A Strange Fire by L.H. Cosway

Disclaimer: I won this book to read in exchange for an honest opinion!

A Strange Fire by L.H. Cosway

Overview:
Flo has always had problems. Her stammer prevents her speech and her dad’s abuse makes her life a living hell. Not to mention she sees colors other people don’t.

When her dad decides to ship her off to live with her grandma in the sleepy town of Chesterport, Flo thinks that this is her chance for a better life. But on her very first day at her new school she is ridiculed and laughed at for having a stammer. One student sticks up for her and his name is Frank.

Frank’s body is surrounded by an aura of fire, but Flo is the only one who can see it. He lives in a foster home for troubled teenagers. Flo is drawn to him because he’s different and so is she.

Things are about to get scary, because Chesterport is not your ordinary suburban town. It’s infested by a coven of dark witches who prey on the young and the elderly. Soon Flo discovers that she’s next on their list of victims, and finds herself fighting a battle she never would have imagined possible.

My View:
I won this eRead book from a contest by the author herself! Happy that I won, I downloaded it to my iPad and began to read. At first, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was surprised to be reeled in so quickly like a month to the flame.

Florence (Flo) starts off with being kind of quiet but throughout the book she gets strong which I love. Flo does have a stutter which makes her interesting. Her ability to see auras of people seems to increase while she is living in Chesterport which I thought was neat but what brought that on? To see her go through such battles and come out stronger is amazing.

Frank, something about him is great when he gets in a protective mode of Florence. I loved that! Of course he has a bad boy vibe along with a strong bond with his foster brothers which is quite the character. The connection Frank has with Florence was interesting and left me in question of what was Frank? Was he human or no?

Besides Florence and Frank, there are other characters in this book that have supernatural elements to them which made me guess throughout the book until it was revealed. Wow! I'm not telling what the elements were. Plus there are other moments that were filled with emotion as to the simple things in life. I loved how sometimes simple things can make a difference in a character and life. The book has romance, high school drama, supernatural elements, action, horror, and heart breaking moments which were all nice done. The Buffy the Vampire references came across in this book made me squeal! Oh my! (Yes, I have watched Buffy the Vampire and Angel.) Thank you L.H. Cosway!!

The ending left me in question of whether or not there would be a sequel! If so, then I'm ready to read more since questions are swirling around in my head.

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Finished

Finished these two books today. Reviews coming soon.

Wildthorn Review

Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!


Wildthorn by Jane Eagland

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: 1/17/2012
Pages: 352

Overview
They strip her naked, of everything—undo her whalebone corset, hook by hook. Locked away in Wildthorn Hall—a madhouse—they take her identity. She is now called Lucy Childs. She has no one; she has nothing. But, she is still seventeen—still Louisa Cosgrove, isn't she? Who has done this unthinkable deed? Louisa must free herself, in more ways than one, and muster up the courage to be her true self, all the while solving her own twisted mystery and falling into an unconventional love . . .

My Take
The cover on this book is stunning which caught my eye right away. As I started this book the book has Louisa reflect on her past memories to present day. I could tell right away which chapter was her past and which was the present along with the help of the font style being different. This book was well written as it captured how it felt to be an asylum during the Victorian age. It gives you quite a perspective on how things were done there.

Louisa is the main character in this book who is a strong character with the odds against her. She isn't portrayed as a normal Victorian woman as she has a sense of being a tomboy. She does want to follow her father's footsteps in the medical field which I thought was awesome. Sadly during that time, women weren't really acceptable to be doctors. She didn't have the same interests as what was normal for women during the time. She rose up to the task when everything was taken away from her during her time at the asylum. She conditions she goes through is heartbreaking but Louisa has a strong spirit. She also has help from Eliza within the asylum.

The entire book made me guess what was going to happen next for Louisa. Was she going to escape? Was she going to find out why she was put in the asylum? Would she see her family again? Would she find love? I'm not giving the whole story away.

It was quite a different read and yet I'm glad I read it. The history really gives you a perspective on how it was like back then as a woman to go through many different things. I'm glad the author wrote this book. Hope you pick up a copy today and dive right into it.

Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: B

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Fateful by Claudia Gray Review

Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!





Fateful by Claudia Gray
Publisher: HarperCollins Publisher
Publication Date: 9/13/2011
Pages: 336


Overview:
Eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, troubled family she serves. It’s 1912, and Tess has been trapped in the employ of the Lisles for years, amid painful memories and twisted secrets. But now the Lisle family is headed to America, with Tess in tow. Once the ship they’re sailing on—the RMS Titanic—reaches its destination, Tess plans to strike out and create a new life for herself.

Her single-minded focus shatters when she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets of his own. He’s in a hurry to leave Europe, and whispers aboard the ship say it’s because of the tragic end of his last affair with the French actress who died so gruesomely and so mysteriously. . . .

Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves exist and are stalking him—and now her, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.


My Take
So I bought this book because it was related to Titanic and for some reason any Titanic stories catch my attention quite easily. The cover of the book that I have is the blue one. I posted both cover styles because they are both amazing. Anyways, I barely even saw the review that this book had werewolves in it until I actually read the book. That's a first for me not to see the supernatural elements in the book until I read it and it was fun! I actually read this book in one day, I just could not put it down.

The beginning of book caught my attention right away with Tess! I love how the book revolves around Tess's adventure on the Titanic as a servant and woman. I could empathize with her and how her reactions were realistic. Of course, Tess finds out that Alec is a werewolf and somehow feels naturally bonded to him. Love blossoms between Alec and Tess considering Alec is wealthy class and Tess isn't. Will it survive? They both go through stages of adventures of good and bad.

Other than Alec fighting to be a werewolf, Mikhail who is from the Brotherhood wants Alec to turn to the dark side of being a werewolf which is one of the stages that Alec goes through in the book. Mikhail also threatens Tess as well. This is the one of the dark aspects in the book other than knowing that the ship will sink. I love that there are supernatural elements aboard the Titanic!

The book mainly focuses on Tess and Alec but other characters come into play! Myriam who's Tess's bunkmate plays a nice character as well as George who fancies Myriam and works for the Titanic. Then there are Alec's father, the Lisle's and Ned. All the characters in the book are compelling and powerful!

As you know the Titanic sinks, but it is interesting to see who lives or dies! Another fantastic read! Pick it up today and you won't be sorry you read it.

Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: A

Currently Reading Tonight

Currently Reading

New PDF Book

So this morning since it's 6 am..I decided to check my email! Guess what? I won a new PDF book! That made my morning. The PDF book is called A Strange Fire. by LH Cosway. Quite a nice surprise to win this morning! Hopefully I can review it after I get done reading Waterfall.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

To Read list...

My to read list on goodreads.com is up at 307 books...Do I think I"m going to get to read all of these?? I sure hope to somehow. I keep adding cool books to it. I do wonder how many books does everyone else have in their pile to read?

I also have a pile of books by my bed that I need to read. Books books books! Everywhere is books.

I'm currently reading Waterfall by Lisa Tawn Bergren on my iPad. So far so good.

The other day I went into the library and saw books there but I figured I should attack my books that I have at home first before even getting more books to read. It's addictive!

The Catastrophic History of You and Me Review

Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!






The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg

Publisher: Penguin Group Inc (USA)
Publication Date: 2/21/2012
Pages: 400

Overview
Brie's life ends at sixteen: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart - literally. But now that she's in heaven, Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend knows a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost - and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul who's been D&G (dead and gone) much longer than she… and who just might hold the key to her forever after. With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on… but how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?

My Take
The cover caught my attention right away and figured it would be a fun book to read. I was right! It took me about 2 1/2 days to read this book.

The main character is named Brie who is quite interesting. I love how Brie meets Patrick in a pizza joint after she dies. Those two characters really set the mood for the book and I just love their relationship. Of course Brie goes through the stages of grief as Patrick is there to guide her and eventually gives her something. Patrick also has a few secrets which Brie eventually finds out which does shock you. I know it shocked me! I love how Brie goes through the emotions of learning things about herself, friends and family.

The had it's funny moments and heartbreaking moments. I thought the two did really well through out the book. Romance, friendship, life, how you deal with grief and important of family is what this book is about. It's a journey.



Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: B

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Frost Arch Review

Disclaimer: I given this ebook by the author to read in exchange for an honest review!




Frost Arch by Kate Bloomfield
424 Pages
Kindle Edition - E reader - Amazon Digital Services

Overview:
Avalon lives in a post-apocalyptic world where Mages are the dominant life form and humans are uneducated and enslaved. As a Fire Mage who can't control her powers, Avalon flees her home town after almost killing her little sister.

What Avalon doesn't expect however, is that her life will take a dramatic change when she moves to Frost Arch, a snowy city where she gets a job as a maid, and befriends a local Healer. Before she knows it, Avalon is on the run from the law.

'Frost Arch' is the first book in The Fire Mage trilogy

My Take
I was contacted by the lovely Kate Bloomfield to read Frost Arch and review it. I was thrilled to get a response from an author through Twitter. I automatically told her yes. The moment I downloaded the book to my iPad, I fell into to the story quickly! I could not put the story down. Right before I went to sleep, I wanted to read more but sadly my brain needed sleep! I wanted to know what was going to happen next.

The story takes you to a new world where Mages rule the world and humans are considered to be slaves and uneducated. I thought the world was fun to read and fall into. I greatly enjoyed the main character Avalon who departs from home due to the fact she doesn't want to hurt her little sister with her fire ability. Once she departs from home, she falls into adventures from the moment she hitched a ride to a new town.

The plot stayed with me the entire time. I could see everything happening in my head while I read the book. It never got boring and it was quite an adventure to go on! The characters were so interesting as well. Jack, Avalon, Raeven, and even Hawthorne was fun to learn about as well as the four become friends. Elvira Frost was an interesting character and made me wonder how she came about to rule Frost Arch. Noah Forsythe is another character that lingers in my mind as well. I can't wait to see what more develops for the characters and their adventures!

I had a lot of questions in my head on certain things which I hope will be covered in the next two books from Ms. Bloomfield! The next two book are on my list to read. I want to know what happens to Avalon and everyone. Thanks again to Ms. Bloomfield for having me review your book.

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Follow her today and pick up Frost Arch to read.


Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: A

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Sarah Dessen book Review

Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!




What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
Publisher: Penguin Group USA Inco
Pages: 416


Overview

Who is the real McLean?

Since her parents’ bitter divorce, McLean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move-four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother’s new family, McLean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, McLean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself, whoever that is. Perhaps Dave, the guy next door, can help her find out.

My Take

I was finally excited to get into this book. I love Sarah Dessen’s books! They always make me feel that the characters are real with a hint of geek and learning what life is all about.

McLean goes moves again as this time she used her real name instead of a new identity. She immediately makes friends with Riley, Heather, Dave who is her next door neighbor and Deb who seems to be a school outcast. Together they form a close social group but with their own dysfunctional aspects. Everyone’s life has turmoil somehow, but they come together to build a model for the city’s celebration.

McLean gets along well with her dad who works to save restaurants from going under as best as he could. She doesn’t get along with her mom which seems to be controlling and eventually confronts her mom on things. With making friends, dealing with her parents, McLean learns to make friends and fights the temptation to run away from relationships. All her friends give McLean a learning process be herself again but Dave plays that role more than the most characters in this book.

Dave is a cute boy next door who is smart. I like him. His parents are quite unique and strange, I think. It made the story interesting, just a bit. Of course there’s a hint of romance but the book doesn’t go in that direction that much. It’s geared more towards McLean’s self discovery process.

This book had me laugh a few times! It gives off a friendly, funny and self discovery vibes. The beginning was a little slow but as you pass each page, it’s a nice read.

Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: B

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Mighty Bright Light

This past christmas I managed to get a Might Bright Light from my husband as the gift was totally unexpected! He thought this would be good for me when I’m traveling in the car to read since I rarely get to at night when we travel sometimes! Well so far I’ve put the Mighty Bright Light to test at home in bed which is great! I love this thing!

Here’s the link to the page: http://www.mightybright.com/

This is the style that I have: http://www.mightybright.com/Book-Lights/XtraFlex2-LED-Book-Light

Handy little thing…check out and order yours today!

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Book Review of Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!




Overview

Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she’s seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.

As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear.

And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia’s not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.

My Take

I was captivated by the entire story line. Sure the first two chapters took me a while to get into but after that I couldn’t put it down. I’d say the supernatural elements grabbed my attention along with the main characters: Hayden and Theia who has the most concentration on in the story. If you like supernatural and romance, then this book is for you. Of course there are other characters in the book such as Varnie, Amelia, Gabe, and Donny along with Theia’s dad and Hayden’s mother.

Theia to me has a softness to her overall until Hayden comes into the picture where she learns to grow to be strong. Attraction is instant between the two! They meet together through dreams but also in a place called Under. Hayden has a hot and cold nature towards Theia which makes him more attractive to Theia, I think. Theia tries to figure Hayden out regarding to his actions and manners.

Other characters in this book are Amelia, Donny, Gabe, Varnie, Theia’s dad and Hayden’s mother. Amelia and Donny are Theia’s friends who are both great characters as well. Amelia is a gal who is into tarot reading and has a sweet personality as Donny is more brazen and realistic on things. I’m not sure where Gabe falls in but he seems to be a popular kid in the school who likes Donny. Varnie is another character who is a psychic and I think likes Amelia for some reason.

The book is just filled with twists and turns and I cannot wait to read the next book to see what happens next! There was a line in the book that made a reference to Twilight which made me laugh.

Publisher: Penguin Group USA Incor
Pages: 336
Author: Gwen Hayes

Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: A

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Falling Under Book

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