Book Book Review: The Black Stallion Revolts by Walter Farley

After the Black attacks another horse, Alec realizes that the once-wild horse needs more space and freedom, so they head out west to a huge ranch. But a terrible accident separates the two, leaving Alec with amnesia and the Black alone to reclaim the wild life to which he was born. As the Black struggles to survive, and as Alec struggles to remember who he is and his connection to the magnificent stallion in the canyon, a gripping adventure story unfolds.

Another look and reminder as why why wild horses can sometimes never be fully tamed. Especially a wild and savage horse like the Black. The story that unfolds is a fantastic one with Alec making the right choice for his horse by moving him out to a large ranch where he has space. Sadly, the accident happens so we follow a split story line of survival both of them. Another wonderful book truly Walter Farley keeps it going fantastically.

Book Review: The Black Stallion’s Filly by Walter Farley

“She’ll never be a racehorse,” murmurs the crowd as Black Minx is led into the sales ring. But Alec Ramsay thinks differently and buys the Black’s first filly to train her for the Kentucky Derby. But Black Minx, like her sire, has a mind of her own. This fast-paced racing story follows a great horse’s journey through training and preliminary races to the opening gate at America’s most famous racetrack: Churchill Downs.

It is so hard to say more about Walter Farley’s books because I feel like I am always repeating myself but once again another amazing book by Walter Farley and he has continued the series of the Black Stallion without making you think the series is getting to long. Each book covers new issues and another horse is brought into the line, just like should be with Horse Breeding and Racing. Of course, Arabians have never been in some of the races he brings up but hey, THEY SHOULD BE.

Book Review: The Island Stallion’s Fury by Walter Farley

Only Steve Duncan and his friend Pitch know of the valley hidden behind the high cliffs of the remote Caribbean Azul Island. And only the two of them know of the beautiful, purebred horses that live there, under the watchful eye of the great red stallion, Flame. But when Pitch’s half-brother Tom learns of this lost paradise, he will stop at nothing to make it his own, even if he has to destroy it.


Another fantastic novel in The Black Stallion series by Walter Farley. We again leave the story of Alec and the Black for a while and visit Steve and Flame at the Island of Azul. Tom Steve’s half Brother turns out to be the perfect antagonist in this story.

Once again, Farley adds something fresh into a series that shows no end by this point. With a passion and a love of horses, anyone can truly enjoy this series. You will enjoy the descriptions of the beautiful island as well as the stunning purebred Arabian horses. How they ever got onto this island is anyone’s guess but their bloodlines have remained pure because of it and make the story even more intriguing to read.


Book Review: The Black Stallion’s Blood Bay Colt by Walter Farley

He had his mother’s champion bloodlines and his father’s fiery spirit!

Well this ones cover description is not very long but the book is another show of horse loving excellence by Walter Farley. The Blood bay Colt is one of the black stallion’s sons, and he becomes a harness racer. However, this trip is as always not without trials after all any bloodline of the Black Stallion is going to have temper, fire, and flare. However, there also proves to be that underlying spirit of loyalty and love. Walter Farley truly captures the spirit of the Arabian horse and the spirit that has made me love that breed of horse for as long as I can remember.

Book Review: The Black Stallion and Satan by Walter Farley

Satan has won the Triple Crown, yet Alec still misses the Black, who’s living in Arabia with Sheikh Abu Ishak. Unexpectedly, Alec receives word that the sheikh has died and has left the Black to Alec. A race between the Black and Satan is inevitable, but unexpected events put the horses in the path of a raging forest fire. Suddenly, they are racing for their lives.

What can I say about this book that I have not already said about the others? This is a fantastic book while of course, by today’s standards, it is an eye archer about the Triple Crown winner but hey, it is a story and a fantastic story at that.

Once again, Walter Farley has made me smile and remember about my childhood and just why I loved these books so much. I sat down and read nearly all of them in a single week when I was growing up in the summer. Of course, I did not have anything else to do than either. If you love horses and love enthralling into a good story. I recommend you read this series.


Book Review: Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay

Meet Dexter, a polite wolf in sheep’s clothing… a monster who cringes at the site of blood… a serial killer whose one golden rule makes him immensely likable: he only kills bad people.

Dexter Morgan isn’t exactly the kind of man you’d bring home to Mom. Though he’s playful and has a wonderfully ironic sense of humor, Dexter’s one character flaw (his proclivity for murder) can be off-putting. But at heart Dexter is the perfect gentleman, supportive of his sister, Deb, a Miami cop, and interested only in doing away with people who really deserve his special visit. Dex is quite good-looking but totally indifferent to (and, frankly, a bit puzzled by) the attentions paid to him by women. Despite the fact that he can’t stand the sight of blood, he works as a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami police department, a job that allows him to keep tabs on the latest crimes and keep an eye open for his next quarry.

Dexter’s well-organized life is suddenly disrupted when a second, much more visible serial killer appears in Miami. Dex is intrigued, even delighted, by the fact that the other killer appears to have a style reminiscent of his own. Yet he can’t help but feel that the mysterious new arrival is not merely invading his turf, but reaching out to him as well. This new killer seems to be doing more than copying Dexter�he seems to be saying, “Come out and play.” Dexter’s secret life makes for a lonely existence… even a lovable monster can be intrigued by the prospect of finding a friend.

I love the Showtime series Dexter, for once I had no idea it was based on books as soon as I found out I knew I had to read the books. A series that is that good on TV simply must be that good in books. Therefore, I picked up my first Dexter book, Darkly Dreaming Dexter. I admit I am not fully involved in this genre but again love the show must see the books. Moreover, I will never regret that choice.

We follow the wolf that is Dexter as he makes his way through the motions of being a normal person. However, Dexter is anything but normal, he is just pretending although he has gotten very good at pretending. The only thing he does seem to have issues with is connecting. But come the night and come the dark passenger. The imaginary in this book is fantastic and you can see how the show came to be as it is. Since I have seen the show, first I must admit I could hear Michael C. Hall’s voice as Dexter has his inner dialog.

The thing about Dexter is you cannot help but love him. He truly is a good man he cares about issues; he loves his sister and is very protective of her and children oh how Dexter loves children. However, even with all of this, you cannot hide from his Dark Passenger; Dexter Morgan is a serial killer. The catch? He only kills people who are without a doubt guilty of horrendous crimes, and through some loophole in the justice system have gotten off. Really how can a guy like that truly be a monster? My husband (shocking we agree on this series as a joy) says that Dexter is like Batman only he kills where Batman does not. A very true comment Dexter Morgan is a vigilante. If you like the show or are even just curious about it I recommend this book the first in the series as an opener, it will suck you into the world that is Dexter.

Blog Tour Book Review Devil’s Food Cake by Josikilpak

It’s been years since author Thom Mortenson has been back to Garrison, Colorado. As part of the library fundraising committee, who invited him to speak, Sadie Hoffmiller wants everything to be perfect—right down to the homemade Devil’s Food Cake she made herself. Murder, however, was not on the menu.

When Thom’s manager ends up dead on stage, Sadie does what any woman with a history of solving murders does–jumps right in to offer her guidance and expertise. The police, however, are not very appreciative. In fact, they’d rather she just go home. But can Sadie help it if she keeps stumbling over information? Can she help it if the people intricately woven into the deception keep crossing her path? The more she learns, the broader the spectrum becomes and when the police refuse to take her seriously, Sadie has no choice but to sidestep them altogether in the pursuit of justice.

With her son Shawn at her side, her reputation on the line, and a full cast of suspicious characters, Sadie Hoffmiller is once again cooking her way through a case that offers far more questions than answers.

I have not had a chance to read the first books in this series yet, but after reading this one, I have to say I will. That being said this book is a stand-alone novel that you do not need to have read the other two, while it may be helpful it is not required.

There are few things more satisfying than good comfort food right? Well this book couples food with mystery and while your reading you will find that, the sleuth is a bit food obsessed. That works well for the reader because the book also includes the recopies’ of the dishes that she describes.

Sadie herself is not an immediately likeable character. However, as you read the book and follow the mystery of who set up the shotgun trap to kill Mark you will find yourself liking her. She is not the typical heroine, she is a busy body and a bit of a gossip but she can cook and loves to share it.

If you love mysteries and food or just one or the other you will love this book. So curl upon the couch with a sweet treat and enjoy.

Book Review: Plain Pursuit by Beth Wiseman

Carley has given up chasing her dreams. Now her dreams are chasing her.

Carley Marek experiences culture shock when she visits her friend Lillian’s family on their farm deep in Amish country. She’ll get an article out of the visit–and maybe some of Lillian’s newfound peace will somehow rub off on her.

Just when Carley is getting used to the quiet nature of the Plain community, Lillian and Samuel’s son falls ill. But the local doctor who can offer the most help has been shunned by the community and forbidden to intervene.

As David’s condition deteriorates, Dr. Noah determines to do whatever it takes to save the boy’s life. Carley is caught in the middle–drawn to Noah, wanting to be helpful in the crisis–and confused by all their talk about a God she neither knows nor trusts.

Carley must decide what in life is worth pursuing . . . and what to do when she’s pursued by a love she never expected.

When I got this book, I had no idea it was a part of a series. It was given to me through the Book Sneeze program. I am also the first one to say that Christian Fiction is not generally the first genre I will pick up to read, however to me a good book is a good book no matter what the genre.

Plain Pursuit is a heart-warming story that truly brings you in. The characters are ones that you feel attached too, you cannot help but love them and wish the best for them. The detail is well written and you can almost see yourself walking down the road in Amish country.

You can feel the love of this book and you clearly get the good Christian message. If you enjoy the genre or are looking to reconnect, I recommend this book, you may want to start at the beginning of the series but I felt right in place even starting here with the second one.

Book Review: The Teahouse Fire by Ellis Avery

A sweeping debut novel drawn from a history shrouded in secrets about two women-one American, one Japanese-whose fates become entwined in the rapidly changing world of late-nineteenth-century Japan. When nine-year-old Aurelia Bernard takes shelter in Kyoto’s beautiful and mysterious Baishian teahouse after a fire one night in 1866, she is unaware of the building’s purpose. She has just fled the only family she’s ever known: after her French immigrant mother died of cholera in New York, her abusive missionary uncle brought her along on his assignment to Christianize Japan. She finds in Baishian a place that will open up entirely new worlds to her- and bring her a new family. It is there that she discovers the woman who will come to define the next several decades of her life, Shin Yukako, daughter of Kyoto’s most important tea master and one of the first women to openly practice the sacred ceremony known as the Way of Tea. For hundreds of years, Japan’s warriors and well-off men would gather in tatami-floored structures- teahouses- to participate in an event that was equal parts ritual dance and sacramental meal. Women were rarely welcome, and often expressly forbidden. But in the late nineteenth century, Japan opened its doors to the West for the first time, and the seeds of drastic changes that would shake all of Japanese society, even this most civilized of arts, were planted. Taking her for the abandoned daughter of a prostitute rather than a foreigner, the Shin family renames Aurelia “Urako” and adopts her as Yukako’s attendant and surrogate younger sister. Yukako provides Aurelia with generosity, wisdom, and protection as she navigates a culture that is not accepting of outsiders. From her privileged position at Yukako’s side, Aurelia aids in Yukako’s crusade to preserve the tea ceremony as it starts to fall out of favor under pressure of intense Westernization. And Aurelia herself is embraced and rejected as modernizing Japan embraces and rejects an era of radical change. An utterly absorbing story told in an enchanting and unforgettable voice, The Teahouse Fire is a lively, provocative, and lushly detailed historical novel of epic scope and compulsive readability.

It has been a while since I was so into a book that I stayed up way passed when I should have gone to bed to finish it; well that is exactly what I did with the Teahouse fire. This story is compelling and beautiful I never would have thought it was a debut novel if I had not been told. Ellis Avery weaves a beautiful tapestry of a story that follows the life of one girl from girlhood through to adulthood.

Young Aurelia starts her young life in New York City a modest and happy life with her Mother and her Uncle Charles. But when she is Nine years old her Mother takes sick and her Uncle Charles takes her to Japan things go from bad to worse once in Japan until the night of a fire which sends Aurelia fleeing for her life and away from her Uncle Charles who is not as chaste as he claims to be.

The night she flees, she is found by Yukako and begins to her live as a Japanese servant in her household. The story has so many levels of love and dedication it is impossible to put into words just how beautiful all of them are. You can also learn about the beautiful art of the Japanese Tea Ceremony, and follow the fight of a great family in tea to keep their art as just that an art. An important and beautiful social part of Japanese culture.

The Teahouse fire takes many twists and turns some of them you see coming, and some of them you truly do not. You will grow to love the characters and find yourself attached to them. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is a little bit interested in Japanese history.

Book Review: Free Food for Millionaires by Min Jin Lee

“Competence can be a curse.” So begins Min Jin Lee’s epic novel about class, society, and identity. Casey Han’s four years at Princeton have given her many things: “a refined diction, an enviable golf handicap, a popular white boyfriend, an agnostic’s closeted passion for reading the Bible, and a magna cum laude degree in economics. But no job and a number of bad habits.”
Casey’s parents, who live in Queens, are Korean immigrants working in a dry cleaner, desperately trying to hold onto their culture and identity. Their daughter, on the other hand, has entered into the upper echelon of rarified American society via scholarships. But after graduation, Casey’s trust-fund friends see only opportunity and choices while Casey sees the reality of having expensive habits without the means to sustain them. As Casey navigates Manhattan, we see her life and the lives of those around her: her sheltered mother, scarred father, her friend Ella who’s always been the good Korean girl, Ella’s ambitious Korean husband and his Caucasian mistress, Casey’s white fiancé, and then her Korean boyfriend, all culminating in a portrait of New York City and its world of haves and have-nots.
FREE FOOD FOR MILLIONAIRES offers up a fresh exploration of the complex layers we inhabit both in society and within ourselves. Inspired by 19th century novels such as Vanity Fair and Middlemarch, Min Jin Lee examines maintaining identity within changing communities. This is a remarkably assured debut from a writer to watch.

I had to take some time on this review to digest this book and decide exactly what I thought about it.

Free food for Millionaires is very well written and the prose does paint a picture of New York and the lives of this family and the main member we follow Casey in a compelling way. That being said some of the story is sluggish and a little too detailed. Casey is a bright daughter of immigrant parents who just graduated from Princeton she has everything she could want but does not know it. She takes her family for granted, as well as many other things in her life.

All of Lee’s characters are flawed human beings, which makes for a realistic story. And while the story takes a lot of twists and turns and most you would not see coming, it really lacks that little bit of oomph that takes a book from good to great. While I finished the book, I felt that I had no real urge to read it. I would move to pick it up and than think of something else I could be working on and often times would pass the book over until later. For a novel to be truly great I feel you have to want to pick it up and to be thinking about when you will get to read it next. The narrative of the book can get a little confusing as she jumps from one perspective to the next in rapid succession.

With all of that said it is a book worth reading if you are willing to put the effort into it. The version I had came with a readers club guide for discussion and I can see this as being a very good reader’s club book. The way the story is laid out and the many different twists and characters will give a book club something to talk about.

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