Category Archives: 3/5 Reviews

Review: Tears on a Tranquil Lake

Posted on by

Tears on a Tranquil LakeTears on a Tranquil Lake

by Marsha A. Moore

Published February 1st 2011 by MuseItHot
ISBN:  9781926931296

My rating: 3 of 5 fairies

What a surprise for a young woman, to find herself suddenly transformed into a mermaid.

Ciel’s first thought – track down the merman who changed her and make him reverse his magic. Unable to find him, survival in her new world becomes paramount. She eagerly accepts help from a dashing pirate captain who takes a fancy to her, lavishing her with finery.

When her merman does show up, he competes for her affection. One look into his eyes makes her life more complex — he is her soul mate.

Which man will she choose – pirate captain or merman? Which life – human or mermaid? Caribbean adventures and dangers chase Ciel as she searches for decisions and the key to her happiness.

Warning: This book contains Haitian vodou, sultry wenches, foul-mouthed scalliwag pirates, overindulgence of fine Caribbean rum, and amorous encounters on deserted beaches.

Review:

“Tears on a Tranquil Lake” was a short, enjoyable read, but was missing some explanations that I think were important to the plot. Marsha Moore weaves a wonderful tale about Ciel, a girl turned mermaid who is facing the decision of which man to be with. Her writing was clear and the story flowed well, but some of the relationship aspects were too unreal for me.

The author did a wonderful job of creating a world that was detailed, interesting, and believable. Her descriptions made me feel as though I was in the story with Ciel as she traversed the waters and explored the deck of the pirate ship.

Overall, “Tears on a Tranquil Lake” was worth reading. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a quick, fantastical tale, and who doesn’t mind a few unanswered plot points that leave you wondering “how?”.

Rating:  3/5 fairies!

Theresa

Related Articles:

PhotobucketABOUT THERESA (a.k.a. Fade Into Fantasy): As a part time book store employee, editing intern, and the mastermind behind BLB Book Tours, Theresa is able to surround herself with her favorite things, BOOKS. When she isn’t working, learning, or attending her sons’ sporting events, she’s lost between the pages of a paranormal novel. Her hope is to someday earn a living editing books, but until then she’s happy to help spread the word about the fabulous books and authors she encounters along the way.

Book Review: "Evangeline: An Erotic Fairy Tale" by Gwen Williams

Posted on by

Evangeline: An Erotic Fairy Tale
by Gwen Williams

ebook, 160 pages
Published December 1st 2010 by Red Sage Publishing
ISBN13:  9781603105798
source: NetGalley

Paul Rumsfeld, a lonely, rich, widower, seeks Evangeline’s hand in marriage. He is her first real marital prospect, as the entire village considers her damaged goods. Rumors abound about the way Evangeline and her sister Rose Red, serviced the Black Bear who resided at their hearth during one particularly hard, bitter winter. Evangeline did no such thing, but no man pays her court. She accepts Paul’s offer to marry him, while trying to ignore the vile gossipmongers’ talk in the village that Paul’s last four wives died under bizarre-and troubling-circumstances. Is Paul a Bluebeard, or is he an innocent man? Evangeline trusts her husband implicitly, but the rumors are hard to ignore.

They marry and she travels with him to his marvelous villa on the sea. Once there, she is introduced to the household servants, including the grim and reproving Mathilda. Mathilda is a formidable opponent, and it takes all of Evangeline’s guile and resources to outmaneuver the imperious maidservant. Evangeline soon finds herself with child, and with the support of the midwife, she begins to exert her will. Out with the restricting corsets and stays! Evangeline has no desire to confine her body to the dictates of fashion. She wants her baby to be healthy and strong, and the only way to do that is to ensure her own comfort. Mathilda is horrified, but cannot bend Evangeline to her will.

At the same time, Evangeline is attempting to breach the citadel that is her husband’s broken heart. Paul honestly cannot say how it has come to pass that he is the widower of four deceased wives, each one expiring under odd and distressing circumstances. As a result, he has locked down his heart to any further intimacy. He is half-convinced that Evangeline shall also die, and it would be unbearable if he were to allow her into his heart.

It is hard for me to say much without giving away the story.  The synopsis really does cover most everything that happens and if I were to say anything about it, it would certainly spoil the read for others.  Instead, I’ll tell you what I thought about the cover, the characters, and the writing. :)
The cover of “Evangeline”, I must admit, is a big part of why this book grabbed my attention.  In my opinion, the cover is beautifully done, but still could have been better.  It really gives no focus on aspects of the book that could have been introduced.
Evangeline, Paul, and all of the other main characters were well developed, but I never really felt the connection that us readers look for in a book.  That connection is what makes the emotions real to life for a reader, and this book was lacking a bit in that department.  I enjoyed all of the characters, but never felt as though I was in their heads.
Gwen is definitely a talented writer, and her words flowed smoothly.  There were no grammatical or spelling errors, that I found anyway.  The only thing that I might want to see changed is the amount of repetition in the dialogue.  It seems her characters like to reiterate what they say to each other sometimes.  *wink*
All things considered, I did enjoy reading “Evangeline” and I would suggest it to anyone who wants a quick, erotic, read.
My Rating: 3/5 Fairies!
© 2010-2011 by Theresa Cole – all rights reserved

Related Articles:

PhotobucketABOUT THERESA (a.k.a. Fade Into Fantasy): As a part time book store employee, editing intern, and the mastermind behind BLB Book Tours, Theresa is able to surround herself with her favorite things, BOOKS. When she isn’t working, learning, or attending her sons’ sporting events, she’s lost between the pages of a paranormal novel. Her hope is to someday earn a living editing books, but until then she’s happy to help spread the word about the fabulous books and authors she encounters along the way.

ARC Book review: “fallen angel” by heather terrell

Posted on by
Author:  Heather Terrell

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Paperback: 336 pages
  • Publisher: HarperTeen (December 28, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0061965707
  • ISBN-13: 978-0061965708
  • Received from Star Book Tours

Synopsis from Amazon: 

Heaven-sent?
Ellie was never particularly good at talking to boys—or anyone other than her best friend and fellow outcast, Ruth. Then she met Michael.
Michael is handsome, charming, sweet. And totally into Ellie. It’s no wonder she is instantly drawn to him. But Michael has a secret. And he knows Ellie is hiding something, too. They’ve both discovered they have powers beyond their imagining. Powers that are otherworldly.
Ellie and Michael are determined to uncover what they are, and how they got this way . . . together. But the truth has repercussions neither could have imagined. Soon they find themselves center stage in an ancient conflict that threatens to destroy everything they love. And it is no longer clear whether Ellie and Michael will choose the same side.
In this electrifying novel, Heather Terrell spins a gripping supernatural tale about true love, destiny, and the battle of good versus evil.

About the Author

Heather Terrell is the author of The Chrysalis, The Map Thief, and Brigid of Kildare. Before she started writing, she worked as a lawyer, and she has more than ten years’ experience as a litigator at two of the country’s premier law firms and for Fortune 500 companies. A graduate of Boston College and Boston University School of Law, she now lives in Pittsburgh with her family. Fallen Angel is her first novel for young adults.
Review:

As most of you already know, I am always on the fence with YA reads.  There usually isn’t a middle ground for me… I generally either love them or hate them.  Not so with this book.  Fallen Angel has the potential to become a great series, but with that said, I feel that this book was lacking something.  The writing was extremely easy and the plot was interesting, but I think it could have been more eventful.  I understand that this is the first book in the series and as such, it needs to fill the reader in on tons of important information, BUT… the action didn’t happen until the last few chapters. 
The YA romance was well developed and I really enjoyed the story.  Heather Terrell’s writing was easy to follow and well thought out.  It is evident that she really put forth great effort in the research that was done for this book, and it really helped with the story line.  All in all, I liked the book, I’m glad I read it, and I’ll probably read the rest of the series.
My Rating:  4 Moons!
 rating of 4
Enhanced by Zemanta
© 2010-2011 by Theresa Cole – all rights reserved

Related Articles:

PhotobucketABOUT THERESA (a.k.a. Fade Into Fantasy): As a part time book store employee, editing intern, and the mastermind behind BLB Book Tours, Theresa is able to surround herself with her favorite things, BOOKS. When she isn’t working, learning, or attending her sons’ sporting events, she’s lost between the pages of a paranormal novel. Her hope is to someday earn a living editing books, but until then she’s happy to help spread the word about the fabulous books and authors she encounters along the way.