Westward Weird edited by Martin H. Greenberg & Kerrie Hughes

Book Review, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for westward weird book cover

Title: Westward Weird
Author: Martin H. Greenberg, Kerrie Hughes, Jay Lake, Larry D. Sweazy, Anton Strout, Seanan McGuire, Brenda Cooper, Christopher McKitterick, Steven Saus, Dean Wesley Smith, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Jennifer Brozek, J. Steven York, Jeff Mariotte & Jody Lynn Nye
In: Westward Weird (Martin H. Greenberg & Kerrie Hughes)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Short story collections, Weird western
Dates read: 15th June – 14th November 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Daw Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: She pulled the last of the pins free and shook out her hair.

Synopsis

When you were a kid did you long to put on your cowboy boots, belt on your guns, saddle up, and ride off to find adventures? Did you sit glued to the TV watching The Lone Ranger, Marverick, bonanza, The Wild Wild West, The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. and Firefly, to name just a few of the many series that have been popular over the last sixty years? And were you caught up in movies like Outlands, Time Bandits, Serenity, or Back to the Future Part III? If so, Westward Weird is the book for you.

The thirteen original stories included here ride a very broad range between science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal – and all of htem are told from a Wild West perspective. So get ready for some good old-fashioned adventure as:

  • The Old Gods cross paths in the Old West
  • Two thieves are given a job they can’t refuse, but no one told them they’d encounter aliens along the way
  • A mining family never expected their claim to be jumped from parallel universes
  • A Mars colony may be about to find out exactly how the West was won
  • Cowboys will be hard-pressed to ride herd on the living dead
Thoughts

This was a fantastic collection that introduced me to a genre that I never really knew existed – Weird westerns. I absolutely loved it. Whilst I haven’t really been getting into Westerns all that much, I most definitely love the science fiction and fantasy spin to the topic. Now I have a whole new genre to read and things to fill my shelves with… that wish list just keeps on growing.

Now that I’ve read this collection, I need to find a few weird western full-length novels. After all, it’s a genre that I’ve most definitely fallen in love with and want even more of. I can’t wait to read more and more weird westerns and fill my brain with all sorts of cyborg wild west stories. Tales of werewolves and vampires. And just…. Fun.

This is a fantastic collection that not only fits great into my shelf of books that I already own, but it also introduced me to a great new sub-genre, authors and just… fun. Now I need to save up some money to get some of the books that this has left on my wishlist…

<- Lone WolfThe Temptation of Eustace Prudence McAllen ->

Image source: Amazon

More Than Words: Volume 6 by Joan Johnston, Robyn Carr, Christina Skye, Rochelle Alers & Maureen Child

Book Review, , , , , , , ,
Overview
More Than Words, Volume 6 (Virgin River, #10.1) by Joan Johnston

Title: More Than Words: Volume 6
Author: Joan Johnston, Robyn Carr, Christina Skye, Rochelle Alers & Maureen Child
In: More Than Words: Volume 6 (Joan Johnston, Robyn Carr, Christina Skye, Rochelle Alers & Maureen Child)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 22nd October – 14th November 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Harlequin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: “That’s why I thought of you.”

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Presenting… the sixth annual More Than Words anthology

Five bestselling authors
Five real-life heroines

Little by little, one person at a time, we can make our world a better place. The five dedicated women selected as this year’s recipients of Harlequin’s More Than Words award have done just that, by discovering a seed of compassion, and nurturing it to effect real change in their communities. To celebrate their accomplishments, five bestselling authors have honored the winners by writing short stories inspired by these real-life heroines.

We hope More Than Words inspires you to look into your heart and find the heroine who lives within.

Thoughts

I bought this anthology with no idea what to expect. I only knew that there was a Virgin River novella in it somewhere. And now I want to get my hands on all of the More Than Words books that I can find. I love that not only are they gorgeous little romances. But they also incorporate charities and amazing activities which are run by some incredibly awe-inspiring women. What a fantastic collection!

I found the idea of creating an anthology around five charities and women who have created them to be seriously unique. And brilliant. Hence, the fact that I want to buy the rest of these books. I mean, how cool is it that this book not only is an amazingly fun and beautiful read, but also a way to promote some great causes. It also manages to place a face to those who would most benefit from funding going to such charities.

This was a fantastic collection that not only had me feeling happy and all dopey and lovey (which is honestly why I read romances), but also hopeful about the world. After all, every one of these stories had a happily ever after. And the horrible things in the world aren’t necessarily always horrible. Or at least, in these hopeful stories, there are still happily ever afters…

<- The Princess ShoesAlmost Lost ->

Image source: Goodreads

Oona Underground by Lili Wilkinson

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for begin, end, begin book cover

Title: Oona Underground
Author: Lili Wilkinson
In: Begin, End, Begin (Danielle Binks)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Contemporary, LGBTQI
Dates read: 14th November 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: I desperately want to know what Oona is thinking, how she feels about what happened.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

She’ll follow Oona anywhere. Including underground to the Witch’s Ball and the answers that they may or may not find there.

Thoughts

What a cute, adorable and beautiful love story. Two girls who are best friends and both want something more, journeying to a Witch to find out their fate. It’s a little teenager-y and in some moments, frustrating. But it’s also really well written and interesting. Plus, it’s incredibly sweet and left me with a happy, content smile on my lips after I turned the final page.

I honestly don’t know if I could love like the girl who follows Oona in this story. I mean, I feel like I would follow my SO anywhere, but I really can’t guarantee that that would be the case. And it’s a depth of faith and commitment that just seems unfathomable. A terrifying depth of faith and commitment that I just can’t quite fathom…

This whole short story felt very fae and dreamlike. It had this incredibly ethereal quality that left me drifting along with the words. Content and happy to experience Oona Underground.

<- Missing PersonsThe Feeling From Over Here ->

Image source: Harper Collins Australia

Temptation in a Kilt by Victoria Roberts

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Temptation in a Kilt by Victoria Roberts

Title: Temptation in a Kilt
Author: Victoria Roberts
Series: Bad Boys of the Highlands #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Scottish romance
Dates read: 9th – 14th November 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: “Aye.”

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

SHE’S ON HER WAY TO SAFETY
It’s a sign of Lady Rosalia Armstrong’s desperation that she’s seeking refuge in a place as rugged and challenging as the Scottish Highlands. She doesn’t care about hardship and discomfort, if only she can become master of her own life. Laird Ciaran MacGregor, however, is completely beyond her control…

HE REDEFINES DANGEROUS…
Ciaran MacGregor knows it’s perilous to get embroiled with a fiery Lowland lass, especially one as headstrong as Rosalia. Having made a rash promise to escort her all the way to Glengarry, now he’s stuck with her, even though she challenges his legendary prowess at every opportunity. When temptation reaches its peak, he’ll be ready to show her who he really is… on and off the battlefield.

Thoughts

This novel was easy, fun and seriously enjoyable. Like most of the historical romances in my shelves, it was enough to make me feel like I was transported in time. But not so much that I got annoyed with women’s rights. Although, this did touch well upon the issues that women would have faced at this point in time… particularly Rosalia’s history and experiences.

Rosalia and Ciaran are an amazing couple. They’re so alike, yet a great balance for one another in their differences. They’re also both annoyingly stubborn – a good match which I, myself can attest to, and fiercely independent. Although, considering Rosalia’s past, it’s somewhat surprising. And Ciaran’s stubbornness almost brings them both undone…

As Rosalia’s backstory is revealed, my heart broke a little more each time. It was seriously tragic and painful. But, it also made her ten thousand times more loveable as the story unfolded. I love when characters’ backstories are slowly reeled out and you get to enjoy learning about them in bits and pieces. Kind of like when you meet somebody in real life…

Although I loved this romance, I did find Beathag a bit of a terrifying villain. She’s pure evil and definitely not the kind of woman that I would want to mess with. At the beginning, I felt like the mentions of her were just a bit annoying and a way to show that Ciaran was no virgin. But, as the story developed, it became much more obvious that she was a key character and so not somebody that you wanted in the story. It was wonderfully done.

I seriously enjoyed this novel. But Aisling and Declan both stole the show a little bit. Partly that’s a good thing since X Marks the Scot is about Declan. But Aisling is definitely a character that I wish had her own story… doubtful considering she’s already married in this novel, and this is a historical romance series…

<- More Victoria RobertsX Marks the Scot ->

Image source: Goodreads

Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper by Kim Harrison

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for prom nights from hell book cover

Title: Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper
Author: Kim Harrison
Series: Madison Avery #0.5
In: Prom Nights from Hell (Meg Cabot, Stephenie Meyer, Kim Harrison, Michele Jaffe & Lauren Myracle)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Death, Grim reapers, Paranormal fantasy
Dates read: 14th November 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher:Harper Collins
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: Farther down the hall three kids loitered at the main door.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Madison doesn’t like that she had to move to a small town to spend time with her Dad. She doesn’t like her school. And she doesn’t like that she was forced to go to a lame, pirate themed prom. But she’s going to like what happens next even less…

Thoughts

Well, this story certainly features the worst birthday and prom ever. Yet, it was also the best kind of prom to read about. After all, it involved death and reapers and all sorts of mysteries that I can’t wait to stop and unravel. There’s most definitely a reason for my current obsession / love of Kim Harrison…

There is something about world building that always draws me in completely. Particularly when it is done so beautifully and succinctly in a novella. I’m already drawn into the world of Madison Avery and all of its law. And, even though the lead character is a girl that would usually just frustrate the heck out of me (she’s so against being a part of anything that she’s coming off as snobbish), it somehow all works together brilliantly.

I love that there is a whole heap of reaper lore in this story. There’s good reapers and bad reapers. And then all sorts of mystery and backstory that I really, really want to dig into! I can’t wait to find more stories which feature this lore and world building.

It sucks to die on your birthday, but the greater mystery in this story is one that fascinates me….

<- The CorsageKiss and Tell ->

Image source: Harper Collins

Let Loose by Mary Cholmondeley

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of ghost stories by women book cover

Title: Let Loose
Author: Mary Cholmondeley
In: The Mammoth Book of Ghost Stories by Women (Marie O’Regan)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Ghosts, Horror, Vampires
Dates read: 14th November 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1902
5th sentence, 74th page: The moon in its various quarterings has always exerted a marked influence on what I may call the sub-dominant, namely, the poetic side of my nature.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

He always wears unexpectedly high collars, but the reason behind his decision making all has to do with an open crypt. And a series of mistakes.

Thoughts

In the incredibly intense journey that The Mammoth Book of Ghost Stories by Women has so far taken me on, this is less terrifying. Not to say that it wasn’t still a little bit spine-tingling. But it just wasn’t as can’t sleep at night as many of the other stories.

I liked the interesting setup within this story – after all, it was a tale within a tale. I didn’t really like the guy who told either tale. After all, one married the sister, and the whole thing was just… icky feeling. But I did like the format of the story. And the writing style. I just didn’t love the actual storyline.

I’m pretty sure that this story was about vampires. Or at least, releasing the evil beings from the tomb. It’s a reminder to maybe just let the dead sleep and leave them in peace.

<- ReturnAnother One in from the Cold ->

Image source: Goodreads

Lone Wolf by Jody Lynn Nye

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for westward weird book cover

Title: Lone Wolf
Author: Jody Lynn Nye
In: Westward Weird (Martin H. Greenberg & Kerrie Hughes)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Weird western, Werewolves
Dates read: 14th November 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Daw Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: I never want to hear that woman’s name again!

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

His little sister was taken in the middle of the night by a werewolf. So, along with his best friend (and her beau), they plan to take matters into their own hands and find themselves some revenge…

Thoughts

I did guess the ending of this and the whole werewolf thing about halfway through this story. Which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. I did enjoy the fact that it was such a nice, easy story though. After all, sometimes reading short stories is all about having a nice, easy read.

I loved the ending of this short story. Namely the fact that Jo is just going to get into SO much damn trouble. After all, she’s kind of a dick in this… so I relish the idea that she’s going to get into trouble for her actions. Although, it was also nice to see her stand up for herself.

This story ended with a kind of happily ever after… yes, Jo is going to get in trouble. But, ultimately, almost everyone gets what they wanted.

<- Black TrainWestward Weird ->

Image source: Amazon

The Princess Shoes by Maureen Child

Book Review, , ,
Overview
More Than Words, Volume 6 (Virgin River, #10.1) by Joan Johnston

Title: The Princess Shoes
Author: Maureen Child
In: More Than Words: Volume 6 (Joan Johnston, Robyn Carr, Christina Skye, Rochelle Alers & Maureen Child)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 14th November 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Harlequin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: The organization’s story started with another little boy at a school in Pomona, California, found crying on the playground and saying his feet hurt.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

USA Today bestselling author Maureen Child reminds us of the happiness and purpose that even a youngster can find by putting her best foot forward in a story inspired by Roni Lomeli, Executive Director of Shoes That Fit.

Thoughts

This story did a great job of highlighting how big a difference a pair of shoes can make in someone’s life. It’s cute and sweet, beautiful and just a little bit heart-wrenching. I was lucky – and this novella really reminded me of all of the things in my life that I am lucky for. Add to that the fact that there is a romance in this story and just a whole heap of sweetness…

This probably wasn’t my favourite novella in the collection. Yet, it was probably featuring one of my favourite charities / causes. Whilst they’re all good, I love the simplicity and strength that giving a child a new pair of shoes can provide. I think that I didn’t enjoy it quite as much simply because the romance was not quite as intense and didn’t draw me in as much as the others did. It was still a brilliant novella. Just not one that had me thinking about it for long afterwards.

This was a wonderful novella. Not only did it show how important it can be for children to feel comfortable and hopeful for the future. It also featured a man who had experienced the foster system himself. It was a reminder that sometimes the smallest act can have the greatest impact. And it was a wonderful, positive note upon which to end this collection.

<- No LimitsMore Than Words: Volume 6 ->

Image source: Goodreads

Return by Yvonne Navarro

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of ghost stories by women book cover

Title: Return
Author: Yvonne Navarro
In: The Mammoth Book of Ghost Stories by Women (Marie O’Regan)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Ghosts, Horror
Dates read: 13th November 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: My coach says I’m goo enough for the pros.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Mara has Returned.

Thoughts

Return deals with death a little bit differently from some of the other stories in the The Mammoth Book of Ghost Stories by Women collection. Death in this is treated as a way of finding peace and an ending to some pretty horrible things in the living world. It was seriously tragic, but I liked how death was a nice ending.

I love that throughout this story Mara says absolutely nothing. All of the drama and horribleness unfolds as she just… sits there. The moments that are revealed are spine-tingling and horrifying. And the fact that it all unfolds around a girl who just sits there and watches… it somehow made everything all that much better.

Outside of death and peace, this is all about facing up to the consequences of one’s actions. The fact that the consequences are horrible and twisted… well, it’s a good reminder that every action has consequences.

<- Freeze OutLet Loose ->

Image source: Goodreads

An Elephant in My Kitchen by Francoise Malby-Anthony

Book Review, , ,
Overview
An Elephant in My Kitchen by Francoise Malby Anthony

Title: An Elephant in My Kitchen
Author: Francoise Malby-Anthony
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Africa, Conservation, Nature
Dates read: 11th – 13th November 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Sidgwick & Jackson
Year: 2018
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘That feisty French temperament will take her places,’ I laughed.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

A chic Parisienne, Francoise never expected to find herself living on a South African game reserve. But then she fell in love with conservationist Lawrence Anthony and everything changed. After Lawrence’s death, Francoise faced the daunting responsibility of running Thula Thula without him. Poachers attacked their rhinos, their security team wouldn’t take orders from a woman and the authorities were threatening to cull their beloved elephant family. On top of that, the herd’s feisty new matriarch Frankie didn’t like her.

In this heart-warming and moving book, Francoise describes how she fought to protect the herd and to make her dream of building a wildlife rescue centre a reality. She found herself caring for a lost baby elephant who turned up at her house, and offering refuge to traumatized orphaned rhinos, and a hippo called Charlie who was scared of water. As she learned to trust herself, she discovered she’d had Frankie wrong all along…

Filled with extraordinary animals and the humans who dedicate their lives to saving them, An Elephant in My Kitchen is a captivating and gripping read.

Thoughts

This book is… amazing. And seriously wonderful. And it made me cry. Repeatedly. And not cute, little tears. But big, fat, I kind of hate the world tears. Which I, honestly think, was the whole point. It most definitely drove home the horrors of poaching and the evils of humanity… which I already knew about. But, still, it was… intense.

An Elephant in My Kitchen is just as brilliant as the three books written by Lawrence Anthony. It is so driven by passion and love for nature. Driven by love and care. Honestly, reading these words was like talking with a friend. Or a kindred spirit. It also seriously makes me want to return to the beauty of South Africa…

The thing that makes this novel so much sadder and more tear jerking than Lawrence Anthony’s three novels is the fact that this focuses a lot closer to home. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still sad what happens in Lawrence’s novels, but there is a lot more action throughout the story. Instead, Francoise is based at home and trying to rescue orphan babies. It’s completely heartbreaking when she’s talking about the plight of babies and orphans. And the horrible lengths that people will go to to kill them…

Francoise does a great job of highlighting and promoting the importance of conservation and the horrors of poaching in this novel. She also shows the resilience and strength that she’s shown after Lawrence’s death. This is a journey of hope and survival. One that I most certainly won’t forget anytime soon.

<- The OutrunPlanet Elephant ->

Image source: Goodreads