"To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all of the miseries of life." W. Somerset Maugham

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Tapestry Of Spells (Lynn Kurland)


Sarah of Doire, daughter of the village witchwoman, knows two things: Her brother has embraced the dark arts, vowing to destroy the Nine Kingdom; and she doesn't have the power to stop him. Now, even though she fears the quest will reveal the secret she's kept all her life and spell her doom, she must risk everything to thwart his plans--unless she can find aid from a man who knows too well the power of magic, whether used for good...or ill.

After seeing his entire family slain by his father's arrogant misuse of magic, Ruithneadh of Ceangail buried his own power and swore never to use it again. But when Sarah arrives at his door, desperate for his help, he finds himself thrust back into a life full of enchantments and peril. He knows the quest will be dangerous, but he has no idea the journey, the woman who accompanies him on it, and the truths he uncovers are capable of shattering his soul and unraveling the entire fabric of the Nine Kingdoms...

A Nine Kingdoms novel.
This was a good story. It took me a bit to truely get involved with these characters but then I was hooked and very disappointed that the book ended when it did...especially how it ended leading into the next book. I'll definitely be reading the next one when it comes out.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

At Home in Beldon Grove Series (Ann Shorey)

It is the summer of 1838 in St. Lawrenceville, Missouri, and Molly McGarvie’s life is about to change forever. When her beloved Samuel succumbs to cholera, Molly is heartbroken but determined to take care of herself and her children. But when Samuel’s unscrupulous brother takes over the family business and leaves Molly to fend for herself, she knows she must head out on her own. It is a dangerous journey and Molly has to leave her old life behind. Somehow she must find a way to make a living, keep her family together, and fend off some over-eager suitors.
Ellie Craig grieves the loss of three infant children, and when long-hidden secrets are brought to light, she must find a way to contact the family of her long-lost father. Meanwhile her husband, Matthew, faces controversy in his church and competition from a new arrival in Beldon Grove, who claims to be both a minister and the son of the town's founder. Will Matthew find the courage to reclaim his church? And will his unexpected travel companion help Ellie's heart mend?
The Promise of Morning addresses themes of overcoming tragedy, finding strength to meet daunting challenges, and trusting your heart to love again.

The Dawn of a Dream - Book Three

Release Date TBA - Twenty-two-year-old Luellen McGarvie is a misfit among her peers. Circumstances have left her heart scarred, and she believes marriage is not for her. More than anything, she wants to teach children in communities like hers and help them recognize that education opens a path to future possibilities. Turning her back on traditional roles for women, she must battle family and social customs to follow her dreams.
I enjoyed both of these stories in this series so far. The author is an easy writer and makes the story just smooth enough to keep you interested but not too much info to lose you in the facts.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Maximum Ride : The Angel Experiment (James Patterson)


In James Patterson's blockbuster series, fourteen year old Maximum Ride, better known as Mas, knows what it's like to soar above the world. She and all the members of the "flock" - Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel - are just like ordinary kids - only they have wings and can fly. It may seem like a dream come true to some, but their lives can morph into a living nightmare at any time...like when Angel, the youngest member of the flock, is kidnapped and taken back to the "School" where she and the others were experimented on by a crew of wack jobs. Her friends brave a journey to blazing hot Death Valley, CA, to save Angel, but soon enough, they find themselves in yet another nightmare—this one involving fighting off the half-human, half-wolf "Erasers" in New York City. Whether in the treetops of Central Park or in the bowels of the Manhattan subway system, Max and her adopted family take the ride of their lives. Along the way Max discovers from her old friend and father-figure Jeb—now her betrayed and greatest enemy - that her purpose is save the world - but can she?

This has been a fun read. I think it is also a book a young adult or even tween would enjoy reading. I am interested in reading the others in this series to see how well each character tells of their adventures together. This first book is told by Maximum the main character and leader of the flock.