Book Diet

Intense and engrossing

Revisado: 04-27-25

The story kept me on edge throughout the whole book. Very well written, with strong and well formed characters. The twists and turns kept coming and I honestly feared for the outcome of the story. A credit well spent!

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Disappointing

Revisado: 12-31-24

I love SR, but found myself bored and disappointed with this one. I have now listened to it twice, a year apart, hoping that maybe I was wrong. No…
As the plot developed, I found myself hoping there would be more to the story. There wasn’t. The whole story was very predictable, the plot was drawn out, and character development was nonexistent. I think the story of The Shadow Earl would be better served as a side story in another novel.
The female protagonist had no surprising characteristics, no flaws, and was perfectly understanding, loving, and practically perfect in every way. The antagonist was also extremely predictable, stereotypical, and one dimensional.
I found myself bored with everything in the story. The male protagonist was whiny and his perfect friends lacked substance.
It was a new and surprising experience to be disappointed with Stella Riley, as she is one of my favorite authors.
As always, Alex Wyndham was phenomenal.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Engaging and different

Revisado: 04-18-24

A bit violent and gruesome in places but very human with a good sense of humor.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Eh….. writing felt amateurish

Revisado: 05-10-22

Every character introduced appear stereotypical, leaving very few surprises. The setting, dialogue, and even the characters felt inauthentic with the individual language and dialogues not befitting the educational and occupational background of the characters.
I felt like the author wanted to write a sweet story without actually doing research on anything pertaining to the story. Her writing is wordy and too much attention is given to mundane details and not enough to the plot.
Not a bad plot, just wish it would have been written better. I would not pay to listen to this book. I only made it a third of the way through before giving up.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Loved it!

Revisado: 02-10-22

A poignant reminder that being related does not guarantee resolution and acceptance. A story about believing in oneself and finding your purpose.
I enjoyed reading about a place and people I know little about and found the romance to be a tender bonus to the story.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Beautiful! Don't read too many reviews first.

Revisado: 02-10-22

Let me first say, DO NOT READ other reviews which may contain spoilers before reading this book. I had read very few and so was not aware of WHO would become the MC's and WHAT the ultimate story would lead to. I loved the surprising rise of some characters and was caught completely unaware by some of the twists and plot changes. Discovering these along with the main character was truly an experience.

I first purchased this on audible for myself to enjoy but have since shared the paperback with my older daughters. This is for anyone who loves to feel uplifted and edified while transported into another world.

A historical setting with an unusual plot that takes you behind the scenes of ballet and theater in the Regency Era. The characters grow and evolve, causing them to tarry with you long after the book is finished. The actual 'midnight dance' is truly a magical experience when it comes full circle again.

I have enjoyed other books by Joanna Davidson Politano, but A Midnight Dance was exceptional. Those who have ever sought God's help with a passionate desire to achieve something grand will be able to relate to the re-shifting of focus the MC goes through. A Christian story without being overly preachy that readers of all beliefs can enjoy. Good can be found in all environments.

I would highly recommend this book.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 10 personas

Another success

Revisado: 02-10-22

The second book in The Scolomance trilogy.

Again, Novik continues to develop her characters while staying true to their personalities. Layer after layer dissects anger, bitterness, and distrust to yield a brave, resourceful, just and beautiful MC. I found the story entertaining and engaging. I laughed at times and cried at others. Not your typical hero or heroine, but I love that they are both quirky and somehow relatable. Overall, an entertaining and enjoyable book.

Just as the book preceding it, this book also ends on a cliff hanger. Now, I am eagerly awaiting the release of the third and final installment of the series.

I would definitely recommend this series and hope the rumors of a movie to come are true.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Very enjoyable!

Revisado: 09-10-21

Well worth the credit to purchase. This is an enjoyable story that had me laughing out loud at times. The storyline was captivating and original.

Narrator did a great job.

I have yet to be disappointed with any of Julie Garwood’s books. This book, like most of her books do contain some descriptive sexual scenes…. They are easy to skip if not interested in that but I don’t feel like they detract from the story.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Not as good as the others

Revisado: 09-10-21

I have come to thoroughly enjoy Julie Garwood’s work.
This is the 5th book of hers that I’ve read (listened to) but the first to leave me disappointed. I would have to agree with a previous reviewer that said this book didn’t seem like it was from the same talented and witty author that wrote The Bride. Although, much of what I found lacking in this book is most likely due to the poor narration. The storyline itself was good.

The narrator did fine on her accents, but the intonation of her dialogue was off. Sometimes the heroine sounded like a vapid and silly girl but I don’t think that was Julie’s intention but rather the narrator’s interpretation. The inflection of her voice failed to tell a story and I often found myself zoning out and missing large chunks of the story. She also made most adult characters sound like young children, even the men - and that was distracting and frustrating. I found myself repeating the dialogue in my mind how I felt it should have sounded.

I read somewhere that there was a previous audio version with a different narrator. I would like to give that version a try before dismissing this book.

Overall, I did not enjoy this listen. Narrator sounds better in 1.25 x speed.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

The same story retold

Revisado: 06-08-21

I am on a bit of an MC Beaton kick lately. I love her books. This is Book #2 in a series. I really enjoyed the first book, The Banishment, but was disappointed to find no new storyline in the second book. The MC basically goes through the SAME conflict with minor differences.
This series apparently follows 6 beautiful sisters as they navigate the marriage mart. I’m assuming the third book tells the story of the third oldest etc…. After losing their childhood home/mansion, the entire family is obsessed with getting it back at all costs. Not only did the sisters not seem to learn from the oldest sister in the first book, but they are all prone to make the SAME mistakes.
This book was so predictable, I thought about quitting 4 chapters in. However, I decided to stick it out so I could write a fair review. The story, unfortunately did not get better. I found myself irritated with the MC and her incredibly shallow and naïve ways.
There is a new character introduced, however, that seems to have an interesting past that is hinted at and will most likely be part of the next few books. The governess.
Not sure if I will try the next book or not 🤷🏻‍♀️

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas