Tuesday, April 30, 2013
The Newstead Project
Joel Cranston shouldn’t exist. He just doesn’t know that yet. He’s lived a pretty normal life for the last sixteen years. If you consider being almost seven feet tall and good at about every sport you’ve ever played normal. Normal ends the day Newstead shows up with an invitation to come to their school.
the school.
Newstead is a private high school in Central Vermont by the Green Mountains. It’s a great place to hide a few hundred people who shouldn’t exist while you train them to become tomorrow’s rulers, tomorrow’s dictators, tomorrow’s gods.
the unexpected.
Rachel Newell thinks she’s just passing through. She never stays any place more than four months and with Newstead so close to Weston, she has even more reason to make this her shortest stop ever. The last thing she expects is to have a reason to stay.
Together Rachel and Joel uncover the truth behind what is
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Author Melanie Schulz
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Ends 5/19/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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In this thrilling finale to Karina Cooper's Dark Mission series, New Seattle's witches will rise again…or fall forever.
Dr. Kayleigh Lauderdale possesses the only cure for what's killing the city's witches. Desperate to acquire it, the resistance sends their best agent, but Shawn Lowe has his own agenda, and it doesn't include saving anyone—least of all, the daughter of his sworn enemy. He has to ignore the blistering attraction he feels the instant they meet, because he can't give in until he gets what he wants. He just never counted on wanting her…
Kayleigh can't believe how out of control Shawn makes her feel. He lies to her with one breath and excites her beyond reason the next. A reckless encounter could steal her heart, while the danger hovering over the city may prove too much for either of them to handle. When the world turns upside down, it will take everything Kayleigh and Shawn have to hold on…to life, to hope, to each other.
Goodreads Summary
Karina Cooper will be having a twitter chat on Monday, 4/29, from 3-4PM EST and she'd really love for you to participate! It will be using hashtag #WickedOne, and she'll be chatting about all kinds of things—namely, witches! She'd love it if you shared your favorite witches (from books, movies, TV and beyond), but she's also keen to hear about your favorite epic endings, favorite moments in the Dark Mission series—and don’t forget, Karina will be answering questions, so please do join her! Here’s the cherry on top of our paranormal Sundae: anyone who tweets using #WickedOne will be entered to win the complete Dark Mission series!
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
The Big Debate (Literary Loom #1) A bizarre corpse . . . A strange girl . . . A creepy teacher . . . A cool invention . . . Combine these with an old school and a new student anxious to fit in—and the adventure begins. Fifteen-year-old Josh’s big mouth gets him in trouble at first. But after walking in the shoes of great men of history in the Literary Loom, he uses that mouth to bring down the bad guy and ultimately solve the mystery behind the murder—and the strange girl. Book Trailer
Author Carolyn Twede Frank Carolyn has always liked to create. There were always gardens full of beautiful plants in her life, plenty of frilly, homemade dresses for her daughters—and don’t leave out the puppets. Ever since third grade, Carolyn also liked to write. She is the author of Promises, a teen historical fiction novel, and the author/illustrator of two children’s picture books. Carolyn lives in Utah with her husband and teenage daughter, where she runs her puppet-related business in between family time and writing time. 
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Monday, April 22, 2013
In a world where fairy tale situations are as much a fact of life as death and taxes, everyone knows hiring Fairy Godmothers, Inc. is the best way to assure that your beautiful daughter or enchanted frog of a grandson will get the happily-ever-after he or she deserves. Sure, sometimes a little love potion is required to make sure those quotas stay up, but what Prince Charming doesn’t know won’t hurt him.
Kate, an experienced Fairy Godmother, who’s enough of a romantic to frustrate her rigidly rule-bound boss, has just received a specialty assignment from one of the company’s board of directors. Cinderella—Rellie for short—was placed with an appropriately wicked stepfamily years before, and now needs the dress, ball, and handsome prince to complete her happily-ever-after. The fact that Rellie isn’t sure this is her dream come true—balls are fun, but princes tend to be less interesting than fluffy bunnies—isn’t something management considers a problem.
Complicating things a bit is Jon, the youngest son of the royal family, who meets Kate, and is smitten, but isn’t quite ready yet to reveal his true identity. After all, it’s his older brother Rupert who’s supposed to marry Rellie, which means pretending to be a lowly civil servant will give him the chance to spend more time with Kate. (As long as he can get the ball arranged, and stop Rupert from getting himself into trouble over his “self-actualization” business, he should have the perfect opportunity to explain everything and get started on making a little magic with the Fairy Godmother of his dreams.)
But, of course, things never ever happen as planned.
Kate, an experienced Fairy Godmother, who’s enough of a romantic to frustrate her rigidly rule-bound boss, has just received a specialty assignment from one of the company’s board of directors. Cinderella—Rellie for short—was placed with an appropriately wicked stepfamily years before, and now needs the dress, ball, and handsome prince to complete her happily-ever-after. The fact that Rellie isn’t sure this is her dream come true—balls are fun, but princes tend to be less interesting than fluffy bunnies—isn’t something management considers a problem.
Complicating things a bit is Jon, the youngest son of the royal family, who meets Kate, and is smitten, but isn’t quite ready yet to reveal his true identity. After all, it’s his older brother Rupert who’s supposed to marry Rellie, which means pretending to be a lowly civil servant will give him the chance to spend more time with Kate. (As long as he can get the ball arranged, and stop Rupert from getting himself into trouble over his “self-actualization” business, he should have the perfect opportunity to explain everything and get started on making a little magic with the Fairy Godmother of his dreams.)
But, of course, things never ever happen as planned.
Goodreads Summary
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There's 14 days left until the campaign ends for The Iron King, and the author Julie Kagawa needs you guys more than ever! We're giving away 10 copies of each book (all in eBook format). It can be Nook, Kindle, or iTunes. Even if you don't have a Kindle or Nook reader I want you guys to know you can download a desktop verion for free! That's how I read all my eBooks to review. :)
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About H.B. Bolton:
A magical part of H.B. Bolton’s childhood was being swept into worlds of enchanting characters, fantastical creatures and extraordinary powers—simply by picking up a book. As a mother and a teacher, she was compelled to create imaginary worlds of her own in order to share them, not just with her children, but with all children. H.B. Bolton lives in Florida with her supportive husband and two highly spirited children. Shh, can you keep a secret? Not only does she write books for the young-at-heart, adventurous sort who yearn to dive into a good young-adult fantasy story, she also writes spellbinding, heart pounding women's fiction. These particular books are written under the name Barbara Brooke, but that's another story, altogether.The Trickster's Totem Description:
Life has returned to normal for fourteen-year-old Evan and his older sister, Claire. That is until Dunkle, a clever but stinky little imp, pays an unexpected visit to their school. He has come to take the siblings back to Sagaas, the mythical realm of the gods. Once again, a Relic from the ancient Mysticus Orb has fallen into the wrong hands. Only Evan and Claire, with their unique mystical abilities, can help find it.
Through the power of the Trickster’s Totem, a coyote trickster has escaped. His laughter echoes throughout the realm, as he spreads mischief and mayhem. He burns an entire crop of popcorn, carves his grinning image into sacred artifacts, and things really get interesting when he shape-shifts into Evan’s friends.
Claire and Evan must capture the Trickster, retrieve the Totem, and be careful not to become sidetracked by robotic Steampunk animals, “sweet” pixie-like Pains, and a problematic mermaid … all while dodging Mothman-like aces. Most surprising, Evan discovers the true reason dragons exist in the Native American Spirit World.
Evan and Claire Jones are typical teenagers, forced to go with their parents to yet another boring museum ... that is, until something extraordinary happens to make their day a little more than interesting. After following a strange little creature into a closed exhibit, Evan and his older sister, Claire, discover the Serpent’s Ring, one of the magical relics formed from the shattered Mysticus Orb. Purely by accident, they have awakened its powers and opened a portal to Sagaas, land of ancient gods.Before the siblings can comprehend what has happened, the Serpent’s Ring is wrenched from Evan’s hand by an enormous fish and flown back to Aegir, the Norse god of the sea. Evan and Claire, accompanied by a band of unlikely heroes, must retrieve the Serpent’s Ring before Aegir uses its immense powers to flood all the lands on Earth.
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The author is giving away a copy of The Serpent's Ring or The Trickster's Totem (winners choice) open to US addresses and ebooks of both books, open internationally.
Every two minutes, evil strips innocence from a child and sells her into slavery for sex. Not in a third-world country, but in the United States of America. Before you take another breath, the next victim will be tricked or taken from her family by a profit-hungry criminal.
She could be a neighbor. A friend.Your sister. Your daughter. You.
At fourteen, Hope Ellis is the all-American girl with a good life—until the day she tries to help her mom with their cross-town move by supervising the movers. When they finish, one of the men returns to the house and rapes her. Held silent by his threats, darkness begins to engulf her. But the rape proves to be the least of Hope’s troubles. In a gasping attempt at normalcy, she succumbs to the attention of a smooth-talking man on the subway. He promises acceptance. He declares his love. He lures her out from under the shelter of her suburban life.
Hope’s disappearance sets a community in motion. She’s one of their own. They determine to find Hope, whatever the cost, before she’s lost forever.
Will you?
Goodreads Summary
If you're looking for a book that will make you sit straight up in your chair, look no further. Rescuing Hope is a book filled with brutal truths and harsh realities. Hope, the main character, had a normal life before finding herself in the sex trafficking business. She knows logically how she got to that point, but doesn't fully understand why. Hope is a girl who goes to church and attends school; she listens to adults. It was scary to read that she listens to adults almost unquestionably; Hope really believes what they tell her...a negative trait that hurts her in the book.
The role of sex trafficking in the United States is not underplayed at all. The reader will come away from this book understanding that even first world countries are affected and that this is a present problem. The author maintains a blunt and clear "voice" during the book. There were some portions of the book that felt like they had not been finished, but otherwise the writing was smooth and made for a good story. This is not a book that glosses over life's issues; there is plenty of graphic scenes and large amounts of profanity. This book is recommended to adult readers that wish to learn more about a relatively unknown part of their world.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Deliah Lopez Dreser’s in town to take care of family business. They say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, but there’s more to Lilah than meets the eye. Cole’s in danger of losing his heart when this firestorm throws sparks his way. However, is she simply playing him for the fool in order to exact revenge for her brother’s murders?
Maggie and Seth’s reaction when the truth is revealed pushes friendship to the limit. And this time around it won’t be a Dreser causing an uproar in Port Fare. It will be Cole's good friend Booker. But does Booker have it all wrong? Usually not!
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Author Bio
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Unlovable was Sherry's debut novel and quickly rose to many top seller lists on Amazon. She is pleased to announce that Unlovable is currently being made into a movie. She has added three more novels to her body of work. Souls in Peril, the poignant story of Max Sanchez who is on a journey to help the struggling JD Miller survive high school, and Pete & Tink, a fun, light-hearted novella of a manga-loving geek and and five-and-a-half inch fairy. And UNBELIEVABLE, Book 2 in the Port Fare Series
Sherry and her husband, along with their children and a couple of crazy dogs, call Upstate New York home. It is where she spends her nights writing instead of sleeping {:
Except
“I played Juliet in our high school’s version of the play,” I said.
Except
1. This is Lilah after she learns of Cole's love of Shakespeare:
“I played Juliet in our high school’s version of the play,” I said.
“I’ll bet you tortured poor Romeo.”
“Maybe,” I grinned playfully. He had my number already.
Cole closed the book, got down on one knee and held a hand out to me. “‘But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? / It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. / Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, who is already sick and pale with grief.’”
“‘Ay me,’” I laughed as he stood...
He handed me back the book. “Here, test me. Open it to any page and repeat a line or two of a highlighted section. I’ll tell you the play, along with the act and scene it’s from.”
I took the book with a smirk. He wasn’t the only lover of Shakespeare in the room. My advantage? My well-versed knowledge of love quotes. I did a paper in eleventh grade on famous love quotes from Sir William’s works. I almost felt bad for what I was about to do to Cole. Almost.
I held up the book, and with longing in my eyes, I quoted, “‘Did my heart love till now.’” It was an easy one to start with in an effort to bolster his courage.
“Too easy. Romeo and Juliet. Act I, Scene 5.” He smiled confidently, folding his arms after waving me on.
I turned a couple of pages and tried again. “‘This bud of love by summer's ripening breath, May prove a beauteous flower when next we meet.’”
Cole shook his head. “Act II, Scene 2, same play.”
“Okay, let’s pick a new play.” I scanned ahead and found another highlighted passage. Oh, yeah, perfect. I looked up at Cole. He was already rolling his eyes.
“What?” I said innocently.
“Nothing. Go ahead.”
“‘Who ever loved that loved not at first sight?’” I laughed as he buried his face in his hand.
“As You Like It. Act III, Scene 5,” he said into his palm.
Then because I couldn’t resist the irony, I quoted, “‘I pray you, do not fall in love with me/ For I am falser than vows made in wine.’”
“Same play, same scene. Lilah, humor me and pick something from a tragedy,” he said, exasperated.
“You’re not very romantic, Cole...” I turned to Macbeth, scanning through the pages until I spotted it. “Ready?”
“Is it from one of Shakespeare’s tragedies?” he pressed.
“Yes. This play is as gruesome as Sir William gets.” I grimaced. He signaled for me to continue. The guy liked this little game way too much.
“‘A heart to love, and in that heart, Courage, to make’s love known.’” I swallowed my grin as he tossed his head back and groaned.
“What? You said a tragedy, and Macbeth is definitely that.” I set the book carefully back in the box, knowing we were done playing his little game.
“Come on, Juliet. Let’s go down to the cafeteria and get something to drink.” Then he added before I could quip, because I was about to, “And no, not poison.”
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.
But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.
But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.
Goodreads Summary
Check out the new cover image from the best selling young adult novel "The Iron King" by Julie Kagawa - graphic novel adaptation. She's running a crowd sourcing campaign to make this into a graphic novel. Julie is almost there; she still need your help passing the word about the campaign to make this happen. You can get a bunch of perks depending on how much you want to donate. It can be as low as ONE dollar.
Here are never before seen images from the new manga, here ONLY on Live to Read! Enter below for a chance to win a copy of The Iron King - manga edition.
Please make your donations by clicking here! (Seriously guys, just one dollar).
Here's an animated cover image... yummy!
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Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Author Jadie Jones Georgia native Jadie Jones first began working for a horse farm at twelve years old, her love of horses matched only by her love of books. She went on to acquire a B.A. in equine business management, and worked for competitive horse farms along the east coast. The need to write followed wherever she went. She currently coaches a hunt seat equitation team that competes in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, and lives with her family in the foothills of north Georgia. When she's not working on the next installment of the Moonlit series, she is either in the saddle or exploring the great outdoors with her daughter. Moonlit is her first book. Book Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/5/1
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Monday, April 15, 2013
Ava’s life went from bad to worse the night Chance became a vampire.
He won’t have anything to do with her. Ava understands why—because he blames her—but it doesn’t mean she likes it.
And it doesn’t help that she’s starting to feel something for Erik, the boy who once wanted her dead. Especially when Chance decides that he does still love her, and wants her to be with him for eternity.
Now she has a choice: Humanity…or forever as a vampire with Chance.
But Ava wants nothing more than to be human again. At least, she thought that was all she wanted.
Thankfully her best friend Kayla has a plan to distract Ava from her boy troubles, and they go in search of Kayla’s missing dad. A great idea, but one that brings Sebastian back into Ava’s life. Along with another, more sinister former member of his coven.
Sebastian and Zyris face off against Ava and her friends, resulting in Ava making yet another choice that changes the course of everyone’s lives, and leaves her wondering if being human again is really worth losing everything.
He won’t have anything to do with her. Ava understands why—because he blames her—but it doesn’t mean she likes it.
And it doesn’t help that she’s starting to feel something for Erik, the boy who once wanted her dead. Especially when Chance decides that he does still love her, and wants her to be with him for eternity.
Now she has a choice: Humanity…or forever as a vampire with Chance.
But Ava wants nothing more than to be human again. At least, she thought that was all she wanted.
Thankfully her best friend Kayla has a plan to distract Ava from her boy troubles, and they go in search of Kayla’s missing dad. A great idea, but one that brings Sebastian back into Ava’s life. Along with another, more sinister former member of his coven.
Sebastian and Zyris face off against Ava and her friends, resulting in Ava making yet another choice that changes the course of everyone’s lives, and leaves her wondering if being human again is really worth losing everything.
Goodreads Summary
Q&A with Jamie Manning
1. Describe your feelings towards Chance and Erik so we get a little background.
This is a really tough question, because I do feel something for both of them. When Chance saved me, I had nothing, no one. He was there for me when no one else was. I loved him for that. I still do. And now, with all that’s going on between us, Erik is the one who has stepped into that role. He’s been there when I’ve needed someone. And that’s after I basically got his sister killed, so I don’t understand why. But I’m glad he is. So…yeah, I guess I could say I love him, too. But it’s different, somehow. Ugh.
2. Why does Chance blame you for his vampirism?
Because it’s totally my fault. If he hadn’t dug me up, none of this would’ve ever happened. Oh, he’ll say different if you asked him, that even if I wasn’t around, he still would’ve come across Sebastian and his gang of crazies, but I don’t think so. I know it’s my fault. I feel it. And I get why he blames me, because I blame myself, too.
3. What would you say are Chance's and Erik's best characteristics, respectively?
Wow. I’ve had chemistry exams easier than this. *ponders* Okay, so Chance’s best characteristic (besides his looks, lol) is that he’s always putting others’ needs before his. Even though we’re kinda sorta not getting along right now, I know, deep down, he would do anything for me. That’s just his nature. With Erik, um, not so much. :) Okay, so yeah, I think he’d kinda do anything for me, too, but Erik is more spontaneous and uninhibited. He’s the kind of guy who’d jump off a cliff if you dared him, you know? I think that’s probably his best characteristic, that he isn’t afraid to do anything.
4. How do you feel about vampirism?
It. Totally. Sucks. Okay, so I get the “cool” aspect that some weirdos out there find in being a vampire (honestly, people, it’s torture). The whole “living forever, super strength” thing sounds kinda fun. But having to drink blood to stay alive? Yeah, that part really stinks.
5. What other stressors are going on for you right now?
You mean other than the fact that I’m a blood-sucking monster who has God knows how many vampires after me, not to mention the boy that I love won’t speak to me and the other boy that I think I love is mad at me right now? Um, not much.
6. In a perfect world, what would your ending be?
I’d be human. Easy, right?
7. If you could switch lives with another character who would it be and why?
If there’s a book out there where the girl spends her days reading books and loving the guy she loves with absolutely zero trouble, then that’s who I’d wanna switch lives with. ‘Cause all this drama really bites.
8. Are you a chocolate or vanilla person?
Um, I honestly don’t know. Or I should say, I don’t remember. I can’t really remember anything about my life before waking up half-vampire, and I haven’t really had the chance to sit back with a nice big bowl of ice cream. But I think I’d probably say chocolate. :)
9. Cupcake or cake?
Same thing here, but I do know that cupcakes are portable, and since I’m always going somewhere, I choose cupcakes!
10. Mountains or Beach?
I’ve never been to the beach (or at least I don’t remember going to the beach), so I’m gonna pick mountains. I totally picture me and…um…someone curled up in front of a fire with snow-covered mountains outside the window. :)
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out
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Author Pandora Poikilos Pandora Poikilos has been writing for more than 10 years for various media which include newspapers, radio, television and various websites. A social media enthusiast who is passionate about blogging and finding her way around the virtual world, she wills away time in the real world by reading, writing and people watching. ;a Rafflecopter giveaway
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Monday, April 8, 2013
Laughter, Romance, and Action Abound in This New Series from Mary Connealy.
Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't all that upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. She prayed for a chance to get away, and then came the raging flood. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.
Luke is heading home to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men who killed his father are working hard to ensure Luke doesn't make it alive. He has no choice but to keep moving. Still, he can't just abandon Ruthy, so she'll have to come along.
His friends--a ragtag group of former Civil War soldiers--take a fast interest in the pretty gal. Luke thinks that's rather rude--he's the one who found her. And the more time he spends around the hard-working young woman who is a mighty good cook, the more he finds himself thinking beyond revenge and toward a different future. For the first time in a long time, Luke is tempted to turn from his destructive path and be swept away by love.
Goodreads Summary
Ruthy is a strong girl with strong opinions. She has worked most of her life under the family who raised her in lieu of her own. The family who raised her isn't all that kind, unfortunately. When Ruthy and her step-family are separated during a river crossing, she isn't disappointed. She was rescued by the kind and handsome Luke. Luke has his own journey. He is trying to reclaim the family farm from the men who killed his father. Unfortunately, Luke's quest is neither easy nor simple. When it becomes clear that Luke will not easily win back the farm, he joins forces with his old friends...friends who take an interest in Ruthy. Between Luke and Ruthy, there are constant adventures and rendezvous with death and injury. The reader will be constantly entertained as the characters venture further into the twisting plot.
Ruthy's character was a foil for Luke's. They were both fun to read about and easy to like. Feisty and fiery, these characters offer up a spicy combination. When the going gets rough and they must make tough decisions, they listen to their God. The other characters were fun to read about, as well. The evil men were truly evil and the good guys were portrayed as "truly" good. Overall, this book is recommended to adult readers.
4 Stars
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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
Mennonite Romantic Suspense Sure to Thrill Readers
Gentle and unassuming Hope Kauffman has never been one to question or try to make changes. She quietly helps her father run Kingdom Quilts and has agreed to the betrothal her father arranged for her with the devout but shy Ebbie Miller.
Gentle and unassuming Hope Kauffman has never been one to question or try to make changes. She quietly helps her father run Kingdom Quilts and has agreed to the betrothal her father arranged for her with the devout but shy Ebbie Miller.
Despite Hope's and other Kingdom residents' attempts to maintain the status quo, changes have already begun to stir in the small Mennonite town. The handsome and charismatic Jonathon Wiese is the leader of the move to reform, and when one of Kingdom's own is threatened by a mysterious outsider, Jonathon is one of the first to push for the town to arm itself. Hope's fiance, Ebbie, is at the forefront of those demanding the town stay true to its traditions of nonviolence.
When strange incidents around town result in outright attacks on several townspeople, Hope can't help but question what she's always been taught. As the town that's always stood so strong together is torn apart at the seams, Hope is caught between opposing sides, both represented by those she has come to care for. With tensions high and lives endangered by an unknown threat, Hope fears Kingdom can never survive in one piece.
Goodreads Summary
Can a community ever really change? Hope Kauffman has lived her life in a stable home with strong beliefs about religion and everyday life. She is engaged to Ebbie, a fact that she never really questioned. When Jonathan storms into their small Mennonite town, he brings about a breath of fresh air and the promise of changes to come. Unfortunately, Jonathan puts a kink in the normalcy of Hope's routine and assumptions about Ebbie. Ebbie doesn't want change. He enjoys the town just the way it is and sees no reason for Jonathan's attempt at adjustment. Ebbie represents the "old way" of life that Hope is accustomed to while Jonathan represents the possibility for something new. Which philosophy...and inadvertently man...will Hope agree with?
Hope's character was nice enough. She is very sweet and soft-spoken though she does have opinions. At times, the reader will wish she stuck up for herself and spoke her mind a little more. Hope's character is in flux, it is fun to see her grow and adjust as the novel continues. Ebbie's character was kind and a little like one may expect from a Mennonite town boy. Jonathan was meant to be exciting and fresh and did come off that way. Both men have their ups and downs, but the reader will likely have just as hard a time at choosing one man over the other as poor Hope will. Overall, the tone of the novel was simple and straight-to-the-point, the reader will enjoy getting to know the characters, and the plot was nicely paced. This book is recommended to adult readers.
4 Stars
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The Book Despository
This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
Get to know Goddess Girl Pheme…the original “gossip girl”!
As the goddess girl of rumor and gossip, Pheme prides herself on being “in the know” and having the most up-to-date info on anyone and everyone at Mount Olympus Academy. To make sure that people really get her VIP messages, her words tend to linger in cloud letters above her head—just in case people don’t catch what she says!
But not everyone is thrilled with Pheme’s insider knowledge on everything MOA—including the Goddess Girls. Can Pheme ever be trusted? Or will this “gossip girl” find herself on the other end of the rumors?
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Praise for The Goddess Girls
“…a clever take on Greek deities…”~ Booklist
"Readers familiar with Greek myths should get a kick out of this plucky restaging."
~Publisher's Weekly
“…an enchanting mythological world with middle-school woes compounded by life as a deity…”
~ School Library Journal
The Goddess Girls Series
The Goddess Girls series, by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams puts a modern spin on classic Greek myths. Follow the ins and outs of divine social life where the most privileged godboys and goddessgirls in the Greek pantheon hone their mythical skills.
- Athena the Brain Finding out she’s a goddess and being sent to Mount Olympus brings Athena new friends, a weird dad, and the meanest girl in mythology—Medusa!
- Persephone the Phony Hiding her feelings works fine for Persephone until she meets a guy she can be herself with—Hades, the bad-boy of the Underworld.
- Aphrodite the Beauty Sure Aphrodite is beautiful, but it’s not always easy being the goddessgirl of love.
- Artemis the Brave She may be the goddess of the hunt, but that doesn’t mean Artemis always feels brave.
- Athena the Wise Zeus says Heracles has to do twelve tasks or he'll get kicked out of MOA! Although she's not sure it's wise, Athena agrees to help out.
- Aphrodite the Diva Isis claims she's the goddess of love? Ha! But to keep the title all to herself, Aphrodite has to find the perfect match for Pygmalion, the most annoying boy ever.
- Artemis the Loyal It’s time for the annual Olympic Games, and Artemis and her friends are not happy. It’s boys only. Not fair!
- Medusa the Mean Medusa wants to be more like her two sisters and the other kids at Mount Olympus Academy -- immortal. Is that too much to ask?
- The Girl Games (Goddess Girls Super Special) Listen in on what all four goddess girls are thinking as Mount Olympus Academy hosts visitors from many lands--including an adorable kitten!The first-ever standalone superspecial in the Goddess Girls series!
- Pandora the Curious Pandora is one of the few mortals at Mount Olympus Academy—and probably the most curious of all the students in school.
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| The Goddess Girls |
Suzanne Williams is the award-winning author of nearly 40 books for children, from picture books and easy readers to chapter books and middle grade fiction series. A former elementary school librarian, she lives near Seattle. Her picture book Library Lil (illustrated by Steven Kellogg) won the New Mexico children's choice award in 2000 and was on several other state award lists. She is co-author (with Joan Holub) of the popular Goddess Girls series(for ages 8 - 12) and Heroes in Training (ages 6 - 11). Other series include Fairy Blossoms and Princess Power.
I graduated from college in Texas with a fine arts degree, and then freelanced as an art director at a graphic design firm for eight years. I dreamed of working in children's books, so I moved to New York City and became associate art director in Scholastic trade books, where I designed books for children and worked with editors and illustrators. It was a great job.
I illustrated my first published children's book in 1992 and soon began illustrating full time. I began completing manuscripts and mailing them out to publishers in the early 1990s. In 1996, I sold my first two manuscripts -- Boo Who? A Spooky Lift-the-Flap Book (Scholastic) and Pen Pals (Grosset & Dunlap). Yippee!
Now I write full time and have written and/or illustrated over 130 children's books. Creating books that entertain, inform, and interest children (and me) is a fabulous job that I truly love.
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