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crossed, waiting on wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday: Crossed

Kathryn Cooper

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Crossed
by Ally Condie
Matched #2
Release Date is November 1, 2011

From Goodreads.com:
In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky – taken by the Society to his certain death – only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia’s quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander – who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia’s heart – change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

Matched was the first book in this series, and I loved it! I read it this summer so I haven’t had to wait as long, but I’m still eagerly anticipating where Ally will take us next on this awesome adventure. The covers for this series are stunning.

What are you waiting on?

in my mailbox

In My Mailbox (1)

Kathryn Cooper
 
This is my first time to participate in In My Mailbox! In My Mailbox, hosted by The Story Siren, is a weekly meme where bloggers post a list of books they have received this week. The books can be from anywhere: publishers for review, won in a giveaway, bought, borrowed from the library.
Have you ever heard the saying, “My eyes are bigger than my stomach?” Like when you go to a buffet and see all the amazing food and pile it on your plate then your stomach gets stuffed. You can’t actually eat everything! Well I do that with books sometimes. Here’s my big stack of books I got from my public library this week. I’m so excited to read all of them! Look for the reviews soon.
Borrowed from the library:
The Scorch Trials by James Dashner
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry
Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs
Wolves, Boys, & Other Things that might Kill Me by Kristen Chandler
Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt
Secondhand Charm by Julie Berry
Dragon Kiss by E.D. Baker
The Loser’s Guide to Life and Love by A.E. Cannon
The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
That’s a long list. If only I could just sit around and read all day, but I have 3 little boys and 1 big boy (aka the hubby) to keep happy. =)
Happy Reading!
Uncategorized

trying new things

Kathryn Cooper

An awesome blog called The Story Siren just posted about Getting Followers without being Spam. (click the links to see the site) She always does such a great job explaining blogging topics. After reading her blog post I decided to start a twitter page and sign up on networked blogs. I think the networked blog will automatically update what I post on my blog to my facebook page and maybe twitter page. Sounds cool. I’m still figuring things out. I’ve always wanted to do Twitter but never have since I don’t know what I’m doing. Anyway, I decided there’s nothing to loose.

Here’s to trying new things!! Am I seriously the last one to twitter? Never mind, don’t answer that.

Happy Reading Weekend!

Book Review, Flashback Friday, soul surfer

Flashback Friday: Soul Surfer

Kathryn Cooper

Flashback Friday is a weekly posting event, hosted by me, that gives book bloggers an opportunity to review a book they love but haven’t read in awhile and readers a chance to find a great read. These reviews probably won’t be as detailed as more recently read books fresh on my mind. 

Bloggers, post your own Flashback Friday book review then add your link to the linky at the bottom of the post so others can check it out. I look forward to reading where your Flashback leads us.

Title: Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board
Author: Bethany Hamilton and Rick Bundschuh
Publisher: MTV
Release Date: January 2004
Pages: 222
Series: none
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

From Goodreads.com:

They say Bethany Hamilton has saltwater in her veins. How else could one explain the tremendous passion that drives her to surf? How else could one explain that nothing — not even the loss of her arm in a horrific shark attack — could come between her and the waves?

Soul Surfer is a moving account of Bethany’s life as a young surfer, her recovery in the wake of the shark attack, the adjustments she’s made to her unique surfing style, her unprecedented bid for a top showing in the World Surfing Championships, and, most fundamentally, her belief in God. It is a story of girl power and spiritual grit that shows that the body is no more essential to surfing — perhaps even less so — than the soul.

My Thoughts:
This is such an amazing true story. I normally don’t read biographies, but I saw this book on another book blog, Clean Teen Books. I decided to give it a try. I loved it! It was awe inspiring. Bethany has such amazing strength physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She would be an amazing girl to meet.
I know nothing about surfing, but that didn’t even matter. It’s been a few months since I read this book so I can’t remember, but I think a few parts were a little slow for me. Overall a great read though! I definitely shed some tears.
On a side note, I really want to see the movie. I can’t believe I haven’t already. Have any of you seen it?
My Ratings:
Sexual Content: none
Language: none that I remember
Violence: mild- injury, blood
Happy Reading!
tuesdays at the castle, waiting on wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday: Tuesdays at the Castle

Kathryn Cooper
 

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.
Tuesdays at the Castle
by Jessica Day George
Release Date is October 25, 2011
From Goodreads.com:
Tuesdays at Castle Glower are Princess Celie’s favorite days. That’s because on Tuesdays the castle adds a new room, a turret, or sometimes even an entire wing. No one ever knows what the castle will do next, and no one-other than Celie, that is-takes the time to map out the new additions. But when King and Queen Glower are ambushed and their fate is unknown, it’s up to Celie, with her secret knowledge of the castle’s never-ending twists and turns, to protect their home and save their kingdom. This delightful book from a fan- and bookseller-favorite kicks off a brand-new series sure to become a modern classic. 
I love Jessica Day George’s books. I’m sure this will be another great series I’ll enjoy. I think it’ll be a younger book than I normally read, but I’m still going to check it out. I’m a sucker for princess and castle books!
What is your WoW?

Book Review, the princess and the hound

Book Review: The Princess and the Hound

Kathryn Cooper

Title: The Princess and the Hound
Author: Mette Ivie Harrison
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: May 2007
Pages: 410
Series: Princess #1
3 STARS: I Liked It

From Goodreads.com:
He is a prince, heir to a kingdom threatened on all sides, possessor of the animal magic, which is forbidden by death in the land he’ll rule.

She is a princess from a rival kingdom, the daughter her father never wanted, isolated from true human friendship but inseparable from her hound.

Though they think they have little in common, each possesses a secret that must be hidden at all costs. Proud, stubborn, bound to marry for the good of their kingdoms, this prince and princess will steal your heart, but will they fall in love?

My Thoughts:
First, the cover . . . I love it! Maybe it’s because I love dogs, but I think the beautifully dressed princess and gorgeous hound make a striking pair.

I enjoyed this book. I was frustrated with the mystery for the first half. I’m just impatient and want to know if my hunches are correct. The first few chapters were also slow for me since they told the story of the prince from the age of 3 to 17. Showing the prince’s background really did add to the story though. It helped me know where Prince George was coming from and why he made some of his decisions.

The characters were flawed which made them likeable. I was rooting for them and hoping they would find their way to a happy ending. This book is full of magic, insecurity, heart-ache, triumph, and love. I look forward to reading the next 2 books in this series.

My Ratings: (see my Rating Scale for more info) highlight between ( ) for details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing )
Language: mild ( 1 d***, 1 a**, a few more a** because it was a horse’s name )
Violence: mild ( injuries, blood, death )

Happy Reading!

Book Review, Flashback Friday, the fall of candy corn

Flashback Friday: The Fall of Candy Corn

Kathryn Cooper

Flashback Friday is a weekly posting event, hosted by me, that gives book bloggers an opportunity to review a book they love but haven’t read in awhile and readers a chance to find a great read. These reviews probably won’t be as detailed as more recently read books fresh on my mind. 

Bloggers, post your own Flashback Friday book review then add your link to the linky at the bottom of the post so others can check it out. I look forward to reading where your Flashback leads us. 

Title: The Fall of Candy Corn
Author: Debbie Viguie
Publisher: Zondervan
Release Date: October 2008
Pages: 208
Series: Sweet Seasons #2
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

From Goodreads.com:
Will Candace survive the shift from cotton candy to candy corn? Fall is in the air, and without completely knowing why, Candace Thompson has signed up to continue what was supposed to be a short-term summer job at the local theme park. Working with Kurt doesn’t hurt, but a surprising kink involving her youth group, as well as the shock of an unexpected setback, threaten to be more painful. Candace’s autumn holds as many surprises as her summer as her rousing romp through the seasons continues.

My Thoughts:
Click the link for my review of book 1 in this series The Summer of Cotton Candy.

I liked The Fall of Candy Corn even better than the first book. I love the fall! It’s a great season. I guess I’d say that for every season because I just like change. The amusement park, The Zone, is where Candace is still working. In the fall they put on an amusement park sized Haunted House where the employees dress up and scare the guests.

I really enjoyed the mystery and suspense in this book. It kept me on my toes. This is a great quick read. Reading it in the month of October will make it even better!


My Ratings:
Sexual Content: mild
Language: none that I can remember
Violence: mild- some suspenseful moments

Happy Reading!

Book Review, torrent

Book Review: Torrent

Kathryn Cooper

DO NOT READ REVIEW UNLESS YOU HAVE READ THE FIRST 2 BOOKS IN THIS SERIES! There are no spoilers, but reading the summary and seeing the character names could give away who lives and dies in the first books. You’ve been warned. 
My Review of Waterfall: book 1
My Review of Cascade: book 2

Title: Torrent
Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Publisher: David C. Cook
Release Date: September 2011
Pages: 388
Series: River of Time #3
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

From Goodreads.com:
Gabi and Lia Betarrini have learned to control their time travel, and they return from medieval Italy to save their father from his tragic death in modern times.   But love calls across the centuries, and the girls are determined to return forever—even though they know the Black Plague is advancing across Europe, claiming the lives of one-third of the population. In the suspenseful conclusion of the River of Time series, every decision is about life … and death.  

My Thoughts:
I. Love. This. Series. I probably said it in one of the first 2 books reviewed, but it is seriously exactly the type of book I love to read. It has tons of action, suspense, love, and medieval times! This was the perfect ending to a wonderful series.

Gabi grew from a teenager in the first book to a young woman in this last book even though she didn’t actually age much. The things she experienced made her strong and confident. I didn’t think the things she did during this book were as crazy as before. Her actions seemed more thought out which I preferred.

Of course I wish there was more of my favorite character Luca in this book, but that’s okay. Marcello is wonderful! Lia and Gabi seriously rock it. Lord Greco is mysterious and swoon worthy.

As a Christian, I enjoyed watching Gabi’s faith in God grow. The book was never preachy. It made since and added to the plot every time Gabi said a quick pleading prayer to God to save their lives.

Overall, a great read! I highly recommend this series.


Favorite Line:
“I didn’t know what this place had done to my sister, but I liked it. Suddenly she was all Guts and Sass and Bring It. I guess that came with the territory.”

My Rating:
Sexual Content: mild/moderate- frequent kissing, nothing inappropriate
I saw this trick on The Reading Fever. Genius! If you are a parent planning to recommend this for a child, not yourself, highlight between the brackets to see content that contains spoilers. [ 2 young adult characters get married then have sex on wedding night. Not detailed. at. all. I think it was very tasteful and wouldn’t be inappropriate for older teens to read. Just FYI. Remember I NEVER read books with sex, but they got married first and barely talked about it. ]
Language: none
Violence: moderate- war, deaths, blood

Happy Reading!

cobbogoth, waiting on wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday- Cobbogoth

Kathryn Cooper

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Cobbogoth
by Hannah L. Clark
Cobbogoth Book 1
Release Date is December 3, 2011

From Goodreads.com:
To seventeen-year-old Norah Lukens, the Cobbogothians were just a myth. But after her archeologist uncle’s brutal murder, and being asked to translate one of his old research journals for evidence, she begins a journey to discover the truth for herself.

Chasing the myth her uncle was obsessed with, Norah learns that his murder was a cover up for something far more sinister. If she hopes to save others from suffering the same fate he did–including the peculiarly magnetic James Riley–she must head to Iceland in order to find out the truth once and for all.

If she succeeds, she’ll gain the one thing she’s always longed for.

But if she fails, not even the gods can help her. 

I am really excited about this book! I read the first two chapter on the author’s blog, and now I’m hooked. I can’t wait to read the rest of the story.
Here are the links:
Hannah L. Clark’s blog
Hannah’s website
Sneak Peek: Chapters 1 and 2!
Official Book Trailer

Happy Reading! impatiently waiting =)

Book Review, Flashback Friday, the juliet club

Flashback Friday- The Juliet Club

Kathryn Cooper

Flashback Friday is a weekly posting event, hosted by me, that gives book bloggers an opportunity to review a book they love but haven’t read in awhile and readers a chance to find a great read. These reviews probably won’t be as detailed as more recently read books fresh on my mind. 

Bloggers, post your own Flashback Friday book review then add your URL to the linky at the bottom of the post so others can check it out. I look forward to reading where your Flashback leads us.


Title: The Juliet Club
Author: Suzanne Harper
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: June 2008
Pages: 402
Series: none
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

From Goodreads.com:
Italy . . . Shakespeare . . . but no romance?
Kate Sanderson inherited her good sense from her mother, a disciplined law professor, and her admiration for the Bard from her father, a passionate Shakespeare scholar. When she gets dumped, out of the blue, for the Practically Perfect Ashley Lawson, she vows never to fall in love again. From now on she will control her own destiny, and every decision she makes will be highly reasoned and rational. She thinks Shakespeare would have approved.
So when she is accepted to a summer Shakespeare symposium in Verona, Italy, Kate sees it as the ideal way to get over her heartbreak once and for all. She’ll lose herself in her studies, explore ancient architecture, and eat plenty of pasta and gelato. (Plus, she’ll be getting college credit for it—another goal accomplished!) But can even completely logical Kate resist the romance of living in a beautiful villa in the city where those star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet met and died for each other? Especially when the other Shakespeare Scholars—in particular Giacomo, with his tousled brown hair, expressive dark eyes, and charming ways—try hard to break her protective shell?
“In fair Verona, where we lay our scene . . . ”

My Thoughts: 
It’s been over a year since I read this book, and I don’t remember a lot of details. All I know is I loved it! It was a really fun read. I think I’m just a hopeless romantic because I would love to visit Italy. 

Flashback Friday is so great because it reminds me of all the great books I’ve read. I think I’ll have to go read this one again. I don’t know about you, but I love to re-read books. Re-reading a book takes me to a wonderfully familiar place.

Happy Reading!