The Girl at Midnight {Review}

The Girl at Midnight by Melissa Gray

The Girl at Midnight Book #1

Visit the Author's Website HERE

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Publishing Date: April 28, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

Beneath the streets of New York City live the Avicen, an ancient race of people with feathers for hair and magic running through their veins. Age-old enchantments keep them hidden from humans. All but one. Echo is a runaway pickpocket who survives by selling stolen treasures on the black market, and the Avicen are the only family she's ever known.

Echo is clever and daring, and at times she can be brash, but above all else she's fiercely loyal. So when a centuries-old war crests on the borders of her home, she decides it's time to act.

Legend has it that there is a way to end the conflict once and for all: find the Firebird, a mythical entity believed to possess power the likes of which the world has never seen. It will be no easy task, but if life as a thief has taught Echo anything, it's how to hunt down what she wants . . . and how to take it.

But some jobs aren't as straightforward as they seem. And this one might just set the world on fire.

Tamera Alexander’s To Win Her Favor Blog Tour and Kindle Giveaway

To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander

Belle Meade Plantation Book #2

Visit the Author's Website HERE

Publisher: Zondervan

Publishing Date: May 19, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who can help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing for good.

An Irish-born son far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He’s come to Nashville for a fresh start, hoping to buy land and start a farm, all while determined to stay as far away from thoroughbred racing as possible. But starting over proves harder than he’d wagered, especially when Maggie Linden’s father makes him an offer he shouldn't accept yet cannot possibly refuse.

Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the annual Drayton Stakes at Nashville’s racetrack––the richest race run in America. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance, and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder, Maggie’s father––aging, yet wily as ever––makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail––Maggie must marry a man she’s never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself. 

Cullen and Maggie need each other in order to achieve their dreams. But their stubborn, wounded hearts––and the escalating violence from a "secret society" responsible for lynchings and midnight raids––may prove too much for even two determined souls.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy a copy today!! 

In Which I Finally Attend a Bookish Event

My county's library system is participating in 'Once Upon a Reader' this month and the book they choose was 'Moo!' by David LaRochelle and Mike Wohnoutka. 

I dragged  invited my husband along with Baby Girl and I to the kick off event one chilly morning. Lucky we got there early, because it was packed. As in, I think they were turning some families away. 

Both the author and the illustrator, David and Mike, were there to read the book and do different activities. My 2 1/2 year old daughter was definitely in the lower age range for the group, but she still enjoyed the reading, the puppet show and the crazy dance time.

The last portion of the event was great interaction time with David and Mike. With the help of the kids, David came up with a new short story about the cow and Mike would add illustrations to a picture. At the end of the exercise they told each child that they could now call themselves 'authors' and 'illustrators'. Adorable and empowering! 

'Moo!' has adorable illustrations that are simple and uncluttered. The idea of a book using only one word seemed sketchy to me. The reasoning was to help prove to kids that they can read books on their own. The story is cute and written to cause a giggle or two. Re-readability is pretty low for an adult, but a child ages 4-6 might get a good kick out of reading the 'moo' in different ways.

Overall, a great event for the library. I'm not sure if they have done anything similiar in the past, but they should consider doing it again next year. For my family, the enjoyment level will only go up as Baby Girl grows up. Throughout the month of April, each library in the county system is holding different events and activities related to the book. So fun when the libraries coordinate like this.

Make sure to check out the Once Upon a Reader website--it is bursting with 'Moo!' extras and fantastic information about the program, libraries, and early learning.

A study of  3- to 5-year-olds who had been read to at least three times per week found the children:

• Two times more likely to recognize all letters.

• Two times more likely to have word-sight recognition.

• Two times more likely to understand words in context.

-According to United for Libraries.

A Heart's Obsession Review + Giveaway

A Heart's Obsession by Colleen Coble

Journey of the Heart Book #2

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publishing Date: April 7, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

Can a woman held captive by her family make it back to the one man she knows she can trust?

When Sarah Montgomery's father succumbs to his long illness, Sarah is faced with a life-altering choice: submit to her brother's will and marry the deceptive Ben Croftner . . . or escape through the dangerous American West to reclaim the heart of her beloved Rand Campbell at Fort Laramie, Wyoming.

From captivity in her family's home, Sarah makes her decision--and begins the perilous journey to Wyoming by train.

But even in the company of Rand's brother, Sarah does not receive the reception she had hoped for. The necessity of a military wife has preempted her, and Rand is already engaged to Jessica DuBois, the seductive daughter of the post commander. With her heart broken and her life in ruins, Sarah has no choice but to remain at Fort Laramie and try to win Rand back. But things will get tougher before they get easier . . . the obsessive Ben Croftner has just shown up in Wyoming.

I received a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy a copy today! 

INSPYs Literature for Young People Judge

Is this a dream come true or what? I've been selected to be a judge in the upcoming INSPY Awards! I'm judging the category Literature for Young People!! Could that be any more fantastic??

I really think the INSPY Awards are fantastic. For bloggers, by bloggers, even the books are nominated by bloggers. It is an inspiration to see the community coming together to honor fantastic authors and their works.

Watch for the shortlist announcement April 30th!

-For more information about the INSPYs, check it out HERE

-Meet the other judges in my category and others HERE

The Silver Witch {Review}

The Silver Witch by Paula Brackston

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books

Publishing Date: April 21, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

A year after her husband’s sudden death, ceramic artist Tilda Fordwells finally moves into the secluded Welsh cottage that was to be their new home. She hopes that the tranquil surroundings will help ease her grief, and lessen her disturbing visions of Mat’s death. Instead, the lake in the valley below her cottage seems to spark something dormant in her – a sensitivity, and a power of some sort. Animals are drawn to her, electricity shorts out when she’s near, and strangest of all, she sees a new vision; a boatful of ancient people approaching her across the water. 

On this same lake in Celtic times lived Seren, a witch and shaman. She was respected but feared, kept separate from the community for her strange looks. When a vision came to her of the Prince amid a nest of vipers she warned of betrayal from one of his own. Prince Brynach both loved and revered her, but could not believe someone close to him wished him harm, even as the danger grew. 

In her own time, Tilda’s grief begins to fade beside her newfound powers and a fresh love. When she explores the lake’s ancient magic and her own she discovers Seren, the woman in her vision of the boat. Their two lives strangely mirror each others, suggesting a strong connection between the women. As Tilda comes under threat from a dark power, one reminiscent of Seren’s prophecy, she must rely on Seren and ancient magic if death and disaster are not to shatter her life once more.

The Last Heiress {Review}

The Last Heiress by Mary Ellis

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

Publishing Date: February 1, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

Summer of Lost Wishes Cover Reveal

The Summer of Lost Wishes

by Jessa Gabrielle 

Release Date: 05/28/15

Summary from Goodreads:

When sixteen-year-old Piper Davenport's mom packs up their lives and heads to the coastal Florida town of Coral Sands, Piper doesn't care much for the view...until she catches a glimpse at Rooks Carter. 

Her mom's "look but don't touch" policy regarding the boy next door is all but impossible to maintain, especially since he's helping his dad restore Piper's new home, the Calloway Cottage. A gorgeous, shirtless boy makes this boring little town a bit more exciting.

But after Piper and Rooks discover a secret in the walls of the cottage, they have a chance to unravel the biggest mystery in Coral Sands history - unless someone unravels them first. 

About the Author

Jessa Gabrielle is a young adult author who lives in the land of salt water, palm trees, and sandy shorelines. She believes that summer love is pure bliss and that she was a mermaid in a past life. Her debut, The Summer of Lost Wishes, will be out later this year.

Author Links:

   

Cover Reveal Organized by:

3 MG Books I Have Read 3 times, or more!

There are probably a few books I have read more than three times (not counting Harry Potter, Twilight, or Austen). These are the three that immediately popped into mind:


Princess Nevermore by Dian Curtis Regan

A Sparrow in Terezin {Review}

A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron

Visit the Author's website HERE

Book Two in Hidden Masterpiece

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publishing Date: April 7, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

Two women, one in the present day and one in 1942, each hope for a brighter future. But they'll both have to battle through their darkest days to reach it.

"Today. "With the grand opening of her new gallery and a fairytale wedding months away, Sera James appears to have a charmed life. But in an instant, the prospect of a devastating legal battle surrounding her fiance threatens to tear her dreams apart. Sera and William rush to marry and are thrust into a world of doubt and fear as they defend charges that could separate them for life.

"June 1942. "After surviving the Blitz bombings that left many Londoners with shattered lives, Kaja Makovsky prayed for the war to end so she could return home to Prague. But despite the horrors of war, the gifted journalist never expected to see a headline screaming the extermination of Jews in work camps. Half-Jewish with her family in danger, Kaja has no choice but to risk everything to get her family out of Prague. But with the clutches of evil all around, her escape plan crumbles into deportation, and Kaja finds herself in a new reality as the art teacher to the children of Terezin.

Bound by a story of hope and the survival of one little girl, both Sera and Kaja will fight to protect all they hold dear.

Top Five Fave Sci Fi Shows

I confess loudly and proudly that I am a NERD (Is anyone still surprised??). And I don't just mean 'book nerd', though I am surely that as well. I mean SCI-FI nerd!

It probably started when I was a wee young lass watching Disney movies. Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White...you bet they are fantasy movies!! Soon, I graduated into Star Trek watching Voyager episodes with my dad. Then it migrated into my reading--The Animorphs Series, then Terry Brooks' epic fantasy series Shannara. The true goldmine came in 6th grade when Harry Potter was first published. I devoured them, and the movies.

I feel compelled to share my Top Five Fave Sci-Fi Shows with you so that you will may love them too!

Days Like This Cover Reveal

Days Like This

by Danielle Ellison 

Release Date: 06/02/15

Bookish Group Press

New Adult

Neverland Book Blast

NEVERLAND by Shari Arnold
Release Day Celebration
Hosted by MMSAI Tours 

NEVERLAND

Author: Shari Arnold

Release Date: April 7^th, 2015

SYNOPSIS:

The Wedding Dress Audio Review

The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck

Visit the Author's website HERE

Audio Publisher: Oasis Audio

Audio Publishing Date: April 3, 2012

Goodreads Summary: