A Return of Devotion by Kristi Ann Hunter

A Return of Devotion is a spectacular sequel in the Haven Manor series by Hunter. In book one, you saw Kit's story of finding love, but in this book, it is Daphne's turn.  They are best friends whose mistakes lead to their exit from high society. Then, they created a new life together by saving other women who were also pregnant without resources, and then they raised the children at Haven Manor. This story starts when Kit has gone away to her honeymoon, most of the illegitimate children have been placed in homes, and the owner of Heaven Manor is moving in with no idea with what the house was being used for. The first chapter, he tries unsuccessfully to walk in the front door passed the human road block. Daphne's life is changed forever in more ways than one because of his remarkable resemblance to someone else in her life.

Hunter has created a stunner.  This is the craziest climax I have ever read; it was like all of book one and book two lead up to the climax of this book. I absolutely love her unusual characters, as well; the main female is unlike any that I have ever read. For the first time, I saw social anxiety and anxiety in general demonstrated well in a character in such a way that it effects everything she does. Despite this, she grows and blossoms by the end of the story. I look forward to reading Hunter's next novel, which I hope is about Jess, the third friend.

(I received this ebook for free from the publisher in exchange for a review and this is my honest opinion after reading the book.)

Kalahari by Jessica Khoury

I went into this story excited to get my hands on one of Khoury's books, and she did not disappoint.  I was primarily excited because I actually attended the same college as she did, which is saying something because it is a small private college that very few people know of.  I saw her speak at one of our campus events several years ago after she graduated, and I have been aspiring to have a similar career someday.

The Kalahari takes you on an adventure to the semi-desert where a family of zoologists is studying the animal population. You find yourself attached to Sarah as the story is from her point of view, and you watch the story unfold as she is separated from her father.  She is left with a bunch of city kids her age who do not know the first thing about surviving in the wilderness when they are left alone without help or anybody they can contact. Soon they discover a white lion and secrets that endanger their lives and countless others.

The first thing that drew me into the book was definitely the plot. It was well thought out and executed with definite plot points that had me reading to find out what would happen next. The characters were also entertaining as very different personalities clashed within the group. Additionally, the detail was gorgeous and not overused. At the end of the book, I was not surprised to find that she had actually gone to the Kalahari, which she mentioned in her acknowledgements. I can definitely see this being used in a classroom to educate children not just on climate and ecosystems, but on several science concepts that were integral to the plot (even with the science fiction woven in there).  I will definitely be looking into her other books and will watch as she publishes more.