Birthdays of a Princess - Helga Zeiner

Absolutely 5 Stars!!!!!

ABOUT THE BOOK -

To be famous and be admired by total strangers can be very dangerous.

Her little girl has always been her princess. In fact, she was so lovely, Melissa entered her toddler into child beauty pageants, making her a star from an early age. But her dreams and hopes are shattered one October morning, when Melissa watches a breaking news story on television. A young girl has been filmed by bystanders, committing a brutal assault in broad daylight in a downtown Vancouver Starbucks…and it looks like the girl is her daughter.

From this moment on, a story unfolds, so shocking, that it will hold you captive and you will find yourself reading faster and faster into the night.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -

Born and educated in Germany, Helga left her home country when she was 18 to travel the world and experience the magic of life she was passionately reading about.
She spent the next 15 years in exotic places like India, Thailand, Australia and Hong Kong, where she worked her way up into excellent managerial positions in large international companies. To achieve this she had to further her education and enrolled at night classes at the 'Chinese University of Hong Kong' for her Diploma in Management Studies.
Love eluded her for many years. She was nearly 40 when she finally met her dream man and settled in Canada, where she now lives, neatly tucked away in the wilderness. She has previously written several suspense novels which have been published in Germany.
Her first novel written and published in English is called. ‘Section 132”. A thrilling fact-based page-turner about a young girl forced into a polygamous marriage that has received countless 5-star reviews.
Birthdays of a Princess’ is her second novel and will be published in June 2013.

Check out her Website - HERE

MY REVIEW -

Wow! Shockingly good!

It is very hard to describe a book like this as being exceptionally good. When reading books like these, words that come to mind are usually - horrifying, terrible, sad, painful, and I can think of a dozen others. This story is all of those, but it was written so well, even as the horrific details unfold I could not put it down! I know that horrible things like this do happen to young girls but in my little world - I like to not think of such things. This book opens it all up.

This is going to be one of my favorite books of the year.

The chapters take turns with the Point-of-view, so every other chapter or so you are hearing right from the heart of Tiara. And boy does this girl get into your heart. I don't know if I have ever felt so much for a character before. What happens to her was so horrible, and I do know that this is fiction, but honestly it brings tears to my eyes just writing this review.

The character development was so good you surprisingly also fall in love with the detective who is investigating her case and also her psychiatrist. All the character's personalities are developed so well.

This book was good right from page one. It absolutely had me hooked. And I loved the ending! In a word - Amazing!

I had never read anything by this author before, had not even heard of her. Now I am doing research and scrambling to find more books by her. If this one was that good her others must be at least as good. I very highly recommend this book, it is very suspenseful and gripping.

Thank you so much "Partners in Crime Virtual book tours" for sending me this amazing e-book to read and review!

Get your copy from Amazon - HERE

or from B&N - HERE

Formerly Shark Girl - Kelly Bingham

4.5 Stars!

ABOUT THE BOOK -

Jane Arrowood, otherwise known as Shark Girl, has been living with just one arm for over a year. Now she’s searching for a new normal.
It’s been a year since the shark attack that took Jane’s arm, and with it, everything she used to take for granted. Her dream of becoming an artist is on the line, and everything now seems out of reach, including her gorgeous, kind tutor, Max Shannon. While a perfectly nice guy from her science class is clearly interested in Jane — removing her fear that no one ever would want a one-armed girl — Jane can’t stop thinking about Max. But is his interest romantic? Or does he just feel sorry for her? Formerly Shark Girl picks up where Kelly Bingham’s artful, honest debut novel left off, following Jane as she deals with a career choice (should she "give back" by trying to become a nurse, or is art an equally valid calling?) along with family changes and her first real romance — all while remembering who she was before she was Shark Girl and figuring out who she is now.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -

Kelly Bingham is the author of the award-winning novel Shark Girl as well as Z Is for Moose, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. Recipient of an MFA in writing for children and young adults, Kelly Bingham lives in Ellijay, Georgia. 

MY REVIEW -

I enjoyed this book just as much as the first one "Shark Girl", reviewed - HERE.

As in the first book, this is written in all poetry so it is really easy and quick reading. It is also written in first person, which in this case is great because you really get to see how Jane really feels, from the inside - her heart. These books do not spare any emotion! Of course the first book is more dramatic because it includes the shark attack, but this book is just as emotional and just as heartfelt. 

The character development is excellent (you wouldn't think so being all in poems!) that just shows you how excellent an author Kelly is. How anyone can get to the heart of a teens personality using poems is beyond me.

I think these books are excellent for teenagers to read. They show how an average normal teen girl overcomes extremely abnormal circumstances. Honestly, they really made me feel lucky for who I am and what I have. I can not imagine going through what Jane went through in these books.

I loved this bit of advise -

"Isn't this kind of like what I told Justin?

Little to big? One square at a time?

Guess I need to slow down and listen to my own advise.

Sometimes looking too far ahead can be overwhelming.

Even for someone who thinks she can handle it."

And there are some very dramatic, sad parts -

"So much water.

It stretches out

like a vast desert,

a desert with a wet and rippling

surface.

The sight of it is like a smack in the face;

I have not stood this close to so much water

since that day

nearly two years ago,

when I walked into the ocean a normal girl

and came out forever changed."

 I highly recommend both of these books. Any adult or teen would enjoy them and maybe learn from them. They are very clean, easy reading, very interesting, heartfelt and kind of sad, but - they are also very encouraging!

This was one of my library books of the month.

Its Non-Fiction Saturday!

Hampton Weekends

Easy Menus For Casual Entertaining

By - Ellen Wright

 3 Stars

 

ABOUT THE BOOK -

HAMPTON WEEKENDS is majestically laid-out with gorgeous photographs of Wright’s delicious dishes, Hampton’s picturesque landscapes and landmarks combined with recipes appropriate for the season which inspire and cultivate a farm to table flair.  In four sections dedicated to the seasons of the year, there are timeless menus compiled from Wright’s personal collection with family, treasured friends and her own culinary experiences all with the 'Wright stamp' which is to entertain with ease and style.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -

 Ellen Wright is a well-known cook, artist, interior designer, and hostess. She worked extensively as an assistant to James Beard, and has two other books to her credit: AROUND THE TABLE: Easy Menus for Cozy Entertaining at Home (Harvard Common Press), and BIG SKY COOKING (Artisan).

Tom Eckerle (photographer) has beena professional photographer for over 25 years. He has worked on more than 40 books, including Bobby Flay's Boy Meets Grill and Recipes1-2-3.

 

 MY REVIEW -

I didn't give this book only 3 stars because I didn't like it, it was only because it was not really "my type" of book. There was really only a few recipes in this book that I personally would ever cook. Although some of them sounded good and I might order them at a restaurant. 

 

There were lots of beautiful pictures, but not of all the recipes - a lot of pictures of the Hamptons. Which was OK with me, that is kind of what I expected. I would have to say - my favorite part about the book was the pictures.

 

 

 I think the recipes in this book were a little too fancy for my tastes. I don't throw big dinner parties (or small ones either). I did love all the pictures of the Hampton's. It was a beautiful book, but not something I personally would buy. I do know some people would LOVE this book! This is a perfect book for someone who entertains.

Thank you Net Galley for sending me this e-book for review.

 

Get your copy from Amazon - HERE

Or from B&N - HERE 

 

 

 

Fun Friday!

 

Why do I have a ring pictured here?

Because my daughter got engaged!!!!!!!!!

We are VERY excited! They are actually going to elope to New York City for the wedding then we are having a small, simple, "picnic in the park" reception later in the month of Aug.

Sean is a wonderful guy and I know they will be very happy... after all the stress of the wedding planning is over!

Afloat - Erin Healy

3 Stars

ABOUT THE BOOK -
Dark waters are rising. Who will stay afloat?
Architect Vance Nolan has crafted a marvel—shining apartments floating in the peaceful cove of a winding river. The project is partially occupied and about to make investors rich when a sinkhole gives way.
Torrential rains quickly flood the cove, leaving a handful of builders, investors, and residents cut off from the rest of the world.
The motley group is bitterly divided over how to survive.
Vance insists they wait for rescue. Developer Tony Dean wants to strike out into the darkness. And single-mom Danielle Clement, obligated to each man and desperate to protect her young son, Simeon, isn’t sure which one is wiser.
Power failure, an unnatural daytime darkness, explosions, and a murder expose hidden intentions and dark histories. Then Simeon spots something strange underwater—beautiful, shifting lights in the dark depths.
In this watery world, everyone’s secrets will eventually come to light. And deliverance may mean more than just getting out alive.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -

Erin Healy is the best-selling co-author of Burn and Kiss (with Ted Dekker) and an award-winning editor for numerous best-selling authors. She has received wide acclaim for her novels Never Let You Go, The Baker's Wife, House of Mercy, and Afloat. She and her family live in Colorado.

Visit her at her website - HERE



MY REVIEW -
I read one of Erin Healy's other books - "The Baker's Wife" and loved it!
This book - not so much, it was just OK for me. It got some great reviews from others, and I did think it was good. I just didn't love it. There were a couple of reviewers that felt the same way as me, that there was just too much going on and too many characters to keep track of.

I think part of the problem, seriously, was that there was almost too much action! If you can believe that. It all felt very confusing to me. I wanted to picture it all but really had a hard time. And at times had a hard time even following the story line and who was who. I keep telling myself - I should take notes at the beginning of every book. But should you really have to take notes to understand the story?

The whole time I am reading it, I am thinking "This would make a great movie"! So I think this is one of those times that I would say - this would make a better movie than book, because you could actually see all the action happening instead of trying to envision it. There were parts of the descriptions that I just didn't get.

The thing that saved it for me was the main characters were very likeable and real. I loved Vance and Danielle. And even though  Tony was a jerk, he was a very believable jerk! So good character development of the main characters, just too many minor characters.

Thank you Litfuse for sending me this book to read and review!

Erin Healy is celebrating the release of her latest novel Afloat (Thomas Nelson) with an iPad Mini giveaway.

One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini 
• iTunes gift card
• Afloat by Erin Healy 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 15th. Winner will be announced on Erin's blog on June 17th. Save the date and click HERE to see if YOU won the iPad Mini!

Don't miss a moment of the fun; ENTER today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Visit Erin's blog on the 17th!

+ Discover Together Bible Study series | Ephesians by Sue Edwards

Barefoot Summer - Denise Hunter

4 Stars!

ABOUT THE BOOK - 
Barefoot Summer is the first book of Denise Hunter's new Chapel Springs Series. Set in a midwestern river town, this four-book series will feature the close-knit McKinley family. Each of the four adult siblings will be featured in his or her own romance-and let me tell you, the sparks are a-flying! In Barefoot Summer, Madison's faith in God-and everyone else-has been on shaky ground since the tragic accident that stole her twin brother's life. When she meets Beckett O'Reilly her walls start coming down, but will the secret that Beckett is keeping from Madison shatter everything they have?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - 

Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Learn more about Denise at her website - HERE

MY REVIEW -
I really like Denise Hunter as a writer! This book has everything I love in a book - the beach, a sailboat, romance, and great characters! Put them all together and you've got a nice little story. This was a nice easy reading christian romance. Even though I am not into sailing... at all. I do love to read books about it! The descriptions in this book were great. I really felt like I was right there. I could very easily picture the boats.

 The character development was great, I fell in love with all the people of course. They felt very real to me. Denise always does a nice job with her characters. I liked the way the relationship developed between Madison and Beckett. It was nice and slow and felt very real to life (not rushed like in some romance novels). This story was very heartwarming. A great book for the summer!
 And I loved the cover on this one!

Thank you Litfuse for sending me this book to read and review! 

Denise Hunter is celebrating her new Chapel Springs Romance series with a Summer Fun Giveaway.
The first book, Barefoot Summer, is already a favorite with readers. “Hold-your-breath romance, heartache, and laugh-out-loud moments. It’s more than a good read. It’s a delight.” -- Lisa

Summer: it’s all about sunny skies, star-gazing, swimming, spending time with loved ones, and living as if a small part of the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders.

Get ready for some serious summer fun with Denise’s 12-Day Summer Sun giveaway. From June 10-21, keep your computer near as you head to the lake or your friend’s barbecue because Denise will be giving away a summer essential each day!

The Murmurings - Carly Anne West (library book)

3 Stars

ABOUT THE BOOK -

A teen girl starts hearing the same voices that drove her sister to commit suicide in this creepy, suspenseful novel.

Everyone thinks Sophie’s sister, Nell, went crazy. After all, she heard strange voices that drove her to commit suicide. But Sophie doesn’t believe that Nell would take her own life, and she’s convinced that Nell’s doctor knows more than he’s letting on.

As Sophie starts to piece together Nell’s last days, every lead ends in a web of lies. And the deeper Sophie digs, the more danger she’s in—because now she’s hearing the same haunting whispers. Sophie’s starting to think she’s going crazy too. Or worse, that maybe she’s not….

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -

Carly Anne West is a freelance writer with an MFA in English and Creative Writing from Mills College. She lives with her husband and son in Seattle, Washington. 

Visit her at CarlyAnneWest.com. 

MY REVIEW -

OK... This book started out good enough, it started as a 4 star. Then half way I changed it to 3 stars. Then the ending was a 2 stars so I ave. it at 3 stars.

The problem - nothing in the description even hints at it leaning towards sci-fy. Read it... doesn't it sound psychological? Maybe psychological/thriller? Which I love. If I had know it was this weird I probably would not have read it.

It started out as  psychological, the whole time I am thinking schizophrenia? I am thinking both sisters have it because it is hereditary. This would have thrilled me. But then it changed. It turned all weird with "the taker" and seers. and the taker coming for them and taking over their bodies and killing them in a strange way. Just not my thing.

Another thing that bothered me is that - everything was a little too convenient, the card opened ALL the doors, the hallways just happened to be empty. I am always saying that fiction is not suppose to be real so it is ok that it does not feel real. but, this book started out feeling real then it changed. And I didn't like that.

One thing it did have going for it was great character development!

Obviously it wasn't that bad because I read the whole thing and I did give it 3 stars. So I would say it was OK. I actually think teenagers would love it! LOL just not me.

There was a couple swear words but no sex. So fine for teens to read.

This was my library book for the month.