Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 203

Grow stronger or grow up | The Grown-Ups' Crusade by Aubrey Greathouse

The Grown Ups’ Crusade
Audrey Greathouse
(The Neverland Wars #3)
Published by: Clean Teen Publishing
Publication date: March 27th 2018
Genres: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Young Adult

Gwen has returned to Neverland with Peter Pan and the lost children, but this time, the adults are following close behind.
The Anomalous Activity Department has plans to finally conquer Neverland by bringing the final battle to the vulnerable island. The children will have to rally fairies, mermaids, and allies from other magical realms to stand a chance against the shadow-casting army of grown-ups heading for them.
The black-coat soldiers are far from their only problem. Lasiandra is missing. No one has seen her since Gwen left her at the lakeside with Jay, and the mermaids searching have found only grave omens in the stars. With the island on the cusp of a war that threatens to strip the land of its magic, the last thing Peter and Gwen need is the ancient flagship that appears on their horizon, sailing pirates straight for their shores.
When the battle begins amid old and new enemies, Gwen’s maturity will be a double-edged sword. She will either grow stronger or grow up… maybe both.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo—EXCERPT:Gwen gathered fruit as fast as she could in the dim of the early morning. Mangos and marionberries, peaches and papayas, star fruit and oranges… she shoved the land fruit into her bag, never breaking pace as she trekked weast across the island. She needed to get to the coast and back before any fairies awoke. The entire fairy population had indulged in joyful revelries the night before, celebrating some amorphous holiday unknown to humans. The dawn would find even the most temperate fairies still lolling in drunken dreams and merry slumber. But dawn had not yet arrived and not everyone slept; stars still speckled the bluing sky and certain inhabitants of Neverland were still speaking with them.
Tromping over vines and fungi, Gwen bushwhacked her way through the forest-jungle on anxious feet. The mermaids had not been helpful as of late.
The new mermaids she’d met wouldn’t even give her their names. Eglantine and Cynara had been snide at best, and contemptuous at worst. Gwen wouldn’t have minded it—she didn’t care what mermaids thought of her—but she felt certain they knew what had happened to Lasiandra and refused to explain. This drowsy morning offered her a chance to tempt them with an overabundance of land fruit without anyone noticing. She would persuade the mermaids to cede their starry secrets and hurry back before any stray fairy or curious child found her at the incriminating lagoon.
Gwen reached the wood’s end and hurried down the steps carved into the chalky cliff face. She moved so fast she half-flew toward the slender figures half-submerged in the lagoon.
Gwen had not seen Lasiandra since the night she escaped with Jay from Lake Agana. In the chaos, she had never retrieved the scale from Lasiandra, and thus lost her ability to call her friend. She hadn’t worried about it—until days and weeks passed without sight of her at the lagoon.
“What business have you with Lasiandra?” Eglantine had demanded last time Gwen visited. “What matter is she to you?”
“I’m just worried about her,” Gwen had answered, innocent and truthful. The region’s entire Anomalous Activity Department had been on duty that night, trying to apprehend lost children and capture whatever magic followed them. Lasiandra’s disappearance was ominous, to say the least. A few fairies had not returned from the mission, and there was no question of what fate had befallen them.
In response, the mermaids had only mocked her, contorting their melodic voices into cackling imitations of her land-dwelling accent, “I’m just worried about her.”
“Worried about her! Concerned about a mermaid?” Cynara had declared, insulted and amused. “We are not of such a feeble nature as you landmaids. Mermaids have more strength in a single scale than you have in all of your heart. You need not worry for a mermaid, girl. We can take care of ourselves.”
Gwen had wanted to believe her.

Author Bio:
Audrey Greathouse is a lost child in a perpetual quest for her own post-adolescent Neverland. Originally from Seattle, she earned her English B.A. from Southern New Hampshire University's online program while backpacking around the west coast and pretending to be a student at Stanford. A pianist, circus artist, fire-eater, street mime, swing dancer, and novelist, Audrey wears many hats wherever she is. She has grand hopes for the future which include publishing more books and owning a crockpot. You can find her at audreygreathouse.com
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March 2018 Wrap-up

Say goodbye to March and hello to April. I can't believe we are already to this point of the year. The first quarter is gone, only three more to go. March was a good month though. I managed to get my hands on some awesome new releases that I've been dying to read. I can't wait to share what worlds I've been immersed in recently.


Here are the lucky few that I would highly recommend you read next. These four books really rocked my world this month. Each a little different, but a wonderful read in themselves. Pick these stories up next.

 

Other's I read that also didn't disappoint. Are as follows in no particular order.
 
 

 These are just some of the books I read in the month of March. There were so many that I couldn't put them all here. These were all worth the read, so if you are looking for a little romance, fantasy, vampires or something spiritual, pick up one of these books today.

Taco Bake, Bake, Bake... | #WeeklyMenu Week #243

Sorry I'm posting this late, its been a hell of a day. Heck, its been a hell of a week. We've been trying to come up with more ideas for the boys to eat. They have a limited diet and its always the same old thing, day after day. They've been really branching out though, and trying new things. I'm very proud of them.

I was able to write this week. Got a good chapter done. Its nice to finally have time to sit down and take time by myself to live in my own world and dream of things outside of my normal world. Things that I can control and not have to worry or be angry about.

Well, its another week with some yummy meals. Enjoy!

Monday- Pepper Steak and Pesto
Tuesday- Sheep Pan Chicken Fajitas
Wednesday- Chicken Teriyaki
Thursday- Taco Bake
Friday- Pizza
Saturday- Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Sunday- Leftovers Night

Courage, Loyalty and Self-Sacrifice | Lucifer's Pride by G.P. Ching

Lucifer’s Pride
G.P. Ching
(Soulkeepers Reborn, #3)
Publication date: May 29th 2018
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult

No one comes between the Devil and his pride.
To save his friends, Finn Wager opened a bridge between worlds. But the dark magic he used exacted a terrible price. Unable to remain on the Soulkeeper team, he joins a coven of magicians in New Orleans, vowing to undo the damage he’s caused. But when he tries to save the day, he ends up making everything worse.
Numbers dwindling, the Soulkeepers are more vulnerable than ever. The new Healer is reluctant to replace Hope on the team. Even if he decides to try, he’ll have to pass an initiation by the Immortals with life or death consequences. Meanwhile, the Soulkeepers are without the leader they need.
Twice, the Soulkeepers have evaded Lucifer’s clutches and injured his pride. Now it’s personal. He’ll stop at nothing to exploit their weaknesses, take back his power, and end the Soulkeepers for good. Unless through courage, loyalty, and self-sacrifice, they can find a way to become a team again.

Add to Goodreads—For more information and preorder links visit: https://gpching.com/books/lucifers-pr...

Author Bio:
G.P. Ching is a USA Today bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy novels for young adults and not-so-young adults. She bakes wicked cookies, is commonly believed to be raised by wolves, and thinks both the ocean and the North Woods hold magical healing powers. G.P.'s idea of the perfect day involves several cups of coffee and a heavy dose of nature. She splits her time between central Illinois and Hilton Head Island with her husband, two children, and a Brittany spaniel named Jack, who is always ready for the next adventure.
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Dead the Most... | Risen by Cole Gibsen #BlogTour

About Risen: Fans of Vampire Diaries and Twilight will be thirsting for this latest vampire addiction…
My aunt has been kidnapped by vampires, and it’s up to me to save her. Only…I had no idea vampires existed. None. Nada. I’m more of a reader than a fighter, and even though I’d been wishing to escape my boring existence in the middle of nowhere, I’d give anything to have it back now if it meant my aunt was safe. 
Then there’s the vampire Sebastian, who seems slightly nicer than most of the bloodsuckers I’ve run into so far. Yes, he’s the hottest being I’ve ever come across, but there’s no way I can trust him. He swears he’s helping me get answers, but there’s more to his story. Now I’m a key pawn in a raging vampire war, and I need to pick the right ally.
But my chances of surviving this war are slim at best, when the side I choose might be the one that wants me dead the most. 
Buylinks: https://entangledpublishing.com/risen.html 
About Cole Gibsen: Growing up, Cole Gibsen couldn’t decide what she loved more—dogs or books. Rather than choose, she decided to devote her life to both! Dog trainer (wrangler) by day and author by night, she’s the author of more than ten books with more on the way. www.colegibsen.com 
Author Links: Author Website: www.ColeGibsen.comAuthor Twitter: Twitter.com/colegibsenAuthor Facebook: Facebook.com/colegibsenAuthor Goodreads: goodreads.com/colegibsen Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colegibsen/ 





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Excerpt from Risen: 
“Don’t say it like that, Charlie. I wanted to protect you.” She tugs on the edge of my cardigan, pulling me toward her. “I love you. You’re the most important thing in my life, do you understand?” 
There’s a desperation in her eyes that tightens my throat. Swallowing hard, I nod.
She lets go of me with a sigh. “Maybe I took it too far.” She sweeps her dreadlocks over her shoulder and twists them tightly. “All I’ve ever wanted was to keep you safe.” 
Safe. The world spirals, cold and slippery, down my spine. “What are you so afraid of?”
She opens her mouth only to shut it again. 
Jax growls. 
We turn as he claws at the door. 
“The only thing there is to be afraid of,” she whispers. “The monsters.”

Before it's too late... | From the Earth to the Shadows by Amanda Hocking

Title: From the Earth to the ShadowsBy: Amanda HockingGenre: Urban FantasyPages: 336Release Date: April 24th, 2018Publisher: Wednesday Books
Summary from Goodreads: While dealing with dark revelations about her life and her world, Malin finds herself with new allies--and new enemies. Her quest for the truth leads her to places she never thought possible, and she's never been one to shy away from a fight. But for all her strength and determination, will it be enough to save the world before it's too late?
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Review: Super excited to grab a copy of this book. I love anything Asguard and the Valkyries in this series are awesome. The pace was fast and furious, with a lot of action to give you the chills. At time, the story did feel a little hectic, but it was easy enough to get through. I really enjoyed this read and diving into the world of the Valkyries again. I would recommend to anyone who loves urban fantasy and Thor. 
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

He is so screwed | The Best Friend Incident by Melia Alexander

Title: The Best Friend IncidentBy: Melia AlexanderGenre: Contemporary RomancePages: 290Release Date: April 9th, 2018Publisher: Entangled: Lovestruck
Summary from Goodreads: Stacey Winters is in love with love, but so far, she’s only found Mr. Dud, Mr. Cheater, and Mr. Boring. Even though her best friend Grant isn’t an option, at least being around him offers her a window into the male psyche—and sets the bar high for her future Mr. Right.
But then she accidentally crosses the friend zone and kisses him, and it starts to feel a little too much like he might be what she’s been looking for...Grant Phillips doesn’t do relationships. A casualty of the foster care system, he knows people are just looking for a reason to bolt. "No attachments" is his hard and fast rule. There's only one exception: his best friend, Stacey. He refuses to jeopardize what they have.But now that he knows how good it felt to kiss her, felt the addictive slide of her body against his, Stacey Winters is indelibly stamped onto Grant's brain—and not just as his friend.He is so screwed. 
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Review: I'm a big fan of romance that actually has a story to it and not just the spicy aspect. This book had a nice balance and really kept me interested the whole time. I loved the characters. Grant was adorable and Stacey was sarcastic and relatable. Great read for those who love a little spice in their lives. 
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

Might Have More in Common | Puddin' By Julie Murphy

Title: Puddin'By: Julie MurphyGenre: Contemporary FictionPages: 336Release Date: May 8th, 2018Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Summary from Goodreads: It is a companion novel to Dumplin', which follows supporting characters from the first book in the months after Willowdean's star turn in the Clover City pageant. 

Millie Michalchuk has gone to fat camp every year since she was a girl. Not this year. This year she has new plans to chase her secret dream—and to kiss her crush. Callie Reyes is the pretty girl who is next in line for dance team captain and has the popular boyfriend. But when it comes to other girls, she’s more frenemy than friend. When circumstances bring the girls together over the course of a semester, they will surprise everyone (especially themselves) by realizing they might have more in common than they ever imagined. 
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Review: One of the things I love about Julie Murphy's books are the humor and the way we all can relate to something inside the pages. I love the unique writing as Murphy steps outside of the normal skinny, good looking characters, to dig deep into what the world is really like with average, run of the mill, sarcastic teenagers. Its a nice change. I have to say, I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first, but it still kept my attention throughout the whole story. Loved it!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.



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Oven Baked... | #WeeklyMenu Week #242

Happy Monday! Its Spring Break and I am already going crazy. Somehow I need to go grocery shopping for the week with the boys and I'm not looking forward to it. We will make it through the week.

My writing has been struggling the last few weeks. I've been so angry. Angry that my house isn't mine any more, that I can't even spend my day off quietly. Someone is always there. I feel angry at work, because all this weight is being placed on my shoulders. I'm just angry all the time and I'm about to snap. I don't know if you've ever felt like this, but its affecting my normal every day life and I'm tired of it.

Hopefully, we can make it through this.

Enjoy this weeks menu!

Monday

- Spaghetti 
Tuesday- Oven Baked Cheese Burgers
Wednesday- Instant Pot Eggroll Bowls
Thursday- Skillet Tuscan Tortellini 
Friday- Kids night- Gourmet Grilled Cheese
Saturday- Fagiloi Soup
Sunday- Leftovers Night

To where the monsters lived | The Boy on the Bridge by M.R. Carey

Title: The Boy On The BridgeBy: M.R. CareyGenre: DystopianPages: 400Release Date: May 2nd, 2017Publisher: Orbit
Summary from Goodreads: Once upon a time, in a land blighted by terror, there was a very clever boy.
The people thought the boy could save them, so they opened their gates and sent him out into the world.

To where the monsters lived.
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Review: I really love this dystopian world by M.R. Carey. Its nothing like what I'm used to with zombie stories. You think all the characters will get eaten, but then something you aren't expecting happens. Some are eaten, some are not. Some zombies are zombies and some are not. And then at the end, your world is turned on its head and a whole new zombie world emerges. Its amazing. Loved this book!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.