Book Review – Page 5 – Sydney Winward

Book Review of Capturing the Last Welsh Witch by J. M. Davies

My Review

He was a powerhouse, a force to be reckoned with when it came to getting what he wanted and he didn’t play fair.

I read the prequel before this book, and I was pleasantly surprised at some of the reveals that happened in this book that started in that one. Marcus and Ella complimented each other very well, and the dangerous adventure they went on together often had me on the edge of my seat. I never knew what would happen next. The author did a great job at continuously surprising me.

Capturing the Last Welsh Witch set up an interesting plot for the rest of the series, and I’d be interested to know how the rest of it unfolds. For those who like a contemporary romance with a supernatural twist, this is a great book for you.

My rating: 5 stars

December 18, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Nettles in the Snow

My Review

I’m a huge fairy tale nerd and I could tell you about almost any fairy tale out there, but this was one that had me guessing. I love the way the author combines fairy tales in a world that just makes sense, mixing and matching stories that keeps the reader wondering. I have never read The Wild Swans, but now I will!

Compared to Slipper in the Snow, this story had a darker, revengeful feel to it that I found intriguing. I’m curious about the next part of the story and I’m looking forward to what the author has planned next.

My rating: 4 stars

Blurb

Elisa has lived most of her life in the shadow of Burge’s castle, knitting shirts out of nettles and keeping her vow of silence. This Christmas is the one chance she has to lift the curse from her brothers and change their fortunes. If she succeeds, she plans to punish everyone who made her suffer and take her place as royalty. If she fails, her brothers will be stuck as swans forever.

Goodreads

December 13, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Tangled in Tinsel by N. Jade Gray

My Thoughts on Tangled in Tinsel

What an adorable story! I love second chance romances, and this one captivated me from the very first page. Maddy and Ryder had great chemistry with every interaction. Who wouldn’t be tempted by an attractive man wearing an apron that says “Bring the Heat. Kiss the Cook.”?

This book has it all—romance, heartache, laughter, and more. Tangled in Tinsel is the perfect holiday story, so if you’re looking for a cute read with quirky Christmas decorations and heart-warming romance, this is the book for you.

My rating: 5 stars

Favorite Quote

“Do you take good care of your Legos? You don’t leave them out for your mom to step on, do you?”

He glanced down at his shoe and dragged the toe across the floor a few times. “One time I left my Batman Lego on the floor. I can’t repeat the word Dad said.”

December 9, 2020December 8, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Slipper in the Snow by Alice Ivinya

My Review

It’s been a while since I’ve read a Little Mermaid fairy tale retelling. This story was short, but packed with so many good things–mystery, adventure, and a promise of romance. The ending was intriguing, making me excited to learn more about Ianthe and what will come next after this short story.

This is my first introduction to Alice Ivinya, but I’m definitely planning on reading more of Alice’s works in the near future. I’m looking forward to what’s next!

My rating: 5 stars

December 7, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Beauty and the Baron by Joanna Barker

My Review

Kindness matters most when it is hardest to give.

Fairy tale retellings are one of my favorite types of books to read, and Beauty and the Baron did not disappoint. The book was short and sweet, full of a wide range of vivid descriptions and beautiful emotions. The characters were fun to read about, with great chemistry and adorable scenes that often had me smiling.

If you’re looking for a sweet regency retelling of Beauty and the Beast, you should definitely give this book a try.

My rating: 5 stars

November 29, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Mistress Grim by Jane Redd

My Review

Mistress Grim has great world building with an interesting storyline. The duties of the Grim Reaper are suddenly thrust upon his daughter when the Underworld sinks into chaos. Only she can save the mortal world and restore the Underworld to its former glory.

Despite my initial draw to the cover and the blurb, the contents of the book were a bit flat to me, and I wasn’t able to invest myself in the characters. I was baffled by Leo’s determination to keep throwing himself into danger and putting his own life at risk for…nothing. There is no real motivation here, and him doing it for love is not believable either. Cora is also a flat character to me, just going along with what needs to be done and having no real believable motivation of her own.

The tense switching from chapter to chapter also threw me, changing with each pov. Cora’s pov was first person present tense, and Leo’s was third person past tense. It was my first time reading a book written like this, and I thought it was unnecessary.

Overall, the book had a good storyline and I enjoyed the ending. People who are looking for an interesting story about the afterlife in a fictional realm might enjoy this book.

My rating: 3 stars

November 28, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Damned When I Didn’t by Cherie Colyer

My Review

This was an easy book to get sucked into. The descriptions pulled me in. The story idea was one I hadn’t read before. I loved the world the author created and the detailed characters. I enjoyed the dynamic between Avery and Cole, and I was surprised when Wyatt quickly became one of my favorite characters. I would looovvee to see a book from his point of view.

If you’re looking for a unique read with interesting dynamics between angels and demons, this is a good read for you.

My rating: 4.5 stars

November 9, 2020November 9, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Witch in the Woods by C. M. Adler Book Tour-Review

“Once upon a time, there was a young girl who lived near an enchanted forest with her sister and her father. One day, while her father was gone selling firewood to the neighboring villages, her sister fell ill. Out of desperation, the young girl ventured into the forest for help and there she found a woman who gave her everything her soul desired…

Ambrosine lives next to an enchanted wood, which is no big deal when you know how to spot a magic hoax nest and trap nasty little night fairies.

And certainly no big deal when there is not even a witch in the woods.

When her little sister Rosaline encounters a strange new creature, she falls asleep and a dangerous fever dream threatens her life. With their mother dead and their father gone, Ambrosine gambles with the deepest desire of her soul as she fights to save her sister.

Based on the Grimm fairy tale, The Tale of the Rose, this is a highly entertaining and bone-chilling story of the first Witch in the Woods.”

November 7, 2020November 7, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Becoming the Witch by J. M. Davies

My Review

I love paranormal stories, and one set in a historical setting sounded intriguing. However, I had a hard time reading this book because there were a lot of disturbing scenes. The husband was a well written and believable villain. I was sad Elizabeth had to endure a marriage to him.

The writing style and descriptions are well done with a story that has a good flow. The next/first in the series has a promising premise, so I’m planning to read it. This prequel would definitely hold more weight to a reader who has read the other books in the series, and it would be interesting to look back and see what the heroine’s past looked like.

My rating: 3 stars

November 5, 2020December 15, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Garden of Hope Book Tour Review

Can two lost causes find love in the arms of one another?

Lily, the peculiar youngest daughter of an earl, would rather spend her life as a spinster, tending to her garden–alone. But when her father falls critically ill, she suddenly faces the possibility of becoming a penniless relation living on the charity of her sisters unless she can find a husband–now. But facing her fifth Season and feeling unable to meet the requirements of a proper wife, Lily despairs of finding a kind and patient man she can trust enough to marry.

Henry, the war-wounded second son of an earl, needs to have a son to secure his family’s future. But worried about his condition worsening and leaving him crippled, he fears turning any future wife into a mere companion and nursemaid.

Both are unable to resist the pressure from their families to attend the Season and at least try to find a spouse. Can these two lost causes see past their own limitations and let love in?

October 6, 2020October 6, 2020 by Sydney Winward