Recently Read...

This past month has been hectic to say the least. My two new exchange students arrived in the middle of August, and we haven't stopped since! Between a family wedding out of state and getting the girls registered and then starting high school, this past month has flown by.

Even though I have been insanely busy, I wanted to mention some of the books I have read in the last couple of weeks that really stood out.

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
June 14th 2012 by Dial Books For Young Readers

I adore this book. I would reread this book every month if I didn't have such a huge TBR pile staring at me. Everything about this book drew me in and made me read faster and stay up later because I didn't want to stop reading. The characters, both the main and supporting ones, were amazing. I wish I was younger and had Jase as my next door neighbor. Actually, I wish I had his whole family living next door! The main story line and even the minor story lines were extremely engaging. Even the cover is wonderful. If you haven't picked this one up yet, do so soon!

The Waiting Sky by Lara Zielin
August 2nd 2012 by Putnam Juvenile

I loved this story with stormchaser as characters! Something about the intensity of the race to find the next tornado and gather the necessary scientific data, crushing on a member of an opposing chaser team, plus the mama drama thrown in, made for some interesting, faced-paced, pages-flying, reading for me. Yet again, I loved this cover and what it represents: not only the stormchasers hunting down tornadoes, but the internal storms Jane is bottling up.  Be sure to check this one out!

The Forsaken by Lisa M. Strasse
July 10th 2012 by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

I can't really ever get enough dystopian books.  This one was tells the tale of Alenna, already forced to grow up an orphan when her parents were taken away when she was 10, who gets sent to The Wheel, an island in the middle of nowhere when the inhabitants are forced to pretty much fight each other for the right to survive. Yes, it does sound like the Hunger Games, but who cares! Bring it on!  I just keep reading, hoping Aleena was smart enough, savvy enough, or could at least fake it to make it through this book. I was getting worried in some parts!

Other outstanding books that deserve a shout out:

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren to spotlight the books received for review, swapped, purchased, or checked out from the library!

 

Wake by Amanda Hocking

Book #1 - Watersong series

August 7th 2012 by St. Martin's Press

Fall under the spell of Wake—the first book in an achingly beautiful new series by celebrated author Amanda Hocking—and lose yourself to the Watersong.

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

Entice by Jessica Shirvington

Book #2 - Violet Eden Chapters series

September 4th 2012 by Sourcebooks Fire

Violet Eden is Grigori - part angel, part human. Her destiny is to protect humans from the vengence of exiled angels.

Knowing who to trust is key but, when Grigori reinforcements arrive, it becomes clear everyone is hiding something. Even Lincoln. The only thing Violet does know: Phoenix's hold over her is more dangerous than ever.

The race to find the one thing that could tilt the balance of power brings them all to the sacred mountains of Jordan, where Violet's power will be pushed to the extreme. And the ultimate betrayal exposed.

Wake Trailer

Wake by Amanda Hocking

(@amanda_hocking)

Book #1 - Watersong series
August 7th 2012 by St. Martin's Press