Book Review: Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg

Title: Take a Bow
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
Series: Stands Alone
Publisher: Point
Released: April 1, 2012
Source: ARC from Publisher
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Website: http://www.elizabetheulberg.com/

Book Summary:

From the fantastic author of The Lonely Hearts Club and Prom & Prejudice comes a story of all the drama and comedy of four friends who grow into themselves at a performing arts high school.

Emme, Sophie, Ethan, and Carter are seniors at a performing arts school, getting ready for their Senior Showcase recital, where the pressure is on to appeal to colleges, dance academies, and professionals in show business. For Sophie, a singer, it's been great to be friends with Emme, who composes songs for her, and to date Carter, soap opera heartthrob who gets plenty of press coverage. Emme and Ethan have been in a band together through all four years of school, but wonder if they could be more than just friends and bandmates. Carter has been acting since he was a baby, and isn't sure how to admit that he'd rather paint than perform. The Senior Showcase is going to make or break each of the four, in a funny, touching, spectacular finale that only Elizabeth Eulberg could perform.

Take a Bow is told from 4 different points of view.  Emme, Sophie, Ethan and Carter alternate the narrating of the story.  They are attending a prestigious New York performing arts school together. There are also some wonderful secondary characters written into this story who you can't help but love or hate. 

This was a fast paced one sitting read for me, once I started I didn't stop.  This is my 3rd Elizabeth Eulberg book and I'll definitely be reading her next book as well.  I like her characters, like her writing style, I like her story-lines.  Take a Bow deserves a round of applause!

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Source: ARC from Publisher

Content: a swear word or two, a comment on getting in someone's pants but otherwise clean.

Book Review: Women of Strength by Tristi Pinkston

Title: Women of Strength
Author: Tristi Pinkston
Series: None
Released: March 8, 2012
Publisher: Walnut Springs
Website: http://www.tristipinkston.com/


Book Summary:

The need for courageous, faithful women has never been greater than it is today. As we draw nearer to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, we are faced with temptations on every side. But we can prevail as we gain true strength from living the gospel.
In Women of Strength, Tristi Pinkston shares inspiring stories, as well as insightful quotes from Church leaders, to demonstrate the power and influence of righteous women. This book invites women everywhere to deepen their relationship with the Savior, rely on the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and learn what it really means to be strong.

This book is aimed a faithful latter-day saint women and was just what I needed. It's a quick read one I easily knocked out in a couple of hours but is packed full of quotes and stories that I really related to.  There is a lot of wisdom within the few pages of this book.  Tristi writes in a way that motivates without sugar coating or condemning.  I gleaned a lot from this wonderful little gem.

Content: Clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend to LDS women

Source: From author for review

Book Review: Caller ID by Rachelle Christensen

Title: Caller ID
Author: Rachelle Christensen
Series: Stands Alone but is a Companion to Wrong Number
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Released: March 13, 2012
Website: http://www.rachellejchristensen.com/


Book Summary:

When twenty-three-year-old Courtney Beckham, the privileged daughter of a highly successful land developer, is abducted in the mountains near her home, FBI Agent Jason Edwards investigates the ten-million-dollar ransom and turns up more than just a kidnapping crime.
And when Courtney catches a glimpse of the caller ID in her kidnapper’s home, what she sees sends ice through her veins. Even if she escapes her captors, something much more dangerous lies ahead.
From the author who brought you Wrong Number comes another story featuring Agent Jason Edwards that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Caller ID is great romantic suspense.  The story-line was fast paced and kept me guessing.  We find out who is behind the kidnapping fairly early on but I wasn't expecting it to be who it was.  Even though we know who the bad guy is there are still lots of twists and turns in the story right up until the end.

Caller ID stands alone but one of the main characters Jason Edwards was in Rachelle's first book Wrong Number.  I enjoyed Caller ID enough that I decided I wanted to see what happened to Jason in Wrong Number so it is my next read.

Caller ID definitely made me a Rachelle Christensen fan.  I'm looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Content: Clean

Source: From publisher for review

Author Website: http://www.rachellejchristensen.com/
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachellechristensenauthor
Publisher Blog http://www.cedarfortbooks.com/
Publisher Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cedarfortbooks
Publisher Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/cedarfortbooks



"To celebrate the release of CALLER ID, Rachelle is hosting a contest for a new Ultra Flip Video Camcorder (4GB memory, Records 120 minutes Value $149.99) and other great prizes. You can enter to win between now and April 14, 2012. Winners will be announced and notified April 16, 2012.

For how to enter: http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/p/ultra-flip-video-contest.html

Book Review: My Double Life by Janette Rallison

Title: My Double Life
Author: Janette Rallison
Series: None
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Released: May 13, 2010
Website: http://janette-rallison.blogspot.com/

Book Summary

Her whole life, Alexia Garcia has been told that she looks just like pop star Kari Kingsley, and one day when Alexia's photo filters through the Internet, she's offered a job to be Kari's double. This would seem like the opportunity of a lifetime, but Alexia's mother has always warned her against celebrities.
Rebelliously, Alexia flies off to L.A. and gets immersed in a celebrity life. Not only does she have to get used to getting anything she wants, she romances the hottest lead singer on the charts, and finds out that her own father is a singing legend. Through it all, Alexia must stay true to herself, which is hard to do when you are pretending to be somebody else!

So Cute! I love escaping into Janette Rallison's books!  She creates great characters who despite their flaws actually have a moral compass and values.

My Double Life was a fun realistic fairy tale like story.  One of those books that makes you smile and laugh and sigh.  It's an upbeat and feel good story that can easily be read in an afternoon or evening.

If you are looking for a light-hearted, quick read with a great message you can't go wrong with My Double Life.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Content: Clean

Source: From Author for Review

Book Review: Griffin Rising by Darby Karchut

Title: Griffin Rising
Author: Darby Karchut
Series: Book 1 of 3
Publisher: Paladin Times Books
Released: June 15, 2011
Website: http://darbykarchut.com/


Book Summary:

For centuries, rumors have abounded of a lowly caste of supernatural beings known as the Terrae Angeli. Armed with the power to control Earth, Fire, Wind and Water, these warriors secretly serve as guardians for mortals in danger.
But for one young angel-in-training, Griffin, life is hell as a cruel master makes his apprenticeship a nightmare. On the verge of failing, a new mentor, Basil, enters his life and changes it forever.
Taking on the identity of father and son, Griffin and Basil forge a special bond where honesty and trust go hand in hand to secure Griffin’s destiny as a Terrae Angeli. Griffin’s belief in himself and the love of a mortal girl are the perfect combination in overcoming the darkest days of his life. But will it be enough for him to succeed?

For Griffin, it’s time to angel up.

I was sent an ARC of Griffin Rising a year ago, right at the time my life was thrown a curve ball and I went from reading 5 or 6 books a week to just one. Unfortunately that meant Griffin Rising did not get reviewed as I had planned. I finally picked this book up yesterday and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It's a quick read so I easily made it through it in one afternoon.

Terrae Angeli or guardian angels are the main characters in Griffin Rising. I loved the original take on angel lore that the author came up with. The originality of the storyline and storytelling made it stand out so that I didn't feel like I was reading just another young adult cookie cutter paranormal book. The story was entertaining and engaging and I connected with the characters. I especially liked the relationship between Griffin and Basil.

This is a book that I can recommend without hesitation.  I consider it a clean read (although it does have some violence). I'm looking forward to reading the sequel Giffin's Fire.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Content: Clean

Source: Author
If you would like to read this book I currently have a book giveaway running for Griffin Rising that ends on 2/28/12: http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2012/02/guest-post-book-giveaway-griffin-rising.html

Book Review: My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent

Title: My Soul to Save
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Soul Screamers Book #2 of 7
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: December 29, 2009
Website: http://rachelvincent.com/


Book Summary:

When Kaylee Cavanaugh screams, someone dies.

So when teen pop star Eden croaks onstage and Kaylee doesn't wail, she knows something is dead wrong. She can't cry for someone who has no soul.

The last thing Kaylee needs right now is to be skipping school, breaking her dad's ironclad curfew and putting her too-hot-to-be-real boyfriend's loyalty to the test. But starry-eyed teens are trading their souls: a flickering lifetime of fame and fortune in exchange for eternity in the Netherworld—a consequence they can't possibly understand.

Kaylee can't let that happen, even if trying to save their souls means putting her own at risk….

This novel enlightened me on what is actually going on with all the Disney Channel & Disney Movie Stars. Thank you Rachel for finally clearing up exactly what Disney is doing to these young child stars. Oh wait Disney wasn't even mentioned in this book?  Could have fooled me!

I have the worst time writing reviews on sequels. It's so hard! I hate spoilers. I prefer to pick up a book not even having read the back cover. I don't want to know where I'm going until I get there.

So all I am going to say is that I really enjoyed My Soul to Save.  It's a great addition to the Soul Screamers Series which is unique, well written and very entertaining.

The first book got a full 5 Stars, this one comes close with 4.5. A little too much content for my liking and not quite as good as the first book.  But having already read books 3 & 4 in this series I can say that it's been a long time since I've been pulled into a series and felt such emotion while reading.

Rating: 4.5 Stars Highly Recommend (as long as you have read the content warning first).

Content: language, innuendo and sexual content. There was always an "interruption" (Tod or the phone) before things went all the way but there was definitely desire, passion, making out and wandering hands. (Please note that with each new book in this series the level of sexual content has escalated, book one is fairly mild but by book four the heat was quite high for a young adult book).

Source: Download from Audible.com

This book is part of Soul Screamer Volume One:

Book Review: My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

Title: My Soul to Take
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Soul Screamers Book #1 of 7
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: July 29, 2009
Website: http://rachelvincent.com/


Book Summary

She doesn't see dead people. She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next.

I probably should have reviewed this book as soon as I finished it earlier this week. Instead I found and read its prequel, then picked up the 2nd book in the series, and then the 3rd. I started the 4th book at midnight last night and have already finished it and just bought book number 5. As soon as I'm done with that I'm planning to buy the 2 novellas I've not yet read. I'm sleep deprived but just can't seem to get enough of this series.

It's been way too long since as series of books kept me up because I couldn't put them down.  I'm sure it helps that the first five books in the series are already out.  I've loved being able to finish one and jump right into the next one.  In fact part of me wishes I'd waited to start this series until all the books were out. I have a feeling the wait for the last two books in the series is going to be excruciating.

So did I like the first book My Soul to Take? Most definitely.  It is original and full of twists and turns and some amazing characters.  I loved both the story line and the characters.  My knowledge of folklore is obviously lacking because I didn't even know what a bean sidhe was prior to starting this book. Rachel Vincent's version of banshees & grim reapers is both creative and entertaining.

Content: language, making out, innuendo, sexual tension. (Having now finished the first 4 books of the series I should note that the intensity of the content has increased with each book).

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend to Older Teens & Adults

Source: Audible.com Download

Book Review: The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Title: The Body Finder
Author: Kimberly Derting
Series: Book 1 of 4
Publisher: HarperTeen
Released: March 16, 2010
Website: http://www.kimberlyderting.com/


Book Summary:

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world... and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find the dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer... and becoming his prey herself.

This was a creepy, suspenseful, romantic read.  A great mix of mystery, romance and fantasy.

Most of the book is told from Violet's point of view.  Violet hears "echoes" of both the dead and of those who've killed others.  For the most part this unique ability usually finds her digging up the bones of dead animals but occasional she stumbles across something much more horrifying.  No one knows of her ability except for her family and childhood friend Jay.

I loved watching Violet's relationship with Jay develop into something more than just friendship.  I'm a succor for the "best friend turned more than friend" kind of relationships.

Most of the story is told from Violet's perspective but there are short snippets thrown in that are written from the mind of a serial killer, that's that creepy part.

For those who scare easily you might not want to read this while home alone at night.  I don't scare easily and enjoy an occasional suspenseful, creepy book so I thoroughly enjoyed this one.  I'll definitely be reading the sequels.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Content: Some language including 1 F word. No sex but some passionate making out. Creepy & suspenseful.

Source: Download from Audible.com

Also by Kimberly Derting

Book Review: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: The Scorpio Races
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Series: None
Publisher: Scholastic
Released: October 18, 2011
Website: http://maggiestiefvater.com/

Book Summary:

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

Technically classified as young adult fantasy this book seemed real. The water horses in this book are based on mythological creatures but Maggie wrote them in such a way that I wouldn't be surprised to see them coming up out of the sea the next time I visit the ocean.  A testament to what an amazing writer Maggie is.

Due to the fact that I loved Maggie's Mercy Falls werewolf series, the Scorpio Races has been high on my want to read list.  Although completely different than the Mercy Falls series the Scorpio Races did not disappoint.  The Scorpio races is less romance and more about the horses, the island, the people and the races themselves.

I found myself rooting for both Kate and Sean and hoping somehow they could both win the race.  Ultimately I found the ending of the book to be very satisfying.

There is some violence in this series due to the fierce, untamed nature of the water horses (but violence in books doesn't bother me the way sex and language does).

I started Maggie's Books of Faeries series but never got further than the first chapter of Lament. I think I'm going to give that series another try because this book proved to me that Maggie is a phenomenal writer.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Content: some language and violence

Source: Download from Audible.com

Also by Maggie Steifvater:
The Wolves of Mercy Falls



Books of Faerie

Book Review: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

Title: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
Author: Lisa See
Series: None
Publisher: Random House
Released: February 21, 2006
Website: http://www.lisasee.com/


Book Summary:

In nineteenth-century China, in a remote Hunan county, a girl named Lily, at the tender age of seven, is paired with a laotong, “old same,” in an emotional match that will last a lifetime. The laotong, Snow Flower, introduces herself by sending Lily a silk fan on which she’s painted a poem in nu shu, a unique language that Chinese women created in order to communicate in secret, away from the influence of men. As the years pass, Lily and Snow Flower send messages on fans, compose stories on handkerchiefs, reaching out of isolation to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments. Together, they endure the agony of foot-binding, and reflect upon their arranged marriages, shared loneliness, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood. The two find solace, developing a bond that keeps their spirits alive. But when a misunderstanding arises, their deep friendship suddenly threatens to tear apart.

Fabulously written but heart-wrenching. One of those haunting books that make me shake my head and wonder what posses people to carry on traditions that are wrong on so many levels. This book was really quite depressing. It captured so many emotions and painted such vivid pictures in my mind. Some of those pictures are beautiful but others are horrific.

This was the selection for my book group this month. It's a great choice for a book club, I'm sure we'll have some very interesting discussions next week.

This beautifully written book is one that lovers of Historical Fiction should pick up. I felt transported back to a time period that I am extremely grateful I do not live in.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend to Adults

Content: This is historical fiction and has many details that are far from pleasant to read about from physical and emotional abuse to the breaking of bones during Chinese foot binding. Some language, sex, abuse and implied lesbian relationship.

Source: Library

Also by Author Lisa See

Book Review: With a Name Like Love by Tess Hilmo

Title: With a Name Like Love
Author: Tess Hilmo
Series: None
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Released: September 27, 2011
Website: http://tesshilmo.com/

Book Summary:

When Ollie’s daddy, the Reverend Everlasting Love, pulls their travel trailer into Binder to lead a three-day revival, Ollie knows that this town will be like all the others they visit— it is exactly the kind of nothing Ollie has come to expect. But on their first day in town, Ollie meets Jimmy Koppel, whose mother is in jail for murdering his father. Jimmy insists that his mother is innocent, and Ollie believes him. Still, even if Ollie convinces her daddy to stay in town, how can two kids free a grown woman who has signed a confession? Ollie’s longing for a friend and her daddy’s penchant for searching out lost souls prove to be a formidable force in this tiny town where everyone seems bent on judging and jailing without a trial.

With a Name Like Love is a wonderful middle, grade historical fiction, read that reminded me of Little House on the Prairie.

Ollie's dad is a traveling preacher. Every three days her family moves on to a new town. That's the way life is, the way it has always been and the way it seems like it will always be. At least until the family arrives in Binder, Arkansas. When Ollie befriends lonely Jimmy Koppel the family's way of life is turned upside down and they find themselves in a battle to help Jimmy and his mother.

This book is a heartfelt story that would make a great read aloud.

Content: Clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly recommend

Source: Review Copy

Book Review: Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Title: Firelight
Author: Sophie Jordan
Series: Book #1
Publisher: HarperTeen
Released: September 11, 2010
Website: http://www.sophiejordan.net/

Book Summary:

A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

I really liked this one! First off it was fairly clean there were just a couple instances of some milder language which makes it a book I can recommend without have to be overly concerned about the content.  The story moved along at a face pace and kept me entertained.

I was interested in the Draki lore/mythology. Firelight does follow the typical young adult paranormal fantasy storyline.  There was nothing unexpected yet there were unique aspects to this story that made it an enjoyable read.

If you devour young adult paranormal romances (Twilight, Fallen, Shiver, Mortal Instruments, Hush Hush, etc.) and haven't read this one you are missing out.  If these titles make you shudder then this is probably not for you.

I'll be starting the sequel soon!

Content: Just a couple instances of mild language

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Source: Download from Audible.com




The sequel Vanish was released on September 6, 2011

The third book Hidden is scheduled to be released in September of 2012.

Book Review: Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Title: Across the Universe
Author: Beth Revis
Series: Book #1
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Released: January 11, 2011
Website: http://acrosstheuniversebook.com/
Author Website: http://www.bethrevis.com/


Book Summary:

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.
Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone - one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship - tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.
Now, Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Science Fiction, Dystopia, Romance, Mystery, Adventure... There's a little bit of everything mixed into this debut novel by author Beth Revis.

Across the Universe is told by two narrators Amy & Elder. The book begins with Amy about to be frozen in cryogenic sleep for a 300 year journey on the ship Godspeed. Our second narrator is Elder, the future leader of the ship Amy's frozen body is traveling on.

This was a fast paced book full of twists and turns, lies and deceptions.  I had a hunch fairly early on who the murder was but there were other story elements that took me by surprise. There is a great cast of characters who are all flawed but likable.  As is the case with most first books in a series the ending left many unanswered questions that I'm assuming will be addressed in future books.

Fans of young adult dystopian books are likely to enjoy this one. I found it to be a unique, entertaining story and I'm definitely looking forward to reading the sequel.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend to older teens & adults

Content: just a couple instances of mild language and then some substitute swear words similar to what was done in the Maze Runner. Some sexual content including an attempted rape scene and some animalistic type mating practices that occur during "The Season".  Not overly graphic but I wouldn't let a young teen read it.

Source: Download from Audible.com



The Sequel A Million Suns was released today January 10, 2012.

The 3rd book Shades of Earth will be released in January of 2013.

Book Review: Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett

Title: Jacob T. Marley
Author: R. William Bennett
Series: None
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Released: October 12, 2011
Author's Website: http://www.rwilliambennett.com/


Book Summary:

Marley was dead to begin with . . . These chillingly familiar words begin the classic Christmas tale of remorse and redemption in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Now R. William Bennett rewinds the story and focuses the spotlight on Scrooge's miserly business partner, Jacob T. Marley, who was allowed to return as a ghost to warn Scrooge away from his ill-fated path. Why was Marley allowed to return? And why hadn t he been given the same chance as Ebenezer Scrooge? Or had he? Written with a voice reminiscent of Dickens, Jacob T. Marley is to A Christmas Carol as the world-famous Wicked is to The Wizard of Oz as this masterfully crafted story teaches of choices, consequences, and of the power of accountability. It is sure to become a Christmas favorite.

Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol is a story I have always loved. I've seen multiple movie versions of A Christmas Carol all multiple times and remember seeing the play at Glendale Centre Theater many times while growing up. Due to my love of this story I was interested to read this retelling from Jacob Marley's perspective.

This was a quick easy read that I knocked out in about two hours. I found it interesting to delve deeper into what might have made Ebenezer Scrooge the man he was. Jacob Marley plays a small part in A Christmas Carol but in this version we see how he influenced Scrooge for the worse and is now paying the price for his deeds. Marley is able to interact with the three spirits who visit Scrooge giving us more detail of the event.

Recommended to lovers of A Christmas Carol and Charles Dickens. This was meant to be my holiday read but worked just as well as a New Years read. The story could easily be enjoyed year round as it contains a wonderful message about helping others and second chances.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Content: Clean

Source: From Publisher for Review

Also by R. William Bennett: The Christmas Gift

Review: 8 by Michael Mullin

Title: 8: The Previously Untold Story of the Previously Unknown 8th Dwarf
Author: Michael Mullin
Released: November 9,2010
Publisher: Gemiknight Studios
http://www.facebook.com/pages/8-The-Untold-Story/236407236402914

Written in verse, this is the previously untold story of the previously unknown 8th dwarf, named Creepy. He is banished to the basement for being different and, well, weird. Yet he plays a vital - and of course previously unknown - role in the popular tale of Snow White (whose title character is an intruder Creepy refers to as "the Maid").

The stories we pass down from parent to child
Were once filled with darkness, but somehow turned mild.
We tweak and revise, and when all else fails
We choose to omit certain crucial details.
Until they're forgotten, and nobody knows
How a story originally, truthfully goes.

So begins 8: The Previously Untold Story of the Previously Unknown 8th Dwarf, a short 22 page story told in verse.  I'm a lover of fractured fairy tales so I got quite a few laughs while reading this clever tale of "Creepy" the 8th banished dwarf who lives below the floorboard in the 7 dwarf's cottage.

The rhyming text is perfectly done but this is not a fairy tale for children but rather aimed at adults or older teens. If you are looking for a new twist on a favorite story this is definitely worth reading.


http://www.amazon.com/8-ebook/dp/B004BLJ9R4/

Content: a line of sexual innuendo

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Source: From author for review

Book Review: Tempestuous by Lesley Livingston

Title: Tempestuous
Author: Lesley Livingston
Series: Wondrous Strange Book 3 of 3
Released: December 21, 2010
Publisher: HarperTeen
Tags: Young Adult, Fantasy, Faeries

Book Summary contains Spoilers if you have not read Darklight.

I don't love Sonny Flannery."
That's the lie Kelley Winslow told to protect the boy she loves from a power he doesn't know he possesses. Devastated, Sonny retreats—to a haven for Lost Fae that's hidden deep underneath New York City.
But Kelley's not about to let things end in heartbreak. To get Sonny back, she's got to find out who's after his magick—and how to use her own. She's got to uncover who's recruiting Janus Guards to murderously hunt innocent Faerie. She's got to help rebuild the shattered theater company she called family. And she's got to do it all without getting dangerously distracted by the Fennrys Wolf, whose legendary heart of stone seems to melt whenever he's around Kelley.
The intrigue and romance that began with Wondrous strange andDarklight come to a stormy head in Tempestuous, the breathtaking conclusion to Lesley Livingston's ravishing urban Faerie trilogy.

This was a great end to a great series. I listened to an audio version of this book and Lesley Livingston again did a fabulous job as the narrator. We've had A Midsummer's Night Dream then Romeo & Juliet and now references to Shakespeare's The Tempest.  I have really enjoyed this series, the exact type of books I love to read.

It's nearly impossible to write a review of the 3rd book in a series without including spoilers so this will be brief (as most of my reviews usually are anyway).  All the unanswered questions from the series are all wrapped up nicely and everything comes together in this satisfying conclusion to the Wondrous Strange trilogy.  This book has a little of everything: magic, mythology, mystery, adventure and romance.  A series I would highly recommend.

The main characters Kelley & Sonny are of course fabulous but there is also a great cast of supporting characters as well. I love Fenrys, Tyff, Chloe, Maddox, Jack, Bob and all the rest.

If you enjoy faerie fantasy and can handle some mild language then try this series.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Source: Audible.com download

Content: Some language

Book Review: Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Source: Audio download from Audible.com

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

Have you read & reviewed Wondrous Strange? Feel free to link you to your review.

Book Review: Hang 'Em High by Tristi Pinkston

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Dearly Departed


Hang 'Em High


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

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Source: From Author for Review

Content: Clean

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

Book Review: The Break-Up Artist by Shannen Camp Crane

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

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

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

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

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Content: Clean

Source: Review copy

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

Book Review: Gabby God's Little Angel by Sheila Walsh

Gabby, God's Little Angel

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

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

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

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Blog Tour

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