An absolutely stunning read! A must read!
579746
A stunning and captivating novel set in two timezones. I adored Castle of Dreams by Elise McCune.
From the second page I knew immediately I was going to be spellbound and transported to one of my favourite places in tropical North Queensland. I've visited Paronella Park twice where the story is based and McCune's description took me back to the fist time I fell in love with this extraordinary place.
Reading page after page I felt more and more that I was stepping into a glorious painting and wandering around a rainforest of beauty and magic: exploring the ruins of the grand Spanish castle and the enchanting grounds through a series of curving paths, passing majestic trees, cascading waterfalls and crystal clear waters. A magical, unforgettable place I didn't want to step out of except for the portion that tore my heart out and left me gasping and an emotional wreck. The story of two sisters Vivien and Rose and the secrets they keep and of Stella, their granddaughter/great niece who suddenly becomes intrigued by her families history and uncovers their secrets and discovers a love story of sadness and great pain.

I cried buckets and buckets towards the end and was almost hyperventilating, never have I read anything so sad and emotional. I highly recommend this book it's a must read!
4846510
What an absolutely incredible book! I haven't read something that grabbed my emotions like this in a very long time. The synopsis does not even begin to delve into the many layers of this story. I don't feel comfortable going into details of the storyline, because it would ruin the book and give too many spoilers. What I can say is that this book is intense and gripping. I could not put it down. I was running theories through my mind during the whole thing only to find out how wrong I was with a twist that will leave you reeling. Portia Moore has an incredible writing style that injects so much life into her characters. I seemed to feel every emotion as if it were happening to me. There were several times I was brought to tears by the turmoil the main character was experiencing. There is so much to this book, I don't even know where to begin. I highly recommend it to about anyone. Men and women alike could love this story. It holds a bit of something for everyone; romance, suspense, mystery, thriller, you name it. I absolutely can't wait to read the next book in the series. And I will always hope for a happily ever after, but not sure how that will work with the twist this book throws at you!
502509
I am speechless. I preordered this book on so many people's word that it is an amazing book and a "must read" and they were right and wrong. Because this book is so much more than good, or a must read. This book is raw and real and draws out every emotion you have buried deep down inside you and it burns! Does it ever burn, like a strong shot of whiskey. I fell in love with B and Jamie from the beginning and my heart broke for them so many times, but I can't for one second regret reading their story. They are forever with me. I own a couple of Kandi`s books, but haven't read them. And I think I am happy that this was my first book by such an amazing author. I am simply blown away. I know now that I will, very soon, be digging through my kindle for more, I'm hooked. If you're still with me after my long winded ramble, I urge you buy this book. Read this book. Soak it in for what it is and I think, no, I know you will love it as much as I do. H E L L of a book right here! Flawless in it's entirely. Bravo!
145630
This book left me speechless! One of my favourite reads of 2016 so far and a book I will never ever forget reading. The synopsis just sucked me in and from reading the very first paragraph I knew my choice to delve into this novel was a good one. Time just flew by and I lost track of my life as I read this exceptional novel. This one got me on so many levels. I can't rave enough.

Maya is one of The Gardener's collected butterflies, young women "collected" and kept by him to admire, touch and "love". None of that in a healthy way. Nope, not at all. Each woman is chosen for her beauty and receives her "wings" after joining the other butterflies. He tattoos huge wings on the back of each young woman, each one a different type of butterfly, each woman given a new name. What happens to these women will break your heart into a million pieces, a trillion pieces. I felt SO many emotions reading this book and found the plot absolutely fascinating yet disturbing at the same time.

The Gardener has been honing his collecting skills for a very long time. When May wakes up in The Garden it's not long before she takes on a role of helping and caring for the other girls/butterflies, especially his newly collected ones who are of course totally horrified when they realise the situation they find themselves in. Captive, free to roam but within The Gardeners limitations.

He truly believes he loves and cares for his specimens. He wants to look at them forever. Forever.

The book cleverly switches timeline between Maya's story IN the garden and her telling the FBI her story and the story of the other butterflies. So the synopsis does alert you that Maya obviously finds her way out, but we don't know how. I kind of wished that the freedom element of the book was a surprise twist but can see why the book was written as it was.

It has some quite disturbing scenes in it, but it utterly fascinating and the pace is consistent, ensuring you don't have a moment of boredom. You will be drawn in to the story before you know it. The book has some strong characters and quite a lot of them as we get to know the other butterflies, what is done really well is that you don't lose track of any character despite their being a few. Each is done with clarity and each I will remember as a distinct individual in fiction.

This book absolutely must be made into a movie, it would be utterly spectacular! This one gets 5 stars from me and goes straight to my long-list for my Top Reads of 2016 and will be a hot contender. I can't recommend this one enough. Go grab it readers! Beautifully disturbing.

Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer for my copy via NetGalley to read and review.
2780703
An amazing read. The author weaves tragedy, love, family, suspense and disappointment into an amazing story. I have not read The Vast Landscape yet but after this, I know I'll be adding it to my list of must read books. This is great fictional account of a tortured soul in the form of a fast-paced story painted with poetic scenes.

I was completely immersed in the story as the author switches from past to present. This is an engrossing read you will definitely think about long after you have finished it. An author who has poured her soul into creating incredible characters that are worthy of the big screen.

*****I received a free book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
982445
I absolutely loved this book, the storylines of each 3 women and the secrets that have caused chaos in their lives. It is about their strength, loyalty, and dignity. I keep saying the author teases the reader in the beginning by playing with the reader's assumptions on what the secrets may be and when the one major secret is revealed, it blew me away. A fantastic read, I have recommended it to every reader I know.  A must read!
1423493
Absolution Road is an incredibly phenomenal journey of two intersecting lives whose collision sparks an unforgettable transformation that forever changes them both. Nothing in this story is done halfway. You willingly hand over your heart, or you will never make it far into this story. This is truly a magnificent piece of heart and soul that has been delicately wrapped and exquisitely handled in its delivery that needs to be read and enjoyed by anyone who wants to be moved and touched in a way like no other.

Alyson Road has reached and achieved her greatest goals in life, and she is very proud of herself. Her life is small but important to her. She is happy and content for the most part, but something still tugs at her heart that she just cant put a name to. Looking outside of the safety of her well-constructed walls never crossed her mind until Jake Wrigley barrels into her neat life effectively toppling her fragile foundation. Jake is fiercely battling demons from his past, but when he meets Alyson, he knows she is more than just another woman. She brings a startling peace to his constant internal chaos, and his heart is twisted all up feeling things it never felt before. There is suddenly more he wants out of life, and it all starts with her. Will Jake and Alyson get the chance they deserve to explore their bewildering and intense connection, or will they lose everything before it even begins?

I was completely in awe as I watched these two beautifully breathtaking characters walk out of the comfort zone, grow, and transform into the person they were always meant to become. This journey was painful, joyful, and priceless, and neither would have traded it for anything in the world. Alyson and Jake reached into the others soul and brought hope and love that no one else could. They found and fit the missing pieces back together until they were both whole and healed. What they found at the end of their battlefield was peace, love, and more hope than they ever dared to dream possible. I loved everything about this beautiful couple!

Rachel Blaufeld has officially stolen my heart, and I am not sure that I want it back. Her writing is out of this world incredible infused with an unbelievable amount of heart and soul. She packed those pages until the heart of this story literally overflows in your own soul. There is not stopping a powerhouse like this story from overtaking you. You let it in, or it will blow you over. If you want a story with power and soul, look no further than this literary masterpiece.
3134914
Wow!! I am still in shock as I write this. I have never read a book as quick as this one! I literally couldn't stop reading it. I don't keep very many books, only the amazing ones, and this one is definitely getting a spot on my bookshelf. The storyline is just insanely done. An absolute must read for anyone!!
3882747
Slip of the Tongue is an amazing 5 star read. The characters complex and multi-layered. At the beginning there is an underlying tension that quickly surfaces causing us, the readers, to consider all sides with thought as we read along. The emotions were palpable from hurt, anger, lust, love, loneliness, and hope. I LOVED this book.

Hawkins has given us her soul through the beauty of her words and stunning storytelling that feels crafted with care, every word, every sentence, every character action or dialogue adds depth to their journey. She kept me reading into the wee hours. My heart was invested in all the main characters and I found myself holding my breath, smiling, and swooning throughout.

I highlighted so many lines on my Kindle while reading.  Here are a few of my favorites:

~My heart doesn't beat - it throbs like an open wound no bandage could hold together.

~ He kisses me thoughtfully, like the way I read my favorite books, fearful of missing even one word.

This is a 5 STUNNING Star MUST READ Novel.
2677431
This book blew me away!! Oh my gosh!! I couldn't put this book down!! So different than any Book I have read!! A must read!
4140505
Beneath an Irish Sky was such a stunningly beautiful read! I was lucky enough to win a copy in a giveaway by the publishers Choc Lit, and I can't say how grateful I am. This story spoke so much to me, and is one of my favourite reads of 2013.

Isabella Connor is a pen name for two authors, so I was delighted to see how closely their writing styles matched. There was no indication that the book was written by two people, as the story and character development flowed so fluidly throughout the novel. I really admired how realistic the storyline was, giving readers a strong reminder of how common unjustified prejudice still is, and how this prejudice can cloud judgment and completely destroy families and communities apart. The descriptions of Luke's life as a Traveller were beautifully portrayed, showing the clear and unbiased point of view of a boy who has struggled through life being shunned and badly treated by others. I loved the distinction Luke made between people who are travellers and those who don't, stating that there are some travellers who give them a bad name, but it is not travellers as a whole, just like you get bad people from any way of life.

I adored this storyline and the different point of views we were given throughout it, without the switches being too confusing. I loved reading from both Luke and Jack's point of views and the authors did an incredible job at making me not feel as though I should take sides. I could see the black and white of both Luke and Jack's behaviours and didn't think either character was in the right, or wrong. It was great following their journey to understanding and acceptance. They both loved Luke's mother Annie, and at the end of the day they both wanted to know the truth. Jack to know why the love of his life left him without a word, and Luke as to why Jack had ignored his existence. There was also some great chapters from the girls point of views, with Kate being a wonderful partner for Luke, and her love for him clear when their lives are turned upside down when the lies caused through prejudice are spread too far. It is a harsh reminder of the harm that prejudice can do to others, and just how far it can spread. Like a disease, prejudice affects everyone it touches in some way.

Kate's mother Sarah was a character that I desperately wanted to slap soon after being introduced to her. I loved how we saw the story from her thoughts as well, which helped develop the storyline and give me a deeply rooted hatred for her and her selfish, poisonous nature. Sarah is a great example of a character that I loved to hate, as her every action was fuelled through petty revenge and the desire for personal gain, even though she believes she has done the right thing. It's great having a character that you can blame for problems in the past and know that despite the mystery of Annie's disappearance and secrecy of Luke, there is a truth that can be told, leaving all of the characters with the chance to know the truth of what happened all those years ago so that they can accept and move on.

Emer was a great character that I really connected to. The way that she connected to her patients on an emotional level was heart warming to see. It is all too often that people in these roles have to keep emotionally detached from their patients in order to help them through, but Emer was a breath of fresh air, going above the call of duty and helping others with both an emotional and logical approach.

There's so much I want to say about this novel, and how much I loved it, but don't want to spoil the cleverly written mystery and suspense for future readers, but I will say that this story is an incredibly powerful and moving journey of love, loss, truth and acceptance that tugs at the heartstrings and will stay with you. There are characters that make you ashamed to be human, and then those that will give you faith in humanity again. This was a beautiful journey and I adored every second of it.

5 Stars and a definite recommended read.
2140855
A unique fascinating story of love, grief, friendship and recovery . Beautifully written moving tragic story! The story of Bastian begins years after the loss of his wife and his attempt to cope with his grief by turning to Facebook! I laughed, I cried, and I couldn't put it down! He makes friends with Sera and their virtual friendship turns into something he never imagined! Bastian's story is intense, gripping and dark! One of coming to terms with what you lost and what is left to discover. The role Sera plays in his recovery is totally unexpected!
Sometimes the journey for recovery and salvation is based on our own interpretations! I can't say more without giving out spoilers,  but I will say this book is a must read!
3269867
Absolutely stunned! Beautifully crafted story of love conquers all, or does it? There were moments that take your breath away, moments that define you and your love and love you can never forget. This book captures all things first love and all things angst.
Recommended for the reader who loves a raw story of growing up together and trusting yourself to take a risk.
Noah and Amanda are inseparable from the moment they were born. Share the triumphs and pain childhood brings. There comes a time deciding to grow up may mean growing apart.
Amazing, simply amazing!
2226362
This book is brilliant! It was the kind of book that makes me want to stand on a rooftop and shout how amazing it is to the whole world! Beautiful, heart-wrenching and uplifting. I absolutely loved this book and the story line is amazing.

E.M. Abel's writing is absorbing, captivating, and flows so smoothly you barely feel the pages slipping by. She never cease to amaze me. Her ability to create a heartfelt story with amazing and realistic characters, always blew my mind.

After just reading the prologue, I was hooked and I just knew that I had to put my life on hold until I finished it. It gives you a taste of where the story is headed and just grabs at your heart in a way that makes you just need to know more.

I loved the character of Natalie. <3 Shes beautiful, sarcastic, is confident, knows what she wants in life. Natalie is the female version of Shaun.
Shaun is a hot, sexy surfer who has a laundry list of women that have been left behind.  He does not believe in love and is content in just having one night stands. Hes the perfect combination of alpha and arrogant men. Shaun and Natalie is chemistry explosion!

EVERYONE HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!!! MUST READ!!!
2921153
Oh my god this was an amazing book! I could barely put it down. It's most definitely one of the best books I've read in a long time. From page 1 the story drew me in. It started in the midst of a tragic nightmare and continued to enthralled me. Daniel is suffering so harshly. Suffering from PTSD and horrible nightmares of the things he has suffered while in Sudan. He's been walking through life like a zombie until he's asked to testify against the man who is responsible for the horrors that Daniel had suffered. This request of course comes from Ayana who instantly captivates him. After his friend Tim, womanizer and douchebag extraordinaire, finds him suffering a horrible night terror, Ayana moves in with Daniel to help him move past his pain. After a terrible tragedy happens to Ayana's family, she and Daniel come together passionately and fall in love with one another but their story doesn't immediately skip to happily ever after. More and more drama and pain come their way but through so much they grow even stronger together.  Unfortunately, secrets get in the way because they are even more tied to each than through their pain. Every character in the story experiences tragedy and learns that they are all connected by even more tragic circumstances. The story was amazingly written by the author and I will definitely reread it.
1885934
This my new favorite from this author. I could not get enough of this story! A definite must read! It will take you on the emotional ride of your life. You will not want to put it down. The characters and this story are captivating! One click today! I am voluntarily leaving my review after reading an advance reader copy of the book.
3083710
Hands down the BEST read of the year! As an avid book worm I am always on the hunt for the next great read of my life and let me tell you this is it! From the very first chapter this book entrances you into the world of Elliot. I felt connected to him from the beginning and Robin does a fantastic job of showing you who he is throughout the story. His character grows and becomes so strong throughout the plot & I felt like I was riding the waves with his every up hill battle. (I won't give too much away as I hate spoilers) but this book will leave you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails at what the next page will bring. I could not put it down & now I am left waiting for the 2nd installment of this series. These characters will stay with your forever and I found myself questioning our world after finishing this book. It is thought provoking & truthfully we can take so much of her words and apply them to our every day life. Elliot is funny, smart, witty & such a great underdog rising in Specious. You will be rooting for him from the get go and will fall in love with his character as I have. When I say buy this book, I mean go BUY it right now!!!! You have no idea what your missing!