Buxton Peak: Who Is Ian Taylor?

Buxton Peak: Who is Ian Taylor? Ian Taylor is the main character in this LDS novel about a rock band and the choices that come when you have high standards in an immoral world with rabid fans and constant travel.  The author, Julie Spencer is my writer friend and her book releases today. I got to be an early reader on this project and Julie's writing is absorbing, drawing you in and leaving you wanting to read more. 2.99 for Kindle or free to borrow.

Darcy By Any Other Name by Laura Hile

I thoroughly enjoyed this alternate version of Pride and Prejudice which added a little bit of the supernatural with a Christian twist. The usual characters are stranded by a freak storm shortly after a freak accident, leaving Mr. Collins and Mr. Darcy in a Freaky Friday swap. I loved the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy (as Collins). It was interesting who the author focused on, and what direction she took their characters. Ann, Lady Catherine's Daughter, in this version, fakes illness to avoid the pressure put on her by her mother. Collins is not only bumbling and miserly, but truly awful when left to limitless options of things he's never had the opportunity to embrace. I was super annoyed with Charlotte Lucas, and I would have preferred more of Mr. Bennett's wit. However, I love many of the aspects added that were well researched and allowed me to fully immerse in the story and time. At 453 pages, it's a little on the long side. It took me several days to finish and I have to admit, I lost some sleep. Recommended. 4.99 for Kindle.

The Gladiator and the Guard, by Annie Douglass Lima

I had the opportunity to be a beta reader (early critiquer) on this novel and the last one. I normally read contemporary romance or regency novels, so this is not my normal genre. Having said that, I really loved the fight scenes and the drama involved with being unjustly accused of a crime and fighting for survival. I think I prefer it to book one, the Collar and the Cavvarach. Although they build on each other, you could read this as a stand-alone and be just fine.

Can't wait for the next one. This series (The Krillonian Chronicles) would be great for just about anyone who can handle serious themes and some battle violence, but especially for middle grade or older boys who like to read, but have a hard time finding something that's doesn't have angsty romance. The book is currently .99 for Kindle, although that may be a limited time introductory price. It's a worthwhile read.

Tidal Patterns, by Rachelle Paige

Tidal Patterns is about two workaholics with troubled pasts who vie for the same events job on the island they live on. I actually liked the work conflict better than the romance aspect. Mark and Lizzie spend a lot of time thinking about each other, with little going on between them other than a few very short conversations at first. This is clean, but aimed at adults. A nice, light read.

Third Daughter, by Susan Kaye Quinn

This fantasy/steampunk romance was very unique, and I give it props for that. Lately, it seems like I have a hard time finishing anything I start reading (at least for enjoyment). I've been swapping critiques a lot, so sometimes it's hard to turn off the editor and just live in the book.

Strangely, I loved the book up until about three-quarters through. Then it got a little too steam-punkish for me, and also, I was super frustrated with the princess's choices. She's one of those characters that constantly has to learn the hard way, but then the hard way miraculously becomes the easy way. Regardless, it was a clean, fun, adventurous novel and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

Since this is book one of The Royals of Dharia, it has an introductory price of 99 cents. The other books in the series are 3.99

Looking for Home, by Elle Fredrix

I received a copy of Looking for Home in exchange for an honest review.

M McCallister has been running from her past for so long, she has no one and no where to call home. Even her first name is an embarrassing reminder of a childhood without love or structure. But she needs a place to stay while she saves up money for her business, so she calls on her sister, who used her good looks to marry up. The last thing she expects is to meet the family her sister left behind in ruins, or to have them let her in.

This was a very sweet romance and I enjoyed reading it, getting the perspective of both M and Jonathan as they learn to trust each other, despite their different, but equally screwed up, pasts. As for the romance, I'd call it clean, but steamy. Recommended for adults who love a good romance. 3.99 on Amazon.

The Dala Horse, by Lissa Johnston

I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was entertaining, engrossing and well thought out. The protagonist Kaya was such a scrappy, enjoyable character. The historical aspects were well done. The author described this as Little House on the Prairie meets Nancy Drew, and while I get that, to me it was more Little House on the Prairie meets Perry Mason or Agatha Christie. Even though Kaya is 10, she deals with some serious issues and adults around her that make unstable, sometimes scary, and often selfish choices. This would be great for a junior high history or social studies class. I don't know that it would be okay for most 10-year-olds.