If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry REVIEW

Summary:

It’s autumn 1888, and Jack the Ripper is on the run. As London police close in, he flees England for New York City seeking new victims. But a primal force of female vengeance has had enough. With serpents for hair and a fearsome gaze, an awakened Medusa is hunting for one Jack.

And other dangers lurk in Manhattan’s Bowery. Salvation Army volunteers Tabitha and Pearl discover that a girl they once helped has been forced to work in a local brothel. Tabitha’s an upstate city girl with a wry humor and a thirst for adventure, while farmgirl Pearl takes everything with stone-cold seriousness. Their brittle partnership is tested as they team up with an aspiring girl reporter and a handsome Irish bartender to mount a rescue effort, only to find their fates entwine with Medusa’s and Jack’s.

My Thoughts:

This was an interesting look into Jack the Ripper and Medusa. Tabitha and Pearl work for the Salvation Army; Pearl is more serious whereas Tabitha has a more relaxed demeanor. When they find out that a girl they helped ended up in a brothel, they are determined to help however they can. But infiltrating a brothel is tricky, especially with Pearl's new Medusa-like powers and Jack the Ripper on the loose.

I really like Tabitha's character. She truly cares about and wants to help the poor, even if that means putting down her duty of preaching. Pearl, on the other hand, is rigid and strict to follow the Salvation Army rules, which causes friction between them. Despite this, Tabitha deeply cares about Pearl's safety and well-being even though they aren't really friends. I love the concept of Medusa-like powers being passed to ordinary women so that they can help other women who are in harm's way. However, I do wish this was more expanded on. It would have been really cool to learn more about the origins and process.

My Rating: 4 stars 

All the Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry REVIEW

Summary:

Four years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of Roswell Station. Two years later, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated, reviled and ignored by those who were once her friends and family.

Unable to speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home, silently pouring out her thoughts to the boy who's owned her heart as long as she can remember--even if he doesn't know it--her childhood friend, Lucas.

But when Roswell Station is attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose: continue to live in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing her world, and the lives around her, forever.

My Thoughts:

I was, at first, concerned about reading this because of the mixed reviews: many positive but a lot of negative ones, too. However, I'm glad I read it anyway.

The book is written in second person, so it can be hard to follow the story at first. It's also written as letters or a journal from Judith to Lucas. It also seems like it's set in the past? But I'm not really sure, since no dates are mentioned.

First thing that stood out to me: only about half of Judith's tongue was cut out, so she could learn to speak again. She eventually does speak again, but not early on because her mother doesn't want her to.

To be totally honest, I really dislike Judith's mother. I can understand being shocked/unsure of what to do, but eventually she should have accepted Judith as she is, but that doesn't happen.

The way this book is written is that you get bits and pieces of info on what happened before and during Judith's disappearance, but you don't get the whole thing until the end of the book, when she finally speaks up about what really happened.

I really, really enjoyed reading this book despite the fact that there were lots of depressing parts of it.

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Secondhand Charm by Julie Berry REVIEW



Summary:

Deep in the forest, in a secluded village, a young girl has become known for her unique powers as a healer. Even gypsy charms - mere trinkets when worn by others - seem enchanted when Evie ties them around her neck. The love charm may be especially potent, since Aidan, the handsome stonemason's apprentice, has been unusually attentive lately. But Evie wants more than a quiet village and the boy next door. She longs to travel to the city, to study at the University.
When His Majesty the king pays an unexpected visit for the town's annual feast day, Evie gets her chance. He awards her a scholarship, and suddenly - accompanied by both Aidan and her best friend Prissy - Evie is on her way. But this story is no simple fairy tale. Her journey takes unexpected twists, from the high seas to the royal palace. And Evie will discover not just intrigue, adventure, and romance, but a most incredible legacy . . . a magic within herself she is only beginning to understand.

What I Liked:

Everything! This book was very hard to put down.

What I Didn't Like:

Nothing!

My Rating: 5 stars

The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry REVIEW

 



Summary:

Lucinda Chapdelaine was orphaned as a young child when her parents left for a royal ball and never returned. Ever since, she has toiled away in her uncle's lonely jewelry shop under the cruel hand of her step-aunt. But now, all at once, Lucinda's lot is about to change.
A mysterious woman, a handsome young gentleman, and an unusual gem all enter the shop on the very same day. The woman is none other than the dreaded Amaranth Witch, and she has a daring task to offer. If Lucinda succeeds, she will not only reclaim all that is rightfully hers, but she will discover a true friend . . . and perhaps a true love. Family secrets, magical surprises, and another royal ball will test her, but Lucinda is determined to find her own happily ever after.

What I Liked:

It was a very interesting book with an interesting story.

What I Didn't Like:

Some of it was confusing.

My Rating: 4 stars

The author's website is here.