Of Pigs, Pearls & Prodigals by John Bytheway

 To me, the parables are compelling because they are puzzling. They force us to think, compare, contrast, and ponder. And in the process of our pondering, the Lord inspires our hearts and teaches us the things we must do in our own lives--John Bytheway

This is a great book to go along with the New Testament study. Your whole family will learn something from each parable as John Bytheway breaks them down and teaches from different angles like historical etc.

Rating: Family



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Page 69 test:
Chapter 11
The Parable of the Two sons
Matthew 21: 28-31
Who: "Chief priests and the elders of the people" (v. 23)
Where: "When he was come into the temple" (v. 23)
Why: The chief priests and the elders appeared to be very religious but they did not accept the authority of John the Baptist. Jesus thought this parable to affirm the authority and testimony of John the Baptist and to rebuke those who would not accept John's authority.

Matthew 21:28-31
But what think ye? A certain man had two sons and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you."

The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card

Dan North knows from early childhood that his family is different — and that the differences are secrets that can never be told.  This contemporary Urban Fantasy introduces the North family, a clan of mages in exile in our world, and their enemies who will do anything to keep them locked here.

This book is nothing like the other Card books I've read so far. Maybe because it's an adult book and the ones I've read are young adult. 
The Lost Gate felt like a filler novel and I skimmed a lot. I kept waiting for the story to begin. It seemed that the author wanted to build the world and the main character first then sprinkle the story throughout.
I did enjoy the storyline of the "gods" that walk amongst the drowthers (mortals). Card is excellent at creating believable worlds and magic. My favorite story was of Wad, who lived in a medieval castle and could slip in and out of locked rooms with no one knowing.
I won't finish this series.


Rating: Adult (max)
V: Fighting, nibbling off a thumb, 
L: Yes
S: references to sex, woman wanted to rape boy,


Page 69 test:
"...to do any kind of work, even if it were legal for people to hire a thirteen-year-old.
Clothes first. He ran into the first problem as he was coming into the store. An old man was greeting people at the north entrance. He took one look at Danny, pointed at his feet, and said, "Shoes."
"I'm not wearing any," said Danny.
"No shirt, no shoes, no service."
"But I have a shit on," said Danny.
"No shirt or no shoes, no service."
Danny stood there flummoxed, and nearly turned around to go back out. Then he saw a mother carrying a two-year-old who was wearing flip-flops on her feet.
"What about flip-flops?"
"Flip-flops count as shoes," said the old man. "Except that you're not wearing flip-flops."
"Because my little brother stole them. You saw him com in, didn't you? He was running and carrying my flip-flops. Do I have to wait out in the cold because my brother stole my flip-flops?"
"I didn't see anybody like that," said the old man.
"Come one," said Danny. "You aren't that old."
The man bristled, but then Danny grinned. "Come on, let me find my brother, then I'll have my flip-flops, he'll have an Indian burn on his arm, and everybody's happy."
"Except your brother," said the old man, a little bit amused now.
"Oh, he'll tell you, stealing my flip-flops and almost getting me kicked out of hte store was worth it."
"You're completely full of b.s.," said hte old man. "Just don't tell anybody you came in through this door."
Danny knew what he needed to get, and without anything on his feet, he knew he had to get it fast and get out. But he couldn't help wandering around Wal-Mat for a while just looking at things. the whole place was a fantasy of Christmas. Everything had holly or Santa faces or elves on it; everything was red and green.Christmas lights, phony-looking plastic trees, pre-stuffed..."

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Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

Sydelle Mirabil is living proof that, with a single drop of rain, a life can be changed forever. Tucked away in the farthest reaches of the kingdom, her dusty village has suffered under the weight of a strangely persistent drought. That is, of course, until a wizard wanders into town and brings the rain with him.

In return for this gift, Wayland North is offered any reward he desires—and no one is more surprised than Sydelle when, without any explanation, he chooses her. Taken from her home, Sydelle hardly needs encouragement to find reasons to dislike North. He drinks too much and bathes too little, and if that isn’t enough to drive her to madness, North rarely even uses the magic he takes such pride in possessing. Yet, it’s not long before she realizes there’s something strange about the wizard, who is as fiercely protective of her as he is secretive about a curse that turns his limbs a sinister shade of black and leaves him breathless with agony. Unfortunately, there is never a chance for her to seek answers.

Along with the strangely powerful quakes and storms that trace their path across the kingdom, other wizards begin to take an inexplicable interest in her as well, resulting in a series of deadly duels. Against a backdrop of war and uncertainty, Sydelle is faced with the growing awareness that these events aren’t as random as she had believed—that no curse, not even that of Wayland North, is quite as terrible as the one she herself may carry.

Intriguing story with an interesting magic system, political intrigue and romance.
 I read this book a few weeks ago and don't remember a lot of it. That's not a good sign, is it? While I remember Syd's barren home, Wayland North and the queen, I don't remember a lot of details.Wait. I remember thinking the boy and girl fell in love too quickly. Hmm...

Rating: PG
V: Fights, magic
L: None
S: None


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Page 69 test:
"...say the least, and left to create their own communities where they taught themselves and one another. those women and their descendants never came back to proper wizarding society."
"What are the hedge communities like?" I asked.
"Tightly knit, highly secretive," he said. "Thought I've never seen one myself. I've only come across one male wizard who grew up within a hedge community, and he wasn't forthcoming with details."
"Who?" I asked.
"Who do you think?"
I stared at him. "Dorwan...?"
North nodded. "Explains quite a bit, doesn't it?"
"How do you know so much about him?" I asked. "He doesn't seem the type to share."
"I met him when we were both still young," he said. "Look, Syd, it's not something I'm proud of. I'd rather not talk about it."
"Did you train with him?" I asked. "Did he have the same magister?"
"No," he said. "When I was with my magister, Oliver was the only other student he had."
"Who in the world is Oliver?"
North gave me an exasperated look.
"He's the current second-in-command of the Wizard Guard, ranked number two just behind the Sorceress Imperial, who is ceremoniously ranked number one. He..."

Luck of the Draw by Rachael Renee Anderson

When Brighton's roommates bet him that he can't get three girls to go out with him at the same time, he has no doubt that he's up to the challenge. Besides, the prospect of an entire month of free laundry is just too enticing to resist. Of course, that's before he meets Dani--a girl who's never had a problem turning down a not-so-perfect guy. Soon Brighton realizes that winning the bet might mean losing what really matters most. This fast-paced modern romance is told with wit, sweetness, and a healthy dose of fun. It's a sure bet that Luck of the Draw will keep you laughing to the very last page.

Cute story!  Fun, quick read with lots of humor. Great LDS romance. I liked Dani because she is strong and believes in herself. There is irony in the story too but I can't say much about it here or it will spoil the surprises.
This book was a finalist for the Whitney Awards.

Rating: PG
V: None
L:None
S:None

Page 69 test:
"...would arrange to meet with a few orthopedic surgeons and find out what life was like for them and what it would be like for him. He prayed he would like their answers.
Brighton rubbed his dry, scratchy eyes in an attempt to being them some relief. Why was he even worrying about the future? He still had four years of medical school and five years of residency. Nearly a decade. No decisions needed ot be made about hte type of practice he would join or the hours he would work.
Instead, he should be overjoyed because he had not only won the bet, but come Monday, he could return to Rexburg free and clear from women, dating, and laundry. And he could forget all about Dani Carlson.
If only.
How could a girl be so aggravating and yet so likable at the same time? She'd gotten to him somehow, like pistachio flavored ice cream. One taste was all it took.
She had barged into his head, made herself at home, and signed a long-term lease. If only Katherine or Sandy had never happened.
Now he was caught in a horrible catch-22 with no idea how to extricate himself. If he wanted to keep seeing Dani, he had to tell her the truth--and then be prepared for her to hate him for all eternity. Either way, he lost. Because of a silly bet, he would lose Dani, and yet he would never have met her otherwise. How he hated the irony.
He snatched a black silky pillow from his bed and threw it hard against the wall.
*
Dani felt anxious, like a caged raccoon waiting to strike at the next finger that appeared through a hole in the wires. She needed a punching bag, she decided, to batter and pummel with her raw hands. If only Jeff and Nana would go to bed, she could escape and go for a long fun, except that it was freezing outside. she needed something, anything, to release her mounting apprehension and worry, to beat down the disgust she felt for betraying her..."

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Fablehaven: Keys to the Demon Prison by Brandon Mull

Since ancient times, the great demon prison Zzyzx has protected the world from the most dangerous servants of darkness, including Gorgrog, the Demon King. After centuries of plotting, the Sphinx is on the verge of recovering the five artifacts necessary to open the legendary prison. Facing the potential of a world-ending calamity, all friends of light must unite in a final effort to thwart the Sphinx s designs and find a safe home for the five artifacts. To this end, Kendra, Seth, and the Knights of the Dawn will venture far beyond the walls of Fablehaven to strange and exotic magical preserves across the globe, where the end of every quest becomes the beginning of another. In this explosive series finale, allegiances will be confirmed and secrets revealed as the forces of light and darkness collide in a desperate struggle to control the keys to the demon prison.

This series got better and better with each book. Keys to the Demon Prison was a great book to end on though I wanted to see more of Kendra and Bracken's relationship :)
There are a few surprise characters that I wanted to know more about.
Mr. Mull did a fantastic job with character growth. Each one had their unique voices, talents, and weaknesses. Throughout the series, a weakness could become a strength.
I enjoyed the moral choices and natural consequences too! 
This series is worth your time and great to read out loud to your family.


Rating: G
V: None
L: None
S: None



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Page 69 test:
"...the weak link who begged for a slowdown. But from the way the others were panting, she judged she was not the only person running out of gas.
It was Tanu who finally called for a walk. Nobody complained. Kendra's clothes were now damp from sweat as well as from water. They walked for several minutes before attempting another jog. They hurried back and forth between dead ends, reaching intersections now and again. Trask, Berrigan, and Elise added comments as they recognized features in the passages or positions of the intersections, always deferring to Mara.
At length, Trask called a break to eat. Kendra sat beside Seth, munching a partly squished sandwich, her back to the cool wall. She wondered how much faster they would move if they could hear their enemies coming.
"The scary thing in her," Seth said around a mouth full of food, "is that we could lose ground with a wrong turn and run right into the zombies."
"We must be ready for that, "Trask said. "Let's hope Laura managed to slow them."
"Outside the sun is about to set," Mara noted.
"Then we;ll have the wizard joining the chase," Berrigan reminded them.
"Do you think we're getting close?" Kendra asked Mara.
"where the end may lie is hard to judge just yet," she replied. "We've eliminated several routes as dead ends or pointless loops. Time will tell."
"Time is what we lace," Elise grumbled."

MATCHED by Ally Condie

This is book #1
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.
The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.


Wow! What a great way to start out a series! Ms. Condie is an amazing world builder, building through out the story but never taking the reader away. I read this book on a road trip and every time I stepped out of the car I glanced around for evidence of Cassia's world. I had to stop myself from thinking someone was watching me, ready to control my decisions. I wanted to pull out a book of poems to make sure there more than a hundred inside. Or twist the radio dial to prove that more than one hundred songs were on it. The government felt there was too much clutter so they sanitized everything. A committee choose one hundred songs, books, poems, etc. Drove me crazy! Also, every member of Society is given there own special meals, with just the right nutrients and vitamins. They are told when to go to work, school, have free time and what it will be and when to die. Annoying! My blood is starting to roil so I'd better stop there. I think you get the idea.
Excellent world building.
I guessed what was happening with Ky and Cassia's relationship but that still didn't detract from the story. The characters grew and stretched just enough for more in the next book.
This book is worth the read. I hope the next one it too. And it was a totally clean read! Good job ALLY!

Rating: PG
V: None
L: None
S: None

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Page 69 test:
"Chapter 7
Today is Sunday. It is Grandfather's eightieth birthday, so tonight he will die.
People used to wake up and wonder, "Will today be the end?" or lie down to sleep, not knowing if they would come back out of the dark. Now, we know which day will be the end of the light and which night will be the long, last one. The Final Banquet is a luxury. A triumph of planning, of Society, of human life and the quality of it.
All the studies show that the best age to die is eighty. It's long enough that we can have a complete life experience, but not so long that we feel useless. That's one of the worst feelings the elderly can have. In societies before ours, they could get terrible diseases, like depression, because they didn't feel needed anymore. and there is a limit to what the Society can do, too. We can't hold off all the indignities of aging much past eighty. Matching for healthier genes can only take us so far.
Things didn't used to be this fair. in the old days, not everyone died at the same age and there were all kinds of problems and uncertainty. You could die anywhere-on the..."

Captivate by Carrie Jones

Zara and her friends knew they hadn't solved the pixie problem for good. Far from it. The king's needs grow deeper every day he's stuck in captivity, while his control over his people gets weaker. It's made him vulnerable. And now there's a new king in town.

A turf war is imminent, since the new pixie king, Astley, is moving in quickly. Nick nearly killed him in the woods on day one, but Zara came to his rescue. Astley swears that he and Zara are destined to be together, that he's one of the good guys. Nick isn't buying it, though Zara isn't as sure -- despite herself, she wants to trust the new king. But it's a lot more than her relationship with Nick that is at stake. It's her life -- and his .

I really enjoyed the first book of this series. That said, I probably won't finish the series. I have to admit, I didn't  finish Captivate. I skimmed the book and couldn't figure out why until I realized that I was tired of Nick and Zara's romance. It took up a lot of pages. I didn't feel the same intensity as the first book either.  Though the new king is interesting.


Rating: PG 14 (max)
V: Fighting
L: A few
S: Kissing, sexual intensity

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Page 69 test:
""Zara, sympathy is just a good excuse to buy greeting cards and make sorry eyes and secretly gloat over how glad you are that you aren't the person whose crap is hanging out there for the worlds to see," Betty says.

A check at the hospital reveals:

• one sprained wrist,
• a couple of minorly bruised but unbroken ribs, and
• one small neck strain that does not require a neck brace.

Gram changes into her civilian gear at the hospital, putting on a flannel shirt and L.L Bean cords, and then drives us home in her truck. I'm in the middle seat leaning against Nick.
I push my thigh against his. "Well, thank God."
"Thank God what?" he asks. His hand slowly rubs up and down the place where my shoulder meets my arm. It makes me good shiver.
"That I don't have a neck brace. It's hard to rock a neck brace, especially if we're still gong to that dance."
He leans in and kisses my nose. "If anyone could do it, you could."
I tilt my head so our lips meet.
"Hormonal ones, I am right here. Me. The old lady otherwise known as your grandmother," Betty says.
"Sorry. He's just irresistible," I say, settling back against him.
"Well, try to resist the irresistible," Betty says knowingly as the as the truck bumps over a pothole. "Sorry! Didn't mean to jostle you."
"Wait," Nick says. What did that mean?"
"She said to resist the irresistible," I explain.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.
As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?

Interesting story. Like a few out in book-dom. Girl meets cute guy. Girl falls for cute guy. Cute guy has hot girlfriend. Cute guy likes girl. Girl can't believe cute guy likes her because she's not cute. Best friend also likes cute guy too. Missed cues, misunderstood words, hurt feelings. Um. That sorta sums up this book for me. One part of the story I did like was the main character didn't want to sleep with the cute guy because she was waiting for the right person.


Rating: PG 13 (Maxi)
V: No
L: Yes. *F* words in one chapter; potty language and humor
S: Sexually tense moments

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Page 69 test:
"Tonight."
"Right." I pause. "And Ellie?"
He falls back, and now he's lying down on my bed. "Our plans fell through." He says this with a vague wave of his hand, in a way that keeps me from inquiring further.
I gesture at my pajama bottoms. "I'm not exactly dressed for it."
"Come on, Anna. Do we honestly have to go through this again?"
I give him a doubtful look, and the unicorn pillow flies at my head. I slam it back, and he grins, slides off the bed, and smacks me full force. I grab for it but miss, and he hits me again twice before letting me catch it. St. Clair doubles over in laughter, and I whack him on the back. He tries to reclaim it, but I hold on and we wrestle back and forth until he lots go. The force throws me onto the bed, dizzy and sweaty.
St. Clair flops down beside me, breathing heavily. He's lying so close that his hair tickles the side of my face. Our arms are almost touching. Almost. I try to exhale, but I no longer know how to breathe. And then I remember I'm not wearing a bra.
And now I'm paranoid.
"Okay." He's panting. "Here's the"--pant pant--"plan."
I don't want to feel this way around him. I want things to be normal. I want to be his friend, not another stupid girl holding out for something that will never happen. I force myself up. My hair has gone all crazy and staticky from the pillow fight, so I grab an elastic band off my dresser to pull it back."

Cold As Ice by Stephanie Black

After five patient years, Abigail Wyatt's sisterly care is finally paying off: her younger brother, Derek, is abandoning his self-destructive lifestyle and seeking his parents' forgiveness, thus ending the painful estrangement that wounded the whole family. But just as the pieces are falling into place for the prodigal's return, a woman named Karen Brodie is murdered in a local park, and police name Derek as the prime suspect. Rather than standing firm and cemeting the positive changes in his life, Derek succumbs to his cynical fears and runs from the law, leaving Abigail with her hands tied. Literally. Derek's raw panic convinces everyone that he's the killer, everyone except Abigail, who doggedly maintains her brother's innocence. With the help of Kyle, a charismatic new friend she might be falling for, Abigail digs deep into Karen Brodie's troubled past in hopes of clearing Derek's name. But as she uncovers a sinister plot of greed, envy, and vengeance, this loyal sister must face the painful truth that things, and people, are not always as they seem.

Stephanie Black is awesome. She does a great job of building suspense and characters. I was almost sure who the bad guy was then Stephanie added a little twist and threw me off course.

Rating: PG
V: Tense moments
L: No
S: No

Page 69 test:
Chapter 8
"Hey, Abigail. There's a guy here who wants to see you."
Abigail looked up from the purchase order displayed on her computer scree. "Tell him unless he's six-foot-four, has biceps to die for, and is heir to the throne, I'm not interested."
Melissa Barry laughed, eyes sparkling behind retro cat0eye glasses. "His arms are pretty big. It taht enough? He says he has an important business deal going with you."
"A business deal?"
"Says he's an artist."
Wonderful. Chase McCoy. She might as well deal with him now. "Fine, send him on back."
Melissa disappeared. A moment later, Chase strode through the open door of the office. "Good to see you, Abby."
Abigail concealed her irritation. The nickname seemed over familiar coming from a man who barely knew her. "Hello, Chase."
Chase shrugged out of his coat. he was dressed in a striped Oxford shirt and Dockers. He looked--Abigail hoped--like he was on his lunch hour and was due back a the office very soon. "Nice store," he said. "Has that country-ish, hometown appeal."
"Thank you."
Chase settled in the chair facing her desk. "So have you had a chance to look at my paintings?"
"Yes." She stood and took the binder from where she'd stowed it on the top of the filing cabinet. "Your work is very unique, and I appreciate your thinking of our store. But as I said,I don't usually take things on consignment, and--"
"You can make an exception. You're the boss lady, right?"

The Trouble with Half a Moon by Danette Vigilante

Ever since her brother's death, Dellie's life has been quiet and sad. Her mother cries all the time and Dellie lives with the horrible guilt that the accident that killed her brother may have been all her fault.
But Dellie's world begins to change when new neighbors move into her housing project building. Suddenly men are fighting on the stoop and gunfire is soundEver since her brother's death, Dellie's life has been quiet and sad. Her mother cries all the time and Dellie lives with the horrible guilt that the accident that killed her brother may have been all her fault.
But Dellie's world begins to change when new neighbors move into her housing project building. Suddenly men are fighting on the stoop and gunfire is sounding off in the night. In the middle of all that trouble is Corey, an abused five-year-old boy, who's often left home alone and hungry. Dellie strikes up a dangerous friendship with this little boy who reminds her so much of her brother. She wonders if she can do for Corey what she couldn't do for her brother—save him.
Starkly and affectingly written, The Trouble with Half a Moon is a sparkling and memorable debut.





Intriguing story of how a grieving family, a neglected little boy and a neighbor help each other through the hard spots in each of their lives. 
Dellie is a young girl who lost her brother and feels like it's her fault. 
Her mother fears she'll lose Dellie too and doesn't allow her out of her sight or her dad's.
Dellie's dad is grieving too but he is dealing with it better.
The family is stuck until they take in and care for a young boy. Dellie is determined to take care of him better than her brother.
Heart-warming story!



Rating: PG
L: None
S: None
V: child abuse--child being hit by mother
Page 69 test:
"...and-white photo of two young girls, as though I had asked about them.
One of hte girls is arond thirteen and the other is younger, maybe seven The older girl is wearing a hat with long feathers sticking straight up. Bracelets travel all the way up her arm and her dress is long and puffy. I bet that one is Miss Shirley. the smaller girl is waering a plain dress with a bow around her waist and one in her hair.
The little girl in the picture is grinning ike she's trying to hold her laughter in. Almost like the person taking the picture was making a funny face or telling a joke. The older girl's smile is bold and wide. She's not trying to hide anyting.
"The one on the right is my only sister, Aggie. She was the youngest," Miss Shirley says. "God rest her soul. I miss her more than anyting." She sighs. "And theother is me. We used to have such a good time together, me and Aggie. We were best friends."
"You sister was pretty. I, uh, mean is pretty." I confuse myself. I guess she's dead, but I don't want it to sound like she isn't pretty anymore.
Miss Shirley laughs. "Yes, she was very pretty. She pints to another frame. The woman in it is nt ugly or pretty, just really old. "And this is my mother."
I look at the other pictures on the table. They're all old. I don't see any rosary beads or candles like in my house.
"This is all I have left of my people," Miss Shirley..."

Breaking Night by Liz Murray

In the vein of The Glass Castle, Breaking Night is the stunning memoir of a young woman who at age fifteen was living on the streets, and who eventually made it into Harvard. Liz Murray was born to loving but drug-addicted parents in the Bronx. In school she was taunted for her dirty clothing and lice-infested hair, eventually skipping so many classes that she was put into a girls' home. At age fifteen, Liz found herself on the streets when her family finally unraveled. She learned to scrape by, foraging for food and riding subways all night to have a warm place to sleep.
When Liz's mother died of AIDS, she decided to take control of her own destiny and go back to high school, often completing her assignments in the hallways and subway stations where she slept. Liz squeezed four years of high school into two, while homeless; won a New York Times scholarship; and made it into the Ivy League. Breaking Night is an unforgettable and beautifully written story of one young woman's indomitable spirit to survive and prevail, against all odds.
Praise for Breaking Night
"As much as it is a memoir, Breaking Night is a primer on how poverty and drug abuse create a heartbreaking underclass of children, one that goes largely unnoticed. By the truly uplifting ending, Liz Murray has shown us the worst, and the very best, of America."
--Haven Kimmel, author of A Girl Named Zippy and She Got Up Off the Couch

Amazing, moving story. After reading Lizzy's story I realize have nothing holding me back. If a girl can go from homeless to Harvard I can accomplish great things too. 
At times, the story was so emotional it was hard for me to read, even uncomfortable. I wish I could help all the youth who have potential and end up on the streets. How do we fix an overloaded system and help families? How do we teach our youth that education can save them?



Rating: PG19 for drugs, sex, hard situations
S: Yes, not graphic
L: Yes, sprinkled through out
V: Yes, druggies, dealers, etc

Page 69 test:
I couldn't post this page in good conscious for me. This page had the main character tell about when she was sexually abused. It was only a paragraph and it wasn't graphic but it still made me uncomfortable. Sorry.

Magic Hands by Jennifer Laurens

Cort, the high school senior jock seems to have it all -- except a summer job. When he lands one doing women's nails, his eyes are opened to the catty, back-stabbing world of females. Girls he thought he knew and trusted turn out to shock and use him. He gets to know Rachel, an elusive girl the others gossip about, a girl with secrets. From her he learns there is more to life than weekend partying and social status, and one of the secrets she shares with him will change his life forever.


Cute, quick story about a jock who needs a job, likes an untouchable girl and tries to be cool.
He gets a job doing nails in a salon and because of his popularity he brings in more business than the little Asian women can handle.
The characters were fun. 


 Rating: PG
V: None
S: None
L: None


Page 69 test:
"...girls. About how girls cold keep his blood in a whirl that nothing could slow.
He wanted to talk to her on the phone, hear that low, bass and guitar voice of hers. He wanted tomorrow to be here. He had a long night ahead of him, an even longer day with work. Until then, the poster wouldn't be enough.
He got up, sat down in front of his computer and clicked onto favorites. From there, he was just one click away from the New York City web cam.

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

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Miri lives on a mountain where for generations her ancestors have quarried stone and lived a simple life. Then word comes that the king's priests have divined her small village the home of the future princess. In a year's time, the prince himself will come and choose his bride from among the girls of the village. The king's ministers set up an academy on the mountain, and ...Miri lives on a mountain where for generations her ancestors have quarried stone and lived a simple life. Then word comes that the king's priests have divined her small village the home of the future princess. In a year's time, the prince himself will come and choose his bride from among the girls of the village. The king's ministers set up an academy on the mountain, and every teenage girl must attend and learn how to become a princess.
Miri soon finds herself confronted with a harsh academy mistress, bitter competition among the girls, and her own conflicting desires to be chosen and win the heart of her childhood best friend. But when bandits seek out the academy to kidnap the future princess, Miri must rally the girls together and use a power unique to the mountain dwellers to save herself and her classmates.

My daughter and I read this book as part of a mother/daughter book club. We both read it before and enjoyed it the second time as well. I think we learned more this time as well. Princess Academy is worth reading again and again. I LOVED Miri, the main character, how she grew and learned and became stronger and wiser.

Rating: G
S: None
L: None
V: None

Page 69 test:
"...to warm her on her pallet at the far end of the room, and she shivered and wished for something to hope for. She closed her eyes and saw the folds of the silver dress twist and shimmer beneath her lids. Her dreams of becoming academy princess wrapped around her and eased the chill."

Goals?

I'm not sure how many reviews will go up this year because of my new reading goal.
"I will not read any series unless ALL the books are published."
My reading pile has shrunk by 75%! I can't believe how many series are being published.
Last year my goal was to read 100 books and I read 106.
This year I decided not to read so many, hence the goal.
I'm only a month into this goal and I feel myself wavering sometimes. So far I've held strong.
What do you think about my goal?
Are there new trilogy in the reading world I shouldn't wait to read?

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin

She paced the small confines of her bathroom as she waited the obligatory two minutes for the result. Yet, part of her sensed the truth. Not only did Austin take her self-esteem and plans for happiness, but he also took her get-out-of-this-marriage-free card.

The plus sign glared at Meg from the white plastic frame of the pregnancy test. The test fell from her hands and clattered into the bathtub as Meg’s back slid against the wall until she reached the floor.

“I’m pregnant,” she said into the quiet.

Meg never imagined she'd end up like this. With nowhere else to turn, she's forced to rely on the family she pushed away, the church she abandoned, and an unexpected friendship to help her find her forgotten melody. Meanwhile Matt is still mourning the loss of his wife. But determined to keep things together for his daughter's sake, he decides starting over in a new place might be just what his family needs.

This touching story combines romance with redemption and real conflict to remind you it's never too late to find joy. Kaylee Baldwin's capable hand renders a sincere, heartfelt story of rediscovery and hope. Perfect for romantics of all ages, this book will captivate your heart and rekindle your belief in the magic of music.

I received this book to review it and I'm glad I got it. Meg's Melody is a good, clean, LDS book with many themes woven throughout. Grief, repentance, forgiveness, finding yourself, love and family are a few themes I found.
Meg's marriage was a sham and she was divorced in less than a year. In the meantime, she has pushed her family and church away from her life. She feels she has to find her path alone, that her family couldn't forgive her. Then she finds out she's pregnant and her lonely, bumpy path just took a sharp turn. She has to learn to trust again, in herself mostly, as new people come into her life. Meg's family loves her and they close ranks around her, giving the support she needs.
The characters and relationships develop through the story. I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't preachy either. It was funny at times, sad, moving and fulfilling.
Good job Ms. Baldwin!


Rating: PG
L: No
S: No
V: No

Page 69 test:
"Mrs. Pierce, this food is excellent," Johnny said Her mom responded by offering him some sweet potatoes.
Johnny looked over at Meg's plate as she took the serving plate from her mom's hands. "You're not on a diet are you? If anything, you look like you could stand to gain a few pounds. I could feel every rib when I tickled you."
Meg stopped chewing her roll, all thoughts of Dr. Wilke's absentee wife gone from her mine. Johnny had to know that she was pregnant. Everyone in this town seemed to know, even though the only people that had heard ht hnews from her own mouth were Tom and Stan.
"I haven't felt well lately," she finally said.
"Do you have that flu that's been going around? You probably get sick more being at the school."
"I don't have the flu. I'll be fine soon."
"Maybe you just need to eat more. Do you wnt some of my turkey?" Johnny angled his fork toward her, and Meg held her breath and pulled away.
"That little one she's carrying must be a real picky eater," Tom offered.
"Little one?" Johnny asked.
The conversation around the table fell silent.
Everyone looked at Meg like she needed to say something, but she took another bite out of her roll. It seemed that the only good use for food these days was to get her out of contributing to uncomfortable conversations.
"You know  Meg is pregnant, right?" Tom asked.
Johnny whipped her head back toward Meg. "You're pregnant?" He looked at her flat stomach.
"I'm only about three months along, and i haven;t been feeling very well, so I'm not showing yet," she explained reluctantly,
"You always seemed so--I don't want to say prude, but--innocent in high school. How did this happen?"
"Do you really need her to explain how it happened?" Tom asked.
"No, thanks," he shot back. "I've got the logistics down."

NEED by Carrie Jones

Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now.

She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara's overactive imagination. In fact, he's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.

In this creepy, compelling breakout novel, Carrie Jones delivers romance, suspense, and a creature you never thought you'd have to fear.


I'm impressed. A good, clean YA book. 
This is Zara's story. Her step dad has just died. Her mom sends her to her gram because Zara is almost dead inside. But meeting new friends and a possible boyfriend helps Zara come alive again. And the possibility of dying by pixie kiss helps perk her up also.
Magical creatures, both good and bad, surround Zara, helping or hurting her. And she is in for a the biggest surprise of all when she figures out who she really is and what she means to a certain king.
Some of the realizations in the book are almost too easy with the foreshadowing but the story is still good. 
Zara is one of those main characters that walk or run into danger when they shouldn't and just because they are told not to. I like her thing with phobias. It was an interesting way to start each chapter.
Each character is unique and believable. I really liked Nick. He was strong and smart. Issie is funny and bouncy. I wished that she had her own magic.
The plot was basic and has been used before but that doesn't mean readers won't enjoy it.
One thing that took me out of the story? Iron railroad ties are heavy and cannot be easily carried or shoved into the ground by one human let alone two human girls.


Rating: PG 13
 S: No
V: Fights, broken arm 
L: A few Lord's name in vain and mild swear words


Page 69 test:
"My dad. It is so hard to just think of him.
I turn away from the door and sit on the couch where he used it sit, I put my face in my hands and rock back and forth a little, but I do not cry.
No more.
Betty crashes out of the kitchen, bringing the smell of burned meat with her.
"I murdered the pork chops, just fried them to death," she says.
"That's okay."
"I have Campbell's soup...chicken noodle."
"Cool."
She eyes me. "Okay. What's going on?"
"Tell me about the boy who went missing last week. What happened?"
Betty turns to glance out the windows. "It's almost dark. you should be back before dark. You don't know these roads. They're dangerous."
"I was at Issie's."
"Oh, that's good. She's a sweet girl. Jumpy. Her parents work a the bank."
"Uh-huh. Yeah...I kind of sort of went off the road a little bit. I didn't hurt the car! I swear. Nick pushed me out."
"Nick?" She wipes at her face with the moose dish towel and motions for me to follow her into the kitchen. "Nick Colt?"
I nod.
"You didn't get hurt? Were you speeding?"
"It was ice."
She takes it all in. "He's a good boy. Cute. Don't sigh at me. He is."
"Tell me about the boy. Please?"

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

Poor Calla! She's a strong, alpha female who is promised to a hot alpha male. Then she breaks the rules and saves a cute human boy. Who to choose? Calla can't seem to make up her mind in this love triangle. And why should she choose? Both guys like her, maybe even love, and whenever Calla is with one, high sexual tension, fingers trailing on skin and kissing are involved. I have to admit I skimmed a lot of these scenes. They started to read all the same to me. I got a little tired of it...
The storyline is interesting with the Guardians, Keepers and Searchers. I was quite a ways into the book before I was able to understand those titles and who they belonged to. 
The characters were well written. The best ones were Calla, Ren, and Lumine. Ren was my favorite in his development. I enjoyed watching him change from playboy to softy who wanted to give his heart to only one girl.
I thought the cover was very cool.


Rating: PG 17
S:Innuendos, tension, kissing
L: Yes, a few swear words
V: Yes, some killing, fighting

Page 69 rating:
"Ren's gaze followed mine. "Cosette, why don't you go join the others?" Sh bolted from the couch.
I frowned, suddenly aware of the cloak of darkness that covered REe and me in the solitary corner of the nightclub. "You didn't have to send her away."
"Are you afraid to be alone with me, Lily?" His voice looped over me like a rope pulling me toward him.
I tried to sound strong. "I'm not afraid of anything."
"Anything" he asked. "That's an impressive claim. Even for an alpha."
"Are you suggesting there is something you're afraid of?"
My chest tightened when Ren flinched.
"Yes, one thing." I could barely hear his murmured response.
His retreat drew me forward. "One thing?"
When he looked at me, his troubled expression faded.
"That would be my secret. I won't give it up without getting something in return."
His hand slipped over my shoulder beneath the cascade of my hair, his fingers pausing to cup the nape of my neck. He pulled me close; the strength of his arms set my blood on fire.
I twisted out of his grasp. There were Keepers everywhere. "You can keep your secrets." As much as I wanted his touch, I didn't trust him yet. I'd heard too much about his other conquests. Besides, he knew better. The alpha female was supposed to e pure at the union. And that meant no romance before the ceremony.
As if he'd read my mind, Ren's mouth slid in a wicked grin, eyes fixing on my curves. "Be honest. Can you breathe int eh thing?"
My nails dug into the sofa cushion. Watch yourself, Ren. Two can play hardball.
"So you and Sabine?"

A Time To Die by Jeffrey S. Savage

 When reporter Shandra Covington finds her best friend, Bobby Richter, close to death on Shandra’s apartment floor, she knows the bullet was meant for her. Making matters worse, Bobby’s fiancée is making sure Shandra gets nowhere near the hospital room where Bobby lies in a coma. With her apartment in shambles and possibly still dangerous, Shandra is forced to stay with her tough-as-nails Harley-riding private investigator friend. 
In an attempt to clear her mind, Shandra agrees to do a newspaper story on the death of a prominent politician’s daughter. But what she thought was a simple overdose story soon grows into something much more sinister when she finds a common thread with the recent deaths of several young women—all thought to be overdose victims. What do the clues mean? 
The only person who knows for sure is the Time Keeper—a self-proclaimed true romantic who devotedly tapes a picture of each new love to the bedside wall of his ailing sister. However, the pictures are obituaries spreading across the wall like macabre wallpaper. Time to unravel the mystery is quickly ticking away as Bobby’s life hangs by a thread—and the next “girlfriend” on the Time Keeper’s list is Shandra.

Mr. Savage's first chapter in A Time To Die was spooky and drew me right into the story. It was fun to try and figure out who the man in the first chapter was and what he was doing. 
The author has a great way of developing his characters and bringing them alive for the reader. Each character has their own way of speaking, dressing, moving and showing flaws. Even the villain is well drawn.
He places clues stealthily along the story's path and the reader has to be alert to them. I figured out the sister from the beginning but not all of her story. I didn't put all the clues together either.
The suspense and pace were fantastic too.
I must admit, I haven't any of the other books in this series. I was a little lost a few times but not enough to stop me from reading and having a hard time putting the book down.



Rating: PG 13
V: kidnapper/killer
L: None
S: None

Page 69 test:
"Lieutenant Wells blinked in surprise, his mouth dropping into a grimace. He glanced toward where the two EMTs were getting ready to life the body up onto a gurney. "I don't think that's such a good idea. The id took a pretty good breathing coming down the side of the mountain. It's not pretty."
"Just for a minute," I said, swallowing hard. I really didn't want to see Ben's body, but there was something I had to do.
Wells seemed to consider telling me no again but finally relented and sent me forward with a tilt of his chin. "We didn't let the TV cameras get inside the perimeter. So make it quick before they see you and start to complain about unfair treatment."
Ducking under the blowing police tape, I quickly crossed the icy surface and knelt by Ben's side. He was lying face down in the snow, his face turned away from me. One arm was bent above his head at an unnatural angle, and I could see where the crystal of his watch had shattered sometime during the fall.
The hood of his sweat jacket had fallen back, and his hair flapped to and fro in the stiff wind. The coppery smell of blood hung in the air and stuck in the back of my throat, but I put my hand against the side of his cool neck and leaned close.
"I'll tell them you were sorry. And for what it's worth, I think they'll forgive you."

The Silence of God by Gale Sears

From socialism to forced atheism, almost overnight -- Based on the inspiring true story of the only LDS family in 1917 revolutionary Russia.

The Silence of God follows Johan and Alma Lindlof and their eight children as they witness the glitz and glamour of Imperial Russia quickly dissolve into mass rebellion. The chaos ultimately divided their family and tested their faith, as some of the Lindlof children were sent to Siberian work camps.

As they face an uncertain future of danger and despair under the Bolshevik regime, life for the wealthy Lindlof family is changed forever by an idealogy that forces equality and demands the silence of God.

This well-researched novel by author Gale Sears – a powerful new voice in LDS historical fiction – offers a rare glimpse into a fascinating period of history, including the rise of socialism and the origins of the LDS Church in Russia.

As the only LDS family living in Russia at the time, the Lindlofs witnessed Elder Francis M. Lyman of the LDS Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicate the land for the preaching of the gospel on Aug. 6, 1903. His scribe was the only other person there. Now, on Aug. 29, 2010, the Kyiv Ukraine Temple will be dedicated, the first temple in a former Soviet bloc country – just a few miles from the very spot where LDS was first introduced in Russia.

If you like LDS Historical Fiction, you'll like this book from Gale Sears. I'm glad I read this book. I haven't heard much LDS history come out of Russia especially during WWI. Gale Sears writes a moving story about a horrible and suppressive time in Russian history. LDS gospel and Russian history mingle to bring a rich story of love, sacrifice and the Savior.
The story loosely follows the Lindlof family, who were the first LDS Russians. The author does a good job of drawing the reader into loving and siding with certain characters. Their triumphs and tragedies weigh with the readers also. And I always wonder when I read a story with human sufferings, how can we treat each other so poorly? It hurts my heart. I was grateful that Ms. Sears put many good people to help soften the ugliness of war and the pain that comes from it.

Rating: PG
V: war
L: None
S: None


Page 69 test:
"When he looked up, three pairs of eyes were staring at him. The peasant woman stood just inside the doorway, her fingers pressed against her lips-slowly she made the sign of the cross. Andre Andreyevitch's brow was furrowed, and he leaned forward as if to study Arel more closely. The priest drew his hand away from the bandage on Bruno's shoulder.
"I have never heard a prayer such as that,' he said reverently. "Are you a minister?"
Arel shook his head. "No, Father. All the worthy men of our faith hold the priesthood."
The priest looked bewildered. "All the men? I have never heard of such a church."
"I would imagine not," came Bruno's whispered reply.
Arel looked down quickly into the eyes of his brother, and smiled. "You are alive then."
"I am."
The others in the room drew close.
The peasant woman reached out to touch Arel's arm. "You have healing power, young master."
"No," Arel replied kindly. "God has healing power."
The woman bobbed her head and smiled a toothy smile. "I will bring soup." She turned quickly and waddled from the room.
The priest untied the bandage and carefully lifted the cloth from the wound. "The bleeding has slowed," he said quietly. He looked into Bruno's face. "I think you will be fine now."
Bruno smiled weakly. "Thank you, Father."
"Yes, Father, thank you. You have great skill," Arel said.
"Skill? Ah, perhaps...yes. I suppose that is something."  He looked deeply Arel's eyes. "If I could, I would ask about your faith."
Arel nodded. "If there was time, I would tell you."
The priest handed Andre Andreyevitch extra bandages and the bottle of vodka. He gave the man a stern look. "Not for drinking. Only for cleaning the wound."
"Of course," Andre said indignantly. "What do you take me for?"
"A Russian," the priest answered. "I will make sure the village keeps you safe and I will try to find other clothing for you to wear. Perhaps the..."

The Limit by Kristen Landon

An eighth grade girl was taken today . . . With this first sentence, readers are immediately thrust into a fast-paced thriller that doesn't let up for a moment. In a world not too far removed from our own, kids are being taken away to special workhouses if their families exceed the monthly debt limit imposed by the government. Thirteen-year-old Matt briefly wonders if he might be next, but quickly dismisses the thought. After all, his parents are financially responsible, unlike the parents of those other kids. As long as his parents remain within their limit, the government will be satisfied and leave them alone. But all it takes is one fatal visit to the store to push Matt’s family over their limit—and to change his reality forever.

Kristen Landon's The Limit brings the popular dystopian thriller genre to a middle grade audience.

Interesting look into what could be the future. And as usual, I was really frustrated with the abuse of power some leaders use.
In the future every family has a spending limit, some more than others. If the family goes over the limit, the government takes a child from the family to work off their debt in a workhouse. After the family goes below the limit the child can go home.
Except one place is using the kids to make money.
The story follows Matt as he goes from spoiled kid to becoming a leader and being more financially responsible. 
The characters were well-developed. The scenes were descriptive as well as the surroundings. The pacing is great.
The shudders I felt from too much government involvement came from Ms. Landon's great tensions and motivators for the characters. Having the government control our spending makes me *shudder*
Is this book propaganda? Good question. If this book falls into the hands of younger teens, maybe it will help them spend more wisely. Is that a bad thing??
This is perfect book for middle grades and up. The main character is thirteen years old but acts and thinks older.


Rating: G
S: None
V: Bad guys
L: None

Page 69 test:
"Boys on this side, girls on the other.' Honey Lady pointed briefly as she power-walked toward the other side of the top floor. She seemed to be in a big hurry all of a sudden. "Now, if I can just find some of our other Top Floors to drop you off with, we'll be all set." Pausing in front of a glass door with a metal bar across the middle, she turned to me, her all-business face morphing into the super-sweet, sugar-coated one. "I just know you're gong to love this room." She reached a long-nailed finger out to poke me in the shoulder-attempting playfulness, I guess. "It's a favorite with our Top Floors."

As she pushed through the door-and pulled me after her-a soft wave of warm wet air wrapped around us. No way. A swimming pool? Inside a building? On the top floor? The pool had a diving board and a big slide that curved a couple of times on the way down. A raised hot tub sat in the far corner, spilling a waterfall into the pool. This was beyond amazing. The entire ceiling and the outside wall were pure windows. Even though the sun was starting to set, the room sparkled with light. There were even girls here, wearing bathing suits! Wait until I told the guys back home about this. They'd all beg their parents to go over their limits.
"Miss Smoot. Hi, Miss Smoot!" Three girls who looked close to my age climbed out of the pool and ran over to Honey Lady.