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

A Girl of the Limberlost

A Girl of the Limberlost

by: Gene Stratton-Porter

Genre: Historical Fiction/Inspirational/Romance/Young Adult

Rating: Y

Content: Clean

Summary:  (from goodreads)

Set amid Indiana's vast Limberlost Swamp, this treasured children's classic mixes astute observations on nature with the struggles of growing up in the early 20th century. Harassed by her mother and scorned by her peers, Elnora Comstock finds solace in natural beauty — along with friendship, independence, and romance.

Personal Review:

Someone gave this book to my sister while I was in high school, that was the first time I read it. It became one of my favorites and has remained so ever since. I would borrow it from my sister for years at a time until recently when I discovered that the ebook was free on the Kindle. Cool Fact: this book was published in 1909, something I didn't realize till recently. I always thought it was just a historical fiction but turns out it was contemporary during its time. Why do I love this book so much? Let’s see, it is well written, the characters are well developed, the setting really comes to life, you get to watch a girl turn into a remarkable young women, and spoiler alert she end ups with an amazing man.

-Felicity

If you like this you may also like:

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

Freckles by Gene Stratton-Porter

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

Rapunzel Untangled

Review by Felicity

Rapunzel Untangled

by: Cindy C Bennett

Genre: Fractured Fairytales/Contemporary fiction

Rating: Y

Content: clean

Summary:  (from goodreads)

Rapunzel is not your average teenager. For one thing, she has a serious illness that keeps her inside the mysterious Gothel Mansion. And for another, her hair is 15 feet long. Not to mention that she’s also the key to ultimately saving the world from certain destruction. But then she meets a boy named Fane, who changes all she has ever known, and she decides to risk everything familiar to find out who she really is. Filled with romance, adventure, and mystery, Rapunzel Untangled is one story you won’t want to put down. Discover the true meaning of love and friendship in this modern twist to the classic fairytale.

Personal Review:

I have not read many if any versions of Rapunzel since I was a child. I remember vaguely tales from my childhood and the Disney version is most prominent in my mind. I read the authors note before the book and was reminded of the more original telling of this fairy tale, she pointed out that Rapunzel is an inherently dark tale. This book successfully modernized Rapunzel and gave me new insight into this fairy tale. This book is not Tangled, however I really enjoyed it and would read it again.

-Felicity

If you liked this you may also enjoy:

Golden by Cameron Dokey

My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

I Am Number Four

Review by Felicity

I Am Number Four  

(Lorien Legacies # 1)

by: Pittacus Lore

Genre: SciFi/Fantasy  

Rating: Y-12

Content: violence

Summary:  (from goodreads)

Nine aliens who left their home planet of Lorien when it fell under attack by the evil Mogadorian. Nine aliens who scattered on Earth. Nine aliens who look like ordinary teenagers living ordinary lives, but who have extraordinary, paranormal skills. Nine aliens who might be sitting next to you now. The Nine had to separate and go into hiding.

The Mogadorian caught Number One in Malaysia, Number Two in England, and Number Three in Kenya. All of them were killed. John Smith, of Paradise, Ohio, is Number Four. He knows that he is next.

I AM NUMBER FOUR is the thrilling launch of a series about an exceptional group of teens as they struggle to outrun their past, discover their future—and live a normal life on Earth

Personal Review:

I love the concept of this book. My siblings have been raving about this series for a while now so finally my husband and I decided to read it together. I didn’t appreciate how depressing if felt and he didn’t like the lovesick teenage boy. With that said we both felt it worth reading and we are very excited to read the rest of the series. My sister has told me that this book is her least favorite of the series so far, and that gives me hope that I’ll love the other books since I do like the alien concept going on.

-Felicity

If you like this you may also like:

The Power of Six (Lorien Legacies #2) by Pittacus Lore

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

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

Book of a Thousand Days

Review by Felicity

Book of a Thousand Days

by: Shannon Hale

Genre: Fantasy/ Fractured Fairytales

Rating: Y

Content: 3 different references to nudity (however there is nothing crude or graphic about it just a statement, I still consider the book clean)  

Summary:  (back of book)

When Dashti, a maid, and Lady Saren, her mistress, are shut in a tower for seven years because of Saren’s refusal to marry a man she despises, the two prepare for a very long and dark imprisonment.

As food runs low and the days go from broiling hot to freezing cold, it is all Dashti can do to keep them fed and comfortable. With the arrival outside the tower of Saren’s two suitors—one welcome, the other decidedly less so—the girls are confronted with both hope and great danger, and Dashti must make the desperate choices of a girl whose life is worth more than she knows.

With Shannon Hale’s lyrical language, this little-known classic fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm is reimagined and reset in a land inspired by the Asian steppes; it is a completely unique retelling filled with adventure and romance, drama and disguise.

Personal Review:

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is well written. There is romance yet the book is about much more than any handsome prince. This is the kind of book I would encourage young girls to read because it is fun, fantasy, and thought provoking all at the same time. Plus the main character is strong and has many qualities to be admired.

- Felicity

If you like this you may also like:

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George

The Lost Art

Review by Felicity

The Lost Art

by: Jennifer Griffith

Genre: Romance, Contemporary Fiction

Rating: Y

Content: clean

Summary:  (from goodreads)

Dowdy art exhibit coordinator Ava Young is happy with her man-suits and sensible clogs. She likes the way they clip-clop on the museum’s tile floor. But they don’t win her any lovelorn looks from her office crush. In fact, the handsome new guy calls her “sir” when they first meet. Oh, well. She’s always known the only way a guy would take a second look at her was if she was the only person in the room. And on fire.

But after her workplace crush devastates her by, frankly, calling her something super-duper mean, Ava is ready to make some drastic changes inside and out, even if it means giving up chocolate, or taking hilariously out-of-date but strangely wise-sounding advice on femininity from a 1959 book on “How to Snare a Modern Man.”

Either way, she’d better hurry because when a priceless art exhibit gets a theft threat on Ava’s watch, a billionaire bachelor and a handsome FBI agent will be taking a good, long look at the art and at Ava

Personal Review:

Fun, Flirty, and Clean are the three words that sum up this book. It has several good tips on flirting, and a great concept that was executed well.

- Felicity

If you like this you may also like:

Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson

Just One Wish by Janette Rallison

Super Daisy! by Jennifer Griffith

The Kiss of Deception

Review by heyes

The Kiss of Deception

by Mary E. Pearson

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Rating: Y

Content: Clean

Summary:

Lia is doesn’t want to marry a Prince she has never met just top form an alliance with a neighboring Kingdom so she runs away. She lives a normal and simple life. Two men show up simultaneously and Lia is attracted to both in different ways. She has no idea that one is the Prince she spurned and the other, an assassin sent to kill her.

Personal Review:

Warning this book just came out July 8th 2014, if you are not good at waiting for sequels maybe you should not start this book till the next one is out.

I rate this book clean but just so you know: One side character has a child out of wedlock and one of the main characters is an assassin. I still rate it clean because I don’t think any of the violence or intenseness is worse than that of The Chronicles of Pyrdain which is a book series suitable for elementary age kids. I really enjoyed this book. I thought what the author did with trying to confuse the reader as to who was the Assassin and who was the Prince was a cool idea. .But I am curious to read it again now that I know who is who. This is the first book in a series. I’m excited to see where the author goes from here. Also, I like that Lia does realize that maybe she should have thought a little more about consequences of her actions. I like her growth and that she learns that the words duty and tradition have been spouted to her her whole life for a reason.

-heyes

If you liked this you may also enjoy

-The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen

-Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne

-Aurelia by Anne Osterlund

Eragon

Review by heyes

Eragon
by Christopher Paolini




Genre: Fantasy

Personal Rating: Y-12

Content Review: Violence: some scenes may be too descriptive.

Summary: 15 year old farm boy, Eragon, has his life turned up side down when he finds a dragon egg. With the help of unexpected friends, he is able to learn more about his dragon and the abilities and responsibilities of being a dragon rider. He must choose if he is going to fight with the rebellion against tyrant King Galbatorix.

Personal Review: I think this book is very well written and I would recommend it. Although the content does become more mature in the following books. (Much like the Harry Potter Series)


If you like this you might also enjoy:
Eldest by Christopher Paolini
Brisingr by Christopher Paolini
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. Tolken 

The Tutor's Daughter

Review by heyes

The Tutor’s Daughter

by Julie Klassen

Genre: Regency, Romance, Young Adult

Rating: Y

Content: Clean

Summary:

The main character of this book, Emma, is the daughter of a tutor who has had many sons of gentlemen and the nobility attend his school. Now Emma’s father’s school is failing and Emma, in a desperate attempt  to bring it about, writes to Sir Giles, Baronet, the father of two former students and two hopeful future students. Now Sir Giles has offered him a position at their home. This situation causes all kind of problems for Emma, not the least of which are her father’s former students: the worst of her tormentors and her first love. Someone is sneaking into her room, making strange noises in the night, and threatening her. She is determined to discover the secret of Phillip’s and Henry’s home and figure out why someone wants her dead.

Personal Review:

Julie Klassen writes Christian Fiction, which means that her characters are religious and it is referenced in the book. Out of all the authors of the Christian Fiction genre, I think that Julie does it tactfully and not preachy. I think that whatever your religious tendencies are, you can enjoy this book and the characters. Henry is your awesome brooding hero, Phillip the charming, jovial hero and Emma, while having faults is still likable. Her vulnerabilities are realistic and relatable. The story is reminiscent of gothic novels of the 18th and 19th century. If you like Jane Eyre and Jane Austen you will probably like this book. **by the way I think this is probably the most preachy of Julie Klassen’s books and it’s still not bad. **

-heyes

If you liked this you may also enjoy

-Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

-Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

-Glimmer of Hope by Sarah Eden

Vienna Prelude

Review by heyes

Vienna Prelude (Zion Covenant #1)

by Bodie and Brock Thoene

Genre: Historical Fiction

Rating: Y

Content: War, Some intense scenes; mentions past indiscretions

Summary:

In 1936 Nazi darkness descends upon Europe. Every person is only one step away from being swept into the nightmarish tide of evil. Blond Elisa Lindheim, and violinist with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, adopts an Aryan stage name for protection. But her closest friend, Leah, a talented Jewish cellist, is in perilous position.

There are those who choose to fight Hitler's madness. Elisa's father Theo. A courageous American reporter, John Murphy. Winston Churchill, the British statesman. A farm family in the Tyrolean Alps. The Jewish Underground. But will all their efforts be enough to stop the coming Holocaust?

And now Elisa must decide. If she becomes part of the Underground, she will risk everything... and puts everyone she loves in danger (Goodreads)

Personal Review: 

This book was so fun to read because it is about WW2 which is both fascinating and disturbing to me. I like to understand how it was to be in the middle of what probably seemed like the end of the world even if it was through the eyes of a fictional character. The truth is that there could have been 100 Elizas who struggled with the same things. There is just enough romance in this book to keep romance addicts reading, and while it talks of past transgressions, the characters are moral and the book teaches good principles. Past mistakes are looked at as mistakes. As a hopeless romantic myself and a proud American, I was rooting for Murphy but I love the hopeless unrequited love anyday. Great book, great series. By the way this is not a religious book.

-heyes

If you liked this you may also enjoy:

-Prague Counterpoint by Bodie and Brock Thoene

-A Countess Below Stairs by Iva Ibbotson

-The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare