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Title: Wondrous Strange
Author: Lesley Livingston
Series: Wondrous Strange Book 1 of 3
Released: September 9, 2009
Publisher: HarperCollins
Tags: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Faeries, Midsummer's Night Dream

17 year-old Kelley Winslow doesn’t believe in Faeries. Not unless they’re the kind that you find in a theatre, spouting Shakespeare—the kind that Kelley so desperately wishes she could be: onstage, under lights, with a pair of sparkly wings strapped to her shoulders. But as the understudy in a two-bit, hopelessly off-off-Broadway production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, wishing is probably the closest she’s going to get to becoming a Faerie Queen. At least, that’s what she thinks... In this fun, urban fantasy, Kelley's off-stage life suddenly becomes as complicated as one of Shakespeare’s plot twists when a nighttime trip to Central Park holds more than meets the mortal eye.

The Wondrous Strange series has been on my to-read list for nearly two years. I had company coming this past weekend and needed to spend a day cleaning so I needed a good audio book to listen to. Wondrous Strange did the trick and I got my house clean and an entire book listened to all in one day.

I was a little worried when I started this and it said "read by the author". Most of the books I have listened to that have been read by the author have been a less than stellar performance. Thankfully Lesley Livingston did a great job with the narration of her book.

I enjoy young adult faerie stories and love the characters from Shakespeare's A Midsummer's Night Dream so Wondrous Strange was right up my alley. I loved the Iron Fey series and although this book has some of the same characters it is completely different.

I was completely drawn into the story, loved the writing and characters. I'm just about to start the sequel Darklight.  For those who enjoy young adult faerie stories I recommend you give this book a try, I'm hoping the rest of the series is as good as this one.


Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Source: Audio download from Audible.com

Content: a little language (maybe 4 or 5 times throughout but no F word)

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When Ida Mae Babbitt receives an invitation to visit her son Keith¹s dude ranch in Montana, she¹s excited to mend their broken relationship, but not so excited about spending time with cows. Arlette and Tansy go along with her, ready to take a vacation that does not involve dead bodies or mysteries of any sort - one must have a break from time to time. But it seems a no-good scoundrel has moseyed into Dodge City and is bent on causing all sorts of trouble for the ranch. Unable to keep her curiosity in check - especially when it seems her own son is the most likely culprit - Ida Mae decides to investigate. Can she lasso the varmint and get him to the sheriff in time?

Hang 'Em High by Tristi Pinkston is a cozy mystery.   It is only recently that I even learned what a cozy mystery is.
From cozy-mystery.com

• The crime-solver in a cozy mystery is usually a woman who is an amateur sleuth.
• The cozy mystery usually takes place in a small town or village.
• In a series, it is important that the characters are likable, so that the reader will want to visit them again.
• Cozy mysteries are considered “gentle” books… no graphic violence, no profanity, and no explicit sex.
• Cozy mysteries tend to be fast-paced, with several twists and turns throughout each book.
• The cozy mystery puts an emphasis on plots and character development.

Hang 'Em High is most definitely a cozy mystery. A really good one!

• Ida Mae is our amateur sleuth who with the help from her friends solves the crimes.
• Small town setting? Yep! Omni, Utah is the small town setting for the first books in the series, Hang 'Em High takes us to a dude ranch in Montana.
• The characters are likable, quirky and humorous which makes me want to visit them again, can't wait for the next book in the series.
• Totally "gentle" - no swearing, sex or graphic violence.
• A very fast-paced, quick read with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the end.
• The Secret Sisters Series is character driven - it's the likable characters that bring me back to the series.

Hang 'Em High has been my favorite of the series. It's a quick, easy read that made me smile.

There are currently 3 books in the Secret Sisters Series
Secret Sisters


Dearly Departed


Hang 'Em High


Coming Soon...
Targets in Ties (Nov. 2011)
Tell Death Do Us Part (May 2012)


Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Source: From Author for Review

Content: Clean

Giveaway:  Manuscript Evaluation
To celebrate this book's release and blog tour, you are invited to participate in a contest! If you leave a comment on this review, you will be entered to win a manuscript evaluation done by Tristi, up to a $75.00 value. Horror and erotica excluded.  If you aren't a writer, you can give the evaluation to a writer friend as a gift. The winner will be chosen at midnight, October 5th MST so leave a comment ASAP! For more chances to win

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Most teenage girls can agree that the worst part of starting a relationship in high school, is the inevitable breakup. All the careful planning in the world doesn’t ever seem to be enough to prevent that horribly awkward moment of telling your soon-to-be ex-boyfriend “It’s not you, It’s me”. But what if you had someone to do that for you? Imagine being able to hire a breakup artist the same way you’d hire someone to do your nails. That’s where Amelia Marie Bedford comes in. Blessed with good looks and absolutely no friends, Amelia finds her true calling in the subtle art of the breakup. But when a gorgeous green-eyed client named David seems to actually be interested in her for more than just her looks, Amelia starts to falter on her “no dating your paycheck” rule. As the pre-Prom deadline closes in on her Amelia has to decide if David’s intentions are true, or if something more sinister lurks behind that perfect face.

I should probably wait a couple months to post this review. The Break-Up Artist by Shannen Crane Camp doesn't even have a cover yet and won't be released until December.  However I know myself well enough to know that if I wait any longer I won't remember the book well enough to say much more than I loved it.

I received an early review copy of this book and had no intention of reading it yet.  It was a digital review copy that I didn't have a clue how to transfer to my Kindle so I had to sit at my computer to read.  I hate reading at my computer but I opened it up to read just the first couple pages and didn't want to stop reading.  With as much as I read it has become increasingly hard for a book to grab me and suck me in.  The Break-Up Artist managed to do that.  I found it light, refreshing, humorous and I just kept reading and reading while sitting at my computer.

This book has potential to be a 5 Star book. It is still in editing so I'm hoping a couple things will be cleared up and clarified while it goes through editing. Even if nothing gets tightened up in editing I would still highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys clean, light, fun young adult books.


Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Content: Clean

Source: Review copy

The Break-Up Artist will be released on December 8, 2011 by Sweetwater Books an imprint of Cedar Fort.

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Gabby, God's Little Angel

This first book in a delightful new series offers a comforting message for young readers-God loves you very much and is always watching over you!
What little girl wouldn't love her very own guardian angel? Parents and children alike will be won over by this humorous tale of Gabby, a guardian angel in training who has much to learn about taking care of God's little ones. Her new assignment is to protect a young girl named Sophie, but Gabby soon realizes that watching after Sophie is a bigger challenge than she had expected! After a close call while riding her pony, Sophie learns what the Bible says about guardian angels: "He will put his angels in charge of you. They will watch over you wherever you go" (Psalm 91:11 ICB).

I'm one who believes the message of this book - that God is watching over us and angels are all around us helping and protecting us.  I really enjoyed this cute story of Gabby, a guardian angel in training.  Gabby herself is a little clumsy and has a lot to learn about being a guardian angel.  She is assigned to watch over Sophie and finds they have a lot in common.  But being a guardian angel isn't as simple as it seems.

The pictures in this book are adorable and the story was humorous and flowed well making it a great read aloud for a child ages 4+.
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Blog Tour

Gabby God's Little Angel by Sheila Walsh was released September 20, 2011 by Thomas Nelson.

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Ruby flowers, violet quilts, lime frosting--colors are all around us. How many colors can you find in the pages of this book?

I adore the beautiful, vivid, bright pictures in Jane Brocket's newest book Ruby, Violet, Lime: Looking for Color.

This book would make a great read aloud for preschool children and would help teach the concepts of the color wheel to elementary aged children.  Primary colors, secondary colors, black, white, brown, gray, pink, silver and gold are all featured with amazing color photographs.


Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly recommend

Source: Netgalley

Ruby, Lime, Violet: Looking for Color by Jane Brocket was released on September 1, 2011 by Millbrook Pr.

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A thrilling debut story of death, love, destiny and danger.
Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.
Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

Fabulous debut!

There is already a lot of hype about this book and its release date is still 3 months away.  In my opinion it is well deserved hype.  Shattered Souls is an original, engaging book that is sure to be a hit with those who enjoy young adult paranormal fiction.  I was hooked right from the start and loved the characters and storyline.  This book stands alone but I would love a sequel. 

There is an overwhelming number of books in this genre being released and it is impossible to read them all.  Shattered Souls is one you don't want to miss.


Content: A little language and innuendo

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: ARC Tour through The Teen Book Scene

Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey will be released by Philomel/Penguin on December 8, 2011.

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Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.


To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Having the chance to read The Iron Knight was motivation for me to buy a Kindle. I have loved the Iron Fey series and was really looking forward to this final book in the series.  When I had the chance to read it via Netgalley I ordered a Kindle since I hate reading books on the computer.

I have mixed feeling on this one. It is a great story but honestly I missed Meghan. The Iron Knight is told from Ash's perspective and it is his story. We learn more of Ash and his past with Arielle as well as details about his friendship with Puck. The story focuses on Ash's quest to gain a soul so he can be with Meghan in the Iron Realm. That quest takes up almost the entire book. I spent the entire book waiting for the all to short ending. I know this is many people's favorite book of the series, and it is a great book, but The Iron Queen will remain my favorite.  That said please don't get the wrong idea - this book is a must read!

I'm grateful Julie wrote her author's note at the end and grateful to her publisher for her influence on the ending.  If you have not read this series yet I highly recommend you give it a try!



Rating: 4.5 Stars - I highly recommend this series!

Source: Netgalley

Content: the same as the other books in the series, if you didn't have an issue with them this one won't bother you.

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Ethan Wate used to think of Gatlin, the small Southern town he had always called home, as a place where nothing ever changed. Then he met mysterious newcomer Lena Duchannes, who revealed a secret world that had been hidden in plain sight all along. A Gatlin that harbored ancient secrets beneath its moss-covered oaks and cracked sidewalks. A Gatlin where a curse has marked Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals for generations. A Gatlin where impossible, magical, life-altering events happen.

Sometimes life-ending.

Together they can face anything Gatlin throws at them, but after suffering a tragic loss, Lena starts to pull away, keeping secrets that test their relationship. And now that Ethan's eyes have been opened to the darker side of Gatlin, there's no going back. Haunted by strange visions only he can see, Ethan is pulled deeper into his town's tangled history and finds himself caught up in the dangerous network of underground passageways endlessly crisscrossing the South, where nothing is as it seems.

It is always hard to review a sequel without spoilers from the first book in the series!  So I'll just keep this brief and say that I really enjoyed the second book in the Caster Chronicles series. It is however a long book and took me a while to make it all the way through. There is a lot of detail in this book and it takes place over a short period of time. Personally I love all the detail but some people may find that the book lags a little.

If you read and enjoyed Beautiful Creatures you'll likely enjoy this one just as much.  I'm glad the release date for the 3rd book, Beautiful Chaos is just 2 months away.


Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Audible.com download

Content: A little language, some kissing

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Little witches abound in this rollicking, rhyming adventure that features all of the fun, fantasy, and treats—but none of the tricks— of a Halloween night to remember! Whimsical, colorful illustrations overflow with charming details that will engage young readers to read the book again and again to discover all its charms! Ages 2-5

Halloween is still 2 1/2 months away but I couldn't resist reviewing this whimsical Halloween book. I'm not a huge fan of Halloween itself (candy & costumes just aren't my thing) but I love Halloween pictures books!

Witches is a short book with rhyming text making it a quick fun read. I love the illustrations. Perfect for preschool aged children.


Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Netgalley

Witches by Cheryl Christian will be released on August 15, 2011 by Star Bright Books.

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"Every Septober,
Every Octember,
Fall fills my senses
with scenes to remember."

"Bears gather nuts.
Geese hibernate.
Squirrels fly south
in big figure eights."

Fall is all mixed up in this silly book from Bob Raczka! Can you find his mistakes in the words and pictures?

This book was right up my alley. Sometimes when I read a book I'll intentionally say something wrong to see if my kids can catch the mistake. I do this often especially when it is a book we've read multiple times. My kids love it and sometime ask me to read the book the wrong way.

In this book the pictures & words are full of mistakes. My daughter had a great time finding things that were wrong in the book.

I loved the illustrations and had fun reading it to my daughter. A great addition to a home or school library to celebrate the arrival of fall.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Netgalley

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Mommy Whispers is a keepsake children's book that depicts the special relationship between a mother and her daughter through each stage of their lives and ultimately, the power of prayer and faith in God through it all.

Like Robert Munsch's book I'll Love You Forever this book brought tears to my eyes. And like that book Mommy Whispers is a picture book that is likely to be appreciated by a parent more than by the child.

Perhaps it is just the stage I am at in life with my own mother having passed away and my children growing up so quickly right before my eyes. Mommy Whispers made me remember to stop and appreciate the gift that my children truly are.

At each stage of her daughter's life a loving mother whispers "You are God's gift to me, forever you will be". This is a beautifully done picture book that would make a great book to share with your mother or daughter.


Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: From Author for Review

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Sydney is a straight-A student heading to college on a scholarship, and Alex is a quiet jock preparing to serve an LDS mission. But their dreams are shattered on the eve of their high school graduation when they find out that Sydney is pregnant. Separated, they must both trust in God as they search for the worth they once found in each other.

The author did a fabulous job capturing the emotions and thoughts of her characters. I could relate to what they were going through, connected with them and felt for them. When done reading I kept thinking about the story. I felt like I had learned something by reading this book.

This book truly had the potential to be a 5 star book. There are just a few things that detracted from the story. I wished there had been a couple more chapters at the end. For so long it felt like the story was headed one direction and then it headed another direction which was ok but I felt like it was just too easy. I wanted more resolution and closure and it just wrapped up too quickly. There were also several subplots that could have been left out or developed further. For example Sydney's brother abruptly decides not to serve a mission but we are never told why and he's never brought up again so why include that storyline at all.

Hope's Journey is a fabulous book I would recommend to any LDS teenager in a serious relationship as well as to the parents of LDS teenagers. This was a book I couldn't put down.

In the Author's Notes Stephanie says this:

Everybody makes mistakes; nobody makes it through this life unmarked. It just so happens that some sins are more visible to others. It is my desire to tell a story that will perhaps cause people to take a step back and take a deeper look before they cast judgment.

By sharing her story in this book she achieved her desire.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Content: Clean

Source: From Publisher for Review

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The Royal Treatment by Lindsey Leavitt:

Desi Bascomb's job as a princess substitute has gotten a whole lot more glamorous now that she's advanced to Level 2 within the Facade Agency. Magical make-up, roller-skating celebrities, and the chance to see Prince Karl again are just some of the major perks. Not to mention, she's landed the role of Fairy Queen in her school's production of Midsummer's Night Dream (opposite her best friend's crush. Which is a little weird, but at least he wears a donkey head during their kissing scene). Life should be perfect, but Desi can't seem to shake the feeling that there is more going on with the agency's magic than she's told. Like why is this mind-bending power exclusive to royals? Is it possible that there could be a bigger way to make an impact in both parts of her life?

Lindsey Leavitt's Princess for Hire series is so fun.  I loved the first book and was not disappointed with the sequel: The Royal Treatment.  It is a perfect tween read: cute and clean with a great message.


There was some foreshadowing in the first book that I picked up on and was pleased when this story went the direction I thought it would.   Lindsey Leavitt is a great writer.  Her books make me smile and I highly recommend them.


If you are looking for a light, fun, quick read look not further than The Princess for Hire Series!





Content: Clean

5 Comments on Blog Tour: Book Review - The Royal Treatment by Lindsey Leavitt, last added: 6/24/2011

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Katie said, on 6/22/2011 11:03:00 AM

I have yet to read the first book in this series, but after reading her book, SEAN GRISWOLD'S HEAD, I am definitely going to! Thanks for the review (:

S.B.Niccum said, on 6/22/2011 6:42:00 PM

Good! I'm making my list for when mine hits that age!
S.B. Niccum
Author Website
Blog

rhonda said, on 6/23/2011 3:38:00 PM

hi I`m enjoying all the hopping ;) I would love to read this.
[email protected]

lag123 said, on 6/23/2011 5:26:00 PM

Thanks for the review and the giveaway!

lag110 at mchsi dot com

Shelby Rodewald said, on 6/24/2011 6:21:00 PM

Thanks for the great interview! This book sounds great!

[email protected]

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As a pastor's kid, it's hard not to buy into the idea of the perfect family, a loving God, and amazing grace. But lately, Sam has a lot of reasons to doubt. Her mother lands in rehab after a DUI, and her father seems more interested in his congregation than his family. When a young girl in her small town goes missing, the local tragedy overlaps with Sam's personal one, and the already worn thread of faith holding her together begins to unravel.

In her third novel, acclaimed author Sara Zarr examines the coexistence of affliction and hope, and what happens when everything you thought you believed—about God, your family, and yourself—is transformed.

I started this book this morning - it sucked me in and I had to stay up to finish it.  Once Was Lost is a young adult book about a pastor's daughter.  Although religion plays an integral part of this book it was not at all preachy.  Much more the story of a young girl questioning her faith, family and friends as she faces the trials in her life.

Sam's "perfect life" begins to crumble - her mother is in rehab, an acquaintance has gone missing, her father is too busy to be there for her, there is never enough money... Not knowing when her mother will return home or who is responsible for the disappearance of the missing girl creates a story that held my attention from start to finish.

Once Was Lost dealt with real life problems in a way that felt very realistic.  Despite the subject matter this book had a hopeful, satisfying feel to it. I felt connected to the characters and cared about what happened to them.



Content: Mostly clean (2 swear words that I remember) but deals with more mature subject matter (kidnapping, financial & marital problems, alcoholism).

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Overdrive Download

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Priscilla the Great by Sybil Nelson:
Meet Priscilla Sumner, an ordinary seventh grader with extraordinary gifts. As if middle school isn’t hard enough, not only does Priscilla have to fight pimples and bullies, but genetically enhanced assassins trying to kill her and her family. Armed with wit, strength, and a genius best friend, Priscilla must defeat the Selliwood Institute, an organization dead set on turning children into killing machines.


Add an older brother annoyingly obsessed with Christina Aguilera, mischievous baby twin brothers who could scare the sin off of Satan, and parents more puzzling than a Rubik’s cube in the Bermuda triangle and expect a smoking page-turner.

Priscilla the Great is such a fun middle grade read!  I know my children would enjoy this story and it kept me entertained.  Sort of a Spy Kids meets X-Men type story.

There really is a lot to like about this book - from the plot to the characters to the humor to the awesome superpowers - this book was a page turner.  Sometimes I find my mind wandering while reading middle grade books but this one held my attention and kept me turning the pages.

I'm fairly certain there is a sequel coming and I'll gladly read it if given the chance.



Content: A few instances of taking the Lord's name in vain but otherwise clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: From author for review as part of a blog tour



Win a Priscilla the Great Prize Pack!

Prize Pack includes:
1 signed Priscilla the Great book,
1 Priscilla the Great t-shirt,
1 Priscilla the Great totebag,
and a $15 iTunes gift card!

That's over a $50 value! All you have to do is comment on one of the posts during the Teen {Book} Scene blog tour March 14th to April 8th and you're automatically entered!

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Moo Pie In The Moonlight is a sweet bedtime story about a handsome tuxedo cat who knows just how to enjoy a summer evening.

Moo Pie in the Moonlight is a beautifully done children's picture book. The text is very simple and rhymes making it a quick, fun book to read.  The illustrations are lovely and come to life. A great addition to a bedtime storybook collection that will be loved by young and old alike.



Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: From Author for Review

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The Cycling Wangdoos is an imaginative and fun rhyming tale of an unlikely cycling team and their off-track lesson in teamwork. It will take you on a thrills and spills fun-filled ride from the first page to the surprise ending.

I really enjoyed this picture book and so did my children. Loved both the pictures and the message in this book about teamwork.  They rhyming text made for a great read aloud. This is a book I'll keep on our read aloud shelf.

They Cycling Wangdoos by Kelly Pulley will be released in April.



Rating: 4.5 Stars
 
Source: Won in a giveaway

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Gabriella's past is a mystery, but that never stopped her from achieving her goals. As a supernatural specialist, and far more intelligent than anyone her age, she has always been ignored by her peers. Because of the isolation she has always felt, she put her life and soul into her job. Being a supernatural specialist hasn't given her the divine intervention she always longed for, until one day a shipment arrives from Italy containing three dead bodies with an uncanny ability to regenerate. Gabriella is frightened and intrigued, but not as scared as she becomes when a dark creature attacks her.


As the bodies come back to life, the plot takes an unexpected twist that you won't see coming. The supernatural world only begins to unfold before her as angels appear, her dreams start to haunt her, and the very past she has forgotten comes back with startling clarity. Romance blooms, escape plans are made, an assassin is out to kill her, and death is only around the corner. But what is more terrifying than all of it is the fact she is the chosen one, the Illuminator, the one who will save them all.

When I received this book in the mail I honestly thought "Oh no! What did I agree to review" - a 500+ page self published book?  Honestly my expectations were not very high and I put off reading this book until the last possible minute.  A great reminder to me that first impressions are often inaccurate!

My initial judgement of this book was completely wrong.  This book is fabulous!  I was surprised at how quickly I was able to read this book.  Despite being 500 pages long Shadow of the Sun is a fast paced, quick read.  The story was original, imaginative and held my interest through the entire thing. I loved the characters and the original take on angels.

This is a great start to a new series.  A good mix of everything I love fantasy, romance, action, mystery, adventure... There will be 5 books in this series and I've added them all to my to read list.  Well done Laura!



For all the stops on the The Teen {Book} Scene Blog Tour: http://theteenbookscene.weebly.com/timeless-series-tour-details.html


Content: Just a few swear words

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: From Author for Review

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Alissa never believed in magic. But then she went to the Hold, a legendary fortress where human Keepers once learned magic from enigmatic Masters. Under the tutelage of the last surviving Master, Alissa discovered that she had inherited her father's magical ability. But the Hold is ruled by Bailic, the renegade Keeper who seized the First Truth, a book of magic he will use to harness the might of the city of the dead and wreak a war of total devastation. The book has thwarted Bailic's every attempt to access it, while it continually calls to Alissa--who must summon all her will to resist it. For if she gives in to the First Truth' s ultimate power and knowledge, she will be utterly changed--and the man she loves could be lost to her forever.

Hidden Truth is the second book in the Truth Series by Dawn Cook AKA Kim Harrison. This will be a short review since I don't want to spoil this series for anyone who has not read the series. Great characters and story make this a fantasy series worth reading. The second book has a little more romance than the first. Ready to start book #3 of this enjoyable fantasy series.  If you like clean fantasy give this series a try, I'm sure liking it.

This would be a 5 Star book but there are a few places where the story lags a little.



Content: Clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Audio Download from Audible.com

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A COUPLE'S FAILING MARRIAGE, a family’s heartbreaking accident, and a woman’s excruciating childhood—these are just a few of the challenges confronting these individuals. But with struggle, patience and faith, they each discover that there’s no limit to God’s power to heal, strengthen, and transform.


PART TREATISE, PART NOVEL, Impractical Grace pulls you in as you learn with the characters how the grace of God and the grace we show one another really can change everything. Take part in these doctrinal insights to the Savior’s grace and love in this compelling novel full of true-to-life stories of hardship and hope.


What does Jesus offer us? What is the extent of the Lord’s power to heal, save, renew, and transform? In this novel, three broken lives find the transforming power of the Savior. Through this gripping novel, doctrinal insights of the Savior’s grace and love are shared. See the transforming work of God’s grace and love that moves through, and changes everyone in this compelling book.

Impractical Grace teaches doctrine and principles in a story format. The book chronicles a new bishop attempting to help 3 members of his ward understand the Lord's atonement and his "impractical grace".

I would recommend this book to any and everyone who would like to better understand grace, a term that is often used but hard to describe. John S. Bushman uses scriptures, as well as quotes from apostles and prophets to teach how the Lord's grace can help and heal us.

I'm sure everyone can relate to at least one of the trials the characters in this book are experiencing: a troubled marriage, a tragic accident, abuse, the inability to forgive someone who has wronged us. The doctrine taught in this book has the ability to change those open enough to give these principles a try.



Content: Clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: From Author For Review

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Artemis the Brave
(Goddess Girls #4)

All of Artemis's friends and classmates depend on her to be the most courageous goddessgirl in Mount Olympus Academy. Little do they know that despite her expert archery skills, the smelly geryons, ring-nosed Minotaurs, and stinging scorpions in Beast-ology class scare her as much as anyone else! But what's really bothering her now is that funny feeling she has whenever she looks at foreign exchange student Orion. She's never had a crush before--could this be what all the fuss is about? And will she find the courage to talk to her crush, make him see her as more than a pal, and to ace Beast-ology class?


Series scoop:
Join the class at Mount Olympus Academy with Goddess Girls, a new series that puts a modern spin on classic Greek myths!
Aladdin paperbacks, ages 8 ~ 12.
Athena the Brain
Finding out she’s a goddess and being sent to Mount Olympus brings Athena new friends, a weird dad, and the meanest girl in mythology—Medusa!
Persephone the Phony
Hiding her feelings works fine for Persephone until she meets a guy she can be herself with—Hades, the bad-boy of the Underworld.
Aphrodite the Beauty
Sure Aphrodite is beautiful, but it’s not always easy being the goddessgirl of love.
Artemis the Brave
She may be the goddess of the hunt, but that doesn’t mean Artemis always feels brave.



Coming Soon:
Athena the Wise
Zeus says Heracles has to do twelve tasks or he'll get kicked out of MOA! Although she's not sure it's wise, Athena agrees to help out. (April 5, 2011)
Aphrodite the Diva
Isis claims she's the goddess of love? Ha! But to keep the title all to herself, Aphrodite has to find the perfect match for Pygmalion, the most annoying boy ever. (August 2011)
Two more Goddess Girls books to come!


Review:

I love this series.  It's perfect for girls ages 8+.  A great introduction to Greek mythology in a way that is entertaining and fun. 

Artemis is Goddess of the Hunt and thinks she shouldn't have any fears while hunting,

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Six months have passed since Laurel saved the gateway to the faerie realm of Avalon. Now she must spend her summer there, honing her skills as a Fall faerie. But her human family and friends are still in mortal danger--and the gateway to Avalon is more compromised than ever.

When it comes time to protect those she loves, will she depend on David, her human boyfriend, for help? Or will she turn to Tamani, the electrifying faerie with whom her connection is undeniable?

Spells is book #2 in the Wings Series by Aprilynne Pike. I had assumed this was a trilogy since it seems like every young adult book that comes out lately is part of a trilogy but alas it's a quartet so there will be 2 more yet to be released books. Illusions comes out in May and the final book in 2012. Oh how I hate waiting for sequels.  This book had a great ending.  It wrapped up enough to leave me satisfied yet opened things up for something new.

I think I enjoyed Spells even more than then book 1, Wings. I love the character Tamani, seriously Laurel wake up and see what is before you!  You're a faerie, he's a faerie, David's a human.  Easy decision - so don't make it so hard.

This is a sweet, clean series that I recommend to those who enjoy faerie stories. I really enjoyed learning more about the faerie mythology, much of which was very unique. A good mix of faerie mythology, adventure and romance.



Content: Clean for older teens - a couple of the mildest of swearwords that are swear words in my home but aren't in some homes, a reference to sex in the faerie world, etc.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Download from Audible.com

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Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley:

Corrinne Corcoran’s upscale Manhattan life is perfectly on track—until her father announces he’s been laid off and she’s shipped off to Broken Spoke, Texas, to live with her grandparents. All alone in a big public school and forced to take a job shoveling manure, Corrinne is determined to get back to the glamorous life she’s supposed to be living. But as she grudgingly adjusts—making new friends and finding romance along the way—this city girl begins to realize that life without credit cards and shopping sprees may not be as bad as it seems....

In this sparkling debut that flawlessly balances romance and humor, readers will grow to love sharp and sassy Corrinne as she goes on her totally reluctant but completely irresistible journey of self-discovery.

I really enjoyed reading Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley.  Charming characters and a believable storyline made this a well done contemporary young adult book.

As the book begins we are introduced to Corrine who is shallow, self-centered and spoiled rotten.  Life suddenly changes when her dad's investments go bad and he loses his job.  Shipped off to Broken Spoke, Texas with her younger brother, Corrine must attend Public School *gasp*.  Adjusting to country life does not come easy.

I loved Corrine's down to earth grandparents.  This book has a great message about priorities, the importance of family and true friends.

I was hoping for a different ending then the one we got but was still happy with the book.  This is a stand alone but I'd love to see a sequel.  If you are looking for a light, fun read give this one a try.

Where I Belong will be released on February 8, 2011:


Content: Some language

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Teen Scene Book Tour

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You are crazy. No Nephite has ever returned.

Most people laugh when they hear of Enoch's dream of returning to Jerusalem to find the infant Messiah. Even Enoch's future father-in-law mocks him when he asks for a postponement of his long-awaited wedding to his beloved Rebekah. A few take Enoch seriously - the shipbuilder Omnihah, Enoch's teacher David, and the prophet Nephi.

Five years before, a Lamanite named Samuel had stood on the wall of Zarahemla and prophesied that "five years more cometh" and the Christ would be born in Jerusalem. Time is running out! Enoch knows he must set sail across the great waters in search of his dream - to see the face of the Messiah.

The Star Prophacy is a surprising story of courage and love, faith and fortitude. Sail with Enoch and his friends across the sea through hardship and adventure in search of the Christ child.

I really enjoyed this adventure story.  Enoch has heard the prophesy of the birth of Christ and longs to sail back to Jerusalem to see the Messiah.  It's been nearly 5 years since Samuel the Lamanite made the prophecy so he knows the birth of Christ is drawing close.  Along with a few companions he sets out on an impossible journey across the sea back to Jerusalem.

This was a fun book to read.  Likable characters and a well written tale that left me believing this really could have happened.  Although not a "Christmas" story this is a book I will likely reread around Christmas since it is set at the time of the Savior's birth. Full of details on what life was like at the time of Christ's birth this book brought special meaning to the Christmas story.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Content: Clean

Source: From publisher for Review

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In this new holiday classic, Tim Slover crafts a marvelous, magical novel about how Santa Claus became the man he is today. After reading The Christmas Chronicles, you’ll believe all over again in the magic of the season.

Snow is falling, and the clock ticks toward midnight on Christmas Eve while countless children, too excited to sleep, anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus. But in Tim Slover’s deeply charming and utterly thrilling new novel, that’s the end rather than the beginning of the story. In this richly imagined tale of Santa’s origins, the man in full finally emerges. The Christmas Chronicles is at once an action-packed adventure, an inspiring story of commitment and faith, and a moving love story.

It all starts in 1343, when the child Klaus is orphaned and adopted by a craftsmen’s guild. The boy will grow to become a master woodworker with an infectious laugh and an unparalleled gift for making toys. His talent and generosity uniquely equip him to bestow hundreds of gifts on children at Christmas—and to court the delightful Anna, who enters his life on a sleigh driven by the reindeer Dasher and becomes his beloved wife.

Still, all is not snowfall and presents. Klaus will be shadowed by the envious Rolf Eckhof, who will stop at nothing to subvert him. But in the end, Santa’s magic is at last unleashed, flying reindeer come to his aid, and an epic battle between good and evil is waged in the frosty Christmas skies.

By turns enchanting, hair-raising, and inspirational, The Christmas Chronicles is a beguiling tale destined to become a holiday favorite for the ages.

About Author Tim Slover:

Tim Slover is a writer and professor of theater at the University of Utah. His plays have been produced off-Broadway and in theaters throughout the United States and in London, where he spends part of each year. His wife, usefully, is a marriage and family therapist, and their two sons were the original audience for The Christmas Chronicles. For the purposes of yuletide decorating, each Christmas, Slover continues to cut a few pine boughs at an undisclosed location.

You can learn more about Tim and The Christmas Chronicles by visiting the Publisher’s website.

Book Review:

If you are looking for a book that tells you the "truth" about Santa Claus this is it.  How does Santa really deliver all the gifts on Christmas Eve?  How did Santa & Mrs. Claus meet?  Can reindeer really fly?  Does Rudolph's nose really glow?  All these and many more questions are answered in this sure to be holiday classic.  Author Tim Slover has woven a wonderful Christmas tale that once and for all separates the fact from the fiction regarding Santa Claus.  Learn how Santa Claus became the legend he is now.  What started as a simple woodworker who made toys for a village of children grew into something legendary and magical.  A story that will delight adults as well as children.

Content: Clean Read

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Pump Up Your Book

For all Tour Stops Please Visit Pump Up You Book.

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