Now in My Bookbag: Franny and Toby, by Tetman Callis

I received an advanced copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for honest feedback for the author and publisher, and an honest review.

This is a truly delightful book, perfect for children from 3rd to 6th grade. Told mostly through the voice of Franny, a cat who can read, this story it very appealing. Author Tetman Callis promotes topics like friendship, family, adventure, and the value of reading. It has great characters that are fun and entertaining. There is just enough light suspense that will appeal to the targeted age range.

The story could be condensed a bit, but reads well as is. I believe this book will be an enchanting tale for children, and a great addition to libraries everywhere. 4 3/4 stars

Reviews Are So Important

Now in My Bookbag: Love is Come, by Heather B. Moore

I am lucky to have received an advance copy of this book, and was asked only for an honest review in return. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I am absolutely captivated by this historical romance from the Power of the Matchmaker Series. Author Heather B. Moore does an impressive job creating a world that is complete with the attitudes and social norms of the time.

Moore also does a fantastic job making me feel Nelle’s story, which is heartrendingly sad, more so because of the treatment she receives from the family on whom she needs to lean. Her only consolations are the time spent with either Mathew or Pearl. She also finds solace in her music. This is totally relatable for almost every reader, even if they are not musicians. Music is universal in its ability to provide a release for what ails the heart.

Pearl’s efforts to unite Nelle with her match are hard fought, giving the story that much more interest. Her existence is of great import to Nelle, and I find that Pearl is written to provide humor and heart to the book. Moore makes me believe that the deep friendship between the two is as important to Pearl as it is to Nelle.

Finally, Moore gives Nelle a huge capacity for love and compassion, which is like a balm to the pettiness and disdain that Nelle must face throughout the story. I believe that she will become one of my favorite heroines from my plethora of books. 5 stars

Currently Reading - Franny and Toby: The Mystery of the Kidnapped Cat, by Tetman Callis

I recently decided to read and review a children’s book, probably because I miss my childhood sometimes. I chose Franny and Toby. Since I love cats, the cover appealed to me. More importantly, the book blurb sounded fascinating.

This is the book BLURB, in its entirety, from amazon.com:

A Watership Down for the 21st Century – with cats! 

Inventive, magical and exciting, Franny & Toby is that rare story that gently teaches us that friendship and tolerance make our world a better place – and that a little education goes a long way when life becomes an adventure.

Meet Franny – she is one of the rarest of cats, for she is a cat who can read. She and her high-voiced brother, Toby, are the new cats on the block. When their human “owner” finally lets them outside they start making friends with other animals from the neighborhood: the cats next door, Highlanders Rainbow, Bay, and their TV-addicted brother Moo-Cow (who never comes outside); the cats across the street, Elbee and her three “kits”, Larry, Curly, and Moe (who are from the Southlands and arrived the year before as refugees from the Southie Wars); Bunny the Free Range Rabbit; MacAdam the roadrunner; and an amazing crowd of sky swimmers – the garrulous crow Squawky Shortbill, some enterprising pigeons, and one very serious falcon – The Colonel.

Beautifully crafted by a master storyteller, it’s exactly the sort of book every child should read – and one that kids of every age will love.

http://www.amazon.com/Franny-Toby-Mystery-Kidnapped-Cat-ebook/dp/B015XBEVK0/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1458943722&sr=8-1

Now in My Bookbag: Catalyst, by Casey L. Bond

This is a moving and very enjoyable book. I feel that author Casey Bond does a great job of weaving together the many elements of this story into a cohesive read.

With a very well thought out theme of a dystopian world in need of revolution, Bond exposes the ugliness of a corrupt and dangerous society.

Within this overall story, Bond addresses the topics of terminal illness, loss, and revenge. The heart of the story is Seven; she is also its strength, thanks to her friendship with Mitis.

The book provides many surprises, and I can say without exaggeration, it is a true page-turner. I highly recommend this book and believe that it will appeal to a wide array of readers. 5 stars

Currently Reading: Catalyst, by Author Casey L. Bond

Blurb

The city of Confidence is surrounded by a thick, concrete wall. These walls are built to protect those within and to keep dangers outside. What happens when the only danger to the citizens within is its leadership?

When a young man on a suicide mission meets a young woman with a terminal illness, both of them use one another as a means to their own ends. They never expect to become friends. They never expect to become so much more to each other. Their backgrounds and the secrets they uncover are more dangerous than any plans they could make together or separately.

Revolution begins with a spark

http://www.amazon.com/Catalyst-Casey-L-Bond-ebook/dp/B00ZFX3HNE

Now in My Bookbag: Lorelai, You'll Never Die

I was taken in by Lorelai’s gritty journey. The collection of short stories combined to provide a mostly cohesive book. I developed a respect for the evolution of her character and appreciated the imagination of the quest. I wished that the scene from the train had been incorporated somehow into the end of the book. It would have made more sense to me.

There were some of the stories that seemed as though they did not belong with Lorelai’s journey, at all, and they detracted from the flow of the book. I wished that they had been saved as seeds for future projects by author Laura Konrad. 3 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Replacement Bride (Hope's Crossing Book Two), by Cynthia Woolf

It was so nice to visit Hope’s Crossing again. I loved finding my old friends Sam and Jo Longworth, and it was wonderful to meet Clare and Jesse Donovan. The story was charming. I felt that it was a smart choice by author Cynthia Woolf, to vary the story of Clare and Jesse by:

• showing me a different standard of living than the previous Bride stories
• introducing the concept of a replacement for a previous engagement.

Still, I was bothered a bit by how many things this story does have in common with the other Bride stories. Relationship progressions, dangerous situations, etc

Ultimately, I thought this book was exceptionally enjoyable and lovely. 4 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Other Side of Gravity, by Shelly Crane

It was so easy to get drawn into this book. Sophelia’s story was very interesting and engrossing, her journey was extremely heart-wrenching and tear-jerking. Learning about her destiny was fascinating. I loved meeting Maxton, and learning just the kind of man he was, and I thought the fact that he and Sophelia learned to trust each other was remarkably well written.

There were several grammar problems that should have been found during the proofing, but they did not detract that much from the flow of the story. The cliffhanger at the end of the book made me desperately desire the next of the series. This was the amazing beginning of this sci-fi, fantasy story.

4 3/4 stars

Waking Olivia, by Elizabeth O'Roark

Now in My Bookbag: Crime and Poetry, by Amanda Flower

This story is charming, magical, and a little bit quirky. I truly enjoyed this read and feel very comfortable recommending it.

Most of the book flows well. My only complaint has to do with the depth and complexity of the characters. Many of them are one-dimensional, but it feels like they could become more complex, with a bit more time spent on them.

Otherwise, I find the book endearing. I have fallen in love with Emerson. The story has the right combination of drama and lightheartedness. The setting is perfect. It is an enchanting read, and I hope that Author Amanda Flower continues the story with her next book in A Magical Bookshop Mystery series. 4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Heroes, by Ednah Walters

Heroes are not born. They rise out of love and duty.
What if you have to choose? Book 2 of Eirik Trilogy continues the story of a god and a Mortal girl… price will change after release

Eirik wants nothing more than to show Celestia—the Witch who pulled him out of the darkness—that his feelings for her are real, but his parents expect him to avenge a wrong done to his family. To make matters worse, Celestia is moving on and is already dating another guy. Then Eirik discovers she is the key to accomplishing his goals. Caught between love and duty, Eirik will do whatever it takes, including getting up close and personal with Celestia, to get his way.

Celestia is convinced she is drawn to Eirik because of the bond created by the dragon’s kiss, so she pushes him away. But when he comes to her for help, she is once again thrust into his world, where things are never what they seem.

From Earth to the realms of the gods, betrayal follows them and help comes from unexpected sources. But when the time comes for Eirik to choose, will he fulfill his duty or follow his heart? Everything rests on his shoulders as the wrong choice may lead to Celestia’s worst fear—the rise of the Harbinger of Death.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon http://bit.ly/Heroes-Kindle
Amazon UK http://bit.ly/Heroes-KindleUK
iBooks http://bit.ly/Heroes-iBooks
B&N http://bit.ly/Heroes-BN
GooglePlay http://bit.ly/Heroes-GooglePlay
Smashwords http://bit.ly/Heroes-Smashwords
Kobo http://bit.ly/Heroes-Kobo

*USA Today Bestselling Author Ednah Walters is a multi-published author of four different series–her Norse-mythology-based bestselling YA Paranormal romance series, RUNES(YA-Paranormal Romance) and Nephilim THE GUARDIAN LEGACY-(YA fantasy romance).

She also writes contemporary romance under E. B. Walters. The Fitzgerald Family series started with SLOW BURN. There are six books in this series. Her new USA Today bestselling series, INFINITUS BILLIONAIRES. Impulse (book 1) was published in January 2015. Indulge (Aug 4th of 2015).

*Join her mailing list at http://bit.ly/EdnahsNewsletter or visit her athttp://www.ednahwalters.com to stay up to date with her new releases*

Now in My Bookbag: Before the Fall, by Noah Hawley

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This book is very interesting. It is a study of the way that even small decisions and chance encounters can spin lives onto a completely new course. Author Noah Hawley philosophically examines the lives of the characters that are central to the plane crash, as well as the lives of the characters that become central to the story following the crash.

What results is an in depth read, full of tragedy and suspense, that is quite engrossing. The bit of backstory given for each character reveals their paths to convergence. I find artistry in the prose Hawley writes, however I wish there was a bit less philosophy here and there.

I really like the way this author weaves the backstories together with events following the crash to create a tapestry of the truth, sprinkling clues together with possibilities to keep me guessing until almost the end.

My favorite thing about this story is the bond between the unlikely survivors of the crash, Scott and JJ. Hawley leaves me believing that each of them will breathe life back into the other. 4 3/4 stars

Expected release date: May 31, 2016

About Author Noah Hawley

Born New York City, The United States

Website http://www.noahhawley.com

Twitter noahhawley

Genre Literature & Fiction

Noah Hawley is an American film and television producer, screenwriter, composer, and author. He is the author of three novels including A Conspiracy of Tall Men, Other People’s Weddings and The Punch. For TV he wrote and produced the television series Bones (2005-present) and also created The Unusuals (2009) and My Generation (2010). Hawley also wrote the screenplay for the film Lies and Alibis (2006) starring Steve Coogan and Rebecca Romijn.

Now in My Bookbag: Waking Olivia, by Elizabeth O'Roark

This exceptional, contemporary novel has elements of romance, mystery, and suspense.

The main characters are complex and relatable. Olivia is both damsel in distress and a strong, fierce female. Will is both prince charming and a cynic to whom life has dealt a raw deal. They are perfectly poised to rescue each other.

The story is well thought out, and the prose is perfect for the plot. The inclusion of Olivia’s mysterious past, and the suspense that it brings, adds just the right amount of excitement to this great read. This is now one of my favorite contemporary books. It hugs the line, between college romance and adult romance, very well. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Clockwork Princess, by Cassandra Clare

This is one of my favorite ugly cry books. It is also an exemplary novel and a perfect ending to the Infernal Devices Trilogy.

The story is full of love, in all its forms. I adore these characters and, after reading this trilogy so many times, consider them friends and family. They are complex and completely relatable, even though they are fictional. I am so invested in these characters that elements of the story are heart-wrenching still, after all of this time.

Author Cassandra Clare builds a believable Shadowhunter world in the midst of 1800’s London. I always feel transported there, every time I read it. I will always recommend this trilogy as one of my favorites. 5 stars

The correct reading order of this trilogy is as follows: Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, Clockwork Princess.

Now in My Bookbag: Lost, by Alyssa Rose Ivy

When last we left Daisy, a huge abyss was forming between her and Owen. It was quite the cliffhanger.

Now,  thankfully, we learn that all hope is not lost. This news is thrilling for all fans of #OwenandDaisy.

Author Alyssa Rose Ivy creates a story here that is both well-told and gratifying. She has an uncanny knowledge of how to please her readers while also remaining true to Owen and Daisy.

This story flows so well from beginning to end. I literally could not put the book down until the major cliffhanger at the end. It is a mind blowing cliffhanger, and a wonderful book. 5 stars

Lost, by Alyssa Rose Ivy, is LIVE on Thursday, March 10th

The Allure Chronicles:

Prequel – Seduction’s Kiss … amazon.com

Book #1 – Lure … amazon.com

Book #2 – Lust … amazon.com

After years of searching Daisy and Owen have finally found each other, only to face the threat of being forced apart. If they are unable to stop Daisy from becoming an Allure, she will forever lose the ability to love. 

Desperate to stop the change before time runs out, they must decide what price they are willing to pay to save their love.

Book #3 – Lost … available on Thursday, March 10th

Author Biography

Alyssa Rose Ivy is the bestselling author of more than twenty-five novels with over half a million books sold worldwide. She loves to weave stories with romance and humor, and she is best known for writing about college boys with wings and skinny dipping. After surviving law school and earning her masters in library science, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

Visit her on the web at:
http://www.alyssaroseivy.com
www.facebook.com/AlyssaRoseIvy
twitter.com/AlyssaRoseIvy

Sign up for her new release newsletter: http://eepurl.com/ktlSj

Now in My Bookbag: Thorpe's Mail-Order Bride, by Cynthia Woolf

I was given a copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

I find this story charming. The characters are likable, with the exception of Eric, (the villain). He is truly vile.

The plot follows a familiar format, with a twist. The world-building is less effective than I had hoped. It does not reach the caliber of Hunter Bride, another of Woolf’s mail order bride books.

I find the beginning of the book rushed, with too little backstory. That, coupled with a back and forth timeline, really hurts the story’s flow. Also, despite the secret kept by Lena, (Thorpe’s bride), I have trouble finding the plausibility of a comparison between her and his mother. In addition, the grammar and punctuation are pretty bad.

This book has the potential to be really good. It needs further editing and more proofing. 3 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Clockwork Prince, by Cassandra Clare

The Infernal Devices is one of my favorite series, and I am very late in providing reviews for this trilogy, (I have read them five times).

This, the second book in the series, is very well thought out and well written. With new layers added to the characters I have already come to love, I am drawn deeper into their world. The world of these earlier Shadowhunters.

I am fascinated by the mystery that is Tessa. I have fallen more deeply in love with Jem. My heart aches for Will. The entirety of the Institute inhabitants feel like family to me, and the Institute itself feels like home. Indeed, I can imagine myself in London during the 1800s. I remain fascinated with this world and this story.

Available March 15th... Heroes, by Ednah Walters!! Pre-Order NOW!

PreOrder Links:

Amazon http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderKindle

Amazon  UK http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderKindle-UK

iBooks http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderiBooks

B&N http://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-BN

GooglePlayhttp://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-GooglePlay

Smashwords http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderSmashwords

Kobo http://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-Kobo

Heroes are not born. They rise out of love and duty.

But what if you have to choose?

Eirik wants nothing more than to show Celestia—the Witch who pulled him out of the darkness—that his feelings for her are real, but his parents expect him to avenge a wrong done to his family. To make matters worse, Celestia is moving on and is already dating another guy. Then Eirik discovers she is the key to accomplishing his goals. Caught between love and duty, Eirik will do whatever it takes, including getting up close and personal with Celestia, to get his way.

Celestia is convinced she is drawn to Eirik because of the bond created by the dragon’s kiss, so she pushes him away. But when he comes to her for help, she is once again thrust into his world, where things are never what they seem.

From Earth to the realms of the gods, betrayal follows them and help comes from unexpected sources. But when the time comes for Eirik to choose, will he fulfill his duty or follow his heart? Everything rests on his shoulders as the wrong choice may lead to Celestia’s worst fear—the rise of the Harbinger of Death

Available on March 15!! Pre-Order NOW!!

PreOrder Links:

Amazon http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderKindle

Amazon  UK http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderKindle-UK

iBooks http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderiBooks

B&N http://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-BN

GooglePlay http://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-GooglePlay

Smashwords http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderSmashwords

Kobo http://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-Kobo

Heroes are not born. They rise out of love and duty.

But what if you have to choose?

Eirik wants nothing more than to show Celestia—the Witch who pulled him out of the darkness—that his feelings for her are real, but his parents expect him to avenge a wrong done to his family. To make matters worse, Celestia is moving on and is already dating another guy. Then Eirik discovers she is the key to accomplishing his goals. Caught between love and duty, Eirik will do whatever it takes, including getting up close and personal with Celestia, to get his way.

Celestia is convinced she is drawn to Eirik because of the bond created by the dragon’s kiss, so she pushes him away. But when he comes to her for help, she is once again thrust into his world, where things are never what they seem.

From Earth to the realms of the gods, betrayal follows them and help comes from unexpected sources. But when the time comes for Eirik to choose, will he fulfill his duty or follow his heart? Everything rests on his shoulders as the wrong choice may lead to Celestia’s worst fear—the rise of the Harbinger of Death.

Available March 15th!! Pre-Order NOW!!

PreOrder Links:

Amazon http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderKindle

Amazon  UK http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderKindle-UK

iBooks http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderiBooks

B&N http://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-BN

GooglePlay http://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-GooglePlay

Smashwords http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderSmashwords

Kobo http://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-Kobo

Heroes are not born. They rise out of love and duty.

But what if you have to choose?

Eirik wants nothing more than to show Celestia—the Witch who pulled him out of the darkness—that his feelings for her are real, but his parents expect him to avenge a wrong done to his family. To make matters worse, Celestia is moving on and is already dating another guy. Then Eirik discovers she is the key to accomplishing his goals. Caught between love and duty, Eirik will do whatever it takes, including getting up close and personal with Celestia, to get his way.

Celestia is convinced she is drawn to Eirik because of the bond created by the dragon’s kiss, so she pushes him away. But when he comes to her for help, she is once again thrust into his world, where things are never what they seem.

From Earth to the realms of the gods, betrayal follows them and help comes from unexpected sources. But when the time comes for Eirik to choose, will he fulfill his duty or follow his heart? Everything rests on his shoulders as the wrong choice may lead to Celestia’s worst fear—the rise of the Harbinger of Death.

Available March 15th... Pre-Order NOW!!

PreOrder Links:

Amazon http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderKindle

Amazon  UK http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderKindle-UK

iBooks http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderiBooks

B&N http://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-BN

GooglePlay http://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-GooglePlay

Smashwords http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderSmashwords

Kobo http://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-Kobo

Now in My Bookbag: The Lie Tree, by Frances Hardinge

I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

What a phenomenal work! Books this exceptional are far too rare. Author Frances Hardinge has a special gift for prose.

Setting descriptions breathe life into Vane Island, from Faith’s first assessment of her new home, until the story’s last syllables are written. The characters are splendid in their complexity. This book is well thought out,  and so well written.

Hardinge outlines the mindset of the scientific naturalist, as well as the thinking of those more devoutly religious. The elegance of this story however, is its success in coloring all of the grey areas between the two. The Lie Tree is suspense and mystery, sins and absolution, self-righteousness and self-recremination.

This book is a fantastic find, one which I hope to share with as many discerning readers as possible. 5 stars