Title: Targets in Ties
Author: Tristi Pinkston
Series: Secret Sisters Mysteries #4
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press
Released: January 30,2012
Website: http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com/
Book Summary:After two long years, Ren’s mission is finally over, and it’s time for Ida Mae, Arlette, and Tansy to travel to Mexico to pick him up. They have their itinerary all planned out—visiting the ruins in the
Yucatan, shopping, playing in the sand and surf—and then they’ll head to Ren’s mission home and be reunited with that dear boy. But
a wanted antiquities thief crosses their path, and soon the ladies find themselves tangled up in a web of lies, intrigue, and costly jewelry. Held hostage by men desperate for riches, they do what only they
can do—keep their heads about them, plan their escape, and discuss the proper making of tortillas. Will they survive their most harrowing adventure yet?
Tristi Pinkston's Secret Sisters Mysteries make me laugh. They are lighthearted, clean, humorous books that are perfect for days when you just need a good laugh. Targets in Ties is the 4th book in the Secret Sisters Series and I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first three books.
Ida Mae, Arlette, and Tansy are once again caught up in an adventure. This time they are travelling through Mexico headed to pick up Ren from his mission when they cross paths with an International jewel thief. What follows is another crazy adventure for this oddball team. Kidnapping, grand theft auto and a cross country chase are all in a days work for these mystery solving amateur sleuths.
If you are a cozy mystery lover or those just looking for a quick, clean read that will make you smile pick up one of Tristi Pinkston's Secret Sisters Mysteries.
Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book
Content: Clean
Source: From Publisher for Review
Want to win this fun Scrapbook Pack?As part of the book tour for Target In Ties Tristi is giving away a Scrapbooking Pack. To enter leave a comment on this blog post, then go visit Tristi's blog at
http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com and become a follower. You will then be entered to win this fun scrapbooking pack, including paper, tags, two decals, and metal tag frames. You have until midnight Mountain time on March 3rd to enter to win.
For all the tour stops:
CLICK HERE.
Also by Tristi Pinkston:
By:
Inspired Kathy,
on 1/28/2012
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Title: The Scorpio RacesAuthor: Maggie StiefvaterSeries: NonePublisher: ScholasticReleased: October 18, 2011Website: http://maggiestiefvater.com/Book Summary:It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.
At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.
Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.
Technically classified as young adult fantasy this book seemed real. The water horses in this book are based on mythological creatures but Maggie wrote them in such a way that I wouldn't be surprised to see them coming up out of the sea the next time I visit the ocean. A testament to what an amazing writer Maggie is.
Due to the fact that I loved Maggie's Mercy Falls werewolf series, the Scorpio Races has been high on my want to read list. Although completely different than the Mercy Falls series the Scorpio Races did not disappoint. The Scorpio races is less romance and more about the horses, the island, the people and the races themselves.
I found myself rooting for both Kate and Sean and hoping somehow they could both win the race. Ultimately I found the ending of the book to be very satisfying.
There is some violence in this series due to the fierce, untamed nature of the water horses (but violence in books doesn't bother me the way sex and language does).
I started Maggie's Books of Faeries series but never got further than the first chapter of Lament. I think I'm going to give that series another try because this book proved to me that Maggie is a phenomenal writer.
Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend
Content: some language and violence
Source: Download from Audible.com
Also by Maggie Steifvater:
The Wolves of Mercy Falls
Books of Faerie
By:
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on 1/28/2012
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Title: Girls Don't Fly
Author: Kristen Chandler
Series: None
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Released: October 13, 2011
Website: http://www.krischandlerstories.com/
Book Summary:Myra is used to keeping her feet firmly on the ground. She's got four younger brothers, overworked parents, and a pregnant older sister, and if Myra wasn't there to take care of everyone, they'd probably fall apart. But when her boyfriend unceremoniously dumps her, Myra feels like she's lost her footing. Suddenly she's doing things she never would've a few months earlier: quitting her job, applying for a scholarship to study birds in the Galapogos, and falling for a guy who's encouraging her to leap from her old life . . . and fly.
Set in the Salt Lake City area, Girls Don't Fly is full of intelligence, humor, and is a refreshing change of pace for teen readers.
I thought Myra was a character who was easy to relate to. Her story rang true and reminded me of many of the feelings, doubts and insecurities I remember having in high school. The story was a cute, quirky coming of age, contemporary family drama.
Set outside Salt Lake City, UT and written by an
LDS author I expected this to be LDS fiction but it was not. This could have been a book set in any town, anywhere. Other than a mention or two of the religious kids who went to church on Sunday there was no mention of anything about Mormons in this book.
Each chapter begins with a tidbit of knowledge about birds that ties into that chapter. Very clever.
Girls Don't Fly was an enjoyable, quick read.
Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book
Content: Some language
Source: Review Copy
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By:
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on 1/27/2012
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Title: Inside Out
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Series: #1 of 2 in the Insider Duet
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: April 1, 2010
Website: http://mariavsnyder.com
Book Summary:Keep Your Head Down.
Don't Get Noticed.
Or Else.
I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution.
Maria Snyder's Study Series has been one of my long time favorites so I was excited to finally get around to reading Inside Out. This book ended up being far different from the Study series but I still enjoyed it.
It's hard to say much about this one that isn't a spoiler. Inside Out is a dystopian story with a science fiction twist. There were many things that were similar to several other dystopian books I've read recently, it helped to remind myself that this one was written prior to those books.
Maria Snyder proves once again that she is a great writer. Great characters and lots of twists and turns made for a fun read. There was romance in this book but it wasn't the main focus, more of a side story.
Although I definitely enjoyed the Study series more than this one I can't complain because this was a great young adult book. As soon as I finished I started in on the sequel.
Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book
Content: Clean - there may have been a mild swear word or two but I can't remember anything else
Source: Download from Audible.com
Also by Maria Snyder:Outside In - Sequel to Inside Out
Study Series (One of my favorites - although this is adult not YA)
Glass Series
Touch of Power
Title: Bitter Blessings
Author: Christine Mehring
Series: None
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Released: July 8, 2011
Book Summary:Megan has the perfect life, but when her mother dies in an accident, everything spins out of control. With the rest of her family falling apart, Megan must confront her past to uncover the truths that will keep everyone together. Thought-provoking and heartfelt, this book shows that even in times of trial, you can often find blessings.
I hadn't read the summary for this book prior to reading it so I had no clue what to expect. In all honesty I had a hard time getting into this story until I hit the half way point. Then I was hooked and flew through it, reading the second half in one sitting.
This is a book by an LDS author but the first half of the book there is no mention of religion. The book's focus is Megan and how her life is thrown upside down with the unexpected death of her mother. Life is not easy for Megan or her sisters and grandmother and nothing seems to go their way. As her life starts unraveling secrets from the past are revealed and this is where the book hooked me.
This short book dealt with prejudice, lies & deceptions, death, teen drinking & drug use and friendship & faith. From the start I suspected that Megan's best friend Adam was Mormon but until the last few chapters of the book this didn't feel like a typical LDS fiction novel.
If you are looking for a clean LDS fiction book that deals with facing life's challenges without being overly preachy or sappy give this one a try.
Rating: 4 Stars - ended up being a great book
Content: Clean
Source: Review copy
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)
Witch Song by Amber Argyle:The world is changing. Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons--but not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by a traitor. All but Brusenna. As the echo of their songs fade, the traitor grows stronger. Now she is coming for Brusenna. Her guardian has sworn to protect her, but even he can't stop the Dark Witch. Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find the traitor. Fight her. Defeat her. Because if Brusenna doesn't, there won't be anything left to save.
I found Witch Song by Amber Argyle to be a very enjoyable read. The world of witches whose magic is found in their song and seeds made for a unique story line. The characters were likable especially loyal Joshen. There was adventure, magic, love and growth
Witch Song was a clean read that I would not hesitate to allow my daughter to read. There were plenty of twists and turns in this story making it an engaging, interesting read. This story stands on its own but I would love to read more about these Witches if a sequel was written.
Content: Clean
Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book!
Source: From author as part of a blog tour
Witch Song was released on September 1, 2011 by Rhemalda Publishing.
Boo
Chicago businessman and bachelor Devon Pierce doesn't want to be appointed guardian of Australian four-year-old Ryan Caldwell - but Ryan's solicitor, Stella Walker, won't take no for an answer. Little does Devon know that this "minor" adjustment will grant him a future he never expected to have. Told in a fast-paced, poignant, and witty style, Minor Adjustments will take you on a journey filled with humor, growth, romance, and love.
I was excited to get this book in the mail. I love Rachael - she has always been so kind and generous towards me - thus her book got bumped right to the top of my review pile :)
Minor Adjustments was a fun, quirky, entertaining book. I knew from the start how this book would end up but was pleasantly surprised by some of the twists and turns the story took to get there. They kept me engaged and interested throughout the book. The silly facts that Stella was constantly sharing and the Australian culture added to the fun side of this book. The characters were easy to relate to and I found myself cheering them on and hoping for their plans to succeed.
Minor Adjustments is a great story with wonderful characters that I highly recommend.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Source: From Author/Publisher for Review
Content: Clean
Minor Adjustments by Rachael Renee Anderson was released on August 8, 2011 by Cedar Fort.
Sixteen-year-old Yara Silva has always known that ghosts walk alongside the living. Her grandma, like the other females in her family, is a Waker, someone who can see and communicate with ghosts. Yara grew up watching her grandmother taunted and scorned for this unusual ability and doesn't want that to be her future. She has been dreading the day when she too would see ghosts, and is relieved that the usually dominant Waker gene seems to have skipped her, letting her live a normal teenage life. However, all that changes for Yara on her first day at her elite boarding school when she discovers the gene was only lying dormant. She witnesses a dark mist attack Brent, a handsome fellow student, and rushes to his rescue. Her act of heroism draws the mist's attention, and the dark spirit begins stalking her. Yara finds herself entrenched in a sixty-year-old curse that haunts the school, threatening not only her life, but the lives of her closest friends as well. Yara soon realizes that the past she was trying to put behind her isn't going to go quietly.
Intrinsical has been on my to read list for quite a while. It was my month to choose a book for my local book group this month. I'd heard good things about this book and really wanted to read it so I took a chance on Intrinsical and picked it as our book of the month without having read it. I was not disappointed in my choice.
This is the first book in a trilogy but could easily be a stand alone. I was completely satisfied with the ending. I'll read the next one because I enjoyed this one but it is so nice for the first book in a trilogy to not end in a cliff hanger!!
This was a great young adult book with all the elements in a typical YA read but with a lot of uniqueness and originality. There were twists and turns and I didn't know where the story was going which is a nice change from so many books that I read.
Rating: 4 Stars - Great book!!
Source: From Author for Review
Content: Clean
Intrinsical was released on August 17, 2010. The sequel Indelible will be released on September 27, 2011.
Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins:
Warning contains spoilers if you have not read book 1, Hex Hall.Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.
That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.
Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers.
But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?HUGE Cliffhanger! - Seriously how can a book end on such a cliffhanger!! The next book doesn't come out for a year... Even with the cliffhanger I really enjoyed this book. I flew threw 360 pages in no time at all and can't wait for book 3.
Loved Sophie's snarkiness and all the twists and turns in the story. This was a sequel that did not disappoint. There is a little love triangle going on - although I'm fairly certain how it will end, (because it's a very lopsided triangle) however I honestly would be happy with either choice. Which is an interesting change because usually I'm really rooting for one or the other.
For those who enjoy YA paranormal stories I recommend you give the Hex Hall series a try.
Content: A little language and innuendo
Rating: 5 Stars
Source: From Publisher for Review
By:
Inspired Kathy,
on 2/26/2011
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After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn’t interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be — especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London.
Lizzie is happy about her friend’s burgeoning romance but less than impressed by Charles’s friend, Will Darcy, who’s snobby and pretentious. Darcy doesn’t seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it’s because her family doesn’t have money. Clearly, Will Darcy is a pompous jerk — so why does Lizzie find herself drawn to him anyway?
Will Lizzie’s pride and Will’s prejudice keep them apart? Or are they a prom couple in the making? Whatever the result, Elizabeth Eulberg, author of The Lonely Hearts Club, has concocted a very funny, completely stylish delight for any season — prom or otherwise.I'm a HUGE Jane Austen fan. Pride & Prejudice is my favorite so I was excited to read this modern day retelling by Elizabeth Eulberg. A few pages in a burst into laughter as I realized all the characters in the book & places in the book were named after those in the original book. Lizzie attends Longbourn Academy, Darcy attends Pemberley Academy - their places of residency in the original Pride & Prejudice. Nearly the whole cast of characters was present from Lizzie, Jane & Lydia to Darcy, Charles, Caroline, Georgiana, Wickham, Charlotte and Mr. Collins. I noticed Mary & Kitty were left out but they were given a "cameo" appearance near the end. Having come to love all these characters in the original story it was fun to see them in this modern retelling.
Really cute and super clean, Prom & Prejudice is sure to delight fans of Jane Austen who enjoy young adult literature. I'm not sure I would have loved this as much as I did if I hadn't read Pride & Prejudice and seen the movies multiple times. I got a kick out of Eulberg's characters and the twists she added to modernize the story. All the elements I loved from the original version were present in this story.
I must admit Darcy in this retelling lacks much of the appeal the original Mr. Darcy holds, perhaps because he is still a teenager he just falls short when compared to the original Darcy. That said this was still a fun, humorous read I enjoyed.
Content: Clean
Rating: 4 Stars
Source: ARC Tour
A broken heart hurts—but it doesn't have to hurt forever. Using humor, common sense, and honest conversations, Julie Donaldson walks readers through not only the steps of surviving a broken heart, but also the process of learning to nurture strength in yourself and finding comfort from Heavenly Father. She helps teenagers understand that heartbreak is part of the mortal path God has set for us, but that doesn't mean we have to succumb to it, or lose our sense of humor in the process. • Relevant to teenagers, young adults, and anyone who has ever had a broken heart. • Practical remedies and common-sense solutions for surviving heartbreak. • Fun, laugh-out-loud moments make a lighthearted but practical read. • A tissue is included.We've all been there at one point or another... with a broken hear that feels like it will never mend. Julie C. Donaldson offers practical advice in a this fun little book Don't Throw Rocks at His Window: Read Advice to Mend a Broken Heart.
This book given with a bag of chocolate would make a great gift for a daughter or friend who has recently been dumped. Cute, funny and uplifting this book of advice is sure to help the process of mending a broken heart. Perfect for a teenager or young adult who needs a little pick me up after a relationship goes south.
Content: Clean
Rating: 4 Stars
Source: From Publisher for Review
By:
Inspired Kathy,
on 2/25/2011
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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.htmlContent: Just a few swear words
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Source: From Author for Review
By:
Inspired Kathy,
on 2/24/2011
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Obedience to the Lord's commandments does not exempt us from trials and struggles in life. But it does qualify us for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit can comfort us. It can chasten us. It can confirm our choices or prompt us in new directions. It can give us feelings or strokes of ideas. And learning to understand the subtle communications of the Spirit is one of the most important thnings we will ever do in this life. The Spirit is our lifeline to heaven. Yet at times, when we are weighed down by feelings of personal inadequacy or distracted by the trials and busyness of life, we may feel that we have been left largely on our own.
Iin this book, Campbell Gray suggests that the Holy Ghost can be a constant presence in our lives, gently leading us through our inclinations and desires. By learning to be attentive to the Spirit above all, we will find grace that overcomes our own personal weaknesses - not just over time, but in the very moment - and find ourselves being carried "wither (we) wouldest not" (John 21:18).Unlocking the Power of the Spirit is a great read for a Sunday afternoon. There was nothing in this book that I hadn't heard before but it was a gentle reminder of things I already knew. It reminded me of an extended EFY or Fireside talk. My favorite parts were when the author used his personal life experience to illustrate the point he was trying to make.
The eight chapters could easily be read in one sitting or could be spread out and read over the course of a week by reading one each day. Helped me to remember the importance of feeling the spirt each day and the peace it can bring.
Content: Clean
Rating: 4 Stars
Source: Won in a giveaway
By:
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on 2/24/2011
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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
It has taken centuries to recognize that all humans possess certain unalienable rights. There will come a time when we have to consider whether others deserve those rights as well. That time will come on July 3rd 1863.
When a stranger carrying a shiny,metalic valise steps aboard a train carrying Abraham Lincoln home from a 2 year stint in Congress, everyone stares, wondering about the stranger's odd clothing and strange footware with the word Nike emblazoned on them.
When the strange man shows up in Lincoln's office at the White house 14 years later, still wearing the same clothes, carrying the same valise and looking not a day older, the president and his staff know something is odd.
But when Edwin Blair opens his valise and projects a 3d image of the Earth on Lincoln's wall, then proceeds to tell a fanciful tale about time traveling aliens preparing to land at Gettysburg on July 3rd, they are sure they've met a lunatic.
Unfortunately for them, they're wrong.
A New Birth of Freedom: The Visitor, is the first book in a new science fiction series that follows the adventures of Edwin Blair and the aliens known as Pests as they chase each other through all the centuries of Earth's past.This book was not at all what I expected. I was expecting Historical Fiction but didn't expect the time-travel, alien, science fiction elements. Had I read the summary above I would have had a better idea of what to expect.
The first 50 pages of this book I was confused and not at all interested in the story. It did pick up once I got further into the story but I just didn't love this book. I know there is a target audience who will really enjoy this, it just wasn't my cup of tea. It was just a little too far fetched and bizarre for me to really get into the storyline.
It seemed like the Historical Fiction portions of this book were very well researched and portions of it were interesting to me. If you enjoy Science Fiction with a historical twist and want to read a story about time travel and aliens at Gettysburg give this book a try.
Content: Clean
Rating: 3 Stars
Source: From Tribute Books as part of a Blog Tour
When you're the daughter of the bestselling Queen of Romance, life should be pretty good. But 16-year-old Alice Amorous has been living a lie ever since her mother was secretly hospitalized for mental illness. After putting on a brave front for months, time is running out. The next book is overdue, and the Queen can't write it. Alice needs a story for her mother—and she needs one fast.
That's when she meets Errol, a strange boy who claims to be Cupid, who insists that Alice write about the greatest love story in history: his tragic relationship with Psyche. As Alice begins to hear Errol's voice in her head and see things she can't explain, she must face the truth—that she's either inherited her mother's madness, or Errol is for real.Mad Love by Suzanne Selfors was a quick, cute read. A good mix of mystery, romance and real life issues with a little mythology mixed in. The book held my interest through out but I never really connected with the characters.
I like how this book tackles the real life problem of bipolar depression. Alice has been dealing with her mother's depression and erratic behavior for years. Her mother is now secretly staying in a mental institution and her next book is overdue. Enter Errol who has a story that he wants told. Can they work together to get a book published in time?
I would recommend this book to those who are looking for an sweet, imaginative romance story with quirky characters and a good message.
Content: a couple swear words but otherwise clean
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Source: From Publisher for Review
By:
Inspired Kathy,
on 2/14/2011
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Author Mary Hooper,
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Book Review,
Historical Fiction,
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Fallen Grace is a historical fiction novel set in London in 1861. It seems like a well researched novel sharing many details of life at that time especially for those in mourning from the death of a loved one. It was very predictable, almost diappointingly so, up until the last few pages. There was a twist at the end that I hadn't seen coming and was grateful for.
Despite the predictablity I really enjoyed this story. I like the characters and the details of the time period. A nice touch was at the beginning of most chapters there is a clip from a newspaper, an advertisement, invitation, epitaph from a tombstone that ties in to the story.
Recommended to those who enjoy historical fiction.
Content: Clean read
Rating: 4 Stars
Source: From Publisher for Review
The Life and Opinions of Amy Finawitz by Laura Toffler-Corrie:‘Told in wry emails and brilliant little one act plays, this laugh-out-loud debut novel offers quirky characters, a whimsical tour around New York City, and an appealing story about what it means to be a good friend.’If you are looking for a fun read, peppered with the sarcasm and wit of an 8th grader, give The Life and Opinions of Amy Finawitz a try.
Amy starts the book being quite self-centered. Everything is all about her. The story is told in the form of emails Amy sends to her friend who has moved away, abandoning Amy in NYC with no friends or social life. I enjoyed Amy's snarky comments and humor as she communicates the woes of her life to her friend. Through the course of the 4 months this book covers we watch Amy transform, grow and change for the better.
Aimed at girls ages 11-14 this book had me laughing out loud many times while reading it. The all email format worked for this story. Teaming up a geeky girl, an old lady and a religious zealot to create a "dream team" for a research project made for a fun adventure.
There is some mild language in it but nothing extreme.
Content: some mild language
Rating: 4 stars
Source: From Author For Review
By:
Inspired Kathy,
on 1/25/2011
Blog:
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Author Cheri Chesley,
Young Adult,
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After running away from home, Krystal is transported to a faraway kingdom where an evil tyrant is bent on taking the crown - and Krystal's hand in marriage. But when she falls in love with the rightful heir to the throne, she must make an impossible choice: sacrifice her one chance at happiness or face the destruction of an entire kingdom. The Peasant Queen is a light, easy, sweet read. The story contains a good mix of adventure and romance with a strong heroine and a little magic. This is a book I really enjoyed and can easily recommend to readers of all ages, especially those who enjoy fairy tales. I was summarizing the book to my husband who commented it sound a lot like a Disney movie. Also reminded me a little of The Princess Bride.
Lovers of Shannon Hale's Goose Girls series are sure to enjoy this book. I wish the ending hadn't wrapped up quite so quickly and there was one other plot point that I felt wasn't adequately explained but still a wonderful story I would recommend.
http://cherichesley.blogspot.com/ http://www.cherichesley.com/ Content: Clean
Rating: 4 Stars
Source: From Author For Review
By:
Inspired Kathy,
on 1/24/2011
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Author Aprilynne Pike,
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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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This was such a cute book! I love how Janette Rallison manages to write a super clean story while keeping it fun for the teens reading it. It just goes to show you don't need bad morals to have a good time!
~Debz
Really it is cute book. I am appreciating the efforts of Janette Rallison of writing such a beautiful book. I will definitely try to purchase this book for reading it.
I love this concept--it's one of those high concept books that actually appeals to me. I'll keep an eye out! Thanks for the review. :)