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,The Sweet Trilogy,#1.

Sweet Evil
The Sweet Trilogy,#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.

Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloe.

Welcome,Caller,This Is Chloe.

Shelley Coriell.

Publisher:Harry N.Abrams.

Publication Date:May 1,2012.

Genre:YA Contemporary|Romance|Humor.

Format|Pages:Hardcover|299.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

Challenge:Debut Author|Standalone|Realistic Fiction.

5 STARS



Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloe was an amazing debut novel by Shelley Coriell. . When I first picked up the novel, I wasn’t sure how much I was going to like it. Cover and the title was actually what attracted my attention to the book. Beginning started bit slow for me but once it picked up, I couldn’t put the book down; actually I didn’t want to put the book down. I wanted to see what would happen with Chloe next. I was sad when this book came to end, because I got so observed with the story, the characters. I will be checking out future works of Coriell, that’s an author that has a talent.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

 

Big-hearted Chloe Camden is the queen of her universe until her best friend shreds her reputation and her school counselor axes her junior independent study project. Chloe is forced to take on a meaningful project in order to pass, and so she joins her school’s struggling radio station, where the other students don’t find her too queenly.

 

Ostracized by her former BFs and struggling with her beloved Grams’s mental deterioration, lonely Chloe ends up hosting a call-in show that gets the station much-needed publicity and, in the end, trouble. She also befriends radio techie and loner Duncan Moore, a quiet soul with a romantic heart. On and off the air, Chloe faces her loneliness and helps others find the fun and joy in everyday life. Readers will fall in love with Chloe as she falls in love with the radio station and the misfits who call it home.

What is there not to love about this novel? It was one of most realistic novels that I have read this year, and one of my favorites. I fell in love, not just with book but with storyline, the characters, especially Chloe and Duncan, they were my favorites and I have rooted for them through the entire book. Welcome Caller, This Is Chloe is a book I didn’t want put down till I reached end, but at the same time I didn’t want come to end, because only after only few pages, I felt connected with the characters. Everything that Chloe and everyone else was dealing was something that I knew could actually happen in real life, and that made me able to connect with story, the characters much more. This book is type of story that will stay with you, that you will find yourself thinking about even after you finish the book.

  I love the cover of this book; It’s so bright and colorful. The cover was what had captured my attention, because it was so colorful, especially the girl who I know is Chloe, everything about her is colorful, and that actually fits Chloe’s personality. Cover totally fits the title and the story. At first when I came across the book, while on Goodreads, I was wondering about the title. After reading the book, I know why and I find it Unique, it’s probably one of longest titles I came across but it fits. I feel like it would capture a lot of reader’s attention.


I love that the book was about radio station and talk shows. Chloe’s love and relationship talk show, reminded me a lot of a talk show I listen on radio, expect it’s on every night. But listening to Chloe’s talk show reminded me of that show. I loved her dedication, how she didn’t give up on it, despite her Counselor telling her she should, when she first heard about it. That’s what I loved about Chloe, everyone was right, she does have a big heart, and she stayed dedicated to her listeners, on both of her shows. I could tell that it started out as a project but turned her into loving the radio and actually making friends, and considering how her own best friends turned against her, I was glad she was able to move on past that, make new friends.


Chloe & Duncan: I loved their relationship from start. Though, at first I wasn’t too fond of Duncan, he seemed kind of cold with Chloe at times, even when she was being nice with him. I could tell that Chloe loved him right from start, just the way she seemed to brighten up, to smile anytime that he was around, when they would spend time together. Through the book, I could see their bond developing, and I knew they cared for one another, because they always seemed to be there for each other. I loved how Chloe found a way to cheer Duncan up when things were bad, that’s what I loved about her, her big heart. Everyone needs a friend like that. I could tell that they seemed to connect with each other, pretty fast. I wished Duncan would finally see that. I was glad to see when he finally came to his senses. I am kind of curious what possibly happen with two of them, after end of the book. They were my favorite couple, and fact that they didn’t get together till almost end, made it more interesting to read, to see what happens next. If two of them would end up together.

Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe is book I would recommend to anyone. This is book worth giving chance to. You’ll be glad that you did in the end. It deals with pretty much what everyone goes through at some point, in real life. Pick it up. Read it.

The Name Of Star, Shades Of London,#1.

The Name Of The Star.
Shades Of London,#1.

Maureen Johnson.

Publisher:Putnman Juvenille.

Publication Date:September 29,2011.

Genre:YA Fantasy|Thriller|Historical.

Format|Pages:Hardcover|372.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

5 STARS

What is there not to love about this book? The Name Of Star has everything that I love about books, the type of books that always had my attention. It has history, mystery, ghost and suspense. I knew that I was going love the book when I read the summary of the book and in end I loved it even more then I thought I would. I seen Maureen Johnson books around before, in bookstore so decided to check out and I’m glad that I did. There wasn’t a page that didn’t keep me on edge of my seat, and made me wonder what’s going happen with Rory. I will be checking out rest of series and rest of Johnson’s works.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

 

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

 

Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

Cover is stunning and mysterious, and it was the cover that actually drew me to the novel. I was at library, looking for some books to check out when I came across The Name of Star, it was the cover on the book that got my attention. The girl on cover that’s lying down and the guy that’s in front of her who looked pretty mysterious and in way, suspicious. The picture made me curious, made me pick up the book. I could already tell by cover that it was going be something mysterious with suspense, the photograph looked pretty dark to me. This cover looks that would grab attention of anyone, by looking at the girl, they will probably be curious what’s happening to her and who’s that guy. The cover totally fits the storyline too, I see both Rory and Ripper on cover, at least that impression I get after reading the book.


  I loved the fact that this book took place in London; it was the one place that I always wanted to visit. The descriptions through this book were amazing, I could actually picture it even if I never been there before. The descriptions, the imaginary made me wish that I could be in London. I also enjoyed the fact that the storyline was around Jack The Ripper, I had read quite bit of murder mystery books through this past year but none of them had Jack The Ripper which I found pretty interesting. What I found most interesting about it, was how everyone seemed obsessed with him, he became like a celebrity, though he was a killer, at times to me it didn’t seem like he was, because of way everyone acted. I was curious why he seemed to have targeted Rory, the ghost but yet haven’t killer her yet. I knew that there must been reason for it behind it. I liked how I was guessing till almost the very end and I was sure that he killer Rory at the end.


The Name of Star, was the most suspenseful book that I have read this past year, at least that’s how it seemed to me. There was always something going, right from the start of the book till the end. I always found myself wondering what’s going happen with Rory next, if she was going to get through this or if Ripper would get to her, before she got to him. I was hoping that she would be able to outsmart him before he could hurt her. I was glad that she had her friends, who were like her and we were willing to help her, to protect her. I’m eager to find out what’s going to happen with them next. Especially Stephen, out of all of them, I liked him the most. I’m also curious what will happen with Jerome and Rory, there were only certain parts between two of them but most of them involved kissing, but I am curious if it develop in something more, something more serious.

This is the  type of novel, that keeps you guessing the entire way, and even after you read the book, you want to know what happens next with everyone. It’s worth checking out. You won’t be disappointed, especially if you into suspense, mystery and ghosts.

Ditched: A Love Story.

Ditched:A Love Story.

Robin Mellom.

Publisher:Disney- Hyperion.

Publication Date:January 3,2012.

Genre:YA Romance|Humor.

Format|Pages:Hardcover|277.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

Challange:Debut Author|StandAlone| Realistic Fiction.

 

5 STARS

 



Ditched: A Love Story was unlike any book I read this past year, it was original, unique. I didn’t actually know how much I would enjoy the story, I thought maybe it be too cheesy for me. I was wrong, I ended up loving it more then I actually thought I would. I was observed by the story, the narration and the characters, and only after few pages, I was curious how it all would end. There was so much in this story, to keep your interest. Humor, Romance, Adventure and even some bit of mystery. This was an amazing debut novel and I can’t wait, to see what author comes up with next.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

THERE'S A GIRL.

Justina Griffith was never the girl who dreamed of going to prom. Designer dresses and strappy heels? Not her thing. That said, she never expected her best friend, Ian Clark, to ask her.

 

AND THERE'S A BOY.

Ian, who always passed her the baseball bat, handle first. Ian, who knew exactly when she needed red licorice. Ian, who promised her the most amazing night at prom.

THEN THERE'S A DITCH.

But when Justina is ditched, figuratively and literally, she must piece together--stain-by-stain on her thrift store dress--exactly how she ended up dateless...with only the help of some opinionated ladies at the 7-Eleven. To get the whole store, Justina will have to face the boy who ditched her. Can losing out at her prom ultimately lead to finding true love?

A story about someone who was ditched at prom? That’s the type of story that I never came across before and that’s what actually captured me about this book, the story. I was curious to see how it happened, how it led up to it. Especially when I read the prologue, where it mentioned all of those stains, bruises and fact that she was thrown out of someone’s car that wasn’t Ian’s, during the prom. I was engaged in the story right from that point, I needed to know what happened, how she got all of those stains, to begin with, why she was ditched on the road to begin with and why her prom ditched her in first place, mostly interested in how, when. I had a feeling that there was a reason for all of it, of course I was curious if Justina actually remembered what happened, because in beginning it seemed like she didn’t.

  I enjoyed how this story was told like a story, in a way. Since most of the book, Justina was telling what happened to her, how she got to that 7 Eleven to begin with. I was actually surprised that she knew, I felt she didn’t know, at least that the feeling that I got after reading the prologue. It’s her telling the others story, that made the story even more interesting to read. I loved seeing the reaction of Gilda and Donna and of course their opinions, on the choices that she made and how they even gave her advice or at least try to. I could tell by halfway through the book that two of them became Justina’s friends, just way they started acting towards her. I loved fact that all of them bonded, because Justina told them the story. Because she walked into that 7 Eleven. I also enjoyed the pictures in each chapter, explaining each, such as stain, bruises and how it happened; it was easier to picture what was going on that way.

Ian, I wasn’t sure what to think about him. At start she made him sound like a such great guy, and that’s why I couldn’t understand why he ditched her to begin with, especially after he promised her a great time, then he disappears. I did have a feeling that he somehow was planning something but I never would guessed it a surprise for Justina. Somehow I got feeling, at least in beginning that he didn’t feel the way that she felt about him. I actually had my suspicious feelings about him and Allyson, especially when she was the one that he called when he was doing his errands. But by end, I could see how much he cared for Justina and the ending made me smile, when they finally kissed.


My favorite part of the book was all of her adventures. I can’t ever happen to me, honestly I would give up after first two incidents and go home and that’s what I love about Justina, despite that, she kept on going. I enjoyed the humor in the stories, made it even more interesting to read about it. Ditched is a book worth checking out, you will smile, laugh, cry and even get angry but you won’t put book down, till the end.

Happy Accidents.

Happy Accidents.

Jane Lynch.

Publisher:Hyperion.

Publication Date:September 13,2011.

Genre: Nonfiction|Memoir.

Fornat|Pages:EBook|304.

Source:Owned|Goodreads.

 

4.5 STARS

I have been a fan of Jane Lynch since I seen her on Glee, few years earlier. I had always thought that she was extremely talented, I could tell by watching the show. So when I heard that she wrote a memoir, I knew that I had to read it, I was curious how Jane got to where she was now. Happy Accidents was one of the novels that I glad I checked out. After reading the book, I felt like I got to know, to understand Jane more than before, it felt like I was able to connect with her more. Happy Accidents is a memoir worth reading.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

  In the summer of 1974, a fourteen-year-old girl in Dolton, Illinois, had a dream. A dream to become an actress, like her idols Ron Howard and Vicki Lawrence. But it was a long way from the South Side of Chicago to Hollywood, and it didn't help that she'd recently dropped out of the school play, The Ugly Duckling. Or that the Hollywood casting directors she wrote to replied that "professional training was a requirement."

But the funny thing is, it all came true. Through a series of Happy Accidents, Jane Lynch created an improbable and hilarious path to success. In those early years, despite her dreams, she was also consumed with anxiety, feeling out of place in both her body and her family. To deal with her worries about her sexuality, she escaped in positive ways such as joining a high school chorus not unlike the one in Glee but also found destructive outlets. She started drinking almost every night her freshman year of high school and developed a mean and judgmental streak that turned her into a real- life Sue Sylvester.

  First, I thought that Jane thought of unique title for memoir: Happy Accidents. When I first read the title, I was actually curious why it was titled that but after reading the book, I can tell why. Through reading the book I can tell through how many happy accidents she came across, especially when it came to her acting career. At least how it seemed like it to me. This title fits the story that Jane wrote about in this memoir, it’s also the type of title that would capture reader’s attention even if they never heard of Jane. I believe they wonder what happy accidents will be there, that’s what I wondered when first saw the title.

  I loved Jane’s personality, the voice of the book. I actually felt like I was there, going through what she was, just by reading the book. Though the book had quite bit of sad moments, when Jane felt depressed, I found myself feeling down as well. In way, I felt like I could relate to Jane there, depression since I had gone through that myself. So reading that, it made me feel like I could connect with her, understand her more because I felt like she had before. It also made me wonder, hope that she will be happy at some point, since it seemed like for a while, she was unhappy most of time. But to me, she seemed pretty strong, how she kept on going despite how she was feeling that she kept on following her dreams. That’s dedication right there.


I loved the photographs that she had in the book, I loved looking through them. Actually I believe that’s what made the book more interesting, more realistic. There was some parts of book that were bit slow for me, or ended up longer then I though it should be, but despite that I loved the book, I loved learning about Jane. I was happy to see that she got a happy ending. If you fan of Glee, Of Jane Lynch, this is the memoir worth checking out.

Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink, Pilgrims,#1.

Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink.

Stephanie Kate Strohm.

Publisher:Graphia

Publication Date:May 8,2012.

Genre:YA Historical Fiction|Romance.

Series:Pilgrims,#1.

Format|Pages:Paperback|204.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

Challege:Debut Author|Realistic Fiction.

5 STARS



There are almost no words for me, to describe how much I loved Pilgrims Don’t Wear Pink. I knew that I was going love this book right from minute I read the summary, once I realized that it’s about history and I was always into historical fiction novels. I have ended up loving this book even more then I thought I would. The history, the mystery, the drama and even the romance is what made it almost impossible to put it down. I wanted to see what would happen with characters, especially with Libby, who she would end up with, if she enjoys her job. But when I reached the end, I wished for 2nd book to be out already, so I can see what’s next for Libby and Garrett. I will be checking out rest of her books once they come out.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Libby Kelting had always felt herself born out of time. No wonder the historical romance-reading, Jane Austen-adaptation-watching, all-around history nerd jumped at the chance to intern at Camden Harbor, Maine’s Oldest Living History Museum.

 

But at Camden Harbor Libby’s just plain out of place, no matter how cute she looks in a corset. Her cat-loving coworker wants her dead, the too-smart-for-his-own-good local reporter keeps pushing her buttons, her gorgeous sailor may be more shipwreck than dreamboat — plus Camden Harbor’s haunted. Over the course of one unforgettable summer, Libby learns that boys, like ghosts, aren’t always what they seem.

Title and the cover is actually what captured my attention first. I originally came across the book while surfing the library for a book to read. Title was what captured my attention. Pilgrims Don’t Wear Pink, somehow I had feeling that there was going be something humorous in the book and of course it captures my attention, right away. It made me curious enough to pick the novel up and wonder what the book is about. It’s an unique title for the book, something that I never came across and totally something that would capture reader’s attention. Stephanie has an imagination, an unique title, that I can tell already. After reading the book, I can see that both the title and cover fits the storyline pretty well. By looking at picture, it makes reader wonder what girl is up, at least that was a feeling that I got from it. In a way, it looks mysterious and that’s what I love about it.

The storyline, the plot was pretty unique. I had read quite few historical fiction novels through the years, but thought I heard some about ghost haunting, there were none that involved a History Museum, Camp. I found that quite unique. To me, it just seemed more original. Fact that there was bit of mystery added to it, about the ghost, made even more fascinated for me to read. I wanted to see if it turns out to be actual ghost or fake. If it was fake, I was also curious who could possibly be haunting the boat. I found myself pretty observed with the book, each page kept me on edge of my seat, made me wonder what’s going happen next.


Garrett & Cam : There was something about Garrett that I liked from start but I couldn’t quite figure out what it was. Despite him calling her Kitty, I kind of had feeling that he liked her from start, and maybe because he liked her, he treated her way he did so she wouldn’t suspect anything. Especially way he acted anytime she mentioned Cam, or he was around. He acted, jealous. I thought that Libby would actually pick up on that. When he kissed her and she pushed him away, I wanted talk some sense to her, tell her that Cam is bad guy, to forget him. So of course I was happy when she ended up with him, like I wanted her to. Now Cam, I liked him at first, I thought that he seemed like such nice guy, because of way he was around her, around the girls in Camp. But then I started have a feeling, bad feeling that something was off about him. He deserved to be punched him. I felt like punching him half of time.


Now Libby, I loved her from start. Mostly her attitude but most of her, the dedication that she had to camp, to history. I could tell right from start how much she loved history, just way she was describing her summer job to her best friend. Also the bond she created with girls at camp and it was then I knew that she would probably would be amazing teacher and a mother, just the way that she was with all of those girls. Though she could be stubborn most of time, she was strong. It takes a lot to punch a guy who almost takes advantage of you. I actually found myself smiling when she punched him. Now I am curious what next adventures she come across.

This was an amazing debut. If I didn’t know before reading book that it’s her first book, I would never guessed it her first actual book. Her writing captures the reader, makes reader actually see everything happing, like they are there. This book and author is worth checking out.

The Secret Life Of Prince Charming.

The Secret Life Of Prince Charming.

Deb Caletti.

Publisher:Simon Pulse.

Publication Date:April 7,2009.

Genre:YA Contemporary|Family|Romance.

Format|Pages:Hardcover|322.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

Challenge:Realistic Fiction.

5 STARS

 

 



Deb Caletti did it again. Even if I only read 3 books by Caletti this year, I loved them all. I’m already in love with her work, her storyline. What I enjoy about her novels was how different the storyline are, at least from the books that I read so far. The Secret Life Of Prince Charming , was unlike any book that I read before. A road trip with her sister, half sister to return stuff her dad took from former girlfriends? That’s unique. I knew I was going love this book, the moment that I read the summary. I ended up loving it even more then I thought I would. There was everything in this book: Family, relationship, road trip, drama. I have feeling that she will be an author I love, for years to come.

  GOODREADS SUMMARY

Maybe it was wrong, or maybe impossible, but I wanted the truth to be one thing. One solid thing.

 

Quinn is surrounded by women who have had their hearts broken. Between her mother, her aunt, and her grandmother, Quinn hears nothing but cautionary tales. She tries to be an optimist -- after all, she's the dependable one, the girl who never makes foolish choices. But when she is abruptly and unceremoniously dumped, Quinn starts to think maybe there really are no good men.

 

It doesn't help that she's gingerly handling a renewed relationship with her formerly absent father. He's a little bit of a lot of things: charming, selfish, eccentric, lazy...but he's her dad, and Quinn's just happy to have him around again. Until she realizes how horribly he's treated the many women in his life, how he's stolen more than just their hearts. Determined to, for once, take action in her life, Quinn joins forces with the half sister she's never met and the little sister she'll do anything to protect. Together, they set out to right her father's wrongs...and in doing so, begin to uncover what they're really looking for: the truth.

I loved the title. If I didn’t actually read the summary, I would never guess that the Prince Charming would turn out to be Quinn’s father, it would never crossed my mind. Well once I found what he does and how women always seem to be around him, in a way I could see it. Despite the amount of women that he was with, I saw him more of player then Prince Charming. But at same time I could see him being Prince Charming, the way he seemed to sweep women off their feet, there had be something in him, for them to fall for him. After reading the book, I could see how it fit the book, the secret life, the women, the items that he took from each of them. It fits the storyline well.


Now Quinn, I liked her right from the start. Of course I wished that she wouldn’t defend her dad as much that she did. To me despite what he did, to her it didn’t matter, but all that seemed to mattered is that he loved them. Even if he put her down or didn’t treat her right, it seemed like she didn’t want to see that. To me it felt like she wanted his constant approval, love. I found myself feeling sad for her at end, when her dad drifted from her after she returned all items that he stole; I actually wanted to cry with her. But I saw how she changed through the book; I saw that she saw her dad for who he really was. Though I could see her struggling, to believe all those women when they told story of how Barry treated them, that she refused to believe it in beginning. I was kind of glad, that she was one who wanted do right thing, by returning everything that he had taken. It takes a lot of guts to do something like that. I know that I would never be able to do something like that. That takes courage.


I loved Quinn’s relationship with her little sister Sprout. I could see how much Quinn cared for her. To me, it actually seemed like they were more of friends then sisters, just by the way that they treated one another, even if they had their occasional fights. Then there’s Jake, their relationship was different and that’s what I liked about it. The fact that she first met him, she saw him naked, I found that pretty funny. I kind of have feeling that’s why she kept thinking about him so much, after that. But I loved the fact how sweet Jake was her, despite the fact that she saw him naked. Way he complemented her, held her hand. He’s the kind of guy, I don’t mind finding one day. Jake seemed right for her, while her ex, didn’t. I knew there was something fishy about him from start. I was happy to see that she found someone. I was glad that they kept seeing each other, after the trip.

Now the letters, from each of the women that Barry been with. I loved those, I loved reading about their past relationship, how being with Barry affected them or changed them. By end of the book, I felt like I got to know each one of them. I felt connection with them. I loved that Quinn’s letter was added towards end of the book, it put a nice touch, just the right ending to an amazing book. It was one of books I was glad I finally got to check out.

  If you are fan of Caletti books, and even if you haven’t read one but love Young Adult, Romance, Road trip, be sure to check this book out. Once you do, you won’t be able to put down. Caletti is one of most talented authors and worth checking out.

The Guardian.

The Guardian.

Nicholas Sparks.

Publisher:Grand Central.

Publication Date:April 1,2003.

Genre: Romance|Suspense.

Format|Pages:Ebook|400.

Source:Owned|Goodreads.

 

5 STARS

The Guardian, another great work of Nicholas Sparks, he amazes me every time that I read his books. The Guardian was a bit different from his other books, it seemed to have bit of thriller, suspense added to it. I loved the fact that this book had a dog in it, I love books with animals in them, especially dogs. The Guardian is one book that will keep you on reading, till the end. I can’t wait to see what Sparks’ next novel be about.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

 

Julie Barenson’s young husband left her two unexpected gifts before he died – a puppy named Singer and the promise that he would always be watching over her. Now, four years later, twenty-nine year-old Julie is far too young to have given up on love. She may be ready to risk caring for someone again. But who? Should it be Richard Franklin, the sophisticated, handsome engineer who treats her like a queen? Or Mike Harris, the down-to-earth nice guy who was her husband’s best friend?

 

Choosing one of them should bring her more happiness than she’s had in years. Instead, Julie is soon fighting for her life in a nightmare spawned by a chilling deception and jealousy so poisonous that it has become a murderous desire . . .

 

I believe that the summary itself will draw any reader in, especially anyone into romance, suspense, even if they haven’t read any of Nicholas Sparks’s books. Especially the ending, it makes anyone wonder what he means, what will happen to Julie? How will she be fighting for her life? Those are thoughts I found myself wondering, even though I have been reading Sparks since I was 17. That’s what I love about him; most of his books will make you wonder what’s going to happen, even before you read the book. From moment I read summary, I felt like I needed to know what was going happen with Julie, and who she would end up choosing. I got say, the book surprised me. It’s type book I’m glad I finally had chance to read.

The Guardian was filled with quite bit of suspense. That’s what I enjoyed about it, fact that it wasn’t only about romance but there was a twist, a twist about Richard that I wasn’t expecting. I got say, I knew that there was something off about Richard. When he constantly started calling her, showing up at her work, leaving her notes it’s when I got suspicious about his actions. Even at the time when they were dating, that behavior didn’t seem normal to me. I knew there was a reason that Mike didn’t like Richard, besides him being with Julie. I was hoping that she would end it with him. I liked Richard in beginning but then he started scare me. Especially when It was discovered how obsessed he was, how many people he killed. I felt afraid for Julie, for Mike. I was afraid that he wouldn’t get stopped before it was too late.

Singer, Of course I loved him right from the start. That’s why I wasn’t too happy with the ending. I was never fond on endings where animals got hurt or died. I found myself actually crying at the end. Hoping that maybe at very end, there be another twist, a good one. Of course there wasn’t, at least not for Singer. At same time, I was glad that he died a hero. Now I see why the book was titled The Guardian, all along Singer was guarding Julie. If it wasn’t for him, who knows what could happen to her. What I loved is fact how both Mike and Julie treated him like he was human, but to me it felt like he was, based on how he reacted, to both of them, to anyone. Singer knew there was something off about Richard.

Mike & Julie, I loved their bond. I was curious when Julie would finally realize her feelings for him and choose him. I was hoping that she would choose him, and was happy when she finally did. I could tell how much they cared for one another, especially Mike. He was doing everything he possibly could, just to make sure that Julie was safe when he found about Richard. I was afraid that he was going die at end as well, but glad that at least he made it through the nightmare. Somehow Mile & Julie’s relationship felt different, maybe because they been friends for years. It felt special.

If you love Nicholas Sparks or anything romantic with a suspense twist, The Guardian is worth checking out. It keep your attention from beginning to the end.

The Waiting Sky.

The Waiting Sky.

Lara Zielin.

Publisher:Putnman Juvenille.

Publication Date:August 2,2012.

Genre:YA Contemporary|Adventure|Romance.

Format|Pages:Hardcover|224.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

Challenge:Standalone|Realistic Fiction.

4.7 STARS



Cover was actually what caught my attention for The Waiting Sky, it had an unique design and loved how the girl seemed to be holding a tornado in the jar. That’s what made me curious and made me pick up the book. It was one of the books that I was glad I checked out, I found myself enjoying it more than I thought I would. The first few pages were a bit slow start for me, but once it picked up, I didn’t want to put the book down. I wanted to see what would happen with Jane, Max and her mother. It was filled with action, drama and slight romance. I will be checking rest of author’s work.

  GOODREADS SUMMARY

One summer chasing tornadoes could finally change Jane's life for the better.

Seventeen-year-old Jane McAllister can't quite admit her mother's alcoholism is spiraling dangerously out of control until she drives drunk, nearly killing them and Jane's best friend.

 

Jane has only one place to turn: her older brother Ethan, who left the problems at home years ago for college. A summer with him and his tornado-chasing buddies may just provide the time and space Jane needs to figure out her life and whether it still includes her mother. But she struggles with her anger at Ethan for leaving home and feels guilty--is she also abandoning her mom just when she needs Jane most? The carefree trip turned journey of self-discovery quickly becomes more than Jane bargained for, especially when the devilishly handsome Max steps into the picture.

Of course, I am going talk about the cover first. Like mentioned earlier, I thought that the cover was stunning. It’s unique, I haven’t seen any cover like that before, and that took a lot of creativity, imagination. Just by looking at the cover, you can tell that something big is going happen in the book, by the way the girl holding the jar and the tornado inside, it’s a feeling that I got. The girl in picture looked serious too, like something big was on her mind. I have feeling that this is type of cover that would capture any reader’s attention, even before they read the summary. The illustration, photograph will make readers wonder after the book, the story.

Jane, I liked her character right from start, though at times I did feel frustrated with her, especially when it came to her mother. It made me wonder sometimes if she didn’t actually see that her mother had an issue, if she actually believed that she could change. I agreed with others, when it came to her mother. Despite that, it takes a lot to take care of an alcoholic, especially when you are 17 years old. For that, Jane seemed pretty strong, it takes courage to be able to take care of someone, who constantly drinking. At same time, I wondered if Jane would actually take up her brother’s offer towards end of summer and stay with him, or if she would go back to her mother. While reading the book, I found myself wondering what she would decide. To me, Jane was realistic, dealing with real life issue. It made easier, to connect with Jane. Even her relationship with Max was realistic.

Zielin’s writing was amazing; it brought the book to life for me. Her descriptions, way she described everything through Jane’s eyes, including how skies looked in tornadoes, when they got caught in storm. I found myself being able to imagine happening, like I was there, along with everyone else, like I was chasing storms along with everyone else. I found myself practically holding my breath when they got caught up in that storm, especially towards end when Jane practically rushed into that storm, I felt afraid for her. I love books like that; books that feel like you are there, books that keep you on the edge of seat till the end.

  If you into storms, storm chaser, be sure to check out The Waiting Sky.

The Moon Dwellers, The Dwellers,#1.

The Moon Dwellers.

David Estes.

Publication Date:June 30,2012

Genre:YA Dystopian|Romance|Adventure.

Series:The Dwellers,#1.

Format|Pages:EBook|262.

Source:Owned|Goodreads.

5 STARS

 

 

 

 



I knew I was going love this novel, from the moment I read summary when I heard David Estes was going write a Dystopian novel. I was right, I loved it. I have read David’s other novel, The Angel Evolution and loved it. I been wanting to read The Moon Dwellers since it came out, but had no way of purchasing it till recently. It was one of books that I was glad I came across. It was filled with so much action, adventure and unlike any other dystopian novel that I read. I’m eager to find what happens with Adele in The Star Dwellers .

 

  GOODREADS SUMMARY

In a desperate attempt to escape destruction decades earlier, humankind was forced underground, into the depths of the earth, creating a new society called the Tri-Realms.

 

After her parents and sister are abducted by the Enforcers, seventeen-year-old Adele, a member of the middle-class moon dwellers, is unjustly sentenced to life in prison for her parents' crimes of treason.

 

Against all odds, Adele must escape from the Pen and find her family, while being hunted by a deranged, killing machine named Rivet, who works for the President. She is helped by two other inmates, Tawni and Cole, each of whom have dark secrets that are better left undiscovered. Other than her friends, the only thing she has going for her is a wicked roundhouse kick and two fists that have been well-trained for combat by her father.

 

At the other end of the social spectrum is Tristan, the son of the President and a sun dweller. His mother is gone. He hates his father. Backed by only his servant and best friend, Roc, he leaves his lavish lifestyle in the Sun Realm, seeking to make something good out of his troubled life.

 

When a war breaks out within the Tri-Realms, Tristan is thrust into the middle of a conflict that seems to mysteriously follow Adele as she seeks to find her family and uncover her parents true past.

 

In their world, someone must die.

I loved the title, the cover. Even from the cover, there was a mysterious look to the novel. It was original, and I loved the different colors it had to a cover, some colored while some was black and white and that was the mysterious part. Of course, the title was original, and idea in general of the book. When I first saw the title, I was actually wondering what it meant, why David titled it like that. After reading the book, I could see why and it fits the book, perfectly. The title and the cover. I always had trouble coming up with titles, when I write. His title was unique; it’s something that would capture the reader’s attention, along with the cover.

I love the idea of the book. To me, it seems like quite few dystopian books seem similar. Not this one. Through the year that I started reading dystopian books, this was one of most unique, creative dystopian novels that I read. It had an original plot and a lot of adventure through the book. Though I was bit confused at the beginning, once I understood what was going on, I couldn’t stop reading it. I needed to see what will happen with Adele and her friends and of course Tristan, if he would actually find Adele and what would happen when he did. I found myself curious to see how their reunion would go. There was always something going on in Moon Dwellers and that’s what I loved about it, there was always some sort of action, something happening and that’s what kept me on reading, what kept me on edge of my seat. I felt like I needed to find out what happens next, especially with Adele and Tristan, they are the two characters that I loved, right from start.

Adele & Tristan : First, I loved that the book was both from Tristan & Adele’s point of view, I felt like I got to know both of them more, able to understand them more. I loved fact that they were miles away from each other, at least for most of the book, yet they found themselves thinking about each other. First when they first saw each other, I was actually curious if Tristan was feeling way that Adele was. I thought it was actually cute and sweet how Tristan left, to go find Adele, to make sure she was safe. I wish there was more guys out there, like Tristan. Every page I was eager what he would do, when he did find her, how their reunion would go. If Adele actually feels same that he was feeling for her. I loved how strong, tough Adele was. Girls tend to be kind of weak and seem scared half of time, the books that I read in past but not Adele. I loved that she knew how to defend herself, it came in handy, and that’s for sure. The last scene between Adele and Tristan actually made me tear up, it also made me wonder when they actually meet again. If Adele would succeed in her mission.

I’m in love with the series already. I wasn’t too happy that Cole was killed off, I liked him. I had feeling that someone would die, I just hoped that it wouldn’t be character that I liked. I felt as sad, as Adele and Tawni at first. I enjoyed every part of this book. David has a unique talent and inspires me, on keep going, to keep on writing. The Moon Dwellers is worth checking out, you won’t regret it.