Love, Lucas by Chantele Sedgwick

 Posted by  Book Reviews
May 072015
 

23130126Love, Lucas

Author: Chantele Sedgwick

Publisher: Sky Pony Press

Published: May 5th, 2015

ISBN13: 9781632204172

Hardcover: 288 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Summary

When Oakley Nelson loses her older brother, Lucas, to cancer, she thinks she’ll never recover. Between her parents’ arguing and the battle she’s fighting with depression, she feels nothing inside but a hollow emptiness. When Mom suggests they spend a few months in California with Aunt Jo, Oakley isn’t sure a change of scenery will alter anything, but she’s willing to give it a try.

In California, Oakley discovers a sort of safety and freedom in Aunt Jo’s beach house. Once they’re settled, Mom hands her a notebook full of letters addressed to her—from Lucas. As Oakley reads one each day, she realizes how much he loved her, and each letter challenges her to be better and to continue to enjoy her life. He wants her to move on.

If only it were that easy.

But then a surfer named Carson comes into her life, and Oakley is blindsided. He makes her feel again. As she lets him in, she is surprised by how much she cares for him, and that’s when things get complicated. How can she fall in love and be happy when Lucas never got the chance to do those very same things?

With her brother’s dying words as guidance, Oakley knows she must learn to listen and trust again. But will she have to leave the past behind to find happiness in the future?

My Review

Love, Lucas is sweet story about Oakley, trying to move on with her life after a tragedy and life changing events.  After the death of her brother, Lucas, Oakley and her mom move to California for the spring to try to distance themselves from the pain of losing him.  Oakley’s mom gives her a notebook of letters written by Lucas that he wrote before he died, in hopes of helping her move on.  I absolutely loved this book.  I’ve told Chantele that I think she and I are kindred spirits, and I felt this way even more so reading this book.  The story flows nicely, and I enjoyed Oakley’s journey of growth.  Carson was a ray of sunshine.  He lit up the pages.  Once Oakley got over her fears of self doubt and she let him in, it was fun to see their relationship progress.  When a tragedy strikes him, it was interesting to see how she would handle it.  My favorite thing about the book were the letters from Lucas.  They were sweet, funny, and a perfect way for Oakley to heal.  Be brave and try new things, what a perfect motto for us all.

4 out of 5 stars.  A clean book with great characters and enjoyable story.  I will read anything from this author.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Not Your Average Happy Ending by Chantele Sedgwick – Countdown to Summer 2014

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer
Jun 182014
 

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3 days until summer!

 

ChanteleSedgwickI’m a YA author, harpist, wife to one and mom to four. I love happy endings, Kit Kats and judging by my book shelves, I buy way too many books. I’m repped by the awesome Nicole Resciniti of the Seymour Agency.

Visit Chantele: WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST

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LDSWBR: What book or movie reminds you of summer?

CHANTELE: My sister and I watched Now and Then ALL the time when we were younger. It’s set in the summer and I’ve seen it so many times I probably still have the whole thing memorized… Haha!

LDSWBR: Do you hike during the summer? If so, where is your favorite place to hike?

CHANTELE: My family doesn’t hike a lot, but we are planning a few this year. My hubby is a big mountain biker, so we go biking a LOT. :)

LDSWBR: What is the best book you’ve read so far this year?

CHANTELE: Oh, I always get nervous with favorite book questions… :) I think my very favorite I’ve read this year is All The Truth That’s In Me by Julie Berry. LOVED IT!

LDSWBR: Thanks, Chantele!

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BARNES & NOBLE | AMAZON | GOODREADS

NotYourAverage_ChanteleSedgwick_FrontCoverv2_200x300 

When Ash Summerland left the Academy of Magical Beings, he was sure he’d put his troubles behind him. But when his girlfriend, Kendall, is almost killed by an old enemy over something he knows little about, Ash is forced to confront the demons of his past.

With his fairy magic fading and his darker djinn magic more powerful than ever, Ash isn’t sure he can stop the evil from closing in around him. Although Kendall is the only thing keeping him from going over the edge, if he can’t learn to balance out his magic and find a way to defeat his enemies once and for all, both his world, and the girl he loves will be lost forever.

Have you ever gone mountain biking? (I’m not sure I even remember how to ride a bike, ha ha.)

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**To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014, leave a thoughtful comment below.**

This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. Because this is a raffle-style drawing, commenting on each Countdown to Summer 2014 post will give you more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

Prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and the author-donated books listed below. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

Following LDSWBR is not required but you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. You can follow us through email, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest (links in our sidebar.)

If one of our reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, please consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Summer 2014, you agree to the contest rules below:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins June 5, 2014 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight June 30, 2014 Mountain Time; to enter, complete the required entry on each post and any additional entries of your choice if listed; LDS Women’s Book Review reserves the right to determine what is considered a thoughtful comment as per each post’s required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected July 3, 2014 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until July 10, 2014 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments and questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

**Book Prizes (as of 6/18/14 – more to be added to this list!)**

  • Unraveled by Julie Daines (signed paperback)
  • Any book by A.L. Sowards (choice of paperback or Kindle version)
  • An autographed copy of any one Sarah M. Eden book of the winner’s choice
  • Chances Are by Traci Hunter Abramson (signed/personalized paperback)
  • Choice of The Inventor’s Secret (hardback or paperback) or The Avatar Battle (hardback or audio CD) by Chad Morris (signed copy)
  • Missing Lily by Annette K. Larsen (ebook in .mobi or epub)
  • Glimmering Light by Margot Hovley (personalized paperback or Kindle)
  • Before the Clock Strikes Thirty by Aubrey Mace (personalized paperback)
  • Tulips and Treason by Tristi Pinkston (personalized paperback)
  • Luminescence by Braden Bell
  • Falling For You by Krista Lynne Jensen (signed paperback)
  • Ilana’s Wish by Annette Lyon (paperback copy, personalized if desired)
  • Winner’s choice of one of Josi S. Kilpack’s books
  • Not Your Average Happy Ending by Chantele Sedgwick (winner’s choice of paperback or ebook)

 

Not Your Average Happy Ending by Chantele Sedgwick

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Mar 252014
 

NotYourAverageHappyEnding_ChantelSedgwick_1000x1500[1]-1Not Your Average Happy Ending

Author: Chantele Sedgwick

Publisher: Crescent Moon Press

Published: March 3rd, 2014

Paperback: 257 pages

ASIN: B00IQAERR8

FTC FYI: I received an ePub copy from the author in exchange of an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

When Ash Summerland left the Academy of Magical Beings, he was sure he’d put his troubles behind him. But when his girlfriend, Kendall, is almost killed by an old enemy over something he knows little about, Ash is forced to confront the demons of his past.

With his fairy magic fading and his darker djinn magic more powerful than ever, Ash isn’t sure he can stop the evil from closing in around him. Although Kendall is the only thing keeping him from going over the edge, if he can’t learn to balance out his magic and find a way to defeat his enemies once and for all, both his world, and the girl he loves will be lost forever.

My Review

I LOVED Not Your Average Fairy Tale by Chantele.  Everything about it was magical.  If you are new to this series, I would read Fairy Tale first.  That being said, I was thrilled with the release of Happy Ending, as I knew it would be just as enjoyable as the first.  I was right.  Like the first book, both Ash and Kendall are telling the story from their point of view, rotating chapters.  We find out at the beginning, from Ash, that three months has passed.  Ash has been living in the human world in an apartment near Kendall, while she is in school.  While Ash is getting used to the whole “half djinn/half fairy” thing, Kendall is nearly killed by Dax, Ash’s half brother.  He wants something from Kendall that confuses Ash as to the reasoning behind it.  This starts a chain of events that lead to many battles, healing, dragons, banshees, and many more exciting adventures that lead to more questions for Ash and being lead to those who have been lost.

4 out of 5 stars.  I really enjoyed Happy Ending.  Just like the first book, Chantele did an amazing job with character development and plot.  I was drawn immediately back to Kendall and Ash’s world and what I loved about their relationship in Fairy Tale, was just as fabulous in Happy Ending.  Chantele is not only an amazing author, she is a great friend of mine.  I love her books and can’t wait for more titles from her.

Author Links

Goodreads / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Publisher

Not Your Average Fairy Tale by Chantele Sedgwick – Countdown to Christmas 2012

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Dec 042012
 

21 days until Christmas

 

Chantele Sedgwick grew up playing the harp and singing. Little did anyone know, she always had stories floating around in her head. After she had her second child, she finally realized she should probably write them down. Pursuing publication was something she only dreamed about, but now her dream is coming true.

The discovery of first love, first kisses, and the many emotions teens go through, pushed Chantele to find her niche in writing teen fiction. Some of her stories share a few of her own experiences, but most of them are just fantasies she wished happened to her as a teen. She’s a sucker for a great love story and always enjoys a happy ending. She tends to have a thing for the “bad boys” in books, unless they’re total jerks. Then she’ll root for the good guy.

When she’s not writing, Chantele can be found spending time with her husband and four beautiful kids, or driving her sisters crazy with random story ideas.

Visit Chantele: WEBSITE | BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

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LDSWBR: Do you top your Christmas tree with a star, angel, or something else? Does it have special meaning to you?

CHANTELE: We top our tree with a star. It doesn’t have any meaning, we bought it when we were newlyweds because it was cheap… Ha ha. It still works though and the kids like it. :)

LDSWBR: What is your favorite Christmas movie? Why is it your favorite?

CHANTELE: I LOVE Elf. It’s so hilarious and such a feel good movie for the whole family. And I love to laugh, so it works. :)

LDSWBR: What Christmas gift have you been most excited to give?

CHANTELE: I gave my hubby the Harry Potter audiobooks one year. He wanted them because he hates to read, so I surprised him with the whole set. He loved them and has listened to them twice now! :) I know, not that cool, but I was excited!

LDSWBR: No, that’s pretty cool. Thank you, Chantele!

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Purchase Not Your Average Fairy Tale: 

AMAZON | KINDLE | BARNES & NOBLE | NOOK

 Ash Summerland has it all-good looks, popularity, and the best grades at The Academy of Magical Beings. Ready to complete his last assignment in order to graduate, Ash is confident he will get the apprenticeship he wants. but when he opens the letter from the Council, he is shocked to discover he has been assigned to apprentice Lady Shenelle, Keeper of Happy Endings- aka the head fairy godmother. Ash is forced to grant three wishes to a troubled human girl named Kendall, and ultimately give her a “happy ever after.” But Kendall turns out to be more than he bargained for. Still grieving over her father’s death, she doesn’t want anything to do with Ash. And worst of all, she doesn’t believe in happy endings.

 Do you like listening to audiobooks? Do you have a favorite that you could listen to again and again?

* * * * *

To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2012, leave a thoughtful comment below.

Be sure to comment on each Countdown to Christmas 2012 post for more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

Prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and the author-donated books listed below. This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

If you don’t already follow LDSWBR through email, Facebook or Twitter (those cute little book buttons on the sidebar) you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. Following LDSWBR is not required but it is nice to know that our book reviews are useful to other readers. :)

If one of our LDSWBR reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, perhaps you would consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2012. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2012, you agree to the contest rules below:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins December 3, 2012 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight December 23, 2012 Mountain Time; to enter, complete the required entry on each post and any additional entries of your choice if listed; LDS Women’s Book Review reserves the right to determine what is considered a thoughtful comment as per each posts required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected December 27, 2012 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 3, 2013 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments & questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Book Prizes (as of December 4, 2012 – more to be added to this list!)

  • Tres Leches Cupcakes by Josi S. Kilpack (signed paperback copy)
  • Not Your Average Fairy Tale by Chantele Sedgwick (paperback or ebook)

Previous Countdown to Christmas 2012 posts:

 

Not Your Average Fairytale by Chantele Sedgwick — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Oct 162012
 

Not Your Average Fairytale

Author: Chantele Sedgwick

Publisher: Crescent Moon Press

Published: August 1st, 2012

ISBN13: 9781937254667

Genre: YA Fantasy

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: Armed with wings and a blue wand, being a fairy godmother should be easy … unless your name is Ash, and you’re a dude.

Ash Summerland has it all–good looks, popularity, and the best grades at The Academy of Magical Beings. Ready to complete his last assignment in order to graduate, Ash is confident he will get the apprenticeship he wants. When he opens the letter from the Council, he is shocked to discover he has been assigned to apprentice Lady Shenelle, Keeper of Happy Endings. A.K.A. the head fairy godmother. Ash is forced to grant three wishes to a troubled human girl named Kendall, and ultimately give her a “happy ever after”. But Kendall turns out to be more than he bargained for. Still grieving over her father’s death, Kendall doesn’t want anything to do with him. And worst of all, she doesn’t believe in happy endings.

My Review

I knew by just reading the first page that I was going to love his book.  I loved Ash and Kendall instantly.  Everything about this book made me smile.  I thought Kendall and Ash worked well together.  I also really enjoyed the twists and turns of the story.  I loved the change in point of views for the telling of the story.  I really liked being in Ash and Kendall’s heads, and seeing things through their eyes.  Especially about each other.  They are both hurting for different reasons, and realize how much they need someone else.  I LOVED the ending.  All the characters are well written and fun.  I adored Kendall’s sister Ellie.  I love it when authors really invest in their secondary characters, Chantele did this very well.

5 out of 5 stars.  This is Chantele’s first book.  It was amazing, and I can’t wait for Book 2.  Find Chantele on her Blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE

As part of the Blog Tour for Not Your Average Fairy Tale, Chantele is giving away a Kindle and some ebooks.  Fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Enjoy!

a Rafflecopter giveaway