The Secret Chord presents a fictionalized account of the story of David told through the eyes of the prophet Natan.  I am certainly not an expert on David, but I feel that this story differs somewhat from the biblical version.  As long as the reader understands that this is a fictional novel and isn't necessary looking for religious fiction, The Secret Chord provides an interesting look into what David's life might have been like during those times.  It did make me consider more how the role of a prophet or seer would have been difficult and somewhat controversial at times.  I felt the rough and brutal nature of life during those times was realistically portrayed.  

The Secret Chord explores what David's life as a young boy was like as well as his roles as leader of the army, father and king.  To me, the story concentrated more on the darker aspects of David's life and less on his joys and dedication to God.  

I received this book from Penguin Viking Group through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

If I could give this book 6 stars, I would!  The Edge of Lost is a brilliant book that I couldn't read fast enough but also didn't want to end.    

Spanning over two decades and traveling from Ireland to New York to the San Francisco Bay area, The Edge of Lost is an engaging story about what family and loyalty really mean.  It provides a glimpse of what life was like during the days of prohibition, vaudeville and burlesque.  The details regarding Alcatraz and life for the prisoners there was also quite interesting.  

The characters were so well written that I felt as if I knew them.  I was completely blown away by all the twists and turns near the end of the book.  I don't want to give too much away about the plot, but I can simply say The Edge of Lost should be at the top of your to-read list.  

I received The Edge of Lost from Kensington Books through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.  

Thank you Author Jen Mann for making my holiday shopping list easier.  I am purchasing your book for everyone on my list and then I won't even have to color code my wrapping!  

This book was exactly what I needed!  Jen Mann's observations are laugh out loud funny.  I particularly enjoyed the chapters about Elf on the Shelf, the Christmas Carolers and also decorating her mother's house.  I wish I could share more with you about how funny this book is, but I really want you to read it for yourself.  You can thank me later.  :-)

I highly recommend reading Spending The Holidays With People I Want To Punch In The Throat for a hilarious adventure and break from any holiday stress.  We all need to find humor in our everyday life and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read this book.  I am looking forward to keeping up with Jen on her blog and also plan on purchasing her other book People I Want To Punch In The Throat: Competitive Crafters, Drop-off Despots and Other Suburban Scourges for myself.

I received this book from Ballatine Books Random House Publishing through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.  

The Island of Worthy Boys is well worth your reading time!  

Set in 1889, Charles and Aidan are learning to survive on the harsh streets of Boston.  The young boys develop a friendship and they begin working together to keep themselves fed.  Charles has been without a home since his mother passed away and Aidan's home life is precarious.  His mother is ill and suffering from consumption, but Aidan wants to provide for his mother and younger sister Ella.  It isn't long before Charles and Aidan finds themselves on the wrong side of the law and they must make some drastic decisions.  

The Island of Worthy Boys is a debut novel by Connie Hertzberg Mayo.  The author does an excellent job of developing the characters and describing the locations.  I could really imagine how dirty and dark the streets of Boston were at that time.  I also had a sense of knowing Charles and Aidan, feeling their struggles to survive and their fighting spirit.  

I really enjoyed this work of historical fiction and rated it five stars.  I was most definitely immersed in the story and wanted to keep reading to learn where Charles and Aidan's lives would take them.  I appreciated the research the writer included about the real Boston Farm School.  The school's superintendent Charles H. Bradley sounds like a remarkable man and like the author, I too wish I had known him.  

I received this book from BookSparks as part of their FRC2015 in exchange for an honest review.  ​

​A coming of age novel filled with so much more!
 
Pretending to Dance caught my attention from the very first sentence and kept me reading until I turned the last page.  Molly and her husband Aidan are looking forward to adopting their first child, but Molly is concerned that her long buried past may come back to haunt her.  She ran away from her childhood home in North Carolina and has never looked back.  In order to move forward with her life and a potential adoption, Molly may have to unearth her secrets and face what she has long avoided. 
 
Diane Chamberlain knows how to write an excellent story.  I very much enjoyed this latest book and always look forward to reading more works by her.  She writes very relatable characters and I become so engrossed in the novel that time passes too quickly.  I would recommend Pretending to Dance to book clubs as there are many interesting topics to discuss. 
 
I received this book from BookSparks as part of their FRC2015 in exchange for an honest review.