Destined for Doon by Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Source: I received a copy from the publisher to participate in the blog tour. The opinions expressed here are my own.

About Destined for Doon:

 In this sequel to the bestselling Doon, Mackenna realizes she made a horrible mistake–choosing to follow her dreams of Broadway instead of staying in the enchanted land of Doon. To make everything worse, she’s received her Calling–proof she and Duncan are each other’s one true love–and it’s pure torment, especially when visions of the very alluring Scottish prince appear right before she goes onstage. So when Duncan tells her an ancient curse threatens to overtake Doon and the new queen needs her help, Kenna doesn’t have to think twice. With darkness closing in on all sides, Kenna and Vee battle a world of nightmares in order to protect the kingdom. But it will take the ultimate test of courage for Kenna to salvage her happily ever after.

My Thoughts:

Somehow I managed to miss reading the first book in this series, Doon.  However it didn’t take me long to get into the book and realize what I had missed and must go back and read.  Since Brigadoon has always been a favorite musical of mine, and I’d read that this series was loosely based on it I knew I had to read it.  In this sequel we find Kenna back in her time living the life she wanted on the stage. However, her heart stayed in Doon along with Duncan, the man she lost her heart to, and whose heart she broke.  Imagine her surprise when she finds Duncan in her  dressing room one evening.  He has been sent by her friend, and now Queen of Doon, Vee. It is imperative he return to Doon with Kenna, as she is needed to help save the kingdom. As I read about the curse, I thought about one of my students a couple of years ago who wanted zombies added to everything.  I was thinking that even he would love this book  The setting is beautiful as are the characters.  I felt as if I was in a continuation of the musical, but many years later.  I loved how Kenna is still strong-headed and goes after what she wants.  Vee makes a wonderful and compassionate queen.  There was only one thing I didn’t like, the ending.. Although it was neatly tied up, it was left with a twist that will have me chomping at the bit as I wait for the next book.  This series is most definitely worth the wait.

About the Authors:

About Carey Corpe: Carey Corp lives in the metropolitan Midwest with her loveable yet out-of-control family. Carey wrote her first book at the age of seven, and currently begins each morning consuming copious amounts of coffee while weaving stories that capture her exhaustive imagination. She harbors a voracious passion (in no consistent order) for mohawks, Italy, musical theater, chocolate, and Jane Austen. Carey’s debut novel for teens, The Halo Chronicles: The Guardian, earned her national recognition as 2010 Golden Heart finalist for best young adult fiction and was featured at the 2012 RT Booklovers Convention in Chicago in YA Alley. Read more at www.careycorp.blogspot.com

About Lorie Langdon: Lorie Langdon has wanted to write her own novels since she was a wee girl reading every Judy Blume book she could get her hands on. So a few years ago, she left her thriving corporate career to satisfy the voices in her head. Now as a full-time author and stay-at-home mom, she spends her summers editing poolside while dodging automatic water-gun fire, and the rest of the year tucked into her cozy office, Havanese puppy by her side, working to translate her effusive imagination into the written word and continue to build the young-adult-focused blog, HonestlyYA. Read more at www.lorielangdon.com 

A Path Toward Home by Heather R. Lorenz

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Christian
Source:  I received a copy from the author to help facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:

As a little girl growing up in post-World War II America, Constance loved her mother's vivid bedtime stories of a motherless prince. When Constance was six, that life ended; she spent the rest of her childhood with her uncle and aunt in Canada.

At 17, bored and lonely after her best friend moved away, Constance smacks her head, wakes up in the country of Avonea, meets the prince of her mother’s childhood stories, and discovers that her mother had made the same mystical journey. Is this world of fantasy and magic real or just a dream?

Dream or real,Constance just wants to go home because she knows her uncle will be frantic with worry for her. Prince Drinian and his advisor Woodphere agree to help her, and Constance finds herself living an adventure story as the three journey through dangerous country peopled with enemies of the future king.

A Path Toward Home is the first book in The Annals of Avonea, an adventure series inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia and written by high school student Heather Lorenz.  “… the plot of this book is very exciting, with twists and turns that keep you reading. The ending was unexpected and satisfying. I really enjoyed it and I would recommend it to anyone!” says one reviewer. Suitable as an ebook for juveniles and adults from new to golden, this modern classic will appeal to fans of adventure, mystery, romance, time travel, science fiction, fantasy, and faith-based fiction.

My Thoughts:
To say I loved this book is an understatement.  I am impressed with the ability this young writer has to create two worlds that are so realistic. Her ability to pull the reader into the life of Constance, who has faced such hardship is truly an art.  From the minute I began to read about the hardships Constance had to face and her reaction to them I knew I was hooked.  This is not one of those books where you are lead to believe that the main character has bad things happen and then breaks into song singing "the sun will come out tomorrow." I could feel her pain and anguish with each new trial thrown her way.  I loved the way Constance and Prince Drinian butted heads from the very beginning.  I was rooting for them all the way through, hoping there would be a relationship.  I felt so bad for Woodphere knowing how he had felt for Constance's mother. 

When Constance tries to make friends with a young girl who in in love with the Prince and finds a jealous girl instead she is heartbroken.  She feels she has to do something to make things right and learns that sometimes things are out of your hands.  I think the thing I enjoyed the most was the way God was woven into the plot. This is not an in your face, preach at you type of book.  You are subtly shown their faith.  It comes through in the way Prince Drinian tries to help his people and even his enemies. I loved the story of how they received the first Bible on their planet.  That was something else that was different from most time travel books.  The character is not transported back in time so much, but to another planet.  I agree with the blurb that at times I felt like the story had a Chronicles of Narnia feel.  To me this young lady has great talent and definitely understood the writing style of C.S. Lewis. However, I honestly loved this one more and that is saying a lot since I am such a fan of the Chronicles of Narnia.  This is only the first book so I am hoping she writes quickly, since this one just came out August 2.  I will be waiting enthusiastically for the second book.  I need to know if Constance and Prince Drinian will meet again.

About the Author:

Heather Lorenz is the author of A Path Toward Home, the first book in The Annals of Avonea series. She is the third of three daughters, and is currently a high school student living in rural Ohio with her parents and her favorite cat, Chuzzy. Heather loves reading, traveling and making new friends.

My Cat Does My Homework and Other Poems for Children - Isabella Johnson

What happens when a first grader writes poetry?  You get something fantabulous like this.

Blurb:

This collection of twelve poems, written by a young child, will delight readers ages 1-­9 and at the same time, show them that you do not have to be an adult to write poetry! Whether you are teaching children about poetry or simply enjoy reading poems to a child, this book is for you.

My Thoughts:

I first learned about this book from Isabella. She is my student and just nonchalantly mentioned that she had a book published. It seems her parents published her book of poetry when she was in first grade. She is in sixth grade now. I am pleased to say that a lot of her poems are great examples of metaphors. What a great resource/example to use for teaching the use of figurative language, especially in poetry.  Her topics range from bugs, to cats and everything between.  I have to say that I absolutely can not wait to see her writing this year.  I truly see great things coming from this young lady who is so passionate about her writing.

Eyes of the Enemy – Kelly Hess

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Source: I received a copy from the author/publisher to help facilitate my review.  I received not compensation. The review is my opinion alone.

Blurb:

When a rogue band of the dreaded Sorak attacks his village, twelve-year-old Beynn Firehand escapes into the darkness of BlackMyst Forest to find help. During his quest, Beynn discovers his own powerful magic abilities. 

The price of his newfound powers, however, may be higher than he ever imagined.

My Thoughts:

This book has great characters and a great setting.  The world building is not over done in this book. The main character Beynn Firehand is the twelve-year-old who has set out to save his village.  The story is not over the top which is what will draw most of my middle school fantasy readers into the story.

The story is not just one magic spell after another. There is so much to like about this book.  For me I believe the fact that I would just get myself to believing something was going to happen a certain way and then the author threw in a twist.  I happen to love stories that have more twists than a rollercoaster.

It is this unpredictability that keeps me reading. Beynn develops his powers slowly so it isn’t like the author decided, hey I think I give him powers and just let the character loose with them. I loved his best friend Fritz. It was obvious that he didn’t understand what was happening to his friend Beynn. He also demonstrated what a true friend was. I loved the ending.  If you want to know what I am talking about then you most definitely need to read this book.

You can learn more about the author here.

Shabbat Monsters - Jennifer Tzivia MacLeod

Genre:  Children's Picture Book

Source:  I received a digital copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.

The illustrations in the book will appeal to children everywhere.  For me a Christian, who knew little about Jewish customs and religious beliefs it was an opportunity to learn more.  Shabbat is a celebration of the Sabbath.  It is a holy time.  In the book four little monsters are all enjoying this day, when a fifth monster asks to join them.  They refuse and ignore him.  He reminds them what Shabbat is truly about.  They reflect on this and decide to allow him to join them. This is a great way to teach children about other religious beliefs.

About the Author

Jennifer Tzivia MacLeod is a proud mother of four (two big and two little) who lives in northern Israel. A freelance writer for magazines and newspapers, she also loves writing stories for her kids and their friends.

Charlie Glass's Slippers: A Very Modern Fairy Tale - Holly McQueen

Charlie Glas'ss Slippers
Genre: Adult, Contemporary
Source: I received a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Book Blurb

When Charlie’s beloved father, iconic shoe designer Elroy Glass, dies after a long illness, everyone expects that he’ll leave his business to his glamorous wife and eldest daughters. After all, they’ve been running the company for years. But Elroy surprises everyone from beyond the grave: at the will reading, it’s announced that his fashion empire has been left to Charlie, his youngest—and plumpest—daughter.

Before she can run the company, Charlie decides she needs to make a few changes in her life. After several weeks at a California boot camp, she returns to London a new woman: thinner, blonder, and ready to revitalize the Elroy Glass brand. But as she’ll soon discover, a good esthetician and a killer pair of stilettos can only go so far, and there’s more to reinvention—and running a fashion empire—than meets the eye.

 

My Thoughts

Holly McQueen has taken one of my favorite fairy tales and created a wonderful modern day story.  Let me tell you some of the things that made this really stand out in my mind.  First we have Charlie which is short for Charlotte.  She is the plump member of the family.  She gets walked on by her sisters.  She is a peacemaker. She is not exactly a fashionista.  Her sister Gaby is all show and about as snooty and uppity as they come.  Robyn tries to put on airs. She definitely has some problems. She’s just come back from getting help from having a break down.

Charlie has a small dinner and ends up trying to keep peace the entire time. When two of the guests, one of whom was not originally invited complain they can’t eat the food and order food in, she takes it in stride.  She is definitely someone who needs to stand up to others. I love that she considers her step-mother the “Ice Queen”, “High Priestess of Mordor”, She Who Must Not Be Named.”  It gives us an idea of what she thinks of the woman. Something else unique about this story is the way she became Charlie’s step-mother.  Charlie’s father was married to Gabby and Robyn’s mother.  They got a divorce and later he married Charlie’s mom and they had her.  Charlie’s mom died when she was run over and Charlie went to live with her Step-family. She was always considered lowly because her mother was a domestic and not high society like her step-mother. Charlie’s step mom is so verbally abusive to her. In front of other people she tries to put on a good act.  I believe that is one reason I really could not stand her.  I took great pleasure in learning Charlie’s dad had left 51% of the shares to her because she had given up her own life to take care of him, while the other members of his family only took from him.

Revenge might not be what Charlie set out to get when she takes a leave and comes back with a new look and a new idea for moving the business forward. That is exactly what she gets. 

I loved the book.  The characters were so well developed that you could not help loving some and really despising others.  I really look forward to reading anything else this author puts out.  I would highly recommend this book with a lot of quirky twists.  It is one you have to sit and read cover to cover.

About the Author:

Holly McQueen is the author of four novels—The Glamorous (Double) Life of Isabel Bookbinder, Fabulously Fashionable, Confetti Confidential, and There Goes the Bride. She lives in London with her husband.

The Repurposed and Upcycled Life - Michelle Rayburn

The Repurposed and Upcycled Life Blog Tour
 

 

 

About the Book

Life is frustrating sometimes. It can be hard and ugly. Hurt, frustration and regret can make everything seem hopeless. But, God has a plan for everything in our lives. He offers unconditional love and grace, despite our imperfections. He offers hope where we see only despair. 

Discover the repurposed and upcycled life. This is a life where no experience is wasted. Like the best trash-to-treasure decorating project, it's alife where God repurposes our juky experiences. It's where he upcycles---turns hopeless situations into something so much better than we ever imagined---when we let him work with the trash. When we surrender to his leading, god demonstrates his creativity in revealing how our greatest disappointments, mistakes, and painful experiences can be priceless treasures.

Through humor and stories, Michelle Rayburn addresses how to unpack emotional baggage and let go of the past. Readers will learn how to confront perfectionism and negative attitudes, change perspective on circumstances, and let go of regret and shame. It's an opportunity to learn how to build positive healthy relationships, and dream big and live with purpose. Through inspiration from God's Word and examples from everyday life, readers will discover the joy–filled, hope–rich way of viewing their past, present, and future.



 

My Thoughts
The title of this came at just the right time.  We were going through things in our house to see what we could get rid of and what we could recycle or repurpose.  This book does the same thing with events in our life.  The whole gist of this is that when you look at your life and things you are holding onto you need to  ask yourself if you need to continue to hold on to it. Is it important? Chances are it is not. Can you use it to change things in your life to improve things?  I have always seen myself as a fairly positive person.  However, there are areas in my life that when I bring them back up, turn into something very negative.  I had to ask myself if it was doing good or harm in my life?  I had to give myself permission to let go of it.  It definitely was not something God wanted me to hold on to.  It is like holding on to a grudge.   God has so much more for us.  This book is full of ways to help you do just that.  If there is one book you need to read this year it is this book.  I will recommend it to all of my readers and my family and friends.

ABOUT MICHELLE

Michelle wants to help you connect the dots between faith, creativity, and everyday life and discover the joy of finding God in the most unexpected places. Years ago, she left her career as a registered nurse to raise her family, and along the way, she discovered her true passion for writing, speaking, and singing.

Michelle has written more than 100 articles for publication, and this is her debut book. Her writing has also appeared in Christian Communicator, Focus on the Family, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Vista, Queen of the Castle Magazine, and more. She has also written several Bible studies for ChristianBibleStudies.com, and does freelance editing and copy writing.

Spark: Kindled Book One by Ginger Lee Malacko

Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Source: I received a review copy from the author to facilitate this review. The opinions are my own.

From Goodreads:

Nathan Christopher Coville has always been certain of two things: that he is the most popular kid to have ever lived in the town of Temple Hills, and that he deserves to be. But that was before he was plunged head first into a gorge. Now that he’s freshly dead, Nathan isn’t certain of anything except that the afterlife isn’t so heavenly. Instead of waking amidst trumpets and sunlit clouds, Nathan finds himself deep underground, in the middle of an invisible world of guardian angels. With an impossible mission, a head angel with an unnerving secret, and a host of demons who want nothing more than to destroy him, fame and glory seem forever just out of Nathan’s reach. And to top it all, he is somehow thrown in with the most notorious misfits of the guardian training center. It’s a far cry from his easy mortal life, and Nathan finds himself homesick for his friends, his family, and his fan club. But the greatest challenge of all comes when Nathan accidentally discovers a dastardly demon plot to take over his hometown. And since the angel authorities refuse to believe that a demon army is secretly amassing under their noses, the fate of thousands of people is suddenly resting on Nathan’s inexperienced shoulders.

My Thoughts:
I like the main character Nathan from the very beginning.  I thought he was kind of stuck on himself.  However, I deal with kids like that all the time as a teacher. I could overlook that character trait.  I saw how much he really cared about his brother Sam.  I knew there was something special about Nathan when he described the stranger on the baseball field before he had ever reached it.  It was obvious he has some gift that allowed him to tell that things were not right. Shade was definitely a demon and  Nathan was aware that there was a major problem with Shade. Nathan loses his life after saving the life of his friends and his younger brother who refused to listen to Nathan. He had told them not to listen to Shade. So the story starts out in a depressive way, but it sure keeps the ball rolling all the way through.  Sam was a hero in life, and now it seems he must become a hero in death.  I would definitely recommend this book.  It only took me two sittings to read this book.  If I had not had other things I had to do I could have read it in one sitting.  Definitely need this for my students at school.  I think they will really enjoy this.
I received a copy from the author to help facilitate this review.  I received no compensation. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Fractured Dream Review and Giveaway

 

Fractured Dream by KM Randall

Published by: Booktrope

Published On: June 21, 2014

Genre: Fantasy

Blurb:

Have you ever wondered where fairytales go once they're created?

It's been eight years since Story Sparks last had a dream. Now they're back, tormenting her as nightmares she can't remember upon waking. The black waters of Lake Sandeen, where her Uncle Peter disappeared decades before, may hold the secret to Story's hidden memories, or a truth she'd rather not know. On a bright summer afternoon, Story and her two best friends, Elliott and Adam, take a hike to the lake, where they dive into the cool water and never reemerge. What they find is beyond anything they've ever imagined could be possible, a world where dangers lurk in the form of Big Bad Wolves, living Nightmares and meddlesome witches and gods.

Now Story must remember who she really is and somehow stop two worlds from ultimate annihilation, all while trying not to be too
distracted by the inexplicable pull she feels toward a certain dark-eyed traveler who seems to have secrets of his own. The fates of the worlds are counting on her.

My Thoughts:
If you love dark fairy tales, mysteries, and fantasies then this is the book for you. There is something for everyone in this book. The author did a great job of world building.  For those who like romance in their stories the author has even covered that base.  I am not a big fan of romances.  However, the romance in this book is not over the top.  I especially loved the idea of the character, appropriately named Story.  She is not only a hero in the world of Tressla, but also in her earthly world. Story is one of those characters I had trouble liking in the beginning of the book.  As the story progresses we see lots of growth in the character.  This made her more likable further into the book.  This is a really great book that I know young adults and adults will both like.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

About the Author As a girl, K.M. always wished she’d suddenly come into magical powers or cross over into a Faerie circle. Although that has yet to happen, she instead lives vicariously through the characters she creates in writing fantasy and delving into the paranormal. When K.M. is not busy writing her next novel, she is the editor-in-chief of a blog covering the media industry, as well as an editor with Booktrope Publishing. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Syracuse University and a bachelor’s degree in English-Lit from Nazareth College of Rochester. K.M. lives in Upstate New York’s Finger Lakes region with her husband and her extremely energetic little boy. Fractured Dream is her first novel.

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Twisted Reflections by Shay West

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy

Source:  I received a copy to help facilitate this review. The opinions expressed are strictly mine.

Back Blurb:

Alexis Davenport is learning to come to grips with her ability to travel through time, but she still hasn’t been able to stop the evil Drifter and his Master from trying to alter the past.

When she travels back to ancient Egypt, Alex gets a most unexpected surprise; she meets someone who can help her figure out how to use her powers, another Traveler like herself.

But can Alex learn how to control her gift before Drifter finds a way to stop her from meddling in his Master’s plans?

My Thoughts:

First let me say I thought the cover of the first book was gorgeous.  The second one is equally gorgeous.

In this sequel to Dangerous Reflections” which I posted a review on here, we find Alexis Davenport’s life is beginning to look up.  In the first book she and her mother had to move into her aunt’s guest house because her father deserted them and cleaned out the bank account while he was at it.  She has survived her first year of high school and being bullied.  She has a gorgeous boyfriend named Drake and her mom is actually letting her date, in a way. She’s not allowed to go to dances, she’s not allowed to get her learners permit, and she is spending a lot of time working for her aunt.  Her social life is beginning to go down the tubes. Worse than all of that is the Drifter is trying even harder to kill her. In this book Alexis meets someone like her and finds a way to travel to Scotland so that she can meet this boy and his master.  She’s after some answers since she has learned that she has no master.  Who is the Drifter and just what is his or his master’s ultimate goal?  I was really surprised by a couple of things that occurred in the book.  I was shocked by the way it ended. I flipped the page and realized there was no more.  Talk about a cliff hanger.  It was tied up neatly enough; there were just several questions I wanted answered.