Griffith's story does not disappoint!
920507
It is so sad that the Hawthorne House series is over! I love this aristocratic family--Griffith, Miranda, Trent, Georgina...and Amelia. And their spouses!

An Inconvenient Beauty is the last installment of the Hawthorne House series, a delightful collection of regency romances revolving around the family of a duke. What a treat to get to know each character, and at last, here is Griffith's story, the imperturbable, authority-oozing, silent giant that we heard about in passing in all the other stories.

Now that all of those under his care have married, Griffith finally agrees it is time for him to do so as well. Although he will not break the family tradition of marrying for love, he doesn't see why he cannot go about this business of choosing a wife logically and without all the messiness his loved ones endured. Unfortunately, his choice seems to keep fainting or disappearing when he's around, leaving her beautiful cousin who is in town for her debut season a recurrent distraction from his goal. What happens when God seems to shut his plan down, and when messy emotions start confusing all his carefully planned logic?

Kristi Ann Hunter's romances are distinctly Christian romances, meaning the characters are usually forced to seek God's guidance. Her characters read God's word, pray (and listen!), and search for wisdom from trusted counselors. Her characters learn and grow.

Spending a weekend entranced in the storyline of An Inconvenient Beauty was a definite treat. The only bummer is that it's now over!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. I honestly thoroughly enjoyed this book! :D
151054
A wonderful continuation to Gyan and Arthur's story. I liked the fact that it picked up right where Dawnflight left off. I didn't feel like I had been missing out on anything.

I became much more involved with the characters this book than I did in the first. The duality of Gyan's nature (Wife/Chieftaness, Woman/Warrior, Pagan/Christian) truly comes out in this part of the story. The reader truly gets a glimpse of all that she is fighting for/against as she struggles to support Arthur's tenuous hold. I was happy to see that Gyan comes more fully to understand her conversion over the course of the story as well.

Loved how the supporting characters were further developed in this part of the story as well. I cannot wait to see what happens with Angus in the next book. I still despise Urien, but we get to see that there is much more to Morghe than meets the eye.

Again the scenery, the descriptions of the battles, even the herding of the cattle were richly detailed.
2385087
I so enjoyed Mr. Pritchard's story of saving his family's farm.  The man knows how to write, too!  He tells not just of his successes, but the hurdles and hardships of transitioning to a more earth-friendly farm in the present day, and finding a market for his wares.  Also, the characters in his life are drawn with great humanity, making you feel as if you know these people well and would like to have dinner with some of them.  I hope we see more from Forrest!
1727979
I keep wavering between 4 and 5 stars on this one!

The way the author took different beliefs, legends, and myths, and brought them together for one riveting story really grabbed hold of me and didn't let go!

There were two powerful, emotional scenes in particular that I think might be a trigger for some (I had to put the book down for a bit and walk away), but I honestly felt like they truly added to the story and character development, rather than being thrown in for shock value.

I loved it, can't wait for more!

Bob says: 4.5 Platypires!
3338833
I loved reading The Silver Skull!  This is the second story in the Elemental Web Chronicles and even better than the first one, which I also loved.  The story of Lady Olivia and Lord Rathsburn was totally absorbing, drawing you in further and further into their lives, making you want more of them.  Anne Renwick's writing envelops you in her story, making you part of the story, rooting for the characters, hissing at some, and making you want more for them all.  Her ability to pull you in and see the steam punk world also makes you want to, or wish you could, utilize the technology, too.  I highly recommend Anne Renwick's books and I can't wait for the next story.
1182293
Loved this story! A glimpse inside the intimately savage world of Gon's extended family. I tore through it like a good steak dinner, which is how I think of this book. Hearty and satisfying, not a fluffy dessert you later regret having. Highly recommended!
3789531
While returning from a vacation and all were a bit tired, I pulled this story up on my Kindle and read it aloud but only got through a few chapters. Oldest was over 65 and youngest was 11 and we all loved it. After returning home, I discovered the audio could be purchased and purchase it I did. My 11 year old grandson and I finished listening to it going to and from school in the mornings/afternoons and both of us had a great time guessing what was going to happen next, being (kind of) horrified/surprised/amazed at some bloody happening, and not wanted to pause it when we reached our destination. My grandson forbade me to listen or read ahead as I pick him up and drop him at his house.

Mr. Gidwitz (love the name) has a wonderful imagination and the asides from the narrator about the horror and blood that is to follow enhances the delicious feeling of anticipation as you think of what might lie ahead in the story. And there is blood, dismemberment, loneliness, death, happiness, magic and like all fairy tales, there is a happy ending.

Have a non-reader, try this book!
3315942
Thoroughly enjoyed reading Marlowe's story!  Cannot wait to share it with my grandson, nieces and nephews.  I'll be waiting with great anticipation for Ms. Campbell's next wonderful book.
1898434
Having read the first book in this series  When Clouds Roll By  I was very curious about how Myra Johnson would redeem Gilbert Ballard, the WWI  amputee who succumbed to drug addiction, alcohol, and self-destructive behavior. I shouldnt have been concerned as through lots of twists and turns, Myra skillfully weaves a story of patience, hope, and redemption. The setting of Hot Springs Arkansas circa the beginning of Prohibition gave the historical realism that I look for in period pieces. Although romance is not the genre I normally pick up, I was happy to see that Myra took each of her characters through a period of personal growth and realization that made the romantic scenes more poignant. Lovely story. Highly recommended for lovers of historical romance.

I received the book from the publisher for my honest review.
4800590
Awesome story! Get started if you haven't already!
30520
"The Dry" is a great story that you don't want to put down once you start reading. The characters are compelling and even the ones who aren't so nice are still understandable people. Each of the travelers has his or her own reason to cross the Dry and the emotional baggage they each carry shapes the journey for them all. This is a great character study, as well as a story of adventure and discovery. It is also a story in which the female characters are strong.
4964267
I have read and LOVED the first two books in this series, so of course I was excited to read the 3rd and final book! While I love all of the characters in the series, I was most curious about how this brave young man's story would unfold. And I was not disapointed!  This story, like the others was a light and easy read. I couldn't put it down. And it will earn a permanent spot right along with the rest of the series on my kindle!
4867046
I was a little apprehensive to read this book as it seemed more "fantasy" than my normal tastes.  I was quickly enthralled with the story and finished the book within 48 hours.  Although the main character, Aleksi, is the obvious focus of the story, I was especially overjoyed with Stone's detail in describing the world he created for this tale, the fascinating and larger-than-life cast of supporting characters, and the "Dreamworld" that Aleksi journeys into.  I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and I highly recommend it as a wonderfully entertaining and engaging story.  I hope that there are more Rune books to come!
4366779
I loved this family story telling! You feel for every character!
1145681
Great story, great character!!! Look forward to more from this series!
3209534
I'm glad I decided to read this book by Ms. Griffith.  Although the overall feeling of the story was Over-the-Top drama, with a healthy dose of intense love, Jeremiah and Daly were well-developed characters and the plot flowed.  There was some repetition of information, more than was necessary, but not enough to stop me from enjoying the story.

A few grammatical errors and/or electronic glitches is why it wasn't starred higher.
2304280
Just to give people who are unfamiliar with Berserk an idea of what to expect, I like to compare it to Lord of the Rings. Both series have a medieval setting (knights, castles, etc.), supernatural elements, endearing characters, and a great story. Here is a quick introduction to the story: A long war is being waged between the nations of Midland and Chuder. A mercenary named Guts is forced to join the Band of the Hawk, a seemingly invincible army of young mercenaries that has allied itself with Midland. The Hawks are led by Griffith, a brilliant military strategist who wears a necklace with a strange egg-shaped trinket. Griffith values Guts, but the female commander Casca wishes that he had never joined the Hawks.

I like the structure of Berserk. There is an emphasis on continuity. Every episode picks up right where the last one left off, and themes such as friendship, identity, and ambition are revisited throughout the series.  The dynamic between the three main characters (Guts, Griffith, and Casca) is intriguing, and it evolves over time.

A caveat (or two or three)...the first episode of Berserk only makes sense in hindsight because it offers a glimpse of the future. The entire anime is a huge flashback. So if you don't like the first episode, don't worry. Just keep watching! Also, the anime ends with a shocking cliffhanger. Fortunately, the story continues in the manga. And finally, the series is quite bloody. Of course, the manga is FAR more graphic.

I highly recommend this anime series. It's incredible.

Note: The video and audio have been improved for this new release. Media Blasters is currently hosting a video that clearly demonstrates the superiority of the new release's video. Check it out ([...]