We Will NEVER Forget

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Whispers on the Dock (Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn, book #3) by Evangeline Kelley

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book for free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book  blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 
Author: Evangeline Kelley   (Information taken directly from LitFuse Publicity's Promotions page.)

Evangeline Kelley is the pen name for the writing team of Patti Berg, Pam Hanson & Barbara Andrews, and Camy Tang, the four authors who collaborated to create Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn. Each of them has published novels individually, but this is their first series together.

Format: trade paperback

Genre: Christian, Cozy Mystery, Light Romance, Fiction

Source: Litfuse Publicity Group book blogger campaign 

Published: Guideposts Books / $13.99 / 2013 / ISBN:978-0-8249-3259-6

Buy the Book:  Amazon


Why I Read this Book:  I first read books one (Seaside Harmony) and two (Sunflower Summer) back in May and I was very interested to read the final book in the series because I grew to love the characters and wanted to learn more about their guests at the Inn.
 
What I Liked:   In this part of the charming tale about the Marris sisters, we find that the Misty Harbor Inn is still taking on "quirky" guests such as romance writer Trish, and an elderly woman by the name of Doris, who used to live at Misty Harbor when she was younger.  (Talk about exciting!)

With an upcoming wedding to plan, a local baking contest to enter, a sorrow-filled granddaughter,  Hannah Montague's mystery still to be solved, a possible new job, a possible new house, a would-be suitor, and a surprise revealed about their mother's past, the sisters undoubtedly have their hands full.

I really have loved the characters in this series.  They're tenacious and independent women who have learned to accept help from those around them.  They've also learned about God's grace and the price of family and friendship.  Not only have I laughed, but I have cried with them too.  I felt like Nancy Drew as they unearthed pieces about Hannah Montague's life, and I enjoyed the stories their guests would tell in the dining room--almost as if they were my extended family.

 What I Didn't Like:  Knowing that this is the last of the books in the Misty Harbor Inn series, I decided to take my time and savor each detail. (Excuse my while I grab a tissue...) I would really love the meet more of the unique guests that stayed at the Inn and explore more of the history of the area.  (Yes, I am still living in their fictional world.  So much so, that I wouldn't mind visiting Misty Harbor Inn myself!)



Overall Impression:  I really enjoyed getting to know the characters in this series and living through their daily struggles with them.  It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who struggles with decisions and how to treat/react to others on a daily basis.  I'm going to really miss reading about their lives and what the future holds for them now.  Maybe someday, more novels will be released and based upon some of the guests.  (Trish would have an interesting back-story as would their next door neighbor.)  Until then, we'll have to imagine ourselves walking along the beach and strolling through town to pick up guests on their way to the Inn.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Let me know what you think!  Happy Reading! 

YouTube Thursday

As a nod to my recent trip to Texas, here's this week's video:

Luke Bryan's Country Girl (Shake It For Me)

Wordless Wednesday

Anomaly by Krista McGee

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  

Title:  Anomaly

Author: Krista McGee

Genre: Christian, Young Adult, Dystopian, Fiction

Source: Litfuse Publicity Group book blogger campaign  

Buy the Book: Amazon / Thomas Nelson

Find the Author Online: Blog / Facebook / Twitter
 


Blah!  Another dystopian book...was my first thought when I received the book in the mail to review.  These days, it's hard to find anything other than dystopian literature for young adults.  Oh well, at least I could add it to our school's dystopian collection for the projects our tenth graders do each year with them.

W.O.W!!  Is all I can say right now.  Anomaly is one of THE best books I've read in a long time.  (And I'm not just saying that because the author teaches almost across the street from me from me.)  The story sucks you in and won't loosen its grip until the very last page.  Even now I'm frustrated that I have to wait until January for book #2, Luminary, to come out. 

I think what's so realistic about this society, is that I can see we're headed down this path--tampering with food to make sure it's "healthy" for us, genetically modifying/creating people to be more resilient, "big brother" watching our every move to monitor and maintain orderliness of conduct, virtual reality simulators and learning "pads"...all of these issues and technologies are prevalent in the society that our characters live in.

Obviously this takes place in the future--after we all decide to annihilate one another using nuclear bombs, but this story takes place in the underground laboratories/living pods that are created in case a national/world disaster does occur.

Thalli and Berk are part of the 3rd generation of humans to be created in this world.  Every human has a place in society and everyone lives in harmony because pesky emotions do not get in the way.   Any differences have been "bred" out of humans and any anomalies are annihilated to restore harmony to each pod.

Berk has been chosen to be one of THE scientists for their civilization and Thalli is just a musician that must play for her pod-mates so they will continue to be productive.  The problem lies in the fact that Thalli has emotions so she must be annihilated--a process she does not (understandably) want to go through.  Thankfully, Berk recognizes her and launches a plan that places them both in danger.

Along the way they meet many characters, one whose name is John, an older gentleman who introduces them to the Designer, the one who made all humans--even the scientists.  Will Thalli be saved from annihilation by Berk, or will they both be cast out of society?  Who is this Designer, and will He be able to help save them from the scientists?  How did John meet the Designer and what roles do they play in the quest for Thalli's life?  You'll have to read Anomaly to find out!!!!!!!!!

Overall Impression: Rating: 5 out of 5 

Click here to start reading Anomaly for free!

Let me know what you think!  Happy Reading!!