Review: New Girl by Paige Harbison

Summary-

They call me 'New Girl'...

Ever since I arrived at exclusive, prestigious Manderly Academy, that’s who I am. New girl. Unknown. But not unnoticed—because of her.
Becca Normandy—that’s the name on everyone’s lips. The girl whose picture I see everywhere. The girl I can’t compare to. I mean, her going missing is the only reason a spot opened up for me at the academy. And everyone stares at me like it’s my fault.
Except for Max Holloway—the boy whose name shouldn’t be spoken. At least, not by me. Everyone thinks of him as Becca’s boyfriend but she’s gone, and here I am, replacing her. I wish it were that easy. Sometimes, when I think of Max, I can imagine how Becca’s life was so much better than mine could ever be.
And maybe she’s still out there, waiting to take it back.

Review-
I am utterly and completely torn about this book! I love it! But there is also things I didn't like. I would have loved more of a relationship or even just more interaction between the main characters Callie and Max. I did not like the many references it made to sexual interaction. I would not allow my daughter to read this for that simple fact. It's suppose to be a teens book for gosh sakes! Me on the other hand because I am an adult can handle reading it. Even though it was upsetting because that is exactly the reason I stay away from adult books. Anyway, I love everything else about the book. I think the author does a great job making the two point of views(Becca and Callie) tie together. I found Becca to be likeable at first. Then I grew to hate her. Then I felt bad for hating her. And At a few points in the book I was like OMG HE is an idiot! I would rate this book as a 4 because of the two problems with the book. The Sex and the lack of interaction between Max and Callie.

Publisher-Harlequin Teen
Reviewer Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by~Sarah                                

Interview & giveaway: Jill Williamson author of Replication: The Jason Experiment

Today we have Jill Williamson stopping by to pay us a visit about her new book Replication: The Jason Experiment which came out December 27th 2011. And it is published by Zonderkids.

1. How did you come up with the concept for this book?
I was riding in a car through upstate New York with my sister. We were going to pick apples. We passed endless amounts of ranches, orchards, and farms. It got me thinking. What if there was a farm where they grew people? Clones. It could be called Jason Farms. And that’s where the idea for the story came from.


2. How did you come up with the names for the characters?
It depends. Martyr was easy, since I had decided that the guards would nickname all the clones based on their personalities. I chose Abby’s name because I liked it. I have a baby name book and a Los Angeles phone book that really help me when I’m looking for first or last names.

3. How much are you and the characters alike?
Not too much. I try to create characters that are unique, though it’s easy to put myself into their reactions, especially when they are dealing with situations that I have been through.


4. Do you read a lot and what are you reading now?
I read a ton. Right now I’m reading a book called H2O. It’s pretty interesting so far.

5. What made you decide to go Young adult?
My husband is a youth pastor, so we have been hanging out with teenagers for the past fourteen years. I adore teenagers. We have shared many books over the years, but I felt like—at the time—there was a lack of books for teens with Christian main characters. And since I worked with Christian teenagers, I wanted to write books for them. That has always been my goal, and I don’t know why I would write for any other age.


6. How did the cover come about?
The cover was designed by an artist who works for the publisher. I was able to provide suggestions and inspiration, but everything was decided by the artist and my publisher.

7. So what is your next project and when is it due out?
My next book is about a wild child who gets recruited to train for a teen spy program. He’s not so good at following rules, though, and gets into all kinds of mischief. That book is called The New Recruit and will come out in October 2012.


8. Do you have a daytime job or are you a full time writer?
I am a full-time writer, though it doesn’t really provide full-time pay. It might someday, though. *crosses fingers*


9. How did you get into writing novels and were you worried about people’s reactions to your books?
Like I mentioned above, I wanted to write a book for the teens in our youth group. I did worry a little and still do sometimes. There are all kinds of Christians out there. Viewpoints vary greatly on what is “appropriate” for Christian teens to read. Well, I wanted to write books that were as real as possible but had a Christian character in there somewhere. That makes my books a bit controversial because some people love that, some hate it, some aren’t bothered at all. I never know how someone might react to my stories. *shrugs*

10. One last thing do you collect anything personally?
I collect Barbie dolls. Not so many new ones these days. But I have a small collection of dolls that I kept in their boxes. Sometimes I like to get them out just to look at them. They’re all very specific dolls, too. I have some Disney villains that are amazing; they look so much like the cartoons.

More Places to find Jill:
Jill Williamson.com
Goodreads
Twitter
Shelfari
Facebook

Find Replication here
Goodreads
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
                                             Enter the giveaway HERE!

Young Adult Giveaway Hop

Review: Leaving Paradise (Leaving Paradise #1) by Simone Elkeles

Summary-

Nothing has been the same since Caleb Becker left a party drunk, got behind the wheel, and hit Maggie Armstrong. Even after months of painful physical therapy, Maggie walks with a limp. Her social life is nil and a scholarship to study abroad—her chance to escape everyone and their pitying stares—has been canceled.

After a year in juvenile jail, Caleb’s free . . . if freedom means endless nagging from a transition coach and the prying eyes of the entire town. Coming home should feel good, but his family and ex-girlfriend seem like strangers.
Caleb and Maggie are outsiders, pigeon-holed as "criminal" and "freak." Then the truth emerges about what really happened the night of the accident and, once again, everything changes. It’s a bleak and tortuous journey for Caleb and Maggie, yet they end up finding comfort and strength from a surprising source: each other.

Review-
I thought Leaving Paradise was great. It was well written and it is one of those books where you don't want to put it down. I can't wait to read the next one.

Publisher-Flux
Reviewer Rating: 5 STARS!!
Reviewed by~Destiny Beaudoin (Student at Franklin High School)

~Thank you to the Time Bandit for the donation of this book to the Read for your future program!~

Review: Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days #1) by Susan Ee

Summary-

It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.
Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.
Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where she'll risk everything to rescue her sister and he'll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

Review-
This story is an amazing story of a girl and her relationship with a De- winged angel. This story really got me. It took a dark twist that i didn't see coming! I love any twist (i dont see coming) in my story. It is a story that made me think about it long after i put it down. Rarely does a story do that to me.
The lead female character Penryn is a strong focused heroin that i came to respect with dignity and admiration. The lead male Raffe is strong and Swoony and a perfect gentleman.
The storyline is well written and executed very well. I wish there had been more of a romance between Penryn and Raffe. But it was all in all a great start to a good series.
The scenes are descriptive and well thought out.
This is a great story. But be prepared for a dark side to this story. But hey Its great. I loved it.....

Publisher-Feral Dream
Reviewer Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by~Lora

~Thank you to the author for allowing Read for your future to review her book!~

Review: Countercharm by Cherese A. Vines

Summary-

Sydnie Knight never knew how much her life would change when her mother sent her to Seattle to stay with her aunt. Upon her first meeting with a strange young man named Ron Andres, she has a foreboding feeling about him. After a series of dreamlike visions, bizarre behavior, and a near-fatal drowning accident, Sydnie is sent to "talk things out" with psychologist Dr. Neal Vaughan. From the doctor, Sydnie learns frightening realizations that only get more fantastic as time goes on. Who can she trust when she finds out her mother is missing and everyone seems to think she's gone crazy? Including herself.

Review-

This is a wonderful short story. It has a lot of magic and mystery to it. The main character is a charming young lady. Once she starts to find her way things really start to spice up. Easy to read and follow. I like this story and will be waiting to read the follow up. Hope you like the book too.

 

Publisher-Buy Books on the Web.Com

Reviewer Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewed by~Mechele

~Thank you to the Author for the donation of this book to the Read for your future book program!~

 

Review: Moonstone (Unbidden Magic #1) by Marilee Brothers

Summary-

MOONSTONE A Fictionwise Fantasy bestseller Young Adult A sickly mom. A tiny house trailer. High school bullies and snarky drama queens. Bad-guy dudes with charming smiles. Allie has problems. And then there's that whole thing about fulfilling a magical prophecy and saving the world from evil. Geez. Welcome to the sad, funny, sometimes-scary world of fifteen-year-old Allie Emerson, who's struggling to keep her and her mom's act together in the small-town world of Peacock Flats, Washington. An electrical zap from a TV antenna sets off Allie's weird psychic powers. The next thing she knows she's being visited by a hippy-dippy guardian angel, and then her mysterious neighbor, the town "witch," gives her an incredible moonstone pendant that has powers only a good-hearted "Star Seeker" is meant to command. "Who, me?" is Allie's first reaction. But as sinister events begin to unfold, Allie realizes she's got a destiny to live up to. If she can just survive everyday life, in the meantime.

Review-

 A really good start to the Unbidden Magic series. I am very pleased with the way this storyline flows. Lots of elements intertwine together to make this a delightful read. You can actually see the transformation of the main character from a scared little girl into a magic wielding young lady. This book is loaded with adventure and magic. A really good book.

 

Publisher-Bell Bridge Books
Reviewer Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by~Mechele

~Thank you to the publisher for the donation of this book to the Read for your future book program!~

Review:Josephine Lost by Rebecca Gahagan

Summary-

Looking back on that day, December 16, 2012, I wish I would have enjoyed it more. If wishes were fishes, right? Everything was so simple then. If I had known my whole world was about to spiral out of control, I would have called in sick to work and slept the afternoon away.

Nineteen-year-old Abigail Thornton’s family means everything to her. Her quarreling brother and sister, her ailing father, and her overbearing mother matter more to Abigail than anything in the world.
That is until one fateful December day changes her life forever. Betrayal and death sweep through her family and life as she knows it will never be the same.
Abi is drawn into a battle waged for eternities between the Arkos and the Scrios. Abigail is the Arkos’ Chosen Soldier and with the help of Harrison, her Guardian, she fights the ultimate battle to save the souls of mankind. Abigail’s sister, Josephine, falls in with the Scrios, the enemy bent on destroying the world.
If Abigail succeeds in her mission, she must battle her sister and leave what’s left of her family forever. Should she fail, she will cease to exist, and the world will fall into an irreversible darkness.
In the midst of chaos, she finds a love truer than she’s ever known and the courage to defy those whose only mission is to destroy her.
But will it be enough? Will she be able to save the world from a terrible fate? How will Abigail be able to fight a sister who she once loved?
Join Abigail as she finds her way in Josephine Lost.

Review-

 A very interesting take on the whole Guardian Angel Vs. Demon scenario. An age old tale put into a modern time. I really like the way the author mingles the old with the new. The descriptive way she twists the classic guardians and the edgy demons grab you right from the start. The main characters are bright and witty. A true teenage essence is captured. Filled with action, heartbreak and joy this book leads your imagination on an unforgettable adventure. The outcome will affects all of man kind... Go Good Guys!! In this story both sides must lose something or someone precious before any gains are achieved. As always, Love is the greatest gift of all. A thrilling and exciting storyline. This book is hard to put down. I hope there will be a sequel.

Publisher-Tate Publishing & Enterprises
Reviewer Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by~Mechele

~Thank you to the publisher and the authr for the donation of this book to the Read for your future book program!~

Review: Xoe: or Vampires, and Werewolves, and Demons, Oh My! (Xoe Meyers #1) by Sara C. Roethle

Summary-

Alexondra Meyers, known to her friends as Xoe, had a normal life. She liked her normal life, but there's a new guy in the small town of Shelby, OR, and he is anything but normal. Before Xoe can say, "Werewolf," her world is turned upside-down. Between a dark secret in Xoe's past, a best friend who's been scratched, and not to mention highschool, Xoe has a lot of thinking to do. She has to choose who she can trust, and fast . . . tomorrow's the full moon.

Review-

This book is surprising in so many ways.  It has so many familiar subjects that are breached, yet it is so unique.  The author does a lot to set herself apart from other fantasy writers, including talking about concepts from other books and how her's differs.  Roethle does a great job in this novel, and sets a great premise for an entire series.  It is filled with suspense and action, as well as romance and adventure.  It has something for everyone.  I recommend this book to anyone, no matter the age or gender.  It is a great book and it is a fantastical book that will become a remarkable series. 

 

Publisher-Vulture's Eye Publications
Reviewer Rating: 5STARS!
Reviewed by~Patti

 ~Thank you to the author for the donation of this book to the Read for your future book program!~

Audio book Review: Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare

Summary-

It’s time—for the riveting sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling Clockwork Angel!

The situation at the London Institute has never been more precarious. With Mortmain and his clockwork army still threatening, the Council wants to strip Charlotte of her power and hand the running of the Enclave over to the unscrupulous and power-hungry Benedict Lightwood.
In the hope of saving Charlotte and the Institute, Will, Jem, and Tessa set out to unravel the secrets of Mortmain’s past—and discover unsettling Shadowhunter connections that hold the key not only to the enemy’s motivations, but also to the secret of Tessa’s identity. Tessa, already caught between the affections of Will and Jem, finds herself with another choice to make when she learns how the Shadowhunters helped make her a “monster.” Will she turn from them to her brother, Nate, who has been begging her to join him at Mortmain’s side? Where will her loyalties—and love—lie? Tessa alone can choose to save the Shadowhunters of London…or end them forever.

Review-
Cassandra Clare has done it again! I can not say enough about this audio book! This book is yet another installment in the authors imaginative world of shadowhunters. The audio book is something to consider as well. There is two narrators. One from The female side and one from the male side. I would not have gotten the same effect had i read this book. The audio book gives you the experience of being drawn into a world where the mundane and the shadowhunters coincide in a story line that i couldn't help being absorbed into.
The story line is imaginative and told in a way that the descriptions makes you feel as though you are a part of the story. The storyline is well written and well executed in a way that leaves this reviewer in awe. and for the record i always feel like that at the end of each of this authors books. But i am still left in awe after each one. I have read a lot of books and this author is by far my favorite.
The characters in this book are developed well. They have distinctive personalities that make me love them more with each book. The male narrator has a voice that makes me fall a little more than Will than most of the characters LOL. The characters have a mannerism that fascinates me.
This book has a whopping cliffhanger and i a can hardly wait to only hope to get on the ARC list for this series. If you have a chance start with City of Angel and then read this one. The mortal instruments series is one of the most delightful series out there. And if you have a chance to listen to this on Audio PLEASE PLEASE Listen to it. It was make you get chills more than once!

Publisher-Simon & Schuster Audio
Reviewer Rating-5 STAR!
Reviewed by~Lora
~Thank you to Lauren Pires for the donation of this audio book to the Read for your future book program!~

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Review: Vampire's Kiss (The Watchers #2) by Veronica Wolff

Summary-

IF YOU’RE GOING TO BE PARTNERED WITH A VAMPIRE, YOU HAVE TO WORK THE NIGHT SHIFT.

By her wits, blood, and sacrifice, so far Drew has survived the intensive training on the Isle of Night. As a second-year Acari, her ultimate goal is to become a Watcher, and now she has a shot at her first mission. Except nothing is as it seems. The vampire Alcántara is as sinister as he is sexy, Ronan is more distant than ever, and it turns out there are other vampires out there. Bad ones.
Ancient, bloodthirsty, and powerful, these undead are really old school. They’ve captured one of the Watcher vamps and are torturing him for information. The only chance to save him is to infiltrate a major summit the baddies are holding on their own island. There will be mortals there, serving as butlers, maids, and various hired help. Drew had better brush up on her skills as a serving girl, because she’s about to go undercover…
But, when their vampire prisoner turns out to be a gorgeous bad boy, Drew’s first mission quickly turns into more than she bargained for…

Review-
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series. I have been in love with this series from page one of The isle of Night but after reading part 2 (Vampire's kiss)  I am now in a deep love with this series. Veronica Wolff has created a world that sweeps you in and keeps you there. It is a real page turner. Just when i think i have the story line figured out it turns in a different direction. It is not predictable at all. I love that in a book.
The Main character Drew is a strong young woman who has never felt love or passion in her life. She has never had that first kiss. The feelings that are described by the author seem very realistic. You actually feel the feelings with the character. And that is sometimes tough to pull off.
The storyline is strong and solid. It moves from scene to scene with a naturalness  about it. Its as if you are part of the story. The author does a great job describing the scenery and the actions with the results that seem totally realistic. The dialogue is my favorite thing about this book. It is witty and smart and  Drew has the same reaction that i do about most of her situations. The characters seem real and I love the storyline. I can see this being made into a movie. The storyline runs right on track and kept me tied till the last page.
The secondary characters are realistically written also. Drews love interest are both handsome and smart. And I hope she picks my favorite in the end. The Vampires in the story are scary, powerful and very handsome also and I was genuinely scared for drew.
If you have a chance to read this series DO! Vampire's kisscan be a stand alone book. The author does a very good job playing catch up in part 2. So you CAN read part 2 first if you choose too.
I highly recommend this series. If you are looking for an action packed romance than this book is for you!

Publisher-NAL Trade
Reviewer's Rating: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Lora

 ~Thank you to Rosanne.Romanello of Penguin for the donation of this book to the Read for your future book program!~