The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin

Anne Morrow has always been a shy girl; timid afraid to speak out. With her father being the ambassador of Mexico, it has it perks. You get to go to fancy dinners and even meet the famous flyer, Charles Lindbergh. Anne talks when spoken to. Little does she know that the famous hero has his eye on her.

 Within months, they are married. They have little privacy to themselves for they are hounded by the press. Every move they make is documented through a camera lens and press releases. "We have to stick together." Charles says one night to Anne." We can not let them (the press) get the best of us."

It was amazing what Anne accomplished in her life. Becoming a  copilot with her husband, becoming a mother, and discovering herself. I wish I could tell more but I don't want to give everything away.

This is an excellent read. Once you start reading it you won't be able to put it down.

Publication Date:January 15th, 2013

 

The Christmas Star by Ace Collins

For Jimmy Reed things have changed. Life has become a little harder around the edges. Things haven't been as easy as he thought they were going to be now that his father gave his life for his country. His mother puts up the congressional medal of honor on top of the Christmas tree. She looks at it and is reminded of how brave her husband was. All Jimmy can see is pain, anger, and betrayal.

 

With other soldiers coming back from the war, it is a constant reminder of what Jimmy lost. "Why did this have to happen God? You were supposed to protect him! Now he's never coming back!" Before Jimmy realizes what's happened he's been initiated into a gang. And the place that the gang plans to rob: the corner store where his mother works. Jimmy never planned for his mother to get in the middle of it. Can Jimmy change his ways? Will someone help turn his life around?

 

I read this book in one sitting. All I can say is give this book a shot. You won't regret reading it.

Home Front Girl by Joan Morrison

We have all read the book of Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl. But what was life outside those walls? What were the experiences for other young people her age? The book Home Front Girl gives us a glimpse into the day to day life. For Joan, she feels the war is coming to America;only doesn't know when. She only knows something terrible will happen to America. Then on December 7th, 1941 life as she knew it is turned upside down. Many of her friends are enlisted; joining the service to do their part. Rationing becomes a part of her life.

I enjoyed this book very much. For anyone who loves WWII as much as I do give this book a chance. It will open your eyes.

My Kind of Christmas by Robin Carr

I've never read a Robin Carr book before. When I saw this on Net Galley I thought "Hey, I'll give it a shot!" Was I glad I did! I absolutely loved it! Right away I could tell I was going to love it. The characters seem so real. The families are hilarious.

Angie LaCroix doesn't know if she wants to go back to medical school. She is at a point in her life where she has to sort things out. In order to do this she takes a break from life from her ever hovering mother. She is welcomed with open arms by her uncle Jack Sheridan. Angie is someone who enjoys the simple things in life: reading a book by a roaring fire or sitting out in the cold watching the snow fall down.

Then one day a green-eyed Navy pilot, Patrick Riordan stops into town for rest and relaxation. He is suffering from PTSD; not getting enough rest from his recurring nightmares. Patrick and Angie click right away. One minute they are having coffee.The next they are seen in town together. Eye brows are raised in question. Patrick has other commitments and a promise has to be kept. Will he stay or will he go?

Expected publication: October 23rd 2012 by Harlequin MIRA

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

 

I've never read a book about merfolk before. I'm glad I did. I just felt a pull to read it. First off, the cover is breath taking. But the book is totally awesome! For me it made a big splash. It had everything I was looking for romance, mystery, the beach, and the ocean. Anna did a great job with her characters. They are hilarious! They book is told in Galen and Emma's point of view.

I love Emma. In the opening scene she literally crashes into a total beach bomb Galen and his snarky sister Rayna. From the eyes of Emma he's just a cute guy on which she happens to stumble on. Pretty soon he's everywhere she looks. He turns up at her school, her classes, and even in her dreams. Galen a little behind the times doesn't understand what you call school. He can't even navigate through the three halls to find his classes. To Emma it's a snitch.

It's when Emma hits her head that she starts noticing things a little differently. She doesn't understand what's she's going through.

Anna Banks has written a wonderful novel. This has definitely turned out to be one of my favorites!

Diva by Jillian Larkin

There is one thing Jillian Larkin is remarkable at—leaving a great cliffhanger and wanting you to read more. Since the first book came out I’ve been lead through the streets of Chicago to various speak easies in downtown New York. Diva the finale of the trilogy that keeps you on your toes. You never know where you’ll end of up next. It was a delight to read! I laughed, cried, sat in my seat knowing it was late but had to turn the next page. LOL. The Flappers made me go in search for old movies. I couldn’t leave the world Jillian created; at least not yet. If you loved the books as much as I have you’ll love the movie Roaring Twenties starring James Cagney.

The year: 1924

Gloria Carmody who once was one of Chicago's starlits left her family to follow love to her beloved Jerome. She has given up everything to be with him. And has done the impossible paying the price for it in jail. Now to get out she must prove her innocence. The man she has to investigate is a real looker. This boy seems to have everything--money, fame, and fortune. Is it me or is Gloria falling under his spell? Hmm....

Clara Knowles gives what every girl in New York is dreaming about... a night on the town. Going to speak easies, seeing fancy boys. How does she keep everything together? You can have one lifestyle without it crashing into the other. Boyfriend Marcus Eastman showed her the door after she didn't tell him the truth. All of a sudden Clara doesn't see him anymore. Where has he run himself off too? He's gotten engaged to a very beautiful girl. Clara can't pin point it. Something doesn't sit right. His engaged girl acts too perfect. Did I mention she's from France?

 

Lorraine Dyer's trying to turn her life around. She's trying to learn from her mistakes; not let them happen again. She is finally going to college at Barnard--the school of her dreams! Lorraine keeps her eye out for Marcus. She knows all of his classes. She'd never admit that she's stalking him. "Me. No. Never! He's just my latest project." She kept me laughing. Lorraine also notices "The French Fry Fiance". Why in the world is he getting married so soon? It's only been 5 weeks since his break up with Clara. "There is something fishy about that gal. And it smells rotten! She squints way too much for me."

If this ever turns into a movie I'll be in line for tickets.

My rating: five stars

Here is the book trailer from Jillian's first book Vixen. After this, I was hooked!

Once by Anna Carey

I am stumped. Where is the third book when I need it? Now the wait is going to kill me. Do you ever come across a book that leaves you utterly speechless and so profound that you are a loss for words? That’s how I feel right now.

This book was as mind blowing as The Unnaturalists. Totally different worlds; but they left me feeling at the end going WOW. The last time Eve saw Caleb was him saying goodbye to her at Califia with one of his legs was in pretty bad shape. She is having nightmares that he is dead, no longer alive. Some of the women in the settlement have heard a rumor there is a guy with a leg with a bad infection. Eve’s worrying about him night and day. She has to go and find him.

As she goes on her venture she becomes a prisoner. She is taken to become the King’s wife. There is a change in the deck of cards for her of who she will become. Things aren’t easy for her as she sneaks away at night. She finds Caleb. But she has been spied upon. Someone knows about these late night visits. What will happen to their relationship? Will she confined and taken prisoner? Will Caleb try to break her out of her dungeon? Does she endanger everyone she cares for? Only one way to find out… And it's worth it

Suffocate by S.R. Johannes

Wouldn’t it be nice to live in a world where the only season is summer? It would be! But the world that once was green, full of life is gone. The only weather is dry and deadly. If one inhales the air, they die.

If you mixed Partials , Under the Never Sky, and a smidgen of A Million Suns this would be the ending result. I am simply amazed by this book. Eria has never known life outside the Biome. In a way she and thousands of other live in what is called the Biome. It is their only way to survive. Eria’s father, a well known scientist, wants to find a way out.

After many tries of testing his latest creation, suit of sorts he finally feels his experiment is ready. Everyone is the Biome is excited for what they are about to see. The crowd is roaring. People are chanting his name! This is a proud moment for Eria. A moment that can finally mean they are ready to go into the outside world! Only something goes terribly wrong. As he steps outside his suit begins to burn.

Now she and her friend Ash are on the move, being blamed for the death of her father. They crawl through tunnels. Wherever they turn out they are followed. There is one solution: Escape through the Hatch. But will they make it out alive or die trying?

The Unnaturalists by Tiffany Trent

Release Date: August 14, 2012


My Rating: I absolutely loved it and would recommend it anyone! 10 stars!

As I started reading and turning the pages, I heard the mechanics of film grain. The beginnging of the book is like the opening of credits. For me it began it blank and white. I kept reading the details becoming more defined turning into technicolor. Pretty soon I was in a world with colors so vivid it was beyond HD. I felt as if I was right there seeing everything.

The story is beautifully written in first person by the main character, Vespa Nyx whose one single goal is to become a female Pedant of her father's Museum. It is also told in third person by a young Tinker named Syrus. It is a world full of science and magic -- a great steampunk novel-- in the world of New London. The only thing one must be aware of is the Waste. The Waste will swallow you whole if you aren't careful. Magic must never be used or one shall be arrested. Myth ,ever power, the Tinkers are what keeps the city running.

I don't want to say much. The book is simply amazing! If I say anymore I might give the whole book away. I don't want to do that. Thank you Tiffany and Anna for sending me a copy. I can't wait for the second book in the series to come out.

Struck by Jennifer Bosworth

Whoa! This was my reaction when I saw the cover of this book and what I felt as I finished the last page. To say this book was good is a complete understatement. It was amazing and incredible. And I must thank Jennifer for sending me a copy.

They say lightning never strikes the same place twice, right? That isn’t the case for 17 year old Mia Price. She is craves the lightning and has been struck more times than she can count. A terrible earthquake has hit Los Angeles. People live in fear craving comfort; afraid of what’s going to happen next. They look towards religion, listening to the Prophet as he preaches the end of the world.

How does one trust when so many are lying to you? How do you know the truth? Do you go with your gut instinct? What happens when the ones you love won't even speak to you?

This is a great read for those who loved The Gone Series by Michael Grant. All I can say I never expected such an ending.

              

Violins in Autumn by Amy McAuley

I love World War II. I love everything about it. If I was a character in Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris” I’d be one of those women working in the factories or be on the streets of London ducking for bombs. There are so many stories that are left untold. I was happy when I stumbled upon the book Violins of Autumn by Amy McAuley.

The book is beautifully written and takes you on through Adele’s journey. After witnessing a traumatic event, she’s determined to do her part in the war. She never knows where she is going to be sent. It could be anywhere. Where will she sleep?

Terror lurks around every corner. It's best to work in the shadows. Someone has already been captured! Anyone can be the enemy. Who can she trust? Will she betray her most trusted friend? One can only tell…
It will be released in June 2012.

My Beloved Tourniquet by Solange nicole

It happens on Valentine's Day. It's best and worst day of Helen's life. It's the day that turns her life upside down and there is no going back. It is the day she meets Carmen, a Frenchman with possibilities beyond belief. After the torment that she went through with her previous boyfriend Helen feels that she can finally let her barriers down and trust Carmen. But one night turns into a nightmare and an old flame of Carmen's returns...

Helen thought she knew everything about him. She was wrong. This story has twists and turns that I never thought possible. It has loves, lies, and deception.

Solange Nicole has a way with words. She is so descriptive that I could almost picture the characters. At the end she left me wanting more. You can find this book on lulu.com and on amazon.

http://www.lulu.com/shop/solange-nicole/my-beloved-tourniquet/paperback/product-20373739.html

http://www.amazon.com/Beloved-Tourniquet-The-Series-ebook/dp/B008RHWHI6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350074635&sr=8-1&keywords=my+beloved+tourniquet

http://www.amazon.com/My-Beloved-Tourniquet-Solange-nicole/dp/0985907517/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1350074635&sr=8-2&keywords=my+beloved+tourniquet



It will be released in paperback by Moonbeam Publishing.

                        

Allegiance by Cayla Kluver

Some books stay in my head longer than others. After all the books I’ve read for my library’s teen reading challenge, this one has stayed with me the longest. The cover is the thing that got me the most. I mean how can you not love a girl in a long swaying dress riding on horse back with the guy of her dreams? I am a sucker when it comes to royalty. Alera is my favorite character. She accepts the cards she’s been dealt with: a prearranged marriage to a man her father has chosen and t...moreSome books stay in my head longer than others. After all the books I’ve read, this one has stayed with me the longest. The cover is the thing that got me the most. I mean how can you not love a girl in a long swaying dress riding on horse back with the guy of her dreams? I am a sucker when it comes to royalty. Alera is my favorite character. She accepts the cards she’s been dealt with: a prearranged marriage to a man her father has chosen and the loss of her one true love—now turned enemy. There is never a dull moment. The plot is wonderful with many twists and turns. Just well you least expect, something happens. I’d categorize Cayla Kluver with Alison Weir and Carolly Erickson. I can not wait to see her next book in the series. I know I won’t be disappointed.