Cover Reveal for Mary Fan

Almost a hundred years ago, the Enchanters defeated the Lord of the Underworld in one of the most fearsome wars the world had ever seen. The public thinks that this victory means the people are safe. But they’re wrong. The supernatural beasts the Lord unleashed remain on the earth, multiplying and ravaging what’s left of civilization. As long as these monsters exist, mankind will be in danger. And though the government, ruled by the magic-wielding Enchanters, seeks to protect their people, they are too few in number. They need the Defenders – a special class of non-magical humans – to fight the monsters. The Defenders are an elite force, and mankind’s only hope against the horrors that live beyond their gates.

Fourteen-year-old Aurelia “the Firedragon” Sun has been training since she could walk to become a Defender, and her extraordinary combat skills have earned the attention of the powerful government. In fact, she’s been tapped to represent her nation in an international monster-fighting competition, which pits champions from across the globe against creatures of the Underworld in a violent spectacle. If she wins, she will become a full-fledged member of the Defender force.

But as Aurelia moves deeper into the competition, she realizes that all is not as it appears. There’s something sinister behind the competition, something that could change the way she sees everything … and the Enchanters, it seems, are not the heroes she thought. Aurelia begins to ask questions. But before she can discover the truth, she is pitted against the most dangerous monster in the competition – one that will take her life if it can.

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Sherry Soule ~ Spellbound Fun Promo

Today Sherry Soule, the author of the popular Spellbound Series, has some exciting news to share with us! All the previously published books in the series have been completely revamped with more epic romance, sizzling character chemistry, and thrilling new scenes!

The revised versions also include exclusive bonus material. To help promote the new editions, Sherry is doing this awesome guest post to share the update with fellow booklovers. We have personal letter about the series from the author:

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the Spellbound series, which is set in the eerie world of Fallen Oaks. North of San Francisco, between Larkspur and Madrone Woodlands in Marin County, this coastal town’s magical charm and sweeping beauty is only a superficial façade. Nothing more than a smokescreen to conceal its murky history. Those familiar with this area will realize I’ve taken some artistic freedom with this wooded setting. Ah, the power of a storyteller! I’ve chosen the backdrop of Northern California for an obvious reason. It is a beautiful area of lakes, forests, and wildlife.

On a special note, three amazing things really do exist in this locale: the lush forest of Muir Woods, the majesty of Mount Tamalpais, and San Francisco’s infamous roiling fog. I chose to retain these intriguing facets of the region because they contribute to the storyline in a very significant way.

In these serialized novels, you’ll learn the secrets of Fallen Oaks and more about the quirky inhabitants that populate this peculiar neighborhood, where it seems everyone has something to hide. Discover what skulks in the fog and prowls within the dense forest.

Meet the teenage residents that have good looks, lots of teen angst, and a fair share of supernatural intrigue. Read about Trent and Shiloh’s love story, which began with a mixture of lustful teen hormones and beguiling attraction. When Shiloh and Trent first meet, they both feel an instant connection, but at its core, it is a tale about the power of first love and the courage of two hearts that were meant to beat tremendous odds just to be together.

Happy reading,
Sherry


These are the new book covers created for the series!

Deadly Witchcraft. Ghostly Threats. Doomed Romance.

They say every town has its secrets, but that doesn’t even begin to describe Fallen Oaks. The townsfolk are a superstitious lot and the mystical disappearance of a local teen has everyone murmuring about a centuries old witch’s curse.

When sixteen-year-old Shiloh Trudell takes a summer job at Craven Manor, she discovers a ghost with an agenda. That’s where she meets the new town hottie, Trent Donovan, and immediately becomes enchanted by his charms. Finally, Shiloh’s met someone who is supercute and totally into her, but Trent is immersed in the cunning deception that surrounds the mysterious Craven Manor. So much so that he may lose sight of what is truly important to him. And she can’t decide whether she wants to shake him or kiss him. Yet neither one of them can deny the immediate, passionate connection growing between them.

But underlying everything is the fear that Trent may be the next victim on a supernatural hit list, and Shiloh is the only person with the power to save him…

With cryptic messages from a pesky wraith, Shiloh will finally begin to understand the mysterious significance of the strange mark branded on her wrist and decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice to protect the other teenagers in town.

Unfortunately, for Shiloh, not all ghosts want help crossing over. Some want vengeance.

Buy the new version of BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN (part 1):
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Dark Magick. Town Curses. Dangerous Secrets.

Shiloh Trudell wishes she were an ordinary girl. But for as long as she can remember, she has seen demons—otherworldly creatures that prey on the innocent—including her classmates.

Sure, she loves shopping, gossiping with her friends, rebelling against her parents, and her overwhelming attraction to the one boy that seems to ‘get’ her. Yet deep down, Shiloh knows she isn’t like other teenage girls. There’s the gift of Sight (Yes, she can see dead people), the new magical powers—oh, and the lessons on demon hunting.

With the body count rising, Shiloh resolves to learn more about the deadly curse on the town of Fallen Oaks, as well as the ominous shadows that seem to follow just a few steps behind Trent Donovan, local hottie and Shiloh’s current crush. For reasons, she can’t explain she’s inexplicably drawn to Trent and the haunting world of Craven Manor.

The dark secrets infused within the town have long tendrils, mostly affecting its teenage residents. Even Shiloh and Trent—especially Shiloh and Trent—are not immune from the darkness. And Trent’s not the only one hiding something. Someone in Fallen Oaks has put out a supernatural hit list on the teenagers in town, and now it’s up to Shiloh to face her worst fears, and then fight like hell…

BUY SHATTERED SILENCE (book 2):
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Places you can cyberstalk Sherry Soule:

Official blog

Official Spellbound Series blog

FACEBOOK

Twitter ~ @WriterSherry

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ALA 2013 Adventure

I decided to head to ALA 2013 because it was in Chicago! Of course I live in Illinois and I took the train downtown. I attended ALA 2013 on Saturday and Sunday just for the exhibits only. I hopped the train as it stopped at every stop. Then of course my brother lives downtown so he picked me up and went to his place for some breakfast. It was fun. After we ate, he dropped me off at McCormick Plaza which is not far from his place at all. I did have a list this time to be prepared. Sadly I did miss a few books I wanted but got that made up later from walking around. I saw many lovely publishers such as Penguin, Little Brow, Flux, Hyperion (Disney), Sourcebooks, Macmillan, Spencer Hill Press, Zondervan, HarperCollins, Harlequin, Bloomsbury, and so on. The place was huge. Of course there were artists and business companies for the library field was so neat to see! I loved seeing the shelving units and tables and chairs and even book drops were there. There were business companies such as 3M, Family Research, Baker & Taylor and so on.

After getting some books here and there and meeting with some people from the publishing company, I had to get lunch. The food was pricey! I spent 20 bucks on lunch there..the sandwich alone was $17.00. The joys of going into the city! After I ate, I headed back out. It does help to have a list. The one thing that was different was that ALA had their numbers on the floor, where BEA had their numbers up on top. Plus I didn't see a map in the ALA handbook that they gave us. So I basically went around in circles quite a bit! Oh my feet were fine but my shoulders ached so from carrying those books. It's quite a work, good for the soul! I saw so many different people there and met some great librarians! It was packed.

I also learned that 'Teardrop' by Lauren Kate would be handed out on Sunday morning so that was a new thing to add to my list! Plus I got an extra copy of 'Teardrop' for another book blogger named @heatherkkilpatri who did not know if she could go or not. I believe you can go. I saw children there which made me smile! Then I saw a tweet from another book blogger named @Sash_and_Em who had to leave early and wanted to get Shannon Messenger book signing as I did get a copy for her. I just like to help others out. Plus I also got some books for my two teacher friends as well. I came back with tons of books!

I did get to meet Colleen Gleason who I have been a fan of since 2007! There's another blog posting about that. Then I also met Shannon Delaney where I got a copy of Weather Witch, then some other authors I met were Julie Berry, Simone Elkeles, S.J. Adams, Geoff Herbach, Amanda Sun, C.Y. Lyons, Marissa Moss, and a few others. It was exciting and fun.

One thing I did get to have was dinner with my brother and his girlfriend at Hugo Frog Bar which was amazing. If you like seafood, then you need to go to this place! It was amazing!!! We shared an appetizer of Mussels! I had a bowl of clam chowder soup and then some shrimp for dinner. I was full afterwards. We did eat outside and it felt great. There was a heater outside too. It was fun to watch people go by. Later that night we headed back to my brother's place since I was crashing the night there (nice brother to help his older sister out)! We watched the movie 'Gangster Squad' - it was a good movie but a little violent. I did sleep pretty damn well since the train does go by his place.

Sunday came and my poor shoulders were already sore from Saturday. Sunday I ended up with more books. Holy cow! At the end, I went to Flux publishers to see what they had and the one lady there was so nice, she gave me a copy of this one book that I wanted to read since I would not be there on Monday. Thank you soooo much to Flux Publishing!!

Now I have all these books to read...I'm pretty much set for a while! Heading home..I had to walk from State Street to Michigan Ave to get a taxi cab to get to the train station to get home! I barely made it. Once I got on the train, it was packed. There was no place to sit! I ended up standing the entire time until about the 3 or 4 stop before I got off the train. The Metra train runs every two hours on Sunday. My kids were happy to see me when I arrived and so was my husband! I have the best family. A wonderful husband who lets me geek out at books.

If you are thinking of going to ALA, do it! It's worth the fun. Just like BEA..it's fun. A great way to see the whole world of books and people! I believe 2014 ALA is in Las Vegas and BEA 2014 is in NYC again. If you got any questions for me, ask away. :)

Photos below to check out:

Chicago ALA 2013

Sourcebooks Ladies hard at work! Such fun.

Marissa Moss Signing!

Flux Publishing Company with lovely ladies. I had a blast checking their books out.

Macmillan Publishing display

Found Spencer Hill Press! They were awesome at BEA and at ALA!

3M display!

View shot from the Cafe I sat upstairs

Amanda Sun signing at Harlequin!

Veronica Roth signing posters!

Shannon Greenland signing!

Star Wars!

Front of McCormick Plaza for ALA2013

Book Pile first set!

Hugo Frog Bar outside!! Yummmmmmmm

Geoff Herbach signing!

NASA stop! Great for kids!!

S.J. Adams

The lovely and amazing Colleen Gleason

Shannon Delany signing!

Simone Elkeles signing..stood in line for an hour for it and was #4 in line.

Julie Berry Signing!

Jonathan Maberry talking and signing at ALA 2013

Shannon Messenger talking and signing at ALA 2013

The whole set of books I got! Plus others that I didn't post since I couldn't get them all home..

Author Event in Naperville, IL - Anderson Bookshop

I saw Anderson's bookshop hosting "Dark Days" Tour with authors of Kiera Cass, Elizabeth Norris, Aprilynne Pike and Amy Tintera. I had to go! I told my husband I'm going, well he told me to go for it. I ordered the books online! I have tons of books and I just added more to my collection. Guess one can never have too many books, right? Anyways, I got everything else ready in the house before leaving (dinner and etc). It's an hour drive for me to get out there.

Heading out to the bookstore, as the lovely GPS took me the way it did last time as it was a fine drive. I got to the town and prayed to the parking lot gods (yeah I made that up) that I would find a spot really quick! Guess what? I did find a spot the moment I pulled into the one parking lot. Awesome! So I walked down to the bookshop in the drizzling rain and got inside to get my books.

The authors were answering questions from a moderator and the audience. Since I have hearing loss (deaf), it was a bit difficult to follow at times but I got the basics of what they were talking about. Too bad I didn't have a friend to go with me to tell me the specifics what was going on. I thought it was so cool to see these authors there talking about their books and how they come up with their ideas and writing process. While I listened, I thought to myself I really want to write a book one day even though it may take forever for me to do!

After the questions were done, the book signing began! Since there were four authors,it was very very busy. They called off the numbers as usual. I told one of the staff members they need a number call display which would be so much easier! They chuckled at that idea. Once I was in line, I started to get my books signed by Aprilynne Pike and Amy Tintera which they were great. I was shy of course..go figure. Yeah I'm the quiet gal at times but if you get me going on a one on one conversation, I'm good to go! Then I moved onto Kiera Casa and Elizabeth Norris which were great as well. All the authors were friendly and nice.

I did get some photos taken. Some are good and some are a little blurry..enjoy!


Amy Tintera and I


Aprilynne Pike and I - I blinked!


Kiera Cass and I! Kiera was distracted but this photo was so cool and I couldn't resist putting it up!


Elizabeth Norris and I!


Group shot from afar!


Duo - Aprilynne and Amy!

Thanks to the authors for their time of signing books and letting me take photos! You guys rock.


This link listed below goes to another blogger who was at the event that goes more into detail of what was spoken! I saw her in line there too.
Polished Page-Turner Blog recap of the event

Amy Tintera Links:
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Aprilynne Pike Links:
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Elizabeth Norris Links:
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Kiera Cass Links:
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Beautiful Decay Review

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



Beautiful Decay
Author: Sylvia Lewis
Paperback
Pages: 304
Published: April 9, 2013
Publisher: Running Press Kit

Overview:
Ellie Miller has always needed her space. Literally. With a touch that rots whatever she encounters, Ellie must keep people at a distance for their own good. Not that her classmates are itching to be best friends with the "freak" of the high school.

So when newcomer Nate MacPherson makes it his mission to get close to her, Ellie has her suspicions. But when he identifies her as a viviomancer who can work the forces of life and reveals himself to be a necromancer who can manipulate death, Ellie finds herself trusting Nate and the romance that is blossoming between them. Unfortunately for the two, family secrets can kill, and they will need more than their abilities to keep a zombie mom and a conglomerate of evil-doing supernaturals under control.

After spending her life pushing everyone away, Ellie's realization of the full extent of her power and willingness to let people get close to her may be the only way to save the ones she loves.

My Take:
I found this little special gem at the bookstore while browsing about! The cover just jumped out at me and said 'read me!' I had to take this book home.

I enjoyed Ellie, the main character quite a bit. Ellie is shunned in town due to her ability which I think takes a toll on her. So she fades in the background as much as she can, keeping to herself. As time goes on as she learns about Nate, the new guy. After hanging out with Nate as best as they can, usually through phone calls, she learns to stand up for herself. She realizes she does not have to be afraid and can control her ability. You will read Ellie being sarcastic quite a bit in the book. THe one thing I did not like was the fact that her mother and father were not very close to Ellie. Her parents did not take the time to be involved in her life as Ellie herself did the same thing.

Nate is a guy who has a lot going on in his life and was surprised that someone like Ellie was in the school that he attended. He tells her things such on matters of his life, the ability he has and what her ability is. Ellie seems to be cool with what he speaks of and takes it all in as best as she can. He is a guy who is straight to the point and swears quite a bit, but is very protective. He dislikes people who get picked on. You will be able to see this in the story and I think it is a great trait for Nate. Nate lives with his mom and she has this special need which Nate takes care. I admired Nate for doing what he does.

Then there's Mackenzie, Ellie's best friend whom she met online. I love those those two connect and tease each other. They are so great! I love how Mackenzie talks of different hair colors she tries and asks for Ellie's input. I can see these two being best friends for life. Mackenzie also has a secret as well which I thought was very, very cool. What will Mackenzie's reaction be if she finds out about Ellie's ability and the drama she is going through? Will she still remain friends or no?

As you get closer towards the end of the book, danger arises! Nate, Ellie and Mackenzie get thrown into a world of action, drama and suspense. The first few pages of the book captured my attention. As I continued to read, I could not put this book down. I had to know what Ellie's world was about and why she was there and what was going to happen to her. It was amazing how the three of them worked together to the best of their knowledge. Ellie is one tough cookie, Mackenzie has that smart gene, and Nate knows enough to get by. The ending was kind of left open which makes me wonder if there will be a sequel! I hope so. So go find this little gem and read!



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Story Rating: A
Cover Rating: A

Dressmaker Review

Disclaimer: I checked this book out from the library to read to give it an honest opinion!




The Dressmaker

Author: Kate Alcott
Hardcover
306 Pages
February 21, 2012
Publisher: Doubleday

Overview
Tess, an aspiring seamstress, thinks she's had an incredibly lucky break when she is hired by famous designer Lady Lucile Duff Gordon to be a personal maid on the Titanic's doomed voyage. Once on board, Tess catches the eye of two men, one a roughly-hewn but kind sailor and the other an enigmatic Chicago millionaire. But on the fourth night, disaster strikes.

Amidst the chaos and desperate urging of two very different suitors, Tess is one of the last people allowed on a lifeboat. Tess’s sailor also manages to survive unharmed, witness to Lady Duff Gordon’s questionable actions during the tragedy. Others—including the gallant Midwestern tycoon—are not so lucky.

On dry land, rumors about the survivors begin to circulate, and Lady Duff Gordon quickly becomes the subject of media scorn and later, the hearings on the Titanic.

My Take
Sorry but this book is not a young adult book! It is geared more towards regular fiction! I have been wanting to read this book for a long time. Every time I'm out shopping I see this book and was so tempted to buy it. I ended up checking it out from my library instead. I'm also a sucker for Titanic stories.

Anyways I liked the book and story quite a bit. The characters in this book are strong. All of them have their strong and weak points. For instance the main character Tess is set off for her own dreams and tries to go after them no matter what. She does not want to clean floors and be a personal servant. She wants to create her own clothes and be successful in that. I admired her for taking this path. She's the type of gal that has her head on her shoulders at time but it takes her a while to see that not everyone is good. Tess is also a believable character in this book compared to some others!

Tess ends up with Lady Duff Gordon on the ship of Titanic as it goes okay. Tess really is not really maid material and wishes to be a dressmaker. She goes on an adventure with Lady Duff through the good and bad. She gets to see how the ship with the different classes. While on Titanic, she meets two different men which are interesting to see. She goes through quite a bit and at the end I think she made the right choice.

The sinking of the ship happens and emotions are thrown everywhere. I can only imagine the state of mind of everyone. Everyone is trying to survive and do what you have to do to make it. Some sacrifice and others do not. It's part of nature to be that way I think. To those who survived would have to live with what they saw and did. Some may cope differently than others.

Once everyone arrives to New York you get a feel of what the time period was like. For women and lower class, it was not easy but there was hope. Fashion was also shown in this book and how things were done back then. I think it was grew tho see all these things so you can get a better feel of what it was like.

A few other characters are strong in this book is Pinky, who's a writer. To be a writer in during the times of Titanic is challenging. She keep plugging away at each story she can get with determination! She then covers the trials of the Titanic as she meets Tess and a few others. She eventually becomes friends with Tess. Both of them bump heads at times but in the long run they know they meant well. I love the relationship Pinky has with Tess.

There is a love triangle that sprouts out in this book with Tess and two gentlemen. It's rather interesting to see. Who does Tess choose? I was rooting for the one that she picked! You'll have to read to find out who it was.

If you like historical fiction books, then go grab this one today. You won't regret reading it. I know I don't!

Story: B
Cover: A

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Review of Fields of Elysium

Disclaimer: I received this ebook from a book blog tour to read to give it an honest opinion!



Fields of Elysium
Fields of Elysium #1
Author: A.B. Whelan
Pages: 436
Format: eBook
Published: December 12, 2012
Publisher: InMotion Captiol

Overview:
Small town girl, Molly Bennett, moves to Los Angeles where she becomes an outsider while attending Beverly Hills High School. It seems life cannot be any more dreadful. Then one day after school, something magical happens. On a secluded hike in the Hollywood Hills, Molly chases her disobedient mutt and only friend into a hidden cavern. She stumbles upon a strange glimmering gateway that transports her to Arkana, a planet that is the cradle of an advanced human race. There, teenagers navigate amazing flying vehicles, compete in perilous games for glory, and possess supernatural powers. While Molly tries to wrap her mind around this unbelievable discovery, she meets the alluring and mysterious Victor Sorren. He is a Sentinel Apprentice, whose hatred toward people from Earth is beyond understanding. Yet every time Victor unpredictably saves Molly's life, his heart draws closer to hers, no matter how much he tries to fight against it. It further complicates things that their growing friendship is strictly forbidden. Earth people are prohibited in Arkana, yet Molly continues to cross through the portal to Arkana to see Victor. Torn between their double lives, they go down a dangerous path, from where there is no return and multiple endings.

My Take
The cover is breathtaking! Sadly I had the ebook but I wish I had a paperback copy of this book. So pretty! The cover caught my eye and then I read the description of what the book was about as my brain told me to read it. So I did!

As I began this book, I was on an adventure with Molly as she goes hiking and finds a gateway that takes her to a new world! As she explores this new world, she meets some of the people that live there. Molly meets Victor and Weston. Weston is nice to her as Victor is not so nice and wants her gone. Molly likes them both but the attraction is stronger to Victor than Weston. Drama and action is shown throughout the book as well as emotions riding high here and there for some. Will sparks fly between Victor and Molly? You need to read to find out!

The world that Molly explores is amazing. The people, the history and creatures are just fascinating. The time on Arkana moves quicker than it does on Earth. Molly gets used to the time change and all. It's a magical and fascinating world. I would love to visit it with a nice tour guide. Since the technology was unique, I'm going to post a line from page 83 "As I mentioned it is a special crystal. It collects solar energy that is subjected to pressure within the crystal and our people utilize the power." I thought this was neat! In this world they seem to use the resources very well. There's a few other fun, clean technology aspects in this book that I enjoyed as well. It was very cool!

I think Molly grows a bit in this book. She learns to keep Arkana a secret from her parents and everyone else which is a tough thing to do. Molly also is the type of girl who stands up for what she believes in as you will see in this story. She treats everyone nicely and does not pass judgement either. I also thing Molly is a strong character. She deals with drama at high school and learns to deal with it as best as she can.

What about Victor? He goes through a change as well. He is the tough guy in the book as he then meets Molly something changes. He learns to open up and let go of hate. His story is told in this book as well. What you learn about Victor makes you want to root for him and Molly to be together. I love how Victor is protective of Molly at times but runs hot and cold with her too.

I look forward to book 2 when it comes! If you are looking for a new adventure to go on, then this book is for you! Check it out. You will gasp and squeal when you read it! I know I did. Thanks for AB Whelan for writing this book and I look forward to more!

Cover: A
Story: B

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Clockwise by Elle Strauss Review

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




Clockwise (Clockwise 1)
Author: Elle Strauss
Format: eBook
Pages: 290
Published: November 21, 2011
Publisher: ESB Publishing


Overview
Casey Donovan has issues: hair, height and uncontrollable trips to the 19th century! And now this—she’s accidentally taken Nate Mackenzie, the cutest boy in the school, back in time. Awkward.

Protocol pressures her to tell their 1860 hosts that he is her brother and when Casey finds she has a handsome, wealthy (and unwanted) suitor, something changes in Nate. Are those romantic sparks or is it just “brotherly” protectiveness?

When they return to the present, things go back to the way they were before: Casey parked on the bottom of the rung of the social ladder and Nate perched high on the very the top. Except this time her heart is broken. Plus, her best friend is mad, her parents are split up, and her younger brother gets escorted home by the police. The only thing that could make life worse is if, by some strange twist of fate, she took Nate back to the past again.

Which of course, she does.

My Take
Casey is quite a character in this book. She time travels since she was 9 years old and has adjusted to it. She adjusts her time between high school, home life, social life and time traveling. She is a very down to earth character and is quite lovable. She is also thinks quickly on her feet given the situations she gets in.

So she gets ready to time travel and somehow ends up taking Nate with her! Well this was a first time and was quite a shock! She of course has a crush on Nate as well. I think it's more of a love and dislike relationship with Nate due to the fact that Nate's girlfriend so does not like Casey. Anyways, Nate at first thinks it's a prank and does not believe it's 1860. Once reality hits Nate, he's shocked and curious at the same time. I think he realizes he had to depend on Casey and the way she took gumption of the situation was great. Do they become friends or enemies when they go back to the normal time? You must read this book to find out.

I love love love the history aspect of this! It allows you to understand history more of how United States was back in 1860! You get a peek of farm life, family life, racism, no transportation and even a bit of sexism pops up. All of these aspects you see in the book and really gives you a sense of it was back in 1860. I enjoyed it!

There are a few other surprises in the book related to the character Samuel which caught me off guard! You'll like this little surprise. The other characters in the book help the story along perfectly. The story is well written and you won't regret reading this book today. If you are looking for something simple and fun to read then this book is for you. I liked it because it was time traveling, adventure, friendship, historical and even perhaps a bit of romance?

Story: A
Cover:B

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Heart Waves & Breaking Waves Review

Disclaimer: I given both books to read by the author in exchange for an honest review and opinion!

Heart Waves (Heart Waves #1)
by Danielle Sibarium
Paperback
251 pages
Published June 1st 2012 by KFR Communications

Overview:
Jenna Kingsley has a gift. She knows things. With a simple touch she can pick up personal information from jewelry or objects. While at a neighbor’s party, a voice mesmerizes her. Jenna is momentarily frozen as a ring is placed in her hand. White electricity surges through her and a dire prediction is made. “It’s like Romeo and Juliet. You’re going to break my heart.”

From the moment they meet Jenna is enchanted and entranced with Reece Walton. She’s thrilled to learn he’s spending the summer two houses away from hers. Every moment they spend together is magical. But she can’t get the prediction out of her mind. As the summer draws to a close and secrets are revealed, can Jenna get past the fear of being left with a broken heart to live in the moment with Reece or will her fear of being hurt fulfill the prophecy?

My Review:
I loved the cover of this book! It catches your eye nicely and the title is lovely as well. If you love cool covers, then you gotta get this book.

Meanwhile the story was great. The pace and writing was an easy and superb read! If you like quick reads, then you should get this book. The relationship of Jenna and Reece takes you on a ride. I liked how Reece and Jenna met at a party and from there many things happen. The story was all based on how their relationship is set up which I loved. To see it grow a bit by bit as it was neat to see.

Reece is an adorable guy and protective of Jenna as well which I liked but I also did think at times he was a bit too overprotective. Why was her overprotective? Was he hiding something? The relationship between Jenna and Reece was sweet to me.

Through the book, the supernatural element isn't so much involved which bummed me out a tiny bit. It mostly focused on relationship and trust.

The story is light, easy and stays with you very well. It will charm you and make you smile along with hoping for all the best. It's a sweet story but I think it does let your mind ask questions at times too! It's a great book for all ages to read. It took me about a day and half to read it!

I look forward to the sequel!! I so cannot wait. Go get your copy today and be swept away by HEART WAVES.

Cover: A
Story: B

Breaking Waves (Heart Waves #2)
Author: Danielle Sibarium
Paperback
Published: January 10, 2013
KFR Communications

Overview:
From the moment they met, Jenna knew Reece would break her heart, but she never dreamed it would happen like this. Jenna is left shattered and broken. When life becomes too painful to deal with and she feels completely alone, there’s only one person to help her pick up the pieces and move on. The one person she doesn’t want to turn to. The one person she promised to stay away from. Tyler.

Can Jenna put aside everything she knows about him and let Tyler help heal her broken heart?

My Take:
The sequel to Heart Waves is amazing! I loved this story a great deal. It picks up where the first book was. Jenna is still trying to deal with the fact that Reece is gone. She does not want to deal with anything. Reece was her Romeo and it was gone and her heart was hurting. I felt the pain and emotions from Jenna which made me wish she could get over it.

Jenna ends up connecting with Tyler who helps her. He understands pain and loneliness very well. He himself has been in that situation and was a friend to Reece as he misses him too. There's more to him than meets the eye which I loved. Tyler seems like the bad boy type which is interesting. Tyler takes a while to crack open to Jenna which I loved how she learns more about him.

The romance between the two seems to sprout a bit which I liked more than when Jenna was with Reece for some reason. Maybe it was because that they were both dealing with grief and loneliness. Emotions run high but the two of them sparked each other with honesty in a way.

There were questions in my mind of what exactly happened with Reece and how does Tyler fit in? Was it that big of a crime to put Jenna in danger? Why did Reece want Tyler to stay away? All these questions were swarming in my head from book one and into this book. It made me wonder if there's a book three in the works or not? I hope so because I so want to know the answers to my questions!

The author did a fantastic job with this story. If you like adventure, friendship, and love, then this book should be on your shelf. Also the cover is stunning by the way as the colors pop out at you. So pretty!

Cover: A
Story: A

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Amy and Roger's Epic Detour Review

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

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour

Author:Morgan Matson
Paperback
344 pages
Published May 4th 2010
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Overview
Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew--just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn’t seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she’s coming to terms with her father’s death and how to put her own life back together after the accident.

My Review
This book is written as a narrative and has as well as scraps from the road. I loved how this book was written the way it was because you could follow it with no problem.

I love how Amy deals with the pressure and all by letting go on a trip across America with Roger. The way she copes is different and yet interesting. I know everyone copes differently due to someone dying. (This kind of touches home here with me for those who know me.) I think the trip helps Amy realize how to open up and learn to let go slowly.

Of course being in the car with Roger is different for Amy. I like how they are so different and yet they learn of each other and from each other. Roger seems the regular type of guy that you would want as a great friend. I like how Roger lends his ear to hear of what Amy has to say along the way. At first Roger wanted to go see his ex girlfriend to figure out what happened and Amy goes along with it. As things progress, Roger realizes there's more to the trip than his ex girlfriend.

The book made me want to go on a road trip (I wish!). It's a great journey to go on. It was such a great book, I cannot express that. The one thing that was cool about this book that I want to point it out that Amy and Roger visit Graceland which I have been to and would love to go back there one day again! It was nice to see a destination mentioned that I have been to in this book. I recommend this book for anyone who likes to travel!


Story: A
Cover: B

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Shatter Me Review

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

Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1)

by Tahereh Mafi
338 pages
Published November 15th 2011
Publisher: Harper

Overview:
Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war– and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.


My Review:
I must say the cover jumped right out at me as I was browsing through the bookstore one day. Once I read the synopsis, I had to get it. Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down until sleep beckoned me to bed.

This is a story I will not forget. The had a great pace and was a wonderful flow with all the events that happen in this book! The story had adventure and snagged my curiosity. I wanted to know what was going to happen to Juliette. The scenes in the book as so vivid that you can picture it all in your head while you read this amazing story.

If you like superpowers or ever imagined to have them, then this book is for you! It had a touch of X-men style in it but it was different and refreshing. It made me wonder if there was any others like Juliette out there. Was that even possible? Anything is possible right? You should pick up the book to find out.

Juliette - who knows how one would react being cooped up in a cell for so long? Everyone reacts differently. For Juliette it was interesting to see how she was in a cell and outside of the cell. I think one would be hesitant to the world and how things were, wouldn't you be that way? As for her powers, I think she's in a state of mind of not using them because she does not want to hurt anyone which I liked. Although a part of me wonders why she did not use them to get away at times? Perhaps she needed confidence or something more to get in a good state of mind? I like her. I think maybe in the next book, she will be like this? I hope so!

Then there's Adam who comes into the picture to somewhat help Juliette but there's more to the story about Adam doing what he does. The whole connection with Juliette and Adam is amazing in the matters of romance and friendship. It made me smile and root them. Why not root for something good? I love Adam's tattoos! The bird on his chest sounds amazing and I love the significance behind it.

Pick up the book today and see what you think!



Cover: A
Story:A

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The Medium by CJ Archer

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

The Medium (Emily Chambers Spirit Medium Trilogy #1)
by C.J. Archer
ebook, 260 pages
Published July 2nd 2012 by Oz Books

Overview:
Seventeen year-old spirit medium Emily Chambers has a problem. Actually, she has several. As if seeing dead people isn't a big enough social disadvantage, she also has to contend with an escaped demon and a handsome ghost with a secret past. And then there's the question of her parentage. Being born an entire year after her father's death (yes, a year) and without the pale skin of other respectable English ladies, Emily is as much a mystery as the dead boy assigned to her.

Jacob Beaufort's spirit has been unable to crossover since his death. It might have something to do with the fact he was murdered. Or it might not. All he knows is, he has been assigned by the Otherworld's administrators to a girl named Emily. A girl who can see and touch him. A girl who released a shape-shifting demon into the mortal realm. Together they must send the demon back before it wreaks havoc on London. It should be a simple assignment, but they soon learn there's nothing simple when a live girl and a dead boy fall in love.


My Review
I downloaded this book onto my iPad and I thought it would be a fun read! Well my instinct was right. The story and characters stayed with me the entire time of reading this adventure!

I loved how Emily wanted to take matters in her own hand considering she was only seventeen and was living in London during the times where she should have been married. I found her to be quite a fascinating character. She took the adventure to a new limit. I love her interaction with Jacob who is a ghost and is also quite smitten with Emily.

Emily's sister seems to take the role of the mom in the book and tends to nag a little bit at times which I thought was irritating but that was her role in a way too. She was also protective of Emily which was a nice touch as well.

Jacob, what can I say? He's quite a dashing man for a ghost. For him to solve the mystery of who let loose of the demon was fun. It was interesting to get a bit of information of why he died and of his family. I hope we find the answers to that, perhaps they tie in with each other his death and the the demon?

The one aspect I thought was neat is that there was a waiting room for those who have passed and waited there. Anything is possible isn't it? I love ghost and mediums concepts and ideas that sprout out from the author's brains. Some are the same and some are refreshing! I think in this story it's refreshing!

The ending leaves room for a sequel and I so want to see what adventure Emily goes on next! Will the mysteries be solved? I'm looking forward to read the next book.

Story: B
Cover: A

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Witchy Witchy Review

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

Witchy, Witch (Spellbound Trilogy #1)

Author: Penelope King
Pages: 304
Format: Ebook
Published: July 19, 2011


Overview:
When Calista McCoy moves from the slums of the Louisiana Bayou to an illustrious beach community in California, she knows her life is going to take a drastic turn. But once she arrives at the beautiful mansion by the sea, dark secrets are revealed...secrets that become even more complicated when she meets the gorgeous neighbor boy, Nicholas, and she feels an unexplainable--and undeniable--attraction. He's everything she's ever dreamed of. Literally.

Her new life seems almost too good to be true. But as everyone knows, when something seems too good to be true, it usually is.

...And in Calista's case, it could be deadly.


My Take
I found this lovely gem online and downloaded the book as it was free. The cover caught my eye at first and then the storyline. I knew I had to have it, so into my collection it went. At first I did not read it right away due to other books in my pile.

Once I got into the story, I could not stop reading it! The pages filled with spectacular writing leaving your imagination in a world of adventure with Calista. I loved how the story took the main character to new places and things! She moves from Louisiana to California which is new. She ends up living in a new place which she never imagined in a place like this. She even goes through a few changes and makes friends which she has never had before.

When Nicholas comes into the picture, it was mysterious and interesting. It made me wonder how much of a part this character would play. How would Nicholas and Calista connect? Are they meant to be? You'll love the aspect of these two. I know I did!

Ana who is another character in the book takes Calista and her father in as it made me wonder what was she? Was she like Calista? Did she have her own agenda? At first I thought Ana was a proper type of character but as I got more into the book, Ana seems a rather nice and very informative lady who takes Calista under her wing.

Friends, everyone dreams of making friends! I was glad that Calista got to have a few friends to talk to. It's all new to her as she eventually feels comfortable in time with them. Making friends is never easy but once you have a common interest the rest just flows naturally.

This story allowed Calista to learn many, many secrets and information which I thought was told perfectly! As the information and secrets are spilled, the romance in this book is short but toe curling! Other than secrets and romance, there's action and danger gently sprouting out through the pages that leaves you wanting more. So go read this book today.

Rating: A
Cover Rating: A

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