Manga Classics: Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, Stacy King, Crystal S. Chan, Kuma Chan Review

Description

Siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert were planning to adopt an orphaned boy to help out around their farm, Green Gables - instead, they got Anne Shirley. A plucky redheaded girl with a vibrant imagination, Anne turns first Green Gables and then the rest of Prince Edward Island on its ear. 

Manga Classics® is proud to be the only authorized manga adaption of Anne of Green Gables by the Heirs of L.M. Montgomery, with a foreword by Kate McDonald Butler - granddaughter of the original author! 

This volume presents a faithful recreation of this classic kids novel, from the Lake of Shining Waters to the Dryad's Bubble!

ISBN 9781947808188

GOODREADS

WALMART

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

 

Manga Classics: Anne of Green Gables by Stacy King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Anne of Green Gables is the book that I remember getting me into reading as a kid. I loved it and went on to read the series. Later I watched the movies. I have recommended it to my daughter many times. I even watched the latest television adaptation on Netflix and couple of years ago. I don't think I'll ever not have a spot in my heart of this story. I've tried Manga Classics before and had a good experience so when I saw they had Anne of Green Gables, I had to read it. I think they did a wonderful job of turning this into a manga. They pretty much stuck with the storyline. It still made me emotional. The artwork really brought it life. I hope it opens this story up to a whole new group who wouldn't have read the story otherwise. I enjoyed the author's explanation of why certain areas were more prominent and what things meant to them personally. I also liked the artist sort of "walking through" the drawing of the characters. If you like Anne's books or movies, classics, comics or manga, you should definitely check out this book.

***copy given in exchange for an honest review***

FGMAMTC 

Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

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Beauty and His Beast by Bey Deckard Review

 

Novella (~38,000 words)

Genre(s): Fairy tale, science fiction, lighthearted, xenophilia, magic penis, love story, LGBT+/GSM

They call him Marrex the Monster.

Deformed and wretched, Captain Marrex roams the black of space with only a pair of eccentric AIs for company. The curse in his DNA means a long, bitterly lonely life for the Ghelyxian, and it’s a fate Marrex knows he can’t change.

After a long sleep in stasis, Juniper Bo wakes to discover he’s an unwelcome guest aboard Captain Marrex’s ship. Though he tries to stay away from the surly Ghelyxian, he just doesn’t get why the curse is such a big deal—then again, Juniper knows his tastes are rather… unusual for a Human.

When friendship blooms between Marrex and Juniper, they realize they face a future that neither could have predicted in their wildest dreams.

Purchase:

Amazon / Audible / Paperback

About the book (from Bey's Goodreads):

Once upon a time, long long ago, someone gave me an illustrated copy of Beauty and the Beast as a present. The story was a retelling of a retelling: this was Deborah Apy’s version retelling the one written by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont in 1756, which was a retelling of the original story, La Belle et la Bête written by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve in 1740. I loved the story and the illustrations by Michael Hague really intrigued me—they were creepy and dark and fantastic. I loved his images of the horned, shaggy-albeit-well-dressed, angst-ridden Beast. Interestingly, we never get to see the miraculous transformation of the prince… The final painting in the book is of Beauty finding the Beast dying of heartbreak in his rose garden.

Years later, I would see the Disney version and, though the story isn’t all that similar to the original, I liked the comedic aspects of it. However, I was disappointed with the Beast’s transformation—call me strange, but I actually preferred him as he was.

Beauty and His Beast is a story that’s been percolating in my brain for a few years now. It’s a mashup of the original stories, the Disney version, and bit of another book that has nothing to do with Beauty and the Beast, but was my absolute favourite when I was really young: Disney’s The Black Hole: A Spaceship Adventure for Robots.

This story is not dark, not very long, and not particularly serious—just my silly take on a much loved, oft-retold fairy tale… in space.

P.S. - Ghelyxian is pronounced Hell-EE-zee-an and Ghelyx, Hell-ix

P.P.S. - Michael Ferraiuolo will be doing the audiobook narration

Find it here at Amazon (kindle & KU): http://geni.us/BaHB

Beauty and His Beast by Bey Deckard


Beauty and His Beast is a short sweet love story. Marrex and Juniper are easy to like. The AI reminded me a bit of C-3PO so as you would assume, there is some lightly humorous banter. It's about friendship and romance with a touch of fantasy and eroticism and good portion of sci-fi. If you're looking for a charming quick read with sexy hot scenes, this is it. I wouldn't mind seeing these guys pop up in a future book.

***copy given in exchange for an honest review***

FGMAMTC 

Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

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Manga Classics: The Count of Monte Cristo Review

 

A Conspiracy and a miscarriage of justice turn the gentle Edmond Dantès into an implacable agent of fate: The Count of Monte Cristo . Obsessed by vengeance and empowered by providence, the Count avenges himself on whose who have wronged him - but is this justice, or is this hubris? In the end, does even the Count know?

Alexandre Dumas' skillful narrative combines intrigue, betrayal, and triumphant revenge into a powerful conflict between good and evil. Now this exciting saga, rich and diverse, takes on an entirely new life in this Manga Classics adaptation!

https://www.goodreads.com/series/233923-manga-classics

On the very day of his wedding to the beautiful Mercedes, a young merchant sailor named Edmond Dantès is falsely imprisoned for life, laying to waste his plans of marriage and hard-earned fortune. Following several long years in prison he has managed to escape and reinvent himself as the mysterious Count of Monte Christo. It is the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Count has been plotting his revenge on the three men who had him falsely imprisoned. With a new identity, an incredible education abroad and a vast fortune, has returned completely unrecognizable to those who had committed their crimes against him.

https://www.mangaclassics.com/the-count-of-monte-cristo

Advance Praise

The Count of Monte Cristo is yet another fantastic adaptation for Manga Classics.  The manga format brings excitement to this timeless classic and a new level of context for the next generation readers.   Manga Classics continue to garner praise from across the spectrum from teachers, librarians, and trade publications such as Publishers Weekly, VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates), and School Library Journal.

Manga Classics: The Count of Monte Cristo by Stacy King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am impressed with this. I love the original book, but it is very long. The story adaptors and artists did a great job of translating the original into a manga and still telling its story. They even included portions at the end explaining some changes and information about real locations within the story and the characters. I loved the artwork and the whole idea of making a classic into a manga. This was an enjoyable experience for me.

***copy given in exchange for an honest review***

FGMAMTC 

Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

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More Than Words by Mia Sheridan Blog Review

Description

No one lays open the heart and soul quite like New York Times bestselling author Mia Sheridan in this heart-wrenching love story about destiny, second chances, and the healing power of love set in the beautiful countryside in France.

Named on of the "Best Romance Books of 2018" by BookBub!

The moment she met Callen Hayes, eleven-year-old Jessica Creswell knew he was a broken prince. Her prince. They became each other's refuge, a safe and magical place far from their troubled lives. Until the day Callen kissed her -- Jessica's first real, dreamy kiss -- and then disappeared from her life without a word.

Years later, everyone knows who Callen Hayes is. Famous composer. Infamous bad boy. What no one knows is that Callen's music is now locked deep inside, trapped behind his own inner demons. It's only when he withdraws to France to drink his way through the darkness that Callen stumbles into the one person who makes the music return. Jessica. His Jessie. And she still tastes of fresh, sweet innocence . . . even as she sets his blood on fire.

But they don't belong in each other's worlds anymore. There are too many mistakes. Too many secrets. Too many lies. All they have is that instinctive longing, that need--and something that looks dangerously like love.

Praise for More Than Words

"Sheridan explores the power of first love in a tale of childhood friends parted and reunited." -- Publisher's Weekly

"A modern fairy tale, the well-crafted romance and beautiful French setting will take readers by surprise. Sheridan is one to watch." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Simply perfect. There is no love story like a Mia Sheridan love story. I was absolutely swept up in Callen and Jessie, and fell for them just as hard as they fell for each other. I loved it." -- A.L. Jackson, New York Times Bestselling Author

"More than Words is Mia Sheridan at her best! The story of love, heartbreak and second chances ... each scene was beautifully written and paired with breathtaking imagery and epic love." -- Alessandra Torre, New York Times Bestselling Author

"Some love stories touch your soul so deeply, they stay with you long after you've finished reading. More Than Words by Mia Sheridan is such a story." -- Katy Regnery, New York Times Bestselling Author

 

http://miasheridan.com/product/more-than-words-2/

Kobo / B&N / iBooks / Amazon

More Than Words by Mia Sheridan

Jessica and Callen are easy to root for and love. They're sweet characters with an awww love story. There are a couple of moments where I wanted to kick them, but I kept the faith that they would have their HEA. The setting is in France. Jessica's job is translating old writings so there is an interesting side story she's working on that's a bonus to the main couple's tale. I really enjoyed this and all the historical bits and descriptive scenery and sightseeing of France. More Than Words is written by one of my favorite authors, and as expected, she delivers the romance. This isn't my favorite book from her, but I liked it and do recommend it.

***copy given in exchange for an honest review***

FGMAMTC 

Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

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Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan Blog Review

 

SOON TO BE A NETFLIX SERIES

Instant International Bestseller

“A nuanced story line perfectly in tune with our #metoo times.”—People, Book of the Week

“One of the season’s most buzzed-about thrillers.”—Bookish

“A strong choice for book clubs. Former political correspondent Vaughan makes an impressive debut with this savvy, propulsive courtroom drama.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Vaughan offers gripping insight into a political scandal’s hidden machinations and the tension between justice and privilege…Absorbing, polished.”—Booklist (starred review)

“Skillfully interweaving the story of the unfolding scandal, Vaughan gradually reveals just how shockingly high the stakes are…Sinewy…engrossing, twist-filled.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Some people’s secrets are darker than others.

Sophie’s husband James is a loving father, a handsome man, a charismatic and successful public figure. And yet he stands accused of a terrible crime. Sophie is convinced he is innocent and desperate to protect her precious family from the lies that threaten to rip them apart.

Kate is the lawyer hired to prosecute the case: an experienced professional who knows that the law is all about winning the argument. And yet Kate seeks the truth at all times. She is certain James is guilty and is determined he will pay for his crimes.

Who is right about James? Sophie or Kate? And is either of them informed by anything more than instinct and personal experience? Despite her privileged upbringing, Sophie is well aware that her beautiful life is not inviolable. She has known it since she and James were first lovers, at Oxford, and she witnessed how easily pleasure could tip into tragedy.

Most people would prefer not to try to understand what passes between a man and a woman when they are alone: alone in bed, alone in an embrace, alone in an elevator… Or alone in the moonlit courtyard of an Oxford college, where a girl once stood before a boy, heart pounding with excitement, then fear. Sophie never understood why her tutorial partner Holly left Oxford so abruptly. What would she think, if she knew the truth? 

https://www.sarahvaughanauthor.com/anatomy-of-a-scandal

https://www.sarahvaughanauthor.com/buy#anatomy

Kobo / Amazon / iBooks 

Advance Praise

This is what readers so far have been saying:

‘Anatomy of a Scandal is a compelling and cautionary story about how we can never truly know someone else; how even after twelve years of marriage, a wife might not know everything about her husband. Brilliant, shocking, and gripping, once I started, I couldn't stop reading’ Claire Fuller, bestselling author of Our Endless Numbered Days

 

'Anatomy of a Scandal is that rare book that combines great writing, spot-on characterisation and a compulsive, page-turning narrative. I read it in one breathless day. Set against a fascinating backdrop of the Houses of Parliament, the Old Bailey and Oxford University, think House of Cards meets The Secret History. Meticulously researched, this is an outstanding read' Fiona Cummins, author of Rattle

'A whip-smart, grown-up thriller with a hugely relevant moral question at its core' Tammy Cohen, author of When She Was Bad

‘Anatomy of a Scandal has bestseller written all over it. If there is any justice, it will fly to the top. It’s a fascinating insight into our justice system, and the nuances of trust and loyalty and how we re-write our actions to suit ourselves. A top-notch courtroom drama that takes the reader behind the scenes and into the lives of everyone involved in a high-profile case. Anatomy of a Scandal is masterful in its execution, teasing the audience as skilfully as a barrister playing cat and mouse with a witness. It’s whip-smart, utterly thrilling and deeply satisfying’ Veronica Henry, author of The Forever House

‘Sarah Vaughan has achieved that rare alchemy; a strong plot combined with complex characters and brilliant writing. Anatomy of a Scandal is thrilling. I came away feeling that I had read something extraordinarily good’ Emma Curtis, author of One Little Mistake

‘I enjoyed Anatomy of a Scandal very much. It’s so gripping! Adele Geras

‘I was hooked right from the start. So beautifully written, clever and compelling. I was gripped right up to the final page’ Claire Douglas, bestselling author of The Sisters and Local Girl Missing

‘I honestly could not put this book down.  It’s a fabulous read’ Milly Johnson

‘Racing through this – it’s bloody amazing! So gripping. I’ve been devouring it’ Katy Regan, author of Little Big Man

‘Oh, I loved this book SO MUCH!’ Sam Humphreys, Publishing Director, Mantle, who published Room

‘Wow! It blows the bloody doors off. Shocking. Compelling. Completely brilliant’ Eve Chase, bestselling author of Black Rabbit Hall

‘A super-hot book’ Hannah Beckerman

‘Finished Anatomy of a Scandal this morning and can’t stop thinking about it. Compulsive, shocking and moving. Powerful stuff’ Frankie Gray, Editorial Director, Transworld, who published The Widow and The Couple Next Door

‘The world has gone mad for this book. I’m so excited. What an outstanding premise’ Rosie Walsh, author of Ghosted

‘Incredibly authentic, highly involving character drama here, in a story that could easily be ripped from the headlines. Sarah Vaughan delves into a world of privilege and power, showing one scandal and criminal prosecution from many angles with insightful and realistic storytelling. Emotionally resonant with often teeth gnashing inducing truths about the system, Anatomy of a Scandal is really quite incredibly addictive and will leave you with a lot to think about. Brilliant stuff. Full review at publication but very happy to be part of the early buzz here on social media - Really excellent writing, could just as easily be fact as fiction and I will have no trouble at all shoving it at everyone I know when it’s out there.’ Booklikes.com

‘The Good Wife meets The Affair – fantastic!’ @bleachhouselibrary

‘I enjoyed Anatomy of a Scandal immensely – a very elegant dissection of a very messy affair. Loved it’ Louise Candlish, author of The Swimming Pool

Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Anatomy of a Scandal revolves around a trial. A politician has been accused of rape by a woman who works under him. To make things more blurry, they had previously had an affair, and he's married with children. The book is written from the points of view of the politician, his wife and the prosecuting attorney. As the story goes, you learn more about each of their backstories and how they are connected. It's mostly an internal storyline. There's not much action. Your inside their heads, especially the women. The deeper you get, the more you choose to judge or sympathize with the way they feel and act. I've seen this listed as a thriller and suspense, but I would categorize it more as drama.

***copy given in exchange for an honest review***

FGMAMTC 

Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

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