kailey_luminouslibro's Reviews (3.79k)

The plot is involved and complex, but the writing is dry and stinted. It doesn't really draw you in. The characters are one dimensional. The only good thing is the plot really. If you are a plot-driven reader, you might like this one.

Predictable, too long, unoriginal in every aspect, clumsy writing, unfocused characters. Meh.

I did not finish this one. I just couldn't stand hearing Mundy whining about his wife leaving him for pages and pages and pages. Every stupid little thing is overly-described. So boring.

Disjointed writing throughout the book. Right after a scene where the Queen is hysterical, she is described as being "even-keeled." Um... what? That doesn't make sense. Lots of ambiguous character construction, and 'telling' instead of 'showing'. So many pointless flashbacks and dreams! gah.

The plot meanders along, and even the action feels boring. The relationships between characters feel contrived. "Let's go on a picnic and be best friends." bleh. Just your basic story with the ending exactly mirroring the dialogue of the Disney movie, (since this book is published by Disney). There was one interesting plot twist at the end, but it didn't exactly blow my mind.
No real complexity or depth to the story or the characters.

This was a pretty good book! I liked the wavering character of Archie, and his efforts to be courageous. The plot has some pacing issues, but it has a clear goal and decisive steps. I loved the magical elements in the story: the Icegulls, the Artifacts, and the history behind the curse. The mother, Cecille, got on my nerves the entire time, but that is what she was supposed to do. Great character writing! Uncle Rufus was a delightfully mysterious character, and I loved seeing the whole family reacting to his return. An enjoyable read!

I didn't finish reading this one. I read through page 88 to give it a shot, but I got really sick and tired of hearing about people trying to curb their sexual desires. Not a book for kids. The plot is slow and meandering, the characters are weird (split-personality?) and boring, and the world-building is confusing. Throwing it in the trash!

I liked the first four fairy stories that are told in the old fairy tale style, but I did not like the last story, which is set in the modern day. It got boring, so I skipped the last one. I'm not particularly impressed with this author. It's like she tries too hard to sound scholarly and impressive, instead of just telling a good story. Her writing is also crass and grotesque in places. meh.

This is the story of three sisters who dress up like men in order to homestead their own land out West. But when the local land agent (Aaron) falls in love with one of the sisters (Kylie), and finds out that they forged their homesteading papers, he has to decide if he'll go along with their fraud or not.

It's been quite a while since I've read any Christian Romance, and this was the perfect book to get me back into loving the genre! I liked this book a lot! The characters are complex and compelling, the plot is packed with action and mystery, and the writing is fun and full of cowboy charm.

This isn't great epic literature or anything, but a sweet and easy read that really holds your interest! I was actually sick the day I read this, and it kept my mind off the pain.

I love that, while the book shows characters who trust in God, there is no sermonizing or preachy passages. Some Christian authors try to beat you over the head with religion, and it detracts from the enjoyment of the story; but this author just throws in little tidbits about faith that work within the plot and enhance the character development rather than distract from the story. Beautifully done, and I found it really encouraging and spiritually uplifting!

The writing balances comedy, romance, faith, and adventure, along with the darker themes of war, jealousy, feminism, racism, murder, hate, and crippling fear. The plot moves fluidly, sweeping you along in the romance and mystery. There's never a good place to stop reading, because it's all so fascinating!

Usually I'm not a fan of switching POVs in a book, but the POV transitions so flawlessly between Kylie and Aaron. I loved seeing each of their perspectives!

I'm not a huge fan of Old West cowboy settings, but this book gave me a fresh look at what life on the frontier might have been like for three women pretending to be men, and doing all the work a man would do. I loved it! The descriptions are concise and clear, putting you right in the middle of the scene with just a few words.

This book also addresses the struggle women faced back then and today to find their balance in a world of men. Most feminists are so busy proving that they can do anything a man can do that they forget that it's also okay to act and dress and talk like a girl. Women can be whatever they want, whether that's a cowboy or a housekeeper, a pilot or lawyer or teacher or stay-at-home mother. This author does a wonderful job of finding that balance. Kylie wants to be treated like a princess. She wants to wear skirts and have pretty things. She hates roughing it. This does not make her any more or less a woman. Shannon and Bailey want to wear pants and run their own farms and never ask a man for help. This also does not make them any more or less a woman. They can do as they please and call it good. I think the lesson here is not to deny any part of yourself or try to conform to what other people expect. It's good to be strong, and it's good to be weak sometimes. It's good to want pretty things, and it's good to want a career, and it's good to want a family. Just be who you are! There is no right or wrong way to be a woman. Excellent philosophy in regards to feminism!

I enjoyed this book so much! I might pick up some other books from this author.


I received this book for review from Bethany House Publishers. All the thoughts and comments in this review are my own honest and unbiased opinions.

I liked this book quite a lot! The plot felt sort of drawn out; I think it could have been more concise. I loved the complex characters, the fantastic writing, and the detailed world-building!

I especially loved the tension between Aislinn and Keenan, like they are engaged in this mental battle every time they meet. The complex relationships between the various characters really kept things interesting. The ending was so entirely different from any fairy tale ever written; I was amazed with the solution they came up with. Brilliant writing!

The material does get pretty dark in places, but mostly there's just this fascinating magic hanging over the whole story. Like a dark moonlit night, that frightens and mesmerizes you at the same time.

I loved seeing the political intrigues of the faery court. I feel like there's a whole depth to this faery world set in the modern world that will be explored more in the following books of the series.
I will definitely read the next book!


Mild SPOILERS and Content Warning:
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As I said, the material can get pretty dark, but nothing really awful actually happens. Women are attacked by men or faeries, but are rescued before anything bad happens beyond a few bruises. A few characters spend the night together, but there is no description of their activities beyond kissing.