Rearview Mirror by Stephanie Black

Rearview Mirror by Stephanie Black

Summary from Stephanie Black's Website :

On a rainy night eight years ago, Fiona Claridge lost control of her car and crashed, injuring herself and killing her roommate, Mia Hardy. Now, she strives to keep the painful past at bay by staying burrowed beneath the demands of her job as a college professor in a small New England town. But when someone starts leaving her gift-wrapped boxes containing malicious reminders of Mia’s death, Fiona’s guilt and grief come flooding back. 

 

She assumes her stalker is Kimberly Bailey, a disgruntled student, and enlists the help of fellow professor James Hampton. But when Fiona encounters the angry wife of an old flame, it becomes clear her student isn’t the only one with an eye for revenge. Cruel messages escalate to danger, then murder. As past and present become horribly entangled, Fiona struggles to unravel the truth about a determined killer—before she becomes the next victim. 

4 Stars

Read October 2013

Thriller/LDS Fiction, Inter-Library Loan

My Review:
This book had me guessing the entire time!  I don't usually read thriller/suspense novels, but this won a Whitney Award in 2011 so I thought I would give it a try.

I liked the main character.  I liked the setting of the story; in the northeast in a college town.  I liked that there were many characters that could have been "the bad guy".  And I liked that there was a hint of romance.  

As a side note, the LDS aspect of this book was very slight.  The religion didn't play a major role in my opinion.

Warnings: Stalking, murder, attempted murder

I would let my 15 year old read this story.  I would not let my 12 year old read this story. 

Sarah M. Eden's Next 2 Books and A Proper Romance Tour

You know how I love Sarah M. Eden's books.  I can't wait for these next two.

First off, in January 2014, Sarah M. Eden is releasing As You Are which is Corbin Jonquil's story (if you have read Friends and Foes or Drops of Gold then you know who Corbin is.  Totally love these brothers!)
















Second, in March 2014, she is releasing Hope Springs which is the sequel to Longing for Home in the Proper Romance Line of Shadow Mountain Books.  Other books include Edenbrooke and Blackmoore both by Julianne Donaldson.

Also, Sarah M. Eden and Julianne Donaldson are doing a tour together of their Proper Romance Books.  See if they are coming to a city near you!

THE PROPER ROMANCE TOUR

United We Spy by Ally Carter

United We Spy by Ally Carter

Summary from Goodreads:
Cammie Morgan has lost her father and her memory, but in the heart-pounding conclusion to the best-selling Gallagher Girls series, she finds her greatest mission yet. Cammie and her friends finally know why the terrorist organization called the Circle of Cavan has been hunting her. Now the spy girls and Zach must track down the Circle’s elite members to stop them before they implement a master plan that will change Cammie—and her country—forever.

5 Stars

Read October 2013

Teen/Young Adult, Library Book

My Review:
This is the last book in the Gallagher Girls Series.  And it is another great one.  There is lots of action, kidnappings, interrogations, attempted murders, and all kinds of other things that you would expect in a Gallagher Girls book.  I like that Ally Carter still keeps some secrets from us.  Even after so many books, I am surprised.  

Thank you Ally Carter for giving the world the Gallagher Girls.  What a fun book series.  

Now, on to the next Heist Society book!

Warnings: All the regular ones that go with the Gallagher Girls books (see above).

I would let my 12 and 15 year olds read this series.  They read the book before me, I was the last of the 3 of us to get to read it.  I waited patiently, really I did.

The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Summary from Goodreads:
A kingdom teetering on the brink of destruction. A king gone missing. Who will survive? Find out in the highly anticipated sequel to Jennifer A. Nielsen's blockbuster THE FALSE PRINCE!

Just weeks after Jaron has taken the throne, an assassination attempt forces him into a deadly situation. Rumors of a coming war are winding their way between the castle walls, and Jaron feels the pressure quietly mounting within Carthya. Soon, it becomes clear that deserting the kingdom may be his only hope of saving it. But the further Jaron is forced to run from his identity, the more he wonders if it is possible to go too far. Will he ever be able to return home again? Or will he have to sacrifice his own life in order to save his kingdom?

The stunning second installment of The Ascendance Trilogy takes readers on a roller-coaster ride of treason and murder, thrills and peril, as they journey with the Runaway King!

5 Stars

Read/Listened to October 2013

Fantasy, Book on CD from library and paperback bought at the school Scholastic Book Fair

My Review:
Well, as soon as I finished The False Prince, I requested The Runaway King at the library.  I figured I would do the same as I did with the first book and listen to it on the way to work.  This worked well: my commute was faster and more interesting.  However, this time around was a bit different than with The False Prince.

Julia, my 12 year old, read these books this summer.  She was so excited I was listening to them and asked if we could listen when we were running errands.  She would also often ask me where I was in the story.  Last week was the Scholastic Book Fair at her school.  All she wanted was The False Prince and The Runaway King.  What deal!  They were paperback and on sale.  

Well, one day after we bought them she said, "Where are you in the story?"  I had been listening to the story and told her where I was.  As I made dinner, she read aloud to me.  She was just so excited for me to keep going.

The story was very exciting.  I never knew where the author was going to go with it.  I couldn't figure out how this story was going to end.  There were twists and turns and sometimes it made my stomach hurt with anxiety.  There were times that I thought the author made some pretty big leaps, but at the same time, that is why this is a fantasy.

When it got down to the last couple of chapters, I couldn't wait until I was driving to work.  So instead, I pulled out my daughter's new copy of the book and read the last few chapters instead of listening to them.  This was another great story and I can't wait for the third book, The Shadow Throne.

Warnings: Stabbings, murder, sword fighting, thieving

I would let my 12 year old read this book.  She read it before I did!

Just Ella by Annette K. Larsen

Just Ella by Annette K. Larsen

Summary from Goodreads:
A proper, clean Romance

Ariella was only looking for a distraction, something to break up the monotony of palace life. What she found was a young man willing to overlook her title and show her a new and vibrant way of life. But when her growing feelings for Gavin spiral out of control and clash with the expectations of her station, she will discover that the consequences of her curiosity are far more severe than she'd imagined.

"I watched in helpless horror as two guards hauled Gavin to his feet and dragged him from the room. My voice was frozen, unable to protest as another guard took hold of my arm, leading me upstairs. From the confines of my room, I stared into the darkness beyond my window, hoping to catch one more glimpse of Gavin. He was gone, and I wondered if he would have been better off if he had never met me."

5 Stars

Read September 2013

Historical romance, Free e-book on Kindle (read it on my phone)

My Review:
This book was recommended to me by I am a Reader not a Writer.  I am so glad I took her recommendation and read the book!

I love this book.  Like many clean romances, this book starts with the meeting of two characters and the developing of their relationship.  Unlike many romances, this book does not end when the two characters discover their feelings for each other.  This book covers more time and more issues than just these two falling in love.

One of the things I really like about this book is the journey that the main character goes through.  She starts the book as a 15 year old girl who is bored and looking for something to do.  By the end of the book, she has found a way to feel fulfilled and of use.  

This book has romance (of course), small adventures, kidnappings, unwanted suitors, and so much more.  I highly recommend this book.

Warnings: None

I would let my 12 year old and my 15 year old daughters read this book.  I think they would love it.

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Summary from Goodreads:
THE FALSE PRINCE is the thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger and deceit and hidden identities that will have readers rushing breathlessly to the end.

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point -- he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage's rivals have their own agendas as well.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.

An extraordinary adventure filled with danger and action, lies and deadly truths that will have readers clinging to the edge of their seats.

4 Stars

Listened to September 2013

Young Adult/Fantasy, Book on CD in the car on the way to and from work (new thing for me)

My Review:
I have started a new job.  The commute is about 20 minutes one way.  What better time to start listening to a book on CD?!!!

My 12 year old daughter read The False Prince this summer and loved it.  So I started with it.  The beginning was a little hard, I found it a bit slow.  However, once the story got going it was exciting and I wanted to take extra drives so I could listen to the book.  

The story was new to me.  I didn't know what was going to come next.  I liked the plot twists.  I admit I was not a fan of the main character.  I have a hard time understanding him and why he behaves the way he does.  He makes me anxious.  Although somehow I am still routing for him.

There is a sequel to this book called The Runaway King.  I plan on listening to it next.  Bring on the commute!

Warnings: Murder, torture

I would let both my 12 and 15 year old daughters read this book.  As stated before, my 12 year old recommended the book to me.  

Kiss in the Dark by Marcia Lynn McClure

Kiss in the Dark by Marcia Lynn McClure

Excerpt from Goodreads:
“Boston,” he mumbled.
“I mean…Logan…he’s like the man of my dreams! Why would I blow it? What if…” Boston continued to babble.
“Boston,” he said. The commanding sound of his voice caused Boston to cease in her prattling and look to him.
“What?” she asked, somewhat grateful he’d interrupted her panic attack.
He frowned and shook his head. 
“Shut up,” he said. “You’re all worked up about nothing.” He reached out, slipping one hand beneath her hair to the back of her neck. 
Boston was so startled by his touch, she couldn’t speak—she could only stare up into his mesmerizing green eyes. His hand was strong and warm, powerful and reassuring. 
“If it freaks you out so much…just kiss in the dark,” he said.
Boston watched as Vance put the heel of his free hand to the light switch. In an instant the room went black.

4.5 Stars

Read September 2013

Contemporary Romance, free e-book for Kindle (read on my phone app, anyone wanna get me a Kindle?)

My Review:
I loved all of the relationships in this book.  There were great friendships, bad friendships, casual dating relationships and great chemistry in a new romance.

I gave it a high rating for being a fulfilling story that I didn't want to put down.

Warnings: Personal assault

I would let my 15 year old read this story.