Sunday, December 14, 2014

Review: The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand

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by Cynthia Hand
Publisher- Harper Teen
Released- Feb 10th 2015
Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

There's death all around us.We just don't pay attention.Until we do.The last time Lex was happy, it was before. When she had a family that was whole. A boyfriend she loved. Friends who didn't look at her like she might break down at any moment.Now she's just the girl whose brother killed himself. And it feels like that's all she'll ever be.As Lex starts to put her life back together, she tries to block out what happened the night Tyler died. But there's a secret she hasn't told anyone-a text Tyler sent, that could have changed everything.Lex's brother is gone. But Lex is about to discover that a ghost doesn't have to be real to keep you from moving on.From New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Hand, The Last Time We Say Goodbye is a gorgeous and heart-wrenching story of love, loss, and letting go.
My Thoughts:
Now, normally this is the kind of issue I would usually shy away from. There is a reason I don't read suicide or cancer/sickness reads. They just feel to real and my heart just isn't equipped to handle such sadness and despair, but being a huge fan of Hand's Unearthly series, I made an exception. And I'm glad I did.

First off, I think what hit me the hardest was Hand's dedication. This is a personal journey that must have been so very hard to express, but I applaud Hands bravery and courage for telling this story.

The Last Time We Say Goodbye, is an emotionally heartbreaking story about death, lost, grief and finding your own way to move on. After the death of her brother Ty, Lex wasn't in a good place. She broke up with her boyfriend, stopped being social and basically went with the motions of everyday life without her brother. So when her therapist recommended Lex to start writing in a journal about random thoughts and feelings and even about Tyler, Lex was skeptical it would work, but as she started to think about the first and last happy time she shared with her brother, Lex started to think about everything else and finally finds the strength she needed to move on.

This is such a beautiful story. Seriously. I'm not one to cry in books, but once in awhile a story will come along and just hit all the feels. I have a huge family and I couldn't see myself without any of them so this one really got to me. Given the issues in this book, know that there is no romance, no warm and fuzzy's, no real laughter and no really happy times. But what we do get are moments. Beautiful moments of good times and bad times and really ugly times. But it's through these moments where we see what Lex has been through. The dreams and memories is what really connected me the most to Ty. It broke my heart. It hurts to remember and it hurts to forget, but Lex found a way to beat down her demons, face her ghost and do the things that she would have thought Ty wanted. I also thought Lex was written very realistically. Her anger and confusion and her despair felt so real and while I know she wanted to give up, she didn't and she never let her mother give up either. She's remarkable. I also really loved Steven as well. Now here is a guy that you want by your side and I loved his never ending support, kindness and love.

All in all, this book was truly beautiful. It makes you think, and I mean really think about the people in your life. Old grudges, stupid fights, the what ifs, the last time you said I love you and all the unsaid things you wish you could have said. This is the kind of story that can touch anyone and everyone that has a heartbeat. Heartbreaking and heart lifting, this was a beautiful book that captures the pain of losing a loved one and finding a way to move on. Completely recommended.

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website                              4 Snowflakes

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Blog Tour Review: Suspicion by Alexandra Monir

Today on WinterHaven Books I am participating in the blog tour for Suspicion by Alexandra Monir.

SuspicionSuspicion by Alexandra Monir 
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: Dec 9, 2014
Purchase: Amazon
A modern-day twist on the classic thriller, Rebecca, with a dash of the supernatural, a powerful romance, and a deadly family mystery.

“There’s something hidden in the maze.”

Seventeen-year-old Imogen Rockford has never forgotten the last words her father said to her, before the blazing fire that consumed him, her mother, and the gardens of her family’s English country manor.

For seven years, images of her parents’ death have haunted Imogen’s dreams. In an effort to escape the past, she leaves Rockford Manor and moves to New York City with her new guardians. But some attachments prove impossible to shake—including her love for her handsome neighbor Sebastian Stanhope.

Then a life-altering letter arrives that forces Imogen to return to the manor in England, where she quickly learns that dark secrets lurk behind Rockford’s aristocratic exterior. At their center is Imogen herself—and Sebastian, the boy she never stopped loving.

Combining spine-tingling mystery, romance, and unforgettable characters, Suspicion is an action-packed thrill ride.
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book.  It was very interesting and I found myself getting lost in the Wickersham estate with every description that I read.  Think Princess Diaries meets Rebecca.

The thing I loved the most about Suspicion is the creepiness that surrounded the storyline.  I love creepy and it seemed that every chapter had a sort of ghost feel to it.  In the beginning I thought this was going to be more about Imogens abilities, but really this book was about old family drama and I loved that.  I don't think the added paranormalish plotline was needed at all.  This story could have easily stood on its own without it.  While reading I really fell into the family history and I thought the author did a fantastic job at guiding the reader through a new caste system and really pulling you in to her world.  I kinda wish the author would have scrapped the added storyline and just made this about family ghosts and Imogen's new role as the Duchess.  I think it would have been a stronger story that way.

There were certain things that I felt could have been better like the pacing but, for the most part I really enjoyed this one.  I loved the world that Imogen moved into.  It was beautiful and somewhere I would have loved to visit.  I felt like Imogen did a pretty good job trying to fit into her new role.  It was an easy one, but she did her best. 

The romance was okay not great but okay.  I would have liked a bigger presence in the beginning and even though I know why it wasn't there in the beginning I think the story needed it.  Imogen goes so many years dreaming about Sebastian and when she finally gets to see him again it is very anti climatic.  I didn't need to hear time and time again that while she loved him she knew he would never love her back for various reasons.  It just got to be too much and then when certain things were revealed I just didn't buy it.  I think the author could have left the romance out.  I am really starting to believe that not every story needs a romance GASP!  I know this should feel wrong saying, but that's how I feel.  

If the romance and paranormal stuff had been left out the author could have focused on the creepy and this story would have been a huge 5 from me.  Well all those things are in it so I am going with a 3.  I felt the writing was really great and I really enjoyed the mystery murder plotline that was weaved into this story.  That part kept me glued and will make me pick up the next book by this author.

3 snowflakes


Sunday, December 7, 2014

Review: Top Ten Clues you're Clueless by Liz Czukas

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Publisher- Harper Teen
Released- Dec 9th 2014
Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

Top Five Things That Are Ruining Chloe’s Day5) Working the 6:30 a.m. shift at GoodFoods Market4) Crashing a cart into a customer’s car right in front of her snarky coworker Sammi3) Trying to rock the “drowned rat” look after being caught in a snowstorm2) Making zero progress with her crush, Tyson (see #3)1) Being accused—along with her fellow teenage employees—of stealing upwards of $10,000Chloe would rather be anywhere than locked in work jail (aka the break room) with five of her coworkers . . . even if one of them is Tyson. But if they can band together to clear their names, what looks like a total disaster might just make Chloe’s list of Top Ten Best Moments.
My Thoughts: 
Ha! What a fun read. After reading Liz Czukas debut novel, Ask Again Later, I knew that I had to get my hands on this book as soon as I saw it was up for grabs on galley. Liz is rapidly becoming my go-to girl for when ever I'm in need of a fun light escape. Top Ten Clues You're Clueless, is another fun filled read with great banter, funny zingers and comedic mishaps along the way. But this also provides great insight to what it's like to work at a grocery store. The odd customers, grocery guesses and cart crashes. It reminded me of my teen days working at a restaurant during a blackout with nothing much to do besides hang out, goof around and start a food fight. Good times.

This may be in Chloe's point of view, but really, it was all of these characters together that stood out front and centre.
Chloe, Tyson, Gabe, Sammie, Micah and Zaina aren't what you would call friends, more like work acquaintances. But when your stuck in a grocery store after hours on Christmas Eve being accused of stealing from the charity donation box and have to come together to figure out who the culprit is to clear their names, the experience has its way of bonding them in unexpected ways. For me, it was these six characters that totally owned this. Chloe is super cute with her endless love of making lists. Tyson is just your average nice guy, quick to defend and help out. Gabe is your typical punk-fun loving guy with daddy issues, Sammie is all hard walls and attitude, Micah is your adorable loving geek and Zaina is beautiful, sweet and shy.  I loved each of their voices, their personalities and their infectious chemistry. They made a bad situation bearable in that cutesy teamwork way that made the whole night entertaining and incredibly worth while.
The writing is wonderful, but sometimes it did feel on the youngish side, but it never stopped me from enjoying the escape. I really enjoyed the ending and was even shocked about who actually stole the money and even though this doesn't have a ton of romance, it was those little moments that still made my heart all warm and giddy.

Bottom line, this was a completely charming and amusing whodunit contemporary that was nothing short of adorable. With it's Breakfast Club feels, cast of witty characters and terrific writing, Top Ten Clues You're Clueless, will be sure to put a smile on your face just in time for the holiday season. So cute!

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website                                4 Snowflakes 

Friday, December 5, 2014

Review: A World Away by Nancy Grossman

A World Away by Nancy Grossman
Published: July 17, 2012
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
A summer of firsts

Sixteen-year-old Eliza Miller has never made a phone call, never tried on a pair of jeans, never sat in a darkened theater waiting for a movie to start. She’s never even talked to someone her age who isn’t Amish, like her.

A summer of good-byes

When she leaves her close-knit family to spend the summer as a nanny in suburban Chicago, a part of her can’t wait to leave behind everything she knows. She can’t imagine the secrets she will uncover, the friends she will make, the surprises and temptations of a way of life so different from her own.

A summer of impossible choice

Every minute Eliza spends with her new friend Josh feels as good as listening to music for the first time, and she wonders whether there might be a place for her in his world. But as summer wanes, she misses the people she has left behind, and the plain life she once took for granted. Eliza will have to decide for herself where she belongs. Whichever choice she makes, she knows she will lose someone she loves.
My Thoughts
Unique... Captivating... Engaging... 

Now that I was beginning to understand how to create the magic of this place, I wondered if I’d ever be able to get along without it.

Eliza Miller lives a completely different lifestyle than the normal sixteen year olds of today. In her world, there are no phones, computers, electronics of any sort, washing machines or modern day transportation. The people in her community come from what they refer to as the “Plain World” where their Amish beliefs mold the way they live and think. When Eliza decides to leave her family for her rumspringa, which is a time when Amish teenagers experience the “Fancy Word” for a period of time, Eliza can’t pack her new clothes fast enough.

Taking on a position as a nanny of two small children, Eliza begins to experience the excitement and wonders of this foreign world. She attends movies, concerts and even has the opportunity to date a “Yankee” who takes her to a homecoming and shares his love of music with her. In this new world, she also meets Beth, an aunt she never knew she had because she was shunned for choosing the modern world. During this time of discovery, Eliza not only falls in love with so many aspects of this new life, but also misses the close-knit community she left behind.

There wasn’t a trace of the girl who, only a week ago, had never gone out of the house without a bonnet, who had never stepped into a pair of trousers, who had never fastened an article of clothing with a button. The girl who stared back at me from the mirror was anything but plain.

As she struggles to decide whether to stay or head back home, she know the possibility of either life has its benefits and downfalls.

Overall, I loved the narrative of this story. Eliza’s journey and experiences were not only captivating, but exciting as I got to see through a fresh set of eye the wonders that we take for granted every day. I enjoyed how Eliza appreciated the comforts and luxuries of our modern society, but I also marveled at the type of community the Amish have built for themselves.

A World Away was unique, extremely well written and engaging as it offered me an opportunity to read about the Amish, which was a first for me. Truly an enjoyable experience!
5 Snowflakes

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Blog Tour: Kiss of Broken Glass by Madeleine Kuderick

Today on WinterHaven Books I am joining in the amazing blog tour for Madeleine Kuberick!  I read Kiss of Broken Glass and fell in love with her writing and characters from the get go!  When I was approached by the amazing blogger Hannah over at The Irish Banana about this tour I just couldn't say no!  This blog tour is one of the funnest I have even been apart of, there is an amazing surprise giveaway from the lovely people at HarperTeen and a fun quiz to keep you on your toes!  Each blog for this week has a unique question from the book so if you haven't read it yet what are you waiting for??!!  

Here's our tour stop question:
Which two Youtube sensations get a bloody brilliant mention in the book?

Kiss of Broken GlassKiss of Broken Glass by Madeleine Kuberick
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: September 9th, 2014
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / TBD
In the next seventy-two hours, Kenna may lose everything—her friends, her freedom, and maybe even herself. One kiss of the blade was all it took to get her sent to the psych ward for seventy-two hours. There she will face her addiction to cutting, though the outcome is far from certain.

When fifteen-year-old Kenna is found cutting herself in the school bathroom, she is sent to a facility for mandatory psychiatric watch. There, Kenna meets other kids like her—her roommate, Donya, who’s there for her fifth time; the birdlike Skylar; and Jag, a boy cute enough to make her forget her problems . . . for a moment.

About the Author:
Madeleine Kuderick writes contemporary YA fiction and poetry. She is published in anthologies and magazines and has spoken at International Reading Association conferences and similar venues. Madeleine has a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and an MBA from Saint Leo University.

Giveaway Time!!
Blog Tour Schedule:
Dec. 1 - The Irish Banana Review
Dec. 2 - Paperback Princess
Dec. 3 - Winterhaven Books
Dec. 4 - The Book Addict's Guide
Dec. 5 - Alice Marvels