Master of Lies (Chronicles of the Half-Emrys #1)

This is the first book in a trilogy and the debut novel of Lisa Rector.

Wow! There is some good stuff in this book and I can't wait to read the rest of the series!!!

I think that's some of the highest praise a new author can receive: hearing someone is an instant fan of her work and can't wait to get her hands on the next installment.

The world is beautifully crafted. The characters have layers of depth. Emotions are well conveyed. Sacrifices are made. Hearts are broken and mended.

It is clear Ms. Rector has carefully studied her craft to bring forth a highly polished, can't wait-to-read-this-cover-to-cover-in-one-sitting book into her reader's hands. The cover is exquisite too.

The question of light and dark is explored along with how choices affect all, not just the individual. The astute YA reader will pick up on the questions posed by Ms. Rector, and the rest will be floored by the brilliance of the story and characters. It's not just of YA readers either. Anyone with a love of fantasy books will be spell-bound by Master of Lies.

Worth a read? YES!!!

Clean: mild violence, a kiss or two.

Good for 14+

Will I read the next one? As soon as it's out!


http://www.amazon.com/Master-Lies-Chronicles-Half-Emrys-Book-ebook/dp/B00QSK7C3E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424904185&sr=8-1&keywords=lisa+rector

Mastering the lies is easy if you don’t have to wrestle against your own darkness . . . 
Unaware of her immortal heritage, the truth concealed from her, Ahnalyn learns she’s a child of two worlds—a half-Emrys with the ability to wield the light and the dark power. Aneirin, a Son of Light, has his own reasons for leaving the immortal dragon realm. Defying the High Council, he risks exile—risks being tainted by the corrupt mortal world Ahnalyn is a part of. 

As Aneirin’s life becomes entwined with Ahnalyn’s future, he is certain of one thing: Ahnalyn belongs with the immortal Emrys. But doubt and fear shroud Ahnalyn as the painful truths of her past unfold. Succumbing to the darkness lurking inside her is the easy, simple path. But under the dark power, Ahnalyn would be forbidden to enter the immortal realm and would be lost to all those she loves—forever. 

Master of Lies is the first book in the Chronicles of the Half-Emrys, a high fantasy novel. 

The Wednesday Wars

I wouldn't have picked up this book, except I had to read it for my book club.

I'm glad I read it. It was a fun MG read, that I've now passed onto my elementary age daughter to read. She's enjoying it too. And now we can walk around the house saying, "Toads, beetles, bats," together. Along with "pied ninny".

It's also gotten her interested in Shakespeare and reminded me that there are several plays referenced in the book I haven't read yet. Maybe I'll get back to the Bard after I read the Lost Heroes of Olympus series, which I've promised my daughter I'd read. I'm already through Book 1.

I wasn't in 7th grade when this book takes place - 1967. I wasn't even born! But the great thing is, the themes of the story are timeless. It could take place now, during WWII, or the Gulf War. Going through 7th grade with Holling is an ordinary life adventure with some believable extraordinary moments thrown in.

It's a clean read, if you don't count Shakespeare curses, and most people would have to look up what they mean anyway. A well crafted read. A fun read. Safe for middle-grade and up. Oh, and there's a sequel too.

Grab your copy and a tray of cream puffs.

http://www.amazon.com/Wednesday-Wars-Gary-D-Schmidt-ebook/dp/B003JTHWN2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424365443&sr=8-1&keywords=the+wednesday+ward

In this Newbery Honor-winning novel, Gary D. Schmidt offers an unforgettable antihero. The Wednesday Wars is a wonderfully witty and compelling story about a teenage boy’s mishaps and adventures over the course of the 1967–68 school year in Long Island, New York.

Meet Holling Hoodhood, a seventh-grader at Camillo Junior High, who must spend Wednesday afternoons with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, while the rest of the class has religious instruction. Mrs. Baker doesn’t like Holling—he’s sure of it. Why else would she make him read the plays of William Shakespeare outside class? But everyone has bigger things to worry about, like Vietnam. His father wants Holling and his sister to be on their best behavior: the success of his business depends on it. But how can Holling stay out of trouble when he has so much to contend with? A bully demanding cream puffs; angry rats; and a baseball hero signing autographs the very same night Holling has to appear in a play in yellow tights! As fate sneaks up on him again and again, Holling finds Motivation—the Big M—in the most unexpected places and musters up the courage to embrace his destiny, in spite of himself.

Wild Hearts

Book 5 in the series keeps the flow and suspense going.

This time it's Delphi's turn to fall in love with the man her dead father picked out. Dad sure did have his daughters all figured out!

I really enjoyed how Delphi slowly came out of her shell, enjoyed taunting Jeremy, and became a far more likable chick than she'd seemed previously in the books. Be ready to enjoy the emotional roller coaster ride she and Jeremy embark on, complete with romance, death threats, and a super cute tattoo, even though I personally don't advocate ink on the body. Though I do love the cover!

The book is on par with it's partners as to Ms. Tullis' standard of writing. You'll have trouble putting it down. I even read it when I was brushing my teeth!

Enjoy.

Now I need to get my hands on book 6!

http://smile.amazon.com/Wild-Hearts-DiCarlo-Brides-Book-ebook/dp/B00EOS39PM/ref=pd_sim_b_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=00Y63RV1XDRP1PFHGGZ6

Delphi Gifford has nearly given up on finding someone she could love as much as her dead husband, Fallon, who had died while they were still in college. Certainly local photographer Jeremy Litster wasn't at the top of her list, egomaniac that he is--even if he did drive the hottest racing motorbike she'd ever touched. 

Jeremy knew George DiCarlo had hand-picked him to marry Delphi, but hadn't counted on her not being in the loop. After working together for six months, though, he seriously regrets his misstep and begins a careful campaign to win her over. When someone tries to take the two of them out, he has to figure out what they did or saw that put them both in danger.

Wedding Cake

Wedding Cake is the final installment in the Sadie Hoffmiller culinary mystery series. After 12 books it all comes to an end. Tear. 

Ms. Kilpack posts a serious warning at the beginning of this book that you need to have read the previous 11 books to understand this one as many old characters reappear. I would agree. You will probably be lost and not understand all of the relationships without the knowledge of the other books. Besides, who wants to miss all that yummy murder mystery! 

There is danger, suspense, a wedding, and all the usual delights I've come to expect with this series. This last book doesn't disappoint. Sadie once more fights for her life, but this time for all of her family as well. No one is safe. Sit down with a delicious snack, a big glass of water, and read it all in one go! 

Then, when you are done, pick up a copy of Sadie's Little Black book of recipes. It has all the ones from the books, plus bonus recipes all in one place. I've already added it to my recipe book shelf. It'll be easier to reach for then running upstairs to look at the series of books and try to remember which one the recipe I want to make came from! 

With this being the conclusion of this series, I am sad to lose an author whom I test kitchen for. My family has greatly benefited from trying lots of new recipes over the past 8 books I've had the pleasure of being a willing guinea pig in the test kitchen. If anyone is looking for a test kitchen participant, direct them my way. I love doing it! 

Wedding Cake: A Culinary Mystery (Culinary Mysteries): Josi S. Kilpack: 9781609079321: Amazon.com: Books

Didn't I tell you you'd never be free of me?

When Sadie Hoffmiller receives a threatening, anonymous text message just days before her wedding, she is determined not to let it interfere with the celebration she has carefully planned for months. But when the threat changes from a distant fear to a frightening reality, Sadie realizes just how much she is underestimated the situation. Desperate to put an end to the game she has been forced to play, Sadie, her fiancé, Pete, and her children pull out all the stops resolved to stop running and see justice done. What they do not know, however, is just how far Sadies nemesis is willing to go and just how many people may be hurt in the process. There is no turning back for anyone in this riveting conclusion to the twelve-volume series, and the question becomes whether or not Sadie will have a future left when the game finally comes to an end.

Wishing on Baby Dust Blog Tour & GIVEAWAY

Infertility stinks. No one knows that better than Megan. After six years of insanity-inducing hormone drugs and desperate prayers, all she has to show for her efforts are enough negative pregnancy tests to fill a bassinet. All around her women are accidentally getting pregnant—like her star piano student—while Megan remains hopelessly barren. Megan’s never felt so alone. But she’s not the only one struggling.

Christina has just entered the world of infertility, made worse by the fact her husband isn’t ready to be a father. Their marriage, already hanging in the balance, is being torn apart.

Then there’s Kyra, the mother of a precocious three-year-old. She’s shocked to be struggling with secondary infertility. A baby is priceless, but sometimes Kyra feels like she’s being forced to choose which commandment to keep: stay out of debt, or multiply and replenish the earth.

When Megan and Christina are assigned as Kyra’s visiting teachers, they all realize that what you see isn’t necessarily what’s beneath the surface. Some secrets aren’t worth the cost of keeping them.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Wishing-Baby-Dust-Lydia-Winters-ebook/dp/B00R2BJ9K2/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23677518-wishing-on-baby-dust

Lydia Winters decided in first grade that she’d grow up to be three things—a mom, a teacher, and a writer. She’s lucky enough to have accomplished all three tasks. Lydia received her bachelor’s in history education from Utah Valley University. Soon after leaving her teaching career behind, she became a mother to adorable twin boys, who guarantee her life is never dull.

Lydia is married to the most supportive man in the world. He regularly takes care of the twins and cooks dinner so she can escape with her laptop to chase her dream of being a writer. When she has time for hobbies, Lydia is a reality TV junkie, loves to cross-stitch, and sometimes even finds time to play the piano. She eats way too much chocolate and wishes she liked things like running or yoga.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlindzeearmstrong

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lindz_armstrong

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lindzarmstrong/

Website: www.lydia-winters.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10319067.Lydia_Winters

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Lydia-Winters/e/B00R3KYWK4/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1420300219&sr=1-1


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Family Matters

Family Matters is the fourth DiCarlo Brides novel.

This time we're catching up with Rosemary. And her secret is a nine year old daughter.

This book is all about choices. Past choices that affect the present and present choices that affect the future. Some have been for good and others have yielded bitter fruit.

Rosemary is a tough nut to crack, but when you do, she's full of gooey marshmallow like every one else. You just have to get through her layers, and there are a lot of them. Good thing Harrison is persistent and consistent about persuading her to let him into her life and her heart.

Stakes are high again as threats are made on Rosemary and Cleo. Accidents turn into sinister attempts on their lives.

Watch the family, blood and extended, band together to pull through another stressful situation.

All these people are going to need serious therapy at the end of this series.

As in the previous novels, all the sex is alluded to, but happens off page, which works great for me.

This is my least favorite cover so far. I think it's the dress.

Bring on the next sister.

http://www.amazon.com/Family-Matters-DiCarlo-Brides-book-ebook/dp/B00COMUGY2/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0WG8G402ZMWFE0AF2388

Rosemary Keogh considers herself pretty adaptable—she dealt with her father’s death-bed edict that she move across the country to work at his latest hotel with five half-sisters, (most of whom she hadn’t known existed) hadn’t she? She settled into the routine, even grew to like most of them, but when tragedy leaves her birth daughter parentless—and she is named as the guardian—her world spins again. 

Trying to raise a nine-year-old who shares her spunk and determination isn’t always an easy thing. When Rosemary starts having mysterious ‘accidents,’ though, her worries shift from being a bad mother to leaving her daughter an orphan yet again. 

Adding to the confusion, Harrison Forest, head of the resort’s human resources department, decides it’s time to shift their relationship from semi-adversarial to something a whole lot more interesting. Can they get past the roadblocks she’s been throwing in their way to make things work? More importantly, will she survive that long?

The Paladin Pawn

The Paladin Pawn by Michael Young

When nerdy Rich Witz unwittingly becomes a Paladin, a white knight, in training, he is thrust into a world where flunking a test can change the course of history and a mysterious bully is playing for keeps with his life. 

Rich’s grandmother leaves him with one thing before disappearing for good: a white chess pawn with his initials engraved on it. The pawn marks him as the next in an ancient line of white knights. He must prove himself in a life or death contest against his Nemesis, a dark knight in training, all while dealing with math homework and English projects.  With the ghost of an ancestor for his guide, he has seven days to complete four tasks of valor before his Nemesis does, or join his guide in the realm of the dead. 

As Rich rushes to complete the tasks, he realizes the chilling truth: his Nemesis is masquerading as someone at school and will stop at nothing to make him fail. As the tasks grow ever harder, the other knights reveal to him that his failure will break a centuries-old chain and bring the Paladin order to ruin. If he fails, the dark knights win the right to control the fate of the world, a world without hope or the possibility of a new dawn.  So this is one exam Rich has to ace, with no curve and no extra credit.

Here's one of several excerpts to give you a sneak peak of the book: 

They arrived, and Rich pointed to the door. “Here we are. Detention.”

            Aaron backed away a few steps, “What does this mean? It sounds unpleasant.”

            Rich shrugged with one shoulder. “It’s not really too bad. They keep us locked up in a room without speaking for a while and make us work.”

            Aaron’s face went pale. “Are they going to cast us into a dungeon? Do they have torture devices?”

            Rich’s face broadened in a laugh. “No, not unless you consider the old desks torture devices. Come on, it’s only for half an hour.”

            “Surely there is a way to protest this unjust treatment. You did nothing wrong. I thought your society had progressed beyond such barbarism,” said Aaron.

            “Society, maybe. But here in high school, we’re still in the Dark Ages.” 

One more cool thing about this book . . . There's a playlist! Get jammin' to these great tunes to get an idea of the vibe of this cool novel. 

“Lux Aeterna” from “Requiem for a Dream”

 “Prologue” from the “Harry Potter Soundtrack”

 “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel

 “Arival at Aslan’s How” from “The Chronicles of Narnia”

 “The Impossible Dream” from “Man of LaMancha”)

 “Chariot’s of Fire” by Vangelis

“Hello” by Lionel Ritchie

“One-Winged Angel” from “Final Fantasy”

 “Chevaliers de Sangreal” from “The DaVinci Code”

Buy it Here:
http://www.amazon.com/Paladin-Pawn-Chess-Quest-Book-ebook/dp/B00Q7XXNR6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417064247&sr=8-1&keywords=Paladin+Pawn

My Review: 
I really like the concept of this well thought out book. The plot is unraveled bit by bit like pulling on a string that unravels a sweater. Lots of questions and cliffhangers keep the pace moving along.  

The characters are well rounded with strengths and weaknesses and very little info dump. You can get to know the characters as they get to know themselves. Rich is especially well crafted. 

There are lots of twists and turns to figure out who is a good guy, who is a bad guy and who just may be an innocent bystander caught in the cross fire. 

The dialogue is suited for the age group and will make a fairly easy and fast read for the intended audience. 

My only real hangup is the structure of the ending. It happens in an odd place for me. I dearly hope there is a sequel/series to finish out this tantalizing story and answer all my questions. In other words, I want more.