Not bad, just not that engaging. I think the story was too rushed. I didn't buy the chemistry between Xeni and Mason. I liked Rafe much more because Weatherspoon took time building the chemistry between the two leads before we get into the bedroom. I think we were at 10 percent (if that) before the two leads were naked with each other. The backstory to Xeni's life was too confusing for words and glossed over much too quickly. I also maybe shook my head about the whole "witch" thing. I don't know guys. I am stuck in bed and not able to go hiking so maybe I am just cranky. Anyway, perfectly serviceable, but not something I will re-read in the future.

"Xeni" is the second book in Weatherspoon's "Loose End" series. I loved Rafe, but Xeni kind of left me going ehh. "Xeni" follows Xeni Everly-Wilkins. She was introduced (at least to me) in the prior book. Xeni's aunt has died and she's been charged with dealing with her estate in upstate New York. Xeni has a surprise in store though when she is told the terms of her aunt's will and has a huge family secret revealed to her. Xeni finds out the only way she can collect a sizable inheritance left to her, is to marry a friend of her aunt's, Mason McInroy. Mason has his own secrets and reasons for going along with things.

Sorry, Xeni left me cold throughout this one. With the reveals she gets through this book and how things are dealt with just did not feel very realistic.

Mason though I was more interested in, but once again, we don't get to spend enough time with him either.

I applaud Weatherspoon for featuring two romantic leads who are bisexual, but besides that, this book just didn't do a thing for me.

The secondary characters were not developed very well. And I have to say the terms to the will read as something that would not eve be legally binding. I just think that the whole story-line was too rushed and you don't get a chance to really get invested in the relationship.

The writing/dialogue just felt off in some way. The flow was really bad. I think I got whiplash with how the story developed after the two leads knew each other maybe 3 days in. I am all for hot sex scenes, it just read as fan-fic to me after a while. Or at least something I would read on literoritca when the two people just meet and decide, cool let's have sex. 

The ending felt rushed too. We just skip several months and then we get a resolution. 

I have been waiting for Levi Donovan Story since "Sinner Like Me", and at last here it is.

I expected to be over the moon on this story but unfortunately I didn't, I still loved the writing Avril Ashton can write her men in a very captivating and deep ways that made me love part of this book, but the biggest downside for me was that I didn't like the relationship dynamics between Levi & Van and that made me unable to connect to them on every level.

Overall the story was likeable to a degree and it was awesome to see all the boys again especially Israel and Reggie.

FYI - The Amazon page for this book says Jan 14, 2020 as the release date, but both Netgalley and Goodreads have Oct 9, 2019.  So I have no idea.

Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley.

The Golden Legend details the lives of various saints, including in many cases those of martyrs. The accuracy of the stories, in many cases, is a matter of the faith of the reader, but the theme is one of never renouncing one’s faith. Saints stories are not told that much anymore. But Revd Butler-Gallie’s book is in many ways, a modern version of those books like the Golden Legend. The main difference being is that there is factual support for each person and it is a hagiography. Though it is easy to say that in many ways the people in this book stand true for the true (and best) tenants of faith.

Butler-Gallie starts with religious opposition to the Nazis and fascism, but the ending section focuses on those who took part in the Civil Rights Movement. The focus there is on people other than Dr. King.

The book presents the people chronological and in terms of country. While the majority of the people discussed are priests or other male religious figures (hence the title), there are a few religious women as well – including a smoking nun and a member of a royal family. Many of the priests too were aided by women who are also detailed in those respected chapters. Additionally, the focus is on Europe and America, not surprising with the focus on Fascism.

Those limitations aside, the book is good. Butler-Gallie’s writing style is engaging, and he does not check his humor at the door. Don’t worry, it is in good taste, but the use of humor at times is necessary to light what might otherwise be a rather dark book (the good guys don’t always win). The writing style keeps the reader’s attention, and the book flows quite quickly. In many ways, it feels as if you are attending a lecture on the various people being given by Revd Butler-Gallie. He gives information about the lives of the various people prior to either joining the religious lives or the events that them a resister. Additionally, if there are aspects of character, such as some of the Catholic priests may not have been celibate, it is not hidden but addressed.

The digital ARC I received had few photos, and I found myself wishing there had been a bit more. However, the book does include an excellent further reading section.

Title:  The Caboose Who Got Loose

Author:  Bill Peet

Genre:  Trains / Traveling / Children's / Adventure

Year Published: 1971

Year Read:  2009

Publisher:  Houghton Mifflin Company

Source:  Library

Content Rating:  Ages 4+  (Nothing Objectionable)

“The Caboose Who Got Loose” is a great story from the creative mind of Bill Peet about a small caboose named Katy who wants to escape her life as a caboose and live happily in a peaceful place. “The Caboose Who Got Loose” may be a bit tedious for some children, but it is still a cute little story nonetheless. 

Bill Peet’s story about a caboose who wants to live a peaceful life in the countryside is a great tale for many children. Children will feel for Katy’s sadness at being a mere caboose and not having a peaceful life of her own. Bill Peet’s writing is highly creative as he narrates the story in a rhyming prose that fits the mood of the story perfectly. Bill Peet’s illustrations are always the highlights in his books and this is certainly no exception. The characters are drawn in a similar fashion as “The Brave Little Toaster” as the cabooses and the houses have windows for eyes. 



“The Caboose Who Got Loose” is a cute story about how one must be satisfied with what life brings us and will definitely interest many children who love books about trains and how to love life. I would recommend this book to children ages four and up since there is nothing inappropriate about the story.

Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog