Don't Know Where, Don't Know When by Annette Laing

What a nightmare. Hannah Dias, California Girl with Attitude, and Alex, her laid-back brother, have moved from exciting San Francisco to boring Snipesville, Georgia. Life doesn't improve when they meet Brandon, a dorky kid who is plotting his escape from the Deep South, and the weird Professor, who has a strange secret.

Suddenly, the kids are catapulted thousands of miles and almost seventy years to England during World War Two.

They fall into a world of stinging nettles, dragon ladies, bomb blasts, ugly underwear, stinky sandwiches, painful punishments, and non-absorbing toilet paper. They learn so much more than they could ever learn in a history class. Not that they want to learn it.

But they can't go home unless they find George Braithwaite, whoever he is, and whatever it is that he has to do with Snipesville.

Please see my review on Mundie Kids.

Content: There are a few mild expletives in this book. Since this book is marketed to children ages 9 and up I feel these should have been left out of the story.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

The Mark by Marilyn Bunderson

She's had it forever. A tiny mark on her hand. No big deal, right? But when Tori discovers that her ordinary freckle is really some kind of microscopic tattoo, she doesn't know what to think, especially after meeting Eric, a guy she feels strangely connected to--and not just because he has a mark too.

All too soon, Tori and Eric realize that their marks are only the first clue to a mystery that will change everything. And with each new discovery, Tori finds herself pulled deeper and deeper into a world she could never have imagined.

I really enjoyed reading The Mark. It's a little slower paced than some of the books I've read recently. That's not necessarily a bad thing. This gave plenty of time for both the story and characters to be well developed. The mystery of the marks and the children who bore them unfolded piece by piece until everything came together for a very satisfying ending. As Marilyn Bunderson's first novel The Mark is a squeaky clean and a great addition to the science fiction/fantasy/romance genre.

The ending left plenty of room for a sequel but I felt like it wrapped up well enough to be satisfying as a stand alone read.

Content: This is a clean read - no sex, no language, no graphic violence, no innuendo.

Rating 4 Stars - If there is a sequel I'll read it.

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Luke has never been to school. He's never had a birthday party, or gone to a friend's house for an overnight. In fact, Luke has never had a friend.

Luke is one of the shadow children, a third child forbidden by the Population Police. He's lived his entire life in hiding, and now, with a new housing development replacing the woods next to his family's farm, he is no longer even allowed to go outside.

Then, one day Luke sees a girl's face in the window of a house where he knows two other children already live. Finally, he's met a shadow child like himself. Jen is willing to risk everything to come out of the shadows -- does Luke dare to become involved in her dangerous plan? Can he afford not to?

It's probably been a decade since I first read Among the Hidden. This is the first book in Margaret Peterson Haddix's Shadow Children series. Aimed at the middle aged reader this made a great family read aloud.

Although this book didn't make me cry it did make my daughter cry. She's my tenderhearted child and the ending of the book upset her. My 8 year old loved it and after finishing it he retold the story to his father. My 4 year old kept asking questions - "Why could they not have 3 babies?" "Why is he hiding?" - it was a little beyond her comprehension but she was listening because the questions were endless. Already my 12 year old is reading the sequel while my 10 year old complains she wants a turn to read it. Sure signs that this book was a hit among my children.

Content: This is a clean read. Appropriate for ages 8 and up.

Rating: 4 Stars. I'll be reading the next book in the series to see what happens next.

The Trouble with Spells by Lacey Weatherford

Portia Mullins had always lived the life of a normal teenager, up until her sixteenth birthday. She is then informed by her grandma that she is actually a witch who is a descendant from a long line of witches and warlocks. After overcoming her disbelief she finds that being a member of the coven comes with one great perk in the form of the school's handsome bad boy, Vance Mangum.

Vance and Portia have an immediate connection as a budding romance begins, only to be threatened by turbulent skies on the horizon as Vance's checkered past rears its ugly head to haunt them. Portia is forced to use her untried powers in defense of everything she loves in a desperate attempt to hold on to the one thing that really matters in her life.

This is a hard book for me to rate/review. There were things I really loved about this book and thing I didn't like.

First the good. It's a great story. I felt an emotional attachment to the characters. It was a book I read really quickly and enjoyed and wanted to finish. It contains some unique paranormal elements that were interesting.

Now the not so good. The editing of this book is terrible, it's full of mistakes. I'm not a great writer and only a so-so editor but I could have kept my red pen busy on this book.

The potential for a fabuolous book was there with the storyline. The book moved along at a fast pace but this meant sometimes the writing was rushed and there wasn't enough character and story development. Things just happened and were accepted way too fast.

A few things felt like they were lifted right out of Twilight - Vance saying Portia is like a drug to him, Vance sleeping in bed with Portia every night.
And then it ended with little resolution as a set up for the second book.

That said the book was entertaining and a quick read so I will read the sequel if I can find it at the library or from a friend.

Content: This is a fairly clean read. There is no language and little innuendo. My main problem is the issue of Vance spending his nights spooning with Portia. I could believe 100+ year old, animal blood drinking Edward might have enough control to resist going too far with Bella but I don't think it's a story element that should be repeated in other books. I doubt any other man, human or otherwise, could show such control.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

EDITED: Please see comment below - the editing errors in the copy I read have since been corrected.

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

I've read a lot of paranormal young adult books lately. Hex Hall was a great addition to the genre. Most books in this genre are completely predictable but this one was not. I thought I had figured out the "mystery" element in this book but twists and turns near the end caught me off guard. Kudos to Rachel Hawkins because it's not very often I'm taken by surprise.

Hex Hall has a cliff-hanger ending. Book 2 in the series comes out in March and has been added to my to-read list. I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes.

Content: There are some content issues making this a book I'd only recommend to older teens/adults - there is language and innuendo throughout as well as a gay female vampire.

Rating: 4 Stars.

Deadly Little Secrets by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Some secrets shouldn't be kept...

Until three months ago, everything in sixteen-year-old Camelia's life had been fairly ordinary: decent grades, an okay relationship with her parents, and a pretty cool part-time job at the art studio downtown. But when a mysterious boy named Ben starts junior year at her high school, Camelia's life becomes anything but ordinary.

Rumored to be somehow responsible for his ex-girlfriend's accidental death, Ben is immediately ostracized by everyone on campus. Except for Camelia. She's reluctant to believe he's trouble, even when her friends try to convince her otherwise. Instead, she's inexplicably drawn to Ben and to his touch. But soon, Camelia is receiving eerie phone calls and strange packages with threatening notes. Ben insists she is in danger, and that he can help--but can he be trusted? She knows he's hiding something... but he's not the only one with a secret.

Deadly Little Secrets is the first book in the Touch Series by Laurie Stolarz. A page turner from the start this book held my attention throughout. It is a little bit creepy - stalkers are definitely not my favorite subject matter. There is a lot of mystery in this book and it kept me guessing until the end. The ending set us up for a sequel, Deadly Little Lies, which I will be reading. And then I'm sure I'll add Deadly Little Games to my to-read list when it is released in December.

This was a very fast paced, quick read that I easily read in less than a day.

Content: Typical of many young adult books that are out there this one contained a handful of language and some innuendo throughout.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Welcome To Stalk Lake City by Sheralyn Pratt

Deciding to go "off grid" for a while, Rhea Jensen can think of no better place to disappear than Utah. She settles into a quiet Mormon lifestyle--unless you count the skydiving, racecar driving, mountain climbing, and overly obsessive workouts. But when her best friend, Kay, tips her off to a stalking case, Rhea takes the job out of sheer boredom. Only then does Rhea realize two things--first, being good is hard; and second, she knows way too much to get out of the PI game.

Everyone's favorite private investigator is back in this second installment of the Rhea Jensen Series by Sheralyn Pratt. Packed full of new mysteries, new relationships, and all of Rhea's old habits, Welcome to Stalk Lake City will hold you hostage from the very first page.

Welcome to Stalk Lake City, Book 2 in the Rhea Jensen series, was originally published in 2004. Author Sheralyn Pratt has recently revised the Rhea Jensen series. Welcome to Stalk Lake City is being rereleased this week. I loved the first book City of Angels and this sequel did not disappoint.

Welcome to Stalk Lake City had me laughing out loud. I adore snarky Rhea Jensen and couldn't help but laugh at her take on Utah Mormons. Packed with mystery, humor, and romance this book kept me turning pages until the end. I can't wait for Rhea's next adventure in the book City Limits to be released in October.

Sheralyn Pratt writes great LDS literature. I highly recommend her books.

As a side note at some point I think I'll read the books they were originally published just to see what has changed in the revised versions of this series.

Content: This is a clean read.

Rating: 5 Stars - This book is good, clean fun!

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours.

But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.

WOW! Kiersten White's debut novel Paranormalcy is amazing. Seriously I loved this book. It has it all - great characters, great romance, great story. Couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book to everyone! Can't wait for the sequel.

Content: Oh Bleep! Thankfully this one is a clean read ;-)

Rating: 5 Stars - This book will be released on August 31st. Don't wait - Go buy it and read it!

Allon by Shawn Lamb

The land of Allon was a paradise until the fall of the Guardians paved the way for the rise of the Dark Way. Evil King Marcellus now controls the land as his forefathers did, with an iron fist and the help of the evil spirit, Dagar. But an ancient prophecy speaks of a time to come when the Guardians will return and Allon will be restored--lead by its rightful heir. All the while, the exiled teenage Promised Prince, Ellis, must prove himself worthy to be king through a series of supernatural trials that test his character, wisdom, courage, and his heart.

The first in the Allon series, this magical tale of adventure, destiny, and faith will test your strength and awaken your spirit of adventure.

Shawn Lamb has created a wonderful fantasy story with her book Allon. This is a good verses evil fantasy story where ultimately good triumphs. It's a enjoyable read I would recommend. Allon would receive a higher rating but the story got bogged down due to too many characters. I had a really hard time keeping everyone straight and it detracted from the overall story. There is a second book titled Insurrection that will be released this fall that I will read.

Content: There is no sex, innuendo or language in this book. There is however a lot of violence and killing. Although usually not extremely graphic is was prevalent throughout. Ages 16+

Rating: 3.5 Stars.

The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry

When Lucinda Chapdelaine was a small child, her parents left for the royal ball and never returned. Ever since, Lucinda has been stuck in perpetual servitude at her evil aunt’s jewelry store.

Then, on the very same day, a mysterious visitor and an even more bizarre piece of jewelry both enter the shop, setting in motion a string of twists and turns that will forever alter Lucinda’s path.

In this magical story filled with delightful surprises, Lucinda will dance at the royal ball, fall under the Amaranth Witch’s spell, avenge her parents’ death, and maybe — just maybe — capture the heart of a prince.

The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry is a story perfect for those who love fairy tales. This books has been on my to read list for quite a while. I noticed it was available to listen on audio from NetLibrary so I downloaded it. Glad I did because it was a very entertaining, fun book to listen to. It's full of all the stuff you find in a typical fairytale but also contains lots of original material.

Content: A clean read. My 10 year old overheard part of the book and wants to listen to it now. Although classified as Young Adult I'm letting her listen to it because there is nothing objectionable.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Saving Madeline by Rachel Ann Nunes

As a public defender, Caitlin McLoughlin dreams of someday locking the bad guys in prison instead of defending them. But prosecuting jobs are scarce, and Caitlin’s future seems bleak. When her current client is about to walk away from a brutal crime, she risks her career to make sure he doesn’t hurt anyone else. Yet what if her choice means sacrificing her career and the means care for her mentally disabled sister?

Then Caitlin meets Parker Hathaway, charged with kidnapping four-year-old Madeline. Just another criminal, another job, Caitlin thinks.

But Parker tells a far different story. Can Caitlin believe him, as her heart urges? Is she willing to put everything on the line to defend her client—a man who claims to be protecting the child he loves? Or is her trust better placed in the handsome deputy district attorney with his undefeated record in court? Caitlin’s pursuit of the truth swiftly thrusts her into a maze of unanswered questions and unexpected heartache.

Meanwhile, time is running out for Madeline. If Caitlin doesn't find the proof she is looking for soon, there may not be a future for any of them.

Saving Madeline by Rachel Ann Nunes is a novel worth reading. Although marketed to an LDS audience the characters in this book are not LDS. Saving Madeline is quite predictable and I didn't feel much of an emotional attachment to the characters but it's still a good story worth the time to read. A great storyline that is not preachy or cheesy explores what a parent would do to keep their child safe.

Content: Clean Read

Rating: 4 Stars

Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary by Brandon Mull

Brace yourself for a shocking secret. Two hidden artifacts have been found. Three more remain unrecovered. More preserves face destruction as the Society of the Evening Star relentlessly pursues new talismans. Reading in Patton s Journal of Secrets, Kendra learns the location of the key to a vault housing one of the artifacts. In order to retrieve it, the Knights of the Dawn must enter a death trap a dragon sanctuary called Wyrmroost. The mission cannot proceed without stealing a sacred object zealously guarded by the centaurs. Anybody seen Seth? The race is on to acquire all five of the artifact keys to the great demon prison. Will the Knights of the Dawn conquer Wyrmroost? Who can stop the Sphinx? Can Vanessa be trusted to help? What artifact will be found next? Find out in Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary.

Fablehaven is such a fun series that keeps getting better with each book. Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary Series is the 4th book in the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull. This series is perfect for the whole family. My kids ages 8, 10 & 12 all love these books. The audio version is very entertaining to listen to. If you have not yet read this series I highly recommend you do!

Book 4 is packed full of adventure and mystery. I love when a book has twists and turns that I don't see coming and this book has them!

Content: A clean read! There is some content younger kids may find scary but my 8 year old has no problem with the mythical creatures & monsters in this series.

Rating 4.5 stars to book 4 in this fabulous series.