book club

Nora Roberts' The Dark Witch

With indifferent parents, Iona Sheehan grew up craving devotion and acceptance. From her maternal grandmother, she learned where to find both: a land of lush forests, dazzling lakes, and centuries-old legends. Ireland - County Mayo, to be exact. Where her ancestors' blood and magic have flowed through generations and where her destiny awaits. Iona arrives in Ireland with nothing but her Nan's directions, an unfailingly optimistic attitude, and an innate talent with horses. Not far from the luxurious castle where she is spending a week, she finds her cousins, Branna and Connor O'Dwyer. And since family is family, they invite her into their home and their lives. When Iona lands a job at the local stables, she meets the owner, Boyle McGrath. Cowboy, pirate, wild tribal horsemen, he's three of her biggest fantasy weaknesses all in one big, bold package. Iona realizes that here she can make a home for herself and live her life as she wants, even if that means falling head over heels for Boyle. But nothing is as it seems. An ancient evil has wound its way around Iona's family tree and must be defeated. Family and friends will fight with each other and for each other to keep the promise of hope-and love-alive.
(thanks to her website)

This book was not her best,it seemed rather dull and not that interesting. I was so excited to be taken to Ireland,but that fell flat too. I never really connected with any of the characters,the romance between Iona and Boyle seemed forced and there was no real endind,just cliffhangers to the next installment in the trilogy (what I am not that keen on reading). I was quite disappointed with this book,my first NR novel I didn't like. I give this a C.


Karen Kingsbury's Fifteen Minutes

Zack Dylan has a dream. He wants to sing on the biggest stages, for the biggest crowds, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make it come true. But Zack also made a promise to his college sweetheart when he left Kentucky to compete on the popular TV show, Fifteen Minutes: If he made it, nothing would change him or his faith in God.

Overnight, Zack becomes the nation’s most popular contestant, a country singer comparable to a young Tim McGraw. As his star rises, Zack is often asked to compromise and quiet his beliefs. Just as he’s on the verge of winning it all, his choices lead him to the brink of personal disaster. Meanwhile, a former Fifteen Minutes  winner is searching for meaning amidst her own private losses. Can she warn Zack about the real price of fame? Or will Zack lose everything he loves for his fifteen minutes of glory?

(thanks to her website)

This was my first Karen Kingsbury novel and I thought it was just alright,a bit too cheesy at times and predictable but it was a fast read (I read it in a day) and the characters seemed real. A very true story for today's world,too. I give it a B.

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Happy Friday!