• Books,  Reviews

    Book Review: Ben Hur by Carol Wallace

    Title: Ben Hur Author: Carol Wallace Genre: Historical Publisher: Tyndale Date: July 19, 2016 Ben Hur. The very title of this book evokes immediate response in generations of people. Most instantly have horses, chariots and roman gladiators in mind. Some picture Charlton Heston. Some might even have a bit of a stab of guilt because they haven’t read the book or watched the film.  I fell into that latter category until recently. Judah Ben-Hur is a Jewish nobleman. He’s always only known comfort, luxury, and preferential treatment. Though he treats others well, his best friend, Messala, comes to resent him. Unaware of his friend’s anger, Judah still treats his friend…

  • Books,  Reviews

    Review: Curio by Evangeline Denmark

    Title: Curio Author: Evangeline Denmark Genre: Steampunk, fiction, fantasy Publisher: Blink Date: January 5, 2016 Grey Haward is nothing spectacular. She lives every day just like everyone else around her. She avoids the Chemists. She takes her potion. She does what she’s told.  It’s all pretty boring. But there are just enough odd little flags here and there to let her know that her life is different. Her grandfather’s Curio shop has a cabinet that she never opens or cleans. It doesn’t seem out of sorts but the fact that it’s very specifically avoided and pointedly ignored gives her a hint there may be something different. One night, on the…

  • Books,  Reviews

    Review: Within the Veil by Brandy Vallance

    Title:  Within the Veil Author: Brandy Vallance Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Lyrical Vine Press Date: June 28, 2016 Feya Broon has a really difficult life.  The oldest of a group of siblings, her mother died leaving her alone with her father. He, unfortunately, isn’t the best parenting role model. More often than not, Feya has to parent him.  It’s when they are unable to pay a window tax that everything finally breaks. Watching the bricks stack up to make a covering over the only light in their little hovel of a home seems to be the straw that breaks the proverbial camel’s back.  When the money she’s tucked away disappears, Feya…

  • Books,  Reviews

    Review: Jilted by Varina Denman

    Title:  Jilted Author: Varina Denman Genre: Drama Publisher: David C. Cook Date: June 1, 2016 Lynda Turner has struggled with depression since her husband abandoned her and their young daughter fifteen years ago. Yet unexpected hope awakens when a local ex-convict shows interest. As long-hidden secrets resurface, Lynda must fight for her emotional stability and for a life where the shadow of shame is replaced by the light of love. Jilted tells of a woman who has lost the joy of living, a man determined to draw her back toward happiness, and a town that must—once and for all—leave the past where it belongs. It is a gentle reminder that…

  • Books,  Reviews

    Review: The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman

    Title:  The Invisible Library Author: Genevieve Cogman Genre: fantasy Publisher: Roc Date:  June 14, 2016 Anyone who has read my reviews for a while knows that I love time travel. I was an Outlander reader from day one, I adore Doctor Who, and Quantum Leap was my introduction to the eccentricities of fandom. And obviously, I adore books as well! So when a book about an Invisible library and a time traveling librarian comes across my desk, it pretty much becomes a must read. Irene is a professional spy for the Library. Not A library. THE Library. This is a super-secret organization that travels through different realities gathering up and…

  • Reviews,  Television

    Review: The Eleventh on Feeln

    I  received an email earlier this week asking if I would be interested in reviewing a new program on Feeln called The Eleventh. For those of you who haven’t heard, Feeln is a new streaming service that focuses on heartwarming stories that families can enjoy. Their website says: Feeln is the streaming service that brings you heartfelt stories of love and togetherness, anytime, anywhere. Feeln carefully selects every title so you spend less time searching and more time with the stories you love. Feeln brings home the exclusive library of Hallmark Hall of Fame features, handpicked Hollywood movies and TV series, and award-winning originals you won’t find anywhere else. “The Eleventh”…