It's Monday What Are You Reading (38)

It's Monday What Are You Reading? is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books. I always enjoy seeing what other people have read and reviewed over the past week. It is also a great way to find new books to add to that ever-growing TBR list!

Books finished:

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Amazing book! I hope to finish my review this week.

The Twin's Daughter by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Books reviewed:

Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Currently reading:

The Body at the Tower by Y.S. Lee

What I plan to read next:

The Replacement by Brenda Yovanoff

Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

After hearing what my sister thought of Mini Shopaholic, I'm not sure that I'll like it. I don't usually enjoy reading about spoiled kids and Minnie is a nightmare!

Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok


I am really looking forward to this one! I love the cover too.


That's what my reading week looks like. What do you plan to read this week?

In My Mailbox (36)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren to share what books you received for review, purchased, or checked out from the library during the past week.

From the library:

Troubled Waters by Sharon Shinn


I love the cover on this one!

Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok

I have heard so many good things about this book that deals with immigration and starting over through the eyes of a young immigrant and her mom.

Penelope's Daughter by Laurel Corona

This is a look at The Odyssey (what went on back home anyway) from the point of view of Odysseus's daughter, Xanthe who wasn't even born when he left Ithaca. I am really looking forward to reading this.

Love's First Bloom by Delia Parr

A Man's Heart by Lori Copeland

Review: Firelight

Firelight

By Sophie Jordan

Publication date: September 7, 2010

My review:

Jacinda is a draki, a descendant of dragons able to shift into human form. Her pride values Jacinda because she is a rare fire breather. Since her father's death, they are even more protective and controlling of her. Jacinda loves to fly and in one moment of recklessness she breaks a rule that could expose their secret to humans and she is spotted by dragon hunters. Forced to flee to the desert with her mother and sister, Jacinda tries to fit in at her new school but she is shocked to come face to face with Will, the handsome young hunter who saw her in dragon form. Jacinda and Will are drawn to each other but the closer Jacinda gets to Will the more danger that the truth will be revealed.

The YA paranormal market is saturated with books about vampires, werewolves, and angels so it is refreshing to read a paranormal romance about dragons. Firelight is more than just the typical impossible love scenario. Jacinda struggles to figure out where she belongs and who she is. She also has to deal with family issues-her mom has chosen not to manifest in her draki form and allowed that part of herself to die away and her sister Tamra never manifested in the first place. Both of them want Jacinda to let go of the draki part of herself and embrace humanness. There is also the pride which would like to force Jacinda to mate with their alpha so that there will be more firebreathers.

Will is a sympathetic character as well as a hunter who does not want to hunt dragons with his bloodthirsty family. Their romance is incredibly intense. Jacinda practically  burns for Will (when she gets emotional or scared her draki self emerges and she starts to transform) and although it appears to be love at first sight the relationship is given time to develop. I think the world that Sophie Jordan has created with draki living alongside humans and hunters is very well realized. The ending is a cliffhanger that will leave readers anticipating the sequel. 

Readalikes: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer, Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause, Dragon's Keep by Janet Lee Carey

Review: Safe Haven

Safe Haven

By Nicholas Sparks

Publication date: September 14, 2010

My review:

Katie arrives in Southport, North Carolina with little more than the clothes on her back. Gradually she makes a life for herself, working at the local diner and becoming friends with her new next door neighbor Jo. She also meets Alex, a widower with two young kids. With the help of Jo and Alex, Katie begins to live again but her past is full of secrets that are sure to catch up to her, shattering the peace she has found.

Readers of Nicholas Sparks novels can usually expect an emotional story and occasionally a bittersweet ending. Safe Haven, while definitely an emotional tale manages to avoid that heaviness. It is fairly obvious from the beginning that Katie is destined for a relationship with Alex but it is her personal journey and growth that takes center stage. Her struggle to escape her abusive past is moving. Her friendship with Jo is sweet and I enjoyed reading about Alex and his family. 

Sadly the ending kind of detracts from the book with its bizarre twist. I will not go into any details for fear of spoiling the book but I was not pleased with it. Overall though I thought reading Safe Haven was a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Katie is a likable main character and the Southern setting is appealing. 

Waiting on Wednesday (28)

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly meme to discuss upcoming books we can't wait to get our hands on. Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I am waiting on:

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Publication date: January 25, 2011

Description from the author's website: "In less than twenty-four hours I'll be seventeen. Although, technically, I won't actually be turning seventeen. I've been in the Nevernever too long. When you're in Faery, you don't age. So while a year has passed in the real world, agewise I'm probably only a few days older than when I went in. In real life, I've changed so much I don't even recognize myself. *** MY NAME IS MEGAN CHASE. I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it. THIS TIME, THERE WILL BE NO TURNING BACK." I am hoping that this book will be even better than The Iron Daughter.  What are you waiting on this week?

It's Monday What Are You Reading (37)

It's Monday What Are You Reading? is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books. I always enjoy seeing what other people have read and reviewed over the past week. It is also a great way to find new books to add to that ever-growing TBR list!


I had a better reading week than I've had in some time. I really enjoyed reading The Lost Hero and I'd planned to have a review up soon but then my computer crashed just when I got the Internet set up at home. Apparently the power supply has gone bad but hopefully I will be able to afford to get it fixed soon. Blogging during my short lunch break at work doesn't allow much time for review writing!

Books finished:

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Seven Year Switch by Claire Cook

Books I gave up on:

Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin

I tried so hard to like this book but I just couldn't get into it. I think it had to do with the unlikeable characters. I had to return it to the library this week. Maybe some day I will pick it up again.

Books reviewed:

Slayed by Amanda Marrone

Currently reading:

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

I am still reading this one and I will hopefully finish it up this week as it is due back to the library on Friday with a long hold list!

What I plan to read next:

The Body at the Tower by Y.S. Lee

The Replacement by Brenda Yovanoff

The Twin's Daughter by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

What does your reading week look like?

In My Mailbox (35)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren to share what books you received for review, purchased, or checked out from the library during the past week.


I only received two books this week but I was very happy to get my hands on a copy of Mini Shopaholic. I love the Becky Bloomwood series and although my sister warned me that this one isn't as good as the others I am sure I will still enjoy reading about Becky and her money woes.

From the library:

Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn

I really enjoyed What Happens in London and although it isn't my usual type of romance I am hopeful that I will like this one too.

Waiting on Wednesday (27)

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly meme to discuss upcoming books we can't wait to get our hands on. Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I am waiting on:

Always a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Publication date: August 2011 

Since the gripping conclusion of Once a Witch, Tamsin Greene has been haunted by her grandmother’s prophecy that she will soon be forced to make a crucial decision—one so terrible that it could harm her family forever. When she discovers that her enemy, Alistair Knight, went back in time to Victorian-era New York in order to destroy her family, Tamsin is forced to follow him into the past. Stranded all alone in the nineteenth century, Tamsin soon finds herself disguised as a lady’s maid in the terrifying mansion of the evil Knight family, avoiding the watchful eye of the vicious matron, La Spider, and fending off the advances of Liam Knight. As time runs out, both families square off in a thrilling display of magic. And to her horror, Tamsin finally understands the nature of her fateful choice.

I loved Once a Witch so I was thrilled to find out that there is a sequel, Always a Witch. Magic, time travel, suspense, and romance. What more do I need for a great read? I will definitely be reading this. It is available as an e-ARC on NetGalley so I will hopefully get to read it before next August!

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Slayed

Slayed

By Amanda Marrone

Publication date: October 5, 2010

My review:

Daphne Van Helsing has never had a normal home life. As the daughter of two vampire slayers, she grew up learning how to kill vampires while other girls were playing with dolls and going to slumber parties. Now seventeen, Daphne longs to be a regular teen worrying about things like having a boyfriend and going to prom instead of tracking vampire infestations. When her family arrives at their latest job they are surprised to cross paths with Nathan Harker and his son Tyler, another vampire slaying family. Nathan has a messy history with the Van Helsings and her parents warn Daphne to avoid Tyler at all costs. Add in a washed up child star turned vampire slayer wannabe and Daphne has her hands full. But the vampires prove difficult to kill and it appears that in order to defeat an unexpected evil, the Van Helsings and Harkers will have to work together.

Slayed is a mix of horror and humor that pokes fun at common vampire lore. One of my favorite characters in the book is Kiki, a wealthy former child star who decides she wants to hunt vampires too. She adds much needed comedy to the story. Tyler is my favorite character and a good love interest for Daphne. I liked the way he challenged her to think for herself instead of just going along with everything her parents told her. Daphne comes across as being alternately tough and insecure due to her difficult childhood and lack of a normal home life. I did not really care for Daphne’s parents, especially her mother, because they didn’t seem to think about Daphne’s safety and I didn’t like Mr. Harker who was just really creepy even with his painful past. Actually all the parents in this book are portrayed in a negative way which bothered me although it isn’t unusual for YA fiction in general.

I liked the humor, the romance, and the main characters and the fact that this appears to be a stand alone novel rather than a trilogy however the ending left me feeling a little disappointed because it wrapped up so quickly. Still, I enjoyed the journey and the snarky humor and likeable main characters make up for the lack of a strong resolution. While it is not as good as the Mortal Instruments series or as gritty as Strange Angels and Devil's Kiss it did remind me of those books because of the sense of humor (Mortal Instruments) and the mix of paranormal creatures. I think that Slayed would appeal to paranormal fans who are tired of vampire romance and want something a little different and to those who miss Buffy.

Readalikes: Devil’s Kiss by Sarwat Chadda, Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow, The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare, Sucks to Be Me by Kimberly Pauley

Thanks to Star Book Tours for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book!

It's Monday What Are You Reading (36)

It's Monday What Are You Reading? is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books. I always enjoy seeing what other people have read and reviewed over the past week. It is also a great way to find new books to add to that ever-growing TBR list!

Books finished:

Slayed by Amanda Marrone

Books reviewed:

A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin

Currently reading:

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

I started reading this (and loved what I read) but then received Slayed which I needed to read quickly for an ARC tour so I am looking forward to getting back into Nevermore.

What I plan to read next:

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

The Body at the Tower by Y.S. Lee

Seven Year Switch by Claire Cook

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

In My Mailbox (34)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren to share what books you received for review, purchased, or checked out from the library during the past week.

I received some fantastic books this week for review and from the library and I purchased the new Rick Riordan book which I am really really excited about. I loved the Percy Jackson series and The Red Pyramid and can't wait to read the Heroes of Olympus series. I am sure it will be fantastic!

For review:

Slayed by Amanda Marrone

(Courtesy of Star Book Tours)

Purchased (with Amazon gift certificate):

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

From the library:

The Replacement by Brenda Yovanoff

The Body at the Tower by Y.S. Lee

What did you get this week?

Review: A Memory Between Us

A Memory Between Us

By Sarah Sundin

Publication date: September 1, 2010

My review:

The second book in the Wings of Glory series focuses on Major Jack Novak, the charming older brother of Walt Novak, briefly introduced in A Distant Melody. While Jack is hospitalized for an injury he meets Ruth Doherty, an army nurse with trust issues. Jack is immediately drawn to Ruth but he has his work cut out for him as Ruth has been deeply hurt. Jack is used to succeeding in whatever he tries and his goals include getting Ruth to fall in love with him. 

A Memory Between Us is set in WWII England and like the first book in the series it features interesting historical detail both about the war and about daily life. I enjoyed learning about what nurses went through for training and the challenges they faced to care for their patients. What makes this book stand out however is the authentic characters. In Jack and Ruth, Sarah Sundin has created two relatable and flawed characters that go through believable situations. Often in Christian fiction, characters seem to change very quickly but Jack's overcoming his pride and Ruth's journey to self forgiveness and trust are portrayed very realistically as an ongoing process. Sarah Sundin is a new name in Christian fiction and one that should make the to-read lists of historical fiction readers. I would suggest this to fans of Bodie Thoene and Tracie Peterson.

Readalikes: The Zion Covenant series by Bodie Thoene, Judith Pella's The Daughters of Fortune series, Tracie Peterson, Elyse Larson, Julie Lessman

Thanks to LitFuse for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour. Please check out the tour website to view other reviews and to enter Sarah Sundin's Movies and Memories Giveaway. 

Sarah is giving one lucky winner A Movie and Memory Prize Package! One grand prize winner will receive:

* Make-your-own-photo book from Mypublisher.com (Capture your own Memories)

* Netflix Subscription (New or Nostalgic Movies delivered right to your house)

* Starbucks gift card (To keep your engine revvin’)

*Gourmet chocolate (A favorite in the 1940’s and now)

* British specialty teas in carved wooden box (Timeless tradition)

* Miniature model of a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber & C-47 cargo plane(Everyone needs a few toy planes)

*Big Band music CD (Break out your dancing shoes)

* WWII authentic poster playing cards (Cards – a perfect game for two)

* Keep Calm and Carry On (Uplifting sayings WWII, a boost for troubled times)

 (contest runs 9/27 - 10/17!)

To enter, click on the button below (it will take you to the blog tour website)

It's Monday What Are You Reading (35)

It's Monday What Are You Reading? is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books. I always enjoy seeing what other people have read and reviewed over the past week. It is also a great way to find new books to add to that ever-growing TBR list!

Books finished:

Embers of Love by Tracie Peterson

Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty by Jody Gehrman

A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin

Books reviewed:

Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala

Juliet by Anne Fortier

Currently reading:

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

What I plan to read next:

Enthusiasm by Polly Shulman

Seven Year Switch by Claire Cook

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

The Twin's Daughter by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

What does your reading week look like?