It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a meme hosted by Book Journey. This meme lets you show fellow readers what you have read, what you are reading, and what you will be reading.

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I Want a Magic Lunch Box Too

Henrietta Sharp and the Magic Lunch Box by Jan Welborn-nichols 

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.

Summary: Twelve-year-old Henrietta Sharp is smart, funny and likes to read the dictionary. But all she really wants is to be normal, a normal size that is, like her fashion-minded best friend Taffeta Bloom. That’s life before a magic lunch box (LB) mysteriously appears and tells Henri that she is a Traveler, someone who can summon portals and travel the universe.

Before you can say brand new super-power, Henri, her brainy boy-cousin P.J., Taffeta, and LB, are off on an adventure. They must find the medallion of power that will awaken the Guide who will train Henri in the ways of a Traveler. Unfortunately, this particular Guide is the most unlikely individual ever to assume responsibility for under age children and Henri’s training is strictly on the job.

They must leave immediately for the domain of Grymvald to rescue the imprisoned leader of the Fake Food Rebellion. A rogue Traveler, now a powerful Star Lord, has enslaved much of Grymvald with a deadly, addictive substance. Now, he gathers his forces in preparation for an attack on Earth.

The friends find Grymvald a different and disturbing and kind of place. It looks a lot like Earth, except that inanimate objects are, well, animated. Vegetables talk and think, dinnerware can be lethal, and saying no to seconds can get you put in prison.

Without the least idea how, Henri must learn to wield the medallion and defeat the Star Lord, while resisting the lure of its infinite power. With LB, Taffy and P.J. by her side, Henri discovers that friendship and loyalty have a power of their very own, and that the impossible business of saving the world cannot be separated from the complex business of finding herself.

Review: A fun and enjoyable childrens fantasy novel with good messages.

I am so very far past the intended age range (middle school children and perhaps high schoolers), but I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. I think it would go over even better with people closer to the age range intended since the issues discussed in this book as especially relevant to people of that age. This book has great messages, but what's even better is that the messages are not overwhelming. They are subtle yet powerful. Friendship, healthy eating, the difficulties of growing up, fighting for what is right, and seeing one's true worth. 

Though Henrietta is the main character of this story, I have to say that Lunch Box or LB for short was very close to being my favorite character. He is snarky, funny, and kind. Plus I love the idea of strongly worded notes appearing out of thin air. Henrietta is a very likable and sympathetic character. She relies on her wits and intelligence, but is still willing to take advice when needed. She takes charge without even realizing she is doing it. Taffy and P.J. were great sidekicks and their interactions with Henrietta and other characters made me laugh. I like the setting that was created and I would gladly read another book set in the same universe.

Rating: 

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those that enjoy childrens fantasy or who didn't mind their fantasy with good messages.

This Letter Says He Loves Me

Love Letters From a Duke by Elizabeth Boyle

Summary: Though she can’t afford the coal to heat her drafty Mayfair mansion, Felicity Langley still clings to her dream of marrying a duke--one she’s had since her very first curtsy. After all, she’s been all but promised to the very proper and very lofty Duke of Hollindrake for the last four years. Now all she has to do is meet him. But what Felicity doesn’t realize is that she has already met her duke—he’s the rather unfashionable yet altogether too-handsome man who has just turned up at her doorstep. And Felicity has just mistaken him…for her new footman!

By rights, Thatcher should immediately set this presumptuous chit straight and tell her he has no intention of following through with a betrothal his grandfather—the previous duke—arranged. But he’s quickly smitten by Felicity’s delightful determination, her irrepressible charm…and her breathtaking beauty. Yes, she’d wed him in an instant were his true identity revealed—but Thatcher’s vowed to marry only for love. So begins his deception and his conquest of this uncommon woman who doesn’t believe in romance, but is about to find her heart and passions set aflame by the unlikely servant she’s sworn to resist.

Review: A historical romance with a silly plot and absurd characters. 

I read this book for a book challenge solely because it had a carriage on the front. I know it's the third in the series and I know that I missed some things by not reading the first two books, but this book does a good enough job of standing on its own. I might read the first two in the series eventually since I am interested in events this book mentions. The plot, ah the plot. It's silly and so very hard to get past. 

I can certainly believe that Felicity believed she was engaged to the Duke and that Thatcher was coming to break it off, but wouldn't Felicity have started to wonder where the Duke was or why he never came to visit her? What made her think Thatcher was such a great match in the first place? And why did Thatcher come to cry off in such a manner and why didn't he actually bother to tell her he was the duke she thought she was engaged to? So many questions for such a silly plot. I did like Felicity for the most part. She had a kind heart and was concerned with the well being of her sisters.

Rating:

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those that enjoy historical romances with mistaken identities. 

A Practical Arrangement Tour: Giveaway

Title: A Practical Arrangement

Author: Nadja Notariani

Genre: Historical Romance, Romance,

Publisher: Indie Published

Ebook

Pages: appx. 195

Purchase:

Amazon  |

Book Description:

۩ A Practical Arrangement, Nadja Notariani ۩

Miss Evangeline Grey, intelligent and sensible, has no desire to marry, her reluctance born from the dire warnings of her overly emotional mother. Her father has other ideas, however, and decrees that unless she weds by the spring, he will choose a husband for her.

Prim and proper Evangeline accepts her father's issue with little more than mild alarm. Knowing herself plain of face and sharp of tongue, she believes herself capable of warding off any perspective suitor. Her plan goes awry when the scandalous seducer, Mr. Thomas Masterson, visits her family's home, for Thomas has learned that he must procure a wife to receive his full inheritance.

When he discovers Evangeline's predicament matches his own, Thomas determines to orchestrate a practical arrangement. A war of wit and word results, and Thomas finds himself ever more beguiled by the soft heart he discovers under Miss Grey's stern, inhibited exterior. Patiently, he endeavors to gain her respect and awaken her passions. As tenuous trust blooms between the rake and the reluctant, unfortunate events – and Thomas' past reputation – threaten to destroy the peace and happiness he has found within the bonds of his Practical Arrangement.

Excerpt:

Evangeline felt sorry for Melody in a small way, her mother as well. They had no defense, no antidote to counter the forceful emotions stirred in them. She counted herself lucky to have been spared their burden.

In good time Melody and their mother returned, tea arriving directly afterward, and while glad to see them she couldn't deny sorrow over her lost solitude.

“Oh, they both are such handsome men, Melody. And wealthy enough, too.”

“Mr. Lane is, by far, more handsome with his light hair and eyes,” Melody admired openly.

They really are too silly! Infatuated girls, you'd think!

“What say you, Evangeline?” Melody challenged brightly. “Which gentleman do you prefer?”

Pursing her lips, Evangeline took a deep breath.

Of all the fiddle-faddle! Preferring gentlemen!

“I don't prefer either of them, nor any other for that matter.”

But as usual, Providence gave her no quarter, choosing the moment of her sister's question to spring said gentlemen into the sitting room. All eyes landed upon her, her father grinning in a most amused way. Evangeline flushed, a deep burn rising under her skin. Thomas Masterson made his greetings, and as the others conversed around the tea cart he neared, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips.

“I'd take you at your word, Miss Grey, but your pretty blush suggests perhaps you do harbor a preference.” His eyes simmered, locked intently on hers.

Oh! What did he mean by saying that?

She found herself squirming under that gaze of his – and appalled – stilled immediately. Gathering herself, she answered. “Never confuse indifference with deceit, Mr. Masterson.”

Still, he did not look away, surprising her.

About the Author:

Nadja Notariani was born in Rochester, Pennsylvania. Her upbringing included very diverse environments, affording wide and varied richness of ethnic and religious tradition. Raised in both an Italian/Mediterranean American home and a traditional German household, Nadja gleaned the unique benefits of viewing the world through two widely different lenses.

Nadja resides in Northeastern Pennsylvania, ever embracing new adventures with her husband, three sons, and faithful German Shepherd. She also boasts two daughters, who have flown the nest to pursue their own adventures.

Within her titles, readers can find romance and adventure, from contemporary to paranormal to historical, always with a happily-ever-after. Nadja enjoys hearing from readers and can be found at her website, on Facebook, Goodreads, and at Romance Novel Center. Readers are welcome to contact her via email.

This biography was provided by the author or their representative.

Website: An Author's adventures | Email: nadja.notariani@gmail.com | Goodreads | Romance Novel Center |

Giveaway:

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Spine Chilling Horror

The Cursed Man by Keith Rommel

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.

Summary: Once you enter this mind of madness, you will never be the same.

Alister Kunkle believes death is in love with him. A simple smile from friend or stranger is all it takes to encourage death to kill.
With his family deceased and a path of destruction behind him, Alister sits inside a mental institution, sworn to silence and separated from the rest of the world, haunted by his inability to escape death’s preferential treatment.
But when a beautiful psychologist arrives at the institution and starts offering him care, Alister braces himself for more killings. When none follow, he tries to figure out whether he truly is insane or if death has finally come to him in the form of a woman.

Review: A very spine chilling and creepy read where nothing is certain.

This book starts on pretty straight forward. Dr. Anna Lee comes to visit Alister to give him an evaluation and to try to help him. She doesn't believe about the curse and thinks it is all in his head. Of course, everyone else in the hospital believes that the curse is real. Anna manages to bully the director into letting her see Alister. She survives the night even though the curse is supposed to kill her within one. And that's when all hell breaks loose.

I was tempted to agree with Anna that the curse was just in Alister's head. Some of the incidents I could believe, but once he got to the hospital, the curse's effects became unbelievable. Of course, it could be an actual curse, but I found Anna convincing myself otherwise. It's a slow build up to the horror, but once it began, I found myself incredibly nervous and anxious about what would be revealed next. What was truth? What was reality? Was the curse real? What is all in Alister's head? How reliable of a narrator is he? The ending was confusing and left a lot of unanswered questions, but it demonstrates that you just never know and never will.

Rating:

Recommendation: I would recommend this to fans of horror, especially fans of cerebral horror.

The Myriad Ways to Spy

How to Prevent Rape: How to Detect and Defeat Today's Spy Technology by Daniel Hanson

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.

Summary: Every woman who does not want to become another rape victim. In this book, you will find some excellent advice on how to avoid rape. The most important chapter in this material is about “Rape.” After all; spy technology can be used for that purpose as well as spying. Be certain that rape will never stop happening, but there is a lot that can be done to lessen the likelihood of it happening to you.

After you have had your identity stolen or been raped, it is too late to start getting educated. Get your education here!

Crime will never go away. Yet most people are totally oblivious to how they can be preyed upon and what technology exists to be used against them. To live a safer life, learn how to detect and defeat the technology that exists today – it has never been more technologically advanced and readily available.

Not only will you learn about today’s technology, you will also learn how some of it actually works – in details understandable by the general public. All of the technology discussed can be used against everyone. What you don’t know really can hurt you. You will be shocked at the technology that exists with which others can spy on you, and by which, without detection, you would never know you are being watched.

Review: An informative guide to today's technology and how to protect yourself against it along with many helpful tips, including how to prevent being a victim of rape.

I must be honest that this is a book that I wouldn't have picked up on my own. However, I am glad the author contacted me to read and review this book. I am not sure how many people are the victims of spy technology, but I am sure there are victims. I believe it is easier to spy on people just with the computer alone nowadays even though I am no expert.

It is a bit disconcerting to read how many different types of spy technology they are. I like that the author makes this book a guide, but doesn't give too much away so people cannot use the information for ill against people. The most useful chapter for me, personally, was the chapter on rape. Being a woman, it is always a fear that I will get raped at some point in my life. Hanson provides some very good tips and I like that he encourages people to double check his advice and to seek sound advice other places as well. 

Rating:






Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those interested in learning about spy technology or for women to learn tips on how to prevent rape. 

The Wars of Religion

Heretic Queen: Queen Elizabeth I and the Wars of Religion by Susan Ronald

Summary: Elizabeth’s 1558 coronation procession was met with an extravagant outpouring of love. Only twenty-five years old, the young queen saw herself as their Protestant savior, aiming to provide the nation with new hope, prosperity, and independence from the foreign influence that had plagued her sister Mary’s reign. Given the scars of the Reformation, Elizabeth would need all of the powers of diplomacy and tact she could summon.

 Extravagant, witty, and hot-tempered, Elizabeth was the ultimate tyrant. Yet at the outset, in religious matters, she was unfathomably tolerant for her day. “There is only one Christ, Jesus, one faith,” Elizabeth once proclaimed. “All else is a dispute over trifles.” Heretic Queen is the highly personal, untold story of how Queen Elizabeth I secured the future of England as a world power. Susan Ronald paints the queen as a complex character whose apparent indecision was really a political tool that she wielded with great aplomb.

Review: An informative and enjoyable read about how politics and religion affected Europe and England.

This book did focus on Elizabeth I, but it was mainly a history of England, Europe, and the religious wars during Queen Elizabeth's I reign. This book won't give you a very good idea of Elizabeth's personality. It does show her disinclination to marry, a desire to have religious tolerance, and how brilliant of a politician she was. Elizabeth I by Anne Somerset is a very good biography of Elizabeth I (although I personally didn't enjoy it much). It is incredibly detailed although a bit dry at times.

Elizabeth I reigned during an incredibly uncertain time. Of course there was tension between the Catholics and the Protestants, but all too often, religion was used as a political tool. It was a bit hard to keep track of all the players, especially since alliances were broken and forged so often. Elizabeth really did an incredible job of keeping England safe from invasion. I also couldn't believe how often Elizabeth brought our the possibility of marriage (or her marriage card as the book called it) to keep the peace. How long could people possibly keep believing that she would marry? I guess they really just hoped she would since it was unnatural for a woman to rule on her own. 

Rating:

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those interested in Elizabeth I's reign or religious history during the 16th century.