Book Review: Wrong Number by Rachelle Christensen

Title: Wrong Number

Author: Rachelle J. Christensen

Series: No but one of the characters is in Rachelle's next book Caller I.D. 

Publisher: Bonneville Books

Released: March 1, 2010

Website:  http://www.rachellechristensen.com/ 

Book Summary:

One mysterious phone call that's all it takes to turn Aubree's perfect life completely upside down. Without warning, the seams of her idyllic existence begin to unravel, and with each new shocking revelation, Aubree finds she knows far more than is good for her. With help from the FBI, Aubree races to protect herself and what's left of her family. The only thing she forgets to protect is her own heart.
This award-winning debut novel from Rachelle Christensen is impossible to put down and keeps you guessing with every page you turn. It's a chillingly good read that will have you jumping whenever the phone rings.

I guess I'm more of a fan of mystery/suspense novels than I first thought.  When I finished reading Rachelle's book Caller I.D. I headed to the library to get a copy of her first book Wrong Number.  Although not really a series there is one character who crosses over from Wrong Number into Caller I.D.

Wrong Number was full of twists, turns and suspense with a little romance mixed in.  It was one of those quick-easy reads that held my interest and I easily finished in one day.

Recommend to those who enjoy clean suspense/mystery novels (with a sprinkling of romance thrown in).

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Clean

Source: From Library

Book Review: The Cinderella Project by Stan Crowe

Title: The Cinderella Project
Author: Stan Crowe
Publisher: Breezy Reads
Released: August 30, 2012
Series: Stand Alone
Website: http://www.breezyreads.com/

Book Summary:

Committed to saving his marriage before it starts, doctoral student Nick Cairn embarks on a project aimed at finding the secrets of everlasting love. But when Moire DeLanthe, a smart and sassy research assistant, enters the picture, his Happily Ever After is put to the ultimate test.

I really enjoyed an author interview Stan Crowe did so I requested a review copy of this book.

The Cinderella Project is a cute, clean romance that made me smile.  Nick is a grad student trying to use science to figure out the secrets to love.  He is fully committed to making his relationship with his fiance Ella last forever.  While I had to admire his commitment to his relationship with Ella I found myself thinking some relationships just aren't meant to be.

I enjoyed being inside Nick's head as he struggled to figure out the path he should take. I loved the humor Moire brought to the story and she was by far my favorite character in the story. The storyline was somewhat predictable but this is a Cinderella Story so predictability is a good thing.

For those who enjoy clean adult romance give this one a try.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Clean

Source: Review copy from publisher

Book Review: Sisterhood of Strength by Diony George

Title: Sisterhood of Strength: True Stories of Miraculous Service
Author: Diony George
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Release Date: August 14, 2012
Website: http://diony-george.blogspot.com/

Book Summary:

Experience for yourself the pure love that inspires ordinary women to serve and accept service in a truly extraordinary manner. This inspiring collection of true stories from the lives of women just like you is told with heartwarming sincerity. Perfect for sharing, this remarkable book is sure to uplift, encourage, and cheer any woman, whether it’s her turn to serve or be served.

Sisterhood of Strength is a compilation of touching stories of sisters who serve each other.  You can pick it up and read just one story at a time or read through the whole thing in one sitting as I did.  Of the nearly three dozen stories in this book about half are by published LDS authors.

The stories are varied, some are accounts of acts by visiting teachers, other of service to neighbors, friends or family members.  A great reminder that sometimes it takes just a small act to make a huge impact in the lives of others.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Clean & Uplifting

Source: From Publisher for Review

Book Review: Thou Shalt Not Road Trip by Antony John

Title: Thou Shalt Not Road Trip 
Author: Antony John 
Series: None 
Publisher: Dial Books 
Released: April 12, 2012 
Website: http://antonyjohn.net/


Book Summary: 

Sixteen-year-old Luke Dorsey is sent on a cross-country tour to promote his bestselling spiritual self-help guide accompanied by his agnostic older brother and former girlfriend, Fran, from whom he learns some things about salvation.

It's been a full six months since I read an ARC of Thou Shalt Not. I didn't write a review at the time which is not the smartest thing to have done. However after six months I still remember the story line and characters from this book which is saying something.

 Antony John's last book, Five Flavors of Dumb, was a big hit with me so I was excited to have a chance to read an early ARC of Thou Shalt Not. I've been on a similar Road Trip when I graduated from High School. My trip was seven weeks long and took a little different path than the road trip in this book but our paths crossed many times along the way. It was fun to hear so many great places I visited years ago described.

There are some Christian undertones to this book which of course is no issue for me.  I found Thou Shalt Not to be well written and very entertaining.  Another great book from Antony John!

 

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: I didn't take any notes and I read this 6 months ago. I remember some language and innuendo. Sorry!

Source: The Teen Book Scene ARC Tour

For all the tour stops visit:

Book Review: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

Title: Born to Run
Author: Christopher McDougall
Series: None
Publisher: Knopf
Released: May 5, 2009
Website: http://www.chrismcdougall.com/


Book Summary:

Full of incredible characters, amazing athletic achievements, cutting-edge science, and, most of all, pure inspiration, Born to Run is an epic adventure that began with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt? In search of an answer, Christopher McDougall sets off to find a tribe of the world’s greatest distance runners and learn their secrets, and in the process shows us that everything we thought we knew about running is wrong.
Isolated by the most savage terrain in North America, the reclusive Tarahumara Indians of Mexico’s deadly Copper Canyons are custodians of a lost art. For centuries they have practiced techniques that allow them to run hundreds of miles without rest and chase down anything from a deer to an Olympic marathoner while enjoying every mile of it. Their superhuman talent is matched by uncanny health and serenity, leaving the Tarahumara immune to the diseases and strife that plague modern existence. With the help of Caballo Blanco, a mysterious loner who lives among the tribe, the author was able not only to uncover the secrets of the Tarahumara but also to find his own inner ultra-athlete, as he trained for the challenge of a lifetime: a fifty-mile race through the heart of Tarahumara country pitting the tribe against an odd band of Americans, including a star ultramarathoner, a beautiful young surfer, and a barefoot wonder.
With a sharp wit and wild exuberance, McDougall takes us from the high-tech science labs at Harvard to the sun-baked valleys and freezing peaks across North America, where ever-growing numbers of ultrarunners are pushing their bodies to the limit, and, finally, to the climactic race in the Copper Canyons. Born to Run is that rare book that will not only engage your mind but inspire your body when you realize that the secret to happiness is right at your feet, and that you, indeed all of us, were born to run.

I am not a runner. I would never have picked up this book on my own but it was this month's book club book. It delves into the world of barefoot and long distance racing. I found it fascinating. I've always hated to wear shoes and go barefoot whenever I can and I now feel justified.

Written like a memoir it was often hard to distinguish fact from opinion. I still found the world of these ultra runners to be intriguing.

The life of the Tarahumara is unlike anything I've heard of before. And ultrarunning...I'd heard of Iron Man races before but 100 miles in the desert? I actually googled the people and events chronicled in this book to learn more.

 How would you like to run 100 miles in these shoes?

You'll never convince me to run 100 mile race in the desert or even a marathon but you might just find me at the park running barefoot one day soon. At least I'm considering it after reading this book.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Language including the F word

Source: Library

Book Review: Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

Title: Best of Me
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Series: None
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Released: October 11, 2011
Website: http://nicholassparks.com/

Book Summary:

THE BEST OF ME is the heart-rending story of two small-town former high school sweethearts from opposite sides of the tracks. Now middle-aged, they've taken wildly divergent paths, but neither has lived the life they imagined . . . and neither can forget the passionate first love that forever altered their world. When they are both called back to their hometown for the funeral of the mentor who once gave them shelter, they will be forced to confront the choices each has made, and ask whether love can truly rewrite the past.

I'm a sucker for Nicholas Sparks. I've read EVERYTHING he has written and enjoyed all of it. I think he is a great writer. However if you haven't read a Nicholas Sparks book don't start with this one, it's not his best. Try A Walk to Remember, The Notebook or The Last Song as an introduction to his work. If you've read his books and enjoy them then read this one too.

Since I've read all of his books I was totally prepared for the emotional manipulation and classic Nicholas Sparks life is not always the happily ever after we may think it should be ending. Good thing I was prepared because he dished it out in droves in this one.  I thought Dawson Cole was a great character but I wasn't as taken with Amanda.  I'm a happily ever after ending person and the ending of this one was not the happily ever after I would have liked to have seen.  I saw it coming but still wish things could have somehow gone differently.

Sidenote: Prior to starting this one I had just finished reading Anna and the French Kiss. As Anna described the books her father writes I couldn't help but think of Nicholas Sparks.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Language, violence, implied sex and other mature content that wasn't overly graphic however this is definitely a book for "adults".

Source: Library

Book Review: Awakened by Ednah Walters

Title: Awakened
Author: Ednah Walter
Series: Guardian Legacy
Publisher: August 22, 2010
Released: Pill Hill Press
Website: http://www.ednahwalters.com/


Book Summary:

Most teens turn sixteen and get the license to drive, but Lil Falcon gets the license to kill demons. Orphaned as a child and raised by an eccentric grandfather, Lil is concerned with surviving high school and is unaware that she's a Guardian-a being with super powers charged with killing demons and protecting humanity. When she meets Bran, a mysterious boy with amazing abilities, his psi energy unlocks her latent powers. But Bran has a secret that can ruin their growing relationship, and the truth she discovers may destroy everything she believes in unless she finds the right balance between love and sacrifice.

When originally given the chance to review this book I turned it down. I took one look at this cover and dismissed the book. I really had no desire to read it thinking it was likely going to have content I'd find objectionable.

However over the past year or so I've had many interactions with author Ednah Walters. A recent plea for me to review the sequel to this book opened a line of discussion in which I was assured there wasn't anything really objectionable in this book so I agreed to read it.

They say don't judge a book by it's cover and for me that applies to Awakened. My initial judgement of this book based on the cover was far from accurate. Other than a couple mild swear words there wasn't anything objectionable in this book. In fact it was far cleaner than most of the young adult books I've read lately.

I found the mythology of the Xenithians and Hermonites to be both unique and intriguing. The glossary of terms, characters and lineage at the beginning of the book came in handy more than once as the story unfolded. I'd expected this book to be more romance than anything else but the romance was just a part of the story line.  This book was a fast paced good verses evil tale that was full of great characters and relationships. I will definitely be picking up the next book Betrayed.

Rating; 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Cleaner than most YA I've read lately- just a little mild language

Source: From Author for Review

Book Review: Stork by Wendy Delsol

Title: Stork
Author: Wendy Delsol
Series: Stork #1 of 3
Publisher: Candlewick
Released: October 12, 2010
Website: http://www.wendydelsol.com/

Book Summary:

Family secrets. Lost memories. And the arrival of an ancient magical ability that will reveal everything.

Sixteen-year-old Katla LeBlanc has just moved from Los Angeles to Minnesota. As if it weren’t enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, Katla soon finds out that she’s a Stork, a member of a mysterious order of women tasked with a very unique duty. But Katla’s biggest challenge may be finding her flock at a new school. Between being ignored by Wade, the arrogant jock she stupidly fooled around with, and constantly arguing with gorgeous farm boy and editor-in-chief Jack, Katla is relieved when her assignment as the school paper’s fashion columnist brings with it some much-needed friendship. But as Homecoming approaches, Katla uncovers a shocking secret about her past — a secret that binds her fate to Jack’s in a way neither could have ever anticipated. With a nod to Hans Christian Andersen and inspired by Norse lore, Wendy Delsol’s debut novel introduces a hip and witty heroine who finds herself tail-feathers deep in small-town life.

So this one gets point for originality. I've seen a lot of myths, lore, legends, and folktales tackled but have yet to read a book based on storks, you know the "where babies come from" kind of storks.   I've gone back and forth between giving this book 3 or 4 stars and finally went with 4 simply due to unique spin this book put on the folktales.  Of course this book did contain many of the typical YA fantasy/paranormal story-line elements you'd expect but it had enough inventive differences to make it memorable. I was however a little weirded out by the way the Stork Society called each other to gather for a meeting, it kind of made my skin crawl just thinking about it, perhaps that aspect was a little too original.

This is the first book in a series and I'll likely pick the next book up from the library to see where this story-line goes.  If you enjoy the young adult genre and are looking for something a little different give this one a try.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Some language, storks deliver babies so sex is implied and a couple of the candidates (including one teenager) are not married.

Source: Library

Also by Wendy Delsol:

Book Review: In Too Deep by Amanda Grace

Title: In Too Deep
Author: Amanda Grace
Series: None
Publisher: Flux
Released: February 8, 2012
Website: http://www.mandyhubbard.com/

Book Summary:

I never meant for anyone to get hurt. All I wanted to do that night was make a play for Carter Wellesley. His heartless rejection was mortifying, but people got the wrong idea when they saw me leaving his bedroom, crying. That's how rumors of rape started.

Now girls at school are pouring out their sympathy to me. Guys too. But not everyone's on my side. The school has become a war zone and the threats are getting scary. What began as poetic justice has morphed into something bigger--forcing me to make a terrible choice.

In Too Deep is a book I didn't want to put down and stayed up until 2 am to finish. When I took a break from reading I couldn't help but think about the storyline and wonder just how Sam was going to get herself out of the mess she was in and what the consequences would be. Thus I was drawn back to the book and stayed up to finish.

Overall I was pleased with this book. The story sucked me in and I like the way the author writes. I could relate to the characters and was grateful this book showed that there were consequences for the choices that were made.

The only thing I could have done without was the language. I'm not a fan of language in books especially the F word.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Books

Source: ARC Tour

Content: Language including at least a half dozen uses of the F word.



Also by Amanda Grace


By Mandy Hubbard

Book Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Series: None but read Anna and the French Kiss first
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Released: September 29, 2011
Website: http://www.stephanieperkins.com/


Book Summary:

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

First off I should have read Anna and the French Kiss before reading this one. Lola and the Boy Next Door is not a sequel but a "companion" novel. It takes place after Anna and the French Kiss. Anna and St. Clair play a minor role in this story but obviously I now know how their story ended without having read their book.  Having enjoyed Lola I'll be going back and reading Anna and the French Kiss ASAP.

Lola and the Boy Next Door was one of those feel good, make you smile, read in a day kind of books. I loved the quirky characters in this story. Cricket was by far my favorite, he is just so sweet. I'm a succor for the boy next door turns into much more than a friend story line.

I'm not a fan of sex in young adult books. However if it is going to be there I wish it were always written the way it was in this book. It was done without the blow by blow details. Statements such as I lost my virginity on my seventeenth birthday work for me. I know it happened but I don't have to skip paragraphs or pages as every step is detailed. Of course there is still the issue that Lola was just 16/17 and her boyfriend was 22. I wasn't a fan of Max and appreciated Lola's parent's concerns and attempts to monitor and limit Lola's interactions with him.  I don't usually enjoy reading about gay characters but I loved Lola's parents.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Some language including a couple F words, there is sex but it's never graphic or described in any details, just things like - on my birthday I lost my virginity or I put my shirt back on, a few crude comments and some innuendo, Lola's parents are 2 gay men.

Source: Download from Overdrive

Book Review: Targets In Ties by Tristi Pinkston

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:

Book Review: Reaper by Rachel Vincent

Title: Reaper
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Soul Screamers Novella 3.5
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: November 16, 2010
Website: http://rachelvincent.com/


Book Summary

Tod Hudson was a typical teenager. He liked girls, sports, food and tolerated his younger brother, Nash. In fact, he had his whole life in front of him--and due to his bean sidhe heritage, it was going to be a very long life indeed. And then the car accident occurred.
Suddenly Tod's future wasn't so sure, and he had to make a choice. Life... Death... or something Between....
An ebook exclusive Soul Screamers series novella.

I started reading the 5th book in The Soul Screamers series (If I Die). About 1/4 of the way in I had to stop and read this book. I had a sudden desire to learn more about Tod. I've always liked Tod but as he started to take a big role in I was compelled to learn more about him.

If you are a Soul Screamers fan this novella is a must read. It's a short read but provides so much vital information within its pages.  This fits in as book 3.5 in the series but I would recommend reading book 4 first and then going back and reading this one. Sabine is mentioned and I liked not knowing anything about her relationship with Nash when I started book 4.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Similar to the others in the series - language, innuendo, crude comments, talk of sex

Source: Bought

Book Review: My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent

Title: My Soul to Lose
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Prequel to Soul Screamers Series (novella)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: July 1, 2009
Source: Read Online
Website: http://rachelvincent.com/


Book Summary:

It was supposed to be a fun day, shopping at the mall with her best friend. Then the panic attack started and Kaylee Cavanaugh finds herself screaming, unable to stop. Her secret fears are exposed and it's the worst day of her life.

Until she wakes up in the psychiatric unit.

She tries to convince everyone she's fine--despite the shadows she sees forming around another patient and the urge to scream which comes burbling up again and again. Everyone thinks she's crazy. Everyone except Lydia, that is. Another patient with some special abilities....

"An eBook exclusive prequel to Rachel Vincent's SOUL SCREAMERS series."

Read it for FREE Here: http://soulscreamers.com/soulscreamers/sites/all/themes/harlequin/mysoultolose.pdf

My Soul to Lose is a short Prequel to My Soul to Take.

I'm actually glad I read My Soul to Take first. This could have been a prologue to that book but I liked not knowing what was in this book when I read My Soul to Take. I think you can honestly go either way, read this first or the book first but I would recommend reading My Soul to Take first.

There is really nothing more I can say that won't be a spoiler.  A must read for Soul Screamers fans.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: language, innuendo and some crude comments

Source: Read Online on the Soul Screamers website

Soul Screamers Volume One: My Soul to Lose, My Soul to Take & My Soul to Save

Book Review: Untraceable by S.R. Johannes

Title: Untraceable
Author: S.R. Johannes
Series: The Nature of Grace Book #1
Publisher: Coleman & Stott
Released: November 29, 2011
Website: http://www.faeriality.blogspot.com/


Book Summary:

16-year-old Grace has lived in the Smokies all her life, patrolling with her forest ranger father who taught her about wildlife, tracking, and wilderness survival.

When her dad goes missing on a routine patrol, Grace refuses to believe he’s dead and fights the town authorities, tribal officials, and nature to find him.

One day, while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from danger by Mo, a hot guy with an intoxicating accent and a secret. As her feelings between him and her ex-boyfriend get muddled, Grace travels deep into the wilderness to escape and find her father.

Along the way, Grace learns terrible secrets that sever relationships and lives. Soon she’s enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kick-butting heroine to save everything she loves.

At the heart of Untraceable is a mystery. Grace's father has been missing for three months and is presumed dead. Grace refuses to give up hope that he is still alive.  The authorities are ready to close the case but Grace is fighting to keep it open.

Raised in the Smokies, Grace's forest ranger father has taught her a lot about survival.  She's not afraid of much when it comes to the great outdoors.  Determined to find her father Grace spends her time searching for clues about her father's disappearance.  What she uncovers goes much deeper and is darker than she could have imagined.

Untraceable has a good mix of adventure, mystery and romance.  There were several things in this book that seemed a little far fetched and unbelievable and there were a few editing/continuity issues but over all I enjoyed the story.

Untraceable has a great ending.  I enjoyed the book but loved the ending.  In fact this felt like a stand alone novel and I could have easily passed on the sequel until the last couple of chapters when it became obvious that there was a lot more to this story than I had realized.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: A little language including 1 use of the F word. Mild innuendo, some gory details and violence.

Source: Review Copy from Smashwords

2/6- Teens Read & Write, review

2/7- Fire & Ice, character interview with Grace

2/8- I Am A Reader, Not A Writer, review

2/9- Reading Lark, character interview with Mo

2/10- Once Upon a Twilight, review

2/11- Mundie Moms, author interview

2/12- Eve's Fan Garden, guest post

Also by S.R. Johannes

Book Review: Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale

Title: Midnight in Austenland
Author: Shannon Hale
Series: Austenland was a stand alone, this is a follow-up novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Released: January 31, 2012
Website: http://www.squeetus.com/stage/main.html


Book Summary:

When Charlotte Kinder treats herself to a two-week vacation at Austenland, she happily leaves behind her ex-husband and his delightful new wife, her ever-grateful children, and all the rest of her real life in America. She dons a bonnet and stays at a country manor house that provides an immersive Austen experience, complete with gentleman actors who cater to the guests' Austen fantasies.

Everyone at Pembrook Park is playing a role, but increasingly, Charlotte isn't sure where roles end and reality begins. And as the parlor games turn a little bit menacing, she finds she needs more than a good corset to keep herself safe. Is the brooding Mr. Mallery as sinister as he seems? What is Miss Gardenside's mysterious ailment? Was that an actual dead body in the secret attic room? And-perhaps of the most lasting importance-could the stirrings in Charlotte's heart be a sign of real-life love?

The follow-up to reader favorite Austenland provides the same perfectly plotted pleasures, with a feisty new heroine, plenty of fresh and frightening twists, and the possibility of a romance that might just go beyond the proper bounds of Austen's world. How could it not turn out right in the end?

I'm a huge Shannon Hale fan.
I love Jane Austen.
Cross the two and inevitably you will come up with something I will love.

I got a kick out of reading Austenland and am looking forward to the upcoming movie. Austenland was a stand alone book so I was both surprised and excited when I heard there was a sequel coming out.

Shannon Hale entertains me. Her books draw me in and make me laugh. There is no denying I had high expectations for this book. In all honestly, through the first half of this book I was a little disappointed. I wasn't relating to the characters, I wasn't falling for the love interest, I wasn't laughing... But this was Shannon Hale so there was no way I was going to put the book down so I kept reading. It took me until nearly the half way point of this book to really start loving it. Don't get me wrong, it was a good book but my expectations were really high. By the half way point I finally started laughing and relating to the characters and falling for the love interest. I'm not sure why there was a delay for me, but I'm glad I stuck with it because it was worth it.

Midnight in Austenland is based upon Austen's Northanger Abbey which is not one of my favorite Austen novels. Like the book it's based on, Midnight in Austenland is a little more mystery and wild run away imaginings than some of Austen's other book. Not a bad thing but I would obviously prefer more swooning Mr. Darcy moments instead of over-active imagination ramblings.

Midnight in Austenland is a fun, lighthearted read that fans of Austen & Hale should definitely read!

Content: Clean Read for an adult (may have had a mild swear word or two)

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Read

Source: ARC from publisher

Also by Shannon Hale - I've read and enjoyed them all :)


The ebook of Austenland is currently just $2.51


Books of Bayern



Princess Academy


Book of a Thousand Days


The Actor and the Housewife


Graphic Novels published with her husband Dean Hale

Book Review: Girls Don't Fly by Kristen Chandler

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

Also by Kristen Chandler:

Book Review: Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder

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

Book Review: Bitter Blessings by Christine Mehring

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

Book Review: Watched by Cindy Hogan

Title: Watched
Author: Cindy M. Hogan
Series: Book #1 of 3
Publisher: O'neal Publishing
Released: April 28, 2011
Website: http://cindymhogan.blogspot.com/

Book Summary:

It takes more than a school trip to Washington, D.C. to change fifteen-year-old Christy's life. It takes murder. A witness to the brutal slaying of a Senator's aide, Christy finds herself watched not only by the killers and the FBI but also by two hot boys. She discovers that if she can't help the FBI, who want to protect her, it will cost her and her new friends their lives.

Watched by Cindy Hogan was a clean contemporary suspense novel.   I like the characters Cindy created and found the main character Christy to be someone I could relate to.  Christy has strong morals and values yet finds herself placed in circumstances where she questions what she believes in and what she should do.  She doesn't always make the best decisions but tries her best to make things right. Christy along with the friends she meets on her trip are flawed and each has a distinct personality that comes through.

While I liked the characters in this book there were times when I questioned the believability of some aspects of the storyline.  If I'm reading a fantasy novel I can suspend disbelief and go with the story.  But when I'm reading a realistic story I expect everything to be believable.  There were a few things in this story that I had a hard time buying. Despite this Cindy Hogan has written some wonderful characters into an exciting adventure story and I look forward to reading more about them in the sequel to this book.

Watched is just .99 cents for the Kindle:


Also available in Paperback:

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Clean

Source: Purchased for the Kindle
This second book Protected is currently in editing.

Book Review: Waiting to Forget by Sheila Kelly Welch

Title: Waiting to Forget
Author: Sheila Kelly Welch
Series: None
Publisher: Namelos
Released: September 30, 2011
Website: http://www.scbwi-illinois.org/Welch.html


Book Summary:

T.J. has always looked out for his little sister, Angela. When Momma used to go out and leave them home alone, he'd lock the door so they'd be safe, keep Angela entertained, and get out the cereal and milk for her. When Momma's boyfriend got angry at them, he'd try to protect Angela. Later, at their foster homes, T.J. was the only one who knew how to coax his little sister out of her bad moods. The only one who understood why she made origami paper cranes and threw them out the window.

But now T.J. is sitting in the waiting room at the hospital, wondering if Angela, unconscious after a fall, will ever wake up. Wondering, too, if he will ever feel at home with his and Angela's new parents—Marlene, who insists on calling him Timothy, and Dan, who seems to want a different son.

Going back and forth between Now and Then, weaving the uncertain present with the painful past, T.J.'s story unfolds, and with the unfolding comes a new understanding of how to move forward.

I was honestly surprised by how much I ended up liking this book especially considering the subject matter. Waiting to Forget is a well written story about two young children who have been neglected by their selfish, sometimes abusive, mother. It is a touching, heart-breaking read. Written in an alternating Then, Now and Between Then and Now format this book hooked me from the beginning. The author shared just enough details to let you know about their struggles without being too graphic or overdone.

Although this book is quite different from my usual reads I was glad I read it. The ultimate message was one more than just survival, it was about second chances and moving beyond the past to a better future.

Recommended to those who enjoy contemporary, realistic fiction that deals with something other than teen romance.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: a couple swear words

Source: Ebook from Author

For all the tour stops please visit The Teen Book Scene


Other Books by Sheila Kelly Welch