Review: Eternity (Fallen Angel #2) by Heather Terrell

Eternity by Heather Terrell

The end . . . or a new beginning? As Ellie comes to grips with her destiny as the Elect One, her relationship with Michael grows tense. When she meets a mys­terious boy named Rafe, things get even more complicated. Yet the time has come for the Elect One to stand against the group of evil fallen angels who are bent on destroying the world. In order to face the immeasurable malevolence heading her way, Ellie tries to put her personal life aside. But she soon learns that whoever holds her heart also holds the key to mankind’s salvation—or destruction. As the end days approach, Ellie is faced with an epic decision. Who does her heart really belong to? And is her love strong enough to save the world?

Published in US: June 28th 2011
Source: Won from The Non Reluctant Reader

My Review:
  In some ways I liked Eternity better and worse than Fallen Angel, the first book in the series.
  There was plenty of action, and things that kept me turning the pages, I wasn't sure of who to trust and anxious to see how things would turn out. I still really liked Ellie, and I think that her struggle of maintaining a daily life, and keeping her secret is balanced perfectly. It would be too fake if she didn't have doubts and she didn't have problems.
  Michael was a eh point of this book to me. I understand how persuasive the fallen can be, but I feel like some of the points I thought were out of the way from the first book were reiterated, and I really just wanted him to step up more, and see him and Ellie's relationship strengthened.
   A very positive point in this story was the addition of the character Rafe. I can't tell too much about him without spoiling, so just suffice it to say that he saved the story for me. He is just what I want in the type of character role he played.
   The ending is kind of a question to me. I think that things were wrapped up beautifully even though I do feel like a few of the plot lines were a little rushed in the middle and towards the end. I am not really sure if there is going to be a third book, or where it might pick up if there is.
   If you enjoyed Fallen Angels, then I def recommend to pick this book up!
I'd love to hear what you think of the book and/or my review.

Book Giveaway and Author Interview: Entanglements by P.R. Mason

 Entanglements by P.R. Mason

Accidentally opening a vortex sucks! Fifteen-year-old KIZZY TAYLOR is just hoping for an evening of fun when she joins her friends in a spelunking expedition through an under-city tunnel. But fun turns bizarre when Kizzy accidentally opens a vortex and her stepsister is swept through to an evil alternate dimension. The only way to rescue her stepsister is to reopen the vortex and go in after her. But will Kizzy be able to return home?

About P.R.: Pat writes steamy contemporary and paranormal romance under the name Patricia Mason and Young Adult paranormal romance and Urban Fantasy as P.R. Mason. She escaped from the snowy Midwest winters of her youth by moving in 2001 to a beautiful, historic city in Georgia to pursue her dream of being a novelist. Before being published, Pat won first place in the Sandhills writer's conference novel category and third place in the Georgia Romance Writer's contest known as the Maggies.

Interview:

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

 Opening a vortex sucks! In ENTANGLEMENTS, Kizzy Taylor must enter an evil alt. dimension to save her stepsister, but will she ever get home?

--How did you get the idea for the story?

The idea for the plot came largely from the quantum mechanics theory of entanglements. Scientists have found that a particle may be tweaked and second particle will react even though it may be miles away from the first and even though there is no discernable connection between the two. It's theorized that the connection exists in an alternate dimension of which it is believed there are at least seven. I began to wonder whether people could also be connected through alternate dimensions.

I live in Savannah, Georgia, which is known for being the most haunted city in America. However, it is not as widely known that there are many alleged vortexes in Savannah. When I combined this with the quantum mechanics theory, the plot was born.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with? I would definitely like to have dinner with the villain, Prince Leopold. Being the son of Britain's Queen Victoria, in an alternate universe of course, he has many a story to tell.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

I love to read. Right now I'm exploring the Steampunk genre.

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates? 

My work in progress is a sequel to Entanglements, which I plan to release in January of 2012, entitled RESISTANCE. It tells the story of a young female resistance fighter who, along with her warlock/vampire love, must defeat an army of soul sucking golems.

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

I'm going to resist the impulse to live in the world of Pride & Prejudice because that is too cliché....Nope can't resist. I'd spend the 24 hours with Mr. Darcy.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)?

My daily writing routine usually begins in a local coffee shop. If I can get out of the house and away from the temptation to sit and read (or do household chores...although that's more like a nagging impulse rather than a temptation), I find it much easier to concentrate on the story I'm writing.

Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?

Right now, I'm very inspired by the Florence + the Machine album, Lungs. I particularly love Cosmic Love and Heavy In Your Arms.  When I was writing Entanglements, I was listening to Muse (Map of the Problematic and Uprising are particular favorites). Also, pretty much anything by Vast is wonderful. 

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

Invisibility. I think it would be fantastic to be invisible and thus be able to gain access to any place I wished and observe anyone I wished.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

I love to spend time chatting with friends in a coffee shop or reading as I sit on the sofa with my two cats cuddled around me.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

I love to hear from readers. They can email me at contact@prmason.net or follow me on @prmason on Twitter.

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate?                          Chocolate

Edward or Jacob?                               Neither. But if I have to choose I'll take Jacob

Hockey or soccer?                               Soccer

Ebook or paper?                                  ebook

Salty or sweet?                                    Salty

Beach or mountains?                           Beach

Phone call or email?                            Phone call

Early bird or night owl?                      Early Bird

Dog or cat?                                         Cats

Messy or neat?                                    Messy

Ninjas or pirates?                                Pirates

And now for the GIVEAWAY:

Free Book and Author Interview: Polly's Story: Swallowcliffe Hall by Jennie Walters

Polly's Story: Swallowcliffe Hall by Jennie Walters

Polly Perkins can hardly believe her luck when she's taken on as a housemaid at Swallowcliffe Hall. At first, it's all she can do to keep up with endless fires to be laid, carpets to be swept, and beds to be made—never mind when guests arrive from London for a country house party. Will she ever feel at home in this grand old place, so full of ghosts from the past? But friendship and comfort are found in unexpected places, and Polly slowly begins to find her feet—until a tragic secret leads her to question everything she's ever believed. Could the elegant life of Swallowcliffe Hall be nothing more than a glittering façade?

About Jennie: London with my husband, two cats and a dog - and occasional visits from our two grown-up sons.

--The Twitter
version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

My
Swallowcliffe Hall trilogy is about three generations of girls who live, work
and fall in love in a grand English country house.




--How did you get the idea for the story?

Dates helped with the idea. I suddenly
realized that a young girl in late Victorian times might have a daughter
approaching adulthood in 1914, and a grand-daughter of the same age in 1939.
What fascinating periods of history, and how the world changed between 1890 and
1939! I’ve always been interested in servants, so decided to ‘root’ my stories
in a grand country house where servants and the gentry would live side by side
– perfect for passionate illicit encounters and overheard secrets!

--Which
character would you most/least like to have dinner with?

I’d most like to have dinner with Grace,
heroine of my second book, to ask her what it was like, living through the
First and the Second World Wars (as my own grandmother did). I’d least like to
have dinner with Lord Edward Vye, for reasons which become clear in ‘Grace’s
Story’.

--What are some
of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

I find I’m less likely to read when I’m
trying to write, as it’s confusing to have someone else’s voice in my head. I
love all of Anne Tyler’s books and have recently discovered a wonderful British
writer called Jane Harris. At the moment I’m reading ‘The Whereabouts of Eneas
MacNulty’ by Sebastian Barry, and loving it!

--Do you have
any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?

I’m re-writing a story about a girl who
wakes up one night to find a young man from the 1920s in her room. He seems
more real than a ghost but somehow she must work out whether or how he died,
and find a way of preventing it (which of course means that she’ll never see
him again). I hope to get it right by the end of the year – watch this space!
The book is called ‘See You in My Dreams’.



--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be
like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

Hard to decide between ‘Swiss Family
Robinson’ and ‘Anne of Green Gables’. I think it would have to be the former,
so I could ride on an ostrich and sleep in a tree house!

--Do you need
anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing
while you wrote?

I have to write in silence, with lots of
coffee breaks! But a song that inspired a lot of my early thinking behind my
current story was ‘I know we’ll never have that night’ by Rose Elinor Dougall
(think you can find it on Youtube). It’s just lovely.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

The ability to fly. It would save so much time in the London
rush hour, as well as being fun.

--Besides
writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

Lots of walking – we have a big dog! I
also like cooking. Not very exciting hobbies but very good for coming up with
plot ideas.

--Is there
anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

Only that I hope they’ll find my stories
entertaining, and that if they’re interested in the historical background
behind them, they might like to look at my website, http://www.jenniewalters.com,
for lots of information, original photographs, and much more.

Lightning
round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate

Edward or Jacob? Edward (Robert Pattinson went to the same
London school as my nieces)

Hockey or soccer? Soccer

Ebook or paper? Hmm, tricky. Can I have both?

Salty or sweet? Salty

Beach or mountains? Beach – I can’t ski!

Phone call or email? Email, every time

Early bird or night owl? Early bird

Dog or cat? Dog

Messy or neat? Messy, unfortunately

Ninjas or pirates? Pirates

Giveaway:

Expired!

Go visit her site, friend her on goodreads, follow her on twitter and most importantly, review her book when you're done to show your thanks!!! Also, the share by tweet, or facebook button is right below the post, we'd love it if you spread the word!

Review: If I Tell by Janet Gurtler

Review: If I Tell by Janet Gurtler

Jasmine Evans knows one thing for sure... people make mistakes. After all, she is one. Jaz is the result of a onenight stand between a black football player and a blonde princess. Having a young mother who didn't raise her, a father who wants nothing to do with her and living in a small-minded town where she's never fit in hasn't been easy. But she's been surviving. Until she sees her mom's new boyfriend making out with her own best friend. When do you forgive people for being human or give up on them forever? 

Publishes in US: Oct 1 2011
Source: Early Reviewers

My Review:

   If I Tell is a mesmerizing read with character that make you care and be involved with them. Even though I've never been in a situation like Jaz's I felt for her, and agonized over the right choice to make, and the implications of telling or keeping a secret.
   There was so much more to this book than I expected, issues of friendship, bullying, biracial identity, sexual identification, and different family dynamics.
    Ms. Gurtler fleshed out wonderfully Jaz's fears and emotions--dealing with her mom's pregnancy, her mom's boyfriend's (who she'd previously had a good relationship with) betrayal, and a changing friendship. But I also loved how everything ended up working out. Not in some fairy tale manner, but in something that could be real. There are beautiful moments of overcoming and of healing.
   The romance was kind of surprising and fun to read all at the same time. Jackson was truly mysterious, but I loved how he opened up Jaz.
I'd love to hear what you think of this book and/or my review.


  

Review: After Obsession by Carrie Jones and Steven E. Wedel

After Obsession by Carrie Jones and Steven E. Wedel 

Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other, in a cold Maine town, they can't stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel that something-or someone- is haunting them. They're wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it's neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It's Alan's cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life-and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney but everything around her.
Filled with heart-pounding romance, paranormal activity, and rich teen characters to love-and introducing an exciting new YA voice, Steven Wedel-this novel is exactly what Carrie Jones fans have been waiting for. Meet your next obsession.

Published in US: Sept 13 2011

Source: won from Princess Bookie

My Review:

   After Obsession is a really interesting paranormal project, and it is fun to see two different perspectives from two different authors. I didn't really know or pay attention to that when I went into the book, but found out after, and that made it even more attractive to me. 

   I liked the two main characters, Aimee was a great mix of strong and brave, rightfully fearful, and a hint of vulnerability. Her family was also a hoot--I really enjoyed Gramps and Benji's camaraderie, grumpiness and their affection for Aimee. 

   It was fun to be in Alan's head too. There is an undeniable sense of maleness and that's something that I don't see contrasted to the feminine that often. I also really appreciate the different ethnicity and the fact that he didn't try to hide it. I do have an issue with his mom though. I think that the protectiveness and love that I know is there from some of her comments is sharply contrasted by her disdain of the Navajo culture he tries to embrace. I also wish that the ending could have been more fleshed out because it seemed almost anticlimatic.

   Overall though, I enjoyed this one and would read a follow up novel if it were released. 

I'd love to hear what you think of the book and/or my review. 

Review: Prized (Birthmarked #2) by Caragh O'Brien

Prized by Caragh O'Brien

Striking out into the wasteland with nothing but her baby sister, a handful of supplies, and a rumor to guide her, sixteen-year-old midwife Gaia Stone survives only to be captured by the people of Sylum, a dystopian society where women rule the men who drastically outnumber them, and a kiss is a crime. In order to see her sister again, Gaia must submit to their strict social code, but how can she deny her sense of justice, her curiosity, and everything in her heart that makes her whole?

Publishes Nov 18th
Source: Netgalley
2nd in Birthmarked series, 3rd is due in fall 2012

Review:

   I liked Prized, and even though it had the same main character, there was a totally different feel in this second book of the series. That is not necessarily bad, but not quite what I was expecting. I think that this is set up for a really big storm and huge changes in the next book(s?).
   I was still pulling for Gaia throughout this book, and even though I could understand where she was coming from, I totally don't agree with some of her actions. Now, I can't sit here and say that I would've done any differently in her position, in fact, I probably wouldn't have had the bravery to do anything that she did.
   Another thing that I wish could've been pulled off better is the love square. Yes. I said it. It's there. And I can see the appeal, and how it developed, I just wanted more depth. To me, there was always a clear choice for Gaia, and the rest was almost just plot movers.
   And I know this sounds negative, but I really did enjoy this book, I like the conflict that it set up, I adored the new characters added into the story, and Gaia got a chance to learn more about herself by leading, by making mistakes, and by being thrown into a society where everything is not as clear cut as we want things to be. There are no easy answers, but situations that demand action. I am really eager for the next book and to find out what happens to the characters I care about.
I'd love to hear what you think of the book and/or my review.

Winner of A Long, Long Sleep

Thank you for all who entered! The winner is:
entry 85 Tiffany Drew
Please email me by 10/22 12 noon EST to claim your prize at brandileigh2003@yahoo.com

Review: Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts

Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts

Since mankind began, civilizations have always fallen: the Romans, the Greeks, the Aztecs…Now it’s our turn. Huge earthquakes rock the world. Cities are destroyed. But something even more awful is happening. An ancient evil has been unleashed, turning everday people into hunters, killers, crazies.
Mason's mother is dying after a terrible car accident. As he endures a last vigil at her hospital bed, his school is bombed and razed to the ground, and everyone he knows is killed. Aries survives an earthquake aftershock on a bus, and thinks the worst is over when a mysterious stranger pulls her out of the wreckage, but she’s about to discover a world changed forever. Clementine, the only survivor of an emergency town hall meeting that descends into murderous chaos, is on the run from savage strangers who used to be her friends and neighbors. And Michael witnesses a brutal road rage incident that is made much worse by the arrival of the police--who gun down the guilty party and then turn on the bystanding crowd.Where do you go for justice when even the lawmakers have turned bad? These four teens are on the same road in a world gone mad. Struggling to survive, clinging on to love and meaning wherever it can be found, this is a journey into the heart of darkness – but also a journey to find each other and a place of safety.

Publishes in US: 11/1/11

Source: Publisher for review

Series? Yes I think

My Review:

   Dark Inside is probably one of the darkest books that I have ever read. I usually write my reviews right after finishing, but this time, I just couldn't. I still can't really decide how I feel about this book. Most parts of me could not put it down, but I just couldn't let myself, I had to know how the characters fared and I couldn't stop until I finished. 

   The last chapter really confused me and I wish that it wasn't there, because everything I thought I understood kinda disappeared, and I would have been fine stopping just before. But the "nothing" chapters didn't really do much for me, so maybe that is why. 

   The fear is really palpable, and the characters all are truly survivors, regardless. I have to admire and hold onto hope with them, no matter what keeps happening around them. The only complaint I have is with the multiple perspectives, I didn't feel like I was in the characters heads long enough to completely keep straight what happened to who, and I had to flip on more than one occasion to their previous chapter to remind myself. 

   This is definitely for mature teens and those who can handle dark themes and some gore. 

I'd love to hear what you think of the book and/or my review. 

Review: Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.
With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.
Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?
As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

Publishes in US: Dec 12 2011
2nd in Infernal Devices series
Source: Publisher for review
My Review:
   I was really excited to get my "invitation" for the masquerade, letting me know that I would be getting an ARC of CP, and it showed up the very next day, with another surprise--a t-shirt. They are both awesome, but didn't hold a light to how it was actually reading the book.
   Clockwork Prince starts where CA left off, and I was not at all disappointed. The plot was awesome-it always had me guessing what would happen next and kept me on the edge of my seat. The way that some things turned out were not at all what I expected-could never have imagined is more like it-I was shocked and pleasantly surprised by some of the developments.
  Jem really gets his chance to shine in this novel, and I'm really happy for him, even though everything is still overshadowed by his illness. Jem is my favorite for me, but for now, I still have to with-hold judgement on who I think is best for Tessa.
  Will is really complicated, and we find out some of the reasons for his defenses and it breaks my heart. It feels like one thing gets figured out for him, and then something else stands in his way. But I love getting the glimpses into his heart when we see him interact with Jem--and we get a few of those in CP, and I love every moment of it.
  There is some steamy in this book never fear, but that's all I'll say to avoid spoilers.
   I SO can't wait until the next book!
I'd love to hear what you think of my review and/or the book.

Review: How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

Jill MacSweeney just wants everything to go back to normal. But ever since her dad died, she's been isolating herself from her boyfriend, her best friends--everyone who wants to support her. You can't lose one family member and simply replace him with a new one, and when her mom decides to adopt a baby, that's exactly what it feels like she's trying to do. And that's decidedly not normal. With her world crumbling around her, can Jill come to embrace a new member of the family?
Mandy Kalinowski knows what it's like to grow up unwanted--to be raised by a mother who never intended to have a child. So when Mandy becomes pregnant, she knows she wants a better life for her baby. But can giving up a child be as easy as it seems? And will she ever be able to find someone to care for her, too?

Publishes in US: Oct 18 2011
Source: Publisher for review
My Review:
   How to Save a Life is an emotional, character driven novel, that I found myself very much enjoying.
   The two main characters, Jill and Mandy are very different, from their backgrounds, their views on life, and their attitudes toward life. This book smashes them together under the weirdest of circumstances, and I slowly learned more about them and why they act the way they do. Ms. Zarr did a wonderful job making their voices distinct, and unlike some books with dual perspective, I had no problems switching from one to another and keeping the characters individual.
   I could identify pieces of myself in both characters, but I didn't fully relate with one or the other. Meaning that I didn't understand some of their trains of thought like I might if I just fully connected/related with one character. (Reading this it sounds like a negative thing, but its not... none of it is in the writing or characterization, I think that Ms. Zarr did a terrific job, I'm just trying to convey that I'm different from the characters--hope that makes sense.) I admire the strength in Mandy, and the self-realization and the courage in Jill--even if it's a very hard road for her and those around her as she comes back into herself.
   This is a very neat take on teen pregnancy, adoption, and even has an interesting love triangle twist. I was very surprised at how some things turned out, happy at others, even if I did expect it, and left wanting to know more about the characters and what happens next even after the last page... And I say that in a good way, I was attached to them, and did not want to let them go! I think that the plot lines were well tied up and I was satisfied with the ending, I just wanted to know more if that makes sense.
    I'd love to hear what you think of my review and/or the book!

Pregnant Pause by Han Nolan

Pregnant Pause by Han Nolan

Nobody gets away with telling Eleanor Crowe what to do. But as a pregnant sixteen-year-old, her options are limited: move to Kenya with her missionary parents or marry the baby’s father and work at his family’s summer camp for overweight kids.
Despite her initial reluctance to help out, Elly is surprised that she actually enjoys working with the campers. But a tragedy on the very day her baby is born starts a series of events that overwhelms Elly with unexpected emotions and difficult choices. Somehow, she must turn her usual obstinance in a direction that can ensure a future for herself—and for the new life she has created.

Published in US: Sept 19 2011
Source: library
My Review:
   Pregnant Pause will take you on an emotional roller-coaster and a journey of discovery and growth for the main character Ely.
   This is a different spin on teen pregnancy, and I like the other themes that are woven in like friendship, forgiveness, self-esteem and taking (or not) responsibility under high pressure situations.
   The characters are rich and really make this book, from Banner the whiny camper, to Lam the teeter totter husband, to Ziggy the one who confuses us even more, the in laws with their quirks and her parents with their naiviety, and we can't forget the Old Bat. :)
   Many things surprised me about the way the story went, and it's really stuck with me. So yes, you will get some of what you expect and a lot that you don't. a
   It took me a while to understand and connect with Ely, at first I just wanted to smack some sense into her, but as we find out reasons behind her troubles, and as she grows into herself, she really is an admirable character that I learned from.
   I really recommend this, but I would put a mature teen label on it for some language, drug reference, sex and tough issues.
I'd love to hear what you think of my review and/or the book.

Sweet Cover and Trailer!!

I'm so excited for the release--are you???

The Secret of the Keepers:
The Kailmeyra Chronicles: Book Two--
Life for Nora couldn't be better; she has married the man of her dreams and loves living in the pristine land of Kailmeyra.
That is, until the darkness threatens her perfect world.
Now war is upon the land. She and Gavin must strengthen their clan and prepare to fight. But the enemy has an ally—one that not only weilds power, but holds knowledge of the ancients' secrets. Secrets that could destroy creation itself.
As the darkness grows, doubt seeps in ... protectiveness hinders progress ... and the unthinkable comes to pass.
Bewildered and alone, Nora shoulders the responsibility of leading an entire race to war. As she struggles with decisions that seem impossible to make, she is haunted by one choice.
"No one has ever doubted that you would die for those you love. The question then becomes ... would you live?"

Review: Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury

Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury

Holden Harris is an autistic eighteen-year-old who is bullied at school. Laura Reynolds is the head cheerleader who befriends Holden but has problems of her own at home. In her trademark way, Kingsbury tackles real-life issues of high school bullying, autism, adultery, and ultimately ... acceptance.

Published in US: Dec 2010
Source: library

My review:
   This is such a powerful and emotional read! It had me crying (both happy and sad for characters) at several points. Ms. Kingsbury really nailed using multiple perspectives, giving us a full story and picture of autism, God's power, healing and the power of music.
   This is christian fiction at its best... I was so wrapped up in the character's lives and voices, pulling for a miracle, and soaking up the message that God can change, He can be there for those who love him, ask of him and trust him to work.
   Bullying and suicide are also addressed, but she handles it well, and it didn't feel like she was stretching to include it in the story, it really matched up well, and evoked emotion from me.
   I'm glad that I picked this up! I don't know why I've waited so long to read it.

Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.
As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

Published in US: Dec 2010
Source: Library
My Review:
   I know that nearly everyone has read and reviewed this book for me, but I am just getting off of the sweeping tour of Paris, and the anticipation rush from Anna and St Clair (I'll call him that not because I didn't feel effection for him, but because I'm not the fondest of E name.)
   I've seen so many positive reviews, I tried to wipe my slate clean before reading so that I could just enjoy (or not) the story before me. And enjoy it I did. It was a fast, fun, and romantic story that surprised me with the emotional depth at times. There aren't just cute and fun issues here, there are some hard ones--sickness, barriers to friendship, and just raw emotions from events playing out.
   I do sympathize with St Clair's reasonings behind Ellie, but I still have to say that it still didn't sit right with me. Sure, she's not there and his feelings for Anna are strong, but why drag it on? It would've been hard as a girl seeing it from Ellie's eyes, but I think that would've been the right thing to do.... I guess I just had to mention that because that's the one thing in the book that still nags at me.
   That is not to say that I thought negatively of the book, I loved it. Anna grows and learns so much, and she has a great (and wonderfully written) group of friends, and the tension between her and St Clair kept me on the edge of my seat.
I'd love to hear what you think of my review and/or the book.

Review: Plague by Michael Grant

Plague by Michael Grant

It's been eight months since all the adults disappeared. GONE. They've survived hunger. They've survived lies. But the stakes keep rising, and the dystopian horror keeps building. Yet despite the simmering unrest left behind by so many battles, power struggles, and angry divides, there is a momentary calm in Perdido Beach. But enemies in the FAYZ don't just fade away, and in the quiet, deadly things are stirring, mutating, and finding their way free. The Darkness has found its way into the mind of its Nemesis at last and is controlling it through a haze of delirium and confusion. A highly contagious, fatal illness spreads at an alarming rate. Sinister, predatory insects terrorize Perdido Beach. And Sam, Astrid, Diana, and Caine are plagued by a growing doubt that they'll escape - or even survive - life in the FAYZ. With so much turmoil surrounding them, what desperate choices will they make when it comes to saving themselves and those they love? Plague, Michale Grant's fourth book in the bestselling Gone series, will satisfy dystopian fans of all ages.

Published Apr 2011 in US
4th in Gone series, Fear comes out Apr 2012
Source: library

My Review:
   This is another great installment in the Gone series. I enjoyed this one as much as the others, and Grant has an amazing thing going on here. It didn't feel like an in between or filler, it felt very much like he has a plot, and these kids have a story to tell.
  I wasn't expecting a lot of the twists that came up in here, and I don't know how it's going to effect the story overall, but I know that I can't wait to find out.                      
I'd love to hear what you think of my review and/or this book!                                                                                                              

Giveaway of Unveiled and Top Book Picks from Trisha Wolfe

Unveiled by Trisha Wolfe

Amongst the wasteland lies the gleaming city of Karm. A Camelot-esque utopia built from the ashes of a dying world.
Seventeen-year-old Fallon is no daughter of Karm.
She's its assassin.
Raised by a secret society of rebels, she's bent on bringing down the king's sham of an existence. But her first mark, one of the king's top knights of the Force, makes her question everything. Even her heart.

Here's Trisha's Top Ten Book Picks:
Girl of Fire and Thorns
Daughter of Smoke and bone
On a Dark Wing
Brightest Kind of Darkness
Eve
the Near Witch
The Iron Knight
Indelible
Carrier of the Mark
Shattered Souls


Sounds like I need to add some books to my TBR! 
Thanks Trisha, and good luck on upcoming release of Destiny's Fire!
Here's how you can win Unveiled:

Favorites of 2011

It's another fun Mini Challenge!!! This Mini Challenge is all about the books you read this year!!!

Challenge: Write up a blog post telling me the top 5 books you read in 2011 that you loved! That were your favorite! 

Make sure to link up on Princess Bookie's blog to be entered to win!

My faves:

Amber Frost, here's my review

 Haven by Cook, here's my review

 Wither by Destefano, here's my review

 Accused by Kate Kaynak, my review

 Half Blood by Jennifter Armentrout, my review

These are ones on my read list on goodreads (I didn't set all my dates so I may have missed/forgotten something)