The Girl Who Chased The Moon.

The Girl Who Chased The Moon.

Sarah Addison Allen.

Publisher:Bantman.

Publication Date:March 16,2010.

Genre:Fantasy|Romance|Mystery.

Format|Pages:Hardcover|269.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

5 STARS

 



I had a feeling that I was going to love The Girl Who Chased The Moon before picking up the book. Just by reading the summary, I was already hooked to the book. Seeing thatSarah Addison Allen wrote and it was then I knew it be amazing book. I had read her other book few years back, Garden Spells and loved it. The Girl Who Chased The Moon, wasn’t any different, I actually had hard time putting it down. Every Page, every chapter got more mysterious and that is what kept you on going, on reading. I felt connected to characters, the story. It’s type of books that is hard not to get interested in. I will be checking rest of Allen’s works.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Emily Benedict came to Mullaby, North Carolina, hoping to solve at least some of the riddles surrounding her mother’s life. Such as, why did Dulcie Shelby leave her hometown so suddenly? And why did she vow never to return? But the moment Emily enters the house where her mother grew up and meets the grandfather she never knew—a reclusive, real-life gentle giant—she realizes that mysteries aren’t solved in Mullaby, they’re a way of life: Here are rooms where the wallpaper changes to suit your mood. Unexplained lights skip across the yard at midnight. And a neighbor bakes hope in the form of cakes.

 

Everyone in Mullaby adores Julia Winterson’s cakes—which is a good thing, because Julia can’t seem to stop baking them. She offers them to satisfy the town’s sweet tooth but also in the hope of rekindling the love she fears might be lost forever. Flour, eggs, milk, and sugar . . . Baking is the only language the proud but vulnerable Julia has to communicate what is truly in her heart. But is it enough to call back to her those she’s hurt in the past?

 

Can a hummingbird cake really bring back a lost love? Is there really a ghost dancing in Emily’s backyard? The answers are never what you expect. But in this town of lovable misfits, the unexpected fits right in.

First, how could you not love the title, the cover? Title is unique and the cover is stunning, and after reading the novel, I can see it happening in the story, on what’s happening on the cover. Honestly, it was the title that caught my attention, it was the title that made me curious and got me to pick up, to see what’s story about. The Girl Who Chased The Moon? That’s someone with lot of imagination, to come up with title like that. At first I found myself wondering why it was called that. After reading the book, I could see. I saw that it fit the mystery that surrounded the Mullaby and that there was reason that Emily’s mother left. The title, the cover describes and fits that perfectly.

The Mystery : I loved the mystery that seemed to surround Mullaby; it made the novel even more fascinating to read. I had a feeling the moment Emily came to Mullaby, that there was something not right. I even grew more suspicious of how practically everyone in town besides Julia, her grandfather and Win acted towards her, knowing that she was Dulcie Shelby’s daughter. Truth, I didn’t think that was fair to Emily, just because her mother did something that everyone seemed to disprove of, didn’t mean that Emily would end up like her. At beginning, I was wondering what her mother done that was that bad, and why she never talked about her past with Emily. I was actually like Emily, hesitating at believing what her mother caused, from what Emily described; it was hard to picture Dulcie, harsh. I had a feeling that something about the story wasn’t quite right. I was glad to see Dulcie name was cleared in end; I just wish that everyone found the real truth. I loved the mystery surrounding the lights; I was wondering what was causing them. Never in mind did it occur that it could be an actual person, which took me by surprise. That’s another thing I loved this book, it kept me guessing most of the book.


Win & Julia: Besides Emily, both Julia and Win were my favorite characters in the book. It seemed like two of them were the only ones who treated her right, who didn’t judge her, based by her mother’s past actions. Despite what her mother done, what everyone thought of her, they treated her like a friend. I had a feeling that Emily would become good friends with both of them. I love Emily so I was glad that she was able to make friends, ones who wouldn’t judge her. At first I wasn’t sure about Win’s intentions about being Emily friend, if he was just pretending to be her friend. After a bit, it became clear that he cared about her, especially after he told her about her mother, followed by his family secret. At first I was afraid that she run off when she found, at first it seemed like it, but once she realized that it wasn’t a joke, she didn’t run, instead she stayed with him. The fact that he didn’t kiss her till end of book, was a way to keep readers on edge of the seat, because every scene that they were in together, it made me wonder if that finally be where they kiss. I did find myself smiling when they finally did. I adored their relationship.


Now the ending, that was unexpected. Julia’s plan actually work and her daughter came, looking for her. Of course way it ended, it made me curious how the meeting would go between two of them. Even after reading the book, I found myself curious about it, it’s not the ending that I had expected.


  I would highly recommend this book, especially if you into magical realism, mystery. Actually I recommend any novel by Sarah Addison Allen, so far I haven’t been disappointed. You will be kept on edge of your seat till the end.

What I Didn't Say.

What I Didn't Say.

Keary Taylor.

Publisher:CreateSpace

Publication Date:April 30,2012.

Genre:YA Drama|Romance.

Format|Pages:EBook|336.

Source:Owned|Goodreads.

Challange:Stand Alone|Realistic Fiction.

 

5 STARS



What I Didn’t Say , was one of the most touching, inspirational novels that I read this past year. I cried, I smiled, I felt angry, afraid. There were emotions everywhere for me, while reading the book. I had a feeling that this would be a sad novel when I picked up, but it was not what I was expecting. It literally took my breath away. I found myself thinking about the book, once I finished it. What I Didn’t Say is a book that should be read by everyone.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Getting drunk homecoming night your senior year is never a good idea, but Jake Hayes never expected it all to end with a car crash and a t-post embedded in his throat.

 

  His biggest regret about it all? What he never said to Samantha Shay. He's been in love with her for years and never had the guts to tell her. Now it's too late. Because after that night, Jake will never be able to talk again.

 

When Jake returns to his small island home, population 5,000, he'll have to learn how to deal with being mute. He also finds that his family isn't limited to his six brothers and sisters that sometimes an entire island is watching out for you. And when he gets the chance to spend more time with Samantha, she'll help him learn that not being able to talk isn’t the worst thing that could ever happen to you. Maybe, if she'll let him, Jake will finally tell her what he didn't say before, even if he can't actually say it.

This book wasn’t quite what I was expecting, it had taken me by surprise which got me to enjoy book, more than I thought I would. For instance, all of that happened to Sam, I wasn’t expecting half of it. I knew that that there was something with Sam, and was curious, way that Jake was. I found myself wanting to help Sam, way that Jake did. Jake actually reminded me a lot of me; I would done what he had. When someone I care about is in trouble, I would do pretty much anything to help, way he helped Sam. What touched me, was fact how practically entire island welcomed Jake back, after his accident and though he could no longer talk, accepted him. Then there’s Jake’s parents, way they welcomed her back, treating her like part of family. It made me smile. The book was filled with so many emotions, yet it was hard to put down. Towards half way of the book, I felt connections with the characters, especially Jake and Sam, and wanted to see how it will end for them.


Jake & Sam: I felt like Sam and Jake only connected due to Jake’s accident. Actually that’s what I liked about it, but it was different from other relationships. Even when the two of them got together, Sam wouldn’t say I love you, though I knew that she did. Despite everything that two of them went through, the fights they had. In the end they were always there for one another in the end. I was sure that Sam wouldn’t tell him she loves him and found myself smiling when she did. I thought it was cute how much Jake cared about Sam. He always made sure she’s okay and always got her some sort of food, despite what he was dealing. Even though Jake couldn’t talk, they still made it, made the relationship work. It made me smile. Everyone needs a guy like Jake. I knew if it wasn’t for Jake, Sam might end up dead or with end up with her drunken father, longer. What two of them had was true love.


What I loved the most about this book was the bond in Jake’s family. You don’t see bond like that in many families, at least not in real life, especially siblings. I thought that it was sweet how each one of his siblings was there for him, after his accident to help him. My favorite was bond between Jordan and Jake, even if she was younger, to me it seemed like they had a special bond, a connection that he didn’t have with any of his other siblings. To me, it seemed like she was more of older sister then Jenny, just by way she acted around Jake, always there, comforting him when needed. Now Jake’s parents, they remind me a lot of my parents, caring, loving. I was touched what they did for Sam, how they made her part of family. If only everyone was like this. I was glad that Jake’s parents were there for Sam, they were the parents that Sam didn’t quite have. For that, I’m glad she had Jake in her life.

Highly recommended. It a must read. You will cry, smile even after reading the book. It’s type of book that will stay for you long after.

Wake, Watersong,#1.

Wake.
Watersong,#1.

Amanda Hocking.

Publisher:St.Martins

Publication Date:August 7,2012

Genre:YA Fantasy|Mystery.

Format|Pages:Hardcover|320.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

Challenge: Debut Author.

4.5 STARS

I have read some mermaid books, Wake was unlike any other mermaid book I read before this one, to me it seemed more dangerous twist on a mermaid tale. There were twists in this story that I didn’t see coming. I was observed in the novel, all the way to the end. It was filled with mystery, suspense and romance. I’m eager to see what happens in rest of series.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.

 

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

 

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

I have  been hearing about Amanda Hocking’s novels, but haven’t had a chance to read one, till now. From the mermaid books that I have read so far, this had been my favorite, though this one was more about sirens then mermaids. I loved the novel had more of dark twist, way Hockings made the sirens more evil. Even though from myths I heard sirens were supposed be evil, but not as evil as Penn, Lexi and Thea were. All through the book, I wondered if Gemma would end up joining them, or she would find a way to resist them. I knew there was something off about 3 of them, the moment that they appeared in the book, even before I was aware that they were sirens. Once I found what they did to mortals, how they killed them, it made me dislike them even more. I never disliked characters the way I disliked Penn, Lexi and Thea.


I love that most of the story was surrounded by some sort of mystery. There was a mystery of guys who kept on vanishing. Somehow I had feeling that they had to do with something. There was also mystery of Gemma’s changes, since in start; I did find myself wondering like she was, of what was happening to me, especially when his physical appearances started changing as well. It was at that point that it got harder for me to put the novel down, because I wanted to see what would happen with Gemma next. Of course there was also mystery if Gemma would become part of their team, it seems like most of book, and she tried to find a way to fight against the fact that she became a siren. In most mermaid books, characters seem to want embrace what they are, but not in Wake and that’s what I enjoyed about it.


What I wasn’t too fond in this book was Alex and Gemma’s relationship, to me it seemed to have moved too fast and felt forced. I felt that they only even got that far were because Gemma became a siren. I didn’t really see any sparks, connection between two of them. I saw more sparks, connection between Gemma’s sister Harper and Daniel; they were the ones that I was rooting in the book. I’m eager to see what happens with them in the next novel. If their relationship be affected in some way, now that Gemma is gone.

I highly recommend this series. It has suspense, mystery, romance and bit of thriller.

Illuminate, Gilded Wings,#1.

Illuminate.
Gilded Wings,#2.

Aimee Agresti.

Publisher:Harcourt Children's Books.

Publication Date:March 6,2012.

Genre:YA Fantasy| Mystery|Romance.

Format|Pages:EBook|544.

Source:Owned|Goodreads.

Challenge:Debut Author.

5 STARS



Illuminate surprised me and had taken my breath away. Not only was the cover stunning, but the story itself was magical, original. Actually I wasn’t even aware that the book was about angels, till later in the novel. I loved the fact that book kept you guessing through most of the book. I loved the mystery aspect in the book, it kept you guessing. Even after finishing the book, I found myself thinking about it more, wondering what’s going to come to Lance, Dante and Haven next. Aimee Agresti created an amazing debut novel and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Haven Terra is a brainy, shy high school outcast. But everything begins to change when she turns sixteen. Along with her best friend Dante and their quiet and brilliant classmate Lance, she is awarded a prestigious internship in the big city— Chicago—and is sent to live and work at a swanky and stylish hotel under the watchful eyes of a group of gorgeous and shockingly young-looking strangers: powerful and alluring hotel owner Aurelia Brown; her second-in-command, the dashing Lucian Grove; and their stunning but aloof staff of glamazons called The Outfit.

 

 

As Haven begins falling for Lucian, she discovers that these beautiful people are not quite what they seem. With the help of a mysterious book, she uncovers a network of secret passageways from the hotel’s jazz-age past that leads her to the heart of the evil agenda of Aurelia and company: they’re in the business of buying souls. Will they succeed in wooing Haven to join them in their recruitment efforts, or will she be able to thwart this devilish set’s plans to take the souls of her classmates on prom night at the hotel?

  How can you not love the cover? It’s stunning, the dress, the girl and the entire cover design. There is something mysterious about girl on cover, which I’m guessing is Haven and she looks like she’s pretty deep in though. By looking on the cover, you get the feeling that something is about to change in Haven’s life, something unexpected. I like the fact that the cover gets you to think, to wonder what she’s thinking about, what’s going to happen to her. Its type of cover that will grab the reader’s attention, get the reader to pick up the book, check it out.


I got to admit, what observed most in the book was the mystery. I enjoyed that there seemed to be more mystery, suspense then romance. I do enjoy romance, but what made this book interesting is the actual mystery. It was the type of mystery that kept you guessing too, especially the letters, the notes that Haven kept getting in that book. All through the book I was wondering who was writing them and the person will be revealed, if it’s actually a person. It made me even curious when it was revealed and I wonder if they will be in 2nd book, if they will keep writing to Haven too since it said, they were in training. Whoever was writing to her, seemed to know everything that was going on. I wonder if it could possibly be someone at hotel, or even one of her friends. Even towards the end, all mysteries weren’t resolved and that made me more eager for the next book to come out. To see if more answers would be revealed.


Lucian &Lance : I had feeling from start, that there was something off about Lucian, from start. First he seemed to be making too many excuses when they made plans, to see each other. Afterwards, it seemed like he was practically obsessed with her, always wanting to see her, and it didn’t take him long to ask for her soul? I knew then, that there was something with him. I think that Haven forgave him too easily, but then she did love him. Though I could tell that he did care for Haven, I don’t think it was way she cared for him. I wasn’t too fond of Lucian, even though he tried to help her. I am curious if he actually will come back or not. Now Lance, I saw way more chemistry between him and Haven then Haven and Lucian. The two of them had a bond, especially as two of them started to work together. I could tell that as time passed they began to truly care for each other. I was curious when something would happen between the two of them. I was happy when Lance kissed her. Now I’m curious how their relationship will progress in next novel. It feels like they have a special bond.


I had feeling that there was something off about Aurelia, and Etan, especially way he kept taking all that Dante’s time. I was happy to see them get defeated in the end. I felt as proud of Haven as her friends were. I could see how much Haven progress through the book. I loved that she kept on going, even against Aurelia’s threats; she kept on going, to the end. She wanted make sure that everyone safe, including her friends and that’s what I loved about her. I was rooting for her the entire way, for her to succeed, to win, against Aurelia.

If you love mystery, suspense and romance, I would highly recommend this novel. Agresti has an amazing talent that is worth checking out.

Sweet Evil(Sweet,#1)

Sweet Evil
Sweet,#1

Wendy Higgins.

Publisher:Harper Teen.

Publication Date:May 1,2012.

Genre:YA Fantasy|Romance.

Format|Pages:EBook|453.

Source:Owned|Goodreads.

Challenge:Debut Author.

5 STARS

I came across Sweet Evil , few months ago, even before it came out. I came across it while I was on Goodreads. The title and the cover is what caught my attention, I was curious what the book is about. Once I knew that it was about Angels, I knew that I had to read it, I knew that it was my type of book. This was the book I did not want to put down, couple times I even read past midnight, because I didn’t want to put it down. After finishing the book, I wanted the 2nd book to be out, so I could find out what happens next. I think that this book should be more popular than it actually is. I loved Higgins twist of angels. It’s hard to believe that it’s her first book. I’m looking forward to Sweet Peril .

 

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Embrace the Forbidden

 

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?

 

This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.

 

Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She's aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn't until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He's the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

 

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

This past year, I have read quite few different angel series. What I loved about this book is the twist that she put on the story, and facts that she put about angels, it made me feel like I was reading a brand new story. Even though it was fantasy, the way that Higgins wrote the novel, it felt like everything was real. Every single page that I read, I could see everything while reading it. I felt like I could also feel her emotions because of the way everything was described, it was easy to picture. Most of the book, I could feel like I was right there, besides Anna, feeling and experiencing, everything that she was. It was one of the reasons that I was so observed in the book.


Of course I loved the relationship between Anna and Kaidan. I knew there was something between the two of them, a connection when the two of them first met. I could feel their pull towards one another when two of them talked for first time. I could see their attraction growing when two of them talk that road trip together, though Kaidan tried to deny it, I know that he cared for her, because if he didn’t, he wouldn’t hesitating on taking her virginity. But fact that he’s son of lust, makes the things between him and Anna complicated. That’s what I enjoyed about it, that it was hate/love with forbidden love sort of storyline. I could see the passion between two of them, anytime that the two of them kissed. Now that he left, I’m curious what’s that going mean for him and Anna, would she see him again and what would happen when they reunite again. I’m rooting for them.

Anna is a likable character, from a start. It’s important to have a likable main character or I feel like readers won’t enjoy rest of the book. Anna went through a lot through the book, yet she didn’t give up, she kept on going. I like the bond that she seemed to establish with her father, despite the years that he was gone. Though so far I like him, there is something that I don’t trust in him, I am not too sure what though. I’m also hoping to learn more about her mother in the next book. I’m curious what happens with Anna next, what challenges she will face next.

I was bit confused at end. Its type of ending that made me wonder what is going happen. It’s at endings like these that I wish that 2nd book was out already. I highly recommend this book, it leave you wanting more.