The Secrets of the Montebellis Book Review

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About the Book

Lisa Richards is caught in an abusive relationship and devises a clandestine plan to escape. In league with the secretive Montebelli Corporation, she grasps her one chance to gain financial freedom and fulfill her dream to help revive the town her ancestors helped settle in the Pacific Northwest. Imminent threats, at work to crush her efforts, thrust her to the edge of destruction. (Goodreads)

My Review

  

I don't get in the habit of reading too many books about failing marriages. After I read so many it just gets depressing. It seems like many of the books I have read lately have to do with failing marriages-all of which do end up failed. 

I picked this book because of the suspense, I thought Lisa would be a part of this sneaky crazy scandal type situation. Sadly, this book was not very suspenseful in my opinion. Granted there are many twists and turns but honestly rather predictable. The very ending I didn't think would happen the way it does but it's not entirely shocking. I liked the setting and Lisa's character is great. She is a strong woman and I appreciate that she takes care of herself while being abused. It's sad to read this story and I know how realistic it is for many couples. For a shorter story this book keeps moving but don't expect a ton of romance or intense suspense. I give this book about three stars as it was disappointing but still an interesting story line. I would be interested in reading more from this author, simply because I like the writing style. 

Learn more about the book and the author at this website.

"The publisher has provided me with free copy of the book from BookCrash in exchange for an honest review."

 

The Journal Book Review

•  The Journal by Beth Harlow
• Paperback: 72 pages
• Publisher: CrossLink Publishing (February 25, 2013)
• ISBN-13: 978-1936746347

 About the Book

When Mary gave a journal to her fiance in 1861 before he left for war, neither of them had any idea how many hands would write in it over the next four years. The little book travels back and forth across enemy lines and almost takes on a personality of its own as the new owners read what others have written and add their own reflections. The Journal covers some of the major battles of the Civil War from a personal point of view. Each soldier who writes in the journal is in a different place in his relationship with God, and each draws strength and help from what others have written. (Goodreads)

My Review

This book is a lot smaller than I was expecting-72 pages. But this is a great Civil War read packed full of history. My husband is a Civil War fanatic so he is excited to read this book as well. Basically it is a journal written in the perspective of multiple soldiers on either of side of the war. One man starts it, another finds it in a field, and so on until multiple people have read it and written their thoughts. I love this idea because the author gives the perspective of each side of the war and many different battles. I think perhaps the book gets passed along to many times, but I suppose that makes it more realistic. The message about God is clear and I really enjoy how the author included that into the story line. 

For a short historical read this book is great!

"I received this book from BookCrash and the author for free in exchange for an honest review."

Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”