Monday, February 25, 2013

Review: Awaken by Kristen Day


Awaken by Kristen Day

Release Date: October 1, 2012
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Daughter of the Sea #2
Pages: 303
Format: eBook
Buy It: Amazon

The sacrifices we make have the power to shift the very fabric of who we are, and ultimately who we are meant to be…

After learning of her true destiny as the intended Leader of the Tydes, Anastasia Whitman must now embark on a perilous quest to the Underworld before the age of eighteen in order to plant the seed of immortality and complete her essence to become a true Sea Goddess. But before she can make her legendary journey, an unexpected new student transfers to Lorelei; initiating a sequence of events that will unravel Stasia’s new life, and test the boundaries of her relationship with the mysterious, dark, and sexy Finn Morrison. The line between the Underworld and the Living begins to blur as gruesome ghosts, morbid reveries, and pure evil haunt her waking hours as well as her sanity. Once the details of Finn’s own startling destiny are revealed, the dangerous secrets he’s been hiding will threaten the very love Stasia believed to be indestructible. As time begins to run out, she will be forced to choose between the one she loves and the destiny she cannot escape.
I am at a loss for words. Once again, Kristen Day molds a fantastic storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The cliffhanger ending of Forsaken leads right into the beginning of Awaken. Some questions are answered, but so many more are brought up. The ending once again leaves me wanting more, and so excited to read Chosen! A great series for fantasy and mermaid lovers alike.



I received this book for review for a YA Novel Readers blog tour. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Review and Blog Tour: Picture Perfect


Picture Perfect by Janice Thompson

Release Date: February 15, 2013
Publisher: Revell
Genre: Christian Romance
Series: Weddings By Design #1
Pages: 336
Format: eBook
Buy It: Amazon

She's trying to focus on her future. How can one man make everything feel so . . . fuzzy?

Hannah McDermott has a successful photography studio. She'll soon be featured in Texas Bride magazine. And she has a celebrity client whose Galveston ceremony will be her ticket to the top spot on wedding coordinator Bella Neeley's list of recommended photographers. But it could all come crashing down around her because of one man: archrival and photographer extraordinaire Drew Kincaid.

As the competition between Hannah and Drew heats up, Hannah is surprised to find that it's not the only thing getting more intense. She can't get the handsome man out of her thoughts--or even out of her line of sight--and the job of her dreams is turning into a nightmare. Will everything she's worked for slip out of her hands? And can she see past her pride to find a picture-perfect love?

With contagious humor and a cast of quirky characters, Janice Thompson gives you crazy bridal-business drama, sweet romance, and a satisfying dose of laughter.
This story was just too cute! Rivel photographers falling in love isn't too surprising, and it's not as predictable as some love stories. Hannah and Drew complement each other well, but it takes Hannah quite awhile to get over her fears of commitment. With the help of God, her best friend Scarlet, and her Grandpa Aengus's wisdom, she makes many new friends, connects with old friends, and learns new lessons about herself and others. A great read for romance lovers!



I received this book free for review for a Revell Blog Tour. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Mini Review and Blog Tour: Revelation


Revelation by Sue Edwards

Release Date: January 14, 2013
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Genre: Devotional
Series: Discover Together Bible Study Series
Pages: 128
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon
The newest series addition unpacks one of the most mysterious and misunderstood books of the Bible to help women prepare for their future with the risen Christ and be infused with courage, hope, and excitement for a life everlasting. Part of the discovery series, this updated edition has been reorganized to facilitate either individual or group use and supplemented with inspirational sidebars and short, 3-5 minute teaching videos. Scan the video QR code with a smart phone or visit the series Web site to watch Sue provide historical and cultural background, teach important truths found in each week's lesson, or ask thoughtful questions to encourage deeper discussion.
I've done one other Revelation study before, in a Sunday School class with my church. Other than that, I don't have much experience with Revelation and it kind of scares me, to be honest. This book majorly changed that! Taking it bit by bit caused to me to look at each piece and understand it before taking the book together as a whole.

Also, today's world makes it hard to envision some of the descriptions in the book. Working through this book and discussing the chapters with the others during the bible study made them easier for me to grasp and gave me a whole new understanding of the future!

I received this book free for review for a LitFuse Blog Tour. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Mini Review and Blog Tour: The Last Witch


The Last Witch by Debbie Dee

Release Date: September 12, 2012
Publisher: Dolce Books
Genre:Fantasy
Pages: 248
Format: eBook
Buy It: Amazon

For generations the Incenaga Witches have been forced to use their power to fulfill the wishes of others until they are drained of their magic and left to die. Desperate to protect his infant daughter - the last surviving witch - Emmeline's father escapes with her to the forests where he vows to keep her hidden from the world and from the truth.

Sixteen years later, Emmeline is discovered and finds herself in the grip of a traitor who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, even if it means abusing her power until she dies. She is taken to a distant country and told she must marry the Crown Prince or her own country will be overtaken, its people slaughtered. But what sort of prince would marry a witch? And why would she be the difference between war and peace?

As she fights to regain her freedom, she is faced with a choice between a prince who offers a lifetime of security and a common gamekeeper who has no idea of her power, but offers his heart.

But who can she trust when her power can be used against her?
This book was unlike anything I've read before! I've read books about witches, and I've read books where powerful creatures are used for evil. However, I've never read a book where a powerful creature is forced into love while being forced to to evil. Unique!

For the first time that I can think of, I was also torn in the love triangle. I honestly couldn't decide which guy to root for! It takes excellent writing for that to happen to me. A great story, and great romance! Definitely one to recommend.

I received this book free for review for a YA Novel Reader blog tour. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Review: Savage Cinderella


Savage Cinderella by PJ Sharon

Release Date: March 1, 2011
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 260
Format: eBook
Buy It: Amazon

Eighteen year-old Brinn Hathaway has survived alone in an abandoned cabin in the High Country of North Georgia since she was a child. If her life is lonely and less than complete, at least she is safe from the man who kidnapped her, held her captive, and left her for dead in a shallow grave in the mountains. She believes that her parents are dead, the police are her enemy, and that if she returns to the world, her tormentor will find her. With the help of some unlikely friends, she has what she needs to survive, but is surviving enough?

Life takes a turn when a young nature photographer, Justin Spencer—in pursuit of the fabled Wild Child—captures her on film. While chasing the story of a lifetime, Justin is injured and Brinn comes to his rescue. The two build a tentative friendship, but with his own violent past, an abusive alcoholic father, and a mother he couldn’t protect, he must decide if proving himself is worth betraying the trust of the girl he has vowed to help.

Trust is a commodity that Brinn has been unable to afford. Can the kindness and gentle touch of a stranger break through the wall she has built around her heart? After half a lifetime of living in isolation and fear, Brinn must decide if leaving the safety of her remote cabin is worth the hope—and danger—that may await her.
I was hesitant to read and review this book at first, because I have a hard time dealing with child abuse of any kind, but especially sexual abuse. I was quickly drawn into the story, and did not want to put it down.

The twists and turns of the rescue, reunion and love story all blend together so perfectly that you can't predict what will come next! The ending is so touching and wraps everything up perfectly. An excellent and suspenseful read!


I received this book free for review from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Mini Review and Blog Tour: Wake Up, Generation


Wake Up, Generation by Paige Omartian

Release Date: August 1, 2012
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Genre: Christian
Pages: 224
Format: Paperback
Buy It: Amazon

Wake Up, Generation, a breakout new title from debut author Paige Omartian, will revolutionize the life of any young adult seeking purpose, passion, and direction. As a growing generation is characterized by a lifestyle of apathy and indifference, Paige uses biblical teaching and shares relatable stories to help young people break the chains and discover the God-driven mission for their lives. Readers will...

understand their life's sacred purpose
wake up to the needs of the world around them
develop a vision and mission statement for life
realize how their own story fits into God's design
become equipped to live out the passionate, fulfilling life God intended

Singles from Paige's debut album, Wake Up, have appeared on Top 30 charts of Christian music, and extensive media coverage, including an appearance on the Today Show, has earned her a legion of fans. With a growing reach, Paige will connect with readers and help them understand that it's time to wake up!
This book is amazing! As it mentions in the description, Paige uses real world examples to wake up the empathetic readers in today's generation. I found this book especially helpful for myself, both in my own faith and as I work with my junior high youth group. I now have solid ways to be passionate in my own faith, as well as how to encourage my junior highers to become passionate in their own faith! An excellent resource.

I received this book free for review for a Glass Road blog tour. I was not required to post a positive review, simply an honest one.
 
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