Endless Summer Review

Endless Summer

by Christopher David Petersen (Goodreads Author)

4.29  ·  rating details  ·  7 ratings  ·  3 reviews

The Riley family is on vacation. Their getaway destination is a New England beach known for it paranormal activity. From the moment they arrive, strange things take place. The longer they stay, the stranger the events become, until they meet full bodied apparitions. Very quickly, they realize one of the apparitions is in distress and they decide to help him. The more they communicate with the spirit, the more their own health deteriorates. They struggle to find a balance between saving the apparition and saving themselves.

My Review (Spoilers)
This book reminded me of the movie, Groundhog Day..  That being said, I loved this book!  This book was able to hold my interest thoroughly and not once was I bored, although 1) I knew immediately the Riley family had died, 2) they didn't know it, 3) each day started out pretty much the same way, and this went on through most of the book.  The images painted by the author's descriptions were so beautiful, I could actually picture the whole scene and keep it throughout the book.  I read this book in less than 12 hrs, which isn't saying much, except that I had to stop a few times, to charge my tablet, cook supper and eat, and to deal with the 3 kids that continuously need my attention.  I stayed up rather late finishing it, because I just couldn't stop reading it.  Although I knew that the family was dead, it drew me in waiting to see what would happen next, when and how they would figure it out, and to "see" when they finally moved on.  I say see, because even now I can see everything in my mind in great detail, and it's beautiful.  The author did a great job wrapping it up for the ending also, I loved how he kept the story going after they had all moved on and let the readers know how the events of this family had impacted lives way on down the line.  I usually read YA paranormal romance type novels, this one was not exactly in that category, but a great read and I look forward to reading more from this author!  
I give this book a solid 4.5 stars.  The happiness of the story is still lingering in me the next day after reading it...  A feel good story that I recommend to all, and I believe I learned quite a bit about myself and the parent I want to be.

Ascend Review

Ascend (Trylle Trilogy #3)

by Amanda Hocking (Goodreads Author), Jason Letts (Goodreads Author) (Editor)

3.91  ·  rating details  ·  6,418 ratings  ·  615 reviews

Third and final book in the Trylle Trilogy.

With a war looming on the horizon, Wendy’s fate seems sealed.

But everything she sacrificed might be in vain if she can’t save the ones she loves.

Her whole life has been leading up to this, and it’s all coming to an end.

My Review (spoiler alert):

In my review of Torn, I mentioned that I had a few ideas how things were going to work out (or at least how I thought they should), I couldn't have been further from the real story!  I thought Wendy would, of course, save the kingdom, annul  her marriage with Tove, get the awful laws changed, and marry Finn..  Of course that completely wrapped up little fairy tale in my head was just that..  The real story had much more depth and was definitely more interesting.  I think I learned something that I can apply if I ever get my book written.  I can understand Wendy and Loki being together, it makes perfect sense, and they truly love each other, but I have to say I'm still a bit sad, I just loved Finn!  Amanda did a wonderful job tying everything together at the end, there was plenty of drama and action that kept the story moving, and I liked the ending much better than the one I had thought up!  I liked that everything didn't just magically and automatically get perfect, the ending left us with the understanding that Wendy was working on and making progress on getting the laws changed, and making their way of life better.  It let us know everyone was on their way to doing quite well, and even Finn had a possible new love interest.  I would however like to see a new novella that gave us a peek into the future of all of the characters, including the baby, Finn, Tove and Matt and Willa..  Not because the ending didn't wrap it up well enough, it did.. but because, like all of my favorite books, I just want the story to keep going.  I hate to see a story end, because I love the characters and want to keep reading about them, this trilogy is definitely one of those stories!  

I had to give it 4 stars, but only because I'm still pouting over Wendy not ending up with Finn, although I completely agree with her being with Loki.. if that makes sense.. =} 

Torn Review

Torn (Trylle Trilogy #2)

by Amanda Hocking (Goodreads Author)

3.92  ·  rating details  ·  6,720 ratings  ·  526 reviews

Torn the second installment of the Trylle Trilogy...

Wendy thought she finally understood who she was and what she wanted, but everything changes when the rival Vittra come after her.

She's caught between two worlds, torn between love and duty, and she must decide what life she is meant to lead.

My Review (Some Spoilers)

I couldn't wait to read this after reading the first one..  I was slightly afraid it wouldn't live up to the hype I'd built up in my head.  I was, thankfully, wrong for worrying!  This book kept me completely engaged and wanting to read it quickly.  I was almost shocked when I realized it was over..  I was so engrossed in it, I wanted nothing more than to immediately start reading the next one, but I'm restraining myself until after the holiday, still way too much to do and I won't get any of it done if I start reading it now!  

I am a bit surprised by some of the plot twists that have come up, but they definitely make it very interesting, and have me racking my brain to figure out how it will all work out with everyone happy and with the right persons.  I am a bit saddened that Wendy won't get much more time to bond with and actually get to know her mother, not to mentioned being thrown into being the queen so soon, but I believe she has shown a lot of growing in this book, she will do well.  I am still in love with her and Finn as a couple and hope it works out.  I have a few ideas in mind as to how it may play out, but I'll just have to wait and see if I'm on the same page as Amanda Hocking.  I do also really like Tove and want to see him happy, but not necessarily with Wendy and I couldn't imagine having Aurora as a mother in law!.  The fact that Loki seems to truly have feelings for Wendy, and that she could possibly get caught up in that, is a bit odd for me, but it definitely adds to the suspense.   

I do love this trilogy so far and I love everything I've read by Amanda Hocking.  I'm giving this one 4.5 stars, and seriously recommend it to everyone. 

Switched Review

Switched (Trylle Trilogy #1) 

by Amanda Hocking (Goodreads Author)

3.79  ·  rating details  ·  8,753 ratings  ·  1,347 reviews

When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy finds out her mother might've been telling the truth. With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - and it's one she's not sure if she wants to be a part of.

My Review:

I have had this trilogy on my Mom's Nook for a long time, I started out reading her My Blood Approves series and I loved it, waiting anxiously for the next one!  

I finally sat down and read this first Trylle book.. I was, for some reason, very pleasantly surprised..  I guess the idea of trolls didn't call to me as much as the other plots out there.  I'm now very glad I read it and wish I had a long time ago!  This book held my attention and captivated my interests from page 1..  I try not to have too many spoilers, so I won't go into detail, but it's about a girl named Wendy.  She lives with her aunt and brother, and had a very traumatic young childhood..  She always felt out of place and different from everyone else.. The new guy at school, Finn, is always staring at her.  It creeps her out and one day she confronts him, and starts events that lead to her whole world changing beyond anything she had ever imagined.  She soon realizes that he no longer freaks her out, she actually notices how attractive he is, then it goes from there..  There is a perfect amount of drama and romance in this book that kept me not wanting to put it down..  Plus, Finn is definitely now at the top of my list of hero hotties!  I give this book 5 stars and can't wait to read the next one!  I recommend it to all of you who enjoy any type of paranormal/romance.  Way to go Amanda Hocking!!

It's been a great day!

Yes, I'm one of the many who end up putting off my Christmas shopping till the last minute!  I hate doing it and every year I swear to myself that "next year" I'll start way earlier, I never do!  This year is no different.. I technically started it today.  It was hectic, of course, but like many others these days, I've had a hard time coming up with the funds to do it.  I have them now, and my oldest friend in the world called me up wanting to go shopping together.  We've known each other for about 31 years, people still think we're sisters and we haven't actually hung out or even talked much in years, although hopefully today has changed that!  We had a great time, eating, shopping (retail therapy) and just talking about everything, the way we used to!  She's a great friend and I'm so happy we could spend the day together!  I bought quite a few things for my oldest child, and a couple of things for myself =)  I still have a long way to go before I'm finished, but can't wait and I feel so much better now that I've started!  I believe we're getting our 4 yr old some sort of handheld game or tablet of some kind, there are plenty of them for his age out there and he wants one pretty badly, so Santa has to deliver, right?  For my oldest, it's fairly easy, he has many games he's been wanting, although I'm still struggling with the cell phone he wants, and my husband has vetoed the hermit crab!  He wants one of those pretty badly and he's been taking care of their pet crab in science class, his teacher says he's really good with it, so we'll see, I haven't totally taken it off the list yet!  All in all, it was a very productive day of shopping, even though there's still a lot more to get. 


I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, may all your dreams come true!  This truly is a blessed time of year!

Small Review of Destined and Remedial Magic (spoiler alert)

Destined (House of Night #9)

by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast

4.08  ·  rating details  ·  6,023 ratings  ·  933 reviews

In Destined, the forces of Light and Dark collide as their epic struggle focuses on Tulsa's House of Night. Zoey is home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side and preparing to face off against Neferet. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, he and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together if Rephaim can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But is Zoey really safe? Does she truly know those who are closest to her? And will love win when it is tested by the very soul of Darkness? Find out what s destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.
My Review:
Last night I finished Destined by P.C. and Kristin Cast..  Very good book, it had been so long since I read the others I was afraid I'd be lost, but I picked up with the story immediately.  I found it rather engrossing.  There were a few things I wasn't so sure about, but I ended up enjoying.  Neferet annoys me but I'm happy about the way that is playing out.  I just can't believe the storyline of her having the white bull as her consort!  It shows her true evil, I understand, but the whole bestiality aspect is disturbing to me.  I have read many reviews where people are tired of the Zoey/love triangle ideas, but I think that's just part of who she is.. I am still racking my brain to figure out how the Heath storyline will unfold, and I'm not so sure I agree with it so far.  I did love the ending with Rephaim and Kelona, and when Kalona offered himself to Thanatos as her warrier and swords instructor for the school!  I believe this will cause a big uproar with some, but I like the direction it's going.  The worst part about the book for me was the ending.. It was great but ended in a very pivotal point that has me aching for the next book already, which I suppose is the whole point, but it's the cliffhanger that will seem to last forever!

Remedial Magic (Faeriewalker 0.5)

by Jenna Black

3.44  ·  rating details  ·  687 ratings  ·  90 reviews

Delve deeper into the world of the fae with a Faeriewalker bonus story.
Having a prodigy for an older brother is not so fun…especially one who is magic wiz-kid. But Kimber has a plan to finally step out of his shadow.
My Review:

I was still in the mood to read when I finished and was out of books in the print form, but luckily I have borrowed my Mom's Nook (hopefully I'll be getting my own very soon) and I read Remedial Magic by Jenna Black.  It's a tiny novella from the Faeriewalker series.  I love this series!  (It was set before Dana came to Avalon)  This was just a tiny bit of information showcasing Kimber and Ethan and her constant struggle with feeling less than worthy around him.  It was only about 14 pages, but told of a rather huge mixup as she was trying to "learn" to use her magic from a friend..  It made me feel for her even more.


I recommend both of these to anyone who hasn't read them yet!  I hope this isn't a truly boring review, it's my first and I didn't want too much in here in the way of spoilers!  Happy reading to all of you!

The Joys of Parenthood!

I have two boys, ages 10 and 4 and a 3 year old niece that is with us a lot.. I know I've said this before, but this is for those who haven't read my previous posts..  They fight all the time, especially the boys!  The 3 and 4 yr olds together are a mess!  They get into anything and everything, and some of the things they do amazes me!  I came home Wednesday night from work and they were in my 4 yr old's bedroom, not fighting, so I didn't go check on them because I knew I was about to leave again to get pizza (I didn't feel like cooking) and they'd want to go with me.  When I called them in to the kitchen to eat, I noticed something bluish on their faces, I asked what it was and my niece said "water".. yeah right!  It reminded me of Thanksgiving night, when they got into my 10 yr old's paintballs and had orange all over them.  I decided to check out the bedroom, WOW!!  They had been in the bathroom and gotten the older one's toothbrush and all of the toothpaste, found some markers and went to town on the wall, closet door, and dresser!!  I'm guessing they got the toothpaste because they have used up all of the handsoap in the house and that  was the next best thing.  I looked closer and they both had toothpaste all in their hair!  I constantly ask myself why my kids get in to so much!  I know it sounds like they are not watched well, and maybe in this instant that's true.. My husband and my brother were outside and they pretty much had free reign, but on other occasions, they can master this type of damage in 5 minutes or less!  This little stunt now has some sort of "artwork" on 3 of the 4 walls in his bedroom!  It's time to introduce them to the magic erasers, no way am I just going to clean this up for them!  They try me on a regular basis, I used to not bother them too much if they weren't fighting, because they fought all the time, if they were getting along, I didn't care how many toys were scattered in the room, they can always pick them up.. But, now I guess I will have to worry more if they aren't fighting!

 

I had a student a few years ago at the hospital I worked at, she used to share stories of the wild things her son had done at this age, her favorite thing to tell herself was "this is a sign of intelligence!"  This has stuck with me all these years and now I find myself repeating it over and over and praying that this is true!  So, for all you parents out there, if your little one does things you think no other child does, just repeat this phrase to yourself, and remember, it does get better!  At least I hope so!!  ;)