Good Catch by Tracy Ann Lord

Book Description:
Maddie Chilton, the reigning queen of Miami's hottest PR firm, has been dethroned. Now she's roughing it at a fishing camp on a lake in the middle of rural Maine. This is what her co-workers chose as a going-away present? Maddie is not a "showers optional" kind of gal. Not only is she surrounded fish, but also a lot of fishy characters. There's Flo, the opera-loving/customer-loathing cook, and Wayne, the too-handy handyman. Fortunately there's also Cal Boretti, her handsome, skinny-dipping fishing guide. Appearances, of course, can be deceiving, and Maddie soon discovers that the camp and its residents are about so much more than fishing. Between budding romance and an exciting new business opportunity, Maddie's dim view of Lake Mooselookmeguntic is beginning to lighten up. She may not have a knack for fishing, but Maddie is about to make the good catch of a lifetime.

My Thoughts:
This was a quick read.  Maddie is having it rough.  She has worked her tail off to be the best she can be at her PR job, only to be replaced by a younger version of herself.  Oh and she TRAINED the girl who is replacing her.  Her friends send her on a trip after a night of pity partying and that is when the entertainment begins.  They don't send her to a place any woman of her 'caliber' would go, but to a fishing camp in the middle of no where!  At least the scenery is nice though.
I really liked the idea of city girl dropped into the middle of a 'redneck' camp.  My problem was, I didn't connect at all with Maddie.  She got herself into plenty of entertaining situations and she did grow as a character throughout the book.  The male lead, Cal is intriguing.  He has his own set of issues.  I liked the cook, she seemed like a real person.  There is quite an interesting mix of characters to meet and get to know!
I rate this a 3/5.  It is a quick 'beach read'.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Ever Wrath by Alexia Purdy

Book Description:
There is no hope.

Only blood and darkness await.

Shade rules as Queen of the Seelie Summer Court with her love, a Teleen Faerie named Dylan at her side. But, the dark court of Unseelie faeries will do everything in their power to rule the earth, including enslaving the human world. Arthas, the Unseelie Ancient King, has shattered the boundaries of Faerie and the human cities are filling with his evil, unearthly armies.

Old enemies become allies. New friends bring old secrets and an ancient magic to light. Alongside the Ancient Seelie Queen, Kilara, Shade needs to harness this wild magic before the lines between human and faery are forever destroyed.

My Thoughts:
Loved this book.  Arthas has determined that the boundaries of Faerie will be eliminated and he will rule the world.  Shade, Dylan and her comrades are determined to stop him and his armies.  Awakening the Ancients seems like her only choice, but is it the right one?  Could they cause more chaos and harm than good and healing? 
I like how Shade is growing and changing.  She is maturing and learning all through her journeys and trials.  Dylan is so strong and steady.  His unending love for Shade is probably why I am completely in love with him!  Shade makes new alliances, mends old friendships that need it, and is set on saving both the human and Faerie worlds.  I love the secondary characters and their stories that are just as interesting but do take a backseat to the overall story.  Those 'secondary lines' are an integral part of the big picture though and the author does a great job of showing each character and weaving them seamlessly into the story.
I rate this a 5/5.  It was a great addition to the series but can also be read as a stand alone!
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Broken Forest by Eliza Tilton

Book Description:

Hopeless he'll never be more than the boy who didn't save his brother, 17-year-old Avikar accepts his life as the family stable boy, trying to forget the past. But when his sister, Jeslyn, is kidnapped, the thought of losing another sibling catapults him on a desperate quest. With his best friend by his side, and using the tracking skills he learned from his father, he discovers Jeslyn has been taken, kidnapped by one Lucino, the young lord of Daath, a mystical place thought only to exist in fables.

And Lucino has plans for Jeslyn.

His shape-shifting brethren feed off the auras of humans, and Jeslyn's golden hue is exactly what Lucino needs to increase his power. The longer it takes Avikar to reach her, the more entranced she becomes with Lucino's world, and the harder it will be for Avikar to set her free.
He failed his family once. He won't fail again.
My Thoughts:
This was a good book.  Avikar is a simple farm boy who loves to fight.  Or he did before his little brother drowned while he was watching him.  Since he didn't save his brother, he is determined to find and save his sister, Jeslyn, when she is kidnapped.  His best friend/sister's boyfriend is with him in the search, along with an interesting mix of men.  Daath was thought to be a myth but when it turns out that it's ruler, Lucino is who has taken Jeslyn, he knows he must follow.  As he learns more about the land and it's ruler, Avikar becomes more and more afraid for his sister and that he might not reach her in time.
I really liked the author's writing style.  Each chapter is written from a different person's point of view.  That way you know what they are thinking and the story still flows smoothly.  I got annoyed at Avikar for his reactions sometimes, he seemed to be self-centered but almost like martyr at the same time.  The secondary characters were great and helped the story progress.  I wasn't sure about Jeslyn toward the end, but didn't like Lucino at all throughout.  Each time I would think he was having a 'good' moment, he did something else and I wound up disliking him again.
I rate this a 4/5.  Good start to a series.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Stranded by Dani Pettrey

Book Description:
When her friend vanishes from a cruise ship, reporter Darcy St. James isn't satisfied with their explanation that she simply left her job of her own accord. Something isn't lining up, and Darcy believes the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby's position. Within days, Darcy learns her friend wasn't the only person to disappear mysteriously. Last summer, a woman vanished under almost identical circumstances.
Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock for a few days of sightseeing. He's surprised to find Darcy working aboard one of the ships, investigating a troubling report. Something sinister is going on and the deeper they dig the more Gage fears they've only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

My Thoughts:
This is a good one.  Darcy's friend goes missing after calling her and now Darcy is determined to figure out exactly what happened.  Gage and his family are doing adventure tours along with the cruise.  He tries to stay away from Darcy because she reminds him too much of his ex.  She is secretive and he knows he must guard his heart.  He doesn't understand WHY she has the secrets.  Still, he is drawn to her and then into her investigation where there are many questions that have to have answers.
I'm so glad the McKenna's are back!  Darcy is a great character and oh I wish I had a friend like her.  She isn't afraid to put her friend before herself.  Gage's back story makes his character so much better.  You understand why he is the way he is and why he thinks he must keep Darcy at a distance.  I love how close his family is and that he is so protective.  The story line was great.  Plenty of mystery, suspense and romance to suit me!
I rate this a 4/5.  I really enjoyed it but with the character dynamic, I can see where you would need to read this series in order and this is the 3rd one.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

The Machine: Truth Seekers by Bill Myers

Book Description:
For ages 8 to 14, Truth Seekers is a fast-paced, thoughtful, and funny new series using a 21st century approach to sharing ancient Bible truths.

In book one, The Machine, twin siblings Jake and Jenny have just lost their mother and are not thrilled about moving to Israel to stay with their seldom seen archaeologist dad. They don’t yet understand how “all things work together for good to those who love God.” But they will when a machine their father invented points them to the Truth.

My Thoughts:
This was a good young adult book.  Jake and Jenny are twins.  They live with their aunt as just months ago their mother died.  Their father is an archaeologist and has sent for them to come to be with him in Israel. They didn't seem much of him growing up so neither is excited about the move.  As soon as they make the journey, the adventure begins.
I like the different perspectives of the siblings.  Jenny is much more 'mature' and studious than Jake.  Jake is a social guy.  The author starts the adventure early on and doesn't stop.  This book will definitely keep YA attention.  I also enjoyed how morals and God were woven into the story.
I rate this a 4/5.  I think tweens will really enjoy this one!
Thank you to B&B Media Group for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Danger in Amish Country by Marta Perry, Diane Burke & Kit Wilkinson

Book Description:

LOVE AND DANGER COLLIDE IN THREE NEW AMISH NOVELLAS

Fall from Grace by Marta Perry 

When one of her students witnesses a crime, Sara Esch gets too close to the truth, and widower Caleb King must risk it all for the woman who's taught him to love again. 

Dangerous Homecoming by Diane Burke 

Katie Lapp needs her childhood friend Joshua Miller more than ever when someone threatens her late husband's farm. Can Joshua protect her…even if it endangers his heart? 

Return to Willow Trace by Kit Wilkinson 

A series of accidents has startled their Plain community…and leads Lydia Stoltz to Joseph Yoder, the man who once broke her heart. At every turn, it seems their shared past holds the key to their future.

My Thoughts:
This three novellas in one was great.  First was Fall from Grace where Sara is a teacher in the local Amish school and is taken with a new little girl in her classroom.  When the little girl starts acting strange, Sara and the girl's father Caleb investigate and Sara is in more danger than ever!  Dangerous Homecoming is about a man coming home and stepping into more than he'd bargained for.  Katie married Joshua's best friend so he left home and hadn't come back for years.  Now he is back and he cannot believe the changes in his friend Katie.  Her farm and her life are in danger and Joshua is determined to keep her safe this time.  In Return to Willow Trace, Lydia didn't want to see Joseph again, and yet she did.  Neither of them expected their first meeting to be over a dead body.  Now both are in danger because of a past neither wants to get into.
I really enjoyed all the story lines.  Each were short but written well enough that you became invested in the characters.  I so wanted Sara and Caleb to find the bad guy so his daughter would be safe!  I felt terrible for Katie and everything she had to go through in life.  Joshua felt guilty but at the same time, he was stuck between a rock and a hard place but I couldn't wait for the two of them to work it out.  I completely understood Lydia's anger but was surprised at the lack of follow through on her part.  At the same time, it was understandable considering the past.  I had issues with Jeremiah staying gone for so long but I still wanted them together.
I rate these a 5/5.  I enjoyed all three of the stories!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Dark Halo by Shannon Dittemore

Book Description

One halo brought sight to Brielle. Another offers sweet relief from what she sees.
Brielle can’t help but see the Celestial. Even without the halo, the invisible realm is everywhere she looks. It’s impossibly beautiful—and terrifying, especially now. Because a battle rages above Stratus, Oregon.
The Terrestrial Veil is ripping, and demons walk the streets past unseeing mortals. Dark, sticky fear drips from every face, and nightmares haunt Brielle’s sleep.
Worst of all, Jake is gone. The only boy she’s ever loved has been taken by the demon, Damien. When she receives instructions from the Throne Room leading her to Jake, she unknowingly walks into a diabolical and heartbreaking trap.
Now she’s stranded in a sulfurous desert with the Prince of Darkness himself, and he’s offering her another halo—a mirrored ring that will destroy her Celestial vision. All she has to do is wear it and she’ll see no more of the invisible world. No more fear. No more nightmares. No more demons. It’s a gift. And best of all: it comes with the promise of a future with Jake, something the Throne Room seems to be taking from her.
Will Brielle trade the beauty of the Celestial and the truth of the world around her just to feel ordinary again?

My Thoughts:
Greatly anticipated this book.  This is book three in the series and you will want to read the other two first.  We pick up where book two left off.  Jake has been taken.  Brielle is plagued with nightmares.  Damien, the demon, is to bring both she and Jake to Satan and is halfway there having Jake.  Both Brielle and Jake have difficult decisions to make, Brielle's being an offering from Satan himself.  If she accepts his 'gift' she will no longer have nightmares or see the Celestial world around.
Since this is the third book, I will try not to give away much, though I do believe you should absolutely read the other two first.  The author does a great job with her characters.  Jake and Brielle are both just written well and the book just pulls you in from the start.  She also does a great job with the other characters and the imagery.  I love the mix of suspense, romance, and Celestial throughout the book, also a splash of humor.  Overall, this series is a keeper for my shelf.
I rate this one 5/5.  It is a wonderful conclusion to this series.

Thank you to Booksneeze for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

The Second Shadow by Elizabeth Arroyo

Book Description:
Jake thought being demon meant a shredded humanity, stripped of all human emotion. Chaos and self-preservation dominates a demon’s instincts. But Jake feels every ounce of pain and despair around him.

And it’s driving him deeper into Hell.

Gabby’s choice to save him last summer left a fissure in Hell’s gate that released a malevolent evil. When Jake’s given a mission by the demons to shadow a human girl who may know the whereabouts of an ethereal weapon, he doesn’t expect to see Gabby. But Fate has her own agenda.

When Jake and Gabby are thrown together on a camping trip with a group of delinquent teens, Jake begins to grapple with the haunting choices he made in the past. When the evil finds them, the group begins to battle for their lives, alliances are made, and truths revealed.

As the evil begins to influence Jake, he questions his link to the demons, his purpose, and his love for Gabby.

But the answers to those questions are only found in Hell. And it may cost him his soul.

My Thoughts:
I really liked this book.  The Second Shadow picks up where Arroyo's first book, The Second Sign leaves off.  Jake is part demon and is trying to come to terms with everything that has happened.  Gabby is doing her own bit of coping and trying to figure all of it out. The two of them come back together on a camping trip for troubled teens.  Both are stubborn and determined but when trouble comes looking in a big way, how they deal with it is the bigger question.
I really liked Gabby.  Her personality and attitude are just great.  Stubborn and determined, she is going figure out her role in everything that is going on.  Jake has had so much happen to him but still he and Gabby should be together.  The author does a great job of making you 'see' what she is describing (even some of the ickier stuff!).  Also the supporting characters are really well written and compliment Jake, Gabby and the plot perfectly. 
I rate this a 4/5.  It is not a stand alone book.  You need to read The Second Sign to understand a lot of what is going on but they are good books!
Thank you to Reading Addiction Blog Tours for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

A Surprise for Lily by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book Description:
Change is brewing for Lily Lapp. Her favorite cousin, Hannah, moves away and Harvey Hershberger, a boy with a talent for trouble, moves right in. Harvey's antics stir up the entire schoolhouse, and his fondness for Lily gets under Aaron Yoder's skin. Add in a mischievous dog rescued by Lily's brother, an old Shawnee Indian and a mother bear, and a secret Lily's mother is keeping, and you've got a recipe for laughter, love, and big surprises.
Girls ages 8 to 12 will love navigating the changes in Lily's world with her in this final book in the sweetly simple Adventures of Lily Lapp series.

My Thoughts:
This was a good book.  Lilly is back!  She and a new friend are up to all sorts of mischief.  There are rescues, a puppy, and many more adventures.  Some friends leave, new friends arrive, and Lily is center stage for all of it!
I loved the roller coaster of the story, just one thing right after the other.  Seeing all the characters interacting and the old characters mixed with the new was amazing.  The author did a wonderful job again with Lily.  I know it is written for young girls but it is a story that I enjoyed as well.
I rate this a 4/5.  It can be a stand alone but reading the others in the series is better.

Thank you to Revell for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

*Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.*

Stranded by Alex Kava

Book Description:
Tired travelers and weary truckers have stopped at rest areas on the nation's highways for decades to refuel, grab a bite, and maybe get some shut-eye, but one man's rest stop is another's hunting ground. For decades the defenseless, the weary, and the stranded have disappeared along the highways and byways, vanishing without a trace, but these seemingly unconnected incidents are no coincidence, and a madman stalks the freeways.

When FBI special agent Maggie O'Dell and her partner, Tully, discover the remains of a young woman in a highway ditch, the one clue left behind is a map that will send Maggie and Tully on a frantic hunt crisscrossing the country to stop a madman before he kills again.

As the body count rises and Maggie races against the clock to unmask the monster who's terrorizing the nation's highways, she turns to a former foe for help since he seems to know just what the killer's next move will be. As she gets closer to finding the killer, it becomes eerily clear that Maggie is the ultimate target.

My Thoughts:
This was good!  FBI agent Maggie O'Dell is back!  She and Tully are searching for a serial killer's 'dumping grounds'.  The fact this man left a map in Maggie's house after it had burned doesn't go unnoticed by Tully or the rest of the team.  They have to rely on Tully's girlfriend/Maggie's good friend to interrogate a prisoner and trust that the prisoner doesn't have an agenda all his own.  As they follow the leads and look for clues, Maggie and Tully get closer to the killer's identity and closer to danger.  
I was so happy to read another Maggie O'Dell book!  She was as feisty, smart and spunky as always.  The personal issues and the close calls are starting to get to her so that was an added dimension to her character.  Tully was as strong and supportive as ever.  I can't imagine her having to work with a different partner at this point because those two just get each other.  The secondary characters were good additions and each had their own role to play.  The mystery was good.  I wasn't certain who the killer was but there are several options to choose from.
I rate this a 5/5.  It was a suspenseful and sometimes gruesome read but good!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

**This book contains adult content.**