August 2018 Book Reviews
HISTORICAL FICTION
Medieval
Falls Ende: Courser by Paul Feenstra
Fans of acclaimed authors Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett will love the rich, character-driven medieval ‘Falls Ende’ series. Just when life for Herdsman Odo Read and his betrothed, Charlotte, is returning to normal, the inconceivable happens.
Set during the tumultuous reign of King Henry II in feudal England, the quiet and peace of Mellester Manor is shattered by the discovery of a senseless, brutal double murder at Falls Ende. Odo’s life is thrown into upheaval as he searches desperately for what he holds dear. Ignoring the warnings of Mellester’s new reeve, his own life is suddenly in peril when he is hunted by a sadistic knight intent on revenge. For Odo, it’s either leap or die even though the cold depths of ‘Falls Ende’ can only lead to dishonour and death.
Sir Gweir, Mellester Manor’s inexperienced and new lord, faces his own challenges and risks upsetting King Henry II. Can he help Odo and Charlotte and provide justice, or will his own life be at risk?
‘Falls Ende – Courser’ seamlessly continues on from book one, ‘Falls Ende – The Oath’ and should be read in sequence.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/08/01/book-review-falls-ende-courser-by-paul-feenstra/
Falls Ende: The King by Paul Feenstra
The ‘Falls Ende’ saga seamlessly continues in ‘The King,’ Book 3.
For Herdsman Odo Read, life at Mellester Manor has almost returned to normal when a sudden death changes his life. The discovery of a letter has far-reaching implications and the potential to create unwanted friction between King Henry II and Pope Alexander III.
Incensed at the developments, the king’s proxy, Lord of Ridgley Manor, Sir Hyde Fortescue turns his back on Odo and refuses to help. One man steps up and offers assistance. Will his plan succeed? Can Odo honour his word and remain at Ridgely Manor or will he return to Mellester and his beloved Charlotte?
‘Falls Ende – The King,’ chronicles Odo’s biggest challenge yet in another page-turning drama.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/08/06/book-review-falls-ende-the-king-by-paul-feenstra/
Falls Ende: Primus by Paul Feenstra
In mid-eleventh century England, the picturesque and peaceful hamlet of Mellester Manor is devastated by the unthinkable, and the effects are lasting. Created in a similar style as acclaimed authors Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett, ‘Falls Ende’ pits Herdsman Odo Read against vengeful knights and the Church. They seek more than revenge, they want Falls Ende.
Odo is enjoying the benefits from years of hard work and happiness when everything goes awry and his lifelong dream comes to a sudden end. For Odo, there is more at stake than just his dignity and pride because they’ve already been taken; all he has left is his life. Can he regain what is closest to his heart or will Falls Ende claim him too?
Falls Ende – Primus is a full-length novel, seamlessly compiled from Falls Ende ‘The Oath, ‘ ‘Courser’ and ‘The King.’
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/08/20/book-review-falls-ende-primus-by-paul-feenstra/
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
The Duke’s Scottish Lass by Tammy Andresen
One family united by loss, driven to find love
Six siblings unite after the death of their parents around their eldest brother, Stone. They consider blood to be a binding oath and vow to protect one another. They all must face their own demons as they find love and their places in the world.
Lady Delia Alban absolutely cannot marry the handsome rake, Roderick Maddox, fourth Duke of Manchester, despite her brother Stone’s insistence she do just that. Though he has long reformed his ways, he steals her breath away every time their eyes meet and she simply doesn’t deserve that kind of happiness. Not after the death of her brother, Reginald. She must pay penance, because, if not for her, he would still be alive.
Roderick Maddox, has known for years he would marry Delia. Before Reginald’s death, he made a promise to his friend, not only would he care for Reginald’s sister, but he would reform himself into the type of man Delia deserved. He never expected Delia to ignite such passion or to be so resistant to him. Nor did he realize he held the secret about Reginald’s death that could crush their budding feelings forever.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/08/08/release-blitz-w-review-the-dukes-scottish-lass-by-tammy-andresen/
Earl of Benton by Madeline Martin
HIS ACTIONS COULD BE TREASON…
Alistair Johnstone’s days of running whisky come to an abrupt halt when he inherits an earldom. After years of living in Scotland and denying his English heritage, he now must return despite his mother’s bitter contempt and his own lack of desire. When his mother’s attempt to run whisky goes awry, Alistair is forced to step in and save her by doing one last whisky run – however, if he’s caught, he will face a traitor’s death.
SHE IS RUNNING FOR HER LIFE…
Emma Thorne’s uncle is trying to kill her and so far has failed, thank goodness. But with only one month until she reaches her majority, inherits her fortune and is released from his guardianship, she knows she is not safe. Emma escapes to a nearby estate where she stumbles upon a house party being held by the Wicked Earls’ Club and finds herself at the mercy of the most extraordinary earl. One who could save her or see her condemned.
PERHAPS THEY CAN SAVE EACH OTHER.
When innocent lies become reality and danger follows them every step of the way, could love be the answer to both their problems, or will their passions be their undoing?
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/08/29/book-review-earl-of-benton-by-madeline-martin/
ROMANCE
Ghost Town by Riley McKissack
Stockville – The Love Bus comes to a small, South Georgia town. But, everyone’s got extra baggage. The unpacking may take time, but it’s worth it.
Stan and Lucy, Diana and Carter. Two new stories in the Where I Come From books. Small Southern Town Romance with humor, passion and love.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/08/17/book-review-ghost-town-by-riley-mckissack/
ROMANTIC COMEDY
Liar by Stephanie St. Klaire
Fake it until you make it. That was the mantra Cori Dash chanted as she chased a big city dream. The more you tell people you’re on top of the world, the more they believe it – just like they believed the embellished image she sold them with her knock off designer facade. It wasn’t lying if the truth stood somewhere in the middle – and she didn’t get caught.
Dominic Blackthorne owned half of that big city…and a reputation. Rather than dispel rumors or show the world the real Nick, he let his own fake image run free. Until Cori Dash – the only person who told him exactly how it was, even if it stung.
When Cori is faced with her ex-fiance, now engaged to her ex-best friend, it’s game on. In her boldest move yet, she concocts her biggest lie to date by introducing the first handsome stranger that walks by as her new fiancé. Happy to play the part, Nick is already planning the fake wedding of her dreams.
You know what they say about lying – the truth always comes out – and it hurts. Especially when Cori finds out she isn’t the biggest Liar in this game, and she’s been out played.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/08/23/release-blitz-with-review-liar-by-stephanie-st-klaire/
REVERSE HAREM/ROMANCE
Three Irish Brothers by Sienna Blake
I used to think I was one of the lucky ones.
But at twenty-six, I’ve left my life in New York behind—my perfect fiancé, my stylish friends, my high-flying marketing career—and moved to Ireland.
Truthfully, my perfect fiancé is now my ex after I walked in on him face-deep in my best friend’s p***y.
And my career? It’s over. Because that cheating ex-fiancé of mine… he owns the company I worked for.
I know. I know. Don’t screw your boss. Trust me, I’m never making that mistake again.
On my way to the remote Irish farm I’m now working on, my car hits a ditch. I’m rescued by the three sexiest men I’ve everseen.
The three Irish O’Callaghan brothers.
Broad shoulders, strong arms, accents that make me wet just to hear them.
I want them. All of them.
I know they all want me.
Plot twist…
Turns out they’re my new bosses.
Sienna’s Quick & Dirty series consists of full-length standalone novels which are hotter, dirtier and quicker than her other novels.
WESTERN ROMANCE
Cowboy, Cross My Heart by Donna Grant
New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant takes you deep inside the Texas rodeo scene, where danger and desire ride side by side. . .
Naomi Pierce isn’t the type to let a cowboy sweep her off feet. It’s not her first rodeo, after all. But when she returns to her Texas hometown, she can’t help but be wrapped up again in the rough-and-tumble world of hard-riding, bronco-busting good-ol’-boys she loved as a girl. She might be here to photograph her Rodeo Queen best friend, but it’s one fine-looking cowboy who really captures her eye.
Brice Harper is all man, all muscle and all heart. From the moment he rides into the stadium, he can’t help but notice the beautiful stranger with a camera watching him from the stands. It doesn’t take a zoom lens to see the sparks of instant attraction. But things really heat up when he meets Naomi up-close—and he discovers that someone is stalking her friend. Brice wouldn’t be any kind of cowboy if he didn’t offer to help the ladies out. But can the rough rider keep this spirited shutterbug out of danger—without risking his heart?
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/08/28/release-blitz-w-review-cowboy-cross-my-heart-by-donna-grant/
MYSTERY & SUSPENSE
Solomon’s Choice 2: Hearts for Sale by Riley McKissack
Conclusion to Emma’s & Hunter’s story
A child goes missing in the suburbs of Atlanta. The circumstances are eerily reminiscent of the disappearance of a child belonging to Detective Emma Reeves and her husband Hunter, a local reporter. Are the cases of the missing children connected? Is there a possibility that Emma and Hunter’s child is still alive? If they find the latest missing child, will that lead to their child who is believed dead?
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Night Magic by Emilie Richards
New Orleans nights are as intriguing as the lives of three friends raised together on the city’s streets. Lifelong solidarity has seen each man through difficult times, but challenges still lurk in the Big Easy, where love is complicated–but worth any struggle.
Despite the onset of summer, Doctor Fantôme’s Sanctuary of Voodoo in the French Quarter sends chills through psychologist Daphne Brookes. This is tourist voodoo, meant to shock and titillate. Daffy is fascinated by the man behind the counter, but less fascinated by the shop. One of her teenage clients may be under the influence of someone there.
Easy-going portrait artist Skeeter Harwood is briefly filling in for the shop’s owner. Skeeter is more than the maverick people usually see. The man who sells caricatures on Jackson Square has caught the eye of a gallery owner in New York, and now he can create the art he really wants to–if he’s willing to make the leap.
Skeeter must make another leap. He and Daffy have met before, and their latent attraction ignites immediately. Still, before they can move forward, Skeeter has to tell her the truth about his past. And Daffy, who has specialized in short-term relationships, must now face the reason why.
As Daffy and Skeeter delve deeper into the world of voodoo, danger is all around them. They must find a way to stop the exploitation of Daffy’s client. But as they do, will they be able to overcome their own difficult pasts to find a future they can share?
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/08/21/release-blitz-and-review-night-magic-by-emilie-richards/
SCI-FI/ROMANCE/SUSPENSE
A Change of Scenery by Debra Parmley
The Hunger Roads Trilogy: In a futuristic world of GMO’s, and overbearing government, a hot Special Opps soldier rescues an innocent belly dancer and gives her a wild adventure along the way, but there are larger issues to face in a world that has become dangerous and deadly.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/08/22/book-review-a-change-of-scenery-by-debra-parmley/
YOUNG ADULT/MIDDLE SCHOOL/FAIRY TALE RETELLING
Happily by Chauncey Rogers
If the shoe fits, wear it.
If it doesn’t, make it.
Laure has spent the past year on the streets. She’s dirty, hungry, poor, and very unhappy about it. All she wants is enough money to get away–away from the filthy streets, away from the gleaming castle on the hill, away from everything she knows.
But then she hears the king’s proclamation: a mysterious girl disappeared from the royal ball, leaving behind a glass slipper. The first girl to fit into the shoe will be the prince’s bride.
Some see an enchanting love story. Laure sees the nobility’s incompetence and an opportunity to exploit it. With a change in luck, a clever plan, and an unlikely accomplice, Laure might just be able to hoodwink the royal family and con her way into the palace.
The unexpected adventure that follows catches Laure in problems much bigger than she could have imagined. But without a fairy godmother of her own, Laure will have to think, feel, and fight her own way out of the mess she made and into the happily ever after of her dreams.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/08/07/book-review-happily-by-chauncey-rogers/
COOKBOOKS
Super Easy Cookbook for Beginner’s by Lisa Grant
The Super Easy Cookbook for Beginners offers a hands-on approach to learning how to cook with essential techniques and easy, 5-ingredient recipes.
The best way to learn how to cook is to actually start cooking. When you’re ready to set foot in the kitchen, the Super Easy Cookbook for Beginners offers the easiest, 5-ingredient recipes to teach you how to cook―while cooking!
Beyond basic cooking skills, this beginner’s cookbook gets you started by serving up simple, home-style recipes that require only 5 main ingredients or less. Alongside step-by-step guidance for kitchen techniques―plus useful tips like how to hold a knife―the Super Easy Cookbook for Beginners is the easiest recipe to make anyone a good cook.
https://comfychairbooks.com/2018/08/17/book-review-super-easy-cookbook-for-beginners-by-lisa-grant
HEALTH/MEDITATION
5-Minute Daily Meditations by Sah D’Simone
Five minutes is all it takes to make mindfulness a part of your everyday routine with 5-Minute Daily Meditations.
Whenever you’re ready to take five—on your commute, between appointments, or after dinner—5-Minute Daily Meditations offers quick and easy guidance for instant wisdom, clarity, and calm.
These short and accessible daily meditations allow you to practice mindfulness any day, anytime, and anywhere. With 365 daily meditations on everything from emotions and fears to forgiveness and love, 5-Minute Daily Meditations is a go-to guide for mindful living when life gets busy.
5-Minute Daily Meditations helps you be present in everything that you do with:
- 5-Minute daily meditations that foster self-reflection and awareness, even on the go!
- Flexible structure with daily meditations that span one full year, from January to January, so that you can start whenever you’re ready
- Everyday awareness with daily meditations that speak to the most common problems, hardships, emotions, joys, etc. that we face on a daily basis
Live your most mindful year yet. 5-Minute Daily Meditations offers quick and easy guidance to reset and find purpose—no matter how busy life gets.
comfychairbooks.com 