"Once Upon a Time" is Timeless 

Ever since Viola's boyfriend broke up with her, she has spent her days silently wishing—to have someone love her again and, more importantly, to belong again—until one day she inadvertently summons a young genie out of his world and into her own. He will remain until she makes three wishes.Jinn is anxious to return home, but Viola is terrified of wishing, afraid she will not wish for the right thing, the thing that will make her truly happy. As the two spend time together, the lines between master and servant begin to blur, and soon Jinn can't deny that he's falling for Viola. But it's only after Viola makes her first wish that she realizes she's in love with Jinn as well . . . and that if she wishes twice more, he will disappear from her life—and her world—forever.Jackson Pearce spins a magical tale about star-crossed lovers, what it means to belong . . . and how important it is to be careful what you wish for. (Summary from Goodreads)


My Review: What a cute little story. Predictable at times but fun. It was an light, easy read. 


(Paperback Worthy)

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever. 

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town’s oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them. 

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything. (Summary from Goodreads)


My Review: Good story. I got bored a couple times with it. I wanted a little more action. Still it was a decent read and I definitely want to check out the second book to see what happens. 


(Library worthy)

WHEN YOU'RE IMMORTAL TRUE LOVE REALLY IS FOREVER

Rachel Cain revisits the setting of her Morganville Vampire series, where the vampires are in charge and love is a risky endeavor, even when it comes to your own family

Tantalize author Cynthia Leitich Smith gives us a love triangle between a vampire, a ghost, and a human girl, in which none of them are who or what they seem

Claudia Gray takes us into the world of her Evernight series, in which a pre-civil War courtesan-to-be is courted by a pale, fair-haired man whose attentions are too dangerous to spurn-in more ways than one

Vampire Academy author Richelle Mead brings us the tale of a young vampire on the run from the rest of her kind, and the human boy who provides the gateaway car-as well as a reason to keep running

Wicked series writer Nancy Holder immerses us in a post-apocalyptic New York where two best friends are forced to make a choice that may kill them both

Rachel Vincent explores a new corner of her Soul Screamers universe with the story of a leanan sidhe capable of inspiring the musician she loves to new creative heights-or draining him, and his talent, dry

Master fantasist Tanith Lee shows us what happens when a bright young woman with some supernatural savvy encounters a misguided (but gorgeous) young vampire

And Kristin Cast, co-author of the House of Night series, introduces us to a new kind of vampire: one with the roots in Greek mythology, and the power to alter space and times to save the girl he's meant to love

P.C Cast is the New York Times bestselling author of the House of Night serieswith her daughter Kristin Cast. (Summary from Goodreads)

Once upon a Time" Is Timeless 

The year is 1880, and Bertie, having just arrived in New York with her family, is grateful to be given work as a seamstress in the home of textile tycoon J. P. Wellington. When the Wellington family fortune is threatened, Bertie's father boasts that Bertie will save the business, that she is so skillful she can "practically spin straw into gold." 

Amazingly, in the course of one night, Bertie creates exquisite evening gowns -- with the help of Ray Stalls, a man from her tenement who uses an old spinning wheel to create dresses that are woven with crimson thread and look as though they are spun with real gold. Indebted to Ray, Bertie asks how she can repay him. When Ray asks for her firstborn child, Bertie agrees, never dreaming that he is serious.... (Summary from Goodreads)


My Review: Another awesome Once Upon a Time book!! I seem to repeat myself a lot but I just love these books and the little twists that the authors show us. 


(Hardcover Worthy)

Seventeen-year-old Colt has been sneaking out at night to meet Julia, a girl from an upper-class neighborhood unlike his own. They’ve never told anyone else about their relationship: not their family or friends, and especially not Julia’s boyfriend.When Julia dies suddenly, Colt tries to cope with her death while pretending that he never even knew her. He discovers a journal she left behind. But he is not prepared for the truths he discovers about their intense relationship, nor to pay the price for the secrets he’s kept. (Summary from Goodreads)


My Review: This was an ok book. I'm not sure I would recommend it to everyone. There was some language and teenage shenanigans that I do not agree with. It was an interesting concept though.


(Library Worthy)

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got where he is. His memory is black. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade, a large expanse enclosed by stone walls. 
Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning, for as long as they could remember, the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night, they’ve closed tight. Every thirty days a new boy is delivered in the lift. And no one wants to be stuck in the maze after dark. 
The Gladers were expecting Thomas’s arrival. But the next day, a girl springs up—the first girl ever to arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. The Gladers have always been convinced that if they can solve the maze that surrounds the Glade, they might be able to find their way home . . . wherever that may be. But it’s looking more and more as if the maze is unsolvable. 
And something about the girl’s arrival is starting to make Thomas feel different. Something is telling him that he just might have some answers—if he can only find a way to retrieve the dark secrets locked within his own mind. (Summary from Goodreads)


My Review: Couldn't put this book down. I needed to find out what happened to Thomas and all the other boys. Then when the girl arrived?! Craziness!! Not too bad of a cliffhanger at the end. :) I can't wait for the second book. 


(Hardcover Worthy)

The vampire in me was closer to the surface... 

Evernight Academy: an exclusive boarding school for the most beautiful, dangerous students of all—vampires. Bianca, born to two vampires, has always been told her destiny is to become one of them. 

But Bianca fell in love with Lucas—a vampire hunter sworn to destroy her kind. They were torn apart when his true identity was revealed, forcing him to flee the school. 

Although they may be separated, Bianca and Lucas will not give each other up. She will risk anything for the chance to see him again, even if it means coming face-to-face with the vampire hunters of Black Cross—or deceiving the powerful vampires of Evernight. Bianca's secrets will force her to live a life of lies. 

Yet Bianca isn't the only one keeping secrets. When Evernight is attacked by an evil force that seems to target her, she discovers the truth she thought she knew is only the beginning.... (Summary from Goodreads)


My Review: Just like the first it was ok. I wanted more Balthazar! I will say it has kept me interested enough to see the series through. 


(Library Worthy)

Belle is convinced she has the wrong name, as she lacks her sisters' awe-inspiring beauty. So she withdraws from society, devoting her time to wood carving. Secretly, Belle longs to find the fabled Heartwood Tree. If carved by the right hands, the Heartwood will reveal the face of one's true love.

Restless souls and empty hearts. 

Brooklyn can’t sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca died a year ago, and now their friend Gabe has died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there, waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca chasing her through her dreams. 

Nico can’t stop. He’s always running, trying so hard not to feel the pain of missing Lucca. But when he begins receiving messages from his dead brother, telling him to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface. 

As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest. (Summary from Goodreads)


My Review: This was a super quick read. It is written in verse and I'm not sure how I feel about it. It kind of left me wanting more. It was a pretty good story though.


(Library Worthy)

Mansfield Park is a study of three families-the Bertrams, the Crawfords, and the Prices-with the isolated figure of the heroine, Fanny Price, at its center. Fanny's quiet passivity, her steadfast loyalty and love for the son of the family who regard her as the poor relation, and who have taken her under their roof, are not appreciated until they are tried against the brilliant and witty Mary and Henry Crawford, the unfortunate consequences of whose influence are felt by everyone. (Summary from Goodreads)


My Review: Gotta love Austin. Fanny was quite the character. And I love me a happy ending! 


(Paperback Worthy)

Bianca wants to escape. 

She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in. 

Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him. 

"I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would." 

But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed. (Summary from Goodreads)


My Review: There is a little twist at the beginning and I totally didn't see it coming.  I'm not sure how much I liked this book. It was an interesting story and I'll definitely read all the others but I'm not sure I would purchase them. 


(Library Worthy)

"ONCE UPON A TIME"

IS TIMELESS

The Princess Aurore has had an unusual childhood. Cursed at birth, Aurore is fated to prick her finger at the age of sixteen and sleep for one hundred years -- until a prince awakens her with a kiss. So, to protect her, Aurore's loving parents forbid any task requiring a needle.

Unable to sew or embroider like most little princesses, Aurore instead explores the castle grounds and beyond, where her warmth and generosity soon endear her to the townspeople. their devotion to the spirited princess grows as she does.

On her sixteenth birthday, Aurore learns that the impending curse will harm not only her, but the entire kingdom as well. Unwilling to cause suffering, she will embark on a quest to end the evil magic. The princess's bravery will be rewarded as she finds adventure, enchantment, a handsome prince, and ultimately her destiny... (Summary from Goodreads)

My Review: There are several books in this series. By a couple of different authors. I love all the re-tellings. They are just a little different. It is fun seeing the similarities and the differences.

(Hardcover Worthy)

In this mesmerizing sequel to Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception, music prodigy James Morgan and his best friend, Deirdre, join a private conservatory for musicians. James' musical talent attracts Nuala, a soul-snatching faerie muse who fosters and feeds on the creative energies of exceptional humans until they die. Composing beautiful music together unexpectedly leads to mutual admiration and love. Haunted by fiery visions of death, James realizes that Deirdre and Nuala are being hunted by the Fey and plunges into a soul-scorching battle with the Queen of the Fey to save their lives.
(Summary from Goodreads)




My Review: Like Lament I don't remember specifics from this book. I do know that I liked it better than Lament. I liked reading about James. 


(Library Worthy) 

Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand - one who can see faeries. 

Unexpectedly, Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy named Luke, who enters her ordinary life, seemingly out of thin air. But his interest in her might be something darker than summer romance. When a sinister faerie named Aodhan shows up with deadly orders from the Faerie Queen, it forces Dee right into the midst of Faerie. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking but loyal best friend. 

Deirdre had been wishing her summer weren't so dull, but taking on a centuries-old Faerie Queen isn't exactly what she had in mind.
(Summary from Goodreads)


My Review: I can't remember this book very well. I remember I liked it but I can't think of specifics. I guess that's what you get when you start trying to review books you read six months ago. 


(Library Worthy)

There’s something about the new guy at Crossroads High . . . 

Most sixteen-year-olds have friends. Aden Stone has four human souls living inside him: 

One can time-travel. 
One can raise the dead. 
One can tell the future. 
And one can possess another human. 

With no other family and a life spent in and out of institutions, Aden and the souls have become friends. But now, they’re causing him all kinds of trouble. 

Like, he’ll blink and suddenly he’s a younger Aden, reliving the past. One wrong move, and he’ll change the future. Or, he’ll walk past a total stranger and know how and when she’s going to die. 

He’s so over it. All he wants is peace. 

And then he meets a girl who quiets the voices. Well, for as long as he’s with her. Why? Mary Ann Gray is his total opposite. He’s a loner; she has friends. He doesn’t care what anyone thinks; she tries to make everyone happy. And while he attracts the paranormal, she repels it. For her sake, he should stay away. But it’s too late. . . 

Somehow, they share an inexplicable bond of friendship. A bond about to be tested by a werewolf shape-shifter who wants Mary Ann for his own and a vampire princess Aden can’t resist. Two romances, both forbidden. . . doomed. Still, the four will enter a dark underworld of intrigue and danger. . . but not everyone will come out alive. . . (Summary from Goodreads)


My Review: I thought this was a good story. Different from what I normally read. Book 2 comes out soon and I can't wait to see what happens to all the different characters. 


(Hardcover Worthy)

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human ... until the cold makes him shift back again. 

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever. (Summary from Goodreads)


My Review: This was a pretty good book. I liked that it was different from what I had been reading (vampires). It was another quick read. I really wanted Sam to be able to stay human for him and for Grace. They were cute. I can't wait for book 2!!


(Hardcover Worthy)

There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori. 

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move. 

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her. (Summary from Goodreads)


My Review: I read this one right after Hush, Hush so I get them confused. They are very similar. This one was a fast read. I liked the story. Not sure how I felt about the relationship. Daniel kept on being mean to Luce. I'll definitely by looking out for book number 2.


(Hardcover Worthy)

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment. 

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. 

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life. (Summary from Goodreads)


My Review: 
I really liked this book. It was hard putting it down. I enjoyed the story. I liked the romance between Patch and Nora. (I'm a sucker for a little romance.) I can't wait for the second book to come out. 


(Hardcover Worthy)

The Lightning Thief The Sea of Monsters
 The Titan's Curse  The Battle of the Labyrinth
 The Last Olympian


 The protagonist is Percy Jackson, who discovers that he is the son of Poseidon, god of the sea and earthquakes. He learns that the legendary beings of Greek mythology still exist and have always existed, including monsters, cyclopes, empousae, Titans, and the Greek Gods (Olympians) themselves who dwell in Olympus, which is now situated at the mythical 600th floor of theEmpire State Building. Percy is frequently attacked by monsters because he is a child of one of the "Big Three": god of the gods and the god of the sky, Zeus, the king of the sea, Poseidon, and the leader of the Underworld, Hades, who made a pact afterWorld War II to not have any more children because they were too powerful and unpredictable. Percy meets many other youngdemigods, both friendly and hostile, who are also in the process of discovering their ancestry and powers. (Summary from Wikipedia )


My Review:
I really enjoyed this series. I liked all the characters. It was great all the quests and adventures they went on. They were pretty quick reads. I wanted to know how they would get out of the little messes they got themselves into. If you liked Harry Potter then you will probably like these!  I would definitely recommend these books. 


(Hardcover Worthy)

The second book in the trilogy (LDStorymakers, Inc., Orem, UT, July 2004) continues the story of Peter, Alyssa, and other major characters from the first book. Debra and Jon Pike, Alyssa's best friends from school, are newly married but living in exile: Article 28 has mandated that religious belief is a form of psychosis, and they must hide to avoid mandatory "therapy." Margret DeVray and her two children are on the run from her muderous ex-husband. And a new evil has appeared on the horizon: a fatal, genetically-engineered plague, the American Toxic Flu, has been released in Central City, with devastating casualties. In the wake of the chaos, false rumors circulate about the origin of the disease, and rising world power President-General Leo Horne becomes intent on destroying everything the Saints hold dear. Who will be safe? (Summary from Linda's blog)

My Review: I loved this book just as much as the first! I don't want to say too much if you haven't read the first one. I think it would be hard to live in this world Linda has created. Come to think of it, I'm not sure she is too far off. Like the first I couldn't put this one down. I needed to know what happened to all the characters. I am eagerly awaiting the third book: Zion Rising.


(Hardcover Worthy)

This is Linda's first novel (Cornerstone Publishing, SLC, UT, July 2000), the beginning of an epic LDS speculative fiction trilogy, carrying a disctinctly Latter-day Saint (Mormon) worldview of the days preceding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The series depicts fictional events leading to the establishment of a New Jerusalem on the American continent. In a near-future world where the Constitution has been destroyed and term limits abolished, a new President rises to--and remains--in power. National catastrophes force a new capital city to be built, overflowing the rural midwest: Central City. In nearby Iowa, young romance blossoms between Alyssa Stark and Peter Richardson, but they are soon torn apart by her mother's religious prejudice and hate. Their lives diverge, and the world they know begins to fall apart. As Alyssa falls into a web of government-produced mind-enhancing drugs, espionage, and danger in the labyrinth of Central City, Peter faces challenges and heartbreak of his own. Will they ever find each other again? (Summary from Linda's blog)

I have started to really enjoy reading. I'm not sure when it happened but it was within the last 7 years. :) Well, probably more like 2. So far this year I have read a little more than 50 books so I wanted to start a book blog so that I could remember what I've read and if I liked it or not. I'm not the best at reviewing but I hope as time goes by I'll get better. Then maybe I'll get some followers. That would be pretty sweet. But for now, welcome and don't judge me too harshly for the simple reviews.