Review: The Eleventh Hour Can’t Last Forever

The Eleventh Hour Can’t Last Forever

By Alison Johnson

Published by Cumberland Press

ISBN: 0967561922

191 Pages

Received a review copy from Newman Communications, Inc.

 

 

Product Description (from the back of the book): Two tons of silver and gold coins, hundreds of thousands of nickels, dimes, quarters, and gold pieces. They were under our beds, in the kitchen cupboards, up in the attics, in the bottom of dresser drawers, in holes in the ground. My father was obsessed with gathering up these coins and hiding them away in any likely spot in the houses and garages and store buildings he owned in our tiny town on the mid-Western prairie. Nothing could shake his belief that the total collapse of the American economy and government was just around the corner, a collapse that would bring anarchy and rioting in the streets.

With this shadow of Armageddon always hanging over him, Dad believed that he could save his family from disaster only by collecting as much gold and silver as he could lay his hands on.

This fear of a future calamity that might leave his family penniless so dominated Dad’s thoughts that he failed to see how his blind absorption in amassing wealth created family problems that would lead to his oldest son’s hopeless alcoholism and his wife’s mental collapse. My sister grew up so insecure that she eventually turned to the stars for answers to the frustrations of her life, immersing herself in the study of astrology. In the fairy tale, King Midas’s daughter was miraculously restored to life after she had been turned to stone by her father’s desire for gold, but Dad’s destructive influence on his family could not be so easily reversed.

The General Review: The Eleventh Hour Can’t Last Forever is a brutally honest, first-hand account of how hoarding money can ruin a family. Written from the authors perspective, Alison Johnson tells a heart-breaking story of the long-lasting effects an addiction can have on loved ones.

Likes: I appreciated the author's honest and candid perspective of her fathers gold and silver addiction and how his hoarding had a huge and detrimental impact on each person in her family. While the story the author told is sad and unfortunate, I thought that Alison Johnson shared her account in a bold, straight-forward way that would appeal to most readers.

Dislikes: There was nothing about this book I disliked.

Closing Comments: I originally chose to receive this book to review because I thought the subject matter was unique. I recommend The Eleventh Hour Can’t Last Forever to anyone who is a fan of memoirs or has a fascination with hoarding.

Review: The Change Artist

The Change Artist

By Carla Rieger

Published by Anand Publishing

ISBN: 9780968827284

456 Pages

Received a review copy from www.indiereader.com

 

Product Description (from the back of the book): The Change Artist is a compelling suspense novel that provided a subtle, yet pervasive message of acceptance, growth and hope. Written by creativity catalyst, Carla Rieger, The Change Artist takes you on a gripping and unpredictable adventure. Set to inherit millions, a young accountant named Fran discovers, upon her father’s death, that nothing in her life is what it seems - including her father’s true identity.

From Vancouver to Vienna of today and through the Sahara desert and carnival entertainers of the past, we take the emotional journey along with Fran as she discovers a sister that she never knew existed, uncovers her father’s two hidden lives, and frantically searches for the truth - and herself.

The Change Artist blends Rieger’s powerful recipe for mastering self-change with compelling storytelling, all the more potent because it is inspired by true events from the author’s life. If you have ever searched for more meaning in life, this book will seize your interest from the first chapter. Be prepared for a very personal and thought-provoking voyage into what it means to be a Change Artist.

The General Review: The Change Artist is an inspiring, intriguing story that will take you on an adventure around the world and back in time with the protagonist as she discovers her father’s hidden past by piecing together cryptic hints. Mysterious and captivating, this book will hold your attention until the last page is turned.

Likes: I’m a fan of World War II historical fiction and I thought Carla Rieger did an excellent job researching the life and times of the Romani culture before and during the Holocaust.

Dislikes: I thought that this book was well-researched and well-written. There is nothing I dislike about The Change Artist.

Closing Comments: I recommend The Change Artist to those who are a fan of World War II fiction. This book was so mesmerizing, I could not put it down!

If you’re interested in purchasing The Change Artist, here’s the link to buy it from indiereader.com (I don’t receive compensation from indiereader.com)

Below is the book trailer for The Change Artist

Review: The Mistborn Series

The Mistborn Series

By Brandon Sanderson

Published by TOR Fantasy

Mistborn: The Final Empire ISBN: 0765350386, 644 Pages

The Well of Ascension ISBN:0765316889, 796 Pages

The Hero of Ages ISBN: 0765356147, 724 Pages

Purchased all three books from my local bookstore

Product Description (from the back of Mistborn: The Final Empire): Once, a hero arose to save the world. A young man with a mysterious heritage courageously challenged the darkness that strangled the land.

He failed.

For a thousand years since, the world has been a wasteland of ash and mist ruled by the immortal emperor known as the Lord Ruler. Every revolt has failed miserably.

Yet somehow, hope survives. Hope that dares to dream of ending the empire and even the Lord Ruler himself. A new kind of uprising is being planned, one built around the ultimate caper, one that depends on the cunning of a brilliant criminal mastermind and the determination of an unlikely heroine, a street urchin who must learn to master Allomancy, the power of a Mistborn.

General Review: The Mistborn Series is a fantastical, complex, dystopian story that has it all; love, betrayal, action, suspense and a sci-fi element. This series is fast-paced, addicting and will hold your attention until the very end.

Likes: I was extremely fascinated by the power of Allomancy. The author goes into great detail about the power of Allomancy. I also thought the author did an awesome job building the characters and their talents. And I liked the fact that the protagonist is a female.

Dislikes: There is absolutely nothing I disliked about this series. It’s that awesome!

Closing Comments: The Mistborn Series is a great fantasy series for hardcore fantasy fans and a great introduction to the genre if you’re new to fantasy. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good read.

Review: Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am

Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am: How I Ditched The South, Forgot My Manners, and Managed To Survive My Twenties With (Most Of) My Dignity Still Intact

By: Anna Mitchael

ISBN: 9781580053167

256 Pages

Published by Seal Press

Received a review copy from Newman Communications

Product Description (from publication received from Newman Communications): Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am: How I Ditched the South, Forgot My Manners and Managed to Survive My Twenties with (Most of) My Dignity Still Intact is Mitchael’s hilariously truthful tale about one woman and the choices that add up to be her twenty-something life. Detailing impulsive moves to new cities, domestic disasters, and even the occasional nervous breakdown, this is a book for every woman who has ever woken up one day and wondered how she ended up smack dab in the middle of a life she doesn’t completely recognize.

The story of a Southern girl who sets out to find a new home – and instead finds herself – Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am is a disarmingly humorous (and candidly honest) account of growing up…and it’s a tale in which each and every reader will see some part of themselves.

The General Review: Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am is a witty, hilarious and honest biography of events that happened during her second decade. Mitchael candidly shares her biography with sarcasm, grace and Grandma’s wisdom.

Likes: I liked how easy it was to relate to the authors experiences. I also absolutely loved Mitchael’s writing style. She tells it exactly how she sees it and she doesn’t hold back.

Dislikes: There’s not much I disliked about this book. I would have like to have seen the events in her book depicted in chronological order.

Closing Comments: Just Don’t Call Me Ma’am is a great read for any woman in her 20’s (or any age!) trying to find herself in this crazy world. I’m looking forward to seeing where life takes the author in her 30’s. She had a great blog – www.annamitchael.com. Congratulations to Anna on the arrival of your baby boy last month!!!

Review: The Life O’Reilly

The Life O’Reilly

By Brian Cohen

Published by iUniverse

ISBN: 1440150257 (isbn13: 9781440150258)

276 Pages

Genre: Fiction/Romance

Received a review copy from Mr. Cohen’s Publicist, Kelley & Hall Book Publicity

Product Description (from the back cover): On the outside, Nick O’Reilly has it all: a high-flying legal career, as a partner of an elite Wall Street law firm, and financial security, with an apartment overlooking Central Park. Having grown up in a working-class family, as far back as Nick can remember this was his dream. But at the age of thirty-six, after several years of sacrificing this personal life for professional gain, Nick has started to ponder his future and consider the mark he wants to leave on society both professionally and personally – his legacy.

After being chastised in the press for turning a cold shoulder to the community, the firm calls upon Nick to help rehabilitate its image by handling its first pro bono case. Nick is asked to represent Dawn Nelson, a domestic violence victim who is fighting for custody of her young son, Jordan. A far cry from Nick’s specialty of defending the misdeeds of Corporate America, it is up to Nick to set Dawn and Jordan on a path to a better life. But Nick gets much more than he signed on for, as Dawn forces him to reassess his life choices and, ultimately, be true to himself. Only when Nick finally realizes what is truly important in life does he face his toughest – and possibly final – challenge: a battle for his own survival.

Exploring the flaws of being human and the importance of controlling one’s own destiny, The Life of O’Reilly reminds us how precious life is and how quickly and tragically it can change. Written with great empathy, The Life O’Reilly is an emotional and unforgettable tale that will challenge one’s expectations of the modern love story and introduces a poignant and sensitive new voice in fiction.

The General Review: The Life O’Reilly is more than a modern day love story. It’s about identifying what you really want out of life and going after it. This book will have you cheering and sympathizing with the protagonist as you turn page after page.

Likes: I really enjoyed the plot. Without giving too much away, there was a twist I did not see coming.

Dislikes: I thought that in the beginning of the novel, the author did an excellent job describing the protagonists feelings and surroundings. I felt the end of the book was not as detailed.

Closing Comments: Overall, I enjoyed The Life O’Reilly. If you’re looking for an inspiring romance novel to read, I suggest you pick this book up.

Review: Sanctuary

Sanctuary

By N.E. Julian

Published by iUniverse

ISBN: 1440133093 (isbn13: 9781440133091)

332 Pages

Genre: Fiction/Romance

Received a review copy from the author

Product Description (from the back cover): Nineteen-year-old Lea Kostovic, a cynical and emotionally fragile former university student, has been abandoned by her family at the outset of a Balkan civil war during the late 1990’s.

Major Ed Russell is a gruff yet idealistic divorced American army officer stationed in the former Yugoslavia on a peacekeeping mission. While manning a border checkpoint, Russell learns that Lea intends to head south to find her family and must convey to the young woman that the borders will not reopen until spring. Lea realizes that as a person of Croatian descent, neither the Serbs nor the Muslims will take her in. The thought of roaming the countryside for months – freezing, starving, and alone – prods a wary Lea to accept Russell’s offer not only to work for him as an interpreter, but also to stay with him. There’s just one condition to their simple bargain – Lea must trade sex for protection and survival.

A complex relationship ensues, and as Russell and fledgling artist Lea begin a new life in America, they attempt to build a marriage from a barter that originally had nothing to do with love and respect.

The General Review: Sanctuary is a refreshing and unique modern day love story between two very unlikely people. Historically well-researched and and very engaging, readers of Sanctuary will be thinking about the story-line long after the book is finished.

Likes: I enjoyed how simple this story was. There was no antagonist, no major climax or conflicts. Just a simple love story about overcoming emotional obstacles, circumstances and preconceived notions. The book was written in such a way that kept the reader interested and was in no way boring. I found myself fascinated with how the main characters interacted with each other, especially coming from very different backgrounds.

Dislikes: I was a little disappointed with the ending of the book. I felt like the book flowed beautifully then the author abruptly ended it with a nice bow.

Closing Comments: Sanctuary is a very well written independently published novel. A must read for anyone who is a fan of romance. I look forward to reading more from N.E. Julian in the future.

Review: Change Your Mindset, Not Your Man

Change Your Mindset, Not Your Man

By: Sally B. Watkins

Published by: Adams Media

ISBN: 1605501425 (isbn13: 9781605501420)

256 Pages

Genre: Non-Fiction/Self-Help/Relationships

Product Description (from the back cover): It’s time to acknowledge the obvious: You can’t change your man - but you can change your relationship for the better. In this groundbreaking new guide, author and psychotherapist Sally B. Watkins shows you how to regain control of your relationship, not by nagging, overanalyzing, and fighting, but by altering the way you view your partner. With specific strategies to help you accept and embrace his as he is, Change Your Mindset, Not Your Man will help you:

• Explore how past relationships affect your current thinking
• Decipher why your man’s behaviors bother you so much
• Decide the best course of action for dealing with your partner
• Reposition your thoughts in a positive way
• Understand the reason he hasn’t changed despite your best efforts

Full of thought-provoking exercises and myriad case studies drawn from successes in her own private practice, Ms. Watkins helps you see your relationship in a brand new light. By putting her lessons into practice, you can finally arrive at a happy place in your relationship!

The General Review: Change Your Mindset, Not Your Man is a practical guide on how to stop picking at the flaws in your partner, trying to get him to change and how to focus on the good in the man you fell in love with. Filled with simple, effective wisdom and advise, Change Your Mindset, Not Your Man will not only change your mindset about relationships, but will also change the expectations you have for yourself.

Likes: Throughout every chapter, the author challenges the reader to examine their thought process and beliefs. Watkins gives practical applications on how to truly change deep rooted mindsets. She gives lists of questions to ask yourself and how to analyze your thoughts and motives.

Dislikes: There is honestly nothing about this book I didn’t like.

Closing Comments: I HIGHLY recommend this book for all women, even if you don’t think you nag or are trying to change your partner. The man in your life will truly appreciate it. Actually, I know a few men that could benefit from reading this book. Change Your Mindset, Not Your Man is an excellent resource, even if you’re not in a relationship right now.

Sally B. Watkins will be my first guest blogger!!! Look for her post in the next few days.

Review: The Victor by Marlayne Giron

The Victor

By: Marlayne Giron

Published by: Tate Publishing

ISBN: 9781607991847

276 Pages

Genre: Fiction/Christian/Fantasy

Product Description (from the back cover):

A benevolent King; …his sword of power; …a ruthless traitor bent on revenge; …and the faithful son who stands in his way with the woman destined to share his throne.

Who shall emerge as the victor in this epic struggle between good and evil to govern the lives of hapless men?

The General Review: The Victor is a fantastically written story about how good triumphs over evil. Filled with conflict, despair and heartache, this novel depicts that love conquers all and to not lose hope.

Likes: The medieval world that Giron creates is captivating, and after the first few chapters (see below) I was sucked in. Her descriptions are brilliant; I did not want to put the book down.

Dislikes: The Prologue and 1st chapter are long and a little slow. I almost lost interest. I think the author should have broken up the prologue into a few chapters.

Closing Comments: Though The Victor is an allegory of major Bible events, you do not have to be religious to appreciate the fantasy world that the author has created.

Review: The Bringer of War by Dylan Birtolo

The Bringer of War is the sequel to The Shadow Chaser. You can see my review of The Shadow Chaser here.

The Bringer of War

By: Dylan Birtolo

Published by Lulu.com

ISBN: 1435729374 (isbn13: 9781435729377)

234 Pages

Genre: Fiction/Urban Fantasy

Product Description (from the back cover): The stand-alone sequel to The Shadow Chaser, an urban fantasy novel.

Three months have passed since Darien Yost learned that the world was not all he believed it to be – that underneath the surface of the world he knew, people exist with the ability to shift between human and animal form at will. These people, who have waged a secret war for centuries, now struggle for control over Darien’s destiny. Even among the shifters, he has a special power – one that they believe could tip the scales of balance.

Now, Darien and his friends are hunting the organization of shifters that tried to enslave him three months ago. Meanwhile, a renegade shifter with secrets tries to pull him away from his friends. She believes that together they could rule over all. Alone, their fates could be madness.

The General Review: Darien and friends are back again in The Bringer of War, a fast paced, suspenseful addition to The Shadow Chaser. The fantastical world of shape-shifting is explored deeper and friendships are tested while Darien learns what it really means to embrace his destiny.

Likes: Each chapter is told from a different character’s point of view. I enjoyed the different perspectives, it gives the story more depth and brings out characters personalities.

Like its predecessor, The Shadow Chaser, I really liked the descriptions and the flow of the novel. This author is an excellent writer, his words easily creating vivid mental pictures.

Dislikes: There are a few holes in the story. For example, a few times in the book Richard wanders off on his own and comes back with information or items needed, but the author never shares any details of his errands. I would have liked to read about what Richard was doing while away from the main characters and who he was meeting with.

Closing Comments: Although The Bringer of War was written as a stand-alone sequel, I recommend reading The Shadow Chaser first to understand the journey the protagonist has experienced.

Review: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hush, Hush

By Becca Fitzpatrick

Published by: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

ISBN: 1416989412    (isbn13: 9781416989417)

400 Pages

Genre: Young Adult Fiction/Paranormal Romance

 

Product Description: For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

General Review: Hush, Hush is a sexy, mysterious, action-packed novel that will keep you turning the pages well into the night. Full of complex characters and twists and turns; Hush, Hush will keep you guessing who is the enemy (or enemies?) is until the reveal.

Likes: I really liked the “fallen angel” story line. I haven’t read anything about fallen angels. It seems like everything right now is about vampires, werewolves and faeries.

I also thought that Fitzpatrick did a great job describing the complexity of Nora’s emotions. One minute she’s captivated by Patch, the next she’s scared of him. Add in the attention of another teenage boy and you have some great teenage angst.

Dislikes: Nora’s BFF Vee drove me crazy!! At first I thought it was her immaturity that I didn’t like, but then I realized that every other teenager in the book acted way more mature then their age and she acted like a normal teenage girl. But still, I thought the author could have given Vee’s character a few more brain cells.

Judging a Book by its Cover: I was very fascinated by the cover art of this novel. I didn’t get the interpretation of it until I was well into the story.

Closing Comments: I’m usually skeptical when a book is overly hyped, but in my opinion, Hush, Hush lived up to all the talk. I was rather impressed that Hush, Hush is Becca Fitzpatrick’s first novel and there’s going to be a sequel, Crescendo. I can’t wait!!

An Update

It’s been a while since I’ve updated my blog. Besides working crazy long hours at work, let’s see what I’ve been up to, shall we?

On Sunday I went to the Seahawks game!!! I got tickets from a co-worker. I’ve been to a ton of Mariner games, but I’ve never seen the Seahawks live. My friend and I had a lot of fun and the Seahawks even won!! Here are a few pictures taken from my iPhone from my seat:

 

I’ve recently joined the gym. Usually I walk or ride my bike on a trail near my house, but it’s dark when I wake up and dark when I get home from work. Yesterday, I met with a personal trainer, who went over a fitness plan for me and showed my how to use the machines without looking like an idiot. Now I’m sore, but it’s the good kind of pain that produces results.

Now here’s what I haven’t been up to:

I haven’t updated my blog lately with any book review, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been reading! I have a stack of books anxiously waiting to be reviewed. Here’s a little preview, listed in no particular review order:

Stealing Death by Janet Lee Carey

I went to the Launch Party for this book a few months ago, where I picked up an autographed copy of this book.

 

 

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

This is the debut book by Becca Fitzpatrick. Will it live up to all the hype? Checked out from my local library.

 

 

The Bringer of War by Dylan Birtolo

How will this stand alone sequel compare to its predecessor, The Shadow Chaser? Purchased from the author.

 

 

The Victor by Marlayne Giron

The author contacted me from a comment I left on someone else’s review of this book! I never turn down a review copy.

 

 

Sanctuary by N.E. Julian

I received a review copy of this book from the author.

 

 

Dreamer by Philip L. Davidson

I received a review copy from the author.

 

 

 

I also have not started my novel for NaNoWriMo yet. Yes, I am officially freaking out. I have been thinking (ok, stressing!!) about this since before November 1. I have a 4-day weekend this weekend, so guess what I’m gonna start right after I post this?

In other news, I won a Radiohead CD from Shelley at Layers of Thought!! Yay!! I love free stuff and surprisingly I don’t already own this CD.

If you don’t already, I highly recommend you check out Logan’s Writing Wednesdays on his blog, Rememorandom. Each Wednesday, Logan posts a new segment of his various writing projects. He recently finished Part 1 of a serial story and has moved onto an epic poem that I found very impressive.

Review: Embellish by R.L. Sloan

Embellish

By R.L. Sloan

Published by Outskirts Press, Inc.

ISBN: 1432740326    (ISBN13: 9781432740320)

244 Pages

Genre: Fiction/Paranormal Romance

Received review copy of Embellish from the author, R.L. Sloan

 

Book Description (from the back cover): Revenge has never tasted so sweet…

As a young girl, Solis Burkes is raped at the hands of ruthless school bullies – an incident that haunts her into young adulthood. Then she meets Nacio, a strikingly handsome man who seems to know everything about her – including the painful past Solis hasn’t told anyone about. But what Solis doesn’t know is that Nacio has been with her every step of the way, protecting her ever since that fateful episode.

It’s a destiny he’s been working up to for the last 257 years.

Now, as Solis enters a dark world of vampires, voodoo, and passion, she’ll need all the protection she can get. Unbeknownst to her, those responsible for Solis’s rape have returned. Connected to the evil voodoo Priestess Aldicia, they’ll stop at nothing in their plans to spew violence and mayhem throughout the city. And an old family feud dating back centuries puts Solis first on their list of targets. But not is Solis can unravel the clues fast enough, and inflict her own brand of revenge.

Embellish mixes sexy romance with high-stakes paranormal intrigue for a keeps-you-guessing, fast-paced and savvy thriller, right up until the shocking finale.

General Review: Bringing a fresh twist to the popular vampire love story, Embellish is a vivid paranormal romance. Filled with creative twists and turns, Embellish will leave readers anxiously awaiting the next installment to this saga.

Likes: I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Each character is very unique and memorable.

Dislikes: This book has a lot of grammar and punctuation imperfections and there are a few inconsistencies throughout the story.

Judging a Book by its Cover: I like the Mardi Gras mask. It’s simple and classy.

Closing Comments: If you can look past the inconsistencies and errors, Embellish is a great addition to the vampire trend. I’m looking forward to more from this author and the sequel to this book - Embellish 2: Justice Served.

Review: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

 

Shiver

By Maggie Stiefvater

Published by Scholastic Press

ISBN: 0545123267   ISBN13: 9780545123266

392 Pages

Genre: YA Fiction/Paranormal Romance

 

Book Description (from the publisher): For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

The General Review: Shiver is a haunting and lovely paranormal romance between Sam, a shape shifting wolf and Grace, the human he loves. Up against personal tragedy and supernatural circumstances, the two protagonists tell their story in a poetic beauty that is enchanting.

Likes: I liked the alternating perspectives for each chapter. I think by reciprocating the viewpoint, the reader discovers more the the characters personalities. Also, the transition between the two perspectives are seamless.

Dislikes: There were a few shape shifting facts that were a little unbelievable or weren’t explained in detail. I don’t want to give examples because I don’t want to blow it for those of you that haven’t read the book yet.

Judging a Book by its Cover: I like the simplicity of this cover. Excellent design.

Closing Comments: This one of the better YA novels I’ve read in a while (besides Catching Fire by Susanne Collins, which is in its own category of awesomeness). I did expect the story to be more suspenseful, but I was not disappointed. I recommend Shiver to anyone who enjoys paranormal romance and shape shifting.

Blog Discussion: If you could shape shift into any animal, what would it be and why?

Review: Lonestar Secrets

This is the first book I’m reviewing for Thomas Nelson.

Lonestar Secrets

By Colleen Coble

Published by Thomas Nelson

320 Pages

ISBN: 1595544879 (isbn13: 9781595544872)

Genre: Fiction/Christian Romance

Book Description: Shannon Astor returns to southwest Texas to serve as the town's veterinarian, believing she's finally found the space to get her life back on track.

Then she catches a glimpse of Jack MacGowan, the man who ruined her life years before. But even more shocking is the sight of Jack's five-year-old daughter Faith, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Shannon's own daughter Kylie. Is it possible that their similarities could be more than just coincidence? Could Faith be the daughter that Shannon has believed to be dead for all these years?

As the truth emerges, everyone is forced to take sides--in a story with a heart as big as Texas.

A Quick Synopsis: Trying to put her life back together, Shannon returns to her hometown to become the town veterinary. But shortly after her arrival to the farmhouse her uncle bequeathed her in his will, the puzzle pieces to her life become even more mixed up.

Likes: The pace of the story is well done. The author didn’t spend too much time on any one conflict.

Dislikes: The plot is very unrealistic. The storyline read like a soap opera. There are way too many twists and coincidences. The interpersonal conflicts and mysteries that the author meant to be suspenseful are very predictable.

Closing Comments: I didn't really care for this book. If you like a quick, light, christian romance read, you will enjoy this book.

Review: Along for the Ride

Sarah Dessen is one of my favorite authors. Her work mainly appeals to teenage girls, but as a 28 year old, I find her work intelligent and timeless.

Along for the Ride

By Sarah Dessen

Published by Viking Juvenile

383 Pages

ISBN: 0670011940 (isbn13: 9780670011940)

Book Description: It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce—or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live.
A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.
In her signature pitch-perfect style, Sarah Dessen explores the hearts of two lonely people learning to connect.

A Quick Synopsis: Studious Auden goes to live with her father, his new wife and brand new baby sister for the summer before starting her first year of college. Breaking free from her academically demanding mother and the expectations of others, Auden learns to enjoy and live life to the fullest and learns how to be herself.

The General Review: A well written, coming of age story about a girl learning who she really is. Overcoming family, personal and social conflicts, the protagonist experiences a summer of new experiences with the most unlikely of friends. Sarah Dessen captivates her audience again with a story of self-discovery.

Likes: The author has a way with words that suck you in to the story. Her descriptions are very detailed. Sarah Dessen is an amazing story teller and has a talent for capturing teenage emotions.

Dislikes: My only dislike is that the storyline is very similar to other Sarah Dessen novels. But there is enough of a difference to keep the reader intrigued.

Judging a Book by its Cover: I’m not a big fan of the cover. I think its too cutesy to accurately portray the storyline.

The Cast: The characters are complex and believable. Even minor characters are memorable and well developed. If you’re familiar with Dessen’s other books, characters from other books usually make cameo’s. This book is no exception.

Closing Comments: Overall I enjoyed this book. I recommend Along for the Ride for anyone looking for a light, fun easy read.

Review: Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott

Love You Hate You Miss You

By Elizabeth Scott

Published by Harperteen

ISBN: 0061122831

288 pages

A Quick Synopsis: Love You Hate You Miss You is a story about Amy and how she deals with her friend, Julia’s tragic and untimely death by writing letters to her as a form of therapy.

The General Review: Love You Hate You Miss You is a very real view of a sardonic teenager dealing with the confusing feelings of a best friend dying and feeling like you had a hand in the death. Raw emotions are captured and communicated to the reader thru simple yet profound statements and conversations. The revealing of the storyline is varied between the present and recalling events from the past, up to and including the accident that killed Julia.

Likes: This book is very raw and honest. The author holds nothing back. I think the reactions and conversations are realistic. Also, all of Amy’s problems weren’t resolved by the end of the book.

I also like how most chapters begin with Amy writing a letter to Julia. Although the book is written from Amy’s perspective, I like it when an author mixes it up and changes the flow of the storyline.

Dislikes: There isn’t a whole lot I didn’t like about this book. Although I thought Amy’s parent were realistic, they kinda got on my nerves.

Judging a Book by its Cover: I had this book sitting on my desk at work and my co-worker made this comment:

“She looks really sad, like someone died our something and she doesn’t know how to deal with it”-M.A.

Hmmm… good interpretation, M, and I hadn’t even told her about the book yet!

Closing Comments: It didn’t take me very long to read this book, but it’s not an easy read emotionally (although it’s not as disturbing as Living Dead Girl, also by Elizabeth Scott). I recommend this book for anyone who has ever lost someone tragically or who is a fan of Young Adult Fiction in general.

The Shadow Chaser by Dylan Birtolo

The Shadow Chaser

By Dylan Birtolo

Published by Inkwater Press

ISBN: 1592990746

278 pages

A Quick Synopsis: Darien Yost is a normal guy, just learning after a series of strange black outs that he has the gift of shapeshifting. While coming to terms with his new power, he finds himself the focus of interest to a number of different people who want to use his talent for various reasons.

The General Review: The Shadow Chaser is a great urban fantasy suspense story. From the first chapter, the author draws you in to the life of Darien Yost and keeps you captivated until the last sentence. Each chapter ends with a sentence that made you want to keep reading because you have to know what’s going to happen next. The natural, supernatural and dream worlds are blended together to create a fantasy realm that is intriguing.

Likes: The word imagery is vivid and detailed, while pulling the reader into the story with descriptions that are realistic and captivating. I had a really hard time putting the book down.

I also really liked the shapeshifting concept. It was interesting to see how those who shift into animals had the characteristics of the animal they become.

Dislikes: Since this book is independently published, there are imperfections such as spelling and grammatical errors. I thought some areas of the story could have been a little more polished with some of sentences rewritten to better convey what the author wanted to express. I also thought that the last few chapters were rushed and not as fully developed as the rest of the book.

Judging a Book by its Cover: I really like the cover art for this book. I think that this cover is a really good snapshot of the personal journey the protagonist goes through in the pages of the story.

In The Beginning-Chapter 1: I think the author did a great job describing the setting and portraying the confusion Darien experiences after recovering from one of his blackouts. It definitely kept my interest.

The Cast: There are a lot of characters in this book and with only one exception, I thought their development was well done. The timing of the entry for each character is written in such a way that the reader doesn’t get confused. For the most part, each character is unique and easy to tell which team they play for.

The only thing that bothered me was I felt that the development of Ellen’s character was lacking. It is assumed that she is Darien’s girlfriend, she made a few appearances in the book, but very little is revealed about her purpose in the story.

Closing Comments: Overall, I enjoyed reading The Shadow Chaser and as mentioned above, I had a hard time putting it down. I recommend The Shadow Chaser for anyone looking to read something different and unique.