Review: Harmony House by Nic Sheff

Harmony House by Nic Sheff
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: March 22, 2016
Purchase: Amazon

Jen Noonan’s father thinks a move to Harmony House is the key to salvation, but to everyone who has lived there before, it is a portal to pure horror.

After Jen’s alcoholic mother’s death, her father cracked. He dragged Jen to this dilapidated old manor on the shore of New Jersey to “start their new lives”—but Harmony House is more than just a creepy old estate. It’s got a chilling past—and the more Jen discovers its secrets, the more the house awakens. Strange visions follow Jen wherever she goes, and her father’s already-fragile sanity disintegrates before her eyes. As the forces in the house join together to terrorize Jen, she must find a way to escape the past she didn’t know was haunting her—and the mysterious and terrible power she didn’t realize she had.

My thoughts:
This book was such a mess!  From the description I was all set for a creepy thriller ride, but what I ultimately got was a crazy father spouting insane offensive nonsense and a daughter who couldn't quit self medicating and cursing like a sailor.  SO not what the book description promised.

This review will be filled with spoilers so you have been warned!!!!

Starting off I couldn't stand the main character Tessa.  She was rude and I am totally a fan of free speech and I know teenagers curse, but her language was WAY out of hand.  At times I felt completely uncomfortable and I just wanted to wash her mouth out with soap!  I get people talk like this I do, but in a book I would prefer the language toned down especially in a YA book.  That wasn't my only problem with her though.

She, in the beginning, seemed to be somewhat level headed and I did feel bad for her because of her father who was completely bat crap crazy, but she wasn't much better by the end!  She self medicated even after she found out something important about herself (which came out of left field since nowhere in the book did this particular topic come up) and she chose to make bad choices repeatedly.  Tessa was not a character I could ever stand behind even with her bad situation with her father.

Which brings me to her father.  Nowhere in the description of this book does it say anything about religion being inside it's pages.  Religion was ALL OVER this book and not in a good way or really even creepy way. It was very insane and offensive and just not what I signed up for when I picked this up.  If I had known going in this was going to be the main focus I would have completely passed on this book.  I don't like religion in my books for the most part, I can handle them in creepy ones because they do add an interesting spin at times, but this was not one of those times.  At one point I felt like the author had an agenda and was preaching through his character, not good AT ALL!

The biggest reason why this book didn't work for me though was the overall story line.  It made absolutely no sense!  And here is the biggest spoiler....the house had nothing to do with the craziness!!  There were a few scenes and I mean maybe two where the house might have had something going on, but in the end it was all about her crazy father and his past!  The author could have made this amazing if he would would have focused more on that factor and less on trying to make his readers feel icky.  I liked the backstory honestly, it was intriguing, creepy as all get out even with the religion aspect thrown in and I would have loved if this was the main focus.  And it was to a point, but the author got to caught up in trying to make this book about something else and it just all fell apart. 

The last thing I'll talk about it the writing.  I just didn't like it.  Every time someone came into the picture they were laughing!  I don't think the author ever used other verb to describe anybody and it drove me insane.  I also noticed a lot of inconsistencies like on one page the sun had set and then on the next page same scene she was out just before the sun set.  I know this is an ARC and I should overlook those things, but there were just so many of them that it got to be impossible to overlook.  Makes me wonder if the author rushed his work.  With some good editing this could have been so much better.

OH and one more thing, in the end I swear the author threw everything but the kitchen sink into this story. We have powers, religion, weird boys who come out of nowhere, and a medium.  I mean does the description mention any of these????  NOPE! 

Okay that's it I'm done. 

1 snowflake

Review: Dreamology by Lucy Keating

Dreamology by Lucy Keating
Publisher- Harper Teen
Released- April 12th 2016
Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

Vibrantly offbeat and utterly original, Lucy Keating’s debut novel combines the unconventional romance of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind with the sweetness and heart of Jenny Han.For as long as Alice can remember, she has dreamed of Max. Together, they have traveled the world and fallen deliriously, hopelessly in love. Max is the boy of her dreams—and only her dreams. Because he doesn’t exist.But when Alice walks into class on her first day at a new school, there he is. Real Max is nothing like Dream Max. He’s stubborn and complicated. And he has a whole life Alice isn’t a part of. Getting to know each other in reality isn’t as perfect as Alice always hoped.Alarmingly, when their dreams start to bleed into their waking hours, the pair realize that they might have to put an end to a lifetime of dreaming about each other. But when you fall in love in your dreams, can reality ever be enough?

My Thoughts: 

Man, I can't seem to wipe this stupid grin from my face. Seriously, I had no idea I'd love Dreamology so much, this was exactly what I needed. It's creative, funny, adorable and the sweetest thing ever. Max and Alice have a very unique connection. They've know each other since they were little kids and grew up exploring the world and creating this amazing bond, but here's the thing, they've never really met. They only know each other from their dreams. That is until Alice and her dad move from New York to Boston and Alice attends Bennett Academy, walks into class and sees the boy of her dreams standing at the door. Max. He's real and it's almost like a dream come true, but it would seem that reality might have a different plan.

Can I just say I'm totally in love with Lucy Keating writing! I absolutely loved how easy it was to sink into this book, her writing is effortless and intelligent. I loved the flow and pace of the story and how everything played out. I kept finding myself  re-reading passages and dialogue multiple times before I could read more, all the while I had a goofy smile plastered from ear to ear. I wasn't sure I wanted to savour this book or devour it in one sitting. I swear, I don't think there is one character that I didn't love. I found it so incredibly refreshing that every character in this book was kind. Flawed, sure, but genuinely nice. I also thought it was wonderful going into a book that wasn't tainted with overly depressing or heart-harded issues. There were moments of sadness, sure, but it was never overly done. Mind you we still have our share of drama and angst, but it was cleverly written and the story always felt light and warm and even magical.

The concept is really quite fascinating and incredibly imaginative. It's a thought provoking story that explores the science and magic behind dreams but it's also a story about family, friends and how to deal with lost. But I think my favorite part of this book were the dreams. Max and Alice's dreams are filled with exotic, wild adventures that are rich, vivid and spectacular. It makes me wish I could dream like that, it was so beautiful. But it was more then how the dreams looked, it was how Max and Alice connected to each other. It took them away from their lonely reality and gave them this dream-like-wonderland, giving them something to hold onto. Each other. Still, Max and Alice find themselves in a very confusing and conflicting situation. It's one thing to know that your dream-childhood friend actually exists, but they have to figure out the why's and how's of it all since it seems that their dreams are bleeding into their reality and their sanity might just be on the line.

There are two versions of Max in this book. Dream Max and real Max. At first, I thought I liked Dream Max more. He's was more spontaneous and silly and well, free, while real Max is more grounded, serious and in control. The back and forth and hot and cold attitude was really killing me and at several points I really wished I could have reached in the book to smack Max straight, but the more I got to understand him, I realized, like Alice, that you can have more then one version of yourself and still love who the person is. As for Alice? I loved her instantly. She's quirky and sweet and I love how alive she always seemed to be despite the issues with her mother and how she clings on to her dreamworld. The romance in this was so flippin' cute. It's those little things that they remembered  about the other that made my heart do flips, it's the tension, banter and uncertainty that made them so irresistible and it was all those dame stolen kisses and tender moments that made me want to read this book forever.

At one point of the story I almost wanted Alice with Oliver. He's this wonderful, funny, carefree guy with contagious energy and a great sense of adventure, but from the start we always knew who owned Alice's heart. I also loved Sophie, she's exactly the kind of support you need and want in a best friend. And last but not least I absolutely loved Jerry and truly believe this book wouldn't be the same without him.

Bottom line, this book was prefect for me. It's the kind of book that just takes you away. It made me think, made me feel and made me laugh and made me smile the entire way through. Loved the concept, the amazing storytelling and all of these unforgettable characters. Instant love and one of my favorite books of 2016. A wonderful debut from Lucy Keating, I greatly look forward to seeing what she comes up with next. She is definitely an author to look out for! Bravo!

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website                                  5 Snowflakes

Review: Reign of Shadows by Sophie Jordan

Reign of Shadows by Sophie Jordan

Publisher- Harper Teen

Released- Feb 9th 2016

Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

Seventeen years ago, an eclipse cloaked the kingdom of Relhok in perpetual darkness. In the chaos, an evil chancellor murdered the king and queen and seized their throne. Luna, Relhok’s lost princess, has been hiding in a tower ever since. Luna’s survival depends on the world believing she is dead.But that doesn’t stop Luna from wanting more. When she meets Fowler, a mysterious archer braving the woods outside her tower, Luna is drawn to him despite the risk. When the tower is attacked, Luna and Fowler escape together. But this world of darkness is more treacherous than Luna ever realized.With every threat stacked against them, Luna and Fowler find solace in each other. But with secrets still unspoken between them, falling in love might be their most dangerous journey yet.

 My Thoughts:

On the night the eclipse descended and a blanket of darkness washed over the kingdom was the exact moment Princess Luna was born. It was a time of great terror for with the black night came dark dweller monsters breaking through the grounds hunting for sport and blood. In the confusion and chaos Luna was taken to safety by her nurse Perla and one of her fathers royal guard, Sivo, deep into the cursed forest and to the hidden tower where Luna will live away from the dangers and shadows of evil. Now 17 years old, Luna may be the rightful queen of Ranhok, but she hungers for freedom, for companionship, for life away from the tower walls. This can not be her fate, she needs more, but she never dreamed it would be at the hands of a young archer named Fowler that will lead her to her freedom, to the outside world, nor did she ever guess what it would cost them both.

Ohhhh this was so goood!! I have always enjoyed Sophie Jordan's books, so when I heard that she was writing a retelling of my favorite fairytale, Rapunzel, I couldn't wait to get this in my greedy little hands. Jordan does not disappoint! Reign of Shadows is a thrilling, dark and a romantic reimagining story that I absolutely devoured in one sitting! I almost forgot just how amazing Jordan can do fantasy. I absolutely adore her writing and how she developed this wicked and wonderfully imaginative world. The pacing and flow of the story moves at a pulse pounding race. The characters are sharply put together and completely easy to invest in from minute one. The atmosphere is potent with terror and trouble. The setting was so vividly rich and detailed it may as well be it's own character. From the tower, to the Black woods where creatures breath fear and venomous monsters attack the night, everything in this world is crisp and crackles with pure excitement and thrilling adventure.

Luna was such a fascinating character and I loved that added twist that Jordan gave her. We learn about this revelation within a few chapters into the story, but I never saw it coming. I'm not sure why it felt so profound to me, but I think it was because it gives it that extra conflict that makes the impossible seem so possible and I loved watching Luna thrive. But besides that twist, I just absolutely adored her. She is such a free spirited girl, brave, determined, daring with a strong mind and a fierce heart. She can more then handle her own and I loved how she handled Fowler.

When we first meet Fowler, he isn't exactly friendly. He comes off as bitter, unfeeling and cold. Only the selfish survive, but there is something about him that kept nagging me to trust him and I found myself anticipating his real story. Turns out that Fowler is more then he seems and the lost he's suffered and the secrets he's kept only makes me love him more. Together  Luna and Fowler make such an exceptional team, it wasn't easy at first, but the hard journey ahead and the need to keep each other safe can bond even the emptiest heart. I loved their endless spunk, witty banter and sarcastic dance. It may have took awhile to get there but the romance was incredibly swoon-worthy. This wasn't an all consuming insta-love, but a slow burning bubbling attraction and connection that was undeniable and inevitable and I loved every second of it.

Now, about that ending? Evil! Evil I tell you! I'm in need of the next book right this second and it kills me just thinking about waiting a year to find out what happened after that evil as hell cliff-hanger! Gah!! Bottom line, this was an amazing book my friends. It's adventurous and wondrous and filled with action, suspense and the fantasy thrills you want in an escape. I seriously can't wait for more! Fans will need this book in their life. Instant love and my favoite Sophie Jordan book evah! 

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                           5 HUGE Snowflakes 

Review: Sword and Verse by Kathy MacMillan

Sword and Verse by Kathy MacMillan 

Publisher- Harper Teen

Released- Jan 19th 2016

Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

Raisa was just a child when she was sold to work as a slave in the kingdom of Qilara. Despite her young age, her father was teaching her to read and write, grooming her to take his place as a Learned One. In Qilara, the Arnathim, like Raisa, are the lowest class, and literacy is a capital offense. What’s more, only the king, prince, tutor, and tutor-in-training are allowed to learn the very highest order language, the language of the gods. So when the tutor-in-training is executed for teaching slaves this sacred language, and Raisa is selected to replace her, Raisa knows any slipup on her part could mean death.
Keeping her secret is hard enough, but the romance that’s been growing between her and Prince Mati isn’t helping matters. Then Raisa is approached by the Resistance—an underground army of slave rebels—to help liberate Arnath slaves. She wants to free her people, but that would mean aiding a war against Mati. As Raisa struggles with what to do, she discovers a secret that the Qilarites have been hiding for centuries—one that, if uncovered, could bring the kingdom to its knees.

My Thoughts:

Sword and Verse, really surprised me in the best way possible. I loved Kathy MacMillan writing, it's sharp, intelligent and carefully calculated. The story is so evenly paced with suspense and intrigue and the concept is quite fascinating. This has a wonderful blend of fantasy, mythology and forbidden love. There is a lot going on here plot wise since this pans out three or four years throughout the book, but it never felt overwhelming or dull, it was always constantly moving and there were many points of the story that I would feel anxious for Raisa. For her safety. For her heart. Also, besides the ending, there isn't a lot of action or thrills, but it's not without it's share of drama, angst or political control. But I think my favorite part was learning about the symbols, scripts and system to the library of the Gods and it's importance to the story. I also enjoyed learning about the gods history at the beginning of the chapters and how it entwined with Raisa past and then we have the added mystery of Raisa heart-verse that kept me invested and curious throughout the novel. I also loved the Resistance and what they stood for. I've never been comfortable reading slavery in my escapes but I think MacMillan was tasteful and handled it well.

I've really grown to love, respect and admire these characters, they are all very well developed and capable and made it entirely to easy for me to lose myself in their story.  Raisa was such a conflicted creature, but I liked how her strength and courage develops throughout the story. The struggles and confusion made her feel more realistic and relatable, I mean how do you choose between your people and your one true love, even if it is forbidden? Despite his title, Prince Mati is actually so very kind, considerate and compassionate. I kept forgetting he was the prince, he seemed so down to earth and not the overbearing controlling royal I see in other reads. As for the romance? I absolutely adore it! It's sweet, tender, warm and at times so unsure, but it was beautifully done and made the fight even more richer and worth it.

All in all, I really just loved this one, it has everything I want in an escape. Solid concept, engaging plot and remarkable characters. I'm surprised that this is a standalone, but only because it's rare to run into for this genre, but MacMillan wraps this up quite smoothly and there really is nothing like feeling content and satisfied after you finished a novel. Still, I'm looking forward to the companion, I'd love to know what happens to some of these other characters and see what's in store for Qilarite next. A fascinating read!

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                               4 Snowflakes 

Review: The White Rose by Amy Ewing

The White Rose by Amy Ewing
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: October 6, 2015
Purchase: Amazon

Violet is on the run. After the Duchess of the Lake catches Violet with Ash, the hired companion at the Palace of the Lake, Violet has no choice but to escape the Jewel or face certain death. So along with Ash and her best friend, Raven, Violet runs away from her unbearable life of servitude.

But no one said leaving the Jewel would be easy. As they make their way through the circles of the Lone City, Regimentals track their every move, and the trio barely manages to make it out unscathed and into the safe haven they were promised—a mysterious house in the Farm.

But there’s a rebellion brewing, and Violet has found herself in the middle of it. Alongside a new ally, Violet discovers her Auguries are much more powerful than she ever imagined. But is she strong enough to rise up against the Jewel and everything she has ever known?

The White Rose is a raw, captivating sequel to The Jewel that fans won’t be able to put down until the final shocking moments.

My Thoughts...

The White Rose picks right up where the Jewel left off. After the Duchess (and her horrible niece, Carnelian) caught Ash and Violet together in his room and he was beaten in front of her and then thrown in the dungeon with no one to be sent to save him. Violet knows if he stays in there he will die,  Let's just say Violet and Ash are in a world of trouble with the Duchess. She has no mercy and her actions have proved that many times over.

Violet is beside herself and trapped in her bedroom in the palace of the Lake. Garnet, the Duchess of the Lake's own son told her they were going to get her out over the Arcana. And she's overcome with grief as Ash is trapped and bleeding in the dungeons. The Duchess announced she an emergency petition to the Exetor for the companion's execution which would serve as a punishment...to torture Violet in the cruelest way possible.

"I need you to understand," the Duchess says. "You are mine. The doctor will not stop until my baby is growing inside you. I will no longer have any consideration for your pain, or discomfort, or frame of mind. You will be like a piece of furniture to me. Is that clear?"

With the help of a few friends, Violet is able to escape from the Duchess's clutches, but it wasn't easy as many obstacles cross their path. I enjoyed the scenes of their escape and felt the added backstory weaved in gave me a better understanding of Ash's past and the life he lived as well as the other companions.

The White Rose isn't only the title to this story, but it holds a significance. It becomes the heart, a meeting ground for Surrogates whom will join the forces of the rebels to take a stand against the royals, There, they discover their real power and are able to connect with different elements. Their true powers were kept from them, and manipulated to suit the needs of the royals.

Word of an uprising spread, chaos and deceptions ensued among the many Houses, Time was running out before the next auction, Ash, Violet, Sil and the others drew up a plan then an unexpected  twist is thrown in and were left hanging.

I feel that there was more potential to add more substance into the story. I really could've passed on the part when each surrogate goes through the process in which they learn of their real powers.  I also feel that there could've been more interactions with the rebel group, and while the story itself was satisfying, it also lacked in depth.  The first half of the story outshines the second half with the exception of the cliffhanger at the end. I figured out what it was before the reveal pretty easily, and hoped that perhaps another layer of "OMG" would've added to the finale.

Overall this was a good read. I'll certainly pick up the next book and see how this story concludes.

4 snowflakes

Review: Dreamland by Robert Anderson

Dreamland by Robert L. Anderson
Published September 22nd 2015
by HarperTeen

Odea Donahue has been able to travel through people’s dreams since she was six years old. Her mother taught her the three rules of walking: Never interfere. Never be seen. Never walk the same person’s dream more than once. Dea has never questioned her mother, not about the rules, not about the clocks or the mirrors, not about moving from place to place to be one step ahead of the unseen monsters that Dea’s mother is certain are right behind them. Then a mysterious new boy, Connor, comes to town and Dea finally starts to feel normal. As Connor breaks down the walls that she’s had up for so long, he gets closer to learning her secret. For the first time she wonders if that’s so bad. But when Dea breaks the rules, the boundary between worlds begins to deteriorate. How can she know what’s real and what’s not?

My Thoughts

I am giving up on dreams! I have now read quite a few books that involved the concept of "dream walking" and sadly all of them have fell flat for me. Dreams are such amazing beautiful things. I just don't feel this book captured what could have been. It was there but, just too little too late for me.

The characters in this book were okay. Mr. Anderson seemed to draw upon human insecurities and infuse them into Dea and Connor. Although I felt Dreamland was more plot driven, the character drive was absolutely apparent in it's own right. That being said I also felt Dea to be a bit boring and not to mention naive. I am harsh I know but REALLY GIRL!? As hard as I tried to empathize with her situation I just couldn't get behind her or her search. So much bad decision making!!!! Actually all the people in this book are less then believable. I mean the conclusions they jump to are just plain ridic.There are 3 simple rules you must not break while dream walking.

Don't be seen.
Don't interfere.
Don't visit the same person more than once.

Great job breaking all of those rules the second you get a crush on some guy. I liked Connor well enough but, I did not enjoy the whole boy next door bit...again. Can't he live like a block over or something?

When the big "reveal" finally happened, I was beyond the point of salvage. Also...how convenient! It felt like the cheap tie up with a string routine. As I said before dreams are infinite and can be anything. It gets to me how the books I've read involving them are so very lacking. I am left with more questions than I care to have upon completing a book. Don't get me wrong his dream world was probably my favorite part of the book and I will have nightmares of faceless men for weeks. Still not enough though.

2 Snowflakes

Review: Ash & Bramble by Sarah Prineas

Ash & Bramble by Sarah Prineas 
Expected publication: September 15th 2015
by Harper Teen 

When the glass slipper just doesn’t fit… The tale of Cinderella has been retold countless times. But what you know is not the true story.
Pin has no recollection of who she is or how she got to the Godmother’s fortress. She only knows that she is a Seamstress, working day in and out to make ball gowns fit for fairy tales. But she longs to forsake her backbreaking servitude and dares to escape with the brave young Shoemaker. Pin isn’t free for long before she’s captured again and forced to live the new life the Godmother chooses for her—a fairy tale story, complete with a charming prince—instead of finding her own happily ever after. Sarah Prineas’s bold fairy tale retelling is a dark and captivating world where swords are more fitting than slippers, young shoemakers are just as striking as princes, and a heroine is more than ready to rescue herself before the clock strikes midnight.

My Thoughts

I am the biggest sucker for anything to do with ANY fairy tale. Just give me a prince and some magic and maybe a few talking animals and my brain goes to goo. There is just something about this "other" world where these things can take place that makes my heart sing. Ash & Bramble pulled me right into that world but also made me consider how all of the other inhabitants got there. Was there poetic prose...no. Was there a ground breaking plot that had my feels bubbling over...not really. as a matter of fact there wasn't anything completely mind blowing about the book but I am definitely glad I went with my gut and ignored the ratings. This book makes you wonder about fate and are things meant to happen no matter what you do.

The first part of the book we meet Pin. She starts off as so many characters. She has no recollection of her name or where she is from. All she is told is that she is a seamstress  and that she must sew but her daily work at it proves futile. She begins to wonder why would a seamstress not be able to do exactly that? This spurs her train of thought along and she realizes she must have had a "before" except none of the other people working in the Godmother's fortress can remember theirs either. All the know is their trade, whether it be spinning straw into fine golden thread, making shoes out of that you can dance all night in, sewing the most beautiful ball gowns, or making candles sticks. Nobody who works at this fortress has a before and no after. This was the part of the book that hooked me. One would simply assume most things such as these came from the Fairy godmother's magic yes? What if it didn't?! This book explores that crucial angle. Shoe, you guessed it the shoe maker, and Oin make a break for it and while he gets away she does not. Fairy godmother once again takes her a places in a tale but as Cinderella. Pin, now called Pen, can feel herself being spurred onward by some unseen force but she also can see cracks in the story, such an unexpected kindness from her horrible step-sisters. She also has Shoe there to try to help her remember. During this portion the book really picks up as we get so much more background, not only on Pen but also on Shoe and what he has discovered about this strange place. 

The fact that there was this amazing twist was what sold me on this book. What if everyone in that magically little land had a past or at one point a different life? What if they were just dropped into this story to have it play out the way it should? Would they really be truly happy? There was so many discoveries along the way that I enjoyed. Overall I wouldn't go into this one expecting ground breaking stuff but if you are looking for cute story involving tales of fairy you should try it out.    

4 Snowflakes

Waiting on Wednesday - The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins

Welcome to Waiting On Wednesday here at

 Winterhaven Books!

This is a feature created by Jill at Breaking The Spine where we share some books we are anxiously awaiting.

This week's pick...

The Great Hunt 
by Wendy Higgins
Expected publication: March 8th 2016 by HarperTeen 

Kill the beast. Win the girl.
A strange beast stirs fear in the kingdom of Lochlanach, terrorizing towns with its brutality and hunger. In an act of desperation, a proclamation is sent to all of Eurona—kill the creature and win the ultimate prize: the daughter of King Lochson’s hand in marriage. Princess Aerity understands her duty to the kingdom though it pains her to imagine marrying a stranger. It would be foolish to set her sights on any particular man in the great hunt, but when a brooding local hunter, Paxton Seabolt, catches her attention, there’s no denying the unspoken lure between them…or his mysterious resentment. Paxton is not keen on marriage. Nor does he care much for spoiled royals and their arcane laws. He’s determined to keep his focus on the task at hand—ridding the kingdom of the beast and protecting his family—yet Princess Aerity continues to challenge his notions with her unpredictability and charm. But as past secrets collide with present desires, dire choices threaten everything Paxton holds dear. Inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ tale, “The Singing Bone,” New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins delivers a dark fantasy filled with rugged hunters, romantic tension, outlawed magic, and a princess willing to risk all to save her people.

I am made of all things fairytale in case you didn't know this by now. I also like the darker, not so happily ever after version such as the Brother's Grimm provided. If you have never heard of the tale of "The Singing Bone" you should definitely read it. It is a rather disturbing account of a brother who kill his younger to take credit for a kill and marry the king's daughter. Then the brother bones are found and made into a horn which then rats out the murder and all is brought to bloody justice! LOVE IT! These aren't the types of fairy tales for your children nor for the weak of heart. I am incredibly curious to see Mrs. Higgins' take on this account. I also have learned to temper my expectation when a blurb promises the comparative qualities of another story. I guess all in all we shall see. i am still thrilled to read this!!

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Little Peach by Peggy Kern

Today on WinterHaven Books I am participating in the blog tour for Little Peach by Peggy Kern.  This book really broke my heart and I am very proud to be a part of something so real.  This blog tour is definitely about this incredible book, but also about the real life story enclosed within its pages.

Little Peach by Peggy Kern

Publisher: Balzar & Bray / HarperTeen

Release Date: March 10, 2015

Purchase: Amazon

What do you do if you're in trouble?

When Michelle runs away from her drug-addicted mother, she has just enough money to make it to New York City, where she hopes to move in with a friend. But once she arrives at the bustling Port Authority, she is confronted with the terrifying truth: she is alone and out of options.

Then she meets Devon, a good-looking, well-dressed guy who emerges from the crowd armed with a kind smile, a place for her to stay, and eyes that seem to understand exactly how she feels.

But Devon is not what he seems to be, and soon Michelle finds herself engulfed in the world of child prostitution where he becomes her “Daddy” and she his “Little Peach.” It is a world of impossible choices, where the line between love and abuse, captor and savior, is blurred beyond recognition.

This hauntingly vivid story illustrates the human spirit’s indomitable search for home, and one girl’s struggle to survive.

My Thoughts:
After reading this I sat in complete silence for about 2 hours.  I got up from my favorite reading spot and just sat outside and listened to the quiet.  This book was tough and I don't mean like normal tough.  I mean like slap you in the face tough.  Peggy Kern I bow before you and want to thank you for showing me what is really going on.

I thought this was going to be emotional, but I had no idea how much I would feel for Michelle. What she goes through is heartbreaking and knowing that this kind of stuff goes on everyday is just horrible.  I am honestly so broken over reading this.  The story is quite simple, young girl who has nobody ends up running right into the wrong kind of help.  That doesn't even do the story justice, but essentially that's what its about.  Michelle gets sold every night for sex and without anybody reaching out to help her she stays in this horrible life.  A lot of things happen to her and you just can't help but cry for her.  Nobody should have to go through what she went through especially a fourteen year old girl.

I think what makes this stand out so much is the last page by the author.  Ms.Kern gives us a glimpse into how she researched for this book and after reading just that simple blurb I had chills. Little Peach is a true story for a lot of women and my god what has the world come to.  I'm not naive I know these things happen, but I guess I just blocked it.  You go day to day and never really think beyond your bubble until someone says hey read this and then BAM you are thrown into the pit. I don't know what I want to do at the moment I just want to fight for these girls somehow.

Please read this.  Peggy Kern has written an amazing book that I promise will open your eyes and maybe if enough eyes are open things might start changing.

4 snowflakes

About the Author:

Peggy Kern was born and raised in Westbury, New York. There she attended the local public elementary and middle schools, where she was one of the few white students in a predominately black and Latino community. Peggy didn’t realize what a unique and valuable experience that was until she transferred to a private high school.

“I was miserable in high school,” she says. “I couldn’t understand why my classmates only hung out with people who looked just like they did. To me, that was a foreign concept.” Peggy worked a variety of jobs through her teenage years, including switchboard operator at a country club, cashier at a clothing store, and the night-shift in a bakery.

In 1992, Peggy enrolled at LaSalle University in Philadelphia, where she discovered her love of literature and writing. However, the financial stress of paying for college herself – coupled with the painful divorce of her parents – proved overwhelming. She moved back to New York and took a full-time job as a secretary. Determined to finish her degree, she began taking night classes at a local community college and eventually landed a partial scholarship at Long Island University. She continued working full-time and taking classes until she graduated in 1998 with a B.A. in English.

Though it took her almost seven years to obtain her college degree, Peggy says she would do it all again. “The adversity made me work even harder. I never forgot how lucky I was to have a chance at an education.”

In 2001, Peggy completed a Master’s degree in English and Writing at Southampton College. She also coordinated the Southampton Writers Conference, where she had the chance to meet some of her literary heroes and assist young students in pursing their dream of writing. While at Southampton, she taught English Composition, tutored undergraduate students and published several short stories.

For more information about human trafficking and how you can help stop this from happening to someone you may know please follow the links below:
http://www.raphahouse.org/

http://www.covenanthouse.org/

http://www.gems-girls.org/

http://www.polarisproject.org/

Giveaway!!  Thanks to the wonderful people at Harper we are giving away a copy of Little Peach to one lucky reader.  US only.
Good Luck!
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Waiting on Wednesday - Light Of Day by Allison van Diepen

Welcome to Waiting On Wednesday here at

 Winterhaven Books!

This is a feature created by Jill at Breaking The Spine where we share some books we are anxiously awaiting.

Light of Day

by Allison van Diepen
Expected publication: November 24th 2015
by HarperTeen

Like any other Saturday night, Gabby Perez and her best friend, Maria, are out dancing. But this isn’t just another night. When a mysterious stranger warns Gabby their drinks have been drugged, she hurries Maria home. Sure enough, the next day, Maria can’t remember a thing. Gabby’s shaken by their close call. And she’s not going to stay quiet about it. She opens up the airwaves on her radio show and discovers an even worse truth: the guy who drugged them was going to force them into prostitution. Then Gabby’s friend Bree never makes it home from a party, and Gabby fears the worst. Gabby reaches out to the guy who saved her, the gorgeous stranger she knows only as X. As they dive into the seedy underworld of Miami, searching for Bree, they can’t ignore their undeniable attraction. Until Gabby discovers the truth about who X really is and the danger that surrounds him. Can their love survive the light of day?

Though I am not quite sure whether this one will be considered as a YA or an NA title, it for sure sounds intriguing. It sounds like it's part thriller, part love story, which sounds exactly like something I love. The whole prostitution aspect is something I haven't really come across before in contemporary YA, which kind of makes me think that this probably verges more on New Adult than Young Adult. But whatever genre categorization it receives, I am in!

Review: How to Win at High School by Owen Matthews

How to Win at High School by Owen Matthews
Published on March 3, 2015 by HarperTeen
Purchase: Amazon

Using Scarface as his guide to life, Adam Higgs is going from zero to high school hero.

Adam Higgs is a loser, and he’s not okay with it.

But starting as a junior in a new high school seems like exactly the right time to change things. He brainstorms with his best friend, Brian: What will it take for him to take over Nixon Collegiate?

Adam searches for the A-listers’ weak spot and strikes gold when he gets queen bee Sara Bryant to pay him for doing her physics homework. One part nerd, two parts badass, Adam ditches his legit job and turns to full-time cheating. His clients? All the Nixon Collegiate gods and goddesses.

But soon his homework business becomes a booze business, which becomes a fake ID business. Adam’s popularity soars as he unlocks high school achievements left and right, from his first kiss to his first rebound hookup. But something else is haunting him—a dark memory from his past, driving him to keep climbing. What is it? And will he go too far?

How to Win at High School’s honest portrayal of high school hierarchy is paired with an adrenaline-charged narrative and an over-the-top story line, creating a book that will appeal to guys, girls, and reluctant readers of every stripe. Adam’s rocket ride to the top of the social order and subsequent flameout is both emotionally resonant and laugh-out-loud funny.

My Thoughts:
This was like Can't Buy Me Love with a side of after school special.  It was entertaining though I have to give the author that.  Was it a knock out..no, but it did show me that guys have it just as hard in high schools as girls do.

So basically Adam is a loser. I wouldn't necessarily call him that but that's the way he sees himself.  No girlfriend, not popular, and no social life at all.  He feels lonely and feels like he got duped because his older brother would have been a god if he hadn't of gotten into an accident that stopped him from playing hockey.  Adam fully believes that he would have been an honorary god if his brother had continued playing and his life would have been filled with parties, girls, and friends.  Now he's on his own and with no other option he decides to start up a business that he knows the popular kids won't say no to.

Thus begins Adam's decline.  I'm pretty sure you can figure out what happens throughout.  Adam gets addicted to being the big man on campus and has to find bigger and better ways to keep his social life. Things spiral eventually and he does hit rock bottom.  This part of the story I knew right from the beginning because that's how every story of this type goes.  So my 3 star rating is for the writing and for the way the author delivered the story not the story itself.  I enjoyed the writing style and I even liked the narrative.  It gave an otherwise boring story energy and kept me engaged.  I wasn't attached to any of the characters and I honestly couldn't wait for the ball to drop, but I still wanted to read it from start to finish.

Okay correction I liked Sam.  I think Sam, Adam's brother, got the raw end of the deal and deserved a better brother.  I was so mad at Adam for what he did to Sam and I think that was what finally pushed me disregard Adam as anything except a moron.  Yes that is harsh but you know what Adam was a horrible character from start to finish and didn't deserve Sam.  Was Adam's life sad yes, but it wasn't as terrible as he believed.

If you pick this up just prepare yourself for an after school type plot, but forget about that if you can. Focus on the writing. It is different and gave the book life in my opinion.  This is probably the only time in my reading life that I will say that.  I am always about characters and plot, but with this one the writing really struck something with me and I ended up enjoying this for what it was.

One more note this book has a LOT of language and mature themes.  

3 snowflakes

Review: Liars, Inc. by Paula Stokes

Liars, Inc. by Paula Stokes
Publisher- Harper Teen
Published- March 24th 2015
Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

It all starts with one little lie…Max Cantrell has never been a big fan of the truth, so when the opportunity arises to sell lies to his classmates, it sounds like a good way to make a little money and liven up a boring senior year. With the help of his friends Preston and Parvati, Max starts a business providing forged permission slips and cover stories for the students of Vista Palisades High. Liars, Inc. they call it. Suddenly everybody needs something and the cash starts pouring in. Who knew lying could be so lucrative?When Preston wants his own cover story to go visit a girl he met online, Max doesn’t think twice about hooking him up. Until Preston never comes home. Then the evidence starts to pile up—terrifying clues that lead the cops to Preston’s body. Terrifying clues that point to Max as the murderer.Can Max find the real killer before he goes to prison for a crime he didn’t commit? Paula Stokes starts with one single white lie and weaves a twisted tale that will have readers guessing until the explosive final chapters.

My Thoughts:
Wow, I never saw that coming! Liars, Inc., is a very well done mystery laced with thrilling suspense of the whodunit variety. I've read Stokes, The Art of Lainey, and knew this was an author to look out for. She has a knack for telling her stories with sharp witty characters and an intriguing plot concept. I liked that she pushes the boundaries a little bit more then your average young adult novel. These characters are 18 years old, reckless and living large and Stokes really captures these moments boldly but tastefully.

The mystery surrounding Preston was very impressive and filled with all kinds of  twist and turns and while I predicted some, I didn't predict it all and was pretty surprised once we got the whole story. I liked that Stokes took her time crafting all the little details. It started out simple enough but then it went from complicated to deadly with only enough clues to keep us guessing and a lot of lingering doubt that made the experience even more fun to try to guess what was going on and who was behind it all.

I don't know why but I love reading from a male point of view. It's refreshing and interesting and I enjoyed seeing this story unfold through Max. He's got a great voice. True, he's a little rough around the edges, but he's still a really good guy. He was orphaned and on the streets for almost a year before he found a good family to adopt him, but Max never lost his street-smart-slacker-way-attitude that makes him want to bend the rules where he can. Starting Liars, Inc., wasn't exactly all his idea but he went along for the fun of it and hey, the profit didn't hurt. That is till one little lie created a whirlwind of suspicions, conspiracies and betrayal. He's not a very trusting person either, which I guess, he was kinda on the money about, but still, when push comes to shove, Max is a stand-up guy that has a lot of determination and heart.

Parvati was a little hard to like at the beginning. She doesn't do anything wrong exactly, but she has this cold interior that seemed to rattle me at times and she would say something that would rub me the wrong way. She's pretty and popular and rich and she seemed to be genuine  when she was with Max, but a little voice in the back of my head felt like something was off, missing or fake. I was right about a few things concerning Parvati's character and yet she still ended up surprising me the most.

At first I wasn't sure how to feel about Preston, we didn't get a lot of screen time with him to feel a huge connection before he went missing, but Stokes' crafty writing really made his mystery stand-out. I will say that the one thing all these characters do have in common is they all seem lost, like they don't know where they fit in, in their own lives. It makes what happens feel both understandable and messed up. I liked the romance, but it was kinda like background noise, it was always consistent, but never played lead to the plot. But what we did get was dame sexy.

All in all, I really enjoyed myself with this one. They mystery was unpredictable and smart, the writing has incredible energy and these characters will have you on your toes from the first moment till its riveting  conclusion. Well done! I can't wait to see what Stokes comes up with next.

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website                              4 Snowflakes

Review: A Wicked Thing by Rhiannon Thomas

A Wicked Thing by Rhiannon Thomas
Publisher- Harper Teen
Published- Feb 24th 2015
Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

One hundred years after falling asleep, Princess Aurora wakes up to the kiss of a handsome prince and a broken kingdom that has been dreaming of her return. All the books say that she should be living happily ever after. But as Aurora understands all too well, the truth is nothing like the fairy tale.Her family is long dead. Her "true love" is a kind stranger. And her whole life has been planned out by political foes while she slept.
As Aurora struggles to make sense of her new world, she begins to fear that the curse has left its mark on her, a fiery and dangerous thing that might be as wicked as the witch who once ensnared her. With her wedding day drawing near, Aurora must make the ultimate decision on how to save her kingdom: marry the prince or run.Rhiannon Thomas weaves together vivid scenes of action, romance, and gorgeous gowns to reveal a richly imagined world … and Sleeping Beauty as she’s never been seen before.

My Thoughts:
A Wicked Thing, is a really cool take on this retold fairy tale. We all know the story of Sleeping Beauty. She pricks her finger, falls into a deep sleep and awakens with true loves kiss. But, what happens after Princess Aurora wakes up? Well, in Rhiannon Thomas version, it ends up a little something more then happily ever after.

First off, I have got to say that I'm in love with Thomas's writing style. It's pitch perfect, crisp and beautifully enchanting. I love the dialogue- so quaint, formal and eloquent and the setting makes me want to reach in the pages and live in the story. I have loved fairy tales since I was a little girl and always thought the story of Sleeping Beauty was such a grand romantic idea of finding your one true love, but in A Wicked Thing, I was entertained with the idea that Aurora could possibly want something more. After all, she doesn't even know who Prince Rodric is and is mourning the lost of her family and adjusting to the fact that it's been a hundred years past. Overwhelming is an understatement. Thomas paints a beautifully imaginative world where our dear Princess dares to be something else then the role of smile-and-be-silent. Aurora has fire and magic in her veins. She's daring, adventurous and full of sass. My heart really goes out to her and the confusion that is her life. Being pulled in so many directions between Prince Rodric, Prince Finnegan, Tristan and the evil witch Celesine, it's no wonder Aurora is a very lost creature that is tangled in a political game with so much death and despair, and yet she still remains ever kind hearted and compassionate. 

All of these characters are so incredibly well written. Each with a voice and personality that blends wonderfully with the tone and setting of the entire length of the story.

Rodric is kind, caring, thoughtful and very sweet. He's awkward and maybe a little naive, but he is very loyal to his family and his kingdom and believes that fate will guide him through.

Finnegan is your typical charmer. Arrogant, overconfident and presumptuous, but it's his mischief nature that draws me to him the most.

But I think it was dear Tristan who surprised me the most and I'm not sure I liked the direction his character took. At first he seems so playful, enthusiastic and full of life, but at last, he wasn't who I though he was.

Now, don't let the list of boys fool you into thinking we have multiple love stories, each want something from Aurora, some motives pure, while others are not, but love was never a real big factor in this book, or at least not yet. However, I did have a great time learning about each character and what they brought into Aurora life and this beloved fairy tale.

~I think my only complaint would be that this was slightly repetitive and that nothing was resolved by the end of the story nor do we know which direction Aurora will go. Still, I enjoyed being introduced into this promising new world and knowing that there is still more to come given the ending we got. 

All in all, I had a lot of fun with this book. It's unique and probably one of the best done retold fairy tale books I've read. The writing is truly lovely and fantastic while these characters captivated me throughout the entire escape. A promising start, an amazing debut, I greatly look forward to seeing more.   

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website                              4 Snowflakes