Review: Brightley Woven

One moment Sydelle and her friend Henry are hanging out on the rocks and then next, it's raining. Their village hasn't seen rain in ten years. Shortly after, they spot a wizard. Together they all head into the village not knowing just how much their future is about to change. Wayland North, the wizard, takes the credit of bringing the rain. The chief, Sydelle's father offers him a reward. He's stunned when he finds out the wizard wants his daughter.

> Wayland believes he can stop the upcoming war with Sydelle's help. Together they set out cross the country to deliver their information. Sydelle can't help hating the wizard who took her away from her friends and family. In time, she grows to understand him more and appreciates him. They must overcome obstacles: rogue wizard attacks, a new queen trying to find her place, and two country leaders determined to go to war for all the wrong reasons. Sydelle wants to help stop the war so they can get on with their lives, but then she overhears Wayland talking about her and she can't believe her ears. Suddenly her world's turned upside down and she doesn't know who to trust or what to do next.

My Thoughts: An awesome debut - way to explode onto the scene. Love the fantasy/war story with a little bit of romance mixed in. I'm a sucker for wizard tales and I loved it. I do hope there's more coming.

The Cover: I have mixed feelings.

Source: My library.

Fun Fact: A debut novel written as a birthday present for a friend = awesome!

Fun Fact #2: There's a funny story when the author buys a copy of the book

Review: Princess for Hire

Desi hates her current job, especially when her ex-best friend stops by with the boy she's liked forever and humiliates her. She breaks down in the break room after the experience. Her boss invites her to make a wish with his lucky blue fish. Desi wishes to make a difference. She drags herself home that night and into a bubble bath where she reads the wanted ads looking for another job.

She spots a unique ad - that sparkles. As she's reading it, one bubble grows larger and larger until a woman steps out of it. Desi appears to have magical abilities and she might be of service to Princesses around the world.

With a touch of rouge (blush) she looks just like the princesses she's impersonating - princesses who need a little time off. No one knows Desi isn't the real deal. Her first assignment comes quickly to a mousy princess. Desi steps in and makes some decisions that could change both their lives. In making key choices does she over step her bounds? Will her unique way in helping her charges become the new thing or strikes against her?

My Thoughts: The first book in a new series - sweet, fun and entertaining. As a character - Desi grows with each new task set before her. I fully admit that I LOVE princess books - so I was super excited to read this one and I wasn't disappointed - Very much looking forward to the next books in the series.

The Cover: Reading the book makes me understand it better, but I have to admit I don't love it.

Source: My Library

Spotted: New in Paperback

Here's the new cover and I have to say, I like it so much more than the original cover. I think it speaks volumes towards the book topic without being too over the top.

Here's the old cover:
Much better right?

I reviewed this book for TEENSREADTOO where I gave it 5 stars - because I really enjoyed it and now I'm enjoying the cover too :)

Review: Ender's Game

Ender Wiggin could be the boy to save the world from the alien buggers. As a small boy, he's sent to military school to see if he has what it takes. With all eyes on him, the leaders make an example out of him pushing him past his limits. While Ender feels quite alone, he enjoys the games they must play to learn how to lead in battle.

He's concerned about turning into his malicious brother Peter, but he's not about to let anyone stand in his way or intimidate him. Ender watches the older boys to learn what no one will teach him. He's not afraid to try new maneuvers and throw out the rule book. There are no rules in war anyway. Ender builds up his army, but it's all in games and learning...there's no way a ten year old can be the only hope to save the world.

My Thoughts: This is not a book I would have picked up myself. I fully admit that my husband made me read it - but it was AMAZING. I'm quite interested in reading the sequel now. A great YA/Adult sci-fi book.

The Cover: This cover is awesome, but the one on the book I read was dreadful - more like a small boy playing in space, almost like a children's book. This book IS NOT a children's book.

Source: My Library

Review: Forget-Her-Nots

In doing research for a project on the Victorian Era, Laurel comes across a book about the language of flowers. As she researching. she recalls memories of her mother's love for flowers. Each flower has a meaning, a language most people realize it exists. Laurel presents on a unique day, when the boys are visiting campus.

She learns more and more about flowers while giving them to other girls to help them fall in love, remember facts for tests, and keep love on course. Laurel finds herself finally gaining a friend at the boarding school, but all the pressure and judgment starts catching up with her.

There's something dark going on with Laurel. Something's eating her up inside. She struggles to understand her mother's death and the connection with flowers, dealing with school and social pressures, and finding a way to reach her grandmother. Can she figure out what it is before it's too late?

My Thoughts: A great romantic tale about a girl struggling to find herself after her mother's death and learning she's inherited a special gift. I loved reading about the different meaning of flowers and how Laurel uses them to help others, including herself in the romance department. I'm hoping this story will continue.

The Cover: Romantic and sweet - just perfect

Source: Otis Library

Review: Allie Finkle

Allie has to make a choice: attend a glamorous birthday party for a girl at her old school that she doesn't like, but her mother already accepted the invitation or hang out with her best friends at a twirling competition. Allie wants to do both, but since she has to choose, she needs to make up a lie so she doesn't hurt her best friends' feelings when she chooses the party instead. Only once the day arrives, she sees her best friends piling into the van without her and she thinks she might have made the wrong choice. Then the limo comes to take her and the other party girls into the city. Allie loves the limo and all the candy inside, but her ex best friend is there, sucking up to the birthday girl who's just plain mean. Allie isn't sure she wants to be with girls who are not her friends, but she's still excited about the party. When the birthday girl becomes a mean girl, Allie looks for an excuse to escape. Will her friends forgive her for choosing the wrong party?

My Thoughts: This is the 5th Allie Finkle book -with a fun refreshing and creative main character, Allie shines bright with her quirks and rules. Plus, it's awesome that younger readers can also experience Meg Cabot

The Cover: Cute and expresses Allie's style

Source: My Library

Spotted: The Summer Before

Ann M. Martin reading from her new book, which I can't wait to read! I know it's going to bring back so many memories.