Book Review – Page 4 – Sydney Winward

Book Review of Soul of the Wolf by Judith Sterling

My Review

This book surprised me. After reading the first book in the series, I expected Soul of the Wolf to be just as serious and intense as Wulfstan’s character, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it to be quite the opposite. Jocelyn and Wulfstan were such a funny, well-suited pair. They had me laughing throughout the entire book. Especially where all of Jocelyn’s antics were concerned when trying to gain the attention of her new husband.

One of my favorite parts of this book was Jocelyn. She was fiery and headstrong, not afraid to go after what she wanted. She drove Wulfstan crazy in all the right ways. I seriously loved this book, and I’m looking forward to finding out what the next book in the series has in store.

My rating: 5 stars

February 4, 2021February 2, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Tangled Souls by Denise D. Young

My Review

There’s a reason for everything under the sun and moon. In a witch’s life, there are no coincidences.

Tangled Souls is a great addition to the Tangled Magic series. We get different characters, but the same world filled with danger, secrets, and magic. Denise D. Young excels in writing vivid, descriptive imagery that leaves the reader feeling like they’re walking through the book themselves, hearing, tasting, seeing, and touching as if they were a character in the story.

I found myself really liking Evan and Bailee, as they both had great talents and personalities to bring to the coven table. Although we only get a glimpse into Nick and Evan’s brotherly relationship, I loved the dynamic between them.

The author leaves off in an interesting place, making the reader wonder what will happen in the next book. If you like witches, shifters, fae, and magic, Tangled Souls is a great read for you.

My rating: 4.5 stars

February 2, 2021February 2, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of A Tale of Ice and Ash by Katherine Macdonald

My Review

I really liked Katherine Macdonald’s take on the Snow White fairytale. The world building was truly unique and interesting. There was surprising depth to the characters, and I love the idea that people aren’t just born evil. They’re created. The author does a very good job at building that up and expanding on it throughout the story.

My absolute favorite part about this book was all the flirting. There was a lot of it, and the banter between the characters constantly had me cracking a smile. I also loved Onyx. He was the perfect grumpy but loving father dwarf.

A Tale of Ice and Ash is a great addition to the fairy tale retellings in this series, and I look forward to reading what’s next.

My rating: 4 stars

January 23, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of A Rancher’s Surprise Mail Order Bride by Blythe Carver

My Review

What happens when the pride of two people threatens their future together?

So far, I’ve really enjoyed Blythe Carver’s books. I like the town she sets this series in and the depths she adds to each character. A Rancher’s Surprise Mail Order Bride made me both laugh and tear up. This book was a great addition to the series, and I look forward to reading more.

My rating: 4 stars

January 12, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories by Holly Black

My Review

At first I thought the book was missing a lot of information in between scenes, but then I realized this book is part of The Cruel Prince series, which I have not read. However, the characters and the world in this illustrated book has definitely intrigued me to start reading them.

Despite not having read the other books in the series, I loved this book. I loved the characters. The drawings were beautiful. There were some really great morals in each chapter. I enjoyed reading a book about the villain’s story, and how he comes to change overtime, and not change in some instances. I’m looking forward to reading the first in the series soon!

My rating: 5 stars

January 10, 2021January 10, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Rise for Me by Kristal Dawn Harris

My Review

Vampires. Modern-day gypsies. Two people destined for love. Rise for Me is the perfect blend of paranormal and romance, with a mix of vampires and darkness. I loved everything about this novella. It was perfectly paced, the details really pulled me into the story, and the stakes were high.

Kristal Dawn Harris excels at making exciting, sexy, and swoon-worthy heros. It was far too easy to love both Mariah and Roman, and effortless to immerse myself in the world the author created. If you love paranormal stories with a bit of darkness, you’ll love this novella like I did.

My rating: 5 stars

January 9, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Finale by Stephanie Garber

My Review

Wow! This series has left me speechless. When I finished reading Finale, I wished it never had to end. I wanted the story to keep going and going and going. I was so caught up in all the twists and turns and surprises. Just when I thought the story was headed in one direction, it did a complete flip and managed to surprise me again.

This was a book where I fell in love with ALL the main characters, and then some. If I could live inside this series permanently, I definitely would.

If you like magic, secrets, loveable characters, and excitement that drags you along with no way to stop it, you would love this series. I highly recommend, and I definitely look forward to whatever Stephanie Garber writes next.

My rating: 5 stars

January 6, 2021March 6, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Legendary by Stephanie Garber

My Review

If I thought the first book in this series was absolutely amazing, this one definitely surpasses it. Tella was such a fun character to get inside the head of! She was daring, headstrong, fearless, and above all, selfless. In Legendary, she has to make an impossible choice, one where no matter what, she will lose someone she loves.

Danger, love, and adventure come together in an incredible sequel in the Caraval Series. Like the first book, the author managed to pull me into the pages and keep me there. I questioned what was real and what was not, whose motives were more worthy over another’s, and especially what would be the end result of the book.

If you haven’t read the Caraval Series, I highly recommend it!

My rating: 5+ stars

January 2, 2021January 2, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Caraval by Stephanie Garber

My Review

I think I found a new favorite author! Caraval was filled with so many twists, turns, and secrets, and I had absolutely no idea what was real and what was not. As soon as I came up with a new theory, it was dashed when the author revealed a new secret along the way.

The characters were superb, the plot was unique and exciting, and as a reader, I was immersed in the adventure as if I was actually living in the book rather than flipping page after page.

If you are looking for a little bit of magic and mystery, Caraval is the perfect book for you. I’m looking forward to reading the next two in the series!

My rating: 5+ stars

December 26, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Snowflake Cottage by Linda Carroll-Bradd

My Review

After a life-changing diagnosis, Jada seeks solace in a small town where she can come to terms with what her future held. However, she got much more than she bargained for. Can she let down her walls and accept what her heart desires?

I loved the author’s message that family is family. Whether they are adopted, married into, or blood related. More than once, this story pulled on my heartstrings. I just adored the characters and the setting. Each part of the story was fleshed out and kept me interested until the very last page. The story was relatable and emotional. Definitely a great read.

My rating: 5 stars

Favorite Quote

Today, his morning was filled with tasks he could accomplish so much faster if he didn’t spend half the time strapping and unstrapping his daughter from her car seat.

Blurb

After receiving a life-altering health diagnosis, Jada Beldane heads to a holiday cottage in Sprucewood, Colorado. Armed with a handbook titled Ten Days to Find Joy, she vows to use every exercise to fight her way out of this funk and face a new year with a positive attitude. All she needs is a little time to herself and to stay away from children.

Following a disastrous marriage, single dad Graham Seaver does his best to avoid the tourists in his hometown. He’s determined to give his young daughter the best Christmas ever. Hopefully, keeping her busy will distract her from asking questions about getting a new mother.

On paper, Jada and Graham are a horrible match. But when the town’s scheduled events throw them together, will they succumb to the holiday magic?

Amazon ~ Goodreads

December 21, 2020 by Sydney Winward