Princess for Hire: The Royal Treatment (Review)

Once again, thanks  to YABC I was fortunate enough to get a copy of Lindsey Leavitt's second book in her Princess for Hire series THE ROYAL TREATMENT.  I'll be picking up the first book in the series so I will be ready for the release of the third book in June.

See my review over at Kids Books Central.

YABC and Sweet Valley Twins

When I was younger, I read all the time.  In fact, when I went shopping with my mom, I was almost always guaranteed a trip to the book store which almost always meant me coming home with 1 or 2 new books of my favorite series Sweet Valley Twins.  I devoured those books like they were food.  I wanted Jessica and Elizabeth to be my friends.  I remember once when I was home sick from school I wrote my own version of the SVT story starring myself.  My girls got to pick out a new pet and they were very excited about it.  I changed the names to include myself and my best friend at the time, and I'm sure it went something like this.

Claire:  Guess what, Amanda?  Mom and Dad said we could get a new pet.  Maybe we should go to the pet store and look around and decide what we want.


Amanda:  I can't do that today.  I have a special club meeting after school.  Besides, I want a dog.


Claire:  A dog? Why would you want a dog?  I'm sure it will jump on our beds and eat our homework.  What if it runs away?  I think we should get a hamster.


Amanda:  No way.  Who has a pet hamster?


And so on...you get the idea.  I know you are shocked that this piece of literature never made its way onto bookshelves, aren't you?    And now you know why I'm a reader and not a writer.


Anyway, enough about my non-existent writing career.  My point is that when I was younger there wasn't a place (other than my book reports I had to turn in and how much fun were those???) that I could really share my love for books and reading.  Now, with the wonders of the internet I have YABC.  My good friend MG Buehrlen is the fantastic leader and asked me to be a part of the Team Reviewers!  Now, when I read an awesome YA or Children's book I have a place to write about it and tell YOU how much I loved it.  One great thing about YABC is that everyone can join and write reviews.  BONUS--when you write those reviews you get a chance to WIN BOOKS!  Isn't the internet magical?

I know when I click on someone's review at YABC  I will find an honest and fair review.  Even if the book wasn't for that particular reader they still find a way to share their thoughts in a constructive way.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you love YA and Kids books and you want a place to share your love and gushiness over those book head on over and sign up and start writing reviews.  There are some pretty rad peeps over there besides me and MG.  Make friends with Jill and Jen too because they are beyond awesome.

This community is awesome and I'm so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.

Just for you here is one more awesome SVH cover for you enjoyment.

Now, who will start buying me Sweet Valley books? I feel like I must read them all again.

Book Review: The Selection

I was so excited to receive a copy of THE SELECTION to read and review for YABC.  Click here for a link to my review.

Review: In Honor

As I was looking through a list of upcoming YA releases, I stumbled upon In Honor by Jessi Kirby.  I was nothing short of thrilled when I was able to receive a copy to review from the magic that is YABC.  Thank you!!!!

Right away this book pulls you in. The first scene is Honor sitting at the funeral of her brother, Finn, who had been killed while serving in Iraq.  I could hear the stillness in the air, except for the gun shots of the salute and the playing of Taps.  If you've ever been to a military funeral, you know how powerful that moment is.  

Finn has been Honor's source of everything since her parents died many years before.  When he enlisted in the Marines instead of heading off to college, Honor was distraught.  And when the soldier arrived at the door to her Aunt's house to tell her what happened to her brother, she wasn't sure how she would go on.

After the funeral, Honor opens a handwritten letter from her brother, that arrived three days after he was killed.   Something in the letter makes honor decide that she has to fulfill her brother's wishes, so instead of heading off to her college orientation, she heads to California.  *cue Rusty*

To read my official YABC review, click here.

Have You Read This?

Anna and the French Kiss has been out for a while but I don't want you to forget about it.  Have you read it?  If not, I really encourage you to.  I loved this so much--beginning to end, I could not put it down. Check out my review at YABC.

Picture Book: Virginia Wolf

Thanks to YABC I was able to read and review Virginia Wolf.  It is one of my favorite picture books of the year.  The illustrations are simply to die for.  Read my review here. 

Spell Bound

I finally got a chance to finish Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins.  It's been willing me to read it since I bought it.  Fine, Spell Bound...you win. ;) If you like paranormal but not too paranormally (is that a word?) then the HEX HALL series is for you.  I posted a review at YABC if you are interested.  This series is a lot of fun--and it's just downright funny.

I'm sure that Rachel Hawkins will continue to delight us with her writing for many, many years to come!  I can't wait to see what is next.