Ruby Oliver is a junior in high school. apparently the year before she had a pretty traumatic time(described in The Boyfriend List ), she lost her bes...moreRuby Oliver is a junior in high school. apparently the year before she had a pretty traumatic time(described in The Boyfriend List ), she lost her best friends, lost her boyfriend and had to start in therapy. Continuing on with that theme Ruby is down to pretty much 2 friends Nora and Meaghan. Ruby is still seeing a therapist, still having friend problems and still having boy issues.
Ruby is still pining away for her ex-boyfriend Jackson. When Jackson and Kim(ex best friend) break up Jackson starts flirting with Ruby. Noel is Ruby’s Chem partner and guy friend. But their friendship is a bit awkward because Noel had wanted to kiss Ruby and she had told him no. Now she is wishing that she had kissed him. The problem is that Nora likes Noel and has asked Ruby to not act on her feelings for him. Then there is Gideon who is Nora’s hunky older brother. There seems to be some chemistry between he and Ruby.
Things seem to go downhill for Ruby her junior year. She has a knack for drama in her life! She loses her job at the zoo, has multiple panic attacks during the week, has to get a job at a shoe store(many stinky feet), gets caught kissing Noel so consequently loses her friend Nora, she meets her therapists boyfriend while working at the shoe store which causes awkward moments during her sessions.
This was kind of a hard book for me to get through. I guess I have forgotten all of the angst that teens go through with their boy/girl relationships. Ruby’s life got a bit tedious for me. No wonder she was in therapy! There was a bit of language which usually I can overlook, but the F-word was sprinkled throughout. So when you look at the cover of the book it kind of looks like an innocent read, but the subject matter is more mature. I’ll not be reading the other books in the series. BUT, if you enjoy teen drama there was plenty of that and at times humorous situations so try it!
It is unheard of for people taking Longevity to die. But it is happening. People are dying. Pincent Pharma is blaming the Underground for sabotaging a...moreIt is unheard of for people taking Longevity to die. But it is happening. People are dying. Pincent Pharma is blaming the Underground for sabotaging a batch of Longevity. Panic ensues and once again people are turning against the Underground, Opt Outs, Surpluses and anyone known to be sympathetic to them. Neighbor turns against neighbor.
Peter and Anna are hidden away with their family. Jude is monitoring Pincent Pharma while also feeling underappreciated. Sheila is still looking for her parents. Pip, the leader of the Underground, has many secrets.
Has Longevity been sabotaged or was there something wrong with it from its inception? Were people really meant to live forever?
It took me a little bit to get into this book, but it was worth reading. It took a bit to get into because the beginning was pretty boring with all of the rehashing of what went on before in the other two books(The Declaration and The Resistance). But once that was finished the story picked up the pace and ultimately turned into a page-turner.
Alexander’s best friend Sebastian shows up in Dullsville. Raven is happy that Alexander has someone his own kind to be with until Sebastian meets her...moreAlexander’s best friend Sebastian shows up in Dullsville. Raven is happy that Alexander has someone his own kind to be with until Sebastian meets her best friend Becky. Sebastian is instantly infatuated and thinks himself in love. Becky is flattered but very much in love with her boyfriend Matt. Raven and Alexander decide to throw a party for Sebastian so that he can meet someone else to be the love of his life. What they don’t count on is the party being crashed by Trevor and his followers. What started out to be a small party turns into quite a blowout.
This installment of the Vampire Kisses series wasn’t my favorite. With the way this book ended with a cliffhanger hopefully the next installment will be more exciting.
Little Mercies is a collection of inspiring true stories that the author has experienced throughout her lifetime. This book could almost be used as a...moreLittle Mercies is a collection of inspiring true stories that the author has experienced throughout her lifetime. This book could almost be used as a daily devotional except that there aren’t 365 stories, just 16. Each story has its own inspiration that the author then relates to stories that are in the Bible and verses that uplift and encourage. Four of those stories stood out for me.
Night Music tells about a friend that moved far away. The friend missed the sounds of the south and asked the author for a tape of night sounds. A beautiful story of friendship and appreciation for God’s Creation.
Singing Behind the Plow tells of the authors visit to the John C. Campbell Folk School where she took a class on canning produce. One of the things that she talked about was how God honors our hard work. Also how important it is to pass on to our children and grandchildren skills that are becoming extinct like canning or even making homemade bread or biscuits.
Forgiven tells a story about when her father was a young boy. He was punished unjustly by his father for an incident he had no control over. The author talks about forgiveness being a gift and that we must forgive others.
Streetlight Dog is the story of a stray dog that the author tried to befriend. I loved how she compared her efforts with trying to be friends with the dog to how Jesus is alway pursuing a relationship with us.
I picked a few of my favorites out of this book, but really each story had something that spoke to my heart and reminded me to watch for those “Little Mercies” in my own daily life.
Thomas arrives in the Glade with no memory of his former life. He doesn’t remember who his parents were or what he did to deserve to be sent to this s...moreThomas arrives in the Glade with no memory of his former life. He doesn’t remember who his parents were or what he did to deserve to be sent to this strange place. He is the new “Greenie” that is sent to the Glade once a month. A new boy has arrived in the Glade each month for the past 2 years. Thomas is frustrated because he wants to know everything about the Glade, but nobody is willing to tell him anything on his first day.
The next day the box arrives again with another new arrival. This is an unheard of event. And even more unheard of is that the occupant of the box is a girl. She arrives in some kind of coma with a message crushed in her hand stating that she is the last ever to arrive in the Glade. She arouses enough to whisper that “Everything is going to change.”
Thomas is soon told about the Maze that runners go into each day before the walls close on the Glade. They have gone into the Maze each day for the past 2 years looking for a way out. The only problem is that each night when the walls close to the Glade the pattern of the Maze changes. So it is never the same. Each runner must return before the walls close because creatures that the boys call Grievers come out at night. Nobody has ever survived the Grievers after being locked out at night.
Thomas soon realizes that for some reason he feels that he needs to be a runner. There is something that seems to be familiar about that job to him. When their weekly supplies are cut off and a Griever is found dead in the Maze the boys realize that things definitely are changing. When Thomas sees 2 boys coming back from checking on the dead Griever just as the walls are closing he goes out to save them. They spend a frightening night outside the walls fighting off the Grievers. They are the first boys that manage to survive until the walls are opened once again. This gains Thomas respect and the right to run the Maze. His first day out in the Maze seems so familiar to him. He wishes he remembered why.
When Theresa comes out of her coma her and Thomas realize that they have a gift of communicating with each other through telepathy. The more that things change in the Glade the more they all realize that they must find a way to escape and get revenge on the Creators. Theresa remembers that she and Thomas helped in the creating of the Maze but as she comes out of the coma her memory starts to disappear. Thomas must venture one desperate attempt in order to bring back his memory to save them all.
The Maze Runner was a fast-paced exciting read. It definitely leaves you hanging at the end so I must get my hands on the sequel!
Agnes, her brother Benny and their parents live in Mount Blessing a religious commune led by Emmanuel. Agnes used to have fun like most other children...moreAgnes, her brother Benny and their parents live in Mount Blessing a religious commune led by Emmanuel. Agnes used to have fun like most other children. But when she turned 12 and received her book of “The Saints Way” she put aside having fun and started working on becoming perfect like the saints.
Honey is Agnes’ best friend. Her mother left her at the commune when she was just a baby. All that she has of her mother’s is a cat figurine that she carries around with her. Honey hates the commune. She hates Emmanuel and she hates all of the rules that they are made to follow. Honey is the one that usually gets herself and Agnes into trouble and causes them to have to visit the “Regulation Room.”
The Regulation Room is a room that the Believers are sent to when they do something that is against the rules that Emmanuel has created for the commune. Nobody talks about the Regulation Room. But most of the Believers have been subjected to the discipline that is carried out in the room.
Agnes’ grandmother Pete shows up unexpectedly for a visit. When she sees the results of the discipline that Honey and Agnes had most recently been subjected to, she is determined to get Agnes, Benny and Honey out of the commune.
Honey is thrilled to be leaving the commune. Agnes wants to go back. She is afraid of the consequences of leaving the commune. After all there is nothing bad going on there. Emmanuel is just trying to make them better believers. This puts a huge strain on Agnes and Honey’s relationship. After meeting her father’s sister, Agnes finds that there are still more secrets that Emmanuel and her family have held from them.
I didn’t want to put this book down! It was heart-breaking reading about the abuse that the children are put through on the commune. I got angry at how gullible people are to a charismatic leader. I wanted to stand up and cheer when Nana Pete took Agnes, Benny and Honey out of the commune. I wanted to shake Agnes out of her brain-washed thinking! I loved Honey’s feisty-ness and her ability to see how wrong the whole commune was in following Emmanuel.
As always Morganville is a perilous place to live if you are human. But once you live in Morganville there is no leaving. With the death of Ada, the m...moreAs always Morganville is a perilous place to live if you are human. But once you live in Morganville there is no leaving. With the death of Ada, the machine that keeps the boundaries of Morganville, the town is left vulnerable to outsiders. As a punishment for killing a vampire(in self-defense) Claire is sent to Myrnin’s lab with instructions to build a new machine that will control the boundaries and also open the portals for travel between places in Morganville. She is not allowed sleep as it is imperative that the boundaries go up immediately.
Claire and Myrnin get the job done and everything seems to be working perfectly. Not long after the machine is put online Claire realizes that strange things are happening in Morganville. When she goes to check the machine, she sees that Myrnin has made some changes. He is unwilling to allow Claire to see what changes have been made. He has put a security field around the machine so that nobody can turn it off.
Things go from bad to worse when people start having gaps of memories. It seems like years have been erased. Of course it is up to Claire, Eve, Michael and Shane to get to the bottom of the memory loss. Claire knows exactly what is causing the problem. She is unable to get to the machine though because Myrnin has reverted back to his “crazy” days. He doesn’t remember Claire as his student in the lab. He will not allow her near the machine so she is unable to turn it off.
When everyone who is close to her seems to forget who she is, Claire must rely on Frank(Shane’s father turned vampire) to help her make things right before she too forgets.
Ghost Town is one roller coaster ride after another! There were several times I had to put the book down because I was just so stressed out about what was happening or going to happen next! I can’t wait for the next installment of the Morganville Vampire series, they keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
Layla is a contractor. An unusual profession for a woman. But she is very good at her work. In fact she has just been nominated for a prestigious awar...moreLayla is a contractor. An unusual profession for a woman. But she is very good at her work. In fact she has just been nominated for a prestigious award. When one of the homes that she has built burns down and a dead body is found in the remains Layla becomes a suspect.
Maddox is the detective working the case. He too is good at his job. His one regret is that he was never able to find the person who murdered his mother. With a broken relationship with his father, and resentment towards a God that would allow his mother to die Maddox is only too willing to believe the worst of Layla.
Layla decides that she is going to try to discover who burned the house and murdered the person inside. While seeking answers from the various people that she contracted to work the site the killer realizes that she needs to be warned off. Layla is side-tracked when people she knows are brought to the hospital with bleeding noses that won’t stop and respiratory problems. The doctors can’t figure out what is the common denominator in the symptoms and they can’t identify what is causing the symptoms.
When Layla’s sister Alana’s fiance’ is hurt in an explosion, Maddox and his partner decide that they need to protect Layla from whomever is trying to hurt her. With their growing attraction for each other sparks fly! But Layla’s faith baffles Maddox. As the mystery unfolds and relationships are mended Maddox begins to see how faith is an important part of our existence.
As the killer becomes more desperate Maddox and Layla race the clock to find out the reason behind the killings. Will they be in time to prevent another tragedy?
Robin Caroll has written an excitement-filled story that will keep the reader wanting to turn the pages until the very end.
Andie and her mother Jenna are flying in their plane home to Alaska. They are giving a ride to a man named Cole. When they see Hank their pilot and Co...moreAndie and her mother Jenna are flying in their plane home to Alaska. They are giving a ride to a man named Cole. When they see Hank their pilot and Cole struggling together they are confused and scared. Hank has sabotaged their plane and set them on a crash course for one of the highest peaks in Alaska.
After the crash Andie awakes first and realizes that she must help her mother and Cole stay warm in the freezing elements. Also she must take care of her own needs as she has a rare disorder that causes her to feel no pain and her body to be unable to maintain a proper temperature.
Jenna suffers a severe cut on her leg and has lost a lot of blood. When she comes to her first thoughts are for her daughter. Since the death of her husband she has been the sole caregiver for her daughter. She is very leery of Cole and his desire to get them away from the crash site. She also is struggling to understand why Hank who has been their friend for years would sabotage the plane.
Cole had made a promise to Jenna’s husband before he died. He promised to take care of his family. He intends to do that no matter what. Battling his own demons of losing his wife and daughter he is determined to never let his heart care again. What he didn’t count on was spunky Andie.
In an effort to escape other bad men that are after a secret that Jenna’s husband never talked about to her, the 3 start hiking higher up the mountain. Their hope is that the bad men will think that they died in the crash. While spending harrowing days battling the elements Jenna’s leg becomes steadily more infected. Andie’s disorder proves challenging and Cole is in constant battle within himself about his softening heart towards “his girls”. Andie gets under his skin with her straight-forward talk of God’s love and forgiveness.
Danger is still just around the corner once they are rescued. Jenna is devastated when she learns about her husband’s part in why they are in danger. Andie is disillusioned about her “hero dad.” Both must learn to give their fears to the Lord and trust Him. Cole needs to learn that he is not in control of all situations and he must put his faith in God.
This was a fast-paced, heart-stopping mystery that I really enjoyed. You get the feel for each character as the story is told from Cole, Jenna and Andie’s points of view.
**spoiler alert** This is the 6th book in the Vampire Kisses series. Raven and Alexander are enjoying their summer together. They spend their days cud...more**spoiler alert** This is the 6th book in the Vampire Kisses series. Raven and Alexander are enjoying their summer together. They spend their days cuddled in Alexander’s coffin. All of that is about to change with the arrival of Alexander’s parents.
The gossipmongers of the town start buzzing as soon as the Sterling’s arrive. Alexander’s parents are not very conservative in their attire or manners. Raven however adore’s Alexander’s mother as she seems to be a kindred spirit. The Sterling’s love Raven but they have misgivings about the two of them being together as Raven is human and Alexander is a vampire.
Raven not only has to worry about Alexander’s parents liking her but she also has to worry about the English project she and her nemesis Tyler are partnering in. Tyler is still trying to gain Raven’s attention but Raven has eyes only for her “one true love” Alexander.
When Alexander’s parents decide to sell the mansion and move the family back to Romania, Alexander and Raven must try to find a way to stay together.
I enjoyed this book. It was predictable, fast and easy to read, yet entertaining and enjoyable.
Lately Cameron seems to be losing parts of his memory. His wife Jessie has died and the memory of her is slipping away. His father’s mind was totally...moreLately Cameron seems to be losing parts of his memory. His wife Jessie has died and the memory of her is slipping away. His father’s mind was totally gone when he passed away. Cameron is afraid that the same thing is happening to him.
Before Cameron’s father passed away and before Jessie passed away both of them told Cameron about a Book of Days. A book that is supposed to tell all of a person’s days, past, present and future. Both Cameron’s father and Jessie believed in God. Cameron is skeptical about there being a God and also about the so-called Book of Days.
As Cameron’s memory gets worse he decides he must go searching for the Book of Days to hopefully regain his memory. He asks Jessie’s best friend Ann to meet him in a small town in Oregon to help him on his quest. Ann agrees because she has a quest of her own, to find out about her mother who abandoned her when she was 11 years old.
Every question asked seems to be met with some form of cover-up. Jason believes in the Book of Days as do his many cult followers. Taylor has more secrets than just the Book of Days. As their missions collide Ann and Cameron decide to help each other find answers to their questions.
I gave this book two hearts because it was so hard for me to get into it. I spent the entire book trying to figure out how many more pages I had to muddle through before I was finished with it. I’m sorry to the author, but this was not a book that caught or kept my attention.
Sierra Dawn allows herself one day a year to think about the death of her baby 12 years before. Each year on the anniversary of Annie’s death Sierra g...moreSierra Dawn allows herself one day a year to think about the death of her baby 12 years before. Each year on the anniversary of Annie’s death Sierra goes to the grave, has lunch with her friend Ruby, and spends the rest of her day trying to forget. Sierra is consumed with guilt and anger. She knows that because she was addicted to drugs while pregnant with Annie that is the reason that Annie died. But she is angry at God because she feels that he could have prevented Annie from dying. Raised in a Christian home Sierra chose a different path to follow when she went to college. Ruby and Sierra’s parents think it is time for Sierra to relinquish the anger and guilt and get right with God. Sierra doesn’t know if she ever can. A trip to a secluded spot in the Redwoods changes her life forever.
Kaylee has been abandoned by her mother and left in the care of Jack her mother’s last boyfriend. The only things Kaylee has of her mother’s are her dictionary and Emily Post’s etiquette book. Kaylee hides them from Jack so that they will not be taken away. To escape the daily sexual abuse and neglect Kaylee reads the dictionary and memorizes words and their meanings. All of the words are bottled up inside of her as she has not been able to speak since her mother abandoned her to this evil man. Too afraid to run away because she worries that her mother has amnesia and someday will return to find her Kaylee suffers in silence and fear. One of her favorite spots is the hollowed out spot in a Redwood tree. She sits in a circle of pinecones telling herself that nothing can cross the pinecones to hurt her.
Sierra befriends Kaylee and realizes that neglect and maybe something more is going on in her life. She contacts Child services to find out what can be done. Once Kaylee is rescued she is placed in the care of Sierra. From that moment on healing for both Sierra and Kaylee begins.
WOW! This book was so good. It was heartbreaking to read about Kaylee’s abuse. I wanted to jump through the pages and administer justice myself! Ginny Yttrup was able to show that God can redeem us from our worst sins and give us peace and rest in Him through the trials of life. (less)
Kaye’s husband left her and their daughter for a younger woman. Kaye has spent the year since their divorce hoping and praying that they can be reconc...moreKaye’s husband left her and their daughter for a younger woman. Kaye has spent the year since their divorce hoping and praying that they can be reconciled and get back together. When Cliff’s mother calls her because she needs a place to stay after a botched facelift, Kaye believes this may be just the thing to bring Cliff back to her.
Isabel(Izzie) is a typical self-centered teen who has never had a relationship with her grandmother and is not happy about Marla moving in with them. She is resentful of her father leaving the family for another woman and has a more realistic view of it than Kaye does. When Izzie meets Gabe her interests are drawn outside of herself to helping other people.
Kaye’s job is to get houses ready for the owner’s to sell by staging furniture and highlighting the assets of the house. When she meets Jack there is instant attraction. But Kaye is determined that God’s will is for her to win back her husband. Gabe’s father died of cancer. Gabe is living with Jack so that Jack can help Gabe finish his Eagle Scout project, renovating a park for handicap children to be able to play.
Izzie is all for helping Gabe with his project but soon become involved in a project of her own. Lily whom she used to babysit is dying of cancer. Izzie is determined to raise money to help with Lily’s rising medical bills. The swimathon becomes a community project that brings Izzie and Gabe and Jack and Kaye together.
Dealing with an ex-mother-in-law that never liked her, an ex-husband that is showing renewed interest in her, a daughter full of teen angst, and new feelings stirring for Jack, Kaye struggles to find what God’s purpose for her is.
I’m torn about this author’s writing. I read her book Elvis Takes a Back Seat and am having the same feelings about Facelift as I did about that book. Sometimes the writing seems disjointed. I had a hard time knowing if the character was saying something out loud or if she was “thinking” what she wanted to say. Sometimes I was lost as to who was doing the talking. The reason I am torn though is because Leanna Ellis’ characters are so engaging that the book is hard to put down until after you find out how the story ends.
Hoping to not repeat the Year of Humiliating Events(YOHE) that was Erin P. Swifts 7th grade year she embarks on her 8th grade year with high hopes.
She...moreHoping to not repeat the Year of Humiliating Events(YOHE) that was Erin P. Swifts 7th grade year she embarks on her 8th grade year with high hopes.
She meets her new locker partner Reede. Reede offers to “make-over” Erin’s looks. Erin can’t deny that she admires Reede for her seeming maturity and makeup savvy but at the same time she worries that Reede’s skills in the computer lab may usurp her own.
Mark is Erin’s best friend. They play basketball together, they tease each other. Erin had a crush on him the year before but now Mark has a girlfriend and so does Erin. Some of her other friends swear that they will turn out to be a Harry Met Sally couple.
Erin can’t seem to talk to her mother anymore. Her mother doesn’t seem to understand her. Erin seems to only be able to talk to her friend Mr. F the school custodian whom she shares many secrets with and gets good advice from.
When her brother brings over a total HOTTIE friend Erin thinks that she is in love. He makes her feel older than she really is. He is 3 years older than her and she is willing to risk friendships and parental disappointment to prove to him how grown up she is.
When tragedy strikes Erin finds out what truly matters in her world.
I really enjoyed this story. Working with Middle Schoolers I totally see all of the boyfriend/girlfriend events going on. Denise Vega really captured the essence of the Middle School community. (less)
Travels With Gannon and Wyatt is written in journal form. Gannon and Wyatt are brothers that love to travel and have adventures. My understanding is t...moreTravels With Gannon and Wyatt is written in journal form. Gannon and Wyatt are brothers that love to travel and have adventures. My understanding is that this is going to be a series. In this installment the boys went to Botswana.
While tracking a lioness that has been injured by a poacher the boys encounter many adventures in the Okavango Delta of Botswana. They have to continue on foot when their jeep is stuck in water. They encounter elephants, buffalo, lions, snakes and a poacher. They also have to deal with a scary illness that Wyatt comes down with.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to other installments. The journal entries trade off between the two boys. You get different perspectives of each encounter and experience. The book came with a cd that I haven’t had a chance to watch yet. (less)
Sarah’s family has left Skeleton Creek. Leaving Ryan without his best friend. The town has benefitted from the gold found in the old dredge. Ryan’s fa...moreSarah’s family has left Skeleton Creek. Leaving Ryan without his best friend. The town has benefitted from the gold found in the old dredge. Ryan’s father has purchased a fishing store which he insists Ryan spend his summer working in.
Ryan has a secret from the old dredge that he hasn’t revealed to anyone. He shares with Sarah a new clue for another mystery in Skeleton Creek.
Sarah’s parents agree to let her drive across country visiting family members on her way to CA for film school. Unbeknownst to them she is also hunting clues in this new mystery. The scary thing is that the ghost from the old dredge seems to be following Sarah.
Ryan is frustrated still being stuck in Skeleton Creek while Sarah once again deals with cemeteries in the middle of the night and the ghost turning up at odd times during her trek.
What mystery are they chasing and will it bring them harm before they solve it?
I liked this installment of the Skeleton Creek series but I was disappointed in the video’s this time around. Sarah is no longer showing herself in the video’s. I think it is for privacy purposes, but that is what made the other Skeleton Creek books more personable and frightening. Although the book was good it did lack the scariness of the other books. I still enjoyed reading the book and going online to watch Sarah’s video’s and look forward to the next installment of Skeleton Creek because of course we were left hanging at the end of the book.
Vlad’s dad has returned from hiding which leaves Vlad feeling confused, angry and happy all at once. He is needing answers from his dad but they are s...moreVlad’s dad has returned from hiding which leaves Vlad feeling confused, angry and happy all at once. He is needing answers from his dad but they are slow in coming.
Em has given Vlad until the beginning of the New Year to hand over his dad Tomas to the Vampire Council or Vlad will stand trial and be killed. Joss has been given until the New Year to slay Vlad. If Joss doesn’t kill Vlad by that time the Slayer Society will kill everyone in Bathory, humans and vampires.
Vlad is convinced that he is the prophesied Provus. Will his powers be used for good or for evil?
People keep telling me that this is the last book in the series, but I am not convinced. Heather Brewer has left the ending wide open for another sequel. At least that is the way I see it! I am not impressed with the ending of this book. In fact I am really disappointed! That doesn’t mean I didn’t like the rest of the book. At least Vlad wasn’t bawling every other page(see other reviews of the series). (less)
This time around the Mother-Daughter Book Club explore Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. It is the perfect time for them to do this with Emma and he...moreThis time around the Mother-Daughter Book Club explore Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. It is the perfect time for them to do this with Emma and her family living in England(right in the middle of Jane Austen country) for a year. Emma and her mom are able to participate in the book club via the internet.
Cassidy, still the perpetual tomboy has a full plate. She plays hockey for a Division I girls league, She starts a club for little girls called “Chicks with Sticks” to train them how to become ice hockey players, and then as a favor to Mrs. Bergson(who was able to get her time on the ice for Chicks with Sticks) she agrees to practice ice dancing with Tristan(whose family have house-swapped with Emma’s family). Sparks fly between Tristan and Cassidy from the time they meet.
Megan loves fashion. She notices everyone’s fashion faux pas and so decides that she will start a blog that she entitles Fashionista Jane going along with the theme of Jane Austen. The blog ultimately gets the girls into trouble, but it is fun and snarky!
Jess also has a lot going on in her life. She is feeling stressed about not having a career goal in mind when all of the other girls seem to know what they would like to do with their lives. She thinks that she would love to do something with music, she has the opportunity to nurse a wounded fox back to health and as always Emma’s brother Darcy can always make her heart pound. Will Darcy ever notice her, or will he always see her as just one of his sister’s friends?
The girls put together a business of baking pies and other treats in an effort to raise money to bring Emma home for a visit during spring break. They name their business “Pies and Prejudice” and it becomes quite successful. Of course not everything is all roses in the story. The girls have a new nemesis and new struggles throughout the year. It is fun to see how relationships develop and how supportive they are of each other. This is turning out to be one of my favorite series! (less)
Someone is writing on a blog that she wishes certain popular people were dead. She is feeling abused by the popular people. When 3 of the most popular...moreSomeone is writing on a blog that she wishes certain popular people were dead. She is feeling abused by the popular people. When 3 of the most popular students at school disappear she begins to freak out and realize that someone has seen her wish and has decided to act upon it.
Madison and Tyler are taking their turn driving for Safe Rides. A service for people who have had too much to drink. They are supposed to make sure their “client” is safely in their home before leaving them. Unfortunately Madison and Tyler do not make sure that Lucy is safe because she refuses to go into the house. Frustrated with Lucy they drive away. Not knowing that this will be the last time they ever see her.
The whole town is on edge especially after 2 more students disappear. Tyler seems to know more than he is sharing with Madison. Throughout the story she is consumed by her attraction towards him, but also leery of him because he is new and mysterious.
Is there a serial killer out there getting revenge on popular students? Who will be next? Why is this happening in this quiet affluent town?
Wish You Were Dead was truly a nail-biter! Especially the ending! A must read for those who enjoy a good mystery/scary story. (less)
Katarina Bishop comes from a long line of professional thieves. But she has decided to get out of the “business”. She cons her way into a private scho...moreKatarina Bishop comes from a long line of professional thieves. But she has decided to get out of the “business”. She cons her way into a private school to become a normal student. Unfortunately some of her family and friends have different ideas for her. They get her kicked out.
When her father is accused of stealing a private collection of paintings Kat is forced unwillingly back into the business. She is sure that the paintings were not stolen by her father but the owner is convinced otherwise. He threatens to harm her father and her friends if she does not return the paintings to him within 2 weeks.
Kat finds the paintings. The only problem is they are hidden behind paintings in an art museum that is virtually impossible to break into. Kat assembles a crew of her closest friends and family members to help her come up with a plan to save her father and get the paintings back to their rightful owners.
This reminded me a bit of the Ocean’s Eleven movie series. Lots of twists and turns and back-stories. I enjoyed it very much and especially liked the ending. The copy of the book that I read was an ARC copy so am not sure if there were any revisions made to the copy that is now out in stores. The author did leave the ending open for a sequel.
Joss moves back to town much to Vlad’s dismay. Joss is still out to fulfill his Slayer responsibilities by getting rid of vampires. It makes the schoo...moreJoss moves back to town much to Vlad’s dismay. Joss is still out to fulfill his Slayer responsibilities by getting rid of vampires. It makes the school year pretty tense.
Vlad is still mooning over Meredith even though he dumped her for her own protection. He is still feeding on Snow his second drudge.
Otis is keeping his promise by staying in town. He took a job at the High School. He is now awaiting his pretrial.
Eddie Poe is still lurking around every corner spying on Vlad and trying to find any evidence that will prove that Vlad is a vampire.
Vlad is feeling guilty about feeding from Snow. She is developing feelings for him that he doesn’t think he can return. Vlad is trying to come to terms with his new thirst for human blood. He is worried about Otis. He wants to try and befriend Joss again, but Joss is still out to rid Bathory of vampires. A new vampire is in town and he has a thirst for Vlad’s blood. He is used to getting what he wants. All of these things culminate into a surprising ending that leaves the reader in shock!
At first I wasn’t overly thrilled about this installment, but once I got into it I was totally excited to turn the next page! Unfortunately now I have to wait for the next book in the series! It doesn’t come out until September 21. (less)
Vlad enters tenth grade this year. Unfortunately his uncle Otis has to leave again. He is running from the council and trying to find a “ritual” that...moreVlad enters tenth grade this year. Unfortunately his uncle Otis has to leave again. He is running from the council and trying to find a “ritual” that could supposedly take away the powers of the Pravus and transfer them to the person performing the ritual.
Everything seems to start going bad for Vlad. He is once again being stalked by someone that wants to kill him. Eddie Poe is still lurking behind every corner taking pictures and stalking him, sure to find some way to prove that Vlad is a vampire. Henry no longer wants to be his drudge. Vlad’s appetite is increasing. He cannot seem to connect with Otis telepathically. And he is having very vivid nightmares of being strapped to a table and being tortured.
Vlad has sworn to never “drink from the source” but one night in a dark alley he slips and tries it for the first time. It satisfies his thirst like nothing ever has before. Will he be able to go back to drinking Nelly’s “snack paks” or have his feeding habits been changed forever?
I am hooked on finding out how Vlad’s story ends, but I had some issues with this book. Vlad seems to be overly sensitive in this book. He cries continuously. I mean seriously! It seemed like every chapter he was wiping his tears or welling up with tears or getting choked up with tears, or his face streaming with tears. It was a bit nauseating for me! I truly wanted to say, “BUCK UP you sissy!” I’m all for guys getting teary, but I think it was overly done in this instance. Yes, Vlad is sensitive, but the author has risked making him seem like a 10 year old boy rather than a 15 year old almost man. (less)
This series is growing on me. I liked the second one better than the first.
Vlad is starting 9th grade as the story opens up. He has the same two bulli...moreThis series is growing on me. I liked the second one better than the first.
Vlad is starting 9th grade as the story opens up. He has the same two bullies picking on him as when he was in 8th grade. He still has a crush on Meredith and seems to get tongue tied when she is around.
Henry seems to have accepted the fact that he is Vlad’s “drudge”. Vlad tries not to read his friends mind or to manipulate him to do things, but sometimes he feels that he has to. Henry’s cousin comes to stay with him for the year and Vlad and Joss become good friends. It seems that they become closer because Henry has become so popular at school. Still they are not close enough for Vlad to tell Joss his secret.
Otis takes Vlad to Siberia to meet an old friend of his fathers. Vikas tries to teach Vlad how to read minds better and to manipulate people to do what he wants. Vlad also learns about the prophecy of the Pravus. About a half vampire half human that comes to take over the human population. Vikas believes that Vlad is the Pravus. The only problem is that one of the things to prove that it is true is that the vampire/human has to die.
Trailed by a nosy nerd on the school newspaper, and by a vampire slayer Vlad’s secret and life are in danger.
I found Ninth Grade Slays to be more exciting than the first book and am looking forward to reading Tenth Grade Bleeds.
Vlad is in the eighth grade. Vlad is fodder for the bullies. Vlad is half human and half vampire. His mother was human and his father was a vampire.
Vl...moreVlad is in the eighth grade. Vlad is fodder for the bullies. Vlad is half human and half vampire. His mother was human and his father was a vampire.
Vlad’s parents have both died. He lives with “Aunt Nelly” who isn’t his real Aunt, but was his mother’s best friend. Nelly is trying to give Vlad a “normal” life. She is a nurse so she is able to bring him blood from work. She hides the blood in different forms so that Vlad can live like other teenagers. She will place it in a cup and call it “tea”. She puts capsules of blood in his sandwiches so that he can remain nourished throughout the day. Vlad has never tasted blood straight from the source…well with one exception. When he was 8 he bit his best friend Henry. Henry is the only human besides Nelly that knows that Vlad is a vampire.
When one of the teachers at school is missing and feared dead scary things start to happen for Vlad. First is their new substitute teacher. One of the first things he wants the class to do is write a presentation on a mythical figure. Vlad picks Werewolf out of the hat, but right before his eyes the words transform into the word “VAMPIRE”. Other things happen that make Vlad fear that this new substitute may be onto his secret and may even be the reason that the teacher is missing and also may be responsible for the death of his parents.
Through reading his father’s old journal Vlad discovers that there is a whole vampire world that he never knew existed. Can he discover who killed his parents and why?
Eighth Grade Bites was entertaining. And I look forward to seeing how Vlad developes as we go with him through the twelfth grade. (less)
**spoiler alert** Mockingjay pretty much starts where Catching Fire ended. Katniss rescued from the Games and Peeta captured by the Capitol.
As a resul...more**spoiler alert** Mockingjay pretty much starts where Catching Fire ended. Katniss rescued from the Games and Peeta captured by the Capitol.
As a result of the rebels rescue of Katniss her District 12 is destroyed. Many families perished in the Capitols attack. Katniss and her family were taken to District 13. District 13 is totally underground. They are also the leaders of the rebellion against the Capitol. Their idea is to use Katniss to inspire the other districts to help overthrow the Capitol.
Gale is there helping to strategize for the rebellion. It seems that the only thing they want Katniss to do is to provide video to inspire the troops. Katniss is still trying to recover from the loss of her own District and also the capture of Peeta. Seeing Peeta tortured on one of President Snow’s newscasts sends Katniss reeling into shock. A daring rescue is planned. What nobody expects is how devastating the torture of Peeta actually was. Will he ever be the Peeta that Katniss knew in the Hunger Games?
The last book in the trilogy had me turning pages as quickly as I could. My heart was racing to find out what happened next! I didn’t want to put the book down. Exciting to the very last page which had me brushing away tears! Beware though, this is not a warm-fuzzy book just as The Hunger Games or Catching Fire were not. There are scenes of war, death and violence that may not be suitable for younger children.
Wesley Bright is a bitter man bent on destroying the church and the people that he feels let him down as a young boy. Seeing his brother thrown off of...moreWesley Bright is a bitter man bent on destroying the church and the people that he feels let him down as a young boy. Seeing his brother thrown off of a roof by young thugs, being disappointed at the judge that didn’t give them enough punishment and not getting satisfactory answers from the young priest that saw the whole thing sets Wesley on a course of destruction.
Wesley becomes the archdiocese of the Apostolic Church and is bent on changing the false ideals of Christianity. When the Shroud of Turin comes to New York Wesley sees it as an opportunity to further debunk Christianity.
The story is told from different characters in the book. It was interesting how the author even went back to the crucifixion comparing and interchanging Wesley and Peter(who denied Jesus 3 times).
The Secret of the Shroud was interesting but sometimes I got bogged down in all of the technical stuff. (less)
Book four in the Gallagher Girl series. The Gallagher Girl Academy for Exceptional Young Women is a school for girl-spies. Cammie “The Chameleon” has...moreBook four in the Gallagher Girl series. The Gallagher Girl Academy for Exceptional Young Women is a school for girl-spies. Cammie “The Chameleon” has been attending there since she was in 7th grade. In this installment Cammie is being heavily guarded by other operatives. “The Circle” has been trying to kidnap her. For reasons unknown to her and reasons nobody else is willing to tell her.
She soon finds that a teacher that she has known at the Academy has been playing the double agent. She also finds that she cannot trust Zach(a boy from Blackthorn Academy, a spy-school for boys) because he keeps turning up at every attempt that the Circle makes to get to Cammie. The only people Cammie can truly count on are her best friends Bex, Macey, and Liz. They have her back every step of the way.
This is a fast-paced installment to the series. I enjoyed it and am waiting breathlessly for the next book to come out! I’ll have to go check out Ally Carter’s website at www.allycarter.com to find out if she has posted anything about book 5! (less)
Ellen Pierce and her brother are on their way to the Alaskan gold rush. Ellen promised her mother on her deathbed that she would watch over her brothe...moreEllen Pierce and her brother are on their way to the Alaskan gold rush. Ellen promised her mother on her deathbed that she would watch over her brother. Ellen’s brother is jealous of any man that looks at her. He is not well in his head. Ellen lives in fear of him, never knowing if he will have a “normal” day or if his eyes will have that empty look that she knows means the day will be most difficult. Ellen feels that she has been rejected by God. She feels that the burden of her brother’s care is on her and that her life will never be normal.
Buck Lewis is heading the same way but for a different reason. His mission is to find the man that shot and killed his wife. He is determined to bring the man to justice.
When the steamboat that they are on becomes locked in the ice of the Tundra all seems to be hopeless. Buck proposes to take whomever wants to go on a 200 mile trek in the bitter cold to Dawson City. Of course Ellen’s brother wants to go. He cannot be reasoned with. Buck is nervous about taking a woman on the trek but they set out. The going is not easy and they lose several lives in the course of their trek.
Ellen and Buck are attracted to each other. Buck is reserved though. He cannot understand how he can have feelings for another woman. His wife has only been gone for 7 months. Plus there is his mission to find her killer. They make it to Dawson City. Ellen collapses and a kind woman named Kate takes her in to nurse her. When Ellen comes around she soon discovers that she is staying in a brothel! Kate is the owner of several such establishments and saloons. Ellen immediately sets out to find work for herself and a place to live. Buck decides he must continue on his search for his wife’s killer. On parting Ellen asks Buck to promise to be with her on Christmas day.
Having no success in finding a place to live or work Ellen takes Kate up on her offer of dancing with lonely men for a dollar a dance. She is an instant hit with all the men because of her compassion and caring for them. She listens to their stories and she promises that she will pray for each of them if they would like her too.
Will Buck be able to keep his promise to Kate and be back by Christmas? Will he find his wife’s murderer? Will Kate ever feel that she is loved by God and that he hears her every prayer?
The Snowflake is a quick read. I was able to read it in a couple of hours. The characters were engaging, but being a Novella they weren’t developed enough. There were hints of what had happened in the past but not overly detailed. For those that like romantic short stories this will be a perfect read for you! (less)
![Travels with Gannon and Wyatt: Botswana [With DVD]](http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328784033s/8031708.jpg "Travels with Gannon and Wyatt: Botswana [With DVD]")
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