Book Review: Untethered by Marcia Lynn McClure - 5 Stars

Title: Untethered
Author: Marcia Lynn McClure
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Distractions Ink
Released: June 2012
Source: Purchased
Genre: Clean Historical Romance
Website: http://distractionsink.com/

Book Summary:

A man tethered by pain and guilt borne of past tragedy,
A young woman with the soul of a guardian angel,
And an unspeakable evil about to be unleashed.

As Cricket lay in the soft comfort of her bed, continuing to let her mind nest on thoughts of how truly wonderfully attractive Texas Ranger Thibodaux was, she giggled, thinking that looking at him was more refreshing than swimming naked on a summer Sunday afternoon. He was a tall drink of water—far taller than most of the other men in town—and his shoulders were as broad as the state of Texas itself. Sky-blue eyes, bronze skin, square jaw, and dark hair—and that smile! In truth, Cricket had only seen Heathro Thibodaux smile three or four times, but each incidence was something she’d never forget. His smile was bright and white, and the gold tooth he owned on the upper-right incisor of his smile only embellished the richness of it.

That one tooth. Cricket’s smile faded as she thought of it. Oh, no doubt the flash only added to the splendor of his smile. Yet it also served as a reminder to anyone who had ever read or heard of what had happened in Texas one year before. No doubt it was a powerful remembrance to Heathro Thibodaux himself—a visual indication of true barbarity, pain, and loss.

In that moment, Cricket wondered—when Heathro looked in the mirror each morning and saw that tooth, did he think of eight dead girls buried in the bottom of a bleak and barren canyon? Did he think of the eight dead girls that he, for no fault of his own, had been unable to save?

Marcia never disappoints me.  If you're a long time follower of this blog you already know I absolutely love her books.  I read them knowing what I am going to get and she always delivers.

I loved Cricket's do-gooder innocence matched to the tortured cynicism of Heathro.  Marcia has once again created an incredible cast of lovable characters.

I love getting to know Marcia better through the the parts of herself she puts into everyone of her novels.  The author's notes at the end are always the icing on the cake.

If you've not read a Marcia Lynn McClure book before start with Visions of Ransom Lake or Shackles of Honor or A Crimson Frost.  For those who like me have read and enjoyed all of her books this one is of course a must read.

Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it.

Content: Clean - passionate kissing and a couple of the mildest of expletives.

Source: Purchased

Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Series: None but there are companion novels
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Released: December 2, 2010
Website: http://www.stephanieperkins.com/

Book Summary:

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

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near misses end with the French kiss Anna and readers have long awaited.

I so enjoyed reading this one....or I guess I should say listening to this one since I listened to the audiobook.  Usually I get a lot done while I'm listening to an audios... laundry, dishes, errands, etc.  But that did not happen with this book.  I kept finding myself sitting down, getting nothing accomplished, with a silly grin on my face, totally lost in the story.

Full of laughs, romance, and drama this book was a fun read. Anna and the French Kiss was one of those books that I didn't want to put down. I could have done without the F word but otherwise found this to be a fantastic book.

Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it.

Content: Some language including a half dozen uses of the F word. References to sex, some crude comments, teen drinking but nothing is overly graphic or described in detail.

Source: Download from Overdrive


Also by Stephanie Perkins:

Book Review: Where She Went by Gayle Forman

Title: Where She Went
Author: Gayle Forman
Series: If I Stay #2
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Released: April 5, 2011
Website: http://www.gayleforman.com/


Book Summary:

It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.
Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.
Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

If I Stay felt like a stand alone book when I read it. It didn't need a sequel, so I was surprised when there was one. Where She Went takes place three years after If I Stay ended. It's similar to If I Stay in the way it is told, we learn what has happened to Adam and Mia through flashbacks of the last three year. However this one is told from Adam's perspective and a lot has changed for Adam in the past three years.

Despite the fact that there was a lot of language and some other content in this book I wish wasn't there, Where She Went was a book I couldn't put down. I was engrossed in the story from the first page to the last. Beautifully written and heartbreaking, I could feel both Adam's & Mia's pain as the last three years of their lives unfolded in this story. So well done!  I loved this story.

Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it.

Content: Lots of it, explicit langauge - (I quit tallying F words but at least a dozen of them), sex talk and implied sex. Adam is living the life of a popular rock star and has everything that comes with that lifestyle.

Source: Dowloaded from Overdrive

Book Review: My Soul to Steal by Rachel Vincent

Title: My Soul to Steal
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Soul Screamers Book 4 of 7
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: December 21, 2010
Website: http://rachelvincent.com/

Book Summary:

Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can't just pretend nothing happened. But "complicated" doesn't even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back.

See, Sabine isn't just an ordinary girl. She's a mara, the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people's fears—and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives.

And Sabine isn't above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever—and whoever—she wants.

This series has sucked me in... I'm sleep deprived but can't seem to get enough.

How to write a review for Book #4 in the series without spoilers? Not really possible!

If you've read this series and made it through book 3 then you'll likely love this addition to the series. For some reason I'm just pulled into these books. They are NOT clean reads. The first book wasn't too bad but the heat just keeps increasing with each book. In this one Sabine oozes sex, she's sex personified and there is nothing subtle about her actions.

Despite the content which I wish was toned down a little, I haven't felt such emotion while reading a series in years. My emotions were in turmoil while reading this book. Sabine is so awful. I abhor her and yet somehow came to love her too - is such a thing possible? Nash - to love him or hate him? I keep flip-flopping back and forth and it's making me crazy. Add in an evil Netherworld element and it's one wild ride of a story.

Rating: 5 Stars - I Loved It

Content: Once again this book was another step up from the last one. More language, more sex talk, more innuendo.

Source: Audible.com download

Book Review: My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent

Title: My Soul to Keep
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Soul Screamers Book 3 of 7
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: June 10, 2010
Website: http://rachelvincent.com/

Book Summary:

Kaylee has one addiction: her very hot, very popular boyfriend, Nash. A banshee like Kaylee, Nash understands her like no one else. Nothing can come between them.
Until something does.

Demon breath. No, not the toothpaste-challenged kind. The Netherworld kind. The kind that really can kill you. Somehow the super-addictive substance has made its way to the human world. But how? Kaylee and Nash have to cut off the source and protect their friends—one of whom is already hooked.

And so is someone else…

Wow did this book bring out the emotions in me. Seriously I was fuming mad when I got to the end of this book. This is what I wrote on goodreads as I finished the book:

Dear Nash,

You are lower than pond scum! Seriously - you suck! Some things should be unforgivable! I'm sure Kaylee will ultimately forgive you but I'm not sure how you can possibly redeem yourself in my eyes.

Make sure you have book #4 on hand so you can begin it as soon as you finish this one.  It was midnight when I finished but there was no way I was going to be able to sleep because I was so worked up by what was revealed at the end of this book.  I had to get 1/3 of the way into the next book before I finally fell asleep.  I think that is one of the things I like most about Rachel's writing - the emotions her books ellicit in me, I'm connected to the characters, I care about the characters, they seem so real to me.

My Soul to Keep took on some dark & heavy subject matter. Addiction and everything that comes with it is not a warm and fuzzy topic. However My Soul to Keep was original, fast paced and very well written. I loved this addition to the Soul Screamer Series.

Rating: 5 Stars - I Loved It simply for the amount of emotion I felt while reading it.

Content: everything was a step up from the last book - more language, more wandering hands, more innuendo, etc.

Source: Audible.com Download

Book Review: Die for Me by Amy Plum

Title: Die for Me
Author: Amy Plum
Series: Revenants Book #1
Publisher: HarperTeen
Released: May 10, 2011
Website: http://www.amyplumbooks.com/


Book Summary:

My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.

Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.

Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.

Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.

While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love?

I don't think I've ever read a Zombie book before. Prior to Die for Me if you asked me I'd probably say I don't like Zombies. This book definitely changed that opinion. Similar to the way Twilight changed my opinion on vampires Die for Me changed the way I see Zombies. Called Revenants, a term I had never heard prior to reading this book, these zombies are a far cry from the gruesome creatures I picture when you say the word zombie.

I loved everything about this book. From the characters and story-line to the action and romance, this book seemed as if it were written just for me. Although this book follows the typical young adult paranormal romance story-line it was completely unique in many ways and left me wanting for nothing except to get my hands on the sequel as soon as possible.

Die for Me is a beautifully written book that I won't soon forget. The sequel Until I Die is definitely on the top of my want ("need now") list.

Content: I can't remember anything that was objectionable in this book (maybe I was too engrossed in the story to notice).

Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it.

Source: Audible.com Download



The sequel Until I Diewill be released on May 3, 2012.

Picture Book Review: There's Just Something About A Boy by Jenny Lee Sulpizio

Title: There's Just Something About A Boy
Author: Jenny Lee Sulpizio
Illustrator: Peg Lozier
Publisher: Ajoyin Publishing
Released: September 23, 2011
Website: http://www.jennysulpizio.com/

Book Summary:

There's Just Something About a Boy is a children's keepsake picture book celebrating the special bond between a mother and her newborn son by depicting the love, laughter, and unparalleled adventure that will surely come from raising a little boy.

This is another wonderful book by Author Jenny Lee Sulpizio. I had the priveledge of reviewing her first book Mommy Whispers last year and was thrilled to receive a review copy of her newest book There's Just Something About a Boy.

Jenny's latest book captures the joy of raising a son.  This book is a treasure that would be the perfect gift for a mother of a newborn baby boy.  It would also a make great book to read aloud to preschool and primary aged sons or as a gift to let a son know how much your cherish him.

Having just taught my oldest son to drive I can relate to the page on teaching a teen to drive.  Before I know it all three of my boys will be grown and gone but in my heart they will always my special gifts from God.  This touching, heartfelt book leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy.

Rating: 5 Stars - Loved it!

Source: From Author for Review

Book Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Title: Unearthly
Author: Cynthia Hand
Series: Book #1
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: January 4, 2011
Author's Website: http://www.cynthiahand.blogspot.com/


Book Summary:

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .
Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

Another fabulous 2011 release that I finally got around to reading.  I guess one advantage to being behind is that I can now read the books fellow bloggers have voted the Best of 2011. Odds are that if several of my blogging friends have all loved a book I will too.  Unearthly is no exception to this rule.

So we're back to love triangles again but as I said in my last review nearly all the books I love have love triangles.  I actually like both boys in this one but am surprised because I'm not rooting for the character I thought I would be rooting for.  I loved that the relationships in this book didn't spontaneously happen overnight.  It took months for things to develop which was a nice change.

Hooray for another book that I would let my teenagers read.  I can not remember anything objectionable in this book.

In a way I'm glad I waited to read this book because we are left with so many unanswered questions at the end.  Thankfully the sequel comes out in less than two weeks and thanks to Netgalley & HarperTeen I have a copy of Hallowed waiting to be read.

I think Unearthly standouts in teen paranormal romance genre.  It is beautifully written and I loved the new take on angels.  Another book I highly recommend you read especially if like me you missed the boat when this one got released.

Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it!

Content: Clean

Source: Audio Download from Audible.com



The Ebook of Unearthlyis currently just .99 cents on Amazon.com. I highly recommend you splurge and spend the $1 to read this book if you have not read it yet.

The Sequel Hallowedwill be released on January 17, 2012.

Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Series: Book #1
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/ HarperCollins
Release Date: May 3, 2011
Author's Website: http://veronicarothbooks.blogspot.com/


Book Summary:

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

Phenomenal!  Seriously this was a fabulous book to start off the year.  I loved it, seriously loved it!  When I polled my blog readers for their favorite read of 2011 Divergent was the unquestionable winner and I hadn't read it.  So I remedied that by making it my first read of 2012.

I rarely read book summaries or reviews anymore and was especially glad I didn't read this book's summary or any reviews on it before reading it.  I had no idea what to expect other than knowing that there has been a lot of hype about this book.  Divergent currently has a 4.41 rating on goodreads which is the highest rating I found on any of the 2011 young adult debut novels.  I had high expectations when starting this book and I'm happy to report that for me this book lived up to the hype!

Amazingly there was no love triangle.  Don't get me wrong, many (actually most) of my favorite books have love triangles but it's so refreshing to not have one. No picking side in this one just Team Four all around, how can you not love the guy.

Overall this was a fairly clean book. Kudos to Veronica for writing something I will let my teenagers read. There was no language that I remember, no sex and it was fairly mild on the innuendo although it was violent. If I had to choose I would say that I much prefer violence over language or sex in books, it doesn't bother me nearly as much. The Dauntless are heartless fighters so there are several scenes that are quite violent.

What else to say without spoiling the book?  It's fabulously written with characters I love.  The four month wait for the sequel Insurgent is going to be a long one.

Divergent is the kind of book I enjoy reading.  Young adult, dystopian, fairly clean - Yep that's right up my alley.  Seems like I'm the last person to read this book so I'm probably preaching to the choir but if you haven't yet read this I highly recommend it.  I loved it!

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it!

Source: Download from Audible.com

Content: No sex, no language that I remember, overall I'd say it was clean but violent.  I'd let my teenagers read it.

Insurgent is definitely on my most wanted list! I cannot wait!


Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Book Review: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Title: Pandemonium
Author: Lauren Oliver
Series: Delirium Book #2
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: February 28, 2012
Author's Website: http://www.laurenoliverbooks.com/

Book Summary:

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

WOW! I really love this series. Although there is not much I can write that won't be a spoiler.

 Pandemonium is not told chronologically but rather jumps back and forth between THEN - starting when Delirium ended and NOW which is about a year later. We are introduced to a whole new set of characters who I couldn't help but love even though I started the book missing Alex.

I predicted the main things that were going to happen in this book but Lauren Oliver took me on quite a ride getting from point A to B. The Wild was nothing like I imagined it would be. Pandemonium focuses much more on the Resistance and has more violence in it then Delirium did.  As I predicted it was another cliffhanger ending.  It will be a long wait for Requiem to be released in 2013!

This is a INCREDIBLE book that I loved!  This is one series I wouldn't mind having extended to more than 3 books.  I'm not sure I will have had enough with just one more book.

If you have not yet read Delirium I highly recommend you do before Pandemonium is released at the end of February.

Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it!

Source: From Publisher for Review

Content: Language including a couple uses of the F word, clothes off but no sex, quite a bit of violence.

Other Books by Lauren Oliver

Delirium


Hana: A Delirium Short Story


Before I Fall


Liesl & Po


Dear Bully: Seventy Authors Tell Their Stories

Book Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Title: Delirium
Author: Lauren Oliver
Series: Delirium Book 1 of 3
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: February 1, 2011

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

Lauren Oliver is a new author for me. Her book Before I Fall has been on my to read list for a while but I have not found the time to read it yet. I received an ARC of Pandemonium so I decided it was past time to give her books a try.  Since Pandemonium is the second book in the series I obviously had to start with Delirium.

I loved Delirium! Despite this being a very busy time of year I devoured this book in just a couple days.  I loved the premise of this dystopian story... love is a disease that must be feared and cured.  Well written with great characters I could relate to - this was a book I didn't want to put down.

To be fair I must warn you....this book ends with a huge cliffhanger.  I'm glad I had a copy of Pandemonium that I could start as soon as this book ended. With an ending like this one had I am sure Pandemonium will leave me hanging as well but that's not stopping me for reading it!

Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it!

Source: Download from Audible.com

Content: some language including 2 uses of the F word. No sex but talk of taking off clothing.

Book Review: The Chimney Sweep Charm by Marcia Lynn McClure

Title: The Chimney Sweep Charm
Author: Marcia Lynn McClure
Publisher: Distractions Ink
Released: December 7, 2011
Currently Available only through Marcia's WEBSITE

“There was the muffled sound of audience members standing up, and Baylee and Candice turned to look behind them.
“Holy smokes!” Baylee breathed.
“It’s like a Navy SEAL convention or something,” Candice added.
And it was! Baylee couldn’t believe that over twenty-five of the people in the orientation audience were tall, dark, handsome, buff guys dressed all in black. Each man stood with his feet apart and hands held at his back—similar if not exactly like a military “at ease” stance.
“They’re all packing heat too,” Baylee whispered to Candice as she noted all the holstered sidearms.
“I guess Mr. O’Sullivan wants to be prepared,” Candice said.
“I suppose you girls are all wowed now, right?” Tate said from the front row.
“Let’s see,” Candice began, looking to Tate and feigning an expression of thoughtfulness. “Let’s say I’m being assaulted by some weirdo in street…and who am I going to look to for protection? One of these guys?” she said, nodding toward the security staff. “Or you, Tate? You…who freaked out in June when we were in New York and you thought some guy was looking at you funny. You freaked out and slammed Megan’s finger in the door and cut it off! Who do you think I’m going to trust?”
“It was an accident, and you know it,” Tate grumbled.
Baylee did know it. Still, she found her eyes glancing down the row of chairs in front of her to Megan—to the missing first joint and fingertip on her right hand.
“Yeah, it was,” Candice admitted. “But you still cared more about yourself than Megan. The guy was stalking Megan…not you. Real heroic, Tate. Way to go to instilling a sense of confidence in me that you would have my back.”
“Whatever,” Tate grumbled, turning around in his seat to pout.”

I loved this book. It's a novella so it's short enough that can easily be read in one sitting. Perfect for getting in the Christmas Spirit.

The Chimney Sweep Charm is a sweet, romantic, "charming" Christmas Story set in a recreated Dicken's Village. Christmas carols, bell ringing, hot chocolate, mistletoe... all the elements needed to create an unforgettable holiday tale.  Marcia has created another set of fabulous characters.... From Baylee the bell ringer to the gorgeous, heroic Justice and his less than subtle grandmother fans of Marcia's books are sure to love these characters!

As is always the case with Marcia's shorter stories I just wish this book was longer. I was expecting a dramatic end to the "mysterious bad guy" element of the story and was a little surprised that things wrapped up fairly quickly and relatively drama free.  However that didn't take away from my love for this lighthearted, fun book.  The focus of this book was much more on the romance instead of the mystery and I love the way Marcia writes romance!

Thanks Marcia for this fabulous Christmas book!  For anyone who enjoys sweet, clean romance and is looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit give The Chimney Sweep Charm a chance.

Content: Clean

Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it.

Source: From Author for Review

Book Review: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Title: The Help
Author: Kathryn Stockett
Released: February 10, 2009
Publisher: Putnam
Tags: Historical Fiction

Three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step.
Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.

Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.

Minny, Aibileen's best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody's business, but she can't mind her tongue, so she's lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.

Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.

In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women - mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends - view one another. A deeply moving novel filled with poignancy, humor, and hope, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don't.

I participate in a neighborhood book group each month. November's book was The Help. I'm so glad it was chosen because I doubt I would have gotten around to reading it if I didn't "have to".  It took me 4 days to get through this audio book and I literally finished minutes before book group started last night.

This book is fabulous! Well written with great characters.  I listened to the audio version and thought the narrators did an amazing job.

I can't add much to the thousands of reviews that are already out there other than to say I think this is a book most adults should take the time to read.

Content: some language throughout and "adult" topics are all through this story.

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: Audio download from Audible.com

Book Review: The Haunting of Autumn Lake by Marcia Lynn McClure

Title: The Haunting of Autumn Lake
Author: Marcia Lynn McClure
Release Date: October 26, 2011
Publisher: Distractions Ink
Tags: Clean Romance

Autumn Lake stopped cold in her tracks. She puffed a breath of summoning courage as she gazed at the old covered bridge before her. Ever since she was a child and Sawyer had read to her the fascinating yet thoroughly haunting story of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Mr. Washington Irving, Autumn had secreted a fear of bridges. Each time she was meant to cross a bridge (especially the old covered bridge on the far side of the orchards), she expected the ghostly headless horseman to appear and attempt to decapitate her. Oh, certainly the tale of the Specter did nothing to soothe her either, for it was said that this was to be a year of the Specter. As the story went, the local phantom, the Specter, only appeared once every ten years—but this was to be the year of the Specter, and Autumn did not like crossing bridges even when it was not a year of the Specter.
Gulping down her fear, however, Autumn glanced behind her, assuring herself that there was no headless horseman riding up behind her intent on stealing her head.
“He wouldn’t want a woman’s head anyway,” she mumbled to herself, even as rising fear caused her heart to pound in her chest. “And besides,” she said, looking back to the old bridge, “I’m eighteen years old…nineteen in less than a month. Surely I can cross the bridge without runnin’.”
Pulling her sketchbook to her chest and tightly folding her arms across it, she spoke aloud to the cattails. “Wish me luck, my darlings…for I do prefer to keep my head attached to the rest of me.”
As Autumn stepped onto the bridge, the roof blocked the warm sunshine, making the space inside the bridge dark and gloomy. Yet she’d expected this. What else would one expect of a covered bridge? After all, its very purpose was protection from the elements, and that included the heat of the summer sun. Naturally, Autumn preferred to think of its purpose as being made for something else—the seclusion necessary for the romance of lovers’ trysts.
She sighed with disenchantment for a moment—disappointment at never having had a lover of her own. She thought how different it would be to cross the old bridge if her arm were linked to that of a strong and handsome lover. Still, she had no lover, and the fact remained that she must indeed cross the bridge.

No surprise that I loved this story. I'm a huge Marcia Lynn McClure fan and love to escape into her clean romances. If you have not read a Marcia Lynn McClure book before I highly recommend you give her books a try. But don't start with this one. The Haunting of Autumn Lake is the sequel to her beloved book The Visions of Ransom Lake. You must read that book first to appreciate this one.

Marcia Lynn McClure's favorite season is Fall. Her love of all things autumn shows in this book. From pumpkins and apples to fall colors and ghost stories, this book was perfect for making me appreciate the beauty of this season. In the author's notes in the back there are even recipes for some of her fall favorites.

Handsome Ransom and Vaden are no longer newlyweds but are just as in love as the day they married. Their only daughter Autumn is of age but how can she ever find a man as wonderful as her father? Filled with old fashioned values, a hero who will do whatever is necessary to protect a woman's virtue and plenty of kissing and romance this book is perfect for anyone who like me loves good old-fashioned love stories.

Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it!

Content: Clean

Source: From author for review

This book is currently available only through the authors website: http://distractionsink.com/, but will be available from amazon.com and other booksellers soon.

Book Review: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Title: The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Series: None
Released: September 13, 2011
Publisher: Doubleday
Tags: Fantasy, Magic

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.
True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.
Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.

Many new books will debut this fall,
So many in fact, it’s hard to remember them all.
But one novel in particular I’d like to remind,
Defies all expectation, it’s one-of-a kind.
The title you ask? Why The Night Circus of course!
It’s a formidable debut, an enchanting tour de force.
A reminder if you have yet to enter the Circus gates,
A matchless world of wonder, novelty, and fervor eagerly awaits.
So I invite you dear friend to read with tenacity,
And you’ll see that the above is said with veracity.
Le Cirque des Rêves is calling your name,
Once you step inside, you’ll never be the same…

First off I listened to the audio version of this book.  Jim Dale is the narrator and everything came alive as he read this book.  I'm not sure if my experience would have been different if I had read the book.  It is full of details and descriptions.  It seemed like half this book was nothing more than imagery and the characters seemed almost secondary to the circus itself.  I usually enjoy books that are much more fast paced and plot driven but this held my attention the entire time.  It is beautifully written.

There is romance in this book but it wasn't the focus of the book. There was a large cast of characters who all played a large part in the story instead of just focusing on the two main characters.  This has to be one of the most original, well written books I've read.

Content: (May be considered a spoiler)
There was only one swear word that I remember in the entire book (but it was the F word) and one scene with implied sex.
So if you take white out to the F word on page 10 and skip the second half of page 295 it would be a clean read. (At least those were the page #s in the ARC I have).

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: ARC from publisher but I downloaded it from Audible.com because Jim Dale is the narrator.

Brave Rooney by Gerry Renert

Brave Rooney by Gerry Renert

Ordinary boy Rooney shows up at Captain Majestic Memorial School, an elementary school for superheroes. Through the story, he shows all his superhero classmates what it means to be truly brave. Story is meant to build the player's self-esteem.
Features: Over 50 interactive features and animations, 23 pages of illustrations, narrated by author Gerry Renert (three-time Emmy-nominated kids' TV writer), highlighted reading text, Read to Me or I Can Read options, visual page index.

I'm slowly working my way into the world of technology. I now have a Kindle & just got my daughter a Nook. I thought I was keeping up fairly well but apparently not... Today I was introduced to digital interactive books that come as apps for the iphone or ipad. I'm still behind the times... I don't own an iphone just my ancient dated cell phone so I reviewed a pdf version of this book and viewed the you tube video to see how the app works. Pretty cool. I know my kindergartner would love this book.

As a story this books works. Even without the digital interactive features this made an entertaining read, one that I would read over and over to my children.  So for those of you who have small children and an iPhone or iPad these new interactive digital books may be something worth looking into.

Currently the only way to get this book is through iTunes.

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Rating: 5 Stars

Source: PDF review copy from author

Book Review: The Trove of the Passion Room by Marcia Lynn McClure

The Trove of the Passion Room is not simply a story. Nor is it only a fable, a legend or mere nonsensical superstition. It exists. There is a trove hidden in The Passion Room…a trove that has never before in its fullness been found—for it is hidden by the spell of passion that lingers within the room itself. The passion inspired of the room cannot be denied. It cannot be controlled or resisted. And as the influence of The Passion Room cannot be evaded, neither can the trove be revealed without absolute and consummate surrender to...” She paused as her eyes widened. “What?” she breathed. “No way!”

About 8 pm last night a wonderful surprise was awaiting me. An email from Marcia that contained a Kindle version of The Trove of the Passion Room. Despite being caught up in the middle of two other books I just had to start this one! And is always the case once I start a Marcia Lynn McClure book I have a hard time putting it down! Sleep was sacrificed and cleaning and errands had to wait so I could read this.

The Trove of the Passion Room is classic Marcia Lynn McClure. I was not disappointed. Everything I love about Marcia and her books was within the pages of this fabulous contemporary story. There is predictability to Marcia's books but honestly I would be disappointed if there wasn't. I open her books knowing just what to expect and have never once been let down.

As the title suggests this book had plenty of passion. Marcia is known for her clean books that have nothing but passionate kissing. She can write the "chaste" side of desire and passion without any sex better than anyone. I'm certain The Trove has at least double if not triple the amount of passionate kissing as any of her other books.

The author notes at the back are something I treasure. I love getting a glimpse into Marcia's writing & life.

From Marcia:

"I LOVED writing The Trove of the Passion Room! I think it's one of my very, very favorite contemporary stories! The story is so close to my heart! And the hero is...how can I say this...INCREDIBLE! I know you want details...but I'm not sure what would best wet your whistle! Let's just say this for now...it's entitled The Trove of THE PASSION ROOM...will that do?"

Content: I consider Marcia's books to be clean reads (although this one does have some of the mildest of language and of course lots of kissing)

Rating: 5 Stars - I LOVED IT!

Source: Kindle Ebook

Book Review: (dis)Abilities and the Gospel by Danyelle Ferguson & Lynn Parsons

Each day, parents and Church leaders struggle to teach individuals with special needs. Using real-life stories and a touch of humor, this inspiring book guides you to teach effectively, overcome communication barriers, and build strong relationships with people of all ages with disabilities. Discover each person's ability to learn and grow as you help them feel like a valuable part of your life.

(dis)Abilities and the Gospel is a great book. I highly recommend it to anyone who has or works with a specials needs child or adult. This book is full of ideas for both parents and teachers.

There is a wide range of information included in this book. With everything from teaching strategies to surviving church meetings to surviving holidays and family get togethers this is a valuable resource for all. The advice is practical and I found myself thinking what a great idea more than once.

The number of children with autism, ADD, learning disorders and mental health issue is on the rise making this a book that will be helpful for meeting the challenges that come with teaching and raising these special spirits.

Rating: 5 Star

Source: From Author as part of a blog tour

Content: Clean & Uplifting

Book Review: How to Be God's Little Princess by Sheila Walsh

How to Be God's Little Princess: Royal Tips for Manners, Etiquette, and True Beauty by Sheila Walsh:

A fun guide book for God's little princesses.


What does it take to be a princess? Sheila Walsh has some important answers to share for every little girl. This trendy design features black & white line art and a two-color pink and black interior. The art will tie to each how-to topic in the book-how to make the best pink cookies, how to wear a tiara, how to earn money at home, how to care for a royal dog, how to be respectful, how to use good manners, how to help Mom, how to follow Jesus, how to act like a princess when things go terribly wrong, and many more.

What a cute book!  The idea of manners and etiquette seems to be lost in today's world.  This book is aimed at about 8-11 year olds and is filled with a wide variety of information.  With everything from Internet Safety to planning a party, from meal time etiquette to being a good friend, from modesty to using time wisely...  There is a little bit of everything found within the pages of this book.

There are fun illustrations and quizzes that teach valuable lessons.  This is a book that is sure to be a hit with tween age girls.  Obviously you can tell by the title that this book is aimed at a Christian audience.  There are scriptures on the first page of each chapter with the overall message being:

"You are God's beautiful, incredible princess - a crowning jewel in His kingdom"

My review copy of this book will definitely be finding its way into my daughter's Easter Basket.



Content: Clean

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: For Review as part of a blog tour

Book Review: God So Loved the World by Eric D. Huntsman

"There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter," taught President Gordon B. Hinckley. "The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection."


With this deeper understanding given by a modern prophet, Latter-day Saints have an increased opportunity during the period from Palm Sunday to Easter morning to reflect upon the last days of our Lord's earthly ministry.


In God So Loved the World: The Final Days of the Savior's Life, author Eric D. Huntsman takes us on a scriptural journey through the last week of our Savior's mortal life, culminating in His atoning sacrifice and joyous resurrection. The author, by drawing on his wide knowledge of historical context, cultural background, and biblical insights, increases our understanding of these momentous events and helps us draw closer to the Savior. Full-color fine-art paintings, photographs, maps, music, and topics for personal reflection are included to enhance our commemoration of Easter week.


Brother Huntsman writes, "Each year has its rhythms with the passage of summer to fall, winter, and at last, again, spring. Holidays are part of that rhythm, helping us remember realities greater than mere seasons, and Easter, together with Christmas, can anchor each year securely in the promises of Jesus Christ."


This beautiful volume suggests meaningful ways for Latter-day Saints to refocus their Easter celebrations on the culminating events of the Savior's ministry. Whether used as a personal or family study guide or as a model for a devotional celebration of Easter week, God So Loved the World is a must-have addition to the library of every Latter-day Saint.


Contents:
Preface
Acknowledgments
Rediscovering Easter
Palm Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Good Friday
Saturday
Easter Sunday
Choosing Easter
Appendix: The Gospels as Sources, a Chronology, and Symbolism
Jesus in the Four Gospels
Jesus during His Last Week
Jesus as the Anointed One
Notes
Sources
Index


Last year the week before Easter I read a book called A Christ-Centered Easter. It gave activities to do with your kids each day of the week leading up to Easter to help bring the focus of Easter back to Christ.

God So Loved the World is a book along the sames lines only it is much more in depth. It takes a detailed look at the life of Christ the week leading up to his death and resurrection. Centered around the accounts of Christ's life from the Gospels it is filled with pictures, quotes, songs, and scriptures to help us understand what transpired during the Christ's final week.

This is a beautiful book I would recommend to anyone seeking a better understanding of the Holy Week that culminates on Easter morning.  There is much out there about putting Christ back in to Christmas.  This book helps bring the focus of Easter back to where it should be... on Christ's atonement, death and Resurrection.



Rating: 5 Stars

Source: From Publisher