Review: Alone

Maddie hatches a brilliant plan to have a secret slumber party with her two best friends. She tells her mom that she's staying with her Dad and vice versa.  It's the perfect set up - until both of her friends back out. 

But everything changes in the middle of the night. There's an evacuation. But Maddie's phone battery is dead. The news doesn't reach her until the next morning and by then it's too late.

She's Alone. Maddie waits for information. When none comes, she realizes that she can only rely on herself. Maddie finds a companion in the neighbor's dog. Together they set about surviving. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. It was hard to put down. Alone is a novel in verse, which suits the story. Maddie is a very strong character - brave , resourceful, determined. I don't know how she managed, but she did. She faces so many challenges; I admired her. I adored George, the dog.*  I wanted a tiny bit of more information at the end. An impressive debut novel.

* George lives and thrives

There is a nasty death of a kitten. All the animals in the town are abandoned. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A wonderful survival story for your library. Highly recommended for both school and public libraries.

Other stories to read:

Review: All Dressed in White

 * Book 2 in the Under Suspicion series *

It's time to the choose the second  cold case for the show and Laurie has a number of possibilities. The day she's supposed to meet with her boss to pitch her ideas, a woman appears in her office sharing the story of her daughter Amanda Pierce.

Amanda was supposed be married, but instead she disappeared from the destination wedding without a trace. No one knew where she went. Five years have past and she hasn't reappeared. The case makes perfect sense and with her boss's permission, Laurie recreates the wedding weekend for filming.

Can her show solve another case and keep their track record?

My Thoughts: I loved the first book and I tore through this new one. I couldn't put it down. I felt horrible for the parents, the siblings, and the friends of Amanda. I can't imagine what they went through after the wedding that wasn't.

I loved the twists and turns of this novel as we hear what happened on that weekend, uncover secrets from the past and present, and of course find out what really happened that night.

I can't wait for the next  book!

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Cinderella Murder

Laurie Moran create a reality show chasing down leads in cold cases. The first show was a success and she's hoping to duplicate her efforts.

She gets the green light to investigate the Cinderella Murder - the murder of a college student on her way to an audition that could change her life. So many questions from that night were never answered. Why was she found miles away from her car with only on shoe on?

Laurie hopes to interview all those close to Susan in hopes of finally solving the case, but it could be the last thing she ever does.

My Thoughts: I first discovered Mary Higgins Clark when I was in 7th grade and binge read many of her books. It's been a while since I've read one of her new books, but I'm so glad I returned to reading them.

I loved this start of a new series - it actually reminded me of reading Loves Music, Loves to Dance which is the first book I started with in seventh grade. 

I liked the reality show twist and watching the interviews of all of the people in Susan's life. As usual, the multiple perspectives kept me guessing most of the way through the book.I liked learning about the character's past and seeing how they've changed in the present from the tragedy that struck their lives. I liked learning a little more about the acting and technology worlds. A great start to a new series that I can't wait to read more of.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: My Library

S. E. Green's Cover Reveal:

S. E. Green was raised in Tennessee but now calls North Florida home. Killer Instinct is her debut young adult thriller. Find her at segreen.net, or on Twitter @Shan_E_Green, or on her Facebook Fan Page.

BOOK BLURB:
She’s not evil, but she has certain. . . urges. 
Lane is a typical teenager. Loving family. Good grades. After-school job at the local animal hospital. Martial arts enthusiast. But her secret obsession is studying serial killers. She understands them, knows what makes them tick.

Why?

Because she might be one herself. 

Lane channels her dark impulses by hunting criminals—delivering justice when the law fails. The vigilantism stops shy of murder. But with each visceral rush the line of self-control blurs.

And then a young preschool teacher goes missing. Only to return. . . in parts.

When Lane excitedly gets involved in the hunt for “the Decapitator,” the vicious serial murderer that has come to her hometown, she gets dangerously caught up in a web of lies about her birth dad and her own dark past. And once the Decapitator contacts Lane directly, Lane knows she is no longer invisible or safe. Now she needs to use her unique talents to find the true killer’s identity before she—or someone she loves—becomes the next victim. . . .

Like the cover? It could hang on your wall....

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: To Be Perfectly Honest

Colette's mother is a major movie star - thus, Colette never knows who her real friends are. Are they the people who hang out with her who want the perks of her life? Are they the people who hang out with her for a chance to meet her mother? Does anyone like the real Colette?

Colette's been burned one to many times by people. So, she's become an expert at lying. If you're always lying, you can't get hurt.

She thought she had a perfect summer planned in Paris, until her mother announces that Colette and her brother are required to join her on location in the middle of nowhere California.

Once their, her mother becomes absorbed in her movie and in her life. Collette's stuck hanging out with her brother - not that that's a bad thing most of the time.

Ever since she met Connor, she wants some alone time with him, not dates with her brother as the third wheel. Could he be the best part of her summer?

My Thoughts: I was so happy to have a new Sonya Sones book - I love them. I'm a big fan of novels in verse and tore through this one. I felt bad for Collette - for not knowing who to trust in her life, for not being able to be herself, and for trying make the best of her summer. I loved her brother. The moments between them were sweet and I loved the birthday bit. There were a few twists that threw me as I wasn't expecting them. I completely LOVE the ending!

Cover Thoughts: I like it
Source: My Library.

Two Lies and a Spy

About the book (summary from the publisher)

When sixteen-year-old Kari’s dad sends her an unexpected text, she and her brother immediately go into hiding. Because when your parents are superspies and your dad declares a Code Black, it can only mean something bad. Very bad.

Kari soon discovers that her parents have been disavowed and declared traitors, and she’s determined to clear their names. Breaking into the Agency seems like a reasonable plan, especially with the help of a team that includes her longtime crush, Luke, as well as her two best friends—an expert hacker with attitude and a master martial artist—and Luke’s popular, vindictive twin sister. Oh, and a new guy, who’s as cute as he is complicated…

My Thoughts: The first time I heard of the book - I was hooked by the title. It's clever and I'm a sucker for books about spies. I really loved Kari - she's tough and resourceful. I liked her interaction with her younger brother. I like how she reaches out for help from her friends - including Evan. I liked the snarky banter between her and Evan. I found Lacey amusing. I hope this is the start of a series - because I love these characters and I don't want to leave them. There was heartbreak, a little romance, some great action scenes, and danger - everything you'd want in a spy novel. A fantastic debut that makes the author one to watch!

Prize:

A Spy is Only as Good as Her Gadgets

One (1) winner receives:

·         Emergency Phone Charger and a copy of Two Lies and a Spy

Giveaway open to U.S. addresses only.

Prizing  courtesy of Simon & Schuster.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit the Official Book Site

Review: Summer I Turned Pretty

 * first book in a trilogy*

Belly lives for summer. Her family's been going to the summer house for years with family friends. She's been tagging along after her brother and his two friends forever.

Now she's 16.

Boys are starting to look at her - just not the boy she wants. Her brother's not there for most of the summer. She has Conrad and Jeremiah all to herself. Could this be the summer that changes Everything?

My Thoughts: I've been meaning to read this book for ages - people have been talking about it forever. Everyone was right, I couldn't put this book down. I loved the shifts in time and how they are woven together. I liked learning about Belly's relationships with the brothers while growing up. In some ways, it was the perfect childhood, but in others I felt bad for Belly, always trying to be part of the group, but always too young. This book tugged at all my heartstrings - making me laugh, making me want to cry, and giving me hope. I can't wait to finish the rest of the trilogy. If you haven't read this - go read it now!

Cover Thoughts: Fun
Source: My Library

Tween Tuesday Review: Pheme the Gossip

* Goddess Girls Book #10*

Pheme loves talking about people. She's even the source of Zeus' eyes and ears at the school. Sometimes she takes her job too seriously. She snoops in the fellow students' rooms, looking for safety issues - until she's caught red-handed by a spell.

As punishment, she agrees to go a whole day without gossiping. Every time she tries to spread the word about something, it comes out as gibberish. Normally, that would be embarrassing, but not a big deal.

But today, Pheme learns of a secret plot that might put the world at risk. Since she can't tell anyone about it, Pheme will have to save the day herself.

My Thoughts: Another fun addition to the series - I like how the series has branched out to include other girls. I loved learning more about Pheme and her need for gossip. While I think she learns a lesson in this book, I liked hearing her thoughts on why she has to gossip. I liked the lengths she was willing to go to share her knowledge of the situation. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Contest: Precious Blood

About Precious Blood

What if martyrs and saints lived among us? And what if you were told you were one of them?

Agnes, Cecilia, and Lucy are three lost girls—each with their own personal demons. These girls meet one night when they all end up in the same hospital…and each wake up with a token from a boy they’ve only just met. Sebastian is gorgeous, mysterious, and has a plan for all of them. As each girl gets wrapped up in finding out just who Sebastian is, they each discover their own strengths, and realize the only way to save themselves is to save each other.

The story begins in PRECIOUS BLOOD and continues in PASSIONARIES, available 1/7/14.

About the Author

Tonya Hurley is the New York Times best-selling author of the highly acclaimed “ghostgirl“ book series; creator, writer and producer of animated and live action hit television series; writer and director of independent films; writer and director of commercials for Playstation, Gameboy and Warner Home Video; and creator of groundbreaking videogames. Her new young adult trilogy, THE BLESSED, begins with Precious Blood.

Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur

Links!

Learn more at http://theblessed.com

Like The Blessed on Facebook
Follow The Blessed on Pinterest 

Follow The Blessed and Tonya Hurley on Twitter and join the conversation using #PreciousBlood

Check out the Trailer:

The Contest:

Two (2) winners receive:

•          A copy of Precious Blood and a Precious Blood bookmark!
•       Giveaway open to U.S. addresses only.
•       Prizing courtesy of Simon And Schuster and Big Honcho Media 

Please leave a comment with your email address to be entered! While it's not necessary, a follow is always nice too :) 

Deadline is Monday July 8th at midnight EST

Review: Maid Of Secrets

I was able to participate in the Maid Of Secrets blog tour where I interviewed Jane. Now, here's my book review. 

Meg's a master of disguises, which she puts to good use stealing from the crowd gathered around the acting troupe. When she's caught, she's given a choice: work for the Queen or rot in a dungeon cell where her fellow actors of the troupe would be hunted down and killed.

Without much of a choice, Meg chooses to work for the Queen. She's amazed to discover the spy service for the queen. She's taught proper courtly manners and defend herself. She has not let learned to read, though she would rather die than tell anyone. She can recite back anything she hears, but doesn't want to let out her secret. Meg soon learns there are rarely secrets among spies.

As she's given her first assignment, Meg comes to understand just what's at stake. Someone's plotting against the Queen. Someone wants to stir up trouble at court. Someone wants to force the Queen to marry and have a male helping her rule. Meg's job is locate the source of the trouble; but it's hard to root out evil when she doesn't know who she can trust.

My Thoughts:  I loved this book for the court intrigue, the secrets, the maids, the secret passageways, and the romance. I loved watching Meg understand her role as a Queen's spy, figuring out who to trust and finding friends. I loved watching her playing the games of court. Meg's fierce, loyal, and determined - everything I like in character. I liked learning more about Elizabethan England and her court. I loved the cat and mouse games played by Meg and Rafe.  Plot twists, danger, and an intriguing romance kept me furiously turning these pages!

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: My Library
Try it if you like: Grave Mercy

Maid of Secrets Blog Tour: Interview with Maid of Stealth

Today at YA Book Nerd we have Jane, one of the five spies we meet in the new YA historical adventure Maid of Secrets. I just started the book and so far, it's fabulous! Jane is usually a woman of few words, but she graciously agreed to speak with us today.

Welcome, Jane! Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Jane Morgan, and I work for the Queen.  I see you refer to me as “Maid of Stealth”, and that sounds right enough. As a spy for the Queen, I make short work of anyone the Crown prefers to see dead. So you definitely need stealth for what I do. That, and a sharpened blade.

What's your weapon of choice?
If I were smart, I would say a bow and arrow. It’s silent and you can sight your opponent from a far distance, then kill him quickly and cleanly.  But I do not often have the luxury of distance for my tasks. As a result, I find that I work best with the dagger. Or, in my case, several daggers hidden at various points on my person. A dagger is a quick, effective and silent weapon, and if managed correctly achieves my goals before my prey knows I am even there.

Where in Wales did you live? (This interests me as I'm 25% Welsh and my family was from Northern Wales)
Because you are a countrywoman, I will share the story of my home with you. But I do not talk often of this place; there are now only memories there for me. Memories and pain.
My family lived in a small village near the town of Newborough, on Anglesey Island. It was not an easy life, but it was simple, and it was ours. We were fisherman in the main, though some of us also wove nets out of the long grasses in the area for the fishing trade, and we kept to ourselves. The trouble with living so close to the sea, however, is what it might wash up on your doorstep. Marauders were a constant threat to us. Now there are a few less of them.

How did you train to become stealthy?
It happened quite by accident. I said we were fishermen. I am terrible at fishing. To make myself useful and avoid getting assigned the chores only fit for women to do, I learned to hunt. I found I had an affinity for sneaking up on animals without them being fully aware. This skill helped a great deal in the pursuit of small game (and larger game), when my only concern was helping my family and neighbors put food on the table. It became much more useful when I turned my focus to hunting men. To keep sharp, however, I must constantly hone my wits and my speed. If I am not quick, in body and mind… I’ll no longer be the hunter, but the prey.

What's your favorite part of court?
Leaving it.
In truth, I cannot say that I enjoy the Queen’s court and her endless rounds of entertainment, dancing and feasts. I have no quarrel with the woman—you might say we understand each other. But she is surrounded by so much revelry that it is all I can do not to flee the court outright every day, just for a few hours alone in the forest surrounding the castle. I’ve done it, often enough. I escape more than anyone realizes, and slip back inside just as quietly. And given what Meg and I have found within the walls of Windsor Castle, which you’ll know once you read Maid of Secrets, coming and going is about to get a lot easier.

Can you describe your favorite dress?
If I have to wear a dress at all, my favorite dress involves a split walking skirt.
I would much rather dress like a guard or, better yet, a servant. Someone who has only to wear loose breeches and a tunic, with a belt for carrying a sword and an extra blade, and boots sturdy enough to walk miles in--but soft enough to not leave your fleet a bleeding mess. That’s been the biggest benefit of being at court, I’ll tell you plain: the quality of the footwear. That and you always know where your next meal is coming from. Of course, you also know the price of the food. You just have to be willing to pay it.

Thanks! Excited to be part of the tour.
And good day to you, m’lady.

Author Bio via Goodreads: Jennifer McGowan writes Young Adult romance full of swash and buckle. Her first novel, MAID OF SECRETS, debuts in Spring, 2013 from Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Royal Secret: Came from a small town in northern Ohio
Became a Maid of Honor: After bringing her tale of spygirls to the noble city, and winning the favor of the great house of Simon and Schuster
Special Skill: Matrix-like reflexes, superior strength, fabulous wit… okay, ah – we’ll get back to you on that.

Website: http://www.jennifermcgowan.com/
Twitter: @Jenn_McGowan 

Contest: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tween Tuesday Review: Stolen Magic

 * Book 3 in the Kat,Incorrigible trilogy- Kat, Incorrigible review and Renegade Magic review*

Kat's sister Angeline is finally able to get married and the whole family's traveling for the wedding. Kat can't wait to see her older married sister Elissa, who will join them there. Unfortunately, Angeline's soon to be mother-in-law is not excited about the match.

The family hopes to make a grand entrance at the estate but an accident with the carriage changes that. As they arrive with an old family friend, Mrs. Carlyle doesn't mince words. She doesn't give them an opportunity to freshen up from the road. She's sent Fredrick to fetch a cousin, whom she wishes he would marry instead of Angeline. She makes it perfectly clear that she's not behind the wedding and will do everything in her power to make Angeline's life miserable.

Kat's trying her best to behave, but during the conversation, she notices her nemesis Lady Fotherington outside. Kat rushes to greet her. She does not have good news - someone stole the magical portals. Without them, Kat will never become part of the Order.  Can Kat recover the missing portals thus saving England while helping her sister?

My Thoughts: I'm sad this trilogy is over, but it's a great ending. I've loved the blend of Regency England with magic. I love Kat's wild and crazy ways. I love her magical abilities, how she speaks her mind, and how she's always getting into trouble. She's a lovable character, the kind to always root for as she is strong, fierce, and loyal. I enjoyed watching Angeline battle Mrs. Carlyle, while Kat's family tried to be proper (but failed miserably . I loved the magical scenes. A delightful end to the trilogy, but I'm looking forward to seeing what Stephanie Burgis writes next!

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: For Review

Review: Falling For You

Rae's life isn't perfect. Her home life involves her trying her best to avoid her stepfather. He's mean, nasty, and rude. Rae wonders what her mother sees in him.

As much as her home life sucks, the rest of her life is pretty good. She has a great group of friends. She's just caught the eye of the cute new boy at school. Plus she loves her after school job of working at the flower shop.

Rae starts spending more time with Nathan. At first, she's flattered at his attention. Soon, it starts making her uncomfortable. She doesn't appreciate some of his comments or actions. On top of her relationship drama, things start getting worse at home.

Her stepfather loses his job and doesn't seem to be in a hurry to get a new one. He's angry at the world. Rae tries to minimize her time with him.  With all this drama, something has to change.

My Thoughts: I was surprised at first that this wasn't a novel in verse as Schroeder's previous YA novels. It didn't stop me from devouring this book. There were poems throughout the book, which made up a third story line. I adored the poetry piece of the novel. I really liked the idea of the poetry revolution and how it started and how it evolved. 

I picked it up one morning and couldn't put it down until I was finished. So many emotions kept me turning the pages furiously. I had to know what happened. My heart broke for Rae and all that she had to deal with in her home life and her relationship with Nathan. Honestly, I think every high school student should read this book. It's powerful, emotional, and honest about life. 

Cover Thoughts: It really caught my eye and drew me in.
Source: my Library.
Similar Read: Keep Holding On.

Review: Victoria Rebels

Queen Victoria ruled for years, but before she made it to the throne, she was forced to deal with her family. Through a journal she reflects on the horrible relationship she has with her mother who tries over and over again to manipulate Victoria.

Her mother doesn't approve of the King's family and doesn't want her daughter around them.Victoria and her mother fight. While still under age, Victoria must go along with her mother's demands. Still, she's formed her own opinions and she's ready to take control over her future. 

Victoria tries to surround herself with people she can trust, but gradually, they seem to disappear. She keeps her emotions in check as best she can, writing them down in her journal. As she matures, her determination becomes stronger. As next in line to the throne, she watches and waits for her moment. When it comes, she's ready.

My Thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I read it on the plane home from the YA Lit Symposium, where I had the good fortune to meet the author.  I hated Victoria's mother, she might win the worst parent award in books I've read this year. She was crafty, manipulative, egotistical, and a social climber. She never put her daughter first. The fights between them were outrageous. However, she was a wonderful character - the type the reader loves to hate.
My heart went out to Victoria who had to deal with so many obstacles in her young life. She's strong, determined, and stubborn. Sometimes her stubbornness was unwarranted and sometimes she was able to take a step back and see that. Other times she dug her heels in. At times I sympathized with her and at times I wanted to yell at her. The complexity of her character made me want to read more and uncover more of her story.


Pet Peeve: In the beginning, I found it hard to determine Victoria's age. After doing a little math, I figured it out. It distracted me from the book for a few minutes as I flipped back and forth trying to figure out her age in the early chapters.

 Cover Thoughts: Attractive
Source: YA Lit Symposium
Date Published: January 1st 2013
Fun Fact: This book reminds of Young Victoria

Review: Save as Draft

Izzy lives in Atlanta and works as a lawyer -but she's never really seen the city. She hasn't fallen in love with it - or anyone for that matter. She wants to give it one more go before she thinks about packing up and moving home.

So she tries internet dating.

She "meets" a guy online while she's studying for the bar exam for California. They exchange flirty fun emails but Izzy's on studious lock-down until she takes the exam.


They pick a date night after her return...but the night before the date she kisses her best friend Peter. Torn, she goes on the date and ends up having a great time.

But she feels she needs to give Peter a proper chance. Unfortunately, even though she gets caught up in a whirlwind romance, things aren't always happily ever after without going over huge hurdles.

My Thoughts: I loved this book told through friendly, flirty, and angry emails, texts, tweets, eharmony profiles, and drafts of emails. I love reading the drafts - it's so significant what's not said in relationships. It made me curious as to what things I'm not saying.  I can't lie - this one tugged at my heart strings. It's both funny yet serious.  I could feel the anger and the frustration coming off the characters in waves.  The ending is a bit of a cliff hanger, but I'm relieved to see that there's a sequel in the works. A smashing debut that hooked me instantaneously. 


Cover Thoughts: I love the heart apple with the bite taken out of it! Great connection 


Source: Inter-library loan

Reivew: The Pledge

Charlie has a secret - a deadly secret. In a society where language determines your class, she has the ability to understand all languages.

She can't let anyone know her secret, but somehow a mysterious but cute stranger figures it out. Part of her thinks she can trust him, but the other half of her doesn't trust anyone.

When the kingdom starts taking precautionary measures against rumors of rebel forces attacking the city, Charlie and her sister must flee to safety. There she uncovers the truth about the Queen and her desires. The truth will change her life forever.


My Thoughts: LOVED this book. I loved that language was SO powerful in this world. I loved Brooklyn. I loved the idea behind the Queen and her power. I loved Charlie and her sister. They had an incredible bond. I loved the rebels and their secrets. I'm so happy this is the start of a new series because I can't wait to read more!

Cover Thoughts: Great!

Source: My Library

Video: check out the fan trailer I made here

Review: Cleopatra Confesses

Cleopatra knows that she could become a great ruler - someday. Right now, she's busy learning about her country with her tutors. She's also learning how to rule from her father. All of the lessons are not positive.

In fact, before too long, the people have turned against their pharaoh. Cleopatra's sisters decide to rule jointly. Cleopatra learns to watch her step and her tongue. She's determined to give her sisters nothing to cause them worry about her behavior.

She sticks to her studies and learns from the mistakes her family makes. Will she be able to one day fulfill the destiny she sees for herself?


My Thoughts: The childhood of Cleopatra comes to life as she deals with growing up, betrayal, family drama, and deadly sisters. I really enjoyed reading about her family life and the stress and struggles before ruling.

Cover Thoughts: LOVE the cover!

Source: My Library

Similar Read: Spinx's Princess

Review: Home Sweet Drama

Sasha's still dealing with the fallout from her birthday party and trying to put her relationship back to normal with Paige all while dealing with Homecoming. Sasha wants nothing to do with homecoming, but since she's nominated for the court, she must attend events.

Paige, on the other hand, can't stop talking about homecoming. It seems as though Heather is the only other person not interested in homecoming. When Sasha needs a break from all the chatter, she can always talk to Heather. The two are surprisingly becoming friends...or sort of friends.

Heather's the only one who knows the truth about Jacob and Eric. Sasha can't deny her feelings any longer, but she tries hard not to look at him, talk to him, or even think about him too much. Paige keeps wanting to know the truth and the secrets Sasha is keeping could be ruining their friendship.

Will Sasha and Paige's friendship return to normal before their vacation together? Can Sasha and Heather survive homecoming without major incidents? Will Sasha attempt to patch up her relationship with Callie?

My Thoughts: Still awesome - love this series, it's addicting.

Cover: Still adorable - love them all

Source: My Library

2 wickedly awesome events:

Simon and Schuster holds 2nd annual Blogfest with 40 authors for 2 weeks. Ask questions and read their answers!

ReaderGirlz are holding an amazing event for TEEN READ WEEK (October 19th-24th) They're hosting chats with authors each night, lots of prizes, and great fun.




Check them both out!