Category: Book review

The Christmas Appeal Book Review

I recently finished reading “The Christmas Appeal” by Janice Hallett over the weekend, having received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for a book review.

This marked my first experience with Janice Hallett’s work, and I am eager to explore more of her writing.

“The Christmas Appeal” is a novella and serves as the sequel to “The Appeal.”

For those seeking a unique and easy read, “The Christmas Appeal” might be just what you’re looking for—it’s not your typical Christmas story.

Upon commencing this novella, the narrative positions you as a reader in the role of a paralegal, meticulously reviewing all the documents related to the case.

Initially, I found this approach confusing, as most novels and novellas do not adopt such a style. However, once I became accustomed to the setup, I thoroughly enjoyed the novella.

The unconventional setup threw me for a loop initially. As a reader, I am accustomed to the traditional narration structure, and this novella deviates significantly from that. A heads-up about this unique approach would have been appreciated. Nevertheless, once I adapted to the structure, I appreciated the characters, dialogue, and the immersive experience of pretending to be a paralegal while reading.

This was a fun and entertaining read, and I enjoyed the mystery trying to figure out who killed Santa and why. I loved searching for the clues, and the conflict between the characters and their motivations that kept me engaged.

I highly recommend reading ‘The Christmas Appeal,’ especially for readers who love mysteries. You’re in for an enjoyable time deciphering the clues and attempting to unravel the mystery of who killed Santa.

“The Christmas Appeal” is available in e-book, audiobook, and hardback formats.

Jurassic Park book review 08-17-2023

“A couple of months ago, I finished reading Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton which was released November 20th, 1990. I have watched the movie Jurassic Park multiple times. I decided to read the novel. It was a fascinating read! I enjoyed the story because the plot was action-packed and suspenseful. The characters were engaging, the thought-provoking theme was examining life and choices.”

Click on the link to continue reading. Like and Share too. Thank you.

A couple of months ago, I finished reading Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton which was released November 20th, 1990. I have watched the movie Jurassic Park multiple times. I decided to read the novel. It was a fascinating read! I enjoyed the story because the plot was action-packed and suspenseful. The characters were engaging, the thought-provoking theme was examining life and choices.

If you are a fan of the movie Jurassic Park, I highly recommend reading the novel. It is a fabulously written story full of action and wonderfully developed characters. I pondered about life and nature and our role as the human race on this planet.

I remembered the novel was an immense success when it was first released in the early 90s; it seemed like everybody was talking about Jurassic Park. It was so unique and ahead of its time to discuss DNA.

Society’s initial understanding of DNA and the possibilities that science could figure out the potential of DNA. By unlocking DNA’s secrets, not only for humanity but for all Earth’s creatures.

The novel and movie showed the dangers of misusing DNA, society could create something dangerous with unintended effects on the world.

The movie was released in 93, people who read the novel despised the movie. Absolutely hated it with passion. I didn’t understand why, and now after reading the novel, I do.

The novel had two themes. How much power we give to the scientific community and corporations to create things we know nothing about, the possible impact of these creations on the earth and our society?

The second theme discussed was life will always survive on the planet. Even long after, humanity is extinct.

These themes made the storytelling much more interesting, gripping and made me ponder the story after I finished reading it.

Jurassic Park’s plot was about surviving dinosaurs, but it was also a novel about choices about what should and shouldn’t create and the affects of our choices on society and the planet.

What is our role on this planet as individuals and as humanity?

Jurassic Park is about choices, responsibility, decisions, and most importantly living with our seen and unseen consequences.

Jan 11, 2023 – New Changes

Exciting new changes are coming to my blog​!

Exciting new changes are coming to my blog!

Monday’s article themes will be disability awareness, advocating, health care, and other issues that fall within this category.

Wednesday’s articles will be about faith and inspirational stories.

Friday’s article themes will be focus on fun, book reviews, short stories, and other interesting topics.

This year I have added a new feature Podcast Shorts to my podcast platform. I’m planning on doing longer podcast episodes once my iron levels stabilize.

Tier One Review

Here is the link below if you prefer to listen:

https://anchor.fm/alexandra-mars1/episodes/Tier-One-Review-e15scp0

I read Tier One by Cindy Gunderson, and I found the dystopian romance novel entertaining and thought-provoking. I can’t stop thinking about the main character, Kate.

About Story:

Kate works as a health care worker and is a mother of two boys named Tal and Bentley. She paired with Eric, who is a researcher in genetics and the father of her children. Paired means married in the novel. Kate and her family live in the Tier One System, which means they get the best of everything because of their genes and behavior by following the rules.

In the novel, the society is structured in three zones: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. In Tier Two, people get fewer supplies and have fewer freedoms because of their behavior and genetic structure. Tier Three for the undesirable people that have no future within the society. And the others don’t obey the laws. The inhabitants of Tier Three only received necessary supplies.

People only live in their forties because of cancer. And if a person rarely reaches fifty because the cancer rate is so high.

A little backstory, a virus that swept through the world, causing governments to meltdown as society fell apart. A man named Berg rose, taking control and eventually creating the Tier system that Kate lives in.

Kate was born in Tier One and conditioned to obey, and sacrifice so society can improve. (By sacrificing denies what is best for the individual to improve society.)

About the Plot:

While at work, Kate meets a young man named Nick, and she has an immediate attraction for him, but she loves Eric and committed to him. Until Eric makes a breakthrough discovery in his research on genetics, how to eradicate cancer that changes Kate’s life forever.

My Thoughts:

One day, I was on Facebook, and I saw this ad for Tier One. What intrigued me about this novel that the book was advertised as a clean romance, meaning no sex scenes. I brought the novel because I found the story about a woman who was a mother, health worker, and wife intriguing. Kate was no teenager trying to save her world from a powerful government. She was just a mom wanting what was best for her family, her marriage, and herself.

The novel is told from Kate’s point of view that pulled me into the story. I would like to have more detailed descriptions of places. For the descriptions were short and vague. The dialogue was excellent, and I loved the narration too. I keep thinking about Kate and her struggles and what will happen to Kate and her family in the next book called Tier Two. Yes, I am planning on reading the next book.

My rating:

I give Tier One four stars because the descriptions were lacking, for I had a tough time seeing Kate’s world in my mind. The author did an excellent job on dialogue and kept the pace going throughout the novel and how she foreshadowed certain events. Gunderson carefully took her time about revealing the backstory of Kate’s world and her personal history, too.

This novel is available on Amazon and now available on Unlimited Kindled.

Have you read Tier One? Or are you planning on reading Tier One? Let me know in the comments.

My book review on Specter of the Past

https://anchor.fm/alexandra-mars1/episodes/My-book-review-on-Specter-of-the-Past-e10p61i/a-a5i2ju9

What book did you read?

The book I will review today is a Star Wars novel called, the Hand of Thrawn, book one is called Specter of the Past, and there are two books in the series.

What is the story about?

This novel takes place ten years after the first trilogy of Thrawn: The Last Command. The Empire is in shambles and holding on to star systems, as their resources are dwindling, continuing to fight against the Rebellion.

When an imposter arrives, pretending to be Thrawn makes his return to influential officials in the Empire. A mysterious fleet of ships appears to the Empire and the Rebellion, searching for Thrawn.

Leia and her children are vacationing on Wayland, and she discovers a data card with vital information that reads the Hand of Thrawn.

The New Republic also has its struggles and issues within the government and the Caamas incident that is causing protests and uprisings throughout New Republic’s star systems; and the government is at a breaking point.

What is your rating on the novel?

I give this novel five stars, and I found the story thrilling and exciting. It didn’t disappoint, and it felt like I was watching another Star Wars movie in my mind. I enjoy seeing the characters older in their new roles as leaders within the government. To see Luke, Leia, and Hans growing and being pushed out of their comfort zones and facing new threats.

Did you enjoy the story, and why?

Yes, it was a great read. I have always enjoyed reading about these characters; and discovering an author that can flush out these characters adding to their development by giving them new challenges is always a fantastic read. One reason I enjoyed this novel by this author is that he shows the New Republic’s government experiencing the growing pains of rebuilding its civilization because of the Empire.

Here is why:

The New Republic’s leaders were always on the offensive against the Empire during the rebellion; and now, they are to handle trials and tribulations, forcing Luke, Leia, and Han into new roles within the government.

Another thing that I liked the story focuses on Leia and Han’s marriage and their children. One of the opening scenes with Leia at the beginning of the novel is Leia’s on vacation with her children. Halfway through the novel, a scene with Leia and Han being an ordinary couple was a nice touch. It gave the story some realism how a couple matures as they get older after having a family of their own.

Also, the author focused on Luke and his struggles to use the force. Luke is seeking to find the balance between his roles of being a Jedi Knight and a Jedi Master. I found the character development intriguing to see Luke coming to this point in his life, trying to understand his role in the universe; it is a far cry from seeing Luke as a farm boy in the first Star Wars movie. It was a fascinating concept and excellent development on the character of Luke Skywalker.

Anything about the novel you don’t care for?

No, for the plot moves along at a nice pace, and the characters shoved out of their comfort zones; and additional aspects revealed about the characters that I saw these characters in a new light.

My review for The Persian Gamble

The Persian Gamble is the second novel of the Marcus Ryker series written by Joel Rosenberg, and it is the continuation of the saga.

Each of the three novels in the Ryker series is broken down into acts, The Kremlin Conspiracy was the first act, the Persian Gamble is the second act, and the Jerusalem Assassin is the third act, which I am in the process of reading now. The fourth novel, the Beirut Protocol in the series, was just recently released.

The Persian Gamble had a confusing second chapter that threw me, after reading about Ryker in the first chapter, but I stayed with the story, and it turned out the chapters second thru six were crucial.

Then in chapter eleven began Ryker’s storyline, and so did the action. The Russian and American governments are hunting Ryker and his friends after the assassination of Russian leaders. Ryker is figuring out how to convince the American President and other government officials to rescue him and his friends by offering information from preventing a world war.

Once I read chapter seven, the story started to fall into place, reeling me in; I was hooked. The story was a thrilling ride filled with drama, action, and adventure.

Throughout the novel, I kept wondering what was going to happen to Ryker and his friends. The last few chapters were spectacular, I felt like I was watching a movie in my mind, and the ending was superb.

I enjoyed reading the Persian Gamble was exciting and entertaining. If you are looking for an excellent Christian political-thriller, I recommend the Kremlin Conspiracy and the Persian Gamble.

https://anchor.fm/alexandra-mars1/episodes/My-review-for-The-Persian-Gamble-eshn70

My Review for The Kremlin Conspiracy

The Kremlin Conspiracy is a well-written story with excellent characters with tons of action. I found the story gripping and entertaining, and Joel Rosenberg delivered an exciting novel.

The main character Marcus Ryker is a powerful and authentic character that moved the story forward. Ryker is introduced as a teenager, Rosenberg used the storyline to reveal Ryker’s character, creating a bond between Ryker and the reader on his journey to adulthood.

Oleg Stefanovich Kraskin is a supporting character who lives in Russia. He comes from a wealthy, influential family and his fiancé is the Russian President’s daughter. Oleg is the complete opposite of Ryker and stayed in the background and not wanting to cause trouble for him and his family. Oleg desires a promising future for Russia and wanting to start a family as he accepted the president’s aide position.

As the story unfolds, Ryker and Oleg’s lives became intriguing, and thrilling to read as their lives intertwined.

I loved how Rosenberg took his time to develop these characters, allowing the reader to connect and bond with them throughout the story.

The Kremlin Conspiracy was a fantastic and thrilling read. I kept wondering what was going to happen next.

If you are searching for a Christian political thriller, then The Kremlin Conspiracy is an excellent choice. The novel is available on kindle unlimited.