Review and Giveaway: You Against Me by Jenny Downham

You Against Me by Jenny Downham

Publisher-David Fickling 
Release date-Dec 2nd 2010
Purchase-Amazon / B & N

If someone hurts your sister and you're any kind of man, you seek revenge, right? If your brother's been accused of a terrible crime and you're the main witness, then you banish all doubt and defend him. Isn't that what families do? When Mikey's sister claims a boy assaulted her at a party, his world of work and girls begins to fall apart. When Ellie's brother is charged with the crime, but says he didn't do it, her world of revision, exams and fitting in at a new school begins to unravel. When Mikey and Ellie meet, two worlds collide. Brave and unflinching, this is a novel of extraordinary skillfulness and almost unbearable tension. It's a book about loyalty and the choices that come with it. But above all it's a book about love - for one's family and for another.

My Thoughts
This issue alone would usually have me steer clear of a book like this. I'm a paranormal junkie and the occasional contemporary romance YA reader, but when it comes to serious issues I tend to stay away...I guess I like reading escape more then reality, but once in awhile a book comes along and you read the reviews and my curiosity seems to get the better of me. You Against Me is one of those books and I'm so glad I took the chance on this one since I would have missed out on a really great read.

You Against Me is a story of pure complications. It's about a girl named Karyn who went to a party and is a victim of rape. Her brother Mikey, the has-to-be-responsible one in the family wants revenge on Tom, the one who did this to Karyn. But somewhere along the way Mikey falls for Tom's sister, Ellie. Someone who knows what actually happened... 
That's a pretty messy situation huh? 

Jenny Downham did an amazing job of tackling this kind of issue. It's true that a lot of the time rape is a very hard to prove and there is a lot of he said/she said with dangling doubts in the background. But there is more to this story. We get to see what it's like for the other people involved, the families and how it effects their lives and the choices they make. It's about loyalty and right and wrong no matter how much you hate it. But it's also a story about finding love where you least expect it. 

I didn't think a romance would be something that would fit in a story like this. It's so unlikely that the brother of the victim and the sister of the assaulter would come together like they did, but you know, it worked. I really enjoyed Mikey and Ellie. They are both going through their own personal hell, and yet, they don't want the other going through this pain, but by all rights, should want exactly that. They understand one another and no matter how problematic their relationship or involvement may seem, it makes more sense for them to be together then apart. It's not something easily conveyed, but Downham did a very convincing job by combining an intricate issue with heartfelt hope. 

Overall, I was very impress with this book. We don't get all the answers in the end, but in a way I'm glad. I don't really know how I'd feel one way or the other regarding Tom but I think everything will be alright for the rest of the characters and that's good enough for me.

Thought provoking, intriguing and tugs at the heart. 
Highly recommended!    

Find the author:
Goodreads                          

                                                                   4 Snowflakes 

Book Give-away!

We're offering one lucky follower a copy of this book. Just fill out the rafflecopter and good luck!

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Save the Date!!

Mark your calenders, date books, iThingies because one year from today the City of Bones movie will be released on the big screen!  All of us here at WinterHaven have been huge fans of Jace forever, and we can't wait to see Cassandra Clare's first book of The Mortal Instruments series in the movies.

So pull out your sharpies and mark August 23, 2013 for this exciting event!!

Book Give-away: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

The reviews are starting to come in for this book and it's definitely making a splash with fans of YA Fantasy. WinterHaven Books was able to obtain an extra copy, and we'd like to share that with one lucky follower.  So check out the blurb and YouTube book trailer! If you think it's an adventure you could get lost in, be sure to enter the give-away below. Good luck!

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Publisher: Random House
Release Date: July 10, 2012

Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

In her exquisitely written fantasy debut, Rachel Hartman creates a rich, complex, and utterly original world. Seraphina's tortuous journey to self-acceptance is one readers will remember long after they've turned the final page.

Check out this YouTube Book Trailer on Seraphina to learn more about the book.

Good luck!

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Review: The Blood Keeper by Tessa Gratton

The Blood Keeper by Tessa Gratton
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Release Date:August 28, 2012
Preorder: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Paranormal romance fans who are looking to up the ante will be drawn to this tale of horror, fantasy, and romance. For Mab Prowd, the practice of blood magic is as natural as breathing. It's all she's ever known. Growing up on an isolated farm in Kansas with other practitioners may have kept her from making friends her own age, but it has also given her a sense of purpose—she's connected to the land and protective of the magic. And she is able to practice it proudly and happily out in the open with only the crows as her companions. Mab will do anything to keep the ancient practice alive and guard its secrets. But one morning while she is working out a particularly tricky spell she encounters Will, a local boy who is trying to exorcise some mundane personal demons. He experiences Mab's magic in a way his mind cannot comprehend and is all too happy to end their chance meeting. But secrets that were kept from Mab by the earlier generations of blood magicians have come home to roost. And she and Will are drawn back together, time again by this dangerous force looking to break free from the earth and reclaim its own dark power

My thoughts:

BEST.BOOK.EVER!  I am not kidding or exaggerating one bit either.  Most books I usually say that I loved them but I wish this was different or this annoyed me, but this one is PERFECT.  There is not one single thing I would want changed, slowed down, altered, or deleted.  The Blood Keeper is pure perfection!

In this one we have Mab who is now the Deacon. She protects her land and helps others like herself in need with her magic.  Mab is very curious by nature which makes her an awesome at what she does.  When her curiosity drags her to find out why Author, her old mentor, wanted her to get rid of the rose bushes in their yard she unknowingly opens up a whole can of worms that changes her life forever.  Will, having lost his brother only a few months ago, is just trying to figure out what he wants to do. Every man in his family has joined the service and he isn't so sure that is the path that he wants to take anymore.  Also added to that he is having nightmares about being dragged underwater and all kinds of non pleasant things.  Thinking gt has something to do with the day he saved one of his friends lives, he goes back to where it all happened.  There is where he meets Mab for the first time and their introduction is nothing short of hilarious and terrifying.   This story is filled with action, adventure, romance, passion, magic, and I can't forget blood.  I loved how the author chose to describe the magic in this book and show how Mab balanced everything out. Even the simple connection between Mab and Will was described and explained so perfectly.  Their romance was beautiful.  There was nothing forced and yes they had an instant connection but there is a really good reason why that I can't explain but just trust me it definitely works.  Their romance is my top favorite one of all time. Yes I know that is a huge statement and I mean every word.

Mab proves to be one of the toughest characters I have ever read about.  She does what needs to be done and doesn't make excuses or whine about it.  I was so shocked at her decision at the end and I know that the author never takes the easy way out so I was on pins and needles at the end.  I actually was on pins and needles throughout but that ending was killer!  Also I have to say that I loved that even though Mab was the outcast girl she didn't get treated like a weirdo.  The girls at Will's school didn't make fun of her, they didn't break out in a song and dance about being besties forever upon their first introduction, they welcomed her nicely and opened up the idea of being friends.  That is reality. Most new girls don't have besties within the first day and they don't all get teased by the head cheerleader. I loved that the author added that part.  Will was the perfect balance to Mab.  They complimented each other nicely and like I said above I loved their romance.  Will was just your typical guy, he loves his dogs, plays soccer, and is just trying to keep his life together.  Mab proves to be the glue he needs and in my eyes they are the perfect couple.  Don't think for a second that this  book is all romance, there is an enormous storyline here that is told in two different times alternating chapters.  The story was just as captivating as the romance and even more so at times.

If you have read my previous review of the first book you already know that I am a huge fan of this world that Tessa Gratton has created.  There is just something about it that is intriguing and just captivates me. It is so different from any other magic book I have read.  I don't think there is another book planned set in this world but if there ever is one I will definitely be that crazy girl waiting at the door of my book store the day it releases.  Tessa Gratton is a brilliant author and I cannot wait to see what she comes out with next!

By the way if anyone knows where I can find Crow Memory Please let me know!

5 Snowflakes

Find the Author:

Website / Twitter / Facebook  / Goodreads 

Waiting on Wednesday, #8

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get our hands on.

Personal Effects by E. M. Kokie

Expected Publication Date: September 11, 2012
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Pre-Order: Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Ever since his brother, T.J., was killed in Iraq, Matt feels like he’s been sleepwalking through life -- failing classes, getting into fights, and avoiding his dad’s lectures about following in his brother’s footsteps. T.J.’s gone, but Matt can’t shake the feeling that if only he could get his hands on his brother’s stuff from Iraq, he’d be able to make sense of his death. But as Matt searches for answers about T.J.’s death, he faces a shocking revelation about T.J.’s life that suggests he may not have known T.J. as well as he thought. What he learns challenges him to stand up to his father, honor his brother’s memory, and take charge of his own life. With compassion, humor, and a compelling narrative voice, E. M. Kokie explores grief, social mores, and self-discovery in a provocative first novel.

After his older brother dies in Iraq, Matt makes a discovery that rocks his beliefs about strength, bravery, and honor in this page-turning debut.

One thing I really love about being surrounded by a great group of avid readers is that (1) you’re never in need of a book recommendation, and (2) you come across books you would have never known were out there by shamelessly stalking your book flist. I discovered Personal Effects by E. M. Kokie through Joy from Joyousreads. Her review caught my attention pretty hard and all she used was one powerful word… LOVE. After reading the overview, checking out some of the preliminary reviews and buzz, as well as some small chat with Joy, I can’t wait to read this book. I mean, check out the praise this book is getting:

Preliminary Buzz from Amazon

PERSONAL EFFECTS is one of the best novels I've read in a long time—it's complex, moving, and beautifully written. I want everyone I love to read this book.
—Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award Finalist, Coretta Scott King Award winner, and Newbery Honor winner

With a pen dipped in adrenaline, E.M. Kokie tells a harrowing story of profound grief and powerful honesty. Read it immediately.
—Ellen Wittlinger, author of the Michael L. Printz Honor winner Hard Love

PERSONAL EFFECTS is a courageous book about the anger and pain of loss. But most of all, it is about different kinds of love.
—Francisco X. Stork, author of Marcelo in the Real World and The Last Summer of the Death Warriors

Timely, passionate, and political, PERSONAL EFFECTS is a story that needs to be told. Heartbreaking and heart-opening at the same time.
—James Howe, author of The Misfits and Totally Joe

The devastating power of secrets and grief are perfectly captured in Matt's journey to finding the truth about his brother—and ultimately, himself.
—Jo Knowles, author of Jumping Off Swings and See You at Harry’s

PERSONAL EFFECTS is a smart, rugged, hugely insightful book that elevates an already soaring genre. E.M. Kokie glides along that fine line between comedy and tragedy to tell a sensational story.
—Chris Crutcher, a Margaret A. Edwards Award-winning author

Definitely caught my attention!

So, what book are you waiting on?