The Sweet Bookshelf

Christy's Review: Allegiance by Carla Kluver

2012-01-27T08:00:00.000Z

Allegiance by Carla Kluver
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 512
Pub Date: March 2012

A special Thank you to Harlequin Teen for sending me this book to review.

"Only I saw Narian for who he truly was: a young man with courage and an independent mind, and made to pay for what was outside his control. He couldn’t help his past any more than he could help the way those intense, deep-blue eyes pierced me and held me captive."

AN EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD QUEEN IN LOVE WITH THE ENEMY AS THEIR COUNTRIES PASS THE POINT OF NO RETURN...
Bound to a man she cannot love, Queen Alera of Hytanica must forget Narian, the young man who holds her heart. For Narian is destined to conquer Hytanica at the behest of his master, the powerful magic-user known as the Overlord. Alera doesn’t truly believe Narian will fight against Hytanica—until Cokyrian troops attack with Narian commanding the charge.

Faced with the greatest betrayal a heart can know, Alera must set aside personal feelings and lead her kingdom through its darkest time. And when all hope, will and courage seem lost, she must find strength and remember that even the blackest night must have a dawn....

Review:

As I mentioned in my review of Legacy, by Cayla Kluver, I LOVE this series and practically inhaled both Legacy, and this sequel, Allegiance in one 24-hour period.

Allegiance picks up shortly after Legacy left off, with Steldor and Alera being crowned King and Queen of Hytanica. Alera is still in love with Narian and pretty much detests Steldor. Let me tell you, Cayla Kluver knows how to hook your attention! I had millions of questions, immediately after beginning this book: Can Alera forget Narian? Can Steldor be a good ruler in Hytanica and win Alera’s heart? And what’s going to happen with Narian? I was so wound up with anticipation that I couldn’t put it down and read this entire book in a day. Oh and the sexual tension between Alera and Steldor… let’s put it this way, it’s enough to make a girl say Edward and Bella WHO?

This sequel does not disappoint!! There were a few spots (continuity-wise) that confused me, but it may have been the lack of sleep (from reading the first book in this series all night long!) All in all, a great read. Miss Kluver develops both her characters and her storyline into maturity in this heartbreaking, action-packed tale about true love, honor, duty, and growing up. Can’t wait for book three!

Review: Anew by Chelsea Fine

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000Z

Anew by Chelsea Fine
Publisher: Acacia Publishing
Pages: 336
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Pub Date: Dec 2011
Format: ARC-Kindle

A special Thank you to Acacia Publishing for sending me this book to review.

Two years ago, Scarlet awoke in the forest alone, afraid, and unable to remember anything. Lost and confused, her life was a mystery...until she met a boy with a familiar voice. Gabriel has a voice from her past, and Scarlet's determined to remember why. She immerses herself in his life only to discover he has a brother he's kept hidden from her: Tristan. Upon meeting Tristan, Scarlet's world becomes even more muddled. While she's instinctively drawn to Gabriel, she's impossibly drawn to Tristan--and confused out of her mind. But as she tries to piece together her history, Scarlet realizes her past...might just be the death of her.

Review:
I have only moments ago finished Anew. I want more. I need more. What's going to happen?! Cliffhanger!! Let me just say that I was hooked from the first chapter. I knew it was going to be good!

Anew is a book about a girl who awakens with amnesia. She has spent the last 2 yrs of her life trying to remember something, anything. Then one day, at a Kissing Festival, she see's someone she might remember. I like kissing. I like even more that this book starts out at a Kissing Festival. I need to ask my local council if we can have a kissing festival. Scarlet meets two brothers, twins, who know about her past. But, how much are they willing to share?

There is a paranormal aspect to this book that is pretty cool. I've not really read anything like this before. Which I love. Vampire, Werwolves and Fallen Angels have been done to death. It is nice to get something original. There has been a curse. It is a little complex and you don't understand it fully until practically the end of the book. And even now I have a ton of questions. There is a love triangle! The heat is on! Nobody's feelings are out in the open in this first installment, so I just can't wait for book 2. I was practically willing Tristan and Scarlet to kiss. JUST DO IT ALREADY!! I am dying to know what happened in the past. WHAT HAPPENED?!?!

I liked it guys! It was a quick read, which I love, and I like reading about fresh ideas. I felt the dialogue was believable, and I liked the characters. I'm looking forward to book 2 out this summer (possibly mid July).

Quote:
"Knowing death is nearby gives you a chance to live...deliberately."

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Book Settings

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000Z

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature created at The Broke and the Bookish.

This Tuesday I'd like to share with you my Top 10 Favorite Book Settings. I think a setting can really make or break a book. I like my setting to literally take me away. I want to feel I've gone away from my life for awhile and enjoy something different and/or new. Let me share with you my Favorite Book Settings!

The Gable Faces East by Anita Stansfield

Australia. Horse Ranch. Hot, rich man. Historical setting. What is not to like?! The Byrnehouse-Davies Ranch is seriously a place I would love to visit. Heck, what am I saying? I'd like to marry into the family so I could LIVE there! It doesn't exist really, but in my mind it is what I picture Australia to be. It is a historical book, so it is set in the late 1800's. I can not picture a better place and time!

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Summertime, beach house, cute boys. I now want a beach house because of this book. It is the ultimate beach read. Perfect for your summer vacation! It is YA Contemporary and I would have loved to grow up in such a beach town. It is picturesque!

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

Set on a Mythical Creatures Reservation. Good and Evil creatures! This only will bring adventure! I pictured it as a huge zoo for mythical creatures. Only the naked eye can't see them. They are hidden and only 'drinking the milk' will help you see them. Every creature has their own lair so to speak, the descriptions are amazing! What a cool place to spend your childhood.

Harry Potter by JK Rowling

Come on?! Aren't we all still waiting for our Hogwarts acceptance letters? Who wouldn't want to go to boarding school where you'd learn the Dark Arts, Eat amazing food, and get to learn magic everyday? It is every child's fantasy!

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Set in Paris, France. Boarding School. I'm now mad my mother never sent me to boarding school abroad in high school. What was wrong with her?! I've been to Paris, and the descriptions are spot on! The place will take you away as much as the love story!

The Chocolate Box Girls: Cherry Crush by Cathy Cassidy

Set in England. Cherry gets to live in an old gypsy caravan in the backyard! I want one!!! I actually had dreams about that little caravan and how I'd decorate it. It would be like camping every single day! Only cooler!

Austenland by Shannon Hale

Um, don't make fun of me OK. I'd love to go to an Austenland type place where I could play dress up for a few weeks. I think it would be hilarious and refreshing all at once! Plus, England is gorgeous!

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Italy, India, and Indonesia. This is a traveler's book. I'd love to be the places she was. She lived in those 3 countries for 4 months each. It is a dream of mine to be a traveler like she is. She got to experience the people, culture, food, etc of all those places because she was there for so long. I'd love that!

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

In the mountains. Academy for girls to learn to be a princess. Let me be honest, I would LOVE to go to an Acedemy to learn how to be a princess and hope to catch the princes attention so he'll choose me. I think little girls around the world wish this. What's not to like?!

The Widower's Wife by Prudence Bice

I have a thing for early 1900's Western books. I don't know what it is about the great wild west that gets me. The hardships the women endured or the simpleness of life? I can't get enough of this time period and place!

Do you ever get sucked in to the setting of a book? What books have been an escape for you?

Review: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000Z

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Publisher: Simon and Schuster UK
Pages: 452
Genre: Young Adult
Format: ARC-Paperback

A special Thank you to Simon and Schuster UK for sending me this book to review.

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed. There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love. She's wrong.

Review:

I don't even know where to begin with this review, so I'll start with this; I have never read anything like this before in my life. Cassandra Clare, author of The Mortal Instruments series, called it 'Haunting and Dreamlike' and she couldn't have been more right. I wasn't sure if I was in a dream or if things were really happening. It's like The Beautiful Mind sort of thing. This whole life was made up in the schizophrenia's mind. I felt like I needed my own anti-psychotic! There were points where I didn't know who to trust. Could I really trust Noah? Was he the real deal or was his reputation correct? I was dying to know what was actually going on with Mara. Was she hallucinating or did those murders actually happen? Did she need to be hospitalized? I was also dying for Noah and Mara to finally kiss. What was taking so long?!?! It got to be 1:40am and I had 100 pages left. I couldn't put the book down. I decided to stay awake until I finished it at 3am. What a ride! I need the next book.

I liked it everyone. I really did. I haven't ever read anything like this before and I felt very invested in the characters by the end. I'm still not quite sure happened at the end though! It all happened so fast! If you are looking for a 'haunting and dreamlike' story then this is it.

Quote:
"In my rush, I hadn't tied my shoelaces. Noah was now tying them for me.
He looked up at me through his dark fringe of lashes and smiled. The expression on his face melted me completely. I knew I had the goofiest grin plastered on my lips, and didn't care.
"There," he said as he finished tying the laces on my left shoe. "Now you won't fall."
Too late."

Busting the Newbie Blues

2012-01-21T08:00:00.000Z

Busting the Newbie Blues is an annual even hosted by Small Review.

I saw this book blogger survey at Good Books and Good Wine and thought I'd participate, even if it's late. I've been blogging for a few years and thought this would be a fun way to catch up with everyone.

1. When did you start your blog?

June 2009

2. Do you ever still feel like a newbie?

No. I've been blogging for 2.5 years and I feel like I know what I'm doing with my blog.

3. What has been the biggest challenge you've faced so far? Did you make any mistakes new bloggers can learn from?

Original content. I had NO idea how this blogging thing worked. It seemed every week a new feature was popping up on other blogs, taking all the ideas, and I had none! Or I'd have an idea, and before I could implement it someone would do it. It is hard to come up with something original that can be your own niche. I'm still looking for it. Maybe it's my discussions?

Of course, I made mistakes! Make sure to give credit where credit it due. Period.

4. What did you find most discouraging as a new blogger? How did you deal with this?

The numbers game. There was a point when the blogs that started around the same time as mine did really took off but I was still left in the dust. They were soaring, and I wasn't. What was wrong with me and my blog? What was so great about theirs? Then I remembered that I started this blog for my family and friends. They wanted a place they could come for all my book recommendations, and I was going to give it to them. I still get super excited when friends find my blog and tell me they read one of my favorite books and how much they loved it. I do it for them.

5. What do you find most encouraging?

When people comment. I love feeling like I'm building a little bookish community right here on my blog. A place where we can all discuss books and bookish things. I love comments!

6. If you could go back to your newbie self, what five bits of information would you tell yourself?

Make friends
Watch your back
Be original
Don't worry about numbers
Read!!!

7. What do you like best about the blogs you read? Have you tried to replicate this in your blog?

I love real reviews. I don't like literary reviews at all. I like them short and sweet. To the point. Did you like it or not? Tell me why? Don't spoil anything for me! I also love discussion posts. I love talking books. I do try to replicate all this in my own blog. Why wouldn't I?! I post about what I'd want to read about here on my blog.

8. What do you dislike about blogs you've seen? Do you try to avoid this?

Follow Hops and Follow Me Contests!! I'm actually shocked at how much this goes around. There are new blogs that have over 1,000 GFC followers because they participate in follow hops and make people follow them for a giveaway. Maybe that is a good way to get followers, but I'd rather people follow me because of my content not because they expect me to follow them back. I want people to WANT to follow me. That they see something they like and want to come back and talk books with me! If this makes me have less followers, that's fine by me.

9. How did you bring your blog to the attention of so many people?

Obviously, I haven't. I'm pretty small fry around the book blogging community. But, my family thinks I'm huge! Social media has helped a TON! Get on Twitter (@SweetBookshelf)! I'm always there sharing much more than what's on my blog.

10. When and how did you get your first ARC's?

I'd literally just been blogging a few weeks and Lenore at Presenting Lenore found my blog and left me a comment. She offered to send me a few ARC's of my choice. I was flabbergasted. I couldn't believe how nice she was being. I didn't even know what an ARC was. I tried to pay for the shipping but she said no. She'll always be top notch in my book! I reviewed my own books or library books for a very long time. I don't even remember when I started receiving ARCs from publisher's. It just started happening. I'd do my blog without ARC's though. It isn't as big a deal as people make it. I still buy books and review them here! Sometimes I think it would be easier not having ARCs! They haunt me on the bookshelf. They stare at me while I'm on the computer.

Do you have any questions for me? Ask away!

Christy's Review: Legacy by Cayla Kluver

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000Z

Legacy by Cayla Kluver
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 496

I noticed his eyes. They were blue, sharp and intense. Despite the youthful glows of his suntanned face, his eyes were cold and unfriendly, suggesting he had great experience in the world and was now expecting the worst.

In her seventeenth year, Princess Alera of Hytanica faces one duty: to marry the man who will be king. But her father's choice of suitor fills her with despair.

When the palace guard captures and intruder—a boy her age with steel-blue eyes, hailing from her kingdom's greatest enemy—Alera is alarmed…and intrigued. But she could not have guessed that their clandestine meetings would unveil the dark legacy shadowing both their lands.

In this mystical world of court conspiracies and blood magic, loyalties will be tested. Courage won't be enough. And as the battle begins for everything Alera holds dear, love may be the downfall of a kingdom.

Review:

So… I was sent an advanced reading copy of the second book in this series, Allegiance. Five pages in, I was hooked. I hadn’t read Legacy yet and something kept nagging at me to read the first book first (brilliant, I know!)… so after becoming seriously hooked on the second book, I put it down ten pages in and downloaded Legacy.

I cannot even begin to tell you how enraptured I became with this book! I inhaled it. I tried, and failed, to put it down in order to sleep. I finished it overnight, then began the second book again, finishing Allegiance by the next evening. I can’t wait for the final book, Sacrifice!

What’s the big deal, you ask? There’s this girl. A Princess. Named Alera. She’s smart and pretty and has a great sense of self, and is coming to understand just what she is capable of as a human being. There are also these two guys. Narian and Steldor. Steldor is the Ego-driven jock of the story, amazingly handsome, smells irresistible; Alera is physically attracted to him and mentally repulsed by him. Narian is (to contextually quote the movie “Fools Rush In”) everything Alera never knew she always wanted. Narian’s got a sketchy past and there is impending doom on the horizon due to a prophecy surrounding Narian. Alera has to choose a husband by the time she turns eighteen and her father, the King, pretty much narrows her pool of eligible men to Steldor. What will Alera do?

This story is like every little girl’s princess fairytale in writing. It’s what we girls all secretly (or not-so-secretly) dreamed of when we were kids, role-playing with Barbie dolls and tea party sets (admittedly, I wasn’t a tea party girl, preferring to spin around on hot wheels). There are Kings and Queens and horses, duty, honor and palaces and mystery and HOT men (amazing love triangle) and just a hint of magic.

Get this book. I’m not kidding. If you enjoy a good Princess story you’ll love it!

NB: The author, Cayla Kluver wrote and self-published this book when she was 16! Wow!

Touch of Power Blog Tour

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000Z

Welcome to the next stop on the Touch of Power Blog Tour! I'd actually never read anything by Maria V. Snyder before and now I have rushed to the Kindle store to see what she's got! I am SO impressed. I want more. Here you'll find my review of her newest book, Touch of Power, and a mini interview. Let's get this sweet party started!

MIRA Ink | Twitter | Facebook | Website

***********************Review************************

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Publisher: MIRA

Pages: 390

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Pub Date: Dec 2011

Format: ARC-paperback

A special Thank you to MIRA for sending me this book to review.

What s the cost of a deal with the devil when you have the powers of a god? When Avry was growing up, Kazan was a prosperous land, rich in resources and served by a respected tribe of healers. Until the plague came. Developed by the poor territories to the north and west, the terrifying disease ravaged the people of Kazan and drove Avry s family away. Four years later, imprisoned for using her powers, Avry s beginning to lose hope, when a band of strange men break into her cell and steal her away. They need her special magic to save their prince. The Prince who ordered the plague s first release. Avry s freedom now rests on using her healing touch to save the very man who took away everything she loved...

Review:
Whoa whoa whoa! If you liked Graceling by Kristen Cashore then you are going to love Touch of Power! My mind is still on fire with this book! I loved the preface. A girl who can heal, but takes on the person's illness as her own to do so. Avry is a selfless person to do such a thing. Even though she heals faster than a normal person, she is still in pain. That alone says so much about her character. I like her. A lot.

There is seriously so much going on here. So much to like I don't even know where to begin. The characters all have such good personalities. Author Maria Snyder gave a sense of humor to even the smallest of characters. You get to learn about the main characters pasts, and how they are changing now, and then by the end of the book the people they have become. I LOVE good character development! It truly makes a story for me. Let's not stop there though. The plot alone is so creative. There were so many things going on one after another. I was forming my own solutions in my mind and hoping for a way to save the day. I did not see what was coming, ever! The romance. If you read my blog at all you know I'm in love with the romance of it all. I was wondering if there ever would be any! I kept feeling it, hoping for it, wishing for it to come true before it was too late. It made the story all that much better.

You know how I hate spoilers, so I won't say any more. If you've been looking for a great book to start off 2012, this is it!! I'm already itching for the next book in the series. Oh, and saying that it is a sequel doesn't mean there is a cliffhanger. I hate cliffhangers. Thank you Maria Snyder for tying it up neat for me. I didn't have to throw the book across the room. Now I can peacefully await the next book and its awesomeness!

Quote:
"...things happen that are out of your control.'
Kerrick gave him a tight smile. 'You mean I'm not omnipotent?'
'You're not even semi-potent.'
'Is that even a word?' Kerrick asked.
'He probably means you're impotent,' I offered."

***************Mini Interview***************

Blog | Website

For those who haven't read A Touch of Power let them know they can expect. Give us a little blurb if you will.

Touch of Power is a fantasy novel about a healer set in a world that is recovering from a deadly plague. Avry’s world has blamed the plague on the healers and has hunted them down. She is finally caught only to be rescued by a group who wants her to heal their Prince. The group's leader, Kerrick, knows the healers aren't to blame for the plague and that she could do some good for a change instead of hiding. Unfortunately, she believes this Prince is the one who started blaming the plague on the healers so she isn't risking her life for some pampered Prince. As they travel to the Prince's hidden location, they're pursued by others who have realized having a healer around might just be a good thing for them, but not necessarily for her.

Your readers can read the first chapter of Touch of Power here: http://www.mariavsnyder.com/books.php

What is the best part about being a published author? The worst?

The best part is communicating with my readers! The emails I receive are wonderful and meeting them at book signings is very rewarding. The worst are nasty reviews. I don’t mind a bad review if it’s obvious the reviewer put time and thought into it and actually read the book, but those that are outright nasty are the worst!

Do you have a bucket list? If so, what are some of the items on your list?

To buy a motorcycle (I already have my license), to get another dog, to travel to all the wonders of the world, both natural and cultural, and to buy a house at the beach.

What are some of your favorite books?

Here are some of my favorites:

The Gate to Women’s Country by Sheri S. Tepper
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
The Ladies of Mandrigyn by Barbara Hambly

Jaran by Kate Elliott

Soulless by Gail Carriger

Where and When are some of your upcoming events, so we can get our books signed!

This is my schedule so far – I’m always updating and you can find the current information here:http://www.mariavsnyder.com/appearances.php

January 18, 2012 Book Signing and Discussion with the Watch the Skies Book Club ( at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore, 1302 North Third Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17102) 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

January 28, 2012 Book Signing at Books A Million (5125 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17112) 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

February 4, 2012 Book Signing at the Cupboard Maker Books (157 N. Enola Road, Routes 11 & 15, Enola, Pennsylvania, 17025. 717-732-7288). 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

March 17, 2012 Participating in the Liberty States Fiction Writers' Create Something Magical Conference (Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, 515 Route 1, South & Gill Lane, Iselin, New Jersey 08830) Please go to the website to register and for more details. They'll have both a reader and a writer programming tracks so you don't need to be an aspiring writer to attend :) There will also be a book signing from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. that's open to the public. The conference runs all day and there's a party after the book signing!

May 18 - 20, 2012 Participating in Pennwriter's Annual Writers Conference and this year I'm the Saturday Keynote Speaker!! Lancaster, PA.

*****WIN AN iPAD!*****

Create a video review of A Touch of Power and be in with a chance of winning an iPad!

Maria V. Snyder has teamed up with top teen mag Mizz to give you the chance to win an iPad and be the official book review for MizzMag TV to boot! All you need to do to enter is make a video review of A Touch of Power. MIRA Ink is giving away free review copies to the first 50 people who get in touch, so visit facebook/MIRAInk for more details on how to get involved! Also, check out Mizz Mag TV at www.youtube.com/user/MizzMagTV for an exclusive video of Maria talking about her new Healer series!

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I'd Recommend to Someone Who Doesn't Read...the Classics

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000Z

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.

I thought long and hard about what genre I would choose for this Top Ten Tuesday. I don't know about you, but I had to read several classics in high school. I know I didn't fully appreciate them then. When you have to read something for a grade, it kind of takes the fun out of it, doesn't it? Over the years I've gone back to these and re-read them. WHOA! Holy good books Batman! What have I been missing?! If you've never read any of the classics, let me show you my top 10 that you should start with. I hope you'll choose one or two to enjoy and appreciate.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
There is something magical about this story. I have 4 sisters, no brothers, and I always felt that I was a part of the March family. I've even called my mom "Marmee" since I read it when I was 16.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
If you read and enjoyed (or even saw the movie) The Help, you'll love To Kill a Mockingbird. There is warmth and humor here. The story is told through the eyes of a 10 yr old. What is seen in the neighbourhood. There are some hard issues present of rape and racial inequality. It has been on several Banned Books lists. Which makes it extra special, don't you think?

Lord of the Flies by William Golding
If you like dystopian novels, then this classic is for you. I read this in high school and LOVED it. I was so interested what was happening to these boys. I learned a lot about human nature and individual welfare vs common good. Superb!

Persuasion by Jane Austen
Everyone seems to have read Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility but never Persuasion. This is my favorite of Austen's novels. I like to think everyone deserves a second chance and that love never dies. Austen's writing is in a class of its own as well. Enjoy!

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
If you like a good mystery then this is your classic! There are always a million different things going on, and you seriously don't see some of the twists and turns coming! I've always felt sorry for Jane Eyre. Her life before Mr. Rochester (and some during) was sad. She seemed numb to feeling. Mr. Rochester helps her know she is worthy of feeling and love as well as his equal.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
This is another dystopian novel written in 1953. It is about a future American society who has outlawed reading and burns books. Erie right?! This book has also been on many banned books lists and has been the recipient of book burnings. Ironic isn't it?! It is a fascinating read!

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Great expectations it is! This is a character development kind of book. Pips that is. We see him from a young orphan to a Gentleman. What he does with his upbringing and money.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Oh my goodness! I read these books when I was 12 yrs old. My older sister Katie was in love with them, and I wanted to know what was so great. I wanted to be in on the secret. So my best friend Jessica and I read them. I read all 8 books in 7 days. These books started my love affair with reading. Someday I will visit Prince Edward Island.

Harry Potter by JK Rowling
This obviously isn't an old classic, but a new one. HP will go down in history as the best selling series of all time. JK Rowling is the first (and only) billionaire author. She made reading, glasses and red hair cool. If you haven't read this series, you are missing out on a ride of a lifetime!

Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
I read this in High School. I actually loved it then as I do now! Twain paints a picture of Mississippi life.

*********************************************

Here is a list of classic books I've not read but are on my list:

North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell-if you've ever seen the movie, how can you NOT want to read this book?!
1984 by George Orwell- think The Hunger Games. I've heard they are very similar.
Enders Game by Orson Scott Card- Sci Fi. My sister Becca swears by it.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London- the protagonist is a dog in the Alaskan Tundra. Sounds interesting!
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald- A book about the roaring 1920's, sign me up!
Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens- a work of satire on the shortcomings of the government and the society of that time. It is about a debtor's prison. I LOVE the film mini series!
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell- my mom says Scarlett is a true b*tch in the book, way more than in the movie. I'd like to read that!

What is your favorite classic? Or what is a classic you would like to try?

Giveaway: ARC Prize Pack

2012-01-14T12:28:00.002Z

It's been awhile since we've had a giveaway here at The Sweet Bookshelf, and I think it is time. Don't you? I'm giving away my Advanced Reader Copies of Pure by Julianna Baggott and Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi. They aren't even out yet! If you like dystopian novels, this is your bag baby!

Here's what they're about:

Pure by Julianna Baggott
Pub Date: 2 February 2012 (UK)

We know you are here, our brothers and sisters . . .
Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during the Before. In her sleeping cabinet behind the rubble of an old barbershop where she lives with her grandfather, she thinks about what is lost-how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers . . . to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies. And now, at an age when everyone is required to turn themselves over to the militia to either be trained as a soldier or, if they are too damaged and weak, to be used as live targets, Pressia can no longer pretend to be small. Pressia is on the run.

Burn a Pure and Breathe the Ash . . .
There are those who escaped the apocalypse unmarked. Pures. They are tucked safely inside the Dome that protects their healthy, superior bodies. Yet Partridge, whose father is one of the most influential men in the Dome, feels isolated and lonely. Different. He thinks about loss-maybe just because his family is broken; his father is emotionally distant; his brother killed himself; and his mother never made it inside their shelter. Or maybe it's his claustrophobia: his feeling that this Dome has become a swaddling of intensely rigid order. So when a slipped phrase suggests his mother might still be alive, Partridge risks his life to leave the Dome to find her. When Pressia meets Partridge, their worlds shatter all over again.

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Pub Date: 7 February 2012 (UK)

Since she’d been on the outside, she’d survived an Aether storm, she’d had a knife held to her throat, and she’d seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland—known as The Death Shop—are slim. If the cannibals don’t get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She’s been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He’s wild—a savage—and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile—everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria’s help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

What can you win?

UK Advanced Reader Copy of Pure by Julianna Baggott
UK Advanced Reader Copy of Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Official Contest Information:

You must live in the UK or have a UK address. The contest is only for my peeps in Great Britain. Holla!
To enter, please fill out the form below. If you do not see the form below click READ MORE under the signature Sweet Reading, Mary
The winner will be announced on THIS blog post at the end of the contest and via twitter.
DO NOT PUT YOUR EMAIL IN THE COMMENTS SECTION.

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Romance Novels: What's with the Stereotype?

2012-01-14T01:03:00.000Z

So, I'm going to let a little secret out of the bag. I like Romance novels. No no, I know you know I like books with a little bit of romance in them. I mean, I like the stereotypically faux pas genre of Romance novels. You know the ones. They always have a gushing couple on the front. Yes, I'm coming out of the closet. My name is Mary and I like Romance novels.

What's with the stereotype? I've been a closet fan because so many people think that such novels are not real books. They claim they are predictable and cheesy. I've heard them described as porn for women. Let me just say that I read to be entertained, not to be studious. I read many different genre's and I just happen to enjoy a romance novel here and there. They are not porn for women.

I'm guessing the stereotype began in the 1970-1980's. These books, mainly historical, featured a virgin who needed to be rescued by the half naked man on the cover. This is where the term 'bodice ripper' came from. Well, let me dispel some of the rumors for you.

Romance novels have come a long way baby! Today's romance novels feature strong heroines, sensitive hero's, and complex plots. They are a fast read. Typically not as large of a book. I can zip through them quickly. I like that. It is nice to finish a book quickly isn't it? I also like the predictability of them. Why wouldn't you want to know the couple gets together? Life is hard enough, I want to know I'm ensured a happy ending. I'm really into the Young Adult novels right now, but it is nice to read about adults too some times.

Romance novels are consistently top sellers on Amazon. I've heard many state how sad this is. But why is it sad? Reading is reading guys! There must be something good about them if so many of us are reading them, right?

Do any of you have preconceived notions about the Romance genre? Are any of you closet fans like myself? What are your favorite Romance novels? Let's talk Romance!

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Here are some of my favorite romance novels. I sure hope you'll give them a try!

The Gable Faces East by Anita Stansfield

Gables Against the Sky by Anita Stansfield

Pure brilliance! I have a love for these characters like none other. The setting is what is truly magnificent. Australia! A horse ranch! Historical! What is NOT to love! There is no cheese here my friends. If you read any romance, make it these books.

Yours to Keep by Shannon Stacey

Undeniably Yours by Shannon Stacey

Fun contemporary! If you want something more with today's settings, this is your book series.

Bring Me Home for Christmas by Robyn Carr

I read this over Christmas and was so in love with this story! I looked up the author when I was done and found out there is a whole Virgin River series! This place is gorgeous! It is almost magical. I'm excited to read the series. The writing is superb!

Do you have any Romance recommendations for me?

Christy's Review: Persuasion: A Latter-day Tale by Rebecca Jamison

2012-01-13T08:00:00.000Z

Persuasion: A Latter-day Tale by Rebecca Jamison
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Pages:
Format: ARC-Kindle
Pub. Date: February 14, 2012

A special Thank you to Cedar Fort and NetGalley for sending me this book to review.

When Anne broke off her engagement seven years ago, she thought she’d never see Neil Wentworth again. But when Neil’s brother buys the house she grew up in, it seems fate has other plans in store, and Anne is woefully unprepared for the roller coaster of emotions that accompanies Neil’s return. Fans of Persuasion will love this fast-paced, modern retelling of Jane Austen’s most romantic novel.

Review:

I adored this book. Utterly, posilutely, LOVED IT. Rebecca H. Jamison has crafted a great set of modern characters and circumstances to complement Jane Austen’s classic storyline. But truth be told, I really think this story was strong enough on it’s own to be marketed completely separate of the Persuasion title. Call me simple-minded, but if I hadn’t known this was the Persuasion story line I wouldn’t have guessed it. I would just gone with it being a really captivating love story, it was that good.

Stockbroker Anne is a well-rounded character with depth, soul and great convictions and Policeman Neil is a strong, principled man; a gets-the-job-done type with a gentle soul. The supporting characters are believable and really give the reader great insight into Anne’s motivations.

This is an “LDS” novel, meaning the characters are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the morals reflect those standards. But as a departure from many LDS-type love stories, this book is not set in what I like to call the Mormon Belt (ie: Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, and even my own home state of California). It’s based in Washington DC. This fact alone makes my heart go pitter-patter! Not that I have anything against Utah (ish) Mormons, but I’m really happy to read about members of the LDS church who live worthy, principled lives outside of the “expected” region. Bravo Rebecca H. Jamison! (Also, I have family on the East Coast and went to school out there, I love that area and enjoyed reading about all of the east coast foliage!)

This tale of forgiveness, of giving understanding and of falling in love all over again will melt your heart.

Quote:

“I’m probably not the best person to give advice, but I think if you make decisions because you’re afraid of something, then you’re going to have a lot of regrets.”

Review: Stormswept by Helen Dunmore

2012-01-11T14:05:00.000Z

Stormswept by Helen Dunmore
Publisher: Harper Collins UK
Pages: 300
Pub Date: January 5, 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Paranormal
Format: ARC-Paperback

A special Thank you to Harper Collins UK for sending me this book to review.

Morveren lives with her parents and twin sister Jenna on an island off the coast of Cornwall. As Morveren and Jenna’s relationship shifts and changes, like driftwood on the tide, Morveren finds a beautiful teenage boy in a rock pool after a storm. Going to his rescue, she is shocked to see that he is not human but a Mer boy.

With Jenna refusing to face the truth, Morveren finds herself alone at the worst possible time. Because when the worlds of Air and Mer meet, the consequences can be terrible…

Review:

If you've never read any middle grade, you are missing out! This story is so pure. Stormswept is so well written. It is almost lyrical, like music.

I've not read a Mer story in awhile, and the summary intrigued me. I'm so glad I picked it up. I loved it! Morveren lives by the sea and finds a Mer Boy who has been beached. With her twin sister, she gets him to safety in a pool of water close by. But, not back in the sea. While Malin is trying to recover, Morveren is trying to find out how to make him better and get him back to the sea and to his people. She goes on an adventure. She finds out about the Mer people and more about herself.

This is a beautifully crafted story. I can almost feel the sea calling to me now. I know it sounds weird, but it truly feels like you become part of the ocean when you're reading. I can not wait for more Ingo Chronicles!

I've done some research, and Stormswept is the 2nd wave in the Ingo Chronicles series. The earlier books are; Ingo (2005), The Tide Knot (2006), The Deep (2007), The Crossing of Ingo (2008). I can not wait to read them!

Top Ten Tuesday: Authors I Wish Would Write Another Book

2012-01-10T07:28:00.000Z

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.

This week is about Author's I Wish Would Write Another Book. Oh boy! Here's hoping these authors and publisher's find my tiny blog and get to it! I'm dying for some new books from my favorite authors.

1. JK Rowling, author of Harry Potter. Please oh please write us another amazing series. We need you. She has said she is working on another children's series, but she'll be writing under a pseudonym.

2. Stephanie Meyer, author of Twilight. Yes, she is on my list. Maybe once the movies are finished she will be able to write us another great series! I need me some romance!

3. Nancy Turner, author of These is My Words. BEST. BOOK. EVER. I wish she would come out of hiding and share her talents with us again. Truly one of the most talented author's I've ever read.

4. Jane Austen, author of the most popular classics known to man. If only she were alive. It's too bad she died before ever becoming a famous author. The world needs more Austen.

5. Suzanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games. Also tied up with a movie. But she just can't leave us hanging! I want to know what is in her brain. What genre will she write next??

6. Gail Carson Levine, author of Ella Enchanted. She writes fairytale re-tellings. They are fabulous! As I was writing this post I saw she is writing another book! Beloved Elodie. Thank you Gail!! I've missed you!!

7. Jenny Han, author of The Summer I Turned Pretty. She has written 2 children's books since her summer series, but nothing YA Contemporary. I NEED her to write another YA contemporary.

8. Sophie Kinsella, author of Confessions of a Shopaholic. She is HILARIOUS. Pure brilliance! I need her to write something more. It's been awhile. And not her writing as Madeline Wickham (that's her real name). I want something new. It has been awhile. She is my most favorite chick lit author. Since writing this post I found out she will have a new book out on Feb! I've Got Your Number! I can't wait!

9. Anne Mccaffrey, author of Dragonriders. This is my mom's pick. Sadly Anne Mccaffrey died this winter. My mom said,"if this series never ended I'd be happy. There isn't enough good sci-fi in the world." Mom, I'm going to have to check out her books!

10. Ian Fleming, author of James Bond. Another of my mom's picks. She says, "Most people don't know what they are missing because they've seen the movies. But they are nothing alike!"

Any author's you wish would get back to writing?

Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

2012-01-09T14:16:00.003Z

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Puffin
Pages: 400
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction
Format: ARC-Paperback

A special Thank you to Puffin for sending me this book to review.

A forbidden romance.

A deadly plague.

Earth's fate hinges on one girl . . .

CINDER, a gifted mechanic in New Beijing, is also a cyborg. She's reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's sudden illness. But when her life becomes entwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she finds herself at the centre of a violent struggle between the desires of an evil queen - and a dangerous temptation.

Cinder is caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal. Now she must uncover secrets about her mysterious past in order to protect Earth's future.

This is not the fairytale you remember. But it's one you won't forget.

Review:
Cinderella has been re-told every way possible, why not in science fiction? The cover is great too isn't it?!

I'm actually blown away at the brilliance of a science fiction Cinderella. It has everything going for it. All the elements of the classic fairytale are there, but then there are a bunch of other stuff going on. It has an Asian setting, there are people living on the moon, cyborgs and androids all over the place, and a deadly pandemic! It may seem with all those things going on it might be a bit much, but it isn't. Trust me! It just makes everything so uber cool.

I enjoyed it! The ending was a bit sad for me, but knowing there are more books makes me believe that Cinder will win this all in the end. There will be a Quartet of books in the series. I can almost see them each taking on a classic fairytale and being re-told in this science fiction world. I'm so looking forward to Scarlett out next year!

Quote:

"Imagine there was a cure, but finding it would cost you everything. It would completely ruin your life. What would you do?"

Check out a sample of the Audio Book!

Kindle vs Traditional Book

2012-01-07T08:00:00.000Z

Now, I'm not here to start a debate. Really. I just want to point out a few things about both and see what every one else thinks. Let's get to talking books!

It's not a secret that I love my Kindle. I actually went into meltdown mode when my screen froze last month and Amazon actually had to send me a new kindle. I love it. I think it is THE. BEST. INVENTION. EVER. I have enjoyed it much more than I ever thought that I would. I used my kindle app on my iPod so much that is when I decided to buy the real thing. That's when my love affair with my kindle started.

Here are a few things that I love about my Kindle:

I can download a book in 60 secs. I don't have a book store here in my town in Scotland. Makes it a trek to go and get a book. Even if I order one online, I still need to pay for shipping and wait for the book to arrive. I'm not to keen on waiting. I love how accessible books have become for me since having my Kindle.
I read faster on my Kindle. I do. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's the lack of having to flip a page. It is easier to read in bed too. It is easy to hold. I now find paperbacks quite awkward to hold. Is that weird?
There are so many good deals on Kindle. I have a ton of free books. I don't see Waterstone's handing out free books. There are a ton of books at whatever price point you're looking for. I also love that I can keep checking back for my favorite books and when I find them on sale, I grab it! I love the price of books on my Kindle.
It is so much easier to carry around! When traveling I use to bring 4-5 books for a week and wonder if that would be enough. It took up a ton of space. Now I can carry as many books as I want with me, where ever. I take it with me everywhere. I just throw it in the diaper bag and when I get a min I can pull it out!
You don't need a Kindle to enjoy Kindle books! Download one of the apps to read on your phone, iPod, or PC/Mac! I love instant gratification. You can enjoy it too, without buying a Kindle!

Here is what I love about Traditonal Books:

Covers. I love books covers. I love looking at them on the shelf. I totally judge a book by it's cover and it is usually what gets me to buy a book.
Easily read book jacket. I have to log on to my wifi on my kindle just to read the book description. Sometimes I can't remember what a certain books is about that I bought and I want to check the jacket. I love that about traditional books.
Book stores!!! I have always loved walking into a book store and letting the books call to me. They choose me, not the other way around. I like being in the midst of other readers. My kind of people. It is sad so many book shops are closing. We need to do our part to keep them open!! Keep buying books from your local indie or local book store.
I love sharing and borrowing books. It feels good to share a book with a friend or loved one. Hand something to them that you've loved and want to share with them. Here in the UK we still can't share our kindle books. Yet.
With Amazon making it easier to self-publish your book as an e-book we're seeing more and more bad books out there. They are unedited, unpolished, and lack something special that traditional published books have. I'm so not a fan of self published books anyway, making them an easy e-book is even worse.

All that being said... I prefer to read on my Kindle. I do. Does that make me a traitor? I don't think so. I'm reading more than ever and buying more books than ever before. The Kindle has made me into an even more lover of reading! But, I would never ever want to get rid of traditional books all together. I feel it is important for our future to buy and read traditional books. It is important for publisher's, authors, libraries, and readers. I think those of us who use an e-reader need to make sure to buy traditional books each year as well as e-books. I believe it would be a sad world without them. Plus my bookshelf would look like of funny.

So, let's get chatting about books vs e-readers.

What do you like about each? Are there any of you against e-readers all together? Anybody want an e-reader but don't have one yet? Anyone have an e-reader and love or hate it?

Give it to me! Let's chat!

Joint Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton

2012-01-06T08:00:00.000Z

Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Publisher: Simon and Schuster UK
Pages: 384
Pub Date: February 2, 1012
Format: ARC-paperback

A special Thank you to Simon and Schuster for sending me this book to review.

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld...this time forever. She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists. Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen. As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

Christy's Review:
I was immediately in love with this book because of it’s cover. It drew me in, I’m not gonna lie. What a stunning piece of artwork. You know the old adage – don’t judge a book… blah, blah, blah. Well I did. And it paid off!

Nikki’s journey through grief, sorrow and back again will be familiar and heartbreaking to anyone who reads it. Jack is the guy every girl hopes to end up with. And Cole… everyone knows a Cole in real life (you know, that guy who is gorgeous, talented, shows sparks of having a soul and being interested in you, but really just wants to suck away your soul!)

I had a hard time putting this book down. And I love that this book was set in Park City, Utah, and it obviously had some religious undertones, but they were very, very light and not solidly Mormon/LDS. This book will go over well with a wide range of audiences of diverse faiths, having a moral center, yet not preaching religion.

Brodi Ashton’s debut work is captivating, well-constructed and a pleasure to read. Her characters are beautifully crafted and engaging, and the storyline is unique and believable. I can’t wait for the sequel!

Mary's Review:
I'm a cover lover, and this cover is gorgeous! Isn't it?! I was sent a paperback advanced copy, and let me tell you, the cover feels like the softest velvet. Seriously! It feels like velvet! This is probably the most beautiful cover I've seen in a long time!

I was immediately drawn in to this story. I pretty much don't know anything about Greek mythology. Anything I did know, I lost after I graduated high school. Have no fear though, author Brodi Ashton explains anything you'll need to know to understand the story. This is probably the most creative book I've read in a very long time. I loved the modern re-telling of Persephone! I seriously had NO idea how this book was going to end. It could go so many ways, I kept forming several possible scenarios as to what was going to happen next. I was always surprised.

I felt emotional through this book. It almost feels like this is what one would feel if they were suicidal. Trapped. Just wanting the pain to go away. If there was a way, they'd take it. No matter the consequences. I was full of emotion. I just wanted Nikki to be happy. I wanted her to stop hurting, and have the life she wanted.

Bravo to author Brodi Ashton. Her debut novel is a work of art! I know you'll love it as much as I do!

Quote:
"Remembering is easy. It's forgetting that's hard."

Top Ten Tuesday: 2012 Books I'm Excited For!

2012-01-03T08:00:00.000Z

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.

Oh My Goodness! 2012 is going to blow me away with books! I have SO many I am looking forward too! Let's see if I can keep it to just 10. Most of these books don't have covers yet.

Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale (Feb 2012)

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare (Nov 2012)

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare (May 2012)

Destined by Aprilynne Pike (Spring 2012)

Insurgent by Veronica Roth (May 2012)

Losing Lila by Sarah Alderson
Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally (Oct 2012)

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi (Jan 2012)

The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe (Jan 2012)

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins (Fall 2012)

Matched trilogy: Book 3 by Ally Condie (Fall 2012)

What books are YOU looking forward to this year!

Review: Fated by Sarah Alderson

2012-01-02T08:00:00.000Z

Fated by Sarah Alderson
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Pages: 310
Genre: YA Paranormal
Format: ARC Paperback
Pub Date: January 5, 2012

A special Thank You to Simon and Schuster for sending me this book to review.

What happens when you discover you aren't who you thought you were? And that the person you love is the person who will betray you? If your fate is already determined, can you fight it?

When Evie Tremain discovers that she’s the last in a long line of Demon slayers and that she’s being hunted by an elite band of assassins –Shapeshifters, Vampires and Mixen demons amongst them – she knows she can’t run. They’ll find her wherever she goes. Instead she must learn to stand and fight.

But when the half-human, half-Shadow Warrior Lucas Gray - is sent to spy on Evie and then ordered to kill her before she can fulfil a dangerous prophecy, their fates become inextricably linked. The war that has raged for one thousand years between humans and demons is about to reach a devastating and inevitable conclusion. Either one or both of them will die before this war ends.

If your life becomes bound to another’s, what will it take to sever it?

Review:

I just this minute finished Fated. I'm not quite sure what to say about it, but I'll try! There was much to like, and there were a few things I wanted more of.

It is an interesting story, that's for sure. I like the idea of demon hunters. Oh wait, Hunters of the Unhuman. I like to think that there are special beings out there protecting me from evil and harm. I loved the training scenes. I wonder how I would fare in some of this training? I'm not athletic in any way, so I'm guessing not well, but a girl can dream right? I enjoyed the Hunter Lore. The more I now about a world, the better. I get to picture everything, and make up my own imagination about past, present, and future characters. I find it fascinating that author Sarah Alderson came up with this concept. What else is in her head?!

I wanted more romance. You know me, I'm a romance whore. I eat it up! I love when the two main character's are friends first. Best friends. I like to see them falling in love and know why they love each other. I like to know that they have had ample time to get to know one another. Fated had more of an insta-love thing going on. I thought a little bit more time was needed for the love birds. I wanted a lot more kissing. I like kissing. So sue me! I still loved the love story, I just wanted more.

Overall, it was a fun read! Interesting concept and I'm looking forward to book two!

Quote:

"If we could harness one of your looks Evie, we could probably do away with weapons altogether."

Guest Post: Author Susan Fraser King of Queen Hereafter

2011-12-31T08:00:00.000Z

I'd like to welcome author Susan Fraser King to The Sweet Bookshelf! She's here telling us about her new book, Queen Hereafter! Take it away Susan!

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Queen Hereafter by Susan Fraser King
December 2011

Researching Margaret
Queen Hereafter tells the story of Margaret of Scotland, queen of Scots in the 11th century—a Saxon princess, Hungarian-born, she was descended from Alfred the Great and became a refugee from the Norman Conquest. Shipwrecked with her escaping family along the Scottish coast, she married her protector, King Malcolm Canmore, who had defeated Macbeth for the throne of Scotland. Margaret succeeded Lady Macbeth as queen of Scots, and so she seemed a perfect subject for a sequel to my novel about Lady Macbeth—and Margaret was an intriguing woman in her own right.

A good deal is known about Margaret, which is unusual in an early medieval queen and made the research and the writing easier in some ways than my novel about Lady Macbeth—and in some ways more complicated, as so much was known that some, inevitably, had to be cut from the novel. The contrasts in Margaret’s life and character were fascinating—piety and worldly power, gentleness and temper, obedience and mischief, saintliness and temptation: all those angles were part of her. She emerges from history as a real young woman thanks to a rare medieval biography written by her friend and confessor, Bishop Turgot—who seemed a pretty dry character in history until I discovered that Turgot, or Thorgaut, was a Viking name, and that this priest and monk had previously escaped from a Norman prison and had been shipwrecked and rescued by monks, so that he joined their order after his recovery. Tor, as he’s called in the novel, idealized his friend Queen Margaret, but in his biography of her, he left tantalizing hints of a vital, fascinating young woman.

Her biographer seems to have fallen under Margaret's spell—which says something about her personality. Reading between the lines of Turgot’s biography, Margaret comes across as a very real and fascinating character. And there is a lovely fairytale element to her true story that has such naturally romantic elements that a story was easy to develop: a beautiful, exiled young princess, a shipwreck, love at first sight (so says Turgot!), a brawny royal husband who adored her, eight healthy children, and enough charm and determination in this foreign queen to win the affection of the resistant Scots and then change them, bringing them from the Dark Ages, basically, into the Middle Ages. Margaret’s influence in that transition was quite significant, as medieval historians note about her. Yet some inner torment kept Margaret from being truly happy despite all she had – her story was hard for a historical novelist to resist.

Margaret is a crucial part of Scottish history at a critical moment, the period of the Norman Conquest of England, which threatened Scotland’s well-being too. She had a cosmopolitan upbringing in Hungary and then the English court; Edward the Confessor was her uncle, and after his death, when the Normans invaded England, she and her mother and siblings fled. Their ship wrecked on the Scottish coast and they came under the protection of Malcolm Canmore – and Margaret’s contribution to Scottish history, and to the history of women in power, began.
Turgot created an amazing document in his Vita S. Margaretae, written for Margaret’s daughter—it’s full of wonderful anecdotes about her, insights into her character, and verifiable facts. Other sources mention Margaret and her family, such as in annals and charters. The rest of the picture is provided by historical events and the actions of her husband, Malcolm Canmore, her brother, Edgar the Aetheling, and others.

Despite the amount of information available about the real Margaret, writing a novel about her required filling lots of historical gaps, extrapolating and leaping in order to bring history to life. I wanted Margaret to emerge in the novel as a real, vulnerable, sympathetic character. Part of the challenge was that she was represented as perfect and virtuous in her lifetime, a woman who later was named a saint. But along with the perfection were hints of flaws and quirks, such as her temper, her sharp intelligence, her impatience, her tendency to be very hard on herself and others, all revealed by her biographer along with her more idealized qualities. I was looking for the real Margaret, a young woman in a strange land, who was not always so sure of herself—a young woman who fell in love with a man who was very nearly her complete opposite—a love match that even the earliest historical sources attest—and a woman who loved deeply, passionately, not only her husband and children, but her loyalties, her causes and charities, and her adopted country of Scotland. I discovered that Margaret of Scotland was a complex woman who seemed very real to me—and I hope she seems that way to readers of Queen Hereafter too.

Christy's Review: Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

2011-12-30T08:00:00.000Z

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini
Publisher: Doubleday Children's
Pages: 880

It began with Eragon . . . It ends with Inheritance.

Not so very long ago, Eragon - Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider - was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now, the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.

Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances.

The Rider and his dragon have come farther than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaësia? And if so, at what cost?

Review:

I’ve been waiting nearly eight years to read the conclusion to the Eragon series. My mother pointed me toward the first book in the series in 2003, while I was home on a school break. I was immediately fascinated and drawn into the world of Alageisia and young Eragon and his Dragon, Sapphira. I was doubly impressed on finding out that the author, Christopher Paolini had finished the first draft of the book when he was only 15 years old! What a feat! Years passed and I read the second book in the series, then the third. I didn’t love the third book and was almost of a mind to skip book four, being so disappointed by the previous book.

Boy oh boy, I’m glad I picked up book four! Book four was everything book three ought to have been. It was a beautiful way to end this epic fantasy series. Everything was well thought-out and nothing felt easily arrived at or thrown together. The characters and the integrity of the world Paolini created were all respected with this concluding novel. Obviously, some time has passed since the first draft of the first book, and Christopher Paolini’s maturity really shines through in this last book.

Without giving anything away, I LOVED the resolution between Galbatorix and the Varden/Eragon (and his allies). It was beautifully done. It really, really spoke to me. I *may* have cried. If only we could give to our foes in life the gift that Eragon gave to Galbatorix! While I would have loved a bit more resolution given to a couple of the budding love subplots, I commend Paolini for not taking the “easy way out” on those storylines. In my mind’s eye, everything ended as realistically as it ought to have done. (For a magical, fantasy world, of course!) I would love to see Paolini’s next project include a proper love story.

The first 1/3 of the book really took me a while to get through – about two weeks (seriously unusual for me) of slow reading. I should have re-read book three before jumping in, in order to get back into the language/names, etc. But as I mentioned earlier, I hated book three, so I didn’t re-read it. That said, at around the 1/3 mark, I became intensely involved with the storyline and finished the rest of the book in three days! Couldn’t put it down!

Great read. Great conclusion to an immensely impressive series. If you haven’t checked out the Eragon series yet, you really should! This book is a bit more “high fantasy” than I usually read, but not so demanding or as high fantasy as Anne McCaffrey or Tolkien. If you enjoyed the Inkheart series, you'll most likely enjoy this series.

(And please avoid the terrible movie at all costs. It should be completely redone by Peter Jackson.)

Review: Grounding Quinn by Stephanie Campbell

2011-12-28T08:00:00.000Z

Grounding Quinn by Stephanie Campbell
Publisher: Createspace
Pages: 251
Genre: YA Contemporary
Format: Kindle

Eighteen-year-old Quinn MacPherson's biggest fear has always been turning out like her mentally unstable mother. (Solving algebraic equations comes in as a close second.)

That is, until she meets Benjamin Shaw. Quinn thinks hooking up with Ben over summer vacation will be nothing more than a quick fling. She can’t even commit to a nail polish choice, much less some guy. Unfortunately for her, Ben is not just some guy. Ben gets her- the real her, flaws and all- and that scares the hell out of her. When Ben does the unthinkable- tells Quinn he’s in love with her- she does what comes naturally. She pushes him away. Ben can only watch from a distance as Quinn lashes out, and punishes him for daring to care about her.

But how far can you push someone, even someone who loves you, before they are gone for good?

Review:
I've been wanting to read this, and so when I finally saw it on sale in the Kindle Store for £0.86 (99cents) I grabbed it! Yay!

This book was a lot heavier than I thought it would be. Quinn's family is dysfunction all around. But, who's family doesn't have a little bit of dysfunction? I know mine does! Quinn takes it to another level though. She thinks because her family isn't perfect and she has many problems, that she isn't worth loving.

That's when Ben comes in. Ben makes Quinn feel normal. Or at least Ben gives her the peace she needs to get through all the drama with her family. Until Ben says, "I Love You." Quinn doesn't think she is worthy of that. So she does the unthinkable. She pushes Ben away. Her life is such a wreck now more than ever without Ben in her life.

I liked it. I was expecting something a little lighter, but this was still good. I wanted more from the ending. It called for it. A bit more resolve. But it was good. I liked Ben a lot. He's a really great character.

A bit heavy, but a great story. We all are worthy of love. No matter how much of a screw up we are (or our family). It's on sale now in the Kindle store! Grab it!

Quote:
"I have no clue what my motive is for following him, maybe I'm just bored. Maybe it's just so easy to cyber-stalk hotties on Facebook that I've moved on to doing it in real life."

Top Ten Tuesday: 2011 Favorites

2011-12-27T08:00:00.000Z

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.

2011 has been a fantastic year for books! Some of my favorites of all time have come from this year!! Here it goes, My Top 11 Favorite Books of 2011. Because I couldn't just choose 10!

In NO particular order:

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles

Not My Type by Melanie Jacobson

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

The Kissing Tree by Prudence Bice

Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Review: Sophie and Carter by Chelsea Fine

2011-12-26T08:22:00.002Z

Sophie and Carter by Chelsea Fine
Publisher: Acacia Publishing Inc.
Pages: 126
Format: Kindle

A girl. A boy. A porch swing.
Sometimes life breaks your heart.
And sometimes the boy next door puts it back together.

Review:
I thought this was going to be a fun contemporary. Why? I'm not sure. Maybe it was the cover. Isn't it a great cover?

It is a fast read. I zipped right through it. But, it's heavy. It was heartbreaking. Being a mom, my heart broke for those kids. I kept wanting to go over there and take care of them. Give them their childhoods back. Give them something. I'm glad Sophie has Carter and Carter has Sophie. I was worried they'd never get together!

Loved it! The prose is actually quite beautiful. It is written really well. I want more. I want more of the characters and the story. I went to bed thinking up what really happened to them later. Beautiful story of triumph over trials and finding true love. Great read! I wish author Chelsea Fine would write a sequel!

Quote:
"He's not the most popular guy in school. He's not the hottest guy to ever live. But to me, he's everything."

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000Z

Merry Christmas everyone!

Who got a KINDLE?!

Review: Six Geese A-Laying by Sophie Kinsella

2011-12-23T08:00:00.000Z

Six Geese A-Laying by Sophie Kinsella
Publisher: Transworld Digital
Format: FREE on Kindle

A special Christmas gift for fans of Sophie Kinsella, available to download for free! Includes a mini short story, Six Geese a-Laying, and sneak peak at the first chapter of Sophie's fabulous new novel, I've Got Your Number.In Six Geese a-Laying, Christmas is approaching, and Ginny is looking forward to the birth of her first baby. It's a pity her partner Dan is so useless, and she has to keep reminding him where he's going wrong. Luckily she's enrolled into the most exclusive antenatal class going - all the highest achieving, smartest mothers-to-be aspire to be taught by the legendary Petal Harmon. Like the other five women in the class, Ginny already knows exactly what she wants, and how she's going to handle motherhood.But when they turn up for the final class it isn't quite what they expect. As Ginny discovers what parenthood is really going to be like, she begins to realize the things that really matter...

Review:
Short Story is right. It's super short. It has an erie Ghost of Christmas Future thing going on with it too. There's a happy ending, and it made me think about how I'm too hard on my husband sometimes. Merry Christmas!

The reason for downloading this FREE e-book though is really for the 1st chapter in Sophie Kinsella's new book out in February! I've Got Your Number! She is laugh out loud! I can not wait for this new book. Kinsella is one of my very favorite authors.

Review: Bring Me Home for Christmas by Robyn Carr

2011-12-22T08:00:00.000Z

Bring Me Home for Christmas by Robyn Carr
Publisher: Mira Books
Pages: 331
Format: ARC-Kindle

A special Thank You to Mira Books and NetGalley for sending me this book to review.

This year, Becca Timm knows the number one item on her Christmas wish list—getting over Denny Cutler. Three years ago, Denny broke her heart before heading off to war. It's time she got over her silly high-school relationship and moved on. So she takes matters into her own hands and heads up to Virgin River, the rugged little mountain town that Denny calls home, as an uninvited guest on her brother's men-only hunting weekend. But when an accident turns her impromptu visit into an extended stay, Becca finds herself stranded in Virgin River. With Denny. In very close quarters. As the power of Christmas envelops the little town, Becca discovers that the boy she once loved has become a strong and confident man. And the most delicious Christmas present she can imagine.

Review:
Usually romance novels aren't this good. This was brilliant! It actually had a plot! The character's were loveable, and I even shed a tear for all the Christmas spirit at the end. What a great book to get me in the Christmas mood!

Becca shows up on her brother's doorstep at 3am, bags packed, ready to go on a guys hunter trip. She says she just needs to get away, but she really wants to see if Denny, her ex-boyfriend, and her can finally have some closure to their breakup a few yrs ago. I smell trouble! And romance! It is kind of funny the situations that Becca gets herself in, and ultimately end up her saving grace.

We actually got to know the character's well, and I wouldn't mind living in such a town. If they exist! It was like a dream. This book was full of Christmas spirit and love. I'm totally in the mood now and can't stop listening to Christmas music and watching Christmas movies. I actually wanted more of the story. I know you'll enjoy this. I did!

Review: Marian's Christmas Wish by Carla Kelly

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000Z

Marian's Christmas Wish by Carla Kelly
Publisher: Cedar Fort Books
Pages: 304
Format: ARC-Kindle

A special Thank you to Cedar Fort Books and NetGalley for sending me this book to review.

Miss Marian Wynswich is a rather unconventional young lady. She plays chess, reads Greek, and is as educated as any young man. And she is certain falling in love is a ridiculous endeavour and vows never to do such a thing. But everything changes when she receives a Christmas visit from someone unexpected-a young English Lord.

Review:

This books was so much more than I'd hoped. I loved it! What a Christmas story! There was plenty of fun, adventure, intrigue, mystery, and love. Yes, ALL of those! It was such a pleasant surprise!! I really enjoyed it and the time period. I kind of felt like I was reading some Austen, with a twist.

Loved the characters. Marian and Gil were my favorite, of course. They have so much fun! Marian and her brother Alistair get themselves into so much trouble time and again. It never ceased to amaze me.

I also love it when the characters are friends first before they fall in love. Isn't that how it really happens?! I think it adds something special. I stayed up into the night to finish reading this book. I really enjoyed it. It has all the elements of a perfect Christmas story! I know you'll enjoy it!

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Wish Santa Would Bring

2011-12-20T08:00:00.001Z

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.

I usually don't ask for books for Christmas. I generally get myself whatever I want in books, and/or I'm picky. BUT, I thought this Top Ten Tuesday looked fun, and I'm sending the list to my husband as well! Maybe he'll put a surprise or two on my Kindle on Christmas morning.

Here it goes: My list of books I wish Santa would bring.

Sophie & Carter by Chelsea Fin

Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Legend by Marie Lu

Beyonders: A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull

Inheritance cycle by Christopher Paolini

Shattered by Sophia Sharp

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

What books are you hoping Santa brings?!

Review: A Christmas Melody by Anita Stansfield

2011-12-19T08:00:00.000Z

Title: A Christmas Melody
Author: Anita Stansfield
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Pages: 219
Format: Kindle

For twenty-year-old Melody Morgan, Christmas is nothing but a source of shame and embarrassment – just like all the other holidays in her life. She has grown up hating special days – and Christmas is the worst of all.

Then Matthew Trevor walks into her life one November afternoon and turns her world upside down. For Matthew, it’s love at first sight. But how can this handsome, upbeat returned missionary possibly know about the dark, desperate side of Melody’s life – and once he finds out, will he still love her?

Review:
I love a good Christmas story! Something to get me in the mood to enjoy the holiday's and this is just what I got. It starts off before Thanksgiving, and ends at New Years. My favorite time of year!

I use to live in Utah and could picture all the places they had gone and at Christmas time, nobody does it better! I really enjoyed the characters. Melody is in some ways a lot like myself , minus all the dysfunction. What I mean is, she is independent. Living on her own. Taking care of herself. I like how she just does what needs to be done because there isn't any other way. She doesn't have a family to fall back on. Matthew is a great guy. Always loving and caring. Always thinking of others. His thoughtfulness and faith made me want to be more like him.

This is not just a Christmas story. It’s a touching novel of discovery, renewal, and commitment to eternal principles of love and faith. What Melody learns about Christmas – and about herself – is the greatest gift of all. You’ll be charmed and moved by this sweet and satisfying adventure of the heart. And along the way, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the spirit and wonder of Christmas.

Quote:
"I intend to show you what Christmas is all about. Whether or not you and I ever get past New Years Day, I'm going to give you a Christmas you'll never forget."
"Now listen to me, Matthew. The last thing I want is for you to feel sorry for me and go out and spend money to--"
"He pressed his fingers over her lips. "It has nothing to do with money, Melody. And I'm going to prove it to you."

Why Give Books This Christmas?

2011-12-17T08:00:00.000Z

It is not news that the economy is rubbish right now. No matter where in the world you are. Christmas gifts are getting harder and harder to buy each year. This got me thinking about what are the best gifts to give. It is no surprise I would say a book. But why?

I'll start off with the obvious first. You can buy a book for under £10 (or $10). Many book stores have deals where you can buy 2 and get one free. What's not to like about that? It is affordable.

When you give a book you are saying, "I've taken the time to think about what you'd like." Or sharing a book that you enjoyed says,"I loved this book so much I want you to have it so we will have more we share together." It also says,"I'm giving you a gift you can re-open again and again." Giving a sweater doesn't convey that message. When you go to buy a book you are actually forced to think of the recipient. What are their likes and dislikes? You are picking something personal.

Reading a book offers the chance to get away from it all. That's why I read! I want to use my imagination and have a little bit of peace and quiet in this hectic world. Giving a book offers that to those you love.

I know not everyone is a reader, but giving a book is an invitation. So give a book this Christmas!

There is a list of my favorite books on my sidebar. If you'd like some personal help recommending a book for your loved one, please email and I'll be so happy to help!

Merry Christmas!

Christy's Review: The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter

2011-12-16T08:00:00.000Z

The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pages: 304
Pub Date: January 3, 2012
Format: ARC

A special Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for sending this book to review.

Two high-school sweethearts, a wedding reenactment, and one absent-minded preacher. Is it a recipe for disaster or a chance for a new beginning?

Shay Brandenberger is a survivor. She's lived through a crazy childhood, a failed marriage, and single parenthood-with her confidence intact.

But not for long. Because when Shay participates in her town's Founder's Day wedding reenactment, she finds herself face-to-face with the one man who takes her breath away and leaves her weak in the knees: Travis McCoy.

Travis is back in town after years way on the rodeo circuit. His one regret in life is breaking Shay's heart when they were high-school sweethearts. He's determined to get it right this time.

So when their Founder's Day "marriage" is accidentally made official, Travis seizes the day. Can Shay put aside her pride to let Travis help her, or will their accidental marriage be dissolved before it can begin?

Review:

I loved this novel. It’s a great light read. From the get-go you know what you’re getting yourself into, it’s a love story and you expect a happy ending. But, as with every story, it’s the telling that counts and this book is no disappointment. (The author)’s country colloquial dialogue is charming and perfectly done. The pacing is great and the romantic moments just keep coming (Yes, please!). Shay is a great spitfire character with a whole lotta heart and soul. Travis is the picture-perfect dream country gentleman with a good heaping of rough n’ tumble. The world could use a few more men like him!! I loved every minute of this story, even the cheesy, predictable ending. It turned my insides to mush. Sigh.

I had issues with two things:

1. This novel is classified as Christian, and there are many, many references to God and to praying and pleading with God. But there aren’t really any references to the characters receiving answers from God, they just pray and then make up their mind and go ahead with what they want to do. There’s never a “I felt good about it, or I needed to do such and such…” The lack of answers from Heaven made it feel as though God were just a device to refer to rather than an Omnipresent, caring being.

2. Hmmm, issue number two… How do I address this issue without giving away the story? An action is decided upon at one point in the book. I was surprised about it because it really felt to me like Shay was betraying herself in that action, and also that Travis had broken Shay down rather than helped her to see what she really wanted. Despite his own feelings on the subject, I think Travis should have been attentive enough to Shay's feelings and have support her decision. It seemed out of character for both people. I think if the story had been slightly re-worked around the “spirit of the law” as well as the “letter of the law,” it would have been much stronger.

Those things said, I still loved the book.

Quote:

“Go ahead. Spill it.”

“Another time, Shay.”

“I’m too cranky, that it? Can’t handle it, McCoy?”

“I can handle you just fine, and we both know it.”

Favorite Gifting Books

2011-12-13T08:00:00.000Z

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. I think books make the perfect present. I shows you've really thought about your gift and the receiver. I have so many that I want to give to friends/family. Here is my Top list of books I'd like to give for Christmas!

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna can't wait for her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a good job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. So she's not too thrilled when her father unexpectedly ships her off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair, the perfect boy. The only problem? He's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her crush back home. Will a year of romantic near-misses end in the French kiss Anna awaits?

These is My Words by Nancy Turner

MY FAVORITE BOOK EVER!

A moving, exciting, and heartfelt American saga inspired by the author's own family memoirs, these words belong to Sarah Prine, a woman of spirit and fire who forges a full and remarkable existence in a harsh, unfamiliar frontier. Scrupulously recording her steps down the path Providence has set her upon—from child to determined young adult to loving mother—she shares the turbulent events, both joyous and tragic, that molded her, and recalls the enduring love with cavalry officer Captain Jack Elliot that gave her strength and purpose.

The Mortal Instruments series

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

City of Ashes

City of Glass

City of Fallen Angels

AMAZING paranormal series!

Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull

For centuries, mystical creatures of all description were gathered to a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic in a cynical world. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite...

Kendra and her brother Seth have no idea their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws give relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken, an arcane evil is unleashed, forcing Kendra and Seth to face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save her family, Fablehaven, and perhaps the world, Kendra must find the courage to do what she fears most.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Super hot right now!

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games," a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed.

Last but not least, the Kindle. I LOVE my kindle. It is my most favorite thing I have ever owned in my life. Ever. I wish I could give a kindle to all my friends and family! They make the PERFECT gift!! Give the gift of reading this year!! Will you be giving a Kindle?

What books are you giving this year? Or what books are you asking for?!

Enduring Light Blog Tour

2011-12-12T08:00:00.000Z

I'm so excited about this blog tour! I'm a sucker for anything turn of the century, and especially when it has a western feel to it. I don't know what it is about those early western settlers and their hardships that gets me every time. Today I've got my review of the book and an interview with author Carla Kelly! Enjoy!

**************************Review*************************

Enduring Light by Carla Kelly
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Pages: 392
Format: ARC- Kindle
Pub Date: January 8, 2012
Series: Borrowed Light

A special Thank You to Cedar Fort and NetGalley for sending me this book to review.

Julia Darling is finally able to marry her Mr. Otto for eternity. But it's a hard world for a rancher in turn-of-the-century Wyoming, especially a Mormon rancher. And when people start talking, it's up to Julia to prove she's her husband's equal in strength and endurance as she learns to let go of scars on the outside and inside.

Review:
I was looking forward to the 2nd instalment in this series. I'm enamoured with the time period and I wanted to learn more about Paul and Julia. This story takes place directly after Borrowed Light. Julia has been burned by the fire on the ranch, and Paul's home on the Double Tipi has burned to the ground. What trials await for Paul and Julia?

This story is so full of love and longing. There are so many twists and turns that I never saw coming. We get to see so much more of Julia and Paul's personalities in this book. We learn about them as a couple and how much they compliment one another. I loved that. This is practically drowning in Latter-day Saint stereotype again, so if you aren't LDS I'm afraid you won't understand a lot of what is happening. It could have used less of that. But, I still enjoyed the story. If you are looking for an old western LDS love story, then this is your book! It is quite beautiful!

Quote:
He nuzzled her neck. "I've been wanting to do that for months and months. Tell me when to stop."

********************************Author Interview***************************

Blog | Facebook | Book Page

You are already an acclaimed author, what made you decide to write for a Latter-day Saint audience?

For years, I've wanted to write a book for my "own" folks (i.e. Mormons). After quite a few Regency romances, I became typecast as a Regency author only, and that was never fair. I understand how it happened, though - they turned out to be popular, and publishers are only thinking about the bottom line. That's it. If Carla Kelly writes Regencies that sell, then for heaven's sake, don't shake the boat. I wanted to do something new, and get back to my Western roots. I started out writing and selling short stories about the Indian Wars army and its dependants.

What do you like best about writing in this historical time period?

I like ranching. My aunt and uncle Trask ranched in Montana (east of Billings), my dad was from Cody, Wyoming, and Martin and I lived in Eastern Wyoming for a few years, where this story is set. Ranches are hardy souls and they make good subjects. Tell me: who doesn't like a cowboy just a little? More to the point, I like to write about times that are changing. In 1900+, with the shrinking of the open range and the growth of agriculture on lands that used to be exclusively for bison and cattle, you see change coming, sometimes painful change. Changing times are always good times for writers. My principal guide through this was A.B. Guthrie's novel, Arfive, which is set in the Choteau, Montana area (his home) on the front range of the Rockies. It takes place between the 1880s and the 1910s, when this change was going on. A great book. Guthrie may have written more famous books, but Arfive is my favorite. (Incidentally, Arfive is a brand, just as Double Tipi -TTP- is a brand.) Another thing I like about the 1909-1910 era is that the people are more like us than the folks in the 19th century. They spoke more like we do, and had similar experiences. That appeals to me, too.

For those who haven't read Borrowed Light, tell them a little bit about what they can expect from this series.

Julia Darling from Salt Lake City, is a graduate of the Fannie Farmer School of Cooking in Boston. Miss Farmer, a real person, was a proponent of what was called "domestic science." She pioneered the use of graduated measurements in cooking (teaspoon, tablespoon, etc.) and geared her famous cookbook that way. Julia, eager to get out of an engagement going nowhere, answers an ad from "Desperate Rancher," who wants a cook for the Double Tipi. She goes to cook for cowboys. The bigger picture is a common enough one to LDS folks: we might be lifelong members, but everyone still has to discover for himself or herself whether it's actually true or not. That's what Julia must do. Until she does, she finds herself leaning on Borrowed Light. In Enduring Light, I pick up the story about where it left off in BL. I won't give anything away, but in the course of the novel, Julia discovers how tough she is, and Mr. Otto discovers how tough he isn't. (FYI- when I finished BL, I had no plans whatsoever to write a sequel. I was talked into it by readers. And once I started, I wondered why I hadn't seen for myself that BL was completely deserving of a sequel. Will there be more? That might depend on my readers.)

What is the best thing about being a published author?

There is a satisfaction in pleasing an audience that seems to enjoy what I write. I really take the stewardship of words seriously. I mean, really. All I do really is write the book I want to read.

What books are you reading right now?

I'm reading about mining and the WInter QUarters mine disaster, and also southwest borderlands history, another project close to my heart.

Fiction-wise, I just finished Michael Connelly's The Fifth Witness, and am looking forward to Robert Crais's new book in January. I am a total crime fiction fan. That's my light reading. For fun non-fiction, I've been reading Erik Larson (The Devil in the White City, and In the Garden of the Beasts.)

Thanks so much Carla! I know I'm sure hoping there is a sequel to Enduring Light!

Christy's Review: Swept- Love with a Chance of Drowning

2011-12-09T08:00:00.000Z

Swept: Love with a Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRoche
Author: Torre DeRoche

Publisher: Gauguin Media

Pages: 320

A special Thank you to Christy for her First review here at The Sweet Bookshelf!

The Story:

A chance meeting in a San Francisco cocktail bar sparks an instant connection between two opposites: Ivan, a man with an adventurous dream of finding freedom on the ocean aboard his humble sailboat, and Torre, a city girl with a morbid fear of deep water.

As their bond turns to love, Torre realizes the only way to keep the man of her dreams is to embark on the voyage of her nightmares, so she waves goodbye to dry land and braces for a life-changing roller-coaster ride that’s as exhilarating as it is terrifying.

Set against a backdrop of the world’s most beautiful and remote destinations, this sometimes hilarious, often moving, and always breathtakingly brave memoir proves there are some risks worth taking.

Christy’s Review:

This is my first review at TheSweetBookshelf and I'm so excited and honored to be doing this. Thanks Mary for asking me to be your American Correspondant!

I stumbled across Swept Love with a Chance of Drowning while blog diving on the Internet. As an avid traveler I’m always on the lookout for blogs and books about adventurous souls. When I found Torre DeRoche’s blog (www.fearfuladventurer.com) and e-book, I couldn’t resist the impulse buy. And it was a great buy! I mean really, who could resist a hilarious story about someone with a fear of water who gets up the gumption to sail across the Pacific in an old sailboat with a guy she met in a bar?

I’m a sucker for the ocean and quickly fell in love with Torre’s beautiful, relaxed writing style and great descriptions of life at sea. Her fear of deep water both cracked me up and hit close to home for me – I have a fear of dark water and all things that I can’t see in said dark water. But at the same time I long for and LOVE the ocean and would live in it despite that fear, if I could.

If you like travel, romance, humor, sailing or if you’re just looking for a great tale about overcoming one’s fears and bettering life, you’ll LOVE this book. I laughed, I longed for the sea, I dreamt of the destinations in this story and lived out the adventures as I inhaled this book; It swept me away.

A favorite line: “Some people die of old age without ever having lived their dreams. Some people die without ever having loved. That’s tragic. We’ll both die someday, that’s a guarantee. If something happens on the ocean, we’ll die as two people in love who are living a remarkable adventure…”

NB: This book was available as a self-published e-book for a while. Miss DeRoche has just sold her book, and the movie rights and it is no longer available for sale. It will re-release in 2013 in both standard and e-formats. Seriously people, put this one in your Amazon pre-order bin. You won’t regret it!

Review: Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

2011-12-07T08:00:00.001Z

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Pages: 288

Format: Kindle

What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though - she leads them as the captain and quarterback on her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starring position on the team... and has her suddenly wishing to be seen as more than just a teammate.

Review:

OhmygoshIloveditsomuch!!!! I'd seen the cover of this book out and about for the past few months and couldn't wait for its release. I bought it on my Kindle on release day. I love instant gratification. My kindle ROCKS!

This was such a great book. Jordan is quarterback and captain of her high school football team. That demands respect right there. In a way, I think that Jordan feels like most of us in high school. Different. Author Miranda Kenneally nailed this on the head. It felt very real. Jordan is trying to accomplish so much for her college career. More than that, she is making opportunity for women everywhere. Amen!

I loved that Jordan was such close friends with her teammates. I liked how they didn't treat her any different because she was a girl, but they let her know they knew she was female. I fell in love with Henry and Ty in their first scenes. I kind of had a dream with Henry in it. I LOVE HIM!! I liked that I got to know each characters back story. I'm all about understanding them more and it makes me love the story even better. I love good character development. The pace is good, and kept me reading in the middle of the night.

There is teen sex. I'm really not a fan of normalizing this, even if it IS normal in today's world. Let's not make it normal, eh? But it's here. I suppose I was super naive in high school, but seeing as it has been almost 15 yrs since I graduated high school, I don't remember much.

Overall, fantastic read! I love a good contemporary and this was definitely it!

Quote:

"I didn't know crushing on a guy would require me to up my calorie intake."

Review: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

2011-12-04T08:00:00.000Z

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Walker Books
Pages: 512
Format: ARC/Paperback
Pub date: Dec. 6, 2011

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

Still reeling from her terrifying confrontation with the Magister and her brother’s betrayal, Tessa Gray is drawn ever deeper into the Shadowhunter’s dark underworld of demons and danger. In a desperate attempt to help her friends, Tessa tries to uncover the truth about the Magister and learns that he blames the Shadowhunters for the murder of his parents nearly a half century ago. But who were his parents, and why did the Shadowhunters kill them? Determined to unravel the secrets of his past, Tessa, Will and Jem journey to mist-shrouded Yorkshire, only to encounter corrupt Shadowhunters more intent on burying the past than finding the Magister – a past that holds the key not only to the enemy's motivations and weakness, but to the secret of what Tessa really is and what she was born to do. Meanwhile, Tessa’s feelings for Jem and Will are growing more complicated, and soon she is forced to acknowledge that any choice she makes will either save the Shadowhunters of London – or end them for ever.

Review:
I knew this was going to be amazing, and I wanted to enjoy every single page. Boy did I ever! I don't know how Cassandra Clare has created such an amazing world, but it is truly in a class of its own. Pure brilliance!

We left Clockwork Angel with Will having asked Tessa to be his mistress. I hated him for that. I knew he loved her but why oh why was he being such a jerk all the time?! Well, we find out in Clockwork Prince and let me tell you...my heart broke for Will. We definitely get to know Will better and Jem becomes a shining star. I liked Jem in Clockwork Angel but I LOVE him in CP. He is so much more than meets the eye. Tessa also comes into her own. She learns more about herself and how to deal with her powers and how she can be of use. But, WHAT is she?

Let me just tell you that the love triangle is the best I've probably ever read. Author Cassandra Clare has got it right! She has made both men worthy of Tessa's affection, and have won all of our hearts. But who will Tessa choose? Who will YOU choose? I can't make up my mind. I love both Will and Jem for different reasons and I can't decide whom I like better. I can't decide whom I think is better for Tessa!

This series is just Amazing! There are so many twists and turn to keep you guessing along the way and the characters are always surprising me. Not to mention how much I love this time period! If you haven't read Clockwork Angel or The Mortal Instruments series, then you need to jump on the band wagon. You'll be surprised at how amazing these series truly are. You'll become a fan! I know I am!

Quote:
"Will has always been the brighter burning star, the one to catch attention — but Jem is a steady flame, unwavering and honest. He could make you happy."

Introducing Christy!

2011-12-02T08:00:00.000Z

I'd like to welcome one of my best friends and our new guest reviewer, Christy, to The Sweet Bookshelf!

Christy and I met when we were both working on cruise lines the summer of 2001. That's 10 yrs ago! We soon found out we had more in common and a fast friendship formed. We were also room mates about 5 yrs ago when we lived in Utah. Christy is a world traveller. Seriously you guys. She has been around the world to almost 50 different countries. She's probably one of the coolest people I know.

Christy will be reviewing right a long with me! We do have similar tastes, but she branches off into genre's I really don't read, so this is going to be GREAT for The Sweet Bookshelf and for you!

Here is a little bit more about Christy!

Bio:
Christy fell in love with reading at the age of eight, when her parents bribed her with a penny for every page she read. It wasn't long before the stories swallowed her up! (And she was able to cash in her reading pennies for her first NKOTB cassette).

Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, The babysitters Club, and The Sweet Valley series were her first book obsessions. When she finished all seven of C.S. Lewis' Narnia Chronicles in two days, her parents scaled back her penny-a-page promise to a penny-every-four pages, but by then it didn't matter; pennies or not, Christy still loves loosing herself in the world of a good story.

Christy reads everything from Mysteries to Dystopian to Memoirs. Her guilty pleasures are european chocolates, world travel and teen reads like The Clockwork Prince and The Maze Runner. (And if you really must know, she loves Ricky Martin too!)

Christy also writes a travel blog found here: www.cmewander.blogspot.com

Christy can be reached at Christy {at} thesweetbookshelf {dot} com

Review: Love Inc by Collins & Rideout

2011-11-30T08:00:00.000Z

Love Inc by Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout
Publisher: Allison and Busby
Pages: 350
Format: ARC Paperback.

A special Thank you to Allison and Busby for sending me this book to review.

Zahra, Kali, and Syd would never have met if their parents' marriages hadn't fallen apart. But when the three girls collide in group counselling, they discover they have something else in common: they've each been triple-timed by the same nefarious charmer, Eric, aka Rico, aka Rick. Talk about eye-opening therapy. Cheerful, diplomatic Zahra is devastated. How could she have missed the signs? Folksy, flirtatious Kali feels almost as bad. She and Rick had only been on a few dates, but they'd felt so promising. Hardened vintage-vixen Syd is beyond tears. She and Eric had real history...Or so she'd thought. Now all three girls have one mission: to show that cheater the folly of his ways. Project Payback is such a success, the girls soon have clients lining up for their consulting services. Is your boyfriend acting shady? Dying to know if your crush is into you? Need match-making expertise? Look no further than Love, Inc.

Review:
Cute contemporary romance! This is a John Tucker Must Die kind of book. You know? All the girls are dating the same boy and when they realize it they plan a list of adventures to teach him a lesson. Down right hilarious in parts! Characters are all so diverse this will appeal to many.

The girls set up their own business to help other girls in their relationship problems. What a novel idea! What is great is that the girls develop a relationship from strangers to best friends. Something good came out of all of it.

I enjoyed it! I'm enjoying a lot of contemporary right now and this one was fun!

Review: Borrowed Light by Carla Kelly

2011-11-28T10:35:00.001Z

Borrowed Light by Carla Kelly
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Pages: 410
Format: Kindle

Julia Darling never expected to cook for some cowboys in Wyoming, but when she breaks off her engagement in Salt Lake City, it's the perfect opportunity for her to escape. Determined to stick the job out, Julia faces her biggest challenge yet - letting go of borrowed light to find her own testimony. Set in the early 1900s, this is one romantic adventure you'll never forget!

Review:
I love the cover! It really does say what this book is about. I'm always entranced by this time period. Even with all the hardships, I think I would have liked to live in this time period.

Julia Darling (love her name!) runs off to Wyoming to avoid a marriage. She is cooking for some ranchers. I love her adventures in the kitchen her first few weeks. Kind of hilarious! While she cooks, a romance is blooming with the boss. Love when that happens.

This is another Latter-day Saint novel. I hate to say it, but if you aren't LDS then you won't know what's going on. It is stereotypical LDS. You may or may not like that. I still enjoyed the story line enough to keep reading.

I did liked it. There is something about this time period that always draws me in. I felt that the romance was organic and true.

I liked the characters and wanted more of them. Good thing I don't have to wait! Enduring Light comes out in January 2012!

Quote:
"Come if you want Darling," he said over his shoulder.
"It's Miss Darling," she muttered under her breath.
"He calls everyone by their last name, miss," the station agent whispered to her. He laughed, but softly.
"In your case, it may be a trial."

Review: Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez

2011-11-23T08:00:00.001Z

Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Pages: 306
Format: ARC-paperback

A special Thank You to Simon & Schuster for sending me this book to review.

Now is not the time for Carmen to fall in love. And Jeremy is hands-down the wrong guy for her to fall for. He is infuriating, arrogant and the only person who can stand in the way of Carmen getting the one thing she wants most: to win the prestigious Guarneri competition. Carmen's whole life is violin, and until she met Jeremy, her whole focus was winning. But what if Jeremy isn't just hot ... what if Jeremy is better than her?
Carmen knows that dating Jeremy can't end well, but she just can't stay away. Nobody else understands her - and riles her up - like he does. Still, she can't trust him with her biggest secret: She is so desperate to win she takes anti-anxiety drugs to perform and what started as a quick fix has become a hungry addiction. But now Carmen is sick of not feeling anything on stage and even more sick of always doing what she's told, doing what's expected.
And, as Carmen starts to open up to Jeremy, she realises that sometimes being on top just means you have a long way to fall....

Review:
I've just finished this book. I don't even think I was planning on getting to it for some time, but I saw some reviews popping up for it and I thought maybe I should move this up on my review pile. I'm glad I did. It is beautifully written. It reminded me of when I played the flute. My senior year of high school and first yr of University I played the professional circuit (basically just getting paid to do gigs, nothing really big). I had a love of music, still do actually. I just enjoy it from another point of view now.

I can not even imagine the stress Carmen was under. No way, no how. I liked Jeremy from the first moment. There was something about him. I'm a sucker for forbidden love. I actually gasped when a certain question was asked from Jeremy to Carmen. WHAT?! So so so wrong. HOW could he ask her that? But then Carmen's family is wrong beyond repair!! The drama!!!

There had better be a sequel. The ending wasn't necessarily a cliffhanger, but I do want more of the story. I wanted more of Carmen and Jeremy's story. I need more romance! I enjoyed it. A bit slow in places, but not in a bad way. It was slow in a ,"I'm thinking about all these feelings going on," way. Liked it.

Quote:
"That's to British," I countered.
"What is?"
"Making sweeping generalizations about Americans because that makes you feel better about having a national inferiority complex the size of the Atlantic Ocean. I was just trying to be helpful, but if folding your pizza threatens you sense of patriotism, you probably shouldn't do it."

Review: Flying Blind by Deborah Cooke

2011-11-21T08:00:00.000Z

Flying Blind by Deborah Cooke (The Dragon Diaries)
Publisher: Allison and Busby LTD
Pages: 380
Format: ARC-Paperback

A special Thank You to Allison & Busby LTD for sending me this book to review.

I will shift shape and I will cast dreams and I will be everything that I am forecast to be. I am the Wyvern. And I will claim my birthright, right here and now. Zoe Sorensson is a perfectly normal teenage girl. That's the problem. She's always been told she's destined for great things - she is a dragon shape shifter, a Pyr, and the only female one of her kind. But Zoe's powers are AWOL, so she's sent to Pyr boot camp. Zoe quickly realizes that she has to master her powers yesterday, because the Pyr are in danger and boot camp is a trap. The Mages want to eliminate all shifters and the Pyr are next in line -unless Zoe and her friends can work together and save their own kind.

Review:
Only one female dragon shifter?! OK! I'm game! I'm a fantasy fan and it has been awhile since I've read anything good. I was intrigued with the preface of dragon shape shifters. If you've never read anything dragon, then you should. They are cool!

Zoe is a young teenage girl who is suppose to be the Wyvern (only female dragon Pyr) but she hasn't shifted yet. She doesn't have any powers and everybody is wondering what's going on. She gets invited to an annual dragon boot camp to possibly help her figure out her powers and finally shift into a dragon already! I loved that idea, a boot camp to learn how to be a dragon! Will there be hot boys there? Of course! Hot dragon boys!

I loved it you guys. I loved all the dragon interaction and I was just dying to know what color dragon Zoe would be when she finally shifted. Would there be a love interest or not? I wanted so much more dragon time and I can't wait for the next book. SO much to look forward too!

Good thing I don't have to wait long. Winging It comes out January 30, 2012!

Quote:
"I thought we were finally going to wrestle," Nick looked mischievous.
"You could have shifted back to wrestle."
He grinned, "It's better dragon-style."

Review: Kissing by Melanie Marks

2011-11-18T08:00:00.000Z

Kissing by Melanie Marks
Publisher: Thunderstruck Publishing
Format: Kindle

Three stories, three girls, three dramas.

The Kiss:
Nicole and Matt have been best friends forever. Sure Nicole has always fantasized about being more than friends, but Matt goes through girlfriends like lightening. So, Nicole figures her heart is safer if they just stay buds. But then—gasp!—one night Matt kisses her. And it’s everything Nicole dreamed it would be—everything—hot, tender, perfect, everything … except now it seems their friendship is ruined. Nicole desperately wants things to go back to the way they were. But The Kiss changed everything.

The Love Song:
When Irelan’s boyfriend breaks her heart she doesn’t think she’ll ever find love again. She doesn’t even want to. But maybe love is closer than she thinks. Maybe it’s the smokin’ hot guy she’s always longed for, but assumed was out of reach.

Stalking Aiden:
Hmmmmm … is stalking bad? Sara’s starting to think so. Especially when the guy she craves starts calling her “Stalker.”

Review:
This is a collection of short stories.

I enjoyed what was written, but just as I was getting into the story, it ended. I guess that's why they call it a short story! Just as I was getting into it, it ended! I liked all the characters, and have been finishing their stories in my head. I'm hoping author Melanie Marks will tell us more about them someday. If you are looking for a quick read, then this is your book! A collection quick enough to read while you're in the waiting room at the Dr!

Review: Crossed by Ally Condie

2011-11-17T20:11:00.001Z

Crossed by Ally Condie
Publisher: Puffin
Pages: 304

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

Rules are different outside the Society. Chasing down an uncertain future, Cassia makes her way to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky-taken by the Society to his certain death-only to find that he has escaped into the majestic, but treacherous, canyons. On this wild frontier are glimmers of a different life and the enthralling promise of rebellion. But even as Cassia sacrifices everything to reunite with Ky, ingenious surprises from Xander may change the game once again. Narrated from both Cassia's and Ky's points of view, this hotly anticipated sequel to Matched will take them both to the edge of Society, where nothing is as expected and crosses and double crosses make their path more twisted than ever...

Review:
I LOVED Matched and was eagerly awaiting Crossed. There is no doubt that Condie can write. It is a beautiful book, laced with poetry and feeling.

It was just too slow for my taste. I felt like nothing was really happening. Ok, maybe small bits here and there, but it felt like this was a filler to get us to the goods in the 3rd installment. I was expecting more from the romance too. It was just slow. Really, really slow. I was expecting much more suspense. I have no doubt that many people will enjoy this book. I'll be tuning in for the finally, I'd like to know what happens with the Rising!

Quote:
"Cassia and I sit as near to each other as we can. She leans into me and I keep my arms around her. I don't fool myself that I hold her together- she does that on her own- but holding her keeps me from flying apart."

Review: Crave by Melissa Darnell

2011-11-14T08:00:00.000Z

Crave by Melissa Darnell
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 432
Format: Kindle

A special Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for sending me this book to review.

Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail.

For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences….

Review:
I'm not really sure what to say about this book. There was so much I liked about it, but there was a lot left to be desired also.

So, I'm going to start with what I liked. It has been awhile since I've read anything Paranormal. There are only so many vampires, werewolves, and faeries a girl can handle. But I thought it was time to get back into it, because I do enjoy the genre. I thought the preface was a neat idea. WHAT Savannah actually IS and WHAT it actually does. But, when I told my mom she totally laughed. If you think about it, it really is kind of funny where she gets her energy. I liked the interactions between Savannah and Tristan, I wanted MORE though. I thought the ending was well played, and all though I hate cliffhangers, this one wasn't too bad. I'm looking forward to the other books in the series.

What I didn't care for: There was too much fluff. I felt like all the mundane things of life were there, over and over again. Just move on already and tell us what was really happening! All the stuff with Greg. Did that really need to be told in such detail? The point would have gotten across without all of that. It took like 60% of the book before anything actually happened. They could have cut 150 pages and gotten to the point better and it would have been an intense book.

Overall, I did like it. I read it fairly quickly and the characters were enjoyable. I'm not wanting to spoil anything, so I won't tell any details. If you like paranormal then this is your thing! Go for it!

Quote:
"I understood then why humans have noses. So we can find each other to kiss in the dark."

The Kissing Tree Blog Tour

2011-11-10T08:00:00.000Z

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Publisher | Blog Tour

I'm so excited to be a part of The Kissing Tree Blog Tour! I fell in love with this book, and I just know you will too. Today I've got my review of the book, an interview with author Prudence Bice and an excerpt for you to read. Enjoy!

Five years ago Georgiana stole a kiss from Ridge Carson under the community “kissing tree” the day before she moved away. Now eighteen, she finally returns to Colorado to live with her grandfather and help him with the cooking and cleaning on his ranch. Though she was taught how to be a proper young lady and flourish in New York’s high society, her heart never stopped yearning for home—or her childhood crush.

But when she unexpectedly finds herself facing the grown-up Ridge, with his Wild West ways, all her proper training begins to unravel. Now she isn’t sure she can fall for his improper cowboy style.

A special Thank You to Cedar Fort Books for sending me this book for review.

Review:

What can I say? I loved this book. I really did. Every single thing about it. It just spoke to me. I'm all about a little bit of period drama, and this was just enough. I fell for the characters and their charm. Such a simple story with a love that left me dreaming.

Georgiana is a lady, but she knows how to take care of herself and others. I love this about her. I love that she is such a good cook and that is she isn't afraid to help out around the ranch. Riley is a man among men, I could picture him in my minds eye. I'm still picturing him...Yum!

I loved this so much I immediately went to find if author Prudence Bice had written any other novels. She has! I ordered The Widower's Wife immediately on my kindle and WOW did I LOVE it!

If you're looking for a little bit of romance then this is your book. I'm in love!

************************Author Interview**********************

1. For those who haven't read your books, give them a pitch about what they can expect.

They are clean, feel good love stories that will have you laughing, crying, and hopefully swooning a time or two. They are filled with love, a dash of adventure, sometimes a pinch of tragedy, and plenty of endearing moments to treasure and share.

2. What do you like most about writing in this historical time period?

There is so much to like about this period of our history: the simplicity, the language, and the graceful way of living. Men were gentlemen and honored a woman's virtue (at least the good guys). Women were proper ladies, but still has spunk. They stood up for what they believed and guarded their own with passion. Though sometimes times were tough, most were willing to carry each other through it. They worked hard, grieved often, but when it came time to party, they sure knew how to have a party.

3. What is the best thing about being a published author? The worst?

I should say the best thing is being able to share my stories with so many people, and that is definitely something that thrills me. But, I'd have to say the best thing so far is all the wonderful people I've met, young and old. I'll never forget the first child that timidly walked up to my signing table. "Are you really an author" she asked. "I want to be an author someday." My response, "Just keep reading and writing and one day I'll be on that side of the table and you will be on this side." After that signing, I went down to Barnes and Noble and bought a little leather bound book. When ever a child comes up to me, I have them sign and date my book. "I'll be rich one day, when you make it big and I have your autograph from when you were young" I tell them. I had a boy come up to me one day when I was doing a second signing in a store and ask to see his autograph to make sure it was still there. It was. What a privilege it is to encourage the dreams of children wherever I sign. In addition, I have met women and men who have touched my life and continue to do so. I autographed a book for a woman who was dying and a woman who was just beginning to live again. I even had a ninety year old man purpose to meet me once. I was undeniably flattered. What a joy it has been so far.

The worst thing...the travelling. Definitely the travelling.

4. What are some of your favorite books?

Let's see, this is hard because I am discovering new favorites every day. I've read a lot of young adult fiction. One would definitely be Robyn McKinley's, The Blue Sword, then there is Jane Austen's, Pride and Prejudice. I love the Harry Potter series, and The Hunger Games, and there are many, many more favorites just waiting to be read.

5. Can you tell us anything about what you're writing next?

I actually have a third book completed that I have been editing. It is a mid-evil romance, with some fantasy mixed in. I may set it aside though. I am considering upping the fantasy part another notch. I've decided to turn my attention to a different historical novel I've started. It is about a young immigrant girl who is separated from her father and is reunited ten years later. It is ultimately a romance, and the hero is a yummy one, but I can't say more than that without giving too much away.

******************Excerpt from the Book***********************

Taking a deep breath, Georgiana let it out slowly as she took another glance up and then back down the boardwalk. She wanted to see everything at once but it was getting late. It wouldn't be long before all the businesses were closed up for the night, with the exception of the saloon, of course.

"Oh Grandad." She turned back toward him and hugged her arms around her middle. "It feels so good to be home."

Thrusting her arms out away from her sides Georgiana spun herself around a couple of times in a moment of pure exhilaration, once again ignoring the assiduous and exacting lessons on how a proper young woman was expected to act in the public eye.

On her second time around, she caught a glimpse of a tall man standing in the road watching her. Startled she had an attending audience, Georgiana lost her balance and stumbled. She let of a small scream as she felt herself falling backward off the steps. There was a look of astonishment on her grandfather's face as he tried to grasp hold of her outstretched hand in an attempt to keep her from falling. Almost instantly the look was replaced by a grin and a bout of hearty laughter as she felt herself being caught from behind by a pair of long, sturdy arms.

"Whoa there missy," she heard a very deep and inherently masculine voice say. "That there is not a proper place to be dancin' and prancin' about." Georgiana gasped as she looked up into the unmistakably familiar, yet grown up face of Ridge Carson. He smiled and continued as if he hadn't a clue who she was. "Though, if you're needin' a lesson or two, I might be willin' to give it a go with ya, but definitely somewhere..." He paused, unabashedly winked at her, and pronounced, "More private."

Review: A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

2011-11-07T08:00:00.000Z

A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 390
Format: Kindle

A special Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for sending me this book to review.

On the night of Skye’s seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites—like fire and ice—Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye’s life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move—only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.

In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can’t help falling for, and Devin, who she can’t stay away from, the consequences of Skye’s choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.

Review:
I just finished this a few hours ago and I am still thinking about it. There is so much happeneing that I feel like I need to process it. I absolutely loved it. Love love loved it!

Skye has so many layers to her. I would love to know her and be her friend. She meets two boys on her seventeeeth birthday and thus starts the love triangle. Some of you don't care for a love triangle, but I for one LOVE them! I'm all about the romance and the more boys to choose from the better, I say. She actually has three boys to choose from. Lucky girl!
This story is deep in a secret world that holds Skye's past captive. I felt completely drawn in by everything that was happeneing and I was trying to guess what was coming next, but nope, I couldn't. This had me guessing the whole way through. I don't want to say too much, you know I don't like to give anything away.

I was actually shocked with the ending. Then I was sad. I actually liked this one character and was rooting for him and am shocked by what happened. This is such a wild ending that I did NOT see coming!

I can not wait for book 2! I actually want to re-read this immediately to let it sink it a little bit more before I move on to the next book. Totally great read! Plus, the cover is gorgeous right?!

Quote:“This was like something from the nature channel: wolves trying to mark their territory. Finally Ian picked up the crumpled bill and begrudgingly made change.
Well, I never asked to be marked.”

The Sweetest Thing by Christina Mandelski

2011-11-04T08:00:00.001Z

The Sweetest Thing by Christina Mandelski
Publisher: Egmont
Pages: 336
Format: Kindle

A special Thank You to Edmont for sending me this book to review.

In the world of Sheridan Wells, life is perfect when she’s decorating a cake. Unfortunately, everything else is a complete mess: her mom ran off years ago, her dad is more interested in his restaurant, and the idea of a boyfriend is laughable.
But Sheridan is convinced finding her mom will solve all her problems—only her dad’s about to get a cooking show in New York, which means her dream of a perfect family will be dashed.

Review:
I seriously need a piece of cake after reading this. A nice cupcake with buttercream frosting is a must. This is such a cute book. Sweet even. The details were amazing, and I could picture every single cake creation with vivid colors in my mind. The story was cute, sad in times though. I felt like I needed to give Sheridan a big hug. Especially since I'm a mom now. My heart broke for her.

It is a lot deeper than you would ever suspect from the cover and preface. So much is actually going on! I was pleasantly surprised! A decadent read of pure confection! Enjoyable. Something I'd give a 15 yr old for Christmas actually. Enjoy!!

Author Interview& Giveaway: Melanie Jacobson

2011-11-01T08:00:00.000Z

I'd like to welcome author Melanie Jacobson
to The Sweet Bookshelf!

Books by Melanie

The List

Not My Type

Website | Twitter | Blog

For those who haven't read your books, give us a little pitch on what they can expect.

My stories are about twenty-something girls on the verge of possibility. They're living the single life, often determined to avoid commitment, and busy having fun, building careers--until the Hot Guy (with a really cool personality) shows up, and then they suddenly have to re-evaluate their priorities.

Did you set out to write Latter-day Saint novels?

I started with LDS novels. I saw a place for stories that weren't being told, stories that were fun and light-hearted with strong, confident girls. Stories that weren't necessarily issue-driven, where testimonies are firm and there aren't trials of faith. They're built around this idea that it's fun to be LDS and dating and that being Mormon doesn't have to be super serious and hard all the time.

Have you written a bucket list? If so, what are some items on your list?

Definitely I have a bucket list. It includes going to an LSU football game in person, visiting Costa Rica and Israel, and running a 5K (I'm so not a runner).

What is the best part about being a published author? The worst?

The best part is sharing your stories with people and making new friends as a result. The worst part is the neuroses, the constant worrying about whether my books will sell well so that I can keep writing. They've both done really well, but I still worry. I'm told I'll get over it with time.

What are some books in your to-be-read pile?

I read such a broad range of stuff. I'm about to re-read Peace Like a Riiver by Leif Enger, and then I'd like to read The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater, Obsession by Traci Abrahamson, and The Death Cure by James Dashner.

You met your husband online. I met my husband online. I have a lot of stories! Were any of the dates in Not My Type your personal dating mishaps?

Luckily, none of those exact situations happened to me, but I did have some pretty equally ridiculous situations come up during all my online dating experiences. I think the one that always makes me laugh when I think about it was this guy I went out with who wore cargo pants with legs that could zip off to make shorts. I have never seen anyone stuff so many things into cargo pockets. He kept putting more and more things in his pockets until they bulged like crazy, but that didn't seem to bother him at all. I tried not to laugh, but it was hard to walk around with bulging pockets man and keep a straight face.

Can you tell us about anything else you are working on?

I have two more books coming out next year in the spring and fall. Both have internet dating elements but they're set on opposite coasts. The first is in Washington and the second in Washington DC. The main characters in each story are really fun girls. I'm excited for readers to meet them.

What and Where are some of your upcoming events?

I'll be doing a book signing on Friday, November 25th at the Deseret Book in San Diego from 12-1:30pm.

*******************************GIVEAWAY************************************

So what can you win with this giveaway?

The List by Melanie Jacobson (Kindle edition)
Not My Type by Melanie Jacobson (Kindle edition)

This is an E-book Kindle giveaway! I'm so exciited about it! I'm obsessed with my Kindle, so I wanted to give some e-books away. If you have a Kindle, or a kindle app on your iPod, iPhone, Blackberry, etc you can enter. This giveaway is International. You just need to have an Amazon or Amazon UK account.

Just fill out the form and you are entered! This giveaway will end on November 8, 2011.

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Review: Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

2011-10-31T20:05:00.000Z

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

Publisher: Cedar Fort
Pages: 256
Format: Kindle

She paced the small confines of her bathroom as she waited the obligatory two minutes for the result. Yet, part of her sensed the truth. Not only did Austin take her self-esteem and plans for happiness, but he also took her get-out-of-this-marriage-free card.

The plus sign glared at Meg from the white plastic frame of the pregnancy test. The test fell from her hands and clattered into the bathtub as Meg’s back slid against the wall until she reached the floor.

“I’m pregnant,” she said into the quiet.

Meg never imagined she'd end up like this. With nowhere else to turn, she's forced to rely on the family she pushed away, the church she abandoned, and an unexpected friendship to help her find her forgotten melody. Meanwhile Matt is still mourning the loss of his wife. But determined to keep things together for his daughter's sake, he decides starting over in a new place might be just what his family needs.

Review:
I thought this sounded really good, but I was worried it would be too heavy for me. Maybe too dramatic or something. It wasn't. I loved it! It was all believable and actually quite beautiful. It was predictable, in a good way. I wanted it to happen. I was willing it too. And it did. I enjoyed the characters. Even with their pain and situations, I could tell what kind of people they were and I knew I wanted to get to know them better. I wanted to see good things happen for Meg and Matt. They deserved it. I felt like a part of their story.

I loved it you guys. I really did. I kind of wouldn't mind reading it again one more time before I move on to another book. It just spoke to me.

Quote:
"You can't mock the chef in her own kitchen. You're just lucky that I'm a nice girl, and you're on your way to work, or else you'd get the opportunity to taste a pre-cooked pancake, as it's dripping from your hair to your mouth." Meg smiled sweetly as she walk toward him with the bowl in her hands.

Review: The List by Melanie Jacobson

2011-10-28T19:21:00.000+01:00

The List by Melanie Jacobson

Publisher: Deseret Book
Pages: 289
Format: Kindle

Ashley Barrett doesn’t want to get married. At least, not anytime soon. She doesn’t care howmany of her friends and family members and fellow churchgoers had weddings before theyfinished college — the last thing she needs in her fun-loving twenties is the dead-weight ofsome guy. And that’s why she created The List. By the time she completes all twenty-fivegoals — from learning a language to skydiving to perfecting the art of making sushi — she’llbe more ready to settle down. Maybe.

This summer in California is a prime time for Ashley to cross two items off the list: learn tosurf (#13) and have a summer romance (#17). And Matt Gibson, the best surf instructor inHuntington Beach and the most wanted guy in the singles ward, is the perfect man for thejob. Ashley hatches a plan to love him and leave him before heading off to grad school inthe fall (#4, get a master’s degree). But when Matt decides he doesn’t like the “leaving” part,Ashley’s carefully laid plans are turned sideways. Now Ashley faces an unexpected dilemma:should she stick to the safety of The List, or risk everything for a love that may tie herdown — or might set her free?

Review:
This book was really enjoyable. I got caught up in the California summer. I used to live in California and I totally miss it. Now I really want to learn to surf!

I think Ashley is a smart girl. She has made a list of things she wants to do before getting married. Not such a bad idea in my mind. I actually talked to my husband about this book when I was finished and we started making a joint bucket list. I think it's a great idea!

Ashley has a fear of marriage though. This LIST is keeping her from forming relationships and looking toward the future. It is more of an excuse. Until she meets Matt that is. He is so much more than she thought, and she is falling hard and fast (whether she wants to admit it or not). Matt, though he doesn't know about the list is helping her fulfill the rest of the items on her LIST. What happens when she is done?

I'm kind of in love with Matt. He is that summer fling hot surfer boy that I'd always dreamed about in high school. He is the real deal though! I absolutely love this book. I actually want to read it again. You have to let me know if you read it!

Quote:

I needed the sensei of surf, the Obi-wan Kenobi of boards, the . . .oh, whatever. I needed Matt Gibson.

Review: The Widower's Wife by Prudence Bice

2011-10-26T08:00:00.000+01:00

Title: The Widower's Wife
Author: Prudence Bice
Publisher: Cedar Fort Books
Pages: 200
Format: Kindle

When Jillian Grey answers Dalton McCullough s newspaper advertisement requesting a mail-order bride to take care of his three young children, they both agree that their marriage is one of convenience and nothing more. But when they realize their growing attraction for each other, they must decide if giving in to their feelings is worth the risk of upsetting their new family s delicate balance. This engaging debut from Prudence Bice is a wholesome love story that satisfies and uplifts while reaffirming your faith in the human spirit.

Review:
I read another book by this author the other day, The Kissing Tree, and loved it so much I sought out if she had written anything else. The Widower's Wife is what I found. I was just as good, if not better! This time period has always fascinated me. The Wild West. What must it have been like for women in those days? The hardships they had to bare and what was life like?

I was immediately drawn to Jillian and I fell head over heels for Dalton during his first scene. All that was within the mere beginning pages of this book. I knew I was going to love it. I had the clearest picture of Dalton. His strong arms and thick chest. Handsome and young. Yum! What would it be like to be married to such a man as his mail ordered bride?! I can think of a few things....

Anyway, this was a great story. Finding love through loss. I felt for the children and I was rooting for Jillian and Dalton to finally voice their love to one another. I wasn't sure if they ever would!

If you like historical books, then this is for you. It's got a western feel to it as well as a bit of adventure! I loved it! I will be dreaming of Dalton tonight.

Review: The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

2011-10-24T08:00:00.000+01:00

Title: The Iron Knight
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen (October 25, 2011)
Pages: 304

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Review:
Amazing! I love this series. I do. It is jam packed with faeries, romance, action, friendship, honesty, and heartbreak. I love that this book is told through Ash's point of view. We finally get a glimpse into his thoughts. I'll admit though that I missed Meghan as the narrator. I was used to her, and I also was wondering the WHOLE time what she was up to. I wish there had been a little bit of her thoughts thrown in there.

If you haven't picked up this series, you should. If you are into faeries or anything paranormal then this is for you. I'm in love with Ash and I am really going to miss him. Such a fitting end for a wonderful series!

Quote:
"I will be with her again, or I will die. There aren’t any other options"

Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale

2011-10-22T08:00:00.001+01:00

Title: Midnight in Austenland
Author: Shannon Hale
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 288
Format: Kindle
Publication Date: February 6, 2012

A special Thank you to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for sending me this book to review.

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

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

Review:
How does she do it? How does author Shannon Hale evoke so much emotion from me? How does she make me feel like I have butterflies flying all through my body. I got that feeling when you're just about to be kissed for the first time, you remember don't you? I LOVE that feeling!

This book is hilarious. It really is. I was laughing out loud and my husband kept looking over at be wondering why I was laughing to myself. It oozes sarcasm and those inner thoughts we're always having that we never voice, but we totally think those crazy things. You know what I'm talking about. I know you do.

This book is why I love reading. As far fetched as a two week Austenland vacation seems, I can actually go there! I can curl up with my book, anytime I want, and take my vacation to Austenland. Thank you Shannon Hale. Thank you for letting me get all dressed up and live a Regency romance in Austenland. Anytime I want.

If you've not read the first book in this series you should! Austenland by Shannon Hale is just as amazing! Don't feel like you have to read it before Mindight in Austenland though, they are about different people, same place. It's a companion novel. Enjoy! Let me know what you think!

Quote:
"You don't have to entertain him," he whispered back. "It is his job to entertain you."

Review: Not My Type by Melanie Jacobson

2011-10-19T08:00:00.003+01:00

Title: Not My Type
Author: Melanie Jacobson
Publisher: Deseret Book
Format: Kindle

Twenty-three-year-old Pepper Spicer is not living the dream. She ended her engagement at the last minute because her fiancé—a musician and soon-to-be reality TV star—wanted her to sacrifice her own career ambitions for his. Now she’s stuck at home sharing a room with her little sister, trying to pay off massive debt for a wedding that didn’t happen, and spending Friday nights Facebook-stalking everyone who has a better life. Her therapist father urges her to choose her career dreams and count her blessings by writing weekly thank-you notes, but gratitude is a tall order when she botches an important job interview and has to settle for writing an undercover dating web-zine column—the last thing in the world she wants to do. Still, as Pepper (byline: Indie Girl) chronicles her bizarre and hilarious blind dates, she gives her father’s challenge a try and slowly finds herself leaving self-pity behind. Life takes a major upswing as Pepper’s column hits the big time and she tastes the exhilarating thrill of success. But there’s one tiny problem: the intensely hot man she’s falling for is having issues with her job (again). Will Pepper trade her personal ambition for another chance at love?

Review:
I thought this book sounded so me. If you know me, then you know that I have quite the dating stories. My boss use to say I should write a column called No Sex in the City. I just knew this book was for me. I got into this book pretty fast. It felt very real. The dating stories were hilarious and I could relate. I'm sure we all have crazy dating stories!

Can I just say that I love her name, Pepper Spicer? It is so cool! I wish I had a cool name like that. I felt like Pepper was like me (when I was single). Feeling down on my luck in everything, not just love. Trying to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up and just feeling stagnant in life. But, Pepper's father helps her figure things out. He gave her challenges to help her be thankful for the blessings she has and he helps her stretch and grow as a person. It makes ME want to do the challenges.

I think all the best love stories come from friendships and this is no different. Pepper almost doesn't see it coming. She is trying not to get caught up in a romance. She's been badly burned and doesn't want to be in a relationship that would make her give up on her dreams. She has a lot to think about.

I loved this book. Plus, the cover is so cute! I'm also a little bit n love with Tanner. Great story! I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

Quote:
"Proposals. You can't be too careful when you're a prize like me."

Review: The Kissing Tree by Prudence Bice

2011-10-19T08:00:00.002+01:00

Title: The Kissing Tree
Author: Prudence Bice
Publisher: Cedar Fort Books
Format: Kindle

A special Thank you to NetGalley and Cedar Fort Books for sending me this book to review.

“Ridge! It’sreally you!” Her eyes were drawn to his mouth, and sheremembered the last time she had seen him five years ago…Now here he wasrescuing her from a most humiliating circumstance, and all she could thinkabout was that kiss.

Five years ago Georgiana stole a kiss from Ridge Carsonunder the community “kissing tree” the day before she moved away. Now eighteen,she finally returns to Colorado to live with her grandfather and help him withthe cooking and cleaning on his ranch. Though she was taught how to be a properyoung lady and flourish in New York’s high society, her heart never stopped yearningfor home—or her childhood crush.

But when she unexpectedly finds herself facing the grown-upRidge, with his Wild West ways, all her proper training begins to unravel. Nowshe isn’t sure she can fall for his improper cowboy style.

Review:

I loved this so much I immediately went to find if author Prudence Bice had written an other novels. She has! I ordered The Widower's Wife immediately on my kindle and I can't wait to get into it.

If you're looking for a little bit or romance then this is your book. I'm in love!

Quote:

"There you have it, Ridge Carson." She beamed down at him, proud she hadn't lost her nerve. "I've stolen a kiss and you can never have it back!"

Review: Fall For Me by Melanie Marks

2011-10-16T08:00:00.000+01:00

Title: Fall For Me
Author: Melanie Marks
Publisher: Thunderstruck Publishing
Pages: Novella (17,000 words)
Format: Kindle

When Zoey’s long-time boyfriend, Finn, cheats on her—kissing a girl he “just can’t resist”—he gives Zoey a “Free Pass,” telling her she can kiss any guy she wants. Finn is so cocky and sure of their relationship that the arrangement seems perfect. He’s not worried Zoey will fall for another guy, and he’s itching to get rid of his feelings of guilt.

But the thing is, Zoey knows exactly who she wants to kiss—longs to kiss— Finn’s best friend, Riley. But, she wants the kiss too much. She knows that. So, she resists the “Free Pass.” Still, she’s pushed into it when Finn loses a bet to Riley, and Riley wants his payment—a kiss from Zoey.

Review:
This was a cute novella. I enjoy novella's because they are short and sweet and you can finish them very quickly. But, I don't like them because I always want more. More from the characters, the story, just everything. I liked it a lot, but the ending made me really want to read more. I don't want to leave it up to my imagination. I want to know what happened!

If you're in the mood for something cute, then this will be just your thing. I was rooting for Riley and Zoey the whole time! I think I'd like to get to know Riley better. ;)

Quote:
"It's so hot int he kitchen. I'm dying."
Riley flinched his jaw, gazing from my sweaty tank top, back to my legs, then up to my eyes. "Do you really want to play this card?"
My stomach dropped. "What card?"

Review: The Next Door Boys by Jolene Perry

2011-10-13T09:33:00.000+01:00

Title: The Next Door Boys
Author: Jolene Perry
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Format: Kindle

A special Thank you to NetGalley and Cedar Fort for sending me this book to review.

With her body still recovering from last year's cancer treatments, Leigh Tressman is determined to be independent. Despite the interference from her overprotective brother, the ever-expanding line of young men ready to fall in love with her--not to mention the physical frustrations and spiritual dilemmas Leigh discovers what it actually means to stand on her own and learns that love can be found in unexpected but comfortable places.

Review:
When I started reading this book I didn't know it was a Latter-day Saint novel. I had no clue. To my surprise, it was really very good.

The characters have depth. I love learning the details of people. Why they are the way they are. What makes them tick? I wasn't lacking for any information on my favorite characters Leigh and Brian. The characters are very well developed and the dialogue flows. Like a normal conversation would, or even your normal thought process. It "feels" right. Not forced in any way.

The plot line kept me going, and there were plenty of twists and turns to keep me interested but also keeping very close to home. This is about the characters though, not necessarily the plot line. Both meshed well and I enjoyed this so much I am sure hoping that author Jolene Perry will write a sequel. I'm just dying for more of this story!

Very good book. I loved it in fact! If you're willing to give a Christian Latter-day Saint book a try then I'd say go for it! It was really very good! I loved it!

Quote:
"When I realized I had no control....that was when everything changed. There are a lot of things I have control over, but there are a lot more things I have no control over. When you're no longer afraid of death, there are a lot of things you're not afraid of anymore."

Review: Marshmallow Skye by Cathy Cassidy

2011-10-12T08:30:00.000+01:00

Title: The Chocolate Box Girls: Marshmallow Skye
Author: Cathy Cassidy
Publisher: Puffin Books
Pages: 278
Format: Hardback
Reading Level: 9+
Series: The Chocolate Box Girls: Cherry Crush

A special Thank you to Puffin Books for sending me this book to review!

SKYE and SUMMER TANBERRY are identical twins, and SKYE loves her sister Summer more than anyone else in the world. They do everything together, but lately Skye’s been feeling like second-best – it’s the story of her life. And when her friend Alfie confesses he’s fallen not for her, but for Summer, it hurts.

Skye wants to be her own person, but with an effortlessly cool twin, how can she? Will Skye ever step out of Summer’s shadow and find her own chance to shine?

Review:
This is seriously such a cute book! The cover alone is gorgeous! How could you not want to read this book?! This is the 2nd installment in the series, and it is just as good (if not better) than Cherry Crush! Marshmallow Skye has a spooky feel to it too, which is perfect so close to Halloween.

Skye is an identical twin and is really searching out who she is apart from her sister. She hears a spooky ghost story on Halloween night and then her mother find a trunk full of old things belonging to the girl in the ghost story. Spooked yet?! Skye starts having dreams and everything goes out of control.

I love the Tanberry Bed and Breakfast and I love love love that old Gypsy Caravan! I want one! Now! Not to mention all of Paddy's homemade chocolates. I could actually smell marshmallow in the air. Taste that sweet stick fluffy treat on my tongue. The descriptions are great. I need s'mores. Now.

This series has much more to tell. There are 3 more sisters stories, and I wish I had the books now! This will make a perfect book for a niece or daughter just around this Halloween season! I loved it!

Quote:
"I don't believe in ghosts," Summer says firmly. " I'm not crazy! But, I'm telling you, there is something weird about all this stuff. It makes me uneasy."