Following a momentous journey across space, two groups of Helvenans are locked in a struggle for survival on the strange, virgin planet they have named Kelanni.

Their long journey over, the exiles from the planet Helvena must now carve out a new existence. But the stain of war still blights the two factions – the hubbers with their strict caste system, now enforced by the new, fearsome keltar in their flying cloaks, and the free community of rimmers. On an alien world beset by unknown dangers and complex life forms they must find a way to come together…or be destroyed.

“This is the fifth book in Mark Whiteway’s beautifully crafted Lodestone series”

In the fifth instalment of the Lodestone series the long journey from the exiles of planet Helvena is over. What happened during war however leaves a mark that still haunts everyone. The Hubbers still must follow their strict caste system that is now enforced by the keltar.

Just when you think a series can’t get any better it comes out of left field with the next instalment and shows you that it can indeed still get better. This book is full of the excellent writing I have come to expect in this series along with the plot lines and twists that keep your brain on high alert. I simply love that in the course of reading this book you can’t take time to get passive about the story. If you get passive you may miss something and in all the action and complex plot you don’t want to miss something. Not a single moment. This is science fiction at its best

My Gemstone Rating:

Zoe—torn between worlds. Is Booker the man she loves or the enemy she fears? While suffering from Acute Stress Syndrome, she forgets everyone connected to her pain and returns to the dark world of stripping again.

Flashbacks confuse her and anxiety sets in as she struggles to discover who or what she is. Brief visions of men from her past spark her desire for revenge. Her potent craving for blood is strong, but the need for justice is stronger. She doesn’t understand why she feels the way she does, but has no desire to stop it. She likes wielding power over men—teasing them—killing them.

Will Zoe’s quest for vengeance lead her to the right man before she makes a fatal mistake

Lesson one learned from this book, not always good to start on book 7 of a series. Lesson two wow that is a short book, something like 77 pages?

Other then being fairly lost on how a Vampire can forget what they are (sounds bad) the book was okay. Zoe is an interesting character and one that I feel could be developed further. I know I am sure I missed some of her development because I came in so late in the series but I do think she has a ways to go. The premise though is solid, she is a strong and curiously interesting character. The writing is solid and flows well enough to keep me interested. While it is not my favorite Vampire book of all time, it was worth while to read it and for pure hot appeal it gets good marks. I always love a little bit of hot Vampire story to pass the time.

My Gemstone Rating:

A novel about love and support, and learning that with enduring friendships, no woman is ever alone.

Robin Sinclair is young, determined, and has a promising career at a small publishing house in Seattle. Even though she considers herself unlucky in love, Robin still dreams of eventually meeting Mr. Right and having a happily-ever-after kind of life. And at twenty-five, the world of opportunity is wide. But it’s been a difficult year filled with trials…and it’s only just begun.

While long-time friendships are finally on the mend, and things are starting to look up again, Robin is faced with her biggest challenge yet. She’s single and pregnant.

Uncertain now of her future and scared of being alone, Robin must re-examine her life and choices, and summon the courage to step up.

With the love and support of her best girlfriends from college, especially her best friend and roommate, Lara, Robin will learn that when the going gets tough, the best of friends become family. And, perhaps, with their encouragement, Robin can mature and gain the confidence needed to become a single mother. And, who knows about being unlucky in love. Things are suddenly getting interesting with Robin’s attractive co-worker, Bobby.

This is the endearing sequel to When Girlfriends Break Hearts about maturity and perseverance. It’s a story about friends coming together as family, about finding the strength within and around, and about writing your own happily-ever-after. About what happens when girlfriends step up

I didn’t read the first in the series I only found out it was a series part after I started reading it. That said it is a book that can also stand on it’s own very well.

This was a very heart warming and great book. I enjoyed the story as whole and I was very glad that our main character Robin found love but what I loved even more was the love and support between her and her girlfriends. It seems to me that in today’s society to many times women are competitive with one another and not as supportive and friend like as they should and could be. I know I myself don’t have as many female friends as I would like. So this story settled well with me and I enjoyed the story of how supportive these women were. The book itself flows very well together and makes the story all the more enjoyable. I would recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a good chic lit and a very lovely story.

My Gemstone Rating: