Review: Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Summary-

Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.

Review-
This is a refreshing twist on a mystery. I still cannot believe that this is a first for the author. I have never read a story quite like this one. A very original and impressive storyline. The way the mystery is finally unraveled is simply riveting. I could tell that a lot of heart went into this story. You cannot get that detailed and complex without putting your heart into the story. An easy book to read. It is a mind blowing tale that will stick with you for a long time. I really liked and highly recommend this book.

Publisher-Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

My score: 4.5 Stars-Great Book
Reviewed by~Mechele
~Thank you to the publisher for this book~

Review: The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker (Strangely Beautiful #2) by Leanna Renee Hieber

Summary-

Learning the truth of her mythic past and that of the reincarnated souls called The Guard is only the beginning, for young Percy Parker’s destiny is to defend both the world and true love from the gathering undead minions of Darkness.

Review-

  I went right from the first book into this one. By the time I got to this book I was so into the story. I devoured this book. Very well written. It is a hard one to lay aside. The plot is so twisty you never see where you are going until you are there. I was caught off guard and blind sided by certain events. Being off balance only added to the mystique of the storyline. These characters grow and change so much from the beginning to the end. This was a really good book.

 

Publisher-Leisure Books

My Score: 4.5 Stars-Great Book

Reviewed by~Mechele

~Thank you to the author for this book~

Review: The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker (Strangely Beautiful #1)

Summary-

What fortune awaited sweet, timid Percy Parker at Athens Academy? Hidden in the dark heart of Victorian London, the Romanesque school was dreadfully imposing, a veritable fortress, and little could Percy guess what lay inside. She had never met its powerful and mysterious Professor Alexi Rychman, knew nothing of the growing shadows, of the Ripper and other supernatural terrors against which his coterie stood guard. She saw simply that she was different, haunted, with her snow white hair, pearlescent skin and uncanny gift. This arched stone doorway was a portal to a new life, to an education far from what could be had at a convent- and it was an invitation to an intimate yet dangerous dance at the threshold of life and death.

Review-

  At first I could not get a good vibe on this book. As the story unfolds it gets more enchanting. By the end of the book I was engrossed in it. So much so, I went straight into the sequel. Although the main characters are so very different they have a common thread. Each one is full of gusto in their own way. They compliment each other tremendously. At first it is hard to imagine them as such a close band of friends. At the end it is hard to imagine them without one another. I found that this book truly is a Beautifully Strange tale. Full of myth and magic. A very good read.

Publisher-Leisure Books

My Score: 4.5 Stars-Great Book
Reviewed by~Mechele
~Thank you to the author for this book~

Review: Consumed (Rayne #2) by Kate Cann

Summary-

The thrilling sequel to POSSESSED finds 16-year-old Rayne still entwined in the creepy history of Morton's Keep -- and about to discover that she's the only one who can stop the evil lurking there.

Rayne's countryside escape has proven to be anything but -- the remote mansion house where she lives and works holds terrible secrets, and she feels trapped there. And when a new manager shows up, things take an even more sinister turn.
Rayne doesn't know who to trust -- even the ghosts of Morton's Keep seem to be warning her. It's up to Rayne to overcome the ancient evil lurking here -- but how?

Review-
This sequel is not a disappointment. Just when I thought everything had been figured out and taken care of, it starts anew. A suspense filled creepy ghost story. With mystery, strange occurrences and strong evil energy weaved into the very fabric. There is a lot of different things going on at one time which leads to a perfect climax. I was on the edge of my seat the entire ride. A really good book. I recommend both Possessed and Consumed to young readers.

Publisher-Point
My Score: 4 Stars- Good Book
Reviewed by~Mechele
~Thank you to the publisher for this book~

Review: Possessed (Rayne #1) by Kate Cann

Summary-

Rayne can't wait to start her summer job at a remote country mansion, far from the crowded, noisy London she so desperately wants to escape. But the retreat soon turns into a nightmare — the mansion is creepy, the legends of ghosts keep Rayne up at night, and she doesn't feel safe anywhere.

Can Rayne figure out why she's so freaked — before she becomes a ghost story herself?

Review:
  A very well written ghost story. At times it had me looking over my shoulder. I was creeped out and loved every minute of it. I enjoyed the story being set in another country. It gives you a new view of the world. The author writes in an easy to follow manner. The story flows from one plot point into the next without any dead spots. Really likeable characters. A good clean all around chilling and suspense filled mystery. I will definitely be reading the next book.

Publisher-Point
My Score: 4 Stars- Good Book
Reviewed by~Mechele
~Thank you to the publisher for this book~

Review: Starstruck by Cyn Balog

Summary-
Gwendolyn "Dough" X doesn't think she has much going for her—she carries a few extra pounds, her family struggles with their small bakery in a town full of millionaires, and the other kids at her New Jersey high school don't seem to know that she exists. Thank the stars for her longtime boyfriend, Philip P. Wishman—or "Wish." He moved away to California three years ago, when they were 13, but then professed his love for her via e-mail, and he's been her long-distance BF ever since.

At the beginning of her junior year, though, Wish e-mails that he's moving back to Jersey. Great, right? Well, except that Dough has gained about 70 pounds since the last time Wish saw her, while Wish—according to his Facebook photos—has morphed into a blonde god. Convinced that she'll be headed for Dumpsville the minute Wish lays eyes on her, Dough delays their meeting as long as she possibly can.
But when she sees Wish at school, something amazing happens. He looks at Dough like she's just as gorgeous as he is. But Wish is acting a little weird, obsessed with the sun and freaked out by rain. And the creepy new guy working at the bakery, Christian, is convinced that there's more to Wish's good looks than just healthy eating and lots of sun. He tells Dough that a mark on Wish's neck marks him as a member of the Luminati—an ancient cult of astrologers who can manipulate the stars to improve their lives. Is Wish and Dough's love meant to be—or are they star-crossed?

Review-
  An easy to read, easy to follow book. I enjoyed the storyline and the magic that was mixed in. Good characters that seem perfectly normal. Not all is as it seems. Some things are out of our control. I liked the whole astrological cult thing. An interesting story that evolves into a wonderful book. Highly recommended.

Publisher-Random House Children's Books

My Score: 4 Stars- Good Book
Reviewed by~Mechele
~Thanks to the publisher for this book~

Review: In the Arms of Stone Angels by Jordan Dane

Summery-
Two years ago, Brenna did the unthinkable. She witnessed the aftermath of a murder and accused her only true friend--the first boy she ever loved--of being a killer.

Now sixteen, Brenna returns to Oklahoma only to discover that Isaac "White Bird" Henry isn't in juvie. The half-breed outcast is in a mental hospital, frozen in time, locked in his mind at the worst moment of his life. And when Brenna touches him, she's pulled into his hellish vision quest, seeing terrifying demons and illusions she doesn't understand.
Feeling isolated and alone, she's up against the whole town, targeted by bullying former classmates, a bigoted small town sheriff, and a tribe who refuses to help one of their own. But when Brenna realizes she's as trapped by the past as White Bird is, this time she won't turn her back on him. She's the only one who can free them both.
Even if she has to expose her secret--a "gift" she's kept hidden her whole life.

Review-
Not what I expected at all. Which is a good thing. I did not expect this story to be anywhere near as good as it turned out to be. A very nice change from the ever popular genre of today. Magic, myth and legend lead this to be an outstanding murder mystery. The characters seem to have a spirit of their own. It held my attention the entire way through. The author really knows how to spin an intricate web. I have to admit it was a pleasant surprise. I would recommend this book to everyone. I am happily impressed.

Publisher-Harlequin

My Score: 4.5 Stars-Great Book
Reviewed by~Mechele
 ~Thank you to the author for this book~

Review: Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3) by Maggie Stiefvater

Summary-

The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie Stievater

In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. In Linger, they fought to be together. Now, in Forever, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in


Review-
 I really like the writing style of this author. The Shiver series has been one of my favorites. The wolves of Mercy Falls have absolutely stolen my heart. Having said that... I have to be honest about this last book "Forever". I waited for many months to get my hands on this final book. I must say, it was not what I was expecting. Don't get me wrong.It is a good book. The characters are the same ones that hold my heart captive. With a good strong storyline. I was just completely at the breaking point by the end of the book. I do not feel the ending is up to par with the rest of the series. Being the last book, I thought there would be more closure. In my opinion it just leaves you hanging with unanswered questions. Although, it is still worth the read.


Publisher-Scholastic, Inc
My Score: 3.5 Stars-Between ok and Good Book
Reviewed by~Mechele

Review: Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens

Summary-

Ashlyn: A lonely society princess living in New York City.

Daddy hired you to be my bodyguard.
Colin: Childhood enemy, now her protector.
Daddy thought I’d be safe. He thought I’d never fall in love. He thought he could keep me forever.
Charles: obsessed with keeping her safe, keeping her his, he hires the one person he knows she could never fall in love with: Colin.
Daddy was wrong

Review-

This book is amazing! I love the love story in this book. The growing attraction between Ashlyn and Colin is very realistic! This book has everything! Drama, romance, and very, very over protective parents. My heart truly went out to Ashlyn in this book. I felt soooo bad for the poor girl. Jennifer Laurens is defiantly one of my favorite authors! I would recommend this book to anyone.  

Publisher-Grove Creek Publishing

My Score: 5 Stars-Loved the Book!

Reviewed by~Sarah

~Thank you to the author for the donation of this book to the Read for your future book program. This donation in no way influences our review of this book!~

Review: Magic Hands by Jennifer Laurens

Summary-

Cort, the high school senior jock seems to have it all -- except a summer job. When he lands one doing women's nails, his eyes are opened to the catty, back-stabbing world of females. Girls he thought he knew and trusted turn out to shock and use him. He gets to know Rachel, an elusive girl the others gossip about, a girl with secrets. From her he learns there is more to life than weekend partying and social status, and one of the secrets she shares with him will change his life forever.

Review-
Jennifer Laurens has done it again! Another amazing book! I must say I love this book. A man finally put into a woman's world. What girl wouldn't want to read that one! I love how the relationship between Cort and Rachel blooms. This book was very well written! It made it me going "Oh my god he didn't!" at certain times. I loved the ending! It was extremely sweet. Bravo Jennifer Laurens!!! 

Publisher-Grove Creek Publishing

 My score: 5 STARS! -Loved the Book!
Reviewed by~Sarah

       ~Thank you to the author for this book~

Review: Fury (The Fury Trilogy #1) by Elizabeth Miles

Summary-

It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...

Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.
On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.
In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.
Em and Chase have been chosen.


Review-
Fury was incredible! It was wickedly exciting! The only problem I have with the book is Chase...I felt like I didn't get to know him as well as I could have. Maybe even if the interactions between Chase and Sasha were in there I would feel better. Other then that an amazing book! The ending was great! Definitely want to read the next part of this book!


Publisher-Simon Pulse
My Score: 4 Stars
Reviewed by~Sarah
   ~Thank you to Good Choice Reading for including us in this ARC Tour!~

Review: Vanish (Firelight #2) by Sophie Jordan

Summary-

To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely-guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.

Back home, Jacinda is greeted with hostility and must work to prove her loyalty for both her sake and her family’s. Among the few who will even talk to her are Cassian, the pride’s heir apparent who has always wanted her, and her sister, Tamra, who has been forever changed by a twist of fate. Jacinda knows that she should forget Will and move on—that if he managed to remember and keep his promise to find her, it would only endanger them both. Yet she clings to the hope that someday they will be together again. When the chance arrives to follow her heart, will she risk everything for love?
In bestselling author Sophie Jordan’s dramatic follow-up to Firelight, forbidden love burns brighter than ever.

Review-
WOW what a sequel. I LOVED this book I couldn't put it down. It has everything that I love in a great book romance, adventure and a storyline that ROCKS!

The characters are solid. I was attached to Jacinda in book one and I just grew to love her more in book 2. Will and Cassian are strong male characters that I found myself flipping back and forth rooting for. First wanting her to be with one and then the other. Never growing tired of the triangle. Both cared for her and both want to be with her. So I wanted her to stay with both. I rarely find myself doing that in a book. I usually side with one or the other. With the exception of one book Nightshade.
The storyline is adventurous and exciting and I found myself holding my breath at one moment in the book. I had the thought "NOOO" LOL. It twists and turns and I couldn't get enough.
I cant say enough about this book. Other than you MUST read part one to get part two. It is definitely not a stand alone book. The history of the characters is important in this book.
All I can say is "STANDING OVATION" TO sophie Jordon. Well done!


Publisher-Harperteen
My Score: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Lora
  ~Thank you to the publisher for this book through NetGallery~

Review: Everlost (Skinjacker #1) by Neal Shusterman

Summary-

Nick and Allie don't survive the car accident...but their souls don't exactly get where they're supposed to get either. Instead, they're caught halfway between life and death, in a sort of limbo known as Everlost: a shadow of the living world, filled with all the things and places that no longer exist. It's a magical yet dangerous place where bands of lost children run wild and anyone who stands in the same place too long sinks to the center of the Earth.

When they find Mary, the self-proclaimed queen of lost kids, Nick feels like he's found a home. But Allie isn't satisfied spending eternity between worlds. Against all warnings, Allie begins learning the "Criminal Art" of haunting and ventures into dangerous territory, where a monster called the McGill threatens all the souls of Everlost.
In this imaginative novel, Neal Shusterman explores questions of life, death, and what just might lie in between


Review-
Such a unique story! Each chapter will leave you wondering what will happen next, and every turn brings an exciting surprise! It will introduce a clever idea about the after-life, and the characters are so beatifully created; you cannot help but love each and every one of them. I ABSOLUTLEY reccommend this book to someone looking for a fun read.


Publisher-Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing


My Score: 5 STARS!-Loved the Book!
Reviewed by~Molly Maugans

Review: Need (Need #1) by Carrie Jones

Summary-

Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now.

She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara's overactive imagination. In fact, he's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.
In this creepy, compelling breakout novel, Carrie Jones delivers romance, suspense, and a creature you never thought you'd have to fear.


Review-

This book is a good and quick read. The best part of this book is defiantly the main character Zara. She is witty and sarcastic and incredibly strong. Some parts of the book however did remind me of Twilight. But overall not a bad read.

Publisher:Bloomsbury USA Children's Books

My score: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by~Abbie (Student at Franklin High School)

Review: The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins

Summary-

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.


Review-

I think "the hunger games" is a great book.  The writing is very good. The plot is entertaining and I was easily hooked. The characters in the book are very likeable and you can very easily sympathize with them. I would recommend this book to anyone twelve and up.

Publisher-Scholastic, Inc
My Score: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Nikki Reynolds

Review:The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder

Summary-
At Penford High School, Britney Taylor is the queen bee. She dates whomever she likes, rules over her inner circle of friends like Genghis Khan, and can ruin anyone's life with a snap of perfectly manicured fingers. Just ask the unfortunate few who have crossed her.   For April Bowers, Britney is also the answer to her prayers. April is so unpopular, kids don't even know she exists. But one lunch spent at Britney's table, and April is basking in the glow of popularity.   But Britney's friendship comes with a high price tag. How much is April willing to pay?

Review-

This novel is a classic example of a shy girl being invited into the popular clique, but having to get revenge after everything goes awry.  April is a character every girl could look up to and learn from until the last page. This book contains a great lesson for girls of all ages.  This book has a great plot with some rotten characters and some angelic characters.  Holder uses easy to understand language and it is literally a book for all ages, but probably mostly for girls.  It is definitely a book I would read again. 

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

My Score: 4 Stars

Reviewed by~Patti

~Thank you to the author for this book~

Giveaway: Vanish (Firelight #2) by Sophie Jordan

I am reading Vanish and  I love it so much I am going to giveaway (PREORDER release 9/6) a copy of it to a lucky follower 

You can enter Here!

You MUST be a follower to enter!

Contest ends 8/31/11

                                

Review: Isle of Night (The Watchers #1) by Veronica Wolff

Summary-

Is life offering fewer and fewer options? Then join the dead.

When Annelise meets dark and seductive Ronan, he promises her a new life-if she has the courage to chance the unknown. Now, she's whisked away to a mysterious island and pitted against other female recruits to become a Watcher-girls who are partnered with vampires and assist them in their missions. To survive and become a Watcher, Annelise has to beat out every other girl, but she's determined to do so, because to fail doesn't mean dishonor-it means death.

Review-
This book wowed me! It has everything that i love in a good story. It has romance, thrills and sitting on the edge of your seat drama. This may very well be the next big thing! The story line is solid and the dark twists and turns kept me glued to this book! I couldn't wait to turn the page to see what was going to happen next!  This is a must read for anyone who loves page turner stories.
The main character Annelise is a strong willed girl who can take a punch who learns to give one in return. Her past has taught her life lessons that come in handy in her new life. She is a strong character that i became attached to very fast and when someone messed with her i even found myself getting mad!
I love the dialogue between the characters and the witty remarks even made me giggle! The conversations had me glued!
It is a  story that is a must read! This book will be out Sept 6th so mark your calenders and get it fast! You can preorder it HERE! I hope I'm on the ARC list for part 2!!!!!!!!!

Publisher:NAL Trade

My Score 5 STARS! (I would give it more if i could)
Reviewed by~Lora                                                      ~A Special thank you to Rosanna Romanello for this book. ~

Interview: J.M. Pierce author of Failing Test (The Shadow Series #1)

Today we have a special guest stopping by our blog for a chat. Thank you J.M for being here today!

1. How did you come up with the concept for this book?

The initial idea for Failing Test came from a series of recurring lucid dreams that I’d had from my high school years up until last year. Unfortunately, as soon as I finished Failing Test, the dreams all but stopped. I can’t remember the last time I had one now. Too bad, they were a blast!

2. How did you come up with the names for the characters?

Test’s name came to me out of the blue one day. It was seriously as if someone had whispered it in my ear. That was actually the catalyst for me to begin writing the book. The rest of the characters were a little more thought out, but not to the point of tedium.


3. How much are you and the characters alike?
There’s no doubt that Test is a lot like myself when I was a teen, but then again, Test is probably a lot like many teenage boys out there. I always want my readers to be able connect with my characters, even if it’s only one of them, and be able to pretend that it’s them in the story. Funny, as I get older I now find myself identifying more with Cliff.


4. Do you read a lot and what are you reading now?
I do read a lot. I love reading! My New Year’s resolution this year was to read in many different genres. Here’s a list of what I’ve read so far this year:


Powerless: The Shadowing by Jason Letts


33 A.D. by David McAfee


Cameo the Assassin by Dawn McCullough White


Phantom Rising by Dawn Judd


Abominable by William Meikle


Out of Time by Monique Martin


Inevitable by Jason Letts


A Land of Ash by David Dalglish


The Wendigo by Algernon Blackwood


Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer


Royal Switch by Sean Sweeney


The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan


I just started New Life Incorporated by Maria Rachel Hooley, and then have the first book in Dean Koontz’ Frankenstein series titled The Prodigal Son up next. I have to be careful about how much I read because it starts to cut into my writing time. At one point I told myself that I wouldn’t read while I was writing a book. That worked for about two days and then I caved.


5. What made you decide to go paranormal and YA?
It wasn’t really a conscious decision, but once I realized that’s where it was heading, I was excited about it. I had a blast putting myself back into the high school frame of mind. It was cathartic.


6. How did the cover come about?
I had the concept in mind from the minute I started writing Failing Test. The cover for A Shadow’s Light was actually a little harder to come to terms with. I like how my covers don’t make immediate sense, but once you’ve read the book, it is obvious. I’ve had several readers and fans email me in that respect and it makes me smile each time


7. So what is your next project and when is it due out?
I’m currently about half way finished with the first draft of my next novel. It is a SciFi Apocalyptic Fantasy titled “Before & Gone”. I’m hoping that it will be available in September of this year. After that, I’m hoping to have the third book in The Shadow Series, tentatively titled “Sanctify”, available in December. I’m having a blast right now!

8. Do you have a daytime job or are you a full time writer?
I do work full time as the estimation manager in a metal fabrication shop. I get an hour lunch every day, and it is spent with my office door closed working on my current W.I.P. Someday I hope to be able to write full time…definitely.


9. How did you get into writing novels and were you worried about peoples reactions to your books?
I’ve always been a creative person, and before writing novels, music had been my outlet. That portion of my life came to an end and I found myself lost. Work was horrible as the company had laid off a bunch of people. Those of us left were having to work ridiculous amounts of hours. I started writing in an effort to get away from reality for a while. I discovered that it was an outlet that proved far more satisfying than playing music ever had. I can’t imagine life without it.


I didn’t really worry about what people thought. I hadn’t even thought about the possibility of receiving bad reviews. My only goal, God’s honest truth, was to provide an outlet to other people who were struggling with the harsh realities of life. Writing the books gave that to me, and I hope that reading the books gives that to others.


10. One last thing do you collect anything personally?
HA! My wife would laugh at this question. I’m better now that I’m older, but when I was a kid I was a certified pack rat. I went so far as to collect used spark plugs. Now, I’ve toned it down a bit. I still have my comic book collection from when I was a kid, but I don’t add to it much anymore. I guess you could say that I started collecting children eight years ago, but decided that one boy and one girl was the perfect amount to that collection, so we ended it there! ;)


Collecting a reading audience is now what drives me. I’ve said it a million times and I will never stop saying it. Thank you to all that have given my work a chance. Whether you enjoyed it or not, I appreciate you giving it a go!

Thanks so much to J.M for stopping by and letting us learn a little more about him and his book Failing test. Available now at Amazon!

Interview: Danielle Weiler author of Friendship on Fire

We are joined today by Danielle Weiler the author of the book Friendship on fire.

1. How did you come up with the concept for this book?

Honestly, I woke up one Sunday morning in 2009 and Daisy was in my head, frowning about her accidentally dyed red hair. She was telling me it wasn’t her fault that she was in trouble with the principal, and I had to find out why. So I let her talk to me (in a non-crazy way) and she told me her story.

2.How did you come up with the names for the characters?

It’s going to sound funny but I wanted to have characters with names that I’d never taught before (as a teacher) or interacted with before. I vaguely knew a girl called Daisy but have never had a friend called Daisy. I wanted something different, something unique. Nate is a name I’ve always thought went hand in hand with the mysterious sexy guy. Roman sounded like a perfect best friend’s name. Daisy’s BFF Rachael just seemed like a good best friend’s name. The minor characters pretty much named themselves. Daisy’s older brothers, for example, Josh, Treston and Shane. I’m weird like that.

3.How much are you and the characters alike?
Daisy is a nice girl who doesn’t cope with injustice, so she comes with a temper, which I think we all have but don’t necessarily show it like Daisy does. She has a supportive family like me. She gets to do all the things I’d only think about doing but couldn’t actually do it. She does remind me of myself a little when I was 17 but of course we are completely different. I have 5 older brothers so it was easy to write about what Daisy’s brothers would say and do in different situations. I have a friend called Rachael and she’s a ‘ranga’, but she’s nothing like the Rachael in the story…

4.Do you read a lot and what are you reading now?
I do try to read a lot, more so in the last 3 years, but I find it hard to steal the time away from other things. I’m half way through ‘House Rules’ by Jodi Picoult right now and I wish I could spend my whole day reading!

5. What made you decide to go YA?
It speaks to me. I can get bored very easily by other genres as they’re dense and I get bogged down in them. To write YA was never a choice for me, it’s just what comes naturally. The stories I think up are always based around a young adult navigating their way through to adulthood. Often their plans don’t work out, but they still have hope before they become a cynical adult!

6. How did the cover come about?
My layout designer, Luke from Chameleon Print Designs in Melbourne, made it. I was scared at first that he wouldn’t get the flavour of the story, or that the cover would be weird but it wasn’t at all! The only thing I asked for was that there be a beach setting on the back cover instead of a repeated, smaller version of the front cover. Daisy’s favourite place is the beach and the front cover makes you think she’s at a beach anyway at sunset, so the back cover follows on from that.

7. So what is your next project and when is it due out?
I’ve finished book 2 which isn’t related to FoF at all and that’s with my agent at the moment so fingers crossed. I’m currently doing a second draft of book 3 which might just be my favourite so far. I’m always hoping.

8. Do you have a daytime job or are you a full time writer?
I’m a high school teacher in Perth. If I had all the time in the world to write, I think I’d churn out a lot more books. Unfortunately, unless you’re Stephenie Meyer or Jodi Picoult or J.K. Rowling, you don’t make enough money as an author to quit your day job. But I don’t mind. The kids keep me sane and they make me laugh a lot.

9. How did you get into writing novels and were you worried about peoples reactions to your books?
I didn’t do any specific writing course but I’ve been keeping a diary since I was very young. I was editor of the student magazine at my university so I’ve always been doing some kind of writing. I studied English and History. I absolutely was worried about what people would think, especially my target audience! I still am. I’m quite confident people will like them as I’ve had enough feedback by now but when I send off that first draft to my first readers I always feel nervous that I’ll develop ‘writer fail’. There are some random occasions where someone has said they didn’t like my character names or chapter titles but as one very nice author told me once, there’s something called Reader Fail and that’s what it is. You can’t be paranoid about what everyone thinks. Just write about what you like.

10. One last thing. Do you collect anything personally?
I really like little funky notebooks. I don’t use them all but I have the best of intentions. I try not to hoard things. I do however love surf clothes – Roxy, Rip Curl, Billabong…so I suppose I collect those ☺

Thanks Danielle for stopping by our blog and taking time for us to get to know you better, Check out Danielles book Friendship on fire HERE!

Review: The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder

Summary-

At Penford High School, Britney Taylor is the queen bee. She dates whomever she likes, rules over her inner circle of friends like Genghis Khan, and can ruin anyone's life with a snap of perfectly manicured fingers. Just ask the unfortunate few who have crossed her.   For April Bowers, Britney is also the answer to her prayers. April is so unpopular, kids don't even know she exists. But one lunch spent at Britney's table, and April is basking in the glow of popularity.   But Britney's friendship comes with a high price tag. How much is April willing to pay?

Review-

This novel is a classic example of a shy girl being invited into the popular clique, but having to get revenge after everything goes awry. April is a character every girl could look up to and learn from until the last page.  The book contains a great lesson for girls of all ages. This book has a great plot with some rotten characters and some angelic characters. Holder uses easy to understand language and it is literally a book for all ages, but probably mostly for girls.  It is definitely a book I would read again. 

 

Publisher-Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

My Score: 4.5 Stars

Reviewed by~Patti

    ~Thank you to the publisher and author for this book~

Review: Remembrance by Michelle Madow

Summary-

New Hampshire high school junior Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.

Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she seem to get him out of her mind?
Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, the pair of them soon find that fighting fate isn't going to be easy.



Review-

This book is a great refresher from the regular romance stories that have been around. This book has a great plot and great characters. You get to see a change in people, both for the better and for the worse, and you get to see a real fairytale love story.  Madow does a great job on this book and has a great literary hand when writing about this special couple and their struggles to come together again. There is always a twist in the plot and you get to see two people grow up and be together as if they weren't in another time period.  I would mainly recommend this book for girls of any age.

Publisher-Createspace

My Score: 4.5 Stars

Reviewed by~Patti

             ~Thank you to the author for this book~

Review: Ordained (The Immortal Archives #1) by Devon Ashley

Summary-

Normally, the school creates the hunters - not the monsters.

Abby Sorrensten likes to play rough. Ripping the horns off the foreheads of demons, manipulating lightning and setting things on fire with the flick of your wrist can give you a serious rush. So she probably wasn’t the best choice for the Order’s experimental training program. Thirteen years of isolation, lack of affection and a bruised and broken body from horrendous training sessions creates more than just an exceptional fighter. It creates an evil within - an evil responsible for several deaths the night she left.
Two hundred years later Abby resurfaces as the very thing the Order trained her to kill: a vampire. A mythical demon has set his sights on the school and only the ordained hunter has the powers to face it. Unbeknownst to the Order, Abby’s their precious ordained one and their only chance for survival. As much as she would love to leave them hanging, she’s not willing to risk the life of Emily, a fellow friend and hunter also fed up with the organization.
But for Abby, locking herself away in a fortress with angry descendents of those she killed causes suspicions and tensions to run high. Abby must learn the demon’s weaknesses for battle before the Order learns hers.

Review-

This book caught my interest as soon as I started it, and it never got boring. This novel will keep you on the edge of your seat, and there is a twist at every turn.  The book contains adventure and romance.  It is a great book for both boys and girls of all ages.  Ashleys writing style makes it an easy read.   The characters are amazing and passionate, and they all balance each other out.  I am excited to read the next book and learn more of what is going to happen to these hunteresses.  This is a unique vampire hunter story that I would recommend to anyone.

 

Publisher-CreateSpace

My Score: 5 STARS!

Reviewed by~Patti

                ~Thank you to the author for this book~

Review: The Fairytale Trilogy: Fairytale, The Emperor's Realm, The Three Crowns by Valerie Gribben

Summary-

Welcome to the wonder-filled world of The Fairytale Trilogy, where magic is far more than smoke and mirrors ...

The three novels collected in this book -- Fairytale, The Emperor’s Realm, and The Three Crowns -- chronicle Marianne’s and her brother Robin’s adventures as they come of age in an enchanted land where frogs talk, fantastical creatures prowl, and danger doesn’t stop at the edge of a dark forest. Marianne’s dreaded marriage to a nobleman she’s never met gets sidetracked when she and Robin are accidentally swept away by a dragon, and the pair end up on a quest to discover the surprising truth about their family. Their journey takes them to the Emperor’s Realm, where the air is full of exotic spices and the royal palace seethes with harrowing intrigues and courtly conspiracy. Ultimately a midnight masquerade will reveal more than it conceals, and Marianne finds her destiny when she must make the choice of a lifetime.
Though steeped in the tradition of classic fairytales, The Fairytale Trilogy presents an engagingly fresh story with a modern sensibility.

Review-

I love this book.  It combines so many childhood fairytales and puts them in these enticing, humorous, and riveting tales.  Gribben does a fantastic job of taking you through the adventures of Marrianne and Robin as they rescue a princess in distress, save a fairy kingdom. They make friends that help them through their trials and heartaches and eventually grow up into the type of people anyone can look up to.  Gribben also writes a tale in a way that everyone can read and enjoy.  I definitely recommend this book to those who don't want to grow up and those who do.  Fairytales are meant to last a whole life, and this combines many of them to make the story one that anyone would love to read. :)

Publisher-NewSouth, Incorporated

My score; 5 STARS
Reviewed by~Patti
 ~Thank you to the Author and Publisher for this book~

Gripped into Books: 1000 Followers Giveaway!!!

Gripped into Books: 1000 Followers Giveaway!!!: "Hey guys!

I'll just get straight to the point! There's more than 1000 followers on my blog! YAY! I would have never have thought tha..."

Review: Starlighter by Bryan Davis

Summary-

What if the Legends Are True?

Jason Masters doubted the myths that told of people taken through a portal to another realm and enslaved by dragons. But when he receives a cryptic message from his missing brother, he must uncover the truth and find the portal before it's too late. At the same time, Koren, a slave in the dragons' realm, discovers she has a gift that could either save or help doom her people. As Jason and Koren work to rescue the enslaved humans, a mystic prophecy surrounding a black egg may make all their efforts futile.
In Starlighter, bestselling author Bryan Davis masterfully weaves fantasy and inspiration into a captivating novel for young adults.

Review-
I LOVE this book. It has everything I love about fantasy. It has mystery, friendship, bravery.

I couldn't put it down and it kept me entertained throughout the entire novel! Davis does a great job with the plot, the word choice is superb, and the story is easy to follow. The characters in the novel are not those that you can relate with but those you can look up to. They each show bravery that would rarely be shown in our world today, and none of them hesitate in the face of fear or sacrifice. This bravery and courage also spread throughout the people of Dracon, Starlight, and helps people escape a gruesome fate. I eagerly anticipate the sequel to this thrilling fantasy novel!!! It is one of the best books I have read in a while.

Publisher-Zondervan
My Score: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Patti
            ~Thank you to the publisher for this book~

Review: The Magic of Finkleton by K.C. Hilton

Summary-

Most folks say, "Mother Nature controls the rain." However this is not the case in the village of Finkleton.

In the perfect little village of Finkleton, the weather is always perfect. Every farm grows the best, biggest, healthiest crops in the entire world, and everyone is happy.
Soon after the Finkles inherit their Uncle Harry's shop and move to Finkleton, they discover magical secrets hidden in his shop. One clue at a time, Jack, Lizzy and Robert learn the town's amazing secret. No, Mother Nature is not in charge in Finkleton!
Ever since Uncle Harry's death, the weather has not been cooperating. Farms are starting to fail. Will the Finkle children be able to solve all the magical mysteries before the village is destroyed?
Come along to Finkleton. A very special, magical adventure is about to begin!

Review-
Short and interesting, this book makes for a easy read. A tale thats good for a weekend read, this book is hard to put down! Almost like a fairy tale, it makes me wonder what other adventures might happen in Finkleton

Publisher-CreateSpace
My Score: 4 Stars
Reveiwed by~ Molly Maugans (Student at Franklin High School)

Review: Misfit by Jon Skovron

Summary-
Jael has always felt like a freak. She’s never kissed a boy, she never knew her mom, and her dad’s always been superstrict—but that’s probably because her mom was a demon, which makes Jael half demon and most definitely not a normal sophomore girl. On her sixteenth birthday, a mysterious present unlocks her family’s dangerous history and Jael’s untapped potential. What was merely an embarrassing secret before becomes a terrifying reality. Jael must learn to master her demon side in order to take on a vindictive Duke of Hell while also dealing with a twisted priest, best-friend drama, and a spacey blond skater boy who may have hidden depths.

Author Jon Skovron takes on the dark side of human nature with his signature funny, heartfelt prose.

Review-

This book was AWESOME! I loved everything about it! It is definetly everything I look for in a book. I has a great love story, lots of action, and lots of interesting characters. I would definetly recommend this to anyone who wants to read a great paranormal book. Only thing I wish the author would have done was let people know sooner the right was to pronounce Jael's name.

Publisher- Amulet Books

My Score: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Sarah
                                                              ~Thank you to the aurthor for this book~

Summer giveaway Hop

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