Spy by Night

Spy by Night by Jordan McCollum is a prequel novel to her other Spy series books, all of which should immediately go on your 'To Read' list, if you haven't read them yet. If you haven't read them, then do read them in the order the story follows rather than the pub dates to enjoy the story in order. 

I've been reading her Spy novels and novellas as they come out. I'd like to go back and read them in story order.

Spy by Night is the story of how Talia and Danny become a couple. It is on par with the rest of the Spy series. Lots of emotional depth, foreign flavor, and relationship baggage to overcome, all while keeping their virtue intact and moving past their pasts.

Ms. McCollum shows her ability to tug the characters heart strings and keep an endless tug of war going between them on and off the page. I especially enjoyed reading chapters from each character's point of view to gain better insight to their emotions and motivations.

It's a fast read, well-crafted, clean, and well researched read. Pick it up and enjoy!

Mom's note: kissing, but no French kissing or anything beyond.

http://www.amazon.com/Spy-Night-Another-Day-prequels/dp/194009612X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426097827&sr=8-1&keywords=spy+by+night

After watching her parents’ marriage crash and burn, CIA operative Talia Reynolds doesn’t believe in “happily ever afters.” Besides, her job entails eighty-hour weeks, juggling a dozen covers and disguises, and tracking down a dangerous Russian spy ring. She hardly has time for romantic entanglements, even if she could let her guard down enough to get close to anyone. But all the rules she lives by could be broken when she meets aerospace engineer Danny Fluker.

Danny moved to Canada for a great job — and a chance to start over after a bad breakup. Dating definitely isn’t in his plans . . . until beautiful and enigmatic Talia throws a perfect storm right in his flight path. When he catches a glimpse of the real woman behind her façade, he has to get to know her better.

Talia has to find a Russian spymaster before he figures out she’s not who she claims, and failing to keep her two lives separate in the process could mean the death of more than just her budding relationship. Danny has to decide if a future with Talia — and facing the past — is worth the risk of getting hurt again. If they can break through the barriers keeping them apart (and avoid a major international catastrophe), they just might have a chance at being happy together.

The Son of Neptune

My daughter is a huge Rick Riordan fan. She reads all his books.

I listened to all the Percy Jackson books on audio during cross country drives a few years back. Now, she requested I read The Heroes of Olympus series so we can have discussions about them. 

I figure it's only fair. I ask her to read books so we can chat about them. (Although she didn't end up liking Anne of Green Gables like I'd hoped.) So, she should be able to make book requests of me too. 

I didn't put up a review of the first one. I planned to wait until I finished the whole series. The problem with reviewing the series one by one is there's not a lot to say to without giving away spoilers. 

In The Lost Hero we follow Jason Grace to Camp Half-Blood. His problem: amnesia. Total amnesia. He's a demi-god from the Roman side of the world. The gods have kids as both of their historical personas: Greek & Roman. So there are camps for both. Jason and Percy get swapped as the leaders of each of their camps, along with a memory wipe, so they make new friends and accrue new followers as they help save the world. In The Son of Neptune, we hear about what Percy's been doing at Camp Jupiter while dealing with his memory loss.

It's amazing how often demi-gods can save the world without dying when you have a good series going. This one has a fun twist by coming at the obstacles from the Roman perspective. Plus, we get all new characters to love, or hate, as much as the old ones. Slick story-telling and marketing scheme all rolled into one. 

Not that I'm slighting Mr. Riordan. I dearly wish I had his mythological flare and awesome YA storytelling skills. 

The books are good and just what I've come to expect from the Percy Jackson series.. Hero+Friends+Quest=Save the World. When you have a formula that works, there's no reason to change it. 

Worth a read? Of course!

Clean: Yes, as far as I'm concerned. It always cracks me up when they swear in Greek or Latin because it's really nothing horrible, just funny. 

Violent: Yes. A hero has to kill monsters after all, but not gory. 

Will I read the next one? Already started. 

Kids 9+ can read if they have the skills. 

http://www.amazon.com/Son-Neptune-Heroes-Olympus-Book/dp/1423141997/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424902647&sr=8-1&keywords=the+son+of+neptune

Percy is confused. When he awoke after his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain-fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight. Somehow Percy managed to make it to the camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he had to continually kill monsters that, annoyingly, would not stay dead. But the camp doesn't ring any bells with him.

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. When the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now, because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. 

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother claims he is descended from ancient heroes, but he doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery. His big and bulky physique makes him feel like a clumsy ox, especially in front of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely-enough, even, to share the secret he holds close to his heart. 

Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far north as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment in the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all of whom are destined to play a part in the most important quest of all: the Prophecy of Seven.

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


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