Book Review: Gladly Beyond

Goodreads Summary

An ancient curse, fractured at the birth of three brothers.
Two strangers helplessly drawn to each other.
A love story two hundred years in the making.

Claire Raythorn arrives in Florence, Italy, shattered, alone, and anxious to rebuild her life--preferably one without men. But she soon finds herself hunted and haunted-- literally--when a mysterious stalker dressed like Mr. Darcy from BBC central casting appears in her photos. And only her photos. Who is this man? And what does his ghostly presence mean?

Dante D'Angelo simply wants to safeguard his brothers, despite the family curse that hounds his vision. But then Claire Raythorn walks into his life, untouched somehow by his curse. Soon, everything Dante thought he knew about himself starts to unravel, dragging Claire down with him.

Set against the lush backdrop of Florence, Italy--both past and present--Claire and Dante fight for a future together. But, first, they must uncover their shared past . . .

Review

You guys! This book! I never, ever wanted this book to end! If you find yourself in a reading slump or just want a really darn good book, this is the book for you! It is currently $3.99 on amazon which is a steal considering how great a book this is. And also, how pretty is that cover?! I could seriously read 1,000 more pages of this book. I can't sing this book's praises enough, if you can't tell ;). I was very pleasantly surprised when I found out that Nichole Van is writing another book in this world, focusing on another character in this book. I am so excited! 

The characters in this book are so developed and complex! I liked how the story was told in a dual pov, which helped me to really understand our two main characters, Claire and Dante. Oh Dante! I have found myself a new book boyfriend! Couple him with the setting of Italy and we have a perfect match! He is such a good leading man. A good son and brother, has a sense of humor, is romantic...sign me up! And Claire was just so realistic and smart and brave. She hasn't had the easiest life but she doesn't let that get her down. Claire and Dante together were just perfect! 

The setting was wonderful! I've always wanted to go to Italy, and reading this book made me want to go even more! I loved how the author included a map of all the locations featured in the story. Now how to get to Florence and find my own Dante...

The pacing of this novel was perfect! Not too slow and not too fast. The whole concept of this story was so fun to read. I don't want to give anything away, but the curse and the powers surrounding it were very intriguing. 

Seriously, go out and buy this book now! Or ask your local library to order it. I read this book in about a week, and I tried really hard to pace myself so I could enjoy it longer, but I just couldn't put the book down! This is definitely one of those books that I wish I could read again for the first time. 

A free copy was provided in exchange for an honest review. 

Happy Father's Day!

" 'Father' is the noblest title a man can be given. It is more than a biological role. It signifies a patriarch, a leader, an exemplar, a confidant, a teacher, a hero, a friend and, ultimately, a perfect being." -Elder Robert L. Backman

Happy Father's Day! Like with my Mother's Day post, I wanted to highlight 20 things that I love about my dad! I wish I would've had more time to upload some more pictures of just us, but the move to Florida for the summer kinda caught me off guard, so there are pictures that have my mom and sisters in them. Today he is in New York City to accept an award for the cool company he works for, but he gets back Tuesday. Yesterday we went to Hollywood Beach, about 30 minutes away and also got some ice cream from the Ben and Jerry's Scoop shop on the boardwalk. So fun but so hot and humid!! 

I love how hard a worker you are, and that you provide for your family.
I love that you are a good cook, now we just need to convince you to open that restaurant ;)
I love that you love my mom.
I love that we can watch soccer together, and cheer on Germany and Bayern Munich.
I love that you wear shirts with unique designs on them, like the one below:

He gets compliments every time he wears this shirt.
I love that we can go to concerts together and that we like a lot of the same music. Concerts with you will always be some of my favorite memories.
I love that you tell jokes, even though they can be really corny sometimes ;).
I love that you fulfill your church callings.
I love that you are a worthy Priesthood holder and set a high standard for the kind of guy I want to marry.
I love that you love history and have taught me to love it, so much so that teaching history is going to be my career :).

My sister Alli, my dad, me, Disneyland 2007
I love that you love to read and have introduced me to J.R.R. Tolkien's works.
I love watching "our" movies together, like Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, and A Hard Day's Night.
I love that you help me find solutions, even if I sometimes am too proud to be gracious about it.
I love that you take time to spend time with you daughters, individually. I sure love those daddy-daughter dates!
I love that you help me with school, like proofreading my papers.

I love that you know your family history and share stories with me.
I love that you call me Jessi, but you're the only one allowed to call me that :p
I love that if something needs to be fixed, you try to fix it.
I love that you serve others.
I love that I am lucky enough to have you as my dad!

Dad, I sure love you! The memories I have of us are some of my favorite, ever. I hope I can find and marry a guy as great as you are. Happy Father's Day!!

Book Review: Spring in Hyde Park

Goodreads Summary

From the publisher of the #1 Amazon bestselling A Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean Romance.

Join three bestselling Regency Romance authors, Jennifer Moore, G.G. Vandagriff, and Nichole Van, for three new novellas in SPRING IN HYDE PARK:

A HAPPY ACCIDENT by Jennifer Moore. Jonathan Burles father has just died, making him the new Marquess of Spencer and the most sought after bachelor in London. An unfortunate accident leads to a forced marriage to Maryann Croft, a young woman who possesses no title, and an unexpected secret. With the unstable beginning to their marriage, finding love together seems impossible.

THE DISDAINFUL DUKE by G. G. Vandagriff. Lady Saphronia Huffington has always thought of herself as plain next to the beauty of her sister, Lady Lavinia. So when her sister becomes engaged to Lord Gilbert Caldwell and Saphronia is paired for wedding events with his brother, the granite-faced Duke of Mayfield, who is known to prefer beauties, she sharpens her wit. Thus begins a lengthy sparring contest during which the Duke realizes Saphronia is anything but plain.

AN INVISIBLE HEIRESS by Nichole Van. Miss Belle Heartstone has everything money can buy—houses, servants, carriages, clothing, jewels. A husband, however, is proving much harder to, ehr . . . purchase. Colin Radcliffe, the newly minted Marquess of Blake, is in desperate need of funds—preferably of the wife-free variety. When circumstances draw the two together, Blake might be the only man able to see beyond the Belle’s outer façade, and fall in love with the woman inside. 

Review

This was such an enjoyable read! The Timeless Regency collection always makes me so happy. This collection had three novellas, and, I am happy to say all three of them were 5-star reads! I never wanted theses stories to end. 

A HAPPY ACCIDENT was excellent, but if I had to choose, this was my least favorite novella, but I still really liked it. It was just missing a certain je ne sais quoi. This story has the commonplace theme in Regency of misunderstandings, but everything is resolved in the end. 

THE DISDAINFUL DUKE was probably my favorite of the novellas, and I wanted so badly for it to be a full length novel. There is character development and it seemed like the story kept a good pace.

AN INVISIBLE HEIRESS was a great story with the sweetest friendship. Belle was such an interesting character, and her emotion was written so well it felt like I was her. The ending was so sweet I'm surprised I didn't get a cavity ;). 

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: The Last of the Firedrakes

Goodreads Summary

16-year-old Aurora Darlington is an orphan. Mistreated by her adopted family and bullied at school, she dreams of running away and being free. But when she is kidnapped and dragged through a portal into a magical world, suddenly her old life doesn’t seem so bad.

Avalonia is a dangerous land ruled by powerful mages and a cruel, selfish queen who will do anything to control all seven kingdoms—including killing anyone who stands in her way.

Thrust headlong into this new, magical world, Aurora’s arrival sets plans in motion that threaten to destroy all she holds dear.

With the help of a young fae, a magical pegasus, and a handsome mage, Aurora journeys across Avalonia to learn the truth about her past and unleash the power within herself. Kingdoms collide as a complicated web of political intrigue and ancient magic lead Aurora to unravel a shocking secret that will change her life forever.

Review

Where do I start with this book? It seemed like the action never let up, but the story didn't go too fast that it was hard to keep up. It was the perfect balance! The characters were developed and the settings and descriptions were dreamy. 

One of my favorite quotes in the book is, “Everything happens for a reason, and nothing is an accident. It is all part of a much larger divine plan,” Duke Silverthorne said gravely, but in a surprisingly kind voice. “When difficulties come, we must see them as what they are—opportunities and a new path to discover your potential. How will you ever know the magnitude of courage you are capable of if you have never experienced the hopelessness of fear? (Kindle location 1218)” This quote represents what the book is about, overcoming hardship and discovering who you are. Aurora is such a great heroine who is adventurous and brave, and sometimes ends up in crazy situations, but luckily Rafe is there to help her. 

Rafe is the hero of the story, and just one in a large cast of characters that help to make this story just so good. I can't wait to see more of him. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in what promises to be a fantastic series!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Happy Mother's Day!

"No love in mortality comes closer to approximating the pure love of Jesus Christ than the selfless love a devoted mother has for her child."

~ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Can you believe it is already Mother's Day? This year has gone by so fast! The quote above comes from one of my most favorite General Conference talks evah!! I remember feeling so overwhelmed with the love I have for my mom as I listened to him give that talk. Because I finally have a blog, I thought I would dedicate a post to my wonderful mom. This is her 20th Mother's Day being a mom, so I have chosen 20 things that I love about her.

1. I love that you put up with me whenever I am moody and irrational. I can be a real pain. You seriously have the patience of a saint! 
2. I love that we can go out shopping together and just spend time with each other. I wouldn't trade those times for anything in the world. 
3. I love that you teach me how to work and get stuff done. I am eternally grateful you don't just give me whatever I want, but teach me to work and earn. 

One of my favorite pictures of me and my mom. Isn't she gorgeous?

 4. I love that I can talk to you about my problems and you will listen, but give me tough love when it's necessary ;). 

5. I love that you will buy me small little things that no one else would think to get me, just because you know me so well. 

6. I love that you love volleyball. Too bad I could never get the hang of it :). 

7. I love that you love photography and have passed that love to me. You are so talented!

8. I love that you love dad, and show your kids that love.

My parents are the coolest! I believe this picture was taken around the time they got engaged, early 1994. Denim jackets and shades. I can only dream of being that hip! 

9. I love how selfless you are. Caring for children besides your own, helping those who need it. 

10. I love your sense of humor and that we can laugh together.

11. I love that you know who you are and have taught me who I am and can become, even though I'm still learning. 

12. I love that you make time to visit your parents and spend time with them. 

13. I love that you will help me with school stuff, especially when I was younger and would stay up late to help me finish a project that I really procrastinated on. 

14. I love that you take care of me when I'm sick and I can still hold your hand when I get shots.

15. I love that you regularly tell me you love me.

16. I love that you are quick to forgive me.

17. I love how smart she is. If she wants to make or fix something, she'll figure out how to do it. 

18. I love that you share your treats with us, even if you get them for your birthday or Christmas and they are rightfully yours and you shouldn't have to share but you do anyways. 

19. I love that you push me to be my best.

20. I love that I got so lucky to have you as my mom!

This was in 2011 at the U2 concert in Salt Lake City. I got to go with my parents and some family friends. One of the best days ever! 

Mom, I love you so much! I want to be you when I grow up.

“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” 

Abraham Lincoln

Book Review: First Light

Goodreads Summary

Seventeen-year-old Adrielle doesn’t believe in magic; she merely possesses it, though no one has ever mentioned that her unusual gifts—exceptional speed, a flair for fire, and an intimate knowledge of flora—aren’t things she was born with. When Adrielle starts a fire that burns down the family home, she must deal with both her grief and her siblings’ hurtful rejection.

While journeying to far away Tallinyne, in search of her older, estranged sister—the only relative who might take her in—Adrielle is separated from her escort when the carriage is beset by thieves. Alone, she is thrust into a dangerous and unfamiliar world where she encounters fairies and gypsies, a wild boar, a drunk cook, and an evil queen whose curse is sweeping death across the land. Adrielle also finds love, falling hard for a kind, funny, handsome—and completely unavailable prince.

From the glowing pearls tucked beneath her mattress and keeping her awake at night, to Queen Nadamaris’s curse that seems to thwart Adrielle’s every effort, Adrielle struggles to navigate a world of magic she never imagined, where people she knows and loves are not always what they appear to be. With the glowing pearls—and her fondest desire—within her grasp, she is forced to make a choice no girl should ever have to—satisfying her own heart or saving the kingdom. 

   This story was a charming fairy tale, with elements from Sleeping Beauty. Adrielle was a great heroine. Her life isn't easy and she goes through some pretty difficult things in this book. I don't want to give anything away, but when she discovers her purpose and what she can do, it is wonderful to watch it unfold. She is brave, kind, and everything else a leading lady of a fairy tale should be! 

   The hero of First Light is Christian, who is, you guessed it, a prince! His relationship with Adrielle was not insta-love, and I loved seeing them be friends before they got romantic. He had every princely quality I would want ;). 

   The villain of the book is truly horrible. Queen Nadamaris is probably to most cruel and just plain despicable villain I've encountered while reading in a while. The queen's hatred of Adrielle is almost palpable. I think Nadamaris could give all the other Disney villains a run for their money. 

   Overall, a great read. I can't wait for the next book in the series to be released!

I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Perfekt Balance

Goodreads Summary:

Elsa Fredriksen knows there’s a thin line between love and fear. As High Healer, she rights the wrongs committed by Asgard’s enemies. But even the gods’ secret weapon can’t undo every injury—especially when her fate is completely entwined with the god she’s trying to save.

Elsa’s in love with the Norse God of Justice. But Forse’s heart is ruled by fear—fear that the past will repeat itself; fear that opening his heart will compromise his ability to do his job; fear that he’ll hurt the one girl he desperately wants to protect. Again.

When Elsa faces off against the very monster she once swore to protect, her survival depends on a power she isn’t sure she can control. And when Forse’s worst nightmare unfolds in front of him, Elsa has to decide whether it’s more important to hold the realms in perfekt balance . . . or hold onto the guy she can’t imagine existing without. 

Before I start the review, I thought I'd share pictures of who I picture as Elsa and Forse. For future book reviews, if I see pictures of who I picture certain characters as, I will be adding them to reviews, just for fun. 

Gabriella Wilde for Elsa:

And an unknown, but nevertheless very cute guy for Forse:

Now for the review!

This is the third book in the Aere Saga by S.T. Bende. This book focused on Elsa, Tyr's younger sister, and Forse, who is the God of Justice, Tyr's friend, and Elsa's longtime friend and crush. It was shorter than the other two in the series so far, but it was still packed with action and romance! Forse and Elsa's relationship was so cute! I hope we see more of their developing relationship. I liked getting more of a backstory on the characters and also on what happened leading up to Tyr and Mia's parent's deaths. I thought that Runa, the villain (or is she?) of the story was developed well. I'm very interested to see where her story goes, and without spoiling it, the revelation regarding her and another character was one that I definitely didn't see coming, but I liked it nonetheless. The action scenes are always so well written in S.T. Bende's books, I felt like I was right there. I also loved seeing all the techy gadgets that have been developed. I think my favorite part of the book was when (highlight to see spoilers) Forse proposed to Elsa. So cute! Now if only Mia and Tyr can get on the engagement train and I'll be happy! ;) End spoilers. Overall, a good continuation in the series. Too bad we have to wait till 2017 for the next one. :(

I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review.