Countdown (YA)

Countdown (YA)

This book is a YA historical fiction book that was on the book list for my YA literature class.  This book takes place during the Bay of Pigs, which is an interesting time period for a YA book.  Franny, the main character, reminded me a bit of Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird.  I almost gave up on this book as the first part is a little slow and I can see kids getting bogged down while reading it.  I am glad I stuck with it though because I liked the second half of the book much more than the first half.  I enjoyed seeing Franny mature as a person and I liked the secondary characters a lot--her younger brother Drew, her "crazy" Uncle Otts and her neighbor Chris.  I borrowed this book from the library.

A Darcy Christmas (review book)

A Darcy Christmas

This book is a nice holiday read geared to fans of Jane Austen.  Three short stories, using Darcy and Elizabeth from Austen's Pride and Prejudice, center around Christmas.  The first story has Darcy being Scrooge from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.  I liked the twist of using a twist on a classic within a twist of a classic.  The other two stories pick up where Pride and Prejudice left off and continue the story of Darcy and Lizzy and their families.  Christmas is the focus and is used to marked births, deaths, happiness and family moments.  The three writers stick to Austen's style and her ideas of the characters.  I enjoyed this book a lot, and I am one who does not read many holiday books.  This book was sent to me by SourceBooks to review.

The Relacement (YA) (Kindle)

The Replacement (YA) (Kindle)

This book was creepy good.  Mackie is a "replacement", an other who was put in place of a baby stolen from its crib.  Mackie cannot handle blood, steel or step on sacred ground.  But he is more human than most people.  Mackie is a great character--he has total hero qualities.  There are good twists and turns in this book, good characters and great writing.  I really enjoyed this book.  This book was on the book list for a YA literature class I am taking.  I read this book on my Kindle.

Unraveled (YA) (Kindle)

Unraveled (YA)

This is the second book in a YA paranormal series and picks up right where book #1, Intertwined, left off.  Aden, Victoria, Mary Ann and Riley are fighting the witches and goblins to stay alive.  Aden is still trying to find the connection between the witches and soul Caleb.  This book had a lot of action and good twists and turns.  The romances of these two couples heat up.  It seems as if there will be a third book, and I hope there is and I will read it.  This book was on the book list for a YA literature class that I am taking.  I could see both HS girls and boys enjoying this series.  I read this book on my Kindle.

The Eternal Ones (YA)

Haven remembers past lives. Her religious grandmother thinks she is possessed by the Devil. Haven feels the need to go to New York City to find her past love, Ethan. Haven's friend Beau helps her get there and that is when things really take twists and turns. Haven visits the O Society--a... group for people who were reincarnated. But are they good or evil? Is Ethan (now Iain in this life) her true love or her would be murderer? This book is a mix of romance and paranormal. It was a good read. The characters were interesting and the star crossed lovers bit was not overdone in a tacky way. This book was on my YA literature class book list and I was also sent this book to review by the publisher. I would recommend it.

No Moon (YA)

No Moon (YA)

No Moon is YA historical fiction.  Gardy becomes a nursemaid for a rich family.  The regular nanny gets injured right before the family is to sail on Titanic's maiden voyage.  Gardy  takes the nanny's place.  We all know how that sailing went for the Titanic.  Without getting into too many nasty, gritty details (this is a middle school book after all), the book goes over the horror that the passengers faced, the frustration of losing so many unnecessarily and a bit into the aftermath for the survivors.  This was a good, quick read and I could see middle school girls really enjoying this book.  I read this book for a YA literature class that I am taking this year.  I borrowed this book from the library.

Tired Max and Maggie

Maggie looks like she's planning on smothering Max in his sleep but both were just very, very tired.

Intertwined (YA) (Kindle)

Intertwined (YA) (Kindle)

This book is the first in a YA paranormal series.  Aden has souls trapped within his body.  People think he is crazy and hearing voices in his head.  Then he meets Mary Ann and for the first time ever, the voices become quiet.  Throw in Riley, a werewolf, and Victoria, a vampire, and you have some great paranormal relationships forming.  I enjoyed this read.  Good characters, good twists and turns, good action and good romance made it a quick read for me.  I read this book on my Kindle and have #2 waiting to read.

Other (YA)

Other (YA)

Gwen is Other--1/2 human, 1/2 Pooka (shapeshifter).  She is trying to fit in to a society that is still somewhat biased against Others.  Then, in her hometown, someone begins hunting and killing Others.  Is it one of the werewolves or is a White Knight, a member of a religious society?  Gwen investigates to try to save herself and those she cares about.  This was a good, quick read.  I enjoyed it a lot.  I borrowed this book from the library.

You can buy all sorts of cat toys but they love cardboard boxes the best.  Here is Lucy, our 13 year old Maine Coon, claiming the red box as her own :-)