Review: The Dragon Whisperer by Lucinda Hare

Title: The Dragon Whisperer
Author: Lucinda Hare
Publisher: Bodley Head
Pages: 416
Reading Level: 9-12 yrs old
Rating: 5/5 stars

Quenelda has always had a magical bond with dragons, and her greatest wish is to fly one and fight alongside her father in the war against the hobgoblins. Root, on the other hand, wishes only to avoid the fearsome creatures, so the role of Quenelda-s esquire is the last thing he needs. But an unexpected friendship is forged, and when Dragons Dome is besieged by a deadly plot, this unlikely duo must find a way to defeat the dark forces.Epic battles, whispered legends and soaring magic combine in this breathtaking debut fantasy, with black and white illustrations by David Wyatt.

Review:
It's like Eragon for middle school kids!  I enjoyed every moment I spent reading this book.  The author is an excellent writer, the subject magnificent and the characters well developed and inspiring.  The Dragon Whisperer has a strong female lead character and an unlikely male hero, the perfect pairing for a perfect book!  The plot is exciting at times and even a little bit dark.  It's great for girls and boys , there's plenty of action to keep everyone interested.  The first of a series, The Dragon Whisperer will prove to be a cult classic.

Review: Matched by Ally Condie

Title: Matched
Author: Ally Condie
Publisher:  Puffin (2 Dec 2010)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Pages: 384
Rating: 3/5 (Good)

On her seventeenth birthday, Cassia meets her Match. Society dictates he is her perfect partner for life. Except he’s not. In Cassia’s society, Officials decide who people love. How many children they have. Where they work. When they die. But, as Cassia finds herself falling in love with another boy, she is determined to make some choices of her own. And that’s when her whole world begins to unravel . . .

Review:
GREAT dystopian! Really got into this one fast. Kept my attention from page one. I felt the characters were well developed! I wasn't searching for more from them. They all brought a lot to the table, and when I wanted to know something about them the author told me! I did want to know more about this dystopian world. I didn't feel like a lot of my questions were answered, but there is definitely enough there to really get a picture for this futuristic world. I'm looking forward to book 2!  Oh, and my favorite character is Xander. He just is! I hope you like him too!!!

Quote:
"Lying in bed, my body and soul bruised and tired, I realize that the Officials are right. Once you want something, everything changes. Now I want everything. More and more and more. I want to pick my work position. Marry who I choose. Eat pie for breakfast and run down a real street instead of on a tracker. Go fast when I want and slow when I want. Decide which poems I want to read and what words I want to write. There is so much that I want. I feel it so much that I am water, a river of want, pooled in the shape of a girl named Cassia."

I'm Still Here!!!

I'm still here guys! Sorry I've been MIA.

I am in the process of moving, being pregnant, and working full time. I've got 5 more weeks until maternity leave, and I promise we'll be back on a schedule and I'll be bringing to you some great new reads and some contests/giveaways for Christmas!

Thanks for hanging in there with me!!!

Junior Review: Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg

Title: Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Publisher: Disney Press
Reading Level: 9-12
Pages: 208
Rating: 5/5

Fairy Haven is abuzz with news about its latest arrival, Prilla. It's bad enough that she has no idea what her special talent is, but some of her behavior is remarkably, well, human. Prilla is heartbroken that she does not seem to fit in. She desperately needs help from Mother Dove, the most important creature in Neverland, who created and cares for the magical egg that prevents all who live in Neverland from growing old and dying. But tragedy strikes as the island is hit by a hurricane, and the Never egg is destroyed. Mother Dove must pick three fairies to set out on a dangerous quest to repair the egg. She chooses Rani, the best water-talent fairy; Vidia, the most selfish, but fastest fast-flying-talent Fairy; and, to everyone's surprise, Prilla. The three embark on a journey filled with danger, sacrifice, and adventure.

Lizzy's Review:
In the beginning of the book we learn that a baby's first laugh becomes a fairy.  I love this.  I have 2 younger brothers and I remember each time they had their first laugh.  I wonder if it made a fairy?  Here's 3 things I liked about the book:  first, I like that it's about fairies.  They each have a special talent.  The second thing I liked about this book is that you get to meet a new character, Mother Dove.  She's not in any of the movies and she's so important.  The third thing I liked is that the story felt so real.  And the illustrations are gorgeous!  I also loved that the fairy Prilla thinks that a kid (they are called "clumsy's" to the fairies) is a fairy!  Pick yours up at the bookstore today, you're going to want to buy this one. Bye,see you next Thursday!

Review: I Am Number Four

Title: I Am Number Four
Author: Pittacus Lore
Publisher: Penguin
Reading Level: Young Adult
Pages: 440
Rating: 4/5

Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books—but we are real.

Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing.

But they know. They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all. I am Number Four. I am next.

Review:
I had never heard of this book, but I got to talking with a local book seller and we seem to let each other know of new and notable titles. She brought I Am Number Four to my attention. The book didn't come out for another 2 months, but I got online and checked out the first few chapters. The movies rights were bought by Steven Spielberg! Um...it MUST be good if the movie is being made before the book has even been published. So, I was there on release day to get my copy and see what this sci-fi book was all about.

I'm not a sci-fi person. At least I didn't think I was. My mom has been urging me to give the genre a chance and that I would be surprised at what I find. So, I thought I Am Number Four would be a perfect way to get my feet wet, and boy was I glad!

It's not too sci-fi-ish (I know that's not a word, but I can't think of anything that described it better than that). It kept me interested in the characters and their quest to stay hidden. I read it quickly and felt the momentum the whole time. Really great read! I'll urge all of you to give it a try!

Quote:
"I am an alien, I have extraordinary powers, with more to come, and I can do things that no human would dream of, but I still look like a fool."

The movie comes out Feb 2011!!
Starring Alex Pettyfer!

Review: Mockingjay

Title: Mockingjay
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic
Reading Level: Young Adult
Pages: 455
Rating: 3/5

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans -- except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay -- no matter what the personal cost.

Review:
If you know me you know I'm crazy about The Hunger Games. Never have I been so engrossed in a series and read a book so many times.  I've waited and waited for Mockingjay to be released. I asked off work 6 months ago to read it on the day with no distractions. I wanted to know the ending to this trilogy and I had in my mind what I wanted to happen.

This book didn't live up to my expectations. Don't hate me! It just didn't. My favorite characters were changed, it was as if I never knew them. There was too much depression, war, and politics. Katniss is a pawn more than ever, and I felt like she had taken a stupid pill or something. Not the strong Katniss that I knew. The ending was rushed, and didn't live up to anything I had hoped. It was as if the author knew what we all wanted and refused to give it to us.

I read the book twice, and it was a bit better the second time. But not by much. I'll still love this series. But Mockingjay is better left of the shelf for me.

Quote
"Finnick?" I say, "Maybe some pants?"
He looks down at his legs as if noticing his outfit for the first time. Then he whips off his hospital gown leaving him in just his underwear. "Why? Do you find this"- he strikes a ridiculously provocative pose -"distracting?"

Review: The Chocolate Box Girls: Cherry Crush

Title: The Chocolate Box Girls: Cherry Crush
Author: Cathy Cassidy
Publisher: Penguin
Reading Level: Middle Grade(9-12)
Pages: 304
Rating: 4/5

 Cherry Costello’s life is about to change forever. She and Dad are moving to Somerset where a new mum and a bunch of brand-new sisters await. And on Cherry’s first day there she meets Shay Fletcher; with suntanned skin and sea-green eyes he’s the kind of boy who should carry a government health warning. But Shay already has a girlfriend, Cherry’s new stepsister, Honey. Cherry knows her friendship with Shay is dangerous – it could destroy everything. But that doesn’t mean she’s going to stay away from him... 

Review:

What a darling book! The cover caught me straight away! Super colorful and cute. When you take the book jacket off, the inside book is blue with tons of chocolates all over it! Very cute.

I really loved pretty much everything about the book. It was super cute, and tells of a blended family coming together. There are quirky parts like Cherry gets to live in an old gyspy caravan! I wanna do that!!! The girls also get to dress up like chocolate faeries in a chocolate festival. I would love to dress up like that!!

Really cute book, great for young girls. And older girls at heart like me! I can't wait to read the next book Vanilla Skye!

Review: Midnight Girls

Title: Midnight Girls
Author: Lulu Taylor
Publisher: Arrow Books
Pages: 656 
Reading Level: Adult
Rating: 3/5

From the prestigious dormitories of Westfield to the irresistible socialite scene of present-day London: everywhere Allegra McCorquodale goes, scandal follows her. And in Allegra's shadow are her closest friends since school, the Midnight Girls. Romily de Lisle: super rich, brilliant and bored. She's as blessed as Allegra when it comes to looks, but she's a force to be reckoned with. And Imogen Heath: pretty, timid and hopelessly drawn to Allegra's reckless charm. She longs to be a part of the glitzy high-society world where her friends move with such ease. Once free of the cloistered worlds of school and university, the Midnight Girls face new and different challenges, but they are for ever bonded by a terrible secret they've sworn never to break. Bitter rivalries arise as their professional lives soon cross paths. Greed, tragedy and sinister passions threaten their allegiance and each of them stand to lose what they love most...

Review:
This book is a soap opera! It  is all over the place, and there are more sex scenes in this book than ANY book I've ever read! It was too much. Very graphic. This book was more than chic lit. It was definitely a soap opera. Things were happening and you had no idea how is the world they got to that point!!

That being said, I still finished it in 2 days. I must have liked it enough to keep reading. The main characters are so different yet are still best friends, I liked that. The story shows these 3 girls from boarding school into adult life. Making it a longer book. I felt a lot could have been left out and we still would have gotten the whole picture.

I'm Re-reading again!

I love re-reading my favorites. I know there are so many wonderful new books out there I haven't read yet, but I just can't help it. Sometimes I need my favorites.

What do I like so much about re-reading a story I already know the ending to? I can trust it. I know I love the story, and it made me feel a certain way. The characters are still the same and I feel close to them.

Sometimes I re-read the whole book, and other times when I need a quick fix I just pick out my favorite scenes to enjoy for the evening. Do any of you do that?

Here is what I've been re-reading lately:

 My favorite book of all time. I can't even explain how much this book touched me. It is about a family moving to the Arizona Territories by wagon train. The struggles they go through, the lives lost, and the love found. Simply brilliant. All my emotions were affected. 

The love story is literally my favorite of all time. It is so real. I love Capt. Jack. Yum. If you haven't read this series, you are really missing out on a wonderful story. 

First werewolf story I ever read. LOVED it! Such a wonderful romance and I loved the take on werewolves. I ate this one up quickly just in time for the release of Linger, the sequel! You are missing out if you haven't read this series yet.

 This is a new kind of faerie tale. The cover had me at the book store, and I sat on the steps and read 8 chapters! I knew this was the book for me. I love the new take on faeries and really connected with the characters. I just love that Tamani, and I'm hoping Laurel picks him in the end!!

The second installment of the Wings series by Aprilynne Pike, is AMAZING! I just love this story! I'm a huge faerie fan, and this one doesn't disappoint. I'm just in love with Tamani, and I am really looking forward to book 3! There were so many un-answered questions I had that I can't wait to find out what is going to happen!!

Review: Linger

Title: Linger
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic
Reading Level: Young Adult
Pages: 432
Rating: 4/5 stars!



In SHIVER, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in LINGER, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping dangerous secrets. For Sam, it means grappling with his werewolf past ... and figuring out a way to survive the future. But just when they manage to find happiness, Grace finds herself changing in ways she could never have expected...





Review:
I've been waiting for this sequel to Shiver for a long time. I wasn't disappointed. This werewolf tale is, heartbreaking. 


Linger is told in 4 points of view. The first 4 chapters were all from someone different and I wasn't sure if I would like that, but I LOVED IT! I loved the new character Cole and loved that Isabel made a bigger appearance. There is more to Cole than meets the eye, and I ended up REALLY liking him.


Sam is human now. He is afraid of shifting back into a wolf and is trying to believe in his cure. Linger is his book. This is his story. 


I really hated Grace's parents. Can I say that? They haven't been parent's her whole life, and NOW they decide they can tell her what to do? They just don't get it. 


Linger is full of love, longing, hope, anxiety, and just so much more. The ending is heart breaking, and I just can't wait for the 3rd book Forever! It is going to be an epic fight for love!


Quote:
"To Grace, these were the things that mattered: my hands on her cheeks, my lips on her mouth. The fleeting touches that meant I loved her."

Review: Rules of Attraction

Title: Rules of Attraction
Author: Simone Elkeles
Publisher: Walker
Reading Level: Young Adult
Pages: 336
Rating: 4/5 stars
Other titles in series: Perfect Chemistry

Carlos Fuentes doesn't want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him in Boulder, Colorado. He wants to keep living on the edge, and carve his own path—just like Alex did. Unfortunately, his ties to a Mexican gang aren't easy to break, and he soon finds himself being set up by a drug lord.

When Alex arranges for Carlos to live with his former professor and his family to keep him from being sent to jail, Carlos feels completely out of place. He's even more thrown by his strong feelings for the professor's daughter, Kiara, who is nothing like the girls he's usually drawn to. But Carlos and Kiara soon discover that in matters of the heart, the rules of attraction overpower the social differences that conspire to keep them apart.

As the danger grows for Carlos, he's shocked to discover that it's this seemingly All-American family who can save him. But is he willing to endanger their safety for a chance at the kind of life he's never even dreamed possible?

Review:
GREAT companion novel to Perfect Chemistry! Loved how this book was about Alex's brother Carlos, and his self discovery.  The book moved swiftly to the point, Carlos' love story. Which is HOT. I don't know what it is about Simone's writing, but well...it's just HOT. Definitely for mature teens.

Carlos and Kiara are an unlikely couple, but opposites attract. They have more in common that they originally think. I love how Kiara isn't the "perfect" girl. She doesn't wear makeup, she is athletic, works on cars, and wears t-shirts 3 sizes too big for her. She is easy to relate to.

One thing I'm not sure I liked was how fast they seemed to fall in love with each other.  One minute they hate each other, then the next they are making out and confessing their love. I missed seeing that moment where they fell for each other. It is still a wonderful story, and well....Carlos is HOT. I want him as my boyfriend.

If you are in the mood for something to get your blood moving, this is definitely it! Fantastic read! 
I can't wait for book 3 about Luis!

Review: The Dark Divine

Title: The Dark Divine
Author: Bree Despain
Publisher: Egmont
Reading Level: Young Adult
Pages: 384
Rating: 4/5 stars

Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood--but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.

The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school. Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes.

The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy's dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.

Review:
I read this in one sitting. It's a slow start in the plot, but not in character development. We are busy learning about the character's in this story. In the middle is when the plot starts to pick up. 

This story has a lot of Christian undertone's in it, which I liked. Grace is the daughter of a Pastor. Her life is lead by the teachings she has learned from her father and the Bible. This is where Daniel comes in, the resident bad boy (who really isn't a bad boy to begin with). I could guess what kind of monster that goes bump in the night he was, there isn't much in the element of surprise, but that is OK. There is a different twist on this creature than I have read before. 


There is a small love story and true sacrifice in this story. I did enjoy it very much. There will also be a sequel later on this year!! Great debut novel. I would have never guessed this her first novel.
 Her writing style flows effortlessly!

Quote:
"I was about to ask about it when Daniel flopped down on the mattress. He pulled off his shoes and went for the zipper of his jumpsuit. A flash of panic went through my body. I turned my head and lowered my gaze.
"Don't worry prescious," Daniel said "I'm not going to violate your virgin eyes."

Review: Hush, Hush

Title: Hush, Hush
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Reading Level: Young Adult (14+)
Pages: 391
Rating: 4/5

Publisher's Summary:

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those who have fallen -- and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.

Review:

WOW! I'm really into these fallen angels right now. What is it about the bad boys I like so much? I wasn't sure if I should like Patch or not though. He is dangerous. Is it a good danger or a bad danger? I didn't really know until the end.

The cover made me pick up this book. I didn't know what it was about, although I could guess it was about a fallen angel. It just looked intriguing.

I'm impressed this is a debut novel. It is quite the page turner, and full of danger and romance. Her character's are well developed and have many sides to them. I'm impressed to say the least.

I was gripped guys. Great story line, plot, and character development. I love me some bad boy romance, and I sure did get it!! I'm all about the romance.

I don't want to give anything away, so I'm being pretty vague in this review, but it's good guys. I loved it!! I can't wait until book 2, Crescendo out this fall!!

Quote:

"He was the worst kind of wrong. He was so wrong it felt right, and that made me feel completely out of control. "~Nora

Start Your Day With Serial: The 13 to Life Blog Tour

Welcome to Shannon Delany's Start Your Day with Serial Tour! Shannon's debut novel (and first in her YA paranormal series) 13 to Life started as a winning cell phone novel written in serial segments. During the tour you can read bits of the book in order. Miss a day? Hop to Shannon's blog http://13toLife.us/blog and check the link to the blog tour calendar in her sidebar.

There will also be a contest that will close at the end of the tour. Winners get a bunch of stuff!

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What's 13 to Life about?

Something strange is stalking the small town of Junction…

When junior Jess Gillmansen gets called out of class by Guidance, she can only presume it’s for one of two reasons. Either they’ve finally figured out who wrote the scathing anti-jock editorial in the school newspaper or they’re hosting yet another intervention for her about her mom. Although far from expecting it, she’s relieved to discover Guidance just wants her to sho w a new student around—but he comes with issues of his own including a police escort.

The newest member of Junction High, Pietr Rusakova has secrets to hide--secrets that will bring big trouble to the small town of Junction—secrets including dramatic changes he’s undergoing that will surely end his life early.

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Read a snippet from the book! Check out other snippets on http://13tolife.us/blog!

13 to Life: Chapter 4, part I (used with the author’s permission)

Pietr’s foot began to tap softly. He glanced at Mr. Miles, then at the clock, then at his notes. Then the clock, his notes and Mr. Miles.

Mr. Miles told us how, as Hitler sent extermination squads out after the remaining gypsies and Jews, his troops balked at the idea of entering one forest. It was reportedly haunted and the S.S. was superstitious. But Hitler didn’t grasp the meaning of no and made them go in.

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Shannon's debut novel, 13 to Life, launched exactly 1 week ago today. If you haven't had a chance to read it, Shannon says it's available at almost every bookseller (both online and in person) and she encourages you to spend your money with a company whose policies you respect. Find out more about Shannon and her YA paranormal series at http://ShannonDelany.com or http://13toLife.us/blog or follow her on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/Shannon_Delany .

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Shannon's hosting several contests during the Start Your Day with Serial Tour. The big contest will award one lucky winner with a royal amber pendant, pietersite jeweled bookmark, stuffed wolf, mousepad, pen, tote, signed poster, personalized copy of 13 to Life pins. All you need to do is comment at 13 of the blogs hosting Shannon during her 30 day tour. Everyone who does so will be entered into a random drawing. Winner may be international.

Review: Perfect Chemistry

Title: Perfect Chemistry
Author: Simone Elkeles
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Reading level: Young Adult
Pages: 368
Rating: 5/5
Companion Novel: Rules of Attraction

Publisher's Summary:
Get ready for a whole new take on star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story, bad boy meets good girl...

At Fairfield High, everyone knows that south-siders and north-siders aren’t exactly compatible elements. So when cheerleader Brittany Ellis and gang member Alex Fuentes are forced to be lab partners, the results are bound to be explosive.

Neither teen is prepared for the most surprising chemical reaction of all – love. Can they break through the stereotypes and misconceptions that threaten to keep them apart?

Review:
WOW! This books is HOT! I needed something to get my blood pumping and this did the trick! I loved the writing style! It is written in 2 points of view, a chapter from Brittany and one from Alex. It flowed effortlessly!

This story is about love. It is about romance, it is about finding your soul mate. In the midst of turmoil, and danger!! I really loved these characters, and wanted them to be together. Knowing if they could they would make each other better people. There is loads of kissing! Hot kissing. Descriptive kissing. I actually felt like my insides were on fire as I was reading it. Melting me from head to toe. Seriously. I thought I was kissing Alex Fuentes! and he's hot....

Totally a West Side Story kind of book, loved it! Amazing! I spent the 2 days after I'd finished it just re-reading my favorite parts over and over again. Seriously so good. This books will take your breath away!!

Note to parents: There is bad language, teen drinking, and teen sex in this book.

Quote:
"I want to know how to make this girl laugh. I want to know what makes her cry. I want to know what it feels like to have her look at me as if I’m her knight in shinning armor" ~Alex

Review: The Splendour Falls

Title: The Splendour Falls
Author: Rosemary Clement-Moore
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Reading Level: Young Adult
Pages: 528
Rating: 3/5
Publisher's Summary:
Can love last beyond the grave?

Sylvie Davis is a ballerina who can’t dance. A broken leg ended her career, but Sylvie’s pain runs deeper. What broke her heart was her father’s death, and what’s breaking her spirit is her mother’s remarriage—a union that’s only driven an even deeper wedge into their already tenuous relationship.

Uprooting her from her Manhattan apartment and shipping her to Alabama is her mother’s solution for Sylvie’s unhappiness. Her father’s cousin is restoring a family home in a town rich with her family’s history. And that’s where things start to get shady. As it turns out, her family has a lot more history than Sylvie ever knew. More unnerving, though, are the two guys that she can’t stop thinking about. Shawn Maddox, the resident golden boy, seems to be perfect in every way. But Rhys—a handsome, mysterious foreign guest of her cousin’s—has a hold on her that she doesn’t quite understand.

Then she starts seeing things. Sylvie’s lost nearly everything—is she starting to lose her mind as well?

Review:
I picked up this book because the back said there was a romance that would take my breath away. I'm all about the romance.

This story starts out slow, and goes slow the whole way through. There is nothing wrong with that, it is very detailed and you get a sense of living in Alabama. Yet, I had a question mark over my mind the whole book. What was really happening? There weren't many clues. I felt in the dark for the first 450 pages. I still read the book in 2 sittings, so I obviously thought it was good enough to keep going.

The love story did not blow me away. There definitely wasn't enough of it, and I wouldn't have put on the back that it would leave you breathless. It was barely there.

I did like the writing style and it moved effortlessly through the topics and situations. I just wish I knew more of what was going on than the day to day life. Overall, a nice debut novel, creative, and well written. Needed more romance, and a faster pace, but it was good overall.

Quote:
"Don't be obtuse princess. It's only because I'm a gentleman that I haven't let you know that I find Victorian ruffles insanely hot." -Rhys

Review: Fairytale of New York

Title: Fairytale of New York
Author: Miranda Dickinson
Publisher: Harper Collins UK
Reading Level: Adult


Rating: 3/5

Publisher's Summary:
Are happy-ever-afters made in Manhattan? Find out in this gorgeous debut, perfect for cold winter nights.

Once upon a time an English girl went to New York to live out her very own fairytale… Florist Rosie Duncan's life couldn't be better, she has a flourishing business on New York's Upper West Side and fantastic friends. Moving to Manhattan feels like the best decision she ever made. Even though at the time, it was her escape route from heartbreak . . . For the past six years Rosie has kept her heart under lock and key, despite the protests of her closest friends - charming, commitment-phobic Ed, unlucky in love Marnie and the one-woman tornado that is Celia. Then a blossoming friendship with publishing hot-shot Nate begins to shake Rosie's resolve at the same time as her brother arrives in the Big Apple, hiding a secret. But a chance meeting brings Rosie face to face with her past, unravelling the mystery behind her arrival in New York. Rosie is forced to confront questions she has long been trying to ignore, including will she ever get her very own happy-ever-after? A sparkling, romantic comedy about an English girl who finds herself in the city where dreams can come true - or so she thinks…

Review:
I picked this book up over the winter. I liked the cover. On the cover it says," Are happily-ever-afters made in Manhattan?" I love me a happily ever after! Sold!

Cute book! I'm happily surprised! It's been awhile since I've read a good chic-lit! Rose owns her own flower shop. How fun! She helps people through flowers. I've always wanted to be a New Yorker. This book really showed me the glitz and glamor of it all in a real way.

Rose has a past, who doesn't! It is just that no one knows about it, not even her closest friends. Why hasn't she dated anyone since she moved to NY 6 yrs ago?

There were a few things that could definitely have been left out of the book. They weren't essential to the story and to me just took up space away from the true story. I'm not a person who likes fillers. Just get on with the story already!

Go through the ups and downs of life in Manhattan with Rose and see if she can find love, right in front of her face. Great story! Enjoyable read. Character's are believable and lovable. Great debut novel! I would have never guessed this was her first!

Review: The Demon Kiss

Title: Of Witches and Warlocks: The Demon Kiss
Author: Lacey Weatherford
Publisher: Global Authors Publications
Reading Level: Young Adult

Rating: 3/5

Publisher's Summary:
Can someone else's past come back to bite you? After being drained of nearly all the blood in her body, novice witch, Portia Mullins, wakes up to find that her warlock boyfriend, Vance Mangum, has fled in search of his demon father. Determined to keep him from facing the evil alone Portia follows after him, unknowingly setting herself on the path of a new adventure that will take her, Vance, and their coven over international borders, into a foreign place where they will discover that the black magic which awaits them is far worse than they ever imagined. Portia finds herself tangled up in a web of lies and deceit in another's quest for demonic power in the excitingly romantic second paranormal novel in the Of Witches and Warlocks Series, The Demon Kiss.

Review:
I was very excited to get my copy in the mail. I have been anxiously awaiting what's next in this new Paranormal Romance. I love a good love story. I'm a sucker for anything romantic. The Demon Kiss has loads of romance.

I enjoyed the new twist in this next installment. I don't want to spoil it for you, but we learn more of Portia and Vance's powers, and we see some new additions to the coven!

One thing I didn't really like was that Portia is engaged at 16 yrs old. I feel that is a bit young. Well a lot young. I didn't get married until 28 though, so who am I to say? I understand why they are engaged and their binding spell makes them even closer, but I still feel it would be a little more taboo than everyone was making it out to be.

If you want something new, then try out this series. It is a nice twist on a romance with a witch and a warlock! I love me some of that Vance!

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Review: Garden Spells

Title: Garden Spells
Author: Sarah Addison Allen
Publisher: Hodder
Reading Level: Adult


Rating: 3/5

Publisher's Summary:

Welcome to Bascom, North Carolina, where it seems that everyone has a story to tell about the Waverley women. The house that`s been in the family for generations, the walled garden that mysteriously blooms year round, the rumors of dangerous loves and tragic passions. Every Waverley woman is somehow touched by magic.

Claire has always clung to the Waverleys` roots, tending the enchanted soil in the family garden from which she makes her sought-after delicacies – famed and feared for their curious effects. She has everything she thinks she needs – until one day she waked to find a stranger has moved in next door and a vine of ivy has crept into her garden . . .

Claire`s carefully tended life is about to run gloriously out of control.

Review:
I borrowed this from a friend. I loved the cover. It looked like a YA Fantasy novel. It's not. It is about a woman who makes magical food out of flowers! It is about sisters who are finding themselves again.

I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't what I was expecting at all. Which I liked. I felt part of the Waverly family. I could smell the aroma of the roses in the garden and the juicy apples from the magical apple tree on a hot summer's night.

It is a coming of age tale really. These women may be grown in size, but the soul always has room to grow. And these Waverly women have kept their hearts under lock and key for quite some time. Will they find love? Will they be ready for it?

Good book. Nice summer read. Full of magic, love, and soul searching. Let Garden Spells whisk you away into the Waverly's Magic Garden.

Review: It's Not Summer Without You

Title: It's Not Summer Without You
Author: Jenny Han
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Reading Level: Young Adult
Other titles in the series: The Summer I Turned Pretty


Rating: 4/5

Publisher's Summary:
Can summer be truly summer without Cousins Beach?

It used to be that Belly counted the days until summer, until she was back at Cousins Beach with Conrad and Jeremiah. But not this year. Not after Susannah got sick again and Conrad stopped caring. Everything that was right and good has fallen apart, leaving Belly wishing summer would never come.
But when Jeremiah calls saying Conrad has disappeared, Belly knows what she must do to make things right again. And it can only happen back at the beach house, the three of them together, the way things used to be. If this summer really and truly is the last summer, it should end the way it started--at Cousins Beach.

Review:
I've been waiting forever for this book to arrive in the post. When I got home from work, there it was. I opened it and read it in ONE sitting. I love doing that. I feel like I get all the facts and feelings without stopping. I can fully immerse myself in the story. I love it.

This book was just what I was hoping for, but more. I really wish I had summers like this growing up. Wouldn't it be so fun to have a beach house and stay there ALL summer long?

Everyone is grieving over Suzanah's death and this is the first summer of Belly's life that she won't be at the beach house. How will it feel like summer? Belly is growing up and Conrad and Jeremiah are starting to look at her as more than just the younger sister type they grew up with at the beach house every summer. But then Conrad gets into some trouble and Jeremiah asks Belly to help him find Conrad, it leads them to the beach house. Can they save the summer?

I was upset at Belly and Conrad and how they treated each other though. Come on guys! Just figure it out! Do you want to be together or not?! But, I was secretly rooting for the underdog Jeremiah. Come on Jer, get the girl!!

GREAT summer read. When I read these Summer novels by Jenny Han I feel like I'm living a summer I've always wished for. I'm caught up in Belly becoming a woman, and I'm wishing and hoping that she picks the right boy. So good. Enjoyable read. You won't be disappointed.

Note to Parents: There is teen drinking in this book.

My Top 10 Beach Reads 2010

I'm heading to Tarragona, Spain today guys! I've been thinking about which books I wanted to bring and it got me thinking about what my favorite beach reads for the summer have been so far. I've compiled a list of my top beach reads for the summer. Some are not out until the end of the summer, while some are already on the shelves! I hope you'll pick some of these up for your summer holiday!


Spells by Aprilynne Pike
In this second installment of a series that started with the best-selling Wings (2009), Laurel, who recently discovered she is a faerie, finds herself completely immersed in her new world when she begins studies at the Academy at Avalon. There she can spend more time with Tam, the faerie who is hopelessly in love with her, and also learn about the benefits and burdens her heritage entails. But the action really begins when she returns home. The trolls that stalked her in the previous book are more dangerous than ever, and this time Laurel is not the only one being targeted. At the heart of that conundrum is the affection she feels for both her earthly love, David, and the deliciously different Tam.






The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer -- they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one wonderful and terrible summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.









It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
Can summer be truly summer without Cousins Beach? It used to be that Belly counted the days until summer, until she was back at Cousins Beach with Conrad and Jeremiah. But not this year. Not after Susannah got sick again and Conrad stopped caring. Everything that was right and good has fallen apart, leaving Belly wishing summer would never come. But when Jeremiah calls saying Conrad has disappeared, Belly knows what she must do to make things right again. And it can only happen back at the beach house, the three of them together, the way things used to be. If this summer really and truly is the last summer, it should end the way it started--at Cousins Beach.






Can You Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella
Things are suddenly starting to look up for the hapless but optimistic Emma Corrigan. She has kept her job at Panther Cola for nearly a year, has the perfect boyfriend and hopes for a promotion to marketing executive should her first opportunity to strut her stuff and land a business deal be successful. Unfortunately, things don't go quite as planned, and on her unusually turbulent return flight from a disappointing client meeting, in a terrified state, she confesses her innermost secrets to the good-looking stranger sitting beside her. When she shows up at work the next morning, she is horrified to discover that her mystery man is none other than the revered and brilliant Jack Harper, American CEO of Panther Cola, on a weeklong visit to the company's U.K. branch. Thus begins a series of chaotic, emotionally exhausting and funny episodes that thrust Emma, with her workaholic best friend, Lissy, and their awful flatmate Jemima, into a world of fairy tales, secrets and deceit.



Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (Aug 24, 2010)
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12.










The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life - and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey's boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie's own. Joe is the new boy in town, with a nearly magical grin. One boy takes Lennie out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But the two can't collide without Lennie's world exploding...









Fallen by Lauren Kate
There's something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori. Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price's attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He's the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move. Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce--and goes out of his way to make that very clear--she can't let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.








Of Witches and Warlocks by LM 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.



Wintercraft by Jenna Burtenshaw
Ten years ago Kate Winters’ parents were taken by the High Council’s wardens to help with the country’s war effort.

Now the wardens are back...and prisoners, including Kate's uncle Artemis, are taken south on the terrifying Night Train. Kate and her friend Edgar are hunted by a far more dangerous enemy. Silas Dane – the High Council’s most feared man – recognises Kate as one of the Skilled; a rare group of people able to see through the veil between the living and the dead. His spirit was damaged by the High Council’s experiments into the veil, and he’s convinced that Kate can undo the damage and allow him to find peace. The knowledge Kate needs lies within Wintercraft – a book thought to be hidden deep beneath the graveyard city of Fume. But the Night of Souls, when the veil between life and death is at its thinnest, is just days away and the High Council have their own sinister plans for Kate and Wintercraft.


Sleepless by Cyn Balog (July 13, 2010)
Eron DeMarchelle isn't supposed to feel this connection. He is a Sandman, a supernatural being whose purpose is to seduce his human charges to sleep. Though he can communicate with his charges in their dreams, he isn't encouraged to do so. After all, becoming too involved in one human's life could prevent him from helping others get their needed rest. But he can't deny that he feels something for Julia, a lonely girl with fiery red hair and sad dreams. Just weeks ago, her boyfriend died in a car accident, and Eron can tell that she feels more alone than ever. Eron was human once too, many years ago, and he remembers how it felt to lose the one he loved. In the past, Eron has broken rules to protect Julia, but now, when she seems to need him more than ever, he can't reach her. Eron's time as a Sandman is coming to a close, and his replacement doesn't seem to care about his charges. Worse, Julia is facing dangers she doesn't recognize, and Eron, as he transitions back to being human, may be the only one who can save her. . . .Even once they've become human again, Sandmen are forbidden to communicate with their charges. But Eron knows he won't be able to forget Julia. Will he risk everything for a chance to be with the girl he loves?

Review: Winter's Passage

Title: Winter's Passage
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen Free Novella
Reading Level: Young Adult


Rating: 4/5

Publisher's Summary:
No way, is Meghan Chase’s reaction to the news. But the truth is undeniable. And now, Meghan must enter a world where anything she touches may kill her—including the icy prince who stirs her wakening senses. As she steps into the Nevernever, finding her brother is only the start of her problems. For the trail leads Meghan toward the most dangerous threat of all, the mysterious Iron Fey..

Review:
This is a free Novella from Harlequin Teen, Until July 31st. It is a short story inbetween The Iron King and The Iron Daughter. Perfect to wet your appetite before The Iron Daughter comes out in August!

It is only about 50 pages, so it is an easy read, but helps to clarify what happens when Prince Ash took Meghan to the Winter Queen, Mab. It is there travel there. A bit of romance, and some action. We get to know a little bit more about the characters in preparation for The Iron Daughter. Good novella. Enjoyable read. I just love me some of that Prince Ash! Yum yum yum!

Review: Fallen

Title: Fallen
Author: Lauren Kate
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Reading Level: Young Adult


Rating: 4/5

Publisher's Summary:
There's something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price's attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He's the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce--and goes out of his way to make that very clear--she can't let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

Review:
I can not believe it took me this long to read this book! I've had it on my shelf for months. I liked the cover, but I had no idea what it was about. It is about a Fallen Angel guys. A hot fallen angel.

I was immediately sucked in to this story. It is an easy read. It is almost 500 pages, but you don't feel it. You'll speed right through it. This is a wildly romantic tale. I felt butterflies in my stomach every time an we had an encounter between Luce and her 2 suitors Daniel and Cam. I'm a sucker for anything romantic and this did not disappoint. Great Book! Interesting concept, and worth the time!

I am eagerly awaiting Torment, the 2nd in the Fallen series out in Sept.

Quote:
"What if the person you were meant to be with could never be yours?"

Monthly Review-May

This month was full of reading for me. I found some really great books and just couldn't stop reading. I love that! Many I brought to bed with me to get started on, but then I read them in one sitting! Read a book before bed? I love it! Wish I could do it every night!

The weather here in Scotland has been rubbish. I'm still wearing a fleece pretty much where ever I go. I don't believe summer exists in Scotland.

My husband and I went to Portugal a few weeks ago to enjoy time with the in laws. Had a wonderful time! I downloaded a few e-books on my net-book for the trip and enjoyed my first E-Books! I packed tons of books for minimal space. I think I need a Kindle now.

around the bend is the nudist beach

In case you missed anything here is what happened at The Sweet Bookshelf in May:

Book Reviews:
Fablehaven: Keys to the Demon Prison by Brandon Mull
Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr
Wintercraft by Jenna Burtenshaw
Of Witches and Warlocks by LM Weatherford
The Mermaid's Mirror by L.K. Madigan
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Enna Burning by Shannon Hale
River Secrets by Shannon Hale
Forest Born by Shannon Hale
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Jr Correspondent Kids Book Reviews:
The Pout Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
The Bad Bad Kitty Series by Nick Bruel

Kids:
Lizzy's Vlog
Kids@The Shelf News

Author Interviews:
Mary Naylus, author of The Dresskeeper
Jenna Burtenshaw, author of Wintercraft
Lacey Weatherford, author of Of Witches and Warlocks

Books Received for Review:
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Discussions:
Library vs. Book Stores

Events:
Wintercraft Wednesday

Borrow My ARC Tour:
May Books

News:
The News Stand {12}

Book Giveaways:
We gave away 5 books and 7 loot bags to 10 lucky winners this month!

Let me know if there is something more you'd like to see here at The Sweet Bookshelf, and we'll make it happen!

Review: The Sky is Everywhere

Title: The Sky is Everywhere
Author: Jandy Nelson
Publisher: Walker Books
Reading Level: 14+

Rating: 4/5

A special Thank You to Walker Books for sending me this book to review

Publisher's Summary:
Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life - and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey's boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie's own. Joe is the new boy in town, with a nearly magical grin. One boy takes Lennie out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But the two can't collide without Lennie's world exploding...

Review:
I've just now finished this book. It is beautifully written. I'm still processing it. The prose is actually quite beautiful. Lennie is mourning her sisters death, why does she now feel alive when her sister is dead? The book is about her mourning. It is sad, beautiful, shocking, and understandable.

There is a love story that blooms in the midst of all this turmoil, and Lennie screws it up. She is just so hurt and lost now that her sister is gone. I don't know what to make of it. It is well written and the character development is wonderful. I'm going to say it was a great book. Interesting. Thought provoking, and wistful. I know I'll be thinking about this book for days. I love books that make me think. I can't get this story out of my head.

Quote:
"Life's a freaking mess. In fact, I'm going to tell Sarah we need to start a new philosophical movement: messessentialism instead of existentialism: For those who revel in the essential mess that is life. Because Gram's right, there's not one truth ever, just a bunch of stories, all going on at once, in our heads, in our hearts, all getting in the way of each other. It's all a beautiful calamitous mess. It's like the day Mr. James took us into the woods and cried triumphantly, "That's it! That's it!" to the dizzying cacophony of soloing instruments trying to make music together. That is it."