The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

AMAZON- http://amzn.to/2kFmUzM

MY THOUGHTS:

5/5 STARS

This book can only be described one way, a classic. It's words were like a literary hug... Each one surrounded me, embraced, and slowly seeped into my blood stream. Their impact pulled me in with turmoil and surrounded me with tragedy. It wasn't an easy book to read, but it's one I will never forget.
Liesel may just be my favorite heroine of all time. Her gentleness and immaturity grew into raw bravery and her ugly journey was full of hope. Her story starts with her brother dying and her mother giving her away. She ends up with adoptive parents and a world full of questions. The aggravating boy next door becomes her best friend/first love and a jew moves into her basement. One thing ties all of these things together... Words. The simple, yet complex act of reading brings her family and friends closer. Her papa teaches her love through ink on pages and in the end she returns the favor. Stealing books becomes her thing and what a thing it is...
My heart was filled to the brim while reading this book. It's a different type of historical with a new take on the enemy side. I found myself confused, angry, and sad, but most importantly... overwhelmed by how educated I felt once I finished. The narrator was a unique twist and helped pack the hard punch the story needed. I don't want to say I loved it because to love a story so full of tragedy is a tad morbid, but I did love the overall execution and grit that lined the pages. I loved the love between the characters and I loved the bittersweet ending.

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes

The Kevinian cult has taken everything from seventeen-year-old Minnow: twelve years of her life, her family, her ability to trust. And when she rebelled, they took away her hands, too.

Now their Prophet has been murdered and their camp set aflame, and it's clear that Minnow knows something—but she's not talking. As she languishes in juvenile detention, she struggles to un-learn everything she has been taught to believe, adjusting to a life behind bars and recounting the events that led up to her incarceration. But when an FBI detective approaches her about making a deal, Minnow sees she can have the freedom she always dreamed of—if she’s willing to part with the terrible secrets of her past.

AMAZON LINK: http://amzn.to/29vNmq2

MY THOUGHTS:

5/5 STARS

My heart is ready to burst... It takes a lot for me to be awestruck by a book, but with this one, it was simple. The words wrapped around me and pulled me deep within the soul of the story. Minow Bly captured my every thought and even after the final page, I still didn't want to let go. Her story was tragic, yet inspirational. She grew up knowing only what she was told and when she ends up in juvie everything she knows quickly surfaces as lies. Her mind is opened up to possibilities she never thought possible. Her new prison symbolizes freedom and a new start. She finds friendships in a place that should be depressing and dark. She finds answers she craves and learns to talk through her brutal past in order to set herself free. 

It's a dark and twisted tale about cult life. I mean the girl's hands are cut off! She is held captive with whacko theories in her brain. Her only escape is Jude and escaping into his arms is a similar prison. He wants to protect her, but doesn't realize that by doing so he is also holding her back from freedom. He has a dark past with secrets that will wreck your heart. He believes is a solace life in the woods and fears the town. He wants them to live a life together secluded from all other humanity. Minnow craves something more though... When she meets Angel, she finally starts to see a future through all of the smoke. 

I'm not even sure how to summarize this book without saying that everyone just needs to read it. There are so many unpredictable twists and turns that my brain was swarmed with multiple possibilities. I wasn't sure how everything was going to turn out, but I felt a weight lift off my chest near the end. The story just kind of danced off the pages into beautiful bliss. Minnow finds peace in her own way and even though I still had questions, my heart was content. I definitely urge all to read this one and if you have similar recommendation please let me know! 

Before We Were Strangers by Renee Carlino Review Tour

Blurb:
For fans of Jojo Moyes and the movie Before Sunrise, a sweeping love story inspired by a real-life missed connections story, from the USA Today bestselling author of the romantic women’s novels Sweet Thing, Nowhere But Here, and After the Rain.

To the Green-eyed Lovebird:

We met fifteen years ago, almost to the day, when I moved my stuff into the NYU dorm room next to yours at Senior House.

You called us fast friends. I like to think it was more.

We lived on nothing but the excitement of finding ourselves through music (you were obsessed with Jeff Buckley), photography (I couldn’t stop taking pictures of you), hanging out in Washington Square Park, and all the weird things we did to make money. I learned more about myself that year than any other.

Yet, somehow, it all fell apart. We lost touch the summer after graduation when I went to South America to work for National Geographic. When I came back, you were gone. A part of me still wonders if I pushed you too hard after the wedding…

I didn’t see you again until a month ago. It was a Wednesday. You were rocking back on your heels, balancing on that thick yellow line that runs along the subway platform, waiting for the F train. I didn’t know it was you until it was too late, and then you were gone. Again. You said my name; I saw it on your lips. I tried to will the train to stop, just so I could say hello.

After seeing you, all of the youthful feelings and memories came flooding back to me, and now I’ve spent the better part of a month wondering what your life is like. I might be totally out of my mind, but would you like to get a drink with me and catch up on the last decade and a half?

M 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1K8Mam8
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iTunes:　http://apple.co/1D6wj1B
 

 

MY THOUGHTS:
5/5 Stars

 

Renee Carlino is a an epic story teller that captures the essence of a beautiful, aw inspiring romance. She never disappoints and that is why she is one of my go-to Authors.

 

Before We Were Strangers was nothing short of amazing. It was a one of kind story that circled around a missing connections ad on craigslist. The couple met in college and embarked on a whirlwind adventure of friendship and all consuming love. As time passed though, the inevitable happened. Life tore them apart and it took 15 years for them to reunite. The connection is still there, but the love is deep seeded. Together they have to uncover secrets to find the truth in their second chance at forever.

 

Like all other stories by Renee... This one was rich in beauty and vivid in color. Each scene pulled me in and I could literally feel the emotion seeping from the pages. The characters were well developed and being the bohemian fanatic that I am, they were perfect. It wasn't your typical college age romance, it was unique with some crazy a$$ dates. The playful banter made me smile and the lengths the characters went for one another made me swoon. I mean... It's the love story that every girl dreams of... The modern day fairytale.

 

However, with beauty comes struggle. There were some gut wrenching and frustrating parts. There was one character in particular that I wanted to reach through the book and shake a bit. Then I remembered that without her, the story wouldn't have had that "real feel". She brought the bitter to the better if that makes any sense at all. She was the added spice that kicked up the angst and pushed Matt to go digging for missing information. I never expected the huge twist he found, but the product was genius! I loved how it was the missing link that tied the characters together like two shoe laces to form a belt.

 

Overall, I LOVED this story. It was fast paced and kept me interested... While, it was packed with romance, there was just enough emotion to dilute some of the sweetness. It felt real and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

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EXCERPT:
20. You Remembered . . .

Grace

The present is our own. The right-this-second, the here-and- now, this moment before the next, is ours for the taking. It’s the only free gift the universe has to offer. The past doesn’t belong to us anymore, and the future is just a fantasy, never guaranteed. But the present is ours to own. The only way we can realize that fantasy is if we embrace the now.

I had been closed off for a long time, and I hadn’t allowed myself to imagine the future because I was still stuck in the past. Though it was impossible, I had tried to re-create what Matt and I once had. I wanted nothing else; he was all I could imagine.

But Orvin once told me that time is the currency of life. And I had lost so much of it. It was that idea of lost time that finally made me realize I needed to move on, that I would never have what I once had with Matt. I had to mourn our relationship and move on.

At least, that’s what I told myself.

Two months ago I was walking around in a thick fog of regret. I was going through the motions but wasn’t feeling anything. I’d stare at my new wrinkles in the mirror and wonder where they came from. I wasted more time, repeating the same thing day in and day out, barely present in my own life. I wasn’t looking to break out of the cycle in search of anything meaningful.

Until I saw Matt in the subway station.

Everything changed. I could see in color again, every image vivid and crisp.

Over the last fifteen years, the pain of what had happened to us waxed and waned. Many times I tried to force myself to stop thinking about him, but there were too many reminders. I thought, if I ever saw him again, he’d look right through me, like I was a ghost from his past. That’s how he made me feel that summer after college: someone who no longer existed.

But when I saw him in the station, his eyes locked on mine. He recognized me instantly, and all I could see in his face was pure wonder. It was like he was seeing the sunset over the ocean for the first time. As my train disappeared into the tunnel, his expression turned to desperation, and that’s when I knew there was a missing piece to our story. What was behind his desperation? What had happened to him in the last fifteen years that would send him running down the platform, his hand outstretched, his eyes full of longing?

I needed to find the answer. I had an idea of where I could find Matt, but I was too scared to look.

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ABOUT RENEE CARLINO:

 

Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and bestselling author of romantic women's novels. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog June. When she’s not at the beach with her boys or working on her next project, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorReneeCarlino?fref=ts

WEBSITE: www.reneecarlino.com

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/renayz

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/reneecarlino1/


 

Unravel by Calia Read Review

Six months ago, I was happy. I was simply Naomi Carradine.

One month ago, I was admitted into a psych ward.

Yesterday, Lachlan visited me. Kissed me. And told me that I’m starting to lose my mind.

Hours later, Max haunted my thoughts, reminding me I’m not crazy and that he needs my help.

A few minutes ago, I drifted further from reality, trying to unravel the past.

And now...everyone thinks I’m insane. But, I know he's real, and I know he needs me.

Do you believe me?

AMAZON LINK: http://amzn.to/1jwOiW8

My Thoughts:

4.5/5 Stars

 

I have two words for this book... Mind F*ck!
Unravel will take you on an emotional rollercoaster.
Every time you think you know what will happen something else comes up leaving you empty.

 

The author does a superb job at making you feel every event in this book. Your brain will feel fried after reading and your mind will be thinking about this book days later.

 

I don't want to give away too much, but the characters are amazing. They have depth and emotion. Naomi is in a love triangle and trying to cope with her friends traumatic life.

Lachlan comes and goes, Max is forever.

 

The beginning of this book is a tad slow, but don't give up because once she starts telling her story you wont be able to stop reading.

 

Highly Recommend

Thursday Nights by Lisa N. Paul Review

Thursday Nights

 

4/5 stars

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but it was great!

The story was different and the characters were likeable.

Max has been a  friend of Janies for years and is finally ready to make a move on the feelings he has for her. Janie thinks Max is sexy and falls fast for him. It isn't simple though, their love has lots of substance and tough times to overcome.

I felt the Author did a great job with showing romance, while adding in the sexy parts.

Friendship was a huge part of this book & I loved it. The friendships were real and genuine.

If you want fun read with difficult parts- This one is for you!

 

The Future of Our Past by Kahlen Aymes Review

Description:

Julia Abbot and Ryan Matthews have been inseparable best friends since the moment they met. Each of them fight an internal battle unwilling to risk their incredible friendship but unable to quell their deep longing for the other. On the verge of his departure to medical school and to her new job on the opposite coast, Ryan and Julia are forced to face the undeniable truth of their deeper feelings.

My Thoughts:
3.5 out 5 stars

WARNING: This book leaves you with a huge cliffhanger...

I  just finished this book and I am at a loss for words. It left me completely distraught.
This cliffhanger is like no other and even chapter 1 of book 2 won't answer your questions.

Besides the cliffhanger this book was pretty good. It had a strong storyline with likeable characters. Ryan is a sexy young man who is attending Med school and Julia is a beautiful young woman who is working at a Fashion magazine. Together they have decided to take their friendship to the next level.

Throughout the book they live a long distance relationship with a couple visits a year. Each visit is unique and shows what a strong bond they share. The romance is intense and the sex scenes are hot.... I just felt it was a little too lovey dovey for my liking. There were too many mushy words and they came off as obsessed with one another. I would have liked to see trouble within the relationship. Whether it be a hook up or mixed feelings... just something to kick it up a notch.

The Author did bring in some drama, but sadly the book came to an end shortly after leaving us all with questions.

Emerge by S.E Hall Review

Complete & Utter Bliss

5 out of 5

 

The storyline has first love, a mystery stalker, gripping suspense, and a hot sexy new romance. I was sucked in from page one when best friends begin to fall for one another. The connection they share is sweet love with want and need. When they head off to college their love is tested. Another guy enters and feelings automatically arise. The dates they share are magical and one of a kind.

The Author did a great job writing a unique story with characters that everyone can relate to. The love scenes are intoxicating and the plot keeps you guessing. Just when you think you have it all figured out the Author adds a twist.... sending you in a different direction. This book is definitely a page turner, I could not put it down! Although I loved Evan,  I found myself completely wrapped up in Dane. The descriptions, his personality- everything screams SEXY! I would highly recommend this book. It was just fab!

Buy HERE !

Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs Review

This YA book was a cute 5 out 5 .

I love mermaids so when I found this book I had to read it. Such a fun short read. When two enemies start to grow feelings for one another a huge secret is revealed. With one kiss their lives are changed and challenges arise. The Author created a great storyline with wondeful characters. There is love, laughter, and friendship. The magical descriptions within this book were great. Definitely makes you want to be a mermaid princess that lives in a castle under the sea.

Unexpected Love by Charlene M. Martin

 

 

I stayed up until 3am devouring this one…

What a read!

 

This book is about a young woman who is about to finish High School and move away to colllege. She has a loving family, gets good grades, and has a hott bad boy wrapped around her finger. When she begins having erotic dreams about a guy she has never met she can’t help but crave more. She makes bold decisions, moves away to college, and experiences a life altering event. There is suspense, romance, heartbreak, and friendship.

 I promise you won’t be disappointed if you buy this book!

 

The Author did a fabulous job writing a classy erotic novel. She had just enough detail, an amazing storyline, and characters that everyone can relate to. The book has a beautiful intimate romance, but also has a heartbreak romance as well. There are twists and turns that keep you guessing throughout the entire book. I will say though…. the ending will make you sad it is over and have you begging for book 2.

 DEFINITELY a MUST READ!

 

Buy Here

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Existence by Abbi Glines

5 out 5 for sure

I absolutely cannot wait to purchase book 2!

 

This book was about Pagan Moore, a young girl who could see souls and was dealing with mental issues because of it. She dates the hottie quarterback at her school, but her heart lays elsewhere. Where though?.... With Death himself or better known as Dank. Dank visits her unexpectantly and sings her songs to sleep. The love connection between these two is beautiful. There is struggle, suspense, emotions, romance, and paranormal aspects. The ending is a killer and makes you need book 2- immediately!

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

Entertaining 3.5 out of 5

 

 

Silence starts with Nora being found and having no memory of who kidnapped her. As the story continues her memory is slowly revealed. Patch is now Jev? Scott is in and out of hiding & the Black Hand is playing mind tricks. I enjoyed this book, but wouldn't say it is the best in the series. There is tons of suspense and little romance. While Scott & Patch are both back in the picture, Nora leans more towards Patch -Like Always. You can probably tell I am team Scott all the way!! I found this book to have alot of good parts, but they never really added up to the finish I expected. Still going to read book #4.... Hopefully the series ends with a bang.

The Devil Knows Tour

 

My Thoughts on "The Devil Knows"

 

 

If you love intense emotion, fantasy, and romance “The Devil Knows” is most definitely for you.

This book was an addicting 5 out of 5. I read it in one sitting and found my self intoxicated by the storyline and the characters. Sometimes Authors give excessive amount of details that do not pertain to the plot, but not K.C Cavanaugh. Each sentence sucks you in and comes together to form a wonderful read. The emotion in this book will consume you. There are parts that have you screaming at the characters one moment and rooting for them the next. The topics discussed in the book will pull on your heart strings and have you thinking about life and how much you have to be thankful for. It is so hard not fall in love with Jeremiah, the Dr. and demon. He may have a dark side, but he proves that one kiss can change the way you go about everything. The friendship portrayed in this book is that of family. The two girls lay everything on the line for one another and don’t think twice about doing such. Towards the end of the book new concepts are introduced and adds a twist to the plot. The fantasy in this story allows you to escape reality, then before you know it the term “Cancer” pulls you back in. I think a lot of times Authors try to write about real situations, but fall short. K.C did a great job with writing raw intensity that proves to be real issues in everyday life. Throughout the book I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough and by the end I was begging for book 2. I think the Author did a fabulous job with this book and I would recommend it to all readers.

About the Book:

“The Devil Knows” is a paranormal romance-drama. It starts off with Megan learning that her best friend since birth has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Megan’s life is then consumed by the drive to find a way to save Anya. She scours the internet looking for medical answers, as well as those that seem far-fetched and impossible.

Soon, her computer leads her to the possibility of making a deal with the devil. Megan wonders if it’s even possible for her to give up her soul to save Anya. Not knowing where to begin, she soon discovers clues and signs that seem to be left for her, which leads her to an occult shop where she tries to find some answers.

But it doesn’t take long for Anya to get worse, as it seems each day her condition deteriorates. Even the doctors are baffled by the progression of the cancer, as it’s much more aggressive than anticipated. During a trip to the emergency room with Anya, Megan meets Dr. Carson who is Anya’s attending physician.

Quickly a spark between Megan and the doctor ignites, even though there appears to be something that just isn’t right about the emergency room doctor. Besides he treated Anya, so that makes Megan feels weird. Plus there is the fact that she’s been thinking about selling her soul, so a relationship is the last thing on Megan’s mind! But after a few encounters, Megan realizes that Jeremiah Carson may not be exactly who he has portrayed himself to be.

Who holds the answers to curing Anya? Could Megan really sell her soul when it comes down to it? Only the devil knows…

Excerpt One:

 

"Are they talking about admitting her?" Megan asked, trying to keep the horror out of her voice. From their conversations the doctors hadn't thought hospitalization would be necessary and she could receive her chemo as an outpatient. If the emergency room doctors were considering hospitalization for anything other than dehydration and nausea, then Anya was not in good shape. If so, all the optimism and perky tones in the world wouldn't do her any good.

"I don't know," Bryan repeated, clearly frustrated. "I don't think the doctors know!"

"Okay, okay," Megan said, trying to calm Bryan down. "I'll be there soon. Let her know, okay?"

"Yeah," he said weakly and mumbled that he needed to go and he'd see her soon.

The phone clicked, signaling the call was disconnected and Megan had to fight the urge to put her head back and close her eyes as she merged onto the interstate. Thankfully the rush hour traffic was dissipating.

Minutes later Megan was maneuvering through downtown, silently cursing every red light. She had been able to see the hospital since she exited the interstate and was anxious to reach her destination.

Finally, the light turned and car in front of her rolled through the intersection. Megan made her right turn into the hospital parking garage and felt her pulse begin to race.

It wasn't fear of being too late, but the fear the unknown. Having just seen Anya earlier, Megan wasn't sure what kind of state her best friend was going to be in.

The parking garage was across the street from the hospital and Megan collected the ticket so she could proceed further into the underbelly of the garage and begin her hunt for a space.

Parking was a nightmare—almost as bad as the ones she had been suffering at night. She reached the third level before she found a parking spot in a distant corner of the garage. She quickly trotted to the elevator, waited for what felt like hours, and wrote it down to street level.

　

Excerpt Two:

“So, that doctor was pretty cute, huh?” Anya asked, teasing.

Snorting, Megan retorted, “Oh yeah, a real hottie.” But in the back of her mind, she was drooling over the good doctor. He wasn’t bad to look at, Megan had to admit. Though he didn’t do anything to warrant the opinion, she got the impression he could be intense.

“He seemed to think the same about you,” Anya replied.

“Anya! He was there as your doctor, not to pick up girls.” Megan couldn’t believe Anya’s playful mood. She never teased Megan about guys—well, hardly ever. “Look, I have too much on my plate right now with school. I’m not looking for anything,” she said, trying to figure out if she was trying to convince Anya, or herself.

“Who said you have to be looking for something, Megs? He’s hot, you’re hot, and the two of you could be hot.”

The look Anya was giving her made Megan burst out in laughter. This was good. She liked having this happy, clever Anya around. It was how Megan wanted to remember her.

 

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Meet the Author

K.C. grew up in a small town in Northeastern PA, she still lives close to her hometown, remaining close with her friends and family. She has been writing since a young age, and always wanted to be a writer. Before now, she focused on poetry and short stories. The Devil Knows is her debut novel, and was written after K.C. found out that a family friend was diagnosed with cancer.

With lots of projects in the works, she is hoping to release her second novel this summer. You can look for her YA apocalyptic trilogy, Eternal Trilogy (with a few additional shorts), and a YA paranormal mystery.

Check out her pages!

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Love You More by M.L Stephens

5 out 5 one of a kind story...

 

 

 

"Love You More" was a beautiful read. I was instantly sucked in from page 1 and didn't want to put it down! The storyline was unique and the characters were captivating.  The story is about two young girls who are brutally attacked, leaving one dead. While the young girl searches for her killers, she also searches for her own answers. The Author adds a little bit of something for everyone. There was violence, romance, fantasy & mystery all mixed together to form a wonderful book. The emotion portrayed was raw and real. Just when you think you have it all figured out M.L Stephens throws in a twist sending you in a different direction. I loved this book and would recommend it to everyone. I can't wait to read Book 2!

 

Purchase Link: Amazon