Belize Navidad by Karen Hulene Bartell

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"That he had missed her was evident, and Carole's misgivings dissolved in the genuine warmth of his love." -Karen Hulene Bartell, Belize Navidad

Carole and Nick need to decide what they're going to do. When Carole goes down to Belize from New York, determined to come to an agreement before she returns to Manhattan. But when Carole gets a job offer, she can't help but take it, hoping that this will solve all the problems between her and Nick. But it might not be all it seems to be. With everything falling apart, can Carole keep from going crazy? Find the official description on Goodreads.

The descriptions in this book were well worded, and descriptive. They weren't too wordy and yet really well described. 

There were numerous threads running through this book and I enjoyed each one. It kept things interesting and once one settled down a bit it seemed another was jumping into high speed. It kept the readers attention and it was really enjoyable!

There was a bit of surprise in Belize Navidad and I'm not going to spoil it so go read this book to figure it out. I will tell you that it was heartwarming. 

Belize Navidad was an enjoyable novel, and it would be a good Christmas read.

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Lacing Shadows Anthology

WARNING: Not intended for younger audiences.

Spirit of the Wolf by Andrea Stanet:

Asia has a choice, Jesse, her boyfriend for the past little bit or Nati, a new friend. That choice becomes even more difficult when things come to light. Will Asia make the correct choice or will she regret it forever?

The writing was well done. I didn’t feel like there were any parts that I stumbled over.

It was also interesting that Andrea Stanet decided to tackle a different sexuality than heterosexual. It took me out of my comfort zone and allowed a glimpse into feelings that I haven’t thought about before. I loved the fact that I was out of my comfort zone and I wasn’t reading the same type of relationship I seem to read about a lot. It was new, and different.

It was also different in the fact that she tackled the shifter romance in a different way. There was wolves but there were also jackal shifters and just different shifters in general. They also had a different appearance when they shifted and it was something unique to this book(or at least that I haven’t read yet.).

Spirit of the Wolf was different than many shifter romances I’ve read and this made it stand out in my mind. It was a good book and I’m glad I read it.

Eternal Guard by Tina Smith:

Ever since that night, Farren has felt like life just isn’t for her. Yet when she’s offered a way out, will she fight or will she give everything up?

Eternal Guard definitely had a darker tone to it than did Spirit of the Wolf but it seemed very realistic. Farren’s had a difficult time and you can see the struggle that she’s going through after it.

If depression or suicide are triggers for you than I suggest you not read this short story. It was a different point of view and one that was new to me as well. Farren obviously has a choice to make and that might not be the one most people would make.

I felt for Farren. She’s obviously getting the short end of the stick and it’s sad to see that. Tina Smith definitely made me feel sympathy for Farren and yet at the same time question her decisions occasionally or be shocked by her.

Overall, Eternal Guard was a dark read, one that was slightly different from other dark reads I’ve read lately.

Into The Dark by Laurie Treacy

Holly has been away at college and when she returns home, it`s to an empty house. But she`s glad of that fact when she stumbles across an injured fae prince in the woods - not that she knows that. But when things come to light will the two be able to enjoy their happiness or will it all be taken away from them?

Into the Dark made me smile after the darker tones of Eternal Guard. But it doesn’t last long. Although it’s not nearly as dark as Eternal Guard it still has its moments.

Sometimes I got confused about the whole fae thing, I wasn’t quite sure what differences they had from humans. But we get at least a bit of an explanation in Into the Dark. I just would have liked a bit more.

The experiences that Holly went through during the book were very easy to picture happening to the reader themselves. The book was well written but these scenes were great! I really felt as if I was in a movie or at points that I was Holly and experiencing those things she was.

Then there was the ending. It made me get that happy, fluffy, warm feeling. The one in your chest. That content feeling, let’s call it. So  I loved that.

Into the Dark was one of my favorite books in this anthology, hands down.

The Unspoken Truth by Lee Ryder

Lena has always been able to see ghosts since she was a little girl. Now she uses her gift to help solve cold cases while her husband, Jackson, protects her in his duties as a cop. But when Jessica’s story comes to the forefront, will it be the one to break her?

Lee Ryder did an amazing job with our introduction to Lena. It let us get a glimpse of how things all started, and a feel for her voice before diving into the action.

Then there was the fact that we got to see from Jessica’s point of view in visions as well as being able to hear her thoughts from letters that she found. I enjoyed these insights into her as a person, and  the mystery that surrounded her death and the death of her family members also added to the appeal of the book.

I have to admit that I was also glad that Lee Ryder included scenes with Jackson. The sweetness and happiness the couple and Jackson had balanced out a bit of the sadness and even a little of the horror of the rest of the short story. It was beautiful and I enjoyed it greatly.

The Unspoken Truth was a good addition to the Lacing Shadows Anthology.

Spinning Scars by Alexia Purdy

Ruby’s immortal and of a different race....she just doesn’t know it yet. Matthias is a creature who is destined to live forever. And unbeknownest to him he will finally find happiness. .But if the Others find him, will he lose the hope he’s just found?

At first I was kind of annoyed with Spinning Scars. It left me with a lot of questions with almost no answers. And I was impatient(aren’t we all at times? haha). So when we finally had explanations and most if not all my questions were answered, I was definitely a happy reader. Although I have to admit that it was good she spaced the answers to questions out. It gave readers time to soak things up or come up with new questions.

Occasionally the writing had it’s bumps. But it’s nothing that’s terribly bad. Most times it’s only a small thing here or there and easily ignored. We are all human and mistakes happen.

Alexia Purdy also brought up the fact that many times people judge others by their looks and are even repulsed by ‘imperfections’. Sad fact, but true. I think she handled the issue well and realisically, so well done.

Spinning Scars was a good book, one that finishes off the Lacing Shadows Anthology quite well.

The anthology was a good collection of stories. There were books that I liked more than others but that’s my personal choice. They were all well written for the most part and if you’re looking for a collection of paranormal stories, than this might just be the Anthology for you.

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The Faded Trilogy by Chloe Miles

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Title: Faded (The Faded Trilogy, Book 1)

Author: Chloe Miles

Pages: 392

Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal Romance

Links: Goodreads |Amazon| Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Synopsis:

“Savannah wanted to kiss him, but she had never even kissed a human guy before, let alone a ghost. How was she supposed to kiss him if he wasn’t really there?”

Savannah has never been in love before, but she’s in love with Hunter Emmerton. He’s cute, funny, charming ... and a ghost. How can you date someone if nobody else can see them?

When seventeen-year-old Savannah Fraser and her three friends are killed in a car accident, they are given a second chance at life by a group of century-old earthbound spirits who need their help.

Savannah learns she is a Chosen One, which means she can switch between human and spirit form, heal people, and control the weather—and she is also now invincible.

The Chosen Ones are the only ones who can defeat The Forces—a trio of evil half-spirits who are slowly destroying the perfect little town of Fort Everwick with violent storms and not-so-natural disasters—and stop them from harming everyone they care about.

The Forces are set on destroying everything Savannah knows and loves, but they also have a more sinister plan—they want a new member to join them. They won’t give up until they get the one they want—and they have Savannah firmly in their sights.

But what Savannah didn’t count on was falling in love with Hunter. She’s never loved anyone the way she loves Hunter, and she knows he loves her, too. But how can they be together forever if he no longer exists and she’s the only one who can see him?

Will Savannah have enough belief in herself to defeat The Forces, or will they be able to lure her to the dark side and turn her against her loved ones—and tear her and Hunter apart?

Review:

In the beginning of Faded the narrator sounds as if they are telling a legend or it's a legend in the making. It was great! I know that many books have to capture readers attentions in the first few pages and Faded certainly does that.

There are several scary scenes that really get your heart pumping. It was fun to be able to experience that even if it didn't happen often. 

Faded jumps between different characters perspectives in the third person which can make things slightly confusing once or twice. Most times I could figure out who was speaking but there was one time or another I was confused for a bit about who was speaking.

There were typical high school scenes that seemed to balance out the odd and at times scary occurrences. Although how the drama of high school can do that I do not know but it just seemed to work. Maybe because it's normal for many people?

I enjoyed the fact that while many times the group of four only use their powers for fighting the Forces, but they do occasionally use their powers for fun. It makes the powers seem a lot less of a burden. 

 The Forces were also convincingly life like. They use innocent people for their own purpose, do whatever they can to stay alive/get all the power. I was extremely saddened by this but it also gave me someone to hate. Which is terrible but at the same time, they do terrible things. 

The ending feels like it's setting up the next book, almost like one episode of a television show setting up for the next. It was an ending but it also felt as if there was plenty more to go on and lead into See No Evil.

One of the things I enjoyed most in Faded was the romances the reader could follow. Especially that of Savannah and Hunter even though their circumstances seem impossible. Which also added a bit of melancholy to my feelings of their relationship while for the others I felt only happiness. And maybe some sadness for at least one relationship at one point but also hope at the same time. Faded and Chloe Miles certainly made me feel a lot of different emotions during this book and this series as a whole.

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Title: See No Evil (The Faded Trilogy, Book 2)

Author: Chloe Miles

Pages: 350

Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal Romance

Links: Goodreads |Amazon| Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Synopsis:

“You could have perfect vision and still not see the evil in someone. Well, at least not want to see it, anyway.”

The enthralling story that was built in Faded continues in exciting and unexpected ways in this action-packed sequel in The Faded Trilogy.

Are Savannah’s dreams predicting the death of someone close to her? Or is it someone even closer than she thinks? Can Savannah save one of her best friends—and stop another from suffering the same fate?

Savannah will need more strength than she ever has before if she is to defeat The Forces for good, and with Hunter’s love and encouragement to believe in herself, she finds the confidence she never knew she had.

However, while The Chosen Ones become more confident in their roles as protectors of Fort Everwick, The Forces only become more evil—and prove they will stop at nothing to win.

What will Savannah do that will change everything and determine her position of power over The Forces forever—and prove to them that she just might have it in her to beat them at their own game?

But while becoming their biggest threat, it also reinforces Savannah’s position as Gwen’s most cherished target.

Review:

Confused at first in the prologue before I quickly figured out that it was actually a future event. Which deeply saddened me. I couldn't believe that this happened. Or was going to happen.

I still felt really hopeless about the Savannah and Hunter relationship so every moment they interacted was saddening and full of despair instead of happiness like the other couples interactions made me feel. I just felt like there was no way for them to be together and felt like they were just delaying the inevitable. 

I want to know how Gwen turned out the way she did. She was so different from the rest of her family and I was really saddened and confused about how Gwen turned out how she did. It made Gwen just a little bit more human even if she was crazy, evil and I really didn't like her.

It seems as if people can be so easily convinced? Just by using their feelings against them. And it seemed like the Forces were pretty much using the same play with different characters. I found it slightly frustrating that people could actually fall for this again. It was one thing I really didn't like about See No Evil.

I loved the touching scenes where the two couples were interacting. It made everything seem as if it was less of a big, bad thing. Except when Hunter and Savannah interacted. That was more of an addition to the bad things/feelings.

I wasn't a big fan of the time jumps but I do know they're necessary. I wish they could have been more spread out in their use or less used. But it was necessary to move the plot along so I got over my dislike.

See No Evil was a great addition to the Faded trilogy.

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Title: Ever After (The Faded Trilogy, Book 3)

Author: Chloe Miles

Pages: 462

Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal Romance

Links: Goodreads |Amazon| Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Synopsis:

"And she realized that everything that seemed to simple back then is nowhere near as simple as it should be and that nothing comes easy for the ones who want it the most."

One of Savannah’s friends is hiding a secret that will change her life—forever.

In this heartbreaking yet heartwarming conclusion to The Faded Trilogy, Savannah is facing an epic final battle with The Forces—and the possibility of losing Hunter forever.

If Fort Everwick no longer needed protecting, and Hunter was free to cross over, would he stay with Savannah as he promised—or leave her to live the normal life she deserves?

Savannah can’t imagine her life without Hunter, but does he love her truly enough to let her go?

Until then, The Chosen Ones only have one thing on their mind—defeating The Forces. But they are stronger than ever—and not prepared to go down without a fight.

Will The Forces finally be defeated once and for all? And can Savannah and Hunter really live happily ever after?

Review:

I opened the third book in the Faded Trilogy with anticipation and excitement but at the same time dread. Especially after reading the synopsis. I felt as if there was no hope for Savannah and Hunter so I felt like the outcome was clear to me and it was saddening. I really wasn't looking forward to their parting. But as I read through, especially closer to the end I started feeling hopeful. And I'm not going to spoil it but there was a surprise that allows Savannah to be happy. I loved the ending and it definitely was a Happy Ever After kind of ending.

Throughout Ever After we get to watch everyone start to really grow up and get all of those relationship milestones that most couples follow such as moving in together. It was great to watch these things happen for Jackson and Madison as well as Logan and Abigail. But at the same time you felt sad that Savannah and Hunter would never experience these things. And yet Savannah was nice about the whole thing. She didn't really feel jealous of anything but these things. She didn't even feel resentful that she can't go elsewhere right now because of the fact that their powers are needed in Fort Everwick, none of them do. Or at least not that we see. At times I felt that this made them feel a bit unrealistic but then Chloe Miles had always said that Savannah at least wanted to go to FESU for her pre-med studies so it made it feel less of an unrealistic character.

Then there was Ryan. There's a bit of a mystery about him. Did he actually go to Canada or? And the answer to that question leads to a heartbreaking discovery. I had guessed what was going on but having it confirmed was not a happy time. He was honestly killing me and I had a hard time reading scenes with Ryan in them, even though he was always upbeat.

Ever After really captured my feelings on growing older. Especially the quote at the top of the synopsis. It made me feel really nostalgic and wishing once more for childhood. It was amazing to see all of my feelings of growing up and older translated to the pages of Ever After.

Is it bad that I got used to the book leaving much to the imagination in the case of the happiness of characters after the end of the book? Because I was almost disappointed to get a play-by-play almost of everyone's happy ending but also I loved it and read it as quickly as I could so that I would know everything! It was amazing! 

The Faded Trilogy is definitely a book to read if you enjoy paranormal romances. I would suggest that this is mostly for young adults but that doesn't mean that adults couldn't read it and enjoy the trilogy. So give it a chance and I think you'll find yourself a new, amazing book. 

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Minty By Christina Banach and an Interview!

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“No, this is real all right - no mistaking.” -Christina Banach, Minty

Teenage twins Minty and Jess are attached at the hip. But Jess is tired of being a pair and says words that she comes to regret. Especially when Minty finds herself a ghost. Jess takes her death hard and Minty has a hard time watching her mourn. But will Minty be able to control her ghostly powers enough to help her family heal? Or will this family be torn to pieces? Find the official description on Goodreads.

Christina Banach creates a paranormal world with her own spin on things. Minty has no clue of what she can or cannot do as a ghost. Which is where her ghostly mentor comes in. But he’s not assigned to her or anything. He stumbles upon her and teaches her what he can. I found that this relationship was sometimes strained but many times humorous. This relationship meant that while the book itself was sad and emotional, it also wasn’t only sad or miserable. There were moments that could make you chuckle. It helped balance Minty a bit.

Then there are the different ways that grief is expressed throughout the book. It’s different for everyone and everyone experiences some form of survivor’s guilt. It was interesting to get that look into the ways that different people grieve a loss. It allowed me to view things through other people’s perspectives and not just my own.

Minty is also told from Minty’s perspective. I enjoyed that. It allowed readers to catch a glimpse of the ghosts perspective and not solely the still alive people. It was something new. Something that people don’t always see.

The relationships between the sisters and their parents was also fun to glimpse. I have a brother and I could see parallels with the two sisters but I also saw things that were different(and honestly I’m hoping for in the future, haha). But it was great to be able to connect with them in that way.

Minty is an great read, one that for those who enjoy the more emotional books and ghosts will find themselves soaring right through. What do you think about ghosts? Do you enjoy them in books you read? Would you like to see more books from their perspective?

Not only was I able to review Minty but I also got the chance to interview the author, Christina Banach. Here's my interview: 

Hello, Thank you for answering my questions today!

1. First off, let's get to know a little about you. Tell us something that might seem strange or odd to a lot of people as well as a little bit of info on yourself.

What might seem odd is the pronunciation of my name. My Christian name is Christina but very few people manage to pronounce it correctly (I don’t blame them!). I’ve been called Christine, Christiana, Kirstine and even Charisma! So how do you pronounce Christina? The ‘ina’ rhymes with China! As for my surname – hey, maybe we shouldn’t go there. Even I have difficulty in getting my tongue round that one! Now I come to think of it, maybe I should change my name by deed poll. How does Sally Smith sound to you?

So who am I? I’m a former head teacher who resigned from my post several years ago to become a full-time writer. Minty is my first published novel. I live in Scotland, UK, with my husband and our two rescue dogs. I love to read, go for long walks on the beach, listen to music, walk, travel, and eat delicious food. Sometimes I spend too much time on Twitter.

2. Now, can you tell us more about your young adult novel, Minty?

Minty is a contemporary young adult (YA) ghost story told from the point of view of the ghost. It’s a cross between The Lovely Bones (without the grim murder!) and Ghost and is a real weepy with heart and warmth at its core. It tells the story of fourteen-year-old twins Minty and Jess. They do everything together and, although they sometimes bicker, are completely inseparable. But then a day trip to the coast puts their bond in jeopardy. As Minty tries to rescue her dog from drowning she ends up fighting for her life. Will she survive? If she doesn’t, how will Jess cope without her?

It’s about friendship, loss, and coming to terms with consequences. Above all it’s about love and hope.

The idea for the book appeared early one summer morning in 2006, just as the sun came up. During the night I thought I sensed my late father's presence, so, unable to get back to sleep, I sat in the sunroom contemplating what had actually happened. While doing this I heard my dog panting and put out my hand to stroke her. Until I remembered – my pet had died the month before. That's when Minty's story came to me. 

3. Did you have difficulty writing some of the scenes?

Not difficulty as such, although I did find some of the scenes very emotional to write – even eight drafts later, when it came to the final proofread.

4   Did you do extensive research on Roman history in order to include the information or was it something that you had an interest in before?

I touched upon ancient Roman culture when I was at university. I’ve also visited Rome, and various Roman sites in Europe, throughout the years. However, I never set out to add a Roman element to the book. The twins’ Roman obsession became apparent once their characters began to evolve.

5. Do you work using an outline or just write what comes to mind?

Am I a plotter or a pantser? Good question! I’m a bit of both, I reckon. Once I decide to run with an idea, and the characters have entered the stage, I plunge into the research – surfing the Net, reading books, going on field trips etc – taking copious notes as I go along. Once I have enough material I do a lot of brainstorming on character and plot: thinking of scenes, exploring character arc, considering the structure and so on. I always know how the book will start and how it will end. Or so I think…that’s when the pantser part of me comes to the fore, because once I actually begin the first draft anything could happen. The important thing for me is to get that first draft written, and if it deviates from all my carefully thought-out plans, so be it. It’s all about telling the story that demands to be told.

6. What can we expect from you in the future?

Lots, I hope. I have several stories on the back burner but my next project is another contemporary YA novel. It’s a ghost story-come-psychological thriller and, so far, has been a blast to write.

Thanks for letting me stop by your blog, Aly! It was fun!

Thank you for your time! I look forward to seeing what you come out with in the future!

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Carolyn Ridder Aspenson Feature, Part Two!

A Mother's Work is Never Done...

Carolyn Aspenson's (Unfinished Business) latest picks up the story of Angela Panther's dealings with her dead mom, Fran and the duo's dynamic is as delightful as ever!

Angela had her psychic gift under control until a traumatic loss shut it down. And now that Angela's daughter is in too deep with a boy and her best friend Mel's husband is cheating, she needs her mom more than ever.

Fran knows that when you're a mom, there's no such thing as till death do us part and she won't rest in peace while there's strife in her daughter's life. Using her nifty celestial superpowers, she's soon back in the game and helping out, regardless of her daughter's defunct gift.

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Carolyn Ridder Aspenson Feature, Part One!

Carolyn Ridder Aspenson is the Amazon and Barnes & Noble best selling author of Unfinished Business; An Angela Panther Novel, Unbreakable Bonds; An Angela Panther Novel, the novella Santa's Gift, a Cumming Christmas Novella and The Quick Start Weight Loss Program.

An avid fitness buff, Carolyn writes a monthly health and fitness column for Northside Woman Magazine as well as regular weekly news articles for various Atlanta area media outlets including the Forsyth Herald, the Milton Herald, the Revue and News, and the Johns Creek Herald. Her works have also been published in Countyline Magazine and various Internet publications.

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Cooper's Grove by Ann Werner

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"My time in the city had shown me I am a country girl at heart." -Ann Werner, Cooper's Grove

Cooper's Grove tells the story of Lucinda Mae Hawkins. At first when Lucinda takes up with the rich John Dawson, she feels love, but after a hasty marriage, she soon finds first love's bloom has worn off. But unable to leave, she bides her time. When finally able to leave, she finds herself brought back after a deadly illness strikes her husband. But John is not content to leave her be after his death. After making her miserable during their marriage, he continues to do so from beyond the grave. Especially when she finds love again. But how are you able to get rid of that which cannot be seen?

Cooper's Grove is told from the perspective of Agnes McPherson. It's quite an interesting choice, and one that makes it stand out. Not only that, but the way that Ann Werner tells the story through her, it seems as if you're visiting with your grandmother and she's telling you about the days when she was young. It's a comforting way to tell the tale, while still allowing the reader to get involved.

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