Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer (the first of a series)

Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer is told by two people--Tessa and Corrick.  Tessa is a young girl who wants her kingdom to take better care of the poor people.  She wants things to change.  Corrick is a young man who rules his kingdom with his brother.  They have a bond between them and both have a desire to improve things for their people.

This book is really good!  I loved both of the main characters and it has good action as well with a great story line including an early surprise that my wife nor I saw coming!  I look forward to book 2 in this series.  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)  

Karen's review, Oct. 27, 2021:

Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer was an enjoyable read for me.  It is a fictional read about Prince Corrick and his brother who rule over the land of Kandara.  People are dying from an illness that is throughout the land and medicine is scarce and hoarded by the elite.  Tessa mixes the ingredients that Wes brings to her to make medicine and together they deliver it to the poor in need during the night.  Wes saved her life once and she loves him.  When a revolution breaks out, everyone is in danger!

I liked this book because although it is primarily character driven, there was enough action to keep it interesting.  I really liked the two main characters, Corrick and Tessa.  Corrick is the king's justice who is fighting his own personal battle.  (4 stars)

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"Do No Harm" by Christina McDonald

In Do No Harm by Christina McDonald, Emma's son is very sick.  The treatment he needs to get better will cost lots of money which Emma and her husband, Nate, have little of.  Emma will do whatever it takes to get the money, even returning to her past life.  This is a good story that moved along well and kept me guessing what would come next.  I liked Emma and the ending surprised me!  (Gerard's review, 5+ stars)  

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"Every Note Played" by Lisa Genova

Every Note Played by Lisa Genova centers on two people:  Richard and Karina.  They were married but separated and divorced.  Karina is having trouble moving on.  Her only child, Grace, has gone to college and has little interaction with her mom.  Karina has no one.  Richard is an accomplished concert pianist, but now he has ALS.  Soon he is going to need someone to take care of him 24-7!  He is not close to his family and has no one.

WOW!  I really enjoyed reading this book.  I liked both Richard and Karina.  Lisa  Genova does a great job with the story line.  I have loved all her books and this one is as good as the others!  I laughed, smiled and cried.  It is my book of the month so far!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Teaser from page 27:  Her stomach floods with emotion, her inner streets crowding fast as fervent protest stands upon its soapbox in her center, outraged that she has to deal with this, that Pam especially can't be more sensitive to her.  Richard's canceled tour isn't her concern.

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"Saving Meghan" by D. J. Palmer -- Can you love someone to death?

Saving Meghan by D. J. Palmer is contemporary fiction.  Some people would say Becky should be "Mother of the Year" since she is focused on her only child, Meghan 24-7.  She has to be because Meghan is ill but countless doctors cannot figure out what it is.  Becky will do whatever it takes to find out what is wrong with her daughter!  Carl is the father.  He wants what is best for Meghan, but thinks he knows what the problem is, and it is not medical!

I enjoyed this book very much.  The characters were brought out really well and the story flowed along.  Throw some twists in the book and at times I laughed out loud at some parts.  Try to figure out how all this plays out.  I am guessing you won't just like I couldn't.
(Gerard's review, 5+ stars)

Teaser from page 27:  I could tell by the way he looked at me with sadness and sympathy that he'd do anything and everything to make me well again.  But there was a deep sense of loss in that look, too.  He was sure he lost me to her--to my mom.    

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"The Wonder of Lost Causes" by Nick Trout

In The Wonder of Lost Causes by Nick Trout, Kate is the mom of Jasper who has Cystic Fibrosis.  Kate will do whatever needs to be done for her son.  Jasper really wants a dog; however, Kate is not sure that is a good idea for a number of reasons.  When a beaten dog comes around, Jasper claims the dog and he have a connection and are meant to be together.

I thought this book was pretty good.  Jasper and the dog, Whistler, were both great characters.  If you are looking for a heartwarming story, this is it!
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)  

Teaser from page 22:  Over my shoulder, I check in, and I'm still in the crosshairs of his focus.  Is it possible that, even without a blink or a bark, the dog is making me choose for him?

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!