Long Black Veil by Jennifer Finney Boylan

This was a complex, character-driven novel full of suspense. After 35 years, the body of a young woman, one of a large group of friends, is found in the East State Penitentiary. This finding brings out long buried secrets that will shake all the characters to their core.

I did not love this book, but I didn't hate it either. The chapters, often organized by character, or sometimes, multiple characters, go to be too much. There were too many story lines to follow, for my personal taste, but it wasn't all bad. It was just suspenseful to keep me coming back for more.

Overall, I would give this book 3/5 stars. The story was good, but not great.

**I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Blogging for Books.**

A Short History of the Girl Next Door

This book was not….awesome. I really didn’t make it through the whole book. I found the narrator to be annoying, especially with his overuse of the word “awesome.” The short chapters gave the book the made the reading experience choppy. And, overall, I didn’t feel anything for the teen. I wasn’t hooked right away, which I feel is imperative in a market such as YA.

One thing I did love about this book, was the cover and the way it looked. The bright neon yellow was striking against the black and white type. The inside cover was a beautiful hot pink to offset the white of the book itself.

Overall, I give this book 2 (very generous) stars.

**I got a free copy of this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for an honest review**

The Daily Question

I am an avid journalist. I write something every day, whether that be all my thoughts and feelings or just a sentence or two. I loved The Daily Question, it was a great way to be asked something specific and have to think about it and have an answer. There are quite a few questions, ones I even asked my friends. It is a great way to add to your spiritual life and can provide deep introspection. I even struggled with some, like "How does God see you? How do you see yourself?" Let me tell you, those are two completely different answers.

I also really like that this is something that can be done over five years so you can see your progress. I also like that it comes with a ribbon so you can remember where you are, you don't need to flip through to find where you are. Each day has a date, so you can start at the beginning of the year, or in the middle.

Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

**I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by www.bloggingforbooks.com**

You Are The Beloved by Henri Nouwen

This wonderful book daily reflections drawn by the many works of Henri Nouwen provides a great way to begin, or end your day, focusing on God. The reflections seem timely and are quick to read. I have done a handful of a day's worth and have been more than pleased with what I have read. The little nuggets have often popped up in my thoughts throughout the day and have left me thinking pondering the happenings of my own spiritual life.

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quick way to integrate an easy spiritual practice into their every day lives. This hardback book will certainly last through many uses. The one thing I wish it had was a ribbon to place where you've stopped for the day, but it''s nothing a bookmark can't solve.

Overall, I give this book 4.5 stars.

**I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from BloggingforBooks.com**

Deal or Duel Game

This was a super fun card game based on the Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr Duel. This card based game is perfect for those who love to play strategic games that pit themselves against their appointments. While the game itself is fun and easy, it may take a few times before one truly understands all the rules of this game. The game can also take some getting used to if you aren't familiar with how card games like these are played.

This is a timely game that plays off America's current (and rightful!) fascination with all things Founding Fathers.

I would rate this game 4/5 stars!

*I was given a free copy of this game in exchange for an honest review by Bloggingforbooks.com*

Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith

I love a good sappy romance every once in a while and this one fit the bill. While it is not my favorite book of hers, I did thoroughly enjoy reading it. The plot, as usual for her books, was totally predictable, but it was just what I needed to cleanse my palate between the heavier stuff that I read. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who is looking for something quick and easy.

I would give this book 3/5 stars.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review from Blogging for Books*

Just Mercy By Bryan Stephenson

I enjoyed Stephenson's personal experience with fighting the cruel and unjust criminal system in the United States. As someone who is wholly unfamiliar with the justice system, I was shocked by the actions of our criminal system. However, I found this to be an intriguing read full of redemption and hope for the future. 

I think this is a five star book.

*I got a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.*