Until Next Time (The Angel Chronicles Book 1) by Amy Lignor — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Apr 252012
 

 Until Next Time

Author: Amy Lignor

Publisher: Tribute Publishing

Published: February 1, 2012

ISBN13: 9780983741855

eBook 1st Edition 255 pages

FTC FYI: Review Copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads summary: How does a girl choose between the one who steals her heart and the one who owns her soul?

Matt and Emily were created for a specific job. Raised and trained as the ultimate angel/warrior team, they are sent down to save, defend, judge and forgive, depending on the ‘life’ they’ve been assigned. What they don’t realize is that the power of human emotions, such as love, anger, passion and fear can take over even the best of souls, causing them to make mistakes and follow paths that lead to confusion and heartache.

When the reason for their training is finally revealed, the angel/warrior team find themselves thrust into a world they know nothing about. Matt takes over the life of Daniel, a young man with a great deal of baggage. Emily becomes Liz, a girl living in a remote village who relies on nothing more than her own strength to survive. A violent storm erupts one night, and framed in the window of Liz’s establishment is a frightening face. Let in by the soul of a Good Samaritan, the two visitors bring with them a past full of secrets that could literally change an angel’s path and a warrior’s plans.

From murder to redemption, this angel/warrior team must find a way to keep the faith they have in each other in a world that’s ripping them apart.

My Review

3 1/2 stars.  I was pretty stuck with 3 stars through the book, but the climax and the ending gave it that extra boost.  I did enjoy the book, I just thought the language (meaning the way the characters spoke) wasn’t fit for the time period.  Also, there is party that the main characters attend, and why they were there was a contradiction to why they returned to the house.  The story is entertaining though, and the author did do a good job of developing the characters.  Jason was a favorite.  The book jumps back from Emily to Liz, which I enjoyed.  I liked seeing both sides of the characters.  The one relationship that I had a hard time with Daniel’s and Liz’s.  It wasn’t as believable for me as it should of been.

Content

There is some language, and two of characters have sex, but there is no details, just hints in that direction.

NOOK / KINDLE / PDF / SMASHWORDS

About the author:

Amy Lignor began her career at Grey House Publishing in northwest Connecticut where she was the Editor-in-Chief of numerous educational and business directories.

Now she is a published author of several works of fiction. The Billy the Kid historical The Heart of a Legend; the thriller, Mind Made; and the adventure novel, Tallent & Lowery 13.

She is also the owner of The Write Companion, a company that offers help and support to writers through a full range of editorial services from proofreading and copyediting to ghostwriting and research. As the daughter of a research librarian, she is also an active book reviewer.

Currently, she lives with her daughter, mother and a rambunctious German Shepherd named Reuben, in the beautiful state of New Mexico.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / BLOG / GOODREADS

Banana Split by Josi S. Kilpack — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Apr 112012
 

Banana Split: A Culinary Mystery

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: February 2012

Paperback: 372 pages

ISBN-13: 978-1-60908-903-0

FTC FYI: Review Copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: “Sadie Hoffmiller has survived eighteen months of nonstop adventures filled with murder, deceit, and danger. She could really use some rest—and maybe even some time to heal—relaxing in the tropical paradise of Kaua’i. However, palm trees and sunshine are not as effective a medication as Sadie had hoped. And when she finds herself entangled—literally—with a dead body, she is forced to face the compounding fears and anxieties that are making her life so difficult to live.

Her determination to stay out of danger and to focus on overcoming her anxieties soon takes a backseat when she meets eleven-year-old Charlie, the son of the woman whose body she discovered near Anahola Beach. Charlies has some questions of his own about what happened to his mother, and he is convinced that only Sadie can help him. If only Sadie were as confident in her abilities as Charlie is.

With the help of her best friend and a local social worker, Sadie dives into another mystery with the hope that, at the end, she’ll be able to find the peace and closure that has eluded her.”

My Review

Sadie is having a rough time.  All that has happened to her in the last 18 months has finally taken it’s toll.  Her panic attacks are getting more frequent, and in the middle of one, after an attempt at snorkeling, Sadie finds another dead body under a pier.  Sadie visits Dr. McKay, her new psychiatrist.  He talks with her about PTSD, and how he feels she is suffering from that.  Determined to feel better, Sadie makes a list of things to do everyday.

Go outside every day.

Eat fruit every day.

Talk to Pete every day.

Do something brave every day.

When the son of the woman whose body Sadie found comes to her, it takes time, but she realizes that she needs to help this boy.  Sadie finds a list of Charlie’s that he left at her house.  That spurs her into action.

This is another strong offering from Josi.  The best thing about her books is not only do they get better and better, but they are unique in their own way and can stand alone.  Sadie is a different person in his book.  She is hurting, mentally and physically.  It’s quite a change to see her react the way she does, my heart just ached for her.  What I love most about Sadie is, even though she has forgotten this, she is a very strong lady.  Sadie finds herself getting better when she is investigating, and it helps with her anxiety.  She also remembers that helping others is a good thing, and she is not a dead body magnet.  Gayle helps her see that it’s okay to let someone else help her, too.

5 out of 5 stars.  Follow Josi on Facebook and Twitter.  Here are some purchase links as well.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE / DESERET BOOK / SEAGULL BOOK

 

The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Mar 282012
 

The Alloy of Law Mistborn #4

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Publisher: Tor

Published: November 2011

ISBN: 978-0-7653-3042-0

FTC FYI: borrowed from the library

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: “Three hundred years after the events of the Mistborn trilogy, Scadrial is now on the verge of modernity, with railroads to supplement the canals, electric lighting in the streets and the homes of the wealthy, and the first steel-framed skyscrapers racing for the clouds.

Kelsier, Vin, Elend, Sazed, Spook, and the rest are now part of history—or religion. Yet even as science and technology are reaching new heights, the old magics of Allomancy and Feruchemy continue to play a role in this reborn world. Out in the frontier lands known as the Roughs, they are crucial tools for the brave men and women attempting to establish order and justice.

One such is Waxillium Ladrian, a rare Twinborn, who can Push on metals with his Allomancy and use Feruchemy to become lighter or heavier at will. After twenty years in the Roughs, Wax has been forced by family tragedy to return to the metropolis of Elendel. Now he must reluctantly put away his guns and assume the duties and dignity incumbent upon the head of a noble house. Or so he thinks, until he learns the hard way that the mansions and elegant tree-lined streets of the city can be even more dangerous than the dusty plains of the Roughs.”

My Review

I need to get this off my chest right from the start.  I loved this book.  I loved everything about it.  The time-period, the characters (especially Wax, Wayne, and Marasi), the Allomancy, the setting, just basically everything.  This is an amazing book.  I admit I have not read the first three of The Mistborn series yet.  If I weren’t in the throws of Whitney reading, I would be reading them now.  I did have to chat with Sheila to make sure I was understanding all of the Allomancy stuff, and I was.  This world that Brandon has created is beyond cool.  Even just the names of the characters are cool.

Wax is a law keeper, straight from the Roughs.  His family has had a tragedy, and he is summoned home.  He has also suffered recently, and welcomed the change of society life.  If only at an extent.  Months pass, and he is visited by Wayne, a side-kick of his from earlier days.  Things are happening in Elendel that require Wax’s help.  With Wayne at his side, and Marasi, a girl fascinated by the lawkeepers.  He needs to figure out why events are unfolding the way they are before lives are lost.

5 out 5 stars.  There was never a dull moment for me in this book, and the end has a great surprise twist.  Brandon Sanderson is the author of MANY great books.  Find out more about them here.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER

 

The Wild Queen by Cheri Chesley

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Mar 142012
 

The Wild Queen

Author: Cheri Chesley

Publisher: Chesley Books

Published: 2011

eBook

ASIN: B0050I5NFO

FTC FYI: Received a copy from the author which did not affect my review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads info: “Dear reader,

This is an epic a love story, but not a happy one. While it is romantic, like Romeo and Juliet it does not have a happily-ever-after conclusion. I caution you on this only because I’d hate for you to be disappointed because the story did not end as you had hoped…So begins the author’s note at the beginning of this book. For details on the plot, read on:

In the exciting prequel to The Peasant Queen, Roweena is the crown princess of Norvallen, a tiny kingdom with only one thing of value-the Healer’s Grove. The trees in this small section of forest are enchanted, giving a sap that can be mixed into potions or salves to heal almost any wound.

And it’s in high demand.

Lucien, the young king of neighboring Demarde, comes to Roweena’s father seeking an alliance, but comes away with a marriage contract for young Roweena’s hand. Furious and stubborn, this untamed beauty vows he will never conquer her. But the contract purposely gives her time to come to terms with her fate.

Before Lucien can return, Roweena’s home is attacked and her parents are murdered. The Healer’s Grove is also attacked-burned to the ground. With nothing more than her horse and the clothes on her back, Roweena goes to the only person she knows can help her. Lucien.”

The Wild Queen is the prequel to “The Peasant Queen“.  I read this book last year for the Cheri, and was pleasantly surprised when I received a copy of it in the mail from the author this week.  This is a wonderful offering from Cheri telling us faithful readers about Gregory’s parents, Roweena and Lucien.  I instantly loved Lucien.  His patience and compassion are what drew me in the most.  Roweena is a mysterious character.  I love how she is portrayed, though.  She comes to Lucien in her greatest need, and handles herself well considering what she has lost.  The ending is a killer, but since I have been lucky enough to have read The Tyrant King, and with conversations I’ve had with the author, all I have to say is, be patient dear readers. Be patient.  The Tyrant King comes out June 2012.

4 out 5 stars.  You can read my review of The Peasant Queen here.  Cheri has also written a short story called Ghost Bride.

Follow Cheri Chesley on Twitter / Facebook / Blog / Goodreads

AMAZON / B & N / SMASHWORDS

 

 

 

On the Fringe by Courtney King Walker

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Feb 292012
 

On the Fringe

Author: Courtney King Walker

Publisher: Lands Atlantic Publishing

Published: 2011

Paperback: 272 pages

IBSN: 978-0-9825005-5-2

FTC FYI: I received a free copy which did not affect my review

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads summary:  Claire is struggling to overcome the murder of her childhood friend and secret crush, Daniel. Everyone else seems to be moving on with their lives, but she’s still trying to cope. The fact that she finds herself alone and drowning on her 16th birthday isn’t helping.

Neither is thinking she sees Daniel’s face in murky water as she mysteriously resurfaces. But something happened during those four and a half minutes that will make her realize it was not just her imagination.

As Claire and Daniel try to grasp a possible reconnection, other grudge-holding beings have plans of their own. Now, the two of them have to decide if their fleeting relationship is worth the possibility of Claire being trapped on the fringe forever.

Beautifully told, On the Fringe intertwines fresh ideas about devotion, revenge, and the consequences that come with life and death.”

Right when Claire and Daniel are starting to realize they like each other, Daniel is killed in shooting.  They have known each other for years, and Claire is best friends with Daniel’s sister, Addie.  While  Daniel is best friends with Matthew, Claire’s brother.  In the beginning of the book, you get to know the characters and be with them for some of their escapades.

I love the way this book is written. It is told in Claire’s and Daniel’s perspective, and a bit in flashback form.  Very clever, and written well.  This book was so enjoyable and the characters were engaging.  My favorite was Daniel.  I felt myself cheering for Claire and Daniel even though… oops, I can’t tell you all that.  You will have to read this entertaining book to find out all the fun secrets.  It was very intense in some scenes, and spooky too.  There is someone out there on the fringe who wants to hurt Claire, and they need to find out why.

4 out of 5 stars.  Find out more about the author here.  Follow Courtney on Twitter on Facebook.

BARNES AND NOBLE / AMAZON

Crater Lake: Battle for Wizard Island by Steve Westover – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Mindy's Reviews
Feb 222012
 

 Crater Lake: Battle for Wizard Island

Author: Steve Westover

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: March 13, 2012

Hardcover: 256 pages

FTC FYI: I received a PDF copy in exchange for an honest review

Genre: Middle grade fiction

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary:  While visiting his crazy Uncle Bart at Crater Lake National Park, thirteen-year-old Ethan’s world collapses when all the adults at Crater Lake disappear, including his parents. Now Ethan must rally his new friends and decipher the legends of Crater Lake to find the key to rescuing his parents from their earthen prison before he’s captured too and their captivity becomes permanent.

Ethan is visiting Crater Lake with his parents and sister.  After they get the “rules” and story about the legend of Crater Lake from “crazy” Uncle Bart, they decide to go on a walk along the trails.  A young couple, a boy scout troop, and another family with a daughter Ethan thinks is pretty, are doing the same thing. Suddenly vines trap the young couple, make them disappear, and the ground sucks up Ethan’s and Allie’s parents.  Leaving all the kids younger then 16 alone.  Including two of the boys, Jacob and Brady, from the boy scout troop.  After, they are approached by Che-tan a magical being who tells them he needs their help to keep an ancient, evil spirit captive.  He also can help them free their parents and the other’s trapped.

I really enjoyed this book.  It is a great adventure story that I can suggest to my daughters without any hesitation.  I also think adults will like this as much as I did.  I loved how the kids work together.  Jacob was a favorite.  Always thinking quickly to help in tough situations.  There are a lot of twists and turns everyone will enjoy.

4 out of 5 stars. Learn more about the author here.  This book will be available soon!

BARNES AND NOBLE / AMAZON

 

 

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