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Friday, June 20, 2014

The One

18635016The highly anticipated third book in Kiera Cass's #1 New York Timesbestselling Selection series, The One will captivate readers who love dystopian YA fiction and fairy tales. The One is perfect for the fans who have followed America's whirlwind romance since it began—and a swoon-worthy read for teens who have devoured Veronica Roth's Divergent, Ally Condie's Matched, or Lauren Oliver's Delirium.

The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of IllĂ©a, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen—and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.

Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series!

First off can we talk about this cover? First of all its America in a wedding dress (swoon) and also how all the book covers together are red, white and blue. The colors of the American flag. I have been waiting so long for this book, I wanted to know how it ended and it ended so well I was going to cry tears of joy! I got this book from the library earlier today and  I had been waiting (not very patiently) on my turn on the hold list. I devoured this in a couple hours. I had to, I  was so HOOKED! I loved this whole series and the end.... Just AMAZING! I was so happy to have a good ending and one that I loved! It was very complete and very well written, with enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of you seat. Loved it, 5 stars all the way. 

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Control

16718816An un-putdownable thriller for fans of Uglies

When a crash kills their father and leaves them orphaned, Zel knows she needs to protect her sister, Dyl. But before Zel has a plan, Dyl is taken by strangers using bizarre sensory weapons, and Zel finds herself in a safe house for teens who aren’t like any she’s ever seen before—teens who shouldn't even exist. Using broken-down technology, her new friends’ peculiar gifts, and her own grit, Zel must find a way to get her sister back from the kidnappers who think a powerful secret is encoded in Dyl’s DNA.

A spiraling, intense, romantic story set in 2150—in a world of automatic cars, nightclubs with auditory ecstasy drugs, and guys with four arms—this is about the human genetic “mistakes” that society wants to forget, and the way that outcasts can turn out to be heroes.

Okay i wasn't super sure about this book, it sounded very sciencey and i wasn't sure how well i was going to like it. In the end  I did enjoy the story, but one thing that i found very annoying was the fact that Zel (the main character)  had a hard time listening to what she was told to do. Just think of Tris in Insurgent. That's Zel in this book. That fact kind of annoyed me, so i wasn't really sure what I wanted to say about this book except that there needs to be a sequel! It had a good ending but i just want the story to keep going you know? Either way in the end I would recommend this to anyone looking for a faced paced book with the science side to it. 

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Child of Mine

Bestselling Author Duo Delivers Heart-Stirring Drama 

Jack Livingston has been raising his nine-year-old adopted niece, Natalie, since the accident that took her parents' lives. While he travels for work, Natalie is lovingly cared for by Laura, an Amish nanny who loves her as her own.

Kelly Maines is nearing the end of her rope. Her baby was kidnapped, the apparent victim of a black market adoption ring, and for eight years, Kelly has tirelessly pursued every lead to its bitter end. Now, there's one last lead from a private investigator: Just a few miles away lives a girl who matches the profile. Could this, at long last, be her beloved child?

Desperately, Kelly initiates a "chance" meeting with Jack Livingston. It goes really well. So well, in fact, that Jack asks her out. One date leads to another, and before she can come clean with her original motives, Kelly realizes Jack is falling for her--and she for him. 

Now how can she tell Jack why she's really here? And having gotten to know Natalie, what if she isn't her long-lost daughter, after all? This was all supposed to be so simple.

But nothing in Natalie's world is simple...

I am a fan of Beverly Lewis and her work, but i like her better when she is writing solo. and only solo. i didn't really enjoy this as much because the story i guess is just not as good. I received this book for review. 

Undetected

When asked what he does for a living . . .
Commander Mark Bishop is deliberately low-key: "I'm in the Navy." But commanding the ballistic missile submarine USS Nevada, keeping her crew trained and alert during ninety-day submerged patrols, and being prepared to launch weapons on valid presidential orders, carries a burden of command like few other jobs in the military. Mark Bishop is a man who accepts that responsibility, and handles it well. And at a time when tensions are escalating around the Pacific Rim, the Navy is glad to have him.

Mark wants someone to come home to after sea patrols. The woman he has in mind is young, with a lovely smile, and very smart. She's a civilian, yet she understands the U.S. Navy culture. And he has a strong sense that life with her would never be boring. But she may be too deep in her work to see the potential in a relationship with him.

Gina Gray would love to be married. She has always envisioned her life that way. A breakup she didn't see coming, though, has her focusing all her attention on what she does best--ocean science research. She's on the cusp of a major breakthrough, and she needs Mark Bishop's perspective and help. Because what she told the Navy she's figured out is only the beginning. If she's right, submarine warfare is about to enter a new and dangerous chapter.

Not her best work, but still pretty good. It is Dee Henderson after all!

Shadow Hand (Tales of Goldstone Wood Book #6)

his is a story about blood.
And love.
And the many things that lie between.

By her father's wish, Lady Daylily is betrothed to the Prince of Southlands. Not the prince she loves, handsome and dispossessed Lionheart, but his cousin, the awkward and foolish Prince Foxbrush. As her wedding day dawns, Daylily flees into the dangerous Wilderlands, her only desire to vanish from living memory.

But Foxbrush, determined to rescue his betrothed, pursues Daylily into a new world of magic and peril, a world where vicious Faerie beasts hold sway, a world invaded by a lethal parasite. 

A world that is hauntingly familiar.

"Readers of the Goldstone Wood series will enjoy this exploration of characters struggling with the emotional limitations that interfere with their faith and hope for the future." --RT Magazine

 A great fantasy read from a Christian author! I am not huge into "high fantasy" so this book wasn't really my thing. I received this book for review. 

Wildwood creek

With love and loss tangled together, how was she to know where her life would lead?
Allie Kirkland has always heard the call of her father's unfinished destiny. When she's offered a production assistant's job on a docudrama filming in the hills near Moses Lake, Texas, the dream of following in her director-father's footsteps suddenly seems within reach. The reenactment of the legendary frontier settlement of Wildwood is a first step into the film industry. A summer on set in the wilderness is a small price to pay for a dream. 

But in 1861, the real Wildwood held dangerous realities. Town founder Harland Delavan held helpless residents, including young Irish schoolteacher Bonnie Rose, in an iron grip. Mysterious disappearances led to myths and legends still retold in the region's folk songs. Eventually, the entire site was found abandoned.

When filming begins, strange connections surface between Allie and the teacher who disappeared over a century ago, and everyone in Wildwood--including Blake Fulton, Allie's handsome neighbor on the film set--seems to be hiding secrets. Allie doesn't know whom she can trust. If she can't find the answers in time, history may repeat itself...with the most unthinkable results.

"Wingate's use of foreshadowing is extraordinary.  Readers will devour this novel late into the night." A Top Pick -- RT Bookreviews Magazine

"Wingate (The Prayer Box, 2013) mixes past and present in this tale of romantic suspense as she immerses readers in the struggle-filled historical tale of Bonnie and Allie, her contemporary counterpart. As the young women navigate their escalating challenges, each also faces the mystery of Wildwood.  Readers will love discovering the truth about the lives of these two strong women from vastly different times." -- Booklist

I received this book for review.

A Broken Kind of Beautiful

Sometimes everything you ever learned about yourself is wrong

Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four year old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows—so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white. 

If only her tenuous future didn’t rest in the hands of Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer. Not only did he walk away from the kind of success Ivy longs for to work maintenance at a local church, he treats her differently than any man ever has. Somehow, Davis sees through the façade she works so hard to maintain. He, along with a cast of other characters, challenges everything Ivy has come to believe about beauty and worth. Is it possible that God sees her—a woman stained and broken by the world—yet wants her still?

Praise for A Broken Kind of Beautiful
“Both beautifully written and honestly told, A Broken Kind of Beautiful is captivating! Faith is the resounding heartbeat of this poignant story, but Ganshert also breathes to life a tender romantic tale and a powerful inner journey as soothing as sweet tea on a hot summer day.”
—Denise Hunter, best-selling author of Dancing with Fireflies
“In A Broken Kind of Beautiful, Katie Ganshert writes her most compelling novel yet, where imaginary characters seem to step off the pages. Readers will embrace both Ivy and Davis as they struggle with who they are and who they want to be. The story lingers with you after you close the book, like a melody you want to listen to again and again.”
—Beth K. Vogt, author of Catch a Falling Star and Somebody Like You
A Broken Kind of Beautiful is beautifully written and populated with characters that tugged at my heart from the first page. This story is aboutThe Story—the best story of history—that of God’s redeeming grace and pursuing love. I found it moving, inspiring, and wholly satisfying. Another Katie Ganshert novel for my keeper shelf!”
—Becky Wade, author of Meant to Be Mine
“Ganshert’s fresh, riveting novel of shattered dreams, second chances, and true love is one that will capture readers’ hearts and refuse to let them go. This story reveals the deep truth that we can trust our fractured hearts to the God who specializes in mosaic tiles—the One who formed the universe from words and man from dust, and who has no trouble figuring out how to bring beauty from the broken.”
—Betsy St. Amant, author of All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes
“Katie Ganshert has created characters so real, my heart ached for them as I longed to know them more and soothe the hurts in their pasts. The truth threaded through the pages is one to savor, as is this story of a journey from brokenness to redeemed beauty.”
—Cara Putman, award-winning author of Shadowed by Grace
“Katie Ganshert’s A Broken Kind of Beautiful is poignant, heartfelt fiction at its finest—a gentle story of hope and healing wrapped in the kind of romance that keeps the reader turning pages. I love the emotional depth, lyrical writing, and strong sense of place. Most of all, I love that days after closing the book, the characters are still alive in my head.”
—Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last and Here to Say
“With a setting that becomes its own kind of character, a tender romance and soul-stirring symbolism, A Broken Kind of Beautiful is a shining example of how God’s grace can restore the brokenness in our lives. Her gorgeous writing voice pulled me in from the first page and kept me thinking about her characters after the story ended. Katie’s novels are to be savored and enjoyed again and again.”
—Lisa Jordan, award-winning author of Lakeside Reunion and Lakeside Family

I received this book for review. 

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Steal Like An Artist

13099738You don’t need to be a genius, you just need to be yourself. That’s the message from Austin Kleon, a young writer and artist who knows that creativity is everywhere, creativity is for everyone. A manifesto for the digital age, Steal Like an Artist is a guide whose positive message, graphic look and illustrations, exercises, and examples will put readers directly in touch with their artistic side.

Mmm, this book was okay, I thought it was going to be different and better then it was. I liked it but really didn't get much out of it. I guess its for a certain kind of people, just not me. 

To All The Boys I've Loved Before

18051352
Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control in this heartfelt novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Summer I Turned Pretty series.

What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them... all at once?

Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren't love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she's written. One for every boy she's ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control.

Can we just stop for a minute and just admire this cover? Its so pretty, I love every aspect of it. The writing, the background, even the girl on the cover. It's all so perfect for this book. The only thing I would change is switch out the journal for a piece of stationary and have the hat box in there somewhere. That is what would make this cover the most perfect. Anyway, the story is really good and I really enjoyed it, it was cute and sweet and sometimes kind of sad. I really connected to the personal character in a lot of ways, we have a lot in common and i just really enjoyed reading this in her perspective.  I think the author could have kept going with the story and made the ending a little more complete, but it's not necessary, just my personal wish.  This is my first time reading a book by Jenny Han and it defiantly won't be my last. I defiantly recommend it and I am defiantly going to check out more of her works in the near future.                                                                                               

Monday, June 16, 2014

The Winner's Curse

16069030Winning what you want may cost you everything you love 

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. 

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. 

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined. 

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

Oh my gosh, The goodness of this book is crazy. I really loved it and was so excited to get it from the library to read. I was very excited to finish this book, that was before reading the ending.... Also i thought this was a stand alone book, nope. Its another freaking trilogy! Seriously???? I was hoping we were past all that. Guess not. All in all it was a decently good read, just not as good as I thought it was going to be, i would still recommend it though. 


The Big Crunch

8428139A funny, clear-eyed view of the realities of teenage love from National Book Award winner Pete Hautman.
June and Wes do not "meet cute." They do not fall in love at first sight. They do not swoon with scorching desire. They do not believe that they are instant soul mates destined to be together forever.
This is not that kind of love story.
Instead, they just hang around in each other's orbits...until eventually they collide. And even after that happens, they're still not sure where it will go. Especially when June starts to pity-date one of Wes's friends, and Wes makes some choices that he immediately regrets.
From National Book Award winner Pete Hautman, this is a love story for people not particularly biased toward romance. But it is romantic, in the same way that truth can be romantic and uncertainty can be the biggest certainty of all.

Oh my gosh. I really loved this book. It was such a cute book and even though it had a lot of ups and downs, it was very good. The ending could have been better though, it didn't really have a very defiant ending. I really enjoyed it and would defiantly recommend it in the end.

Friday, June 13, 2014

Before I Fall

6482837With this stunning debut novel, New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver emerged as one of today's foremost authors of young adult fiction. Like Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why and Gayle Forman's If I StayBefore I Fall raises thought-provoking questions about love, death, and how one person's life can affect so many others.

For popular high school senior Samantha Kingston, February 12—"Cupid Day"—should be one big party, a day of valentines and roses and the privileges that come with being at the top of the social pyramid. And it is…until she dies in a terrible accident that night.

However, she still wakes up the next morning. In fact, Sam lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she ever imagined

My thoughts while reading this? Basically i wondered when she was going to do something very dangerous or anything. It seemed like all she did was random little things, like fighting with her best friends and yelling at her mom. I didn't really understand why she used her "relived" days (which she didn't know how many she was going to have) doing really weird things. I would have been traveling the world, doing things i would never have dared to do in real life. Don't get me wrong, she did a few things that she wouldn't have in everyday life but nothing HUGE I guess.She did do something to help herself and someone else in the end though so i was happy. I wish it ended a little bit differently though. I cant have everything i want though, sigh. I did really like her writing style though, it was very easy to get into the story and into her world. when i first cracked open this book i burn through almost 100 pages before i even knew what happened. Which for me equals my favorite kinds of books. Ones that are easy to get into and hard to ever set down and do other things like eat and sleep... Those are the kinds of books, I as a reader are always on the search for in my reading life. 

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Splendor

6239873New Beginnings.
Shocking Revelations.
Unexpected Endings.


As spring turns into summer, Elizabeth relishes her new roles as a young wife, while her sister, Diana, searches for adventure abroad. But when a surprising clue about their father's death comes to light, the Holland girls wonder at what cost a life of splendor comes.

Carolina Broad, society's newest darling, fans a flame from her past, oblivious to how it might burn her future. Penelope Schoonmaker is finally Manhattan royalty - but when a real prince visits the city, she covets a title that comes with a crown. Her husband, Henry, bravely went to war, only to discover that his father's rule extends well beyond New York's shores and that fighting for love may prove a losing battle.

In the dramatic conclusion to the bestselling Luxe series, New York's most dazzling socialites chase dreams, cling to promises, and tempt fate. As society watches what will become of the city's oldest families and newest fortunes, one question remains: Will its stars fade away or will they shine ever brighter?

I loved this book! I mean really love it! Its a great last book in the series and the suspense kept growing through out the series. SO many questions got answered but many more also appeared. I really love all the twist and turns it takes you on all of the time and it is easy to fly through them. (when you can). I was very surprised at the ending, it was a good ending if you ask me. I had something i wanted to happen in the end that did, and others that didn't but I understood why the author did it that way. All in all an amazing read and a great ending to the series. 

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Envy


3347892Jealous whispers.

Old rivalries.

New betrayals.

Two months after Elizabeth Holland's dramatic homecoming, Manhattan eagerly awaits her return to the pinnacle of society. When Elizabeth refuses to rejoin her sister Diana's side, however, those watching New York's favorite family begin to suspect that all is not as it seems behind the stately doors of No. 17 Gramercy Park South.

Farther uptown, Henry and Penelope Schoonmaker are the city's most celebrated couple. But despite the glittering diamond ring on Penelope's finger, the newlyweds share little more than scorn for each other. And while the newspapers call Penelope's social-climbing best friend, Carolina Broad, an heiress, her fortune--and her fame--are anything but secure, especially now that one of society's darlings is slipping tales to the eager press.

In this next thrilling installment of Anna Godbersen's bestselling Luxe series, Manhattan's most envied residents appear to have everything they desire: Wealth. Beauty. Happiness. But sometimes the most practiced smiles hide the most scandalous secrets. . . .


I loved this book! I mean really love it! Its a great third book in the series and the suspense keeps growing through out the series. SO many questions got answered but many more also appeared. I really love all the twist and turns it takes you on all of the time and it is easy to fly through them. (when you can) I am looking forward to the last book in the series which I have just started and see how this crazy roller coaster ride will end. I would defiantly recommend it. 


Monday, June 9, 2014

Far From You

4732517
Lost and alone...down the rabbit hole.

Years have passed since Alice lost her mother to cancer, but time hasn't quite healed the wound. Alice copes the best she can by writing her music, losing herself in her love for her boyfriend, and distancing herself from her father and his new wife.

But when a deadly snowstorm traps Alice with her stepmother and newborn half sister, she'll face issues she's been avoiding for too long. As Alice looks to the heavens for guidance, she discovers something wonderful.

Perhaps she's not so alone after all....  

Loved this! I am a huge fan of Lisa Shroeder and i love this one too. I love how she writes then to sound like a novel but in the poetry way that novels in verse are. I loved this one just as much as the others of hers i have read. I wish more authors would pick up on this genre and start writing! Defiantly recommend it. 

Rumors

2218252After bidding good-bye to New York's brightest star, Elizabeth Holland, rumors continue to fly about her untimely demise.

All eyes are on those closest to the dearly departed: her mischievous sister, Diana, now the family's only hope for redemption; New York's most notorious cad, Henry Schoon-maker, the flame Elizabeth never extinguished; the seductive Penelope Hayes, poised to claim all that her best friend left behind--including Henry; even Elizabeth's scheming former maid, Lina Broud, who discovers that while money matters and breeding counts, gossip is the new currency.

As old friends become rivals, Manhattan's most dazzling socialites find their futures threatened by whispers from the past. In this delicious sequel to "The Luxe," nothing is more dangerous than a scandal . . . or more precious than a secret.
 Jeez this book is better then the first. Which I didn't even think was possible! But it really was. More mystery, more action, and more of the people you love to hate. I really enjoyed this sequel and all that it had going for it, my sequel standards have been meet. I also loved how the author didn't do a lot of back tracking like some authors like to do, she did a small overview of what happened and the rest was slowly just added to the rest of the story. I defiantly recommend it.