Category: Book Review

Book Review, remembrance

Book Review: Remembrance

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Remembrance
Author: Michelle Madow
Publisher: Dreamscape Publishing
Release Date: July 2011
Pages: 314
Series: Transcend Time Saga #1
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

New Hampshire high school junior Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England … but she doesn’t know it yet.
Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie’s school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can’t stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can’t she seem to get him out of her mind?
Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, the pair of them soon find that fighting fate isn’t going to be easy.

My Thoughts:
I loved this book! I had so much fun living through Lizzie as I read it. This is a book I will recommend to all my friends!!

I loved that the book took place in high school, junior year. Junior year was a fun and memorable year for me so it’s always fun to think back on that time and see it from another’s perspective. Michelle does a really amazing job with the details of high school life. She brought up little things that many of us can relate to but may have forgotten. It just made the read real and enjoyable.

Lizzie has a boyfriend named Jeremy. They’ve known each other for years and have been together for 3 years I think. That’s a long time in junior high/ high school years. The book doesn’t actually talk about this, but the situations made me think it:t When you’re in high school, don’t stay with a guy that puts you down, even jokingly, and don’t stay with someone just because it’s easy or you’ve been dating for a long time if you’re not happy. Ok, I don’t want to get on a soap box so . . . nuff said about not dating jerks. 🙂 I just felt that the situations and feelings Lizzie had in this book are very real. There are probably lots of girls out their dating guys that feed on their insecurities.

On to Drew. Mysterious. Attractive. He reminds me of Edward from Twilight. He sends mixed signals to Lizzie, and she just can’t figure him out. I don’t believe in reincarnation, neither does the author, but it made for a really fun fiction. A romantic idea really. I loved it.

There was more tense excitement than I expected. It was really fun and exciting, especially towards the end. You have to go read it!! Right now!

The next book, Vengeance, is a novella (short novel) from the point of view of Chelsea, the best friend.

Happy Reading!

Content Ratings: highlight between the ( ) for details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: I can’t remember! I think very mild ( some injuries described from memories )

blog tour, Book Review, giveaway, lemniscate

Blog Tour: Lemniscate Review and Giveaways

Kathryn Cooper

Lemniscate Blog Tour:


12/9- Mundie Moms, tour kick off
12/10- Reader Girls, review & giveaway
12/11- Regina-Unsettled, guest post
12/12- Confession of a Vi3tBabe, character interview
12/13- Clean Teen Fiction, review & giveaway
12/14- The Non Reluctant Reader, guest post
12/15- A Blog About Nothing, excerpt
12/16- Pager Turners Blog, review
12/17- The Book Vortex, author interview
12/18- Mundie Moms, mini character & author interview

Lemniscate by Jennifer Murgia is the second book in the Angel Star series. See my review of book one: Angel Star.

Title: Lemniscate
Author: Jennifer Murgia
Publisher: Lands Atlantic Publishing
Release Date: March 2011
Pages: 252
Series: Angel Star #2
3 STARS: I Liked It

For Teagan, these last few months have been heaven on earth – especially now that Garreth, her boyfriend and guardian angel, is earthbound. But perhaps Garreth is becoming a little more human than either of them expected.
Now, Teagan must realize that her world is once again about to shift, as she questions the faith she held in others against those once considered enemies.
In this continuation of Angel Star, Lemniscate will draw you even deeper into the world of dark and light as Teagan realizes the angel who could possibly save them all is the one angel she feared the most.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading this second installment in the Angel Star series. Unlike the first book, Angel Star, Teagan learned to rely on herself instead of her angel. I loved seeing her strength and resolve grow through this new independence.

In this second book, Teagan’s best friend is Ryan. Tea and Ryan have a lot of fun together. I enjoyed any scene with the two of them. Their banter and relationship was entertaining. I really liked Ryan. He sounded cute and trustworthy and . . . human. I kind of wish sometimes Teagan would hook up with him instead of Garreth. For me, Ryan is the Twilight’s Team Jacob equivalent.

Oh Garreth, you made me angry during this book. I’m not sure if everyone would agree with me, and I don’t want to go into details. I believe in forgiveness, but I really think there should have been more of a discussion between him and Teagan over a few of his choices. Those of you who’ve read the book know what I’m talking about. But hey, no one likes a flawless character.

A new character, Dr. Nathaniel Dean, was introduced at the end of Angel Star but played a bigger part in Lemniscate. Nate is dating Teagan’s mom. Well, I’ll let you see what happens with all that when you read it yourself.

Overall, an entertaining read! I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Side Note: Most of us don’t believe in vampires, werewolves, wizards, etc, but in this book there are angels and evil spirits. I do believe in God, angels, and evil, but I don’t believe in incarnation or angels as depicted in this book. I just wanted to be clear that I read this book like an entertaining work of fiction. 

Happy Reading!

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) for details
Sexual Content: mild ( some kissing )
Language: mild ( 1 d***, 2 s***, 4 h***, 1 God )
Violence: mild ( some fight scenes )
Other: mention of teenage drinking

GIVEAWAY!
I am giving away a copy of the book, Lemniscate by Jennifer Murgia. Please fill out the form to be entered to win!
*Contest open from December 13-19. Closes at 12am CST December 20th.
*You will be emailed if you win. You will have 48 hours to respond in order to claim your prize, or a new winner will be chosen.
*Open internationally: Mundie Moms International Giveaway Rules apply.

INTERNATIONALLY WINNERS: 
Our giveaways are open to our internationally followers when noted, and due to the rising costs in shipping and paying with shipping out of our own pockets, all Internationally winners will need to pay for their shipping costs within 48 hours of receiving our email, before the book/books are shipped. If within 48 hours no payment or contact is made, we will then select another winner (this is valid for all winners outside the US).

Payment is made via our Pay Pal link here

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

From the Mundie Moms website: Lemniscate Main Blog Tour Page


Purchase the book from:


About the Author:
You can follow Jennifer on Twitter and Facebook, and visit her site here.





During the duration of the tour, be sure to enter Jennifer Murgia’s Be An Angel, Give A Book Contest. Purchase a copy of Angel Star or Lemniscate during the month of December and email your receipt to jennifermurgia8@gmail.com for your chance to be “an angel”. Both books in the name of the winner randomly chosen will be donated to that winner’s choice of library. ALL those who enter, will be entered to win a Goodie Basket of Lands Atlantic books. That winner will be announced on Jan. 2nd, 2012 on Jennifer’s site.

Book Review, crossed

Book Review: Crossed

Kathryn Cooper

This is the 2nd book in the Matched series. Just seeing the character names can reveal what happened in the first book. You’ve been warned! 
Click the link to see my review of the first book MATCHED. 

Title: Crossed
Author: Ally Condie
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Release Date: November 2011
Pages: 367
Series: Matched #2
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

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.

My Thoughts:
A great 2nd book in the Matched series. I love this world Ally Condie has created! I feel like I’m there in the book with Cassia and Ky. I care about these characters AND I love the plot. I want to know what’s going to happen, and I want to read to find out if my character friends are alright in the end.

I enjoyed the two points of view this time. The book switched between first person POV from Cassia and Ky. Even with the chapters being headed with the character’s name for the POV I still got a little confused when I was rushing through during exciting parts. Not a big deal though. I liked getting to know Ky better by getting into his head. I wonder if Ally will add Xander’s POV in the 3rd book.

The setting was mysteriously beautiful. I have visited some of the southern Utah terrain that inspired the setting. The characters go on a difficult journey during this book. They all seemed relatively safe and sound in their town during the first book, but Crossed sends them to unknown places and situations which made for a new level of excitement. I can tell the third book will be an exciting finale.

Ok, who’s Team Ky and who’s Team Xander? I have to say I’m both. I’m Team Ky because I think he’s awesome and strong and a natural leader and wise. I’m Team Xander because he’s smart and mysterious and fun and caring. Tough choice!

Overall, a wonderful read! I loved it!

Happy Reading!

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: mild ( tense situations of survival )

angel star, Book Review

Book Review: Angel Star

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Angel Star
Author: Jennifer Murgia
Publisher: Lands Atlantic
Release Date: May 2010
Pages: 251
Series: Angel Star #1
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

Seventeen-year-old Teagan McNeel falls for captivating Garreth Adams and soon discovers that her crush has an eight-point star etched into the palm of his right hand – the mark of an angel.
But where there is light, dark follows, and she and Garreth suddenly find themselves vulnerable to a dark angel’s malicious plan that could threaten not only her life, but the lives of everyone she knows.
Divinely woven together, Angel Star takes readers on a reflective journey when one angel’s sacrifice collides with another angel’s vicious ambition in a way that is sure to have readers searching for their own willpower.

My Thoughts:
I love when I can immerse myself in a good book and relax and enjoy the journey. I haven’t read a book where a character is in love at first sight in awhile so it was just what I wanted. It reminded me of another very popular book in some ways. I won’t go into details and give anything away, but I don’t think it’s a bad thing to have a book remind me of another book. Angel Star was so easy to read quickly because I was so into the story and had to know what happened next! I actually was talking out loud while reading. “No way!” “What?!” “Awww!” Things like that. Hmmm. . . maybe that’s not too unusual for me.

Okay, I loved the name Teagan! I had never heard that name but felt it really suited the main character. Teagan is a bit of a loner with one close friend, Claire. She lived a normal life until Garreth came along and blew her away. Garreth is so caring and such a gentleman. It’s hard to fault an angel.

Angel Star kept me guessing at the very end. I thought I knew exactly what was going to happen, but then the plot twisted. Teagan goes through a lot and really grows as a character. I enjoyed reading her journey and can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Side Note: This book talks a lot about good and evil, angels and dark forces. I read this book like an entertaining work of fiction. I do believe in God and angels, but I don’t believe in incarnation or angels as depicted in this book. I won’t go into details on my blog, but if you’re interested in my religious beliefs you can click on the “My Faith” button on my side bar. 

Happy Reading!

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) for details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing scenes, sleeping in the same bed but no sex and no kissing while in bed )
Language: mild/moderate ( 1 a**, 4 h***, 1 s***, 1 b**** )
Violence: mild ( fighting with blood, death )

Book Review, clockwork angel

Book Review: Clockwork Angel

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Clockwork Angel
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Release Date: August 2010
Pages: 476
Series: The Infernal Devices #1
4 STARS: I Really Liked It
Magic is dangerous–but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London’s Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa’s power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institutte, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by–and torn between–two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm’s length…everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world…and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

My Thoughts:
This is a great book. Cassandra Clare writes so beautifully. I love the Victorian England time period. The customs and atmosphere sound so interesting.

I love the characters. Tessa, the main character, is someone to root for. From the very beginning her story pulled on my heart strings. I wanted to see her succeed. I liked that she seemed a bit naive and innocent. Of course I don’t want every character in every book to be naive and innocent, but I did enjoy that aspect of Tessa. She was also strong and smart, very smart. Her life had been difficult and instead of hating others and having a pity party she cared for others and wanted to help them. She seemed to love easily, not necessarily in a romantic sense.

Oh Jem and Will. These boys are great. Jem is easy to love and Will is easy to hate. No I’m kidding, I liked Will he just drove me, and Tessa, crazy sometimes. Jem is such a gentleman and is wise. Wise because of circumstances he has endured.

Charlotte, Henry, Sophie, and Jessamine are some other great characters. Cassandra’s characters, no matter main or side characters, they all have depth. These characters have their own flaws and strengths and hold their own secrets.

I’m looking forward to reading Clockwork Prince which comes out December 6th!

Happy Reading!

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) for details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing, talk of brothels, talk of prostitutes )
Language: mild ( 1 b****, I forgot to count but I think there were some d*** and h*** )
Violence: moderate ( fight scenes with blood and injuries )

Book Review, protostar

Book Review: ProtoStar

Kathryn Cooper




Title: ProtoStar
Author: Braxton A. Cosby
Publisher: Firefly Publisher and Entertainment
Release Date: September 25, 2011
Pages: 356
Series: The Star-Crossed Saga #1

From Goodreads.com:

On the brink of Civil War, the Torrian Alliance continues with its mission to obliterate Star-children across the universe in order to suppress an intergalactic evil. Following the recommendations of his Council, King Gregorio Derry has agreed to send his only son William, on a mission to restore honor to his family. What starts out routine, becomes a lot more complicated as an inopportune crash landing delays the assassination. During this time, William begins to form a ‘connection’ with Sydney that challenges his inner being. But this conflict is the least of his problems, as a conspiracy back on his home planet Fabricius threatens the lives of those he loves and his father’s royal legacy. Along with that, he must unravel a hidden threat here on Earth that seeks to secure a vested interest that threatens both his and Sydney’s safety. Will William be able to complete his mission or will he choose love, sacrificing everything he stands for?

My Thoughts:
This book has a great story line. It’s about a Prince named William from another galaxy who comes to earth to kill the Star-child Sydney. It’s not easy to start a romantic relationship with someone you were sent to kill. . . just saying.

I liked William even though he came across too stiff for me at times. His language was a bit too formal using words like “Madame”. I guess that wouldn’t have bothered me so much if the other characters would have acknowledge his ancient vocabulary use. Sydney was also likable with her optimism and naivety to what was happening.

For some reason I couldn’t completely loose myself in the story and connect with the characters. I found it confusing when the point of view would change from one character to the next in the middle of a paragraph. I like books where the point of view changes as long as each POV is at least a chapter long or at least between just two characters. The POV in Protostar was mostly between the two main characters, but sometimes it switched around between 6 or 7 other minor characters.

I wasn’t a huge fan of all the sci fi talk at the beginning which is just my preference. I also think the book paused too much during the first half to describe characters and other things. It made it drag for me. More use of “show don’t tell” would have kept the pace moving.

Overall, a good story line that shows promise for the series. I’m sure I’ll read the second book when it comes out.


*I received an eBook copy of Protostar from the author. Thank you!*

Content Ratings: highlight between the ( ) to see details
Sexual Content: mild/moderate ( kissing, an accidental view of a man’s naked bottom by a female of the same age, body feature descriptive words like breasts, thoughts )
Language: mild ( h***-1, God-a few times, Christ-1 )
Violence: mild ( some fight scenes and tense moments )

Happy Reading!

Book Review, Flashback Friday, the frog princess

Flashback Friday: The Frog Princess

Kathryn Cooper

Flashback Friday is a weekly post where I review a book I love but haven’t read recently. I wanted a way to share books I read before starting my book blog. These reviews will not be as detailed as more recently read books fresh on my mind.

What book do you love but haven’t read recently? You can talk about the book or leave a link to your blog post about it in a comment. I look forward to reading where your Flashback takes us.


Title: The Frog Princess
Author: E.D. Baker
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: November 2002
Pages: 214
Series: Tales of the Frog Princess #1
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

From Goodreads.com:
Princess Emeralda a.ka. Emma isn’t exactly an ideal princess. Her laugh is more like a donkey’s bray than tinkling bells, she trips over her own feet and she does not like Prince Jorge, whom her mother hopes she will marry. But if Emma ever thought to escape her troubles, she never expected it to happen by turning into a frog! When convinced to kiss a frog so he might return to being a prince, somehow the spell is reversed and Emma turns into a frog herself! Thus begins their adventure–a quest to return to human form. 

My Thoughts:
I loved this book! I read it a few years ago so the details are a little fuzzy. The book was funny and exciting. I really didn’t know how it would all end!

Princess Emma and “the frog” are both so likable! I loved the characters which made me love the book. I know I’ve said this before, but I love a good princess book. I guess I was one of those little girls who always dreamed of becoming a princess so I could live in a castle and wear pretty dresses.  Now I just live that dream through books. 

Go read this book! You’ll love it.

Content Ratings: highlight between the ( ) for details
Sexual Content: mild ( some kissing )
Language: none
Violence: I can’t remember! I think it was very mild or none

Book Review, dragon kiss

Book Review: Dragon Kiss

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Dragon Kiss
Author: E.D. Baker
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children’s
Release Date: September 2009
Pages: 288
Series: Tales of the Frog Princess #6
3 Stars: I Liked It

Audun is a teenage ice dragon in love…with a human princess. Can he become human and win Millie’s heart?

Audun is on a quest to find Princess Millie, and to become human in order to win her heart. But The Dragon King has set out a number of tasks Audun must perform before he is permitted to even try to woo Millie…and each one is filled with E. D. Baker’s signature adventure and hilarity as this dragon-turned-human-turned dragon and back again battles sea witches and warlocks both familiar to readers of the series, and altogether new. A fantastic stand-alone fairy tale that brings new life to this wonderful series.

My Thoughts:
This is a fun young teen series. I really loved the first book The Frog Princess. I’ll have to feature it in my Flashback Friday post tomorrow.

Audun is a teenage boy dragon in love with a human princess who can turn into a dragon at will. Princess Millie’s story is told in book 5 now this is Audun’s adventure. Audun has to go on many quests and accomplish what the Dragon King and Court ask of him so the court will grant him his wish. He wants to learn how to turn human for Millie. Audun is honest, noble, and brave; he’s easy to like.

What I didn’t like was Audun traveling alone on his quests. The story lost my interest during his lonesome travels. I prefer the main character to at least have one ‘sidekick’ to keep the story moving and dialog flowing. A side character you can depend on and care for. That is just my preference. I wish Auden and Millie were together more since I love their relationship.

It was still a nice clean read that I think young teens would enjoy.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content:very mild ( a few short kisses )
Language: none
Violence: very mild ( not detailed fight/war scene )

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Teen Fiction

Book Review, the amaranth enchantment

Book Review: The Amaranth Enchantment

Kathryn Cooper

Title: The Amaranth Enchantment
Author: Julie Berry
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: 2009
Pages: 306
Series: none
4 STARS: I Really Liked It
From Amazon: 
When a mysterious piece of jewelry and a strange visitor arrive in the jewelry shop where she works for her evil aunt, Lucinda’s course takes a surprising turn. With the help of the Amaranth Witch, a young (and harmless) con-artist, and a prince, Lucinda uncovers secrets about her own royal past. A strong seller in hardcover, this original fairytale marks an exciting debut from a lyrical new voice. Can one magical moment lead to happily ever after?

My Thoughts:
I liked this book. I’m not sure if it was the author’s intent but it reminded me of a Cinderella story at times. The orphan Lucinda is pushed around by a nasty and mean aunt. A helpful friend (I won’t say the name) reminds me of her own unique fairy godmother.

Lucinda’s story is easy to get caught up in. From the very beginning I felt for poor Lucinda and the rough life she lived. I wanted to keep reading so I could find out what happened to her. Will she find her own happily ever after and get away from her abusive aunt?

I wish there was more time spent on the side characters. I think Peter is hilarious and handsome, the Prince as well. I wanted to hear more of their stories. I love the pet goat she finds along her journey. He acts like a dog so Lucinda names him Dog. He is loyal and brave. A very funny and cute sidekick. Overall, a great clean entertaining read.


Content Review: highlight between ( ) to see details
Sexual Content: none
Language: none
Violence: mild ( abusive slaps with bruises, short struggle with a little blood )

Happy Reading!

Book Review, the loser's guide to life and love

Book Review: The Loser’s Guide to Life and Love

Kathryn Cooper

Title: The Loser’s Guide to Life and Love
Author: A. E. Cannon
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: July 2008
Pages: 272
Series: none

From Goodreads.com:
Ordinary, boring Ed works a loser summer job at Reel Life Movies, where he doesn’t even have his own name tag. He’s stuck with “Sergio.” Ed’s only consolations are his two best friends. Shelving DVDs isn’t so mind-numbingly dull with Scout cracking jokes, and after hours Ed hangs out with the superbrain, Quark. Life starts to look up when the girl of his dreams saunters into Reel Life. Ed knows he doesn’t stand a chance . . . but maybe, just maybe Sergio does. All he has to do is pretend to be a smoldering Brazilian stud for the rest of his life. Simple, right? But . . . Ed’s new dream girl has her own secrets, Scout wants to be more than Ed’s best friend, and his buddy Quark wants Scout for himself. Star-crossed crushes make for hilarious misunderstandings as Ed guides his life toward disaster in this fresh, contemporary twist on Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream.

My Thoughts: 
Don’t you love the title? LOL that’s what really caught my attention. I actually haven’t read Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, but I did see the play and know the basics. I agree with the summary that it’s a fun twist on the play.

The book is told from 4 character’s perspectives. Mostly told from Ed, the main character. The other 3 are Scout (a ‘one of the guys’ type girl, Ed’s best friend, and star soccer player), Quart (genius neighbor, also Ed’s friend), and Ellie (sweet, beautiful, new in town). All fun characters.

Cannon did a great job showing true high school emotions. The characters had lots of insecurities that I think are common for many teenagers and some adults. I liked seeing them work through insecurity to learn their strengths.

This is a really light-hearted read, even too silly for me at times. Not for someone who only reads serious stuff. This is a quick read; if it was any longer I probably would have lost interest. Again I would have liked there to be no cussing. Period. It was a really funny read though. I laughed out loud quite a few times.


Content Ratings: highlight between the ( ) for details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing, thoughts of sex- like “am I the only teenager not having sex” ) 
Language: mild/moderate ( 5 d***, 3 h***, 1 bloody h***, 2 s*** )
Violence: almost none ( punch in the face )

Happy Reading!