Blog Tour Review of, Protected (Watched Series Book 2), By Cindy Hogan

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Mar 302012
 

Product Details:

  • Title: Protected (Watched Series Book 2)
  • Author: Cindy M. Hogan
  • Paperback: 341 pages
  • Publisher: Brigham Distributing (March 24, 2012)
  • Genre:YA, mystery/suspense, romance,
  • ISBN-10: 0985131802
  • ISBN-13: 978-0985131807

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Description:

She has the guy. The terrorists have been taken care of and she is on
the brink of being popular. Life is GREAT! Until they find her. Now she
must run and leave behind everything she knows, including herself.


My Review:

Protected is the second book in the Watched series. (Read my review for the first book, Watched, here.) I think this was an excellent second book in a series! It picked up right where the first book left off. I have to say that Christy is one of my favorite YA female characters. The reason why, is that she is smart, cute, and most of all is she portrayed as a “real” teen. Even though she is in this horrendous situation, she still is a 16 year old girl and she thinks like one. Sometimes YA female protagonists sound and act like the women who write them; not so in this case. Cindy Hogan writes a realistic character and how a 16 year old would talk and think. 
Another thing I loved about Protected is how Christy is in the Witness Protection Program. There is so much that happens to her as she is “trained” in how to live her new life. I was fascinated by how many things she had to learn in able to protect herself from the terrorists. Many of these things/techniques come in handle throughout the book. There are many exciting things that occur, but there is also much character development happening at the same time. In Protected, Christy also learns about relationships and is able to look back at how she has treated others. This whole series is one that I would feel very good about letting my teen read. Christy has high moral standards, and they are tested in this book, but she always stays true to herself. What better message can we send our teens than this?

I also want to applaud Cindy on such great writing. When I read her books I don’t want to quit reading until I am done with the book. The suspense is high in Protected throughout the book. If you haven’t read this series yet you need to. This series is a great combination of YA romance, mystery/suspense and action. 

To get your own copies of Watched and Protected go to Amazon.com. The e-book copies are only $2.99. 
To visit other blogs on the Protected tour go to Cindy’s blog to check out the list. 

About the Author:

Cindy Hogan enjoys spending time with and writing about unpredictable
teenagers. If she’s not reading or writing, you’ll find her with her own
teen daughters or her fun husband. She graduated with a BA in secondary
education.
***I received a review e-copy of Protected. In no
way did this influence the honest review that was
given.***

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The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Mar 282012
 

The Alloy of Law Mistborn #4

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Publisher: Tor

Published: November 2011

ISBN: 978-0-7653-3042-0

FTC FYI: borrowed from the library

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: “Three hundred years after the events of the Mistborn trilogy, Scadrial is now on the verge of modernity, with railroads to supplement the canals, electric lighting in the streets and the homes of the wealthy, and the first steel-framed skyscrapers racing for the clouds.

Kelsier, Vin, Elend, Sazed, Spook, and the rest are now part of history—or religion. Yet even as science and technology are reaching new heights, the old magics of Allomancy and Feruchemy continue to play a role in this reborn world. Out in the frontier lands known as the Roughs, they are crucial tools for the brave men and women attempting to establish order and justice.

One such is Waxillium Ladrian, a rare Twinborn, who can Push on metals with his Allomancy and use Feruchemy to become lighter or heavier at will. After twenty years in the Roughs, Wax has been forced by family tragedy to return to the metropolis of Elendel. Now he must reluctantly put away his guns and assume the duties and dignity incumbent upon the head of a noble house. Or so he thinks, until he learns the hard way that the mansions and elegant tree-lined streets of the city can be even more dangerous than the dusty plains of the Roughs.”

My Review

I need to get this off my chest right from the start.  I loved this book.  I loved everything about it.  The time-period, the characters (especially Wax, Wayne, and Marasi), the Allomancy, the setting, just basically everything.  This is an amazing book.  I admit I have not read the first three of The Mistborn series yet.  If I weren’t in the throws of Whitney reading, I would be reading them now.  I did have to chat with Sheila to make sure I was understanding all of the Allomancy stuff, and I was.  This world that Brandon has created is beyond cool.  Even just the names of the characters are cool.

Wax is a law keeper, straight from the Roughs.  His family has had a tragedy, and he is summoned home.  He has also suffered recently, and welcomed the change of society life.  If only at an extent.  Months pass, and he is visited by Wayne, a side-kick of his from earlier days.  Things are happening in Elendel that require Wax’s help.  With Wayne at his side, and Marasi, a girl fascinated by the lawkeepers.  He needs to figure out why events are unfolding the way they are before lives are lost.

5 out 5 stars.  There was never a dull moment for me in this book, and the end has a great surprise twist.  Brandon Sanderson is the author of MANY great books.  Find out more about them here.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER

 

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Slayers by C.J. Hill

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Mar 262012
 

Slayers

Author: C.J. Hill

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Published Date: September 2011

Hardcover; 373 pages

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

ISBN# 978-0-312-61414-0

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: checked out from the library

Goodreads Summary:

Dragons exist. They’re ferocious. And they’re smart: Before they were killed off by slayer-knights, they rendered a select group of eggs dormant, so their offspring would survive. Only a handful of people know about this, let alone believe it – these “Slayers” are descended from the original knights, and are now a diverse group of teens that includes Tori, a smart but spoiled senator’s daughter who didn’t sign up to save the world.

The dragon eggs have fallen into the wrong hands. The Slayers must work together to stop the eggs from hatching. They will fight; they will fall in love. But will they survive?

My Review

I knew I was going to like this book, I just didn’t realize I would enjoy it even more than I expected. The characters, the history, the adventure– I liked it all.

Tori was a fascinating character to me for several reasons. She’s spoiled, yes, but not as bad as her sister and their rich friends. On the other hand, compared to the Slayers, she is as pampered as they come. Once Tori arrives at the summer camp for dragon lovers, everyone is questioning her place there, including Tori.

The story easily held my interest. My curiosity about the history of the slayer-knights and their particular talents, wondering what Tori’s talent would be, learning how they train, and then, of course, the climactic confrontation that nobody is quite ready for despite their training kept me turning pages.

There is a twist I suspected was coming, but it didn’t quite go the way I expected. There was emotion involved that pleasantly surprised me. I anxiously await Book 2. I can’t wait to read more about the Slayers, the dragons, and, of course, the romance.

I highly recommend Slayers and plan to purchase my own copy soon.

Content

I don’t remember there being any bad language, there is no sex (a couple of kisses but no explicit descriptions), and some violence (nothing graphic).

 

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Review of Summer of Secrets by Charlotte Hubbard

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Mar 232012
 

Product Details:

  •  Title: Summer of Secrets
  • Author: Charlotte Hubbard
  • Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Zebra; Original edition (February 1, 2012)
  • Genre:Christian Romance/Amish
  • Series: Seasons of the Heart
  • ISBN-10: 1420121693
  • ISBN-13: 978-1420121698
  • Reviewed by: Sheila

 

Book Description:

Welcome to Willow Ridge, Missouri! In this cosy Amish town
along the banks of the river, the Old Ways are celebrated at the Sweet
Seasons Bakery Cafe, and love is a gift God gives with grace. As summer
arrives, Rachel Lantz is looking forward to a whole new season in her
life – marriage to strapping carpenter Micah Brenneman, her childhood
sweetheart. When a strange Englisher arrives in the cafe claiming to be
the long-lost sister of Rachel and her twin Rhoda, Rachel feels the
sturdy foundation of her future crumbling – including Micah’s steadfast
love. As the days heat up and tempers flare, Rachel and Micah will learn
that even when God’s plan isn’t clear, it will always lead them back to
each other.
My Review: 
I was very excited to read Summer of Secrets. I have always been a huge fan of Beverly Lewis who has written many Amish Romances. I wondered if there was someone who could write one of these stories just as well. I am happy to report, that yes, Charlotte Hubbard does a fantastic job! I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to get into the story. The characters are so likable and you want things to work out for all of them.
Though the book description talks a lot of about Rachel and Micah’s romance, the story also focuses a lot on Rachel’s Mother, Miriam. This character became my favorite one. You are pulled into her story as you read about how she lost one of her children in a rushing river, and then her beloved husband passed away leaving her to fend for her family on her own. Miriam is a strong character, and this brings the Amish Bishop down on her and him saying she needs to be humbled. Bishop Hiram Knepp is a powerful man in the Amish community, but he is also not one of my favorite characters. There is a lot of drama as Miriam’s long lost, “English” daughter comes back into her life.
Summer of Secrets is a story of hope and miracles. It is a lesson in forgiveness and letting go of the past. This story warms the heart and gives you something/someone to cheer for. This well written book, is a fast read, that you will not want to put down. If you enjoy reading about the Amish people, you will love Summer of Secrets. I will definitely read the second book in the “Seasons of the Heart” series called, Autumn Winds. It will continue on with Miriam’s story and possibly finding love in her life. I can’t wait!!
About the Author:(In her own words)
Many moons ago—like 1983 while I was still a school librarian—I sold
my first story to True Story. This launched me into writing about
seventy of those “true confessions” stories over the years, and I’ve
been a slave to my overactive imagination ever since.

The next big step was selling my first historical romance in 1990, a Zebra Heartfire called COLORADO CAPTIVE. Then came GAMBLER’S TEMPTING KISSES, COLORADO MOONFIRE, MISSOURI MAGIC, SAHARA SPLENDOR, and OUTLAW MOON. They’re all out of print now, but available from used book stores or on Amazon.com.

After a long dry spell that entailed major changes in the publishing
industry and an agent who fritzed out on cocaine, I resurfaced in a new
genre, with a new publisher, editor, and agent who were so excited about
my Angels of Mercy books! And now, with the first book
of my series, The Love Secret, I move into new territory once again—and
once again the setting is a place I love to spend time: the Oregon
Coast.

Me, I’m really pleased to know where my next stories are coming from!
Being an author is great fun when you’re selling, but it’s best to have
a hide like a rhinoceros and a spouse who gets a regular paycheck!

Patience, persistence and just flat-out luck have given me this
opportunity to reinvent myself yet again. Those angels I write about
keep pulling me through, and are often my friends and family—but I owe a
lot to the heavenly beings who bear me up on their wings, as well!

My stories invariably take on a life of their own, different from the
way I’ve proposed them: I love it when unforeseen characters and plot
twists come along, because they keep me guessing right along with my
readers!

I often speak to my RWA chapter in St. Louis, and at conferences. I also belong to Novelists, Inc..

I love touring historic homes, trying new recipes, crocheting, and
playing with Ramona—although it’s humbling, having a dog smarter than I
am! I’m an ordained Presbyterian deacon, and I devote a lot of time to
singing and chiming in my church choirs, as well as hostessing a monthly
potluck group and cooking our Adult Fellowship lunches. I’m celebrating
thirty-five years with my husband, who—bless him—has never once
suggested I get a real job!

~Charlotte

 

To read more about Charlotte, go to her website at http://www.charlottehubbard.com/
***I received a review copy of Summer of Secrets. In no way did this influence the honest review that was given.***

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Twitterpated by Melanie Jacobson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Mar 192012
 

Twitterpated

Author: Melanie Jacobson

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: March 2012

Softcover; 247 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance

ISBN# 978-1-60861-065-5

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free review copy in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads Summary:

Jessie Taylor is furious when her roommate secretly posts her picture on the dating website LDS Lookup — furious, that is, until she spends all night instant messaging Ben Bratton, a man whose wit and warmth just might make Jessie forget the train wreck of her last romantic relationship. Their first date is a smashing success (literally), but Ben’s overall awesomeness can’t save Jessie from having to deal with Craig, her competitive coworker whose baiting behavior sets new standards for obnoxiousness. Determined to beat Craig at his own game, Jessie spends long office hours finishing projects and putting out fires, but while her performance wows her boss, it only makes Ben skittish — after a failed engagement to an up-and-coming lawyer, he’s not about to pair up with someone who’s married to her job. Will Jessie figure out how to be true to herself and take her big chance at love before it’s gone with a click of the mouse?

My Review

How many ways can I say “I LOVED Twitterpated?”

I have enjoyed every one of Melanie’s books, and Twitterpated was just as much fun as her other novels.

I liked Jessie. She’s spunky, hard-working and a good friend. I loved Ben. He’s a good, down-to-earth kind of guy with a hint of geek that I can’t resist. I don’t know how Melanie does it, but she captures the occasional awkwardness of dating without making it uncomfortable or cheesy. Sometimes I felt a little embarrassed for the character, but it only succeeded to endear them to me.

I enjoyed watching Jessie take the high road (for the most part) with her infuriating co-worker, Craig. She sticks to her guns and her morals when she has opportunity to choose otherwise. There was one scene with Craig where I almost screamed out loud in frustration for Jessie, but she manages to keep her cool. Barely. I appreciated watching Jessie’s struggle to find balance between success at work and success in life.

If you enjoy fun romance that is clean but still toe-curling, I highly recommend Melanie Jacobson’s books: The List, Not My Type and Twitterpated. She has easily earned her spot on my favorite romances bookshelf. Whatever you do, Melanie, DON’T STOP WRITING.

Read Melanie’s Guest Author Thursday post HERE.

 

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Blog Tour Review of, On Little Wings, by Regina Sirois

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Mar 162012
 

Product Details:

  •  Title: On Little Wings
  • Author: Regina Sirois
  • Paperback: 362 pages
  • Publisher: CreateSpace (December 16, 2011)
  • Genre: Young Adult General
  • ISBN-10: 1468096478
  • ISBN-13: 978-1468096477

Book Description:

Jennifer must do the impossible – bring her mother home.
When a family is torn apart by death, two sisters take violently
divergent paths and the story of their family appears to end terribly
and abruptly. Two decades later Jennifer never dreams that the photo she
finds stuck between the pages of a neglected book will tear open a
gaping wound to her mother’s secret past. Abandoning her comfortable
life with her parents and best friend in the wheat fields of Nebraska,
Jennifer’s quest for a hidden aunt leads her to the untamed coast of
Maine where she struggles to understand why her mother lied to her for
sixteen years. Across the grey, rocky cove she meets Nathan Moore,
the young, reluctant genius surrounded by women who need him to be
brother, father, friend, provider, protector and now, first love. The
stories, varied, hilarious, and heartbreaking, unfold to paint a
striking mural of the shattered past. As Jennifer seeks to piece
together her mother’s story, she inadvertently writes one for herself.
My Review:
 I grew up in a small town in Idaho. Small towns are charming, but secrets don’t stay secret for long.They have such a unique flavor that they draw you back, many years after you have left. The setting of On Little Wings, is a small town in Maine. Main character, Jennifer, stumbles upon an explosive, family secret that threatens to tear her world apart. Jennifer finds out that her parents haven’t told her the truth about not having any extended family members. She has an Aunt Sarah, whom she eerily resembles, more than her own mother. Jennifer sets out, on her own, to contact her Aunt and go visit her in the town of Smithport, Maine. While there, Jennifer learns about life and love.

This story is beautifully written. The town is brought to life with amazing descriptive writing. You could almost feel the wind blowing the ocean water on your face, and smell the salty fragrance of the sea. It is so captivating as you fully experience this journey! I also loved how all of the characters are so well developed. You meet a neighbor boy, Nathan, who Jennifer starts to fall for soon after arriving there. He is a complicated character for being only an 18 year old young man. I loved Aunt Sarah, and her willingness to love so many people unconditionally, even her long, lost niece. The old woman, Little, a former actress, who carries many hidden stories within her own soul, but willing to help Jennifer heal wounds in her family. You also can’t help but be amused by the old men, The Jacks, who spend all of their time in a fishing boat. They made me laugh many times. You can understand why Jennifer is pulled into the drama of this quaint town, and doesn’t want to leave. 

The best part of the story is when you see the healing that takes place in her family. There are so many broken hearts from life happenings and misunderstandings. You will also be surprised at who’s the catalyst behind this coming together of family.
I really loved, On Little Wings! Teens and adults, will find this book to hold many messages, as you reflect on your own life and family relationships. This is a clean book, funny characters, and also a few tears shed as Jennifer grows and changes. You won’t want to miss reading this YA literary fiction.
  “On Little Wings” is available at Amazon, both in Kindle and paperback.

 

About the Author:

Image of Regina Sirois
Regina Sirois is 90% reader and 10% writer, and as such, her
loyalty lies with readers. She believes a book should do more than
mildly entertain- it should change us. She graduated summa cum laude
from Missouri State’s Department of History and English and settled in
the golden wheat fields of Kansas with her High School love. She is
currently doing laundry (probably) and raising her two daughters. She
fell in love the day she learned to read and cried the first time she
did a word problem in math (“But it’s not a problem…” sob, sob. “It’s a
story!”). In her debut novel, “On Little Wings,” Regina Sirois holds
nothing back as she dares to make us believe.

You can learn more about the author here.

 

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