Review: Rose Legacy

Anthea's an orphan living with her relatives, but not having a home. One day a letter arrives from a long-lost uncle asking for her to live with him. Her relatives are more than happy to send her away. Anthea journeys past the kingdom beyond the wall where she's shocked to discover her uncle secret has horses. Horses have been forbidden for centuries.

Not only does the farm have horses, but some people on the farm have a gift called The Way where they can communicate with horses.  Anthea hates the farm and isn't interested in the horses - at first. But she begins to feel more relaxed at the farm. Could she finally have found herself a home?

My Thoughts: I Loved this book. I felt heartbroken for Anthea has she tried to find her place in the world. I love that she found it. I loved the Way and how it worked. I wish I had that level of communication with my dog. Lots of action and lots of danger made this book a page turner. I loved Jilly and how sweet she was to her cousin. This book gave me all the feels! I loved the ending and I can't wait to see where this story goes next! 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: Perfect for horse loving tweens, this book is a must have for school and public libraries.

Blog Tour: The Rose Legacy

About the Book: 
Orphaned Anthea Cross-Thornley has been shuttled between family members her whole life. When she receives a letter from a long-lost uncle, she dares to dream that she will finally find a home. Upon her arrival she is shocked to learn that her uncle secretly breeds horses--animals that have been forbidden in their kingdom for centuries. More alarming is Anthea's strange ability to sense the horses' thoughts and feelings, an ancient gift called The Way. Confused and terrified, Anthea is desperate to leave, but when dangers arise that put her family and her kingdom at risk, she has no choice but to embrace The Way and the exciting future adventures it will bring her.

I LOVED this book; a review will be up shortly, but it's not one to miss!

About the Author:

Jessica Day George likes chocolate, knitting, books, travel, movies, dragons, horses, dogs, and her family. These are all things to keep in mind if you ever meet her. For instance, you could bring her chocolate to make the meeting go more smoothly. You could also talk about how adorable her children are, even if you have never seen them. You could discuss dog breeds (she had a Maltese named Pippin, and grew up with a poodle mix and a Brittany Spaniel. Right now she has a Coton de Tulear named Sunny). You could talk about Norway, and how it's the Greatest Place On Earth, and Germany, The Second Greatest Place On Earth. You could ask her about yarn, and indicate a willingness to learn to knit your own socks, if you can't already do so.

Chatting with Jessica Day George:

Did you have a childhood pet that inspired this story?

No, but I wanted a horse so badly as a kid! I had an imaginary horse, instead of an imaginary friend!
I had an imaginary alligator!

 If you had a horse, what would you name him/her?

You have to promise not to laugh! I would have a black stallion named . . . Windfleet.
Oh, I like that name!

Did you take riding lessons as a child/adult?

Not formally, but was taught to ride as a kid by my dad and family friends that would let me ride.

Would you rather be a wallflower or the Belle of the ball?

Wallflower, please! We get to eat the refreshments and watch everybody else!

Do you have a favorite horse book?

I had SO MANY! But for right now, let’s say it’s The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater!

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mysterious Saturday Review: The Great Shelby Holmes

John Watson, an Army brat moves into a new building where he meets Shelby Holmes. At first he isn't too sure about her, but right now she's the only person he knows. He asks to tag along on her walk with her dog.

They run into a school mate of Shelby's who is devastated because her dog has gone missing. Shelby takes the case and allows John to tag along. Can they solve the case?

My Thoughts: Honestly, the name and the cover sold me on this book (not to mention the author.) I was pleasantly surprised when I realized the narrator wasn't Shelby Holmes, but John Watson. I loved seeing the neighborhood through his eyes when he walked with Shelby. I loved his initial meeting with Shelby and how she grew on him. They make an unlikely pair, but they're refreshing. I enjoyed the case and meeting the family. I like John's mother and how she isn't sure that Shelby is the best person for John to befriend. I liked her backstory too. Plus the illustrations are charming. I can't wait to read more about this pair.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Perfect for both middle school and public libraries - highly recommended.