A history of what comes next by Sylvain Neuvel

 

Series:Take Them to the Stars (#1)

304 pages, Hardcover

Published: March 4, 2021 by Michael Joseph

Historical fiction/ Science fiction

Library

I am still not sure how I feel about this one. On one hand I did want to know what would happen cos there were so many questions. But on the other hand, would I read more? I am not sure. The bad thing is there will be more so even though this one gave me a pretty good conclusion, there are still those questions.

Mi'a and her mother are some kind of aliens. Replicas going back 3000 years. Daughter being born always looking like the mother. Always on the run from the hunter. Somewhere way back they lost their knowledge and now they do not know where they come from and why they run. They only know they must reach the stars, avoid the hunter, and there can only be two....

Omg, why are they on earth? Why can there only be two? Why do they all look alike? S0 many questions, zero answers. Instead we get Mia and Sara working behind the scenes trying to make the Germans, the US, the Soviets create some rockets

So many why's, I do want questions, so maybe I will read more if I remember. But def from the library again.

Yes, pageturner, but, hard to like people in it

Mia is not sure what she is, but she isn't human. Smarter, stronger than her peers, all she knows are the rules: there can never be three for too long; always run, never fight.

When she finds herself in Germany, 1945, she must turn the Nazi's most trusted scientist with an offer: abandon the crumbling Nazi party, escape Germany with your life, come to work for the Americans building rockets.

But someone is watching her work. An enemy who's smarter, stronger, decidedly not human and prepared to do anything to retrieve something ancient that was long lost.

If only she had any idea what it was . . .

Audio: A wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas

 

Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells

Series: The Wallflowers, Book 5

Length: 5 hrs and 6 mins

Release date: 07-06-21

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

To review

A Christmas novella in July, just xmas in July tells me. Perfect. Though I did wish it had been longer so I could truly have experienced them falling in love.

Hannah is just a poor relation.

Rafe's family wants him to marry Lady Natalie, but then he meets Hannah.

She thinks he is no good, he fancies her. They are at a houseparty and keep on meeting, alone. But yes I wish it had been longer to truly feel the romance. Now they met, and fell so fast and then lived happily ever after. I mean, not even any drama! Omg, not that I miss drama, or do I? Still, it was a good one.

A short sweet novella

I like Mary Jane Wells, she is a great narrator (though I did not remember Swift being that Irish, but I liked it.)

The search for true love brought the Wallflowers together. Now happily married, these four delightful society women reunite once again to help a notorious rogue find happiness under the Christmas mistletoe...

Rafe Bowman has arrived in London to meet the aristocratic young woman he hopes to marry—Natalie Blandford, the very proper and beautiful daughter of Lord and Lady Blandford. But the dashing American's shocking reputation has preceded him. Before he can claim Natalie's heart, Rafe must learn to navigate the conventions of London society to win her hand.

Even with the best teachers—four former Wallflowers experienced in the art of matchmaking—the wildly rich and very impatient Rafe discovers that wooing a bride is far more complicated than he expected. But Christmas is a time of magic—when a rake can become a romantic...and ignite passion in even the most strait-laced young lady's heart.

Audio: The Wrong Marquess by Vivienne Lorret

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Length: 11 hrs and 48 mins

Release date: 06-29-21

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

To review

Elodie is scared of a lot of things, but hey I understand, trauma can do that. And in the olden days then sure things were scarier. But other than that she was happy, spoke her mind, and blushed a lot when she put her foot in it.

Brandon is hunted by all the mamas, so obvi when he meet her he thinks she is out to trap him. The nerve of that man! But, oh he was a sweetie.

Who was not a sweetie was the man Elodie has been in love with all her life, and who kept telling her when "we finally marry", and all that, but did he put a ring on it? No, because he was a horrid little man child. You deserve better Elodie than to wait for him! Oh but it took her SO long to see it.

Instead she befriends Brandon and he is a dreamboat. And they fall in love. But first she must ditch that stupid man child so a bit of drama at the end.

Cute, and I do like a couple who keeps up a good banter.

Awesome narrator. It is Justine Eyre so she is always great

Elodie Parrish can feel spinsterhood breathing down her neck. That’s the trouble with waiting for the marquess next door her entire life. But Ellie knows if she gives him one last Season, he’ll finally propose. The only problem is, her path keeps crossing with the arrogant Lord Hullworth, who is convinced she has designs on him.

Brandon, Marquess of Hullworth, never wanted to be “London’s Most Elusive Bachelor,” or have a horde of hopeful debutantes and their scheming mamas follow him around. His past has left him too jaded to consider marrying any of them. At least, that’s what he thinks... until he meets Ellie. She’s quirky, opinionated, blushes easily, and drives him absolutely wild. The only problem is, she believes she’s in love with someone else.

Ellie never imagined that one sultry summer could change everything. But the more time she spends with Brandon researching her book on the mating habits of scoundrels, the more she wonders if she might be falling for…

TMST

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

7/27/2021 Where is your favorite place to read during the summer?

I guess one should say the beach, but nope, only if no one else is there. I always love to read inside, and if outside then on our terrace. Comfy chair, or lie down in the sun. Warm and cozy. And listening, well I will do that anywhere.

When we have time I hope to one day get this thing I have seen. It looks so comfy, perfect reading summer spot for the summer.

Joint Discussion: An offer from a gentleman

 

Hello all! Carole and I will be discussing "An Offer From a Gentleman" by Julia Quinn. I am in blue and Carole in purple.

Edit. Aaaaarghh stupid blogger!! I missed that the text was messed up

Author: Julia Quinn

Title: An Offer From a Gentleman

(Bridgertons #3)

Narrator: Rosalyn Landor

Genre: Historical Romance

Published: July 1st 2001

Format: ebook & audio

Pages: 390

Summary:

Will she accept his offer before the clock strikes midnight?

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball—or that "Prince Charming" would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other—except, perhaps this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid's garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?

Discussion:

Third Bridgerton book! What did you think?

I’m glad we read it! I enjoyed it! Not my favorite of the series so far, but I liked watching these two find loveeee. 

I am a bit torn, I felt that it was 20 years old, and because of that I overlooked some of his tendencies. I do think I am happy that I did not start with these when I started reading Quinn cos as it stands now, would I have read more? Dunno

Ya - you could tell this was an older one of hers. Benedict was a jerk for a good chunk of it. WHICH men back in the day would never marry a maid...but the blackmail was uncalled for. I didn’t like that. He did redeem himself, but still...he was a jerkface. 

The blackmail was creepy. Totally creepy. I forgave him cos hey olden timey romance heroes had their weird ways. These days a romance hero will totally marry a maid, seamstress or whatever. Sure he will be all, but!!! But still. Here Benedict had other things on his mind

Very creepy and rude esp after she helped heal him back to health. I would’ve liked to see them get married and see how they introduce her to society. That would add some meat to the story and help redeem him more. I think him telling people to F off and defend his woman would’ve been delightful to see. You KNOW the ton would be meaaaaaaaan to her for sure. 

But now all they will see is a ward to the old Earl. Sure there will be gossip, but hey Lady Bridgerton is popular. I would rather see him tell people to f off.

Even being a ward with no real title would be beneath so many folks. They are terrible people. Could you imagine Mama Bridgerton and Benedict teaming up against those rich snobs? Man. I wish we could’ve seen that. I would’ve loved it. I also want to read a short story or something with Mama Bridgerton and the Maid War. Too much fun!!!

 So true. It’s like the book was just eh, no time for that nonsense about people thinking she is not good enough. Also yes the Maid Wars would have been fun!

I do feel like there were a lot of things she could’ve added to make this even better and help redeem Benedict from being an ahole and maybe develop their love more. I bet the tv show will add a lot of extra stuff so I’m kind of excited for when they get to his story someday.

OOOO I loved the ending with a certain character (not spoiling who) came out of nowhere and helped Sophie. Didn’t see that coming!!

Yes he does have ahole written on him in my eyes, I am sure the show will change it for the better. It does sound like I didn’t like it at all, but I did! It was light and nice (if I overlook certain things, at least it wasn’t a rapey 80s book). I can take some of Benedicts ways.

I’m sure they will or make him pay for and have to earn her more. Something. BUT same. I liked it. It was nice and light and Sophie deserved a HEA poor girl. F that stepmother!! MONSTER deserved to be locked away for the abuse. And yes, this for sure was a book that was written an eon ago and tbh...if this was a real romance in that time period this is how it would’ve been. Except...they would’ve never married. She would’ve been his mistress until he married or found someone different if she got too old/boring. 

But real life sucks! She would have been his mistress, had a few kids, maybe they would have been together a long time. Maybe he would have moved on. Maybe she would have been miserable cos she would never moved in his circles.

Also, her stepmother can die that stupid evil B! Ugh!!! Oh and yes that person who you talked about helped her, yes I liked that!

True! Real life sucksssss. Being a mistress is so unstable. The ton would never accept her fully. That stepmother should’ve been shipped to Antarctica. GRRRR. 

Hope they have ugly clothes in the show, lol. To show how evil the stepmum and Araminta are.

I think the stepmother’s name was Araminta and the one evil daughter was Rosalyn or something (they need to be shipped away together grrr). YEASSSSSS they should have even uglier clothing than Penelope and her family LOLL. 

Oh damn, I think you are right. How did I forget Rosalyn, eh, she was not as memorable as Posy. Posy was omg brain freeze…..you know the last kid of the Feathertons, omg I can’t spell or think. Watching tv, my bad.

Posy was the chubby daughter of Araminta that was treated poopy too. Kinda like Penelope. I think the two should become best friends. Which! Did you read the book or do the audio? I did the audio. 

I could see the actress who played Pen, but could I think of the name? Nope. I read it. Was it good in audio?

Yessss the audio was amazing bc the Queen of Audios read it...Rosalyn Landor! She was flawless and perfect as per normal. 

Ohh, I like Rosalyn Landor! Maybe that would have been better.

'

She always makes it a hair better even if it is meh. ^_^

A good narrator is gold :D So, a good book, but it has aged. Or we do not forgive things as easily?

Depends on how you look at it and feel. I enjoyed it even though it made me growl at the hero and he had to earn her love FOR sure. And yes, the narrator is gold. I totally recommend the audio but I am biased because I love this narrator. She is a queen!

He did cut it a bit late though...But he did care.

Yes. He for sure was not the best of the brothers so far. I think the show will make him more favorable...hopefully.

In the show I liked him best with Eloise. Other times, eh, did not really care. 

He is adorable with his siblings, especially with Eloise.

About the Authors

Carole and Blodeuedd have been blogging for a long while now. The last few years the epic duo has been discussing books, watching movies, and even wetting the pen and sharing their stories with the worldwide web. They both love cats, chocolate, and a good story.

Audio: A Scot to the heart by Caroline Linden

 

Narrated by: Beverley A. Crick

Series: Desperately Seeking Duke, Book 2

Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins

Release date: 06-29-21

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

to review

I have become bad at writing reviews at once when on holiday! So here I go, a few days later; Andrew has been in the army and now he is the heir to a Duke! Sadly an English Duke, boooo, but hey it will give him the chance to better support his mother and sisters. But he must take a wife first. Andrew was nice, just good you know

Ilsa is living life. She is a widow, her husband was an asshat. People thinks she is rather scandalous, and all I say is you go Ilsa! She was great. A thirst for living. Held back by her father, aunt and society.

They meet. She is not proper Duchess material. But Andrew is pulled to her.

There will be drama, I can't tell you, but this is real drama! And it made me mad and I would not be as forgiving as Ilsa. I was glad she had Andrew.

But then the end, what about the next book? New couple! And even more drama regarding something. Ohhh, pretty sure I know who one of them is.

Good narrator. I enjoyed listening to her and I felt she did justice to the voices and accents

Captain Andrew St. James always knew he came from a noble family, but his branch grew far from the wealth and status. Nothing shocks him more than learning that he now stands as heir presumptive to his distant cousin the Duke of Carlyle. There is much for Drew to learn and adjust to - but first he goes home to Edinburgh, to tell his mother and three sisters of their startling good fortune.

Ilsa Ramsay yearns for some adventure and fun, not another husband. When she discovers the handsome soldier who sweeps her off her feet for a rollicking dance is her friend’s brother, soon to be an English duke, she tells herself he’s not for her, no matter how tempting he is. But one impulsive kiss, then another, and another...says otherwise.

Drew means to marry a respectable, dignified Englishwoman - a very proper future duchess. The spirited Ilsa is none of that. Still, when she’s caught in a dangerous scandal, he leaps to her aid without hesitation. And neither family duty nor future obligation can make them ignore what’s in both their hearts.

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

Format: 245 pages, Hardcover

Published: September 15, 2020 by Bloomsbury

Fantasy Fiction Mystery Magical Realism

Library

Ok so this was weird. I hardly know what to say cos if I say anything that might be a spoiler.

Right, so this man lives in a weird house. The house has oceans and tides. Hallways filled with statues. No one living there except a man he calls The Other. And some skeletons. Such a weird place. No recollection why he is there, and if there exists anything else but this house.

Was it great? Nah. But I really wanted to know why this man was living in this house, that is not a house but a strange world at the same time. Hall after hall, you can walk for days.

And we do get an explanation, grateful for that. I can not say anything more.

And about the characters. Well, we know nothing about The Other. He is just there. Piranesi, as the Other calls the man, well we know nothing about him either. He is resourceful, he keeps a journal. He loves this house and likes to explore.

I did like it, because something kept me reading

Piranesi's house is no ordinary building: its rooms are infinite, its corridors endless, its walls are lined with thousands upon thousands of statues, each one different from all the others. Within the labyrinth of halls an ocean is imprisoned; waves thunder up staircases, rooms are flooded in an instant. But Piranesi is not afraid; he understands the tides as he understands the pattern of the labyrinth itself. He lives to explore the house.

There is one other person in the house—a man called The Other, who visits Piranesi twice a week and asks for help with research into A Great and Secret Knowledge. But as Piranesi explores, evidence emerges of another person, and a terrible truth begins to unravel, revealing a world beyond the one Piranesi has always known.

TMST

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

7/20/2021 What authors have you recently discovered and loved?

How recent is recent? Like within a year? Cos omg last fall I totally binged on Elly Griffiths!!! She is amazing. The only modern mystery thriller that has been a total hit.

An amazing series :D

The rest of the year I have mostly read authors I have tried before, and I do not like to mention authors I tried one book from. Cos the rest might suck!

But I did listen to 2 Elizabeth Lim books and I did enjoy those. I like the world she created

7/27/2021 Where is your favorite place to read during the summer?

Carole's Monday: The Perfect play

Carole Szymanski 5:11 PM (5 hours ago) to me

Author: G.S. Carr

Narrator:  Trei Taylor & Ryan Kailbourne

Title: The Perfect Play

Genre: Short story, Contemporary Romance, Sports

Format: Audiobook

Published: June 10th 2021

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Simone Thompson wakes up in a Vegas hotel suite to discover three things:

Her headache might kill her.

The guy spooned behind her isn’t some random Vegas hookup—it’s James Sumner, the NFL’s bad-boy wide receiver and her twin brother’s teammate.

There’s a ring on her finger—you know, the finger.

As part of a football family, Simone knows all about the game, the good, the bad, and the ugly. That’s why she joined her brother’s trip to Vegas in the first place—to keep an eye on him, not to end up entangled with her crush. Her very out-of-her-league crush.

James has always had the hots for Simone and now that they’re married, he sees an opening to prove to her that he's more than just a playboy and that they really do belong together. But if he’s going to win over his bookish princess, he’ll need to execute the perfect play…

Review:

This was recommended to me to check out and it's a freebie on Audible so why not!

We follow Simone and James. The two wake up in a Vegas hotel suite and discover they not only had a crazy night...but they are married. However, this could never work! They are so different! Simone has been a book-nerd and even works at the library and she was only in Vegas to hang out with and make sure her brother doesn't get into too much trouble while he parties with his NFL friends. James is NFL's bad-boy wide receiver. They soon realize that they have both been crushing on each other and this might be a chance to see if there is something there. 

Ahhhhh booze and Vegas mix too well but can lead to a crazy, insane night even for an innocent like Simone. 

I adored these two and they really were perfect! A weird way to start a romance. Maybe it was the push Simone needed to finally find her happiness in life! Yesss, yesss she feels she has to be the mother hen to her bro and her dad....but she deserves to be happy!

James is adorable and I loved him. 

I hope we get more books. Maybe something for Simone's bro or even another book following Simone and James. I feel like they still have some issues to get through. More pleaseeeee.

The narrators were perfect for the characters. Love them!

In the end, this was short and sweet, but there was some serious character development here and it was adorable to see them fall in love. Totally recommend it. 5 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #40 for Audiobook challenge

Audio: Last Guard by Nalini Singh

Narrated by: Angela Dawe

Series: The Psy-Changeling Trinity Series, Book 5

Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins

Release date: 07-20-21 by Tantor audio

Paranormal romance

To review

All the feels, I am truly enjoying these, and every time I think that I want to start the whole series from book 1. But that is 19 books ago, yikes. But still, they always make me want to re-read (and well read those periods ones I have not read, 10 books ago.) And definitely listen because Angela Dawe is amazing.

Ok, so obvi this is book 5 of trinity, but before trinity there was 14 other books. Getting free from Silence, and after Silence. The psychic field that holds the Psy together is crumbling, and forces are tying to tear it all down. A lot going on, start from book 1, or start from book 15. The ride is worth it.

In this one Canto, an A psy is trying to bring As together because they are the Anchors that hold everything together. He meets Payal and awww, all the feels.

Canto is so not a child of silence. He was not like other Psy. Payal has all her shields up and is the perfect Psy robot.

Lost of talking, lots of falling, lots of trying to fix their world. Some bears, and some danger. The perfect book.

I did not want to stop listening.

Angela Dawe is amazing, she truly makes these for me. Paranormal romance is perfect for listening and she does it so well. Distinct voices and accents, the coldness of the Psy and the warmth of changelings.

Termed merciless by some, and a robotic sociopath by others, Payal Rao is the perfect Psy: cardinal telekinetic, CEO of a major conglomerate, beautiful—and emotionless.

For Canto Mercant, family and loyalty are everything. A cardinal telepath deemed "imperfect" by his race due to a spinal injury, Canto cares for the opinions of very few—and ruthlessly protects those he claims as his own. Head of intel of the influential Mercant family, he prefers to remain a shadow in the Net, unknown and unseen. But Canto is also an Anchor, part of a secretive designation whose task it is to stabilize the PsyNet. Now that critical psychic network is dying, threatening to collapse and kill the entire Psy race with it.

To save those he loves, Canto needs the help of a woman bound to him by a dark past neither has been able to forget. A woman who is the most powerful Anchor of them all: Payal Rao. Neither is ready for the violent inferno about to ignite in the PsyNet…or the passionate madness that threatens to destroy them both.

Audio: The girl least likely by Katy Loutzenhiser

Narrated by: Jesse Vilinsky

Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins

Release date: 06-29-21

Publisher: HarperAudio

YA Fiction romance

To review

I enjoyed this one, it was fun, and not so serious that my YA usually is.

Gretchen loves rom coms. I mean who doesn't! I just wish they were as good as before. And she she starts to notice that a lot of things that are happening are totally rom com plots!

She has fallen for her best friend. Something kind of happens where she pretends to be someone else. Right rom com stuff.

The best friend thing, well a crush is a crush. That does not make them right for each other. I cheered on someone else. You will see.  The pretending to be someone else, well it was a reasonable thing to do. Of course she should also have stopped it.

But it was fun, cute and would make such a cute movie, do you hear me netflix!?

Great narration too. Good with young and old voices. And certain parts that took a bit more.

Gretchen has always been more of a “least likely” than a “most likely” kind of girl. So how does she somehow find herself living out every trope from her favorite rom-coms?

The best friend crush: Why is it suddenly so hard to act normal around her childhood BFF, Samuel? Must be time for a...

Makeover(!): Black leather pants and some red lipstick are apparently enough to lend Gretchen the bravado to do an impromptu set at a comedy club and catch the eye of...

The roguish bad boy: Jeremy, the alluring young comic who thinks her name is Sabrina. It might just be...

The perfect cover: a way for Gretchen to escape into her new funny-girl alter ego and figure out who she really is - and what she really wants. But as rom-coms have taught her, leading a double life can only last so long....

Audio: The Highlander's Destiny by Mary Wine

Narrated by: Timothy Campbell

Series: Highland Rogues, Book 2

Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins

Release date: 07-20-21

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

To review

I do wish at that one book would have a woman come in to a new keep and everyone would be all; Nice to meet you! Oh we like you, let's be friends! But alas no, everyone be bitches.

Cora has an intended she has never met. But she is fierce, strong, and sure she would like to meet him, but she also wants more.

Faolan is a bastard, and well that blurb is weird. The whole keep is close to the coast and that tower is used for protection. A lot of people gets sent there. But many are asshats since he is the son of the previous ruler, and his half brother rules now.

Faolan and Cora meets during a storm. Why she isn't just sent back the next day, dunno. But instead she meet everyone at the castle. Ugh everyone is calculating, or mean. There is always a bitchy woman too. But things does progress quickly. Things go down and since we all know they will fall in love they will. A rocky road, but she wont let anyone hold her down, not the Church (booo you guys), or someone else.

I do like these books. Some hardships and love conquers all, and then everyone thinks they are awesome.

I also like that there are always new characters that intrigue me. I want Rolf to find someone, and Cormac. I need those books

I also think the narrator is great. I have listened to lots of highland romances with him now and I think he is great at accents and different voices. He fits well

Faolan McKay was the spawn of recklessness. A child conceived by moonlight outside the bonds of wedlock. His mother was banished to the rocky shores of the Highlands where she committed an even greater sin than seducing the laird’s son—she survived. And raised her son to be everything everyone whispered about him. To be feared was better than any position or sword.

Cora Mackenzie has been promised since she was five. But her intended has never even penned her a single note. Cora takes to the moors, finding satisfaction in building strength and pitting herself against the elements. She discovers a thirst for succeeding where everyone says a girl shouldn't.

Faolan wasn't one for tales by the firelight, but seeing the woman perched on the rocks of his island made him stop and stare. Battered by the wind and rain, she cared nothing for her hair or dress. Instead, she stood in the face of the elements, celebrating her survival. Aye, a mythical creature, one he should ignore but just can't seem to. Fate has locked them together, leaving him battling to resist the pull of his guest.

Whether or not she wants to know the man who saved her isn't up to her. A storm forces them to shelter together or die if they attempt to leave. She might not survive the encounter, but it's hardly the first time life has offered Cora no choice but to face what is placed before her.

TMST

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

7/13/2021 What are your favourite posts to read?

Reviews, always Reviews :D

But I did read this fun post about who you would do (paranormal beings). So yes I would like more posts like that. I could so not write one though, maybe it it was a tmst lol

Oh this was short

7/20/2021 What authors have you recently discovered and loved?

7/27/2021 Where is your favorite place to read during the summer?

Carole's Monday: Burning ground

Author: D.A. Galloway

Title: Burning Ground (Frontier Time Traveler series, #1)

Genre: Time Travel, Historical Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Sci-Fi

Format: ebook

Pages: 450

Published: July 6th 2021

Where I Got It: Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion

Summary: 

Does time heal all wounds? Or do some last forever?

Pennsylvania, 1971: Graham Davidson is a young man with survivor’s guilt after the death of three siblings.

Estranged from his father and seeking a direction in his life, Graham learns about vision quests from a Crow Indian. He secures seasonal employment in Yellowstone National Park and embarks on a spiritual journey.

Wyoming Territory, 1871: Under a full moon at a sacred thermal area, Graham finds himself in Yellowstone a century earlier - one year before it was established as a national park. He joins the Hayden Expedition which was commissioned to explore the region.

Although a military escort provides protection for the explorers, the cavalry’s notorious lieutenant threatens Graham. His perilous journey through the future park is marred by a horrific tragedy in a geyser basin, a grizzly bear attack, and an encounter with hostile Blackfeet Indians.

Graham falls in love with Makawee, a beautiful Crow woman who serves as a guide. As the expedition nears its conclusion, Graham is faced with an agonizing decision.

Does he stay in the previous century with the woman he loves or travel back to the future?

Review:

Been excited about this book since the book cover reveal! I simply adore time-travel novels and I love Westerns so this is perfect!

Here we follow Graham who is trying to find himself and find some sort of happiness after his tragic past. There has been a lot of tension and some estrangement over the years due to lots of guilt and sadness from losing three of his siblings. He learns about vision quests from his friend who is Crow. He accepts a summer job at Yellowstone to try to have a vision quest. Under a full moon, Graham finds himself being transported to 1871 and goes on a journey that will forever change him. Should he stay in 1871 or go back home to the future?

Poor Graham. He has had a lot of sadness and guilt. I can't even imagine his guilt or his parents' guilt. So tragic. He for sure needed to get away. Maybe a whole century away seems a lot, but I think it was good for him. 

Awwww Makawee. Loved her. I did want more time with her. I want to learn more about her. She was so strong and she deserved love. OoooOOoo it's so hard to give away spoilers. ;)

But yes, Graham and Makawee deserved each other. I was for sure rooting for them!!

I am super curious to see what is next in the series. This is book 1 and there was a slight cliff-hanger so I want more for sure!!!! Ooooo! I want everyone to be happy!!!!!! I can't wait for the next book. WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN!!!!!!????

Oh! I loved the photos that the author included here. It helped bring the story a live. It felt like Redfield or someone was writing Graham's story or something. It was really neat. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this. There is something here for everyone. Love, action, drama, and a people story. This was really good. I highly recommend it. I'll give this 4 stars.