Butterfly and the Violin

This story has two stories that meet together: one from the past and one from present day. The past is about a promising violinist that helped smuggle Jews during the Holocaust and she too is taken to a prison camp. The other, is about a woman who is in the search of a rare painting of this promising violinist. 

The Butterfly and the Violin, is the first book in Kristy Cambron’s debut series "A Hidden Masterpiece". This book is about the story the painting tells, and the impact the story has on Sera James.

The book switches between both time periods with ease. I was never confused as to which era I was in. Kristy Cambron writes with a clarity and authority on her subject matter. Even though this book is classified as Historical Christian Romance, anyone, regardless of their reading preference, will certainly love this story. I am looking forward to the second book in the series when it releases.

**NOTE** I received this book for free in return for my honest review from BookLook Bloggers

Doon

Scootish Moors, fancy dresses, medieval like town, fantasy, tales, mystery.

A boy in a kilt.

Everything your heart could want in a fantasy-like setting....

I'm a sucker for Young Adult collections...however, I'm starting to realize my obsession has gotten a little crazy and it's taken over my reading time a little too much. But I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with this one.

While I thought that the book was going to be based solely on Veronica, Makenna's best friend, I was glad to see that it wasn't just about her. The book is broken up in to chapters for each girl and I had to remind myself that the POV was from one of the two girls.

Makenna inherits her Aunt Gracie's estate in Scotland and she takes Veronica with her. Veronica, on the other hand, has been seeing a mysterious boy in a kilt, and thinks she's gone mad. ENTER: a trip to Scotland with Makenna to see her Aunt's house. They find Gracie's journal about stories that Makenna had grown up listening to and it all goes on from there.

I don't want to say too much considering it will give stuff away. I think this would be a great movie (MUCH BETTER THAN TWILIGHT!!!!!) I think it's kind of funny that it's labeled as "Christian" young adult, only due to some minor language and some more intimate relationship settings. Other than that, I can totally see the two girls talking. The use of "teen" language is heavy through the book and you can feel the teenage atmostphere. Which is fine for me, because teenagers are an interesting species. :)

Now...of to find me MY boy in a kilt....(my boyfriend is of Scottish/Irish ancestry, and he's HOT in a kilt!!)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com®  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Dear Mr. Knightley

I've always been a Jane Austen fan. There was always something about her writing that intrigued me. Maybe it was because I was always in love with times gone past and am a romantic at heart.

When I first read the book, I was hoping it was going to be something like the book "Austenland" (which is actually mentioned in the storyline a few times, along with other Jane Austen tales and classics of the time). The story is written in a series of letters to a man named Mr. Knightley. It took me a little bit to get into it, but as the story started to develop, I found it easier to follow along. I was almost ready to throw the towel in. Then...Alex came along. And it was much better from there. A little slow starting (for me at least) but over all a good read.

Dark Halo

I have been waiting for this book! I read the first two and I fell in love. When I saw that this book was finally available for review (a part of me actually forgot all about it....SILLY ME!!!) I was super excited.

WHen I first got Angel Eyes, I was a little concerned because I thought it would be another Twilight. It seems a lot of teen drama/romances are similar to that. However, I was very happy when I started reading it. THen came Broken Wings. And I finished that book in two days. So I couldn't wait for this book to come.

I was happy and sad when it finally was avaiable. I was happy because I could continue on with the story. I was sad becuase it's the final book in the story. I fell in love with the good characters, hated the bad characters. I "talked" to the book as things happened, talked to Brielle as she was going through stuff like I was her friend. I was so involved with this book. And sad that it has ended. I definitely recommend you read the first two. Even though there is a brief summary in this book, I recommend getting involved from the very beginning. I loved this series and will definitely read it again!