Carole's Sunday Review: Heart of Stone - Debra Mullins

Author: Debra Mullins

Title: Heart of Stone (Truth Seers #2)

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Pages: 320

Published: October 2014

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Darius Montana is a Seer. With his gift of empathy, he can see into the hearts of others, both human and Atlantean. When his family comes into possession of one of the legendary power stones of Atlantis, Darius is sent to find the Stone Singer.

Faith Karaluros is the last Stone Singer. Manipulated all her life for her rare ability, she is widowed after her husband tried to steal her power for the Mendukati, an extremist group that hunts Seers. Faith wants nothing more than to stay out of this war when Darius comes to find her—just in time to rescue her from being kidnapped.

Faith goes with Darius, determined to do the job and be on her way with the money that can set her up where no one can find her again. She didn't count on the Mendukati sending a hit man after her. Darius swears he can protect her, but when she discovers he is one of the rare Atlanteans whose powers work on their own kind, can she trust him to keep his word, or is she being used again?

I am really loving this world. It is such an interesting concept with interesting characters. There is a lot to learn about this world and all the different powers, but I am glad that the author is slowly introducing the world and history to the readers. I can't wait to learn more. Honestly, the first book should be read first due to the backstory. 

This story follows Darius is a Seer, who has the ability to feel other people's emotion, and Faith who is a Stone Singer. They have a lot of issues internally and there is a war that started brewing in the last book. 

I really loved Faith's power! It's hard to really explain, but I would want her power...except I wouldn't want to be the only one left and people are hunting me to wrangle the stones of power.

The only issue with the book was the ending. The ending just, well, ended. Sure, I want to read the next one, but it was so anti-climatic and a sad attempt at being a cliff-hanger. 

GAH!!!!! I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT ADRIAN! Who are you mysterious man?!  He seems so complex and has a crazy past. There was a huge reveal. I anticipated something of that nature, but it was still a good twist. 

In the end, this was a good read! I am really liking this world and the characters. Can't wait for the next book. The ending was a meh, but the rest was good. I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

Saturday Night Movie: Horns

In the aftermath of his girlfriend's mysterious death, a young man awakens to find strange horns sprouting from his temples.

Director: Alexandre Aja

Writers: Keith Bunin (screenplay), Joe Hill (based on the novel by)

Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Juno Temple, Max Minghella 

2 h /Drama Fantasy Horror / 2013

Musings:
I have read the book, but I could not remember all of it. Yes the whole horns thing, his gf being dead. Everyone thinking he did it. But I did manage to forget how it ended. Which was good, cos it was a bit of a mystery then.

I did like the concept of the horns and what they made people do. It moved this ordinary mystery murder drama to the fantasy realm. Weird ass horns doing weird ass things.

And I hate the townspeople. Stop judging him! Find the real killer! But at the same time I had doubts a bit into the movie. Who really did it?

Radcliffe is good, he gets darker and darker and does it well. Not Potter there ;)

Good movie. I like the dark humour, well humour and humour, more the effed up way people gets.

Audio Review: Highland Hellion - Mary Wine

Katherine Carew Illegitimate daughter of an English earl. Abducted to Scotland at age fourteen. No family, no reputation, no rules. Rolfe McTavish Heir to an honorable Highland laird. Can't believe how well tomboy Kate can fight. About to learn how much of a woman she really is. Scotland is seething with plots, the vengeful Gordons are spoiling for a fight, and the neighboring clans are at each other's throats. All it takes is a passionate hellion with a penchant for reckless adventure to ignite the Highlands once more. 

My thoughts:

It does work as a stand alone, but we meet players again that were on earlier books. Katherine who was saved by Marcus in book 2. Now she lives with his family and has also trained in secret dressed as a boy with the guards.

Katherine learned that she needed to be able to fend for herself and so she did. She is strong and capable. But her wild side does leave her in trouble.

The Gordons are still spoiling for trouble. Asshats as they are. From book 1 already. Grrrr. But...I can't say a lot but there is hope even for them. And she will see herself in trouble with them.

Rolf we met briefly in book 2, he was young and now is older but is still the same. And he fancies her the moment they meet. And so does she. Oh they do not stand a chance.

Brenda Grant is even mentioned, ok for newbies that will just be a brief sidestory but I was happy to see her again and that is well. And there is a mention of a new character, I am hoping to see his story, oh and Brenda's brothers story! I totally need him to find love. Yikes, after 3 books I am invested in all these characters. I want heas all around, and to see the Earl of Morton suffer. Grrrrr.

Conclusion:
There is passion and romance. Danger and plots. Highlanders up for a fight and new friendships being made. I enjoyed it all, and I am looking forward to more.

Narration: Antony Ferguson

This is my third book with this narrator. I am used to him now and would not want anyone else. I enjoyed his voice from the start. He does male and female voices well- I like his accent even if I did not really hear Catherine's.

He has a voice that keeps my attention on the story

Cover
ok

Audio CD, 8 h 56 min
Published June 6th 2017 by Tantor Audio
Highland Weddings #3
Historical romance
For review

The garden of small beginnings - Abbi Waxman

Lilian Girvan has been a single mother for three years ever since her husband died in a car accident. One mental breakdown and some random suicidal thoughts later, she s just starting to get the hang of this widow thing. She can now get her two girls to school, show up to work, and watch TV like a pro. The only problem is she s becoming overwhelmed with being underwhelmed. 

At least her textbook illustrating job has some perks like actually being called upon to draw whale genitalia. Oh, and there s that vegetable-gardening class her boss signed her up for. Apparently being the chosen illustrator for a series of boutique vegetable guides means getting your hands dirty, literally. Wallowing around in compost on a Saturday morning can  be much worse than wallowing around in pajamas and self-pity. 

After recruiting her kids and insanely supportive sister to join her, Lilian shows up at the Los Angeles Botanical Garden feeling out of her element. But what she ll soon discover with the help of a patient instructor and a quirky group of gardeners is that into every life a little sun must shine, whether you want it to or not " 

My thoughts:
It was a heartwarming book that gave me sadness, a few laughs and budding romance.

Lillian is a widow, and yes it was a dark time there at first. Now it's years later and she does cling to his memory. She really should move on. Live again. But then she is really busy with the kids, with work, she never takes a break and just breathes.

In comes the garden class. Planting and tending. Getting to know the others taking the course. Spending time with he kids  and her sister and really enjoying the class. It does bring changes around for everyone.

And hey it made me want to garden too. Yes I already have one but I do want a bigger one, maybe one day. The chapters each start with info about a vegetable or something, how to plant and tend them.  I really enjoyed that.

Conclusion:
It was a good book. It was real, it was lovely and easy to read. Light even in it's darker times when she things about her husband.

Cover
I would have liked a garden, or a veggie at least

Kindle Edition, 368 pages
Published May 2nd 2017 by Berkley
Fiction
Netgalley