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.

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?

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. :)

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.

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?