Book Reveiw: Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Title: Wither

Author: Lauren DeStefano

Series: #1 in the Chemical Garden Trilogy

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Released: March 22, 2011

Website: http://www.laurendestefano.com/

Book Summary:

By age sixteen, Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. She can thank modern science for this genetic time bomb. A botched effort to create a perfect race has left all males with a lifespan of 25 years, and females with a lifespan of 20 years. Geneticists are seeking a miracle antidote to restore the human race, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and young girls are being kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children. When Rhine is kidnapped and sold as a bride, she vows to do all she can to escape. Her husband, Linden, is hopelessly in love with her, and Rhine can’t bring herself to hate him as much as she’d like to. He opens her to a magical world of wealth and illusion she never thought existed, and it almost makes it possible to ignore the clock ticking away her short life. But Rhine quickly learns that not everything in her new husband’s strange world is what it seems. Her father-in-law, an eccentric doctor bent on finding the antidote, is hoarding corpses in the basement. Her fellow sister wives are to be trusted one day and feared the next, and Rhine is desperate to communicate to her twin brother that she is safe and alive. Will Rhine be able to escape--before her time runs out?

Together with one of Linden's servants, Gabriel, Rhine attempts to escape just before her seventeenth birthday. But in a world that continues to spiral into anarchy, is there any hope for freedom?

It's interesting trying to write a review on a book I read nearly 6 months ago. Often 6 months after reading a book I can't remember many details or confuse it with other books. I will say one thing about this book portions of it were unforgettable.

Wither was a good book, I didn't love it but I did like it. It was a very original story so if you are looking for something different in the YA dystopian genre try this one. There were portions of it that bothered me while reading, specifically the issue of being forced in to a polygamous marriage and a few of the discussions between the three wives. There were characters I loathed, others I felt sorry for and a couple I really liked.

Wither does have a great ending and I will read the sequel.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good book

Content: Lots of things are discussed but nothing is graphic.  For older teens.

Source: Audible download

Book Review: Crispin - The Cross of Lead by Avi

Title: Crispin - The Cross of Lead
Author: Avi
Series: Book 1 of 3
Publisher: Hyperion
Released: May 3, 2004
Website: http://www.avi-writer.com/


Book Summary:

"Asta's Son" is all he's ever been called. The lack of a name is appropriate, because he and his mother are but poor peasants in 14th century medieval England. But this thirteen-year-old boy who thought he had little to lose soon finds himself with even less - no home, no family, or possessions. Accused of a crime he did not commit, he may be killed on sight, by anyone. If he wishes to remain alive, he must flee his tiny village. All the boy takes with him is a newly revealed name - Crispin - and his mother's cross of lead.

One of my good friends recommended this series to me and I was in the mood for a change of pace in what I was reading so I gave it a try.  I thought this was well done middle grade historical fiction.  I've read several other books by Avi and enjoy his writing.  I felt like I learned a few things and was entertained along the way.

Overall a good book I would recommend to those who enjoy Historical Fiction.

Content: Clean Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book Source: Library

Book Review: Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey

Title: Jekel Loves Hyde
Author: Beth Fantaskey
Series: None
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Released: May 3,2010
Website: http://bethfantaskey.com/


Book Summary:

Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents rules; especially the one about never opening the mysterious, old box in her father's office. But when her dad is murdered, and her college savings disappear, she's tempted to peek inside, as the contents might be the key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship.

To improve her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize, but to save Tristen's sanity. Maybe his life. But Jill's accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and compels her to risk everything, even Tristen's love just for the thrill of being . . . bad.

I'd read some mixed reviews on Jekel Loves Hyde but I'd really enjoyed Beth Fantaskey's book Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side so I decided I'd give this one a try.

Jekel Loves Hyde was very different from Jessica Rules. If you are looking for more of the snarky, arrogant, irresistible Lucius found in Jessica Rules you'll be disappointed. Tristen is a completely different type of guy. If you don't expect him to be like Lucius and give him a chance you'll probably end up pleased with him.

I think Beth is a great writer.  Her stories keep my attention and are enjoyable to read.  There were twists and turns that I didn't see coming and I flew through this book in a couple of sittings.  It contains a good mix of romance, adventure and mystery.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book!

Content: Some language including a half dozen uses of the F word, talk of sex, some crude comments.

Source: Library

Book Review: Variant by Robison Wells

Title: Variant
Author: Robison Wells
Series: Variant Book #1
Publisher: HarperTeen
Released: September 26, 2011
Website: http://www.robisonwells.com/


Book Summary

Benson Fisher thought that a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life.
He was wrong.
Now he's trapped in a school that's surrounded by a razor-wire fence. A school where video cameras monitor his every move. Where there are no adults. Where the kids have split into groups in order to survive.
Where breaking the rules equals death.
But when Benson stumbles upon the school's real secret, he realizes that playing by the rules could spell a fate worse than death, and that escape--his only real hope for survival--may be impossible.

I really liked the first half of this book. It reminded me of The Maze Runner which I really enjoyed. It's a unique read that would appeal to a wide audience including teenage boys. The second half of the book was good but took some really bizarre turns.

I can usually figure out where a book is going but was completely wrong with this one. It was completely unpredictable. The cover says Trust No One on it but I didn't realize how literally I should have taken that warning. It was full of twists and turns I didn't see coming. It made for an interesting read although it was almost a little too far fetched to be completely believable.

I'll be picking up the sequel Feedback which will be released in October just to see where the author heads next after the cliffhanger ending this book had.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book

Content: a couple mild swear words

Source: Library

Book Review: The International Kissing Club by Ivy Adams

Title: The International Kissing Club
Author: Ivy Adams  (Emily McKay, Shellee Roberts and Tracy Deebs write under the pseudonym Ivy Adams)
Series: None

Publisher: Walker Childrens

Released: January 3, 2012

Website: http://theinternationalkissingclub.com/

Book Summary:

The International Kissing Club by Ivy Adams is the story of four best friends: Piper, Cassidy, Mei, and Izzy--the misfits of Paris, Texas. Their whole lives, they’ve dreamed of escaping small-town life and seeing the world. So when Piper is the victim of an embarrassing prank that goes viral online, she gets the idea that the girls should escape via the school’s international exchange program, in search of fun, love and internet redemption.

It took me forever to get into this book.  I just didn't care about the characters or the story line for the first half of the book.  It took me a couple weeks to get through the first half because it just didn't hold my interest.    Once I hit he half way point I finished up the second half really quickly.

Kissing for points is just not a concept that works for me and the whole premise just seemed shallow to me. The book did have some funny parts and by the time I got half way through I wanted to know how it all turned out for these four girls and the boys they had fallen for.

In the end I'd say this was a good book, I didn't love it but I don't regret taking the time to read it.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book

Content: language, innuendo, talk of sex

Source: Review Copy

Book Review: Outside In by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Outside In
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Series: #2 of 2 Insiders Series
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: March 1, 2011
Website: http://mariavsnyder.com/

Book Summary:

Me? A Leader? Okay, I did prove that there's more to Inside than we knew. That a whole world exists beyond this cube we live in. And finding that led to a major rebellion - between worker scrubs like me and the snobby uppers who rule our world. Make that ruled. Because of me, we're free. I thought that meant I was off the hook, and could go off on my own again - while still touching base with Riley, of course. He's the one upper I think I can trust. But then we learned that there's outside and then there is Outside. And something from Outside wants In.

I wouldn't go so far as to say I was disappointed with this sequel because I did like it.  I just didn't love it like I hoped I would.  Being such a fan of Maria's Study Series I had high expectations for this book and this sequel didn't quite live up to those high expectations.

Outside In was full of action and adventure and plot twists.  There was a lot going on in this story but I finished the book not really understanding exactly how everything had played out.  It seemed like there could have been a little less going on and little more detail and back story filled in.  The first book Inside Out was a clean read while Outside In had content I wish wasn't included.

I did like watching Trella grow and change especially in her relationship with her mother and Riley.  She makes some stupid decisions at times but learns from her mistakes.  I did like this book and don't regret reading it.

I'm going to start on Maria's Glass & Healer series soon to see if they better capture the magic I felt while reading the Study Series.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book

Content: Some language and sexual content, no sex scene but clothes were off

Source: Download from Audible.com

Also by Maria V. Snyder:


Inside Out - Book #1 in the Insiders Series


Study Series (One of my favorites - although this is adult not YA)


Glass Series


Touch of Power

Book Review: The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen

Title: The Fine Art of Truth or Dare
Author: Melissa Jensen
Series: None
Publisher: Speak
Released: February 16, 2012
Website: http://www.melissajensen.com/

Book Summary:

Pretty in Pink meets Anna and the French Kiss in this charming romantic comedy.

Ella is nearly invisible at the Willing School, and that's just fine by her. She's got her friends - the fabulous Frankie and their sweet cohort Sadie. She's got her art - and her idol, the unappreciated 19th-century painter Edward Willing. Still, it's hard being a nobody and having a crush on the biggest somebody in the school: Alex Bainbridge. Especially when he is your French tutor, and lessons have started becoming, well, certainly more interesting than French ever has been before. But can the invisible girl actually end up with a happily ever after with the golden boy, when no one even knows they're dating? And is Ella going to dare to be that girl?

I loved the way this book was written, it was quite witty. It starts off with Ella sharing her undying love for Edward Willing. The only problem with this is that he died...long ago, as in years before Ella was even born. Through the course of the book she has many an interesting conversations with her idol Edward. If only she could find someone alive who could live up to Edward. Of course there is always her crush Alex Bainbridge, but he's a "Philitte" who will likely never notice her.

Ella and her friends Sadie & Frankie attended Willing School where they are at the bottom of the social ladder. Sadie has money but has a less than perfect body, Frankie is gay and Ella is a scholarship student with a scarred body. This leaves the three of them nearly invisible among the many elite students (Philittes) who attend Willing. At least they have each other and their close friendship with many a game of Truth or Dare.

When Alex is assigned to be Ella's French tutor Ella finally has a chance to be noticed by Alex.

I loved the first couple chapters but then found it really slow going for a while. It picked up again by mid book and I enjoyed the story.  I ended up really liking many of the characters: Sadie, Ella & especially Alex.  I liked Frankie too but I just don't enjoy reading about same-sex relationships and was a little turned off by how often his relationships were mentioned.

Full of many great quotes and laughs I'm sure this will be a hit with those who enjoy contemporary young adult literature.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book

Content: a little language include 1 use of the f word, one of the main characters is gay so there many conversations about who he was dating/liked, one of the characters makes crude comments to and about Ella, a scene where a shirt is removed but done to show a scar, etc.

Source: ARC Tours set up by The Teen Book Scene

Also by Melissa Jensen:

Book Review: Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Title: Wolfsbane
Author: Andrea Cremer
Series: Book #2 of 3
Publisher: Philomel/Penguin
Released: July 26, 2011
Author's Website: http://www.andreacremer.com/

Book Summary:

When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer, one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack and the man she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

Wolfsbane picks up right where Nightshade left off.  In this book we are introduced to a whole new cast of characters and we learn a lot more about the mythology/lore of the Searchers, Keepers & Guardians.  I let myself enjoy the story and get lost in this world although there were a few things that seemed to come just a little to easily to be believable to me.  I guess that's the nice things about fantasy novels - the world the author creates can play by its own rules.

The love triangle is still in full swing as Calla can't seem to make a decision and stick to it.  Although I predict she'll end up with Shay eventually I'm not actually rooting for either Ren or Shay after this story, they both did things that irritated me.  After redeeming himself at the end of Nightshade I really thought Ren might make a comeback in this story but found myself disappointed with his actions. Shay took a backseat on the adventures in this book and didn't play nearly the part I thought he would.  Although once again Calla has made a decision I think we'll see more waffling in Bloodrose.

I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a great job.  Although the book held my interest throughout I was a little put off by some of the content.  As a parent I don't like it when young adult books have sex scenes in them, it makes me uncomfortable. Yes I understand in the real world things go on but I'm much more of a fade to black and keep it behind closed doors type of a reader.  In my opinion this book is much more adult than young adult. This one didn't have the sexual desire and tension dripping from every page like Nightshade did but what content was there was much more intense than the first book.

I will finish out this series sometime soon because I am interested to see how things play out.  It won't go down as my favorite series but it has been an imaginative, fast paced story that I've enjoyed reading.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book

Content: Having read the first book in the series this I was expecting content in this one. Wolfsbane did not have as many instance of sexual tension, desire, innuendo, etc. as Nightshade had, but what was there was more graphic than the first book including two scenes with way too much detail for a young adult book.  My teens won't be reading this one.

Source: Download from Audible.com



The Nightshade Series:


Rift: Prequel to Nightshade


Novellas:


Shadow Days: HERE

Book Review: Independence Rock by Debra Terry Hulet

Title: Independence Rock
Author: Debra Terry Hulet
Series: None
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Release Date: February 8, 2011
Author's Website: http://debraterryhulet.com/


Book Summary:

Katie McBride seems locked into a life of failure. First her father abandons her, and then she is abused by her alcoholic mother. Katie’s path begins to look very much like that of her parents, and she sees no way out – until she is sentenced by a juvenile court judge to a difficult, two-week handcart trek.

Over one hundred and fifty years earlier, Katie’s pioneer ancestor Katherine faces great hardships as she travels West with a wagon train. A young, widowed mother, she keeps a journal along the trail, and Katie reads it as she completes her sentencing.

At Independence Rock, Katie’s and Katherine’s paths and divine intervention meet. Katie is discouraged, though, and decides that it is too late for her to change. She must be willing to believe in herself if she is wants to stop the downward generational spiral that has plagued her family.

Independence Rock is two stories in one. The chapters jump from a present day pioneer trek reenactment back to the real Trek from the 1800s. The stories are link through a journal that was kept by Katherine McBride as she journeyed west. Her descendant Katie McBride is part of the reenactment and is unknowingly traveling the same road as her ancestor. Through the journey both work to overcome the challenges their lives have brought them.

This was a good read that was worth my time. Recommended to those who enjoy LDS young adult fiction or stories of pioneers.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book

Content: Clean

Source: From Publisher from Review

Book Review: Just Your Average Princess by Kristina Springer

Title: Just Your Average Princess
Author: Kristina Springer
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Release Date: October 11, 2011

Jamie Edwards has loved everything about growing up on a pumpkin patch, but ever since her cousin Milan Woods arrived, things have really stunk. Jamie can’t imagine it was easy for Milan to leave her life back in Los Angeles and move to Average, Illinois, population one thousand. But it’s kind of hard to feel sorry for her since (a) Milan’s drop-dead gorgeous; (b) she’s the daughter of two of Hollywood’s hottest film stars; (c) she’s captured the attention of everyone in town, including Danny, Jamie’s crush since forever; and (d) she’s about to steal the title of Pumpkin Princess right out from underneath Jamie!

Just Your Average Princess is a quick, light, fun read. I enjoyed it but it was predictable. Other than a the fun pumpkin farm setting there was not much original about this story. Sometimes this is just the kind of book I'm in the mood for, an easy to read book I can finish in one sitting that brings a smile to my face.

I loved the Pumpkin Patch setting.  We have a pumpkin patch that does a lot of fun things at Halloween but nothing the likes of the Pumpkin Patch in this book.

More a "tween" read than teen read, this book is clean and I'd have no issue with my 11 year old daughter reading it.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Content: Clean

Source: ARC Tour



For all the tour stops please visit The Teen Book Scene:
 http://theteenbookscene.weebly.com/just-your-average-princess-tour-details.html

Book Review: What Are You Thinking by Valerie Ackley

Title: What Are You Thinking?
Author: Valerie Ackley
Publisher: Brigham Distributing
Release Date: August 2, 2010

Our thoughts, be it positive or negative, determine who we are and what we become. That is why helping our children understand the power of thoughts from an early age is essential.
Studies show that children with negative thoughts are more likely to give up; they lack confidence and motivation. On the other hand, children who think positively take on their life, they overcome challenges, they are more enthusiastic, and driven. Author, Valerie Ackley, illustrates the power of our thoughts in the award winning book, What Are You Thinking? This book introduces children to the Law of Attraction. Beautifully illustrated with fun characters and humorous situations, this amazing creation teaches the power of the mind and the importance of wisely selecting our dominant thoughts.
“What Are You Thinking?” will inspire creativity, confidence, goal setting, gratitude, and HOW to turn a bad day around! Parents can use this book as a spring board to discuss healthy vs. unhealthy “thinking habits” with their children.

What are you thinking is a great way to introduce the idea of The Law of Attraction to children.  Having positive thoughts and focusing on the good will bring happiness and joy in life.  I'm one who has always had a "Pollyanna" outlook - If you look for the good you will find it so I appreciate the message this book has.  I choose to view life through rose colored glasses.

The pictures are bright, bold and busy.  There is a lot going on in the pages of this book.  My daughter sat and listened as I read this and seemed to grasp the concepts being taught.

Source: From author via Mediaguests.net

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book




You can read more about Valerie Ackley and her book, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING? by visiting her website at www.whatareyouthinkingbook.com.



For all the tour stops please visit: http://mediaguests.net/online-tours/what-are-you-thinking/

Book Review: Crossroads by Mary Ting

Title: Crossroads
Author: Mary Ting
Series: 1st in a Series
Released: July 29, 2011 (First published April 6, 2011)
Publisher: World Castle
Tags: Angels, Young Adult, Fantasy

On the same night of her friend’s tragic death, Claudia Emerson encounters another world, Crossroads, through her dream. There, she learns about a mix breed of angels and humans, who possess supernatural powers. Among those with these powers, lies evil, known as the fallen. Mystified by her ability to enter this place called Crossroads, certain that the fallen will be after her, she is assigned a guardian angel named Michael. Aden, the fallen leader, is convinced that Claudia holds the key to help destroy Crossroads. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed, about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most.

Currently there are a wide variety of young adult books that deal with angels... I've read a lot of them. Crossroads is a welcome addition, especially for those looking for a different, unique twist on fallen angel/guardian angel mythology.

There are a few details in the story line I wish had been explained more clearly, but overall I was satisfied. The writing is descriptive and believable and the characters were well developed and likable.  There was enough mystery to keep my interest and bring me back to the story, but it was a book I could put down. Crossroads is first in a series and wrapped up nicely, at least without the Epilogue. If you stop reading before the epilogue this could be a stand alone.

Overall Crossroads is fairly clean. There is quite a bit of romance and kissing that takes place including one scene where Claudia inexplicably ends up without a shirt on.

If you love this genre give this one a try, it's received some great reviews on goodreads.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book

Source: From Author for Review

Content: no language or sex but has a passionate kissing scene with the main character in just a bra.

Have you read Crossroads? What did you think? If you have posted a review on your blog or website please feel free to link it up.

Book Review: Torment by Lauren Kate

Hell on earth.
That’s what it’s like for Luce to be apart from her fallen angel boyfriend, Daniel.
It took them an eternity to find one another, but now he has told her he must go away. Just long enough to hunt down the Outcasts—immortals who want to kill Luce. Daniel hides Luce at Shoreline, a school on the rocky California coast with unusually gifted students: Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans.
At Shoreline, Luce learns what the Shadows are, and how she can use them as windows to her previous lives. Yet the more Luce learns, the more she suspects that Daniel hasn’t told her everything. He’s hiding something—something dangerous.
What if Daniel’s version of the past isn’t actually true? What if Luce is really meant to be with someone else?
The second novel in the addictive FALLEN series . . . where love never dies.

Grrr... I thought this series was a trilogy. The 3rd book is out so I figured it was time to read book 2 so I could finish the series and cross it off my list. I finished this book and went to start book 3 only to find out this isn't a trilogy... There will be a 4th book. So now I'm wishing I had waited until next year to read this book and will wait to read Passion until the 4th book Rapture is released.  The book does end on a cliffhanger but it wasn't a cliffhanger that left me frustrated, more of a set up for the next book.

Given a choice on what to read this falls into my favorite genre. I admit that I really do enjoy young adult paranormal books. My biggest problem is I have read so many of these books that I forget which story line fits into which series and confuse many of the characters and forget details about them.

I've read mixed reviews on the Fallen series, some people love it and others don't. Personally I'm enjoying it. I admit it's not my favorite series - it moves quite slowly at times but managed to keep my interest throughout. I did enjoy the second book more than I did the first. If this is genre you enjoy than you should read this series too. If you enjoy books like Twilight, Mortal Instruments, Hush Hush, Hex Hall, Iron Fey, Wolves of Mercy Falls, Wings, Paranormalcy, Wondrous Strange, 13 to Life, etc. then give this series a try. Personally I've read and enjoyed ALL the above mentioned young adult series so you can tell I'm not too hard to please when it comes to this genre. If you don't love this kind of book than this probably isn't for you.

Content: some language scattered throughout, some innuendo and talk of sex and desire but nothing graphic or implied.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book

Source: Download from Audible.com

Torment was released by Delacorte Books for Young Readers on September 28, 2010.

Blog Tour: Book Review - Stanley Seagull by Cathy Mazur

Meet a young seagull named Stanley. Follow him as he wanders far from home and tries to find his way back. Join Stanley on his journey as he learns how humans affect the balance of nature.

Stanley Seagull is a children's picture book that could be used to teach several concepts. Filled with colorful illustrations, this book could be a springboard for a discussion on listening, conservation, healthy eating, consequences or not giving up.  Most of us can probably easily relate to Stanley's predicament and have likewise found ourselves in a bad situation because we didn't listen or pay attention to what was going on around us.  Hopefully like Stanley we don't give up but instead keep searching until we find our way out.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book

Source: From Publisher for Review

Stanley Seagull web site:
http://www.StanleySeagull.com

Stanley Seagull YouTube video book trailer:


Stanely Seagull was released on June 27, 2011 by TB Press.

Book Review: A Kid's Guide to Being a Winner by C.D. Shelton

A Kid's Guide to Being a Winner by C.D. Shelton:

A Kid's Guide to being a Winner is an easy-to-read book for kids who are in need of that little "Extra" spark of understanding. A Kid's Guide to being a Winner is a book for young people on the Values of being responsible, being thoughtful, being respectful, having a positive mental attitude and having gratitude. A Kid's guide to being a Winner is about timeless and fundamental principles, which are essential to SUCCESS. A Kid's Guide to being a Winner includes steps that are simple, yet the results are POWERFUL.

A Kid's Guide to Being A Winner is a book that would useful to help reinforce positive character traits in our children.  In this book the author focuses on helping kids make the choice to be a "winner" by being responsible, thoughtful, respectful, having gratitude and a positive mental attitude.  Simple black and white illustrations reinforce the simple concepts that even younger children could grasp.  This quick easy read may be just what you are looking for to help motivate your student or child.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book

Source: From Author for Review

A Kid's Guide to Being a Winner was released by Choice PH on June 25, 2011.

Blog Tour: Book Review & Giveaway - Double Deceit by Stephanie Humphreys

Someone is watching . . .

As a young widow, all Elaina Bryant wants is a fresh start. Determined to put ten painful years behind her, she returns to her hometown and moves in with her sister, Natalie. Elaina soon accepts a job working at a small bookstore owned by the handsome Ryan Hill and his mother. Despite her reluctance to become romantically involved with anyone, she is drawn to Ryan and finds herself falling in love.

But someone isn’t happy with Elaina’s new life and is watching her every move. Her tormenter seems determined to destroy her sanity and her future, but Elaina can’t convince anyone the threat is real. Natalie is preoccupied with her own blossoming romance, and their friend Peter, a police officer, seems to believe the threat has been manufactured in Elaina’s own mind as a result of her guilt and grief.

Now Elaina’s plans for a new start are crashing down around her. She knows she will have to find the answers before she can overcome the past and enjoy love and happiness again. But how can she protect those she loves when she doesn’t know whom to trust?

Double Deceit kept me turning the pages until the end to find out who was stalking Elaina.  Stephanie's writing made the scenes that were unfolding easy to picture in my mind and I could relate to her characters.

With a title like Double Deceit I started looking for clues early on as to who was being deceived and who was the deceiver. About half way through the book I told my husband I was really enjoying it and had to keep reading to the end but I was fairly sure of the outcome. However I did have a few doubts, at least enough to keep me turning the pages.  I love to be surprised but in this case there were no surprises for me. I had guessed exactly where the story was going and it played out just like I thought it would. Even with having figured out the story line Double Deceit was still a book I enjoyed and would recommend to those who enjoy clean, romantic mysteries.

Content: Clean

Rating: 3.5 Stars - A Good Book

Source: From Author for Review

Be sure to stop by Stephanie Humphrey's site to enter her Double Deceit Blog Tour Contest which includes your chance to win prizes including an amazon.com gift card.

Blog Tour Stops

August 15 - Maria Hoagland 

August 16 - Heather Gardner  

August 17 - Rachelle Christensen
August 18 - Jane Still
August 19 - Deborah Davis
August 22 - Renae Mackley
August 23 -  Cindy Hogan
August 24 - Matthew Tandy 

August 25 - Taffy Lovell
August 26 - Inspired Kathy
August 29 - Don Carey
August 30 - Teri Rodeman  
August 31 - Cathy Witbeck
Sept. 1 - Shelly Seele 

Sept. 2 - Tristi Pinkston

Giveaway Details:

My once read review copy of Double Deceit
Open to US only
Ends 9/21/11

To enter just leave a comment on this post.

Book Review: Honestly Red Riding Hood Was Rotten by Tricia Speed Shaskan

OF COURSE you think I did a horrible thing by eating Little Red Riding Hood and her granny. You don't know the other side of the story. Well, let me tell you...

The Big Bad Wolf is trying so hard to be good.  He is after all a vegetarian and tries hard to resist meat.  He much prefers apples but when red riding hood shows up looking as plump and juicy as a big red apple what is a hungry wolf to do?

I enjoy fairy tale retelling and although this wasn't my favorite it was a fun read.  The pictures are adorable.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Source: Netgalley

Honestly Red Riding Hood Was Rotten by Tricia Speed Shaskan was released on August 1, 2011 by Picture Window Books

52 Ways to Wow Your Husband by Pam Farrel

With the same candor and creativity that made Men Are Life Waffles-Women Are Like Spaghetti (more than 270,000 copies sold) a bestseller, author Pam Farrel gives wives 52 ways to wow their husbands and add spark to their marriages. Pam delivers humor in her fun woman-to-woman style through inspirational stories, godly advice, and easy-to-read offerings that include:
wow assignments: simple ways to support, love, and encourage husbands
wow wisdom: Bible verses and wisdom to help women cover their spouse with prayer
wow dates: creative ideas for everything from shared meals to weekend getaways
Newlyweds, married with kids, or empty nesters will appreciate these ideas crafted for the busy life. A woman can try one idea a week for a year or take on a few at a time to deepen her spiritual, emotional, and physical bond with her loved one.

The title of this book scared me a little bit. I'm conservative and wasn't sure what would be involved in "wowing" my husband. The only reason I considered reviewing this book was because it was by a Christian Publisher. Although the author has no qualms about talking about the importance of sex, sex is not the main focus of this book.

This book has 52 creative date ideas and suggestions to build a stronger relationship.  Although not all of them were ideas that fit me there were some really great suggestions I'm planning to try.  The chapters are short which made this a really quick read.  With as crazy as my life has been this book helped me remember that despite all the trials and stresses of life with 5 kids I need to remember to take time for my marriage and put my husband first.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Source: Netgalley

Content: Clean - but obviously aimed at married women.

52 Ways to Wow Your Husband by Pam Farrel was released August 1, 2011 by Harvest House Publishers.

Book Review: The Rose and the Lily by Susan Ross

Prince Sterling wishes to marry beautiful Princess Rose. Princess Rose wishes to own a beautiful hairpin. The pampered princess agrees to the marriage if Prince Sterling finds her the "perfect" present. Join Prince Sterling on his quest for the ideal hairpin for the prickly and hilariously horrid Princess Rose. Is beauty more important than character or is it only skin deep? Find out as Prince Sterling encounters miners mining for diamonds, a woodland fairy riding her pet peacock, a dragon with rainbow-coloured scales and Lily, a kind-hearted, plain peasant girl who lives in a cosy little cottage with a menagerie of animals. 

I received this picture book back in January and here it is six months later and I'm finally getting around to reviewing it. This book disappeared for quite a while and I finally found it in my daughter's bedroom.

Fairy tales and princesses are a big thing here in my house so this was a hit with my 5 year old. As a parent I really appreciate books that teach a lesson while being entertaining and this book fit that bill. Even at the age of 5 my daughter picked up on the fact that beauty is only skin deep and said she would rather be friends with the plain but kind peasant instead of the beautiful but unkind princess.

This was an enjoyable read that we have read more than once.  It's a little long for a quick bedtime read so I attempted to abridge it on our last read.  My daughter was not happy that I had not read her all the words.

Source: From author for review

Rating: 3.5 Stars - A Good Book!

Blog Tour: Book Review - Don't Stop Now by Julie Halpern

On the first day of Lillian’s summer-before-college, she gets a message on her cell from her sort-of friend, Penny. Not only has Penny faked her own kidnapping, but Lil is the only one who figures it out. She knows that Penny’s home life has been rough, and that her boyfriend may be abusive. Soon, Penny’s family, the local police, and even the FBI are grilling Lil, and she decides to head out to Oregon, where Penny has mentioned an acquaintance. And who better to road-trip across the country with than Lil’s BFF, Josh. But here’s the thing: Lil loves Josh. And Josh doesn’t want to “ruin” their amazing friendship.

Josh has a car and his dad’s credit card. Lil has her cellphone and a hunch about where Penny is hiding. There’s something else she needs to find: Are she and Josh meant to be together?

After my senior year I took the "road trip" that Lil & Josh took so this was fun to read.  (Although my trip was with family and lasted full 7 weeks).  As they described the places they were visiting I kept thinking - been there, done that!

Don't Stop Now was a fun, quick read that I really enjoyed.  I liked the characters and found myself thinking about them when I was done reading.  With as crazy as my life has been it's been hard to find the desire or time to read, but this book hooked me and I want to know how the story ended so I spent a morning reading it.

My only complaint is that the ending was just too easy.  I'm a believer in fate and coincidence but I couldn't really buy how easily things all worked out - I've been to Portland and it's a big city - it just didn't seem plausible to me.  That said it was a fun enough read that I let myself suspend my disbelief enough to enjoy the ride.

Rating - 3.5 Stars - Good Book

Content - language especially at the start of the book, implied teen sex but no details, abuse but again no details

Source - From author for review as part of The Teen Book Scene Blog Tour

For all the tour stops please visit The Teen Book Scene