The Hidden Sun by J Lloyd Morgan

Eliana and Rinan are in love. However, she is destined to become queen of Bariwon, obligated to marry the victor of a competition called the Shoginoc, while Rinan, her royal guardian, is forbidden to marry. Normally they could renounce their titles to be together, but these are not normal times. Abrecan, the malevolent governor of Erd, is determined to win the Shoginoc, thereby placing his easily manipulated son Daimh on Bariwon’s throne. Can Eliana and Rinan find a way to be together without jeopardizing the peace they are so desperately trying to protect? 

I must admit that when I picked up this book I had no idea what to expect.  I was in the mood for a castle, prince and princess story.  I was delighted to find out that it was exactly what I wanted - with a lot more adventure mixed in than I had anticipated.   It started out with a short history of the kingdom.  You learn to like Eliana from when she's small, along with her nursemaid and Priest Sherwyn.  You love her father and his kindness to his daughter and to his people.


Then you add the villain.  This book has a variety of villains.  They're smarter and more cunning than most villains.  Personally I love Daimh.  He's a good-looking guy that loves himself more than anything and he's not exactly a bright person.  But he speaks up when it is most needed - even if its not often enough. His dad and the magistrate Caldre however are villains that you want to see brought to justice.  You also have other villains that are bullies who enjoy using their positions to abuse others.

There are several tragic events in this book and you get hit hard with every one of them.  The book was well-written and kept you at the edge of your seat from beginning to end. It all comes to an exciting conclusion that you will have to read!

You can buy his book here: www.amazon.com
                                            
His website is here: http://www.jlloydmorgan.com/

The Dragon War Relic by Berin Stephens

I met Berin last year at an Authorpalooza and heard about his book The Dragon War Relic. When I heard it was a comedic book I was intrigued. I like fantasy, sci fi and comedy. What could be better? I then had him out to our store and got a chance to buy his book.  Since we were in Australia for several months- and had to leave my books behind - I didn't have a chance to read the book until recently. It was worth the wait. I loved it!!  Here is the synopsis:

A mysterious explosion, a gold ring, and the fate of the Earth and the universe . . . For Jared Mills, summer has never been more exciting! When Jared receives an odd-looking ring from a complete stranger, he never imagines it will lead to aliens, spaceships, lasers, and dragons! With the ring comes great responsibility, and Jared discovers that he is Earth s representative to the entire galaxy. Suddenly, he finds himself in a fast-paced adventure where he must discover the cause of a mysterious explosion and the truth about his predecessor s death. Along the way, Jared joins up with a strange collection of allies: his childhood friend, an Ogre, an Angel, and three short Star Trek loving Elves. What they uncover changes everything even the course of Earth s destiny! Science fiction slams into fantasy, creating a humorous and action-filled story. The Dragon War Relic will keep you laughing to the very last page. 

I loved the characters in this book.  Each had their purpose and they did it well. Jared was a good awkward guy who didn't want to be pushed into the spotlight but did a great job when he was there.  Doug was just plain awesome with all the ways he could use the word "dude" in a conversation.  Gar is a loveable ogre that takes good care of Jared. Kayla is the angel that every guy wants. The elves were just plain hilarious. They could get into trouble and save the day all in the same hour.

I like that you hear about the different worlds in the galaxy but you also get to see a few of the different planets throughout the book. And the fact that there is a moonbase where you can only travel to and from earth when the moon is out is just plain cool.

The plot is great because of the many twists and turns. When you think you know what's going to happen, out pops another surprise.  I didn't expect the book to end how it did but I was pleased with the outcome.  I hope that there are more books to this series because I would like to enter the world again!  The one question I would like to ask is, did Doug really ever get abducted???

You can purchase this book at:  www.amazon.com
                                                www.barnesandnoble.com
                                                www.cedarfort.com

His website is here: berinstephens.com

Samara by Andrea Pearson

I got the opportunity to read this novella by Andrea. Its a cute story.  As I'm a total romantic, it was perfect for me!

First the synopsis:
When Samara Oldroyd meets the most amazing guy ever, she's frustrated their conversation is cut short. Her wishes that they'll run into each other again come true when she meets her sister's new boyfriend. It's him! Eeek!
Inspired by the film Dan in Real Life, this novella will tickle you pink as Samara tries—in vain—to undo her crush.

I enjoyed this story.  It was fun to see how Samara interacted with her family. You can feel the growing annoyance in the car as the trip drags on to their destination. It brings back many memories of those long car trips!

Then she meets Matt who is every girl's dream and every Mom's dream for her daughter. But of course there's the problem of him already dating her sister.  Her act of trying to stop having a crush on him is hilarious. Because the second you try to stop thinking about something or someone,  you end up thinking about them more. I love that she is comfortable enough with Matt to tell him - and I enjoyed his reaction.

This is a fun romance story for all readers.  I can't wait to read more of Andrea's books and novellas!

You can purchase this story online at:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords

Watched by Cindy M. Hogan

I've mentioned before (I think) that I'm one to judge a book by its cover.  The cover of this book itself caught my attention; but then I read the back of the book and got even more hooked. I NEEDED to read this book.  Here is the synopsis:

It takes more than a school trip to Washington, D.C. to change fifteen-year-old Christy's life. it takes murder. A witness to the brutal slaying of a Senator's aide, Christy finds herself watched not only by the killers and the FBI but also by two hot boys. She discovers that if she can't help the FBI, who want to protect her, it will cost her and her new friends their lives. 

Christy was a very likeable character. I think most teens can relate to her in a way. She feels like she's not good enough and just wants to be like everybody else she's with.  The way she interacts with friends is true to a fifteen year old girl who wants to fit in while also standing up for her beliefs. Even after the book ends, you want to know more about her.

I love the intensity in this book. You never know what's going to happen as you read. While there are a couple of places where I noticed small mistakes, it was very well-written and enjoyable. If you love thrillers that are still clean, this is a great book. I would highly recommend the books to anyone ages 12 and up.

You can purchase the book here:  http://www.amazon.com

I'll Know You By Heart by Kimberly Job

I must admit when I picked up this book, it was purely for the cover. Its gorgeous and I was dying to read the book. I didn't read the back of the book at all so when I started reading I was shocked to find out that this book is about abuse. Here is the synopsis:

The day Stephanie Roberts met Jared Wakefield, she didn't realize they'd met before. Running from an abusive marriage and trying to safeguard her children, she turns to Jared for support, but he needs more from her than she might be capable of giving. With her abusive husband looming in her past, the difficulties they must overcome to be together seem insurmountable.

Is it possible for love to conquer all? I'll Know You By Heart is a timeless romance that explores the possibility that relationships span the entire realm of eternity. A story about abuse, hardship, and betrayal, it is ultimately a story about the healing power of everlasting true love. 

I will admit this was a tough read.  The writing was excellent and you just had to keep reading. But it tore at my heart from one page to the next.  To see the abuse Stephanie put up with, made you want to go after those that abuse others and to comfort those that are victims.  Stephanie was written very well.  She showed the perfect (and yet sad) example of a battered wife. No matter what she had gone through, she felt the need to honor her abusive husband. You could see her struggle to get out of that mind control.

Enter Jared.  The perfect husband and father that any girl could want. He has an adorable little girl that needs a mommy.  The spark between them from the first may sound crazy to some people but as I'm a huge believer in finding 'The One',  I loved seeing Jared and Stephanie first meet.  I was cheering for them from the beginning.

This is a tough subject but it was done so well.  I broke down as I finished the book, so thankful that I was given my husband who treats me so well.  I only wish that others could be so lucky!

You can purchase the book here:  http://www.amazon.com

Her website is:  http://www.kimberlyjob.com/

The Ember Gods by Andrea Pearson

This is the second book in the Kilenya series.  I was excited to read this book after I finished Andrea's first book The Key of Kilenya. I was glad I was able to continue the series.  The book starts right up and goes from where the last book left off. I got pulled in instantly and enjoyed reentering the world of Eklaron.  The creatures and the world is different from what I've read before and I loved it!  Here is the synopsis:

Jacob Clark has just returned from the world of Eklaron, where he frustrated the evil plans of the Lorkon and returned the magical Key of Kilenya to its rightful owners. His quest is far from over, though—Aloren is trapped in Maivoryl City by the Ember Gods, and Jacob can't return to save her until he receives the potion that will protect his team from the corrosive influence of the Lorkon.

Balancing between this new world and his own proves tricky. Not only has he started his first year of high school, but his magical abilities are bringing him too much attention. He feels pulled by both sides, hoping he'll be able to figure out his special powers to save Aloren in time.

Jacob spent a lot of time comparing himself to his brother Matt in the first book so I'm glad we got to see more of him in the second book.  I enjoyed seeing the strengths and weaknesses of both and how well they worked together.  It was fun having Matt witness all of the different abilities Jacob had and instead of being jealous, he worked right along with him.

There are many twists and turns in this book to keep you hooked.  Jacob has so much going on his life but he is still able to keep it together.  He even shows compassion when he could easily have gotten revenge on a high school rival.

I loved the ending of the story.  You have foreshadowing along the way, but you have no idea what's going to happen until you read the end. I loved it! I can't wait to see what is in store for Jacob in the next book.

You can purchase The Ember Gods here: http://www.amazon.com

Her website is here:  http://www.kilenyaseries.com/

The Forgotten Locket By Lisa Mangum

This is the last book in The Hourglass Door trilogy.  I had to search for it the night after I finished The Golden Spiral because I needed to finish the trilogy.  Not wanted.  Needed. I wasn't disappointed. The ending was phenomenal.  Here is the synopsis:


When Abby stepped through the hourglass door, leaving her beloved Dante blind and bleeding on the other side, it was in full faith that she could find a way to repair the damage to the river of time and restore him—as well as her family. It was a desperate chance that seemed worth taking.
But Zo had other plans.
Now Abby is trapped in a full-fledged battle for her own mind and life and heart. Even worse, Zo's evil intent reaches beyond simple revenge against her and Dante. The whole world is in danger of collapsing unless Abby can summon her courage and undertake a journey that will lead her beyond the origins of the hourglass door.

Again, Lisa uses imagery to pull you into the story from the very beginning. Every step of the way, you're in the edge of your seat, hoping Abby can get her life back to normal and everything as it should be.  And just when you think things are back to normal, she throws another twist into the story.  You're left breathless by the time you reach the last page of the book because you are so invested in what happens to Abby and Dante.  It is one of those books that you wake up the next morning and can't believe you've finished the whole trilogy so fast and wish for more.

I would recommend this book from Young Adults and adults alike.  The book makes you think about life and brings to life what would happen if you could go back in time. It shows the importance of each person's life and the decisions they make. By changing one thing, you could change the course of your life and everyone else's. It also makes you treasure the time you have with your family and your loved ones.

You can find Lisa's website here:  http://www.leosdungeon.com/

You can purchase her books here: http://www.amazon.com
Or here:                                       www.deseretbook.com