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Writer's pictureMaria T. Henriksen

2019 Books in Review

Happy New Year!






I wanted to start off the new year by giving back to the writing and Christian communities. Here you will find a diverse mix of books that I reviewed and recommend. A huge thank you goes out to the authors that have given of their hearts and souls to create wonderful works.






Recommended Reads...


The Kind of a Girl by G. C. Allen

Outrageously Funny!


The Kind of a Girl is a very unexpected book. There are many twists and turns to keep you on your toes. The author does a fantastic job of creating unique and interesting characters that move the plot along. They are a very peculiar and lively bunch. These are probably the most unusual characters that have been assembled in one novel.


The plot starts to come together about midway through the novel after the seemingly unrelated zany characters somehow find a connection to one another.

Then a series of quirky events ensue.


I literally laughed out loud for a few minutes at one particular scene in the story. For that part alone, it might be worth it to read the book.


If you are a patient reader and can appreciate the amazing character development along with the incredulous events that unfold, this book is for you. This is the first of many books in this brilliantly wacky series.




A Door Cracked Open by Carmina Edwards

A Cliffhanger


This story was not what I expected but worth the read nonetheless. I was enthralled by descriptions of the different countries mentioned as it was not a US based book. That was a most refreshing change for me. To be able to learn about different cultures in a slightly different time period was fascinating.


The author definitely got her point across as the writing was straightforward and the story easy to follow. I was a bit surprised with the ending which is unusual for me, so that in itself speaks volumes.


I didn't realize that this was the first installment of a series. Fortunately, I would be interested in reading the sequel to the story to find out what happens to the main character which happens to be the author.


Kudos to the author on her debut. I wish her much success in her writing career and in her life in general.






A Time for Every Matter by Chloe S. Flanagan

An Enjoyable Read


I enjoyed reading this book. It makes you stop and think what is really important in life. It demonstrates how people grow and change. I liked the characters and how the story wasn’t predictable. I would definitely read another one of Chloe Flanagan’s books.


Fortunately, there are many more books written by this talented author.











Framed by Brianna Johnson

Suspenseful



I finished this debut novel in 2 days as it held my interest. The novel has a compelling plot and likeable characters that drive the story. I have some questions about specifics for the author that surround the suspense of the novel. It’s those creative details that I find fascinating. Great job! I would be interested in reading more of Brianna Johnson as I heard her books keep getting better and better.


Be on the lookout for the upcoming short film called Seven Shots by Brianna Johnson.










The Mother-in Law by Judy Moore

Intriguing



The title alone captured my attention that I knew I wanted to read more. The Mother-in-law is a suspenseful book that easily held my attention. This is the second book I read from this author in a short amount of time. I could read Ms. Moore's books all day as I enjoy her straightforward writing style. I easily predict the endings to books, but this one provided an unexpected twist at the end. For an intriguing and entertaining book, I highly recommend The Mother-in-law. I'm looking forward to my next journey by Judy Moore.













Somebody in the Neighborhood by Judy Moore

A Quick Read


Judy Moore crafted an intriguing tale of murder, suspicion and suspense. This is the first book I read by her and I'm looking forward to reading more of her books. I highly recommend this book as it flowed nicely and kept my attention.


I absolutely love Ms. Moore's writing style!













Never Say Never with God by Pavel Morales

Inspirational


Never Say Never with God is an inspirational memoir about a woman who suffers from a little known spinal condition that causes imbalance. The book captivated me from the very beginning. I found it to be relatable as I have suffered from numerous physical injuries. Easy to read in one sitting and packed with scripture, this is a book I highly recommend.












Journey to Joy by Anne Perreault

A Sweet Romance


Journey to Joy was a sweet romance set in the 1800s in New England. There was plenty of intrigue that kept my interest throughout. The author did a great job capturing diction of the different social classes of the time. I enjoyed how there was an educational piece for me that talked about the history of thoroughbreds.


I can't wait to read more from this author. She has a brand new book out called Making All Things Beautiful.











Babycito to the Rescue by Jimmy Sanchez

Endearing


Babycito to the Rescue is an endearing story about a dog who becomes a service dog. It is written in both English and Spanish. The dog tale is accompanied by adorable pictures by the author's brother, Xavier Sanchez. Proceeds of this book go to funding the training of service dogs. For that reason among others, I highly recommend this book.









The Eighties Ladies by Jacqueline Terrill

The Fabulous 80s


I very rarely read novellas or short stories. However, there seems to be a trend for them and l was excited to read The Eighties Ladies. As soon as I laid eyes on the cover that screamed 80s, I knew I wanted to dive in.


If you want to take a quick hop back to the 80s, this short story is for you! The Eighties Ladies is jam packed with the songs, movies, television shows, technology and fashion of the 80s.

More specifically, the story took me back to my clubbing days in the 80s with the jeans, leather belts, stiletto heels, and lest we not forget, the big hair.


The Eighties Ladies is a fast paced, fun snap-shot of the fabulous 80s and I recommend it for the nostalgia or if you want to glean into that time period.


Happy Writing + Happy Reading = Happy Life!


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Maria T. Henriksen
Maria T. Henriksen
Jan 09, 2020

Brianna, You're not only a great writer but a wonderful supporter of the writing community! 😀

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brianna wood
brianna wood
Jan 09, 2020

Thank you for recommending my book! So glad you liked it! I'll def be checking into some of the other books you have listed as well.

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Maria T. Henriksen
Maria T. Henriksen
Jan 08, 2020

Grace, Happy to! We writers need to stick together! ✍😀

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Maria T. Henriksen
Maria T. Henriksen
Jan 08, 2020

Laura, my goal is to read more this year too and I'm off to a great start. 📚😀

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Grace Allen
Grace Allen
Jan 08, 2020

Thank you so much for the recommendation! You are so sweet to give us all this opportunity!

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