The Book: Colors Like Memories

The Author: Meradeth Houston

The Story: Julia has a secret: she killed the guy she loved. It was an accident – sort of.

Julia is a Sary, the soul of a child who died before taking her first breath. Without this ‘breath of life,’ she and others like her must help those on the verge of suicide. It’s a job Julia enjoyed, until the accident that claimed her boyfriend’s life – an accident she knows was her fault.

If living with the guilt weren’t enough, she’s now assigned to help a girl dealing with the loss of her mother, something Julia is not exactly the best role model for. If she can’t figure out a way to help her, Julia will lose her position in the Sary, something she swore to her boyfriend would never happen.

Review by Sharolyn Buck: To me Colors Like Memories is a moving story of Life, the importance of living that life, and how we are connected with others. As a Navy Wife (Hubby retired now since 2006) I feel that I have a unique perspective about this story and it is especially touching.

Overcoming tremendous loss, dealing with duty and responsibility despite that loss, and realizing that …”Purpose is Everything”. I hope that reading this story will touch your life as it has touched mine.

Looking forward to reading whatever Meradeth is inspired to write next!

Review by Wendy L. Hines: Julia is a Sary and has been for a very long time. Even though her boyfriend Derek died over a century ago, it’s still fresh for Julia. Now, she has a new charge, a young girl who just lost her mother. She also meets a new boy, Edison, and they connect on a different level.

Told in two different time lines, present and the time from before, leading the reader to Derek’s death, is captivating. The reader is drawn to Julia and her feelings for Derek and for Edison, which shows how she grows over time. A very unique world, the Sary is unexplored territory and one that I found captivating and would love to know more about.

Julia’s journey is heartbreaking and also full of hope. Take the journey with her, it will resound deeply within your heart. A beautifully written story of life, connections and loss, moving on and filled with dynamic characters, Colors Like Memories is a must read! I totally loved it!!

The Book: Woman of Honor

The Author: Nicole Zoltack

The Story: Aislinn of Bairbhe dreams of becoming a lady knight to honor the death of her fallen brother. To her mother’s horror, King Patrick grants Aislinn’s wish and she begins her long years of training.

Despite the mockery of the other pages, and the disdain of Prince Caelan who also trains to be a knight, Aislinn commits herself to her dreams and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and bravery. Through the years, Aislinn and Caelan grow from sparring classmates to good friends. They both know that someday Caelan will marry for the sake of the kingdom, but even that cannot keep them from falling in love.

The threat of war with the Speicans is a constant threat, and one that grows more frightening as she and Caelan train toward their eventual knighthood. Aislinn has committed herself to serving Arnhem, and has promised herself as King’s Champion when Caelan claims the throne. She is willing to give up everything… her childhood, her life, even her heart for Arnhem. No matter the pain it brings.

Review by Cherie Reich: Nicole Zoltack’s WOMAN OF HONOR weaves the tale of the first lady knight of Arnhem. Sprinkled with historical facts, bullies, and a good dose of love and honor, WOMAN OF HONOR is a coming of age novel set in the fantastical medieval world of Arnhem Kingdom. Aislinn is brave and truly grows to be a woman of honor.

The characters are likeable and realistic. We feel Aislinn’s pains while she tries to prove herself. She overcomes tradition and the growing threat of Speica. This novel has history, knights, and mythological creatures and is filled with intrigue, mystery, horror, and, most important of all, love.

In this first book of the Kingdom of Arnhem series, I feel like we touch upon their lives and a conflict looming in their future. By the end, I craved more from this fantastical world, and I’m glad Ms. Zoltack supplied it in her next book.

Review by Michelle Sutton: This novel was so emotionally moving my heart literally ached. I loved medieval stories that are well told. And this one has a fantasy twist that makes it that much more fun. Reading about knights and castles are always enjoyable novels for me. Bottom line…Woman of Honor is a well-told, emotionally gripping story.

I was literally swept away into the battle scenes, the romance, the fierce loyalty and honor even if it went against matters of the heart. I nearly cried several times while reading this story and was so engrossed a bomb could have gone off outside and I would’ve kept reading. I am eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. And anyone who has a computer can read this book. While it may not be a print book yet and can only be read in e-book format, it’s well worth it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. My heart is still pounding. And don’t let that sweet rating fool you. There was some serious passion in this novel, but if you were to compare it to most romances I guess it was sweet since the characters honored each other’s purity. But it still sizzled. And talk about an ending that leaves you begging for more.