tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67999771509887993762024-03-25T14:19:51.791+08:00Musing the ManuscriptThe quiet contemplation of a voracious bibliophile.
Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-18687022927123422462021-11-21T13:59:00.000+08:002021-11-21T13:59:34.650+08:00Review: Technical Analysis of Candlestick and Chart Patterns by Ogie Dimitrov<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NwUoh-hPLwJv-70OtRdot1vi62AAuNT3eRZ1YMdlCqsyzUjZWV3XQSSMzarNY0ylBIVtP0LQbDqwXOJHNjKU_cjce1f_KIi4k-TIkRqxFYJwsjj13bj_BKVT21kkVRVlAFSQdHc7DCE/s766/technical+analysis+trading.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NwUoh-hPLwJv-70OtRdot1vi62AAuNT3eRZ1YMdlCqsyzUjZWV3XQSSMzarNY0ylBIVtP0LQbDqwXOJHNjKU_cjce1f_KIi4k-TIkRqxFYJwsjj13bj_BKVT21kkVRVlAFSQdHc7DCE/w448-h640/technical+analysis+trading.png" width="448" /></a></div><br /> <span><a name='more'></a></span><p></p><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Description</b></span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>According to Money Magazine 95.8% of traders fail within the first year of trading. Keep reading to make sure you don’t become one of them.</i></span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Is deciphering price action to identify trading opportunities an art or a science? Are candlestick and chart patterns always valid? How do I know if a pattern is completed? Should I enter now or should I wait?</span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Discover the answers to those and many other questions a beginner or advanced trader may have in this book. In addition – Custom Technical Indicators and tested Trading Strategies with precise entry and exit points, illustrated on color charts are published for the first time here. </span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Even more – a customizable trading software (<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;">Trading Robot - worth $299.00</span>) to automate the execution of the trading strategies so the trader does not have to spend a lifetime in front of the charts, waiting for the prefect moment to enter or exit.</span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Technical Analysis of Candlestick and Chart Patterns covers in depth:</span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">* Which market fits your budget and your personality<br />* What chart to use - time based or price based charts<br />* <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">How to choose your entry levels, stop loss, take profit, etc.<br /></span>* How to draw precise support and resistance lines<br />* What do the Candlestick and Chart patterns tell you<br />* The 5 Moving average secrets<br />* The Magic of the Heiken Ashi Candles<br />* 13 custom technical indicators to alert you of potential trading setups<br />* 5 high win ratio trading setups</span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bolder;">A customizable trading software to automate any strategy (not only the one found in the book). Plug and Play solution – no programming needed.</span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bolder;">My Rating: 3/5</span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>Review:</b></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I found <i>Technical Analysis of Candlestick and Chart Patterns</i> to be more suited to someone who is perhaps an intermediate to experienced trader, with many terms not being fully explained to an extent that I as a beginner to trading felt necessary.</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I would recommend this book to someone with prior knowledge of trading, perhaps at an intermediate or advanced level.</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">ISBN: <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">9798755586856</span></span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Price: $9.99 (USD)</span></span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Publication Date: 7 November 2021</span></span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I received an ebook from the publishers via <a href="http://www.netgalley.com/"><span class="s2">NetGalley</span></a> for the purposes of a review, this review is my own personal view and is not required to be positive.</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-26757152159446428762021-08-15T13:05:00.003+08:002021-08-16T10:32:11.201+08:00Review: Smart Bitches Buy Bitcoin by Branden LaNette and Andrea Waltz<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fave.co/2VQ70Xp" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="255" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnQzv3e2gZXBmgbLkgePZK8xp3nOb1x2NrFG0KP059fTAUMQ03gpd1TOXqCsZGpr0XzgAkX1NcvpivpEIwKxIKbM1cg3DN_x_yDQG0GyZC5ZPyXPCYOHoj9Z53iNl7R4yUwsmXoTqkaY/w414-h640/smart+bitches.png" width="414" /></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="pb-3" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; padding-bottom: 0.75rem;"><div class="d-none d-md-block" id="descriptionFullTextBox" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you think Bitcoin is just a game for the “guys” or the smart “investors,” think again.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The first time you heard about Bitcoin you probably thought what we did: sounds like sci-fi nonsense and is probably a total scam.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But then we started to do our own research. A lot of research. We discovered some truths about the economy and that there is a financial revolution happening. We realized we needed to share what we’ve learned. It’s time that women understand and get in on the greatest financial transfer of wealth that the world has ever seen.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Most women didn’t get much of a financial education when they were growing up. But we can’t afford to shy away from Bitcoin because it seems a little scary or confusing. The world is changing and we have a real opportunity to take control of our economic destiny.</span></p><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>My Rating: 2/5</b></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">As someone who has at least had some prior introduction to Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency, I found<i> <a href="https://fave.co/2VQ70Xp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Smart Bitches Buy Bitcoin</a></i> to be mildly informative. The information shared isn't anything new that you couldn't find by researching a little yourself - if you are truly interested in crypto. </div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Aside from that, I found the frequent swearing to be unprofessional. Given that the book is likely to be picked up by women who are interested in investing, and not the average Jane, a more professional approach may have been better.</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">If you only want to know the very basics about Bitcoin, its an okay book to pick up - but if you want to get to the nitty gritty, then I'm sure there are plenty of websites and other books out there that will be a much better fit.</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><table style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="black text-right" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">EDITION</span></td><td class="pl-2" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 0.375rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Paperback</span></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="black flex-column text-right" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; flex-direction: column; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ISBN</span></td><td class="pl-2" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 0.375rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">9781947814547</span></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="black text-right" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">PRICE</span></td><td class="pl-2" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 0.375rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">$12.00 (USD)</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div></div><p>I received an ebook from the publishers via <a href="http://www.netgalley.com/"><span class="s2">NetGalley</span></a> for the purposes of a review, this review is my own personal view and is not required to be positive.</p>Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-39597324775153234402021-08-07T17:23:00.001+08:002021-08-15T13:09:53.646+08:00Review: The Last of the Apple Blossom by Mary-Lou Stephens<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fave.co/2VBp0o1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="424" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGiEShcytkej6bFinfxgEjCh1cp-4xLravtpDisvOx9t3A314hQiqyTuPZlBSkJnkQZP1ISJbpFfj1IrarKdJxsVxm1DZ1YTCxFJL1BFxhu23F4NT51xew_DRcIXmr9q_WU1qhpOVN4k/w418-h640/AppleBlossom.jpg" width="418" /></a><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-weight: 700;">The fire took everything - except two women's fighting spirits. A sweeping, big-hearted Australian family saga for readers of Judy Nunn and Victoria Purman.</span></span><p></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"></span></span><p style="background-color: #f9f9f9; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding-bottom: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">7 February, 1967. Walls of flame reduce much of Tasmania to ash.</span></p><p style="background-color: #f9f9f9; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding-bottom: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Young schoolteacher Catherine Turner rushes to the Huon Valley to find her family's apple orchard destroyed, her childhood home in ruins and her brother dead. Despite her father's declaration that a woman will never run the orchard, Catherine resolves to rebuild the family business.</span></p><p style="background-color: #f9f9f9; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding-bottom: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After five sons, Catherine's friend and neighbour, Annie Pearson, is overjoyed by the birth of a much longed for daughter. As Annie and her husband Dave work to repair the damage to their orchard, Dave's friend Mark pitches in, despite the fact that Annie wants him gone. Mark has moved his family to the valley to escape his life in Melbourne, but his wife has disappeared leaving chaos in her wake and their young son Charlie in Mark's care.</span></p><p style="background-color: #f9f9f9; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding-bottom: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Catherine becomes fond of Charlie, whose strange upbringing has left him shy and withdrawn. However, the growing friendship between Mark and Catherine not only scandalises the small community but threatens a secret Annie is desperate to keep hidden.</span></p><p style="background-color: #f9f9f9; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding-bottom: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Through natural disasters, personal calamities and the devastating collapse of the apple industry, Catherine, Annie and those they love battle to save their livelihoods, their families and their secrets.</span></p><p style="background-color: #f9f9f9; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding-bottom: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Rating: 4/5</b></span></p><p style="background-color: #f9f9f9; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding-bottom: 12px;"><b>My Review:</b></p><p style="background-color: #f9f9f9; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding-bottom: 12px;"><a href="https://fave.co/2VBp0o1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Last of the Apple Blossom</a> is a truly enjoyable read about family, friendship, long held secrets and the power of forgiveness. A fabulous debut novel by Mary-Lou Stephens. </p><p style="background-color: #f9f9f9; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding-bottom: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="background-color: #f9f9f9; box-sizing: border-box !important; line-height: 1.625rem; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box !important; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.3125rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box !important; font-weight: 700; outline: 0px;">ISBN:</span> 9781867226437</span></li></ul><ul style="background-color: #f9f9f9; box-sizing: border-box !important; line-height: 1.625rem; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box !important; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.3125rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box !important; font-weight: 700; outline: 0px;">ISBN 10: </span>186722643X</span></li></ul><ul style="background-color: #f9f9f9; box-sizing: border-box !important; line-height: 1.625rem; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box !important; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.3125rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box !important; font-weight: 700; outline: 0px;">Imprint: </span>HQ Fiction AU</span></li></ul><ul style="background-color: #f9f9f9; box-sizing: border-box !important; line-height: 1.625rem; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box !important; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.3125rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box !important; font-weight: 700; outline: 0px;">On Sale: </span>28/07/2021</span></li></ul><ul style="background-color: #f9f9f9; box-sizing: border-box !important; line-height: 1.625rem; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box !important; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.3125rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box !important; font-weight: 700; outline: 0px;">Pages: </span>464</span></li></ul><ul style="background-color: #f9f9f9; box-sizing: border-box !important; line-height: 1.625rem; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box !important; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.3125rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box !important; font-weight: 700; outline: 0px;">List Price: </span>29.99 AUD</span></li></ul><ul style="background-color: #f9f9f9; box-sizing: border-box !important; line-height: 1.625rem; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box !important; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.3125rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box !important; font-weight: 700; outline: 0px;">BISAC1: </span>FICTION / Historical</span></li></ul><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I purchased this book for my own collection and was not required to give a review.</div></div>Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-72723606895356746702020-11-17T13:21:00.012+08:002021-11-22T17:15:33.702+08:00Review: The Magpie Society | One for Sorrow by Zoe Sugg and Amy McCulloch<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://fave.co/32MwRQb" rel="nofollow" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1296" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzX3QVg8pQNn5Jcjlmpj-FU7fPYQagC2sM8f62N114IqAvGDQKj8OWtv2i76Q3HBn20s3kND8GGj6ntKpbHJSoctVzjg0TarLm4j-KoO1Vdsa_AoO-v-YYh7caJK2xUID-adOMr0YaHM/w405-h640/magpiesociety.jpg" width="405" /></a><span><a name='more'></a></span><span class="c-book-details__keynote" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-align: start;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Avenir Next W05 Medium"; font-size: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 33px;"><br /></p><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 33px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><b>The first book in a modern gothic YA thriller series from star authors Zoe Sugg and Amy McCulloch.</b></span></span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 33px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Illumen Hall is a boarding school of tradition and achievement. But tragedy strikes when the body of a girl, a student, is discovered - on her back is an elaborate tattoo of a magpie. For new student Audrey, it is just another strange and unsettling thing about her new surroundings. </span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 33px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And for her roommate Ivy, well, she's just annoyed she has to share with the new girl from America. As an unlikely friendship develops, the two are drawn deeper into the mystery of this strange and terrible murder. They will discover that something dangerous is at the heart of their school. </span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 33px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Welcome to The Magpie Society.</span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 33px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>My Rating: 4/5</b></span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 33px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><i></i></span><blockquote><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><i>One for Sorrow</i></span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"> will be told via the alternating first-person perspectives of the lead </span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">characters</span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"> Audrey – </span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">written</span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"> by Amy McCulloch – and Ivy –</span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">written</span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"> by </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">Zoe Sugg</span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"> – with the narrative being jointly plotted by both authors.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></blockquote><blockquote><br />As stated on the <a href="https://zoella.co.uk/2020/09/26/the-magpie-society-an-interview-with-the-authors/" target="_blank">Zoella</a> website. </blockquote></span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was a little concerned when I heard Zoe Sugg say this in her vlogs when she discussed the process of writing the book, as I often have trouble reading stories told from multiple viewpoints - even when written by a single author. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was pleasantly surprised. The story flows smoothly between characters with a strong plot tying everything together. A true credit to the hard work of both authors, the editing team, and the publishers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><a href="https://fave.co/32MwRQb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Magpie Society: One for Sorrow</a></i> is a quick and easy read with enough suspense to keep the reader interested as Audrey and Ivy try to solve the mystery of what exactly happened on the night the deceased student died and why the Magpie Society is back.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Who are the Magpie Society, and what is their purpose? And what really happened that night?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A fabulous read. I can't wait to read <i><a href="https://fave.co/3cDsefE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Magpie Society: Two for Joy</a>.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Publisher: Penguin Group</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Publication Date: Oct 2020</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I purchased this book for my own collection and was not required to give a review.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-74607914878138775402020-03-21T12:14:00.000+08:002020-03-23T12:48:56.635+08:00Review: The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2TfE8CC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="255" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0RRBwY16EI5NJxlhBrD87PXOk7ybEv8mo9YAWBwoiSYh1KHEOHD2EbWh9MY7VsQAhdadn5VN4OJ-caDF7M3PgLqU9mWh4zOPYHCo2gQhs1UfDjUq1UlDRQBg9HZb6gicJm-AJIOstZk/s640/thehouseattheendofthemoor.png" width="420" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2TfE8CC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buy Now</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;"><i>What Can a London Opera Star and an Escaped Dartmoor Prisoner Have in Common?</i></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" />
<span style="background-color: white;">Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession—the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver’s name and hopefully maintaining Maggie’s anonymity.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">My Rating: 5/5</span></span></h4>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Filled with mystery, intrigue, dastardly characters and romance, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2TfE8CC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The House at the End of the Moor</a></i> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">follows both Maggie and Oliver in their search for truth and freedom from their past.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Both innocent, their paths entwine to discover the truth behind Oliver's incarceration and Maggie's forced disappearance from society.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2TfE8CC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The House at the End of the Moor</a></i><span style="background-color: white;"> is a truly enjoyable read with well-developed characters and plot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Publication Date: 1 April 2020</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Publisher: Barbour Publishing</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">RRP: $14.99 USD</span></span><br />
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<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I received an ebook from the publishers via <a href="http://www.netgalley.com/"><span class="s2">NetGalley</span></a> for the purposes of a review, this review is my own personal view and is not required to be positive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This review has also been posted on my other blog, <a href="https://aspeckofsalt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Speck of Salt</a></span></div>
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Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-39626656092735381302020-02-11T14:11:00.001+08:002020-03-23T12:50:11.698+08:00Review: The Time of Jacob's Trouble by Donna VanLiere<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2H942Ci" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="255" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo58UO9juEgC-3fAQCk0NXpOznQP3MWP5CGt4digXugDPBKWMRcGG_Iz254teMIw17DjyEkXDsf5TNQfOY4sDD6Y78wo7YCOSrhz6X6rWhzMW904R2fhlMV_ZYSNW7jwLQQkoeVg_xDUw/s640/thetimeofjacobstrouble.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="414" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">A typical day at work turns into a nightmare for Emma Grady when her favorite patient and several colleagues vanish in front of her. Fear turns to chaos as Emma begins the frantic race from Brooklyn to Queens, anxious to discover if her boyfriend is safe. Subways are closed, graves are open, and countless people have inexplicably disappeared. Mayhem erupts as terror grips the residents of New York City.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /><span style="background-color: white;">What could make so many vanish in a moment? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">And not just in New York, but all over the globe? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Emma wonders if this is the predicted end of the world and begins a desperate search for answers.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /><span style="background-color: white;">This page-turning story will take you on a riveting journey from New York City to Israel, and in the final chapters, Donna turns to the pages of the Bible, where you’ll learn that God has made known to us “the end from the beginning,” and that things aren’t spiraling downward but are actually looking up.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">The bestselling author of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">The Christmas Shoes</i> now explores a future world facing its final days in <i style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">The Time of Jacob’s Trouble</i>, weaving end-times prophecies into the lives of Emma and her friends as they struggle to survive and come face-to-face with the chilling truth about the disappearances. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">My Rating: 2/5</b></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">It is to be noted that there are two parts to this book, a novel, and a study guide. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">PART I - The Novel</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">In the spirit of the <i>Left Behind</i> series and with a touch of Joel C. Rosenberg, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2H942Ci" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Time of Jacob's Trouble</a></i> is a story of upheaval and confusion, with millions missing and a world on the brink of war this book could have had the potential of being something great. There were some elements of hope, but in the end, it felt like the story had been rushed and it fell flat.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Told in multiple points of view, the story skips back and forth between the main characters, countries and the political rhetoric of the pending singular world government. </span><span style="background-color: white;">I found this to be confusing as one minute you were reading about a character in New York and the next you were in Israel or a political forum in Europe (or where ever it was). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I tried to like this book, but . . . I'm left with the feeling that it had been done before. The plot was weak, the characters lacked development and the abrupt ending of the novel portion of the book left me frustrated. </span></div>
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<h4>
<span style="background-color: white;">PART II - The Study Guide</span></h4>
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<div>
The second portion of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2H942Ci" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Time of Jacob's Trouble</a></i> is an in-depth study of the Biblical book of Revelation that the story is based upon. </div>
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I recommend having a Bible handy as you read through this portion of the book as it is heavy with information and verses that you will want to take the time to read for yourself. </div>
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I found this portion of the book to be well thought out and well researched.</div>
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<h4>
Final Thoughts</h4>
<div>
If the author had put as much effort into character and plot development for the novel portion of this book as she did for the study portion, it would have been a good book to pick up. </div>
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<div>
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2H942Ci" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Time of Jacob's Trouble</a></i> was a disappointing read for me and I think it would have been better to have been either two separate books - or for the study guide to be a singular book.</div>
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Publisher: Harvest House Publishers</div>
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Publication Date: 17 March 2020</div>
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RRP: $15.99 USD</div>
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<div>
I received an ebook from the publishers via <a href="http://www.netgalley.com/"><span class="s2">NetGalley</span></a> for the purposes of a review, this review is my own personal view and is not required to be positive.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">
This review has also been posted on my other blog, <a href="https://aspeckofsalt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Speck of Salt</a></span></div>
Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-77423458466137822472020-01-25T10:00:00.000+08:002020-01-25T15:49:05.722+08:00Review: A Crafter Quilts a Crime by Holly Quinn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/3aefUjx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eZrMTiJx1fvVvmeMfE9JY0iRcFuMnpVzcuAKOPgRl_dn3rMim0cmBYYgSaxr8uY-aCZsXEmoth6fnJgGsj5lmtv9PxO7RCouFrV8BellBUMu37A5r7k9yNWGcAECjfT4f_oltLiKBJY/s640/crafter_quilts.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">Perfect for fans of Betty Hechtman and Maggie Sefton, Holly Quinn's third Handcrafted mystery aspires to wrap you in its warmth.</b><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">Community Craft proprietor Sammy Kane must piece together a patchwork of clues when a "live" mannequin ends up stone-cold dead.</i><br />
<br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , sans-serif;">Snowcapped pines and glittery dusted sidewalks adorn tranquil Heartsford, Wisconsin, while residents cuddle beneath heirloom quilts in front of cozy wood fires. But come the next day, the below-zero temperatures won't keep the locals away from Heartsford's annual Fire & Ice event. To boost customer traffic at Community Craft's one-night-only sale, Samantha "Sammy" Kane persuades a few of the craftspeople who sell their wares at the store to participate in a live mannequin window display contest.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , sans-serif;">Local quilter Wanda Wadsworth emerges as a favorite to win the contest, as she manages to not move a muscle for an unusual amount of time. Onlookers outside the window try everything to get her to crack--tapping on the glass and making funny faces--but nothing disrupts Wanda's stillness. When the eagle-eyed spectators realize Wanda isn't breathing, a blanket of grief and fear descends upon the wintry town.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , sans-serif;">Detective Liam Nash can't seem to piece the clues together. Fortunately, Sammy's cousin, Heidi, and her sister, Ellie, are on hand to reconvene their detective team, S.H.E. They set out to solve Wanda's untimely death before the case grows as icy as a sub-zero Wisconsin winter. But they are all too aware that the killer is too close for comfort.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>My Rating: 3/5</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">A light and fun read with just the right amount of suspense to keep me hooked. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Though I do have to admit the beginning of the book threw me a little bit. I'm not sure whether it was the style of writing or the point of view in which the story has been written, but once I got through that initial reaction I found myself enjoying the story and the interaction between Sammy and Detective Nash.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Can they get to the bottom of who killed Wanda? And where is her husband?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Publication Date: 11 Feb 2020</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Publisher: Crooked Lane Books</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Format: Hardcover</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">RRP: $26.99 USD</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">I received an ebook from the publishers via <a href="http://www.netgalley.com/"><span class="s2">NetGalley</span></a> for the purposes of a review, this review is my own personal view and is not required to be positive.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span>Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-58996518329257480412020-01-21T11:00:00.000+08:002020-01-21T11:00:08.125+08:00Review: From Individual to Empire by Laura Bull<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2FRMSIF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buy Now</a></td></tr>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">From Individual to Empire: </span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A Guide to Building an Authentic and Powerful Brand</span></h3>
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<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ever wonder what makes household names like Oprah, Ellen, or Beyoncé so powerful?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">It’s all about influencer branding, and Laura Bull will tell you everything you need to know.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Bull spent ten years with Sony Music Entertainment, becoming one of the company's youngest executives and spearheading artist development and marketing for globally recognized brands. She is an expert who specializes in transforming entrepreneurs into viable brands and teaching what it takes to become a powerful "influencer."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Whether you are an artist, blogger, performer, politician, author, or thought leader, this book will change the way you think about your “brand” and your future.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Bull marries positive psychological principles with traditional branding strategies and reveals her revolutionary Brand Matrix that will have you soaring past personal branding into the very different world of influencer branding.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">This intelligent, breezy read provides additional tools, exercises, and resources that offer real-world support to tackle your own engaging, competitive, and authentic brand identity. Entertaining examples from pop culture and politics round out this book that can truly take you from individual to empire.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">A consultant and speaker, Bull has been an adjunct professor since 2013 teaching disciplines in marketing and music business at multiple colleges and universities, including SMU's Temerlin Advertising Institute.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
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<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">My Rating: 5/5</span></span></h4>
<div>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2FSFAUX" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;" target="_blank">From Individual to Empire</a> is an easy and informative read, with Laura Bull using real-world examples taken from her own career working with some of the mega influencers of the music industry.<br />
<br />
Laura Bull takes us from concept to creation and provides easy, actionable advice and tips to assist with the promotion and growth of whatever type of brand the reader is hoping to build.<br />
</div>
<div>
I particularly liked the additional resources provided by the author via her website, which work in tandem with the information provided within <i>From Individual to Empire</i>. </div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">This book is recommended to anyone who is interested in marketing or brand creation.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Publication Date: 4 February 2020</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group, River Grove Books</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">RRP: $17.95 USD</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">I received an ebook from the publishers via <a href="http://www.netgalley.com/" style="color: #d86d4e; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">NetGalley</span></a> for the purposes of a review, this review is my own personal view and is not required to be positive.</span><span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">This review has also been posted on my other blog, <a href="https://aspeckofsalt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Speck of Salt</a>.</span></div>
</div>
Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-24052061188299715312020-01-02T10:10:00.000+08:002020-01-15T15:17:30.301+08:00Review: Female Firebrands by Mikaela Kiner<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/375yicJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="255" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKUBWBaItERK-Uywc-giFUKrMV0eT7I9Obu5D1WKISue9MOvG7FiK-TzHeIASLongtiLlisBYlVWquMb-P3SeZ8yRtPMZGz6J0by0i4vKlL9MElK0bTj2spDgkEAY4KAqb5jclgF_YI4/s640/femalefirebrands.png" width="426" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/375yicJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buy Now</a></td></tr>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Saying NO to the Workplace Status Quo: </span></b></h3>
<h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 12px; outline: none; text-align: center;">
<b style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">13 Women Who Are Rewriting the Rules</span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If readers are not sure what a firebrand is, they’ll find out in Mikaela Kiner’s powerful first book. Women of all generations will nod in recognition at the stories of 13 professional women from diverse backgrounds and industries as they recount the career challenges they've faced and how they have overcome bias, sexism, and the power imbalance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These women are role models, not just because they’ve been successful in their careers, but because they are mission-driven and doing good in the world. They are whole people dealing with work, family, balance, confidence, and the need to stay motivated and strong.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mikaela Kiner spent 15 years in HR leadership at Microsoft, Starbucks, Amazon, PopCap Games, and Redfin. In 2015 she founded Reverb, which helps companies create a healthy, inclusive culture that engages and inspires employees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">Female Firebrands</i> is an honest, modern, and solutions-oriented guide for dealing with situations working women know all too well: sexual harassment, not being taken seriously, and being talked over, passed over, underpaid, and underappreciated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mid-career professional women will read this book and know they're not alone. Women earlier in their careers can save years of heartache and frustration by learning what's worked for women who came before them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Chapter checklists provide invaluable to-do lists for women, men who want to be their advocates, and HR and business leaders as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Readers will learn how to—</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 12px; outline: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Develop tools and techniques to stand and speak up on behalf of yourself and others when it’s both difficult and necessary</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 12px; outline: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Get better at recognizing “little indignities” you don’t have to tolerate</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 12px; outline: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Understand what it means to be an informed, empowered advocate for women</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Increase awareness of your own blind spots and biases so you can learn from them</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Recognize the role of privilege at work and how it can be used for positive change</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My Rating: 3/5</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Female Firebrands</i> introduces us to 13 different industry professionals and their suggestions on how to combat common prejudices and harassment women face in the workplace. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">From #Metoo to #Momtoo and everything in between, these women show how they and others have faced these issues and advocate for women.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I found this book to be rather underwhelming and not really what I expected it to be - although I'm unsure of what I expected . . . maybe something more about how these women came to be in a place of power within their workplaces or something. If that is what you're looking for, then this book isn't going to help you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If what you are looking for is ways and means to combat whatever prejudice or harassment or issues that you are facing within your workplace. Whether that be from male or female colleagues (yes, women come with prejudices too), this book WILL empower you to do that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Aside from my misplaced expectations, this is a good book, with good advice for women of all ages in any workplace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Publication Date: 7 January 2020</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Publisher: Green Leaf Book Group Press</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">RRP: $24.95 USD</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">I received an ebook from the publishers via <a href="http://www.netgalley.com/" style="color: #d86d4e; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">NetGalley</span></a> for the purposes of a review, this review is my own personal view and is not required to be positive.</span><span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">This review has also been posted on my other blog, <a href="https://aspeckofsalt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Speck of Salt</a>.</span></div>
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Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-19194965115840482712020-01-01T12:42:00.000+08:002020-03-23T12:43:19.698+08:00Review: Fire and Wind by Stan Jantz<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2u3WFIM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt=" Buy Now" border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="255" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4dJbRo6i2DyWyRYZm8XlyAhdCcwB4mnoOK14wnEPmW3Oz10-YPWS5IDHtkiRNu9MKgZFZGejljLV0qRUFZ7YiQSabJnDiofik-o5_idmrMba-4o8QSK_GLCzJAFTg1J7p7g_fWrhX_M/s640/fireandwind.png" width="458" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2u3WFIM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buy Now</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">The Holy Spirit Like You’ve Never Experienced Him Before</b></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" />Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit dwells in every believer (Ephesians 1:13). Because of that promise, you have an Advocate in your life to guide, help, counsel, and convict you as you live and grow into deeper spiritual truths.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" />Are you making the most of all the Holy Spirit offers to you?</span><br />
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<br />
<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
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<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 12px; outline: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you yearn to know more about who He is and the powerful ways He can work in your life, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">Fire and Wind </i>will introduce you to…</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The different ways the Spirit ministers to you. What it means to experience the presence, filling, and power of the Spirit. How the Spirit guides and teaches you the spiritual gifts given to you for the benefit of others and the inner joy the Spirit makes available to every believer.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> As you welcome the Holy Spirit, He can make everything about Jesus a reality for you today and every day by His constant presence in and through you.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>My Rating: 4/5</b></span></h4>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;">Written in an easy to understand and conversational manner, <i>Fire and Wind</i> introduces us to the Holy Spirit, and the work He does in our lives.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
Stan Jantz also navigates through some commonly held beliefs regarding the Holy Spirit and puts them into a Biblical perspective while also encouraging the reader to delve more into God's word for themselves.<br />
<br />
Worth a read if you are interested in learning more about the person of the Holy Spirit.</div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Publication Date: 7 January 2020</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Publisher: Harvest House Publishers</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Price: $14.99 USD</span></div>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">I received an ebook from the publishers via <a href="http://www.netgalley.com/" style="color: #d86d4e; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="s2" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">NetGalley</span></a> for the purposes of a review, this review is my own personal view and is not required to be positive.</span><span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;">This review has also been posted on my other blog, <a href="https://aspeckofsalt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Speck of Salt</a></span><span style="text-align: start;">.</span></span></span></div>
Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-55612558404572874502019-10-19T12:00:00.000+08:002019-12-05T13:59:37.155+08:00Review: The Bake Shop by Amy Clipston<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Bake-Shop-Amy-Clipston/9780310356387?a_aid=musingthemanuscript" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvFKcn_QngxkQe12LKkiyScS84P2hAzqqyNuQtvaXGiWIm7KCT_OujrBlAVG1_MHrqtS94zF2Cv9x0RUP1Ml1UTW1rx76AHGP33suMNn41CVVJHGiFm8h5iLmujOsufLDrOzs_WAw5bw/s640/thebakeshop.png" width="420" /></a></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Return to Lancaster County with the first installment of Amy Clipston's charming new Amish Marketplace series.</span></strong><br />
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Christiana Kurtz loves to bake, but when her bake stand becomes too busy, her mother encourages her to move her business to the local market. Her new bake shop becomes so inundated with customers that the line blocks the leather and woodcraft shop next door, which is run by Jeffrey Stoltzfus. When Jeffrey complains that her stand is driving away business due to the lines, she complains to him that his personalization machine smells. Though their relationship starts off on bad footing, they eventually forge a friendship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When Christiana’s father makes a surprise visit to the market, he is upset to find that Jeffrey uses the building’s electricity to personalize his items. He tells Christiana that Jeffrey is too modern for her, and she’s forbidden from dating him. Christiana is crushed, but she knows she must obey her father.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When Jeffrey’s shop catches fire one day, he puts the entire market in jeopardy—including Christiana’s bake shop. Christiana, however, can’t deny how she feels about Jeffrey despite his mistakes. Though the odds are against them, can two young people find a way to rebuild both their businesses and their relationship?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>My Rating: 4/5</b></span></div>
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Christiana operates a bake stand at the gate of her parent's property, but when customers start coming down to their house after hours in search of her famous baked goods her family suggests she move to the markets in town. After seeking and receiving permission from her strict Amish father, she moves and her business goes from strength to strength. </div>
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Jeff is a man with sadness in his eyes and Christiana is intrigued, though she doesn't dare let on to her cousins. She soon discovers that he is to be her neighbour at the markets. Despite their embarrassing first meeting and initial issues with customer flow, they soon forge a friendship which forces Jeff to confront the reasons behind his deep sadness. </div>
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Christiana and Jeff soon discover that their friendship is deepening into love. But when Christiana's father pays a visit to the market and discovers that Jeff uses electricity in his business he forbids the young couple to associate with one another. Christiana is devastated and enlists the help of her sister, mother, and cousins in the hopes of changing her father's mind.</div>
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Can Christiana and Jeff move past their differences and convince her Father that Jeff is a committed Amish man?</div>
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<i>The Bake Shop</i> is an enjoyable and easy read with likable characters. I appreciated the insertion of a glossary of terms at the beginning of the novel, and think that it is beneficial to a reader who may be unfamiliar with the Amish culture.</div>
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This is the first novel I have read by Amy Clipston and would definitely read another!</div>
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Publication Date: 5 Nov 2019</div>
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Publisher: Zondervan</div>
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Format: Hardback</div>
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RRP: $26.99 USD</div>
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Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-14780074876996730962019-09-03T09:45:00.000+08:002019-12-05T14:01:30.263+08:00Review: She's Out by Lynda La Plante<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Shes-Out-Lynda-La-Plante/9781499862195?a_aid=musingthemanuscript" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Fu-9atwZJ2u9ITZeZ20MdjkZcWTXGDnBk3OhpfjyDm41d3trERmlxpbWLVcNEs9fwSB5e_uB8pR_XymhYr92OquV7jzuMTxz-BVrFFXOOjYK4_d72iqCfsn0eZEn3_4xJ1TjcHSTPRQ/s640/she%2527sout.png" width="420" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">After serving a lengthy sentence for the murder of her husband, Dolly Rawlins is free from prison. And she’s only got one thing on her mind: the diamonds she stashed before the police caught her.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /><span style="background-color: white;">But there are people waiting for Dolly on the outside - tough ex-prisoners who know about the diamonds, and they all want a cut. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Also waiting for Dolly is DS Mike Withey. He holds her personally responsible for the death of his sister in the diamond raid ten years earlier. And he wants her back inside.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Dolly Rawlins has other plans. But can she realise the dream that kept her going all those years in prison and avoid those who are after her?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My Rating: 3/5</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dolly is a tough nut, top dog in the prison, not because of what she's done - but what she hasn't done. The prisoners and the guards respect her, and she's done a lot to improve conditions, lobbying for a children's wing for the younger women. But now she's being released and with rumors swirling about her involvement in a diamond heist, plans are being made, and not just by Dolly.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is the first novel I have read by Lynda La Plante and I found the jumping back and forth a bit confusing at times. I am used to books that stay with one point of view and don't jump from one character to another.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I found the characters to be well written, not necessarily likable (considering that they were mostly all criminals or police officers). But the relationships between the women, even though they were trying to do Dolly dirty, were interesting. The women behaved, not as a free woman would, but like they were still in prison and jockeying for the dominant position - trying to stab one another (figuratively) in the back at the same time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had to force myself through a few chapters and never really got hooked, I couldn't help comparing <i>She's Out</i> to another well-known crime writer's work and found it somehow lacking. But, having never read anything by La Plante before I can't compare it to her other books to say whether it was extraordinary or just ordinary by her standards. I'm sure fans of her work will love it, but . . . I found it okay.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Publisher: Bonnier Zaffre USA</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Publication Date: 29 October 2019</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I received an ebook from the publishers via <a href="http://www.netgalley.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NetGalley</a> for the purposes of a review, this review is my own personal view and is not required to be positive.</span></span></div>
Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-8806563872786021042019-08-13T14:17:00.000+08:002019-12-05T14:03:07.857+08:00Review: The More the Merrier by Linda Byler<br />
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<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/The-More-the-Merrier-Linda-Byler/9781680994704?a_aid=musingthemanuscript" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PgMNbuDmxhP1P85Fh2TxJvrgzhWtrjVe3Bp3NH5B4mICbO1M7CCuzSHrbC3OqRvmf6pqdx-3BelYibskTexnfDDX_4a3wpTdz9CMRJIEIuucVx8fhFSgS0MOWPSOQx9rsDU6CKki4Ok/s640/themorethemerrier.png" width="483" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A Heartwarming Christmas Romance Set During the Great Depression</span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">It’s 1931, and times are tough for the Miller family, who are raising eight children in the midst of the Great Depression. When Eli Miller passes away unexpectedly, and then a fire destroys their barn, Annie has no idea how she’ll make ends meet. The Amish community rallies around her and the children, as is their custom, but as days turn into weeks and then into months, Annie’s friends and neighbors return to their own routines and seem to expect Annie to do the same. Annie knows she needs to stay strong for the children and figure out a way to keep everyone warm and clothed and fed, but she is heartbroken and exhausted. She reminds herself that God will provide, but every day feels like an uphill battle.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">When Annie receives a letter from a widower with six children of his own, she tries to put it out of her mind. Her critical mother reminds her that it's too soon to start a new friendship with a man, and warns her that blending a family will be complicated. In the weeks and months to follow, Annie must learn to make her own decisions—and accept the consequences, good and bad—face her past, and embark on a new journey that will transform her and her large, complicated family. When life seems especially complicated one summer, she finds herself saying that by Christmas everything will start to come together, but she has no idea the challenges—and ultimately blessings—headed her way.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>My Rating: 2/5</b></span></span><br />
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I found <i>The More the Merrier</i> a bit confusing and very different from other novels that I have read within the same genre. The story itself seemed very matter of fact, as though it was recounting events from a diary or journal that didn't give any real explanation or context.<br />
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I found it confusing when Annie kept going back to the fact that Dan was considered progressive, and think it would have helped if the author had given a brief explanation as to why Annie thought that - not everyone is familiar with the Amish way of life, given the religion is unique to American culture.<br />
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I also found myself forgetting that the story was meant to be based within the post-war depression of the late 1920s and 1930s. It could very easily have been a contemporary story aside from the brief mentions of whatever year it was.<br />
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And why was Annie's daughter so sullen? I know she had lost her father, but it irked me that Annie kept putting off talking to her daughter about whatever was happening with her.<br />
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As an Australian reading Amish fiction, I think I will stick to authors such as Wanda Brunstetter or Beverly Lewis, whose stories are more descriptive and explain a little more of the Amish culture.<br />
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This book might be suited to someone who is more familiar with the Amish.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>About the Author</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit;">Linda Byler</span><span style="background-color: white;"> grew up Amish and is an active member of the Amish church today. She is the author of five bestselling fiction series, all set in the Amish world: Hester Takes Charge, Lancaster Burning, Sadie’s Montana, Lizzie Searches for Love, and The Dakota Series. In addition, Byler has written five Christmas romances: </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit;">The Little Amish Matchmaker</i><span style="background-color: white;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit;">The Christmas Visitor</i><span style="background-color: white;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit;">Mary’s Christmas Good-Bye</i><span style="background-color: white;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit;">Becky Meets Her Match</i><span style="background-color: white;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit;">A Dog for Christmas</i><span style="background-color: white;">, and </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit;">A Horse for Elsie</i><span style="background-color: white;">. Linda is also well known within the Amish community as a columnist for a weekly Amish newspaper.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Publication Date: 1 Oct 2019</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">RRP: $14.99 USD</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small; font-weight: 400;">I received an ebook from the publishers via <a href="http://www.netgalley.com/"><span class="s2">NetGalley</span></a> for the purposes of a review, this review is my own personal view and is not required to be positive.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small; font-weight: 400;"> </span></span></span>Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-56672838302241244632019-08-03T13:58:00.000+08:002019-12-05T14:06:21.150+08:00Review: The Summer House in Santorini by Samantha Parks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Summer-House-Santorini-Samantha-Parks/9780008324452?a_aid=musingthemanuscript" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBT-7XAiNwiUQmHDfX9thXfx_kB6pV99tX1TYNn6_2S1TupY2w4aPpximJZS2W0CvFKnbqWCdMSNW2urOlq23i8XjUSYdB7vGqmEKgcSBhooUJZV2HmxaQjn1jM7ZhN9_JYa0ZAk5HDY/s640/TheSummerHouse_Santorini.png" width="420" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Anna’s running away. From a failed relationship, a dead-end career and a complicated family life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">On the island of Santorini, with its picturesque villas, blue-tiled roofs, and the turquoise waters of the Aegean lapping at the white sand beaches, Anna inherits a less-than-picturesque summer house from her estranged father. As she rebuilds the house, she rebuilds her life, uncovering family secrets along the way that change everything. She starts to fall for her little slice of paradise, as well as for gorgeous, charming Nikos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Will Anna lose her heart in more ways than one?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">My Rating: 3/5</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><i>The Summer House in Santorini</i> is a story of a family whose bonds are severed and filled with hurt, lies, and betrayal. But is Anna blaming the wrong person for the pain of her childhood?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Anna and her sister inherit a summer house in Santorini when their estranged father passes away and discover that according to Greek law, one of them has to visit the island to formally accept their inheritance. With her sister indisposed and unable to make the trip, Anna visits the homeland of their father and discovers so much more than just the place she's seen in photographs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Can she sort the truth from the lies? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">A good debut novel from the Author, and an easy read.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Publication Date: 7 August 2019</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">RRP: $9.99 AUD</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small; font-weight: 400;">I received an ebook from the publishers via <a href="http://www.netgalley.com/"><span class="s2">NetGalley</span></a> for the purposes of a review, this review is my own personal view and is not required to be positive.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small; font-weight: 400;"> </span></div>
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Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-5138166029400807012019-03-01T13:50:00.002+08:002019-12-05T14:07:58.225+08:00Review: Girl Online by Zoe Sugg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Girl-Online-Zoe-Sugg/9780141364155?a_aid=musingthemanuscript" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="354" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihu2dDbtotq9Eo0db4SbjrlKCXbn_A5I2GUZbALQbFTIsjiiMvPPhIz-72m1oOOrvjbvAT4-pfHRXiMi2aOyU7sFJ7Gk3EzEwtsXKV7kzDv7iAM8Pfswk80fToYd6iGhG5gjgiZfNu84w/s640/GirlOnline.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
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<i>Penny has a secret.</i></div>
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Under the alias Girl Online, Penny blogs her hidden feelings about friendship, boys, her crazy family and the panic attacks that have begun to take over her life. When things go from bad to worse, her family whisks her away to New York, where she meets Noah: a gorgeous, guitar-strumming American. Suddenly Penny is falling in love - and capturing every moment of it on her blog.</div>
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But Noah has a secret too. One that threatens to ruin Penny's cover - and her closest friendship - forever.</div>
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<b>Rating: 4/5</b></div>
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I'm kind of late to the game on this one, and while I am aware of the controversy surrounding this book and the others in the series, of which I think there are 3 books. </div>
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I have to say it is not the first book in the world that has ever been ghost-written and it surely won't be the last.</div>
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The story is well thought out and well written, with relatable characters for the intended audience. Reading it as a *mumbles* 4- something, I found it to be enjoyable and fail to see any issue with the story at all. </div>
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Publisher: Penguin Group</div>
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Publication Date: 2014</div>
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I purchased this book for my own collection and was not required to give a review.</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=michellemar0a-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1476799768" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-34607365438067063022019-02-03T10:35:00.000+08:002019-11-19T15:58:31.904+08:00Review: The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Mother-Law-Sally-Hepworth/9781473697003?a_aid=musingthemanuscript" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="330" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQyduzQ7gErf_H7ZLI7Z9yjl7On_VGoi8b2jKQcywhBQylN3A3dio274iD8Y_gN39wiGI5mZyZkWdN9KTDeO_2P3J7OcXLzeujzimiH8s2v7YHoesyPANRlSmyN8KVIzp3GLnYrZbnRI/s640/themotherinlaw.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A twisty, compelling new novel about one woman's complicated relationship with her mother-in-law that ends in death...</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">From the moment Lucy met her husband’s mother, she knew she wasn’t the wife Diana had envisioned for her perfect son. Exquisitely polite, friendly, and always generous, Diana nonetheless kept Lucy at arm’s length despite her desperate attempts to win her over. And as a pillar in the community, an advocate for female refugees, and a woman happily married for decades, no one had a bad word to say about Diana…except Lucy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That was five years ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, Diana is dead, a suicide note found near her body claiming that she longer wanted to live because of the cancer wreaking havoc inside her body.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But the autopsy finds no cancer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It does find traces of poison, and evidence of suffocation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Who could possibly want Diana dead? Why was her will changed at the eleventh hour to disinherit both of her children, and their spouses? And what does it mean that Lucy isn’t exactly sad she’s gone?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fractured relationships and deep family secrets grow more compelling with every page in this twisty, captivating new novel from Sally Hepworth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">Praise for Sally Hepworth: </b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /><b style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;"></b><br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;" /><b style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;"></b>“With <b style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">jaw-dropping discoveries,</b> and realistic consequences, this novel is<b style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;"> not to be missed</b>. Perfect for lovers of <i style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">Big Little Lies.</i>” —<i style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">Library Journal</i>, starred review</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Hepworth deftly<b style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;"> keeps the reader turning pages and looking for clues</b>, all the while building <b style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">multilayered characters</b> and carefully doling out bits of their motivations." —<i style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">Booklist</i></span></div>
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<b>My Rating: 4/5</b></div>
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<i>The Mother-in-Law</i> delves into the relationships within families, the layers and motivations between actions and reactions.</div>
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The story in itself was good and an easy read, but I found the multiple viewpoints to be confusing. As though the author had trouble selecting who the main character of the story was. Although I know this probably wasn't the case and it was the author's way of showing the character's motivations and the complexity of their relationships, it just ... I don't know ... befuddled me somewhat as a reader. </div>
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I do have to say that I have always found books written in this manner to be somewhat more unenjoyable to read than ones that have a singular viewpoint.</div>
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I believe this is the first book I have read by Sally Hepworth, and I think I would read more of her books in the future.</div>
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Publication Date: Available NOW in Australia</div>
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US Publication: 23 April 2019</div>
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Publisher: St Martin's Press</div>
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RRP: $27.99 USD</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I received an ebook from the publishers via <a href="http://www.netgalley.com/"><span class="s2">NetGalley</span></a> for the purposes of a review, this review is my own personal view and is not required to be positive.</span><span style="color: #11396e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
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Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-66813068727229733972019-01-29T14:24:00.000+08:002019-11-19T16:59:18.971+08:00Review: The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Librarian-Auschwitz-Antonio-Iturbe/9781627796187?a_aid=musingthemanuscript" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="269" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAdTzUkfKDCDRn4bkoR5eNIriAuTI8ZZfY1oaS4VykzLBFm_YmLvUXP98xJZwoKy_M4iqN85xZnR0jqw22wxkfCFGqCm8oxmZ_0DHT-bdIH_XjPQnPkPkDD-AbCPwSZP7HMyczi3dQzU/s640/librarian_auschwitz.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<b>Based on the experiences of real-life Auschwitz prisoner Dita Kraus, this is the incredible story of a girl who risked her life to keep the magic of books alive during the Holocaust.</b><br />
<b><br /></b> Fourteen-year-old Dita is one of the many imprisoned by the Nazis at Auschwitz. Displaced, along with her mother and father, from their home in Prague - first to the capital city's ghetto, then northward to the Terezin settlement, and now to Auschwitz in Poland - Dita is adjusting to the constant terror that is life in the camp.<br />
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When Jewish leader Fredy Hirsch asks Dita to take charge of the eight precious volumes the prisoners have managed to sneak past the guards, she agrees, becoming the librarian of Auschwitz.<br />
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From one of the darkest chapters of human history comes an extraordinary story of courage and hope.<br />
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<b>My Rating: 5/5</b><br />
<b><br /></b> I have no words. This book, while fiction, is based upon fact. And the terrors of Auschwitz as seen through the eyes of Dita are all too real. This terror, at the hands of Hitler and his nazis should never have been allowed to take place - ever. And yet, it did. And it was hidden from the world who were unaware of the atrocities being experienced by European Jews at that time.<br />
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This book is a must read.<br />
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And while you may find it within the children's or young adult section of your local book store, it is suitable and recommended reading for anyone over the age of 10 or 12.<br />
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Other books I recommend:<br />
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<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Hiding-Place-Corrie-Ten-Boom/9780340863534?a_aid=musingthemanuscript" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom</a><br />
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Diary-Young-Girl-Anne-Frank/9780553296983?a_aid=musingthemanuscript" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank</a><br />
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Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia<br />
Publication Date: 2018<br />
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I purchased this book for my own collection and was not required to give a review.Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-9338459163070422462019-01-03T13:30:00.002+08:002019-01-03T18:57:30.020+08:00Book Haul | Christmas 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcxEhBaljeHnPLxyNpvY9Nd5XlNDoaG1UhIMzIII2Ip0nxWg2onBqoHoxDxIMPacabSEQLiSJfQhrdxsppLrTrKcAx0CanWYuHOyO89Xe6u6iNgdBt3E7ZkawWvU9GzYj9mQ6Zdh9PEU/s1600/christmashaul_2018.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="960" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcxEhBaljeHnPLxyNpvY9Nd5XlNDoaG1UhIMzIII2Ip0nxWg2onBqoHoxDxIMPacabSEQLiSJfQhrdxsppLrTrKcAx0CanWYuHOyO89Xe6u6iNgdBt3E7ZkawWvU9GzYj9mQ6Zdh9PEU/s640/christmashaul_2018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are all of the books I bought with the money I received for Christmas, bar one, which is sitting in my bookshelf already. That book is <i>Kingdom of Ash</i> by Sarah J. Maas.</div>
Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-72490783405232683912018-10-04T09:42:00.000+08:002018-10-04T09:50:53.076+08:00Review: How to Catch A Bear Who Loves to Read by Andrew Katz and Juliana Léveillé-Trudel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/How-Catch-Bear-Who-Loves-Read-Andrew-Katz/9782924786475?a_aid=musingthemanuscript" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="255" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb25mOfLiPibV2KY4u6QV2czO6hhPrTEAyK21hsoe2jZfmD24Tft0HPX2W-AFkIZJ2N3i3TFL58m4aMAfj5Yj-7j5PAQdXCo-BgQH6QfEEyWTKTA8pcKj3ekBqxsONEmubGZcwpL5m4op1/s400/howtocatchabear.png" width="311" /></a></div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A tale of two book lovers and one unlikely friendship</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Julia has many friends in the forest by her house. She climbs trees with Scotty the squirrel, plays hide-and-seek with Abigail the groundhog, and has farting contests with Frieda the skunk. Julia dreams of meeting a bear, a bear she could play with and hug. But no bear has ever shown its snout.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">One day, inspired by a book she’s reading, Julia brings honey (the perfect bear snack) into the woods. The next day, she tries bringing blueberries. But to her great surprise, it’s not just sweet smells that can attract a bear!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So begins a thrilling quest that will bring Julia to new corners of the forest—and of her heart. Introducing a spunky young heroine with a nose for books, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none;">How to Catch a Bear Who Loves to Read</i> invites children to share their love of reading—and of bearnormous hugs—with Julia.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My Rating: 4/5</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>How to Catch a Bear Who Loves to Read </i>by Andrew Katz and Juliana Leveille-Trudel is a cute story about a little girl named Julia who has lots of friends, but she really would love to meet a bear! One that is cuddly and loves to play, one that she could float down the stream with on a sunny day. One who loves to read!?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">With lovely illustrations and a playful storyline, this book is sure to please both children and adults alike - parents may not appreciate the farting contest, but I'm sure it will tickle the imagination of a child reader.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Publisher: Chouette Publishing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Publication Date: 6 November 2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">ISBN: 9782924786475</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">RRP: $15.95 (USD)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(17, 57, 110); color: black;">I received an ebook from the publishers via <a href="http://www.netgalley.com/"><span class="s2">NetGalley</span></a> for the purposes of a review, this review is my own personal view and is not required to be positive.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(17, 57, 110); color: #11396e;"> </span></span></div>
Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-91078197899350785582018-10-01T13:04:00.002+08:002020-01-18T13:52:50.236+08:00Review: Mr. Pack Rat Really Wants That by Marcus Ewert<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2TDLfq3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="255" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMS55Td-Z80fVZoor2igyTWWGDN2XEd9Dc8Cz-cnrJsy_ZDEKU686LcLvqLvqN2bM5P8XThiZ9mBVbtyFQvYQkDls3L6ZPQlvJ_WK-ixUyMG8HOssrLVP070VWKfBmp3d0MwJudDsrYQ/s400/mrpackratreallywantsthat.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2TDLfq3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buy Now</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; outline: none;"><br /></b> <b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Raleway-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; outline: none;"></b><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; outline: none;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2TDLfq3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mr. Pack Rat</a> is a particularly acquisitive small mammal with a hoarding problem (sound like someone you know?). Through trial and error, he begins to question whether having more things is really the secret to happiness.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; outline: none;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; outline: none;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Although real-life pack rats (genus </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; outline: none;">Neotoma</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">) build large piles of debris to nest in, Mr. Pack Rat isn't satisfied with plain old sticks and leaves. He wants novelty and variety, and--unfortunately for him!--he owns a magical magnet that can summon anything he desires. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; outline: none;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; outline: none;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Mr. Pack Rat is always on to the next thing. Lovely flowers will brighten up his sticks and leaves... until they wilt. Colorful seashells won't wilt, but they aren't much fun. Games and toys are fun, but only if you have enough room to play with them. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; outline: none;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; outline: none;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">This wry, witty fable from Marcus Ewert, author of </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; outline: none;">10,000 Dresses</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">, will have the whole family laughing, and, perhaps, learning along the way.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span> <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">My Rating: 5/5</span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></span> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">A cute and fun children's book filled with whimsical illustrations by Kayla Stark. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2TDLfq3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mr. Pack Rat Really Wants That</a></i> has a moral that will be easy for children to understand, and that we adults sometimes to remind ourselves of also - that happiness does not come from things. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">An enjoyable read that will appeal to the young, and the young at heart.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Publisher: Parallax Press</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">Publication Date: 30 October 2018</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">ISBN:<span style="color: #666666;"> </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">9781946764256</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">RRP: $14.95 (USD)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span> <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I received an ebook from the publishers for the purposes of a review, this review is my own personal view and is not required to be positive.</span></span></span>Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-45030969312715406982018-09-23T13:33:00.003+08:002019-11-19T16:13:45.187+08:00Review: The Cedar Cutter by Tea Cooper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Cedar-Cutter-Tea-Cooper/9781525232695?a_aid=musingthemanuscript" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-dCm3l-vnhbD12cEr_AtE5oQ9tqdzI71KxnTLyn9UuV_-sobqDdFlozbxA-HWGDvd5LNKmzUN8hWWJk2xRcmvhUkHESEnvFOi3f1fdjDIjAqOH5Ms84qUos_-4FzF8fQ_C1e1nYmdig/s1600/The+Cedar+Cutter.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Even if time heals all wounds, you still bear the scars...</i><br />
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Wollombi, 1855. When Roisin Ogilvie moves to Wollombi her thoughts are only of protecting her illegitimate son, Ruan, from the grasp of his powerful father. Posing as an impoverished widow, she settles into the quiet existence as a dressmaker. She doesn't expect to attract the attention of a champion cedar cutter, or any man for that matter.<br />
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Carrick O'Connor may have won the coveted Wollombi Wood Chop, but his mind is on the beautiful seamstress and her son. Or rather, on who they remind him of. Carrick is determined to return to Ireland to exact revenge on the man who was responsible for the death of his wife and child, and for his transportation. Only then can he return to Wollombi to start life afresh.<br />
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But a murder charge, a growing attraction, and a past that refuses to stay silent will turn Carrick and Roisin's lives upside down and will lead them to a hard choice. Redemption? Or cutters' justice?<br />
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<b>My Rating: 5/5</b><br />
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<i>The Cedar Cutter</i> is the first novel that I have read by Tea Cooper and I have found it to be truly enjoyable.<br />
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I think to say anything beyond this will spoil the story for you, but I encourage anyone who enjoys the genres of Australian Rural Romance or Historical Romance to pick this book up and give it a read.<br />
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Publication Date: 2016<br />
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA<br />
RRP: $29.99 AUD<br />
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I purchased this book for my own collection and was not required to give a review.<br />
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<br />Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-30418004501862266942018-09-14T15:59:00.000+08:002019-11-19T17:02:38.819+08:00App Review: LibraryThing The other day I got curious ... how many books do I actually own?<br />
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I didn't want to just count them and forget about the total - or the titles. So, I decided to find an app that would allow me to scan my books in by reading the barcodes. I could have used GoodReads, but I didn't want to stop and rate every book as I scanned it. Then I remembered that a few days or a week before I had randomly seen someone talking about LibraryThing.<br />
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LibraryThing allowed me to not only scan my books into the app, but also manually input ISBNs of the books that don't have barcodes on them (for whatever reason) - a lot of the older books in my collection don't have them because they are just that, old. Barcodes didn't exist when these books hit the printers. A few of my books belonged to my parents or are secondhand and were printed in the 1950s and 60s.<br />
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I was also able to log into LibraryThing on my computer and sort my books into categories of my choice, so I sorted them by genre. Anything I found that I knew was definitely a book I had bought or that was bought for me - from beloved children's books to bibles, novels and recipe books - I scanned them all.<br />
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So, you're probably wondering exactly how many books are actually on my bookshelf.<br />
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<u><b>The Grand Total: 585 books </b></u><br />
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I did find some other books hiding under my bed that I am yet to scan in, so you may add another 10 to that number.<br />
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A final note:<br />
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Something else I discovered you can do with both LibraryThing and GoodReads (as well as other apps that I haven't tried) is transfer your books between apps. I have found GoodReads to be a bit buggy in that it won't accept all of the books that I have attempted to transfer/copy in from LibraryThing.<br />
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Which app do I prefer?<br />
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I like both of these apps for different reasons, LibraryThing for its ease of scanning (I have not used every element of the app) and GoodReads for its community.<br />
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Check them both out, see what you think! Do you have more books than me?<br />
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I was not paid or asked to give this review, it is my honest and personal opinion.Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-42721873918648094562018-08-03T20:10:00.001+08:002019-11-19T17:04:16.214+08:00Review: The Pearler's Wife by Roxane Dhand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Pearlers-Wife-Roxane-Dhand/9780143789642?a_aid=musingthemanuscript" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTUdItx9ah4GxS3kHgUDOTTebO8nX6hKZYRWuHfyCxbyDPchslPxhN48HEi6xk74nNeZ5mjZmPjlE3iuTGiuL9HnQwVjRcFuQP6AR6T_iHDjxtM-eUTwee_rhUtbeqrSjKCMMH1tAV3o/s640/The+Pearler%2527s+Wife.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
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It is 1912, and Maisie Porter stands on the dock of the <i>SS Oceanic</i> as England fades from view. Her destination is Buccaneer Bay in Australia's far north-west. Her purpose: marriage to her cousin Maitland, a wealthy pearling magnate - and a man she has never met.</div>
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Also on board is William Cooper, the Royal Navy's top man. Following a directive from the Australian government, he and eleven other 'white' divers have been hired to replace the predominantly Asian pearling crews. However, Maitland and his fellow merchants have no intention of employing the costly Englishmen for long. . .</div>
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Maisie arrives in her new country to a surprisingly cool reception. Already confused by her hastily arranged marriage, she is shocked at Maitland's callous behaviour towards her - while finding herself increasingly drawn to the intriguing Cooper.</div>
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But Maisie's new husband is harbouring secrets - deadly secrets. And when Cooper and the divers sail out to harvest the pearl shell, they are in great danger - and not just from the unpredictable and perilous ocean. . .</div>
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<b>My Rating: 3/5</b></div>
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As much a mystery as it is a romance, the story of Maisie takes place in the great Australian landscape, which included a couple of fumbles by the Author and made me wonder whether they had ever actually visited the area that they were describing. </div>
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The description of the Western Australian coastline as 'grey' grated on me somewhat, and granted, some of the coastline may be. But the soil and cliffs of our great north-west are not grey, but red, due to the rich iron-ore deposits found within. And, I don't know whether Fremantle and its harbour have ever been known as 'Port Fremantle'. A little online research has revealed that the author is British, and not Australian as I had originally assumed when I picked the book up. But, she has visited Broome, the town which Buccaneer Bay takes its inspiration from. But, I digress.</div>
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Maisie arrives in the pearling town of Buccaneer Bay at a fractious time. Racial tensions are simmering beneath the surface. And she shocked when her prospective husband seems to resent that she is there - even though he was the one that requested her hand in marriage from her parents. Both of whom seemed only too pleased to be rid of her.</div>
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<i>The Pearler's Wife</i> is a story of deep deception, resentment and redemption. It is a story of racial tension. And it is a story that reflects a time in Australia's history that isn't often taught or talked about.</div>
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This book contains a homosexual sex scene and I do not recommend it to readers under the age of 18.</div>
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This is Roxane Dhand's debut novel.<br />
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Publisher: Penguin Random House</div>
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Publication Date: 2018</div>
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RRP: $32.99 AUD</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I purchased this book for my own collection and was not required to give a review.</span></div>
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Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-78013471436992918362018-08-01T17:26:00.000+08:002019-11-19T16:00:57.451+08:00Review: A Court of Wings and Ruin | A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Court-Wings-Ruin-Sarah-J-Maas/9781408857908?a_aid=musingthemanuscript" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1053" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfR9w84gJGOoROuw6iLtANr3_wbw-fj5fhkh66eSgLPFbv_dWNvsokcqiIhPqCq0VampjVbfdea-ILKf4i4jXIBUgBez1b5x6ae-a3bHYkZu79rx3m1ETIB7QC7yQ0NAvVVE9aZOH0Gc/s400/A+Court+of+Wings+and+Ruin.jpg" width="260" /></a><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Court-Wings-Ruin-Sarah-J-Maas/9781408857908?a_aid=musingthemanuscript" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Court-Frost-Starlight-Sarah-J-Maas/9781408890325?a_aid=musingthemanuscript" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="421" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-hDru7YNba7MDKXqGfw-4-4sWvDadx8Eehwn46f0sOAO_ss4WodoTdUFkxWCNE__jiMZFSKKvJQjWN4UWSfd7Hvgcw-zpanca3Loupz84EeUPVTHFZTQ8o4_ZUfHWWttXiYOvLPepfg/s400/A+Court+of+Frost+and+Starlight.jpg" width="260" /></a><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Court-Frost-Starlight-Sarah-J-Maas/9781408890325?a_aid=musingthemanuscript" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a></div>
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<b>A Court of Wings and Ruin</b></div>
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<i>Feyre will bring vengeance.</i></div>
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She has left the Night Court - and her High Lord - and is playing a deadly game of deceit. In the Spring Court, Tamlin is making deals with the invading king treatening to bring Prythian to its knees and Feyre is determined to uncover his plans. But to do so she must weave a web of lies, and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.</div>
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As mighty armies grapple for power, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords - and hunt for allies in unexpected places.</div>
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<i>But while war rages, it is her heart that will face the greatest battle.</i></div>
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<b>My Rating: 4/5</b></div>
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<b>A Court of Frost and Starlight</b></div>
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<i>On the darkest night, the stars still shine.</i></div>
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Feyre's first Winter Solstice as High Lady is drawing near. With it will come a hard-earned rest from the work she, Rhys and their friends have done to rebuild the Night Court and the vastly changed world beyond. Yet the festive atmostphere can't keep shadows from looming. Even as her own heart heals, she finds that those dearest to her have wounds that go deeper than she knew.</div>
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<i>And the scars of the past will touch her court in times to come.</i></div>
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<b>My Rating: 4/5</b></div>
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These two books are a continuation of the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas that I have previously reviewed, which you can find <a href="https://musingthemanuscript.blogspot.com/2016/07/review-court-of-thorns-and-roses-by.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://musingthemanuscript.blogspot.com/2016/08/review-court-of-mist-and-fury-by-sarah.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. My opinions on the world and character building are the same, they are fantastic! </div>
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As I have said previously, and as is stated on the books themselves, these books are not suitable for young readers. Recommended for 15+.</div>
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Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing</div>
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Publication Dates: 2017 and 2018</div>
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RRP: Unknown</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I purchased these books for my own collection and was not required to give a review.</span></div>
Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799977150988799376.post-46053567478620645542017-09-25T11:16:00.002+08:002019-11-19T16:01:41.783+08:00Review: A Year in Daljarn by Rebekah Cumming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Year-in-Daljarn-Cumming-Rebekah/9781942056355/?a_aid=musingthemanuscript" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqEmpKunYaZuvlUn-ni0ZNFre-Yx8E5cqK2m60AGd7t3yPkW2so9iOhblJRSWZrzmOmLPVuOUw6h8tjdMreZgfZXbf5tpMINXcBuHEUJx3LBX03L34CvIBZQDxz8alHc-KyUbHr6lu6k/s640/A+Year+in+Daljarn.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
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<i>If her life was a performance, she wasn't directing it.</i></div>
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When Annabell Worth leaves her high flying city life to take a housekeeping position in the north of Western Australia, she never imagined what she would discover in this largely unknown but highly unique shire that is Daljarn. She is captivated by the people and stories and amidst the red dust and history, she finds friendship, romance and secrets. But when everything she has come to love is suddenly challenged, Annabell is faced with a difficult choice that will change her life forever. Ind the shadow of her past and under the weight of great expectations, Annabell must find the strength to overcome all that is in her path.</div>
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<b>Rating: 4/5</b></div>
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After a rather rough start, the story of Annabell draws you in and keeps you hooked. Rebekah Cumming has created some realistic and for the most part, likeable, characters. The story explores some of Australia's fabled history and sweeps you in to the red dust of the great North West.<br />
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Annabell is a ballerina with a promising career and a handsome boyfriend, and yet, she feels empty. Her life seems to be controlled by others and she's sick of feeling like she's just a pawn in their games. She wants a change, to re-evaluate her life. When her boyfriend suggests that she go up to the homestead of his former schoolmate and becomes a housekeeper, she initially balks at the idea ... could she survive so far from Perth and everything - everyone - that she knows and loves?<br />
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When Annabell arrives at Daljarn and meets the very handsome and fiery Scott Hensley she feels as though she's gotten in over her head. Can she and Scott learn to get along, without him blowing up at every little change she makes?<br />
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The area around Daljarn is <i>stunning</i> and Annabell soon discovers that it is rich in mineral deposits as well. The owners of the property she lives and works on are embroiled in a fight that captures the attention of the nation and the world, as a multinational mining corporation battles to get their hands on the natural resources hidden beneath the surface. Can Annabell help the family save their land from the money hungry miners?<br />
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A thoroughly enjoyable and easy read.<br />
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Publisher: 5 Fold Media, LLC<br />
Publication Date: 10 November 2016<br />
RRP: $33.00 AUD<br />
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I purchased this book for my own collection and was not required to give a review.</div>
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<br />Musing the Manuscripthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643025763433348204noreply@blogger.com