Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Witchcraft, Teen books
Similar to: The Secret Circle (TV show), Twilight, Avalon High (book by Meg Cabot and made into a movie)
Ages:13-30
**** WARNING: MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS ****
After escaping a near tragic fate, Morgan realizes that all she knew and loved for the past three months was a lie. Cal is evil and tried to kill her, and Hunter is not the bad guy he actually seemed to be. In fact, the more Morgan gets to know Hunter, the more she wants to be with him. Her feelings confuse her, but it's almost as if her soul is connected with Hunter.
As the romance between Hunter and Morgan develops, a terrible evil is being called upon by David, the coowner of the Wiccan store, Practical Magick. Hunter, the Seeker, finds out that David called upon the evil magick in order to save his store from being taken away by a rich man who had plans to knock it down in order to create his new business. That means that David will have to be stripped of his magic, and Morgan is one of the four blood witches who has to witness the event.
David being stripped of his magic is traumatic for everyone involved, but it brings Morgan and Hunter together. In the end, Hunter shows Morgan an unfamiliar stone that he says holds the heart's truest desire. The stone is Morganite, and in it, Morgan sees an image of Hunter.
I loved this book. It was thoroughly captivating, and I cannot wait to pick up the next book.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Holiday romance, a heartwarming classic
Similar to: Hallmark Christmas movies, Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson, Nicholas Sparks novels
Ages:13-110
This book was a wonderfully heartwarming quick read. I picked it up from the library last night, and finished it in less than a day.
Gaby is a widow in her fifties who has just recieved not one, but three marriage proposals. No one knows which man she has chosen, except Gaby herself. All of her family gathers together for a Christmas wedding full of love, laughter, and a good time.
Who will Gaby choose to have by her side on Christmas day?
This sentimental book brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. It definately put me in the Christmas spirit. "See you next Christmas, and see you in my dreams."
If You Like: Holiday romance, a heartwarming classic
Similar to: Hallmark Christmas movies, Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson, Nicholas Sparks novels
Ages:13-110
This book was a wonderfully heartwarming quick read. I picked it up from the library last night, and finished it in less than a day.
Gaby is a widow in her fifties who has just recieved not one, but three marriage proposals. No one knows which man she has chosen, except Gaby herself. All of her family gathers together for a Christmas wedding full of love, laughter, and a good time.
Who will Gaby choose to have by her side on Christmas day?
This sentimental book brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. It definately put me in the Christmas spirit. "See you next Christmas, and see you in my dreams."
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Sweep Series #4 Dark Magick by Cate Tiernan
Rating: 4 out of 5
If You Like: Witchcraft, Teen books
Similar to: The Secret Circle (TV show), Twilight, Avalon High (book by Meg Cabot and made into a movie)
Ages:13-30
**WARNING: MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS**
This was definately the best book so far of this series.
Hunter isn't dead, and Morgan is relieved and surprisingly more happy than she feels she should be. After all, he did try to kill Cal, right?
Morgan finds out that not everyone is who they say they are. Cal admits to his mother and himself being the kind of Woodbane that practices the darker side of magic, and although some of Morgan's trust wavers, her love for Cal clouds her judgement.
In the end, Morgan realizes that her love for Cal and the spell on the pendant he gave her has been clouding her vision of magic. Cal and Selene are evil Woodbanes who kill anyone who gets in the way of their growing power, and Morgan is next. The building around her is burning. Will she escape in time, or will this be the end of the Belwicket clan?
This book had me on the edge of my seat (or bed in my case) because it was so suspenseful, and the twists and turns had me captivated through all 186 pages. I can't wait to pick up the 5th book.
If You Like: Witchcraft, Teen books
Similar to: The Secret Circle (TV show), Twilight, Avalon High (book by Meg Cabot and made into a movie)
Ages:13-30
**WARNING: MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS**
This was definately the best book so far of this series.
Hunter isn't dead, and Morgan is relieved and surprisingly more happy than she feels she should be. After all, he did try to kill Cal, right?
Morgan finds out that not everyone is who they say they are. Cal admits to his mother and himself being the kind of Woodbane that practices the darker side of magic, and although some of Morgan's trust wavers, her love for Cal clouds her judgement.
In the end, Morgan realizes that her love for Cal and the spell on the pendant he gave her has been clouding her vision of magic. Cal and Selene are evil Woodbanes who kill anyone who gets in the way of their growing power, and Morgan is next. The building around her is burning. Will she escape in time, or will this be the end of the Belwicket clan?
This book had me on the edge of my seat (or bed in my case) because it was so suspenseful, and the twists and turns had me captivated through all 186 pages. I can't wait to pick up the 5th book.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Sweep Series #3 Blood Witch by Cate Tiernan
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Witchcraft, Teen books
Similar to: The Secret Circle (TV show), Twilight, Avalon High (book by Meg Cabot and made into a movie)
Ages:13-30
**May contain spoilers**
For the third installment of this book, I was even more captivated by Cate Tiernan's easy way of writing than I was before.
After finding Maeve's, Morgan's birth mother's, book of shadows, Morgan finds out she is Woodbane, the evil clan of the seven witch clans. Her mother's clan has renounced evil, but Morgan is still upset about her origins.
She is haunted by Sky and Hunter, two witches who give her a bad feeling, and is completely confused about everything except her ability to do magic. After scrying with fire, Morgan finds her mother's tools and robe.
Morgan ask's herself who the real evil is. Is it Hunter, the Seeker who she had a bad feeling about from the start, or Cal, the person who Morgan believes is her soul mate?
If You Like: Witchcraft, Teen books
Similar to: The Secret Circle (TV show), Twilight, Avalon High (book by Meg Cabot and made into a movie)
Ages:13-30
**May contain spoilers**
For the third installment of this book, I was even more captivated by Cate Tiernan's easy way of writing than I was before.
After finding Maeve's, Morgan's birth mother's, book of shadows, Morgan finds out she is Woodbane, the evil clan of the seven witch clans. Her mother's clan has renounced evil, but Morgan is still upset about her origins.
She is haunted by Sky and Hunter, two witches who give her a bad feeling, and is completely confused about everything except her ability to do magic. After scrying with fire, Morgan finds her mother's tools and robe.
Morgan ask's herself who the real evil is. Is it Hunter, the Seeker who she had a bad feeling about from the start, or Cal, the person who Morgan believes is her soul mate?
Sweep Series #2 The Coven by Cate Tiernan
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Witchcraft, Teen books
Similar to: The Secret Circle (TV show), Twilight, Avalon High (book by Meg Cabot and made into a movie)
Ages:13-30
As the second book in this series, I am fully captivated by this fast read.
**Contains spoilers if you have not yet read this book or the previous volume**
Cal and Morgan are official, and Morgan's life is in for some big changes. She finds out that she is a blood witch who was adopted when her parents gave her up to protect her. A few days after shew as given up for adoption, Morgan's birth parents died. She wants answers, but they are not easy to get.
Then, Morgan finds her birth mother's Book of Shadows in Selene Belltower's office (Cal's Mom). Why does she have it, and what secrets does it hold?
If You Like: Witchcraft, Teen books
Similar to: The Secret Circle (TV show), Twilight, Avalon High (book by Meg Cabot and made into a movie)
Ages:13-30
As the second book in this series, I am fully captivated by this fast read.
**Contains spoilers if you have not yet read this book or the previous volume**
Cal and Morgan are official, and Morgan's life is in for some big changes. She finds out that she is a blood witch who was adopted when her parents gave her up to protect her. A few days after shew as given up for adoption, Morgan's birth parents died. She wants answers, but they are not easy to get.
Then, Morgan finds her birth mother's Book of Shadows in Selene Belltower's office (Cal's Mom). Why does she have it, and what secrets does it hold?
Friday, October 21, 2011
Sweep Series #1 Book of Shadows by Cate Tiernan
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Witchcraft, Teen books
Similar to: The Secret Circle (TV show), Twilight, Avalon High (book by Meg Cabot and made into a movie)
Ages:13-30
Morgan is just an ordinary Catholic girl. She is pretty, but not too pretty. She definately isn't the type of girl who would normally spark the most attractive guy in school's interest.
When Cal, a new guy in school, comes into town, every girl falls in love with his sweet personality and good looks. He is more interested in trying to form a Wiccan coven than he is in the girls, but Morgan catches his interest. She is the girl he has been waiting for to join his coven.
Morgan is instantly drawn to Wicca, even though her parents have warned that they do not approve of it. She realizes that she has a knact for Wicca that normally only blood witches have, but how can she be a blood witch if she is born into a perfectly normal Catholic family?
The first book of this series was good. Witches have become the new fad, and although I had already read part of this series a long time ago, I wanted to read it again because it was so good.
If You Like: Witchcraft, Teen books
Similar to: The Secret Circle (TV show), Twilight, Avalon High (book by Meg Cabot and made into a movie)
Ages:13-30
Morgan is just an ordinary Catholic girl. She is pretty, but not too pretty. She definately isn't the type of girl who would normally spark the most attractive guy in school's interest.
When Cal, a new guy in school, comes into town, every girl falls in love with his sweet personality and good looks. He is more interested in trying to form a Wiccan coven than he is in the girls, but Morgan catches his interest. She is the girl he has been waiting for to join his coven.
Morgan is instantly drawn to Wicca, even though her parents have warned that they do not approve of it. She realizes that she has a knact for Wicca that normally only blood witches have, but how can she be a blood witch if she is born into a perfectly normal Catholic family?
The first book of this series was good. Witches have become the new fad, and although I had already read part of this series a long time ago, I wanted to read it again because it was so good.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Romance, Magic
Similar to: Nicholas Sparks novels, Practical Magic(movie), Simply Irresistable(movie)
Ages: 18-90
Sarah Addison Allen writes stories that are honestly magical. She is such a talented writer, and her descriptions make you feel like you were lifted from the chair you were reading in, and transported into the magical place where the book is set. I started this book last night, and while I was at work today, I was thinking about this book. I just couldn't get home quick enough to finish reading it.
Claire and Sydney Waverly are sisters with special gifts. Sydney can do magic with a haircut, and Claire is an amazing cook who can control the feelings of others with the plants and herbs she uses. When Sydney returns to Claire in Bascom (their hometown) after being gone for 10 years, things really heat up. Sydney is trying to flee her past with her daughter, Bay, in tow, and they are just what Claire needed. Upon Sydney's return, the lives of the people of Bascom are all intertwined into the Waverly's magic. Like the flowers in the Waverly garden, some relationships begin to die while others begin to blossom and flourish.
Sarah Addison Allen writes books that are a mixture between a Nicholas Sparks novel and a fairytale, and I cannot wait to pick up her next novel.
If You Like: Romance, Magic
Similar to: Nicholas Sparks novels, Practical Magic(movie), Simply Irresistable(movie)
Ages: 18-90
Sarah Addison Allen writes stories that are honestly magical. She is such a talented writer, and her descriptions make you feel like you were lifted from the chair you were reading in, and transported into the magical place where the book is set. I started this book last night, and while I was at work today, I was thinking about this book. I just couldn't get home quick enough to finish reading it.
Claire and Sydney Waverly are sisters with special gifts. Sydney can do magic with a haircut, and Claire is an amazing cook who can control the feelings of others with the plants and herbs she uses. When Sydney returns to Claire in Bascom (their hometown) after being gone for 10 years, things really heat up. Sydney is trying to flee her past with her daughter, Bay, in tow, and they are just what Claire needed. Upon Sydney's return, the lives of the people of Bascom are all intertwined into the Waverly's magic. Like the flowers in the Waverly garden, some relationships begin to die while others begin to blossom and flourish.
Sarah Addison Allen writes books that are a mixture between a Nicholas Sparks novel and a fairytale, and I cannot wait to pick up her next novel.
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Wars, Action, Romance, Survior Stories, Dystopias, Uprising against authority
Similar to: Matched(book), 1984(book)
Ages: 15-50
Although this was my least favorite of these books, I still love this series. It wasn't something I would have picked up on my own, but I'm really happy that it had so many compliments that got me curious. I loved the second book, which made me love the first book, but this one is pretty different.
This book is about the ultimate hunger games: the war between the districts and the Captiol. Katniss is the power symbol of rebellion that all of the districts look up to in order to have the strength and unity to fight against the Captiol. She is the Mockingjay. Will she be strong enough to lead the districts to victory against the Capitol, or will she die in the name of freedom?
If You Like: Wars, Action, Romance, Survior Stories, Dystopias, Uprising against authority
Similar to: Matched(book), 1984(book)
Ages: 15-50
Although this was my least favorite of these books, I still love this series. It wasn't something I would have picked up on my own, but I'm really happy that it had so many compliments that got me curious. I loved the second book, which made me love the first book, but this one is pretty different.
This book is about the ultimate hunger games: the war between the districts and the Captiol. Katniss is the power symbol of rebellion that all of the districts look up to in order to have the strength and unity to fight against the Captiol. She is the Mockingjay. Will she be strong enough to lead the districts to victory against the Capitol, or will she die in the name of freedom?
Friday, September 9, 2011
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Action, Romance, Survior Stories, Dystopias, Uprising against authority
Similar to: Lost, Matched, 1984
Ages: 15-50
I can sum this book up in a few words. Addicting, captivating, amazing. Even if you didn't love the first book, you should read this one because it is so much better. Once I started this book I could not put it down. I had to force myself to go to work and go to sleep.
After making it through the first Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta are forced to go back in the arena for the 75 year twist, except this time there really only can be one victor. In a completely different setting with completely different stategies than the previous Hunger Games, will Katniss or Peeta make it out alive?
After I finished this book, I cannot wait to read the next and final book in the series. :)
If You Like: Action, Romance, Survior Stories, Dystopias, Uprising against authority
Similar to: Lost, Matched, 1984
Ages: 15-50
I can sum this book up in a few words. Addicting, captivating, amazing. Even if you didn't love the first book, you should read this one because it is so much better. Once I started this book I could not put it down. I had to force myself to go to work and go to sleep.
After making it through the first Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta are forced to go back in the arena for the 75 year twist, except this time there really only can be one victor. In a completely different setting with completely different stategies than the previous Hunger Games, will Katniss or Peeta make it out alive?
After I finished this book, I cannot wait to read the next and final book in the series. :)
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Teen books, romance
Similar to: Princess Diaries series
Ages: 13-25
Although this book took me a while to get into, once I had finished it, I really enjoyed it. I loved the way Megan McCafferty used letters and journal entries to convey the main character's thoughts and feelings. It felt personal, and similar to The Princess Diaries series.
Jessica Darling is anything but Darling. When you read this novel, you will find out what the life of a teenage is like when her best friend moves away.
The romance from this book was real and sweet. It left me wanting more. I can't wait to read the other four books in this series.
If You Like: Teen books, romance
Similar to: Princess Diaries series
Ages: 13-25
Although this book took me a while to get into, once I had finished it, I really enjoyed it. I loved the way Megan McCafferty used letters and journal entries to convey the main character's thoughts and feelings. It felt personal, and similar to The Princess Diaries series.
Jessica Darling is anything but Darling. When you read this novel, you will find out what the life of a teenage is like when her best friend moves away.
The romance from this book was real and sweet. It left me wanting more. I can't wait to read the other four books in this series.
Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Teen romance, forbidden love
Similar to: Sarah Dessen novels, Heartbreakers (movie), Nicholas Sparks novels
Ages: 15-40
I loved this book. It has the feel of a Sarah Dessen novel, with an Elizabeth Scott flair. I originally was drawn to Elizabeth Scott after reading Bloom, but the next two novels she wrote left me disappointed. After reading Stealing Heaven, Elizabeth Scott has won me back.
Stealing Heaven is about a mom and daughter con-artist duo who's latest con is in a town called Heaven. The daughter, Dani, is really good at what her and her Mom do, but Heaven makes her feel more at home than anywhere else she's been. In Heaven, Dani makes friends easily, and even has a love interest. The only problem is, he's a cop and she's a criminal. What is Dani to do when her Mom wants her to steal from the only place she has felt like she belongs?
If you like a good teen read, I definately suggest you read Stealing Heaven. You get a little bit of Sarah Dessen, a little bit of Nicholas Sparks, and a beach setting. What could be better?
If You Like: Teen romance, forbidden love
Similar to: Sarah Dessen novels, Heartbreakers (movie), Nicholas Sparks novels
Ages: 15-40
I loved this book. It has the feel of a Sarah Dessen novel, with an Elizabeth Scott flair. I originally was drawn to Elizabeth Scott after reading Bloom, but the next two novels she wrote left me disappointed. After reading Stealing Heaven, Elizabeth Scott has won me back.
Stealing Heaven is about a mom and daughter con-artist duo who's latest con is in a town called Heaven. The daughter, Dani, is really good at what her and her Mom do, but Heaven makes her feel more at home than anywhere else she's been. In Heaven, Dani makes friends easily, and even has a love interest. The only problem is, he's a cop and she's a criminal. What is Dani to do when her Mom wants her to steal from the only place she has felt like she belongs?
If you like a good teen read, I definately suggest you read Stealing Heaven. You get a little bit of Sarah Dessen, a little bit of Nicholas Sparks, and a beach setting. What could be better?
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Survival stories, dystopias, young adult fiction
Similar to: Lost, 1984, Matched by Ally Condie, Twilight
Ages: 15-50
Although I didn't like this book as much as I wanted to, I really enjoyed reading The Hunger Games. I originally picked up this book because of all of the hype, and although it took a while to get into, I see what the hype is about. I guess I just have mixed feelings about this book because it was good, but I wouldn't put it in my favorite books of all time.
The Hunger Games is about the annual fight to the death between the 12 districts. A boy and a girl from each district are randomly drawn to fight each other until there is one victor. Katniss's sister is drawn, forcing Katniss to volunteer herself in order to protect her sister. Her and a boy named Peeta are sent to compete in the Hunger Games against each other. 24 competetors; who will be the victor?
After I got into this book, I couldn't put it down. I want to read the other two to find out who Katniss will fall in love with, and what will become of her and her loved ones. I hope you will read these books too because they are good, but don't get your hopes up too much before you start like I did.
If You Like: Survival stories, dystopias, young adult fiction
Similar to: Lost, 1984, Matched by Ally Condie, Twilight
Ages: 15-50
Although I didn't like this book as much as I wanted to, I really enjoyed reading The Hunger Games. I originally picked up this book because of all of the hype, and although it took a while to get into, I see what the hype is about. I guess I just have mixed feelings about this book because it was good, but I wouldn't put it in my favorite books of all time.
The Hunger Games is about the annual fight to the death between the 12 districts. A boy and a girl from each district are randomly drawn to fight each other until there is one victor. Katniss's sister is drawn, forcing Katniss to volunteer herself in order to protect her sister. Her and a boy named Peeta are sent to compete in the Hunger Games against each other. 24 competetors; who will be the victor?
After I got into this book, I couldn't put it down. I want to read the other two to find out who Katniss will fall in love with, and what will become of her and her loved ones. I hope you will read these books too because they are good, but don't get your hopes up too much before you start like I did.
Friday, August 19, 2011
I know it's been a while, yet again, but I've had a lot going on with my sister-in-law's baby shower, and helping her move into her house from her apartment. Currently, I am halfway through reading Sloppy Firsts by: Megan McCafferty, but I have put that book on hold in order to start the book The Hunger Games by:Suzanne Collins. So far, The Hunger Games is not as satisfying as I wanted it to be, but time will tell...
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Devoured by Amanda Marrone
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Ghost Stories, Fairy Tales, Fairy Tales Gone Wrong, Teen Fiction
Similar to: Snow White, Ghost Whisperer
Ages: 15-25
I like this book. It's a modern day Snow White story with a ghost story twist. Remy has been haunting Megan for 10 years. They were twin sisters until a terrible accident killed Remy. Lately, Remy has been contacting Megan way more than usual talking about bad apples and knives, but not making any sense. Megan and her Mom just haven't had the same relationship since before the accident, and Megan's best friend Nikki doesn't believe in ghosts, which leaves Megan almost on her own. The only person who seems to understand what Megan is going through is a cute boy, Luke, who can see ghosts, but Megan doesn't want to get too close to him and upset her newest friend Ari.
If you like modern day twists on classic fairy tales such as Snow White, then this is the book for you, and you'll get an ending you will never be able to see coming.
If You Like: Ghost Stories, Fairy Tales, Fairy Tales Gone Wrong, Teen Fiction
Similar to: Snow White, Ghost Whisperer
Ages: 15-25
I like this book. It's a modern day Snow White story with a ghost story twist. Remy has been haunting Megan for 10 years. They were twin sisters until a terrible accident killed Remy. Lately, Remy has been contacting Megan way more than usual talking about bad apples and knives, but not making any sense. Megan and her Mom just haven't had the same relationship since before the accident, and Megan's best friend Nikki doesn't believe in ghosts, which leaves Megan almost on her own. The only person who seems to understand what Megan is going through is a cute boy, Luke, who can see ghosts, but Megan doesn't want to get too close to him and upset her newest friend Ari.
If you like modern day twists on classic fairy tales such as Snow White, then this is the book for you, and you'll get an ending you will never be able to see coming.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Something Blue by Emily Giffin
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Contemporary Adult Romance (Sequel to Something Borrowed)
Similar to: Nicholas Sparks Novels
Ages: 18-80
I loved Something Borrowed, so it only seemed natural for me to read this follow up book. After reading this book, I've come to really enjoy Emily Giffin as an author. She really has a knack for writing stories that you just can't put down until you've read the very last page.
Something Blue is the story of Darcy and her point of view. It starts after Something Borrowed is finished, but it backtracks through it to let you know how Darcy felt when we were reading about Dexter and Rachel's love affair. Something Blue is about Darcy finding her way out of her normally self centered point of view as she prepares to become a single mother.
Something Blue is a fantastic read, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance that ends in happily ever after.
If You Like: Contemporary Adult Romance (Sequel to Something Borrowed)
Similar to: Nicholas Sparks Novels
Ages: 18-80
I loved Something Borrowed, so it only seemed natural for me to read this follow up book. After reading this book, I've come to really enjoy Emily Giffin as an author. She really has a knack for writing stories that you just can't put down until you've read the very last page.
Something Blue is the story of Darcy and her point of view. It starts after Something Borrowed is finished, but it backtracks through it to let you know how Darcy felt when we were reading about Dexter and Rachel's love affair. Something Blue is about Darcy finding her way out of her normally self centered point of view as she prepares to become a single mother.
Something Blue is a fantastic read, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance that ends in happily ever after.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Beauty pageant stories, blonde jokes, LOST
Similar to: Lost, Miss Congeniality, Gemma Doyle Trilogy, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Series
I got this book right when it came out expecting it to be another great read by Libba Bray, but I sure was mistaken. The first night I think I read a third of the book, and the whole time I was praying for it to get better. I just have a few things to say about this book.
The book is about a plane full of Miss Teen Dream Beauty Pageant contestents that crash on an unknown island. I thought that sounded like a great idea for a story, and I still think it is, but Libba Bray made a mess of the book by making it seem like a comedy. All of the adults that were on the plane die in the crash, leaving the girls to fend for themselves. At first, the girls divide up into teams to search for other survivors from the plane crash. They spend time making up cute little names for their teams rather than searching for the survivors. One of the girls actually has a tray stuck in her head, but no one (including the girl with the tray in her head) really seems to be alarmed by this. There were also footnotes at the bottom of the page, which I thought were kind of clever at first, but they threw me off because I would lose track of the story when I went to the bottom of the page to read the footnote. I trudged through the entire book just hoping that it would get better at some point. I thought maybe I just wasn't getting into it right away, but would later.
The only reason why I gave this book three stars was because I actually liked some of the girls and the romances they shared. Mary Lou and Adina both reminded me a characters out of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, and some parts of this book reminded me of the Gemma Doyle Trilogy. Also, this book is really nothing like anything else I've ever read, which is a good thing.
Despite this little hiccup, I think that Libba Bray is an amazing, talented, intelligent writer, and she shows off her writing skills in this book. I guess I just didn't like the way the story was told.
If You Like: Beauty pageant stories, blonde jokes, LOST
Similar to: Lost, Miss Congeniality, Gemma Doyle Trilogy, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Series
I got this book right when it came out expecting it to be another great read by Libba Bray, but I sure was mistaken. The first night I think I read a third of the book, and the whole time I was praying for it to get better. I just have a few things to say about this book.
The book is about a plane full of Miss Teen Dream Beauty Pageant contestents that crash on an unknown island. I thought that sounded like a great idea for a story, and I still think it is, but Libba Bray made a mess of the book by making it seem like a comedy. All of the adults that were on the plane die in the crash, leaving the girls to fend for themselves. At first, the girls divide up into teams to search for other survivors from the plane crash. They spend time making up cute little names for their teams rather than searching for the survivors. One of the girls actually has a tray stuck in her head, but no one (including the girl with the tray in her head) really seems to be alarmed by this. There were also footnotes at the bottom of the page, which I thought were kind of clever at first, but they threw me off because I would lose track of the story when I went to the bottom of the page to read the footnote. I trudged through the entire book just hoping that it would get better at some point. I thought maybe I just wasn't getting into it right away, but would later.
The only reason why I gave this book three stars was because I actually liked some of the girls and the romances they shared. Mary Lou and Adina both reminded me a characters out of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, and some parts of this book reminded me of the Gemma Doyle Trilogy. Also, this book is really nothing like anything else I've ever read, which is a good thing.
Despite this little hiccup, I think that Libba Bray is an amazing, talented, intelligent writer, and she shows off her writing skills in this book. I guess I just didn't like the way the story was told.
Take Me There by Susane Colasanti
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Teen books
Similar to: Other teen books, crushes on friends stories
Ages: 13-16
This book was a book I put off finishing. It was a really easy read that I found hard to get through. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't very good either.
It's a book about three very close friends, James, Rhiannon, and Nicole. They are all getting out of relationships and are also having some surprising feelings. The romances in this book were too shallow for my tastes, but might be more fit for a teenager who is lusting after her latest crush.
The story was also told in the different perspectives of the friends, and I didn't really enjoy reading the same story three times in a row.
This book was good, but I guess the hopeless romantic in me just wanted to read a deep unending love story, and I just didn't find that here.
If You Like: Teen books
Similar to: Other teen books, crushes on friends stories
Ages: 13-16
This book was a book I put off finishing. It was a really easy read that I found hard to get through. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't very good either.
It's a book about three very close friends, James, Rhiannon, and Nicole. They are all getting out of relationships and are also having some surprising feelings. The romances in this book were too shallow for my tastes, but might be more fit for a teenager who is lusting after her latest crush.
The story was also told in the different perspectives of the friends, and I didn't really enjoy reading the same story three times in a row.
This book was good, but I guess the hopeless romantic in me just wanted to read a deep unending love story, and I just didn't find that here.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Fanfare by Renee Ahdieh
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Romance, happy endings, Fairy tales
Similar to: Teen Idol by Meg Cabot, All American Girl by Meg Cabot, Queen of Babble Series, The Prince and Me
Ages: 16-40
I received this book from Revolution Publishing, and didn't know what to expect. The book description says this book isn't your classic fairy tale, but I really think it was just that. It's a book about falling in love with all of your heart because nothing else matters. Renee Ahdieh is an amazingly talented writer, and her story was so well developed.
Cris's fiancee broke up with her 2 years ago, and ever since then, she has nightmares about the day he walked out the door. Everything was going perfect, and then it was ruined in an instant. Cris hasn't dated in those two years, but she still believes in true love. When she meets the spontaneous teenage heartthrob, Tom, she falls hard, but her excessive planning and fear of getting hurt prevents her from loving with all of her heart. Can Cristina let go of the past and take a risk for a chance at the greatest love she will ever experience?
This book is an amazing read for all of those hopeless romantics out there. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down, and when I closed the book, I had a smile on my face and tears in my eyes.
If You Like: Romance, happy endings, Fairy tales
Similar to: Teen Idol by Meg Cabot, All American Girl by Meg Cabot, Queen of Babble Series, The Prince and Me
Ages: 16-40
I received this book from Revolution Publishing, and didn't know what to expect. The book description says this book isn't your classic fairy tale, but I really think it was just that. It's a book about falling in love with all of your heart because nothing else matters. Renee Ahdieh is an amazingly talented writer, and her story was so well developed.
Cris's fiancee broke up with her 2 years ago, and ever since then, she has nightmares about the day he walked out the door. Everything was going perfect, and then it was ruined in an instant. Cris hasn't dated in those two years, but she still believes in true love. When she meets the spontaneous teenage heartthrob, Tom, she falls hard, but her excessive planning and fear of getting hurt prevents her from loving with all of her heart. Can Cristina let go of the past and take a risk for a chance at the greatest love she will ever experience?
This book is an amazing read for all of those hopeless romantics out there. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down, and when I closed the book, I had a smile on my face and tears in my eyes.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Heat Wave by Nancy Thayer
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If you like: Summer romance, Adult fiction
Similar to: Nicholas sparks novels, The Peach Keeper by: Sarah Addison Allen
Ages: 18-100
I was surprised at how much I loved Heat Wave. It is about a woman named Carley, who lives on Nantucket, and who is widowed at the age of 32. She is left with a paid off house, no money, 2 children, and some very opinionated in laws. Carley is forced to make a whole new life with the help of a few old best friends, a few new ones, and a really attractive guy. She decides to take care of her family financially by opening a B&B, and is happy at the way everything just falls into place.
I loved this book, and would recommend it to adults of all ages. I actually told my sister-in-law about it before I had finished it, but she is 25 weeks pregnant right now, and there is something in there that probably isn't appropriate to read if you are currently pregnant. Either way, this book was about love and loss, and learning and growing from it.
If you like: Summer romance, Adult fiction
Similar to: Nicholas sparks novels, The Peach Keeper by: Sarah Addison Allen
Ages: 18-100
I was surprised at how much I loved Heat Wave. It is about a woman named Carley, who lives on Nantucket, and who is widowed at the age of 32. She is left with a paid off house, no money, 2 children, and some very opinionated in laws. Carley is forced to make a whole new life with the help of a few old best friends, a few new ones, and a really attractive guy. She decides to take care of her family financially by opening a B&B, and is happy at the way everything just falls into place.
I loved this book, and would recommend it to adults of all ages. I actually told my sister-in-law about it before I had finished it, but she is 25 weeks pregnant right now, and there is something in there that probably isn't appropriate to read if you are currently pregnant. Either way, this book was about love and loss, and learning and growing from it.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: stories of sisterhood, romances, stories about finding yourself
Similar to: Nicholas Sparks Novels (but targets a younger crowd as well as adults)
Ages: 16-60
Sisterhood Everlasting was a great finale to the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. It made me realize all of the duds I had read in the years between the 4th one and this one because this book was just so good.
At first, I was upset with where Ann Brashares took the story, but I was already captivated by her writing. After page 100, I couldn't put the book down, and finished it that day.
It's a story of 4 best friends on the verge of 30 and the seperate lives they've created for themselves. There's always something that brings the four girls together, and this time, they really grow up and find themselves in the process.
This book was an overall amazing book, especially for a series that was supposed to end at book 4.
If You Like: stories of sisterhood, romances, stories about finding yourself
Similar to: Nicholas Sparks Novels (but targets a younger crowd as well as adults)
Ages: 16-60
Sisterhood Everlasting was a great finale to the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. It made me realize all of the duds I had read in the years between the 4th one and this one because this book was just so good.
At first, I was upset with where Ann Brashares took the story, but I was already captivated by her writing. After page 100, I couldn't put the book down, and finished it that day.
It's a story of 4 best friends on the verge of 30 and the seperate lives they've created for themselves. There's always something that brings the four girls together, and this time, they really grow up and find themselves in the process.
This book was an overall amazing book, especially for a series that was supposed to end at book 4.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Young adult romance, cliques, girls being cutthroat
Similar to: Mean Girls, The Princess Diaries, Twilight
Ages: 13-30
I loved this book. Courtney Summers develops the plot wonderfully and is an amazing, captivating writer. I could not stop turning the pages until the book was finished. It has been a long time since I stayed up all night finishing a book.
The story is about Regina who gets accused of sleeping with her best friend's boyfriend, Donnie, when in reality, Donnie tried to rape Regina. Anna (Regina's best friend) and her group of friends make Regina's life a living hell. She has no one to turn to, so she sits with the only other loser in the school, Michael, and they start to form a friendship.
Regina can take anything Anna and her friends dish out until Anna has something that is so big that it forces Regina to dump Michael without giving him an explaination. She is forced to go back and be Anna's slave in order to protect Michael.
This book makes hanging out with the girls from Mean Girls look like a walk in the park. The relationship between Regina and Michael is one of the hottest relationships I've read about since The Princess Diaries. Overall, an awesome young adult read.
If You Like: Young adult romance, cliques, girls being cutthroat
Similar to: Mean Girls, The Princess Diaries, Twilight
Ages: 13-30
I loved this book. Courtney Summers develops the plot wonderfully and is an amazing, captivating writer. I could not stop turning the pages until the book was finished. It has been a long time since I stayed up all night finishing a book.
The story is about Regina who gets accused of sleeping with her best friend's boyfriend, Donnie, when in reality, Donnie tried to rape Regina. Anna (Regina's best friend) and her group of friends make Regina's life a living hell. She has no one to turn to, so she sits with the only other loser in the school, Michael, and they start to form a friendship.
Regina can take anything Anna and her friends dish out until Anna has something that is so big that it forces Regina to dump Michael without giving him an explaination. She is forced to go back and be Anna's slave in order to protect Michael.
This book makes hanging out with the girls from Mean Girls look like a walk in the park. The relationship between Regina and Michael is one of the hottest relationships I've read about since The Princess Diaries. Overall, an awesome young adult read.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Fireworks (Four Summer Stories)
Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Summer romances, beach reads, short stories
Similar to: Mistletoe
Ages: 13-25
Miss Independant by Lauren Myracle
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
If you like: Sappy teen romances
Similar to:Cinderella
Ages 13-18
For a short story, I found this one pretty good. The only complaint I have is that the story took it's time developing characters and back stories, and then basically everything else was crammed into 12 pages. It almost seemed like the author was writing and then realized she had to finish her story in just a few more pages, so she rushed to fill in the ending.
Megan is a girl who never cared about makeup, clothes, or the prettiest hair style. It is her birthday, and she cannot stop thinking about Pete, a gorgeous guy she met during her assistant teaching job. He was fixing the air conditioner, and she never had the courage to take their relationship past the point of saying hello in the hallway.
Now, on the night of her birthday, her cousin, Porter Ann, has passes to the hot new club in town, and rumor has it that Pete is going to be there. Porter Ann treats Megan to a makeover so she looks hot for Pete.
At the club, Megan sees Pete and it is just as she imagined. They spend some time together outside and share the most magical kiss. The problem is that it's Megan's curfew so she runs out of the club without even saying goodbye. Realizing that, she tries to get back in the club to say goodbye but the bouncer won't let her in again. Luckilly, Pete walks out and offers to give Megan a ride home. What a magical evening.
Sure this story was a bit sappy, but I am a girl who loves sappy romances.
A Nice Fling is Hard to Find by Sarah Mlynowski
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If you like: Teen romance, summer flings, foreign field trips
Similar to: The Princess Diaries, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Ages: 13-25
This story, unlike the last one, was very well written, very well develop, and an overall great story.
Lindsay is going on a field trip to Europe with her best friend, Becca, Becca's twin brother, Tommy, and some other people from school. She plans to have a fling with a handsome French guy. When they get there, the tour guide is quite a hunk, but he seems like he might be out of Lindsay's reach. Becca hooks up with another American on their tour, so that leaves Lindsay to look for prospects. She sees a cute Russian guy, Vlad, who is also on their tour and thinks he might be her fling.
On the last night of Vlad's tour, he asks her to meet him for a date. At dinner, Pierre, the french tourguide also asks her out. She can't possibly meet the both of them, so she tries to imagine who's lips she sees kissing. Surprised by who's lips she pictures, Lindsay finds love in unexpected places and realizes she can have more than just a fling.
This story was a sweet and pure romance that, to me, never gets old.
Cabin Fever by Erin Haft
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
If you Like: Summer romances, camp stories
Similar to: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Huge
Ages: 13-25
This story seemed a little rushed, but I guess every story squeezed into 50 pages is going to feel that way.
Molly's home away from home is summer camp. She is so excited to be going and seeing her crush, River. She has been drooling over him since the first summer she went to camp. Everything seems perfect until her fashion obsessed sister, Dakota, decides she is going to come to camp.
When Dakota and Molly first get to camp, Dakota starts by stealing Molly's best friend Jess, and she also starts to flirt with River. Molly is beyond furious, and tries not to let it get her down. Still, she cannot help but be angry that her little sister is ruining the camp time that she treasures so much.
Dakota arranges for an overnight with Rider's cabin, and ina surprise twist, Molly realizes that her sister is not the shallow, stupid girl she thought she was. She might even end up liking her sister, and she might still have a little summer romance despite her sister coming along.
I really liked this story. It was the classic tale of a summer romance at camp.
Night Swimming by Niki Burnham
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Summer romances, short stories on the beach, college
Similar to: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Ages: 13-25
I really like this story, and could pretty much sum it up by saying it was short and sweet.
Wynn is taking a summer creative writing class, when she meets a cute boy named Caleb. They instantly hit it off and find out that they have a lot in common.
Set on a beachside college campus, this story is one of the pure, sweet summer romances that occur between a boy and a girl. It is not overly dramatic, and it leaves me longing for the days when I was young enough to be so carefree.
If You Like: Summer romances, beach reads, short stories
Similar to: Mistletoe
Ages: 13-25
Miss Independant by Lauren Myracle
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
If you like: Sappy teen romances
Similar to:Cinderella
Ages 13-18
For a short story, I found this one pretty good. The only complaint I have is that the story took it's time developing characters and back stories, and then basically everything else was crammed into 12 pages. It almost seemed like the author was writing and then realized she had to finish her story in just a few more pages, so she rushed to fill in the ending.
Megan is a girl who never cared about makeup, clothes, or the prettiest hair style. It is her birthday, and she cannot stop thinking about Pete, a gorgeous guy she met during her assistant teaching job. He was fixing the air conditioner, and she never had the courage to take their relationship past the point of saying hello in the hallway.
Now, on the night of her birthday, her cousin, Porter Ann, has passes to the hot new club in town, and rumor has it that Pete is going to be there. Porter Ann treats Megan to a makeover so she looks hot for Pete.
At the club, Megan sees Pete and it is just as she imagined. They spend some time together outside and share the most magical kiss. The problem is that it's Megan's curfew so she runs out of the club without even saying goodbye. Realizing that, she tries to get back in the club to say goodbye but the bouncer won't let her in again. Luckilly, Pete walks out and offers to give Megan a ride home. What a magical evening.
Sure this story was a bit sappy, but I am a girl who loves sappy romances.
A Nice Fling is Hard to Find by Sarah Mlynowski
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If you like: Teen romance, summer flings, foreign field trips
Similar to: The Princess Diaries, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Ages: 13-25
This story, unlike the last one, was very well written, very well develop, and an overall great story.
Lindsay is going on a field trip to Europe with her best friend, Becca, Becca's twin brother, Tommy, and some other people from school. She plans to have a fling with a handsome French guy. When they get there, the tour guide is quite a hunk, but he seems like he might be out of Lindsay's reach. Becca hooks up with another American on their tour, so that leaves Lindsay to look for prospects. She sees a cute Russian guy, Vlad, who is also on their tour and thinks he might be her fling.
On the last night of Vlad's tour, he asks her to meet him for a date. At dinner, Pierre, the french tourguide also asks her out. She can't possibly meet the both of them, so she tries to imagine who's lips she sees kissing. Surprised by who's lips she pictures, Lindsay finds love in unexpected places and realizes she can have more than just a fling.
This story was a sweet and pure romance that, to me, never gets old.
Cabin Fever by Erin Haft
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
If you Like: Summer romances, camp stories
Similar to: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Huge
Ages: 13-25
This story seemed a little rushed, but I guess every story squeezed into 50 pages is going to feel that way.
Molly's home away from home is summer camp. She is so excited to be going and seeing her crush, River. She has been drooling over him since the first summer she went to camp. Everything seems perfect until her fashion obsessed sister, Dakota, decides she is going to come to camp.
When Dakota and Molly first get to camp, Dakota starts by stealing Molly's best friend Jess, and she also starts to flirt with River. Molly is beyond furious, and tries not to let it get her down. Still, she cannot help but be angry that her little sister is ruining the camp time that she treasures so much.
Dakota arranges for an overnight with Rider's cabin, and ina surprise twist, Molly realizes that her sister is not the shallow, stupid girl she thought she was. She might even end up liking her sister, and she might still have a little summer romance despite her sister coming along.
I really liked this story. It was the classic tale of a summer romance at camp.
Night Swimming by Niki Burnham
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Summer romances, short stories on the beach, college
Similar to: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Ages: 13-25
I really like this story, and could pretty much sum it up by saying it was short and sweet.
Wynn is taking a summer creative writing class, when she meets a cute boy named Caleb. They instantly hit it off and find out that they have a lot in common.
Set on a beachside college campus, this story is one of the pure, sweet summer romances that occur between a boy and a girl. It is not overly dramatic, and it leaves me longing for the days when I was young enough to be so carefree.
Love You, Hate You, Miss You by Elizabeth Scott
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
If you like: Teen books about addiction, books about loss, a little bit of romance
Similar to:Speak (the dark, sad feeling you get while reading both books)
Ages: 13-18
This book was the kind of book that I just kept reading and hoping it would get better, but it never did. It was not an awful book, but I just wanted there to be something more. I guess, after reading Elizabeth Scott's first two books, I figured it would be one of those predictable teen romances. It was far from that, and that is why I was disappointed. I guess it just shows how vast the author's writting topics are, which shows she's capable of writing anything well.
This book is about a girl in high school, named Amy, who is a recovering alcholic. After getting out of a rehabilitation facility, she has to visit a psycologist, who constantly clicks her pen, every week to talk about the car accident in which she lost her best friend, Julia.
Before the accident, Amy's parents were so wrapped up in each other, that they barely gave Amy the time of day. She was free to do what she wanted, when she wanted, and they never suspected anything was going wrong in Amy's life. Now, they are forced to try have relationships with Amy and watch her every move.
Amy had never had a sober relationship with a guy before either, and now she cannot believe the feelings she is having for a boy named Patrick. Throw in a new best friend who used to be awful to Amy, some evil girls who are still awful to Amy, Julia's mother who blames Amy for the accident, and the constant guilt that she killed her best friend, and that's the story.
This book is written both as Amy sees the world, and in letter form to her best friend Julia, which I thought made the story really emotionally moving and compelling to read. I am not sorry I read this book, I just wish I knew it would be all sunshine and happiness before I got into it.
If you like: Teen books about addiction, books about loss, a little bit of romance
Similar to:Speak (the dark, sad feeling you get while reading both books)
Ages: 13-18
This book was the kind of book that I just kept reading and hoping it would get better, but it never did. It was not an awful book, but I just wanted there to be something more. I guess, after reading Elizabeth Scott's first two books, I figured it would be one of those predictable teen romances. It was far from that, and that is why I was disappointed. I guess it just shows how vast the author's writting topics are, which shows she's capable of writing anything well.
This book is about a girl in high school, named Amy, who is a recovering alcholic. After getting out of a rehabilitation facility, she has to visit a psycologist, who constantly clicks her pen, every week to talk about the car accident in which she lost her best friend, Julia.
Before the accident, Amy's parents were so wrapped up in each other, that they barely gave Amy the time of day. She was free to do what she wanted, when she wanted, and they never suspected anything was going wrong in Amy's life. Now, they are forced to try have relationships with Amy and watch her every move.
Amy had never had a sober relationship with a guy before either, and now she cannot believe the feelings she is having for a boy named Patrick. Throw in a new best friend who used to be awful to Amy, some evil girls who are still awful to Amy, Julia's mother who blames Amy for the accident, and the constant guilt that she killed her best friend, and that's the story.
This book is written both as Amy sees the world, and in letter form to her best friend Julia, which I thought made the story really emotionally moving and compelling to read. I am not sorry I read this book, I just wish I knew it would be all sunshine and happiness before I got into it.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If you like: Teen romance that always good with classic love stories in any kind of situation
Similar to: The Last Song, Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
Ages: 13-30
Sarah Dessen is an amazing author who never lets me down, and she succeeded in writing another great book. She writes about girls in different situations that makes their life not perfect, but these girls usually get to experience the ultimate love story and realize that whatever is going on in their lives will get better.-
McClean lives with her dad who works for a business which requires them to move all over the world in order to fix up restuarants that are in need of help. In just two years, McClean has moved four times, and everywhere she moves, she assumes a new identity. So far, she has been Beth, the cheerleader, Lizbet, the cool laidback girl, and Eliza, the sporty girl. When she moves to her new town, she intends to assume the identity of Liz, but for some reason, when her cute neighbor asks her name, she tells him it is McClean. She has never used her real name in the towns she has lived in since her parents were married.
McClean's relationship with her Mom is anything but perfect. Ever since her mother left her father for the coach of a local basketball team, McClean has sided with her Dad, which means living with him, and not liking her mom because of what she did to McClean's dad. McClean's mom loves her, and tries so hard to reach out to her daughter.
In the past, McClean would always make friends she knew she would not get too attached to, and she would always keep them at a distance, but in this new town, she instantly makes a group of close knit friends and she also gets to know and love the staff of the restaurant her dad is fixing up.
With a model of the town that needs to be completed soon, a mom that is just trying to win back the love of her daughter, and a dad that is always on the move, Mclean has her hands full. Good thing she has a group of kick butt friends and an awesome cute guy who thinks the world of McClean. McClean realizes that her life is different than it seems, and maybe, in this town, she will put down some roots.
I would recommend this book to any teen reader and young adult because it is a great read about love and growing up.
If you like: Teen romance that always good with classic love stories in any kind of situation
Similar to: The Last Song, Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
Ages: 13-30
Sarah Dessen is an amazing author who never lets me down, and she succeeded in writing another great book. She writes about girls in different situations that makes their life not perfect, but these girls usually get to experience the ultimate love story and realize that whatever is going on in their lives will get better.-
McClean lives with her dad who works for a business which requires them to move all over the world in order to fix up restuarants that are in need of help. In just two years, McClean has moved four times, and everywhere she moves, she assumes a new identity. So far, she has been Beth, the cheerleader, Lizbet, the cool laidback girl, and Eliza, the sporty girl. When she moves to her new town, she intends to assume the identity of Liz, but for some reason, when her cute neighbor asks her name, she tells him it is McClean. She has never used her real name in the towns she has lived in since her parents were married.
McClean's relationship with her Mom is anything but perfect. Ever since her mother left her father for the coach of a local basketball team, McClean has sided with her Dad, which means living with him, and not liking her mom because of what she did to McClean's dad. McClean's mom loves her, and tries so hard to reach out to her daughter.
In the past, McClean would always make friends she knew she would not get too attached to, and she would always keep them at a distance, but in this new town, she instantly makes a group of close knit friends and she also gets to know and love the staff of the restaurant her dad is fixing up.
With a model of the town that needs to be completed soon, a mom that is just trying to win back the love of her daughter, and a dad that is always on the move, Mclean has her hands full. Good thing she has a group of kick butt friends and an awesome cute guy who thinks the world of McClean. McClean realizes that her life is different than it seems, and maybe, in this town, she will put down some roots.
I would recommend this book to any teen reader and young adult because it is a great read about love and growing up.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Bumped by Megan McCafferty
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
If you like: stories with no plot, dystopias, teen dramas
Similar to: Nothing I've ever read before
Ages: 13-18
Although I really wanted to love this book, it was one of the hardest books to get through. It's a really easy read, and one of the few things I found good about this book was the fact that the chapters were really short, but it still took me a long time to finish. I really feel like I should have just quit in the middle of it in order to save myself some wasted time.
At first I found the book to be very confusing and I was rereading pages to see if I had missed something. The only way I understood what was going on in the first 50 pages of the story was because I read the description of the book on the book jacket.
The book Bumped has no real plot. It's a book about two twin girls in year 2036 when a virus is spreading that causes women over the age of 18 to lose the ability to have children. Seperated at birth, Melody and Harmony reunite 16 years later only to find they were raised in two different worlds. Melody is a professional baby maker who lives in a town called Otherside where it is cool to be 16 and pregnant. Young girls often walk around flaunting fake baby bumps just to fit in. Harmony comes from a church town called Goodside that preaches abstinence until marriage. She leaves her "fiance", Ram, and Goodside in order to find her sister Melody and make sure Melody finds God.
When Harmony gets to Otherside, she meets Zen, Melody's best friend. Melody and Zen have feelings for each other, but Melody has signed a contract to be matched with someone in order to concieve a baby for a family who is willing to pay her handsomely. Zen and Melody made a pact that if she does not have a baby before her time is almost up to conceive, she and Zen will "bump", but Melody's agent Lib is supposed to have a bump match any day now for Melody.
When Lib calls Melody to tell her he has found a match, Harmony answers pretending to be her sister. Lib informs Harmony that the match he found is none other than the famous celebrity bumper, Jondoe. Harmony leads Jondoe to believe she is Melody, and tricks him into hooking up with her. Melody is mad at her sister at first, but then she realizes that she never wanted to bump with a stranger at all. She is in love with Zen, and she does not care if he is not an ideal bump match.
Harmony catches Jondoe talking to Lib about how he tricked Harmony (who he thought was Melody at the time) into thinking he had God. Harmony is so upset, that she runs out of Jondoe's house back into the arms of Ram. Ram and Harmony go back to Goodside to raise Jondoe's baby together.
Melody and Zen are together when Jondoe shows up looking for Harmony who he has sincere feelings about, only to discover she is gone. He said that he lied to Lib about not caring for Harmony or being a Christian.
This book is left so that there could be a sequel, but since the first book was so awful, I don't think I'll be reading it.
If you like: stories with no plot, dystopias, teen dramas
Similar to: Nothing I've ever read before
Ages: 13-18
Although I really wanted to love this book, it was one of the hardest books to get through. It's a really easy read, and one of the few things I found good about this book was the fact that the chapters were really short, but it still took me a long time to finish. I really feel like I should have just quit in the middle of it in order to save myself some wasted time.
At first I found the book to be very confusing and I was rereading pages to see if I had missed something. The only way I understood what was going on in the first 50 pages of the story was because I read the description of the book on the book jacket.
The book Bumped has no real plot. It's a book about two twin girls in year 2036 when a virus is spreading that causes women over the age of 18 to lose the ability to have children. Seperated at birth, Melody and Harmony reunite 16 years later only to find they were raised in two different worlds. Melody is a professional baby maker who lives in a town called Otherside where it is cool to be 16 and pregnant. Young girls often walk around flaunting fake baby bumps just to fit in. Harmony comes from a church town called Goodside that preaches abstinence until marriage. She leaves her "fiance", Ram, and Goodside in order to find her sister Melody and make sure Melody finds God.
When Harmony gets to Otherside, she meets Zen, Melody's best friend. Melody and Zen have feelings for each other, but Melody has signed a contract to be matched with someone in order to concieve a baby for a family who is willing to pay her handsomely. Zen and Melody made a pact that if she does not have a baby before her time is almost up to conceive, she and Zen will "bump", but Melody's agent Lib is supposed to have a bump match any day now for Melody.
When Lib calls Melody to tell her he has found a match, Harmony answers pretending to be her sister. Lib informs Harmony that the match he found is none other than the famous celebrity bumper, Jondoe. Harmony leads Jondoe to believe she is Melody, and tricks him into hooking up with her. Melody is mad at her sister at first, but then she realizes that she never wanted to bump with a stranger at all. She is in love with Zen, and she does not care if he is not an ideal bump match.
Harmony catches Jondoe talking to Lib about how he tricked Harmony (who he thought was Melody at the time) into thinking he had God. Harmony is so upset, that she runs out of Jondoe's house back into the arms of Ram. Ram and Harmony go back to Goodside to raise Jondoe's baby together.
Melody and Zen are together when Jondoe shows up looking for Harmony who he has sincere feelings about, only to discover she is gone. He said that he lied to Lib about not caring for Harmony or being a Christian.
This book is left so that there could be a sequel, but since the first book was so awful, I don't think I'll be reading it.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley
Rating: 5 out 5 stars
If You Like: Riches to Rags stories, Young Adult, Happy Endings
Similar to: The Princess Diaries, Gossip Girl, Sarah Dessen Novels
Ages: 14-25
Corrinne is a city girl born and raised in New York. She lives for shopping and being popular, until her family loses all of their money during the recession and is forced to move in with Corrine's grandparents in Texas. Corrinne's lifestyle is flipped upside down and it is like she is on another planet. At first things are tough, but with the help of a new very nice girl named Kitsy, a hottie named Rider, and a sweet boy named Bubby, Corrinne grows and develops into a beautiful young lady that her grandparents are proud of. She goes from dieting, blowing money, and being waited on hand and foot to working a job, driving, and even eating carbs! She even becomes close to her little brother and her mother.
I have to admit I was originally drawn to the goregous and bright cover, but I loved this story. It was a story of riches to rags so to speak. A New York Gossip Girl goes from spoiled rich to being like every other working class American. Add in a best friend, a kick butt family, and a few hotties, and you've got yourself a great young adult novel about growing up and maturing. This was as good as any Sarah Dessen novel, which is quite a compliment from me because Sarah Dessen wrote the book on YA Fiction (no pun intended).
If You Like: Riches to Rags stories, Young Adult, Happy Endings
Similar to: The Princess Diaries, Gossip Girl, Sarah Dessen Novels
Ages: 14-25
Corrinne is a city girl born and raised in New York. She lives for shopping and being popular, until her family loses all of their money during the recession and is forced to move in with Corrine's grandparents in Texas. Corrinne's lifestyle is flipped upside down and it is like she is on another planet. At first things are tough, but with the help of a new very nice girl named Kitsy, a hottie named Rider, and a sweet boy named Bubby, Corrinne grows and develops into a beautiful young lady that her grandparents are proud of. She goes from dieting, blowing money, and being waited on hand and foot to working a job, driving, and even eating carbs! She even becomes close to her little brother and her mother.
I have to admit I was originally drawn to the goregous and bright cover, but I loved this story. It was a story of riches to rags so to speak. A New York Gossip Girl goes from spoiled rich to being like every other working class American. Add in a best friend, a kick butt family, and a few hotties, and you've got yourself a great young adult novel about growing up and maturing. This was as good as any Sarah Dessen novel, which is quite a compliment from me because Sarah Dessen wrote the book on YA Fiction (no pun intended).
The Book of Luke by Jenny O'Connell
Rating: 3 out of 5
If You Like: Teen Fiction, Sarah Dessen Novels
Similar To: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Any other teen book
Ages: 14-22
This book was enjoyable despite that fact that, to me, the characters lacked depth. This is the kind of book that you can put down, but you do not mind reading it because it is one of those guilty pleasures.
Emily is a nice girl. Her mother writes books about good manners, and Emily has always followed them. She has a perfect life in Chicago with her two best friends and her boyfriend. This all changes when Emily's family decides to move back to their hometown, Boston, leaving behind her dad to "figure things out" and her boyfriend, Sean, who decides to break up with her rather than have a long distance relationship.
When Emily arrives in Boston, nothing has really changed since she lived there two years ago. Her best friends Lucy and Josie are pretty much the same girls they were before Emily moved to Chicago. The only person who has really changed is Josie's exboyfriend, Luke. Luke was once the nerdy guy that no girl was interested in, but now he is the most popular guy in school. Unfortunately, the popularity has made the guy who sent Emily a Valentine in 6th grade, a jerk. Josie, Lucy, and Emily decide to write a guide on how to change guys for the better as their contribution to their senior time capsule. The call it "The Book of Luke".
Emily starts dating Luke in order to test the guide to prove it really works, but as she gets to know Luke, she starts to fall for him. Josie, still has a thing for Luke, and thinks that once Emily changes him, she will have a chance to get back together with Luke. When Luke finds out about the book, he announces to the whole Senior class what Emily has been up to. Her friends are angry, but half of the Senior class think what Emily did was cool. Emily lost her two best friends because she lied to them about not liking Luke, and she lost Luke because their whole relationship was based on a lie.
After a day of crying, Emily apologizes to Lucy, Josie, and Luke, and reconciles all of her relationships. Her dad comes home, and she ends up happily ever after.
I usually love teen books because the male in the books is so romantic and you can not help but fall in love with him. In this book, I thought Luke was a cocky, arrogant teenager who had his romantic moments, but failed to woo me. Emily's character seemed weak when she started to fall for Luke. She went completely against everything she originally believed in, in order to please a guy. Overall, the book was enjoyable, but it would not be a book I would read again.
If You Like: Teen Fiction, Sarah Dessen Novels
Similar To: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Any other teen book
Ages: 14-22
This book was enjoyable despite that fact that, to me, the characters lacked depth. This is the kind of book that you can put down, but you do not mind reading it because it is one of those guilty pleasures.
Emily is a nice girl. Her mother writes books about good manners, and Emily has always followed them. She has a perfect life in Chicago with her two best friends and her boyfriend. This all changes when Emily's family decides to move back to their hometown, Boston, leaving behind her dad to "figure things out" and her boyfriend, Sean, who decides to break up with her rather than have a long distance relationship.
When Emily arrives in Boston, nothing has really changed since she lived there two years ago. Her best friends Lucy and Josie are pretty much the same girls they were before Emily moved to Chicago. The only person who has really changed is Josie's exboyfriend, Luke. Luke was once the nerdy guy that no girl was interested in, but now he is the most popular guy in school. Unfortunately, the popularity has made the guy who sent Emily a Valentine in 6th grade, a jerk. Josie, Lucy, and Emily decide to write a guide on how to change guys for the better as their contribution to their senior time capsule. The call it "The Book of Luke".
Emily starts dating Luke in order to test the guide to prove it really works, but as she gets to know Luke, she starts to fall for him. Josie, still has a thing for Luke, and thinks that once Emily changes him, she will have a chance to get back together with Luke. When Luke finds out about the book, he announces to the whole Senior class what Emily has been up to. Her friends are angry, but half of the Senior class think what Emily did was cool. Emily lost her two best friends because she lied to them about not liking Luke, and she lost Luke because their whole relationship was based on a lie.
After a day of crying, Emily apologizes to Lucy, Josie, and Luke, and reconciles all of her relationships. Her dad comes home, and she ends up happily ever after.
I usually love teen books because the male in the books is so romantic and you can not help but fall in love with him. In this book, I thought Luke was a cocky, arrogant teenager who had his romantic moments, but failed to woo me. Emily's character seemed weak when she started to fall for Luke. She went completely against everything she originally believed in, in order to please a guy. Overall, the book was enjoyable, but it would not be a book I would read again.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Update
I realize it's been a while since the last book review, but I've had a busy weekend filled with work, throwing a baby shower for a friend, Mother's Day, and finding out that I'm going to have a new baby niece in October. Anyway, I'm about two thirds of the way through reading "The Book of Luke" by Jenny O'Connell, which is a teen book that I like to consider one of my guilty pleasures. The review will follow soon.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (one of my ultimate favorite books, I think)
If You Like: Friendship, Romance, Happy Endings, An escape
Similar to: Nicholas Sparks, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Practical Magic (movie)
Ages: 18-100, this is a book both you, your mother, and your grandmother will love
Sometimes when I hold a book, it just feels right. That's how I felt when I picked up this book, and once I started reading it, I knew I was right. Sarah Addison Allen is a beautifully descriptive writer. Her words are so vivid. I enjoyed this book so much more than I expected to. It was as refreshing as a ice cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer day.
This book is about friendship, and the growth of two women who at thirty, haven't quite found themselves.
Paxton lives at home with her parents. She once tried to move out, but her parents just won't let go of their little girl. Paxton grew up in a house of money, and she is restoring the mansion that her family has owned since the 1930s. She expected to fall in love and have a family by now, but it hasn't happened. She is hopelessly in love with her best friend who she thinks might be gay.
Willa grew up the complete opposite of Paxton, but everyone knows her history. Her family once owned the mansion that Paxton's family now owns, but they lost it during hard financial times in the 1930s. Willa grew up in a house that didn't have a lot of money, but she never wanted for anything. Her father took care of her. She owns a sporting goods/coffee shop in Walls of Water, the town she grew up in. She never thought she would settle down in her hometown, and although she is happy where she is, there is something missing from her life.
Paxton and Willa's grandmothers live in the same nursing home, and they share a secret. They have been friends for well over 75 years, and it's the 75th anniversary of the organization they formed together. Paxton is preparing for a ball in honor of this anniversary and the restoration of the mansion.
Both Willa and Paxton reflect on the lives they had in high school, and discover just what they are missing in their lives now. The book ends with both women growing to see their full potential, with a few heaping spoonfuls of love and friendship thrown into the whole recipe for good measure.
This book is about a friendship that has lasted over 75 years, and a friendship that is just blossoming.
I thought this book was a breath of fresh air, and I can't wait to read Allen's other books.
If You Like: Friendship, Romance, Happy Endings, An escape
Similar to: Nicholas Sparks, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Practical Magic (movie)
Ages: 18-100, this is a book both you, your mother, and your grandmother will love
Sometimes when I hold a book, it just feels right. That's how I felt when I picked up this book, and once I started reading it, I knew I was right. Sarah Addison Allen is a beautifully descriptive writer. Her words are so vivid. I enjoyed this book so much more than I expected to. It was as refreshing as a ice cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer day.
This book is about friendship, and the growth of two women who at thirty, haven't quite found themselves.
Paxton lives at home with her parents. She once tried to move out, but her parents just won't let go of their little girl. Paxton grew up in a house of money, and she is restoring the mansion that her family has owned since the 1930s. She expected to fall in love and have a family by now, but it hasn't happened. She is hopelessly in love with her best friend who she thinks might be gay.
Willa grew up the complete opposite of Paxton, but everyone knows her history. Her family once owned the mansion that Paxton's family now owns, but they lost it during hard financial times in the 1930s. Willa grew up in a house that didn't have a lot of money, but she never wanted for anything. Her father took care of her. She owns a sporting goods/coffee shop in Walls of Water, the town she grew up in. She never thought she would settle down in her hometown, and although she is happy where she is, there is something missing from her life.
Paxton and Willa's grandmothers live in the same nursing home, and they share a secret. They have been friends for well over 75 years, and it's the 75th anniversary of the organization they formed together. Paxton is preparing for a ball in honor of this anniversary and the restoration of the mansion.
Both Willa and Paxton reflect on the lives they had in high school, and discover just what they are missing in their lives now. The book ends with both women growing to see their full potential, with a few heaping spoonfuls of love and friendship thrown into the whole recipe for good measure.
This book is about a friendship that has lasted over 75 years, and a friendship that is just blossoming.
I thought this book was a breath of fresh air, and I can't wait to read Allen's other books.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Matched by Ally Condie
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Forbidden love, Dystopia, Reading something different
Similar to: 1984, Twilight
Ages: 13-80 (lol)
Ally Condie has written a book unlike any other book I've ever read. At first, this book reminded me of "1984", and then this book reminded me of "Twilight". I think that Ally Condie, being an English teacher, knows exactly what young adults would enjoy while also writing something that isn't just a mindless slur of words. Also, the love story in this book was so intense that it had my heart racing in anticipation of turning to the next page. This book leaves you with just the right amount of closure so you are satisfied, but also just the right amount of suspense to be dying to read the sequel.
Cassia lives in a world where everything is decided for you by the Society. The Society decides who you are matched with, when you have children, where you work, and even when you die. When Cassia finds out that her match is Xander, a boy she grew up with, her family is relieved that they know him and his family. Cassia is happy too, until Xander's face disappears from the Match screen and someone else's face pops up. The Society officials tell her it was a mistake, but Cassia can't stop thinking about the other face on the screen...a boy she also knows.
Cassia tries to move on and live her life as the Society wants her to, but with advice from Grandfather, and a growing love for someone she wasn't supposed to be matched with, a rebellion stirs inside of Cassia. She realizes that she is living a life where she is not supposed to think or make her own choices. Once she has realized this, Cassia is faced with real risk, real consequences, but also, real happiness. In a series of twists and turns, the story unfolds before our eyes. Will Cassia go blindly through life doing what the Society tells her, or will she fight for a life in which she makes the choices?
If You Like: Forbidden love, Dystopia, Reading something different
Similar to: 1984, Twilight
Ages: 13-80 (lol)
Ally Condie has written a book unlike any other book I've ever read. At first, this book reminded me of "1984", and then this book reminded me of "Twilight". I think that Ally Condie, being an English teacher, knows exactly what young adults would enjoy while also writing something that isn't just a mindless slur of words. Also, the love story in this book was so intense that it had my heart racing in anticipation of turning to the next page. This book leaves you with just the right amount of closure so you are satisfied, but also just the right amount of suspense to be dying to read the sequel.
Cassia lives in a world where everything is decided for you by the Society. The Society decides who you are matched with, when you have children, where you work, and even when you die. When Cassia finds out that her match is Xander, a boy she grew up with, her family is relieved that they know him and his family. Cassia is happy too, until Xander's face disappears from the Match screen and someone else's face pops up. The Society officials tell her it was a mistake, but Cassia can't stop thinking about the other face on the screen...a boy she also knows.
Cassia tries to move on and live her life as the Society wants her to, but with advice from Grandfather, and a growing love for someone she wasn't supposed to be matched with, a rebellion stirs inside of Cassia. She realizes that she is living a life where she is not supposed to think or make her own choices. Once she has realized this, Cassia is faced with real risk, real consequences, but also, real happiness. In a series of twists and turns, the story unfolds before our eyes. Will Cassia go blindly through life doing what the Society tells her, or will she fight for a life in which she makes the choices?
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Ultimate Favorites
Because I only recently started this blog, there are some books I'd like to highlight that I have read in the past. They are books that I would consider my favorites.
Water for Elephants by: Sara Gruen
The Time Traveler's Wife by: Audrey Niffeneger
The Twilight Saga by: Stephenie Meyer
Message in a Bottle by: Nicholas Sparks
The Peach Keeper by: Sarah Addison Allen
Just Listen by: Sarah Dessen
The Princess Diaries Series by: Meg Cabot
The Sisterhood Series by: Ann Brashares
Entwined by: Heather Dixon
Pride and Prejudice by: Jane Austen
There are so many others, but I wanted to highlight those because they stand out in my memory.
Water for Elephants by: Sara Gruen
The Time Traveler's Wife by: Audrey Niffeneger
The Twilight Saga by: Stephenie Meyer
Message in a Bottle by: Nicholas Sparks
The Peach Keeper by: Sarah Addison Allen
Just Listen by: Sarah Dessen
The Princess Diaries Series by: Meg Cabot
The Sisterhood Series by: Ann Brashares
Entwined by: Heather Dixon
Pride and Prejudice by: Jane Austen
There are so many others, but I wanted to highlight those because they stand out in my memory.
Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Summer romances, books to take to the beach, happy ever afters
Similar to: Queen of Babble Series, Insatiable by Meg Cabot, Hallmark Romances
Ages: 18-100 because it might be a little too mature for some.
This is the first book I've read by Emily Giffin, and I realize how great of a writer she really is. Her writing style makes the reader able to easily relate to the story. It was a light and airy book that also had depth. It would be a perfect book to read at the beach this summer.
Darcy has always gotten what she wanted, even if it meant stepping on Rachel to get there. Sure, Darcy is a good friend to Rachel, but she tends to have selfish tendencies. Darcy is pretty and confident, and she doesn't have to work hard to get what she wants. Rachel is also successful, but her success came with a lot of hard work, and no matter how much hard work Rachel puts into life, she will never be as confident and successful in life as Darcy.
Things all change when Rachel sleeps with her best friend, Darcy's fiance, Dex. It is Rachel's thirtieth birthday, and with the unsettling thought of getting older, a little liquid courage, and seven years of harboring secret feelings for one another, it just happens. As it happens, feelings that Rachel and Dex had never admitted they had for one another surface. It shakes up the lives of the small, close knit group of friends who summer together in the Hamptons.
Even though Rachel is having an affair with her her lifelong best friend's fiance, you can't help but love and sympathize with Rachel. She is the girl who has always sacrificed her happiness for her best friend up until now. Who will Dex end up with in the end? Will it be his fiance, the beautiful and irresistable Darcy, or the sweet, smart, and real Rachel? What will this mean for Darcy and Rachel's friendship?
In all, I absolutely loved this book, and when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about reading it. You might think this book is predictable, but who does not love a good old sappy romance? I thought the ending was a nice twist. The book ends finished, but it leaves you in suspense so you will want to pick up the next book in the series.
I can't wait to read Something Blue, which is the second book in this little pair. I'm also looking forward to seeing the movie. If you want a summer romance book that will give you butterflies, this is the book.
If You Like: Summer romances, books to take to the beach, happy ever afters
Similar to: Queen of Babble Series, Insatiable by Meg Cabot, Hallmark Romances
Ages: 18-100 because it might be a little too mature for some.
This is the first book I've read by Emily Giffin, and I realize how great of a writer she really is. Her writing style makes the reader able to easily relate to the story. It was a light and airy book that also had depth. It would be a perfect book to read at the beach this summer.
Darcy has always gotten what she wanted, even if it meant stepping on Rachel to get there. Sure, Darcy is a good friend to Rachel, but she tends to have selfish tendencies. Darcy is pretty and confident, and she doesn't have to work hard to get what she wants. Rachel is also successful, but her success came with a lot of hard work, and no matter how much hard work Rachel puts into life, she will never be as confident and successful in life as Darcy.
Things all change when Rachel sleeps with her best friend, Darcy's fiance, Dex. It is Rachel's thirtieth birthday, and with the unsettling thought of getting older, a little liquid courage, and seven years of harboring secret feelings for one another, it just happens. As it happens, feelings that Rachel and Dex had never admitted they had for one another surface. It shakes up the lives of the small, close knit group of friends who summer together in the Hamptons.
Even though Rachel is having an affair with her her lifelong best friend's fiance, you can't help but love and sympathize with Rachel. She is the girl who has always sacrificed her happiness for her best friend up until now. Who will Dex end up with in the end? Will it be his fiance, the beautiful and irresistable Darcy, or the sweet, smart, and real Rachel? What will this mean for Darcy and Rachel's friendship?
In all, I absolutely loved this book, and when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about reading it. You might think this book is predictable, but who does not love a good old sappy romance? I thought the ending was a nice twist. The book ends finished, but it leaves you in suspense so you will want to pick up the next book in the series.
I can't wait to read Something Blue, which is the second book in this little pair. I'm also looking forward to seeing the movie. If you want a summer romance book that will give you butterflies, this is the book.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Week of 4/24
This week's book is Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin. I've only read the first chapter, but so far the book jumps right into the story. I think this book is going to be a guilty pleasure of mine, and I'm hoping I love it, although it will have to wait until after Easter.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Entwined by: Heather Dixon
Book Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Romance, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Similar to: Jane Austen, Gemma Doyle Trilogy
Ages: 13-60, but anyone might enjoy this novel.
The book Entwined by Heather Dixon has a little bit of everything. It's a fairy tale with the feel of a Jane Austen Novel that reads like a modern day young adult book. Add in some magic and dancing, and you have got one great book.
I really couldn't put this book down. It is about a princess on the verge of 18 with great loss and responsibility. It is a book about family and finding true love. It is a book about the spirit and magic that we all have within us.
This story is based off the children's book "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" that I loved as a child. I remember reading it because I loved the pretty pink cover, and the cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous. That's what drew me in, and ever since I laid eyes on "Entwined", I've been hooked.
As for the story...
Azelea is the oldest of 12 sisters who live in a palace, but don't have much money. When their mother dies, the girls are forced to mourn for a year which means the curtains will be closed, they will not be able to go outside, they will be forced to wear black, and they will not be able to dance. The girls use dancing as an escape from the troubles of their lives, but it is forbidden. When the girls discover a hidden room in the fireplace that leads them to a magic pavilion, they meet a man named Keeper. He seems perfect, but sometimes people are not who they seem to be. The girls are allowed to dance in the Pavilion every night, but not without a cost.
With Azelea's hunt for a husband who will soon become King, dancing against her father's wishes, dealing with Keeper, and taking care of her 11 younger sisters, a girl on the verge of 18 has a lot to handle. Will Azelea meet the man of her dreams? What does the Keeper want from the girls in return for letting them dance in his Pavilion? Read Entwined to see a beautiful fairy tale unravel before your eyes.
If You Like: Romance, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Similar to: Jane Austen, Gemma Doyle Trilogy
Ages: 13-60, but anyone might enjoy this novel.
The book Entwined by Heather Dixon has a little bit of everything. It's a fairy tale with the feel of a Jane Austen Novel that reads like a modern day young adult book. Add in some magic and dancing, and you have got one great book.
I really couldn't put this book down. It is about a princess on the verge of 18 with great loss and responsibility. It is a book about family and finding true love. It is a book about the spirit and magic that we all have within us.
This story is based off the children's book "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" that I loved as a child. I remember reading it because I loved the pretty pink cover, and the cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous. That's what drew me in, and ever since I laid eyes on "Entwined", I've been hooked.
As for the story...
Azelea is the oldest of 12 sisters who live in a palace, but don't have much money. When their mother dies, the girls are forced to mourn for a year which means the curtains will be closed, they will not be able to go outside, they will be forced to wear black, and they will not be able to dance. The girls use dancing as an escape from the troubles of their lives, but it is forbidden. When the girls discover a hidden room in the fireplace that leads them to a magic pavilion, they meet a man named Keeper. He seems perfect, but sometimes people are not who they seem to be. The girls are allowed to dance in the Pavilion every night, but not without a cost.
With Azelea's hunt for a husband who will soon become King, dancing against her father's wishes, dealing with Keeper, and taking care of her 11 younger sisters, a girl on the verge of 18 has a lot to handle. Will Azelea meet the man of her dreams? What does the Keeper want from the girls in return for letting them dance in his Pavilion? Read Entwined to see a beautiful fairy tale unravel before your eyes.
Monday, April 18, 2011
There's No Place Like Here by: Cecelia Ahern
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
If you like: Missing Person Investigations, Fairy Tales, Secret Wonderlands, Life Lessons
Similar to: If You Could See Me Now
Ages: 16-100
This book is really hard to get into, but if you do make it through the whole book, the ending is good. I finished this book with a good feeling, and the last 75-100 pages were actually really great. Although this is my least favorite Cecelia Ahern book, she has a knack for writing. I love her style of writing, and her ability to make magic and fairy tales come to life for adults.
This book is about a place called Here, where all missing things and people end up. Sandy Shortt is a 34 year old woman who has had an obsession searching for missing things since she was 10 and a girl in her class dissappeared. Sandy now runs a missing persons agency, and agrees to help a man named Jack find his brother who has been missing for over a year.
When Sandy wanders off into the woods right before she is about to meet with Jack, she ends up in a place called Here. She meets some great people there, and finds a lot of people she had been searching for for years. No one can get out of Here even though they all have tried. Will Sandy find Jenny-May Butler, the girl who started her searching obsession? Will she find Jack's brother Donal? Will she get out of Here? Read this book and find out.
If you like: Missing Person Investigations, Fairy Tales, Secret Wonderlands, Life Lessons
Similar to: If You Could See Me Now
Ages: 16-100
This book is really hard to get into, but if you do make it through the whole book, the ending is good. I finished this book with a good feeling, and the last 75-100 pages were actually really great. Although this is my least favorite Cecelia Ahern book, she has a knack for writing. I love her style of writing, and her ability to make magic and fairy tales come to life for adults.
This book is about a place called Here, where all missing things and people end up. Sandy Shortt is a 34 year old woman who has had an obsession searching for missing things since she was 10 and a girl in her class dissappeared. Sandy now runs a missing persons agency, and agrees to help a man named Jack find his brother who has been missing for over a year.
When Sandy wanders off into the woods right before she is about to meet with Jack, she ends up in a place called Here. She meets some great people there, and finds a lot of people she had been searching for for years. No one can get out of Here even though they all have tried. Will Sandy find Jenny-May Butler, the girl who started her searching obsession? Will she find Jack's brother Donal? Will she get out of Here? Read this book and find out.
Friday, April 15, 2011
I've decided I'm going to read at least one book a week. It won't be hard because I probably do that now, but I'm just going to make sure I committ to it. I am also going to pay off my library fine to do this because I can't imagine buying all of the books I want to read. There are just so many!
I preordered the book Abandon by Meg Cabot a few weeks ago, and can't wait to get it on April 26th. I'm going to begin reading it the day I get it, I think. I'm always off work on Tuesdays, so I can go outside, and lay in the sun with my new book (or stay inside listening to the rain on our tin roof if it's a rainy day).
Reading tip: Try taking a bath and reading your book. I did that tonight for about an hour, and it's been over a year since I've done it. It was so relaxing, and it makes me wonder why I don't take bubble baths more often. I think I'm going to have to start.
I hope you enjoy that book you're reading, as I am trying to decide my feelings about Cecelia Ahern's "If You Could See Me Now". I'll review it when I've finished it.
Good night.
I preordered the book Abandon by Meg Cabot a few weeks ago, and can't wait to get it on April 26th. I'm going to begin reading it the day I get it, I think. I'm always off work on Tuesdays, so I can go outside, and lay in the sun with my new book (or stay inside listening to the rain on our tin roof if it's a rainy day).
Reading tip: Try taking a bath and reading your book. I did that tonight for about an hour, and it's been over a year since I've done it. It was so relaxing, and it makes me wonder why I don't take bubble baths more often. I think I'm going to have to start.
I hope you enjoy that book you're reading, as I am trying to decide my feelings about Cecelia Ahern's "If You Could See Me Now". I'll review it when I've finished it.
Good night.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Insatiable by: Meg Cabot
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If you like: Romance, Vampires, Love Triangles
Similar books: Queen of Babble Series, Twilight Saga
Insatiable is a great adult romance novel about a soap opera script writer who shares an apartment with her brother. She has the ability to see when people are going to die, until she meets vampire, Lucien. She quickly falls in love with Lucien, but before she gets her happily ever after, vampire slayer, Alaric shows up and rocks everyone's world.
I really liked this book, and find myself really looking forward to reading the next book in the series, which isn't out until Summer 2011. It had the feel of the Queen of Babble series, and although it is considered Adult Fiction, it could easily be considered Teen Fiction.
You should read this book if you like romance, suspense, and a fight scene. There is a great love triangle that develops in this dark romance, which all together makes it a great read for anyone ages 15-100.
If you like: Romance, Vampires, Love Triangles
Similar books: Queen of Babble Series, Twilight Saga
Insatiable is a great adult romance novel about a soap opera script writer who shares an apartment with her brother. She has the ability to see when people are going to die, until she meets vampire, Lucien. She quickly falls in love with Lucien, but before she gets her happily ever after, vampire slayer, Alaric shows up and rocks everyone's world.
I really liked this book, and find myself really looking forward to reading the next book in the series, which isn't out until Summer 2011. It had the feel of the Queen of Babble series, and although it is considered Adult Fiction, it could easily be considered Teen Fiction.
You should read this book if you like romance, suspense, and a fight scene. There is a great love triangle that develops in this dark romance, which all together makes it a great read for anyone ages 15-100.
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