Nerd Girl Loves Books

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.

3 stars

This was a quick, fun read. Set in 1800s London, Camille Iverness works in a curiosity shop owned by her father. They specialize in rare artifacts. Camille’s father’s business dealings are questionable, at best. When a large ruby goes missing, a man comes to the shop and threatens Camille. Continue reading “The Curiosity Keeper (Treasures of Surrey #1) by Sarah E. Ladd” →

4 stars

Another great book in this series. The action picks up right where the first book ended and doesn’t stop until the end. Elias and Laia are on the run from the Empire. They are heading to Kauf prison to help Laia’s brother escape from prison. Martial soldiers are hunting them, led by Elias’ best friend, Mask Helene. The Commandant is killing Scholars and Emperor Marcus is terrorizing everyone in the Empire. I can’t wait to see how the series ends.

4 stars

A very satisfying ending to this book trilogy. Bill and Holly are working at their PI firm when Bill gets a phone call from his old partner Pete. One of the victims of the Centre city massacre is the victim of a murder/suicide and things just don’t add up. Pete asks Bill and Holly to check out the scene and discover that Brady, Mr. Mercedes, may be connected despite everyone believing that he’s brain damaged. The team quickly uncovers an evil plot targeting teenagers that survived the concert that Brady was intent on blowing up years ago. The book has plenty of action and suspense and ties the story line up very well. I look forward to reading the next series by the author.

4 stars

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

I really enjoyed this book. The story caught my attention right away and I had a hard time putting it down. I finished it in 2 days! The writing style is easy, the worldbuilding is thorough without being boring and the characters are fleshed out fairly well. Continue reading “The Sound of the Stones by Beth Hammond” →

2 stars

This is another book club book, and another disappointment. I know that a lot of people like this author’s books, but this is the second one of hers that I’ve read and I didn’t care for either one. It took a lot of effort for me to read this book and I found myself skimming more than half of the book. The author is a lovely writer, and there are several phrases and sentences that are beautiful. But overall, I just can’t get into her writing style. I don’t like books that take an entire page to describe a leaf, or a butterfly, or a tree. I know a lot of people like that. I don’t. Continue reading “Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver” →