Ethan and his friends are back in a brand-new adventure! With inherited powers they don’t understand and can’t quite control, they head back to Crater Lake to rescue their friend Jacob, train for an epic battle, and join forces with a powerful ally—the Mystic Gray. Filled with action, adventure, and mystery, this book is a thrilling addition to the Crater Lake series!

 

My Review:

I don’t really know whole lot about the middle-grade fantasy genre, so I’m probably not the best reader to say whether Return of the Mystic Gray was good or not. All I can say is that I genuinely enjoyed reading this book. And that if my girls were still young enough for me to read to, I would have loved reading this story aloud to them.

This book has everything middle-school boys and girls might want. Woven into the action and adventure is a touching story of friendship, loyalty and survival. The characters are vivid and relatable. My favorite is Brady. I love that he is so cocky about his invincibility, that he is willing to run headlong into any and all dangerous situations as long as he can show off his gift, and how he conveniently keeps losing his shirt so everyone can gape as his chiseled physique. Characters who possess a shallow/depth, in my opinion, make the story.

In book one, the five main characters inherited special powers, which they use in this installment to save one of their own while ushering in the final battle against evil. There are also vicious battles between shape-shifting Native Americans, a death-defying dive to the depths of the lake, and a girl who can shoot flames, among other elements, from her mouth (I found this ability mildly disconcerting but I think kids will love it).

I like too that this story holds a very important message. Sometimes we do the right things for the wrong reasons. Sometimes we do wrong things for the right reasons. The point of growing and learning is that one day, if our intentions are genuine, we can become pure in our motives and learn to focus on the needs of the many instead of our own.

Return of the Mystic Gray is the second in the Westover’s Crater Lake series. I didn’t read the first installment, Battle for Wizard Island, but I wish I would have. And I recommend that readers who are considering reading Mystic Gray go back and read Wizard Island first. You don’t have to read the first to know what is going on in Mystic Gray, I just think that if the first is as good as the second, it would be well worth readers time to start at the beginning.

Enjoy!

I’m excited to announce the start of my blog tour for Replacing Gentry! Follow the tour for reviews, interviews, fun posts and giveaways!

March 8th
I Am A Reader, Not A Writer - Kick Off

March 11th
Literary Time Out - Review

March 13th
My Book A Day - Review

March 15th
Min Reads and Reviews - Review

March 19th
Jinky is Reading - Review

March 21st
My Devotional Thoughts - Review & Guest Post or Tens List

March 26th
New Adult Fiction - Review & Guest Post or Tens List

March 28th
Reader Girls - Review & Guest Post/Tens List

April 1st
Curling up with a Good Book - Review & Guest Post or Tens List

April 3rd
Karey White - Review

April 9th

Book Blast

April 10th
Rachael Renee Anderson - Review
Crafty Zoo with Monkeys - Guest Post or Tens List

April 11th
Vonnie’s Reading Corner - Review
Getting Your Read On - Review
What’s Beyond Forks - Review & Interview

April 12th
Free eBooks Daily - Interview
Maureen’s Musing - Review
Bookworm Lisa - Review

April 13th
White Sky Project - Guest Post or Tens List

April 14th
OMFG!Books - Guest Post or Tens List

April 15th
Books, Books the Magical Fruit - Interview

April 16th
3Ps in a Pod - Guest Post or Tens List
Fire & Ice - Review

April 17th
Indie Author How-to - Interview
Rachelle Christensen

April 18th
Ever and Ever Sight - Review
The Muse Unleashed - Review

April 19th
Books and Needlepoint - Review
Amethyst Daydreams - Review

Why Not? Because I Said So! - Review

April 20th

Laurie’s Thoughts & Reviews - Review & Character Interview

April 23rd

MK McClintock - Review & Guest Post

Kennedy Carter has the perfect life. It includes an engagement to an NHL celebrity all-star, a Vera Wang wedding dress, and more money than she could ever spend. But when Kennedy learns that her fiance Todd is cheating on her, she decides to leave the glamour and glitz behind.

She escapes to Orlando, Florida with a plan to rebuild her life while staying hidden from a country obsessed with celebrity scandals. The real world however, is tougher than she expected. Suddenly Kennedy has to deal with cockroaches, creepy alarm salesmen, and waiting tables… along with David, a gorgeous new love interest.

But what happens when the past refuses to stay hidden? When the truth of her background catches up to her, Kennedy must finally decide who she is, what she wants and where she really belongs.

As a past reader and even writer of the chick-lit genre, lately I’ve sort of been slowly moving on to other genres. I haven’t been interested in reading chick-lit—don’t want to write it. When Whitney asked me to read and review her novel I agreed without knowing what kind of books she writes. She emailed me the PDF and it came one evening while I was finishing up preparing supper. My daughter was still out for her run so I decided to download the galley on my iPad and maybe read the first page or two to see if I thought I was going to like the book. Did I like it? Okay, so I ended up reading the entire first chapter while standing in the kitchen. Then I couldn’t wait to get back to the story again later in the evening.

It’s never too early to start compiling your seasonal reading list. And really, No Holly for Christmas is not just a Christmas book. The story incorporates the entire holiday season from Halloween to Thanksgiving and then on to December 24th.

Synopsis:

Love at first sight quickly turns frigid for ADA, Brian McAlister, and social worker, Holly Winter, when Holly gets pulled into a manhunt for an accused murderer who now has his sights set on her. His case unraveling, Brian finds himself tasked with keeping Holly and her two daughters safe while bringing an assassin and the powerful man who hired him to justice.

A heart-warming story of suspense, healing, giving and receiving, No Holly for Christmas is the perfect addition to everyone’s holiday reading list.

Review from the blogger at The Book Bag:

No Holly for Christmas is not your typical Christmas story. It is a great suspense romance. Both of the main characters start out as people I didn’t like very much and then as I got to know them, I came to understand why they were the way they were.

Then the suspense part of the story took over and kept me up way too late reading, to make sure everything would be okay. Holly and Brian have to rely on each other to make sure they both stay alive. And by being dependent on each other, they learn to open up to each other and see that they really are meant to be together.

I had previously read another of Ford’s books, Count Down to Love, and was so excited to read this one. I was not disappointed! A little Christmas, a little romance and a little suspense, all rolled into one – it doesn’t get any better than that! Thanks Julie, for making my Christmas reading a lot more fun this year!

So get No Holly for Christmas while you still can for .99 from Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Buy it before November 1st, email me your confirmation number and you just might win a $25 Barnes & Nobel gift card. Also, enter to win a copy of the book by liking me on Facebook or following me on Twitter.

29th Book Blast Participators: Writer’s Mirror   Views from the Hobbit Hole   Kaidan’s Seduction   2 Kids and Tired Books   Debbie’s Inkspections   He’s So Funny   Eva’s Sanctuary   Why Not? Because I Said So!   The Book Bag   The Musings of a Book Addict   From the TBR File  

Enjoy!

Congratulations to my contest winners!!

$25 Gift Cards go to Braden and Mary

Copy of No Holly for Christmas goes to two of my new Facebook Friends Amanda and Jessica!

Thanks for Entering!

In a world where elves are only slaves, one boy is determined to make things right. With the elves’ help, Kris decides to begin with the children. But can a pile of gifts on Christmas Eve really change anything? This enchanting story is sure to captivate kids of all ages. An instant holiday classic you’ll want to read again and again!

The Night Before Christmas meets The Help.

Though I read this novel in September, there was a point in the story toward the end when I felt a little chill that was lit with the spirit of Christmas—a welcome taste of the season to come.

I really love Christmas novels and so it was no surprise that I jumped at the opportunity to review this one. Written from the POV of Rebecca, wife to Kris Kringle, this story begins when Rebecca meets, Kris, the cousin of a friend visiting from out of town. In the world Tolley created, elves are second classed citizens hired by the human class as domestics and laborers. And are discriminated against in every way possible. It’s truly heartbreaking. But Kris sees the elves’ unique qualities and fights for their rights, doing so, of course, with a twinkle in his eye. I loved his tenacious assertiveness and the way he refused to back down even though he seemed to be the only human able to see the elves’ true potential. When Kris moves to town permanently, he’s already set his sights on Rebecca, and she quickly learns to see the elves through his eyes.

And the rest is, as they say, “history.”

Kris Kringle’s Magic is a fun and poignant story of tolerance and looking past societal prejudice to see the potential, and magic, in everyone.

This novel is great for both adults and children. Or, for adults to read with their children.

My recommendation: cuddle up with your loved ones next to a roaring fire with a mug of hot chocolate and read this book by the light of the Christmas tree.

Enjoy!

Today I’m excited to share the book trailer for Tamara Heiner’s new book Altercation!

Synopsis:

In this sequel to Heiner’s debut novel, PERILOUS, the FBI promises Jacinta Rivera and her friends that they are safe. Jaci wants desperately to believe them but weeks of hiding from their kidnapper, alias “The Hand”, have left her wary. Hidden from the public eye in an FBI safe house, Jaci must reconcile both her father’s mysterious disappearance and the murder of her best friend.

A betrayal lands Jaci back in the grasp of The Hand, shattering her ability to trust, and leaving her to wonder if she will ever piece together her broken life.

Sounds pretty exciting, doesn’t it?

So click: Watch Trailer and enjoy!

Loud shrieks sliced the air, followed by the smell of burning cloth. Conner looked over in time to see Geoffrey jumping up and down, yelling and shrieking. Smoke poured from the seat of his shorts while blue and yellow sparks snap-crackle-and-popped all around the heater.

All thirteen-year-old Connor Dell wants to do is pass pre-algebra, play lacrosse, and possibly kiss Melanie Stephens. He didn’t mean to set anyone’s gym shorts on fire or make school lunches explode. But now that the strange powers inside him have been ignited, Connor’s normal teenage life is about to go up in flames!

This fast-paced novel is non-stop fun for kids and parents alike. With characters you can’t help but root for, a plot that keeps you guessing, and plenty of humor, it’s a guaranteed thrill ride from cover to cover!

I’m not much for reading middle grade literature but this story sounded particularly interesting and fun. And it was! When a brother, sister and best friend discover, much to their surprise, that they have unusual powers, their otherwise ordinary middle school days take a very drastic turn toward the unknown, barreling headlong into a conflict between darkness verses light.

There are two forms of power in the world Bell has invented, light verses darkness/good verses evil. Embracing one or the other will give a person strength and unbelievable power, a choice each child must make for his/herself.

Of course these children chose the light and then must learn to channel that light, and the power that comes next, in his/her own way by focusing on that which makes each child happy. I like this focus on individuality. Too much in our world attempts to place children in a box—on 100% conformity. But in this book, kids learn not only the importance of focusing on the positive, on hope, for power, but also on searching for their own personal strengths.

Thus, the symbolism in this novel is very poignant. Amidst the suspense and dramatic (while not overly graphic) fight scenes, a general theme emerges—embrace the good in this world—the light—and in return, the light will give you power.

Also woven throughout the plot is a message of moving forward, of not allowing the past to get the best of you—to drag you down—and keep you from discovering your potential. Throw in an evil mystical scientist and you get an adventure that is exciting and wildly imaginative.

I also liked that the teachers were the good guys. I get a little tired of seeing authority figures portrayed as stupid and/or maniacal morons out to get every person under the age of eighteen.

This is a well written story that would be great for a teacher to read to his/her class, parents to their children, or to find your kid under the covers with a flashlight, reading long after bedtime.

The author is offering a signed copy of the book at the discounted price of $9.99 (including shipping). Click here to order: Signed Copy

Find more information on this book and the author here: Braden Bell

From the Book of Ether comes a haunting story of two royal sisters. The elder sister, Ash, will do anything to bring her father, King Jared II, back to the throne. The younger sister, Naiva, only wants to save her family from destruction. The bond of sisterhood becomes precariously fragile when one man . . . named Akish . . . falls in love with the younger sister, Naiva. Yet he chooses to marry the elder sister.

The sisters’ hearts are divided. And when Ash becomes queen, seduced by the promise of power and wealth, Naiva watches her world crumble away. She sees only one way out. But it will require forsaking all that she holds dear.

This latest novel by H.B Moore has got to be one of her best so far. I don’t think I even took a breath during the first 100 pages. Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration and I most likely had to have, but only when the words started to blur and I reminded myself to do so. The tension between the heroine, Naiva, her sister, Asherah, and Akish was palatable throughout. Throw in the strong, mysterious and devoted Levi, and the emotional tension soared. The way in which Moore recounts this Book of Mormon story reminded me of Like Water for Chocolate where the culture dictated the duties of daughters according to birth order, and the unfairness of being born first, or second in Naiva’s case—only without any naked horse riding, of course.

Uh-uh! Moore’s book has plenty of romance, spine tingling kisses and love triangles, but no shenanigans atop a horse or any other surface for that matter.

So, no worries.

For those of you who like a clean historical romance mingled with intrigue, betrayal and a healthy dose of comeuppance, this is the novel for you.

Enjoy!

After a long and difficult divorce, Jacey is sure the worst is over. But when the FBI reveals some disturbing information about her ex-husband, she is forced into hiding to protect herself and her son. In the process, she risks losing her identity, her future, and her heart. Thrilling and suspenseful, this novel is an edge-of-your-seat read.

This novel has grit without being course or unnecessarily graphic, bringing authenticity to the story.

The antagonist is corrupt, evil even, while never uttering a word of profanity or behaving salaciously—although, clearly, he has the potential.

The protagonist lies and defies the voice of reason, over and over, but does so in a way that is spot-on for a woman fleeing from an abusive relationship. And though Jacey’s actions and responses might frustrate readers, her behavior is what I, as a former family therapist, would expect from a woman in her situation.

Kudos to Slack for showing the raw side of being human.

I really enjoyed this book.

It has drama, suspense and romantic tension. The secondary characters are vivid and likable. I especially enjoyed Uncle Grant and Aunt Helen. They remind me of the uncles and aunts I used to visit in Southern Utah during my summer breaks as a youth. As for Kale, he is just plain yummy. The suspense is well written and compelling particularly toward the end. And not to give anything away but someone even gets “hogtied” which is too cool.

If you’re looking to make a break from formula LDS fiction, you should definitely give The Alias a try.

Enjoy!

Soon after becoming the Supreme Commander of Allied Powers, MacArthur ordered all Japanese weapons confiscated and destroyed. This order includes swords, even Shinto temple swords of great beauty and value.

Some of these art swords, called nippon-to, are documented national treasures. At the same time, Japanese secret societies, such as Showa and the Kanesuka Brotherhood, are to sell them to bigtime foreign collectors for the lucrative profit they will bring.