Luck of the Draw

Luck of the Draw
by Rachael Renee Anderson



Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Young Adult

Rating: Y

Content: Clean

Summary:

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.

Personal Review:

This book was an enjoyable read. I was surprised to find that the little summary of the book is just a small portion of what this book is about. This is the type of book that I would read when in the mood for a chick flick (however you have already seen all of the good clean chick flicks and so you have to read one instead.)

-Curry

If you enjoyed this you may also like:

Trial of the Heart by Sierra St. James
Counting Stars by Michele Paige Holmes
All's Fair in Love War and Highschool by Janette Rallison

Icefall

Icefall
by Matthew J. Kirby



Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Young Readers

Rating: Clean

Content: Mild violence

Summary: Trapped in a hidden fortress tucked between towering mountains and a frozen sea, Solveig, along with her brother the crown prince, their older sister, and an army of restless warriors, anxiously awaits news of her father's victory at battle. But as winter stretches on, and the unending ice refuses to break, terrible acts of treachery soon make it clear that a traitor lurks in their midst. A malevolent air begins to seep through the fortress walls, and a smothering claustrophobia slowly turns these prisoners of winter against one another.

Those charged with protecting the king's children are all suspect, and the siblings must choose their allies wisely. But who can be trusted so far from their father's watchful eye? Can Solveig and her siblings survive the long winter months and expose the traitor before he succeeds in destroying a kingdom?\

Personal Review:

This book was very well written. I actually really enjoyed this read. There is great imagery in the setting, and I did not find the story predictable. It is a great book for young readers and those young at heart (like me.)

-Curry

The Apothecary's Daughter

by Julie Klassen

Genre: Regency Romance, Young Adult, Adult

Rating: Clean

Summary:

As Lilly toils in her father's apothecary shop, preparing herbs and remedies by rote, she is haunted by memories of her mother's disappearance. Villagers whisper the tale, but her father refuses to discuss it. All the while, she dreams of the world beyond --- of travel and adventure and romance.

When a relative offers to host her in London, Lilly discovers the pleasures and pitfalls of fashionable society and suitors, as well as clues about her mother. But will Lilly find what she is searching for --- the truth of the past and a love for the future?

Personal Review: 

I loved this book. What I like about Julie Klassen's books is that they are very well paced. She takes the time to develop her plot lines and characters, there isn't too much going on, and yet it never gets boring. And what girl doesn't like a well written romance? Good Read!

-Curry

If you enjoyed this you might like:

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

Becoming Lady Lockwood by Jennifer Moore

The Thirteenth Princess

The Thirteenth Princess
by Diane Zahler



Genre: Fantasy, Fractured Fairytales

Rating: Clean

Summary:

Zita is not an ordinary servant girl—she's the thirteenth daughter of a king who wanted only sons. When she was born, Zita's father banished her to the servants' quarters to work in the kitchens, where she can only communicate with her royal sisters in secret.

A classic fairy tale with a bold twist, The Thirteenth Princess tells the unforgettable story of a magical castle, true love, spellbound princesses—and the young girl determined to save them all.

Personal Review:

I saw this book on sale in one of my favorite book stores and decided to give it a try. I was very pleasantly surprised. I had just had a super busy week and I wanted a quick and fun read. This book fully satisfied me. It was simple and sweet which is one reason why I love children's and young adult novels. Though this novel is targeted at young readers, it was well written which is a must for me! Good writing and a cute or interesting story makes a book appropriate for all ages to me (but sometimes I am a kid at heart.) I would recommend this book.

-Curry

If you liked this you may also like:

The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine
Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier
The Wide Awake Princess by E.D. Baker

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25

Review by Curry

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25
by Richard Paul Evans



Genre: Sci-fi Fantasy, Young Adult

Rating: Y

Content: Clean

Summary:

To everyone at Meridian High School, Michael Vey is an ordinary fourteen-year-old. In fact, the only thing that seems to set him apart is the fact that he has Tourette’s syndrome. But Michael is anything but ordinary. Michael has special powers. Electric powers.

Personal Review:

I first heard about this book in a literature class that I was in almost two years ago. I've been looking forward to reading it since then, and it did not let me down! The main character is likable and realistic, the storyline is intriguing keeping you interested, and yet not so overstuffed with action and drama. I really liked this book and I can't wait to read the next one (which I will probably do today.) There are currently four Michael Vey books out.

-Curry

If you liked this then you might enjoy:

Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan
The False Prince by Jenifer Nielson
I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

The Hourglass Door

Review by Curry

The Hourglass Door
by: Lisa Mangum



Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance

Rating: Y

Content: Clean

Summary:

His past. Her future. Can love bring them together in time?Abby's senior year of high school is textbook perfect: She has a handsome and attentive boyfriend, good friends, good grades, and plans to attend college next year. But when she meets Dante Alexander, a foreign-exchange student from Italy, her life suddenly takes a different turn. He's mysterious, and interesting, and unlike anyone she's ever met before. Abby can't deny the growing attraction she feels for him. Nor can she deny the unusual things that seem to happen when Dante is around. 

Review:

This book was an interesting one for me. In some ways it kind of reminded me of the first Twilight book, only without all of the things that I really hated about Twilight (and no vampires.) The story line was interesting and the writing was done well. Sometimes the romance could be a little too lovey dovey to me but overall it was pretty good. There were also some things that would have been more believable if there had been an explanation behind it, but overall a good clean book. There are three books in this series.

-Curry

If you liked this you may also like:

The Golden Spiral (Hourglass Book 2) by Lisa Mangum
Erasing Time by C.J. Hill
Ruby Red Trilogy by Kerstin Gier

Yearbook

Review by Curry

Yearbook
by Ally Condie



Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Christian: LDS Fiction, Young Readers

Rating: Y

Content: Clean

Summary:

It was the first day of school at Lakeview High, and everyone was afraid of something. Michaela Choi was afraid that Ethan Back was never going to ask her out on a date. Andrea Beck was afraid that someone would find her weak spot, the chink in her armor. She was afraid of knowing what it was herself. Principal Downing was afraid she was going to die. Julie Reid was afraid that no one would notice her. She was also afraid that someone would. And there was a deeper, unnamed fear inside her that she couldn't escape - a fear that she was nothing and no one

Personal Review:

I actually found this book really interesting. It follows many different characters and story lines, each one of them unique and touching. My only complaint about this book is that it follows so many different characters (almost every chapter changes perspective) that I think that none of them are developed as well as they could be, as well as I wanted them to be. However, with that aside, I still really enjoyed the book. It wasn't predictable and it was very realistic. I recommend this book to everyone but it is especially great for teens. (There are also two sequels)

- Curry

If you liked this you might also like:

First Day (Yearbook trilogy #2) by Ally Condie
Deep Blue Eyes and Other Lies by Janette Rallison
Counting Stars by Michele Paige Holmes

Cybele's Secret

Review by Curry

Cybele's Secret 
By Juliet Marillier



Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Adventure

Rating: Y

Content: Clean

Summary:

Scholarly eighteen year old Paula and her merchant father journey from Transylvania to Istanbul to buy an ancient pagan artifact rumored to be charmed, but others, including a handsome Portuguese pirate and an envoy from the magical Wildwood, want to acquire the item as well.

Personal Review:

Cyblele's Secret is a companion book to one of my favorite books, Wildwood Dancing.  I strongly recommend reading Wildwood Dancing before reading Cybele's Secret because there will be some spoilers in this book if you read them out of order. Cybele's Secret tells the story of Paula, Who is the sister of Jenica the main character in Wildwood Dancing. It takes place several years after the first book. Cybele's secret was a good and entertaining book however, because I loved the first book so much, this one fell a little short for me. That being said, it is still a good book and I know others that liked it more than the first. There were some things that were a little predictable but I can often look past that easily. My biggest disappointment with Cybele's Secret was purely a matter of a opinion. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book. It's fun and exciting.
(you can see my review for Wildwood Dancing here.)
P.s. isn't the cover of this book gorgeous! I love it. hehe

- Curry

If you liked this you might also like:

To Catch a Pirate by Jade Parker
Bewitching Season by Marissa Doyle
The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry

Erasing Time

Review by Curry

Erasing Time

by C.J. Hill

Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Young Adult

Rating: Y

Content: Mild Violence

Summary:

Identical Twins, Sheridan and Taylor find themselves transported into the future and what they find is a very different world. Animals are extinct, religion is banned and almost no one speaks their language. Worst of all, they are stuck there with no way home and no one that they are sure that they can trust.  

Personal Review:

This book was quite enjoyable. It had things that I really really liked and others that I didn’t care as much about. What worked for this book is the world that the author created. It is fascinating and intriguing. I know that heyes loved that part too. I liked how the language had morphed over the years and now is a mixture of not quite english or spanish. I also liked the relationship between the sisters, it was realistic and sweet. This book also had some pretty funny parts. My favorite thing was probably how the sister’s spoke in sayings to confuse Jeth and Echo (That was super clever C.J. Hill!) I was also really drawn in by the girl’s convictions. I love a main character that has strong beliefs and holds firmly to them. That was very appealing to me.  The only thing that I did not care for very much was the romance parts of this book (which is usually something that I love.) However, I did not think that it was developed very well. It just kind of happened really fast, like: “I know we just met but... can I be your boyfriend?” (not an actual quote from the book) Haha. But other than that Erasing Time was really quite pleasant and fascinating. I recommend it.

- Curry

If you liked this you might also like:

Echo in Time by C.J. Hill

Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund

Matched by Ally Condie

It's a Mall World After All

Review by Curry

It's a Mall World After All
by: Janette Rallison



Genre: Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Young Adult, Young Readers

Rating: Y

Content: Clean

Summary:

It's too bad they don't give out diplomas for what you learn at the mall, because I could graduate with honors in that subject.  No really.  Since I've worked there, I've become an expert on all things shopping-related. For example, I can tell you right off who to distrust at the mall:
  
1) Skinny people who work at Cinnabon.  I mean, if they're not eating the stuff they sell, how good can it be?

2) The salesladies at department store makeup counters.  No matter what they tell you, buying all that lip gloss will not make you look like the pouty models in the store posters.

3) And most importantly--my best friend's boyfriend, Bryant, who showed up at the food court with a mysterious blonde draped on his arm.

Yeah, I saw it, and yeah, I told my best friend all about it.

You would think this would mean trouble for Bryant, but you would basically be wrong.  Somehow, the evil boyfriend turned everything around, and now I'm the one who has to prove myself!  But I will. Even if Bryant--and more importantly his best friend, Colton--keep trying to stop me.

Personal Review:

Do not judge this book by it's cover! (or by the title) Yes, it is true that the title is cheesy and this is a teen high school book, but this is such a fun read for any girl no matter the age. If you are a female and you can read, then I recommend this book. Janette Rallison's writing is clever and hilarious. She has such a good way of making fun of her characters and yet making the reader understand them and fall in love with them. I like how the main character, Charlotte, was able to grow in this book. Heyes is actually the one that introduced me to this author, when I was in high school, and I love her! If you are like me and love cute romantic comedies but sometimes have a hard time finding clean ones, then you will love this book. Actually, you will probably love any Janette Rallison book.

- Curry

If you liked this, you might also enjoy:

All's Fair in Love War and High School by Janette Rallison
When the Bough Breaks by Kay Lynn Mangum
Slayers by C.J Hill

The False Prince

Review by Curry

The False Prince

by Jennifer Nielsen

Genre: Adventure, Young Adult

Rating: Y-11

Content: Violence involving children

Let me just start off by saying that this is a 5 STAR book for me! Here’s the summary:

Summary:

In a faraway land, civil war is brewing. To unify his kingdom’s divided people, A nobleman named Conner devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the King’s long-lost son and install him on the throne. Four orphans are forced to compete for the role including a clever and defiant boy named Sage. Sage know that Conner’s motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword’s point - he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. His rivals will be devising their own plots as well, so Sage must trust no one and keep his thoughts hidden.

Personal Review:

For all of you that have not read this book yet, you are lucky. I only say that because you do not have to wait for the 2nd and 3rd books to come out like I had to. I LOVE THIS BOOK! It was torture to wait, but I did it and it was worth it. There are many reasons why I love this book but the main reason is because of Sage, the main character. He is brilliant and so fun to read about. There are times when you think “Why are you doing this?!” But then it all makes sense and I learned to fully trust him. This book has everything; an intriguing plot, great characters, humor, suspense and just a touch of romance. I think that I will go re-read it now. Peace!

- Curry

If you liked this you may also like:

The Runaway King by Jennifer Nielsen

Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith

Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier

The Scarlet Pimpernel

Review by Curry

The Scarlet Pimpernel

by Baroness Emmuska Orczy

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adult, Young Adult

Rating: Y

Content: Some mild violence (non-descriptive)

Summary:

Armed with only his wits and his cunning, one man recklessly defies the French revolutionaries and rescues scores of innocent men, women, and children from the deadly guillotine. His friends and foes know him only as the Scarlet Pimpernel. But the ruthless French agent Chauvelin is sworn to discover his identity and to hunt him down.

Personal Review:

This is a good classic read. I love the story of the Scarlet Pimpernel. I had seen both the movie and the play before I had read the book. When I read the book I was a little surprised to find that it was mostly written from the view of Marguerite and that Percy is not in it very much, Whereas in the movies and the play Percy is the lead character. I still really enjoyed the book. The story has some suspense as well as romance, and it is all set in a real life time of terror in our world’s history. It’s a great story. (P.s. see the play if you get a chance!)

- Curry

If you liked this you might also like:

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Friends and Foes by Sarah Eden

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

The Hunger Games

Review by Curry

The Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins

Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult

Rating: Y- 14

Content: Violence (involving Children,) Substance abuse (in a side character.)

I’m sure by now you have all heard something about The Hunger Games good or bad. When I first read this book I had not heard anything about it except that it was really good from my boss. After I read it I absolutely could not wait for the 2nd and 3rd books to come out. Here is a summary:

Summary:

In this futuristic dystopian society there are 12 districts controlled by a power hungry capital. To remind the districts of the Capital’s power every year each district must send one boy and one girl tribute to fight to the death in a televised event called The Hunger Games. When Katniss Everdeen’s sister is selected as tribute Katniss desperately volunteers to take her place knowing that she will most likely die. In the games Katniss thrives off of her natural instincts to survive.

Personal Review:

I love this book. It is one of my all time favorites. However, I must warn you that this book is very violent. One of the main themes of this book is that the capital is abusive and heartless to it’s districts and this is shown by the horrible things that the capital puts the districts through. However, the violence is shown as horrific and the good characters never kill just to kill. This book is well written and the characters are amazing. There is not one character that I disliked. From the end of the first chapter I was hooked to this book and just had to know what happened next. I was also emotionally invested in this book which meant that I cried and laughed (at appropriate times.) I could go on and on about this book, which probably means that we will have a discussion page about it :) Overall, an excellent book! (Parents be cautious in letting your children read this)

-Curry

If you liked this you might also like:

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

What the Doctor Ordered

Review by Curry

What the Doctor Ordered

by Sierra St. James

Genre: Romance, Christian: LDS Fiction, Young Adult

Rating: Y

Content: Clean

Summary: (From the back of the book)

They've never been out on a date. They can barely speak a civil word to each other when they find themselves in the same room. But Aunt Bertie, who is not crazy, just -eccentric- knows that John and Ellie belong together, and she's doing all she can to further their cause. When Ellie comes to Colton Idaho, to spend the summer with Aunt Bertie and prove to her parents that her aunt doesn't belong in an assisted-care facility, the confusion begins. Bertie's determination to marry Ellie off to Dr. John Flynn leads to a hilarious string of miscommunications in this delightful romantic comedy

Personal Review:

Sierra St. James is the pen name for another author that I really like (Janette Rallison.) She uses Sierra St. James for her LDS fiction novels. Although I love all of her novels, I wish that she would write more under this pen name. There are only three books that I know of under Sierra St. James. Anyways, What the Doctor Ordered is my favorite Sierra St. James book. It is really funny, and yet also has some tender sweet moments. The romance in it is well developed, and who wouldn’t like the guy in this? he’s a doctor! haha :) Great romantic comedy type book.

- Curry

If you liked this you might also like:

Masquerade by Sierra St. James

A Love Like Lilly by Kay Lynn Mangum

Luck of the Draw by Rachael Anderson

The Wide-Awake Princess

Review by Curry

The Wide-Awake Princess

by: E.D. Baker

Genre: Fantasy, Fractured Fairy Tale, Young Readers

Rating: Y

Content: Clean

Summary:

This book is about princess Anna, Who is the younger sister of Gwen (sleeping beauty.)  When princess Anna was born she was blessed that no magic could touch her. On her sixteenth birthday, Anna’s sister pricks her finger on a spinning wheel thus falling into eternal sleep along with the entire castle and court as well… except Anna. Knowing that she is the only one that can save her sister, Anna sets out on a journey to find a prince to wake up her sister. However Anna runs into many exciting and terrifying bumps along the way.

Personal Review:

This book was really cute. The story-line and ideas are very original especially for being based off of such a well known fairy tale.The writing is very simple and does not go as deep as some older readers would like but because of the sweetness of the story I think that most people will like it. Overall an enjoyable read especially for young readers.

- Curry

If you liked this you may also like:

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

Beauty Sleep by Cameron Dokey

The Bronze Bow

Review by Curry

The Bronze Bow

by: Elizabeth George Speare

Rating: Y

Genre: Historical Fiction, Inspirational, Young Readers, Young Adult

Content: Mild Violence

Summary: (from goodreads)

This gripping, action-packed novel tells the story of eighteen-year-old Daniel bar Jamin—a fierce, hotheaded young man bent on revenging his father’s death by forcing the Romans from his land of Israel. Daniel’s palpable hatred for Romans wanes only when he starts to hear the gentle lessons of the traveling carpenter, Jesus of Nazareth. A fast-paced, suspenseful, vividly wrought tale of friendship, loyalty, the idea of home, community . . . and ultimately, as Jesus says to Daniel on page 224: “Can’t you see, Daniel, it is hate that is the enemy? Not men. Hate does not die with killing. It only springs up a hundredfold. The only thing stronger than hate is love.” A powerful, relevant read in turbulent times.

Personal Review:

This book won the Newbery award in 1962 and rightfully so. This is a great book for all ages. Elizabeth George Speare is great at writing realistic historical fiction books. I loved this book because it is both exciting and touching. This is also a great book for boys (cause we all know that it can difficult to find books for boys.)  Read it!

-Curry

If you liked this you might also like:

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis