Jackaby by William Ritter REVIEW

Summary:

Newly arrived in New Fiddleham, New England, 1892, and in need of a job, Abigail Rook meets R. F. Jackaby, an investigator of the unexplained with a keen eye for the extraordinary--including the ability to see supernatural beings. Abigail has a gift for noticing ordinary but important details, which makes her perfect for the position of Jackaby's assistant. On her first day, Abigail finds herself in the midst of a thrilling case: a serial killer is on the loose. The police are convinced it's an ordinary villain, but Jackaby is certain the foul deeds are the work of the kind of creature whose very existence the local authorities--with the exception of a handsome young detective named Charlie Cane--seem adamant to deny.

My Thoughts:

I got this book during the summer reading program at my library (a long time ago, I know) and didn't read it until now, although I kind of wish I read it earlier, because it was so good.

It has been a really long time since I have read a mystery this good and as impossible to put down.

The only part I would like to read more about is Abigail's reason for going to New Fiddleham. Was something wrong with where she was living? Did something happen there that made her want to leave? Or did she just really want to go there?

My Rating: 4 stars

The Wish by Beverly Lewis REVIEW

Summary:

Leona Speicher got the "sister" she always dreamed of the day Gloria Gingerich and her family moved to Lancaster County. The Arkansas newcomers seem to be the answer to Leona's prayers--until Gloria's father is expelled from their Old Order Amish church for reasons no one will discuss. Much to Leona's dismay, the Gingeriches suddenly pack up and disappear. Then, after a silence of several years, Gloria unexpectedly contacts Leona, who makes up her mind to go after her friend. Yet Leona's fiancee--the deacon's son--is alarmed. Will Leona's dearest wish lead to her own undoing?

"'You really think this is a gut idea, goin' clear out there, spendin' time with folk who've left the People?' 

Leona wondered if she was getting the carriage before the horse. Even so, she was willing to do whatever she could to bring Gloria back home--where she belonged."

My Thoughts:

*Fun Fact: My class is taking a trip to Lancaster this year*

I picked up this book not really knowing what to expect, and I was pleasantly surprised by it.

I'm not a huge romance fan, so the fact that there was very little romance helped a lot. The story really dragged me into it and I could almost never put it down.

I would totally recommend this book to people who are interested in Amish fiction but also to those who might not be into this kind of book because it was really interesting.

My Rating: 5 stars

**I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. Thank you!!!**

The Inquisition by Taran Matharu REVIEW

Summoner series: Book Two

Summary:

Fletcher and Ignatius have been locked away in Pelt's dungeons, but now they must face a trial in the hands of the Inquisition, a powerful institution controlled by those who would delight in Fletcher's downfall.

The trial is haunted by ghosts from the past with shocking revelations about Fletcher's origins, but he has little time to dwell on them, the graduating students of Vocans are to be sent deep into the orc jungles to complete a dangerous mission for the king and his council. If they fail, the orcish armies will rise to power beyond anything the Empire has ever seen.

With loyal friends Othello and Sylva by his side, Fletcher must battle his way to the heart of Orcdom and save Hominum from destruction . . . or die trying.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and just as interesting as the first book in the series. I feel as if a lot of authors seem to slack off on their second book, but this one didn't.

The way it was written made me want to shout at the evil councilors at the trial and kept me reading until the end, which of course, just had to have a cliffhanger.

I would totally recommend this book.

My Rating: 5 stars

The Siren by Kiera Cass REVIEW

Summary:

Years ago, Kahlen was rescued from drowning by the Ocean. To repay her debt, she has served as a Siren ever since, using her voice to lure countless strangers to their deaths. Though a single word from Kahlen can kill, she can't resist spending her days on land, watching ordinary people and longing for the day when she will be able to speak and laugh and live freely among them again.
Kahlen is resigned to finishing her sentence in solitude . . . until she meets Akinli. Handsome, caring, and kind, Akinli is everything Kahlen ever dreamed of. And though she can't talk to him, they soon forge a connection neither of them can deny . . . and Kahlen doesn't want to.
Falling in love with a human breaks all the Ocean's rules, and if the Ocean discovers Kahlen's feelings, she'll be forced to leave Akinli for good. But for the first time in a lifetime of following the rules, Kahlen is determined to follow her heart.

My Thoughts:

I was really excited to read this, as I enjoyed the Selection series for the most part.
I wasn't disappointed.
The book is very well written and interesting. The Ocean can communicate with the Sirens and read their minds kind of, and that was really interesting to me. But the Ocean never experienced love before, so She has no idea what love is like, really. So she's kind of like a really strict parent but that's because She's not really experienced in being like a parent.
Anyway I would really recommend this book, it was really good.

My Rating: 5 stars

The Gardener by S. A. Bodeen REVIEW

Summary:

Mason isn't supposed to know about the Greenhouse. He isn't supposed to meet the beautiful girl who is part of the experiment, and who doesn't need food or water to survive.
Now, Mason is on the run with the girl. And the Gardener, who is the mysterious mastermind of an institution that grows humans, wants them both, dead or alive.

My Thoughts:

This was a quick enjoyable read.
Mason meets Laila after confronting his mother about things she hasn't told him--about his father, and his father's work.
They go on the run, because people want Laila back and she's scared of them.
It turns out that Mason's father is the Gardener, and that his assistant was slowing poisoning him to take over his company. They save him and the end is kind of vague. Like, he sees Laila again after a few years? But they don't really say what happens after?
Still, I did enjoy this book.

My Rating: 3.5 stars