The Lemon Orchard.

☆☆☆☆☆

the lemon orchard.

luanne rice.

Publisher  Pamela Dorman Books

Publication Date:July 2,2013

Genre:Romance|Mystery

Format|Pages:Hardcover|304

Source: Goodreads|Library

From bestselling author Luanne Rice—a captivating and sexy novel of love, both enduring and unexpected

 

Year after year, Luanne Rice’s fans eagerly await her next book. Their enthusiasm is soon to be rewarded with The Lemon Orchard, Rice’s romantic new love story between two people from seemingly different worlds. 

In the five years since Julia last visited her aunt and uncle’s home in Malibu, her life has been turned upside down by her daughter’s death. She expects to find nothing more than peace and solitude as she house-sits with only her dog, Bonnie, for company. But she finds herself drawn to the handsome man who oversees the lemon orchard. Roberto expertly tends the trees, using the money to support his extended Mexican family. What connection could these two people share? The answer comes as Roberto reveals the heartbreaking story of his own loss—a pain Julia knows all too well, but for one striking difference: Roberto’s daughter was lost but never found. And despite the odds he cannot bear to give up hope. 

Set in the sea and citrus-scented air of the breathtaking Santa Monica Mountains, The Lemon Orchard is an affirming story about the redemptive power of compassion and the kind of love that seems to find us when we need it most. 

✈ ✈

 
Beautifully written realistic novel. I have almost no words to describe how much I enjoyed this novel, how affected I was by it. I have read few novels before this by Luanne Rice and loved them. The Lemon Orchard however wasn’t unlike any of the other novels that she had written before, it’s was unexpected. It left me speechless. It’s what I loved about it is how different it was, so much happened in The Lemon Orchard and in a good way, it was heartbreaking, heartwarming, inspirational. You can’t help but fall in love with the characters, the story. It only took me couple pages and I was hooked to the story, not wanting to pull away from it. I was curious to see what happens with all of the characters, how the story would come to end. A story that would be easy to relate to, for some people. 


Both of Julia & Roberto’s stories were heartbreaking, they both lost somebody that they loved. Roberto’s story was more heartbreaking to me then Julia’s, his daughter was 6 and to lose someone in desert, I can’t even begin to imagine how that must feel like. I know that two of them connected because both of them lost their daughters, it had me wondering if that was the main reason that the two of them connected, because of their grief? It was a good thing that they did, because if they didn’t, Roberto would never reunite with his daughter after five years, he would still assume that she was gone. What Julia did for Roberto, what she gone through to locate his daughter, was heartwarming, it had me smiling and it had me hoping, that she was alive. I know that she did it at first because she was curious by the mystery but as time went by, she kept on searching because she loved him. I bet she was the one person who tried and who didn’t back down till she found all the answers. Not many would go the measures that Julia went through. 


The descriptions, especially when Roberto was telling his story about crossing border, illegaly were vivid. The Lemon Orchard was one of most descriptive books that I read, but that was made the book amazing, the images were so vivid in my mind, I found myself imagining everything, a feeling that I was there. That’s what makes a great book. I could see the desert, where Julia was staying, everything. The ending was heartbreaking for me, after going through all trouble finding daughter for him, she ended up losing him in process because he went to be with her. That had me tearing up, her heart must have broken then. 


The Lemon Orchard is one of best Luanne Rice’s works. It’s a story about love, family, grief and loss and bringing two unexpected people close together.

Everbound(Everneath,#2)

☆☆☆☆☆

everbound.

Everneath,#2

Brodi ashton.

Publisher: Balzer + Bra

Publication Date:January 22,2013

Genre: YA Fantasy|Adventure|Romance

Format|Pages:Hardcover|358

Source: Goodreads|Library.

Nikki Beckett could only watch as her boyfriend, Jack, sacrificed himself to save her, taking her place in the Tunnels of the Everneath for eternity — a debt that should’ve been hers. She’s living a borrowed life, and she doesn’t know what to do with the guilt. And every night Jack appears in her dreams, lost and confused and wasting away. 

Desperate for answers, Nikki turns to Cole, the immortal bad boy who wants to make her his queen — and the one person least likely to help. But his heart has been touched by everything about Nikki, and he agrees to assist her in the only way he can: by taking her to the Everneath himself. 

Nikki and Cole descend into the Everneath, only to discover that their journey will be more difficult than they’d anticipated — and more deadly. But Nikki vows to stop at nothing to save Jack — even if it means making an incredible sacrifice of her own. 


In this enthralling sequel to Everneath, Brodi Ashton tests the bonds of destiny and explores the lengths we’ll go to for the ones we love.

✈ ✈

 

What a cliffhanger, what an ending. Just when I am starting to like Cole more, to think that he actually does have a heart. My one question: Why Cole? Nikki was finally starting to trust him and on her way of becoming friends, but he had to go and ruin it all. That was a twist that I didn’t expect, even not from Cole. I have feeling that will be something that Nikki won’t be able to forgive him for, no matter how hard Cole will try. I know he disliked Jack, loves Nikki but even I didn’t think that he would go that far. Everbound was a heartbreaking journey. I felt like I was there besides her. Not only was storyline amazing, the covers for Everneath are stunning, colorful and filled with suspense. You can’t help but love the books. 


Nikki grew on me in this novel, at first when she was introduced she annoyed me a bit, because how much whining she did. In Everbound she changed a bit, I loved how dedicated and determined she was in order to save Jack. That’s love. She went through so much, including trusting Cole, just so she could save him. Nikki faced so many more challenges and obstacles when she went into Everneath this time. What I loved about her is that she wouldn’t give up no matter what. I felt for her when she was close and Cole kicked her back to surface. I knew the reason that he did but it still made me angry that he would go that far, just to betray her. I can’t believe how clueless she was about how Cole felt for her, and why he done what he did. How he didn’t see that he loved her. Part of me wondered if there was part of her that felt something for him too, she just denied it because of Jack. 


I didn’t know what to think of Cole, I loved fact that he helped her, but when I found out what he did, I was bit conflicted for how I felt for the character. Yet I feel like there is a bit more connection between him and Nikki then Nikki and Jack. He loves her, I know he does or he wouldn’t gone through all of this trouble. Everbound was filled with much more action that the first book because they had gone on a dangerous mission. We also learned more about Jack and Nikki’s relationship and there is no doubt in my mind that he loves her. Now that Jack is back, what will happen next? Will they accomplish at destroying Everneath? Will Nikki become everliving? It’s the questions that has me wishing that I had the last book. I want to see how it all ends.

Of Neptune(The Syrena Legacy,#3)

☆☆☆☆☆

of neptune.

Syrena Legacy,#3

anna banks.

Publisher Feiwel & Friends

Publication Date:May 13,2014

Genre: YA Fantasy|Adventure|Romance

Format|Pages:Hardcover|330

Source: Goodreads|Library.

Emma, who is half human and half Syrena, and her Syrena love, Galen, need time together. Alone. Away from the kingdoms of Poseidon and Triton. Emma’s grandfather, the Poseidon king, suggests the two visit a small town called Neptune. 

Neptune is home to both Syrena and Half-Breeds alike. But Emma and Galen didn’t sign up to be peacemakers between the ocean-living Syrena and the land-dwelling, freshwater counterparts. They didn’t bargain for meeting a charming Half-Breed named Reed, who can barely disguise his feelings for Emma. And they especially didn’t expect to find themselves in the middle of a power struggle that threatens not only their love, but their ocean kingdoms. 


In this stunning conclusion to her bestselling Syrena Legacy, Anna Banks thrills fans with more action and romance than ever. 

✈ ✈

 
I can’t believe this series is over, I am going to miss Galen, Emma, two of my favorites through the series. I fell in love with the series from book 1, and I still refuse to believe that it’s over. It was one of the best mermaid’s books that I have read, at least this year. Not only was storyline capturing but the covers, just look at them, aren’t they stunning? A cover that will grab your attention right away, even if you haven’t read the series before. Syrena Legacy was one series that I was glad I came across. Of Neptune had the most action and quite bit of romance, but not one dull moment, each page had you eager for more. I wanted to find out how it all would end but at same time I didn’t want it come to end. When I reached the end, I was smiling but at same time I found myself wondering, what will happen with them next? 


Reed was one character in this book that I found myself unable to like. He annoyed me. He knew that Emma was going to mate with Galen yet he flirted with her constantly, especially when Galen vanished, he tried to do everything he could to convince her that he’s the one that she belongs with. How can you like someone like that? He just wouldn’t give up till after the kiss. The kiss, I know that Emma was confused about Galen, thinking that he left her but what was she thinking, giving him permission to kiss her? That doesn’t seem very loyal to me. I was surprised that Galen forgave her for that, he must truly love her. I am curious if there possibility that Emma might thought that there could be something between two of them. All that thoughts faded when she reunited with Galen. She loves him. 


I was smiling at end, happy for their happy ending. Galen & Emma were finally where they belonged, with each other. After everything that two of them went through, how often they were threatened to be torn apart, they made it through it all. I do wonder if they will end up staying on land or if eventually they will end up back in Ocean, where Galen is wants to be. It made me realize how much he sacrificed for her, so that they could be together. Gave up the Ocean for her. A thrilling series. A thrilling ride.

A Grimm Warning( The Land Of Stories,#3)

☆☆☆☆☆

a grimm warning.

Land Of Stories,#3

chris colfer.

Publisher  Little, Brown Books

Publication Date:July 8,2014

Genre:Children's| Fairytale | Adventure.

Format|Pages:Hardcover|480

Source: Goodreads|Library.

Conner Bailey thinks his fairy-tale adventures are behind him--until he discovers a mysterious clue left by the famous Brothers Grimm. With help from his classmate Bree and the outlandish Mother Goose, Conner sets off on a mission across Europe to crack a two-hundred-year-old code. 

Meanwhile, Alex Bailey is training to become the next Fairy Godmother...but her attempts at granting wishes never go as planned. Will she ever be truly ready to lead the Fairy Council? 


When all signs point to disaster for the Land of Stories, Conner and Alex must join forces with their friends and enemies to save the day. But nothing can prepare them for the coming battle...or for the secret that will change the twins' lives forever. 


The third book in the bestselling Land of Stories series puts the twins to the test as they must bring two worlds together. 

✈ ✈

 

Chris Colfer did it again, created an amazing journey. What a cliffhanger, I did not see that coming, an ending that wants you to crave for more, how can it not? I do hope that the masked man is not who Alex believes he is, because he’s not a good guy. He tried to destroy the fairy world, with dragons. If he is, I’m curious what happened to him, to make him the way that he is. I am curious to see if there was a reason behind it, and did he know who Alex was this whole time? I do feel bad for her if it is her father, the father that she thought was dead all this time, I can’t even begin to imagine how she felt. Most important question is it really him or an imposter, someone who looks like him. How am I supposed wait till 2015 to find out what happens next. It feels like I need to know what happens next. How Conner react to news, how that would change everything. What adventures and dangers everyone will have to face. It has me eager for the next book to come out. 


I’m sure everyone came across series, more it progressed and you found yourself falling in love with story, the characters. The Land Of Stories is that series for me even if it aimed for younger audience. From first book, I can tell how much Colfer’s writing improved. I’m impressed. Colfer pulls you into a story from first page till the last; you can’t help but fall in love with the characters. The descriptions of everyone’s adventures in land of stories are magical, and it feels like you are headed on adventures along with everyone else. You find your favorites and find yourself rooting for them to succeed till the end. Out of 3 books, A Grimm Warning has been my favorite, there was so much going on, more action than the other two novels. You are eager to see what happens with everyone else, if they would be able to save the fairy world. How can you not love the books who has all your favorite fairy tale characters, fighting dragons, fighting an army, doing everything they can to protect their world? I was engaged till the last page. 



Alex and Conner surprise me every time. I’m amazed how much the two of them accomplished, how they changed. For 14 year olds they have been through so much, every time something goes wrong in Land Of Stories, they are there. Both of them have matured so much. No matter how much Conner denies it, Land Of Stories became part of his life. Alex isn’t the only one that belongs there, he does too. Alex a fairy godmother, at 14 that are impressive and I know that she would do an amazing job, she cares about Land Of Stories and everyone in it. I felt sad when their Grandmother went, I hoped that she would make it through it. A Grim warning was another great addition to Land Of Stories adventures. It had me laughing few times and that always makes a great story. A must read, for everyone.

The Enchantress Returns( The Land Of Stories,#2)

☆☆☆☆☆

the enchantress returns.

Land Of Stories,#2

Chris colfer.

Publisher  Little, Brown Books

Publication Date:August 6,2013

Genre:Children's| Fairytale | Adventure.

Format|Pages:Hardcover|517

Source: Goodreads|Library.

After decades of hiding, the evil Enchantress who cursed Sleeping Beauty is back with a vengeance. 

Alex and Conner Bailey have not been back to the magical Land of Stories since their adventures in The Wishing Spell ended. But one night, they learn the famed Enchantress has kidnapped their mother! 

Against the will of their grandmother, the twins must find their own way into the Land of Stories to rescue their mother and save the fairy tale world from the greatest threat it's ever faced. 

✈ ✈

 
Have you come across an author who took you by surprise? You couldn’t help but fall in love with his stories? Chris Colfer is that author for me, his Land Of Stories series taken me by surprise, one of best fairy tales that I have read. The Enchantress Returns blew my mind away, it took me on another amazing journey. The 2nd book in the series was even better than the first one, at least in my opinion it was. The Enchantress returns seemed to have more action and adventure than The Wishing Spell. Colfer did it again, found a way to pull you in magical world of Land Of Stories. When you read this fairy tale, makes you feel like you are there along with Alex, Conner, Froggy and rest of them. It’s hard not to. Even if Land Of Stories aimed for younger readers, it’s becoming one of my favorites, I’m eager for the twin’s adventures next. 



Of course I adore the relationship Alex and Conner have, guess it’s true what they say about twin bond. Not many 13 year olds, (Even if they twins) get along or love each other like Alex and Conner do. Either of them would do anything to make sure that other one is safe. They have their moments but most of time, they are there for one another. It makes me smile each time. I had tears in my eyes when Alex decided to stay behind in Land Of Stories, my heart broke for Conner. It was visible of his face that he didn’t want to be separated from her. I was taken aback by their mother’s decision, to let Alex stay behind in Land Of Stories, even if she wanted for her daughter to be happy, I did not see that coming. Now that the entrance closed between two worlds, I am curious if Conner will see his sister again? If something else occur that will have them reuniting again. I’m eager what that could be. 



Bob, which was another surprise, another interesting twist to story. Never did I imagine Bob ending up in The Land of Stories. Actually I didn’t think that he would believe it, if someone told me I don’t think that I would. I think if it wasn’t for their Fairy Godmother, the talking dog, he wouldn’t have. Fact that he went all way into the Fairy World after the twins, their mother and what he gone through to get to them, showed how much he loved them all. Also that he didn’t go running, any other guy would have. Their wedding was magical, getting married in palace in fairy world? That’s anyone’s dream come true. I was happy for them. The one character that annoyed most was Red, all she seemed to do was complain but that made the story even more entertaining, there were parts that I laughed out loud because of what she said, or how she said it. 


The 2nd book had vivid descriptions, which I actually pictured all the adventures, the obstacles all characters faced. Illustrations even made it easier to picture, it was breath taking. The cover, now that was most breathtaking illustration out of entire book, they told most of the story. If you read the story, you will see how most of those would fit. The Illustration were gorgeous, if I could look at cover all day, I probably would. If you fan of Fairy Tales, be sure to check out The Land Of Stories, it’s unlike any fairy tale you read before.