Book Review – Page 8 – Sydney Winward

Book Review of The Sword Unsheathed by Judith Sterling

My Review

When Ashling’s old feelings are stirred for both Aengus and Lorcan, will history repeat itself?

The Sword Unsheathed continues to weave magic and intrigue into the Guardians of Erin series. The more I learn about each character, the more I like them. As Kian’s power grows, we get a glimpse into everyone’s past lives, which further adds to and enriches the story.

Great writing, vivid details, and an intriguing story line. Looking forward to the next in the series!

My rating: 4 stars

June 28, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Secondhand Cowboy by Lacy Williams

My Review

What if you got a second chance to be with the love of your life? Would you take it?

I loved loved loved this book. So many feels. So many laughs. This was a well-rounded and well-written story that had me feeling everything ranging from happiness to heartache. I loved the characters, the setting, and I especially loved how it ended.

As a parent of a toddler, I related to this book in ways that had me laughing so hard. Oh, how many times has my son puked all over me without warning? Or battled me about taking a bath, only to not want to get out of the tub after?

I seriously loved this book. Highly recommend!

My rating: 5 stars

June 26, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Conscious in Wonderland by Steven Heumann

My Review

What would happen if we were able to control our unconsciousness? What kind of people would we become if we could choose every aspect of our unconscious lives from what we looked like, where we lived, and what we wore? If we could access other people’s thoughts and emotions, how would that change us?

Although just a short story, Conscious in Wonderland is very well written, packed full of incredible details and concepts that make the reader stop to ponder their meaning. Do we truly understand our own minds? This story makes you wonder how much we don’t understand about ourselves in our own subconscious. Compelling and thought-provoking. I enjoyed it!

My rating: 5 stars

June 25, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sydney Winward

My Review of His Small-Town Girl by Lacy Williams

My Review

She’s running from a stalker. He wants to escape Sutter’s Hollow and leave his past behind forever. But when fate brings them together, will they be able to deny the attraction they feel for one another?

This was a cute, touching story in a small-town setting. The characters were built well with great depth and backstory. I liked how the mistreatment and neglect of horses is compared to Molly’s trauma. Cord had plenty of layers that Molly had to peel through to find the man beneath. She had plenty of her own walls as well.

I was confused that in the beginning, the story stated that Cal was the one who drove the car that caused the crash and Cord had brought the beer. Later it said it was Cord who crashed the car, and Noah had brought the beer. It’s a bit confusing considering there is another story about Callum. He fled the town as if the accident had been completely his fault, which wouldn’t make sense if he wasn’t the one to blame. Because this was an important turning point in the story, I think it’s important to have these details straightened out.

Despite the inconsistency and confusion, I did enjoy this book. I liked the characters and the slow-burn romance. This was an enjoyable read.

My rating: 4 stars

June 19, 2020September 17, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Immortal Dawn by Julie Thorpe

My Review

“I would never take the sun for granted. It was precious to someone like me who had been born into darkness.”

When vampire, Amiria, learns that the king wants to kill her in order to rule over the world, she runs to protect not only herself, but to also keep the entire world’s population safe. But is running only delaying the inevitable? Is all her effort in vain? Can she follow her heart and still protect the man she loves?

Immortal Dawn is a book about love, trust, and sacrifice. Even in the darkest of dark, a small flicker of hope remains and can conquer all. The story was enjoyable, and there were great descriptions throughout the book. Amiria was a very interesting character. The sacrifices she made really showed just how far she was willing to go for others.

June 16, 2020September 17, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of The Cauldron Stirred

My Review

Everything in Ireland screamed “home”. Even the guy whose soul recognized Ashling’s the moment he laid eyes on her. When dark forces are at work, will Ashling be able to awaken her inner power in time? Will she be able to reach the heart of the person whose destiny is closely intertwined with hers?

I could not put this book down. I loved the characters, the setting, the lore. The author weaves magic as she writes details and descriptions into the book. From page one, I was captivated and drawn into the story, and I quickly found myself rooting for the hero and heroine to get together. There was amazing sexual tension between Aengus and Ashling, written so well in a slow-burn romance.

I definitely recommend this book, and I look forward to reading the next in the series!

My rating: 5 stars

June 12, 2020September 18, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of A Merman’s Choice

My Review

“A merman’s joy always came out as music.”

What an enjoyable read! A determined heroine wants to uncover the secrets of the Morvann Islands, but little does she know that she’s getting a little more than she bargained for. She not only has to face fears of past trauma, but she must learn that love takes many forms. Literally.

A Merman’s Choice has an awesome opening, with amazing metaphors throughout the book. I love that the merpeople sing to reflect their emotions, and I especially love their culture and way of life.

Full of mystery, intrigue, and awesome characters, A Merman’s Choice is definitely a book you want to pick up if you like merpeople and a heart-stopping romance.

My rating: 5 Stars

June 10, 2020September 18, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Bear with Me

My Review

I loved this book! The writing was great, the story spectacular, and the characters were interesting. This book is unique in that it has a heroine who has sensory processing disorder. Alison can hear the buzzing of fluorescent lights and restaurant coolers. She can’t feel sensations on her skin as much as others can. And textures in her mouth are difficult to cope with, which has her sorting her food before she eats.

I love Alison’s special gift. Her tears make pumpkins grow. Her touch gives life to plants. Her power grows and heals, which is a strong theme throughout the book when it comes to family. The story focuses on family relationships, about rekindling love in a marriage and putting family above work, above career goals, above your own needs.

I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the Strawberry Shifters Series and finding out what happens next!

My rating: 5 stars

June 7, 2020September 18, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Spooky Tutti Frutti

My Review

This was such a fun, short read! Suzie’s spirit can’t rest until she serves up the perfect blend of tutti frutti to Cal, who both died in a boating accident fifty years ago, and Celia Rossi can help her do just that. But the original recipe is lost. How can she help the deceased woman move on to the next life?

Spooky Tutti Frutti is a perfect blend of paranormal, mystery, and delicious frozen treats that will have readers’ mouth watering for more. Where’s the nearest ice cream shop? I’m suddenly in need of something fruity and frozen.

My rating: 5 stars

Blurb

A midsummer sailboat race is coming to Annapolis, and Celia Rossi’s 1950s-themed ice cream parlor will have a booth at the waterfront celebration. To keep her business flourishing, she needs to impress both locals and tourists on the festive day. But how? She receives unexpected help when she hires a part-time worker who pops up out of nowhere. Suzie Conroy proves to have an almost magical gift for the craft of artisanal ice cream, yet she acts clueless about some ordinary details of everyday life. And why is she so determined to churn up the perfect batch of tutti frutti?

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble

June 6, 2020September 18, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of The Betrothed by Kiera Cass

My Review

This book is not a happily ever after. It is a tragedy. I really liked it up until page 265. Everything was promising and perfect up until then. And then tragedy. Such a major let down as a reader. I had literally 20 pages left, and I almost couldn’t finish it, such was my disappointment at the turn of events.

The ending sounds like it promises a sequel, in which that might hopefully have a happily ever after. I think I will read the second when it comes out, as I have a pretty good idea where it might lead.

My rating: 3 stars

Favorite Quote

I sighed. “I think I might be forced to agree with you. The most valueable thing you can own is the assurance of your place in someone’s heart. It is far better than any necklace, far better than any apartment.”

We shared a quiet look.

“Would you exchange your crown of gold for one of flowers, then?” he asked with a smile.

“I think I just might.”

“I think it would suit you,” he commented, and I found myself holding eye contact with him for just a moment too long.

Blurb

A would-be queen. A handsome young king. A perfect match…or is it?

When King Jameson declares his love for Lady Hollis Brite, Hollis is shocked—and thrilled. After all, she’s grown up at Keresken Castle, vying for the king’s attention alongside other daughters of the nobility. Capturing his heart is a dream come true.

But Hollis soon realizes that falling in love with a king and being crowned queen may not be the happily ever after she thought it would be. And when she meets a commoner with the mysterious power to see right into her heart, she finds that the future she really wants is one that she never thought to imagine.

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble

June 5, 2020September 18, 2020 by Sydney Winward