Saturday, July 31, 2010

White Cat by Holly Black

White Cat by Holly Black
May 4th 2010 by Margaret K. McElderry Publishing
Hardcover, 310 pages
A BWB Group Review
Purchased

Ridiculous Short Book Synopsis

Cassel is a mobster...a con man......a murderer oh and comes from a family of curse workers -- fun time people who can alter your emotions, thoughts and basically your entire status in life. While Cassel's family all has the gift of curse work at their fingertips, Cassel does not and since working people is highly illegal, the family lives life like The Sopranos. Tucked away in a school Cassel hides from his family behind his books and education...that is until he starts sleepwalking and gets kicked out..........................

Review

If you have tasted Holly Blacks work before then you know she isn’t about rainbows and dog walks. Black writes to shock and take YA to the extreme……and I must say White Cat did not disappoint. Highly different from The Modern Faerie Tale, Black offers us a unique look into the world of mobsters with paranormal powers. After reading this I’m thankful Al Capone only had special powers in moving around drugs and pulling triggers………………….

Shortly after Cassel starts sleepwalking at school and keeps having dreams about a white cat desperate to get his attention (id say chewing your tongue out gives a hint) does the school decide to kick him out temporally to seek medical attention. Cassel then has to return home and stay with his curse-working brothers whose strange behavior and dark secrets slowly begin to pour out. Haunted by memories of killing his best friend Lila but not understanding why, Cassel soon gets a feeling that the biggest con the family is playing is the one surrounding him.

I think the world Black created was one of unique genius and believability. While most of the characters are unlikable even Cassel at times who manipulates and uses people, the story still manages to grab hold of the reader and not let go. Not that Black lets her characters run amuck or have fun in their illegal activities, deep betrayals rack the family and tear them up. Many of the relationships are double-sided and no one can truly be trusted because basically everyone is out for themselves. The biggest issue though concerning the curse work is the consequence of using it. Cassel’s family experience blowback whenever they work a curse….you know that idea in witchcraft that says whatever you send out comes back to you seven fold…….well curses work the same way in Blacks novel except they come back as a physical or mental damaging effect. Grandpa’s fingers are black, other family members have lost fingers, some have mental issues and others are seriously jacked up- working spouses or other loved ones.Even with this knowledge the family still chooses to use it. While they are rich and powerful they still pay the price and in the end the entire family has to account for the deceit and secrets. A twisty, mysterious world with a gangster feel that meets the paranormal.


Rating

White Cat does not shy away from mature content including: Illegal activities (think mobsters) sexuality, violence, murder, drug and alcohol use/references, graphic language and witchcraft. Recommended to the mature teen and adult.

3.5/5- YA-Mobsters-Paranormal
Check out the rest of the HBICs Reviews...
Emily @ What book is that?
Rach @ Parajunkees


BWB Discussion Questions

1.Blacks characters pay a price for being powerful curse workers and experience a phenomenon called "blowback" whenever they worked someone. If you had a superpower but knew by using it you would experience a crippling side effect would you still use it?

If it was for something good.....using power and lying will only get you so far until it crumbles...I mean look at the Freddy Mac...................then again I really really enjoy having fingers so maybe not.........

2.Family plays an important role in White Cat (Curse Workers) -- who did you like the most or the least in Cassel's family and why?

I didn't really care for any of Cassel's family- his brother worked his wife, the other one lies, while gramps had a few redeeming quality's in the end he was a liar too.

3.What did you think about the entire world that Holly Black built? The gloves, the curses? Can you imagine a world like this where an uncovered hand could be a dangerous weapon?

Unique for sure as she took elements from witchcraft and mobsters and meshed them together.......I thought it wasn't a coincidence that the she used "hands"  in her novel for all the source in her characters powers. Seeing how witchcraft in general is the opposite of religion and hands always signify blessing, cursing...you name it.....

4.With family like this who needs enemies right? Is blood thicker than water? Or in this case should Cassel think about getting a name change and moving far far away from his familial bonds?

I think Cassel needs a time out from the family....he needs to cut the cord and head to the mountains..........

5. Do think this book is a good set up for a sequel? If so, make your predictions.

Of course, there is never a lack of crime drama in the world...and now with mommy out of the pen, Lila being alive and all and Cassel about to get some, I see book two right around the corner.

And for a special spoiler question...

What did you think about Cassel's mother and the curse she worked in the last pages of the book? Cassel finally thinks he is getting some love...and wham-O!

I think mama needs shock treatment...............



Posted by Tina~ at 11:43 AM 7 comments

Friday, July 30, 2010

Follow Friday (5)





Its time to get excited....You know why? Because Parajunkee is full of something called awesome....and is hosting her fantastic Friday feature...Follow my Blog Friday. So get in on the fun. make new friends and spend time hoping around other blogs. Sign up at Parajunkees.





Posted by Tina~ at 8:42 AM 10 comments

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver



Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
March 2nd 2010 by HarperCollins
Hardcover, 470 pages
Purchased 

Book Synopsis

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life? Samantha Kingston has it all—looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it’s her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined............(Goodreads)

Review

Can you say I hate and love something at the same time????

I will admit to you up front, I didn’t like Sam- the main character of the story and this book by far is proof that book bloggers make a difference. After reading the first 100 pages of this novel while I thought the writing was smart, I found the main character mean, unsympathetic and everything that turns me off from a person. After reading through countless reviews raving over Oliver’s debut, I stuck with it and finished and I’m glad I didn’t write the book off as a mean girls Lifetime movie………..

Before I Fall is told through the complete first person account of Sam- who dies in a car accident but awakes to live her last day over and over. Given the chance to figure things out, Sam awakes to each day trying to make something different. She lives the day trying to fix what went wrong and trying to achieve a different outcome. In the beginning of the novel Sam is self-centered, mean and basically lives her life with no consequences. She can mouth off to teachers and her parents, cross the line with men using her sexuality, she’s mean and she pretty much represents popularity in its nastiest form. So does it come as a surprise that she would approach her do-overs in the exact same fashion? Well in the beginning thats what happens, soon though, as each day brings about new revelation, Sam begins to grow and realize the person she was wasn’t necessarily the best person to be. Not that Sam ever wants to be out of her circle of friends, or not popular, but she starts to see the ripple effect rumors and bullying can do to another person’s life.

I loved that the book was a huge mess that slowly gets cleaned up, I loved that Oliver's writing was a twisty story that slowly bleeds out the plot line....as I said above I didn’t like Sam and I thought as I progressed with the story I would like her but I never did. I saw glimpses of goodness but never really enough to completely redeem who Sam was...that is until she finally got it, but even then my opinion of how Sam lived her life never changed. The positive aspect though of Sam’s character was the writing in general, due to the fact that although I never connected with Sam, I connected with the story and found myself having hope for her. Even though Sam couldn’t change the outcomes she did change within herself and her ending, beautiful yet haunting fit the story like a glove. For sure a novel that will make you hate it, love it and thankful you read it.....


Rating

Before I Fall contains graphic content including: Language, death, violence, suicide, mild to graphic sexuality, bullying, drinking, drug use, driving intoxicated and an array of taboo activities. Recommended to the mature teen (10th grade & up) and adult reader.

4/5- YA, Death, Life Lessons





Posted by Tina~ at 7:54 AM 7 comments

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Waiting On Wednesday (14)




Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine and highlights upcoming new releases in books.....this week I'm excited for.........


The Marbury Lens by Andrew Smith
November 9th 2010 by Feiwel & Friends
Hardcover, 368 pages

Book Synopsis

Sixteen-year-old Jack gets drunk and is in the wrong place at the wrong time. He is kidnapped. He escapes, narrowly. The only person he tells is his best friend, Conner. When they arrive in London as planned for summer break, a stranger hands Jack a pair of glasses. Through the lenses, he sees another world called Marbury.

There is war in Marbury. It is a desolate and murderous place where Jack is responsible for the survival of two younger boys. Conner is there, too. But he’s trying to kill them. Meanwhile, Jack is falling in love with an English girl, and afraid he’s losing his mind. Conner tells Jack it’s going to be okay. ....But it’s not.........

Andrew Smith has written his most beautiful and personal novel yet, as he explores the nightmarish outer limits of what trauma can do to our bodies and our minds .......(Goodreads)

This one looks awesome...not only is the cover freaky with those crazy glasses but the plot seems a cross between science fiction and perhaps dystopian....ether way cant wait to read this one!!!



Posted by Tina~ at 9:52 AM 5 comments

Monday, July 26, 2010

Sleepless by Cyn Balog



Sleepless by Cyn Balog
July 13th 2010 by Delacorte Press
Hardcover, 224 pages
Review Copy

Book Synopsis

Eron De Marchelle isn't supposed to feel a connection. He is a Sandman, a supernatural being whose purpose is to seduce human charges to sleep. While he can communicate with his charges in their dreams, he isn't encouraged to--after all, getting too involved in one human's life would prevent him helping his other charges get their needed rest. But he can't deny that he feels something for Julia. Julia, with her fiery red hair and her sad dreams. Just weeks ago, her boyfriend died in a car accident, and Eron can tell that she feels more alone than ever. Eron was human once too, many years ago, and he remembers how it felt to lose the one he loved. Eron has always felt protective of Julia . . . but now, when she seems to need him more than ever, he can't seem to reach her . . . Sandmen are forbidden from communicating with humans outside their dreams. But will Eron be willing to risk everything for a chance to be with the person he loves......(Goodreads)

Review

Sleepless is what I would call whimsical yet mysterious........Not that this story goes deep or even gets you in the grit with the characters, but the setting, the tone and the storyline definitely pleased this reader. Sleepless is a great bedtime read and this being my second Cyn Balog novel, I must say her writing has defiantly matured since Fairy Tale. I think the characters in this story offered more humor and wit, while the writing flowed with a fast consumable, entertaining plot line. Balog has certainly found her voice in the YA mainstream and has plenty to offer in the teen romance genre. I also love when an author in the paranormal market steps out and highlights unknown or unpopular subjects. There are not many stories out there that center the superhero or paranormal feature on the legend of the Sandman and I thought Cyn did a great job making this tale magical and almost fairy tale feel verses the frightening stories usually told about these men.

Eron died one hundred years ago, but instead of a cold death, he was offered a chance to become a Sandman, a invisible man whose duties include watching over his charges and gently putting them to sleep throughout the duration of their lives. After his one hundred year commitment and proper replacement trained, Eron would be able to become human again-thus finishing the life he lost. Longing for the day when that time came, Eron soothes to sleep Julia and his other two girls, each one different and each one dependant upon Eron to fall asleep. For Eron though Julia is special, having taken care of her since infancy, Eron has grown intensely devoted to her and has slowly but surly fallen in love with her as an almost adult woman. Eron is thrilled when his replacement finally arrives, looking forward to finally meeting Julia as a human and starting his life over in a new century. Things aren't going to be easy though, as Eron trains his new replacement each day he turns human for a few hours, not accustomed to the times, he's outdated, confused and has no clue how to blend into society. Things aren't going well with his replacement ether.... considering he was Julia's once boyfriend Griffin (who was killed in a car accident) and was happy being alive, the two aren't seeing eye to eye. Griffin is having a hard time letting go of the human world and especially of Julia........

I loved the chemistry between Eron and Julia, it was hilarious yet sweet and very reminiscent of Jessica and Lucious' love story in Jessica's Guide to Dating on The Dark Side. The gentleman stuck in an old fashioned era and the modern 21rst century girl bewildered at his mannerisms. I loved the story and the writing because of Eron, I loved his sense of humor (or lack of) and his quality's as a lead character. Perhaps that's what is missing in modern culture today, the gentleman..........Regardless though of our lack of gentleman door openers, Sleepless offered a fun love story with a hopeful happy future for our young becoming human sandman.

Rating

Sleepless is suitable for most teens and can be enjoyed by adults as well. Content includes; Violence, mild sensuality, mild language, drinking, death, frightening situations and hilarious dialog...(15 and up).

4/5- YA- Fantasy-Romance
Review Copy Provided by Around the World Tours

If you loved this and are looking for a darker version with a more frightening look into the the legend of Sandmen...try Tenaya Jaynes Blue Aspen


 











Posted by Tina~ at 10:39 AM 4 comments

Friday, July 23, 2010

Follow Friday (4)





Its that time again.....Friday means awesomeness at Parajunkee's. Say hi to all the fun blogs on the list and make new friends.....I love bloggers!!!

Sign up at Parajunkees




Posted by Tina~ at 9:37 AM 11 comments

Thursday, July 22, 2010

If I Stay by Gayle Forman



If I Stay by Gayle Forman
April 6th 2010 by Penguin Young Readers Group
Paperback, 259 pages
Purchased

Book Synopsis

What if you had everything:
A gorgeous boyfriend who was madly in love with you?
Quirky hip parents who totally got you? A musical talent that could take you anywhere? What if your biggest problem in life was choosing which path to take? Follow your first love--music-- to New York City? Or stay with your boyfriend, friends, and family?
What if one day, you went out for a drive... And in an instant everything changed? What if suddenly all the other choices were gone? Except for one--the only one that truly mattered? What would you do? .........................(Goodreads)

Review

Mia a seventeen year old accomplished cellist, with a bright future in music, supportive parents and a beautiful boyfriend has basically what you would call a lovely life in the world. The opening scene of If I Stay showcases a morning over breakfast with Mia, her parents and little brother, the atmosphere paints a picture of peace and a home of laughter and friendship. The hardest aspect in Mia’s life at the moment, is deciding whether to leave her family for Julliard or stay near them at a local college.

One turn of the page plunges Mia and the reader into horrid circumstances….in an instant… everything changes. The choice is no longer going to Julliard…..the choice is to live………………….

After a horrendous car accident, Mia is left in a coma but is able to see everything going on around her. She can see her friends and family, she can hear them and follow them but no one can see her. They only see Mia in the hospital plugged to a ventilator and wires. As the story progresses, Mia walks us through her past and explains each character in the story giving the reader solid attachments and emotional connections to her life. Mia was believably strong and was able to make me laugh, cry and agree with her a countless number of times. I also loved the musical journey in the novel, it broke up some of the devastation going on in the book and was able to along with Mia’s depth, bring meaning to the other characters and almost play a character in itself.

Although the writing and story was almost perfect and while I thought the ending was beautiful it was also abrupt and I wasn’t ready to let go of Mia just yet….but the story ends with the premise you can figure out. Also although Mia’s parents were an active part of her life and they had a healthy strong family I completely disagreed with their parenting style. Open mindedness is a true treasure dealing with teens but handing my child condoms and knowing she’s having sex with her boyfriend behind a closed door is taking it too far. There’s a huge difference between I’m a understanding, supportive parent who used to be a punk rocker and I’m a cool parent who swears like a trucker and encourages my child’s sexuality while letting her boyfriend spend the night---that is what I would call irresponsible….

Despite the parenting issue I had with the novel I thought it was written beautifully. The family overall was portrayed as happy and well adjusted and Mia and Adams love story was subtle yet very real. A powerful message of love, music and tragedy.

Rating

If I Stay is recommended to mature teens (10th grade and up) content includes: Sexuality, graphic language, car accident violence with graphic details, grief, death and adult content.

4.5/5- YA- Death, Music








Posted by Tina~ at 11:16 AM 11 comments

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Waiting On Wednesday (13)



Waiting on Wednesday a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine highlights upcoming releases for books. This week I'm excited for........




Afterlight by Elle Jasper
November 2nd 2010 by Signet
Paperback, 336 pages

Book Synopsis

The Dupres have been Savannah's guardians, appointed by a band of root doctors and hoodooists, for nearly two hundred years. They've all grown...complacent. Now, the Arcos brothers, who've long been entombed at Bonaventure, have been inadvertently freed by a group of teenagers horsing around in the cemetery. Determined to take revenge on the city who entombed them, the Arcos' gather strength in the city's youth. Within the moon's full cycle, the gang's quickening will be complete--they'll become vampires. Newlings, out of control and craving human blood will ravage the city. The one thing the Arcos' didn't count on was the powerful love of a sister. Riley Poe will stop at nothing to get her brother back. The one thing Riley didn't count on was the powerful love of a vampire. Eli Dupre will do anything to get her. Follow Riley, Eli, and the vampires of the Dupre House into the shadowy, underside of Savannah............(Goodreads)

I must confess...this one is all about cover lust....but the synopsis sounds very interesting....I cannot wait to get to know Riley.................





Posted by Tina~ at 9:18 AM 9 comments

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher



Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
October 18th 2007 by Razorbill
Hardcover, 288 pages
Borrowed

Its a normal day for Clay Jensen but when he returns home from school to find a mysterious package with his name on it, his normal day is pretty much over. When Clay opens the package, inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On each tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life and Clay is one of those reasons.

Hello, boys and girls. Hannah Baker here. Live and in stereo. No return engagements. No encore. And this time, absolutely no requests. I hope you’re ready, because I’m about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. And if you’re listening to these tapes, you’re one of the reasons why.

What a unique and interesting idea to tell the tale of suicide from the victim. The concept behind the plot is what made the story so intriguing, each chapter in the story is a cassette tape, each side a piece of the story and after you listen (read) the first cassette it becomes almost imperative that you listen through to the end and discover why Hannah did what she did and why these people are being held responsible for her death.

In the opening scene after Clay opens the package and his initial shock wears off, he inserts cassette one of the seven he's received and begins listening to the story of Hannah Baker, offering an explanation of the way Hannah was feeling and each tape representing a person who contributed to those factors. At first, I didn't know if I liked the idea of blaming another person for a suicide but as you hear the things that Hannah went through, it made sense that she would leave these tapes to these particular people. Although I think the reasons behind Hannah's suicide (despite one) were ultimately trivial, broken up and connected they became huge in Hannah's life and for the reader. All of the circumstances start piling up and even I thought how much more can this girl take...why is this happening to her over and over?

In the end, Clay nor the others mentioned on Hannah's tapes are responsible for Hannah's suicide, when it comes down to it Hannah made that decision and no one can make you kill yourself but they all defiantly played a role in Hannah's life. I think the importance of the book is that it signifies how we treat people, how are actions can effect a person so deeply and alter the course of their life. Hannah was desperate by the end but never really reached out, nor did anyone notice. It certainly made me wonder what have I said or not said or what I have seen but not really bothered to notice.

This was a well written novel. I thought Asher's talent in telling Hannah's story shinned with the fact that while reading this I forgot a male author wrote it, I felt so connected to Hannah it felt like Id crawled inside the book and was right beside her. Throughout the tapes I almost forgot that she was already gone, at times I wished the outcome would be different, I wish Hannah was still alive, that someone on those tapes would reach out and change the decision she already made.

Rating

Thirteen Reasons why is recommended to the mature teen/adult, 16&up content includes: language, explicit sexuality, drinking, violence, death, suicide, grief, abuse and rape.

4/5- YA, Suicide
Posted by Tina~ at 10:14 AM 11 comments

Monday, July 19, 2010

Crimson Moon by J.A. Saare










Crimson Moon by J.A. Saare
June 25th 2010 by The Wild Rose Press 
Paperback, 350 pages
Review Copy

Book Synopsis

Trueblood vampires. Those set apart from common’s by right of blood. Graced with extraordinary abilities such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and precog...more Trueblood vampires. Those set apart from common’s by right of blood. Graced with extraordinary abilities such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition - they are the most powerful and feared among their kind. The secret lies within, a legacy evolving from the truest form of magic, and their living bloodlines are the key. An average morning is what Emma Johnson envisions when she visits Joe’s Café for a steaming cup of coffee. But the world isn't the place she imagined it to be, and neither is she… After Emma is rescued from a horde of bloodthirsty creatures, she discovers she is the daughter of a powerful Vampire from the House Deviard, her rescuer, Caleb, having been sent to see her safely home. For Caleb is also unique, a werewolf procured to protect the royal Vampiric bloodlines from harm - but nothing more. Soon, the undeniable connection Emma and Caleb share evolves beyond attraction into something unexpected. When she is forced to make a choice, what path will she take - vampire or wolf?..................(Goodreads)

Review

Love at first sight, eternal love never to be broken…..I don’t believe in it……..There’s no possible way to meet a person and within thirty seconds know you love them. To me love is devotion; love is putting ones need before your own. It takes time and bonds to truly love someone so deeply. After reading Caleb and Emma’s story though it makes me want to believe in the concept of love within minutes. Love so intense-- it forever links two people together unable to be broken.

Emma has tough decisions today, enroll in college, get a job or stay in bed. Bogged down by the weight of her circumstances having no family left, her mother dead, unknown to her father and now grandmother who is in a nursing home with Alzheimer’s, Emma decides coffee and donuts are the best way to go. During her delicious donut-fest, Emma is approached by a strange man, one that scares her enough to leave the café and head back home (first mistake Emma- should have snuck out the back without him seeing) during which the stranger follows her and before Emma knows it her running turns into flying as she is flung across someone’s shoulders and transported miles on her would-be rescuer.

Caleb- a beautiful dark haired, indigo eyed werewolf happens to be that rescuer. His mission: to rescue the high Vampire Lords daughter and deliver her to the safety of her people. Emma learns all of this in a car ride and I must say handles it pretty well. Having a pack of half-vampire zombies chase you will open your mind pretty quick and Emma doesn’t spend too much time accepting the situation as real and also giving in to the intense feelings she’s having towards Caleb. The two are able to deeply (a-hem) connect and spend important time together before Emma had to meet to her father. But when the time comes to send Emma to her people a tragic event occurs which turns Caleb to do the unthinkable........................

I loved Caleb and Emma's sweet and innocent romance....well innocent for at least a few days........and loved that Caleb had a supernatural bond with her, the whole wolf with one mate thing. I liked the fact that Emma had been with no one else prior to Caleb, which made their first "real night" almost magical. The connection between them although flew at lightning speed worked in the story due to the paranormal flair these characters possessed. While in the middle of the book Caleb's behavior really angered me, he defiantly redeems himself later in the story. I also thought Saare's writing was spot-on, she was able to tie romance, the paranormal world and a fast paced plot line into a page turning fun story. I cant wait for the second installment!!!!!!!!!!! 


Rating

Crimson Moon is recommended to adults only. Content includes: graphic language, violence, graphic sexuality, blood and gore. Think Twilight romance rated R.

4/5- Paranormal Romance- Vampires and Werewolves
Thanks to Ms. Saare for review copy and there is still time to win your own copy...head over to the Blog with Bite for more details.










Posted by Tina~ at 11:38 AM 4 comments

Friday, July 16, 2010

Follow Friday (3)







Here are all the great  blogs to check out this week....stop by and say hi!!








Posted by Tina~ at 9:45 AM 13 comments

Thursday, July 15, 2010

The Sister Wife by Diane Noble







The Sister Wife by Diane Noble
July 1st 2010 by Avon Inspire
Paperback, 336 pages
Review Copy

Book Synopsis

What if the man you loved told you God wanted him to take another wife? What if that woman was your best friend? Set in the heart of the earliest days of a new nineteenth-century sect known as the Saints, The Sister Wife is a riveting account of two women forced into a practice they don't understand, bound by their devotion to Prophet Joseph Smith. When Mary Rose marries Gabriel, neither of them could foresee how quickly the community would turn to the practice of plural marriage. Devastated when Gabe is faced with an order from the Prophet to marry her best friend, Bronwyn, Mary Rose tries to have the faith to carry through with the marriage. But can she really be married to the same man as her very best friend? Can Mary Rose and Bronwyn face betraying both their husband and their God to do what they feel is right............Taken from the CFBA Tour Site...............

Want to read the Prologue and first chapter of The Sister Wife then please go HERE!

Review

When Gabe and Mary Rose meet- its almost instant chemistry. Journeying to America on board of Gabe’s ship Mary Rose is hesitant about a new life in a new land and also accepting a new religion sweeping across the country. Accustomed to the finer things in life, Mary Rose is unprepared to learn the destiny of her family’s trip and the outlook for her future. These circumstances unite Gabe and Mary together and after witnessing a miracle they think is from God, the two confess their love, marry and dive head first into a religion called Mormonism and follow a small band of new converts to seek and learn from the prophet Joseph Smith……………..and that was just while shipboard…………..

Once there, the newlywed couple builds a home, a garden and lives a peaceful life. The small little group of settlers soak up the prophets revelations like honey on a biscuit, the men eager in their new found power as priests over their wives and home, hang on his every word. So it comes as no shocker a year later when the revelation of plural marriage is handed out and the men fall in step eagerly to take second wives. The women on the other hand aren’t so eager; in fact some are downright defiant including Mary Rose who openly protests the revelation. Poor Mary Rose wouldn’t you know it, Gabe gets assigned almost immediately to a second wife…….and even better….its Mary Rose’s best friend Bronwyn. OHHH I’m shuddering just thinking about the injustice. I truly felt livid for Mary Rose and wanted to jump in the book and smack Gabe around, tell him to stop being an idiot…stop trying to cash in his ticket to shag another woman, take your family and run. But just like Abraham heeded to Sarah’s permission to bed Hagar, Gabe within ten minutes of Mary Roses submission beds Bronwyn….all the while Mary sits in the garden listening to their lovemaking….ARGHHHHH I’m getting mad all over again.

I find it funny that the whole concept of plural marriage in Mormonism (which has been rejected by the current LDS Church) was based upon figures from the Old Testament, but yet if you read those particular stories of men with multiple wives or mistresses none of them are happy situations. With Sarah, she thought Abraham bagging Hagar was great UNTIL she had a son of her own and kicked Hagar and Ishmael to the curb…so much for a happy family. Jacob was tricked into marrying Leah…but still slept with her and had kids before he married her sister Rachel and because of the deep love he had for his second and favorite wife it caused bitterness, jealousy and deep betrayals…….David out of pure lust slept with Bathsheba…killed her husband, lost his baby and for the rest of his life had to deal with murder and hatred reigning in his household. And let’s not even talk about Solomon, the playboy of the universe concerning monogamous relationships!!!

Needless to say, I loved the emotion The Sister Wife provoked out of me and I loved traveling this road with Mary Rose through the good and the bad. I can’t wait for the sequel, I’m waiting for some cat fights, seeing the dynamics of the women, daring escapes along with daring rescues (Go Hosea and get your woman before it’s too late) Overall though I’m hoping to see some major courage and growth come from Mary Rose, although she may travel the road as first wife to the extreme in a polygamist marriage I’m hoping she can pull Gabe with her or in my modern woman thinking -kick his sorry rear-end out for good!!!

Rating

Although The Sister Wife maintains a wholesome quality many adult issues are touched on including: Religion, marriage, sex, polygamy, death, poverty, grief, anger and mild violence. Recommended to adults and mature teens.

4.5/5-Fiction-Mormon- Polygamy
Review Copy provided by Avon and the CFBA, to see a full tour list or learn more go here.

About the Author

Diane Noble is a former double finalist for the prestigious RITA Award for Best Inspirational Fiction, a finalist for the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Reviewers' Choice Award, and a three-time recipient of the Silver Angel Award for Media Excellence.With more than a quarter million books in print, Diane feels incredibly blessed to be doing what she loves best—writing the stories of her heart.
For the last three years Diane has been honored to be lead author for the popular Guideposts series, Mystery and the Minister’s Wife (Through the Fire, Angels Undercover), and has recently returned to writing historical fiction. She is currently writing book two of her new historical series, The Brides of Gabriel. Book one is The Sister Wife.Diane’s hometown is Big Creek, California, a tiny village nestled in the rugged Sierra Nevada back country. As a child, Diane’s older brother Dennis fueled her creative streak by entertaining her with his own gift of storytelling. Growing up without TV and iffy radio reception, Diane became an avid reader, inhaling more than one hundred novels—both YA and adult—in a single year by the time she reached seventh grade. Her passion for reading continues to this day. Now empty nesters, Diane and her husband live in the Southern California low desert, near a place known for the lush and beautiful gated communities of the rich and famous.







Posted by Tina~ at 7:30 AM 3 comments

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Waiting On Wednesday (13)




Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine and highlights upcoming releases for books. This week I'm excited to read...........


The Language of Trees by Ilie Ruby
August 1st 2010 by Avon

Book Synopsis

Written in a magic realist vernacular, Ilie Ruby’s debut novel opens as Grant Shongo has returned home to Canandaigua Lake, a little community where everyone knows everyone’s business—though they may pretend not to. Devastated and living in isolation after the break up of his marriage, Grant is drawn back into the world when a young man, Lion, pleas for his help in finding his missing wife, Melanie. Tongues are wagging about Melanie’s disappearance. A recovering addict, could she have had a relapse? ...Was she abducted? What, if anything, does it have to do with the death of her little brother all those years ago? Sparks fly when Grant’s first love returns to town, but can it be trusted this time? And with the chance at enjoying life again, will Grant’s promise to Lion fall by the wayside—possibly endangering countless lives? As the lovers reunite in a frantic search for Melanie, they discover a world where nature and the spiritual realm intertwine and nothing is as it seems. The Language of Trees examines the tremulous bonds between parents and children, lovers and friends, and human beings and their gods. It will make you believe that the spirits of those we love watch over us, that people can heal each other, and that if you can truly forgive yourself, the world will return to you all of your forgotten dreams.....(Goodreads)

WOW- that synopsis had me spinning...I'm super excited to get my claws on this one...to learn more check out Ms. Ruby's Goodreads page!!!







Posted by Tina~ at 1:00 AM 2 comments

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey



Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey
June 22nd 2010 by Bloomsbury US
Hardcover, 272 pages
Review Copy

Book Synopsis

The action and romance continue as the Drakes face a new vampire with a 200-year-old grudge. It’s been centuries since Isabeau St. Croix barely survived the French Revolution. Now she’s made her way back to the living and she must face the ultimate test by confronting the evil British lord who left her for dead the day she turned into a vampire. That’s if she can control her affection for Logan Drake, a vampire whose bite is as sweet as the revenge she seeks. The clans are gathering for Helena’s royal coronation as the next vampire queen, and new alliances are beginning to form now that the old rifts of Lady Natasha’s reign have started to heal. But with a new common enemy, Leander Montmarte—a vicious leader who hopes to force Solange to marry him and usurp the power of the throne for himself—the clans must stand together to preserve the peace he threatens to destroy.......................(Goodreads)

Review

There are really not enough great things I can say about Alyxandra Harvey’s Drake Chronicles. Not only do these offer humor, suspense and romance, what sets this series apart is not so much the vampire genre we all so well know----but the tie that binds family, friends and legacies together.

Blood Feud picks up a bit after the drama in Hearts at Stake, Solange is now a full vampire, Isabeau who saved the princess is now visiting the Drake family to celebrate Helena's reign as Vampire Queen. Isabeau being a Hound princess is in no way accustomed to the strong unit of family the Drakes practice, neither is she ready to accept the strong feelings towards Logan Drake....…….but don’t be mislead by the soft model portrayed on the cover- Isabeau is a fierce warrior fueled by bitterness and revenge. She seemed wild to me with the leather getup, bone necklace and extensive tattoos up and down her arms….not to mention the ragged scars on her neck. And at first it seemed like a fierce character was all Isabeau had to offer, but as I got to know her and why she was driven by such revenge, I understood her completely and realized there was more to her than just a warrior. I also loved learning about her past life in France and learning about Isabeau's tragic events leading up to becoming a vampire. I thought these were the best written chapters of the story. Before the duo knows it they are thrown into an adventure to protect Solange against a very old and determined Vampire, bent on making her his wife and also get distracted on a race to capture an old enemy of Isabeau's who as luck would have it resurfaces at the same time.

Logan and Isabeau’s romance was much more subtle than Lucy and Nicholas’s in Hearts at Stake, but what I did like was how the characters fell in love. Isabeau proves to be the hero once again in this novel and certainly was my favorite character so far with her depth and serious personality. While I really missed reading from Lucy's POV, I loved getting to know Logan and Isabeau and found myself falling for another Drake vampire even despite the fact that he wears pirate shirts. Don't miss this next installment in The Drake Chronicles!!!! Thankfully there are a lot more brothers left to get to know............

Rating

Blood Feud contains content including: Romance, love, action, bloody fights, death, language, mild sensuality and humorous dialog that may addict you to its series. Recommended to the mature teen and adult.

4/5- YA- Vampires
Review Copy Provided by Around the World Tours




Posted by Tina~ at 10:14 AM 5 comments

Monday, July 12, 2010

Shades of Morning by Marlo Schalesky and Giveaway


Shades of Morning by Marlo Schalesky
June 2010 by Multnomah Books
Paperback, 352 pages
Review Copy

Book Synopsis

Marnie didn’t know much about miracles.Mistakes maybe. Accidents. And monstrous mess-ups. She knew a lot about those.But miracles? Those were for other people.Marnie Wittier has life just where she wants it. Quiet. Peaceful. No drama. A long way away from her past. In the privacy of her home, she fills a box with slips of paper, scribbled with her regrets, sins, and sorrows. But that’s nobody else’s business. Her bookstore/coffee shop patrons, her employees, her friends from church—they all think she’s the very model of compassion and kindness.Then Marnie’s past creeps into her present when her estranged sister dies and makes Marnie guardian of her fifteen-year-old son—a boy Marnie never knew existed. And when Emmit arrives, she discovers he has Down syndrome—and that she’s woefully unprepared to care for him. What’s worse, she has to deal with Taylor Cole, her sister’s attorney, a man Marnie once loved—and abandoned. As Emmit (and Taylor) work their way into her heart, Marnie begins to heal. But when pieces of her dismal past surface again, she must at last face the scripts of paper in her box, all the regrets and sorrows. Can she do it? Or will she run again?....................(Sent from Publisher)

Review

Marnie is tough, she wears a guard around her heart and holds tight to who she trusts. Growing up in foster care with her older sister has had its share of baggage. Rose wanting the more finer things in life embraces or trys to embrace the higher society. For Marnie she carries a rough edge about her right down to her rugged boots, Harley and purple hair. But underneath the roughness lives a girl who longs for security, love and intimacy, so when Taylor Cole wonders into her life its no suprise he is able to crack the tough exterior and promise her a life full of possibilities. So deep though are her insecurities and nature to run that in real life crisis that's what Marnie knows to do....run. And run she does away from her sister, away from Taylor and anything that had to do with her former life. Settled now in California she runs a little book and coffee shop, surrounded by the memories of her past Marnie makes it day by day with the support of her business and new found friends.Everything changes that somewhat found peace when Marnie's sister Rose dies and leaves her handicapped son to Marnie's care. When Emmit arrives like a whirlwind into her life, along with it he brings her past, memories, regrets and Taylor, the man she never stopped loving and quite possibly the greatest miracle of all.

This was my first Marlo Schalesky book and I can say the writing and dialog were well done, Marnie was a much developed character with real flaws and narrative dialog that was easy to relate to. Although I liked Marnie after getting to know her and the other characters as well, the aspect most hard for me to deal with was the main issue of the story and understanding how Taylor and Marnie actually lost touch. After getting all the details of their story, their last night together and then learning that Taylor just walked out the door shocked me. You would think at least a goodbye was in order or some type of closure to the mini-break that was planned. Why didn’t he call, email, write send a stinking telegram? I just didn’t understand that based upon a man who wanted to marry this woman how he could leave and disappear with no contact thinking when he came strutting in a year later she would be on the porch waiting for him. A lot can happen in a year….and it sure did for Marnie. On Marnie's part I completely understand why she ran....but she should have sent Taylor word or something, I guess that saying hindsight is 20/20 fits perfectly with these two but where the characters made major mistakes I thought it was more just a lack of common sense and not so much wrong choices.

Predictable in spots the ending for sure was a surprise for me, I figured out who Emmit actually was before it was revealed to Taylor and Marnie but the little twist I did not see coming. The last chapter left me a bit confused as well, but overall  while I didn't resonate with the story, I did enjoy the few hours visiting this tale of love, sorrow and healing.

Rating

Shades of Morning deals with adult content including: love, loss, drug addiction, betrayals, pregnancy and family drama. Suitable for most readers, I would recommend this book to older teens and adults who enjoy Christian fiction or wholesome romance stories.

3.5/5- Christian Fiction- Romance
Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah for review copy

Giveaway

If you would like to enter to win a copy of Shades of Morning please just leave a comment, this one is open to US residents only. Winner will be announced August 1, 2010.




Posted by Tina~ at 9:53 AM 6 comments

Friday, July 9, 2010

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah


Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
February 2nd 2010 by St. Martin's Press
Hardcover, 394 pages
Purchased

Book Synopsis

 Meredith and Nina Whitson are as different as sisters can be. One stayed at home to raise her children and manage the family apple orchard: the other followed a dream and traveled the world to become a famous photojournalist. But when their beloved father falls ill, Meredith and Nina find themselves together again, standing alongside their cold, disapproving mother, Anya, who even now, offers no comfort to her daughters. As children, the only connection between them was the Russian fairy tale Anya sometimes told the girls at night. On his deathbed, their father extracts a promise from the women in his life: the fairy tale will be told one last time - and all the way to the end. Thus begins an unexpected journey into the truth of Anya's life in war-torn Leningrad, more than five decades ago. Alternating between the past and present, Meredith and Nina will finally hear the singular, harrowing story of their mother's life, and what they learn is a secret so terrible and terrifying that it will shake the very foundation of their family and change who they believe they are.......(Goodreads)

Review

Winter Garden focuses on two sisters Meredith and Nina and their mother Anya. In the beginning of the story we meet the girls as children, girls who long for closeness with their very cold and distant mother. The only bond they really have with their mother is listening to a fairy tale she shares only at night. In an attempt to win their mothers approval and love, the girls act the fairy tale out into a play provoking a reaction so harsh from Anya, she never utters the fairy tale again. The girls cannot understand why Anya does not love them, why all her love gets placed only on Evan, their father. With these insecurities both girls grow into women with twisted ideas about love and intimate relationships.

Flash forward to the girls adulthood's- Meredith is part owner in her fathers apple orchard business and loses herself to her work pushing her marriage onto shaky ground. Where her husband wants more, she pulls away and where closeness and desire once fueled their marriage, distance and awkwardness have replaced it. Nina- a successful photographer travels the world taking photographs of ravished nations, torn apart countries and women in desperate situations. Not only does Nina run from family and friends but she cannot commit to any serious relationship. When the girl’s father become sick and passes away the strong anchor of the family dies along with him. Everything that connected the girls to their mother is gone and her odd behavior soon leads the girls to take aggressive action in her care. During this time the girls start to get Anya to open up and share the fairy tale with them once more and the story then moves back and forth in time between present day and the Siege of Leningrad, where Anya shares her heartbreaking and horrendous story of love, loss, starvation and grief. The reader gets bits and pieces at a time and a somewhat magical tale in the beginning, slowly becomes the reality of nightmares.

Beautifully written and very heartbreaking to read, I found myself absorbed and lost in every word Hannah weaves on the page. Not knowing very much about Leningrad or Stalin it defiantly provoked me to learn more about this time in Russia and devastated me to learn how many lives were lost, what famine (forced famine) and starvation did to these people. I look at my house and see my furnace and my lights, my well stocked fridge and well fed children and can’t imagine not having the means to feed, clothe or shelter them. Very sad in parts, Winter Garden also offers hope and the triumph of the human spirit. This will stay with you days after you put it down………..

Rating

Winter Garden is recommended to adult readers and contains language, mild to graphic sexuality, harsh conditions including war, famine and starvation. Emotional abuse, martial issues, violence, death, grief and depression. 

5/5- Contemporary Fiction- Historical





Posted by Tina~ at 4:32 PM 3 comments

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Sirens Call by Devyn Quinn









Sirens Call by Devyn Quinn
A Blog with Bite Featured Author
Releasing August 3rd 2010 by Signet
Paperback, 383 pages
Review Copy 

Book Synopsis Tina Style

Tessa Lonike likes her solitude on the island of Little Mer, off the coast of Maine. Keeping the fact that she is a mermaid is an easy secret; her job offers safety and hiding among humans. Kenneth a man suffering from loss wants to just escape. But when these two meet...depression, secrecy and mer-fins are just the beginning of their sizzling romance. Just when things are about to take a turn for the serious, in walks Mr. Ex. With two distinct and important probable futures Tessa will have to decide to follow the heritage of her people or the lure of her heart..........

Review

Picture the setting...........

A thunderstorm is brewing against the rough currents of the ocean. Gray clouds and cold dark waves crashing into the depths of the waters......A depressed man stripped naked literally and emotionally over the loss of love and a child wants to forget and dives deep into the uninviting ocean without resurfacing.Tessa watcher over the bay at Little Mer is not only keeper of a lighthouse but also keeper of some mighty fins---on a night that will change her life, Tessa jumps into the ocean to rescue a suicidal man............

Ten months pass after the rescue when the two finally meet and the reader gets launched into a typical paranormal romance laced with raunchy sex scenes, sea-nymph fantasy’s, tasteless language and abrasive body language. The somewhat seriousness of the beginning gets pretty much bogged down with heated and frisky dialog that bounce between Kenneth and Tessa. A subtle romance that of course begins with the cocky, I want you, get out my face attitude and turns into some quit steamy and how do I say this nicely....not really prudent relationship.

Apart from the lacking on the romance, I really liked the adventure the duo take and when we get into the true folklore and history into Tessa's Mer-family. I had a fun time exploring this aspect of the story. Unfortunately though, I could not connect to Tessa and Kenneth’s love story...even during the more action of the book due to the beginning on Kenneth’s part because where I wanted back-story I got very little and where I wanted depth I got jokes and where I wanted serious romance I got more of a casual sex romance. The blend of Kenneth’s loss and depression just didn’t mix well with his overly active desires for sex. Both characters seemed to be completely fueled by sex and nothing more in the beginning.The whole attitude of -I just gotta get laid and now- seemed to cheapen the novel for me. When things got going towards the midway point the couple seemed to focus on the seriousness of their relationship or potential of it but not enough to change how I was feeling overall. I loved the change of the paranormal in the sense of reading about Mermaids and having it be a more grown up look at the myth and not one single vampire in the mix.

Although Sirens Call did not work me it does have an appealing atmosphere for lovers of PNR or even erotica, for those looking for a very light, somewhat humorous sexy read will enjoy Sirens Call.

Rating

Graphic Sexuality, graphic language, magic, nasty x-boyfriends, slippery fins, deep sea adventures and steamy paranormal romance.....recommended to adults only.

2/5- Romance-Mermaids
Thanks to Ms. Quinn for review e-copy!
Also you still have time to win your copy of Sirens Call at the BWB

Posted by Tina~ at 7:16 AM 1 comments

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Waiting On Wednesday (12)




Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine and highlights novels releasing soon. This week I'm excited to read...........


I'd Know You Anywhere by Laura Lippman
September 1st 2010 by HarperCollins 
Hardcover, 377 pages

Book Synopsis.......

Eliza Benedict cherishes her peaceful, ordinary suburban life with her successful husband and children, thirteen-year-old Iso and eight-year-old Albie. But her tranquility is shattered when she receives a letter from the last person she ever expects - or wants - to hear from: Walter Bowman. There was your photo, in a magazine. Of course, you are older now. Still, I'd know you anywhere.

In the summer of 1985 when she was fifteen, Eliza was kidnapped by Walter Bowman and held hostage for almost six weeks. He had killed at least one girl and Eliza always suspected he had other victims as well. Now on death row in Virginia for the rape and murder of his final victim, Walter seems to be making a heartfelt act of contrition as his execution nears. Though Eliza wants nothing to do with him, she's never forgotten that Walter was most unpredictable when ignored. Desperate to shelter her children from this undisclosed trauma in her past, she cautiously makes contact with Walter. She's always wondered why Walter let her live, and perhaps now he'll tell her - and share the truth about his other victims.
Yet as Walter presses her for more and deeper contact, it becomes clear that he is after something greater than forgiveness. He wants Eliza to remember what really happened that long-ago summer. He wants her to save his life. And Eliza, who has worked hard for her comfortable, cocooned life, will do anything to protect it - even if it means facing the events of that horrifying summer and the terrible truth she's kept buried inside.

Found at Goodreads

This one seems pretty chill-stomach-turning worthy...cant wait to get my hands on a copy.....


Posted by Tina~ at 12:41 AM 1 comments

Monday, July 5, 2010

Nightmare by Robin Parrish



Nightmare by Robin Parrish
July 2010 by Bethany House Publishers 
Paperback, 368 pages
Review Copy

Book Synopsis

Ghost Town is the hottest amusement park in the country, offering state-of-the-art chills and thrills involving the paranormal. The park's main ride is a haunted house that promises an encounter with a real ghost. When Maia Peters visits during her senior year of college, she's not expecting to be impressed. Maia grew up as the only child of a pair of world-renowned "ghost hunters," so the paranormal is nothing new and to her most of the park is just Hollywood special effects. In fact, the ride feels pretty boring until the very end. There, a face appears from the mist. The face of Jordin Cole, a girl Maia knows who disappeared from campus a few months ago. Convinced what she saw wasn't a hoax and desperate to find answers to Jordin's disappearance, Maia launches into a quest for answers. Joined by Jordin's boyfriend--a pastor's kid with very different ideas about paranormal and the spirit realm--Maia finds herself in a struggle against dangerous forces she never expected to confront on the edge of the spirit realm that try to keep the truth from emerging. ...........(Taken from the CFBA Tour Site)

Review

Ghosts….spirits…paranormal activity…its things many think about but don’t want to actually see. Maia Peters has grown up chasing it along with her parents who are world famous paranormal hunters. Ghosts and haunted places are like second nature to Maia- but in order to get away from that world Maia changes her appearance and starts college hoping for a new career and a way to live life.

Jordin Cole is extremely wealthy and very interested in the paranormal world. After hounding Maia for a few weeks, she offers to pay her well to take her on some real ghost hunts. Maia eventually can’t turn down the money, knowing it will pay for her college tuition and decides maybe one good haunted place will scare the pants off Jordin. To Maia’s surprise not only does the first night in an abandoned sanatorium not scare Jordin, it fuels her to find out more about the paranormal world….that is until Jordin winds up missing.

This book not only scared the pants off me but also kept me on the edge of my seat with a nail readily available to be chewed off. Parrish’s writing was amazing and paced so well that the story held my interest and my chills all the way through to a brilliant end. Nightmare is told through present day with flashbacks of Maia and Jordin’s investigations that twist together a creepy and thrilling plotline for the reader.

Would it be surprising to learn that this novel is a Christian-Suspense novel? Robin Parrish goes way beyond the norm for a Christian author and takes real life phenomenon and gives the readers an alternative answer than to just demons. Ive met other Christians who chalk everything up to a demon around the corner…you know the lawn mower broke…a demon did it….I got a creepy feeling…must be a demon…..I agree that there is indeed a spiritual world around us, do I chalk everything up to demons..no not everything.... but I truly believe there is spiritual stuff going on that the normal eye cannot see. Many readers will not think Robin's take on the paranormal to line up with a Christian worldview and might think it’s very outside of the box for Christian reading….but many like me will enjoy the out of the box thinking and storyline. I liked the fact that Parrish gives us many alternative views to this world, one from a scientific standpoint, a Christian standpoint, a neutral standpoint and a scary reality standpoint. Parrish makes it very clear what he believes in his acknowledgments and who he gives credit to for writing such a intriguing, fun and freighting story, but also wasn’t afraid to take his novel in dark places, creepy situations and leading the reader to thought provoking questions about death, dying and the after.

I think my favorite aspect to Nightmare, was the obvious well researched information in it. I loved that during the flashback times in the novel; each place that Maia and Jordin investigated was real and had an actual picture along with details about the specific haunting. The old church by far the scariest trip the girls had which featured a demon haunting about did me in….don’t read this alone at nighttime would be my suggestion but also don’t pass up the opportunity to read this truly gripping novel.

Rating

Nightmare is a frightening novel, if you scare easily, especially when dealing with the paranormal world (and Im not talking sparkly vamps) that touch on ghosts, spirits and demons, I would read with caution. Intense scenes, chilling goosebump worthy places, action packed paranormal activity and nighttime terrors.......I recommend Nightmare to adult readers and the mature teen.

5/5- Suspense- Horror- Paranormal activity
Copy Provided by Bethany House and the CFBA, to see a full tour list and learn more go here.
To Read the First Chapter of Nightmare go HERE

About the Author

Robin Parrish is a journalist who's written about the intersection of faith and pop culture for more than a decade. Currently he serves as Senior Editor at XZOOSIA.com, a community portal that fuses social networking with magazine-style features about entertainment and culture.

He had two great ambitions in his life: to have a family, and to be a published novelist. In March of 2005, he proposed to his future wife the same week he signed his first book contract with Bethany House Publishers. They contracted him for the rights to The Dominion Trilogy: Relentless (2006), Fearless (2007), and Merciless (2008). His science fiction thriller, Offworld came out in 2009. This summer debuts Nightmare, and he's working on another for 2011. Robin and his wife and children live in North Carolina.





Posted by Tina~ at 10:16 AM 5 comments
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