The Kiss of Deception – Mary Pearson

Posted on July 8, 2014 by EHL

the kiss of deceptionPrincess Lia must marry a prince she has never seen or met to broker a peace between two kingdoms.  Lia is not a big fan of that whole ‘sacrifice happiness for the good of the kingdom’ thing.  So Lia and her best friend, Pauline hatch a last minute plan to run away.  They make their way to an inn that was Pauline’s childhood home in a peaceful seaside village.  Quickly settling into life in the busy inn, Lia lets her guard down.  Two travellers wander into the inn; both become enamored of Lia and decide to stay a while.  One is the jilted prince, determined to track her down and angry because she bolted before he did.  The other is an assassin sent by a neighboring kingdom tasked with killing Lia to start a war.

The chapter title tells the reader if it is the Assassin, the Prince, or Lia who is telling the story.  Ahhh, but which man is the assassin and which is the prince?  I am a gushing fan of Mary Pearson and adore The Miles Between.  This is also quite excellent.  A delicious adventure with a tingle of romance and deceit.  This will be quite popular and ends with a cliff hanger.  I eagerly await the next book in this new series, The Remnant Chronicles.  Highly recommend.

eGalley review     Publication date 7.15.14

Posted in fantasy, highly recommend | Tagged | Comments Off on The Kiss of Deception – Mary Pearson

The Sacred River – Wendy Wallace

Posted on July 8, 2014 by EHL

the sacred riverLuxor is wonderful.  The air is dry, clear, and for the first time in her life, Harriet can breathe.  For the first time she truly feels alive.  The noxious fogs of Victorian London made Harriet’s asthma life threatening, so her mother finally agreed to take her to Egypt for her health.  Harriet has been fascinated by all things Egyptian for most of her twenty-three years, teaching herself to read hieroglyphics and occasionally using them to create charms.  She doesn’t care whether or not her health improves, just to see Egypt will make her life complete.  At the request of her father, Yael, her father’s spinster sister, goes with them.  This is the story of three women, released from society’s constraints, becoming themselves, each in her own way.  It is beautifully written, with the atmosphere of Egypt filling the pages.  I could feel the heat and dust of Alexandria and the cooling breezes of Luxor.  The characters were well drawn, always properly Victorian, never stepping out of the 19th century.   I enjoyed the book, and recommend it.

eGalley review      Publication date 7.1.14

Posted in adult, realistic fiction | Tagged | Comments Off on The Sacred River – Wendy Wallace

The Body in the Woods – April Henry

Posted on June 16, 2014 by EHL

body in the woodsA teen unit within a search and rescue group receives the alert for their first assignment to find a missing man in the woods.  Instead, they stumble upon the body of a teen recently murdered and realize they must have passed the murderer on the trails.  They piece together the recent murder of homeless teens and try to prevent the next murder.  The Body in the Woods is a slight departure from the author’s highly popular suspense novels in that much of the text is devoted to crime solving techniques.  The suspense is ever present and the use of alternate points of view is well executed.  The three teens are each dealing with their own issues while reluctantly coming together to solve the crime.  Girl Stolen is still my favorite book of the author to recommend to middle school readers, but this book will find a following too.

eGalley review      Publication date 6.17.14

Posted in mystery, suspense | Tagged | Comments Off on The Body in the Woods – April Henry

Circa Now – Amber McRee Turner

Posted on June 1, 2014 by EHL

circa now

Circa’s parents own a photography studio.  Her mother photographs family portraits and her father is amazing in restoration photography.  He taught his daughter, Circa, intricate techniques to add detail into photos.  Circa’s father is delivering a photograph in the middle of a violent storm and he is killed.  Circa’s mother already battles depression and has difficulty leaving the house so the cruel weight of her husband’s death is almost too much.  But soon after the tragedy, a young boy with amnesia shows up at their house.  His plight gives Circa and her mother new life.

While the plot sounds heavy, the story is full of life and small joys.  The magic of manipulating photos, the steady friendships, and strong-willed Circa bring this story together with a smile.  And Miles, the mystery boy, is the symbol of rebirth that so many long for.  Engaging, heart-warming, and uplifting.  Highly recommend.

eGalley review      Publication date 5.27.14

Posted in highly recommend, realistic fiction | Tagged , | Comments Off on Circa Now – Amber McRee Turner

Say What You Will – Cammie McGovern

Posted on June 1, 2014 by EHL

say what you willAmy and Matthew are high school students with unique sets of personal challenges. Amy has Cerebral Palsy and needs a walker to move around and a computer-like machine to voice her thoughts. Matthew struggles with OCD and anxiety. When Amy decides she’d like to have student helpers during her senior year, she encourages Matthew to apply, and they develop a wonderful, supportive, and encouraging friendship. They keep one another balanced and help each other grown and heal. The story is beautifully told and has unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader enthralled. Say What You Will is an inspirational story that shows how strong, caring, and brave people can be when faced with challenges. The is a refreshing read and quite excellent. Highly recommend.

eGalley review   Publication date 6.3.14

Posted in highly recommend, realistic fiction | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Say What You Will – Cammie McGovern

Allies and Assassins – Justin Somper

Posted on May 25, 2014 by EHL

allies and assassinsJared receives word his older brother, Prince Anders, is dead and he must now assume the title of Prince of Archenfeld. The death is ruled murder by poisoning and his young wife, revealing she is pregnant, could have been the possible target. Or perhaps she was the assassin. Prince Jared, with the help Asta Peck, the Healer’s niece, is determined to discover the truth behind the murder. The new prince is only sixteen and is suddenly saddled with the ruling of a kingdom and learning who is truly an ally and who is an assassin.

The book covers one week in the young ruler’s life and the whirlwind of events following shifting suspicions. With many discussions set in the morgue to determine cause of death, the feel of this book is more murder mystery/detective novel. The political conniving and accusations are present and might take center stage in the next book in the series. Asta is my favorite character. She means well, but blunders a bit. A fun read that moves quickly along, setting things up nicely for the next book and a promise of more action.

eGalley review       Publication date 5.27.14

Posted in mystery | Tagged | Comments Off on Allies and Assassins – Justin Somper

The Explorers: A Story of Fearless Outcasts, Blundering Geniuses, and Impossible Success – Martin Dugard

Posted on May 25, 2014 by EHL

the explorersRichard Francis Burton was determined to find the source of the Nile and convinced the Royal Geographic Society to fund his journey. That was not unexpected. When Burton proposed that John Hanning Speke accompany him, that was most unexpected. Their first joint journey into Africa was filled with dissension and bitterness, and Burton treated Speke badly on their return, using Speke’s notes in his book and making Speke look like a fool. But Burton realized that he needed Speke. Speke wouldn’t quit. Speke had a lack of fear. Speke was a good explorer. Speke wanted to turn the request down, but he realized that he needed Burton and this trip for redemption . . .to erase the stain on his name. So the unlikely pair set out in 1856 to explore darkest Africa.

While this book is an account of Burton and Speke’s journey to find the source of the Nile, it is much more than that. The author has examined the seven traits that make an explorer: curiosity, hope, passion, courage, independence, self-discipline and perseverance. Each chapter is devoted to a trait, and various explorations are cited to make his point. It’s a very interesting concept that takes the stories of familiar explorers to a new level and gives insight into how these traits can be used to enhance our lives. I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.

eGalley review Publication date 6.3.14

Posted in adult, nonfiction | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on The Explorers: A Story of Fearless Outcasts, Blundering Geniuses, and Impossible Success – Martin Dugard

We Were Liars – E. Lockhart

Posted on May 4, 2014 by EHL

we were liarsCadence is the eldest grandchild of a wealthy grandfather. Every summer, her cousins, aunts, and grandparents vacation on the small island they own near Martha’s Vineyard. Cady recounts the summers spent with her oldest cousins, nicknamed The Liars. She tells of the constant currying of favor the aunts employ in gaining wealth from their father. When Cady is 15, some tragedy occurs that affects her memory and health causing severe migraines. Two years later she is back on the island and tries to remember the events of that messed up summer.

This is a departure from E. Lockhart’s fun, witty and popular chick lit teen novels. The reader must piece together the clues of the tragic event along with Cady. The story moves at a slow but deliberate pace. I grew a tad impatient and rather ticked off at the poor little rich girl mentality and also the aunts who can’t support themselves. The grandfather is painted as something of a villain in maintaining tight control over his family. However, I liked the grandfather, except for how he treated Gat, but understood his frustration with his groveling daughters. If the aunts do not like their father’s power in their lives, they should have made their own way in the world. They had the best education and every privilege. Sorry – no sympathy from this reader. Could be that is what the author wanted. I am sorry for Cady, but the whiny ‘poor me’ and the life of privilege wears thin.

Stunner of an ending?  Yes!  Thought provoking?  Yes – weeks after finishing the book I am still thinking about it. And in a way, it is a welcome relief not to like a main character. Not everyone who has a story to tell is likeable. Can Cady redeem herself and grow? Most likely and that is what I am left with.

Netgalley review                Publication date 5.13.14

Posted in mystery, realistic fiction | Comments Off on We Were Liars – E. Lockhart

The Chronicle of Secret Riven (Keeper of Tales Trilogy #2) – Ronlyn Domingue

Posted on May 4, 2014 by EHL

chronicles of secret rivenThe odd little infant with black hair and eyes the colors of night and day was named Evensong, for the time of her birth, and was called Eve. But her name was truly Secret. Secret was unable to speak until her seventh year. She seemed not to miss speaking aloud for she had the uncanny ability to exchange thoughts with plants and animals, an ability she carefully hid from everyone. Her parents seemed to love her but paid her little attention, for she was a good, quiet, obedient child. She was also a very lonely child, having only two friends, Prince Nikolas, a boy her age, and Old Woman who lived in the forest.

This second book of the trilogy takes place about a thousand years after the events in The Mapmaker’s War. This is a slow, quiet book. Nothing much happens. Secret grows up and has an unusual childhood, but not an unduly traumatic one. But underneath all of this calmness, there is a tension, a feeling that something just below the surface is very unpleasant. I loved reading the book, came to care very much about Secret and was very unhappy when the book ended without anything being resolved. Unfortunately, this is the fate of many middle books in a trilogy. They just set the stage for the third book. I hope the next book will appear soon so that I may once again immerse myself in this interesting fantasy world. It isn’t necessary to have read the first book to enjoy this one, but I have a feeling that it will come into play in the third book.

eGalley review   Publication date 5.20.14

Posted in adult, fantasy | Comments Off on The Chronicle of Secret Riven (Keeper of Tales Trilogy #2) – Ronlyn Domingue

The End or Something Like That – Ann Dee Ellis

Posted on April 27, 2014 by EHL

The End or Something Like ItEmmy’s best friend, Kim, has congenital heart disease. It is unlikely Kim will live a long life. Emmy is the only student at school that knows of Kim’s health problem because outwardly, Kim is so vibrant and full of life. Kim becomes obsessed with the afterlife and drags Emmy to a speaker promoting talking with the dead. Kim is sure that she will visit Emmy after her death so they plan to meet up at important places on significant dates. One day at school, Kim collapses and soon dies. A year later, Emmy is still struggling to come to terms with her grief.

The girls have been best friends since they were babies. It is easy to tell in the narrative that Kim was the dominate person in the relationship. Emmy seems like the sidekick so when Kim dies, Emmy is left floundering with no direction. The story moves back and forth with narrative in the present and narrative telling of their past friendship designated by differing fonts. The voice is real. The love in a true friendship is real. The grief is real. The hope for new beginnings is real. This is not tear-jerker sad perhaps because the author moves from one scene to the next providing glimpses to each character in the book. From typical teen brother, Joe, who is dealing with his own guilt of sorts, to Emmy’s well-meaning parents, to the lonely life of Ms. Dead Homeyer, science teacher, each character is beautifully drawn. Neighbor Gabby truly is a caring person and Skeeter becomes Emmy’s new steadfast friend.

This quick read is highly recommended.

Galley review         Publication date 5.1.14

Posted in highly recommend, realistic fiction | Tagged | Comments Off on The End or Something Like That – Ann Dee Ellis

Sleep No More – Aprilynne Pike

Posted on April 27, 2014 by EHL

sleep no moreCharlotte is an Oracle and is a descendent of the Oracles consulted by the ancient Greeks. Only now the Oracles stay hidden and try to fight the visions of the future that interfere with their lives. Charlotte’s aunt, also an Oracle, has advised Charlotte to avoid the visions with the belief that Oracles should not interfere with fate. Then Charlotte begins to see visions of her classmates being murdered. Sure enough, one by one, the visions come true. Still she does not confide in her aunt. Someone does come to her aid – a stranger who teaches her to alter the future that her visions foretell. Yet the murders continue.

Almost too much first person introspection for my taste, but when the action starts picking up the plot takes over. Pike’s tween and teen fans should enjoy this thriller. This reminds me of Jill Hathaway’s Slide, published in 2012, that had more twists and turns but better for the older teen.

eGalley review Publication date 4.29.14

Posted in mystery, suspense | Comments Off on Sleep No More – Aprilynne Pike

The Boundless – Kenneth Oppell

Posted on April 20, 2014 by EHL

boundlessWill’s father helped in laying the hundreds of miles of railroad tracks in Canada, running coast to coast. Years after the track was completed, a massive train named The Boundless departs on its first journey with Will’s father in charge. Mr. Van Horne, the wealthy owner of the railroad died and a specially designed funeral car heads up the long series of cars. The funeral car is electrified for security since Van Horne surrounded himself in death with his valued possessions just as the ancient rulers of Egypt. A series of circus cars bring up the rear of the line and Will is happy to find the tightrope walker, Maren, he met years earlier. With so much wealth secured in the funeral car, someone must be planning to create a great robbery. After Will witnesses a murder, he becomes a target and must run for his life, often along the top of the moving train.

This master storyteller has combined adventure, mystery, and a colorful cast of characters with the thrill of riding the rails. The bad guys are bad, the circus folks are good, the circus master Mr. Dorian is intriguing, the Sasquatch are frightful and the train is LOOOONG. Best character – scrappy, resourceful tightrope walking Maren! A must-read for those wanting a fun adventure. Fine for all ages.

eGalley review         Publication date 4.22.14

Posted in adventure | Tagged , , | Comments Off on The Boundless – Kenneth Oppell

The Inventor’s Secret – Andrea Cremer

Posted on April 20, 2014 by EHL

inventors secretThis steampunk flavored adventure is set in an alternate history of America where the colonists did NOT win the revolution. The fight is still alive with hidden pockets of freedom fighters forming a Resistance. The Resistance hides their children hoping to keep them safe in a network of caves or Catacombs, until they reach an age to join the adults in the fight against the Empire. While on a mission outside the Catacombs, Charlotte helps a strange boy escape capture. He has amnesia, so Charlotte sees little choice but to bring him back with her. He is nicknamed Grave because of his pale, deathly coloring. A mission is devised to head to the Floating City, right into the heart of the Empire. They take Grave along hoping to discover his origin. This is when a love triangle begins and alliances are furthered.

Obviously the intent is a series but book one is all world building and no real plot. I found myself drifting and forced to keep going to get to the plot. Never happened. Setting up a love triangle, setting up a disaster, setting up a revolution, etc. The gadgets are interesting, the characters have their quirks, the idea is there but the background explanation of this alternate history doesn’t happen until a quarter of the way into the book. I sure wanted that info much earlier. However, now that everything is in place and given the cliff hanger ending, the next book should provide much more.

eGalley review Publication date 4.22.14

Posted in adventure | Tagged , | Comments Off on The Inventor’s Secret – Andrea Cremer

Chestnut Street – Maeve Binchy

Posted on April 18, 2014 by EHL

chestnut streetChestnut Street is an imaginary street in Dublin, peopled with all sorts of interesting individuals. Occasionally, Maeve Binchy would write a story about one of these people, then put it away “for later.” Now these stories have been gathered to make another wonderful book. There’s Gwendoline who is practical, no-nonsense, and keeps to herself. Kevin, who drives a taxi, cares deeply for his wife and knows a lot about his fares. Dolly, who has a perfect mother. Nuala, who learns to say nothing. Wendy and Rita who plotted sweet revenge. Molly, who found a magic cure for sleeplessness. Thirty-six lovely stories from a master storyteller. Each a gem, calm and comforting. Each leaving you wanting just a bit more.

eGalley review Publication date 4.22.14

Posted in adult, realistic fiction | Comments Off on Chestnut Street – Maeve Binchy

Past the Shallows – Favel Parrett

Posted on April 18, 2014 by EHL

past the shallowsHarry accepts the world as it is. He’s too young to remember much of what it was like before Mum died. Miles remembers and Miles tries to look after Harry. Joe is the oldest. Joe is old enough to leave, and Joe is planning to do just that. He’s built a boat and will soon sail away. The younger boys struggle to live with their cruel and unpredictable father who tries to make a living diving for abalone off the remote southern coast of Tasmania.

While the story of the brothers trying to cope with their brutal father and the loss of their mother is tragic, the writing is beautiful. There are no excess words, no long conversations or flowing descriptions, just perfectly chosen words that convey everything. The narrative is told from the point of view of the two younger boys. The voices feel authentic. They are children’s voices, not adult voices trying to sound like children. And it’s not all sad. There are beautiful moments when Miles is lost in the joy of surfing the perfect wave and little Harry feels the bliss of a loving puppy. I loved this book, read it quickly and wanted more. Highly recommend.

eGalley review Publication date 4.22.14

Posted in adult, realistic fiction | Comments Off on Past the Shallows – Favel Parrett