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Friday, November 23, 2012

After Hello Review


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




After Hello

Author: Lisa Mangum
Hardcover
Pages: 272
September 4, 2012
Shadow Mountain

Overview:
What if the first day of your relationship was the only day you had?

Seventeen-year-old Sara is a seeker. She’s always on the lookout for the perfect moment to capture with her ever-present, point-and-shoot camera, especially on her first trip to New York City.

Sam is a finder. He has a knack for finding what other people can’t—a first-edition book or the last two tickets to a sold-out Broadway show. In New York, there is always something interesting to find.

When Sam and Sara’s paths cross, neither one of them is prepared for what they will find out about each other—and about themselves when they form an unlikely partnership in search of a seemingly elusive work of art. They have one day to find the impossible. Fate brought their talents together, but what happens when time runs out? Will love be able to overcome fate?


My Take:
The cover caught my eye of this little gem and immediately grabbed it! I read the cover bit and figured this book was for me. I was right! How I liked this story. It was unique and fresh.

The story takes place in New York which made me feel like I was on an adventure with Sam and Sara. The time frame was 24 hours which seemed longer to me. Sara loves the camera and uses it to capture those unique moments. So when she's in NY she couldn't pass the thought of not using her camera and manages to snap shot Sam who came out of a cafe. Something about him captured her attention.

Sam notice her noticing him. Sara follows him as then they engage in a conversation which led to one thing and another of learning a bit about each other. Their conversation connection was quite unique and fun. Of course in their conversation, they talk of things that are dear to them. Some of the things they mention is a tough thing for them to chat about but in a way I think it helps them to talk to someone about these topics rather than keeping it all bottled up.

Somehow Sam gets Sara involved with his and brother's work as it turns into a mission looking for something unique. Sam helps her. Does she succeed in her mission or not? Do sparks go flying between Sam and Sara while they chat? I think there's a great friendship there and that it could spin into something more. Read the book to find out. I think the chemistry between the two is great.

The story is written from both: Sam and Sara's perspective. I love how the chapters tell you who the perspective is. It's a nice change of pace.

Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: B

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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

The Dark Unwinding Review


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




The Dark Unwinding

Sharon Cameron
Pages: 318
Published: September 1, 2012
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Hardcover


Overview:
When Katharine Tulman's inheritance is called into question by the rumor that her eccentric uncle is squandering away the family fortune, she is sent to his estate to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, Katharine discovers a genius inventor with his own set of rules, who employs a village of nine hundred people rescued from the workhouses of London.

Katharine is now torn between protecting her own inheritance and preserving the peculiar community she grows to care for deeply. And her choices are made even more complicated by a handsome apprentice, a secretive student, and fears for her own sanity.

As the mysteries of the estate begin to unravel, it is clear that not only is her uncle's world at stake, but also the state of England as Katharine knows it.

My Take:
I spied this book in the store as the cover caught my attention. The stunning blue dress was just too good to pass up. Once I had the book in my hands, I read what the story was about and figured to give the book a chance.

Basically Katharine is sent off to get her Uncle committed to the asylum by her greedy Aunt so that the family fortune could be released to her aunt. o off Katarine goes on an adventure in the matters of her uncle. What she finds is that her uncle state is a not crazy, but a genius inventor. It seems that her uncle is great with numbers and somehow could be seen as crazy back then compared today where he might have a disability.

Katharine learns that her Uncle employs quite a few people and begins to feel the burden of what to do. To protect her inheritance or this strange place? What will she decide?

Her uncle's apprentice Lane Moreau requests for a 30 day delay. Katharine accepts the request and she hoped she could pull it off but realizes her Aunt may try to sneak her claws in earlier. She did the best she could.

Of course there is a bit of love going around in this book between Lane Moreau and Ben Alridge and Katharine..so who will win? What will happen? As you find the answers towards the end of the book, it made me relieved!

All the characters in this book were strong and had their own uniqueness. They all played a part of the story. Some were quiet, some were quirky, some were protective and even catches your attention from beginning to end. If you like young adult historical, then this book is for you. The one thing that jumped out at me in the book is the spinning. What is that? You have to read the book to find out.

The ending of the book left me feeling that there could be a sequel. I hope so because this book had my attention and made me wonder what was going to happen. How the story went took me by a complete surprise! Nice little gem to read.

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Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: B