Stella Bain by Anita Shreve

What would you do if you lost all your memories?

I don't know where I am. What am I saying? I don't even remember my name. I only woke up a few minutes ago. I don't know what year it is. From what one of the nuns have told me it is 1916. From my accent she can tell I'm American. I'm in a field hospital with my feet bandaged up. She says writing my thoughts down may help gain some of the memories I've lost. It only makes me more confused. I try and help the Sisters. I cut bandages, helping the soldiers write letters home; anything to keep my mind busy. 

I am able to walk again. The intense pain that was once there is gone. Out of the blue two thoughts come to mind: My name is Stella Bain. Before I was injured I drove an ambulance. When the nuns hear the news they quickly put me to work. The job is dangerous. Because of the blackouts, I'm not able to use my head lights. I bring the injured back as fast as I can.  As I go to make my next run I hear the doctors prepping soldiers for surgery. I eat my lunch not far from the tent. The moment I hear one of the soldier's screams something happens. It is a pain so severe that one of the Sisters pulls me aside to sit down. Am I recovering one of my lost memories? Is it something so repressed that nothing will bring it back? Is there hope for me?
**
This is the first book I've read by Anita Shreve. I will tell you one thing, start reading it and you won't be able to stop. The only I didn't like was getting to the last page.

Book Recommendations

Hey All. Sorry I haven't posted anything in such a long time. I promise to post something soon. Here are the books that I read recently. I loved them. I hope you do too.

   


                                        

The Liberator By Victoria Scott

Did you miss me?

It's me, Dante. My life story continues. It's written by my writer friend Victoria Scott. I have to tell ya, she did one hell of a job. I shouldn’t complain. I feel like it though. I’ve been given an assignment to liberate a soul. I take the job only because I have to. I hate being away from Charlie. She has become my world. Her friends, my friends. Don’t worry. I won’t go all girly on ya. My assignment’s name is Aspen who lives in Denver. I go to meet her. I stop dead in my tracks. She is just like me. Correction the old me. Aspen takes life by the horns; lives each day like it’s her last. People gravitate to her, wanting to be apart of her world. When I’m around her I feel myself slipping into my old habits. That’s not good. How can I liberate someone who doesn’t want their life to change?

**
I’ve been saving this book to read for I don’t know how long. What stuns me the most is why Victoria Scott isn’t on the New York Times Best-Selling List! I can’t wait to see what else is up her sleeves! Bravo V!  Bravo!

A Castle of Sand by Bella Forrest

When I left the Shade, everything seemed off. It was as if I woke from a dream and came back to reality. Was I really there? Did all of that really happen? Was I missing him? I'd ask myself these questions. Now that I'm back I've never been happier. The moon has never shone brighter. Derek is the hopeless romantic I remember. Things are in alignment until his father the King comes back to rule.

"What is this I hear of you falling for one of your slaves?" He demands.

 

It has been centuries since the King has shown any kind of warmth toward his son. From what Derek has told me he can’t even remember the last time he had a pat on the back. The people of the Shade stand behind their Prince. The King has only one condition: I go and live in the catacombs. Just thinking about it sends a chill down my back. I’m surprised when Derek agrees. “If I have to I’ll go down and be with you. I’m not letting you out of my sight as long as he’s in power.”

Before long a rift is made between father and son. The King was an inch close to drinking my blood sending Derek into a rage. I'm never to be by myself. Guards never leave my side. Derek is training his military. I hardly see him. More important, I'm afraid of what's going to happen next...

**
We have yet to see the last of Bella Forrest! From her creativity with the characters I can tell this is only the beginning! There should be a genre just for her.

FADED by Mercy Amare

Can things change in the matter of days? If you're a rock star like me, it can. I've gone through so many ups and downs. Sometimes I wonder if I'm going to be sick from being on this emotional rollercoaster. I'm tired of people telling me what to do what my life. My dad doesn't even know I exist. Mom hasn't left her little villa in France in probably ten years. My friend Alec tells me he has everything under control. I have nothing to worry about. Oh boy. With him, you never know if that's good or bad.

OMG! I can't believe Alec did this behind my back without asking. I hope Stephan is ready for his 15 minutes of fame. It appears my life is going to be documented for I don't know how long. Alec says this is going to help with my music career. My fans want to see the private life of Scarlett Ryan. I better get ready for one heck of a ride!
**
I absolutely loved this! When does the next one come out? I need it now!

Son of a Mermaid By Katie O'Sullivan

As a kid growing up in the state of Oklahoma, I'm used to storm drills. But after this particular one something felt wrong; off a bit. After everyone settled down back into the routine of class, a knock came to the door. Warning bells went off as the state trooper walked in; looking directly at me. Shea MacNamara, I think you'd better come with me.

Nothing happened to the school. My home on the other hand was gone. My dad with it. I was told he died instantly by a freak tornado. Timber lay here and there. The house with its memories were blown away. There was nothing left of my life. My mother died when I was little; too young to remember. The only family left was my Gramma in Cape Cod. She came down the following day and helped me move into her house.

I spend most of my mornings on the beach collecting trash. I keep a list of everything I find in my head. Two soda cans, five water bottles, one shovel, a tattered Barbie doll, a broken Frisbee, and three plastic toy soldiers.

I'm finally starting to make friends. I met one of the summer people, Kae. She's really nice. Just at the right moments she seems to pop up. Then there's Hailey. She tried to get me to go swimming. Finally one day Hailey had enough and just pulled me into the water. I never swam a day in my life. That was enough experience in the water to last a lifetime. All of a sudden I'm starting to have nightmares. I dream I'm underwater. I can't breathe. Then comes a woman with the most soothing eyes I ever saw. I keep falling deeper into the depths; trying to reach her hands. Finally I wake up covered in sweat. I think the closest I'll get to the water is my trash picking. That seems the safest.

**
Finally a mer book about a guy! I had to read it. There is one thing I didn't like and that is when I got to the last page. I hope there is a continuation! Bravo Katie! Loved it!

Chasing MeCree by J.C. Isabella

It must've been the cowboy!

My palms are dirty. My knees have gravel embedded into them. The world is swaying. I'll tell you one thing I don't know which way is up or down. Is that bad? Is that man still following me? I'm a mess. I don't feel good either. Something I ate didn't agree with me. Where am I anyway? I've never been to this part of town. I swear I'm seeing things. What the heck is that thing coming towards me! Is that a horse?
--
All I know is that I was out taking my horse on a stroll. Pretty soon I see a girl with blond hair wearing a cheerleading outfit and mascara running down both her cheeks. For a moment I thought I was dreaming. This can't be happening! Why is Briar Thompson out so late? I have to laugh as I put her into my saddle. "How did you get an extra pair of legs?"
**
From the moment the two meet their worlds collide. Briar Thompson is in need of a friend. Chase McCree would like someone to talk to every now and then. They both see differences in one another, something they can't pin point. Briar's social status is going down the drain pipe. She couldn't care less. She doesn't want to be around people that are fake. Chase has a realness to him.

Chase misses the fields, the open sky of his ranch. He misses the big house he grew up in. Pretty soon he'll have to leave. Is he willing to say goodbye to the only friend he's made in a long time?

Beautiful Monster by Bella Forrest

That Boy is a Monster! Maybe he's just born that way...

My name is Amy. I've been home schooled most of my life. Why? I'm HIV positive. I was diagnosed when I was a week old. I have good and bad days. Some days I'm tired. Others I'm peppy as can be; a normal teenager. Today I helped my dad out by working in the school's kitchen. I was on my break when I did something totally out of character; I auditioned for one of the school plays. Before I know what's happening I'm called up to recite lines I only glanced at. I didn't even know who was reading my character's opposite. I thought "Hey maybe it's some random senior". As I open my eyes I see the man himself. The celebrity crush I've had for years: Liam Swift.

My name is Liam Swift. As soon as she took the stage I knew we found our girl! Out of thousands she was the one to really play the part! You can tell when somebody wants the role bad enough. This play isn't like the movie sets I used to be on. But hey, why am I complaining? This is as close as it's going to get for me. One night was all it took to ruin me. One night I'd rather put out of my head. Every now and then it happens. I can feel my inner demons calling out to me. Few people know this secret. Few people I can trust. What if it happens tonight? What am I going to do? What if I won't be able to produce the play?

Bella Forrest does it again! I read this in one sitting. Don't judge this book by its cover. The bark is worse than its bite.

Invisibility by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan

　
Ever wonder what it would be like to have Harry Potter's Invisibility Cloak? You could walk around; wherever you wanted to go. You have the world at your finger tips. Sounds pretty cool doesn't it? Now imagine yourself wearing that Invisibility Cloak permanently. You are a ghost. Nobody can see you. Nobody can talk to you. You are by yourself. An observer, one of the unseen, watching and living through other's lives.

My name is Stephen. I have been invisible since the day I was born. I've never seen my reflection in the mirror so it's hard to guess what I look like. I am a people watcher. I don't have much else to do. The tenants in the apartment complex I live in are few and far between. Some stay for a few days; some a few months. A new family is moving in today. A single mom with two kids my age.

I can't believe this! My hands are shaking so bad as I write this down. The teenage girl saw me. I was standing there dumbstruck when she asked me to help with her groceries. She even grabbed my hand! What does this mean? Does this mean others can see me as well? Is my curse finally broken?

Icons by Margaret Stohl

 

Icons by Margaret Stohl

My name is Dol. I lost my whole family on The Day. It was the day my older brothers' laughter fell silent. It was the day my dad's smile faded from his face. It was the day and last time my mom would ever kiss me goodnight. Everything ceased to exist. I was a baby when it happened; maybe a few month's old. Now I am 17 years old; living in the Grass with the Padre and my friend Ro.

Things seem to be going great until Padre pulls me into the church for a conversation. The next few moments are a blur. I don't even remember what exactly happened.  I saw the Padre dead, unmoving on the cement floor. I'm on the run for my life...I don't know why I'm being hunted. I only know the safety of the woods can hide me for so long.

**
From the co-author that wrote the Caster Chronicles comes a whole new series! From the first time I saw the cover I knew I had to read it. When you first start reading it you won't be able to stop.

Five stars!

Arclight by Josin L McQuein

Light is safety. Light means Life.

 

It has been two months since Marina has been found outside the Arclight and in the Gray. She remembers nothing. For her she has no past, is uncertain about the future and has no family she knows of. She doesn't even know her age! There is one thing the people of the compound fear-- the Dark; the Fade.They also fear Marina as well. She is used to the staring; being made fun of. She has her friend Anne-Marie to help her laugh it off as being an outsider. Then it happens. The indestructible compound of the Arclight are invaded by the Fade. It's everyone's worst fear. Will they make it out alive or will they too turn dark?

 

And don't forget to mark your calendar in 2015! Universal has bought the movie rights!

Natural Born Angel By Scott Speer

Touched by AngelsMy name is Maddy Montgomery. I'm sorry I'm Maddy Godright. Let me try it again. Third time's always the charm. My name is Maddy Montgomery Godright. Right now my life is a little bit crazy. Not only am I Jackson Godspeed's girlfriend but my Uncle told me some life changing news. It appears I am half angel. No need to freak out or anything. If I'm half angel shouldn't my wings be coming in pretty soon? Or is that up in the air as well?

I am told to keep my head held high. Don't let people get to me. Things will turn out ok at the end. I would be okay if not for Jackson. He hasn't been himself in the last couple of weeks. He tells me he's fine. If he's fine then why does my gut tell me something bad is going to happen?

 

Below is the book trailer for the first book Immortal City

 

The Collector by Victoria Scott

Hell never looked so good...

My name is Dante' Walker. My job is so awesome. I mean I got the looks, the hair, the money, the whole package. I put that guy Rob Pattinson to shame. Come to think of it, I should be on the cover of GQ. There's only one problem; I'm dead. Oh I know. Talk about killing the moment! Sorry ladies. I would've given you a chance! I'm what they call The Collector. For some reason this year I'm totally off  my game. Boss Man isn't very happy with me. I'm putting that mildly.  Boss Man tells me he has a plan.  He has given me 10 days. Ten days to what? Now I'm scratching my head. I have to go and find a seventeen year old girl? Of all people in the world I'm asking myself why? Get this! To top that off she isn't even pretty. Talk about giving a guy hell in a hand basket. And I have to whoo her. UGH. There goes the neighborhood...

OMG! I am not saying any more. I laughed. I cried. All I can say is pick up the book and see for yourself. You won't be disappointed. Now if I only had the second one in my hands I would be happy.

 

 Below is the book trailer

             

Jaded by Mercy Amare

Hey J-J-Jaded!

 

My name is Scarlett Ryan. Yes I'm THAT Scarlett Ryan. I'm sure you've heard of me the grammy winner--the rock star. You've seen my name on the billboards. I'll tell you one thing dearies when it comes to my fame right now, I don't give a damn. Yea I know it's cliche' with my name and all. Have you ever had so much going on that you want to step back and breathe? Right now that's how I feel. Too bad I can't fire my manager; he's my dad.

**

All that Scarlett wants right now is a break. With her touring for so long, she hasn't even finished high school. Despite the demands of her dad, she takes a leave of absense to finish her schooling. Sure she could've hired a tutor.

But what fun would that have been? She craves to be around normal people who don't have a clue of who she is. Hope, Florida is a very small town. Everybody knows each other's business. It doesn't take very long for the residents to catch an eye of a fancy car and the driver who wears four inch stilettos. She ignores all the stares and tries to go to her classes unnoticed. Pretty soon everyone is asking for her autograph. Students are trying to get her picture. With a help of a student named Ethan and his stepbrother Stephan, they are able to break the crowd up.

 

When she tries to say thank you to one of the boys Stephan looks back saying to her "You need to watch out where you're going Blondie." The joke gets under her skin. She hopes she never sees him again. As she is in study hall trying to figure out a math problem Scarlett feels a pencil being poked at the back of her neck. It's him. The one with the Blondie jokes, Stephan. She didn't know going to high school would be so hard. And today is only her first day! Will she make it through her senior year? Or will she go back on tour with a tutor?

Shades of Truth by C.L. Stockton

It was the shattered glass that decided my fate...
The next thing I know my father sends me off with a stranger, someone I hardly know. For all I know this man could be danger. Isn't there a saying that says trust your enemies first?

**

Show more

Cadrian Summerlynn's life has been turned upside down in the blink of an eye. One minute she is having dinner with her father, eating silently while he is making a deal. The next she is being thrown on to floor, told to stay down. Then being told to run.

Lucas Colton never wanted the responsibility for being her protector. At the same time he is trying to investigate why they were brought down by gun fire. Cadrian thinks she is smart by protecting her father. But Lucas can see right through her little act. She doesn't know either.

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Before they know it they are surrounded; ordered to stay quiet. Blind folds are put on their eyes. Hands are tied behind their backs. They wake up to a room that is dark. The window can not be opened. It's nailed shut. Will they ever be free again? Will Cadrian suffer the consequences for being her father's daughter? Will Lucas be able to find a way out?

The Curse: Touch of Eternity by Emily Bold

It all starts with a piece of jewelry, a necklace, the family crest...
I was cleaning out the attic in my grandma's old house when I saw it. It was a silver necklace, old and tarnished. But it took my breath away. It was as if my grandma was giving me a last gift. In the same box was a small red book. Little did I know that these two items would change my life in ways I couldn't possibly imagine.
**
Sam travels to Scotland as a foreign exchange student. When she gets there the weather is bitter and cold. She tries to open her suitcase for something warm to wear but is blindsighted by a man on a motorcycle. Sam isn't hurt but astounded that the rider came out of no where. The two meet again as she is left at a gift shop; her ride forgetting to pick her up.

"I know this sounds awfully strange lass but I'd like to see you again." says the rider.

The two become inseparable. The rider, Payton , is falling for her in only a short period of time. He is feeling things he hasn't felt for so long. It's almost as if Sam is making him feel things again. But he tells a devastating secret. One that rattles both of their worlds. She falls apart as he tells her. She can't believe her ears! How could he have done such a thing? Payton hasn't told anyone this in all of his life. Can he trust Sam as she leaves for America? Will the distance keep his secret safe?

The Killing Jar by Jennifer Bosworth

Here is the new book Jennifer is writing. It will be released in 2014. I don't think I can wait that long! I wish I could read it now!

A teen girl is abducted to a utopian commune, where she discovers a shocking connection between an unthinkable crime against her family and the commune leaders, who hide an arcane secret about her past.

*summary from goodreads.com

A Shade of Blood by Bella Forrest

You know when you read a great book... There is a cliffhanger and all of a sudden you want to turn the page. You can't get enough of the story. This is one of those books! I'm so mad at the author!(really not Bella) Believe me the book is better than the first!

**

Derek, the Prince of Darkness, never thought he would have fallen for one of his slaves. Sofia Claremont has a hold over him. She makes him want to be a better person. When did that all come about? His heart of stone is slowly melting. Sofia gets a glimpse of his humanity. She begins to worry about the people she has left behind. What ever happened to her friend Ben?  Derek sees torment on her face as she looks out the window.

 

He lets her leave the Shade. It becomes his undoing. You don't know what you got until it's gone. The darkness envelopes him; blinding his judgement. His twin sister is worried. Will things go back to the way they were or is the Shade collasping into utter chaos?

The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe

" I was found by a tinker at the age of ten. I had no memory of what happened to me until that point. I knew I was never normal, no matter how much I wished it. I mean who hears voices in a house that is completely and utterly quiet.? I never knew my name. I was given one."

 

***

The first think that got my attention was the cover. The smoke just seeps from the dress, almost like a fog. As you open the pages you are taken to a world full of mystery and magic. Are you sure of what you are seeing is real or is it something of your imagination?

**

Meet Lora Jones. To the girls at Iverson Academy, she is a charity case, someone who is coming to the school on a scholarship. She is an outsider; someone who does not fit in. It seems that no one understands her. It is this way until she meets the ground keeper's nephew Jesse. To the girls at the Academy he keeps to himself; doesn't talk much. However he is keeping his eye on Lora. They talk every once in while. Everything seems to be going fine. Then something happens. Lora never knew how to play the piano. Suddenly she plays the great arts. People are applauding. Is it my imagination or is Jesse putting a spell on her? Only one way to find out! This was a great read! I can't wait to read the sequel!

A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest

Meet Sofia Claremont, your average seventeen year old. She walks along the beach admiring a beautiful sunset. For a moment she gets a chill; thinks nothing of it. The next moment she is enveloped in darkness not remembering what happened. As Sofia wakes up in a room she has never seen before. It is dark and dreary with the smell of mildew. She says to herself "This has to be a bad dream." But it is no dream. In walks a man who will change her fate.

"Hello my dear. Welcome to the Shade." The Shade is like no other place that Sofia has seen. Everything is different. Some of the humans walk around with what look to be bite marks. What kind of place is this?

She walks with four other girls. None of them know what to expect. They go and meet the Prince of Darkness, Derek Novak, who just woke up from a four hundred year old nap. And he is hungry. Will Sofia survive such a place? Or will she become one of his victims?

Breaking Point by Kristen Simmons

 

Look at that! Wow! What a roller coaster ride! I'd give you Three reasons why I love this book but I can't. I don't want to ruin it for other readers.
**
Ember and Chase have been in hiding for three months. All seems to be going well until their names are announced over the radio. This time their is a price on their heads. Immediately they go grabbing the few belongings they own and are on the run. They are not alone on this journey. They have a few friends. Both meet up with someone they thought they'd never see again--Tucker--Chase's ex military partner.

They find little rest, traveling long distances, getting little sleep. They finally take refuge in a safe house. Only it is her imagination or does Ember not feel as safe? Is someone possibly watching her. As she turns on her flash light she was right. Someone walks up to where she has bunked for the night. "You know that there is a checkpoint in your mother's name?"

Why is this? Ember thought her mother died. Could this be leading to a trap or does it give her a reason to hope?

Spy Island by Sophie Schiller

I would like to thank Sophie Schiller for sending me this book. For the first time, I have been left speechless. Not because I don't know what to say. But because the writing is so profound.

This book is full of intrique and suspense. For anyone who loves history, trust me this is the book for you. It is a definite page turner.

**

The year is 1916. With forces beyond her control Abigail Maduro heads to the West Indies. Before she leaves her caretaker tells her to take heed of German spies. "You never know my dear. With the world at war your closest friend can be your worst enemy."

As she makes the island of St. Thomas her home, Abby discovers a man in need of help. She can't pin point his accent. It sounds very much like German. After gaining her trust does he give her his name, Erich Seibold. St. Thomas is a small village. Within an hour your next door neighbor can know your business. Abby must tread carefully as she gives this German soldier asylum.

Although people have seen her in town with this strange man. Her aunt is worried about her niece's reputation. Her aunt has a right to worry. Abby and Erich are being followed by someone in the shadows. It only takes a moment and everything may fall to pieces. Then it's time to run.

The Icecutter's Daughter by Tracie Peterson

This book is the first book I've read by Tracie Peterson. I have to say I was sad when the book ended. I wanted it to keep going. This book has a little bit of everything: mystery, suspense, romance. Meet Rurik Jorgenson who has been invited by his Uncle Carl to help with the furniture business. He is ready for some fresh air and adventure. Only one thing is holding him back...  his fiance. He dissolves the engagement so he can help his elderly uncle.

 

Weeks pass. Rurik goes to help a neighboring family. He does not know alot about ice cutting. At the end of the day he is surprised when one of the workers is the ice cutter's daughter, Merrill Krause. There is an instant connection. They begin to talk and find they have alot in common.

Things dissipate as Rurik's former fiance turns up for a visit.

 

Only one way to find out what happens...

 

Be sure to look for this book in stores and online on March 1st.

Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza

Mila 2.0 is the first book in an electrifying sci-fi thriller series about a teenage girl who discovers that she is an experiment in artificial intelligence.

Mila was never meant to learn the truth about her identity. She was a girl living with her mother in a small Minnesota town. She was supposed to forget her past —that she was built in a secret computer science lab and programmed to do things real people would never do.

Now she has no choice but to run—from the dangerous operatives who want her terminated because she knows too much and from a mysterious group that wants to capture her alive and unlock her advanced technology. However, what Mila’s becoming is beyond anyone’s imagination, including her own, and it just might save her life.

Mila 2.0 is Debra Driza’s bold debut and the first book in a Bourne Identity–style trilogy that combines heart-pounding action with a riveting exploration of what it really means to be human. Fans of I Am Number Four will love Mila for who she is and what she longs to be—and a cliffhanger ending will leave them breathlessly awaiting the sequel. (summary from goodreads)
---

I must say I was really surprised. This book isn't at all what I expected but something more. I don't want to reveal much because if I start typing I will give the whole book away. I will say this. This book kept my attention. The plot was wonderful. The girl Mila--somebody you do not want to underestimate. Be prepared for the ride of a lifetime as you step into this girl's shoes.