The Expected One by Kathleen McGowan

The Expected One by Kathleen McGowan was an unexpected delight. Obviously there was something that attracted me to the book but I was worried that perhaps a zealot's point of view might outshine the rest of the book. The reason I decided to pick this book up was due to premise of presenting the empowerment of women though the emphasis of women's influence throughout history. The main character, Maureen Paschal, has built her entire career on this exact notion.

The Expected One is The Passion of the Christ meets The DaVinci Code. There are secret societies, conspiracy theories, espionage, and prophecies. Maureen is a reporter/novelist who travels to get a better sense of what she is writing about. She had decided to dig a little deeper into Mary Magdalene and as such made a trip to Jerusalem. While she is there she encounters a man who gives her a ring. This is the catalyst for said prophecy and thus the adventure Maureen is about to embark upon.

What I found so interesting about this book is that the story is sort of two-fold. I greatly enjoyed The DaVinci Code. I like a little bit of mystery, suspense, and even a smattering of conspiracy. The second piece to the story is biblical. It follows the relationship of Jesus and Mary Magdalene and the crucifixion of Jesus. It is such an interesting perspective. The biblical portion of the tale is told from Mary Magdalene's point of view; being read from a journal of sorts that she kept.

The book was rather through provoking as well; at least from my perspective. I am not a very religious person but found some of the messages inspiring. I also rather enjoyed how well thought out the characters were. The ones that would be absolute in their devotion portrayed that impeccably.

There were a couple of things that I thought looked like they might be a good plot twist, but they did not go anywhere. This book is the first in a series so maybe the thread of these plot lines will be picked back up again... If not, then those parts of the book do not really make a lot of sense to me.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it; especially if you have an affinity for religious prophecy and conspiracy.

Happy reading!!

Judi

Witch's Brew by Tabitha Shay

This book was a free e-book. I enjoy sci-fi and a bit of the romance occasionally. So I thought, why not??  The book starts out kind of slow but progresses rather nicely. It has a ton of twists throughout the book. It is rather sexual in nature.

The story line is based on Winslow line in which magical powers were a prevalent presence. Saylym, however, has forgotten her ancestry and is unaware of her abilities or her legacy. Life altering changes have left Saylym with an inherited home and business. With no other options she moves to a rather queer town and tries to figure out her life.

Of course, along the way a devilishly handsome fella needs a place to rent, to which Saylym has an apartment to rent. He annoys, angers, and excites her all at the same time. Due to their bloodlines there are issues that both of them work through; though Saylym is unaware of some of these issues as she is not aware of some of the history. To make things even more complicated Saylym is pretty sure Talon is crazy because he openly admits to being a warlock and claims to be a prince. The storyline is a romance of comical proportions and set almost like a game of battle of the sexes.

The book is part of a series. This is book #1 of the Winslow Witches of Salem series. The peculiar thing about this series is that the other books have gone out of print. So I can't finish the storyline...

If you are into witches, warlocks, princes, romance, legacies, and steamy pages of literature...this is the book for you.

Happy reading!

Judi

The Chase by Janet Evanovich

If you have not encountered a Janet Evanovich book thus far, you NEED to go out and procure yourself a copy. Any series will do. Janet Evanovich has created many book series, both as a solo writer and as a coupling. She has an extremely entertaining and unique style of writing. I imaging it to be akin to the oral traditions of story telling of old. When you are all sitting around a living room or lounge space and listening to that crazy Aunt regale you with stories of you world travels and the people she has met. The imagination and flourish are worth every bit of the time spent listening.

One such series is the 'Fox and O'Hare' series. The Chase is book #2 in the series. A little bit of background to the characters. Nick Fox is a con artist and art thief. Kate O'Hare is an FBI agent obsessed with bring Nick to justice. As fate would have it, the governmental powers that be have a different idea in mind. One that requires them to work together at the behest of the government.

There is a lot of tension between the two characters. True to form, Janet Evanovich introduces some rather interesting support characters. The story unfolds with an Ocean's Eleven sort of feel to it, only much quirkier. It's a quick read, makes you laugh, and leaves you wanting the next book already.

Lucky for me the next several in this series have since been published and I can divulge in such wishes.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick pick-me-up and wishes to be thoroughly entertained.

Happy reading!

Judi