Jacqueline's holiday review of Silver Belles and Stetsons

Reviewed by -- Jacqueline Driggers

Book Review of -- Silver Belles and Stetsons by various authors

Overall star rating --- 5

About the book:

Ten Western Romance Christmas Novellas by Amazon bestselling and Award-Winning Authors, available as a boxed set for a limited time. Bestselling and Award-winning authors bring you ten western romance novellas featuring alpha-cowboys from the past. This boxed set will take you back in time when men were rugged and handsome and the women who loved them courageous and daring.

Book creation ratings:

* Max. total of 30 possible *

Overall total, out of 30 -- 30

-- Story & characters -- 10

-- Cover & title -- 10

-- Editing & formatting -- 10

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --

The Greatest Gift: A Montana Cowboy Christmas by Kathleen Ball.

5 stars - Awesome story about a young woman who is taken advantage of, and who is helped by the brother of the man who took advantage of her. A warm sweet christmas story set in the old west. A must read story.

Stone Mountain Christmas by Caroline Clemmons

5 stars - A very sweet romance story of a young widow who travels across the country to live with her parents. She finds the town they live in severely lacking in Christmas spirit, so she sets out to change that. Along the way she finds romance, and a new love. A darling story.

Catherine’s Cowboy by Cait Braxton

3 stars - Tale of a woman who escapes her Indian captors in a desire to give her baby a better life. She is helped by a traveling rancher who must face his demons in order to help her. Christmas plays a minor role in this book, but a good book, none the less.

Angel and the Texan from County Cork by Carra Copelin

4 stars - He was searching for shelter from the cold and the storm, and she was afraid of trouble from him, and she grazed him when her gun went off. As it turned out, she was who he was looking for, and together, they have to find out who killed her husband and his friend. And along the way, they find love. A great story.

The Drifter’s Proposal by Kristin Holt

4 stars - Woman in trouble meets kind man who wants to help, and together, they have to unravel the mystery of a debt, and whether it was owed or not. A very sweet story.

The Perfect Gift by Lyn Horner

3 stars - Nice story about young love, but does not have a conclusion, as it is a prequel for a yet unwritten book.

Marshal Mistletoe by Susan Horsnell

2 stars - This is your basic lost love type story, with a child involved. One of the reasons why this gets 2 stars is that in 2 different places, the sentence at the end of a paragraph is not finished, but simply stops. Not something I've ever ran across before.

Christmas Redemption by Paty Jager

5 stars - He made a mistake at a young age, and went away to jail and paid for it. Now he is back home again, and unsure of his welcome. A truly great book with an awesome story.

A Hard Candy Christmas by Hebby Roman

5  stars - He suddenly gets the job as sheriff, which means he needs to live in town. She runs her father's boarding house, and does little else. Together they free each other from their demons, and find love. Awesome story.

Christmas Cowboy by Margaret Tanner.

5 stars - She lies pregnant, in a wagon about to go off a cliff; and her husband lies below, dead. He's on his way home, from going to town and getting supplies. He likes being alone. But that all changes when he comes across the wagon. This book has a wonderful ending.

Summary -- You can't go wrong with this box set. It's well worth the money that you'll spend, and you get 10 books. These are full length books in this box set, not short stories. If you're looking for a great box set to carry you through the Christmas holidays, this is the set you want.

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- romance, western, historical

Age recommendations -- 18 plus

Sex content rating -- mild to moderate

Violence rating -- mild to moderate

** The author's links **

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Belles-Stetsons-Caroline-Clemmons-ebook/dp/B014WU2TQG

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/SilverBellesAndStetsons/

Jacqueline's holiday review of A Cowboy Firefighter for Christmas by Kim Redford

Reviewed by -- Jacqueline Driggers

Book Review of -- A Cowboy Firefighter for Christmas (Smokin’ Hot Cowboys) by Kim Redford

Overall star rating --- 5

About the book:

He's hotter than a wildfire

Trey Duval is a rancher, proud as can be of his Wildcat Ranch. He's also the top volunteer firefighter of Wildcat Bluff, Texas, the town that pulls out all the stops for its Christmas festivities.

City girl Misty Reynolds comes to Wildcat Bluff just in time to help Trey put out a suspicious fire, leading him to dub her his "Christmas angel." Unfortunately, Misty's past has left her with terrible memories of fire, and of Christmastime.

As the two are thrown together again and again, Trey finds himself wanting Misty more and more, and Misty feels stronger and braver when Trey is around. Though their trust grows slowly, their passion for each other is burning hot...

Book creation ratings:

* Max. total of 30 possible *

Overall total -- 27

-- Story & characters -- 10

-- Cover & title -- 8

-- Editing & formatting -- 9

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --

The book gets off to an awesome start with a smoking hot first line that will totally draw you in, and it keeps rolling from there. Mix up a troubleshooter who can't tell anyone what she's up to, and a hot guy who's both a cowboy and a firefighter, and it is inevitable that the sparks will fly. But what makes this book great is the mystery threading it's way all through the book.

Me, I had the culprits pegged from the beginning of the book; but it was still a very fun read. Christmas in a small Texas town is beautifully described by the author. This book is well worth the price. Delightful characters all the way through this book, plus the great locations described, and everything else, makes it a wonderful read. This author is awesome, and I would read and recommend her works any day.

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- romance, contemporary, christmas

Age recommendations -- 17 plus

Sex content rating -- moderate

Violence rating -- mild

** The author's links **

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Cowboy-Firefighter-Christmas-Smokin-Cowboys-ebook/dp/B00XWMC5U6/

Amazon author page

http://www.amazon.com/Kim-Redford/ 

Website

http://www.kimredford.com/ 

Maegan's review of The Last Witch by L.A. Jones

Reviewed by -- Maegan Schaefer

Book Review of -- Tales of Aradia The Last Witch Volume 1 by L.A. Jones

My overall star rating -- 5

About the book:

Unknown to the humans who hanged innocent people at the Salem Witch Trials, real witches of the hidden race were slaughtered on the belief that they had betrayed the hiddens to the humans. Not one witch survived the genocide, or so it was believed for more than three hundred years. Until one day a girl named Aradia moves to Salem, Massachusetts, and all that changes. 

Book creation ratings:

Overall total – 29 out of a possible 30

-- Story & characters -- 10

-- Cover & title -- 10

-- Editing – 9, less than 5 misspelled words

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

My review:

Upon starting this book, I was like, great another Vampire/ Werewolf love triangle; but was pleasantly surprised that the author did not dwell on that too much. But had the young heroine focus more on finding herself than the guys.  The story has some history in it, which is awesome, about the Salem Witch trials. This is where the story begins, and then branched away from history and into fantasy. There are some gory/ terrible parts where people die. The author does not go into great depths here, but leaves it up to the reader’s imagination.

Reader Recommendations

Genre – Fantasy

Age recommendations – 12+

Sex content rating -- none

Violence rating – scale 1-5: 1 there are some fight scenes. And some dead bodies.

** The author's links **

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Aradia-Last-Witch-Volume-ebook/dp/B004VTCDYM/

Amazon author page

http://www.amazon.com/L.A.-Jones/e/B004UMBRDI/ 

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/LAJONESAUTHOR 

Website

http://lajonestheauthor.blogspot.com/ 

Twitter

https://twitter.com/lucyjonesbooks 

Shadow's review of Rising Empire by C.S. Woolley

Reviewed by -- Shadow Walker

Book Review of -- Rising Empire Pt 1 (Chronicles of Celadmore) by C.S. Woolley        

Overall star rating --- 5 

About the book:

The nine kingdoms of Celadmore are at war. The people suffer under tyrants that strive to gain land and power in the struggle for superiority. Queen Kasnata, the wife of King Mercia Nosfa VI is trapped in a loveless, political marriage, her children are being held hostage by her husband to force her armies to march on his every whim. The people of Grashindorph, the capital city of Nosfa, are oppressed by their king and beneath the surface of the city a revolution stirs. As war threatens to tear Celadmore to pieces, Kasnata struggles to bring peace back to the realm, fighting against bribery and corruption to bring hope to all those that are oppressed, as well as those that have been caught in the savagery of warring kings. Can the legendary queen, Empress of the Order find the strength to fight knowing the fate of her people rests on her shoulders?  

Book creation ratings:

* Max. total of 30 possible *

Overall total -- 29.95        

-- Story & characters -- 10        

-- Cover & title -- 10        

-- Editing & formatting -- 9.95        

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --

I must read the last two books in this quality written series. If you like adventure, with good battling evil, and one whale of an ending, then read this book. The story flies by, and it's a book you can't put down. Who will win the day--the evil king or his valiant wife?

The ending of the book leaves the reader happy and anxious as we head toward the next book in this three part masterpiece. The author is to be commended for a well thought out story, that is bathed in imagery and vivid scenes. It gathers the readers and transports them to another time, long ago in a distant land.

My best advice is get the book and get comfortable. It's well worth the investment of time and money. Happy reading and enjoy!!!

                

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- Fantasy Adventure        

Age recommendations -- 13 and older.        

Sex content rating -- Extremely mild.        

Violence rating -- Moderate.   

                                                                                     

** The author's links **

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Rising-Empire-Part-Chronicles-Celadmore-ebook/dp/B00G9QOX7A/ 

Amazon author page

http://www.amazon.com/C.S.-Woolley/e/B006E5414Q/

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorC.S.Woolley/ 

Website

http://mightierthanthesworduk.com/ 

Twitter

https://twitter.com/thecswoolley

Jacqueline's holiday review of Heating up the holidays by Marcia James

Reviewed by -- Jacqueline Driggers

Book Review of -- Heating up the holidays by Marcia James

Overall star rating --- 5

About the book:

Nicky Paxton is up to her pointed elf ears in work—filling in for a sick Santa’s helper, corralling kittens in a mechanical winter wonderland and running her family’s department store chain. With only 14 shopping days until Christmas, the last thing she needs is the return of her high school heart-breaker.

Lawyer and single dad Chris Spencer leaves the Los Angeles rat race to raise his five-year-old daughter, Holly, in his sleepy Virginia hometown. His first goal is to make sure Holly has a Christmas to remember. His carefully laid plans don’t include a second chance with his first love.

When Holly asks the store Santa for a “fairy pony puppy”, Chris enlists Nicky’s help to track down the elusive item. Despite Nicky’s resolve not to re-gift her heart to Chris, their sexual attraction could power the town’s holiday light display. With the help of mistletoe, a hairless dog and a lonely child, Chris and Nicky just might get their Christmas desires.

Book creation ratings:

Overall total, 28 out of 30 --

-- Story & characters -- 10

-- Cover & title -- 10

-- Editing & formatting -- 8

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --

This book has all the Christmas romance bells and whistles that you would want. As books go, it's not very long, but it does pack a delicious punch. It reminds me of a book version of the Hallmark channel holiday romance movies that I love so much. So yes, I enjoyed the book very much. The characters are great - Nicky runs her family's store chain, Chris is an old love who has blown into town, and she's determined to resist him; determined to not give him another chance to break her heart. But he's come back home to stay, and wants to raise his daughter Holly there. Want to know more? You'll have to read the book, and this one is well worth reading. It has a deliciously wonderful ending as well.

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- Christmas holiday romance, contemporary

Age recommendations -- 17 plus

Sex content rating -- mild

Violence rating -- none

** The author's links **

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Heating-Up-Holidays-Marcia-James-ebook/dp/B008S2DB8U 

Amazon author page

http://www.amazon.com/Marcia-James/e/B004FV9QIC/

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/MarciaJamesAuthor 

Website

http://www.marciajames.net/index.html 

Twitter

https://twitter.com/Marcia_James 

Jacqueline's review of The Curious Leaf by Danyelle Leafty

Reviewed by -- Jacqueline Driggers

Book Review of -- The Curious Leaf: An Adventure in Wishing by Danyelle Leafty

Overall star rating --- 5

About the book:

A flower. A faerie. The power of a wish.

This short fairy tale tells the story of a flower who longs to do more than stand reliably in her pot day after day. Instead, she wishes she could sprout wings and fly high enough to brush against the stars and sky.

A passing faerie hears her wish and is willing to grant it . . . for a price

Book creation ratings:

Overall total -- 30 out of a possible 30

-- Story & characters -- 10

-- Cover & title -- 10

-- Editing & formatting -- 10

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --

If you love fairy tales, then you will like this book. It speaks to the child in all of us. The stories in the book are delightful, and this book would be good for children as young as age 5. It's good to know that there's still someone out there writing new fairy tales. An adorable book to share with your children.

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- children's, fairy tale, fantasy

Age recommendations -- 5 and up

Sex content rating -- none

Violence rating -- none

** The author's links **

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Curious-Leaf-Adventure-Wishing-Curiosities-ebook/dp/B00L1KTAE0/ 

Amazon author page

http://www.amazon.com/Danyelle-Leafty/e/B005MEQS6E/ 

Website

http://www.danyelleleafty.com/ 

http://curiousleafpress.com/

Twitter

https://twitter.com/danyelleleafty 

Rich's review of Encounter by Dermot Davis and H. Raven Rose

Reviewed by -- Rich M.        

Book Review of -- Encounter: A comedy about escaping your cubicle... wherever you are in the Universe by Dermot Davis and H. Raven Rose

        

My overall star rating --- 5

        

About the book:

Two extraterrestrials transform the consciousness of a depressed male human and accidentally set up earth and humanity for total annihilation.

Just how far would you go to escape your cubicle?

Would you risk your life and break Intergalactic Federation laws to do so?

N and his clone N2 work in cubicles on a space station run by the intergalactic corporation, Zycorp. Along with other planetary interests, Zycorp holds the patent on human DNA. Similar to the way that humans experiment on animals, Zycorp experiments on humans... and has done so for a very long time.

There is an ongoing dispute among many alien races concerning such experimentation and the overall treatment of humans by their alien patent-registered owners. Whether humans have an evolved consciousness or not is hotly debated, especially as Zycorp now has plans to eradicate humanity entirely.

In an attempt to stave off boredom, our two bumbling cublicle workers interfere with a human subject (using a stolen technology that they don't understand). What they don't know is that their actions have major repercussions—not just for Zycorp— but for the entire galaxy and all life in the universe. You do not have to be a sci-fi fan to enjoy this romp through the known universe and beyond.        

Book creation ratings:

Overall total -- 27 out of a possible 30

-- Story & characters -- 9        

-- Cover & title -- 9        

-- Editing & formatting -- 9        

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --

Encounter, to me, is actually a very political and sociological tale, without pushing it, like a Jehovah's Witness at your front door. The simple message (at least to me) - A little enlightenment goes a long way.

A true sci-fi comedy! Genuinely funny, and it doesn't try to just copy Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. It's an excellent combination of a bunch of different subgenres of science fiction that the authors blend masterfully. It's also that rare beast of an indie sci-fi novel that's well-written, has good characterization, and, the biggie: Has been properly edited! Sci-fi, good editing, proper characters ... what's not to love?

The book leaves you wanting more, but the style and flair of the book also makes you completely satisfied. I'd be interested in seeing these characters again (N & N2), but I don't need to, if you understand what I mean. It was a very filling story. I think a lot of folks would enjoy this, even if they're not fans of the genre per se. Everyone's been stuck in some type of cubicle somewhere along the lines and would love to just do what they want to do with their jobs instead of their actual jobs.        

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- Science Fiction, Comedy        

Age recommendations -- Any ages        

Sex content rating -- None.                

Violence rating -- None.        

** The author's links **

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Encounter-escaping-cubicle-wherever-Universe-ebook/dp/B00IL9A1F6 

Amazon author page

http://www.amazon.com/Dermot-Davis/e/B00AC5ZMZQ/

http://www.amazon.com/H.-Raven-Rose/e/B009MDSI9G/ 

websites

http://dermotdavis.com/

http://hravenrose.com/

facebook

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDermotDavis

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008612446666/

Jacqueline's holiday review of The Viscount's Christmas Temptation by Erica Ridley

Reviewed by -- Jacqueline Driggers

Book Review of -- The Viscount's Christmas Temptation (Dukes of War Book 1) by Erica Ridley

Overall star rating --- 5

About the book:

Certain individuals might consider Lady Amelia Pembroke a managing sort of female, but truly, most people would be lost without her help. Why, the latest on-dit is that rakish Viscount Sheffield is canceling the fete of the year because he hasn't time for silly soirees. He doesn't need time—he needs her!

When a flash of lightning destroys the venue for his family's annual Christmas ball, Lord Benedict Sheffield intends to enjoy a relaxing holiday for once. But after twelve days of beguiling Lady Amelia's guerrilla tactics, he's up to his cravat with tinsel... and tumbling head over heels in love.

Book creation ratings:

Overall total, 30 out of 30 --

-- Story & characters -- 10

-- Cover & title -- 10

-- Editing & formatting -- 10

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --

This was a truly awesome book that makes for a wonderful christmas read. The heroine in the book is very feminine yet very smart, and totally likeable. The male lead character in the book is delightful as well, as he is enchanted by this determined woman who invades his otherwise well defined life. It has an ending that you'll love, and just what you'll want to curl up with for your holiday reading. Best of all, at the time of this post, IT'S FREE!

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- historical romance, christmas

Age recommendations -- 17 plus

Sex content rating -- moderate

Violence rating -- none

** The author's links **

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OR549DS

Amazon author page

www.amazon.com/Erica-Ridley/e/B0036LMFC6/ 

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/ericaridley/

Website

http://www.ericaridley.com/

Twitter

http://twitter.com/EricaRidley

Jacqueline's holiday review of Miss Featherton's Christmas Prince by Ella Quinn

Reviewed by -- Jacqueline Driggers

Book Review of -- Miss Featherton's Christmas Prince by Ella Quinn

Overall star rating --- 5

About the book:

In the two seasons since her triumphant debut, Meg Featherton's heart has been tested to its limits. Her first suitor: a criminal. The second, a cad. For her third act, Meg vows to leave love completely out of the marriage equation. She has set her sights on a newly made viscount whom she could take or leave. However, now she must avoid his handsome, roguish, irresistible best friend like the plague. It’s no easy feat, as they are all attending the same house party…

Damon, Marquis of Hawksworth, cannot imagine why Miss Featherton seems so damn disinterested—or why he cares so terribly much. Certainly Meg is a fine wifely prospect for a man in his position, but more than that, he finds he longs for her as he has never done for another woman. She may be determined to protect her heart, but Damon is equally set on winning her over, one delicious kiss at a time... 

Book creation ratings:

Overall total, 28 out of 30 --

-- Story & characters -- 10

-- Cover & title -- 10

-- Editing & formatting -- 8

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --

This is a truly delightful book, and an excellent holiday read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The heroine, Meg, has tried twice to get engaged, and failed twice. The first time, the man turns out to be an abuser of women. The second time, the man turns out to have a wife and children already. So she ends up very disillusioned with marriage, and thinks a marriage of convenience is the answer. But our hero, Hawksworth, is determined to change her mind, for he is in love with the lady and wants her for his own.

The time he takes and the patience he shows in wooing and winning Meg is fun to read and very wonderful. The book has a great cast of characters that you will fall in love with, and is not lacking in any area. I especially like the match-making grandmas. The 2 main characters are absolutely wonderful and totally make the book. If you are looking for a warm and wonderful holiday read, then this is your book. But it's a great read for any time of the year.

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- historical romance, christmas holiday

Age recommendations -- 17 plus

Sex content rating -- mild

Violence rating -- none

** The author's links **

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Miss-Feathertons-Christmas-Prince-Marriage-ebook/dp/B00VZZM50W/

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/EllaQuinnAuthor

Website

https://ellaquinnauthor.wordpress.com/

Twitter

https://twitter.com/ellaquinnauthor