Review with $25 Giveaway: 365 Affirmations to Smile by Kelly Clanton

365 Affirmations to Smile by Kelly Clanton, 2016, Self-Help, Journal, 189p, My Rating=3
Source: Ebook provided by blog tour host in exchange for an honest review

365 Affirmations to Smile gives light to darkness in a world with so much negativity. Kelly’s passion is to inspire others with her affirmations and allow them to journal their thoughts.

I could certainly use a daily smile so I jumped at the opportunity to read this book.  I love the concept of an encouraging statement for each day of the year followed with lined spaces to write your thoughts.  These affirmations served as journaling cues for the day.  Fantastic idea! 

An Ebook version is not ideal for journaling as you can imagine because I was not able to jot down my thoughts since it was not electronically interactive.  I would have to produce my own notebook and basically re-write the affirmations and my impressions on said paper notebook.  That said, I think I lost a bit of the quality of accounting my thoughts right there and then.  Hence, unless you want to save money, an Ebook edition is for you, but for the full effect, I recommend you get a printed copy. 

Unfortunately, I did find some errors; mainly in spelling.  Sadly, that did not make this a clean book so it does not appear professional.  I also found repeated affirmations, one verbatim and several similar.  Consequently, this could have used another once over.

Aside from the oversights, this journal did have some great encouraging words to ponder, inspire, and smile about.  :)



About the Author:

I am from Midwest City, Oklahoma which is the heart of a large Military Base and a town committed to Friday night football. After graduating I married, raised a family and working in the family business several years juggling many responsibilities. I’ve always been one to journal my thoughts as an escape to a hectic day or to remind myself of all I am capable of achieving. In a world with so much negativity, my passion is to inspire positive thoughts one thought at a time and my hope is that I can inspire you! This has been an incredible journey and one I’m not finished writing.

Excerpts:

January 5

You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breath, trust and see what happens. Remind yourself it’s ok to not be perfect. It’s not selfish to love yourself. Take care of you and make your happiness a priority.

February 5

It doesn’t matter how rich, talented or cool you think you are. Your integrity and how you treat others says it all. You have to water flowers daily for them to last.

March 10
In life, you have to do what makes you happy. Be with ones that make you smile. Laugh as much as you breathe. Love as long as you are living. Every day is a new beginning – look to what it can do.

April 1
Sometimes our lives have to be shaken up a bit – moved around to put us where we need to be. Look ahead and always smile. You never know what a change it can make.

Blog Tour Schedule:  HERE

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Ends 5/22/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Reviews: Pete the Cat: Wheels on the Bus; The Princess and the Pea

Pete the Cat: The Wheels On the Bus by James Dean, YR, 2013, Board Book, 32p, My Rating=3
SourceL library

The kitties on the bus say,
"Come on, Pete!
Come on, Pete!"

The kitties on the bus say,
"Come on, Pete!
Hop on board!"

Pete the Cat can't wait to drive the school bus all the way to school! Everyone's favorite cat is groovier than ever in this way- cool adaptation of the classic kids' song "The Wheels on the Bus"!

My nursery kids enjoyed this rendition of Wheels on the Bus. There's something about Pete the Cat illustrations that catches their eyes ..bold, colorful, and fun.


The Princess and the Pea by Paul Galdone, Hans Christian Andersen, YR, 1979, Paperback, 32p, My Rating=3
Source: library

This adaptation of The Princess and the Pea, the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, is illustrated with the whimsical illustrations of Paul Galdone. It tells the tale of a prince who is searching for a real princess to marry, but has no luck searching his kingdom. One stormy evening a princess shows up at his castle and he thinks she may be what he has been searching for, but can she pass the test to prove she is a true princess?

Story is funny. Illustrations, just okay.

Review: Willow Springs by Carolyn Steele

Tour Schedule

Willow Springs by Carolyn Steele, AF -Historical Romance, 2014, eARC, 233p, My Rating=3
Source: copy provided by publicist in exchange for an honest review.

Husbands. Crissa had to suppress a shudder at the thought. If I had wanted a husband, I would have stayed in Boston. Indeed, Crissa considered Willow Springs to be the nearest thing to her idea of purgatory. She certainly did not plan to stay here long.
Swedish immigrant Crissa Engleson fled Boston hoping to start a new life, unknown and unencumbered, on the American frontier. The quiet gold mining town of Willow Springs in the Utah desert seemed the perfect spot—until the intrigue of her past and rivalries of the town’s leading families enveloped her.
Unaware that a relentless bounty hunter is pursuing her, Crissa falls in love with Drake Adams, a handsome Pony Express rider and the son of an influential mine owner. While Drake returns Crissa’s interest, their courtship is thwarted by the pursuit of one of Drake’s rivals, who may be motivated more by malice than by love.
To realize her dreams, Crissa must confront her painful past and fight for her future head-on.

If you're into the 1800s, Western frontier kind of setting then this is right up your alley.  It's got Pony Express, guns, outlaws, bodices, the prairie, secrets, and even wild romance.  Pretty exciting stuff but this novel was tamer of it's time so I believe it may have been its shortcoming.  True to the era, rape, sex, and violence was exposed but the account was too domesticated that from time-to-time it didn't feel authentic to me.  I wasn't sure if I was in the American frontier or a modern suburb.  There wasn't enough angst or fire for my taste.  However, the story was captivating.  I wanted to see the love triangle through and find out the full story of Crissa's past.  I was rewarded with a thrilling twist and interesting supporting characters by book's end.  I'm not sure I like the spelling out of the complete story in the end.  It felt redundant.  Overall, this was a decent romance novel debut.

Review + $25 Giveaway: The Husband Maker by Karey White

The Husband Maker by Karey White, AF, 2014, 226p, My Rating=3
Source: ebook copy provided by publicist in exchange for an honest review

Charlotte’s a girl with nicknames. She may not love being called Charles or Chuck, but the hardest nickname to take is the one she was given in college, the one that’s followed her now for too many years. They call her “the husband maker” and sadly, it fits. Every guy she’s dated since high school has become his next girlfriend’s husband. Not hers. Not three girlfriends down the road. The next.

Is she doing something wrong or is she just cursed?

When Kyle Aldsworth enters the picture and sweeps her off her feet, Charlotte begins to hope that maybe she's not destined to be single forever. A senator’s son with political aspirations of his own, Kyle's wealthy, handsome, and in need of a wife. Will Charlotte be disappointed yet again, or will she finally be able to make a husband for herself?

I have a love-hate relationship with cliffhangers. The thrill of the cut off can be exciting but I’m not a very patient person so often times the break agitates me. The latter was true for this particular novel. I didn’t see it coming which is usually good but there was a lot of story that was covered so the abrupt ending was upsetting.  Consequently, even though the content made for a seemingly long read, the characters were so likeable that I found them to be incentives to turn the pages and see the story through. That said, for those impatient people like me, I recommend that you read this book when you have the second book available to read right away so that the cliffhanger won't feel so disturbing.

I felt that the character development was the best part of the book and now that the cast has been introduced and the background story told, I expect the next book to be a smoother read.

By the way, just for trivia, I noticed that the plot was a clean twist to the 2007 movie, “Good Luck Chuck". In the movie, when a woman has sex with Chuck, she is going to be married to the next guy. In this novel, a man will be married to the next woman after dating Charlotte, ergo the title, "The Husband Maker".

Get it here:


About the Author:

Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist.

She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

$25 Blog Tour Giveaway

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Ends 8/15/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Review + Giveaway: Diamond Rings are Deadly Things by Rachelle J. Christensen

Diamond Rings are Deadly Things by Rachelle J. Christensen, AF, 2014, Softcover ARC, 341p, My Rating=3
Source: provided by publicist in exchange for an honest review

Adrielle Pyper knows how to plan a wedding, and she's especially good at pleasing bridezillas. But when her biggest client and best
friend is murdered just three days before the wedding, Adri's
world falls apart. She moves to the resort town of Sun Valley,
Idaho, and starts from scratch. Thanks to Adri's impeccable taste
and unique style, she lands two celebrity clients, and her business
seems headed for success that is, until someone vandalizes the
specialty wedding dresses she imported from overseas. The race is
on to uncover a secret hidden within the yards of satin and lace
before Adri becomes the next victim.
With a delightful blend of mystery, toe-curling kisses, humor,
and spine-tingling thrills, Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things is a
romantic suspense novel that will keep you turning pages long
into the night

I had a hard time with Ari’s (protagonist) decision to hold off reporting to the police and I didn’t think her excuse was very justifiable. This made for a frustrating read. I wanted to smack some sense into her (not just for that decision but for few others). I was surprised she didn’t get killed off the bat! But that’s because the bad guys were not very good at being bad guys (gentle way of saying that they were stupid). What criminal dilly dallies when he’s got millions at stake? Also, the police could have handled the situation better. So the first two third of the book dragged for me. Oh, in the midst of this we were entertained with two suitors for Ari. That part was skewed. It was so obvious that one was the one for her and the other had something up his sleeve. It was just a matter of time of how the author was going to divulge the big reveal. Mind you it was a clever twist! Kudos there.

A shining star about this book was that it had a very good plot therefore I was motivated to see the book through. Also, that there were plenty likeable characters. Surprisingly, including Ari! This was so because she was surrounded by those personable characters that made her look good overall. Finally, I liked some of those wedding related crafts/recipes/ideas that headed each chapter.

The last third of the book wrapped everything up well and saved the read for me.  Altogether, this was a decent mystery romance novel.

About Author

Rachelle J. Christensen is a stay-at-home mom of four cute kids. She has an amazing husband, three cats, and five chickens. Rachelle was born and raised in the small farming town of Rupert, Idaho which is adjacent to the setting in her latest mystery Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things due out this July. Her new website www.mashedpotatoesandcrafts.com partners with the characters from the novel to bring readers an interactive look into the mystery of crafting and wedding planning.
Rachelle graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in psychology and a music minor. She enjoys singing and songwriting, playing the piano, running, motivational speaking, and of course reading.
Rachelle’s first novel, Wrong Number was awarded Outstanding Book of the Year from the League of Utah Writers and was also a 2010 Whitney Finalist. She is also the author of Caller ID, a nonfiction book Lost Children: Coping with Miscarriage for Latter Day Saints, and a novella with a Timeless Romance Anthology, Fall Collection.

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Review: Sia by Josh Grayson

Sia by Josh Grayson, YA, 2013, 3411, Rating=3
Publication Date: 11/20/2013
Source: ARC ebook copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review

When seventeen-year-old Sia wakes up on a park bench, she has no idea who or where she is. Yet after a week of being homeless, she’s reunited with her family. At school, she’s powerful and popular. At home, she’s wealthy beyond her dreams. But she quickly realizes her perfect life is a lie. Her family is falling apart and her friends are snobby, cruel and plastic. Worse yet, she discovers she was the cruelest one. Mortified by her past, she embarks on a journey of redemption and falls for Kyle, the “geek” she once tormented. Yet all the time she wonders if, when her memories return, she’ll become the bully she was before…and if she’ll lose Kyle.

I found myself turning the pages intrigued by the premise of fugue amnesia (DMS term would be Dissociative Fugue).  In this case, seventeen year old, Sia, finds herself waking up hungry and with memory loss.  Apparently not a good combination since she accepted the offer to get into a stranger's car.  Luckily she escaped his advances and befriended a homeless lady who ended up helping her survive the street life.  A week later Sia was reunited with her family and friends and finds out that she lived a luxurious lifestyle.  Plus, discover that she was queen teen of snob and the behind the curtain family troubles may have been the cause of the intense stress that put her over the edge.  This amnesia however had its perk ..it gave her morals.  And it seemed to put wonders in her life and those around her because by book's end things were squared away ..someone went to rehab, someone got the saving job, someone got the boy, etc.  May sound too neat and simplified but looking at the bigger picture, I applaud Sia's resolution to be an upstanding person and claim an identity.  In that sense, this story provided a heartwarming taste of the power of perspective ..."walk a mile in my shoes" kind of viewpoint.  Though I think this undertaking of amnesia may have been better suited for an adult novel because a mature character would be more plausible in such a case and supply a more enriching development.

About Author:

Josh Grayson was born in Mexico, raised in Massachusetts, and now lives in Martinsville, Virginia. It was his move to the South that stirred his imagination and gave him the courage to start writing. During his free time, Josh enjoys reading, jogging, swimming, and watching YouTube videos.
Josh currently works as a medical driver, shuttling people all over Virginia and North Carolina. He has also worked as a machinist, film sales rep, admin. assistant, and telemarketer (he apologizes if he called you).
Find him: Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | Twitter | Website

Review: Big Sky Wedding by Linda Lael Miller

Big Sky Wedding (Parable, Montana #5) by Linda Lael Miller, AF, 2013, 384p, Rating=3
Source: ebook copy provided by publicist via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

The "First Lady of the West," #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller, cordially invites you to Parable, Montana-where love awaits. Wedding bells are ringing in Parable, Montana, but Brylee Parrish hasn't enjoyed the sound since being jilted at the altar by Hutch Carmody. She's over Hutch now, and running a multimillion-dollar business is challenging enough for this country gal. So she should avoid falling head-over-boot-heels for A-list actor Zane Sutton. He's come home to his rodeo roots, but Hollywood lured him away once and just might again. Yet everything about him, from his easy charm to his concern for his young half brother, seems too genuine to resist....

Zane didn't come to Parable for love-but count on a spirited woman to change a jaded cowboy's mind. Problem is, Brylee's not convinced he's here to stay. Good thing he's determined to prove to her, kiss by kiss, that she's meant to be his bride.

I simply liked this romance book.  I was especially pleased that there wasn't a ton of characters to square away like one might find on the umpteenth number in a series so this storyline was easy to follow.  The leading man and lady was likeable and genuinely compatible.  Unfortunately, the title gave it away so there wasn't much of a surprise.  The story getting there was lovely but that too could have been less predictable or have some element of shock and twist.  Yet, I found myself occupied in the romance story and longed for the inevitable union.  Although I didn't get many description of the setting here (perhaps much of that was somewhere in the first four books), I got enough to feel that Three Trees and next town Parable, Montana was the right place for Zane and Brylee to fall in love (love the names by the way).  Moreover, this was generally a clean romance novel.  Don't get me wrong, there was a descriptive spicy moment but the underlining love story was sweet and tender.

I wouldn't mind following this series through.  The supporting characters and their entwinement in the story were pretty interesting too.  I'd like to find out how the dynamics in their parts continues, particularly the brothers Zane, Landry, and Nash.

Altogether, this was a relaxing, no brainer read.  It's nice to have one of those from time to time.

Review: Out of the Black by John Rector

Out of the Black by John Rector, AF, 2013, Uncorrected proof ebook, 259p, Rating=3
Source: provided by publicist thru Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

From bestselling, International Thriller Award-nominated author Rector (Already Gone), a thriller about a man driven to darkness in order to save the light of his life.
After Matt Caine loses his wife in a car accident, all he has left is his daughter, Anna. But just as the little girl—who survived the accident—finally starts thriving, Matt’s former in-laws threaten to take her away via a bitter custody battle. Desperate to keep Anna and in debt to some dangerous local thugs, Matt has no good options. But he does have Jay, one very bad friend. Just out of jail and plagued by drug addiction, Jay tempts Matt with a foolproof kidnapping scheme. But what sounds like the perfect solution to all his problems eventually leads Matt through a nightmarish maze of betrayals and reversals, pushing him to his breaking point—and beyond.

It was easy to root for Matt, a single father with a seemingly good head on his shoulders.  An ex-Marine who recently lost his wife had gotten himself into a bind.  With no steady job and bills to pay, he borrowed money from an old friend, Murphy, who happened to be a loan shark.  Murphy was slow to insist on his money back but his associates were not so forgiving so goons were sent to bully it out of Matt.  Another old buddy of Matt's also came into the picture, Jay, a drug addict.  Jay pleaded with Matt to go into this kidnapping scheme that would potentially rake in millions.  A simple, no hassle, a few-hour job.  Matt was quick to say no but Jay convinced him to think about it.  Then came Matt's in-laws who threatened to take away his daughter because they knew about the nightmares (due to post-traumatic stress disorder mixed with grief in losing his wife) and felt he was in no condition to properly take care of Anna.  Wow, Matt just can't get a break!  Oh wait, let's say yes to that kidnapping after all!  So Matt along with Jay and Roach (Jay's girlfriend) proceed with the ransom plan.  Of course it goes without a hitch.  NOT! The old eccentric coot they were trying to dupe wasn't so powerless.  Yikes, they messed with the wrong man!  So comes the fun and twists.  Loved it!  Just thought the whole getting out of the messy situation would have been more kickass from Matt's part so that was a big disappointment.

The premise was great and overall an exciting read.  I just felt Matt needed to be a little more passionate like Liam Neeson in Taken or Denzel Washington in Man on Fire.

Altogether, this wasn't a waste of time. 

Review: Such is Life by Jeri Walker-Bickett

Such is Life by Jeri Walker-Bickett, AF, 2013, 75p, Rating=3
Source: ebook copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Adult content: language, drugs, violence, promiscuity

These realistic short stories feature characters down on their luck, yet stubborn enough to move on. A tryst between a carnival worker and a pretty high school student begs the question of who takes advantage of who. A young man’s encounter with a drug addict finds him striking out on his own in hopes of a better life. An English teacher publishes literature deemed inappropriate by a Mormon community. A mother goes on a quest to get rid of the family’s aggressive pet. Finally, New Orleans provides the backdrop for a stroll with a psychotic housewife. Such is life.

I don't know where to begin.  For the most part, I've lead a sheltered life so these characters freaked me out!  They could audition for a spot on The Twilight Zone TV series and get a spot.  "For the Love of Dog" certainly fits the bill for concluding with a macabre.  That story was very sad so it was difficult to read.  The rest would obtain a slot due to shear weirdness.  Yet, get this.  They all might actually not get the part because it's not science fiction enough and good golly, this kind of characters does exists!  Sad and scary.

Walker-Bickett has a way with words in telling the internal considerations that fueled the impulsive decisions these characters made.  I particularly enjoyed "River Walk", a story about a woman suffering mental illness.  The author walked me to a moment of this woman's psyche and provided a vivid look at the way she looked at life.  Fascinating!  Furthermore, "Pretty Girl" and "Leaving Big Sky" left me with unsettling feelings given the crude lifestyles but they too were well depicted.  Lastly, "Not Terribly Important" embarked in the drama of a woman's commentary of a religion's manipulation or infringement to conform a certain way.  It may seem to blend in with the theme of the book but to me it was an autobiographical tactic to push this book as creative writing.  The push worked, but I don't think it was in the same tone as the other stories.  This one was personal and written to have a point while the rest would leave you to wonder.

It was clear that the author wanted to relay that these characters are examples of people accepting "such is life" and therefore move on.  However, I don't see these characters moving on as more adopting the concept of "Que sera, sera".  Which is alright but if you really want to change yourself or something, then act/fight for it.

Not my usual cup of tea, but certainly this was out of the box and unforgettable kind of read.  I recommend this read to mature and liberal readers.

Review: The Clock of Life by

The Clock of Life by Nancy Klann-Moren, YA, 2012, 365p, Rating=3
Source: paperback provided by author in exchange for an honest review

In the small town of Hadlee, Mississippi, during the 1980's, Jason Lee Rainey struggles to find his way amongst the old, steadfast Southern attitudes about race, while his friendship with a black boy, Samson Johnson, deepens.
By way of stories from others, Jason Lee learns about his larger-than-life father, who was killed in Vietnam. He longs to become that sort of man, but doesn't believe he has it in him.
In The Clock Of Life he learns lessons from the past, and the realities of inequality. He flourishes with the bond of friendship; endures the pain of senseless death; finds the courage to stand up for what he believes is right; and comes to realize he is his father's son.
This story explores how two unsettling chapters in American history, the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War, affect the fate of a family, a town, and two boyhood friend.

I'm a fan of books set in the South or about the South.  I've found them to be generally funny or serious so I'd either have a good laugh or a good cry.  I expected a good cry from this book but I didn't.  It's a lovely coming of age story but it lacked richness.  It provided many sentiment narratives yet it didn't invoke a full heartfelt emotion in me.  I'm shock because it's easy to get me emotional so this says a lot about the read.  I think the author was giving examples of the effects of racial intolerance and the Vietnam War to too many characters in the book that it read as a matter-of-fact kind of storytelling.  Perhaps concentrating on two or three of the characters would have furnished the emotional impact I was hoping for instead of the practical one this book turned out to be.  Funny, I could see how some might argue that this book was full of emotion.  Yes, in itemization but it didn't add up to fulfillment.

Don't get me wrong.  The book was easy to follow and wasn't a waste of time.  I just expected more for this type of subject.

Just the Ratings Part III

Oops, this batch should have been part one.  These were read in February!


A Promise Worth Keeping by Cyndi Faria, AF, 2013, Kindle ebook, 30p, Rating=3
Source: own

Clayton has a real mess on his hands. Not only have garden vandals threatened the Remy Estate's Valentine's Day celebration, but Clayton’s girlfriend, Sarah, has proposed to him despite knowing he doesn't believe in lasting love.
By hunkering down in the garden all night, Clayton hopes to at least solve one of his problems and catch the vandals in the act. Instead, will Clayton finally face his fears and become a man worth loving?

title A Thousand Tears: A Short Story

author Martin, J.C.

AF, 2011, Smashwords ebook, 9p, Rating=4
Source: own

A tragic fantasy tale that will hopefully drive home the point: that communication is of foremost importance in all relationships.

Son by Lois Lowry, YR, 2012, Audio CDs, 8.25hrs, Rating=4
Source: library

When the young girl washed up on their shore, no one knew she had been a Vessel. That she had carried a Product. That it had been carved from her belly. Stolen.
Claire had had a son. She was supposed to forget him, but that was impossible. When he was taken from their community, she knew she had to follow. And so her journey began.
But here in this wind-battered village Claire is welcomed as one of their own. In the security of her new home, she is free and loved. She grows stronger. As tempted as she is by the warmth of more human kindness than she has ever known, she cannot stay. Her son is out there; a young boy by now. Claire will stop at nothing to find her child . . . even if it means trading her own life.
With Son, the two-time Newbery Medal–winning Lois Lowry has spun another mesmerizing tale in this thrilling and long-awaited conclusion to The Giver.

The Maze by James Dashner, YA, 2009, Audio CDs, 11hrs, Rating=4
Source: library

When Thomas wakes up in the life, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his home or how he got where he is. His memory is blank. When the lift's doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade, a large expanse enclosed by stone walls. Just like Thomas, the Gladers don't know how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. And every night they've closed tight. Every thirty days a new boy is delivered in the lift. And no one wants to be stuck in the Maze after dark.
The day after Thomas arrives, a girl is sent up—the first girl ever to arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. The Gladers have always been convinced that if they can solve the maze that surrounds the Glade, they might find their way home ... wherever that may be. But it's looking more and more as if the Maze is unsolvable.
And something about the girl's arrival is starting to make Thomas feel different. Something is telling him that he just might have some answers—if he can only find a way to retrieve the dark secrets locked within his own mind.

Just the Ratings Part II

First four was read in April. Last one, beginning of May.


Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume, YA, 2011, Hardcover, audio CDs, 5hrs, Rating=3
Source: library

Davey has never felt so alone in her life. Her father is dead—shot in a holdup—and now her mother is moving the family to New Mexico to try to recover.
Climbing in the Los Alamos canyon, Davey meets the mysterious Wolf, who can read Davey’s “sad eyes.” Wolf is the only person who seems to understand the rage and fear Davey feels.
Slowly, with Wolf’s help, Davey realizes that she must get on with her life. But when will she be ready to leave the past behind and move toward the future? Will she ever stop hurting?

What Jamie Saw by Carolyn Coman, YR, 2000, Audio CDs, 1.5hrs, Rating=3
Source: library

"When Jamie saw him throw the baby, saw Van throw the little baby, saw Van throw his little sister Nin, then they moved."
"Nin's okay-Jamie knows that because his mom was there to catch her. And then Jamie and his mom and Nin moved into Earl's little trailer that loos like a silver toaster up in the hills in the middle of nowhere. Jamie imagines they are the only survivors of some catastrophe, them and Earl, who brings them food and makes sure they're okay. But then there's the county fair and Jamie wants to go. And there's the school and Mrs. Desrochers, Jamie's teacher, who keeps trying to get close. There isn't enough money for Christmas presents and the car doesn't always start and Jamie's mom is worried lots of the time. Jamie just practices his magic tricks and takes things as they come...until one day Van shows up.
"This chillingly rhythmic opening scene left me breathless and hooked...[this] story could have been bleak...instead, it comes laced with spiritual and literal magic."-"The New York Times Book Review.

The Five Chinese Brothers by Claire Huchet Bishop, YR, 1996, Hardcover, 64p, Rating=4
Source: library

The classic story about five clever brothers, each with a different extraordinary ability is "a dramatic retelling of an old Chinese tale". (The New York Public Library)". . . . when Bishop makes the tall brother stretch, the sea-swallower work, or the robust one hold his breath, young children will laugh and laugh".--New York Herald Tribune Books.

The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks, AF, 2003, Audio CDs, 8.5hrs, Rating=3
Source: library

Nicholas Sparks expands on the romantic world he brought to life in THE NOTEBOOK, in which the enduring love of Allison and Noah transcended all barriers. Wilson Lewis is their son-in-law. When his daughter plans a wedding, Wilson contemplates his own thirty-year marriage - and is forced to admit that the romance has gone out of it. Although he is aware that his love for his wife, Jane, has only intensified over the years, Wilson realizes that he is close to losing her. But he wants nothing more than to make their marriage work. Now, with the memories of his in-laws' inspiring life together as a guide, Wilson pledges to find a way to make his wife fall in love with him again.

Starters by Lissa Price, YR, 2012, Audio CDs, 10.25hrs, Rating=3
Source: library

In the future, teens rent their bodies to seniors who want to be young again. One girl discovers her renter plans to do more than party--her body will commit murder, if her mind can't stop it. Sixteen-year-old Callie lost her parents when the genocide spore wiped out everyone except those who were vaccinated first--the very young and very old. With no grandparents to claim Callie and her little brother, they go on the run, living as squatters, and fighting off unclaimed renegades who would kill for a cookie. Hope comes via Prime Destinations, run by a mysterious figure known only as The Old Man. He hires teens to rent their bodies to seniors, known as enders, who get to be young again. Callie's neurochip malfunctions and she wakes up in the life of her rich renter, living in her mansion, driving her cars, even dating Blake, the grandson of a senator. It's a fairy-tale new life . . . until she uncovers the Body Bank's horrible plan. . . .

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