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The Wish Makers #1
Sticks and Stones
Everyone has a dark side. Mandy’s just moved in with her.
The last time sixteen-year-old Mandy Matteo broke a rule, her sister died. Since that day she has done only what is expected of her, but life as a goody-goody has made Mandy so boring her friends have all but abandoned her. And she’s given up on ever getting Ethan, the boy she’s liked forever, to notice her. Desperate, Mandy makes a wish to simply be happy.
Her wish is granted and happiness arrives in the form of Lexi, her childhood imaginary friend come to life. Magical wishes have conditions Once started, the wish cannot be altered or stopped. And once Mandy is truly content with her life again, Lexi must go back to where she came from. But Lexi loves being alive and she’ll do whatever it takes to stay that way.
The last time sixteen-year-old Mandy Matteo broke a rule, her sister died. Since that day she has done only what is expected of her, but life as a goody-goody has made Mandy so boring her friends have all but abandoned her. And she’s given up on ever getting Ethan, the boy she’s liked forever, to notice her. Desperate, Mandy makes a wish to simply be happy.
Her wish is granted and happiness arrives in the form of Lexi, her childhood imaginary friend come to life. Magical wishes have conditions Once started, the wish cannot be altered or stopped. And once Mandy is truly content with her life again, Lexi must go back to where she came from. But Lexi loves being alive and she’ll do whatever it takes to stay that way.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2014
141 people are currently reading
1231 people want to read
About the author
Shawn McGuire
79 books821 followersMystery and fantasy author Shawn McGuire loves creating characters and places her fans want to return to again and again. She started writing after seeing the first Star Wars movie (that's episode IV) as a kid. She couldn't wait for the next installment to come out so wrote her own. Sadly, those notebooks are long lost, but her desire to tell a tale is as strong now as it was then. She lives in Wisconsin near the beautiful Mississippi River and when not writing or reading, she might be baking, crafting, going for a long walk, or nibbling really dark chocolate. You can learn more about her work on her website www.Shawn-McGuire.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 25, 2014
*I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me...," We've all heard the saying; hell, I believe it. It's what hooked me to read this book initially. And then when I read the synopsis, I knew I wanted it. However, I was really disappointed with it.
Rating: 2 Stars!
I didn't care for the main character. She was whiny, self-absorbed, judgmental, and childish. There is a lot of slut shaming and drama and mean girl sightings. Sure, it's high school and teens will be teens. But I found it annoying, and I did not like how Mandy handled most of it. I liked her POV a lot in the beginning, but it slowly started to go downhill once she became more about the gossip and boys and the drama between her and Lexi. I barely saw any character development.
I was indifferent about the romance. I liked that Mandy's crush noticed her, but it just seemed out of the blue. It's one of those the main character never realized how beautiful she was until the guy of her dreams said he liked her moments. And I just didn't feel the chemistry between them.
The plot didn't feel very deep to me, and neither did the relationships between the characters. Lexi's and Mandy's a little bit, but not until the very end. While the story-line alludes to some mystery from Mandy's past, it's not really mentioned. And after finding out what it was, I still didn't feel any strong emotions about it, from myself and from the main character.
I've come to realize that this is one of those it's not you, it's me cases. I think a lot of people will like this one. It just wasn't for me.
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me...," We've all heard the saying; hell, I believe it. It's what hooked me to read this book initially. And then when I read the synopsis, I knew I wanted it. However, I was really disappointed with it.
Rating: 2 Stars!
I didn't care for the main character. She was whiny, self-absorbed, judgmental, and childish. There is a lot of slut shaming and drama and mean girl sightings. Sure, it's high school and teens will be teens. But I found it annoying, and I did not like how Mandy handled most of it. I liked her POV a lot in the beginning, but it slowly started to go downhill once she became more about the gossip and boys and the drama between her and Lexi. I barely saw any character development.
I was indifferent about the romance. I liked that Mandy's crush noticed her, but it just seemed out of the blue. It's one of those the main character never realized how beautiful she was until the guy of her dreams said he liked her moments. And I just didn't feel the chemistry between them.
The plot didn't feel very deep to me, and neither did the relationships between the characters. Lexi's and Mandy's a little bit, but not until the very end. While the story-line alludes to some mystery from Mandy's past, it's not really mentioned. And after finding out what it was, I still didn't feel any strong emotions about it, from myself and from the main character.
I've come to realize that this is one of those it's not you, it's me cases. I think a lot of people will like this one. It just wasn't for me.
June 18, 2015
Sticks and Stones is a light paranormal fantasy book with a huge emphasis on facing your past, overcoming fears and pressure, and truly living for yourself. This was another impulse download during one of my stress induced freebie one-click fests, and I put it high on my list of books to get to because of Utopya this year and I’m so glad I did.
This is a true “coming of age” story, where a wish starts a the main character on an unexpectedly hard journey to find the happiness she wants more than anything. Mandy is a hard working girl who enjoys cooking but is incredibly caught up in doing everything right, a mistake means anguish and she just wants to be able to let go of the need to be perfect. I totally understood and loved Mandy. I get her desire to do everything right, to stay on everyone’s good side, and to stay quiet…and I get why it causes her so much sadness. And when her wish takes on a life of it’s own and becomes hard to death with, I was really rooting for her to keep pushing forward. I really liked getting to know Lexi, even when she started to make me wary because it was cool to see the side of Mandy she keeps tucked away as a tangible person. Plus who doesn’t like a genie story? Desiree, the wish granter in question, is given some depth of her own and I was pleasantly surprised to see that there were a few chapters here and there going over her past and just how difficult granting wishes can be for her. I’m happy with the way the book ended because I can’t wait to see more of her and of Mandy’s friend Chrissy.
I wouldn’t call this book an ‘easy’ or ‘fluff’ read as it does deal with a lot of different issues, but it’s definitely one of those books capable of making you smile and wanting the best for everyone. There is a lot of female directed cattiness in this one, and normally it really bothers me but I think this book showed a real purpose to it and reminded me why I hate it so much…because it really does happen, especially in high school. Maguire’s writing is easy to dive into and get lost in, and definitely makes me want to find more books by her to devour.
Sticks and Stones is great for those who enjoy contemporary with a little fantasy twist, and like seeing characters tackle those tough moments where they have to focus and improve themselves before being able to find true happiness.
This is a true “coming of age” story, where a wish starts a the main character on an unexpectedly hard journey to find the happiness she wants more than anything. Mandy is a hard working girl who enjoys cooking but is incredibly caught up in doing everything right, a mistake means anguish and she just wants to be able to let go of the need to be perfect. I totally understood and loved Mandy. I get her desire to do everything right, to stay on everyone’s good side, and to stay quiet…and I get why it causes her so much sadness. And when her wish takes on a life of it’s own and becomes hard to death with, I was really rooting for her to keep pushing forward. I really liked getting to know Lexi, even when she started to make me wary because it was cool to see the side of Mandy she keeps tucked away as a tangible person. Plus who doesn’t like a genie story? Desiree, the wish granter in question, is given some depth of her own and I was pleasantly surprised to see that there were a few chapters here and there going over her past and just how difficult granting wishes can be for her. I’m happy with the way the book ended because I can’t wait to see more of her and of Mandy’s friend Chrissy.
I wouldn’t call this book an ‘easy’ or ‘fluff’ read as it does deal with a lot of different issues, but it’s definitely one of those books capable of making you smile and wanting the best for everyone. There is a lot of female directed cattiness in this one, and normally it really bothers me but I think this book showed a real purpose to it and reminded me why I hate it so much…because it really does happen, especially in high school. Maguire’s writing is easy to dive into and get lost in, and definitely makes me want to find more books by her to devour.
Sticks and Stones is great for those who enjoy contemporary with a little fantasy twist, and like seeing characters tackle those tough moments where they have to focus and improve themselves before being able to find true happiness.
March 21, 2016
Genie or Nightmare?
Being a teenager in high school is tough enough. Wouldn't it be cool to have your childhood friend come to life to help you get through the teen years? Fantastic idea or Nightmare? This story has all the ups and downs of being a teen -- with a few buried secrets tossed in. Come along for the ride and see how Mandy copes with being a Junior in high school. It's NOT what you think!
Being a teenager in high school is tough enough. Wouldn't it be cool to have your childhood friend come to life to help you get through the teen years? Fantastic idea or Nightmare? This story has all the ups and downs of being a teen -- with a few buried secrets tossed in. Come along for the ride and see how Mandy copes with being a Junior in high school. It's NOT what you think!
June 15, 2014
I finished this book in one evening. It has a unique premise, well-developed characters and a fascinating plot. I found myself caring deeply about what happened to both Mandy and Desiree. I'm not usually a fan of fantasy novels, but once you accept the basic premise, the book holds together beautifully. It's categorized as teen/young adult, but I'm 48 and I enjoyed it immensely.
June 24, 2018
Family Secrets, Whispering Pines #1 - An intriguing story. After finishing Stick and Stones, I dove into Family Secrets, my second book by this new-to-me author. These two books are nothing alike on storylines, except fantasy. I was drawn into this well written novel with an interesting plot and realistic characters, including the lovable dog. I couldn't put Family Secrets down until it was finished. There's an overview letting the reader know what the book is about, which I appreciate. This author is definitely someone whose work I want to keep reading. Two books, two winners!
Kept Secrets, Whispering Pines #2 - Another intriguing story by a very good author. Now we're being to know our main characters as they grow in this book, while remaining believable and realistic. The well written, fast paced plot keeps the reader interested, making it hard to put the book down. The author’s descriptions leave the reader with clear pictures about the town, townspeople and property. I contacted the author to review her books since she writes such substantial stories that leaves a reader satisfied.
Original Secrets, Whispering Pines #3 – This is the best of the series. So intriguing that the reader can’t put the book down. A well written, suspense filled book with two deaths forty years apart that may be connected. The characters are steadily growing, even the hated ones are interesting. Their dialog is realistic and non of The Stupid Formula for these characters. Her descriptions are clear and you’re there in Whispering Pines. I’m looking forward to the next book. I contacted the author to review her books; her stories are substantial and the reader is satisfied when finished reading one of her books.
Hidden Secrets, Whispering Pines #4 - Another hard to put down story. Well written, suspense filled and full of intrigue, still with an interesting group of characters with new ones added to boot. This substantial story has several stories going at once, including the past and the future and the worries that stem from them. I've never been disappointed by any book written by Ms. McGuire and I look forward to more of her work. I contacted the author to review her books.
Missing & Gone - An interesting novella. This well written story introduces the main and some of the secondary characters of the book Family Secrets. It's a quickly read suspense story, which I read after Family Secrets; I didn't miss not having read M&G before FS. A conflict: Jayne knows her grandmother is a Wiccan, but she forgot it in FS? Minor detail, both are must reads, actually any of the author's books are must reads.
Sticks and Stones - A surprising, intense novel. Not knowing what to expect from this new-to-me author, I started reading a book that turned out to be mesmerizing. I couldn't stop reading this well written, thought out book with its interesting characters and storyline full of twists, even thought the age group doesn't interest me. I've had this book a while and am glad I finally got around to reading it. My next read is Family Secrets.
Kept Secrets, Whispering Pines #2 - Another intriguing story by a very good author. Now we're being to know our main characters as they grow in this book, while remaining believable and realistic. The well written, fast paced plot keeps the reader interested, making it hard to put the book down. The author’s descriptions leave the reader with clear pictures about the town, townspeople and property. I contacted the author to review her books since she writes such substantial stories that leaves a reader satisfied.
Original Secrets, Whispering Pines #3 – This is the best of the series. So intriguing that the reader can’t put the book down. A well written, suspense filled book with two deaths forty years apart that may be connected. The characters are steadily growing, even the hated ones are interesting. Their dialog is realistic and non of The Stupid Formula for these characters. Her descriptions are clear and you’re there in Whispering Pines. I’m looking forward to the next book. I contacted the author to review her books; her stories are substantial and the reader is satisfied when finished reading one of her books.
Hidden Secrets, Whispering Pines #4 - Another hard to put down story. Well written, suspense filled and full of intrigue, still with an interesting group of characters with new ones added to boot. This substantial story has several stories going at once, including the past and the future and the worries that stem from them. I've never been disappointed by any book written by Ms. McGuire and I look forward to more of her work. I contacted the author to review her books.
Missing & Gone - An interesting novella. This well written story introduces the main and some of the secondary characters of the book Family Secrets. It's a quickly read suspense story, which I read after Family Secrets; I didn't miss not having read M&G before FS. A conflict: Jayne knows her grandmother is a Wiccan, but she forgot it in FS? Minor detail, both are must reads, actually any of the author's books are must reads.
Sticks and Stones - A surprising, intense novel. Not knowing what to expect from this new-to-me author, I started reading a book that turned out to be mesmerizing. I couldn't stop reading this well written, thought out book with its interesting characters and storyline full of twists, even thought the age group doesn't interest me. I've had this book a while and am glad I finally got around to reading it. My next read is Family Secrets.
September 7, 2017
What I love so much about this series is it is kept light hearted with some pretty big issues. Mandy has suffered a terrible tragedy in her young life leading her to be a perfectionist. Instead of trusting what is within she cries out a wish that in reality teaches her a life lesson well learned and how to start trusting again. She also learns she will still be loved even if she can't be perfect every time. I would recommend this book to any young person looking to learn more about Self. It's really uplifting, and I experienced many emotions as Mandy grew. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest unbiased review.
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May 11, 2021I really liked this book. It wasn't confusing and it had many cliff hangers i think. i like that it was very easy to understand and that it was really fun to read. I loved the Characters and there personalities. Some of them were not nice but they were there for a good reason. Lexi ( one of the main charcters ) can cause alot of drama but she does all the mean stuff she did for a good reason. Mandy was a unhappy girl and lexi helped her figure out why she was so unhappy.
August 11, 2023
Being what seemed like more of a young adult novel at first, it really sucked me in. I couldn't wait to find out what Mandy's secret was. Now I need to get Book 2, so I can find out what happens next.
July 21, 2017
A magical coming of age that will slowly enter enter your heart & touch it.
An enjoyable read. I obtained a free copy on Kobo.
An enjoyable read. I obtained a free copy on Kobo.
September 12, 2024
Ok, not as good as her other books, but I'm still going to read the whole series
August 9, 2015
I was impressed, really really impressed (It was an impulse download of freebie one-click fests and I’m so glad I did) - this book isn't an average YA book. It is a real must read from so may reasons but first a little about the plot:
Mandy just turned to sweet 16, but nothing changed. Even her long time crash, Ethan didn't act any different. So....On 11:59:59 Mandy made a wish and this wish was granted. Desiree, a "wish mistress" still try to give her a way to back from it to change it because she know that Mandy, basically, just wanted to be happy. As one with her own baggage she was afraid to monitor this granted wish.
Mandy is miserable for a long time, her father left her and her mother long time ago after her elder sister, Alexa, died. Her mother are working all the time and they barley see each other and barely talk. Mandy made herself to be the perfect daughter, the kind that never break the rules. The kind that is a hard working who is incredibly caught up in doing everything right, a mistake means anguish which mean, she can't able to let go of the need to be perfect, and stay on everyone’s good side.
So because she wanted a real BFF, she wanted her child imaginary friend Lexi, that despair one day, to come back as a real person. So be careful what you wish, because her wish will not go away till she have to face few things deep inside her. Things she berried very deep. Everyone has a dark side. Mandy’s just moved in with her.
For Desiree, this wish granting never easy. In the plot she got to tell her own story. which was pleasantly surprising.
Mandy, chose to go with her wish, really not comprehending fully about the consequence. Never thinking that the disappearance of her imaginary friend in the age that it's happened has a good meaning. Now her Lexi is teenager like herself, she is all the things that Mandy afraid to be (her carefree dark side)and like the Golem she got life of herself. Life she like too much to leave behind her. This was unexpected to Mandy and it got out of control. And why Desiree let things stay out of control for Mandy? She suppose to protect her isn't she? (Even her master Jeb thin she is letting thing go too far)
Like ans onion all the layers start to peal off and when you dealing with onions...
So... the book is actually about face the past, overcoming fears, standing social pressure, making choices, all kinds of relationships - inside the family, parent-child, boy/girlfriend, social, you with the inside yourselves.
That mean - that this book isn't ‘easy’ or ‘fluff’ read. But it’s still definitely one of those wise books that capable of making you wish that may others will read it. Also Maguire’s writing is easy to dive into.
Mandy just turned to sweet 16, but nothing changed. Even her long time crash, Ethan didn't act any different. So....On 11:59:59 Mandy made a wish and this wish was granted. Desiree, a "wish mistress" still try to give her a way to back from it to change it because she know that Mandy, basically, just wanted to be happy. As one with her own baggage she was afraid to monitor this granted wish.
Mandy is miserable for a long time, her father left her and her mother long time ago after her elder sister, Alexa, died. Her mother are working all the time and they barley see each other and barely talk. Mandy made herself to be the perfect daughter, the kind that never break the rules. The kind that is a hard working who is incredibly caught up in doing everything right, a mistake means anguish which mean, she can't able to let go of the need to be perfect, and stay on everyone’s good side.
So because she wanted a real BFF, she wanted her child imaginary friend Lexi, that despair one day, to come back as a real person. So be careful what you wish, because her wish will not go away till she have to face few things deep inside her. Things she berried very deep. Everyone has a dark side. Mandy’s just moved in with her.
For Desiree, this wish granting never easy. In the plot she got to tell her own story. which was pleasantly surprising.
Mandy, chose to go with her wish, really not comprehending fully about the consequence. Never thinking that the disappearance of her imaginary friend in the age that it's happened has a good meaning. Now her Lexi is teenager like herself, she is all the things that Mandy afraid to be (her carefree dark side)and like the Golem she got life of herself. Life she like too much to leave behind her. This was unexpected to Mandy and it got out of control. And why Desiree let things stay out of control for Mandy? She suppose to protect her isn't she? (Even her master Jeb thin she is letting thing go too far)
Like ans onion all the layers start to peal off and when you dealing with onions...
So... the book is actually about face the past, overcoming fears, standing social pressure, making choices, all kinds of relationships - inside the family, parent-child, boy/girlfriend, social, you with the inside yourselves.
That mean - that this book isn't ‘easy’ or ‘fluff’ read. But it’s still definitely one of those wise books that capable of making you wish that may others will read it. Also Maguire’s writing is easy to dive into.
September 9, 2014
Sticks and Stones (The Wish Makers, Book 1)
By Shawn McGuire
Everyone has a dark side. Mandy’s just moved in with her.
The last time sixteen-year-old Mandy Matteo broke a rule, her sister died. Since that day she has done only what is expected of her, but life as a goody-goody has made Mandy so boring her friends have all but abandoned her. And she’s given up on ever getting Ethan, the boy she’s liked forever, to notice her. Desperate, Mandy makes a wish to simply be happy.
Her wish is granted and happiness arrives in the form of Lexi, her childhood imaginary friend come to life. Magical wishes have conditions though: Once started, the wish cannot be altered or stopped. And once Mandy is truly content with her life again, Lexi must go back to where she came from. But Lexi loves being alive and she’ll do whatever it takes to stay that way.
I won Book 2, Break My Bones, in a giveaway and because I don’t like to start a series in the middle, I bought Sticks and Stones.
At first, it was hard to get into the book. The main character, Mandy, is not only boring, a goody-goody, but also one of these enervating ‘woe-is-me’- types that I abhor. The first third of the book, until after Lexi moves in and things start to change, the word that describes the experience best is ‘static.’ Grey-on-grey, boring, always the same. Not one toe out of line.
However, and this is a huge however, the second Mandy was forced step out of her comfort zone, the story gained traction. And then it turned into a wonderful, heartfelt story.
The way Mandy is forced to confront her demons and face the ugly truth hiding deep within in her, the way the rapid change of events leads to her coming into her own is gripping and has you into its claws until the last page.
Sticks and Stones is a story about guilt, about remorse, about fear (not teenage angst, but the real thing) of consequences; Sticks and Stones is a book about lot of things but most of all about how honesty and facing your demons sets you free; how change, though painful, is a good thing if you choose a new perspective; and how letting you go can result in spreading your wings and learning to fly.
Sum Total: 4 STARS
Though a bit hard to get into at first, the story is good once Mandy finds her stance and voice. It’s a great book and it made me think. Which is something I value. It’s not the most enjoyable book there is; it hits home too close sometimes for that, as we all know either first hand or someone else having the same experience. Nevertheless, it’s a fantastic read and I recommend it. And the only reason it doesn’t rate 5 STARS is because however good, Sticks and Stones is still no Shakespeare.
By Shawn McGuire
Everyone has a dark side. Mandy’s just moved in with her.
The last time sixteen-year-old Mandy Matteo broke a rule, her sister died. Since that day she has done only what is expected of her, but life as a goody-goody has made Mandy so boring her friends have all but abandoned her. And she’s given up on ever getting Ethan, the boy she’s liked forever, to notice her. Desperate, Mandy makes a wish to simply be happy.
Her wish is granted and happiness arrives in the form of Lexi, her childhood imaginary friend come to life. Magical wishes have conditions though: Once started, the wish cannot be altered or stopped. And once Mandy is truly content with her life again, Lexi must go back to where she came from. But Lexi loves being alive and she’ll do whatever it takes to stay that way.
I won Book 2, Break My Bones, in a giveaway and because I don’t like to start a series in the middle, I bought Sticks and Stones.
At first, it was hard to get into the book. The main character, Mandy, is not only boring, a goody-goody, but also one of these enervating ‘woe-is-me’- types that I abhor. The first third of the book, until after Lexi moves in and things start to change, the word that describes the experience best is ‘static.’ Grey-on-grey, boring, always the same. Not one toe out of line.
However, and this is a huge however, the second Mandy was forced step out of her comfort zone, the story gained traction. And then it turned into a wonderful, heartfelt story.
The way Mandy is forced to confront her demons and face the ugly truth hiding deep within in her, the way the rapid change of events leads to her coming into her own is gripping and has you into its claws until the last page.
Sticks and Stones is a story about guilt, about remorse, about fear (not teenage angst, but the real thing) of consequences; Sticks and Stones is a book about lot of things but most of all about how honesty and facing your demons sets you free; how change, though painful, is a good thing if you choose a new perspective; and how letting you go can result in spreading your wings and learning to fly.
Sum Total: 4 STARS
Though a bit hard to get into at first, the story is good once Mandy finds her stance and voice. It’s a great book and it made me think. Which is something I value. It’s not the most enjoyable book there is; it hits home too close sometimes for that, as we all know either first hand or someone else having the same experience. Nevertheless, it’s a fantastic read and I recommend it. And the only reason it doesn’t rate 5 STARS is because however good, Sticks and Stones is still no Shakespeare.
May 19, 2015
I met the author at UtopYA 2014. She was the first person I really talked to and I remember her saying this was her first book. That stood out to me because my own first book had come out recently as well. And from a quick lurk on UtopYA's page she'll be an exhibitor this year and due to an utter lack of vacation days on my part I can't attend this year. That sucks for many reasons, one of them now being that I can't go gush to her in person rather than on my blog and Twitter.
So it's been a year since I vowed to read this book. I have the problem most bibliophiles have, I have an ever expanding list of books to read. This book has been floating somewhere in the middle for a while. One day I was bored on lunch and this got pushed to the top of the list because the other book I was reading was at home. I could not put it down once I started.
Mandy is your average goody-goody until a wish for happiness turns her life upside down. She has moments where she is utterly irritating and judgmental, but she seemed like an average teen girl to me. I'm far enough out of my teens now that I roll my eyes at her behavior, but close enough to my teens to remember doing the same sort of stuff, so I found some of her attitude relatable. Mandy's journey was an interesting on and reveals weren't necessarily groundbreaking or unexpected, but they were emotional. I had an idea of where Mandy's path was taking her, but I still teared up when she finally spoke with her mom. And for me to be so moved it doesn't matter if I saw it coming. An outward emotional response is more important than surprise to me.
Then there's Desiree. I loved that hippie chick. In fact I almost wish she was the focus. Not that I didn't like Mandy's story, but Desiree's was more interesting. I look forward to reading more about her in the later books. Her journey felt incomplete though (which assuming she continues her story in later books, I guess that's ok) but I'd say her incomplete arc was one of the only things to hurt this book.
This book was a delightful mix of YA fantasy and Mean Girls, two things I love. Mandy and Lexie turn into absolute bitches and learn from the experience, making them stronger and more interesting characters in the end. And this book is unlike other YA fantasy I've read recently.
I also dug that no one shied away from using swear words. I say this because we swore as teens and it boggles my mind YA rarely employs swear words or in some cases they make up new ones.
So it's been a year since I vowed to read this book. I have the problem most bibliophiles have, I have an ever expanding list of books to read. This book has been floating somewhere in the middle for a while. One day I was bored on lunch and this got pushed to the top of the list because the other book I was reading was at home. I could not put it down once I started.
Mandy is your average goody-goody until a wish for happiness turns her life upside down. She has moments where she is utterly irritating and judgmental, but she seemed like an average teen girl to me. I'm far enough out of my teens now that I roll my eyes at her behavior, but close enough to my teens to remember doing the same sort of stuff, so I found some of her attitude relatable. Mandy's journey was an interesting on and reveals weren't necessarily groundbreaking or unexpected, but they were emotional. I had an idea of where Mandy's path was taking her, but I still teared up when she finally spoke with her mom. And for me to be so moved it doesn't matter if I saw it coming. An outward emotional response is more important than surprise to me.
Then there's Desiree. I loved that hippie chick. In fact I almost wish she was the focus. Not that I didn't like Mandy's story, but Desiree's was more interesting. I look forward to reading more about her in the later books. Her journey felt incomplete though (which assuming she continues her story in later books, I guess that's ok) but I'd say her incomplete arc was one of the only things to hurt this book.
This book was a delightful mix of YA fantasy and Mean Girls, two things I love. Mandy and Lexie turn into absolute bitches and learn from the experience, making them stronger and more interesting characters in the end. And this book is unlike other YA fantasy I've read recently.
I also dug that no one shied away from using swear words. I say this because we swore as teens and it boggles my mind YA rarely employs swear words or in some cases they make up new ones.
July 13, 2014
I’m selective when it comes to reading fantasy. It’s not my all time favorite genre to read, but I’m patting myself on the back for picking up a copy of Sticks and Stones. This is a coming-of-age tale that has a light coating of fantasy over it, not something I feel I’m drowning in with alternate realms and races, which makes it the perfect story me. I’ll admit there are times when I see a pretty cover like this one, purchase it without thinking twice because of the pretty cover, and then kick myself in the rear. This is not one of those times. I was highly rewarded for my impulsivity with this one.
Mandy is our protagonist. She’s a nice girl with a good head on her shoulders, but she doesn’t demand what she wants out of life. Most of what she does is to please others. She doesn’t normally break rules, but she finally decides to color outside the lines a bit. When her decision to attend a party with old friends doesn’t go as planned, she makes a wish in the final second of her golden sixteenth birthday. A wish for someone who used to make her feel whole to come back into her life. Oh, Mandy. Be careful what you wish for!
I love the amount of depth the author puts into this YA tale. Not only do we get to follow along on Mandy’s adventure with Lexi, we also get to learn bits about Desiree — the wish mistress who I absolutely fell in love with. I’m one of Desiree’s biggest fans. She’s really laid back and chill, but she’s got some things of her own going on under the surface too. I really enjoyed getting to know those things about her past. It pulled me deeper into the story.
Being a lover of the culinary arts, I was super thrilled to find out that Mandy is an aspiring chef. Since I’ve never been a goody-goody type of person, it helped me relate to her in a completely different way. I’d really love to read the recipes she makes in Nourishing Nosh!
Lexi. I went through all full range of feelings for her. I liked, hated, loved, and wanted to shiv her while she slept. The full monty. She’s a fascinating character with a very interesting lesson to teach.
I highly recommend Sticks and Stones to all fans of YA fantasy. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet and sour. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series! I happen to know that the author just finished the first draft of the third book in The Wish Makers series — yes, I’m that big of a stalker fan — so hurry up and read this so you can be ready for book number two.
Mandy is our protagonist. She’s a nice girl with a good head on her shoulders, but she doesn’t demand what she wants out of life. Most of what she does is to please others. She doesn’t normally break rules, but she finally decides to color outside the lines a bit. When her decision to attend a party with old friends doesn’t go as planned, she makes a wish in the final second of her golden sixteenth birthday. A wish for someone who used to make her feel whole to come back into her life. Oh, Mandy. Be careful what you wish for!
I love the amount of depth the author puts into this YA tale. Not only do we get to follow along on Mandy’s adventure with Lexi, we also get to learn bits about Desiree — the wish mistress who I absolutely fell in love with. I’m one of Desiree’s biggest fans. She’s really laid back and chill, but she’s got some things of her own going on under the surface too. I really enjoyed getting to know those things about her past. It pulled me deeper into the story.
Being a lover of the culinary arts, I was super thrilled to find out that Mandy is an aspiring chef. Since I’ve never been a goody-goody type of person, it helped me relate to her in a completely different way. I’d really love to read the recipes she makes in Nourishing Nosh!
Lexi. I went through all full range of feelings for her. I liked, hated, loved, and wanted to shiv her while she slept. The full monty. She’s a fascinating character with a very interesting lesson to teach.
I highly recommend Sticks and Stones to all fans of YA fantasy. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet and sour. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series! I happen to know that the author just finished the first draft of the third book in The Wish Makers series — yes, I’m that big of a stalker fan — so hurry up and read this so you can be ready for book number two.
March 27, 2015
“Live a little, Mandy Rose. You never know when life will take a sudden change.” (Kindle Locations 1745-1746).
Amanda Rose has a pathological fear of upsetting people and a fear of screwing up. Ever since the incident with her sister Alexa, Mandy has made sure to be the Goody Goody and not mess up, but she’s sick and tired of trying to be perfect. “I get straight A’s. I’ve got this great cooking club going, Nourishing Nosh, and I’m planning to put up a cooking and nutrition website for kids, NourishingNosh.com. I’ve got a plan for my future as thoroughly mapped-out as the garden I’m going to plant.” (Kindle Locations 790-794). Inside, Mandy knows there is something missing in her life, that there is something hiding in the very depths of her soul. When she makes her birthday wish, she is surprised to find that it wants to come true, or at least take her down a path to figure out what secret she is hiding from herself. Her wish takes the form of her childhood imaginary friend Lexi, who is guided by the Wish Mistress Desiree.
Mandy was annoying, Desiree was annoying, switching POV made the book annoying, the shallow romance was annoying. The message in the book was shallow and pushed again and again. There was a wonderfully captivating fantasy story within Sticks and Stones, but it got buried beneath these annoyances.
I felt like many scenes, especially in the beginning, were dragged out with too much detail in the wrong places. McGuire was overly wordy where it wasn’t necessary. I could feel the story wanting to hit the initial conflict or triggering action, but was held back by too much exposition.
When the story hit, I was eager to read more, but then McGuire sideswipes the story entirely to nearly abandon the main character and focus on Desiree the Wish Mistress. I didn’t want to know more about Desiree. She was a part of Mandy’s story, but she wasn’t an important enough character to warrant her own chapters with a storyline apart from Mandy’s. The POV switch was the most aggravating choice the author made for the novel and I eneded up skimming and skipping almost all of Desiree’s short chapters. They were dull and meaningless in the scope of the overall story. Desiree is a messenger in Mandy’s story and didn’t warrant or deserve as much focus as she got.
The story was intriguing, regardless of the annoying points; however, I don’t feel that I would read anymore from this author because of the choices she made in Sticks and Stones.
Amanda Rose has a pathological fear of upsetting people and a fear of screwing up. Ever since the incident with her sister Alexa, Mandy has made sure to be the Goody Goody and not mess up, but she’s sick and tired of trying to be perfect. “I get straight A’s. I’ve got this great cooking club going, Nourishing Nosh, and I’m planning to put up a cooking and nutrition website for kids, NourishingNosh.com. I’ve got a plan for my future as thoroughly mapped-out as the garden I’m going to plant.” (Kindle Locations 790-794). Inside, Mandy knows there is something missing in her life, that there is something hiding in the very depths of her soul. When she makes her birthday wish, she is surprised to find that it wants to come true, or at least take her down a path to figure out what secret she is hiding from herself. Her wish takes the form of her childhood imaginary friend Lexi, who is guided by the Wish Mistress Desiree.
Mandy was annoying, Desiree was annoying, switching POV made the book annoying, the shallow romance was annoying. The message in the book was shallow and pushed again and again. There was a wonderfully captivating fantasy story within Sticks and Stones, but it got buried beneath these annoyances.
I felt like many scenes, especially in the beginning, were dragged out with too much detail in the wrong places. McGuire was overly wordy where it wasn’t necessary. I could feel the story wanting to hit the initial conflict or triggering action, but was held back by too much exposition.
When the story hit, I was eager to read more, but then McGuire sideswipes the story entirely to nearly abandon the main character and focus on Desiree the Wish Mistress. I didn’t want to know more about Desiree. She was a part of Mandy’s story, but she wasn’t an important enough character to warrant her own chapters with a storyline apart from Mandy’s. The POV switch was the most aggravating choice the author made for the novel and I eneded up skimming and skipping almost all of Desiree’s short chapters. They were dull and meaningless in the scope of the overall story. Desiree is a messenger in Mandy’s story and didn’t warrant or deserve as much focus as she got.
The story was intriguing, regardless of the annoying points; however, I don’t feel that I would read anymore from this author because of the choices she made in Sticks and Stones.
October 19, 2015
I was given an ARC book for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
The 'ol saying be careful what you wish for because you just might get it. I loved how Sticks and Stones brought out the good and the bad in what goes into a making a wish come true. A lot of wishes are just for some things to happen in your life and you never really think about the consequences. What about those wishes you really make from your heart and truly mean them? What happens to those wishes? Where do they go and who says they can be granted or just passed by?
Mandy was the perfect girl because she didn't want anything bad to happen to her or anyone else. The one night she finally wanted noticed by a guy at school and her supposed friends was her 16th birthday. She made a wish..one that would change her life. What if you wished for your childhood imaginary friend to come to life? That is exactly what Mandy got when Lexie showed up on her door step or should I say out in her field. Lexie was created by Mandy when she was just a child, however when things are perfect as a child does not mean they will be when you are an adult. Mandy was so sure that this would fix everything, however this just created more problems. I am not going to go into details about the wish and how it was fulfilled because that would spoil the whole book. Just going to say that a 19 yr old hippy named Desiree guides her and is there for her when she needs a friend.
The wish is fulfilled, but to what extent? Who ends up getting hurt in the process? What skeletons have to come out of the closet for this wish to finish it's course? Does Mandy get everything she hoped for?
I LOVED how this book made me feel like I was right back into the thick of things with my friends back in high school. I also loved how Desiree was a friend more than a guide in this book. I look forward to seeing what Ms Shawn McGuire has in store for The Wish Maker's Series because she hit the book out of the park with a contemporary book and a bit of magic thrown in! Another thing this author does in this book is that she hits on some major issues like a childhood death. SO be forewarned if that is a trigger please proceed with caution!
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
The 'ol saying be careful what you wish for because you just might get it. I loved how Sticks and Stones brought out the good and the bad in what goes into a making a wish come true. A lot of wishes are just for some things to happen in your life and you never really think about the consequences. What about those wishes you really make from your heart and truly mean them? What happens to those wishes? Where do they go and who says they can be granted or just passed by?
Mandy was the perfect girl because she didn't want anything bad to happen to her or anyone else. The one night she finally wanted noticed by a guy at school and her supposed friends was her 16th birthday. She made a wish..one that would change her life. What if you wished for your childhood imaginary friend to come to life? That is exactly what Mandy got when Lexie showed up on her door step or should I say out in her field. Lexie was created by Mandy when she was just a child, however when things are perfect as a child does not mean they will be when you are an adult. Mandy was so sure that this would fix everything, however this just created more problems. I am not going to go into details about the wish and how it was fulfilled because that would spoil the whole book. Just going to say that a 19 yr old hippy named Desiree guides her and is there for her when she needs a friend.
The wish is fulfilled, but to what extent? Who ends up getting hurt in the process? What skeletons have to come out of the closet for this wish to finish it's course? Does Mandy get everything she hoped for?
I LOVED how this book made me feel like I was right back into the thick of things with my friends back in high school. I also loved how Desiree was a friend more than a guide in this book. I look forward to seeing what Ms Shawn McGuire has in store for The Wish Maker's Series because she hit the book out of the park with a contemporary book and a bit of magic thrown in! Another thing this author does in this book is that she hits on some major issues like a childhood death. SO be forewarned if that is a trigger please proceed with caution!
August 23, 2014
Honestly, I got about 45% through the book and was thinking of not finishing and moving to another book. Not that this isn't a good book, it is very well written, the characters are well rounded even the side characters (though not so much that you feel like hey get back to the real guys), and the concept is really unique. My problem was that it was feeling kind of young, like this was a book for young teens and I, being in the 35 and up category (not saying how up), just didn't feel in touch with the world and the experiences/feeling of the protanganist. But then I thought to just go a little farther, my Kindle said it would only be two hours to finish and I had the time – best decision. This is a really great book! You find yourself feeling so much for Mandy that for the last several chapters I was in tears (not just pitter patter we're talking snot action and hiccups) at first with anger/sorrow and then with that kind of understanding that something is bad but the light is not just there in the tunnel but you are probably already in it's glow. To get into the details is to take away your experience with this journey. You should be prepared to take the journey with Mandy though, it is hard not to start making those connections with either your past or current life, I know I did.
When I started this book I made a note of the passage thinking it was the “point” of the book:
"And when a person is missing something in their life, sometimes the way to fill the hole only makes sense to the person."
But once I passed the middle of the book I realized this passage says it best:
"Sticks and stones might break bones, but bones heal."
How true is that. I bet you have had someone say something to you or about you that to this day you still not only remember but still feel the pain from. Its hard to let these things go so they are no longer a part of who you are which is exactly what Mandy comes to learn.
Great book! Highly recommend to all ages.
When I started this book I made a note of the passage thinking it was the “point” of the book:
"And when a person is missing something in their life, sometimes the way to fill the hole only makes sense to the person."
But once I passed the middle of the book I realized this passage says it best:
"Sticks and stones might break bones, but bones heal."
How true is that. I bet you have had someone say something to you or about you that to this day you still not only remember but still feel the pain from. Its hard to let these things go so they are no longer a part of who you are which is exactly what Mandy comes to learn.
Great book! Highly recommend to all ages.
February 5, 2016
I love the idea of a Wish Mistress. Desiree, a hippie from Woodstock is serving a fifty-year indenture as a Wish Mistress. She visits Mandy and grants her the only thing she wants, to be happy.
‘My last truly happy time had been with an imaginary friend.’ ‘I want Lexi.’ ‘Lexi was everything I wasn’t.’
But as they say, be careful what you wish for because it may be more than you bargained for. What if Lexi isn't the same as she was all those years ago when she was Mandy's imaginary friend? And what if Lexi decides she doesn't want to leave? She is starting to enjoy being a teenager and living the fun life. She is pretty content to stick around, even if it spells trouble for Mandy.
‘Mandy’s life, for example, was going to get turned inside out before getting to where it needed to be.’
I loved this story and I fell in love with the characters, especially Desiree. The story goes back and forth between the present day, where Mandy is living her teenage life and struggling with her troubled past, to Desiree's past as we find out how and why she became a Wish Mistress. What did she do that was so terrible that she has to spend fifty years this way?
I was immediately drawn into the storyline and hated to put the book down. Shawn does an amazing job in making Mandy and Desiree's teenage worlds believable, yet comfortable. The first line is "It had been twelve years since I'd broken a rule." That line hooked me. What happened twelve years ago? And what rule did this young girl break? Like I said, I was hooked from the very start.
‘Sticks and stones might break bones, but bones heal. The pain from words would last forever.’
I can't wait to see what Shawn has created in the rest of this series. I already have the next book, Break My Bones lined up to read. And I saw that Shawn is working on book #5, Back Together Again, so I need to get busy and catch up so I am ready for the final book when it comes out.
‘My last truly happy time had been with an imaginary friend.’ ‘I want Lexi.’ ‘Lexi was everything I wasn’t.’
But as they say, be careful what you wish for because it may be more than you bargained for. What if Lexi isn't the same as she was all those years ago when she was Mandy's imaginary friend? And what if Lexi decides she doesn't want to leave? She is starting to enjoy being a teenager and living the fun life. She is pretty content to stick around, even if it spells trouble for Mandy.
‘Mandy’s life, for example, was going to get turned inside out before getting to where it needed to be.’
I loved this story and I fell in love with the characters, especially Desiree. The story goes back and forth between the present day, where Mandy is living her teenage life and struggling with her troubled past, to Desiree's past as we find out how and why she became a Wish Mistress. What did she do that was so terrible that she has to spend fifty years this way?
I was immediately drawn into the storyline and hated to put the book down. Shawn does an amazing job in making Mandy and Desiree's teenage worlds believable, yet comfortable. The first line is "It had been twelve years since I'd broken a rule." That line hooked me. What happened twelve years ago? And what rule did this young girl break? Like I said, I was hooked from the very start.
‘Sticks and stones might break bones, but bones heal. The pain from words would last forever.’
I can't wait to see what Shawn has created in the rest of this series. I already have the next book, Break My Bones lined up to read. And I saw that Shawn is working on book #5, Back Together Again, so I need to get busy and catch up so I am ready for the final book when it comes out.
November 1, 2015
this book completely surpassed my expectations. when I first read the description, I thought it'd be a quick, light read. The beginning of the book solidified my assumptions- it starts off with Mandy (the main character) on the night before her 16th birthday. She spends it alone, making a wish before blowing out her candles. There is a 'Wish-Granter' named Desiree who fulfills this wish (making Mandy's younger imaginary friend come to life). But of course it comes with the usual 'be careful what you wish for' warning.
Mandy is a very likeable main character and I think everyone will be able to relate to her on some level. Although she's a teenager, she rarely goes out to party. Instead she always follows the rules, does everything she's supposed to, and finds it hard to even lie. While these qualities might seem slightly out of the ordinary, the reasons behind them- which are revealed at the end of the book- make everything make SO much sense in a heartbreaking and illuminating way.
Lexi, her imaginary friend come to life, is an interesting facet to the story. Mandy is initially overjoyed that she has a new friend to negate her loner status, but Lexi quickly becomes that one friend we all had and end up hating. She does everything better than Mandy- is more popular with her friends, her family, even her cat. What's interesting is that Lexi also becomes a dark character, doing 'evil' things purposely to get her way. And this scares Mandy because Lexi is, in reality, a part of herself.
So to conclude, this book went way deeper than I expected it to and I was pleasantly surprised.
Mandy is a very likeable main character and I think everyone will be able to relate to her on some level. Although she's a teenager, she rarely goes out to party. Instead she always follows the rules, does everything she's supposed to, and finds it hard to even lie. While these qualities might seem slightly out of the ordinary, the reasons behind them- which are revealed at the end of the book- make everything make SO much sense in a heartbreaking and illuminating way.
Lexi, her imaginary friend come to life, is an interesting facet to the story. Mandy is initially overjoyed that she has a new friend to negate her loner status, but Lexi quickly becomes that one friend we all had and end up hating. She does everything better than Mandy- is more popular with her friends, her family, even her cat. What's interesting is that Lexi also becomes a dark character, doing 'evil' things purposely to get her way. And this scares Mandy because Lexi is, in reality, a part of herself.
So to conclude, this book went way deeper than I expected it to and I was pleasantly surprised.
September 29, 2016
I really enjoyed this book! I mean, I really, really, really enjoyed this book! I won it from a Youtube reading, and for the life of me I cannot remember the Youtuber who hosted it. I rarely enter these things because I rarely win! But this time I won, and I won big! The book is beautiful. The cover is stunning. The story is so relatable for me. I was a goody two-shoes like Mandy in high school. I never went to a high school party. (Outside of theatre parties.)
I love Mandy's story, and Desiree's role as a wish mistress. I am intrigued and was pleased to see that there are several more books in the series. Pay day cannot come soon enough! Totally added the rest to my TBR.
I don't know that I want my boys to read the books (and not sure that it would really appeal to them, though they did love Divergent and Hunger games, both series told from a female perspective. Still, this is like those books like The Babysitters Club is like Nancy Drew.) I appreciate as a reader, the need to balance fun with responsibility. At the same time, I don't know that the message of it being ok to lie to your parents, go to high school parties where there is alcohol and sex, and play manipulative games is necessarily a great lesson for my boys to be learning. I do think it is a good older YA audience book, though. It deals with some heavy topics, including death of a sibling, loss of family, divorce, domestic abuse, controlling boyfriends, and mean girls.
I love Mandy's story, and Desiree's role as a wish mistress. I am intrigued and was pleased to see that there are several more books in the series. Pay day cannot come soon enough! Totally added the rest to my TBR.
I don't know that I want my boys to read the books (and not sure that it would really appeal to them, though they did love Divergent and Hunger games, both series told from a female perspective. Still, this is like those books like The Babysitters Club is like Nancy Drew.) I appreciate as a reader, the need to balance fun with responsibility. At the same time, I don't know that the message of it being ok to lie to your parents, go to high school parties where there is alcohol and sex, and play manipulative games is necessarily a great lesson for my boys to be learning. I do think it is a good older YA audience book, though. It deals with some heavy topics, including death of a sibling, loss of family, divorce, domestic abuse, controlling boyfriends, and mean girls.
August 10, 2014
The premise of this book is unusual which immediately grabbed my interest. It isn't the same formula re-worded. However, I was still unsure, even after reading the synopsis, about what I would be getting.
What I got was an interesting, rich and fully detailed book covering not just our main female character but Lexi and the Wish Mistress too. There is enough background on the other characters that they all slot in perfectly together and you know that you are getting a complete story. There are no big chunks missed out of this one.
Mandy's birthday wish was a rare one - it was her soul wish. And it is not just granted without a thought. The wish is the start of a journey that she can choose whether to take or not. And therein lies a brilliant story. It starts off quite light but soon gets darker (in a YA friendly way). The secret that Mandy was hiding was heartbreaking in it's childlike simplicity. It is easy to forget how literal children are with what you say to them and how long it can stay with them. During the conversation with Mandy and her mum, it brought tears to my eyes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will be reading Break My Bones, the second in this series.
What I got was an interesting, rich and fully detailed book covering not just our main female character but Lexi and the Wish Mistress too. There is enough background on the other characters that they all slot in perfectly together and you know that you are getting a complete story. There are no big chunks missed out of this one.
Mandy's birthday wish was a rare one - it was her soul wish. And it is not just granted without a thought. The wish is the start of a journey that she can choose whether to take or not. And therein lies a brilliant story. It starts off quite light but soon gets darker (in a YA friendly way). The secret that Mandy was hiding was heartbreaking in it's childlike simplicity. It is easy to forget how literal children are with what you say to them and how long it can stay with them. During the conversation with Mandy and her mum, it brought tears to my eyes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will be reading Break My Bones, the second in this series.
September 4, 2014
Sticks and Stones by Shawn McGuire
4 of 5 stars
Mandy is turning 16, and like most teenagers she is feeling a little “different”. She is a year younger than the other kids in her grade, her friends all have boyfriends, yet her crush hasn't even noticed she’s alive. Feeling a bit lost and sorry for herself she makes a last minute wish on her golden 16th birthday.
In answer to her wish, Lexi, Mandy's former imaginary friend becomes not so imaginary and more than Mandy had wished for. Like everything that’s too good to be true, Lexi does not want to leave when her responsibility is fulfilled and she is willing to bend and break rules to stay.
There are secrets revealed and unspoken rules broken as we meet character after character in this new series.
While fantasy is usually not my first choice to read,I did enjoy this story. There was on going character development and it is obviously the beginning of a series which catches your attention and takes you back to high school.
I would recommend this book and I plan to read the next one.
*A complimentary copy was received in exchange for an honest review*
Susan, My Secret Book Spot
4 of 5 stars
Mandy is turning 16, and like most teenagers she is feeling a little “different”. She is a year younger than the other kids in her grade, her friends all have boyfriends, yet her crush hasn't even noticed she’s alive. Feeling a bit lost and sorry for herself she makes a last minute wish on her golden 16th birthday.
In answer to her wish, Lexi, Mandy's former imaginary friend becomes not so imaginary and more than Mandy had wished for. Like everything that’s too good to be true, Lexi does not want to leave when her responsibility is fulfilled and she is willing to bend and break rules to stay.
There are secrets revealed and unspoken rules broken as we meet character after character in this new series.
While fantasy is usually not my first choice to read,I did enjoy this story. There was on going character development and it is obviously the beginning of a series which catches your attention and takes you back to high school.
I would recommend this book and I plan to read the next one.
*A complimentary copy was received in exchange for an honest review*
Susan, My Secret Book Spot
September 19, 2016
The slow start and the rambling style keeps me from giving this book more than 3.5 out of five stars.
The premise was sound. I was intrigued by the idea of a modern day genie granting a single wish. Not sure the reason this wish was selected for granting while thousands went unheard.
This would have been a much better book if the genie didn't have her own point of view chapters. All of them had nothing to do with the current story. Although I was interested in learning how she got to be a genie, the author failed to include resolution with that sub-story. Therefore, it should have been left out.
Teens will love Mandy and totally relate to this story. I thought the core problem for Mandy rang true, but so much of the other stuff felt shallow. Again, teens will eat it up, but it didn't appeal to an adult reader as much as other books from this genre do.
I have the next two books in the series. Still haven't decided if I'm going to read them.
The premise was sound. I was intrigued by the idea of a modern day genie granting a single wish. Not sure the reason this wish was selected for granting while thousands went unheard.
This would have been a much better book if the genie didn't have her own point of view chapters. All of them had nothing to do with the current story. Although I was interested in learning how she got to be a genie, the author failed to include resolution with that sub-story. Therefore, it should have been left out.
Teens will love Mandy and totally relate to this story. I thought the core problem for Mandy rang true, but so much of the other stuff felt shallow. Again, teens will eat it up, but it didn't appeal to an adult reader as much as other books from this genre do.
I have the next two books in the series. Still haven't decided if I'm going to read them.
July 8, 2014
STICKS AND STONES: Shawn McGuire's tempting read for young adults
Gather the main ingredients, two sixteen year old girls,
Coat the wannabe chef Mandy with a wish and a guilty secret
Coat the darker Lexi with attitude and vanishing sprinkles
Mix in friends, boyfriends, and Desiree, a potent wish mistress
Add dashes of loyalty and jealousy
And a pinch of an abusive boyfriend
Sift in humor, heart-break, and intrigue.
Combine and bake at 350 degrees and serve for your next book club. Your guests will rave about the recipe inspired by STICKS AND STONES, Shawn McGuire’s honestly-written portrayal of how a teenager’s granted wish turns sour. Mandy warns us: Be careful what you wish for.
This first volume of the Wish Makers series is sure to whet your appetite for the second, BREAK YOUR BONES, available soon.
Gather the main ingredients, two sixteen year old girls,
Coat the wannabe chef Mandy with a wish and a guilty secret
Coat the darker Lexi with attitude and vanishing sprinkles
Mix in friends, boyfriends, and Desiree, a potent wish mistress
Add dashes of loyalty and jealousy
And a pinch of an abusive boyfriend
Sift in humor, heart-break, and intrigue.
Combine and bake at 350 degrees and serve for your next book club. Your guests will rave about the recipe inspired by STICKS AND STONES, Shawn McGuire’s honestly-written portrayal of how a teenager’s granted wish turns sour. Mandy warns us: Be careful what you wish for.
This first volume of the Wish Makers series is sure to whet your appetite for the second, BREAK YOUR BONES, available soon.
January 23, 2016
This was such a fun read!!! I went in thinking wishes and choices and I finished it knowing I had just read a hit!
Sticks and Stones is about Mandy and her imaginary friend Lexi, and of course her crush! Mandy always follows the rules, but why? She is granted her wish and she has to figure out what her deepest soul is desiring.
Add in a temperamental wish-mistress and there ya go!
The story started out with quite a bit of back story but once it got going, you can't put it down! Lexi is supposed to be there to help Mandy- but Mandy starts to see her for what she really is...
Go read it to find out!
Sticks and Stones is such a great story, and you really get the idea of the pain that loss of a sister can create in a soul.
READ THIS BOOK!!!
~Dowie
Sticks and Stones is about Mandy and her imaginary friend Lexi, and of course her crush! Mandy always follows the rules, but why? She is granted her wish and she has to figure out what her deepest soul is desiring.
Add in a temperamental wish-mistress and there ya go!
The story started out with quite a bit of back story but once it got going, you can't put it down! Lexi is supposed to be there to help Mandy- but Mandy starts to see her for what she really is...
Go read it to find out!
Sticks and Stones is such a great story, and you really get the idea of the pain that loss of a sister can create in a soul.
READ THIS BOOK!!!
~Dowie
June 8, 2015
3.5 stars -- totally not what I was expecting... Not that I had a lot of expectations for the book, but it was unique for me. I think I gravitate towards books with more of a romance plot, so this one was outside the norm in that aspect too. Was really the story of Mandy coming to terms with herself and some things in the past....with a bit of a mystical bent to spice things up. Definitely entertaining, but I had a hard time not cringing on some of the behaviors of Lexi and eventually even Mandy to a small degree.... I'm sure I was supposed to, but it hit my personal sensitivity threshold and I was on the verge of not making it through. So in the end I had a hard time forgiving Lexi and letting it be....bit too psychotic and malevolent for me.
July 21, 2014
What a fun read! While it was the teensiest bit slow for me in the beginning, I really believe that must have been me (too tired, too hungry, too 95-degree-day-hot) and not the book. I picked it up the second day and read it straight through. I loved the characters and the intriguing backstory. I loved the voice and the romance. And I loved how it all tied together.
I'm looking forward to more of Desiree - she must be in book two, yes? Mistress of the Wish Makers and all that? Please more Desiree.
I'm looking forward to more of Desiree - she must be in book two, yes? Mistress of the Wish Makers and all that? Please more Desiree.
October 6, 2022
groovy premise
Definitely YA book, and that’s not a bad thing. High school has enough drama for any book. Mandy has a secret, which has kept her isolated and lonely. When she wishes for her old imaginary friend to return, this friend takes on a life of her own, forcing Mandy to face her deepest fear. And aren’t we all afraid we’re not good enough? That we’re somehow unlovable? Connection is key, and Mandy learns this - and it takes many forms. Well paced, well executed, and Desiree will have her own arc, i am sure. Overall, well done, unique and well worth the read.
Definitely YA book, and that’s not a bad thing. High school has enough drama for any book. Mandy has a secret, which has kept her isolated and lonely. When she wishes for her old imaginary friend to return, this friend takes on a life of her own, forcing Mandy to face her deepest fear. And aren’t we all afraid we’re not good enough? That we’re somehow unlovable? Connection is key, and Mandy learns this - and it takes many forms. Well paced, well executed, and Desiree will have her own arc, i am sure. Overall, well done, unique and well worth the read.
August 6, 2014
I liked the idea of a Soul Wish coming true and you having to figure out what your soul was truly needing when you made that wish. This story is very unique in its formula. I really liked being able to read a bit about each character from chapter to chapter. The guide Desiree even has her own back story that we slowly get to peel away as the story progresses. I am excited for the next book to really see what is going with Chrissy. Thanks for a great read.
September 26, 2014
Everyone has a dark side. Mandy’s just moved in with her. That blurb from Shawn McGuire’s book, Stick and Stones, hooked me right along with the incredible cover. When I spent the weekend curled up with Mandy and her friends, I wasn’t disappointed. On her birthday, Mandy makes a wish. A wish that will change her life forever. But not in the way she expects. Add in a hippie Wish Mistress with struggles of her own and you have a compelling and crazy-fun read.
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