Saturday, February 4, 2017

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW FOR - CROOKED KINGDOM - BY LEIGH BARDUGO

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pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and left crippled by the kidnapping of a valuable team member, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of magic in the Grisha world. 

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

This installment in the Six of Crows series is so, so, so good. 

We get to revisit all of these wonderful characters.  Kaz and his crew of bandits :).  My favorite bandits ever.  

In their scheme to get the money they are owed, Kaz comes up with another plan that ends up being dangerous (of course), and has lots of moving parts that could go wrong.  Which is when this book gets really, really intense.

I was on the edge of my seat the whole time listening to this book.  It took me longer than planned to finish, but that was because I had some books that "had" to be read.  I would listen to this in my car, when I was getting ready in the morning, and at night when every one was asleep.  I took every opportunity between my "must" reads to listen to this book.

There is so much action in this books, and I grew to love Kaz's crew even more with this book.  They may have their issues, but they always have each others backs.  True loyalty, which makes their band so much better.

There is dancing on rooftops....okay more like fighting, but dancing sounds better ;).  Fighting, blackmail, kidnapping, and non stop action.  You will really enjoy this series!!!  It was fan freaking tastic.  Awesome.

Source:  I bought this book for myself.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.


MY RATING:



WHERE TO BUY:

   


ABOUT THE AWESOME AUTHOR:

Leigh Bardugo
pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Leigh Bardugo is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Grisha Trilogy (Shadow and BoneSiege and Storm, and Ruin and Rising). 

She was born in Jerusalem, grew up in Los Angeles, and graduated from Yale University, and has worked in advertising, journalism, and most recently, makeup and special effects. These days, she’s lives and writes in Hollywood where she can occasionally be heard singing with her band. Her new book, Six of Crows, arrives fall 2015.

She would be delighted if you followed her on Twitter, elated if you visited her web site, and downright giddy if you liked Shadow & Bone on Facebook



Friday, February 3, 2017

MINI REVIEW - IF YOU WERE ME AND LIVED IN THE ANCIENT MALI EMPIRE - BY CAROLE P. ROMAN

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pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Join Carole P. Roman as she travels back in time to visit the exciting Ancient Empire of Mali in Africa during the 1300s. Learn about the varied customs and cultures. Travel to the past to discover what you would eat and do for fun. See the land and its rich history through the eyes of a youngster like you. Don't forget to look at the other books in the series so that you can be an armchair time traveler. 

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

Another wonderful installment in Roman's series of books.  I have to admit I learned a lot reading this book.  I like to think I know more than I do :).  No, there were just some really interesting things in this book.  It's so fun.  

Again, these books are so great for young readers who want to learn more about different cultures.  I myself have learned so much myself.  The Ancient Empires fascinate me and they always have.  

Take some time and pick these up for your kids.  They are fun and informational.  I liked how at the end of this book there is an explanation of all the "important figures" during this Empire.  It's awesome.

Source:  I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:


WHERE TO BUY:

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carole P. Roman
pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of the Captain No Beard series. Both Captain No Beard-An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life and Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis have received the Kirkus Star of Exceptional Merit. The first book in the series was named to Kirkus Reviews Best 2012. Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis has just been named to Kirkus Reviews Best of 2015. Each book in the series has won numerous awards including the NABE Pinnacle Award, ERIK Award for 2013, ForeWord Review Five Star and Finalist in the Book of the Year, and Reader's Views Children's Book of the Year 2013, Shelf Unbound Best Series, Back to School Resource Winner, IAN, National Indie Excellence Award, MoonBeam Award for If You Were Me and Lived in...Scotland. She is also the author of the award-winning non-fiction culture series If You Were Me and Lived in...exploring customs and culture around the world. She co-authored Navigating Indieworld: A Beginner's Guide To Self-Publishing and Marketing Your Book, which earned a 5 Star ForeWord Review Clarion Review. Roman lives on Long Island with her husband and near her children and grandchildren.


Thursday, February 2, 2017

MINI BOOK REVIEW FOR - IF YOU WERE ME AND LIVED ON MARS - BY CAROLE P. ROMAN

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pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Join Carole P. Roman when she blasts off to colonize the planet Mars, in the newest book of her informative series. Learn about how life would be living on the Red Planet. Travel to Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the solar system. Look into the sky and watch Phobos and Deimos, Mars' two moons. Discover what you would wear, and how the seasons change. See Mars through the eyes of an adventurous youngster like you and understand what life is like in a trip of a lifetime. Don't forget to look at the other books in the series so that you can be an armchair traveler.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Roman's stories.  This one is no different, except its in space.

I love all the fun facts in the book.  They are great for young readers who are interested in other cultures and like to explore.

Although, after reading this one life on Mars sounds like it could be very interesting place to live.  It would take lots of preparation and you have to plan on being there a long time, but if it was really a thing we could do I think I would want to try it.  This one is super fun to read.

Source:  I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:



WHERE TO BUY:


  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carole P. Roman
pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of the Captain No Beard series. Both Captain No Beard-An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life and Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis have received the Kirkus Star of Exceptional Merit. The first book in the series was named to Kirkus Reviews Best 2012. Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis has just been named to Kirkus Reviews Best of 2015. Each book in the series has won numerous awards including the NABE Pinnacle Award, ERIK Award for 2013, ForeWord Review Five Star and Finalist in the Book of the Year, and Reader's Views Children's Book of the Year 2013, Shelf Unbound Best Series, Back to School Resource Winner, IAN, National Indie Excellence Award, MoonBeam Award for If You Were Me and Lived in...Scotland. She is also the author of the award-winning non-fiction culture series If You Were Me and Lived in...exploring customs and culture around the world. She co-authored Navigating Indieworld: A Beginner's Guide To Self-Publishing and Marketing Your Book, which earned a 5 Star ForeWord Review Clarion Review. Roman lives on Long Island with her husband and near her children and grandchildren.

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Dragonwatch by Brandon Mull (Book Trailer)


Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to this AWESOME reveal of the long awaited book trailer for

DRAGONWATCH

BY 

BRANDON MULL




also there is an exciting contest that you can enter!  Here are the details:

Pay tribute to your favorite dragons! Send us a photo on social media and Brandon Mull may pick YOU as the fan most “Decked Out for Dragonwatch”!

If you love dragons, gather together your best dragon gear and unleash your imagination by creating a space in your home, classroom, library, or local bookstore that pays tribute to all your favorite dragons from Fablehaven and anywhere else in the universe.

Take a picture of your “Decked Out for Dragonwatch” space and send it to us via social media. Brandon Mull will choose the best, most creative spaces from submitted entries, and we’ll send those lucky fans and autographed copy of Dragonwatch plus a copy of The Caretaker’s Guide to Fablehaven and Fablehaven Book of Imagination.

See the website for the five ways to enter and the official rules: http://brandonmull.com/decked/


THANKS TO SHADOW MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING FOR THIS FUN TRAILER AND CONTEST!

Saturday, January 21, 2017

BLOG TOUR / REVIEW FOR - ASPEN EVERLASTING - BY KATHRYN COOPER


WELCOME TO MY STOP FOR THIS TOUR!

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pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Water splashed on all sides then took control of the tires. The car swerved right toward the river.
“No. NO. NO!” I turned the wheel toward the road. It didn’t work. Fast running water pulled the car into the flooded river.


Aspen Foster thinks she’s just a normal sixteen-year-old, but when her car’s caught in a flash flood, Aspen and her sister discover the superhuman strength they never knew they had.

Soon Aspen learns she’s not normal at all. She’s an Evermortal fairy, with powers beyond her wildest dreams. But the more Aspen finds out about her family’s past, the more dangerous her future becomes.

This riveting fantasy is full of action, adventure, and romance. Suspenseful and exhilarating!
 

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

When Aspen and her sister Willow are caught in a flash flood their whole life takes a turn.
They threw their friends to safety and then were able to jump further than they ever had.  They just tossed it up to a huge adrenaline rush.

Apsen, Willow and their brother Ash soon realize that their adrenaline rush is not really that.  They have strength like they had never had before.  This is when the party begins.  

Okay, party might be the wrong word, but isn't a party exciting?  So, this is where the excitement / party begins.

Apsen and her siblings soon find out there is more to their lives than they have ever know.  In this story about lies, faeries, evermortals, and unity, we are taken to a world that Apsen and her siblings have never been part of, but are now expected to save.

There are so many things Apsen doesn't know about her family and it all seems to be unraveling.  One thing stands true though.  She will fight for what she believes in.  Although her parents had not been forthcoming with her in the beginning, she trusts them will all her being, and is determined to stop the Queen.

This story was fun to read.  I think it would be great for younger readers too, who like faeries, and hidden worlds.  It is a great adventure.  You get to  step into another world and fight with Aspen and her family as they try to save the evermortals.  

If you like, adventure, deception, faeries, love and loyalty, you will enjoy this book.  It's a fun world to enter and enjoy as you leave life behind for a few hours.

Content:  Clean and great!

Source:  I was given this book as part of a blog tour.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:


WHERE TO BUY:

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kathryn  Cooper
pic taken from Goodreads - bio taken from tour page

Kathryn Cooper lives in the heart of Texas with her husband and four young boys. She has read and blogged about other authors’ books for years. She is excited to finally have her own book out for readers. “Aspen Everlasting” is her first novel.


A SPECIAL THANKS TO:

for allowing me to be part of this tour!



Saturday, January 7, 2017

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW FOR - SIX OF CROWS - BY LEIGH BARDUGO

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pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...

A convict with a thirst for revenge
A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager
A runaway with a privileged past
A spy known as the Wraith
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes


Kaz's crew are the only ones who might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first.
 

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

This was such a good book.  I have been scoring on the good reads lately.  I bought this audio book a long time ago, and I don't know why I waited so long.  This was so so good.

There are a lot of characters in this book, and I loved all of them.  Some I love, and some I loved to hate.  

When Kaz and his crew are hired to free a scientist who is making a drug that increases the abilities of the Gresha(sp?) they couldn't refuse.  Kaz's team didn't even know how bad it was for the Gresha, but they are soon going to find out.

Kaz has an idea in his head, and is hoping that it all turns out right.  He hopes that everyone makes it off the island.  Kaz is hoping that all his planning and tricks pay off.

This book is full of adventure, and excitement.  I couldn't stop listening.  Every time I turned off my car, I had to put my ear phones right in.  It was non stop action for me.  The crew that Kaz has put together is full of different back grounds.  Different races, and very different personalities.  Yet they all mesh.  It makes for an exciting story.

I had to pay close attention because of all the characters!  It made it an even more interesting story.  The world is awesome, the story is awesome and Bardugo might be one of my favorite authors.  Her writing is amazing.  I have loved everything I have read of hers.  I cannot wait to start the other book.  I wish I would have read it soon :).

Source:  I bought this book for myself.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Leigh Bardugo
pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Leigh Bardugo is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Grisha Trilogy (Shadow and BoneSiege and Storm, and Ruin and Rising). 

She was born in Jerusalem, grew up in Los Angeles, and graduated from Yale University, and has worked in advertising, journalism, and most recently, makeup and special effects. These days, she’s lives and writes in Hollywood where she can occasionally be heard singing with her band. Her new book, Six of Crows, arrives fall 2015.

She would be delighted if you followed her on Twitter, elated if you visited her web site, and downright giddy if you liked Shadow & Bone on Facebook.


Thursday, January 5, 2017

BLOG TOUR / REVIEW FOR - THE LADY OF THE LAKES - BY JOSI. S. KILPACK


Welcome to my stop for this blog tour!

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pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

One is his first love.
The other is his best love.
Which will be Walter’s true love?

Walter Scott has three passions: Scotland, poetry, and Mina Stuart. Though she is young and they are from different stations in society, Walter is certain their love is meant to be. For years, he has courted her through love letters. She is the sunshine of his soul.

Though Mina shares Walter’s love of literature and romantic temperament, it’s hard for her to know if she truly loves him or if she has only been dazzled by his flattery. When she meets the handsome and charming William Forbes, her heart is challenged. Who will she choose?

But as every poet knows, “the course of true love never did run smooth,” and on a windy morning in the lake country, Walter meets Charlotte.

At twenty-six, Charlotte Carpenter believes she will never find love. After all, she is a Catholic-born Frenchwoman living in London with a family history shadowed by scandal. Though quiet, practical, and determined to live a life of independence, her heart longs for someone to love her and a place to call home.

Passion and promises collide as Walter, Mina, and Charlotte must each decide the course for their futures. What are they each willing to risk to find love and be loved in return?
 

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

Let me start by saying I devoured this book in one day.  Devoured.  I could not put it down.  So. Good.

I cannot get enough of a good love story.  It always makes it fun when it's a true story.  That, I think is the reason I was unable to put it down.  It's not like I didn't know the ending, but it was fascinating to read about what Sir Walter Scott went through on his pursuit of marriage.

I don't know about any of you, but I will always remember my first "love".  I am not with that person, but that person helped me find the man I am with today who is my "true love".  Experiences bring us to where we want and who we want to be with in life.

This story is just like that.  Sir Walter Scott assumed he had met the love of his life and that no other would ever be able to replace her.  His expressions of love in poetry and devotion were such a wonderful thing to read.  

Unfortunately, in the end the love of his life didn't work out the way he had planned.  He suffered for a long time, and thought that love would never happen again for him.  He was still completely devoted to his first love.  

Then, a wonderful thing happens.  Sir Walter Scott meets a woman, and the real love story begins.  It's so beautiful.  It is one of those love stories that I am happy is in writing because it should live on forever.

I adored this world.  I adored Sir Walter Scott.  He was a man of integrity, and honor.  He was a true gentleman.  Kilpack brought this story to life with such joy, and passion that I could not put it down for one minute.  

What I loved about this book is that Scott and his wife had been married for some time, the love, and passion were still there.  Scott was truly devoted to his wife and family in every way.  He chose to love and care for them in a way that is more beautiful than words could express all the days of his life.  His wife in return was completely devoted to him.  His cheerleader, his confidant, his partner.  Beautiful. 

If you like historical romances, pick this one up.  You will not be disappointed.

Content:  Clean and wonderful

Source:  I was given this book as part of a blog tour.  I was not compensated in any way for my review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.


MY RATING:


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Josi S. Kilpack
pic and bio taken from Goodreads

I wrote my first book while on bed rest with my third child in 1998 and haven't stopped. My most recent books have been Historical Romance through the Proper Romance line with Shadow Mountain Publishing.

I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, and children.


A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO

SHADOW MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING
for allowing me to be part of this tour





Tuesday, January 3, 2017

NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS


Image result for happy new year 2017

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL

I say, new year, new goals, but I don't even know if I can really say that.  I can say that his year I plan to be better at writing my reviews.  That is about as "real" as I can make my goals.  I probably will never be the blogger that posts every day, but I am going to try and do it more than what has happened in the past 6 month ;).

The end of 2016 was hard but wonderful. I had my daughter home from college for a couple of weeks, and that always makes for happy time around here. I ended up having emergency surgery on my back and it put me out of the game for a while.  I am just now starting to feel "normal" (which I don't know is even a word I can use for myself...hehe).  There is only up for me now :).  I am so looking forward to this new year.  

I know I haven't been posting on your blogs much but I have been reading them.  It's fun to see what every one I follow is up to.  I hope that this year brings you health, happiness, and adventures.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

BLOG TOUR FOR CEDAR FORT - AND REVIEW FOR - MISCHIEF AND MANORS - BY ASHTYN NEWBOLD

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pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

When Annette Downing and her mischievous little brothers are sent to Kellaway Manor for the summer, she hopes for a relaxing escape. But Annette finds her closeted heart in jeopardy when reunited with the handsome Owen Kellaway, a childhood acquaintance and respected gentlemen. When Owen is enlisted to help the boys with their behavior, Annette wonders if he has just as much mischief up his sleeve as her brothers. Bound by a promise she made to her late parents, and amid a frightening mystery, Annette faces a difficult decision when she finds herself falling for Owen's charm… 

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

This was such a fun book to read.  I picked it up one night and was not able to go to bed until I finished.  I loved it so much.

When Annette and her brothers were left with their aunt when their parents passed away, Annette had to take care of her brothers, and protect them from their Aunt.  

The boys always seem to be getting into to trouble, and Annette is always taking the blame to protect them.  One day it became too much for the Aunt and she sent Annette and her siblings away to the Kellaway Manor.  She told them they couldn't return until the boys were better behaved, and if they weren't they would be sent to an orphanage.

Kellaway Manor was like a dream come true for Annette.  The Kellaway's were dear friends of Annette's parents and welcomed Annette and the boys with open arms.  All of them were happy to be with the Kellaways, and then the story begins.

There is mischief, friends, family, and new romances happening.  This story was so beautiful.  The writing was so beautiful, I was engaged from the very first words.  The characters were so fun, and entertaining.  I love the world that Newbold built and once you start reading, you will not want to quit.

This story had all the feels for me.  It had humor, romance, friendships, a beautiful historical setting and love.  What can be better than that?  Pick this book up for yourself, you won't be disappointed.

Source:  I was given this book as part of a blog tour.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ashtyn Newbold
pic taken from Goodreads
bio taken from Cedar Fort Publishing

Ashtyn Newbold discovered a love of writing early in high school. Inspired by regency period romance, she wrote her first novel at the age of sixteen. Because she can’t vacation in her favorite historical time periods, she writes about them instead. When not crafting handsome historical heroes, she enjoys baking, sewing, music, and spoiling her dog. She dreams of traveling to England and Ireland. Ashtyn is currently studying English and creative writing at Utah Valley University. She lives in Lehi, Utah, with her family.


A SPECIAL THANKS TO CEDAR FORT PUBLISHING 
for the opportunity to read this book!