"A Shadow Bright and Burning" by Jessica Cluess

In A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess, Henrietta has powers that she keeps hidden.  However, when a friend is in danger, she reveals her powers for all to see.  She is the "Chosen One" who must go and train with men to help fight the attack that is sure to come.  She has a secret though that if found out, the battle will be lost for sure.

This is the first book of a series.  Most of the real action comes at the end to set up for the second book.  I enjoyed the main character and it had good twists at the end that peaked my interest for the next book.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

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!

"The Poet's Dog" by Patricia MacLachlan

In The Poet's Dog by Patricia MacLachlan, two young children are all alone in a fierce winter storm.  Teddy (the talking dog) locates them and leads them to a cabin where he lives so they will be safe.  Teddy tells them a story while they wait for the storm to end and for help to come.

This is a young reader's book, but I enjoyed it very much.  I hope it touches your heart like it did mine!  Perfect read for the holidays!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Karen read it too and here are her thoughts:
I read it because it was a short children's book that I could read quickly but did not enjoy it as much as Gerard did.  The dog understood words and only children and a poet could understand what the dog said.  I liked the ending but overall wasn't impressed, but then, poetry isn't my thing.  I liked other dog stories much better.
(Karen's review, 3 stars)

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!

Teaser Tuesday

Karen's:

I inspected my new body.  I appeared to be a teenaged Caucasian male, clad in sneakers, blue jeans, and a green polo shirt.

From page 5 of The Trials of Apollo--Book One, The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan.


Gerard's:
 "A sorcerer would never harm children," I said, squeezing her hand in return.  Granted, I'd never met a sorcerer, but Sarah didn't need to know that.

From page 1 of A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess.

He led me to his sister crouched under a big tree, a blanket wrapped around her.  She was younger, maybe eight.

 From page 2 of The Poet's Dog by Patricia MacLachlan.

The champion looked away, across the ruined village and the broken bodies.  "Only the best can become queen.  And she is not the best."

From page 15 of The Queen of Blood by Sarah Beth Durst.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by The Purple Booker.   Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading.  Happy Reading!

"A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman is simply all about a 59-yr-old man called Ove who is brokenhearted because his wife died and he feels useless since he retired.  He is quite a character and is actually a lovable, crotchety old man who lives in a little community that he sort of takes responsibility for.  He desperately wants to join his wife so tries committing suicide, but it seems something always comes up that spoils his plans--life happens in spite of himself.  The more I read, the better I liked Ove.

This book is really good!  I liked Ove so much, partly because he reminded me of my dad and husband in some ways.  The chapters are short and give pictures of different moments in Ove's life jumping back and forth from the present to the past.   There are many tender moments and some funny things as well which makes this book very real to life.  I loved how gradually Ove formed relationships with those around him, even the stray cat who was practically starving and almost died.  This was a tear jerker for me because the ending was so sweet.  I'm sure this is one that I will not soon forget!  I highly recommend it!
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

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!

"When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi

In When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, Paul is this close to completing a decade's worth of training to be a neurosurgeon.  All his late hours and 24-hour days are almost done.  His marriage is having problems and his wife is also a doctor.  Paul though is on top of his game and could have his choice of top-notch hospitals at only 37 years old.  But the unthinkable happens and all of his plans are changed!

This is a very emotional book!  I felt so bad for Paul, his wife and their families.  There is a lot of medical terms in this book that were over my head so that is why I gave this one 4 stars instead of 5.  It is worth reading for sure!
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

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!