Nerd Girl Loves Books

3 stars

Let me start by saying I love Charlaine Harris’ books and I really enjoyed the Aurora Teagarden series. I was so excited that the author had re-visited this character and couldn’t wait to read the book. I even went to her book signing event and had the book autographed by her.

That said, I was pretty disappointed in this book. The writing was fun and classic Harris, but the story itself was pretty thin and blah. This character has so much potential for interesting storylines, and I felt like that potential was just wasted in this book. 
Continue reading “All the Little Liars (Aurora Teagarden #9) by Charlaine Harris” →

4 stars

This is the first book in the series and it starts well. The worldbuilding is good, but not oppressive, and the characters are well-written and interesting. King Severn is a ruthless king that is not loved by his people. When Duke Kiskaddon aids an attempt to depose the King and fails, he must turn over his youngest son Owen as a hostage to the King. If he fails the King again, the Duke’s entire family will pay the ultimate price. While at Court in Kingfountain, Owen finds an ally in the former queen’s poisoner. She helps Owen devise a plan to save him and his family, but is it too risky to work?

The story is fun, fast-paced and keeps the reader’s interest. It is a quick read and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

3.5 stars

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

King Toran is greatly admired for uniting the 5 realms and bringing peace to the land. When the King dies, his throne stands empty. It is rumored that he left 5 heirs throughout the land, however their identities remain a mystery.

The story is told from several character’s point of view. Reann is a 17 year old ward of the castle that is working as a servant until her guardianship ends. She is the self-appointed librarian and has been secretly searching for clues to the lost heirs. She hopes that if she finds one she will gain a permanent position at the castle and not be cast out when she turns 18. A mysterious man arrives at the castle who is also secretly searching for the heirs, but can he be trusted? Continue reading “Fall of the Dragon Prince (The Forgotten Heirs Trilogy #1) by Dan Allen” →

3.5 Stars

This is a good book, but there is something about it that prevents me from saying it’s a great book. I can’t really put my finger on it, but something really bothered me about it. Perhaps it was the fact that the story was told in reverse. Sometimes this works, but for me it was pretty confusing. I read the book over the course of a week or so, and every time I picked the book up, I had to skim back several pages to figure out what was going on. I also didn’t really like the ending. If you’re going to have a twisty book like this, you shouldn’t have a neat and tidy ending. Continue reading “All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda” →

4 stars

When I requested this book, I didn’t realize it was book #12 of a long series. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the book and didn’t feel too lost. The author does a good job of interspersing background information throughout the book about the characters which clearly came from previous books so that even a first time reader such as myself didn’t feel too lost.
Continue reading “A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny” →

4 stars (Release date Feb. 28, 2017)

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

This is a fast-paced, fun fantasy read. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next book in the series. The story begins in modern day L.A. Ethan, a 14 year old boy, has an over protective mother, girl troubles and a bully problem. Ethan also has a big secret that further complicates his life; he can see and communicate with ghosts. When he slips away from his mother to walk to school for the first time ever, he is suddenly attacked by a flock of ravens. A mysterious man named Bartlett helps him escape but when Ethan returns home, he finds his home ransacked and his mother gone. Continue reading “Game of Shadows by Erika Lewis” →

4 Stars

This is a beautifully written book. The author effortlessly tells her story and the reader need only curl up and let it flow over them. The story is set shortly after the end of the Civil War in Texas. Captain Kidd is a widower that was a printer before the Civil War. He now makes his living travelling throughout Texas reading the news to people in small towns. He leads a solitary life, although he hopes to convince his daughters to return to Texas with their families to fight for the return of their former home that was lost during the war. Continue reading “News of the World by Paulette Jiles” →

1 star

Ugh. I don’t even know where to start with this book. It was touted as a funny commentary on social media and our obsessiveness with staying in constant contact with everyone. But to me it read more like a couple of teenagers constantly yammering in a stream of consciousness mess. I tried very hard to finish the book, but had to stop after 100 pages. It was just too annoying. Continue reading “Crosstalk by Connie Willis” →

3 stars

Another good, quick read by John Grisham. This story focuses on Lacy, an attorney working for the Florida Judicial Board investigating bad judges. Most cases involve drugs, alcohol or other mnor issues. So when a disbarred lawyer with a changed name brings a case to them about a corrupt Judge taking bribes from a crime syndicate and skimming cash from an Indian casino, Lacy is skeptical and not sure she wants to get involved. As she and her colleague begin to investigate, the case gets stronger, but also more dangerous and deadly.

The action is fast past and the twists and turns are fun to uncover.