Short and Sweet Review: A Vow to Keep by Lana Williams

I'm trying to get better about posting reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, etc.. I'm always so grateful for readers who take the time to post their reviews of my books-especially if they liked what they read! So it seems only right that I return the favor, and I'm sharing my latest review. Here's a Short and Sweet review of my dear friend Lana Williams' new book, A Vow to Keep. Lana is a wonderful writer and a real sweetie. If you enjoy historical romance I have a feeling you'll really love this book...


I am not normally a romance reader, but I love historical tales in the medieval period and I found Alyna and Royce to be such compelling characters that I was quickly hooked.


Both the storyline and characters are well fleshed-out and, for me, that's always a recipe for a page turner! I loved the magical nature of Alyna's little Nicholas, and Royce's growing devotion to both of them, combined with a conflict between upholding a long standing vow for vengeance versus following his heart.


Ms. Williams knows how to bank the sparks that build passionate flames and leave readers rooting  for Alyna and Royce to embrace their growing feelings for each other. Her story is beautifully written, and leaves the reader waiting for the next book...when we hope to know more about Nicholas!   (no pressure, Lana! :) 


  

Wish That Girl had Gone Sooner!

Short and Sweet Book Review: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

This book's concept is interesting, with alternating chapters between the two main characters, plus a 'surprise' mid-way through. Only problem is that you probably won't be all that surprised, and after 400 some pages you will get to the end and feel like the author went to all that trouble and then forgot she's supposed to be writing something that readers will enjoy. Instead she's playing little literary format games and pleasing literary critics (who seem to love the least satisfying possibly ending) instead of the people who read (and pay for) her books. They might be less than satisfied with this ending.  So here's the spoiler alert and here's what critics are failing (miserably) to tell their readers: the ending is a HUGE let-down. You will seriously regret spending all that time reading this book for so little payoff. In addition, if you're having an 'off' day this book will NOT pick you up-it's a downer. I'm not saying all downer books are bad, but combined with the disappointing payoff, it's a double downer.  My wish? That I'd let this Girl Go...and never started reading it!   photo courtesy of  Weidenfeld & Nicolson