WWW Wednesday (153)

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

          

01. Currently Reading:
The Franciscan by W.R. Park. A new Pope is rushed into office by a Cardinal who wants someone he can control. But this man has more resolve and focus than expected, staying strong through death threats and murder.

02. Recently Finished:
Rebel by Amy Tintera. The sequel to Reboot, Wren and Callum escape the HARC facility and journey to the all Reboot city where they hope to find peace, but instead are recruited for revenge.

03. Reading Next:
The Art Forger by Barbara A. Shapiro. An artistic mystery including missing paintings, forgery for hire, and unexpected discoveries of once lost art.

Teaser Tuesday (159)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers



The Franciscan (p.128-129)
   - W.R. Park

"Old friendships are out the window. Do what you're told, or death may be visiting you next."

Rebel

Wren Connolly thought she'd left her human side behind when she dies five years ago and came back 178 minutes later as a Reboot. With her new abilities of strength, speed, and healing—along with a lack of emotions—Wren 178 became the perfect soldier for HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation). Then Callum 22 came along and changed everything.

Now that they've both escaped, they're ready to start a new life in peace on the Reboot reservation. But Micah 163, the Reboot running the reservation, has darker plans in mind: to wipe out the humans. All of them. Micah has been building a Reboot army for years and is now ready to launch his attack on the cities. Callum wants to stick around and protect the humans. Wren wants nothing more than to leave all the fighting behind them.

With Micah on one side, HARC on the other, and Wren and Callum at odds in the middle, there's only one option left...

*May Contain Spoilers*

If you're reading this, then Wren and Callum escaped the Reboot facility in Rosa and Callum received the antidote. Rebel, the sequel to Reboot by Amy Tintera, picks up exactly where the first installment left off, immediately bringing readers back into the escape to a more peaceful place for the main characters. Not that that happens...

Wren and Callum lead a revolution in this sequel and readers will only find their connections deepen as each page is turned. When the two heroes, and a couple shuttles full of rescued Reboots, show up at the safe haven for Reboots, they don't expect an army as a welcome mat, nor a battle with HARC officers. It doesn't take them very long to realize that this Reboot city is a dictatorship led by a strongly opinionated Reboot who refuses to let anyone stand in his way.

Readers know that Wren has slightly stilted emotions, but she's learning. As the novel progresses, readers see Wren fight for her life, defend a population that hates and fears her, all while trying to protect her fellow reboots. Callum is no doubt the sweetest character in the novels. He cares so deeply and that may label him as weak. But the moment that Wren's in trouble, readers see a man who is willing to do anything to save her. The connection between readers and the main characters will only further solidify in this sequel. 

The plot of Rebel begins with Wren, Callum, and the Reboot Rescues finding the safe city for Reboots. They're welcomed but soon learn that Micah, the leader, has a plan to free all reboots and kill all humans. Knowing there are good humans still out there, Wren and Callum refuse to help. Her open defiance of Micah causes him to take some pretty extreme measures to shut her up and keep his role as leader. After Callum learns what Micah has done, he leads a revolt. And the Reboots follow. For lovers of the first book, Rebel is the perfect sequel. It seems like there was no time between books one and two, a rare and special thing in a series. Amy Tintera satisfies her fans and we can only hope for more! 

Rating: 4.5/5 Cups

Photo Friday

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/229120699768715169/

Me too. 

September Sky

When unemployed San Francisco reporter Chuck Townsend and his college-dropout son, Justin, take a cruise to Mexico in 2016, each hopes to rebuild a relationship after years of estrangement. But they find more than common ground aboard the ship. They meet a mysterious lecturer who touts the possibilities of time travel. Within days, Chuck and Justin find themselves in 1900, riding a train to Texas, intent on preventing a distant uncle from being hanged for a crime he did not commit.

Their quick trip to Galveston, however, becomes long and complicated when they wrangle with business rivals and fall for two beautiful librarians on the eve of a hurricane that will destroy the city. Filled with humor, history, romance, and heartbreak, SEPTEMBER SKY follows two directionless souls on the adventure of a lifetime as they try to make peace with the past, find new purpose, and grapple with the knowledge of things to come.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Time travel writer John Heldt begins the American Journey series with his novel, September Sky. Father and son, both at a point in their lives where they're uncertain what lies ahead, appear on the receiving end of a ticket to the year 1900. Charles and Justin Townsend, after a bit of consideration, jump at the chance to visit another era. But if it's up to them, they won't be just innocent bystanders. 

Charles Townsend has regrets when it comes to how he has lived his life. He was mainly an absent father, always chasing a news story and never making his family a priority. After he is let go from his job, Chuck sees a chance to reconnect with his son. True to the reporter label, Charles is a very inquisitive and curious man. He thoroughly researches the year 1900 and discovers that a relative of his is accused of a murder his family doesn't believe he committed. When Chuck learns of the hurricane that destroyed the same city, he doesn't need any more reasons to ignore his time traveling directions and try to change history. Though Chuck is an intelligent man, this doesn't seem like the best idea. Time travel is a fickle thing, but the characters seem to come out all right. (Well, not all of them...) 

Justin Townsend has just broken up with his girlfriend and dropped out of medical school. He's confused, lost, and lonely. Taking a trip and gaining perspective is exactly what he needs. Justin is an honest man. He's dedicated, persistent, bright, smart, and very likeable. Readers will be able to connect with Justin emotionally because of his relationship experience at the beginning. That connection will only grow as readers watch him fall in love again with a spunky, witty woman from 1900. 

The plot of the novel begins as a time travelling mission back to 1900 to explore, collect data, descriptions, and experiences in Chicago. When Chuck learns of the unfair murder accusation of his relative in Galveston, TX, Chuck convinces his son that they should stop in Texas and see if they can help. Chuck pretends to be researching for his book on the shipping industry in Galveston in order to learn about his relative. While doing so, he happens to fall for a beautiful librarian named Charlotte. Justin is also experiencing the fall with a young woman named Emily Beck. When the murder investigation falls into the background of their minds, Chuck and Justin find themselves with friends and romantic interests that don't fit in with their time traveling plans. It was a little bothersome that the two men didn't focus more on the murder. I guess romance trumps investigative journalism? Not that I really minded the love stories... 

Readers will definitely connect with both Chuck and Justin. They're both very down to earth characters with a slight to-good-to-be-true air. Chuck is a little corny at times, though it's probably a historical trait. Justin is a considerate and sweet young man who steals the hearts of many in this novel. But when thinking of time travel and the possible butterfly effect, I don't think it was very wise for Chuck and Justin to try to alter history. Perhaps that's what the series will pick up on in the next book? I feel like there has to be consequences for certain actions, but maybe not. Heldt does a good job in surprising the reader at the end and explaining certain character decisions. Definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next for the time travelers. 

Rating: 3/5 Cups

WWW Wednesday (152)

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

          

01. Currently Reading:
September Sky by John Heldt. A father and his son get the chance to time travel back to the year 1900 to do research. But instead they find themselves trying to save a man from dying and a city from ruin.

02. Recently Finished:
Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt. Amazing book about coming of age, understanding loss, fighting social understanding. One of the best books I've ever read.

03. Reading Next:
Rebel by Amy Tintera. Sequel to a book I read a few months ago, Reboot. Very interested to see what happens when the best 'zombie' cop switches to the rebel side.

Teaser Tuesday (158)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers



September Sky (58%)
   - John Heldt

Chuck gave serious thought to walking over to Mack and telling him that he was on to him when he detected motion on his left. He turned just in time to see Silas Fitzpatrick approach.

Photo Friday

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/229120699768677387/
http://writerswrite.co.za/reading-comic

Best e-card I've seen yet.

Tell the Wolves I'm Home: A Novel

In this striking literary debut, Carol Rifka Brunt unfolds a moving story of love, grief, and renewal as two lonely people become the unlikeliest of friends and find that sometimes you don’t know you’ve lost someone until you’ve found them.

1987. There’s only one person who has ever truly understood fourteen-year-old June Elbus, and that’s her uncle, the renowned painter Finn Weiss. Shy at school and distant from her older sister, June can only be herself in Finn’s company; he is her godfather, confidant, and best friend. So when he dies, far too young, of a mysterious illness her mother can barely speak about, June’s world is turned upside down. But Finn’s death brings a surprise acquaintance into June’s life - someone who will help her to heal and to question what she thinks she knows about Finn, her family, and even her own heart.

At Finn’s funeral, June notices a strange man lingering just beyond the crowd. A few days later, she receives a package in the mail. Inside is a beautiful teapot she recognizes from Finn’s apartment and a note from Toby, the stranger, asking for an opportunity to meet. As the two begin to spend time together, June realizes she’s not the only one who misses Finn, and if she can bring herself to trust this unexpected friend, he just might be the one she needs the most.

*May Contain Spoilers*

From the first chapter of this novel, I knew that it was going to be two things: a deep respectful representation of loss and an emotional exploration of social understanding. Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt is one of the best books I've ever read. Though intensely sad, I found the book an amazing and inspiring piece of literature. 

June, a fourteen year old girl, is the main character in this story set in 1987. She's a lonely girl who is just learning how unfair life can be. June loves her Uncle Finn and sees him as a hero of sorts. She's very secretive and imaginative, often pretending she lives in another time and place. Readers will connect with June through their understanding of her uncertainty and questionable nature. Though she doesn't realize all that's happening around her, readers will pick up on the unsaid implications of character actions. Her innocence is beautiful within the difficult situation and her naivete leads to bravery when June refuses to accept the blame that others cast. 

The plot begins with Uncle Finn who is dying from AIDS. After the funeral, June finds that her mother places blame on a stranger named Toby, who is revealed as Finn's boyfriend. When Toby delivers a package to June, a note is discovered and an unlikely friendship is founded. Finn wants June to take care of his Toby and, though June must keep it a secret, she vows to honor her uncle's wishes. She has no idea what secrets she'll uncover nor what new things she'll learn about her beloved uncle. Tell the Wolves I'm Home is a gem of sadness, sparkling in the darkness that follows death. 

Rating: 5/5 Cups

Photo Friday

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/229120699768639053/
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/pets/advice/a21742/cats-who-read/

This picture makes my Friday. 

So cute and so true. 

Though, the collection of pictures that Good House Keeping put together are all pretty darn cute.

WWW Wednesday (151)

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

          

01. Currently Reading:
September Sky by John A. Heldt. A father is let go from his job as his son announces he wants to quit medical school. They embark on a journey and the father is determined to find out what's going on with his son.

02. Recently Finished:
Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt. Set in 1987, June's uncle is dying of AIDS and her mother blames Toby, his boyfriend. But there are secrets upon secrets that fourteen year old June is about to uncover.

03. Reading Next:
The Franciscan by W.R. Park. A fictional novel written 14 years ago about a Pope who is dedicated to reformation.

The Best Kept Secret - Cover Reveal

Synopsis:

In high school, everyone has secrets. Even well-brought-up Emma Fraser.

Emma’s sophomore year started out all wrong. First, her best friend Andy confessed to losing his virginity leaving Emma all alone in the V-Club. Then the rest of her friends got weird and suddenly Emma finds herself feeling like the people she knows best have become total strangers. And total strangers are becoming friends. 

When Deegan Burke, a rich, gorgeous senior, asks Emma to be his date for the prom, Emma thinks her luck has begun to change. But rather than being able to bask in this newfound glory, her whole world starts to unravel. And when secrets that once seemed so innocent start to take a very dangerous turn, Emma discovers that true friends are friends no matter what…and some secrets aren’t worth keeping.

Author Bio:

Wendi Nunnery is the author of The Mayfield Family Story. She is also a regular contributor to The Huffington Post and The Simply Beloved, a lifestyle website for women of faith. She is a proud alumna of Georgia Southern University and, at any given time, you can find her with a cup of coffee and a book. She lives, loves, and mothers in Atlanta, Georgia. The Best Kept Secret is her first novel.

Connect

Facebook / Twitter & Instagram: @ladynunnery / Blog

Teaser Tuesday (157)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers



September Sky (1%)
   - John Heldt

"He called yesterday to tell me that he needed a break -- a big one. My mission next week is to set him straight and convince him that two failures in the family are one too many."

Into a Million Pieces - Blog Tour

Allison McKready is a succubus. So is her twin sister. But while Allison spends her summer break hiding in the library behind her Goth makeup, Jade fools around as often as she can. Allison can’t believe Jade would ignore their mother’s fatal example so recklessly, but concealing a cursed bloodline and its dangerous effects is far from Allison’s only problem. Mean girl Julie’s snob mob is determined to ruin her summer, and Aunt Sarah’s Bible thumping is getting louder. Only her new friend, Ren Fisher, offers safe haven from the chaos of her life.

When one of Jade’s risky dates leads to humiliation and sudden tragedy, Allison reels, and Ren catches her. But as her feelings for him grow, so does her fear that she’ll hurt him—or worse—in an unguarded moment. The choice is coming—love him or save him—but Allison might not live to make it. One way or another, the curse will have its due.

Review:

It's tough being a teenage girl in high school, especially when your family has been cursed by the devil himself. For Allison, dressing in black and snapping at anyone who comes near, usually means she's safe from accidentally killing someone. Into a Million Pieces by Angela Cook shows that it isn't really that easy. Add a twin sister who loves the flirtation, the extra energy, and is prone to showing off and it becomes damn near impossible. 

Allison is a loner, by choice. She makes up rumors about herself on purpose and dresses like a freak (her words) in order to keep people away from her. But underneath the crafted facade is a teenage girl who wants friends, the chance at love, and any semblance of normalcy. Now that, readers can relate to. Being a succubus on the other hand... makes it a little difficult. Not all of us can relate to the difficult situation Allison has been born into, but readers are, if anything, understanding. Allison is a nervous, uncertain, self-conscious teenager. The basic foundation of her character is something that everyone has been through. Her wit, intelligence, and caring nature will build on the bond initially created with readers. The crazy summer she experiences keeps readers intrigued and entertained, maybe even a little scared and nervous, while getting to know Allie and what it's like being a teenage succubus. 

The plot of the novel is quite a roller coaster with a huge twist to finish it off. Allison's twin sister Jade is a very popular girl who is known to toy with more than her fair share of boys. In hopes that she will one day convince her sister to calm down, Allison tries to make Jade understand how potentially bad their lives could become if they gave in to their succubus desires. But Allison is about to meet Ren, a very nice, understanding, sweet boy who knows that there is more to Allie than the rumors and loner status. When Allie realizes that she actually likes a boy, she starts to understand Jade. And then Jade gets into a whole heap of trouble.  Don't want to give away too much, but my mouth dropped open in a capital O more than once. Okay, more than twice. And here's to hoping we soon see a sequel on the horizon... not sure Allison's story is complete. 

Rating: 3.5/5 Cups

Meet the Author:

Angela V. Cook lives a very unexciting, but never boring, life with her husband and two children just outside of Detroit. Like most writers, she’s been making up stories for as long as she can remember and can’t imagine a life that doesn’t involve creating worlds.

Angela loves to write novels for teens because it’s the best outlet for her sarcastic personality, immature sense of humor, and love of romantic firsts. Her idea of the perfect day involves a quiet house, a good book, and a piece of cheesecake. Or two.

Download an Excerpt

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The Bad Beginning

Dear Reader,

I'm sorry to say that the book you are holding in your hands is extremely unpleasant. It tells an unhappy tale about three very unlucky children. Even though they are charming and clever, the Baudelaire siblings lead lives filled with misery and woe. From the very first page of this book when the children are at the beach and receive terrible news, continuing on through the entire story, disaster lurks at their heels. One might say they are magnets for misfortune.

In this short book alone, the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune, and cold porridge for breakfast.

It is my sad duty to write down these unpleasant tales, but there is nothing stopping you from putting this book down at once and reading something happy, if you prefer that sort of thing.

With all due respect,

Lemony Snicket

*May Contain Spoilers*

I've always heard great things about A Series of Unfortunate Events. So, to see if the books would be appropriate for my Goddaughter, I decided to read the first one and see what I thought. Lemony Snicket (pen name for Daniel Handler) shares a seriously sad tale of three young children who lose their parents in a terrible fire. The book is written for young readers and is, therefore, a very quick and easy read. However, the emotional connection that I usually look for when gauging/rating a book is not as deeply expressed. 

Klaus, Violet, and Sunny are the three Baudelaire children. And very shortly into the book, the Baudelaire orphans. Violet likes to invent things and loves her siblings. Klaus loves to read, getting lost in a book while gaining knowledge. (There's definitely a character connection there.) And Sunny is still a little baby but she does bite which is quite fun. Readers will immediately gain the foundation for a bond with characters as their Baudelaire parents die within the first few pages. The sympathy felt for the characters will only be built upon as more unfortunate things happen to the children. Though the main connection with these characters is dependent on terrible events happening to them, the personalities of the children make it easy to like them. This in turn makes the reader not want bad things to happen to them which also strengthens the connection. 

The plot of The Bad Beginning begins with the parents death. The children are then adopted by Count Olaf, a very dirty, disgusting, mean, and horrid uncle who is only interested in the Baudelaire fortune. The fortune that Violet will be able to use when she reaches eighteen. To skip the wait, Olaf designs a plan to trick Violet into becoming his wife so that he can dispose of the Klaus and Sunny while taking over control of the fortune. Though the plot and characters are enjoyable, I do recommend the 5th grade reading level as the trickery, evil mastermindedness, and subject of death may be too much bad in one book for children younger than that. I think I'm going to hold off on starting this series with my Goddaughter. Don't think she's ready for all of that yet. 

Rating: 2.5/5 Cups

Happy Easter!

Hope the Easter Bunny hopped by your house to bring you books, candy, specially dyed eggs, and more books. Happy Easter to everyone, enjoy your day!

- Tracy