Book Reviews – Page 5 – Jean's Writing

Deeply Disturbing 5 Star Read

Published on May 29, 2015May 26, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

It’s Friday Book Review Time.

For once I was at a loss for words when I sat down to write this review. Yeah, right me a loss for words.

This story is dark, tragic, strange, mysterious and beautiful.

I gave, The Grave Tender, 5 Stars for the beautiful and haunting words that pulled me into a deeply disturbing story.

A story about a family’s tragic past that refused to stay buried and how someone had to pay for their sins.

This is a mystery, with a southern Gothic feel where no one is what they seem. And where everyone is broken in some why or other.

Spoiler: This is not a feel good book but is a very good read.

The Grave Tender by Eliza Maxwell

Print List Price:	$12.99
Kindle Price:	$2.99
Kindle Unlimited:	Free

Today I added two FREE reads to my Kindle

Published on May 28, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell10 Comments

Don’t you just love a bargain? Especially when it’s free.

Did I say two? Well make that 3 Free e-books! (read below…)

Can’t ask for better than FREE.

I love Janet Evanovich so her endorsement was enough for me to give Fifteen Minutes to Live a read through Kindle Unlimited for FREE. Of course, $. 99 is super cheap.

“Phoef Sutton has a wonderful and unique voice. This is a romantic tale, full of suspense and human emotion. It’s also funny in its own special way. Once I started it, I couldn’t stop,” Janet Evanovich, #1 New York Times bestselling author.

Fifteen Minutes to Live by Phoef Sutton

Kindle Price:$0.99

Kindle Unlimited: Free

The second book that caught my eye was –

Sara’s Game. Why? Because I love a good thriller. What is more frightening than missing children?

The last day before summer break, her three children have gone missing from their schools, all at the same time. And the note under her windshield wiper asks one foreboding question: Are you ready to play the game?

Sara’s Game (The Sara Winthrop Thriller Series Book 1) by Ernie Lindsey

(911 customer reviews) (Look at all those stars!)

Kindle Price:$0.00

Plus For a limited time,

read the second book in the thriller series, Sara’s Past, for free. Copy and paste this link in your browser >>>bit.ly/FreeSarasPast or click the link.

So, looks like I’m set for the weekend and then some. What are y’all reading? I’ll let you know which book I read first and pop off a review one Friday soon.

by Cosplayer1985 at http://www.deviantart.com/

Remember I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Heart wrenching YA 4.5 Star Read

Published on May 22, 2015May 18, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Note to self:

Once again, remember when 2790 readers rate a book 4.5 stars, it’s gonna be worth my time.

Why I’m ever skeptical is beyond me.

Who doesn’t love Cinderella?

Rebecca Donovan writes a unique, sick, and twisted Cinderella story in Reason to Breathe. What an imagination. She keeps the reader on edge waiting for a happy ending. As I was sucked into the unbelievable cruelty of the life of Emma and I gladly overlooked any editing issues as I rooted for her survival. Just when I thought things could not get worse, they did and the pace quickened giving my nerves no time to relax.

I guess it’s true, a good story trumps all. I can see why young adults love Rebecca Donovan.

Why, you might ask if I liked it so much, did I give the book only 4.5 stars?

Because of the ending.

The ending left me wanting.

I understand this is book one of a three book series and cliffhangers are essential for a series, however I still prefer a more satisfying ending.

The ending left me distraught, and confused, so much so that I immediately downloaded the second book. A success for Ms. Donovan.

For me the Prologue of book two, Barely Breathing, would’ve been a perfect Epilogue for book one. I could’ve slept well that evening and savored the first book before launching into the next one.

Reason To Breathe (The Breathing Series, Book 1) by Rebecca Donovan

(2,790 customer reviews)

Print List Price: $9.99Kindle

Price: $2.99

Kindle Unlimited: Free

I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

A 4.5 Star Review for the weekend

Published on May 15, 2015May 15, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

No middle ground with this book.

Determining how many stars to rate The Contradiction of Solitude was difficult.

YA is my favorite genre. My grandchildren keep me abreast of what’s trending. It’s great to share their enthusiasm for good reading.

This is one of my granddaughter raved and raved about until I downloaded it. She and I will have to agree to disagree. The Contradiction of Solitude is one of her favorites but not mine.

After finishing the book several days ago I’m still haunted by the words.

I predict you’ll either love it or hate it but you will feel something. The writing is very good and very disturbing. The author gives a peek into the disturbed mind of a young person and her serial killer parent. This book left me shell-shocked.

As I mentioned above, YA is my favorite genre, however I didn’t care much for this story. Ms. Walters writes a dark and twisted tale. It’s been days since I finished and I’m still thinking about the characters.