Book Review- Midnight Magic

26 Apr, 2012 by in middle grade, midnight magic, nancy di fabbio, ya Leave a comment

Midnight Magic
by Nancy Di Fabbio
Paperback, 240 pages
Published: September 8, 2011
Publisher: iUniverse Publishing
ISBN-10: 1450291457
ISBN-13: 978-1450291453
Book Source:  Author
5 Stars
Book Description: Fourteen-year-old Mattie is obsessed with horses. Thrilled to discover a primitive painting of a beautiful black horse hidden in the attic of her grandmother’s home, it is not long before Mattie realizes the image of the painted horse seems to be coming to life. This is no ordinary work of art-this is a painting with a fascinating history that Mattie is about to unearth. One moonlit night, Mattie leaves the safety of her grandmother’s home and ventures deep into the surrounding forest where she meets a wild horse who bears an uncanny resemblance to the one in her painting. Mattie and her mystery horse form a bond that she instinctively knows she cannot reveal to anyone. The mysterious spirit who inhabits the painting seems to gain strength as Mattie’s bond with the wild horse deepens. But Mattie is uneasy as she wonders-and fears-if the two are somehow connected. Mattie soon realizes she should have heeded her grandmother’s warnings to be careful what she wishes for in life-for it is one thing to hope her painted horse is real and quite another to discover he might be.
Mary’s Review: Mattie is a young teenager with a low self-esteem.  She allows others to push her around and refuses to fight back or stand up for herself.  She is strong willed with a mind of her own and will do what she wants, when she wants.  After being warned by her mother numerous times not to go on or in the water after dark, she does it anyway.  She nearly drowns as a result and puts a friend in potential danger.  Her mother decides to send her to live with her grandmother for the summer.
Her grandmother lives on a little farm where she puts Mattie to work.  Mattie also gets a job at a nearby stable which overjoys Mattie as she has an obsession and love for horses.While living with her grandmother, Mattie makes a bedroom in the attic and discovers a mysterious, lifelike painting of a horse that her grandmother has bad feelings about, but gives it to Mattie anyway.
Mattie’s discovery brings with it deceit, evil and mistrust.  Because of Mattie’s obsession she soon grows as she learns how the consequences of her actions impact on the lives of those around her; how trust has to be earned; that love is unconditional; about patience and tolerance for others, what true friendship really is, goals and succeeding.  Mattie spends a summer learning to grow up
becoming a young woman and learning to be careful what she wished for.
This book is a wonderful blend of mystery/thriller that I recommend for ages 9 and above.

Content: No warnings, clean.

About the Author: Nancy Di Fabbio owns five horses who star in her children’s column published regularly in two local newspapers. She is the author of Quest for the Dress, and her third book, Saddle Up-And Live Your Dream! is scheduled for release in 2012. Nancy lives in rural Connecticut with her family and her horses.
After closing her custom bridal business, Nancy began a new career as a writer. Her first book, Quest for the Dress: Finding Your Dream Gown Without Losing Your Sanity, Friends or Groom (April 2011), is an invaluable guide for every bride searching for her perfect gown.
Although she loves all of her horses, her Morgan, Trinity, holds a special place in her heart. Fascinated with this unique and amazing breed, Nancy has written her first novel, Midnight Magic – Be Careful What You Wish For!. This spooky thriller is appropriate for readers as young as 9, but the story is so intriguing, they might have to wrestle it away from their older siblings and parents.
Nancy also writes a children’s column for a few local papers based on the exploits of her herd. Each episode of “Tales from the NEIGH-borhood” features interesting information about horses, a story, and a bit of advice from the horse that young readers can apply to their own lives.
Saddle Up! – And Live Your Dream is a comprehensive how-to for the budding equestrian which will soon be released. She is currently working on the book version of  Tales from the NEIGH-borhood.
You can visit her website to sample a few of her tales and read her blogs.

Read it now for 3.99

YA Book Review- Invaluable

25 Apr, 2012 by in ya Leave a comment

Invaluable
by Holly J. Wood
Hardcover, 352 pages
Published December 26th 2011
by Deseret Book
ISBN1609088352
Source: author
4 stars
Book Summary from Deseret Book: help wanted
Sixteen-year-old girl seeks advice on how to reach out to a sister who has become distant; how to make up with my best friend, who spends every moment with her new boyfriend;how to avoid losing my job over working on Sundays; and how to figure out who has been putting love notes in my locker.
Applicants are also required to provide advice on how to handle being head-over-heels for my prom date’s best friend—who happens to be the hottest guy in school.

Math tutoring a plus.

Interested persons may contact Eliza Moore.

Sound like a tall order? Well, that is what Eliza Moore is up against during her sophomore year of high school. But when her great-grandmother begins visiting Eliza in her dreams, everything starts to change. These dreams take Eliza back in time to see extraordinary women who help teach her about eight important values. As Eliza learns more about these women and the values they lived by, she discovers the courage and confidence she needs to face her challenges—and her secret admirer.

Heather’s Review: I met Holly J Black at the Deseret Book Flagship store a couple of weeks ago and right away was impressed without even having read her book. Now having read it, I can say Invaluable is perfect for Young Women in our generation who are fighting to stay true to their values.
Eliza Moore, the main heroine is a sophomore in High School who is going through the transitions many her age do- a strained relationship with her sister, balancing work and a job, figuring out just who she is and getting attention from older boys… but not the one she is hoping for. Mysterious notes start showing up in her locker from a secret admirer during the day, and at night Eliza is being visited by her grandmother in her dreams. Life is all about to change.
Taking the reader through time to meet influential women in history, Invaluable teaches us that there is more to life than texting, gossip, crushes and trying to get to the top of the class the wrong way. Eliza learns to choose a better destiny than the one she is carving out by every day choices, and a long the way an unexpected surprise lands her right where she longs to be.
I loved Invaluable! The plot was a little slow in some places but it progresses the characters well as they mature over the course of the school year. It’s a book I would gladly pass on and wholeheartedly recommend to tweens and teens, as well as adult women.
Content: Clean. Mention of the dangers of underage drinking, pornography, and immorality.
Heather
Author Bio: If you had told me 5 yrs. ago that I’d be writing an author bio for myself—we would have enjoyed a good, long laugh together! However, at this point you could tell me that someday I’ll be living in a hut on the outskirts of Siberia and I’d be tempted to believe you, because I’ve learned that anything is possible! I currently live in Mountain Green, Utah with my husband and two small children. I’ve lived in Utah for most of my life, and aside from the incredibly long winters, I love it here! I am passionate about: travel, reading, enjoying the outdoors (when it’s warm), eating, spending time with family and friends, Disneyland, music, and napping.
Learn more about Holly J. Wood on Goodreads/ her blog / her site/ Deseret Book/ Amazon

YA Book Review- The Secret Life of Copernicus H Stringfellow

24 Apr, 2012 by in sweetwater books, The Secret Life of Copernicus H Stringfellow Leave a comment

The Secret Life of Copernicus H Stringfellow
by Lorin Barber
Paperback, 304 pages
Published March 13, 2012
by Sweetwater Books
ISBN: 1599559293
Book Source: Netgalley
Rating: 3 stars

Book summary from Goodreads: Copernicus H. Stringfellow, a.k.a. Nick, is not your run-of-the-mill genius. His mind is so powerful it can stop a speeding automobile or stem internal bleeding. As Nick goes about quietly doing good, he discovers that his powers are greatly enhanced by the nutrients present in Twinkies. Follow Nick on his amazing adventures in this humorous and exciting action-packed book for all ages.
Cathy’s Review: Nick Stringfellow is a genius, some pretty crazy things happen around him. Things like guns that are pointing at him suddenly being pointed somewhere else, or really sick people all of a sudden getting over their illness and being well. He’s also very kind and always trying to help someone out, from a runaway hitchhiker to everyone in the rundown neighborhood that he’s just bought a house in. Oh and did I mention his strange Twinkie fetish? He eats them one after the next after the next, in fact, one of the first things he does when he arrives in Seattle is get on the Twinkie delivery schedule. He also gets a job as a Nurse at Large in Seattle’s Harborview Hospital. But the strange coincidences with patients getting better as Nick was spending time with them leaves the other doctors and nurses working in the hospital wondering just what in the world is up with this man! It’s up to resident Dr Prescilla Spurbeck to figure that out, but just what will she find? I enjoyed the premise of this story. Nick was a likable enough guy, although the Twinkie thing is a bit strange! I did find the story a bit disjointed just because of all the detail that Nick talks about. He’s a genius, and he talks a bit like a rocket scientist through the whole thing. I think there is some definite potential to this Twinkie eating super hero and can’t wait to read his further adventures!
Content: Clean


Author Bio: I have 6 children, 1 wife and 8 grandchildren. I spent most of my adult life as a manufacturing executive. I’ve been to 45 states and 19 foreign countries. With the loss of a business in the bad economy I’m trying to turn a hobby of writing into a new career.

Find out more about author Lorin Barber Goodreads/ Website/ Twitter

Until I Die Blog Tour and Giveaway

23 Apr, 2012 by in until i die 9 comments

We’re so excited to be today’s stop on the Until I Die blog tour hosted by Mundie Moms and Author Amy Plum. We have a sneak peek excerpt plus a puzzle piece to a grand prize and a little giveaway of our own if you’ll keep reading!
Until I Die
Revenants #2
 by Amy Plum
Hardcover, 352 pages
Expected publication: May 8th 2012
 by HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN 0062004042
Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love. As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy. In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series.
Our excerpt from Until I Die…
 
” Revenants’ compulsion to die when saving their precious human “rescues” is more enticing and powerful than a drug addiction. But Vincent thinks he can hold out. For me.”

And puzzle piece: or guérriseur?
Be sure to check all the stops on the blog tour to collect each puzzle piece and Amy’s blog for more information on the grand prize!
Our Giveaway:  Fire and Ice is giving away some author signed bookmarks along w/ an Eiffel Tower bookmark donated by the amazing Amy Plum. To enter to win fill out this form.
About the author: Amy Plum is the author of the International Bestseller DIE FOR ME, which is an Indie Next List pick, Romance Times top pick, and recipient of a starred review from School Library Journal. DIE FOR ME is the first novel in a YA trilogy set in Paris. The second, UNTIL I DIE, will be released in May 2012.
After being raised in Birmingham, Alabama, in a rather restrictive environment, AMY PLUM escaped to Chicago to an even more restrictive environment at a university that expelled people for dancing. (And where she was called to the dean’s office for “wearing too much black”.) After all of that restrictiveness, she was forced to run far far away, specifically to Paris, France, where she only wore black and danced all she wanted.

After five years in Paris, she ventured to London, where she got an M.A. in Medieval Art History, specializing in Early Sienese Painting (1260-1348) mainly because it promised almost no hope of finding a paying job afterward.

Amy managed to find work in the world of art and antiques in New York. But after almost a decade of high-pressure lifestyle in the Big Apple, she swapped her American city for a French village of 1300 inhabitants.

After signing with HarperCollins for the DIE FOR ME series, Amy left her job as an English professor at Tours University to write full-time. She now splits her time between her centuries-old farmhouse in the countryside and Paris’s 11th arrondissement.

She is a huge fan of Edward Gorey and Maira Kalman (and collects both of their books/art), as well as David Sedaris, Amadeo Modigliani, and Ira Glass.

Visit Amy on her Website /Blog/ Twitter/ Facebook/ Goodreads/ Harper Teen Page

In My Mailbox #27

20 Apr, 2012 by in Uncategorized 6 comments

Today’s In My Mailbox post- a meme started in November of 2008 by The Story Siren inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie are the books I’ve received in the past two weeks. Click on the book title to see a description or add it to your own Goodreads TBR pile.
Surrender by Elana Johnson- ARC from Author for blog tour
Gilt by Katherine Longshore- ARC from publisher
The Fire Ascending by Chris D’Lacey- Hardback from publisher
Black Dawn by Rachel Caine- Hardback from publisher
Laugh With The Moon by Shana Burg- ARC from publisher
Silence by Michelle Sagara- Hardback from publisher
Underworld by Meg Cabot- ARC from publisher
Wood Queen by Karen Mahoney- Paperback from publisher
Illuminate by Aimee Agresti- Hardback from publisher
Eventide by Tracy and Laura Hickman- ARC from publisher
What’s in your mailbox?

YA Book Review – This Dark Endeavor

19 Apr, 2012 by in bea, simon schuster, This Dark Endeavor - The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein 1 comment

This Dark Endeavor – The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein 
The Dark Endeavor Chronicles #1 
by Kenneth Oppel
ARC, 304 pages 
Publication Date: August 23, 2011 
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Book Source: BEA
ASIN: 1442403152 
4.5 Stars 
Summary from Goodreads: Victor and Konrad are the twin brothers Frankenstein. They are nearly inseparable. Growing up, their lives are filled with imaginary adventures…until the day their adventures turn all too real. They stumble upon The Dark Library, and secret books of alchemy and ancient remedies are discovered. Father forbids that they ever enter the room again, but this only peaks Victor’s curiosity more. When Konrad falls gravely ill, Victor is not be satisfied with the various doctors his parents have called in to help. He is drawn back to The Dark Library where he uncovers an ancient formula for the Elixir of Life. Elizabeth, Henry, and Victor immediately set out to find assistance in a man who was once known for his alchemical works to help create the formula. Determination and the unthinkable outcome of losing his brother spur Victor on in the quest for the three ingredients that will save Konrads life. After scaling the highest trees in the Strumwald, diving into the deepest lake caves, and sacrificing one’s own body part, the three fearless friends risk their lives to save another.” 
Margie’s Review: A forbidden secret library. Adventure. A love triangle. Suspense.
The quest to find the ingredients to the elixir of life…

What an amazing prequel to Mary Shelley’s classic, Frankenstein –Victor is your typical 15 year old teen boy, everything seems to be fun and games until something serious and life-changing happens and Victor must decide if doing the wrong thing is actually the right thing to do. He enlists his twin brother, Konrad, their ‘distant’ cousin, Elizabeth, and family friend, Henry, on an adventure never to be forgotten. 
Yes, there is a bit of a love triangle going on, but it is done so perfectly that you will not lose the pace of the story, nor be distracted by it either. 
There were a few ‘gasp-out-loud’ moments where I had to will the images out of my head – but I am squeamish, lol, and those who are not, will love every single detail of their journey. 
Margie
 
About the Author: Kenneth Oppel is the author of numerous books for young readers. His award-winning Silverwing trilogy has sold more than a million copies worldwide and has been adapted into an animated TV series and stage play. Airborn won a Michael L. Printz Honor Book Award and the Canadian Governor General’s Literary Award for children’s literature; its sequel, Skybreaker, was a New York Times bestseller and was named Children’s Novel of the Year by the London Times. His most recent book is Half Brother.
Born on Canada’s Vancouver Island, he has lived in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, Canada, and in England and Ireland and now lives in Toronto with his wife and children. 
Learn more on his website/ facebook/ blog

The Fame Game by Lauren Conrad -ARC Giveaway

18 Apr, 2012 by in Uncategorized 5 comments

Harper Teen has sent us some awesome news in April and they are happy to announce that The Fame Game by Lauren Conrad hit the NYT bestsellers list at #1! To celebrate we are giving away one Advanced Reading Copy to a lucky Fire and Ice reader.

The Fame Game
Fame Game #1
by Lauren Conrad
Hardcover, 313 pages
Published April 3rd 2012
by HarperTeen
ISBN 0062073281
Book Summary From Goodreads: In Hollywood, fame can be found on every corner and behind any door. You just have to know where to look for it. Nineteen-year-old Madison Parker made a name for herself as best frenemy of nice-girl-next-door Jane Roberts on the hot reality show L.A. Candy. Now Madison’s ready for her turn in the spotlight and she’ll stop at nothing to get it. Sure, she’s the star of a new show, but with backstabbing friends and suspicious family members trying to bring her down, Madison has her work cut out for her. Plus, there’s a new nice girl in “reality” town—aspiring actress Carmen Price, the daughter of Hollywood royalty—and she’s a lot more experienced at playing the fame game… When the camera’s start rolling, whose star will shine brighter?

Filled with characters both familiar and new, Lauren Conrad’s series about the highs and lows of being famous delivers Hollywood gossip and drama at every turn.

About the author: Lauren Katherine Conrad, often referred to as “L.C.”, is an American television personality and an aspiring fashion designer. She is best known for being featured in the MTV reality series Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County and for her spin-off show, The Hills, which follows her personal and professional life as she pursues a career in the fashion industry. She earns an estimated $1.5 million annually for her television appearances, fashion line, and product endorsements.
The Giveaway: Fire and Ice has one advanced reading copy of the Fame Game to give away to our readers courtesy of HarperTeen. Must be 13 or older and have a US mailing address. To enter, fill out the rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Espionage Blog Tour and Author Guest Post

17 Apr, 2012 by in Uncategorized 5 comments

Fire and Ice is today’s stop on the official blog tour for
Espionage
by A.L. Sowards
Paperback, 242 pages
Published March 2012
by Covenant Communications
ISBN 139781608611485
Book Summary From Author’s Website: France, 1944: Nobody expects Peter Eddy to survive his first commando mission—to retrieve a code book stolen by the Nazis—so when he does come back alive, his success is rewarded with an even more daunting assignment. Partnered with French Resistance leader Jacques Olivier, Eddy must identify which of three Allied contacts in Calais is a double agent and use the traitor to help implement a strategic Allied diversion that might win the war. Eddy and Olivier secretly cross the English Channel to confront their suspects one at a time, but what appears to be a clean assignment soon turns disastrous, and a shocking betrayal leaves Eddy in the grip of the Gestapo. With the courageous aid of Olivier and his sister, Genevieve, Eddy evades his captors with a dangerous escape plan. But as the Allied invasion approaches, treachery in the least likely places leads to fresh graves in the bloodied European soil—and only the power of loyalty and love can transform tragic endings into new beginnings.

Espionage is a suspense packed thriller with historical fiction elements that is set in WWII. It follows the decisions made by Peter, a young American soldier who enlists after his brother is killed in his service. Peter is chosen for a top secret operation then somewhat betrayed by his allies while putting his life on the line. With a bit of romance, authentic history and well written scenes, Sowards pull you right into the action. There is some moderate war related violence so I would recommend this book for adults.
We are so pleased at Fire and Ice to have an exclusive post from the author about why she writes what she writes…
Guest Post by Author A. L. Sowards
Why I write about war

 “I’ve run into a handful of people at book signings who say something along the lines of “I don’t read books about war”. They have good reasons, usually involving a family member’s sad, difficult experience. I met one lady whose father was killed in Vietnam, another whose brothers have served in Iraq. War books aren’t for everyone, and I’ve never thought they should be. These conversations made me ask myself why I write about war. It’s evil, it’s brutal, and it destroys lives in more ways than one. So why am I writing a book about it?

There are a few reasons. First off, Nazis make good bad-guys, and I rarely like books or movies unless there’s an antagonist. It’s also an easy time period to research because so much about it has been written, filmed, and photographed. And no need to waste words giving readers a history lesson—they already know the basics. Then there’s the other reason: all of us have challenges, trials, and moments that try our faith, our courage, our integrity. Reading about fictional characters overcoming their challenges can help us as we try to overcome ours. And what better setting than a horrible war to create difficult challenges for my characters to overcome? In the darkest times, the brightest examples can emerge to enlighten, encourage, and inspire.

 I still won’t say my books are for everyone. They don’t have to be. But sometimes looking into the dark chapters of history can help us find the strength and courage we need in our own lives to overcome our current challenges. And that’s why I write about war.”
Author Bio: “I was born in Atlanta, Georgia and grew up in Moses Lake, Washington. Then I came to Utah to attend school and ended up staying. Books have always been an important part of my life. I remember writing self-illustrated storybooks at my grandparent’s house when I was in elementary school (none of those made it to publication for many good reasons) and attending my first writer’s conference when I was in third grade.
Another big part of my early life was swimming. I swam for the Big Bend Manta Rays, the Moses Lake Manta Rays, Moses Lake High School, and Brigham Young University. In addition to swimming, I studied Political Science and English at BYU.
Now I’m a busy mom of twin toddlers. I still love to read and I also love to write. I’m usually reading a couple books at once and working on multiple writing projects too. Other than that, my life is pretty ordinary. I’m grateful for that. I’ll let the characters in my books have all the adventures.
What can you expect from my books?
A little mystery, a little history, a little romance, and a lot of action, adventure, and suspense. Primarily, I write to entertain. I also hope my books will teach readers something new about history or about life (anything from the wisdom of wearing your seat belt to the truth that it’s never too late to change). You will find no printed profanity in my books, and no sex. Espionage takes place during the largest war in the history of the world, so there is some violence, but it’s not gory or excessive. My goal is for my writing to be thrilling, clean, and uplifting.
Learn More on the author’s website and click here for a full list of blog tour stops plus chances to win your own copy. Thanks so much to A.L Sowards for stopping by today and to Lexie Book Bug for hosting the tour.

Book Review- Lightning Tree

16 Apr, 2012 by in Sarah Dunster 1 comment

Lightning Tree
by Sarah Dunster
Paperback, 384 pages
Published April 10, 2012
by Cedar Fort
ISBN: 1599559595
Book Source: Netgalley
3 stars

Goodreads review: After surviving the tragic deaths of her parents and her baby sister and a harrowing trek across the plains to Utah, it s no surprise that Maggie’s nights are plagued by nightmares. But after years of harsh treatment by her foster family and memories that seem to hint at an unthinkable crime, Maggie is forced to strike out on her own to separate the facts from the lies.

Cathy’s review: It’s the 1800’s in Provo, Utah. Johnson’s Army has been pestering the LDS people, so they’ve all moved south out of their main city of Salt Lake City to wait out the soldiers. Magdalena Chabert has finally made a friend, who happens to be one of the step-daughters of Brigham Young. It’s strange to Maggie that she’s finally made a friend, she’s always been kind of the odd one out with the young people of Provo, but knowing Mariah has changed that for her. Unfortunately Mariah and her family are heading home with all the other people from Salt Lake. Maggie’s not certain what she will do without her friend around, especially with all of the bad nightmares she’s been having. She has nightmares about men with guns firing at…well at someone, Maggie’s uncertain just who. Soon though, she finds that her foster family has been lying to her about her situation. She thought that there was nothing left from the things that her family had brought with them across the plains, but she’s turning Ma Alden’s mattress one day and notices her mother’s name written on it. Maggie’s uncertain just who she can trust, she can’t trust her foster family, or her friend Henry, maybe, just maybe she can trust herself to take care of herself and her little sister Giovanna. I liked Maggie’s story and the characters in it. Provo’s really a small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business and that makes for some pretty interesting situations. Having said that the story itself felt a little disjointed, which I guess was probably how Provo was during this time of unrest for them. 

Content: Clean

About the Author:  Sarah Dunster is the mother of six young children.  Her childhood journals are littered with poems, stories, and drawings of maps, characters, and places she imagined for her stories. She wrote her first novel at age nine – a rambling combination of Little Women and Anne of Green Gables, scribbled on binder paper – and tortured her friends by making them listen to the whole thing. Sarah is an award-winning poet; her pieces have been published in Segullah Magazine and Dialogue: a Journal of Mormon Thought. In addition to writing she loves reading, singing, skiing, and educating her children at home. Sarah lived for ten years in Provo, and grew to love the places, people, and history of Utah Valley.  
Find out more about author Sarah Dunster Book Website/ Goodreads/ Personal Website