Feast:: Harvest of Dreams by Merrie Destefano

Title: Feast: Harvest Of Dreams

Author: Merrie Destefano

Published by: Harper Voyager (June 28, 2011-ARC Copy)

Genre: Urban Fantasy

My Rating: 2.5-3 Stars

Goodreads Description:

Madeline MacFadden ("Mad Mac" to fans of her bestselling magical stories) spent blissful childhood summers in Ticonderoga Falls. And this is where she wants to be now that her adult life is falling apart. The dense surrounding forest holds many memories, some joyous, some tantalizingly only half-remembered. And she's always believed there was something living in these wooded hills.

But Maddie doesn't remember the dark parts -- and knows nothing of the mountain legend that holds the area's terrified residents captive. She has no recollection of Ash, the strange and magnificent creature who once saved her life as a child, even though it is the destiny of his kind to prey upon humanity. And soon it will be the Harvest. . . the time to feast.

Once again Maddie's dreams -- and her soul -- are in grave danger. But magic runs deep during Harvest. Even a spinner of enchanted tales has wondrous powers of her own.

My Review:

This book was definitely different. Destefano created a unique world of beast and creatures, fantasy, prey and predators, dreams and nightmares.
This isn't something I normally read and while it was a little disjointed at times I found myself wanting to read on and find out what happened between Maddie and Ash and all the town.
I did like how the chapters varied from character to character so that we got a look inside each of their minds.
I think a little more world building would have been nice but overall this wasn't a bad read and I think people who really like fantasy would appreciate it and enjoy it.

LS: The Beginning by Kelvin O'Ralph

Title: LS: The Beginning

Author: Kelvin O'Ralph

Published by: Indie Author (ARC Copy)

Genre: YA Mystery/Paranormal

My Rating: 3.5-4 Stars

 

Description from Author:

A handshake between strangers has never held so much promise for discover.

When Stephen Wilson meets Lisa Morgan at his new school in Sloutenville, it is the simple act of extending his hand in greeting that flips both of their worlds upside-down. With the gesture, both discover that in some way they are connected, that they share the ability to manipulate the elements, fire and water. Though their abilities vary, they share the gift of telepathy allowing them to communicate without words, which creates a bond between them stronger than either had expected.

As the two begin to spend more and more time together David, Lisa’s ex, becomes wild with jealousy, lunching multiple attacks on Lisa. In the fight against the dangers that await them around every corner, Stephen and Lisa soon discover that they are up against much greater odds then they had originally known, and that their struggles are far from over.

 

 

My Review:

 

I received an ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) of this book by the author and while the book does have some editing issues and some grammatical errors, it was a pretty easy fast read. 

This was definitely a very unique story line. I loved the main characters uniqueness, their innocence and their love for one another as together they discovered  their powers but also about each other and themselves as well. I like how they seemed to grow together in their journey to discovery and I liked the slight mystery this story had to offer about who they were, where their powers came from and what was in store for them next. While this book does end on a cliffhanger, it is a nice one that leaves you wanting to find out what happens next.

While this is a rather young new author, I could see his writing grow throughout the story and I think we can expect some very great stories and books from him in the future.

The New Plan (Fergyville) by Katina Ferguson

Title: The New Plan (Fergyville)

Author: Katina Ferguson

Published by: Self Published Author (May 3, 2011)

Genre: Mystery

My Rating: 4 Stars

Goodreads Description:

Frank and Catherine are parents worn down by three young children, and life. As they try to come up with a new, more efficient, way of managing their lives, they are met with a series of unforeseen obstacles. When Frank gets home from work, things don't seem quite right. He begins to wonder if some of the problems experienced by his family were in fact the work of malicious people from his past.

My Review:

This was a short read, a novella, but it definitely had me wanting more at the end. I loved Ms. Ferguson's description of Catherine and Frank's kids, so so true! I loved how realistic this novella seemed with the look into the lives of every day people, their jobs, their relationship, their kids. I love how this ended too! It completely had me wanting more and on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. Where are Catherine and the kids? What is Frank going to do next? What was in the back yard?

I can't wait to see what Ferguson comes up with in her next installment!

Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker

Title: Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride

Author: Sandra D. Bicker

Published by: Abingdon Press ( Oct. 28, 2011-ARC Copy)

Genre: Christian Fiction

My Rating: 3.5-4 Stars 

Net Galley Description:

As a wedding planner, you'd think she would have the perfect wedding experience...

Sherilyn Caine has left Chicago behind to marry Andrew Drummond IV, an Atlanta native with a family name that tops all the social registers. Landing the job as The Tanglewood’s wedding planner is a piece of cake for someone with a Type A personality; she’s the perfect fit for a wedding destination hotel known for its attention to even the tiniest details.

But when everything else is going along swimmingly, why are her own wedding plans drowning right before her eyes? One way or the other, Sherilyn is determined to make this wedding work—until the latest development threatens to call the whole thing off. Is it possible that Sherilyn is allergic to her fiance? 

My Review:

This was my first time reading anything by Bricker. I received an advanced copy of this book by Net Galley to review on my site. But in no way will that alter my review of this book. 

I have to admit, this was a cute easy read. The characters were fun and the story was one about finding true love, holding on to it, learning about self worth and about forgiveness. Forgiving others for their mistakes and learning how to forgive yourself.

A very light, easy read, perfect for summer. 

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Title: A Discovery of Witches

Author: Deborah Harkness

Published by: Viking Adult (Feb. 8, 2011)

Genre: Paranormal

My Rating: 5 Stars 

Goodreads Description:

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.

My Review:

I absolutely loved this book!  I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful this book is. It captured my attention from the first page. I loved everything about it. The characters are all loveable and memorable.

 I had a really hard time putting this book down, my only complaint is that I didn't have enough time to finish it all in one go and that, I didn't want it to end! In fact, I found myself reading more slowly to prolong the rest of the book which is odd for me. I am so glad that this is going to be a series. I can't wait to see what happens to Diana and Matthew, their adventures, their love, their future and the past.

I give this book a solid 5 Star rating. If you haven't read this yet and have thought about it, don't wait. Harkness wraps you up in a world all her own. 

Choker by Elizabeth Woods

Title: Choker

Author: Elizabeth Woods

Publisher: Simon and Schuster (Jan. 4, 2011)

Genre: YA Thriller

My Rating: 4.5 Stars 

Goodreads Description:

Sixteen-year-old Cara Lange has been a loner ever since she moved away from her best and only friend, Zoe, years ago. She eats lunch with the other girls from the track team, but they're not really her friends. Mostly she spends her time watching Ethan Gray from a distance, wishing he would finally notice her, and avoiding the popular girls who call her "Choker" after a humiliating incident in the cafeteria.

Then one day Cara comes home to find Zoe waiting for her. Zoe's on the run from problems at home, and Cara agrees to help her hide. With her best friend back, Cara's life changes overnight. Zoe gives her a new look and new confidence, and next thing she knows, she's getting invited to parties and flirting with Ethan. Best of all, she has her BFF there to confide in.

But just as quickly as Cara's life came together, it starts to unravel. A girl goes missing in her town, and everyone is a suspect—including Ethan. Worse still, Zoe starts behaving strangely, and Cara begins to wonder what exactly her friend does all day when she's at school. You're supposed to trust your best friend no matter what, but what if she turns into a total stranger?

My Review:

 Wow, this book was creepy good. Keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what in the world is going on good.
Don't let the pretty pink flowered cover fool you, this book is not sweet and definitely not innocent.
Woods did an amazing job of bringing about Cara and Zoe's demented relationship in a way that keeps you guessing.
This was a great YA thriller! I can't wait to see what else Woods writes in the future.

Love on Assignment by Cara Lynn James

Title: Love on Assignment

Author: Cara Lynn James

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (Jan. 11, 2011)

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

My Rating: 3 Stars


Goodreads Description:
While Charlotte is focusing on uncovering sordid information on columnist Daniel Wilmot, her heart leads her into uncharted territory.
During the summer of 1900 Charlotte Hale, a native Newporter and secretary for the Rhode Island Reporter, accepts an undercover assignment as temporary governess to Daniel Wilmont's children in order to secretly gather evidence against him. As he helps her rediscover God, Charlotte learns that Daniel is an honorable man.
They unexpectedly fall in love despite their different backgrounds and social positions. Charlotte soon realizes she must defend Daniel against the forces set against him-a willful student with a romantic crush and the newspaper editor determined to destroy his reputation.

My Review:

I was given this book as an ARC copy to review. I love historical fiction so I was excited to read this book and while it was a cute story I found I had a hard time getting into it at first. It seemed to lag a little and it came off as a little preachy at times. It did pick up towards the end and overall it was a nice cute read.

I would give this 3 Stars.