Insight by Jolene Perry — Giveaway

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Oct 092012
 

Insight

Author: Jolene Perry

Publisher: Next Door Publishing

Published: September 3, 2012

ISBN13:  9781479253074

eBook

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary:  Micah hates her ability to “see” things when she touches people. She’s terrified of relationships, holds on to guilt over the death of her classmate, Lacey, and has no idea what to do with a vision from Landon, a boy from her school. She feels him falling for her, but Micah doesn’t do friends, much less relationships.

Enter a spooky history project about a tragedy from three hundred years ago, and voodoo dolls that Micah somehow feels has to do with her gift. Suddenly she’s sure the shadows in the woods are following her every move—without Landon’s relaxed attitude about what’s happening in her life, Micah would be sure she’s going crazy.

With no ideas on timing or specifics, the visions of both herself and the people she cares about are turning dark—and it appears the shadows around her house do move on their own. But as Micah and Landon try to prevent Micah’s visions of the future, the shadows close in, and they’re now afraid they’ve become the cause…

Micah’s story is the first of three girls, with unique talents, who are part of a 300 year old tragedy that follows them in the shadows.

My Review

Micah’s ability to see things has made it so she doesn’t like to be around people.  She doesn’t like accidently bumping into people at the risk of finding out things about them she didn’t want to know.  When Micah arrives at her new school, she tries to purposely be late to class to avoid seeing.  The only person she doesn’t mind touching is her mom, but now that they have moved, there is a new face besides hers that she sees through her mother.  Micah feels alone and has felt that way since she was five.  They only person she can’t see images from is her father.  When she goes to visit him, we find out why.

There are so many exciting and cool things that happen in this book, I can’t give any more details.   As with all of Jolene’s book, the characters are well written and the plot is page turning.  There is a cool legend mentioned with voodoo and shadows.

I really enjoyed this book.  I thought that Micah’s insights were very cool, and they always kept me guessing.  I loved how they were glimpses of what could happen.  Or are they?

4 out of 5 stars.

Content

There is some language, and teenage drinking. Some sexual references. Although the main characters do not have sex, it is talked about.

Jolene is the author of many awesome books.  Read more about her on her Website, Blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

Giveaway and Good News!

I am excited to announce that Insight is on sale at Amazon for $.99! AND, I am giving an eBook copy of Insight to a lucky winner.  Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Contest ends October 16th.a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Renee Anderson — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Oct 032012
 

The Reluctant Bachelorette

Author: Rachael Renee Anderson

Publisher: HEA Publishing

Published: September 8, 2012

ISBN13: 9781479269679

Genre: Romance

FTC FYI: Received an ePub copy in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: Unknowingly cast as the bachelorette for her town’s charity event, Taycee Emerson wants out. Especially when she discovers her old teenage crush, Luke Carney, is one of the bachelors and it’s up to the viewers–not her–to decide which bachelors stay or go.

Coerced into participating, Taycee does what any self-preserving girl would do. She launches a subtle attack on Luke’s good name with the hope of getting him voted off the show. Unfortunately, Luke’s an eye-for-an-eye kind of guy, and when he discovers what she’s up to, it means revenge.

But when their pranks go south, will they screw up any chance they have at a future together, or will they be able to forgive and forget and prove that love really does conquer all?

My Review

The Reluctant Bachelorette is another strong offering from Rachael Renee Anderson.  Rachael has an ability to make you instantly care about the characters and want to keep reading.  I also really enjoyed the change of point of views.  From Taycee, you could possibly see Luke as a uncaring guy, who breaks hearts as he goes.  But, with the point of view change, you see the Luke is just as clueless as any other guy out there, which I thought was very funny at times. Most of time, he says and does all the wrong things, and it either drives Taycee crazy or makes her heart beat faster.  Taycee has loved Luke for most of her life.  He is her brother Caleb’s best friend, and she would always tag along with them around town.  Then he moved away, and no one heard from him for 10 years.

Something always happens when I read one of Rachael’s books.  I smile a lot, cry a lot, and at the end I am so happy I spent the time reading her books.  The ending of this book is a great one.  I also loved the Sneakers references.  That show is an old favorite of mine.  What I enjoyed most about this book was Taycee’s self discovery.  She learned a lot about herself being the Shelter Bachelorette and I really enjoyed her journey.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars.  Good news! The Reluctant Bachelorette is only $.99 on Amazon.  Learn more about Rachael on her blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

Blog Tour Info and Giveaway!

About the Author:
Rachael Anderson is the author of four contemporary romances: Divinely Designed, Luck of the Draw, Minor Adjustments, and The Reluctant Bachelorette. She’s the mother of four, can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.
 Tour Giveaway (shared rafflecopter for entry) – October 1st to 31st:
-Grand Prize
Print copy of The Reluctant Bachelorette (Ebook for International winner)
$15 Amazon Gift Card
Copy of the DVD Sneakers (US only)
-Print copy of The Reluctant Bachelorette
-3 Kindle Ebook Copy of The Reluctant Bachelorette

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Benotripia: The Rescue by McKenzie Wagner — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Sep 292012
 

Benotripia: The Rescue

Author: McKenzie Wagner

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: September 11, 2012

Paperback: 136 pages

ISBN13: 9781462110148

Genre: Middle grade fantasy

FTC FYI: Received a free copy from Netgalley for an honest review

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: When her mother—the ruler of Benotripia—goes missing, Roseabelle knows she’ll need the help of her best friends and their combined powers to survive the perilous journey ahead of her, rescue her mother, and save Benotripia! Written by a young author, this exciting adventure story pulls you into a true fantasy world. A suspenseful and addicting read!

My Review

Benotripia: The Rescue is a very fun, fast-paced story for middle grade readers looking for an adventure.  The author has created a world full of fun characters and creative magical elements.  Roseabelle is in a magical school where each child has unique gifts.  She can hop through shadows that transport her to different places when needed, along with other gifts.  Her best friends Jessicana and Astro have special powers too. Jessicana can turn herself into a parrot, and Astro has fun with lightning.

Roseabelle’s mother is taken.  She and her friends risk everything to find her, while learning about their country’s past along the way, and the enemies they have.

3 out of 5 stars.  McKenzie is a very talented author for her age, and has great potential.  The Rescue is book 1 in a series of 3.  I’m excited to read the next book.  I met McKenzie last Saturday at Authorpalooza.  She is very outgoing and sweet.  I was impressed by her kind demeanor, and enthusiasm.  My daughter added Benotripia to her own personal library.  Find out more about McKenzie here.  Follow her on Facebook.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE

The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah Wilson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Sep 262012
 

The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back

Author: Sariah Wilson

Publisher: Fire & Ice Books

Published: August 15, 2012

ebook: 194 pages

Genre: YA General

ASIN: B008YIE740

FTC FYI: Review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary:  Everyone knows how all those fairy tales go. The princess gets beautiful, nabs her prince, falls instantly in love, lives happily ever after and leaves her evil stepsisters in the dust.

But what happens when you’re the ugly stepsister and your obnoxiously perfect—read pretty, smart, and, worst of all, sickeningly nice—stepsister is dating the charming, tall, devastatingly handsome guy you’ve had a thing for since you were nine years old?

Quirky, artistic and snarky Mattie Lowe does not lead a charmed life. Her mother is constantly belittling her on Skype. Mercedes, the school mean girl, has made it her personal mission to torment Mattie. But worst of all? Her stepsister Ella is the most beautiful, popular girl in school and is dating Mattie’s secret longtime crush, Jake Kingston.

Tired of being left out and done with waiting for her own stupid fairy godmother to show up, Mattie decides to change her life. She’ll start by running for senior class president against wildly popular Jake.

Ella can keep her Prince Annoying. Mattie’s going to rule the school.

And no one, not even a cute and suddenly flirty Jake, is going to stop her.

My Review

I was asked to read The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah before it came out in July.  Even just reading the first page, I knew I would enjoy it immensely!  The characters were so well written and very fun.  Mattie was so funny, oh, the things that went through her head sometimes.  Jake and Mattie end up in detention together, and he thinks he can use his charms to get Mattie to do something for him.  Boy, was he wrong.  I liked Mattie because she was strong, and she doesn’t let herself be taken for granted.  Even by the guy who she has liked for years.  As much as I liked Mattie though, Ella stole the show for me.  She is genuinely a great person, and such a sweetheart.  I laughed out loud many times, and smiled throughout.  I also asked Sariah if my teenage daughter could read it too, and she loved it just as much as I did.  Here is what Michalla had to say.

The characters were fun to get to know.  I laughed a ton.  It was so fun to read, and I loved every minute of it.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars.  Everything about this book is fun and anything that makes you smile this much is worth it.  What I liked most were the strong female characters.  Sariah has written several books.  Find out more about her on Goodreads and her Blog.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE / IBOOKS / SMASHWORDS / KOBO

 

Castles on the Sand by E.M. Tippetts

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Sep 252012
 

Castles on the Sand

Author: E.M. Tippetts (Emily Mah Tippetts)

Publisher: self

Published: August 2012

ISBN13: 9781479120291

Genre: YA Contemporary

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: Madison Lukas knows her place in the world. She’s not pretty, not interesting, and therefore easy to forget.

John Britton is serving his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and has been praying for fifteen years to find the sister he lost in his parents’ divorce. She is beautiful, talented, and makes kindness a fine art.

When John and Madison cross paths, he recognizes her at once, but Madison is certain that he’s got it all wrong. Even if she is his long-lost sister, she can’t possibly be the exceptional, amazing girl he thinks she is, can she?

My Review

Madison is a very sweet girl with a lot going on her life, even though she doesn’t think so.  She has a best friend, that isn’t really a friend at all, and all-of-the-sudden boys are paying attention to her.  Madison doesn’t think very well of herself, and doesn’t know how to react when she gets all the attention she does.  Her “best friend” Kailie, who has some series issues herself, does not like the attention that Madison gets from the school hunk, and does some mean things to her that ends up with Madison black and blue.  Madison suddenly meets her long-lost brother, which confuses her.  All of her life, she thought she was an only child.  Her mother is an artist, and pretty much lets Madison do what she wants. As long as she leaves her alone.  At least her boss, Siraj is nice to her.  There are also some encounters with the “town psycho” that had me curious.

3 of out 5 stars.  The things Kailie do to her really started to get to me, and a couple things in the relationship were left unexplained.  I really enjoyed, though, Madison’s relationships with her brother John, Siraj, and Alex.  I really liked Alex, and I was happy to see there were people in Madison’s life that treated her well, and appreciated what a great person she is.  I was also relieved that Madison got smarter about the boys in her life.

Emily Mah Tippetts is the author of several books.  Find out more about them on Goodreads and her Blog.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE

Tres Leches Cupcakes by Josi S. Kilpack

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Sep 192012
 

Tres Leches Cupcakes

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: September 10, 2012

Paperback: 384 pages

ISBN13: 9781609071707

FTC FYI: Review copy which did not effect my review

Reviewed by Mindy

Backcover summary: For Sadie Hollmiller, going undercover as an informant for the Bureau of Land Management on an archeological site in Santa Fe, New Mexico, seems like the perfect way to stay safe and busy while a threat against her life remains unsolved.  Sadie’s days are spent digging up artifacts in the middle of nowhere, but she’s also digging up information on her fellow “dirt geeks.”  With the help of her baking prowess and Pete’s cousin, Caro, who takes to the detective work wholeheartedly, Sadie is finding herself again.

But when recent burials are found on an ancient site, Sadie finds herself in the middle of an unexpected–and unwanted–investigation. The more she digs for the truth, the more secrets she uncovers–secrets that people would kill to keep hidden.

Before Sadie knows it, she’s arrested for starting a bar fight (which was totally not her fault), her new friend is missing, and she’s worn out her welcome in Santa Fe in more ways than one.  A trip to the annual hot air balloon fiesta in Albuquerque is supposed to give her a brea, but before long, she learns that when you’re dealing with the black market antiquity trade, you’re not really safe anywhere.

My Review

What I am going to do when Josi stops writing this series?  I love these books, and Tres Leches Cupcakes is no exception.  I enjoyed the whole book immensely, but the last half, there was excitement on every page.  When Josi throws in Sadie’s humor and inner voice, which I love, I can’t stop reading.  Add a little Pete to  the mix, and you’ve got yourself another awesome Sadie Hoffmiller thriller.

Sadie almost is back to her old self in this book, and I missed her.  But, I did appreciate the journey that she has taken in each book, and her experiences have made her a better person.  I loved reading about the things she has learned, and when she’s in situations similar to past adventures, she can get keep her head and focus.  I loved everything about this book, and I can’t wait for Baked Alaska next Spring.

5 out of 5 stars.  You will be on the edge of your seat, and finally able to breath again when you reach the end.  I loved Pete’s cousin Caro.  She was a delightful character, and a great new friend for Sadie.

Josi S. Kilpack is the author of the 6 other books in the Sadie Hoffmiller series, and several other novels.  Including Daisy, from the Newport Ladies Book Club series.  Find out more about Josi on her blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE / DESERET BOOK / SEAGULL BOOK

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