Ditched

Title: Ditched

SubTitle: A Love Story

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Imprint: Hyperion

Pub Date: 10 January 2012

ISBN: 9781423143383

Author: Robin Mellom

Reading ‘Ditched’ by Robin Mellom makes me feel like a teenage girl once again. It is not only refreshing, but it’s also highly entertaining. It’s definitely an easy read and it’s that sort of book that you’d like to pick up whenever you had a bad day in school or thinks that you had just screwed up your math test.

This story was told in a very playful manner and I couldn’t help but giggle every now and then while reading this book. Kudos to the author and I hope to read more from the author in the near future.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received this book from Disney-Hyperion via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Book description:

High school senior Justina Griffith was never the girl who dreamed of going to prom. Designer dresses and strappy heels? Not her thing. So she never expected her best friend, Ian Clark, to ask her.

Ian, who always passed her the baseball bat handle first.

Ian, who knew exactly when she needed red licorice.

Ian, who promised her the most amazing night at prom.

And then ditched her.

Now, as the sun rises over her small town, and with only the help of some opinionated ladies at the 7-Eleven, Justina must piece together — stain by stain on her thrift-store dress — exactly how she ended up dateless. A three-legged Chihuahua was involved. Along with a demolition derby-ready Cadillac. And there was that incident at the tattoo parlor. Plus the flying leap from Brian Sontag’s moving car…

But to get the whole story, Justina will have to face the boy who ditched her. And discover if losing out at prom can ultimately lead to true love.

Filled with humor, charm, and romance, Ditched: A Love Story by debut novelist Robin Mellom will have readers dreaming of love on their own prom nights.

Life Eternal

Title: Life Eternal

SubTitle: A Dead Beautiful novel

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Imprint: Hyperion

Pub Date: 24 Feb 2011

ISBN: 9781423119579

Author: Yvonne Woon

Life Eternal by Yvonne Woon is a darkly romantic YA fiction. The story is refreshing and original and I like how the author portrayed the emotions of the characters. It can get a tad creepy at times in my opinion, but it’s bearable, considering that this is also a paranormal fiction.

I can’t wait for the next instalment of this series and I hope for more stories from the author. I highly recommends this book to teenagers who wants an excellent paranormal romance story.

I rate this book 4 out of 5. I received an ARC of this book from Disney-Hyperion via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Book description:

Renée Winters has changed. When she looks in the mirror, a beautiful girl with an older, sadder face stares back. Her condition has doctors mystified, but Renée can never reveal the truth: she died last May, and was brought back to life by the kiss of her Undead soul mate, Dante Berlin.

Now, her separation from Dante becomes almost unbearable. His second life is close to an end, and each passing day means one less that she will spend with the boy who shares her soul.

Just when Renée has almost given up hope, she learns of the Nine Sisters-brilliant scholars who, according to legend, found a way to cheat death. She can’t shake the feeling that they are somehow connected to her dreams, strange visions that hint at a discovery so powerful, and so dangerous, that some will stop at nothing to protect it.

Renée thought she knew the truth about life and death. But there is a secret woven through history that holds the only hope for Dante and Renée. Unless they find answers soon, their time together is doomed to be cut short.

Wrapped in Rain

‘Wrapped in Rain’ is quite a difficult story for me to read. It is highly emotional and made me think that no matter how one tries to escape the past, they can never do that. One can never be free of their past, unless they’re brave enough to face it.

One thing I learned from this book is about unwavering faith will save one’s soul. Prayers too.

Overall, it’s not a bad book to read. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Thomas Nelson Publisher and I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Book description:

“Life is a battle, but you can’t fight it with your fists. You got to fight it with your heart.”

An internationally famous photographer, Tucker has traveled the world and seen both the serious and the strange. But when his brother escapes from a mental hospital and an old girlfriend appears with her son and a black eye, he is forced to return home and face the agony of his own tragic past. Back in rural Alabama, Tucker comes to terms with the ghosts he left behind. Miss Ella Rain once loved Tuck and his brother like they were her very own. Hiring her to take care of Waverly Hall and to keep them out of sight was the only good thing their father ever did. And though Miss Ella has been gone for many years, Tuck can still hear her voice. And she keeps telling him, encouraging him, that by reaching out to this young boy he can redeem his father’s tarnished legacy and pass on the good she brought into his life.

 

Mistletoe Wishes

Title: Mistletoe Wishes

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: HarlequinAnthology

Pub Date:27 September 2011

ISBN: 9780373837618

Author: Carole Mortimer, Jane Porter & Catherine George

‘Mistletoe Wishes’ is a collection of three stories by three different authors. Like the title suggested, they’re all Christmas themed novels. The stories are heartwarming and passionate, though I find that it’s just another one of those typical Harlequin Christmas romance.

There’s nothing out of ordinary, but all ofthe stories are enjoyable nevertheless.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin Publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Book description:

’Tis the season for family, friends and believing in the impossible.

’Tis the season for… Mistletoe Wishes.

Three brand-new romances celebrating the joy of the holidays from bestselling and beloved authors:

THE BILLIONAIRE’S CHRISTMAS GIFT by Carole Mortimer

Nick Steele’s heart is closed to everyone but his daughter. He will do anything to make this Christmas special for his little girl, though sharing the holidays with her impossibly attractive teacher wasn’t at all what he had planned. But the lovely and vibrant Ms. Beth Morgan soon has Nick rethinking his own wish list. Might there be room for one more special lady in his life?

 

ONE CHRISTMAS NIGHT IN VENICE by Jane Porter

Five years ago a car accident killed her husband and unborn child—or so Diane Mayer had thought. Then she sees Dominic Coducci alive and well before her eyes, looking as shocked as she! Dom is determined to put his family back together, whatever it takes. But Diane needs to be sure about her husband’s feelings before she can share his bed again.

 

SNOWBOUND WITH THE MILLIONAIRE by Catherine George

Georgia had no intention of spending her Christmas marooned with a sexy millionaire. She wanted to be alone, to lick her wounds and nurse her broken heart. But Chance—her gorgeous rescuer—was making it difficult for Georgia to concentrate on her misery! Though a snowstorm raged outside the mansion, inside things were quickly heating up….

The Juliet Spell

Title: The Juliet Spell

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: HarlequinTEEN

Pub Date: 27 September 2011

ISBN: 9780373210398

Author: Douglas Rees

‘The Juliet Spell’ is not a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Far from that. It’s a YA novel and it’s a very witty and refreshing story. I like the humour in this story and the romance that have been put in so delicately.

It’s a fantasy, so don’t expect anything logical from this book. It’s a good book to read if you enjoy books that provides you escapism.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Book description:

I’m Juliet.

At least, I wanted to be.

So I did something stupid to make it happen.

Well, stupid and wonderful.

I wanted the role of Juliet more than anything. I studied hard. I gave a great reading for it—even with Bobby checking me out the whole time. I deserved the part.

I didn’t get it. So I decided to level the playing field, though I actually might have leveled the whole play. You see, since there aren’t any Success in Getting to Be Juliet in Your High School Play spells, I thought I’d cast the next best—a Fame spell. Good idea, right?

Yeah. Instead of bringing me a little fame, it brought me someone a little famous. Shakespeare. Well, Edmund Shakespeare. William’s younger brother.

Good thing he’s sweet and enthusiastic about helping me with the play…and—ahem—maybe a little bit hot. But he’s from the past. Way past. Cars amaze him—cars! And cell phones? Ugh.

Still, there’s something about him that’s making my eyes go star-crossed….

Will Romeo steal her heart before time steals him away?

 

Alien Snow

Title: Alien Snow

Publisher: Capstone

Imprint: Stone Arch Books

Pub Date: 1 August 2011

ISBN: 9781434220905

Author: Michael Dah

‘Alien Snow’ is a wonderful children interactive book that tells the story from two sides: from the protagonist’s point of view, and the antagonist’s point of view.

This book is a very interesting children book, and it’s one book that you’d want your young boys to read. There’s adventure and the elemant of fantasies in it, and I’m sure that it will encourage the young minds to think imaginatively.

I suppose this book makes a good Winter vacation read as well as a classroom material.

I received an ARC of this book from Capstone Publisher via Netgalley and I was not required to write a positive review for it. I was not compensated in any ways for this.

Book description:

On a winter day, a young boy visits a strange antique shop. The eerie shopkeeper tries to interest the boy in his personal collection of snow globes. The boy is polite, but clearly bored by the objects. Then suddenly, the boy finds himself trapped inside one of the globes, another prisoner in the shopkeeper’s collection. The boy must find a way to escape, or remain a trapped forever! Part of the Good vs Evil series.

 

Healing Hearts

When I requested this book for a review, I had no idea that this book contains 3 stories in it. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that there’s more than just one story to read.

I liked all of the stories, but the pace was rather slow for me in the beginning.

Nevertheless, this book is a good Amish read and I come to learn more about the Amish society, their culture and their daily lives from this book.

Overall, it’s an entertaining read. I would recommend this book to those who loves Christian fiction or Amish fiction. You won’t be disappointed.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Thomas Nelson Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

6 Inspiring eBooks Every Creative Writer Should Read

6 Inspiring eBooks Every Creative Writer Should Read

If you are a writer and want to really brush up on the profession, then these eBooks are for you. They are full of great information, tips, and points of view to get your creativity out through your writing.

1.A Rulebook for Arguments: If you want to get your point of view out through your writing, then this eBook can really help. This can show you what it means to convey your thoughts through your writing and how to win any argument using these techniques. This is informative and puts a different twist on creative writing that many other books don’t cover.
2.30 Minutes to Boost Your Communication: Even if you happen to be a creative writer who knows what to say at all times, this book can still come in handy. Sometimes you may find that you need to find your way out of a rut or simply can’t think of the words that you want to use. For every writer out there, certain tips are required and this book really helps with breaking it all down.
3.Tell It Slant: If you want that right angle into writing, then you will find it here. This is a great eBook because it shows you firsthand what you need to get into the writing world. Even beyond that, it demonstrates what skills you need to make it and keep yourself going once you are an active part of the writing world. This is great for anyone who has ever contemplated a career as a creative writer!
4.Technical Communication: If you ever had an interest in technical writing, then this is the eBook to read up on it through. This is a great book to get you into the focus of what technical writing is all about. Even if this isn’t your forte, this is a great way to study up on this and make yourself a more well rounded writer.
5.Writing Clearly: Whether you need to help yourself in certain areas or just want to learn how to write from the mindset of your target audience, this book can really help. It serves as what it calls a self help guide and therefore gives you the power to make the changes needed and really develop yourself as a writer overall.
6.The Creative Writer’s Workbook: There are great ideas and tips to get you motivated and moving with this book. You can use it for motivation, for great help, and for a way of getting yourself focused within your profession. No matter what your subject matter or how long you’ve been doing it, this book can offer the insight that you need to be successful.

Writing can be a rather challenging profession and all writers need some help sometimes. Whether you need a specific piece of help or just need to get focused and motivated, these eBooks can really help out.

MJM Fred ordinarily blogs about how a master of fine arts will affect your career as well as salary.

Viper’s Kiss

Title: Viper’s Kiss

Publisher: Carina Press

Pub Date: 25 July 2011

ISBN: 9781426891922

Author: Shannon Curtis

Viper’s Kiss is a very hot, tantalizing and breathtaking read It’s very engaging and mesmerizing.

I like how the things starts off with the main characters and how they developed from not friendly with each other to lovers.

I also like the element of danger and forbidden love in this story, and who would not like a hero to call their own?

One would have to have a heart of stone to not like this book. I enjoyed this very much and I highly recommend this book to all thriller-romance lovers.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Carina Press via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Book description:

Librarian Maggie Kincaid yearns for excitement-but being accused of espionage is not what she had in mind. Wanted by the police, the FBI and the criminal element, Maggie goes on the run-and runs straight into sexy Luke Fletcher. Unfortunately, when Luke pulls out the handcuffs, it’s not because he has something kinky in mind…

Security expert Luke is intent on seeing the murderous spy known only as Viper brought to justice. The un-spy-like behavior of his fugitive makes him suspect he’s apprehended the wrong woman. Just as they give in to lust, new evidence convinces Luke that Maggie’s not as innocent as she claims to be.

Devastated by Luke’s inability to trust her, Maggie runs again. She’s determined to clear her name, and if that means tracking down a notorious spy even Interpol can’t seem to locate, then that’s exactly what she’ll do…

Wisdom’s Kiss

Title: Wisdom’s Kiss

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Imprint: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Pub Date: 12 September 2011

ISBN: 9780547566870

Author: Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Wisdom’s Kiss is a very funny YA story, and if you’re looking for something fresh, something unforgettable, then you;re probably looking for Wisdom’s Kiss.

It’s fun to read and definitely a keeper for your teenage daughters. I highly recommend this book for girls who crave for humourous adventure and a little bit of a fairy tale with a happily ever after.

This book will tickle your funny bones for sure, and will make a perfect birthday or Christmas gift.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from  Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.