Tween Tuesday Review: At Your Serivce

Chloe Turner wants to be just like her dad - a concierge extraordinaire.  She and her dad live at the Hotel St. Michele in New York City. Chloe loves the perks of loving in the hotel and she loves helping guests, especially those closest to her age.

In fact, after a successful trial run, Chloe's proven herself, becoming a Junior Concierge. So when a royal family comes to town, Chloe's excited to show them around her city.

Unfortunately, all her plans aren't interesting to the royal kids. As much as Chloe attempts to plan something for each of them (2 princesses and one prince), no one ends up happy. The youngest princess has a habit of slipping away. When determining where to go next, the group realizes that she's missing. Instead of telling their detail, they slip away themselves desperately trying to find the princess before something happens and before their father finds out and everyone gets into massive amounts of trouble. Will this be the first epic fail in Chloe's career?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - it's a super cute read with great characters. I loved Chloe - for trying to make the hotel guest happy. I loved the moments in the hotel - and Chloe being able to use it as her playground. I really liked her best friend Paisley. I liked how the royal siblings took Chloe out of her element, but how she fought back to make them see how great New York City can be. The two siblings and the two best friends running around New York City was entertaining and I learned a little bit more about the great city. Friendship, a little romance, trying to do the right thing, and chasing your dreams all add up to make this book a winner.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library  

Review: Darkest Fear

 * First in the Birthright series *

When Vivi turns 18, her birthday doesn't go as planned. Each year, she and her parents pack up her favorite foods and go on a picnic. Things between Vivi and her parents are tense ever since she found out about her heritage - the heritage she has no desire to be a part of. During the picnic, her parents tell her to run and she does. Coming back later to the scene, she finds both her parents on the ground. Her father's dead and her mother is dying.

While dealing with her grief, Vivi discovers a family she never knew about and sets off to find them. Vivi locates a cousin who invites her to stay with him. He has a house full of friends - all from the same heritage.

Vivi learns more about her heritage and wishes that she could change her past behavior. More than anything she wants to uncover the truth about her parents' murder. How far will she go to uncover the truth?

My Thoughts: I love how different Vivi's heritage is - being able to turn into a jaguar. I really like the moments when she turned and her thought processes. I felt awful for her when her parents died and she lost herself in her grief. I loved her new family. I like how she tried to understand more of her heritage and how being around more of her kind helped. I liked the danger and the romance. I liked the ending, even though it left me waiting for the next book. 

Cover Thought: I like her eye
Source: My Library

Tween Tuesday Review: Exile

*Sequel to Keeper of the Lost Cities* 

Sophie's talents lead her to find an Alicorn - a winged unicorn. It's the first female of this kind in years. The council's happy to have the Alicorn, but some of the members don't want Sophie training her. They see the creature as a symbol of peace and hope for the future.

Sophie and the Alicorn have bonded, and parting them would be havoc to the unicorn. For now, Sophie's allowed to train her. 

She's worried when she finds clues from the Black Swan near the Alicorn's pen. First she has a bodyguard that follows her everywhere, but now she has to deal with the Black Swan. She knows they rescued her from the kidnappers, but why are they still so mysterious. 

When she tries talking about it with Grady, he shares his insight to the group. It's not what Sophie expected at all. She doesn't want to let Grady down, but she can't stop thinking about the Black Swan. When an accident occurs, she thinks her stolen memories might be a way to save someone. 

Sophie actively searches for the Black Swan, hoping to find answers about herself, her past, and her future. 

My Thoughts: I really liked the sequel - it's full of intrigue, danger, and runs high on emotions. I love Sophie's curious nature and how she wants to help those she cares about. She deals with some tough issues in this book, but they do make her stronger. I like watching her uncover more about her past which helps her understand her future. I'm looking forward to finding out more about the Black Swan and Sophie's powers.

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: My Library;

Tween Tuesday Review: Sprinkles and Secrets

 * Companion novel to It's Raining Cupcakes *

Sophie and Isabel are best friends, but right now Isabel's in New York City and Sophie's feeling down. Her mother surprises her with tickets to see Wicked.

More than anything, Sophie wants to act. Her dream finally has a chance of coming true when a friend from camp calls with good news. Her mother saw Sophie's acting and wants to represent her.

Sophie's over the moon, until she learns her first audition is for a bakery  - the main competitor of Isabel's family business. Sophie's torn between loyalty to her best friend and her dreams. Which will she choose? It seems everyone has a different piece of advice for her.

My Thoughts: I really liked this sweet tale filled with friendship, Dreams, and sweets. I loved the mention of sweets throughout the book; it made me want to bake. I felt bad for Sophie and the choice she had to make. I loved Dennis and his moments with Sophie. I love that they were a little nerdy. I loved how Sophie wasn't afraid to dream big - or admit the truth. A very fun read.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Tween Tuesday Review: Athena the Wise

When a mere mortal arrives at Mount Olympus Academy Athena is called to her father's office. Principle Zeus asks her to keep an eye on Heracles. He doesn't mention that the boy has 12 impossible labors to complete before admission into the school.

Athena takes their talk as a sign to help Heracles perform his tasks. Athena being to care for Heracles and looks forward to spending time with him. However, she's concerned.

She's not able to hang out with her friends. She's struggling to keep up with her studies. Another mortal has challenged her weaving skills. Athena wants to keeping helping Heracles, but not at the cost of giving everything else up. Still she doesn't want to let Heracles or her father down. What's a Goddess Girl to do?


My Thoughts: I LOVE this series - it's sweet, charming, and funny. I love the blend of mythology, friendship, drama, and a touch of romance. It's hard to pick a favorite Goddess Girl because they are all so unique, but Athena might be mine. I liked how Athena influences Heracles and how he influences her. I liked how Athena found unique ways to complete the labors. I also liked how she pulled back when she felt everything spinning out of control. I love the friendship of the Goddess Girls and how they all come together.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable!

Source: Inter-Library Loan

Guest Post and Giveaway: Uma Krishnaswami

Why Bollywood?

I often get asked why I put Bollywood into this story. Am I a True Fan like Dini and Maddie? Did I admire a Bollywood star when I was young? Did I want to imagine my life as a movie? In short, no to all of the above. The term "Bollywood" hadn't even been invented when I was a kid!

I needed Dini to be passionate about something. It needed to be something with potential for tragedy and drama, humor, eccentricity, and hints of romance. What else could it possibly be? Dini had to be crazy about the kind of movie that is huge huge huge in India's popular culture, that the world now knows as the Bollywood movie.

It's always strange and funny when trends from India "hit" the West and suddenly get all kinds of media attention. That's what's happened with these movies, even though there's been a movie-making industry in India since the days of the silent films. I think that Dolly, the mega movie star in the book, probably doesn't care too much for the term "Bollywood." In a letter to her friend, she reveals that she's really a fan of classic Hindi films.

Here's a clip from an old Hindi movie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdQwPwmsUC0

And here's something more recent: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uIz1DFNJnY&feature=related

So what's the point to all this? Why take the pop culture of a country around the world from the United States and place it in a book for young American readers? Dini and her friend Maddie could have been connected by almost anything. They could be fans of a popular singer or a Hollywood actor. Well, one reason is that we don't have a lot of books that feature culturally grounded stories that are pure fun, so I wanted to turn the tables and have the hyphenated-American kid call the shots about what was cool. I also wanted a kind of wackiness factor, and nothing else can do that like these "fillums." Lucky for me, the popularity of these movies in the US and in many other countries (you really can get them with Arabic and Thai subtitles!) made it possible. Also the fact that the BFFs are Bollywood fans allows the story to stretch from here to India and back, and it allows the kind of cheery optimism that I was after. These movies are crazy and defy credibility but they have energy and the music is quite wonderful. And most of the time they have happy endings. Call me Pollyanna but in this world of ours, I feel a great need for happy endings.

*** Grand Giveaway***

Three lucky Grand Prize winners will each receive one copy of THE GRAND PLAN TO FIX EVERYTHING along with a starry assortment of bangles and trinkets that Dolly Singh, famous famous Bollywood movie star, would adore! An additional 3 runners-up will receive a copy of THE GRAND PLAN TO FIX EVERYTHING.

To enter, send an e-mail to GrandPlanGiveaway@gmail.com.

In the body of the e-mail, include your name, mailing address, and e-mail address (if you're under 13, submit a parent's name and e-mail address). One entry per person and prizes will only be shipped to US or Canadian addresses. Entries must be received by midnight (PDT) on 6/30/11. Winners will be selected in a random drawing on 7/1/11 and notified via email.

******

The next stop on the tour is The Drift Record at http://julielarios.blogspot.com/.

Check out my review

Check out Uma's blog: http://umakrishnaswami.blogspot.com/

Check out the book trailer:

Tween Tuesday Review: Grand Plan to fix Everything

Dini and her BFF Maddie love watching Bollywood movies. They follow every more Dolly, the biggest actress in Bollywood makes.

Then Dini's mother breaks the news to them. Dini and her family are moving to India for two years. Her mother's just received a grant for her work.

At first the girls are heartbroken. What will they do without each other for two years. Then they form a plan. Dini must meet Dolly.

According to the latest gossip magazines, Dolly's heartbroken herself and has got into hiding. No one is sure where she might be living or when she might make another movie. It's up to Dini to uncover her location and uncover the truth.

My Thoughts: A very cute tween read. It fits into the summer reading program's theme this year. I loved the different perspectives - including all the mail room difficulties (which was so unique). I loved the relationship between Dini and Maddie and how they struggled when they were torn apart. I also loved the Bollywood feel of the book.

Cover Thoughts: Cute - I Love how it wraps around.

Source: Blue Slip Media

Book of the Month: April

My favorite read last month was:

For it's magic, romance, and feisty heroine. When I finished reading it, I sighed with happiness. Check out my review. So ready for book 2:

I Love the cover!
However, it comes out April 2012...

Teen Tuesday Review: Kat Incorrigible

Kat's tired of being the odd sister out. Her two older sisters, five and seven years older, talk about things that she wouldn't understand. Her brother Charles has gambled away all the family money and her Stepmama is determined Elissa will make a fortune match and save the family.

Kat vows she won't allow her sister to ruin her happiness by marrying a man rumored to have murdered his first wife. Instead, she comes up with a plan to change everything. Unfortunately, her sister Angeline catches her before she put the plan into action.

Instead, Kat, her sisters, and their Stepmama attend a house party to Grantham Abbey to meet Sir Neville. Kat and Angeline attempt to persuade Elissa not to accept his hand in marriage - if he should ask.

When Kat discovers she is her mother's magical heir, she wonders if she can use magic to help her sisters deal with their romantic attachments.

My Thoughts: I've been wait for this book for roughly a year as it was published in the UK first. It was so cute- almost a novel from Sense and Sensibility (from Margaret - the youngest sister's perspective) with a magical adventure, a dangerous highwayman episode, and a romance plot. All of these combined make it absolutely entertaining, engrossing, and simply delightful. I LOVED Kat: she's unladylike, stubborn, smart, brave, resourceful, annoying (as only a youngest sister can be), and charming. I can't wait to the next book: Renegade Magic

The Cover: I Love the cover - it's super cute and I love how it wraps around to the back.

Source: My Library GoodReads

Review: Teashop Girls

Annie and her two BFF Genna and Zoe used to hang out at her grandmother's tea shop. Now with the end of 8th grade drawing near, the friends are pulled in different directions.

Once nicknamed the Teashop girls, each has her own direction. Zoe's focused on tennis. Genna's focused on acting. Annie becomes focused on the Steeping Leaf once again.

She asks her grandmother for a job as a barista. Annie soaks up the atmosphere. She loves her job, especially as she gets to flirt with her cute co-worker.

Before long, she realizes the Steeping Leaf is in trouble - big trouble. Annie's grandmother might be in danger of closing her shop. Annie vows not to let that happen. She attempts rallies her friends and the neighborhood together to save the shop.

Will their efforts be enough to save the Steeping Leaf?

My Thoughts: A cute book. I'm glad the story will be continuing. I liked learning more about tea. The illustrations add to the book's charm. I love the friendship between the girls and how it's changing as they grow older. I love the atmosphere of the Steeping Leaf. I wish I knew a shop just like it. And I simply adore the idea of the Teashop Girls - a club that meets for tea weekly!

Cover Thoughts: This is the paperback cover and it works well. I like it much better than the Hardback cover - however, there's a sketch inside of the tea shop that would love amazing as the cover. I wish they chose that one instead.

Source: My Library

Similar Read: Scones and Sensibility

Up Next: The series continues with The Secret Ingredient due in June!

Review:Amy and Roger's Epic Detour

Amy isn't thrilled about her mother's decision to sell the house and move across the country. She's been living in her home alone for the last month. Now, it's time to head to Connecticut - her new home.

As Amy doesn't drive anymore, her mother's friend's son will drive Amy. Roger's headed for Philadelphia for the summer. Amy's mother has planned out their whole trip, including hotel stops along the way.

Roger isn't happy with this plan. In fact, the first thing they do is ditch the itinerary. Amy wants to head to Yosemite Park, a place she's frequented with her father and twin brother.

Her father died in a car accident. Her brother is secretly in rehab. Amy can't talk to anyone about his death. She keeps her feelings bottled up inside her and pushes everyone away. She's become really good at being invisible to the world.

The driving time doesn't allow her to hide from Roger. He asks her hard questions that make her think. He forces her to confront her feelings. As each mile passes, Amy starts to become more and more like her old self. She knows several places she wants to stop along the way - as she has unfinished business.

My Thoughts: I read this one because of an IF YOU LIKE IT post from Reclusive Bibliophile. I adored this book. I loved uncovering what really happened to Amy's father and her exploring her feelings towards the rest of the world as a result of the accident. I loved the fact that Roger has a secret of his own and watching him open up to Amy. I love how the adventure unfolds and the people they meet along the way. A great road trip novel!

Cover Thoughts: I like it - it fits with the romance and with the road trip theme.

Source: Inter-Library Loan

Similar Reads: Check out the blog post here
Winter Longing

Review: Elixir

Clea lives in the spotlight - thanks to her two famous parents. Now, her father's been missing for a year. She'll do anything she can to uncover clues to his whereabouts as she refuses to think he's dead.

Clea returns from a European vacation with her BFF Rayna. While she's looking over the pictures she took, she spots something strange. There's a man standing in almost all of her pictures even though they toured different countries.

Clea's sure he's not someone trailing her for protection. She can't explain his presence. She begins have dreams about him, sometimes romantic and sometimes nightmares.

Clea's a photojournalist under a pen name. She receives an assignment to travel to the last known location of her father. She jumps at the chance. There on the beach, she spies the man from her pictures. She bolts after him.

When she does meet him, she discovers a dangerous world - a world of a repetitive cycle that has in the past lead to her death. Can she fight fate and change the cycle?


My Thoughts: The start of a new series by Hilary Duff. I've heard a lot about this book - some good, some bad. I'm interested to see if my teens will be reading it. I liked the past lives and the fight to change the future. I find Rayna refreshing. I had a hard time liking the boys at the end of the book - though I loved Ben until the climax. I'm curious as to what will happen next.

The Cover: I like it, it reminds me for Forget-Her-Nots

Source: My Library

Hilary Duff chats about her new book - out today

I confess, I'm excited to read this book. It sounds awesome. It came into the library this morning and it's coming home with me tonight.

Here she is chatting about the book on Good Morning America:



Here's the gorgeous cover:

Are you excited to read it?

Review: Elite Ambition

*Warning: as this book is 10th in the series, it will contain plot spoilers of the previous books. Stop reading if you haven't read the series and want to do so*

Sasha and Heather return from their fall break. Sasha's nervous about talking to Jacob after she's found out Heather's been e-mailing him pretending to her Sasha all week. Still, she can't deny her feelings for Jacob. She goes to meet him and to discover if they can slowly take a chance on dating each other.

Sasha's also uneasy about her relationship with Paige after their fight and her refusal to talk with Paige during vacation. Although they apologize to each other, there's still tension in the room. As time goes on, Sasha just wants things to return to normal with her BFF. Something's lurking beneath the surface. Will they actually hash out their feelings?

Sasha's trying not to get caught up in all the drama as she focuses on riding. There's a new girl in the YENT lessons. Sasha really likes Brit, they get along great and have fun hanging out together. Sasha knows what it's like to be the new girl and she's more than happy to have a new friend.

Can Sasha finally relax and focus on her riding or will her friendship drama reach a boiling point and cause her to mess up everything?

My Thoughts: I'm so addicted to this series and the cliff hanger endings make me want the next book immediately.

The Cover: Amazing, I love all of them in this series.

Source: My Library

Review: Count Your Blessing

*NOTE* As this is the third book in a trilogy, it will have SPOILERS of the previous two books. Don't read if you're planning to read those books and haven't!

Kate's father is in the big house - leaving Kate to take care of the business. Kate's struggling to run the business. Her uncle wants to take over. A rival family wants to take over. Plus her Dad's most loyal crew want to move to Hollywood to act. Kate is in way over her head.

Plus the drama in her personal life is starting to add up. Teddy's parents don't want him hanging around Kate. In fact, they've forbidden contact. Teddy's not to concerned until they force him to stay away.

Now Kate's not sure who to trust or who to lean on for support. Even things with her BFF have gotten out of control. Can Kate handle all the drama in her life and fix everything so she can move on?

My Thoughts: A good ending to the trilogy (which didn't exactly end, but tied up the loose ends). I enjoyed reading about the Mob and Kate taking control of her life.

The Cover: I think it should be more focused on Kate - since she's the one handling the majority of her issues while the cover makes it seem like her parents are right there helping her.

Source: My Library

Review: Forget You

Zoey's family life sucks. Her parents are recently divorced: her mother just attempted suicide, and her father knocked up his barely legal girlfriend. Now, she's just trying to hold on to her seemingly perfect night.

However, the night before, she crashed her car and has no memory leading up to the accident. She can't remember what happened that night or where she was driving. Zoey can't tell anyone she doesn't remember because her father's threatened her with locking her in a psych ward and she can't handle that right now.

So, she's trying to slowly and carefully uncover details of the night. She can't remember why Doug - a boy who seems to hate her, now suddenly can't seem to leave her alone.

He pulled her out of her car. He knows about her mother. He came to see her the day after the crash expecting everything. Did something happen between them? Can she trust him?

But what about her boyfriend? He's certainly acting strange and avoiding her. What doesn't she know?

The secrets keep piling up and threatening to come out at the most awkward times. How can Zoey keep control over her life and all her relationships?

My Thoughts: Mysterious and romantic. It was very hard to put this book down as I wanted to unravel the details along with Zoey.

The Cover: Gorgeous.

Source: From the author - Jennifer Echols

Fun fact: There's a quote on the back of the book from Going Too Far -from www.teensreadtoo.com - I wrote that :)

Review: Shield of Stars

In her former life, Weasel knew crime. Now with help from Justice Hollis, he's walking a straight path. When guards come into their home late one night, they catch the two in the act of writing letters of treason against the corrupt Regent. Weasel escapes into the night, but the guards take Justice Hollis to the dungeon.

Weasel knows he must free the man who gave him a second chance. He sneaks into the palace and finds the Prince. The young Prince at fifteen has no legal rights, but Weasel knows he must try. He makes his case to the Prince who allows a trial to begin in two weeks time. That will give Weasel time to make his plan, except that he's taken and thrown into a cell as other conspirators fill the dungeons.

A girl already resides in the cell. Immediately, Weasel takes a look at his surroundings - ready to break out of the cell. Together, they pair make their way outside the palace. Weasel knows he needs to round up help for Justice Hollis - and he has two weeks to come up and execute a solid plan.

With the help of Arisa, his prisoner friend, and a shield he stumbles upon, will he save the man who's become a father figure to him?

My Thoughts: I couldn't put down the first book in The Shield, Sword, and Crown series. I love the danger, adventure, the planning, and a hint of romance. The book contains similar elements to Bell's Knight and Rogue series. I can't wait to read the next chapter.

Cover: Awesome!

Source: My Library.

Review: Take Two

Emma and Payton are still dealing with the fallout from their backfired plan to switch places. With detention in front of them, Emma can't believe her perfect record will be not-so-perfect.

Just as they go into detention, they get a reprieve. Instead of serving detention, Emma will tutor the guidance counselor own son - who is also a twin, while Payton must clean out the theater basement.

Emma's having a hard time with the twins as one boy's a math genius and the other hates math. They've heard the story of the Emma and Payton switch (who hasn't?) and they attempt to switch places several times. Emma has a hard time figuring the two boys out, which doesn't help matters, but she's determined to wipe her slate clean and become more AcadEmma.

Thus, she's giving up her new friends and her potential boyfriend to pursue her spot as the school's number one smarty-pants. Emma's not giving up the spot to anyone, especially Jazmine.

Meanwhile Payton can't believe she's not allowed to try out for the Wizard of Oz. She has the listen to rehearsal as she cleans. Plus Sydney's joined the play so she has to combat all the nasty comments that fly her way. Will she ever get the chance to shine center stage?

The twins deal with their separate lives but circumstances force them not to switch places, but to assume the other twin's identity - all in the name of good. Will they be caught...again?

My Thoughts: The second book in this series is cute. I love the emphasis on personal happiness as the twins struggle to find their own identities at a new school. Just a great fun tween read.

The Cover: Cute -with both sets of twins - the adorable girls and the mischievous boys.

Source: My Library

Up Next: Times Squared

Review: City Secrets

*INCLUDED SPOILERS FROM PREVIOUS BOOKS*

After Sasha and Paige's massive fight, Sasha decides to spend break with Heather in New York. Sasha relates her fight with Paige to Heater - including the worst comment from Paige. Sasha still can't believe that Paige could be so cruel. She knows they both need some cooling off time.

The first night they have dinner with Heather's parents. It's a disaster. Sasha can't believe how parents could act so cold and uninterested. After dinner, the two relax with a movie.

Over the next few days, they shop, eat at amazing places, explore the city, and continue with their riding. Sasha loves seeing New York City through Heather's eyes. They aren't best friends, Heather still orders Sasha around and makes snarky comments, but the comments have changed from hurtful to snarky.

Before Sasha knows it, it's almost time to go back to Canterwood. Will she be able to work out her issues with Paige?

My Thoughts: I love this series, but I hate (love) how each book ends leaving me drooling for the rest of the story. I love seeing this new side of Heather and her home life. It makes me understand her a little better.

The Cover: It's very cute - but I didn't see this scene in the book

Source: Inter-Library Loaned

Review; Trading Faces

Twins Emma and Payton begin their first day at a new school - one with boys no less. They're both eager to make an amazing first impression. Emma wants to known for her scholastic achievements and Payton wants to be known for her fashion sense. Emma's first day is terrible. She's going to have to prove her smarts to everyone and it's not going to easy as someone else is considered the smartest girl. Payton loves the new schools. She's already gained access to the popular girls, thanks to her new wardrobe. When she has a mishap at lunch a few days later, she can't believe she has to show her face again.

Instead, the girls decide to switch places - just for the day. They're supposed to switch back before school lets out, but things get a little out of control. Emma smooths things over the popular girls and even gives them great fashion advice when they go shopping. Plus she meets a really great guy who seems to like her. Payton signs up for a video casting project - something in which only honor students can participate.

They vow they vow not to change places again, but Ox just called Emma asking her to sit with him during the pep rally and Payton wants to be on the video project. This time, something goes horribly wrong and their plan backfire. Will anyone at school still talk to the twins or have they both committed social suicide?

My Thoughts: Super cute story about two girls finding their tastes and ideas expanding while pretending to be each other. I love the idea of having a twin and someone who take your place
for the day.

Cover: Cute - appealing and fun and totally goes with the book.

Source: My Library

Next Up: Take Two