships, no sleep, and stress, but they also promise the victory of finishing a class~

As I was saying before I was looking at my bookcase and I just had to go by C.S.Lewis: 

"It is a good rule after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between." 

I quote C.S.Lewis as if I'm pals with him. I just really admire him and it's great to have quotes that literally sum up my life. 

If you can't tell I re-read a favorite! May I present:

Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John 

You will never regret reading this book! It's da bomb! 

Not only is it written by a guy in the voice of deaf teenage girl, but it is loaded with life. I don't know how books can be loaded with life but this book seriously feels alive when I read it. The struggles, the emotion, the love, it's there and its like a beating heart running a race of a lifetime. 

This book will captivate you! Seriously, you might even want to dye your hair pink! It centers around Piper, a deaf high school student who finds herself as the manager of a band named Dumb. She has exactly one month to get them a paying gig that will keep her the position or the band gets rid of her. 

If her life wasn't already challenging, Piper has to deal with the fact that her baby sister, who was born deaf, will be getting an implant that that will help her to hear. Piper loves her sister, but feels if not a little jaded she wasn't given the same oppourtunity. She also feels singled out in the family...oh gosh the part where she confronts her parents on her feelings had me pacing in a circle. It was so intense. 

Both of her parents are hearing and so is her younger brother by 3 years. Her brother is just so loving. He learned ASL so he could communicate with Piper, and he helps Piper on the side with the band. Still, Piper needs to find a way to manage one egomaniacal pretty boy, one talentless piece of eye candy, one crush (who is also adorable by the way), one silent rocker, and one angry girl.

Add on the fact that Piper can't hear Dumb's music, but with the growth of self-confidence, and a budding romance (spoiler: he is the drummer).

Through all of this Piper discovers her own inner rock star and what it truly means to be a flavor of Dumb. 

This book is the spirit animal of finding yourself and accepting the battles life gives you! There is also added rock n' roll history like the home of a real life famous rock n' roll. I'll keep the identity a secret ;) 

The growth of every individual of this novel is astounding. Everyone is different from their original self in some aspect by the end and the character development is spot on. 

This book beats. The cover itself just screams, "Just go ahead and try and mess with me." If this became a movie, I would pre-order a ticket, or try and be in it! Read this peeps~ Have a rocking summer! 

GOODNIGHT BLOGGERS

For His Kingdom, 
Taylor Reid

And the Clock Struck Midnight

Currently, as I am writing this post it is 12:33am. I'm watching Korean dramas while waiting for my laundry to finish.

It's a surreal feeling to know that there is only 8 more days of summer school which means more free time to read books?!!?

Most of the reviews on my blog are mainly Christian fiction based. This led me to want to showcase a lil' something something that wasn't by a Christian author, but still a great read!

A couple of months ago I was scrounging through the Young Adult fiction section at Barnes and Noble. The vast amounts of  'dark themed' books that line up the shelves was massive.

Don't get me wrong I love fantasy books. I find fantasy novels to be one of my favorite type of book to read. The detail and creative process behind most of those books seem more difficult to get on paper. Still, I don't like to read the dark stuff.

I came across a wonderful author named Marissa Meyer. She is such an inspiration I feel for aspiring authors. She started writing fiction on a website named fanfiction-- a little website dedicated to letting the new and experimenting authors plus the experienced and matured to write to their hearts content.

Marissa Meyer created a fairytale based series that takes classic fairy tales that many have grown up with, but with peculiar spins!

Hence, The Lunar Chronicles, was published. I bought it on a whim from Amazon and am so happy that I did!

The first book is called: Cinder. (The 2nd Scarlet is out as well!)

Yes, Cinder, as in Cinderella people! Basically, Cinder is a cyborg and there is a prince and crazy crazy crazy plot development that I can't get over it!

The romance is there, but what is so spectacular about Cinder is how powerful she on her own.

Prince Kai is a major keeper! *hugs*

That's all I have for now. Just a late post~

Happy summer reading~!

For His Kingdom,
Taylor Reid

                       

Watch the trailer for another look into this fresh new series~ 

5th Cup of Tea~ How do Americans brew their tea?

SPECIAL SEGMENT OF Cup of Tea Thursdays                                                                        “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”             ― C.S. Lewis

Today is the 4th of July here in America, and because I live in America it would be wrong to showcase a picture of fireworks on my blog today. I love fireworks so preeeeeeeeety!

This is a special segment because yes it is the 4th of July so my book will be a book during this time era, plus, it's called a cup of tea and all I can think of is the joke:
 - How do Americans brew their tea?
- They throw it in the harbor!

I am sort of a history nerd so that joke is just fabulous! As an American I didn't do much today. The most patriotic activity I participated in was eating apple pie and listening to "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus. Good job Taylor. I'm sure all of the forefathers had this exactly in mind when they fought for independence. It's a 110 outside where I live and I don't want to burn, plus, I have homework (an essay no less) so I'm assuming my ancestors will understand.

Surrender the Heart by MaryLu Tyndall 

This book takes place during the War of 1812. I know that Independence Day happened in 1776, but still I decided to choose this book because it illustrates the rich past of American history.

The reader is able to relive this era through the eyes of Marianne Denton and Noah Brenin, who both aim to please their families but neither one wishes to marry the other.

Noah is determined to get his cargo to England before war breaks out, and Marianne is equally determined to have a wedding so that her inheritance can be unlocked and her destitute family saved. When their stubborn games get them captured by a British warship, can they escape and bring liberty to their country—and growing love?

This book was simply spectacular. I loved the growth of love and trust between Noah and Marianne. Another amazing factor to this book was the additional background characters who were just as rich and loveable as the main characters. Especially the British characters. This is a the first of a 3 book series which I have yet to finish.

RATING: 5 out of 5 bookshelves.

Currently Reading: Yesterday, I went to the library and finally got my hands on Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I can't wait to dig into this book. :)
What are you reading this summer?

I wish everyone a fantastic 4th of July wherever you are! May it be full of watermelons, vanilla ice cream and apple pie!

For His Kingdom,
Taylor Reid