Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Secrets in the Mist by Morgan Busse Blog Tour

About the Book

Book:  Secrets in the Mist

Author: Morgan L. Busse

Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy

Release date: August 10, 2021

What’s lurking in the Mist is the least of their worries…

In a world where humanity lives in the sky to escape a deadly mist below, Cass’s only goal is survival. That is, until she finds a job on the airship Daedalus as a diver. Now she explores ruined cities, looking for treasure and people’s lost heirlooms until a young man hires her to find the impossible: a way to eradicate the Mist.

Theodore Winchester is a member of one of the Five Families that rule the skies. Following in his father’s footsteps, he searches for the source of the Mist and hopes to stop the purges used to control overpopulation. But what he finds are horrifying secrets and lethal ambition. If he continues his quest, it could mean his own death.

The Mist is rising and soon the world will be enveloped in its deadly embrace, turning what’s left of humanity into the undead.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

I enjoyed this entertaining fantasy for youth. Cass is a good heroine, going from being a homeless waif to becoming a vital part of an airship's mission. The plot is chilling as we see Cass battling zombie like creatures. They are the Turned, people who have been infected by the mist, their flesh rotting away over time. They are worthy foes for Cass and her co-divers.

The world Busse built is interesting with a combination of technology and lack of it. There are floating cities and airships, flying machines called zippers, pistols shooting incendiary bullets, and sufficient biological knowledge to cause a deadly plague yet wooden framed gliders for divers and gas lights for illumination.

There are a number of moral issues included in the book. The overarching one concerns controlling others so lords can live in comfort. I was glad to see a representation of God in this fantasy world, Elaeros. There is a hint of an afterlife when Cass wonders what happens when a person is Turned. Where does their soul go? Is it with Elaeros? (1822/3373)

This is a good novel for teen readers who like a fantasy world with clearly defined good and evil. There is a serious dose of zombie like suspense as well as some thoughtful reflection on mankind deliberately harming others to maintain an elevated lifestyle. Be aware that we are left hanging at the end of this novel, waiting for a sequel.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author

Morgan L. Busse is a writer by day and a mother by night. She is the author of the Follower of the Word series and the award-winning steampunk series, The Soul Chronicles. Her debut novel, Daughter of Light, was a Christy and Carol Award finalist. During her spare time she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel. 

More from Morgan

I’m afraid to fly. At first, I tried to ignore it. Then the panic attacks came. And the one time I accidentally grabbed my neighbor’s arm during turbulence, which was really embarrassing. But it was when I was waiting for my flight at the airport and felt like I was going to burst into tears right there at the gate that I knew I needed help.

I didn’t want to stop flying. I love traveling! But the fear of plummeting to the ground scared me, so I talked to my doctor and was given medicine to help me calm down. The problem is it made me really groggy. But hey, at least I could fly again.

Then I started writing Secrets in the Mist. Half of this book is about flying and one third is hang gliding. You know, flying with just a kite on your back. To write realistically about hang gliding, I started studying the sport. I read all the articles I could find, watched a lot of YouTube videos, and in the end spent over 10 hours immersing myself in the sky.

As I first imagined, then wrote each scene in Secrets in the Mist, something started to happen. I started to lose my fear of flying. It wasn’t the first time I tried to read the science behind flight to help me lose my fear of flying, but this time, I was doing it in my head. I was feeling the air and wind, tilting my glider, catching the air drafts, and not just understanding how to fly in my mind, but also with my heart.

I realized a plane couldn’t fall out of the sky just like my character couldn’t fall out of the sky. That an experienced flyer understood what to do in storms and sudden gusts of wind. And should the plane actually lose its engines, the pilot would help it glide to the ground the same way my gliders eased their way to a landing.

Not only that, by creating the exhilarating feelings my character felt when she was gliding began to seep into my psyche. I felt her joy and freedom, her lack of fear, and even more, how she felt more connected to God when it was just her, the wind, and the sky. I saw the beauty of flying through my character’s eyes.

I can fly now. Without medication. I actually enjoy the takeoffs and the feeling of the plane gliding through the air. Will I try hang gliding someday? Probably not, I still hate heights. But I never dreamed that writing about flying would help me overcome my fear of it. This is the power of imagination, and the power of story.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 31

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, August 31

Texas Book-aholic, September 1

Wishful Endings, September 2

Inklings and notions, September 2

Remembrancy, September 3

For Him and My Family, September 3

deb's Book Review, September 4

Blogging With Carol, September 4

The Christian Fiction Girl, September 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 5

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 6

Mia Reads, September 6

Library Lady's Kid Lit, September 7

Rebecca Tews, September 7

Aryn The Libraryan ðŸ“š, September 8

Where Faith and Books Meet, September 8

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 9

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, September 9

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 10

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, September 10

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 11

Mary Hake, September 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 12

Simple Harvest Reads, September 12 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Through the fire blogs, September 13

Daysong Reflections, September 13


I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Monday, August 30, 2021

A Hex for Danger by Esme Addison

This is an interesting cozy mystery with a magical twist. I had never heard of the Mermaid of Warsaw before and the myth surrounding it. It was interesting to see how Addison wove a good murder plot around the mythology, including people descended from the mermaid. The characters were good but I did have a little trouble liking Alex.

While magic is a bit out of my preferred reading style, I did find this mystery informative and interesting. I liked that the magical people of Bellamy Bay were reluctant to use their powers and when they did, generally it was either for the welfare of others or for protection. I liked the sort of back and forth about whether the mythology and the magic associated with it was real. There was also a battle of good and evil in this magical world as there are bad guys descended from a dragon. Which magic will win?

This is the second in a series but I felt it read well on its own. It is a fun cozy mystery for readers who like a little magic and mythology with their murder.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Esme Addison is the mother of three boys and a technical writer and editor who writes fiction in her spare time. Originally from Raleigh, NC, she traveled a great deal as a military spouse. Married to a first-generation Polish family, she blogs about elements of Polish history and culture. You can find out more at https://esmeaddison.com/.

Crooked Lane Books, 336 pages.

I received a complimentary egally of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Sunday, August 29, 2021

The Gospel Shaped Leader by Scott Thomas

This book is quite different from others I have read on leadership. Thomas realized the current leadership model is not working. He suggests daily examination because leaders cannot direct others if they cannot properly direct their own lives. Rather than arrogance and manipulation, he advocates gospel wisdom in guiding themselves and others. He gives twelve principles to evaluate gospel leadership, giving good suggestions for action. Thomas is open and honest about his own leadership failures. He writes from experience.

By far, my favorite section in this book was the one on humility. “Gospel-shaped leaders must make a comfortable home for humility in their lives and give pride a daily eviction notice.” (1882/2737) That attitude, Thomas notes, is contradictory to today's celebrity culture in the church. Refuse to take credit for what God is doing, he suggests. My goodness. Wise words that would prevent many church disasters. What a challenge, to be free of self-importance, as Jesus was. (1966/2737) This chapter alone makes this book necessary reading for every Christian leader.

This is a very good book for leaders who desire to reflect the gospel in their lives and their leadership. You'll read about sacrifice, self-awareness, God's purpose, submitting desires to the Holy Spirit, rest (Sabbath), insights into relationships like love and humility and grace. Thomas' teaching is full of wisdom and insight and practical suggestions for putting it into practice. It is a great book to be read and studied by church boards.

You can watch the book trailer here.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

Scott Thomas is executive pastor at Immanuel Nashville. He served as President of Acts 29 for six years and as Church Planting Director of C2C Network. He has been pastoring since 1982 including 17 years as lead pastor. He is the co-author of Gospel Coach and has trained over 6,000 church leaders. He and his wife have two sons and two grandsons and live in Nashville.

New Growth Press, 176 pages.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Dogged by Death by Laura Scott

About the Book:

Ally Winter is going through a ruff patch. The thirty-something veterinarian lost her fiancé, her clinic, and her savings in rapid succession. So when Ally’s grandfather undergoes hip replacement surgery, she moves back to Willow Bluff, Wisconsin, to care for him. She arrives home, tail between her legs, only to find sleazy lawyer Marty Shawlin murdered in his home office. And the only witness was Marty’s faithful boxer, Roxy.

Quick as a greyhound, Noah Jorgensen is on the case. The good news is, he’s the best detective around. The bad news, at least the way Ally sees it, is that Noah is still just as fetching as he was back in high school. He also just happens to have witnessed every embarrassing incident that befell accident-prone Ally–including the fire-ant attack that set tongues wagging and won her the unshakable nickname Hot Pants.

Meanwhile, true-crime aficionado Gramps fancies himself a sleuth, and he is doggedly determined to sniff out the culprit himself…with Ally’s reluctant help, of course. Ally has no choice but to team up with Noah–and the irrepressible Roxy–to solve the case while keeping Gramps on a short leash.

Ally had better learn some new tricks, lickety-split. Because if she can’t bring the killer to heel, she won’t just be playing dead.

My Review:

This is a fun cozy novel in a new series by Scott. The plot presents a good mystery with a plethora of suspects. It's the characters that make this novel so much fun. Gramps is a great character and a suitable amateur sleuth. While elderly and limited in his actions, he has a rumor mill that gets him more information than the police can uncover. He has a way with women too, getting them to reveal vital facts the police overlook. I liked Ally too although I don't understand how she could be gone so much from her veterinary clinic when she was trying to build her business. Doesn't she know about walk ins?

Scott's writing style is easy to read. The plot is good and characters engaging. I like the idea of a dog helping Ally and Gramps investigating, even if he did produce many red herrings. There are bits of suspense here and there and a potential romance in the future. I look forward to reading another in the series.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author:

Laura Scott has loved stories since childhood. When she ran out of ones to read she began writing her own. She wrote her first teen novel at thirteen and her first romance at seventeen. She and her husband live in Wisconsin and have two adult children. You can find out more at https://www.laurascottbooks.com/.

Crooked Lane Books, 320 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post are publisher and author descriptions. 

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Saturday, August 28, 2021

Skullduggery by Caryl McAdoo Blog Tour

About the Book

Book:  Skullduggery

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Christian Historical Mystery

Release date: July 15, 2021

A friend loveth at all times, but a brother is for adversity.

In a decrepit shack on a piece of river bottom property Henry Buckmeyer bought, he finds a human skull with a hatchet embedded in it. Much to Charity Lowell’s delight, her husband  Morgan agrees to co-author a mystery based on the find with dime novelist, May Meriwether, Henty’s wife! After digging into county records and interviewing  locals, plenty of facts are discovered and blanks filled in. A story takes shape, but is the novelists’ narrative what truly happened? It’s hard for Charity not to get in the big middle of the investigation. After two decades, will they be able to learn who the skull belonged to and who left the hatchet behind?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

This is an unusual historical novel in that it is a novel about writing a novel. The main characters craft a novel around a recently discovered skeleton, the fellow obviously having been murdered. The bottom layer of the novel follows the two couples who come together to write the novel. As the novel is being written, much of it appears in the text so it is a second fiction layer. In the digital edition I read, there was no formatting difference to distinguish whether I was reading the bottom layer fiction or the second layer. That turned out to be confusing. Adding to the confusion is McAdoo's writing style of giving several dialogue interactions without identifying who is speaking. There were four people in frequent conversation and sometimes I just got lost as to who was saying what.

In general, I found McAdoo's writing style a bit hard to follow. One reason I have mentioned, much dialogue without identifying who is speaking. Sometimes a passage was just not clear. For example, “Sipping her tea, the famous dime novelist sat back in hers as though not very interested.” (267/2419) Sat back in her what? I had to go back two paragraphs to figure out someone else had sat in a chair. I was also a bit disappointed that there was not more description of the initial setting, grounding readers in the novel's location, Texas.

There were several unusual issues in the novel, such as premarital sex and bedding a female slave. I found the Christian aspect of the novel to be quite subtle. It was interesting to see how a true crime novel could be crafted as information became available.

My rating: 3/5 stars.

 

About the Author

Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling stories—fifty-nine published—delight Christian readers around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her—listen at YouTube. Sharing four children and twenty-one grandsugars (three greats), Caryl and Ron (her high-school-sweetheart-husband of fifty-plus years) live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas. The McAdoos wait expectantly for God to open the next door.

More from Caryl

At the end of DUPLICITY At The Lowell House, book one in my new Cross Timbers Mystery series, Henry Buckmeyer travels from Red River County to Dallas to serve as a character witness in the big murder trial.

At a supper with friends in that book, he mentions he and Levi Baylor found a human skull with an ax still embedded in it inside a falling-down shack on some timberland property they bought together.

What starts out as an off-handed comment—merely mentioned for interesting conversation—turns into a great way to unite four of my all-time favorite characters together again for SKULLDUGGERY In The Sulphur River Bottoms!

Charity Lowell (Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga, book four and DUPLICITY) pulls out all the stops to persuade her husband, salivating to investigate and discover whose skull it is and who left the hatchet behind!

She’s got to talk him into first, solving the mystery and second, writing another novel about it! If only she can convince him to collaborate with May Meriwether, Henry’s famous dime novelist wife, things will be perfect! Just imagine!

Poor Morgan. Strong as he is, he cannot tell her no. He never could. So, with an invitation from the Buckmeyers, as much as he hates leaving home and his own bed, he agrees.

My favorite part is having Henry alive again! SKULLDUGGERY is set in 1866, so he’s still got almost twenty years to live!

—It so hurt my heart in COVERING LOVE (book eight in the “Texas Romance Family Saga”) when the patriarch passes to his reward in 1885. I wept while writing his demise then couldn’t get through reading those chapters at our writers’ workshop without crying—

So being able to resurrect his character in the Cross Timbers Mystery DUPLICITY made me so happy! SKULLDUGGERY became the perfect vehicle for me to be joyful again! Plus, I adore joining the characters from both my family sagas into a new story!

I was right up in Morgan’s face with Charity trying to talk him into going to Clarksville and staying a few weeks to investigate and write that book! Yes, he agreed, but he tells her in no uncertain terms, that’s the last one!

Ah ha ha ha ha! Yeah, right, Mister Lowell!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 28

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, August 29

Mary Hake, August 29

Texas Book-aholic, August 30

Inklings and notions, August 31

For Him and My Family, September 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 2

Connie's History Classroom, September 3

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 5

deb's Book Review, September 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 7

lakesidelivingsite, September 8

Pause for Tales, September 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 10


I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.

Friday, August 27, 2021

Choir Loft Murder by Karen Randau Blog Tour

About the Book

Book:  Choir Loft Murder

Author: Karen Randau

Genre: Mystery Suspense

Release date: August 24, 2021

In book 3 of the Frankie Shep Suspense Novellas, a member of the church choir dies during rehearsal, and the apparent murder weapon—a blowgun—implicates the man Frankie loves. She’s shocked to discover Quint was a champion at the sport before he accepted the senior pastor role at the church. And he’s refusing to talk about his fate.

Her investigation reveals that Quint isn’t the only person with the skill to hit a woman’s carotid artery while she’s singing a high note, and Frankie is convinced someone is framing Quint. The closer she gets to proving it, the more she faces a stalker’s deadly wrath.

Can Frankie save herself and the man she loves from becoming the next victims?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

This novel is part of a series but reads well on its own. Randau's writing style is straightforward and easy to read. The characters were not developed well here as they had been active in prior novels, I think. I found Quint hard to like. He seemed to be a defeated man, with no faith in God clearing him of the accusations. I thought it strange for a pastor but it did give Frankie the opportunity to investigate the murder on her own.

I always appreciate learning something when I read fiction and in this novel it was about blowguns. While blowguns are outlawed in many states, I had no idea they are legal in Wyoming and Texas. They can be used in hunting and there are even competitions for experts.

This is a good novella for readers who like a quick and easy read without any complex plot turns or deep character considerations.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author

Karen Randau's fast-paced mystery, thriller, and suspense books, including the Frankie Shep Suspense Novella series, Rim Country Mysteries, and Deadly Reception (a stand-alone novella as one of seven of the Tawnee Mountain Mysteries box set written by best-selling and award-winning authors). Her Rim Country Mystery novel, Deadly Payload, was a finalist in the Book Excellent Awards and the Beverly Hills Book Awards. She’s a lifelong writer, both for fun and as a professional in marketing communications. She holds a degree in journalism/public relations. A native of the southwestern U.S., Karen lives with her husband in Arizona.

More from Karen

Since Choir Loft Murder is the third book in the Frankie Shep Suspense Novellas series, I wanted to show how Frankie has grown through the series—from broken woman who is angry at God for allowing the deaths of family into a strong and happy woman who relies on God to help her through an unusually tough life.

She has shown her grit in all three novels in the series, and this one shows how she has grown through the adversity life has thrown at her.

In writing Choir Loft Murder, I wanted to show that ordinary people usually are stronger and more resilient than they know.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 27

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 27

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, August 28

Blogging With Carol, August 28

Texas Book-aholic, August 29

Inklings and notions, August 30

For Him and My Family, August 31

deb's Book Review, September 1

Girls in White Dresses, September 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 2

Betti Mace, September 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 4

Simple Harvest Reads, September 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, September 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 6

Mary Hake, September 6

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 9

Pause for Tales, September 9


I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Thursday, August 26, 2021

The Chase by Lisa Harris

About the Book:

US Marshal Madison James may not be sure who shot her three months ago, but she does know one thing – it's time to get back into the field. When her partner, Jonas Quinn, receives a message that a federal warrant just came in on a man connected to a string of bank robberies, Madison jumps at the chance to get back to work. What she and Jonas find is a bank robbery gone wrong – and things are about to get complicated.

For these bank robbers, it's never been about the money. It's about taking risks and adrenaline rushes, and getting caught is not part of the game. When the suspects escape, Madison and Jonas must hunt them down and bring them to justice before someone else – someone close to them gets hurt...or worse.

 

My Review:

This is another good novel of suspense from Harris. While it is the second in a series featuring Madison and Jonas, it reads well on its own. The plot is good as the marshals try to outwit bank robbers. There is a good balance of investigation, suspense, and character revelation and development. There is possibility of romance but I appreciate Harris keeping it low key until the end.

Living on an island in the Salish Sea, I thought the best aspect of this novel was the setting. I loved Madison and Jonas chasing the bad guys to the San Juan Islands, riding a ferry, seeing Vancouver Island, the Olympic Mountains, and even some orcas. I really appreciate Harris firmly describing the beauty of the area, such as the view of Seattle from Kerry Park.

I did have an issue with the ferry description in that there or no ramps leading down to the water and there are solid chains at both ends of the flat car decks to prevent cars from falling off. Other than that, a good novel of suspense that highlights the beauty of Northwest Washington State.

You can watch the book trailer here.

You can read my review of the first book in the series, The Escape.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author:

Lisa Harris is a USA Today bestselling author, a Christy Award winner, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel from Romantic Times. She is author of more than forty books. Harris and her family have spent over 17 years living as missionaries in southern Africa. She is currently stateside in Tulsa, Oklahoma. You can find out more at www.lisaharriswrites.com.

Revell, 320 pages.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

It's On the Way by Lisa Osteen Comes

In this encouraging book, Comes writes from personal experience. She struggled with infertility, battling anxiety and despair. She came to a breaking point but was encouraged to persevere and know that she would get through it.

She writes about being in the waiting time and standing in faith knowing that God has an appointed time to move. She encourages us to not give up on the dream God has given us. She writes about prayer, the reality of spiritual warfare, recognizing the enemy's lies, maintaining a positive focus, relying on the Word, dealing with fear, and more.

I like Comes' lessons from biblical examples. I really appreciate the practical application section at the end of each chapter. She provides encouraging thoughts and Scriptures and practical steps to take.

This is a very encouraging book filled with insights from experiences and the Word. Comes' life is a good example of knowing that God has a plan and believing He is working even when we cannot see it. She wrote this book because she wants to see others experience all God has for them. It is an inspiring and encouraging book filled with practical teaching.

You can watch Comes teaching on this subject here.

My rating: 4 stars.

Lisa Osteen Comes is a bestselling author, podcast host, and Associate Pastor at Lakewood Church in Houston. She is a respected ministry leader and Bible teacher. She is a graduate of Oral Roberts University. She and her husband have three grown children. You can find out more at https://www.lisaosteencomes.com/.

FaithWords, 272 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Murder at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers

I enjoyed this cozy mystery. I liked the lakeside setting in Wisconsin. It gave me an appreciation for the area and why people would like to live in the remote area. I felt the characters were developed rather well. That Rain would want to leave her city corporate surroundings after the death of her husband and bask in the solitude of the lakeside cabin was realistic. I liked Rain's friend, Julia. She is an energetic character and a good balance to Rain's reluctance to get active in society again.

The murder plot was a bit complex and I am not sure it all worked together well. There had to be quite a bit of explanation in the denouement, often an indication the plot was not clear. Much of the novel dealt with relationships as Rain tries to understand how the murdered fellow relates to her family and neighbors. There is also just the hint of perhaps a future budding romance for Rain.

This is a good novel for readers who like a cozy mystery set in an interesting location with likable female characters and the potential for future mysteries.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Holly Danvers also writes under the name of Holly Quinn and is a prolific author. She lives in the Midwest with her husband. You can find out more at https://www.authorhollyquinn.com/.

Crooked Lane Books, 336 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)