Category: Book Review

Book Review, forgive my fins

Book Review: Forgive My Fins

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Forgive My Fins
Author: Tera Lynn Childs
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books
Release Date: May 2010
Pages: 293
Series: Fins #1
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

From Goodreads.com:
Lily Sanderson has a secret, and it’s not that she has a huge crush on gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Unrequited love is hard enough when you’re a normal teenage girl, but when you’re half human, half mermaid, like Lily, there’s no such thing as a simple crush.
Lily’s mermaid identity is a secret that can’t get out, since she’s not just any mermaid—she’s a Thalassinian princess. When Lily found out three years ago that her mother was actually a human, she finally realized why she didn’t feel quite at home in Thalassinia, and she’s been living on land and going to Seaview High School ever since, hoping to find where she truly belongs. Sure, land has its problems—like her obnoxious biker-boy neighbor, Quince Fletcher—but it has that one major perk: Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren’t really the casual dating type—the instant they “bond,” it’s for life.
When Lily’s attempt to win Brody’s love leads to a tsunami-sized case of mistaken identity, she is in for a tidal wave of relationship drama, and she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily ever after never sails quite as smoothly as you planned.

My Thoughts:
I’m still smiling about this book. It’s just so cute! Sometimes I just really love when the boy and girl act like they hate each other. I like a love story where the love is worked for through sweat and tears.

Poor Lily, she is a bit confused when it comes to love. But really who didn’t have an unattainable crush in high school? You know, the guy you fantasized was prince charming when only looking at the surface. If any high schoolers are reading this, yes, have your crush but just don’t waste too much time on him. Go out and date the guys that are your best friends- way more fun.

Okay back to the book. I don’t know what else to say; I really loved the main character Lily. I also loved the story line. I had to know what happened! It was such a unique concept. I could NOT guess what would happen. It was fun just letting go of all the guessing and letting the author truly take me for a ride. A fun and light read. I started it last night and finished it by lunch. Yes, I practically ignored my kids. Hey it’s Saturday, and they were playing.


My only complaint was the language. It wasn’t as bad as other books I’ve read, but I always think cussing is unnecessary to the storyline.

Great mermaid book! Go out and read it! 

Favorite Line:
On page 21:
“His smile makes me dizzy–in a good way. I know this is love. What else could make me sweat and smile and swoon all at once?”

Content Ratings: highlight between the ( ) to see details
Sexual Content: mild ( some kissing )
Language: moderate ( 2 d***, 2 a**, 8 h****, a few God, but what made it moderate instead of mild was 1 G** d**** and 1 b**** )
Violence: practically none ( one instance with a few punches )

Happy Reading!

Book Review, wolves boys and other things that might kill me

Book Review: Wolves, Boys, & Other Things That Might Kill Me

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Wolves, Boys, & Other Things That Might Kill Me
Author: Kristen Chandler
Publisher: Viking
Release Date: May 13, 2010
Pages: 371
Series: none
3 STARS: I Liked It

From Goodreads.com:
It’s K.J.’s junior year in the small town of West End, Montana, and whether she likes it or not, things are different this year. Over the summer, she turned from the blah daughter of a hunting and fishing guide into a noticeably cuter version of the outdoor loner. Normally, K.J. wouldn’t care less, but then she meets Virgil, whose mom is studying the controversial wolf packs in nearby Yellowstone Park. And from the moment Virgil casts a glance at her from under his shaggy blond hair, K.J. is uncharacteristically smitten. Soon, both K.J. and Virgil are spending a lot of their time watching the wolves (and each other), and K.J. begins to see herself and her town in a whole new light.

My Thoughts:
This cover is actually for the paperback. I like it more than the hardcover. I love the mountains and lake. Makes me kind of cold just looking at it.

There are at least 2 reasons why I decide I like a book. 1) I love the main character. Whether the storyline is interesting or not I want to find out more about this character’s life. 2) I love the storyline. Either it’s action packed or a great romance or even a hint of a brewing romance.
Sometimes a book has both or just one or the other that’s working for me.

For me this book had #1. I loved the main character KJ from the very first page. I’m not anything like KJ, but Kristen Chandler’s voice for KJ just pulled me in. KJ is funny! I really like “humor breaks” in a book, especially when it surprises me and makes me laugh out loud. KJ is somewhat confused about herself. She doesn’t seem to know what she can accomplish. The part of her I related with the most is that she blushes easily which I think I do too. Poor girl, high school can be rough sometimes.

I liked the small town feeling of this book. I liked the outdoorsy stuff too. My husband’s a big time fisherman so I understood some of the fisherman talk. This book makes me want to go to Yellowstone and see all the beauty and wildlife.

What I didn’t like was when KJ was too hard on herself. I know it was showing a character flaw, but it was a little frustrating. I’m not really familiar with small town dynamics, but it felt like some events went from a little thing then unrealistically spiraled out of control to a big mess of a problem.

Overall, an entertaining read that I enjoyed.

Favorite Line:
On Page 39: This is Mrs. Brady talking also called Mrs. Baby in KJ’s mind since she’s always pregnant.

“‘What about something like ‘Wolf Notes’? That sounds nice and neutral.’ If Mrs. Baby looked any more pleased with this idea she’d go into premature labor.”

Maybe since I’ve had 3 kids I find pregnancy humor hilarious.



Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to see more details
Sexual Content: mild ( some kissing, some thoughts )
Language: mild/moderate- a few h***, a few a**, 1 s***
Violence: mild ( not too detailed wolf fights, other tense moments )

Happy Reading!

Book Review, the scorch trials

Book Review: The Scorch Trials

Kathryn Cooper

This book is the 2nd in a series so DON’T READ the review unless you’ve read the first book. Even the character names can giveaway who lived or died in the first book. You’ve been warned.
Read my review for book 1: The Maze Runner

Title: The Scorch Trials
Author: James Dashner
Publisher: Delacorte Books
Release Date: October 2010
Pages: 490
Series: The Maze Runner #2
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

From Goodreads.com:
Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end. No more puzzles. No more variables. And no more running. Thomas was sure that escape meant he and the Gladers would get their lives back. But no one really knew what sort of life they were going back to.
In the Maze, life was easy. They had food, and shelter, and safety . . . until Teresa triggered the end. In the world outside the Maze, however, the end was triggered long ago.
Burned by sun flares and baked by a new, brutal climate, the earth is a wasteland. Government has disintegrated—and with it, order—and now Cranks, people covered in festering wounds and driven to murderous insanity by the infectious disease known as the Flare, roam the crumbling cities hunting for their next victim . . . and meal.
The Gladers are far from finished with running. Instead of freedom, they find themselves faced with another trial. They must cross the Scorch, the most burned-out section of the world, and arrive at a safe haven in two weeks. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.
Thomas can only wonder—does he hold the secret of freedom somewhere in his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED?

My Thoughts:
This is one exciting book. I didn’t know who to trust or what to expect. I constantly tried to take all the clues and make sense of what was going to happen!! By the end of the book I still didn’t have a clue what would happen in the 3rd and final book.

Thomas is a great character. He does what it takes to survive and keep his friends alive. He’s the kind of guy you’d want as a friend and leader. Thomas has a friend named Minho who I love! He seriously cracks me up. I love his bluntness. Minho’s a tough and light-hearted guy trying to get through these horrific circumstances. He seriously makes me laugh out loud. Newt is another friend of Thomas’s that I think is awesome!

I definitely cringed and felt sick throughout the tense moments. I won’t say anymore because no one wants their read spoiled. Check My Ratings at the end of this post to see more details.

I can’t wait to read the 3rd book. I should be starting it very soon! As soon as my husband finishes it. Since he introduced me to the series he gets first dips on the next book in the series. That’s our little deal.


My Ratings: (highlight between ( ) to view details)
Sexual Content: very mild ( 1 brief kiss )
Language: mild ( bloody-few times, made up words used instead like “shuck” “slint” “klunk” )
Violence: moderate ( fighting, blood, deaths, vivid injuries, loss of limbs, gruesome enemies )

Happy Reading!

Book Review, princess for hire

Book Review: Princess for Hire

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Princess for Hire
Author: Lindsey Leavitt
Publisher: Disney- Hyperion
Release Date: March 2010
Pages: 240
Series: Princess for Hire #1
3 STARS: I Liked It

From Goodreads.com:
When a flawlessly dressed woman steps out of an iridescent bubble and wants to know, like, now if you’d like to become a substitute princess, do you: a) run b) faint c) say yes! For Desi Bascomb, who’s been longing for a bit of glamour in her Idaho life, the choice is a definite c)–that is, once she can stop pinching herself. As her new agent, Meredith, explains, Desi has a rare magical ability: when she applies the ancient Egyptian formula “Royal Rouge,” she can transform temporarily into the exact look-alike of any princess who needs her subbing services. Dream come true, right? Well, Desi soon discovers that subbing involves a lot more than wearing a tiara and waving at cameras. Like, what do you do when a bullying older sister puts you on a heinous crash diet? Or when the tribal villagers gather to watch you perform a ceremonial dance you don’t know? Or when a princess’s conflicted sweetheart shows up to break things off–and you’re sure she would want you to change his mind? In this hilarious, winning debut, one girl’s dream of glamour transforms into something bigger: the desire to make a positive impact. And an impact Desi makes, one royal fiasco at a time.

My Thoughts:
This is a really cute book. The main character is a 13 year old girl named Desi. Lindsey Leavitt did a great job showing Desi’s journey of self-discovery. It’s always great to see a character grow. This book is definitely perfect and appropriate for girls 14 and under. I think I’ll recommend it for my 11 year old niece.

This book made me laugh out loud. I love a quick, easy read with lots of laughs. I’m sure we all remember how awkward we felt at times during our junior high years. Desi goes through a lot and learns a lot in the process. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

My Ratings: highlight between ( ) to see explanations
Sexual Content: mild ( kiss, Amazon rain forest tribal attire- aka not a lot- for a bit )
Language: none
Violence: none

Happy Reading!

assassin, Book Review, Flashback Friday

Flashback Friday: Assassin

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: Assassin
Author: pseudonym Grace Cavendish
Publisher: Delacorte Books
Release Date: September 2004
Pages: 208
Series: Lady Grace Cavendish #1

From Goodreads.com:WHEN MARGARET CAVENDISH, one of Elizabeth I’s Gentlewomen of the Bedchamber, lost her life in a bungled attempt to kill the Queen, her daughter, Lady Grace, became a protégée to the monarch, who takes Grace under her wing. Now Grace, a spunky girl who romps through the gardens with the laundry maids and court tumblers and rolls her eyes at her fellow ladies, chronicles the court intrigues that swirl around her. . . .
It’s the spring of 1569 and 13-year-old Lady Grace, the youngest lady-in-waiting to the Queen, finds herself at a glittering ball choosing amongst three suitors. But the Queen’s generosity turns deadly as threats, dark secrets, and even murder descend on the Tudor court. And it is up to Grace to use her intelligence, stealth, and curious nature to solve the mystery that threatens the very lifeblood of England.

My Thoughts:
This is a really great book series for young teens. I enjoyed it too of course. Grace is fun, brave, independent. I always wonder what she’ll do next. After reading these books I discovered that I love murder mystery books!


I recommend this book to anyone wanting a fun, suspenseful, entertaining, read.

My Ratings:
Sexual Content: none that I can remember
Language: none
Violence: mild- murder mystery

Happy Reading!

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!
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!

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!