Third Time’s the Charm by Heather B. Moore

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Dec 192012
 

Third Time’s the Charm (An Aliso Creek Novella)

Author: Heather B. Moore

Publisher: Mirror Press, LLC

Published: December 7th, 2012

ebook: 60 pages

FTC FYI: Received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Welcome to the Aliso Creek Novella Series

Liz, Gemma, Arie, Jess, and Drew have been best friends since creating the “Five” at Aliso Creek High School. But that was over ten years ago, and each is still trying to find that perfect someone . . . if perfect is even possible.

In fact, Liz Carlson will settle for a normal man. A normal man with a job, that is. Married twice, then divorced twice, Liz’s rose-colored glasses fell off and shattered on the ground a long time ago. Her main focus now is raising her six-year-old daughter and surviving long days at work on her feet as a hairdresser. When Sloane Branden answers her call for help, quite literally, Liz doesn’t even give him a second glance. She’s sworn off dating for as many years as it takes, and it seems that Sloane has done the same after his own tumultuous marriage. But when Liz discovers that Sloane defies every stereotypical deadbeat she’s dated, she might just find room in her heart and discover the third time’s the charm.

My Review

This novella is very close to perfect. It has great characters that you care about quickly, and an all around fantastic story. Liz is an adorable character that had me smiling with her funny quirks. I laughed when she would text Gemma (part of the Five) for pep talks. I loved Sloane instantly. I really liked how he was with Paisley, Liz’s daughter.  This fun short story has a surprising twist that I really enjoyed. I hope there are updates on these great characters in future novellas (hint hint).

5 out of 5 stars. Third Time’s the Charm is a quick, fun read that had me wanting more. Gemma’s story, Picture Perfect, is next up and it will be in A Timeless Romance Anthology — Spring Vacation Anthology coming in February 2013. This anthology will feature short stories from Heather, Josi S. Kilpack, Annette Lyon, Heather Justesen, Aubrey Mace, and Sarah M. Eden. I can’t wait! All of the “Five” friends will have their own story in the Aliso Creek Novella series coming in 2013.

Author Links

Fan Facebook Page / Twitter / Goodreads / Website

Purchase Links

Amazon / Smashwords

inDIVISIBLE by Ryan Hunter

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Dec 132012
 

inDIVISIBLE

Author: Ryan Hunter

Publisher: self

Published: September 1, 2012

ISBN13: 9781479215409

Genre: YA Dystopian

FTC FYI: I received a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Brynn Aberdie had everything: a loving family, security and an electronic implant that monitored every move.

Brynn had everything but freedom.

When her father’s life is taken Brynn vows to find that freedom, but it’s a task that puts her life at stake. She’s tagged as a terrorist and put on an Alliance kill list, forcing her to leave her home and become the rebel they already believe her to be.

Brynn learns a lesson many in One United have already learned – by failing to protect they’re rights, Citizens have forfeited their lives with little hope to ever recover their own identities.

My Review

Brynn Aberdie returns home to find security vehicles outside her entry door. Her father has been killed by terrorists. She has many questions and doesn’t know where to get answers. While she is in mourning, she receives a coded message from someone from her past. T finds Brynn and he tells her her life in One United is not what she thinks it is. Her whole life is being watched and recorded.

I really enjoyed reading inDIVISIBLE. The characters were strong and liked the journey the story took. A couple times, though, I thought the pacing could have been faster, with some scenes being cut down a little. However, it did not effect how I felt about the story. Brynn is a great character, who learns a lot about herself during her journey for freedom. I am hoping there is a sequel planned. The ending was exciting, but sad.

4 out of 5 stars. This is Ryan Hunter’s second book.

Author Links

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Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

 

First Frost by Liz DeJesus

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Dec 122012
 

First Frost

Author: Liz DeJesus

Publisher: Musa Publishing

Published: June 22, 2012

ISBN13: 9781619372269

Genre: YA Fantasy

ebook: 274 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Fairytales aren’t real…yeah…that’s exactly what Bianca thought. She was wrong.

For generations, the Frost family has run the Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts, handing down guardianship from mother to daughter, always keeping their secrets to “family only.”

Gathered within museum’s walls is a collection dedicated to the Grimm fairy tales and to the rare items the family has acquired: Cinderella’s glass slipper, Snow White’s poisoned apple, the evil queen’s magic mirror, Sleeping Beauty’s enchanted spinning wheel…

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Frost wants none of it, dreaming instead of a career in art or photography or…well, anything except working in the family’s museum. She knows the items in the glass display cases are fakes because, of course, magic doesn’t really exist.

She’s about to find out how wrong she is.

My Review 

Glancing at Facebook one night I came across the Book Trailer of First Frost book posted by my friend, and author Cheri Chesley. The trailer was done by Mel Chesley, and I was hooked. I followed the author on Twitter, and she graciously followed me back. Emails were exchanged and I asked Liz for a review of her fun book. I am a Fairytale junky. Just reading about this book on Goodreads, I knew I was going to enjoy First Frost.

Bianca and her mother, Rose, run the Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts. After a frustrating day for Bianca at the museum, she and her mother head to their modest home. Bianca’s father David is gone and it is a topic that is avoided by her mom. After dinner, Bianca heads to her best friend Ming’s house, on her way home she has a feeling that something is terribly wrong. When she arrives, Rose is in a magical battle with a witch. Her mother escapes the battle, but the witch Lenore has one demand. Give her the spell book, or face the consequences. Rose then comes clean with Biana, Fairytales and magic are real, and they are descendants from the fairest one of all, Snow White.

I enjoyed this book a lot. There is some language, but nothing I was offended by. The characters are fun, and Liz can write teen-agers very well. I love the adventure this story takes the reader, and the ending is a great one. Liz told me that she is done with Book 2, called Glass Frost, and is drafting Book 3. She is hoping there will be 4 to 5 books in the series. I know I can’t wait to see what happens next.

4 out of 5 stars.

Author Links

Blog / Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Playing At Love by Ophelia London

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Dec 052012
 

Playing at Love

Author: Ophelia London

Publisher: Entangled Publishing (Bliss)

Published: September  24th, 2012

ebook

ISBN13: 9781622669875

FTC FYI: Received a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Show choir teacher Tess Johansson loves three things: music, her job, and sharing that passion with her students. But when a school budget crisis forces funding to be pulled from either the sports or music programs, she finds herself going head to head with Jack, the gorgeous new football coach who broke her heart fifteen years ago.

Jack Marshall wants two things: to be closer to his young daughter and to make his mark as a football coach. Taking the new job, with the promise that he’d have time to build a solid team, gave him both. But now he must win the season with a group of boys who aren’t anywhere near ready or he’ll lose everything he’s worked so hard for. Being pitted against Tess, the summer love he never forgot, is like being fourth and long with only seconds on the clock.

On opposing sides of a fierce battle and with everything at stake, Tess and Jack find themselves torn between doing what it takes to win and doing what it takes to be together.

My Review

I found out about this book from an email I got regarding recent releases.  I was immediately impressed with the cute cover and description of the book. I emailed the author right away, and asked her if she was interested in a review. Luckily, she was, and here we are.

Tess is a hometown girl who has been hurt before by love, and has a hard time trusting. She is the school’s show choir teacher. Jack just moved into town and is the football coach. In a morning staff meeting, they see each other from across the room and immediately sparks fly. But, there is problem. Tess recognizes him as the guy who broke her heart years earlier. After the meeting they both are asked to meet with the principal, there is a situation with the budget, and either football or show choir has to go. Jack can’t believe it, he just got hired as the coach. Tess is heart broken because she has a lot riding on this job for family reasons. What will become of their relationship, and can Tess forgive and forget? How can they get past one of them losing their job?

I really enjoyed this book!  Ophelia’s writing style is fresh and fun.  I liked the characters very much, too. Tess’s best friend Mac, made me smile a lot. I am a huge fan of POV switching by main characters. I love seeing the other side of situations, and the author did a great job with that. There is humor and heart to this book, and I was really happy with the ending.

4 out of 5 stars. This is the author’s first book.  Ophelia has another book coming out March of next year, Abby Road.

Here is more information on her from her Goodreads Bio: Ophelia London was born and raised among the redwood trees in beautiful northern California. Once she was fully educated, she decided to settle in Florida, but her car broke down in Texas and she’s lived in Dallas ever since. A cupcake and treadmill aficionado (obviously those things are connected), she spends her time watching arthouse movies and impossibly trashy TV, while living vicariously through the characters in the books she writes. Ophelia is the author of PLAYING AT LOVE, SPEAKING OF LOVE… and ABBY ROAD. Visit her at http://ophelia-london.blogspot.com. But don’t call when The Vampire Diaries is on.

In emailing her back and forth, I can tell that Ophelia is a sweet heart, with lots of humor and a great personalilty. It really shows in her writing style.

Content

There is a little bit of language, nothing that I was offended by, just a heads up. Also the main characters do have sex, but there are no details. There is a mention of a teen pregnancy in conversation, recalling a memory.

Author Links

Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE

 

The Tyrant King by Cheri Chesley — Blog Tour Combined Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Nov 302012
 

The Tyrant King

Author: Cheri Chesley

Publisher: Cheri Chesley

Published: August 13, 2012

ISBN: 9781470085575

Genre: YA speculative

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy and Sheila

Goodreads Summary 

Krystal’s peaceful life as queen of Fayterra is shattered when a stranger arrives with a connection to Jareth that threatens to change everything. Soon her loved ones are threatened, her people are under attack, and Krystal must face a devastating loss. As the future becomes bleaker and the mystery continues to unravel, Krystal’s enemies will learn just how far she will go to defend the people she loves.

Backcover

Her heart paused, but Krystal remained defiant.

“You lie. You would never do such a thing to my child.”

“You think not?” He laughed again and she drew back. “I’ve sworn an oath to annihilate my dear cousin’s present and future, take over his kingdom and his crown, and fulfill my father’s dreams. And you think I would hesitate to murder his offspring? Come now, Krystal. I know you are smarter than that.”

Mindy’s Review

I have been a fan of Cheri’s for a long time. I was thrilled to be apart of the Blog Tour for The Tyrant King.  This book is full of romance, suspense, and action.  Not only is it page-turning, but you will immediately care about the characters as you read about their continuing story. Krystal and Jereth’s love story remains strong, and we get to see them as caring and loving parents. Donovan is a bad guy that you will love to hate. And, for fans of The Wild Queen, there is a surprise for you at the end.

My daughter Michalla is also a huge fan of Cheri’s, who is very generous with her fans. Michalla emailed Cheri telling her how much she enjoys her books, and Cheri was gracious enough to answer her back, and sent a signed book (for the both of us).  Michalla is always telling her friends about these great books.

4 out of 5 stars. Krystal is such a wonderful character, a strong woman who fits for what she wants. I”m excited for Book 3 next year.

Sheila’s Review

Main character Krystal, the Queen, wowed me with her inner strength when I read Cheri Chesley’s first book, The Peasant Queen. Though she was kidnapped and forced into a marriage she didn’t want, she remained strong for her real love Prince Jareth. In The Tyrant King, Krystal and Jareth’s love is still strong, made even finer by their young son Landry. Their life seems finally on track, but not for long. The late King Gregory’s unknown son, Donovan, shows up for Princess Alana’s wedding. Soon things are happening in the kingdom out of the King and Queen’s control. People are found dead and war is declared on King Jareth and the kingdom of Fayterra. This is when we see the Krystal from The Peasant Queen emerge. She truly is amazing! She supports her husband going off to war, and trains to fight. Again, Krstyal is not a helpless woman waiting for her knight in shining armor, she fights along side her knight to protect those she loves.

Cheri has given her readers another action packed novel full of intrigue. We know who the bad guy is, but we don’t always know when he will strike. Donovan runs a mean streak as vicious as his father. You know he is bad the second he enters the story. Why couldn’t the other characters see this? Well if they did, there wouldn’t have been a story. I also have to add I loved the sneak peek of book 3: The Lost Princess at the end of the book. Can’t wait to read that in 2013!

Author Links

Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links 

Smashwords / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

 

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen — Combined Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Combined Reviews, Mindy's Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Nov 292012
 

The False Prince

Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Published: April 1st, 2012

Genre: Middle Grade

ISBN: 978-0-545-43347-1

FTC FYI: Received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by: Mindy and Shanda

Goodreads Summary

THE FALSE PRINCE is the thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger and deceit and hidden identities that will have readers rushing breathlessly to the end.

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king’s long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner’s motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword’s point — he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage’s rivals have their own agendas as well.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner’s sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.

An extraordinary adventure filled with danger and action, lies and deadly truths that will have readers clinging to the edge of their seats.

Mindy’s Review

I knew I was going to love this book right from the first page.  Jennifer has created some great characters in this book. Sage is the perfect smart-alec that you will be cheering for throughout the book. Sage is almost too clever for his own good, and he’s always a step ahead of everyone. My favorite character was, of course, Sage. But Mott was a close second. Sage is a mystery. Sometimes you want to slap him, but you truly wonder what he is up to.

I loved everything about this book.  The writing is flawless and page turning. I also enjoyed how the author kept secrets from the reader, and how she subtly revealed key moments, which turn out to be HUGE!  I really can’t summarize this book without giving anything away, but know that this is one of the best books I have read all year.

Since I am not going to summarize the book, I wanted to give you a sample of what is in store for you when you read this.

If I had to do it all over again, I would not have chosen this life. Then again, I’m not sure I ever had a choice.

These were my thoughts as I raced away from the market, with a stolen roast under my arm.

I’d never attempted roast thievery before, and I was already regretting it. It happens to be very difficult to hold a chunk of raw meat while running. More slippery than I’d anticipated. If the butcher didn’t catch me with his cleaver first, and literally cut off my future plans, I vowed to remember to get the meat wrapped next time. Then steal it. (The False Prince, page 1)

5 of out 5 stars.  This is an amazing book that cannot be missed. I loved it and it can be enjoyed by young readers and adults.

The False Prince has also been nominated for 2012 Whitney Award.  Congratulations Jennifer.

Shanda’s Review

I knew that I would be giving The False Prince five stars within the first three paragraphs. I loved everything about this book. I devoured it in one day, savoring every word on every page. After I finished reading it I carried the book around with me, not quite ready to let go of the story yet.

So many times I thought I understood who did what and where the story was going, but I was wrong. I loved Mott and hated Conner. I laughed out loud and fumed with anger. I experienced disgust and disappointment and loyalty and triumph.

Sage is the most clever, infuriating, stubborn, independent, and contradicting character I’ve read in a long time. Maybe ever. He’s a talented thief, a protector and respecter of women, an orphaned young man with nothing to lose and no allies. When he finds himself swept up in a plot to place an impostor prince on the throne, he faces a simple choice: be the one Conner chooses as prince or die.

It is difficult to discuss in detail all of the reasons why I loved this book without giving things away. I look forward to re-reading The False Prince just as much as I do reading the next book in the series. I almost started reading it again as soon as I had finished my first time through.

I have heard so many good things about The False Prince in the months since its release earlier this year. My only regret is that I didn’t read it sooner. I eagerly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story and give The False Prince an enthusiastic 5 stars.

FTC FYI: Received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Author Links

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Facebook Page
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Purchase Links

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Barnes and Noble

 

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