Blog

The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera Cass. June 2014. HarperCollins. Goodreads. Book 1: The Selection. Book 2: The Elite.

The Selection changed America Singer’s life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen—and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she’s made her choice . . . and she’s prepared to fight for the future she wants.

Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series!

This final book in this trilogy was my favorite! The One by Kiera Cass was such an exciting, romantic, action filed story. I loved it!

I read this book back in July! I wish I’d had time to post a review before my brain tumor surgery back in August. Oh well. I’m catching up now. I loved reading the story of America. She was a fun character to watch grow in knowledge and emotions. At times her decisions was frustrating to me, but by the end I loved how everything worked out.

The two guys were again fun to read about. I really liked both Aspen and Maxon. With a little love drama in books I don’t always care if they get with the girl they love. I just want them to be with someone that will love them strong like he loves. Anyway, I was really happy how this turned out.

I loved the final book in The Selection series! If you want a fun Young Adult trilogy for Christmas then this would be a great one to give or receive.  Check out the eBook series collection on Amazon by clicking the picture/link below.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) for details
Sexual: moderate ( kissing, sleeping not sex together, partially naked while kissing in bed )
Language: mild/moderate ( bit-1, a-less than 10, h-less than 15, d-less than 10 )
Violence: mild/moderate ( details )

I just found out that there will be another book in the series, but it’s twenty years later. It sounds like another great story to read! I can’t wait.

BOOKS BY KIERA CASS
As an Amazon Affiliate I receive a small portion of sales when you click then make a purchase from Amazon links on my blog.

This is a great video to think about what we’re thankful for.

I’ve had a very difficult last few months with my brain tumor surgery in August, then 6 weeks of Radiation, and now the start of Chemo. I guess I have a lot I could complain about, but really I’m so happy to still be here on this Earth. I know when we pass away we get to be with God our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and our family and friends that have already passed. But I’m so grateful to still be with my family and friends on Earth.

I’m thankful to have an amazing husband and four fun and handsome boys.

Happy Thanksgiving Week!

‘Aspen’ played by Jennifer Lawrence

     

‘Nate’ played by Liam Hemsworth                    ‘Harley’ played by Theo James

I have pinned pictures of actors/actresses that would play my book characters. I’m still working on getting published Aspen Everlasting, book 1 of my Evermortals trilogy. It’s a Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy.

‘Renee’ played by Vanessa Hudgens                 ‘Hunter’ played by Dylan O’Brien

These pictures are for the book I’m currently writing called Find the Way. It’s Young Adult Contemporary Fiction.

Visit https://www.pinterest.com/kathryncooper4 to see all the pictures of my book characters and other fun stuff.

 

Pictures found on google.com and other sites

Jennifer Lawrence – Liam Hemsworth – Theo James

Vanessa Hudgens – Dylan O’Brien

It’s time for another update on my brain tumor. I thought I would add some pictures this time.

I had my brain tumor removed by the most amazing surgeon, Dr. Weinberg, back on August 11, 2014 at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. The surgery lasted about 11 hours and went really well! After 5 days I went home.

Colt, my husband, and I leaving the hospital finally!

After getting home I still had to recover to feel normal again. It took around 3 or 4 more weeks.

You can see the buzz of my hair where my brain was cut open.

Even though Dr. Weinberg did an amazing job and removed almost all of my brain tumor, I still had to have radiation treatment and will have chemo for the little lines of my tumor spread in my brain.

I think it was 4 weeks post surgery when I started my radiation. I finished 6 weeks of radiation on Wednesday, October 22. I had felt very claustrophobic for the first 3 weeks, maybe 4. But finally towards the end I was given the strength and miracle to not feel freaked out and trapped.

Here I am strapped in for my radiation with a thumbs up.

It was a long emotional job to have a claustrophobic radiation treatment 30 times. I was grateful for and learned a lot from my Radiologist doctor and nurse. The three girls in charge of doing the radiation every day I learned to love and appreciate.

Here’s me, with no hair, and 2 of the 3 girls that did my radiation 30 times. T and M! Wish I could remember names.

I am so grateful and happy to be finished with surgery and radiation treatments! I feel like the big things are over with. I know Chemo once a week for 12 months won’t be the funnest thing ever, but I’m thinking it’ll be nothing compared to the last few months.

I really appreciate all of my friends and family thinking about me. I feel so loved. I also am grateful for God my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. I have felt an enormous amount of love and care from them as I have prayed and thought of them.

Now to talk about books: (Hello, this is a book blog!)

I haven’t been able to read many books after surgery and through radiation because sometimes my mind gets distracted when reading. Normally there hasn’t been much to distract me, but with these last few weeks there has been. I’ve watched a ton more TV shows on Netflix then I ever have! It’s been fun, but I am excited to get into reading AND writing again.

What are some great clean Young Adult or New Adult books that have come out in 2014?

Destined for Doon (Doon #2) by Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon. September 2, 2014. Blink. Goodreads. Book 1: Doon.

The second book in the popular new Doon YA series that takes on a classic story, Brigadoon, and spins it in a new way to give readers a fresh, modern experience.

In this sequel to Doon, Kenna Reid realizes she made a horrible mistake-choosing to follow her dreams of Broadway instead of staying in the enchanted land of Doon. Worse, she’s received proof she and Duncan are meant to be, along with torturous visions of the prince she left behind. So when Duncan shows up and informs Kenna that Doon needs her, she doesn’t need to think twice. But even if Kenna can save the enchanted kingdom, her happily ever after may still be in peril.

The Doon novels are a part of Blink, HarperCollins Christian Publishing’s new YA imprint that delivers empowering and heartening literature while maintaining a tradition of imaginative and impactful storytelling.

I love this series! The authors and BLINK, the publishing company, sent me an ARC of book 2. I loved it! We hear from Veronica/Vee and McKenna/Kenna in both books. Book 1 was more from Veronica while this book 2 was more from Kenna.

Kenna had gone back to the United States which lasted almost a year for her. Her friend Veronica stayed in the land of Doon which had time that counted only as 2 months there. Kenna and Duncan had some things happen with their relationship in book 1, and then he came to get her in America at the beginning of book 2. Veronica had sent him because she needed Kenna’s help in Doon. Kenna was so surprised to see him after such a long time. Their relationship was very mixed up. Sometimes it made me frustrated while sometimes it made me laugh.

Kenna was asked to help with something terrible happening in Doon. She didn’t think she would stay long, but Veronica really wanted her to stay forever. You’ll have to read to find out what happens.

Destined for Doon entertained me! I loved reading it. I can’t wait until the next book comes out. If you haven’t read Doon yet then you must! If you have then go get Destined for Doon right now to read. I hope you’ll love it like I did.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) for details
Sexual: mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: mild ( fighting men )

I received this book ARC from Blink, the publishing company. I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.

BOOKS BY CAREY CORP AND LORIE LANGDON
As an Amazon Affiliate I receive a small portion of sales when you click then make a purchase from Amazon links on my blog.

Son of War, Daughter of Chaos by Janette Rallison. July 2014. Goodreads.

Aislynn is accustomed to watching for the enemy. Her parents instructed her from the time she was young to look for the signs: people with greater than normal strength, eyes that can glow green, and have the ability to jump long distances. Over the years, Aislynn has come to view her parents’ fears as quirks—things that get in the way of having a normal high school life.

When Aislynn’s mother dies under suspicious conditions, her father doubles his restrictions. But all his precautions can’t stop the boy with glowing green eyes from finding Aislynn. She realizes too late she’s been drafted into an ancient Egyptian war, whether she’s prepared or not.

I have read all of Janette Rallison’s books! She is one of my all time favorite authors. This was a really fun read with entertainment, Egyptian history, and some great romance.

Aislynn thought she lived a normal human teenage life, but she felt her Dad was a little crazy. For some reason he didn’t keep her informed about their unique life. She learned soon enough that her life was extremely abnormal.

Aislynn got to know a boy named Dane in her high school. He was someone she really fell for. Dane was super strong and the sweetest guy. After a little while, her relationship with him got very interesting. I don’t want to give anything else away. Just know that this book was really fun to read and learn about Aislynn and her unique family. It got more into Egyptian history than I prefer, but I think most of you would enjoy that.

Son of War, Daughter of Chaos was such a fun read with a little romance and lots of excitement. I really look forward to reading the next book in this series. Of course, I love reading every single book by Janette Rallison.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) for details
Sexual: mild ( kissing)
Language: none
Violence: mild ( attacking people, dangerous bugs )

I received this book from Janette Rallison. I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.

BOOKS BY JANETTE RALLISON
As an Amazon Affiliate I receive a small portion of sales when you click then make a purchase from Amazon links on my blog.

I loved Jennifer Kitchens’ first book called A Lady By Any Other Name. If you haven’t read it you must buy it this weekend since it’s on sale! I really want to read her other book too called Once Upon a Lifetime.

A Lady By Any Other Name by Jennifer Kitchens. 2012. Goodreads.

A Woman in Hiding

Nicole Farrington’s life had never been easy, but it had always been bearable. At least it had been until now. Faced with a horrible marriage her step-brother has contracted for her, she will do anything to get away. She’ll run…run to anyone who might be able to help her. But running blindly down an unknown path may take her to an unexpected destination.

A Man Seeking Answers

Julian Huntington, Earl of Foxley, wants nothing more than to have his carefree life back. Now he is left with a title, a child, and a future that he never expected would be his. He refuses to believe his brother’s death was an accident, no matter what people say. Someone killed him and Julian plans to find out who and why. Maybe then he can go on with his life…his brother’s life. But will the answers he seeks be enough, or will he find love to be a worthier goal?

Once Upon a Lifetime by Jennifer Kitchens. January 2014. Goodreads.

“Amy stared at the portrait dancing in front of her.

She reached out to grab hold of it, steadying it. Or at least making it shake in tune with the rest of her body. The image could have almost been a mirror. But more disturbing was the fact that it looked like another picture she had.

A photo. The only image she had ever had of her mother not faded by time and memory.

Taken by a helpful nurse at the hospital just after Amy was born, she recognized the same features as the ones she had secretly stared at for hours after she’d been orphaned. The same red hair and green eyes sparkled back at her. Even the lone dimple on her left cheek.

It was her mother. Amelia Price.

And she was wanted for murder.”

As far as Amy Price knew, she was just a normal girl from Los Angeles. An orphan, left alone after the death of her mother years ago. Little did she know the truth of her mother’s past. Nor did she know that she would soon come face to face with it. Sent back in time to the past her mother escaped, Amy must either face what her mother couldn’t, or find a way back home. Though the handsome man intent on seeing justice met isn’t helping any.

 

About the Author:
Jennifer Kitchens is a life-long lover of romance novels. She started reading Regency romances as a teenager and hasn’t stopped. She is the founder and sole reviewer for Clean Romance Reviews. She is currently working on a new regency romance novel that will be the beginning of a trilogy, as well as working on a fantasy romance novel and a non-fiction. When she isn’t writing and reading, she is raising her young children and dating her husband.

BOOKS BY JENNIFER KITCHENS
As an Amazon Affiliate I receive a small portion of sales when you click then make a purchase from Amazon links on my blog.

Scarlet Moon (Once Upon a Time Fairytales) by Debbie Viguie. 2004. Simon Pulse. Goodreads.

The True Face of Love

Ruth’s grandmother lives in the forest, banished there for the “evil” that the townsfolk believed she practiced. But if studying the stars, learning about nature, and dreaming of flying is evil, then Ruth is guilty of it too. Whenever Ruth took food and supplies to her grandmother, she would sit with the old woman for hours, listening and learning.

When she wasn’t in the woods, Ruth was learning the trade of her father, a blacksmith, now that her brother would never return from the Crusades.

Amidst those dark days, a new man enters Ruth’s life. William is a noble with a hot temper and a bad name, and he makes her shiver. But the young man is prey to his heritage, a curse placed on his family ages ago, and each male of the family has strange blood running in his veins. Now Ruth must come face-to-face with his destiny at Grandma’s house.

I love the Once Upon a Time Fairytales! They are so much fun to read. Some I give 4 stars, and some I give 5. This one was a 5 star book! It was such a fun read.

Ruth was so entertaining to read about. She had learned so much in her life. William was so cute. Their relationship was the best. The romance was amazing and took my breath away. There were a few cheesy romance lines, but I loved them.

Scarlet Moon was a book I loved! I wished it wasn’t such a short read though. It could have carried on much longer for me.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) for details
Sexual: mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: mild/moderate ( blood killing injuries )

BOOKS BY DEBBIE VIGUIE
As an Amazon Affiliate I receive a small portion of sales when you click then make a purchase from Amazon links on my blog.

Hi Friends!

I had my brain surgery on August 11th down in Houston, TX. My doctor was great and cut out most of my tumor. It’s taken work for me to recover, but I’m happy to be feeling better. I can read and write which also makes me happy. It’s taken a lot of work for me to read again. It’s not perfect but getting better.

I will be having radiation in a few weeks. It’ll be 5 days a week for 6 weeks! I’m looking forward to finishing with that. My chemo therapy will start a few weeks after the radiation is finished. I’ll have chemo for 7 days the first week of every month. No chemo the last 3 weeks of every month. It’ll take 12 months to finish.

I’m doing much better since surgery. It’s been 17 days. Another week and a half and I’ll be feeling mostly good. The biggest problem I’m having is remembering names and some words.

My life is good. I have had prayers from so many friends and family which has been wonderful.

Since this is my book/writing blog let me say that I’ve been reading the past week. It’s taken me longer to read, but I’m getting better. I’m reading On the Fence by Kasie West and loving it.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!

Kathryn Cooper

Hello my book friends!

After visiting with three neurosurgeons and getting another MRI, I am scheduled for surgery. My surgery will be on August 11th. My surgeon will remove as much of the brain tumor as he can. Down the road I might have some treatments like chemo or radiation. We won’t know until after the tumor is out and tested. It’s been causing some problems and really is just too big to wait any longer.

I feel at peace about it. I know that things will work out as the Lord sees fit. I have an amazing neurosurgeon and hospital team. I will be in good hands.

I have a lot of little things to get done this next week, mostly involving my 4 young boys. My oldest will turn 8 shortly after surgery so we want to have a little family party before then. School starts a week after surgery with my 2nd son starting kindergarten. Lots of fun things coming up to distract me from the thoughts of my scull being cut open. That makes me shiver a little.

My writing is at a good place! I sent query letters to a few literary agents and publishers last week. My manuscript is complete, and I look forward to having it published some day. I really hope that “some day” will be by the fall of 2015. We’ll see!

Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers. I really appreciate it. While you’re praying, please pray for my husband Colt and my boys. They could use it for the next month.

Kathryn